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While natural communities can contain hundreds of species, modern coexistence theory focuses primarily on species pairs. Alternatively, the structural stability approach considers the feasibility of equilibria, gaining scalability to larger communities but sacrificing information about dynamic stability. Three‐species competitive communities are a bridge to more‐diverse communities. They display novel phenomena while remaining amenable to mathematical analysis, but remain incompletely understood. Here, we combine these approaches to identify the key quantities that determine three‐species competition outcomes. We show that pairwise niche overlap and fitness differences are insufficient to completely characterize competitive outcomes, which requires a strictly triplet‐wise quantity: cyclic asymmetry, which underlies intransitivity. Low pairwise niche overlap stabilizes the triplet, while high fitness differences promote competitive exclusion. The effect of cyclic asymmetry on stability is complex and depends on pairwise niche overlap. In summary, we elucidate how pairwise niche overlap, fitness differences and cyclic asymmetry determine three‐species competition outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we have, designed and demonstrated Gate all around (GAA)-β-AGO/GO HEMT to achieve large current density, electron mobility and electron velocity at cryogenic temperatures. Because the controlling of the gate is better in GAA-based structures the performance of the proposed device is magnified for a different temperature range. The 2DEG channel mobility of the proposed device is boosted from 130 cm2/Vs at 300 K to 4100 cm2/Vs at 50 K. Mobility of the proposed device is boosted from the previous value by the factor of 2.5 at room temperature. The higher electron mobility at lower temperatures made it suitable to reach a larger saturation velocity center of the channel. Analog, RF and linearity parameters are analyzed with different temperature ranges at a gate length of 0.9 µm. The drain current and cutoff frequency of the device is 750 mA/mm and 18 GHz, respectively at 50 K and it reduces for a larger temperature. The breakdown voltage of the proposed device at 300 K is 139 V. The noise analysis is also taken for the investigation of its random nature. This type of device is used in power-switching applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advancement in FET technology has forced researchers to seek alternate semiconductor devices and materials. TFETs, junctionless FETs, and nanowires are a few examples of modern FETs, whereas Si alloys, graphene, and TMDC are a few materials that have shown promising behaviour to replace Si in the future. In this work, SiGeC/SiGe/SiC–Si based vertical heterostructure nanowires have been investigated. Due to the nanoscale dimensions of the FET and to incorporate the quantum effects along with Schrodinger-Poisson equations, non-equilibrium Green's function has been used as a principle simulator. For simulation, Ge/Carbon mole concentration of 0.25 and 0.01, respectively is used. To thoroughly investigate the effect of variation in doping profile and temperature range, simulated heterojunction nanowire showed that SiGeC-based nanowire result in a better I ON /I OFF ratio as compared to SiGe and SiC-based heterojunction nanowire. • Novel SiGeC-Si heterojunction material based vertical nanowire FET has been investigated. • Along with non-equillibrium Green's function, Schrodinger-Poisson's equation is used as principle simulator. • Results are discussed in terms of transmission, density of states at the source and the drain electrode. • Effect of variation in doping and temperature on the properties of SiGeC and the vertical nanowire has been explained. • Comparison of SiGeC-Si, SiGe-Si, and SiC–Si heterojunction shows that SiGeC results in better properties then the other Si-composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method of analysis of dilatation data developed earlier has been adapted and applied to study the isothermal transformation of austenite to ferrite in three experimental steels. Good match obtained between the amount of ferrite measured from the optical microstructures and the corresponding values evaluated from the analysis of the experimental dilatation curves validates the accuracy of the new method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discovery of wideband gap semiconductor materials has boosted the field of power electronics. Fabrication of HEMT has overcome the drawback of lower mobility and ON‐state current of wide bandgap materials. However, due to lower ON‐state current earlier proposed devices suffer from poor ON‐state resistance; hence, in this work dual gate technique has been proposed. To further switch the device characteristics from Normally‐ON to Normally‐OFF state, recessed gate technique is used. Device physics, analog parameters of Normally‐OFF dual‐recessed gate metal insulator semiconductor AlGaN/GaN HEMT (DRG‐MIS‐HEMT) are analyzed and compared with conventional DG‐MIS‐HEMT. To solidify the analysis, width of recessed gate has been varied from 2 nm to 28 nm. At recessed gate width (=28 nm), proposed device resulted RON = 1.98 Ω‐cm2, threshold voltage 1.25 V, IDS of 1100 mA/mm, ION/IOFF = 1014 and ft = 10 GHz. Proposed device also resulted in improved linearity characteristics over single gate structure. In future, the proposed device can be used for RF applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Tooth wear (attrition) is a multifactorial entity, the pathogenesis of which involves many factors but the role of malocclusion cannot be undermined. Overjet and overbite play an important role in defining occlusion, hence they should also play an important role in causing attrition. