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Of the goals and targets specified by the Kunming‐Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, Target 3, often referred to as "30 × 30," has garnered widespread attention globally. In this paper, we critique India's potential to meet this target. We find that with its vast network of ecosystems that are under some form of protection and through the recognition of other effective area‐based conservation measures sites, India has the potential to meet the quantitative target of conserving and managing at least 30% of its area by 2030. However, the qualitative attributes of the target might be more difficult to realize owing to several challenges, such as inadequate landscape connectivity, insufficient representation of habitats in the current protected area model, and the exacerbation of socioeconomic vulnerabilities of resource‐dependent communities. To achieve strategic, inclusive, and equitable conservation, we suggest a four‐pronged approach involving landscape‐level biodiversity conservation, socially just and collaborative safeguarding of biodiversity, and relevant policy (re)formulation, informed and underlain by long‐term research and impact monitoring. Although we focus on India, the issues we discuss are of broader relevance, especially for countries across the Global South that are also likely to be significantly impacted by the implementation of the target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of calcium and other cations is characterized in the events of the catalytic turnover cycle. Certain 3d-cations bind to the active site of PLA and some are Ks cofactor for substrate or mimic binding, although without measurable kcat. The kcat cofactor role of a cation is seen in terms of a catalytic mechanism, where the water nucleophile in the expanded coordination area of the cation could be in a favorable near-attack conformation.

X-ray diffraction and infrared, Raman and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic studies, as well as thermal gravimetric analysis were done to characterize the formation of a new class of layered, microcrystalline polymers from the hydrolysis of n-octadecyltrichlorosilane. The results revealed that the polymeric condensate is composed of periodic layers, each bearing a monomolecular layer of intercalated water, separated by crystalline assemblies of alkyl chains.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) maintains its biological activity through glycosylation of the alpha subunit. Glycosylation either makes hCG interact with a lectin-like part of the hCG receptor or reduces the affinity of the hormone for the hCG receptor, preventing its down-regulation. The glycan at Asn 52 plays an important role in the biological activity of hCG by extending into the surrounding solution irrespective of whether it is in the isolated alpha subunit or in complex with beta subunit. Conformations of the glycans do not differ greatly from that of free glycans in solution.

Rice-paddy agriculture is widely expanding, particularly in Asia. Rice-paddy fields are stagnated with water and insecticides are applied to control pests. Expansion of agriculture and pesticide are known drivers of declining amphibian populations globally. Yet, several amphibians persist in such temporary wetlands. How amphibians persist in this landscape matrix is not clearly understood. We document amphibian diversity in rice-paddy fields in south India and examine trophic interactions of the two most abundant species. From 60 rice paddy fields, we recorded six species of anurans among which, Minervarya caperata and Microhyla ornata were most abundant. The stomach contents of 57 individuals of the two species were extracted. They consumed prey items belonging to eight orders and 56 taxonomically distinct units dominated by Diptera and Hymenoptera: Formicidae. Although individuals of M. ornata were smaller in body size compared to M. caperata, both species consumed a similar number of arthropods. The dietary niche breadth of M. caperata was wider than M. ornata and the diets of the two species did not overlap greatly. We discuss our findings in the context of prey availability, foraging strategies, and highlight the role of anurans in pest control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Byline: K. V. S.. Hari kumar, Pawan. Dhull, Manoj. Somasekharan, K. Seshadri Psychoneuroendocrinology deals with the overlap disorders pertaining to three different specialties. Awareness about the somatic manifestations of psychiatric [...]