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Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV/HHV-8) is etiologically linked to the endothelial tumor Kaposi’s sarcoma and with two lymphoproliferatve disorders, primary effusion lymphoma and multicentric Castleman’s disease. HHV-8 infects a variety of target cells both in vivo and in vitro, binds to the in vitro target cells via cell surface heparan sulfate, and uses the α3β1 integrin as one of the entry receptors. Within minutes of infection, HHV-8 induced the integrin-mediated signaling pathways and morphological changes in the target cells (S. M. Akula et al., Cell, 108: 407–419, 2002; P. P. Naranatt et al., J. Virol., 77: 1524–1539, 2003). As an initial step toward understanding the role of host genes in HHV-8 infection and pathogenesis, modulation of host cell gene expression immediately after infection was examined. To reflect HHV-8’s broad cellular tropism, mRNAs collected at 2 and 4 h after infection of primary human endothelial [human adult dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECd)] and foreskin fibroblast [human foreskin fibroblast (HFF)] cells and human B cell line (BJAB) were analyzed by oligonucleotide array with ∼22,000 human transcripts. With a criteria of >2-fold gene induction as significant, ∼1.72% of the genes were differentially expressed, of which, 154 genes were shared by at least two cells and 33 genes shared by all three cells. HHV-8-induced transcriptional profiles in the endothelial and fibroblast cells were closely similar, with substantial differences in the B cells. In contrast to the antiapoptotic regulators induced in HMVECd and HFF cells, proapoptotic regulators were induced in the B cells. A robust increase in the expression of IFN-induced genes suggestive of innate immune response induction was observed in HMVECd and HFF cells, whereas there was a total lack of immunity related protein inductions in B cells. These striking cell type-specific behaviors suggest that HHV-8-induced host cell gene modulation events in B cells may be different compared with the adherent endothelial and fibroblast target cells. Functional clustering of modulated genes identified several host molecules hitherto unknown to HHV-8 infection. These results indicate that early during infection, HHV-8 reprograms the host transcriptional machinery regulating a variety of cellular processes including apoptosis, transcription, cell cycle regulation, signaling, inflammatory response, and angiogenesis, all of which may play important roles in the biology and pathogenesis of HHV-8.

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Barium Thiourea Chloride Single Crystal was grown by slow evaporation method. The optical characterization grown crystal was carried out by the help of UV visible spectrophotometer and the band gap is calculated from tauc plot. The Raman spectra of solution grown Barium thiourea chloride (BTC) crystals were studied in the temperature range of 125K to 400K and in the wave length region of 100 to 4000 cm−1. The intensities of Raman spectra is varies with respect to temperature due to thermo sensitive C-S Band.

In the unstable patellofemoral joint (PFJ), the patella will articulate in an abnormal manner, producing an uneven distribution of forces. It is hypothesised that incongruency of the PFJ, even without clinical instability, may lead to degenerative changes. The aim of this study was to record the change in joint contact area of the PFJ after stabilisation surgery using an established and validated MRI mapping technique.A prospective MRI imaging study of patients with a history of PFJ instability was performed. The patellofemoral joints were imaged with the use of an MRI scan during active movement from 0° through to 40° of flexion. The congruency through measurement of the contact surface area was mapped in 5-mm intervals on axial slices. Post-stabilisation surgery contact area was compared to the pre-surgery contact area.In all, 26 patients were studied. The cohort included 12 male and 14 female patients with a mean age of 26 (15-43). The greatest mean differences in congruency between pre- and post-stabilised PFJs were observed at 0-10 degrees of flexion (0.54 cm2 versus 1.18 cm2, p = 0.04) and between 11° and 20° flexion (1.80 cm2 versus 3.45 cm2; p = 0.01).PFJ stabilisation procedures increase joint congruency. If a single axial series is to be obtained on MRI scan to compare the pre- and post-surgery joint congruity, the authors recommend 11° to 20° of tibiofemoral flexion as this was shown to have the greatest difference in contact surface area between pre- and post-operative congruency.

This paper describes the adsorption behavior of ruthenium on multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) from aqueous solution. The adsorption behavior of ruthenium on MWCNTs was studied with respect to contact time, pH, concentration of metal ion, adsorbent dosages and temperature. The equilibrium adsorption data were fitted to Pseudo first order, Pseudo second order, Elovich and Intra-particle diffusion kinetic model as well as Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin–Radushkevich and Temkin isotherm models. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm model was found to be best fitted in terms of standard deviation and regression coefficient. The thermodynamics parameter such as ΔH°, ΔS°, ΔG° were also calculated. The endothermic nature of adsorption is indicated by positive value of ΔH° and ΔS° resulting the randomness at solid solution interface towards favorable adsorption.