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the relationship of dental health status between the vertical and horizontal overlap. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 600 patients selected randomly from rural population which were divided into three equal groups as per the predefined criteria, namely, horizontal overlap, vertical overlap, and control group. All patients were examined for the tooth attrition. Results: In Group 1 - 73 patients out of 200 showed one or more teeth attrition, in Group 2 - 38 patients out of 200 showed one or more teeth attrition, and in the control group, 22 patients out of 200 showed one or more teeth attrition. Conclusion: It was concluded that both vertical and horizontal abnormal relationships of teeth play an important role in the etiology of attrition, with abnormal horizontal overlap being the more detrimental as compared to the vertical one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The dental quality alliance of the American Dental Association developed quality and performance measure concepts (QMCs) for pediatric dentistry to identify variations in care and to improve quality of care. Objectives: This study evaluated the relationship between the proposed QMCs and oral health, measured as caries status. Methodology: Parents/guardians of new patients presenting to the Nationwide Children's Hospital Dental Clinic for a nonurgent hygiene appointment were asked to complete a 10-question survey that reflected the QMCs. An oral examination was completed on each patient to determine his/her caries status. Results: For the majority of the QMCs evaluated in the study, there was no statistically significant difference in caries status between patients who had attended care according to the QMCs and those who had not. Conclusions: From the findings, attending care as outlined by the QMCs may be no better than counting procedures as a measure of quality oral health-care outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Teeth in the human body are the most mineralized tissue, which contain both organic and inorganic components. Demineralization and remineralization of teeth occur continuously, but demineralization causes structural loss of a tooth. Aim: This study was done to find the effect of ceramic by adding mono-n-Dodecyl phosphate to ceramic in dentin remineralization. Materials and Methods: A total of sixty permanent intact tooth specimens were randomly divided into four equal groups: Group 1: control group, Group 2: dentin was etched and restored with plain ceramic restoration, Group 3: etched dentin restored with ceramic containing 2% mono-n-Dodecyl phosphate, and Group 4: etched dentin restored with ceramic containing 5% mono-n-Dodecyl phosphate. Each sample was immersed completely in simulated body fluid and was kept in an incubator at 37°C to simulate the human body environment. Knoop microhardness measurements were recorded at 10, 20, and 38 days. Results: Knoop microhardness of dentin (KHN) reduced to 32.6% after dentin was etched. No significant difference was found between group 2, 3 and 4 after 10 days. KHN value was increased and showed significant changes restored with group 2 and 3, group 3 showed nonsignificant changes. Conclusion: Through this study, we found that Ceramic can be used as a remineralizing agent to restore marginal dentine around of the cavity and root lesions from secondary caries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Tooth wear (attrition) is a multifactorial entity, the pathogenesis of which involves many factors but the role of malocclusion cannot be undermined. Overjet and overbite play an important role in defining occlusion, hence they should also play an important role in causing attrition. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the relationship of dental health status between the vertical and horizontal overlap. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 600 patients selected randomly from rural population which were divided into three equal groups as per the predefined criteria, namely, horizontal overlap, vertical overlap, and control group. All patients were examined for the tooth attrition. Results: In Group 1 – 73 patients out of 200 showed one or more teeth attrition, in Group 2 – 38 patients out of 200 showed one or more teeth attrition, and in the control group, 22 patients out of 200 showed one or more teeth attrition. Conclusion: It was concluded that both vertical and horizontal abnormal relationships of teeth play an important role in the etiology of attrition, with abnormal horizontal overlap being the more detrimental as compared to the vertical one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Teeth in the human body are the most mineralized tissue, which contain both organic and inorganic components. Demineralization and remineralization of teeth occur continuously, but demineralization causes structural loss of a tooth. Aim: This study was done to find the effect of ceramic by adding mono-n-Dodecyl phosphate to ceramic in dentin remineralization. Materials and Methods: A total of sixty permanent intact tooth specimens were randomly divided into four equal groups: Group 1: control group, Group 2: dentin was etched and restored with plain ceramic restoration, Group 3: etched dentin restored with ceramic containing 2% mono-n-Dodecyl phosphate, and Group 4: etched dentin restored with ceramic containing 5% mono-n-Dodecyl phosphate. Each sample was immersed completely