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This study investigated the potential of incorporating crushed brick powders (CBPs) and hydrated lime (HL) as additives in concrete production. Various tests were conducted on mortar, paste, and concrete samples to evaluate the performance of different blend types. The results reveal that among 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12% HL additive in the cement-CBP blend, 6% HL addition yields a significant increase in compressive strength of up to 16% compared to the control mortar. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicate improved hydration and reduced calcium hydroxide content in CBP-blended pastes, particularly in the blend with 6% HL. The concrete blend incorporating crushed bricks (C-CB) with 6% HL (C-CB-6HL) demonstrates superior early strength gain, surpassing the control blend by approximately 2.1% at 28 days and exhibiting the highest compressive strength at 90 days. It also shows enhanced moisture resistance, with a reduction in water absorption percentage of up to 10.6% compared to the control blend, reduced water permeability, improved resistance against chloride permeability, and better durability against acid attack compared to other blends. Overall, the C-CB-6HL blend shows the most promising durability characteristics, highlighting the potential for sustainable concrete production. Its outcomes have implications for shaping technical standards and promoting sustainable practices in the construction industry, aligning with environmental conservation goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concrete is an important material for the construction of buildings, and highways. However, natural resources are being depleted by using natural coarse or fine aggregates for the production of concrete. The substitution of natural coarse aggregate (NCA) with recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) efficiently manages construction waste and preserves natural resources. In the present study, 50 and 100% NCA have been replaced with RCA for the preparation of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) with blended hydrated-brick powder (RAC-HBr). Additionally, cement was replaced by 10 and 20% of blended HBr in the preparation of RAC mixes. To investigate the strength and durability properties of RCA-HBr mixtures, compressive strength, water permeability, chloride penetration test, and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) tests were conducted. The outcomes indicate that the optimum percentage of blended HBr enhances the compressive strength of RCA mixes. However, blended HBr positively influenced the RCPT, water permeability, and ultrasonic pulse velocity of the RCA concrete mixes. Further, the RCPT outcomes show that the chance of corrosion was reduced by 20%, while the UPV value confirms that the density of the RAC-HBr mixes was enhanced by 28.7% at the age of 56 days. Furthermore, based on the FESEM and EDS analysis, the pozzolanic materials have densified the concrete matrix by reducing the pores and voids of RAC-HBr mixes. Thus, practically, 100% RCA with blended hydrated lime and brick powder can be used to create M35-grade concrete. The current paper investigates the effect of blended HBr on the properties of RAC. 10% HBr was an optimum percentage which has significantly enhanced the strength and durability characteristics of RAC mixes. CSH gel CH crystals densify the concrete matrix. CSH gel and CH crystals were confirmed from the microstructure analysis through FESEM and EDS analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the possibility of partially replacing cement with crushed brick powder (CBP) and 6% hydrated lime (HL) in concrete. The results showed an increase in compressive strength compared with the control at the intermediate age of 56 days. Adding HL to the cement and CBP paste samples resulted in a 22% reduction in capillary pores and a 23% increase in gel pores. Although the control samples had less carbonation penetration, the corrosion rate was higher than that of blended cement concrete with HL. The half-cell potential measurement on carbonated samples indicated that, unlike chloride-induced corrosion, the depassivation of steel could not be identified by a stable demarcating half-cell potential value. Moreover, blended cement concrete with HL exhibited higher resistivity. Visual inspection of corroded bars revealed that the assumption of uniform corrosion by carbonation might not be entirely accurate. The use of HL with a cement-CBP binder improved the concrete's characteristics and reduced the risk of carbonation-induced corrosion. The study provides supplementary information on the feasibility of using a blend of crushed brick powder and hydrated lime as sustainable alternatives in the field of concrete construction with environmental considerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pozzolanic performance of crushed brick powder (CBP), obtained by grinding under-burnt waste bricks from a continuous brick kiln, is studied. Two size fractions of CBP considered for cement replacement are CBP1 (passes through 150 μm but is retained on 75 μm) and CBP2 (passes through 75 μm). Compressive strength tests on mortar with CBP reveal that strength does not exceed that of the control; however, 10–15% cement replacement by CBP is the optimum. The presence of hydrate phases by X-ray diffraction and quantification of portlandite in the paste samples as studied by thermogravimetric analysis up to 90 days confirms the action of pozzolanicity. Furthermore, to determine the feasibility of CBP1 and CBP2 fractions in concrete, the strength and carbonation of M25 grade concrete were studied by replacing 45% cement with a combined proportion of CBP1 (20%) and CBP2 (25%). This reduced the concrete grade from M25 to M20 and increased the accelerated carbonation depth. Nevertheless, the projected natural carbonation coefficient with accelerated carbonation data is determined as low. The CBP used is cost-effective, requiring little mechanical processing and no chemical activation; thus it can satisfactorily be used for low-cost housing construction and lower-grade structural and non-structural uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cracks developed due to drying and shrinkage in plain cement concrete can be overcome by introducing discreet and randomly oriented fibrous material as a reinforcing agent. Researchers focused only on synthetic fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) most of the time while neglecting natural FRC. Previously, researchers focused on double hybrid FRC, whereas triple hybrid FRC required a further behavioral study on FRC's mechanical characteristics. The primary objective of this study is to enhance mechanical properties of matrix due to the effect of short fiber in randomly oriented without changing their individual identity. Here, sisal fiber (SF), banana fiber (BF), and human hair fiber (HH) are used as reinforcing agents with varying volume fractions (vf Þ from 0.5% to 2% and a hybrid of 1% vf with concrete matrix. This investigation found that BF 0.5%vf, SF 1.5%vf, HH 1%vf, and H6 (SF0.25BF0.5HH0.25) % vf showed the optimum volume fraction, which improved mechanical properties and resisted sulfate and alkaline attack on the concrete matrix. Product from individual and combined natural FRC could be a sustainable building material that is economical, eco-friendly, and durable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The