Gadolinium, a strong neutron absorber is a good choice of material for use as soluble neutron poison for nuclear criticality control in nuclear fuel cycle facilities. During operation, it's availability has to be ensured in order to maintain the sub-critical state of the system. Towards this, periodic monitoring of presence of Gadolinium, a monitoring system was developed. The technique used is based on thermal neutron attenuation characteristics of the medium considered under study. As the design involves, choice of neutron source, moderator assembly and neutron detector sensitivity, Monte Carlo simulation was employed to optimize the design parameters. The details of simulation and experiments carried out to study the feasibility of the method is described. Results of measurements and comparison with computational model developed are also presented in detail. The results indicate that the proposed system can be successfully deployed for remote online monitoring of neutron poison in Fuel Reprocessing.

Background Heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) commonly co-exist, each, predisposing the other. AF may inflict haemodynamic disturbances, leading to reduced cardiac output and hence acute decompensation. Ultimately mortality risk is further increased. Identifying contributing factors is thus vital lest increasing risk of poor outcome. Purpose Identify predictors of all-cause mortality in AF patients after admission for acute decompensation HF (ADHF) at admission, 1 and 3 years. Methods A retrospective observational study of 810 AF patients" first admission from 2009 to 2018, analysed using descriptive, ROC curve and Cox regression. Results Mortality at admission, 1 and 3 years following ADHF were 5.1%, 14.4% and 40.5% respectively. Majority of AF patients were male (64.7%) but there was no significant statistical difference between gender with associated mortality during those timelines. Using multivariate analysis, predictors associated with increased in-hospital mortality were Hyponatraemia, Na < 135mmol/L (adjusted Odds Ratio, aOR 2.49; 95% Confidence Interval, CI 1.91-5.20; p0.015), Uric Acid ≥ 675 (aOR 2.75; CI 1.31-5.79; p0.008), Ejection Fraction, EF < 40% (aOR 3.93; CI 1.63-9.49; p0.002). Medications on admission associated with reduced inpatient mortality were Angiotensin Converting Enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) / Angiotensin Receptor Blocker (ARB) + Beta Blocker (BB) + Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonist (MRA) (aOR 0.07; CI 0.02-0.30; p 7mmol/L (aHR 1.86; CI 1.04-3.32, p0.036). Medications on discharge comprising ACEi/ARB + BB + MRA were the only combination that showed a reduction in mortality (aHR 0.23; CI 0.09-0.60; p0.003). At 3 years, background coronary artery disease (aHR 1.72; CI 1.09-2.71; p0.02), hypernatraemia, Na > 145mmol/L (aHR 14.89; CI 3.17-69.86; p0.001), EF < 40% (aHR 2.00; CI 1.28-3.12; p0.002) were associated with increased mortality. Medications on discharge namely ACEi/ARB (aHR 0.14; CI 0.03-0.70; p0.013), BB (aHR 0.23; CI 0.10-0.51; p Conclusions In this single centre study, patients with AF who presented with ADHF had a variety of mortality predictors that influence at different timelines. They had higher risk of inpatient mortality with hyponatraemia, hyperuricaemia and EF < 40%. Elevated NTProBNP and Urea levels seemed to have more effect on mortality at 1 year compared to 3 years. Having 3 disease-modifying heart failure medications at discharge exerted the most benefit up to 3 years of follow up. Abstract P252 Figure.

This paper examines an experimental research went for distinguishing effective leadership styles for supervisors of Information Technology/Systems ventures. The examination analyzed the appropriateness of transformational Managers related to other basic achievement factors. The outcomes demonstrated that a mix of transformational and specialized initiative practices increase the viability of value-based authority prompting high venture achievement. While perceiving that there is no leadership style that is powerful in all undertaking circumstances, the examination suggests a basic yet adaptable style described by hierarchical impetus, scholarly incitement, conduct appeal, and unforeseen reward practices for upgraded leadership in IT projects. Available online at https://int-scientific-journals.com

An effort was made to monitor the flank wear using wavelet analysis by extracting the Hoelder’s exponent as a feature and using various machine learning algorithms to forecast the tool condition. The test was conducted on a Tungsten carbide insert with selected cutting parameters and the acquired vibration signals were used to develop the prediction model. The wavelet coefficients, Hoelder’s exponent, and statistical features were extracted from the vibration signals. These features were used in machine learning algorithms like SVM, KNN, Kernel Bayes, Multilayer perceptron, and Decision trees to forecast the flank wear. The accuracy of the machining algorithm was analyzed through the confusion matrix and accuracy. The results revealed that HE along with wavelet coefficients performed better than statistical features. From the analysis, it was found that DT and SVM had the highest accuracy of 100% and 99.86% respectively. The performance of the selected ML was verified with benchmarking datasets and proves its accuracy.

Contamination of environment by uranium is expected in places where mining of uranium ore and processing, nuclear testing and reactor operations when the control measures are not effective. The daughter radionuclides of the ores, chemical additives and residual uranium are the maincomponents of processed waste from uranium industries. The bioremediation of contaminated areas using plant species or group of the plant may offer a cheap, renewable and promising approach to ensure long-term protection to the environment. In view of this, experiments were carried out to study the uranium immobilization potential of vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Nash) under simulated conditions using the complex tailings. The vetiver plants were planted in simulation tanks at Health Physics Unit (HPU), Jaduguda, Jharkhand, India and periodic samplings were carried out to investigate the extent of uranium uptake. The acid aliquot of ashed plant samples, soil and tailings were subjected to solvent extraction followed by UV-Fluorimeter for estimation of uranium. The studies indicated that the plant species could bioremediate up to 49% of the uranium at 90th day of the experiment and the uranium remediation efficiency of vetiver increased with time and uranium was predominantly localized in the roots of the plant.