in simulated body fluid and was kept in an incubator at 37°C to simulate the human body environment. Knoop microhardness measurements were recorded at 10, 20, and 38 days. Results: Knoop microhardness of dentin (KHN) reduced to 32.6% after dentin was etched. No significant difference was found between group 2, 3 and 4 after 10 days. KHN value was increased and showed significant changes restored with group 2 and 3, group 3 showed nonsignificant changes. Conclusion: Through this study, we found that Ceramic can be used as a remineralizing agent to restore marginal dentine around of the cavity and root lesions from secondary caries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The dental quality alliance of the American Dental Association developed quality and performance measure concepts (QMCs) for pediatric dentistry to identify variations in care and to improve quality of care. Objectives: This study evaluated the relationship between the proposed QMCs and oral health, measured as caries status. Methodology: Parents/guardians of new patients presenting to the Nationwide Children's Hospital Dental Clinic for a nonurgent hygiene appointment were asked to complete a 10-question survey that reflected the QMCs. An oral examination was completed on each patient to determine his/her caries status. Results: For the majority of the QMCs evaluated in the study, there was no statistically significant difference in caries status between patients who had attended care according to the QMCs and those who had not. Conclusions: From the findings, attending care as outlined by the QMCs may be no better than counting procedures as a measure of quality oral health-care outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural gas hydrates are presently considered as a potential source of future energy as it is widely distributed along the continental margins and in the permafrost areas. However, the drilling operation through such hydrate-bearing formation is quite risky because of unconsolidated formation, fragile nature of formation and uncontrolled dissociation of hydrate during drilling. In this study, an attempt was made to overcome the issues by a specially designed nanoparticle-enhanced water-based drilling fluid for its potential application in hydrate reservoirs. The rheological properties of different water-based drilling fluids, formulated by bentonite, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), SiO2 nanoparticle, barite and salts were studied both at high pressure and low temperature condition. Results show that the rheological properties, such as plastic viscosity, apparent viscosity, gel strength, yield point are highly promising. It has been found that silica nanoparticles and CMC reduce the fluid loss properties but CMC has a greater effect on fluid loss than silica nanoparticles. Zeta potential value of the formulated drilling fluids indicates their higher stability and strong function of the used nanoparticle. Inhibition effect of drilling fluid on hydrate formation was evaluated by using the drilling fluid with an optimized formulation in an autoclave hydrate cell at high pressure and low temperature. The experimental results reveal that the designed drilling fluid shows excellent inhibition effects on hydrate formation. This happens because of excellent thermodynamic and kinetic inhibition effects of CMC, salts and SiO2 nanoparticles. Nanoparticle and polymer-based efficient drilling fluids for gas hydrate reservoir. CMC and SiO2 nanoparticle enhance the performance of water-based drilling fluid. Flow curves of different drilling fluids indicate Non-Newtonian flow behavior. Filtration loss decreases with increasing concentration of CMC and nanoparticles. Improved hydrate inhibition effects by using thermodynamic and kinetic inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Vinylidene, CCH 2, identified from isomerization of acetylene on Pd(111). • Surface vibrational spectroscopy with reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS). • Vinylidene and ethylidyne peaks detected with RAIRS. • Only one vinylidene peak at 1425 cm−1 was observed with RAIRS. • Simulated spectra from DFT calculations match the experimental spectra. Acetylene on the Pd(111) surface was studied with reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS). Upon adsorption of acetylene at 90 K, no vibrational peaks are observed. However, after annealing the surface to 300 K, peaks at 1095 and 1327 cm−1 due to the CC stretch and CH 3 deformation modes of ethylidyne (CCH 3) are observed. These peaks are accompanied by a peak at 1425 cm−1 that is assigned to the CC stretch mode of vinylidene. The experimental spectrum is in good agreement with a simulated spectrum from DFT calculations of vinylidene on a Pd 19 cluster model of the Pd(111) surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The molecular interaction between curcumin, a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound with numerous health benefits, and silver nanoclusters has been investigated using Density Functional Theory (DFT). Silver nanoclusters are of great interest due to their unique optical, electronic, and catalytic properties. Understanding the interaction between curcumin and silver nanoclusters at the molecular level is crucial for potential applications in drug delivery, bioimaging, and therapeutics. DFT calculations have been used to explain the experimental observation such as UV–visible and IR frequencies. A detailed elucidation on the density of state calculation has been reported explaining that curcumin not only serves as a reducing agent or stabilizing agent for silver nanoclusters but