Search

Phospholipases D (PLDs) are important membrane lipid-modifying enzymes in eukaryotes. Phosphatidic acid, the product of PLD activity, is a vital signaling molecule. PLD-mediated lipid signaling has been the subject of extensive research leading to discovery of its crystal structure. PLDs are involved in the pathophysiology of several human diseases, therefore, viewed as promising targets for drug design. The availability of a eukaryotic PLD crystal structure will encourage PLD targeted drug designing. PLDs have been implicated in plants response to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, the molecular mechanism of response is not clear. Recently, several novel findings have shown that PLD mediated modulation of structural and developmental processes, such as: stomata movement, root growth and microtubule organization are crucial for plants adaptation to environmental stresses. Involvement of PLDs in regulating membrane remodeling, auxin mediated alteration of root system architecture and nutrient uptake to combat nitrogen and phosphorus deficiencies and magnesium toxicity is established. PLDs via vesicle trafficking modulate cytoskeleton and exocytosis to regulate self-incompatibility (SI) signaling in flowering plants, thereby contributes to plants hybrid vigor and diversity. In addition, the important role of PLDs has been recognized in biotechnologically important functions, including oil/TAG synthesis and maintenance of seed quality. In this review, we describe the crystal structure of a plant PLD and discuss the molecular mechanism of catalysis and activity regulation. Further, the role of PLDs in regulating plant development under biotic and abiotic stresses, nitrogen and phosphorus deficiency, magnesium ion toxicity, SI signaling and pollen tube growth and in important biotechnological applications has been discussed.

Thin films of poly (3-hexylthiophene), abbreviated as P3HT, are widely used systems of semiconducting polymer for applications in organic electronic devices. We studied the microstructure of spin-c...

Current drug treatment available for neuropathic pain (NP) provides meager and partial pain relief due to incomplete efficacy and dose-dependent adverse effect. Hence, combination therapy can provide prolongation in analgesic effect with milder side effects. The present investigation aimed at observing the effects of sildenafil (SD) on Fluoxetine (FLX) in attenuation of chronic constriction injury (CCI) induced NP in rats. CCI was achieved in rats by placing four loose ligations around the sciatic nerve and rats were received respective treatments on SD and FLX till 14 days further behaviors parameters like heat hyperalgesia and allodynia, pin prick and acetone drop test were executed in order to access thermal, mechanical and cold allodynia, respectively, on a predetermined time interval. On the 21st day the animals were sacrificed for determination of total protein, myeloperoxidase activity in the adjoining muscular tissues while glutathione and TNF-α in the sciatic nerve. Co-administration of SD + FLX + CCI gave the pronounced effect that was superior over individual responses of SD and FLX in all behavioral as well as biochemical parameters. It was observed that attenuation in the altered behavioral pattern of CCI induced rats was modified prominently from 3rd day only in a group of rats treated with SD + FLX + CCI. The whole study was finally supported by histopathological results. Finally, it was concluded that SD produces an additive effect when given with FLX in attenuation of NP may be due to elevation in the level of intracellular concentrations of cyclic guanosine monophosphate which further causes downregulation of calcium channel.

The immunostimulatory and disease-resistance properties of Achyranthes aspera were evaluated in rohu (Labeo rohita) challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila. Experimental diets were enriched with leave...

In this paper selective deposition of copper on the steel substrate is described by the laser enhanced electroplating method from liquid phase i.e. aqueous copper sulphate solution. The present study involves (i) identification of suitable laser wavelength (i.e. frequency doubled Nd: YAG laser at 532 nm) with low absorption in the electrolyte, (ii) determination of threshold voltage for selective deposition with laser, (iii) experiments on laser-assisted selective copper electroplating and (iv) characterisation based on dimensions, surface topography, residual stresses and phases present. Thus formed deposits can be controlled by incident laser power density and build up growth increases with plating time.

Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) form the major and unique group of calcium (Ca2+) sensors in plants. Attributed to their peculiar structural features, CDPKs play a dual role of “Ca2+ sens...

At this stage, it would be premature to assess the performance of the Narendra Modi-led Government of India and its policies towards the country’s Northeast region, but there are some indications to address key issues of the region, such as infrastructure development, insurgency and illegal migration. Apart from taking necessary steps for ensuring speedy implementation of infrastructure projects initiated by the previous government, a spate of new infrastructure projects has been launched. Shortly after assuming office a peace agreement was concluded with an important insurgent group, the National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isak-Muivah so as to ‘empower’ the Naga people as well as conducted an operation against insurgents along the India–Myanmar border in the immediate aftermath of the killing of some military personnel. The agreement is expected to help restore normalcy and promote development in the region. At the same time, the signing of another agreement for exchange of territories with Ban...

The insurgency movement in Northeast India, demanding various forms of autonomy including independence, is a constant concern for the maintenance of the country’s unity. It is further complicated d...

Soon after India attained its independence from British colonial administration in 1947 the Nagas started waging an armed conflict against India to establish a sovereign independent state in Nagaland in the country's Northeast region. The conflict is today one of the world's longer running and little known armed conflicts. India's central government has tried unsuccessfully to tackle the problem through political reconciliation, use of force, and several development measures. Over the years, it has also undergone several changes in which the situation of conflict deepened whenever India's central government intervened. And yet, the road ahead also faces severe challenges because the demand for bringing the Nagas of India together into a single political entity will not go unchallenged from other ethnic groups. Moreover, a bitter leadership battle divides the Naga rebels and hence any future agreement is likely to be difficult due to factional politics as have happened in the past. Thus one way to satisfy ...