Barium thiourea chloride (BTC) single crystals were grown by slow evaporation of aqueous solution containing barium chloride and thiourea in the equimolar ratio. Thermal analysis of the grown crystal was carried out by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)/DTG and the thermal parameters such as enthalpy, entropy and the activation energy were calculated. The AC conductivity and impedance measurements were carried out using conventional two probe technique in the temperature range of 300–400 K and in the frequency range of 100 Hz to 5 MHz. The conductivity was found to be very low and slowly increasing with the frequency with a peak around 5 MHz. Real and imaginary parts of complex impedance were determined for the grown sample as a function of frequency. Good transparency and thermal stability suggest BTC single crystals can be used for optical applications.

The Raman spectra of solution grown Potassium thiourea chloride (KTC) crystals were studied in the temperature range of 125 K to 400 K and in the wave length region of 100 to 4000 cm−1. The vibrational frequencies of the thiourea metal complex were identified and assigned. The temperature dependence Raman spectra shows discontinuities, which we infer is due to modifications of bonds associated to C S. Based on the evolution of thermosensitive bands the transitions were identified around 250 K. The modifications observed in the vibration spectra of KTC shows strong interaction of the metal complex with sulfur atom of thiourea. The second harmonic generation was confirmed by Kurtz Perry powder technique and the efficiency was found to be 1.5 times as that of the KDP sample used as reference.

The activity concentration of 238U, 232Th and 40K were measured in the soil samples collected from Fast Reactor Fuel Cycle Facility (FRFCF) site, using high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometry. This study is aimed to establish the baseline data of naturally occurring radionuclides within the site. The average activity concentrations were found to be 416.5, 61.7 and 622.3 Bq kg−1 for 40K, 238U and 232Th, respectively. The activity concentrations and its radiological indices were evaluated and were compared with the international values reported by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR). The ratio of 40K/232Th and 40K /238U were calculated, which indicates the presence of 5.79 and 2.69 times more K-bearing minerals as compared with Th and U-bearing minerals in the soil samples, respectively. The study provides baseline information on concentration of radionuclides and background radiological assessment of the FRFCF site.

BACKGROUND: Catheter based treatment of atrial fibrillation (AFib) involves ablation of groups of cells near the pulmonary vein.The goal of this study was to evaluate the technological feasability of a new technology for catheter-based ablation for treatment of AFib that combines freezing with electrolysis.The study was performed on a pH dye stained gel phantom of the pulmonary vein. Freezing was induced with a cryosurgical probe inserted in the vein and electrolysis was delivered through the probe with a DC power supply.Visual recording of colorimetric changes in pH demonstrate that electrolytic products can propagate through the frozen tissue phantom. For example, a voltage of 9 V and a current of 40 mA delivered through a -15 degree C cryosurgical probe produced an electrolysis impacted rim of over 7 mm width in 2 min.This early stage experimental work suggests that cryoelectrolysis may have potential for treatment of AFib.

Visualization of molecular structures aids in the understanding of structural and functional roles of biological macromolecules. Macromolecular transport between the cell nucleus and cytoplasm is facilitated by the nuclear pore complex (NPC). The ring structure of the NPC is large and contains several distinct proteins (nucleoporins) which function as a selective gate for the passage of certain molecules into and out of the nucleus. In this note we demonstrate the utility of a python code that allows direct mapping of the physiochemical properties of the constituent nucleoporins on the scaffold of the yeast NPC׳s cytoplasmic view. We expect this tool to be useful for researchers to visualize the NPC based on their physiochemical properties and how it alters when specific mutations are introduced in one or more of the nucleoporins. The code developed using Python is available freely from the authors.

Application of transmission and scattering gamma photon techniques for calibration of superheated emulsion detectors used for neutron dosimetry is described. The bubbles nucleated in the detector due to neutron exposure generate detectable changes in both attenuation and scattering properties of the medium, and the magnitude of change in properties depends on population density of bubbles nucleated and in turn is proportional to neutron dose. The experimental set-up consists of (137)Cs and (241)Am sources and an HPGe detector-based gamma-ray spectrometer. An indigenously developed bubble detector and a commercially available one (BTI, Canada) are used in the present study. Theoretical models for the variation in transmitted and scattered intensities through the bubble detector as a function of neutron dose are formulated, and the experimental results obtained are found to be in good agreement with the models. In the neutron dose region studied, the transmission technique shows better sensitivity than scattering technique.