early growth of micro-cracks develops due to plastic and dry shrinkage weakens conventional concrete's mechanical properties; which can be improved by introducing discrete and randomly oriented natural and synthetic textile fibers, like sisal, banana, and nylon in concrete matrix. Previously, researchers focused only on double hybrid fiber reinforced concrete, whereas triple hybrid fiber reinforced concrete requires a further behavioral study on fiber reinforced concrete's mechanical characteristics. In this paper, we investigate the mechanical properties induced by the addition of discrete and randomly oriented textile fibers to the cementing matrix in a varying volume fraction of 0.5% vf to 2% vf along with 1% vf triple hybrid. BF0.5% vf, SF1.5% vf, NF1% vf & HFRC (SF0.5BF0.25NF0.25) % vf gives optimum fiber dose in the composite. As a rule, the specimens gain impressive compressive strength. Most of them exhibit enhanced tensile properties compared to the control specimen. These developments signal the advent of an eco-friendly, economical, and highly sustainable alternative to conventional concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trace fossils are abundant in the Cambrian Kunzam La Formation in the Lahaul and Spiti regions of the Himalaya. All previously known records belong stratigraphically to the upper part of the Cambrian Series 2/Stage 4 to the Miaolingian Series. In the present work, 15 ichnogenera comprising 26 recorded ichnospecies come from the lower part of the Kunzam La Formation exposed in the Chandra Valley, eastern Lahaul and Spiti, Himachal Pradesh. Three trace fossils associations, based on their sequence of appearance, are: (i) the Treptichnus pedum association (trace fossil association–I)-, a low diversity association, containing Planolites beverleyensis, Palaeophycus isp., and Treptichnus pedum, (ii) the Monomorphichnus association (trace fossil association–II) characterized by a sudden increase in trace fossil diversity and traces of arthropod/trilobite origin comprising Cruziana problematica, Cruziana isp., Catenichnus contentus,? Diplocraterion isp., Dimorphichnus obliquus, Dactylophycus isp., Lockeia siliquaria, Monomorphichnus multilineatus, M. lineatus, Planolites annularis, P. montanus, P. beverleyensis, Palaeophycus imbricatus, P. tubularis, Rusophycus didymus, R. leifeirikssoni, R. dispar, Rusophycus isp., Saerichnites abruptus, and serially repeated Rusophycus and Cruziana, Treptichnus pollardi and arthropod resting traces, and (iii) the Psammichnites association (trace fossil association–III) characterized by a dominant presence of large burrowing systems of Psammichnites gigas and traces of Diplichnites isp. and Ctenopholeus kutcheri. Considering the same rate of sedimentation for these deposits determined in the >50 km distant Parahio Valley and the stratigraphic position of the Psammichnites gigas assemblage zone in the Himalaya, these trace fossil associations probably fall within Cambrian Series 2, Stage 4, though the sudden increase in diversity and complexities of traces suggest an older age. Stratigraphically, the trace fossils presently described are the oldest yet recorded from the Cambrian of the Lahaul and Spiti regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a small collection of Late Ordovician gastropods Holopea? sp. Hormotoma sp. Poleumita? sp. Gyronema rupestre; cephalopod Discoceras sp. unidentified Nautiloids, and rare Tentaculites sp. from the Takche Formation (Ordovician-Silurian) exposed in the Tidong Valley (Kinnaur) of the Tethyan Himalaya. This is the first report of mollusc fossils from the Ordovician-Silurian successions of the Tidong Valley, Kinnaur. The reported Late Ordovician gastropods are also known from Baltica, suggesting a probable oceanic link between these remote regions. Tentaculites from the Takche Formation does not resemble any Baltic or North American tentaculitoids and show greater resemblance to the tentaculitoids from the other Gondwanan regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is a response to the publication by Ed Landing and Gerd Geyer (2020) which questioned several recent papers on trace fossils, depositional environments and paleogeography of the Cambro-Ordovician Upper Tal Group (Lesser Himalayan) by B.P. Singh and co-authors. However, the elaboration of Landing and Geyer contains misinformation and misquoting. Each point raised by these authors is rebutted, clarified and further elaborated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 153.48 m thick section of the Kunzam La (Parahio) Formation exposed on the right bank of the Sumna River (Spiti), Himalaya (India), yielded Cambrian trilobites from two stratigraphic intervals. The lower interval yielded the trilobites Xingrenaspis cf. X. dardapurensis and Kunmingaspis stracheyi with a few brachiopods. This interval falls within unzoned 4 of the Cambrian of the Himalaya. The upper stratigraphic interval yielded Iranoleesiabutes and an undetermined ptychopariid trilobite belonging to Hayden level 13. Based on faunal elements, the entire measured section is correlated with the Sunaspis laevis–Sunaspidella rara biozone to Metagraulos dolon biozone of the southern and western marginal parts of the Ordos basin (China) and belongs to the middle Wuliuan Stage (Miaolingian Series). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soft‐sediment deformation (SSD) structures are the syn‐sedimentary structures that can form by seismic as well as non‐seismic processes. The SSD structures commonly occur in the Semri Group of the Vindhyan Supergroup in the Kajrahat Limestone, Chopan Porcellanite and Rohtas Limestone formations, and the Glauconitic Sandstone Member. The SSD structures include, slump folds, kink bands, chevron folds, convolute beddings, contorted cross‐beds, flame structures, pinch‐and‐swell structures, breccias, sagging structures, water‐escape structures, and dykes of varying dimensions. The lagoonal and tidal depositional environments of the Kajarahat Limestone Formation (not the continental slope environment) lead to suggest that the SSD structures formed as a result of the seismic activities in them. The SSD structures of the Chopan Porcellanite Formation associated with rhyolite might have originated as a result of volcanic activities or seismicity, while those occurring in the Glauconitic Sandstone Member (Kheinjua Formation) adjacent to the Son Lineament might have formed as a tectonics‐related seismicity. The convolute bedding with large lateral extent in the Rohtas Limestone Formation looks related to seismicity in the light of its deposition along the shelf. Thus, the upper Palaeo‐Mesoproterozoic Semri Group, Vindhyan Supergroup represents varieties of the SSD structures formed mostly by seismic processes. These imply that the Central India was unstable and was a place for tectonically controlled seismic events during the upper Palaeo‐Mesoproterozoic (1,700–1,600 Ma). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the days of the first acknowledged microscopist, Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, the ' animalcules ', that is, bacteria and other microbes have been subject to increasingly detailed visualization. With the currently most sophisticated molecular imaging method; cryo electron tomography (Cryo-ET), we are reaching the milestone of being able to image an entire organism in a single dataset at nanometer resolution. Cryo-ET will enable the next revolution in our understanding of bacterial cells, their ultra-structure and intricate molecular nanomachines. Here, we highlight recent research discoveries based on constantly progressing technology developments. We discuss advantages and challenges of using Cryo-ET to visualize spatial structure of microorganisms and macromolecular complexes in their native environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrated ichnology, sedimentology and sequence stratigraphy of the Lower Quartzite Member to the Arkosic Sandstone Member of the Koti Dhaman Formation (Cambrian Series 2, Stage 4), Tal Group, Nigali Dhar Syncline, Lesser Himalayan lithotectonic zone are presented. Trilobite traces of Gondwanan affinity i.e., Cruziana salomonis, Cruziana fasciculata, Rusophycus dispar and Rusophycus burjensis are recorded along with Arenicolites isp. and Skolithos isp. from the Lower Quartzite Member. A rich and diverse ichnoassemblage attributed to the Cruziana ichnofacies is described for the first time from the Arkosic Sandstone Member of the same formation. Seven ichnofossil assemblages, i.e., Cruziana-Rusophycus, Planolites-Palaeophycus, Cruziana problematica, Diplichnites, Cochlichnus anguineus, Bergaueria perata and Psammichnites gigas have been recognized in the Lower Quartzite to Arkosic Sandstone members of the Koti Dhaman Formation. Seven sedimentary facies i.e., sandstone–shale facies (FT1), cross-bedded (trough and planar) sandstone (FT2), bedded sandstone facies (FT3), shale facies (FT4), shale–sandstone facies (FT5), shale-rippled sandstone facies (FT6) and planar and trough cross-laminated sandstone (FT7) and four facies associations FA1-FA4 are identified in the Koti Dhaman Formation. The formation contains shallowing upward parasequences of a tidal flat complex. Overall, two major events are recognized: i) the break in sedimentation between the Lower Quartzite Member and the overlying Shale Member probably related to forced-regressive event and ii) the facies shift from FT6 to FT7 of the Arkosic Sandstone Member represents an erosive transgressive event; the surface is interpreted as wave ravinement surface, which also serves as a sequence boundary. Integrated ichnology, sedimentology and sequence stratigraphic studies indicate that the Lower Quartzite Member was deposited in a shallow subtidal sand sheet complex and tidal flat complex; the Shale Member was deposited in a mud flat setting of a tidal flat complex, and the Arkosic Sandstone Member in a mixed-flat (tidal flat complex) to sand sheet complex front and margin (subtidal sand sheet complex). Overall, the lower to middle part of the Koti Dhaman Formation represents a tide-dominated shallow subtidal–intertidal to mud-flat subenvironments of the tidal flat complex. A palaeogeographic reconstruction of lower Cambrian (516–514 Ma) is presented based on the distribution of trilobite traces from the Lesser Himalaya and the Bikaner–Nagaur area of Peninsular India (eastern Gondwana), Egypt, Jordan, Turkey (western Gondwana) and Canada (Avalonia). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Oryctocephalus indicus biozone (Wuliuan, Miaolingian) is recognised in the Sumna Valley, in the southeastern part of the Spiti region in the Himalaya, based on the first appearance datum and last appearance datum of Oryctocephalus indicus. The biozone is approximately 5.6 m thick (17.8-23.4 m), and it contains the trilobites Oryctocephalus indicus, Pagetia significans and Kunmingaspis pervulgata. Comparative studies of the lithological variations across the Cambrian Series 2-Wuliuan (Miaolingian) transition in the Parahio and Sumna valleys (southeastern part of the Spiti region) showthat theWuliuan (Miaolingian) deposits transgressed over the undulatory surface of Cambrian Series 2. The uppermost part of the Cambrian Series 2 deposits in the southeastern part of the Spiti region is characterised by a reddish-brown ferruginous, very coarse grained sandstone unit, which indicates a diastemprior to theWuliuan (Miaolingian) transgression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic-based field-effect transistors (OFETs) utilize organic semiconductor materials with low electron mobilities and organic gate oxide materials with low dielectric constants. These have rendered devices with slow operating speeds and high operating voltages, compared with their inorganic silicon-based counter parts. Using a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-based biopolymer, derived from salmon milt and roe sac waste by-products, for the gate dielectric region, we have fabricated an OFET device that exhibits very promising current-voltage characteristics compared with using other organic-based dielectrics. With minimal optimization, using a thin film of DNA-based biopolymer as the gate insulator and pentacene as the semiconductor, we have demonstrated a bio-organic-FET, or BiOFET, in which the current was modulated over three orders of magnitude using gate voltages less than 10 V. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Refinement of the Cambrian biozonation in the Parahio valley, Spiti region (Himalaya) leads to the demarcation of the stratigraphic distance between the Haydenaspis parvatya level (Series 2, Stage 4) and the Oryctocephalus indicus Biozone (base of the Miaolingian Series, Wuliuan Stage), which has been a subject of debate. The present work suggests that these two trilobite beds in the Kaltarbo section are separated by 183.4 m of strata. Whether either taxon ranges beyond the beds they are found in this section or others in the Parahio Valley is yet unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin pigmentation is the most visible phenotype character of human beings and is regulated by many factors. Despite recent advances, the whole process of melanogenesis is not well understood. More than 400 genes are involved in human pigmentation and one of them is the pink-eyed dilution gene (p-gene). The p-gene mutation causes oculocutaneous albinism-2 (OCA-2) in humans. OCA type 2 has a highly variable phenotype. The reaction mechanism of the p-gene is still a mystery. In this review, we focused on the role of the p-gene in the process of melanogenesis. Melanogenesis occurs in a specialized cellular organelle termed as melanosome in which the skin pigment (melanin) is produced. This review is to provide the function of p-gene, their product (p-protein) and their potentials in developing new generation cosmetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• There are very few minor changes in the revised manuscript such as inclusion of earlier two figures and 3 typos mentioned in the list of changes. The reviewers can have a look on it. The Gibbs phenomenon is a key obstacle in many practical applications of a Fourier series. The corrected Fourier series (CFS) combines Fourier series with polynomials to control the Gibbs phenomenon for functions having finite number of jump discontinuities and extremas. Our objective in the present study is to estimate the convergence rate of the summability means generated by an infinite regular matrix followed by some corollaries and examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The late Eocene-early Oligocene Laisong Formation, basal Barail Group from the Naga Hills, Indo-Burma Range has yielded a low diversity of trace fossils i.e. Chondrites, ? Gyrolithes , Ophiomorpha , Palaeophycus , Planolites and Thalassinoides. Three ichnofabrics namely Ophiomorpha - Palaeophycus, Thalassinoides and Chondrites - Planolites have been identified. The Ophiomorpha - Palaeophycus ichnofabric