Phospholipase D is one of the crucial enzymes involved in lipid mediated signaling, triggered during various developmental and physiological processes. Different members of PLD gene family have been known to be induced under different abiotic stresses and during developmental processes in various plant species. In this report, we are presenting a detailed microarray based expression analysis and expression profiles of entire set of PLD genes in rice genome, under three abiotic stresses (salt, cold and drought) and different developmental stages (3-vegetative stages and 11-reproductive stages). Seven and nine PLD genes were identified, which were expressed differentially under abiotic stresses and during reproductive developmental stages, respectively. PLD genes, which were expressed significantly under abiotic stresses exhibited an overlapping expression pattern and were also differentially expressed during developmental stages. Moreover, expression pattern for a set of stress induced genes was validated by real time PCR and it supported the microarray expression data. These findings emphasize the role of PLDs in abiotic stress signaling and development in rice. In addition, expression profiling for duplicated PLD genes revealed a functional divergence between the duplicated genes and signify the role of gene duplication in the evolution of this gene family in rice. This expressional study will provide an important platform in future for the functional characterization of PLDs in crop plants.

Ever since the reorganisation of states in India in 1956, the Central government has reacted to the pressure for the creation of new states on a case-by-case basis, leading to the emergence of new states in fits and starts. But the resistance that is developing to the promise of new states like Telangana suggests that there is no guarantee that newly drawn inter-state boundaries will have universal acceptance. In order to explore ways out of this apparent stalemate this paper takes a closer look at the concept of territoriality. Taking a cue from the distinction made in the literature on globalisation between geographical territory and other aspects of territoriality, the nature of territoriality that is implicit in the demands for redrawing state boundaries is examined. This helps in identifying dimensions of the pressure for new states that are not confined to geographical territory. It is then argued that there are several dimensions of the pressure for new states that can be better addressed through i...

Revolution in information and communication technology (ICT) has made a remarkable impact on the society. Countries across the world are using ICT to facilitate information dissemination and communication in all areas of education, training, and administration. In Indian education institutions, over the years there has been a rapid increase in the gross enrollment ratio (GER). The existing manpower in universities is unable to cope with the increased workload. To bring efficiency, accuracy, and transparency to the system, many Indian universities are using ICT in teaching, learning, and administration processes, and management of examination system is one of them. In addition to sharing information and infinite access, ICT has exposed certain security threats that were exposed by connecting to a large network. This paper discusses the importance of an automated integrated examination system in Indian universities vis-a-vis security threats. These threats can thwart the very purpose of ICT if left unattended. The measures to handle data are discussed, and network architecture is suggested to handle the examination of data to preclude security threats.

This paper provides an overview of the electronic attacks or the “digital challenges” which prospective customers of E-Commerce are likely to encounter while carrying out transactions over the web. The paper provides a comprehensive coverage of highly specialized electronic attacks that are on the increase in the electronic environment where SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) dealing in E-Commerce carry out their transactions. It is a descriptive account of various threats like client/server security threats as well as cyber identity thefts which have become quite infamous over the years and is invasive and fastest growing crime all around the world especially the U.S. The paper draws on a variety of secondary sources both published and unpublished. Recently the infamous client server attacks like Denial of Service (DoS) especially Distributed Denial of Service attacks made people aware of the importance of providing available data and service securely to users. Cyber security threats like website defacement, phishing, pharming, login attacks etc. have created a distrustful environment while making it very hard for small and medium-sized online service providers(SMEs) to compete with both established online and physically present service providers. It presents a review of literature developed from secondary sources. Cyber security threats are of immense concern to online users indulging in E-Commerce, online service providers, governments, and law enforcement agencies. This paper provides a useful overview of a scenario of cyber security threats in E-Commerce in the SME sector; and, from this summary of the present situation, makes an attempt to enlighten the users about various threats which they can encounter while carrying out their electronic transactions. An analysis of the security threats such as this can also assist an organization in formulating an effective security plan.

Despite the creation of several new states and territorially defined autonomous councils, different tribes in Northeast India continue to demand the creation of new states and autonomous councils. This is because most tribes in the region are under the impression that an adequate share of political power is a necessary condition for retaining their socio-cultural identities and development. Such cultural and developmental aspirations, though legitimate, face rough weather once they become connected with exclusive administrative boundaries for self-governance. Thus, community conflicts over land and territoriality continue to turn Northeast India into an area of unending unrest and crisis.

Ethnic minorities constitute more than one-third of the population of Myanmar (this review uses the official name of the country), and occupy about half of its land area. The country has been exper...

Salient features of the work carried out during the last few years on the alkoxide ring systems with chelating alcohols such as alkoxyalcohols, aminoalcohols, phosphino alcohols, glycols as well as monofunctional alcohols, are discussed.

Four alternative routes for the synthesis of the title compounds have been investigated. All of the compounds are characterized by elemental analyses, molecular weight determinations and infrared spectros-copic studies.

The synthesis of 2-iminoxy-4,4, 6-trimethyl-1,3,2-dioxa-borinanes has been attempted by five different routes. Infrared spectra are discussed.