The sulfonamide compound, 4-methyl-N-(3-nitrophenyl)benzene sulfonamide (abbreviated as 4M3NPBS) has been synthesized and characterized by FTIR, FT-Raman NMR, single crystal X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis. Density functional (DFT) calculations have been carried out for the title compound by performing DFT level of theory using B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) basis set. The calculated results show that the predicted geometry can well reproduce the structural parameters. Predicted vibrational frequencies have been assigned and compared with the experimental IR spectra and they support each other. The UV–Vis spectrum of the compound was recorded. The theoretical electronic absorption spectra have been calculated by using CIS, TD-DFT, ZINDO methods. Stability of the molecule arising from hyper conjugative interactions, charge delocalization has been analyzed using natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis. The first order hyperpolarizability ( β 0 ) of 4M3NPBS was calculated using B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) method on the basis of finite-field approach. In addition, frontier molecular orbitals and molecular electrostatic potential were carried out by using density functional theory (DFT/B3LYP) 6-31G(d,p) basis set. The calculated HOMO and LUMO energies show that charge transfer occur in the molecule. The thermal stability of the title compound was determined with the aid of thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA).

The sulfonamide compound, 4-methyl-N-(2-methylphenyl) benzene sulfonamide has been synthesized and characterized by FTIR, NMR, UV-Vis, single crystal X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis. Density functional (DFT) calculations have been carried out for the title compound by performing DFT level of theory using B3LYP/6-31G (d,p) basis set. The calculated results show that the predicted geometry can well reproduce the structural parameters. Predicted vibrational frequencies have been assigned and compared with the experimental IR spectra and they support each other. In addition, atomic charges, frontier molecular orbitals and molecular electrostatic potential were carried out by using density functional theory (DFT/B3LYP) 6-31G (d, p) basis set. The calculated Homo and Lumo energies show that charge transfer occur in the molecule.

Many flow visualization techniques, especially integration-based methods, are problematic when the measured data exhibit noise and discretization issues. Particularly, this is the case for flow-sensitive phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC-MRI) data sets which not only record anatomic information, but also time-varying flow information. We propose a novel approach for the visualization of such data sets using integration-based methods. Our ideas are based upon finite-time Lyapunov exponents (FTLE) and enable identification of vessel boundaries in the data as high regions of separation. This allows us to correctly restrict integration-based visualization to blood vessels. We validate our technique by comparing our approach to existing anatomy-based methods as well as addressing the benefits and limitations of using FTLE to restrict flow. We also discuss the importance of parameters, i.e., advection length and data resolution, in establishing a well-defined vessel boundary. We extract appropriate flow lines and surfaces that enable the visualization of blood flow within the vessels. We further enhance the visualization by analyzing flow behavior in the seeded region and generating simplified depictions.

This report describes an unusual case of multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), involving the right clavicle and multicentric aytpical spine involvement without any neurological deficit. The female patient presented with acute onset of right clavicular pain associated with a one-month history of lower backache with constitutional symptoms. The clavicular lesion and MRI spine findings were highly suggestive of TB. Anti TB drugs (ATD) were started empirically as Sabah, Malaysia the patient’s home, is an endemic area for TB. Despite, 2 months of ATD administration, the patient did not respond well clinically and developed left sided chest wall abscesses arising from the left 3rd and 6th ribs. She was then treated for MDR-TB infection and has responded well to this treatment.

This case report describes an unusual case of extrapulmonary tuberculosis of the ischial tuberosity presenting with chronic gluteal pain of 4 years duration. The patient presented when the pain became intolerable; at that time, the ischial tuberosity was debrided and curetted while incision and drainage were used to treat the gluteal abscess. Antituberculosis chemotherapy was administered (for a period of one year) following histopathological confirmation of tuberculosis. At four years postoperatively, the patient has no pain and is symptom free. Furthermore, radiographs shows that the right ischial tuberosity osteomyelitis has healed. Prompt diagnosis and treatment resulted in a good clinical outcome in this patient.

This retrospective study was undertaken to analyze perioperative parameters, functional outcomes and complications of cemented versus uncemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty in elderly patients presenting with displaced intracapsular femoral neck fracture. The authors reviewed 17 patients that underwent cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty and 21 patients that underwent uncemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty. The mean follow-up duration in the cemented and uncemented group was 29.9 and 30.5 months respectively. Intraoperative and postoperative blood loss was higher in the cemented group. On the last follow-up the mean HHS was 74.7 in the cemented group and 84.2 in the uncemented group. No statistically significant difference was evident in the pain score. In summary, bipolar hemiarthroplasty was found to be a good option for displaced intracapsular femoral neck fractures, and overall outcome was marginally better in the uncemented group in terms of postoperative of blood loss and functional outcome at last follow up.