grades upsection into Chondrites - Planolites ichnofabric in a fine to medium grained sandstone unit through a succession of alternating thinly bedded sandstone and mudstone containing Thalassinoides ichnofabric. The ichnofabric distribution is primarily controlled by the change in depositional energy levels from low to high. A low diversity trace fossils and lack of graphoglyptids in the Laisong Formation of Naga Hills supports the presence of a proximal part of the hyperpycnal lobes of delta-fed marine coarse-grained turbidite system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the luminescence properties of nanocrystalline calcium fluoride doped with dysprosium (CaF 2 : Dy). The nanophosphor has been synthesized by the chemical co-precipitation technique and the dopant concentration has been optimized at 0.3 mol% using thermoluminescence (TL) intensity emitted post 50Gy gamma dose irradiation of samples doped with different dopant concentrations. X-ray diffraction shows the formation of crystalline particles with an average size of 49.233 nm. Photoluminescence (PL) emission spectrum shows the characteristic peaks at 455 nm, 482 nm, 573 nm corresponding to 4I 15/2 to 6H 15/2 , 4F 9/2 to 6H 15/2 and 4F 9/2 to 6H 13/2 Dy3+ transitions respectively. PL excitation spectrum shows a peak at 327 nm which corresponds to the Dy3+ transition of 6H 15/2 to 4L 19/2. Gamma (of 1.25 MeV) and low energy proton beam (of 30 keV) irradiated nanophosphor shows a variation in TL glow curve structure and peak position with an increase in radiation dose/fluence. However, the nanophosphor shows a wide linear dose response for 60Co gamma radiation in the range 10 Gy - 1.5 kGy and for low energy proton beam in the fluence range of 1012–1014 ions/cm2. Srim 2013 has been used to calculate the ion beam parameters including the range of protons in CaF 2 : Dy 0.3 mol%. The nanophosphor CaF 2 : Dy could be further investigated as a potential dosimeter for gamma rays and proton beam by studying its TL properties for different energies of these radiations. • CaF 2 : Dy nanophosphor was irradiated for the first time with low energy proton beam of energy 30 keV. • The nanophosphor showed a linear dose response from 10 Gy to 1.5 kGy of gamma rays from 60Co source. • PL emission spectrum for the nanophosphor showed characteristic Dy3+ transitions at 455 nm, 482 nm and 573 nm besides the defects in the material. • The nanophosphor showed a simple cubic structure with an average size of 49.23 nm favourable for good TL efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An assemblage of trace fossils comprising Asteriacites stelliformis, A. quinquefolius, Biformites insolitus, Helminthoidichnites? isp., Lingulichnus isp., Lockeia siliquaria, Palaeophycus tubularis, Planolites isp., Protovirgularia isp. A, Protovirgularia isp. B, Protovirgularia isp. C, Psammichnites isp., Rusophycus isp., and Treptichnus isp. from the Po Formation (Visean-Serpukhovian) exposed along the base of Ganmachidam Hill near the village of Chichong, Spiti Valley in the Himalaya, is described. Storm beds (tempestites) are highly bioturbated. Sedimentary structures such as hummocky cross-stratification (HCS), low-angle planar and trough cross beds, and shallow, slightly asymmetrical gutter casts are observed. The overall trace fossil assemblage indicates the presence of upper shoreface to lower shoreface Cruziana ichnofacies of an open shelf. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additional Cambrian Series 3, Stage 5, trilobite fauna comprising Peronopsis sp., Eosoptychoparia cf. Spinosa Gaotanaspis cf. pingzhaiensis and Gaotanaspis cf. transversa have been recorded just immediately above the known Oryctocephalus indicus biozone (Cambrian Series 3, Stage 5) in the Parahio valley section (Spiti region). The FAD of Peronopsis and LAD of Gaotanaspis are used to establish a Peronopsis – Gaotanaspis concurrent biozone immediately above the Oryctocephalus indicus biozone. The first records of Gaotanaspis cf. pingzhaiensis and G. transversa from the Cambrian of Spiti region and the other faunal elements are correlated with the Peronopsis taijiangensis biozone of the Kaili Formation (South China). The stratigraphic thickness from the base of the O. indicus biozone to the top of the Peronopsis – Gaotanaspis concurrent biozone in the Kunzam La (=Parahio) Formation and its comparison to the Kaili Formation (South China) indicate a possible stratigraphic condensation in the basal part of the Cambrian Series 3, Stage 5 of the Parahio valley (Spiti). Sedimentological and sequence stratigraphic analysis supports this contention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathogenicity of many microbes relies on their capacity to resist innate immunity, and to survive and persist in an immunocompetent human host microbes have developed highly efficient and sophisticated complement evasion strategies. Here we show that different human pathogens including Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, as well as the fungal pathogen Candida albicans, acquire the human terminal complement regulator vitronectin to their surface. By using truncated vitronectin fragments we found that all analyzed microbial pathogens (n = 13) bound human vitronectin via the same C-terminal heparin-binding domain (amino acids 352–374). This specific interaction leaves the terminal complement complex (TCC) regulatory region of vitronectin accessible, allowing inhibition of C5b-7 membrane insertion and C9 polymerization. Vitronectin complexed with the various microbes and corresponding proteins was thus functionally active and inhibited complement-mediated C5b-9 deposition. Taken together, diverse microbial pathogens expressing different structurally unrelated vitronectin-binding molecules interact with host vitronectin via the same conserved region to allow versatile control of the host innate immune response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We precisely demarcate the Hayden level 2 in the Kunzam La (Parahio) Formation, exposed on a steep hill on the left bank of the Parahio River in Spiti (India), which brackets the (local) stratigraphic range of Oryctocephalus indicus , a key taxon for establishing the base of the Cambrian Series 3 (Stage 5) and perhaps the Cambrian Series 2–Series 3 boundary interval globally. The FAD and LAD of O. indicus are observed at 7.74 and 14.61 m respectively, indicating 6.87 m stratigraphic range of the taxon along the Parahio valley section. The O. indicus Zone is demarcated with precise stratigraphic range of the eponymous species. The FADs of Pagetia and Kunmingaspis together at 7.34 m predate the FAD of O. indicus 7.74 m. Pagetia ranges from the Cambrian Series 2 (Stage 4) to the Cambrian Series 3 (Stage 5) and its occurrence is consistent with the global occurrences. Eosoptychoparia ( Danzhaina ) sp. is recorded for the first time from the Indian Himalaya. The base of the Cambrian Series 3 is considered to be placed at the FAD of the O. indicus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on an assemblage of small shelly fossils (SSFs) from the Lower Cambrian part of the Kunzum La Formation of the Spiti region of Tethyan Himalaya in India. The dominant lithologies in the Kunzum La Formation include sandstone, siltstone and shale. The assemblage of skeletal microfauna includes Chancelloriid sclerites of Archiasterella and Chancelloria sp., hylothid Cupitheca sp. and Halkieria sp. Scanning electron photomicrographs of the microfossils are presented.