also activates the nanoparticle by reducing the band gap in silver nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effect of carbon concentration of parent austenite on isothermal transformation to bainite has been studied. It has been shown that when the carbon concentration of parent austenite is low and the transformation temperature is higher than the Zener ordering temperature, the carbon content of bainitic ferrite is low. On the other hand, it is unusually high when parent austenite has higher carbon and the transformation temperature is less than the Zener ordering temperature. The results have been rationalised on the basis of Zener ordering of carbon atoms resulting in the formation of BCT ferrite with higher solubility of carbon. Similarly, the carbon content of untransformed austenite in the former case was found to closely follow the T 0 curve line whereas it was higher than T 0 in the latter case. A theoretical framework based on the equilibrium between BCT ferrite and austenite has been proposed to explain the shift of the T 0 curve to higher carbon concentration. Finally, the revised limits of carbon concentration of bainitic ferrite and austenite have been suggested for the calculation of the relative fractions of these phases when transformation temperature is less than the Zener ordering temperature. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modulation of human lung airway physiology by commensal microbiota has become one of the key mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of adult asthma. Recent evidence suggests that the composition of respiratory microbiota plays a significant role in the manifestation of adult asthma; however, scientific evidence about the relationship between airway microbial diversity and phenotypes of adult asthma is limited. Further research is needed to understand the interactions between the airway microbiota and host immune response to develop microbiota-based strategies in management of adult asthma. This study reviews the advances in culture-independent methods for detection of airway microbiome, the current data about airway microbiota in healthy individuals and in adult patients with asthma with a focus on bacterial communities, and the future research directions in airway microbiome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have studied and calculated the fraction of empty semiconductor nanocrystals which controls the quantum yield as a function of the average number of donors per nanocrystal and the nanocrystal size. We have shown that if donor reached the critical value of 1.8 there are no empty nanocrystals in nanocrystal array due to electron redistribution between nanocrystals and consequently photoluminescence vanishes. The relative intensity of the photoluminescence is strongly correlated with the transport properties of these array. Which provides information about the redistribution of the charges between nanocrystals affecting both quantum yield of photoluminescence of an array of nanocrystals and its hopping conductivity. We have found that empty nanocrystals became extinct and photoluminescence was quenched abruptly at an average number of donors per nanocrystal. It turned out that doping resulted in transport properties which were typical for disordered semiconductors. The number of donors in different nanocrystals was random. In the ground state of the nanocrystal array many nanocrystals were charged. The charged nanocrystals leaded to the random coulomb potential and to the coulomb gap in the density of localized electron states that determined variable range of hopping conductivity. It was also found that an array of small nanocrystals due to the quantuization-gap induced redistribution of electrons among nanocrystals. The obtained results were found in good agreement with previous results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have theoretically studied the excitation transfer between distant quantum dots in a photonic crystal waveguide. Due to Anderson localization of disordered position and size of the photonic crystal holes was found to have a highly nontrivial effect on the interaction. We have simulated realistic systems with different magnitudes of the disorder and showed that while localization indeed has a profound effect on both range and magnitude of the dot-dot excitation transfer rate at several μm distance. The average excitation transfer rate was found to be larger than 10 μeV at distance on the order of 10 μm. The transfer time to this corresponded was on the order of 10 ps, close to the single qubit operation time and much shorter than the decoherence time measured. The obtained results were found in good agreement with previous results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotic resistance including the emergence of multidrug resistant microbes has become a public health crisis. In this study, we analyzed the antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the urinary metagenome of the kidney transplant and healthy subjects using metagenomic shotgun sequencing. Our data suggest an increased abundance of antibiotic resistance genes in the kidney transplant subjects. In addition, the antibiotic resistance genes identified in the transplant subjects were predominantly composed of multidrug efflux pumps (MDEPs) which are evolutionarily ancient, commonly encoded on chromosomes rather than plasmids, and have a low rate of mutation. Since the MDEPs had a low abundance in the healthy subjects, we speculate that the MDEPs may enhance the fitness of bacteria to survive in the high stress environment of transplantation that includes multiple stressors