Stamp charging has been established as a versatile technology which not only improves the coke properties that can be obtained from a given coal blend, but also broadens the coal base for cokemaking, permitting the use of inferior coals without impairing the coke quality. To produce high strength coke at least cost, Tata Steel ventured into stamp charging in combination with 40–45% low ash imported coals. Research carried out by R&D, Tata Steel revealed that stamp charging has the potential power to digest even non-softening carbonaceous inerts, if the coal blend is suitably designed. Addition of such inerts would enhance the carbon content in the resultant coke. However, the use of these inerts calls for judicious selection of other components of the coal blend and optimisation of the blend proportion, or otherwise these inerts may have an adverse impact on the coke quality. Addition of such materials would also contribute to higher coke yield, since the volatile matter contents of these material...

NHE3 plays an important role in intestinal Na+ absorption and its down-regulation has been implicated in inflammatory diarrhea. Recent evidence also indicates a novel role of epigenetic mechanisms,...

Disposal of waste plastics is a serious global issue, and hence it is imperative to explore methods to recycle them for efficient utilisation. The coke making process is considered to be a promising area to which the thermal decomposition of waste plastics is applicable, because the process involves coal carbonisation at a high temperature under a reducing atmosphere. As an outcome of the research work carried out on a laboratory scale followed by plant trials at Tata Steel, it was found that waste plastics recycling process using stamp charged coke ovens is feasible to recover coke, tar, light oil and gas from general waste plastics mixed in coal by carbonisation in coke ovens. It has also been established in the laboratory that waste plastics up to 1% can be used in coke making without any deterioration in coke strength. Plant trials have also indicated that co-carbonisation of waste plastics with coal is a possible solution for its disposal.

The carbonisation mechanism in the coke oven chamber is quite complex and, although much useful information has been generated by empirical studies on both industrial batteries and pilot ovens, attempts to mathematically model the coke oven phenomena met with only limited success. In this study, a mathematical model to simulate volatile matter evolution during the carbonisation process for Indian coals has been developed. This model is a part of the endeavour to develop a rigorous mathematical model to simulate the main physical, chemical changes and transient heat transfer phenomena occurring during thermal decomposition of coals in coke oven carbonisation. To have sufficient generality for the applications to coke oven practices, the mathematical model describes the kinetics of release of main volatile matter constituents, thereby permitting the changes in the mass and composition of solid residue to be estimated by element balances. The prediction of volatile matter evolution has been made from coal ultimate analysis and heating profile based on the principles of kinetics and rate phenomena. The aim of this mathematical model is to predict the yield and composition of volatile matter as a function of charge temperature and to relate these to the changes in the semi-coke composition for some typical Indian coals used for coke making in the coke ovens of Tata Steel. The quantity of volatile matter loss from coal during carbonisation was also determined experimentally using a standard thermogravimetric analyser (TGA), in which the weight of the sample undergoing test is monitored continuously while the sample is heated at a constant rate. The computer based mathematical model predictions for volatile matter yield are verified with the experimental results and found to be in good agreement.

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) envelope glycoprotein gB interacts with cell surface heparan sulfate (HS) and α3β1 integrin and plays roles in the initial binding and entry into the target cells and in the induction of preexisting host cell signal pathways. To define gB function further, using a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) system carrying the KSHV genome (BAC36wt-KSHV), we constructed a recombinant virus genome with the gB open reading frame (ORF) deleted by replacing a 2-kb gB ORF with a 1.3-kb Kan r gene. Stable 293T cells carrying BAC36wt-KSHV and ΔgBBAC36-KSHV genomes were generated. Transcript analyses and immunoprecipitation reactions confirmed the absence of gB in the 293T-ΔgBBAC36 cells. When monolayers of 293T-BAC36wt and 293T-ΔgBBAC36 cells were induced with tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, infectious virus was detected only from the 293T-BAC36wt cell supernatants. No significant amount of DNase I-resistant viral DNA was detected in the supernatants of 293T-ΔgBBAC36 cells. BAC36wt-KSHV infected the target cells, and in contrast, no viral DNA and transcripts could be detected in cells infected with ΔgBBAC36-KSHV. Electron microscopy of 293T-ΔgBBAC36 cells revealed capsids in the nuclei, cytoplasmic vesicles with core-containing capsids, and occasional enveloped virions in the cytoplasm. However, enveloped virus particles were observed in the extracellular compartments of 293T-BAC36wt cells only and not in 293T-ΔgBBAC36 cells. Transfection of 293T-ΔgBBAC36 cells with plasmid expressing full-length gB restored the recovery of infectious KSHV in the supernatant. These results suggest that, besides its role in virus binding and entry into the target cells, KSHV gB also plays a role in the maturation and egress of virus from the infected cells.