Background Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a pathogen that frequently colonizes patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Several pathogens are known to bind vitronectin to increase their virulence. Vitronectin has been shown to enhance P . aeruginosa adhesion to host epithelial cells. Methods We screened clinical isolates from the airways of CF patients and from the bloodstream of patients with bacteremia for binding of vitronectin. Two-dimensional SDS-PAGE and a proteomic approach were used to identify vitronectin-receptors in P . aeruginosa . Results P . aeruginosa from the airways of CF patients ( n = 27) bound more vitronectin than bacteremic isolates ( n = 15, p = 0.025). Porin D (OprD) was identified as a vitronectin-binding protein. A P . aeruginosa oprD transposon insertion mutant had a decreased binding to soluble and immobilized vitronectin ( p ≤ 0.001). Conclusions P . aeruginosa isolates obtained from CF patients significantly bound vitronectin. Porin D was defined as a novel P . aeruginosa vitronectin-receptor, and we postulate that the Porin D-dependent interaction with vitronectin may be important for colonization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ichnotaxon Archaeonassa is described from the lower part of the Banded Siltstone Member of the Sankholi Formation (Tal Group) exposed at Ganog locality, Nigali Dhar syncline (Sirmur district), Himachal Pradesh. This is the first record of this ichnotaxon from the Cambrian successions of the Indian Himalaya. The trail Archaeonassa is attributed to the locomotion of mollusks-like animal close to the sediment-water interface. Occurrence of this ichnogenus with other known traces from the Banded Siltstone Member (Sankholi Formation) indicates a shallow marine environment for the deposition. The ichnogenus Archaeonassa in Banded Siltstone Member (Sankholi Formation) indicate the extant of molluscan animals in the early Cambrian time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of mineral phases bearing iron, sulfur, sodium, potassium and zinc in jarosite, a residual by-product of the zinc industry, showed its suitability for use as a mineraliser in the development of clinker mineral phases. Different cement raw mixes RM-1 to RM-5, prepared by incorporating 0·5-1·75 wt% jarosite, maintaining clinker parameters LSF: 0·92, SM: 2·14-2·22, AM: 1·09-1·13, potential phases CS: 57·73-58·84, CS: 17·37-17·97, CA: 5·57-6·00 and CAF: 14·06-14·42 and fired at temperatures of 1300, 1350, 1400 and 1450°C showed the mineralising effect of jarosite in terms of rapid lime assimilation and improved clinker mineral phase formation as compared to a control mix prepared without using jarosite. The optimum clinkerisation temperature was reduced by ∼50°C. The physical characteristics of the cement sample (OPC-4) prepared with 1·5 wt% optimised dose of jarosite showed a 18-25% increase in compressive strength development at early ages as compared to the control cement. As jarosite contains heavy elements such as barium, cobalt, copper, lead, manganese, strontium, zinc and so on, a leaching study was taken up by immersing 28-d hardened neat cement cubes in aggressive mediums such as sulfate, chloride and alkaline solutions along with lean water over a period of 24 months. The leachates contents were found to be in negligible amounts, indicating fixation of heavy elements in clinker mineral phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cambrian sequence, designated as the Kunzam La Formation, is exposed along the c Lassical Parahio Valley section and also on left bank of the Khemangar khad in the Parahio Valley (Spiti), the Latter constitutes the lowermost exposed part of the Kunzum La Formation. The lower part of the Parahio Valley section and outcrop near the left bank of the Khemangar khad were studied for integrated litho-ichnofacies and ichnofabric analysis. The study establishes a genetic re Lationship of the strata of these two localities. Five lithofacies are recognised in both the examined sections. The lithofacies indicate a wave-dominated shallow marine environment of deposition for these Cambrian rocks. The overall calcu Lated ichnofabric indices in 74 m exposed strata at the Khemangar khad locality range from ii1= 80.% (represented by 25.8 m), ii 2= 17% (represented by 5.4 m) and ii 4= 2.5 % (represented by 0.8 m). The 42 m rocks examined in the main Parahio Valley section indicate ichnofabric indices ranging from ii 1= 37% (represented by 17.8 m), ii 2= 21% (represented by 8.0 m), ii 3= 40% (represented by 15.2 m) and ii 4= 2.0% (represented by 1.0 m). The presence of archetypal Cruziana ichnofacies, parallel and wavy Laminations, hummocky cross stratification (HCS) and trough cross stratification (TCS) supports a wave-dominated shallow water environment from upper shoreface to middlelower shoreface setup for the deposition of the lowermost part of the Kunzum La Formation in the Parahio Valley. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peanut ( Arachis hypogaea L.) is a major species of the family, Leguminosae, and economically important not only for vegetable oil but as a source of proteins, minerals and vitamins. It is widely grown in the semi-arid tropics and plays a role in the world agricultural economy. Peanut production and productivity is constrained by several biotic (insect pests and diseases) and abiotic (drought, salinity, water logging and temperature aberrations) stresses, as a result of which crop experiences serious economic losses. Genetic engineering techniques such as Agrobacterium tumefaciens and DNA-bombardment-mediated transformation are used as powerful tools to complement conventional breeding and expedite peanut improvement by the introduction of agronomically useful traits in high-yield background. Resistance to several fungal, virus and insect pest have been achieved through variety of approaches ranging from gene coding for cell wall component, pathogenesis-related proteins, oxalate oxidase, bacterial chloroperoxidase, coat proteins, RNA interference, crystal proteins etc. To develop transgenic plants withstanding major abiotic stresses, genes coding transcription factors for drought and salinity, cytokinin biosynthesis, nucleic acid processing, ion antiporter and human antiapoptotic have been used. Moreover, peanut has also been used in vaccine production for the control of several animal diseases. In addition to above, this study also presents a comprehensive account on the influence of some important factors on peanut genetic engineering. Future research thrusts not only suggest the use of different approaches for higher expression of transgene(s) but also provide a way forward for the improvement of crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lower Cambrian Nagaur Sandstone (Marwar Supergroup) has yielded trace fossils Treptichnus, Cruziana, serially repeated Rusophycus, Diplichnites, Monomorphichnus, Bergaueria, arthropod swimming traces and leap frogging marks of Cruziana ichnofacies. This ichnofossils assemblage is dominantly preserved in fine to medium grained red sandstone beds of the Mohra Member (Nagaur Sandstone). The presence of graded rip-up clasts, current ripples, dune cross-stratification with mud drapes and tidal bundles indicates a subtidal paleoenvironment for the deposition of Nagaur Sandstone Formation, which is corroborated by the Cruziana ichnofacies trace fossil assemblage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new locality bearing ichnofossils of the Cruziana Assemblage Zone-III from the Mussoorie syncline, Lesser Himalaya, is located in rocks of Member-B of the Dhaulagiri Formation, Tal Group, exposed along the Maldewta-Chhimoli fresh road cut section. The site yielded ichnofossils Bergaueria perata, Cochlichnus anguineus, ? Diplocraterion isp., Dimorphichnus obliquus, diplichnitiform Cruziana bonariensis, Diplichnites gouldi, Glockeria isp., Helminthopsis isp., Monomorphichnus lineatus, Phycodes palmatum, Palaeophycus striatus, Planolites beverleyensis, Planolites montanus, Treptichnus cf. T. pedum, scratch marks and an undetermined worm impression. An Early Cambrian age (Cambrian Series 2) is assigned to the ichnofossil-bearing strata based on the stratigraphic position between the Drepanuroides and Palaeoolenus trilobite zones. A revised Cambrian ichnofossil zonation is presented for the Tal Group of the Mussoorie syncline. Together with their occurrence on rippled surfaces, and the lateral displacement of some trackways (due to current action), a sub-aqueous shallow-marine depositional setting is proposed for the rocks of Member-B. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This paper proposes a methodology to identify and prevent/control noncompliances and conflicts arisingout of requirement attribute values during requirements management. It is intended to provide a cost-effective approach for managing noncompliances in projects that employ the requirements based engineering approach. The method involves continuous checking and monitoring of requirement attribute values using a rule-based engine concept. This methodology can serve as an enhanced feature for any commercial requirement management application software available today (such as IBM DOORS© and Seimens TcSE©).The methodology offers the following advantages: It enables standardization in the development and management of requirement modules., It decreases development and maintenance cost for requirement modules by reducing the effort needed for audits, compliance checks, rework and others., Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jarosite, a residual by-product generated by the zinc industry during the hydrometallurgical process, contains predominantly FeO, SO and alkalis with a small amount of ZnO. These constituents are known to contribute significantly in the formation of clinker mineral phases and, therefore, the jarosite could be an effective mineraliser and activator in the manufacture of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) clinker. This paper highlights the effect of the addition of 0·5-2·0% of typical jarosite in cement raw mixes prepared with different grade limestone samples along with other conventional raw materials. The clinker parameters such as LSF, SM and AM were maintained in the range of 0·92, 2·07-2·18 and 1·01-1·14 respectively. Burnability studies conducted at temperatures of 1300, 1350, 1400 and 1450°C with a retention time of 20 min showed an increase in the rate of lime assimilation and rapid formation of clinker mineral phases. The mineral phase developments and microstructures of laboratory clinkers fired at 1400 ± 5°C were found to be adequate in the presence of the optimum dose of 1·5% jarosite and were comparable to the control clinker (without jarosite addition) prepared at 1450 ± 5°C. The physical performance of the OPC sample thus prepared from the above mineralised clinker showed performance comparable to the control cement. As the jarosite contained heavy elements, a leaching study was carried out by immersing 28 d hardened neat cement cubes in 500 ml distilled water over a period of 24 months in air-tight containers. Leachates such as barium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, manganese, zinc, lead and strontium were found to be in negligible amounts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ichnofossil assemblage is preserved in sediments of the Middle Bhuban Formation, Surma Group, of Miocene age from the Durtlang and Chanmari sections, Aizawl district, Mizoram, northeastern India. The studied sections comprise a thick, bioturbated and thinly bedded sandstone-silty shale facies. The preserved ichnofossils show high density and low diversity with the assemblage represented by feeding and resting traces, i.e., Psilonichnus upsilon Frey et al., 1984, Ophiomorpha isp., Teichichnus spiralis Mikuláš. 1990, Skolithos isp., Palaeophycus isp., and other horizontal burrows. Sedimentary structures associated with these traces are mainly cross bedding, flaser bedding and slump structures. Considering the distribution of the Psilonichnus ichnogenus across an integrated ichnological-sedimentological framework, the stratigraphic interval of the Middle Bhuban Formation, in which they occur, are interpreted to have been deposited under a shallow, marginal-marine channel complex dominated by tidal channels developed in quiet, brackish-water portions of a delta plain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additional latest Middle Cambrian polymerid trilobites are recorded from the Teta Member (Karsha Formation) along the Tangze-Yogma-Kuru section, Kurgiakh Valley, southeastern Zanskar, Northwest Himalaya. It includes record of a new genus Pianspis Saito & Sakakuru, 1936 of family Lisianiidae and others associated fauna comprises of Neoanomocarella asiatica (Lisianiidae), Parablackwelderia sp., (Damesellidae) and two undetermined pygidium and one unidentified cranidia. All these specimens are collected from the level representing the Lejopyge acantha Zone of Guzhangian Stage (Cambrian Series 3) of the Middle Cambrian. The fauna is mainly correlated with the South China, North Korea, Kazakhastan, Uzbekistan, Siberia and Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laminin ( Ln) and collagen are multifunctional glycoproteins that play an important role in cellular morphogenesis, cell signalling, tissue repair and cell migration. These proteins are ubiquitously present in tissues as a part of the basement membrane ( BM), constitute a protective layer around blood capillaries and are included in the extracellular matrix ( ECM). As a component of BMs, both Lns and collagen(s), thus function as major mechanical containment molecules that protect tissues from pathogens. Invasive pathogens breach the basal lamina and degrade ECM proteins of interstitial spaces and connective tissues using various ECM-degrading proteases or surface-bound plasminogen and matrix metalloproteinases recruited from the host. Most pathogens associated with the respiratory, gastrointestinal, or urogenital tracts, as well as with the central nervous system or the skin, have the capacity to bind and degrade Lns and collagen(s) in order to adhere to and invade host tissues. In this review, we focus on the adaptability of various pathogens to utilize these ECM proteins as enhancers for adhesion to host tissues or as a targets for degradation in order to breach the cellular barriers. The major pathogens discussed are Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Salmonella, Yersinia, Treponema, Mycobacterium, Clostridium, Listeria, Porphyromonas and Haemophilus; Candida, Aspergillus, Pneumocystis, Cryptococcus and Coccidioides; Acanthamoeba, Trypanosoma and Trichomonas; retrovirus and papilloma virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insulation failure within the windings of a power transformer arises due to over voltages, under voltages, notches, glitches, etc. A widely used technique to detect these power transformer insulation