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) in vitro target cell infection is characterized by the expression of the latency-associated genes ORF 73 (LANA-1), ORF 72, and K13 and by the transient expression of a very limited number of lytic genes such as lytic cycle switch gene ORF 50 (RTA) and the immediate early (IE) lytic K5, K8, and v-IRF2 genes. During the early stages of infection, several overlapping multistep complex events precede the initiation of viral gene expression. KSHV envelope glycoprotein gB induces the FAK-Src-PI3K-RhoGTPase (where FAK is focal adhesion kinase) signaling pathway. As early as 5 min postinfection (p.i.), KSHV induced the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) via the PI3K-PKCζ-MEK pathway. In addition, KSHV modulated the transcription of several host genes of primary human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC-d) and fibroblast (HFF) cells by 2 h and 4 h p.i. Neutralization of virus entry and infection by PI-3K and other cellular tyrosine kinase inhibitors suggested a critical role for signaling molecules in KSHV infection of target cells. Here we investigated the induction of ERK1/2 by KSHV and KSHV envelope glycoproteins gB and gpK8.1A and the role of induced ERK in viral and host gene expression. Early during infection, significant ERK1/2 induction was observed even with low multiplicity of infection of live and UV-inactivated KSHV in serum-starved cells as well as in the presence of serum. Entry of UV-inactivated virus and the absence of viral gene expression suggested that ERK1/2 induction is mediated by the initial signal cascade induced by KSHV binding and entry. Purified soluble gpK8.1A induced the MEK1/2 dependent ERK1/2 but not ERK5 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in HMVEC-d and HFF. Moderate ERK induction with soluble gB was seen only in HMVEC-d. Preincubation of gpK8.1A with heparin or anti-gpK8.1A antibodies inhibited the ERK induction. U0126, a selective inhibitor for MEK/ERK blocked the gpK8.1A- and KSHV-induced ERK activation. ERK1/2 inhibition did not block viral DNA internalization and had no significant effect on nuclear delivery of KSHV DNA during de novo infection. Analyses of viral gene expression by quantitative real-time reverse transciptase PCR revealed that pretreatment of cells with U0126 for 1 h and during the 2-h infection with KSHV significantly inhibited the expression of ORF 73, ORF 50 (RTA), and the IE-K8 and v-IRF2 genes. However, the expression of lytic IE-K5 gene was not affected significantly. Expression of ORF 73 in BCBL-1 cells was also significantly inhibited by preincubation with U0126. Inhibition of ERK1/2 also inhibited the transcription of some of the vital host genes such as DUSP5 (dual specificity phosphatase 5), ICAM-1 (intercellular adhesion molecule 1), heparin binding epidermal growth factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor that were up-regulated early during KSHV infection. Several MAPK-regulated host transcription factors such as c-Jun, STAT1α, MEF2, c-Myc, ATF-2 and c-Fos were induced early during infection, and ERK inhibition significantly blocked the c-Fos, c-Jun, c-Myc, and STAT1α activation in the infected cells. AP1 transcription factors binding to the RTA promoter in electrophoretic mobility shift assays were readily detected in the infected cell nuclear extracts which were significantly reduced by ERK inhibition. Together, these results suggest that very early during de novo infection, KSHV induces the ERK1/2 to modulate the initiation of viral gene expression and host cell genes, which further supports our hypothesis that beside the conduit for viral DNA delivery into the cytoplasm, KSHV interactions with host cell receptor(s) create an appropriate intracellular environment facilitating infection.

In the recent past, it was realised that the gross coke yield was going down as a result of lower oven throughput in the stamp charged batteries of Tata Steel. The basic reason for this being the net reduction in the ash content of the coal blend used due to the incorporation of higher percentage of low ash imported coals and reduction in the ash content of captive coals through washing. The coals having higher ash content improves the bulk density, as the specific gravity of ash is higher than that of pure coal. Moreover, the ash components have affinity for water and pure coal repels water, which in case of pure coal, works against the holding together of the blend. Hence, lower the ash content, less is the bulk density of cake under identical stamping energy and lower the bulk density, less is the oven throughput. In order to maximise the oven throughput and productivity, a study was conducted in the laboratory mainly to assess the effect of various blend constituents and their ash content on the bulk density of coal charge. The effect of ash content on the coal cake stability has also been dealt with. This study, in short, is a useful tool for selecting the right type of coals and designing the optimum blend for stamp charging to achieve maximum throughput and productivity.In addition, studies were also carried out to assess the effect of addition of various binders on coal cake stability at lower moisture level which would also help in achieving higher throughput and productivity.

Guest Editorial for our Special Issue

In Vibrio cholerae , the transmembrane DNA binding proteins, ToxR and TcpP, activate expression of the regulatory gene toxT in response to specific environmental signals. The resulting enhanced level of ToxT leads to a coordinated increase in the production of a subset of virulence factors, including cholera toxin (CT) and toxin-coregulated pilus (TCP). The effect of anaerobiosis on expression of the V. cholerae virulence regulatory cascade was examined. The expression of the major regulatory genes, tcpP , toxR , and toxT , in anaerobically grown V. cholerae was comparable to that in cells grown under aerobic conditions, and no significant difference in the ToxT-dependent expression of tcpA was detected when aerobic and anaerobic cultures were compared. However, in spite of the presence of functional ToxT, ctxAB expression was drastically reduced, and practically no CT was detected in cells grown under anaerobic conditions. In a V. cholerae hns mutant, however, high levels of ctxAB expression occurred even under anaerobic conditions. Also, deletion of the H-NS binding site from the ctxAB promoter eliminated anaerobic repression of ctxAB expression. These results suggest that H-NS directly represses ctxAB expression under anaerobic growth conditions. It has been reported that in the first stage of infection of infant mice by V. cholerae , tcpA is expressed but ctxAB expression is shut off (S. H. Lee, D. L. Hava, M. K. Waldor, and A. Camilli, Cell 99: 625-634, 1999). This pattern is similar to the pattern in anaerobic cultures of V. cholerae . Under all other in vitro conditions, ctxAB and tcpA are known to be coordinately expressed.

Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8; Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus) envelope glycoprotein gB possesses an RGD motif, interacts with alpha 3 beta 1 integrin, and uses it as one of the entry receptors. HHV-8 induces the integrin-dependent focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a critical step in the outside-in signaling pathways necessary for the subsequent phosphorylation of other cellular kinases, cytoskeletal rearrangements, and other functions. As an initial step toward deciphering the role of HHV-8 gB-integrin interaction in infection, signal pathways induced by gB were examined. A truncated form of gB without the transmembrane and carboxyl domains (gB Delta TM), a gB Delta TM mutant form (gB Delta TM-RGA) with an RGD-to-RGA mutation, and inhibitors of cellular kinases were used. HHV-8 gB Delta TM, but not gB Delta TM-RGA, induced FAK phosphorylation in target cells, which was in part dependent on the presence of alpha 3 beta 1 integrin. FAK was critical for the subsequent phosphorylation of Src by gB Delta TM, and Src induction was essential for the phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI-3K). HHV-8 gB Delta TM-induced PI-3K was essential for the induction of RhoA and Cdc42 Rho GTPases that was accompanied by the cytoskeletal rearrangements. These gB-induced morphological changes were inhibited by the PI-3K inhibitors. Ezrin, one of the essential elements required to cross-link the actin cytoskeleton with the plasma membrane and to induce the morphological changes, was induced by the Rho GTPases. Inhibition of cellular tyrosine kinases by the brief treatment of cells with 4',5,7-trihydroxyisoflavone (genistein) blocked the entry of HHV-8 into target cells. These findings suggest that, independently of other viral glycoproteins and via its RGD motif, HHV-8 gB induces integrin-dependent pre-existing FAK-Src-PI-3K-Rho GTPase kinases. Since these signal pathways play vital roles in host cell endocytosis and movement of particulate materials in the cytoplasm, the early stages of HHV-8 gB interaction with host cells may provide a very conducive environment for the successful infection of target cells.

Successful and sustainable implementation of Stamp Charging Technology in Tata Steel has given it an edge over conventional Top Charging Technology in terms of production of superior quality of Blast Furnace grade coke from a wide range of coal base, even permitting use of inferior coals. But, the stability of stamped coal cake and the additional thermal energy necessary to drive the extra quantity of water (3-4 %), added intentionally to the coal blend to impart requisite coal cake strength, have always been the two haunting issues associated with this technology. This paper describes the role of coal tar pitch, used as a binder to the coal blend that not only imparts required strength and stability to the coal cake even at lower moisture level and thereby, reducing energy consumption, but also improves the rheological properties of coal blend that contributes to the quality of coke produced from inferior coals. This paper also describes the laboratory scale experimentation and its results followed by commercial plant-scale trials that confirmed the R & D findings on the use of coal tar pitch.

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV/HHV-8) is etiologically linked to the endothelial tumor Kaposi’s sarcoma and with two lymphoproliferatve disorders, primary effusion lymphoma and multicentric Castleman’s disease. HHV-8 infects a variety of target cells both in vivo and in vitro, binds to the in vitro target cells via cell surface heparan sulfate, and uses the α3β1 integrin as one of the entry receptors. Within minutes of infection, HHV-8 induced the integrin-mediated signaling pathways and morphological changes in the target cells (S. M. Akula et al., Cell, 108: 407–419, 2002; P. P. Naranatt et al., J. Virol., 77: 1524–1539, 2003). As an initial step toward understanding the role of host genes in HHV-8 infection and pathogenesis, modulation of host cell gene expression immediately after infection was examined. To reflect HHV-8’s broad cellular tropism, mRNAs collected at 2 and 4 h after infection of primary human endothelial [human adult dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECd)] and foreskin fibroblast [human foreskin fibroblast (HFF)] cells and human B cell line (BJAB) were analyzed by oligonucleotide array with ∼22,000 human transcripts. With a criteria of >2-fold gene induction as significant, ∼1.72% of the genes were differentially expressed, of which, 154 genes were shared by at least two cells and 33 genes shared by all three cells. HHV-8-induced transcriptional profiles in the endothelial and fibroblast cells were closely similar, with substantial differences in the B cells. In contrast to the antiapoptotic regulators induced in HMVECd and HFF cells, proapoptotic regulators were induced in the B cells. A robust increase in the expression of IFN-induced genes suggestive of innate immune response induction was observed in HMVECd and HFF cells, whereas there was a total lack of immunity related protein inductions in B cells. These striking cell type-specific behaviors suggest that HHV-8-induced host cell gene modulation events in B cells may be different compared with the adherent endothelial and fibroblast target cells. Functional clustering of modulated genes identified several host molecules hitherto unknown to HHV-8 infection. These results indicate that early during infection, HHV-8 reprograms the host transcriptional machinery regulating a variety of cellular processes including apoptosis, transcription, cell cycle regulation, signaling, inflammatory response, and angiogenesis, all of which may play important roles in the biology and pathogenesis of HHV-8.

Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) is implicated in the pathogenesis of Kaposi's sarcoma. HHV-8 envelope glycoprotein B (gB) possesses the RGD motif known to interact with integrin molecules, and HHV-8 infectivity was inhibited by RGD peptides, by antibodies against α3 and β1 integrins, and by soluble α3β1 integrin (S. M. Akula, N. P. Pramod, F.-Z. Wang, and B. Chandran, Cell 108:407-419, 2002). Anti-gB antibodies immunoprecipitated the virus α3 and β1 complexes, and virus-binding studies suggest a role for α3β1 in HHV-8 entry. HHV-8 infection induced the integrin-mediated activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), implicating a role for integrin and the associated signaling pathways in HHV-8 entry into the target cells. Immediately after infection, target cells exhibited morphological changes and cytoskeletal rearrangements, suggesting the induction of signal pathways. As early as 5 min postinfection, HHV-8 activated the MEK-ERK1/2 pathway. The focal adhesion components phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) and protein kinase C-ζ (PKC-ζ) were recruited as upstream mediators of the HHV-8-induced ERK pathway. Anti-HHV-8 gB-neutralizing antibodies and soluble α3β1 integrin inhibited the virus-induced signaling pathways. Early kinetics of the cellular signaling pathway and its activation by UV-inactivated HHV-8 suggest a role for virus binding and/or entry but not viral gene expression in this induction. Studies with human α3 integrin-transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells and FAK-negative mouse DU3 cells suggest that the α3β1 integrin and FAK play roles in the HHV-8 mediated signal induction. Inhibitors specific for PI 3-kinase, PKC-ζ, MEK, and ERK significantly reduced the virus infectivity without affecting virus binding to the target cells. Examination of viral DNA entry suggests a role for PI 3-kinase in HHV-8 entry into the target cells and a role for PKC-ζ, MEK, and ERK at a post-viral entry stage of infection. These findings implicate a critical role for integrin-associated mitogenic signaling in HHV-8's infection of target cells and suggest that, by orchestrating the signal cascade, HHV-8 may create an appropriate intracellular environment to facilitate the infection.

Lifestyle factors are responsible for a considerable portion of cancer incidence worldwide, but credible estimates from the World Health Organization and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) suggest that the fraction of cancers attributable to toxic environmental exposures is between 7% and 19%. To explore the hypothesis that low-dose exposures to mixtures of chemicals in the environment may be combining to contribute to environmental carcinogenesis, we reviewed 11 hallmark phenotypes of cancer, multiple priority target sites for disruption in each area and prototypical chemical disruptors for all targets, this included dose-response characterizations, evidence of low-dose effects and cross-hallmark effects for all targets and chemicals. In total, 85 examples of chemicals were reviewed for actions on key pathways/ mechanisms related to carcinogenesis. Only 15% (13/85) were found to have evidence of a dose-response threshold, whereas 59% (50/85) exerted low-dose effects. No dose-response information was found for the remaining 26% (22/85). Our analysis suggests that the cumulative effects of individual (non-carcinogenic) chemicals acting on different pathways, and a variety of related systems, organs, tissues and cells could plausibly conspire to produce carcinogenic synergies. Additional basic research on carcinogenesis and research focused on low-dose effects of chemical mixtures needs to be rigorously pursued before the merits of this hypothesis can be further advanced. However, the structure of the World Health Organization International Programme on Chemical Safety 'Mode of Action' framework should be revisited as it has inherent weaknesses that are not fully aligned with our current understanding of cancer biology. © The Author 2015.

The present article summarizes simulations of turbulent flow generated by a Rushton turbine (six blades with disc) and a downflow pitched blade turbine (four blades, 45° inclined) using a computational snapshot approach. The computational snapshot approach proposed by Ranade and Dommeti was extended and generalized to suit impellers of any shape. The approach was implemented using a commercial CFD code, FLUENT (Fluent Inc., USA). Mean flow and turbulence characteristics were computed by solving the Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes equations combined with the standard k - l turbulence model. The QUICK discretization scheme (with SUPERBEE limiter function) was used to discretize all the governing equations. Preliminary numerical experiments were carried out to identify adequate grid resolution. The predicted results were compared with the comprehensive data set available in the literature. Simulated results show a pair of trailing vortex behind the blades of a turbine. The results were also compared quantita...

A facile method for the conversion of 2H-1,4-benzoxa/thiazine-3(4H)-ones to their respective thiones under PTC (P2S5/K2CO3/TEBA) conditions is reported.