failures during an impulse test is the comparison of neutral current waveforms. Any shift in the recorded waveforms between reduced and full voltage confirms the existence of a fault in the windings. Hence, a proper analysis of neutral current waveforms is necessary to assess the condition of the insulation of power transformer winding. In order to carry out a wave shape analysis, a 61 MVA, 11.5/230 kV generator transformer is used and faults are created in the disks of high-voltage windings at specific locations. Neutral currents are recorded by applying a 100 V, low-voltage impulse. Noise inherent in the neutral current during recordings is isolated using a biorthogonal wavelet and the denoised signals are analyzed using the Shannon wavelet for identification of a fault in the winding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of organic field effect transistors using the small molecule, tri-isopropylsilane- di-benzo chrysene (TIPS-DBC) is reported. The field effect mobility µFE is found to depend on the deposition conditions, which affect the morphology of the film. A mobility in the range of 1.5 × 10-6 to 2.4 × 10-4 cm2 V-1 s-1 is obtained from the evaporated films depending on the substrate treatment and deposition temperature, while films deposited by solution-processing techniques yield mobilities in the range of 0.7 × 10-3 to 1.5 × 10-3 cm2V-1 s-1. The enhanced performance in polycrystalline solution-processed coatings and its relationship to crystallite size is an important parameter in the design of high-performance devices based on small molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathogenic microbes acquire the human plasma protein plasminogen to their surface. In this article, we characterize binding of this important coagulation regulator to the respiratory pathogen nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae and identify the Haemophilus surface protein E (PE) as a new plasminogen-binding protein. Plasminogen binds dose dependently to intact bacteria and to purified PE. The plasminogen-PE interaction is mediated by lysine residues and is also affected by ionic strength. The H. influenzae PE knockout strain (nontypeable H. influenzae 3655Δpe) bound plasminogen with ∼65% lower intensity as compared with the wild-type, PE-expressing strain. In addition, PE expressed ectopically on the surface of Escherichia coli also bound plasminogen. Plasminogen, either attached to intact H. influenzae or bound to PE, was accessible for urokinase plasminogen activator. The converted active plasmin cleaved the synthetic substrate S-2251, and the natural substrates fibrinogen and C3b. Using synthetic peptides that cover the complete sequence of the PE protein, the major plasminogen-binding region was localized to a linear 28-aa-long N-terminal peptide, which represents aa 41-68. PE binds plasminogen and also vitronectin, and the two human plasma proteins compete for PE binding. Thus, PE is a major plasminogen-binding protein of the Gram-negative bacterium H. influenzae, and when converted to plasmin, PE-bound plasmin aids in immune evasion and contributes to bacterial virulence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) causes otitis media and is commonly found in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Adhesins are important for bacterial attachment and colonization. Protein E (PE) is a recently characterized ubiquitous 16 kDa adhesin with vitronectin-binding capacity that results in increased survival in serum. In addition to PE, NTHi utilizes Haemophilus adhesion protein (Hap) that binds to the basement-membrane glycoprotein laminin. We show that most clinical isolates bind laminin and that both Hap and PE are crucial for the NTHi-dependent interaction with laminin as revealed with different mutants. The laminin-binding region is located at the N-terminus of PE, and PE binds to the heparin-binding C-terminal globular domain of laminin. PE simultaneously attracts vitronectin and laminin at separate binding sites, proving the multifunctional nature of the adhesin. This previously unknown PE-dependent interaction with laminin may contribute to NTHi colonization, particularly in smokers with COPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Haemophilus influenzae protein E (PE) is a 16 kDa adhesin that induces a pro-inflammatory immune response in lung epithelial cells. The active epithelial binding region comprising amino acids PE 84-108 also interferes with complement-mediated bacterial killing by capturing vitronectin (Vn) that prevents complement deposition and formation of the membrane attack complex (MAC). Here, the interaction between PE and Vn was characterized using site-directed mutagenesis. Protein E variants were produced both in soluble forms and in surface-expressed molecules on Escherichia coli. Mutations within PE [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In present study the newly recorded latest Middle Cambrian trilobite fauna from the Cambrian succession of the Zanskar region of Zanskar-Spiti-Kinnaur Basin (Tethyan Himalaya) is analyzed critically to assess relationships with other Cambrian faunal elements of equatorial peri-Gondwanaland. The identification of genus Neoanomocarella, Parablackwelderia, Kunmingaspis, Fuchouia, Damesella and Dorypyge from the Cambrian of the Zanskar region and their comparison with those of South China and Australia is significant. It constitutes the basis for assessing the paleobiogeographic affinities during the Cambrian. The latest Middle Cambrian trilobite fauna from Zanskar shows proximity of Indian margin with that of southwest China 'outboard' micro-continent. The recovery of analogous Middle Cambrian species i.e., Dorypyge perconvexlis, Fuchouia bulba, Fuchouia cf. oratolimba, Parablackwelderia sp. and Damesella sp. from the Zanskar region (Tethyan Himalaya) suggests a contiguous close proximity with south China and Australia during the latest Middle Cambrian, which supports the model of Meert and Van der Voo (1997) for assembly of Gondwanaland. The presence of Kunmingaspis in Zanskar and similar reports from northwestern Yunnan-Tibetan region, northern Henan, central and southeastern Hubei, north China, western Xinjiang and Yangtze platform reveal a close affinity between the Indian margin and the Yangtze platform during the Middle Cambrian. The trilobite fauna indicates the deeper shelf-shallow slope environment of deposition under fluctuating conditions of relative sea-level. The faunal elements of the Lejopyge acantha and Proagnostus bulbus zones indicate that the sea inundated the northern margin of Zanskar region during the latest Middle Cambrian time (Teta transgression) which is synchronous with globally recognized eustatic events during Lejopyge laevigata Zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiments were conducted during the rainy seasons of 2006 and 2007 at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi for the management of yellow mosaic (Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus) and cercospora leaf spots (Cercospora canescens and Pseudocercospora cruenta) of mungbean. Insecticides and fungicides as seed dressings, with or without foliar sprays, were evaluated. Amongst the treatments, a combination of seed treatment with thiamethoxam (Cruiser™) at 4 g kg-1 and carbendazim (Bavistin™) + TMTD (Thiram™) at 2.5 g kg-1 (1:1 ratio) followed by foliar applications of thiamethoxam (Actara™) 0.02% and carbendazim 0.05% at 21 and 35 d, respectively after sowing produced the highest seedling establishment, shoot and root lengths, number of pods, plant biomass, 1000-seed weight, and grain yield in mungbean with the lowest intensity of cercospora leaf spots and mungbean yellow mosaic. Vector (whitefly) populations were also the lowest in this treatment during all stages of the crop. This treatment was cost-effective, as it provided the highest return per Rupee of input. It was second best for the number of Rhizobium root nodules per plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytophthora blight (Phytophthora drechsleri f. sp. cajani) is one of the major yield limiting factors of short duration varieties of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan). For eco-friendly and sustainable management of the disease, four antagonists, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus subtilis, Trichoderma viride and T. hamatum, were evaluated under in vitro and in vivo conditions. P. fluorescens produced maximum inhibition zone, while Trichoderma species overgrew on the host mycelium and caused lysis. The fungicides apron (metalaxyl), ridomil MZ (metalaxyl + mancozeb), capton (captaf), difolatan (captafol), thiram (tetramethylthiuram disulphide) and bavistin (carbendazim) at both 0.3 and 0.6% were found to be compatible with P. fluorescens while B. subtilis was compatible only with apron at 0.3%. T. viride grew and sporulated well at 0.3 and 0.6% apron and 0.2% ridomil MZ. The bioagents proved to have potential and those which were compatible under in vitro were evaluated under field conditions. The efficacy of fungicide in combination with bioagents was greater compared to fungicide alone. The integration of P. fluorescens with apron or ridomil MZ as seed treatment significantly reduced the Phytophthora blight incidence and enhanced seed germination and grain yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The serum resistance of the common respiratory pathogen Moraxella catarrhalis is mainly dependent on ubiquitous surface proteins (Usp) A1 and A2 that interact with complement factor 3 (C3) and complement inhibitor C4b binding protein (C4BP) preventing the alternative and classical pathways of the complement system respectively. UspA2 also has the capacity to attract vitronectin that in turn binds C9 and hereby inhibits membrane attack complex (MAC) formation. We found UspA2 as a major vitronectin binding protein and hence the UspA2/vitronectin interaction was studied in detail. The affinity constant ( KD) for vitronectin binding to UspA2 was 2.3 × 10−8 M, and the N-terminal region encompassing residues UspA2 30–170 bound vitronectin with a KD of 7.9 × 10−8 M. Electron microscopy verified that the active binding domain (UspA230–177) was located at the head region of UspA2. Experiments with recombinantly expressed vitronectin also revealed that UspA230–177 bound to the C-terminal region of vitronectin residues 312–396. Finally, when human serum was pre-incubated with UspA2, bacteria showed significantly less serum resistance. Our study directly reveals the binding mode between the N-terminal domain of UspA2 and the C-terminal part of vitronectin and thus sheds light upon the mechanism of M. catarrhalis-dependent serum resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein E (PE) of nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is involved in adhesion and activation of epithelial cells. A total of 186 clinical NTHi isolates, encapsulated H. influenzae, and culture collection strains were analyzed. PE was highly conserved in both NTHi and encapsulated H. influenzae (96.9%-100% identity without the signal peptide). PE also existed in other members of the genus Pasteurellaceae. The epithelial cell binding region (amino acids 84-108) was completely conserved. Phylogenetic analysis of the pe sequence separated Haemophilus species into 2 separate clusters. Importantly, PE was expressed in 98.4% of all NTHi (126 isolates) independently of the growth phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes an adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding cassette (ABC) transporter in Pseudomonas putida KT2440 that mediates the uptake of glutamate and aspartate. The researchers found that AauR, a central regulator of acidic amino acid uptake and metabolism in pseudomonas, directly controls the expression of aat and other glutamate-related genes or operons by binding to a well-conserved 16 bp inverted repeat. They also found that the expression of acidic amino acid transport (AatJMQP) is controlled by the two-component system AauRS, the response regulator which is a DNA-binding helix-turn-helix protein beloging to the Fis family.

The specificity of bacterial nutrient importers of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) type depends on external receptor proteins that not only bind the solute to be transported, but also initiate the transport process by inducing ATP hydrolysis in the cytoplasmic nucleotide-binding domains. Here we propose a mode of ligand binding to the solute-binding protein AatJ that is required for glutamate uptake by the AatJMQP transporter in Pseudomonas putida KT2440. A homology model of the AatJ-glutamate complex was constructed using the E. coli glutamine-binding protein GlnH as the template. The general validity of the model was then confirmed by alanine scanning mutagenesis of several residues predicted to interact with the ligand and by semi-quantitative binding studies with [14C]-Glu and [14C]-Asp. A database search indicated that AatJ is a member of a distinct subfamily of the family 3 solute-binding proteins with specificity towards glutamate and aspartate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudoinonasputida KT2440 metabolizes a wide range of carbon and nitrogen sources, including many amino acids. In this study, a π54-dependent two-component system that controls the uptake and metabolism of acidic amino acids was identified. The system (designated aau, for acidic amino acid utilization) involves a sensor histidine kinase, AauS, encoded by PP1067, and a response regulator, AauR, encoded by PP1066. aauR and aauS deletion mutants were unable to efficiently utilize aspartate (Asp), glutamate (Glu), and glutamine (GIn) as sole sources of carbon and nitrogen. Growth of the mutants was partially restored when the above-mentioned amino acids were supplemented with glucose or succinate as an additional carbon source. Uptake of GIn, Asp, and asparagine (Asn) by the aauR mutant was moderately reduced, while Glu uptake was severely impaired. In the absence of glucose, the aauR mutant even secreted Glu into the medium. Furthermore, disruption of aauR affected the activities of several key enzymes of Glu and Asp metabolism, leading to the intracellular accumulation of Glu and greatly reduced survival times under conditions of nitrogen starvation. By a proteomics approach, four major proteins were identified that are downregulated during growth of the aauR mutant on Glu. Two of these were identified as periplasmic glutaminase/asparaginase and the solute-binding protein of a Glu/Asp transporter. Transcriptional analysis of lacZ fusions containing the putative promoter regions of these genes confirmed that their expression is indeed affected by the aau system. Three further periplasmic solute-binding proteins were strongly expressed during growth of the aauR deletion mutant on Glu but downregulated during cultivation on glucose/NH4+. These systems may be involved in amino acid efflux. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]