including surgery, antibiotics, and immunosuppressive agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel structure of dual-gate-charge-plasma (DG-CP) AlGaN/GaN metal–insulator–semiconductor high electron mobility transistor (MIS-DG-CP-HEMT) with gate oxides employing Al2O3. AlN as an interfacial layer between dielectric and semiconductor. Dual-gate technique for both CP and doped HEMT is used to improve the transport characteristics in the channel. CP-HEMT is used to enhance the conductance charge density and electron concentration at the interface of AlGaN and GaN. The DG-CP-HEMT is compared with DG-doped HEMT. The dual-gate structure helps in incorporating the two different layers of 2-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) for higher current density. Results showed a better performance of DG-CP-HEMT in term of various analog and RF parameters. HEMT gives better transconductance (29 mS), Cutoff frequency (11 GHz) and ON-state-to-OFF-state current ratio (1011), ON-resistance (6 Ω-cm2) and subthreshold slope (63 mV/dec). The proposed HEMT architecture can be used for RF applications due to its exemplary characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is significantly associated with morbidity and mortality and erodes the quality and quantity of life. It is standard of care to treat patients with AF and an increased risk of stroke with oral anticoagulation therapy, but the more daunting question many clinicians face is whether to pursue a "rate‐only" or "rhythm" control strategy. Historical studies over the years have sought to answer this question but have found no significant difference in major clinical outcomes between the two strategies. There are opportunities based on new data to improve the natural history of the disease. The EAST AFnet trial for the first time revealed a significant morbidity and mortality advantage to rhythm control therapy when performed early in the disease process of AF and in the setting of comprehensive medical management that was maintained. The CABANA trial clearly demonstrated that catheter ablation was a more effective long‐term treatment of AF in general and significantly lowers risk of AF progression compared to medical therapy. Like multiple prior trials of rhythm management strategies, when rhythm control was effective in these trials, independent of therapy assignment, there was a significantly lower risk of adverse outcomes and death. These contemporary data provide optimism that the pervasive mortality risk in patients with AF observed over the past 50 years may be improved by the timing, use, and efficacy of use of therapeutic interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A differential ring CMOS voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) with dual-delay path topology is proposed in this paper. In this work, the focus area is to improve the tuning range of VCO and phase noise performance of the VCO. The dual-delay path topology is used with P-MOS as load in series with negative-skewed delay transistors. This design gives the wider tuning range and this increases the phase noise performance of the VCO. After the post-layout simulation, frequency tuning range and power dissipation range are 730 MHz to 2.81 GHz and from 1.32 mW to 4.62 mW respectively. The phase noise for this VCO is −97.35 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset. The technology used in this work was taken from the library of SCL 180 nm technology. This design exhibits excellent phase noise performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this manuscript, a novel semiconductor device termed an extended source F-type nano field effect transistor is proposed. The low bandgap material used at the source electrode is extended up to the drain electrode. At the drain electrode, extended material is confined by wide bandgap material to reduce the OFF-State current. For simulation, Schrodinger-Poisson equations are used to construct the Hamiltonian and non-equilibrium Green's function is used to evaluate the transport. For a thorough analysis, various materials are considered at source and drain electrodes. After investigation, the device is proposed with Si 0.45 Ge 0.55 at the source electrode and SiC as confining material. The proposed device resulted in I OFF = 3.6 × 10−14 A/μm and I ON = 8.27 × 10−4 A/μm. I DS -V GS characteristics are justified on basis of energy curve, transmission probability, and density of states at source and drain terminal. For the entire combination, device resulted in a subthreshold slope of approximately 60mV/dec. The proposed device can be used in the future to replace current field-effect transistors as it results in better characteristics than metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors and will have a much simpler fabrication process than tunnel field-effect transistors. • A novel semiconductor device termed an extended source F-type nano field effect transistor is proposed with Si 1-x Ge x –WBG heterostructure to improve the analog performance. • For simulation, Schrodinger-Poisson equations are used to construct the Hamiltonian and non-equilibrium green's function is used to evaluate the transport mechanism of the device. • To enrich the electrostatic control, a dual gate (both gates are common) configuration has been employed. • The proposed device can be used in the future to replace current field-effect transistors as it results in better characteristics than MOSFET and will have a much simpler fabrication process than TFET. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Two main challenges involved in heterogeneous catalytic CO 2 reduction are: (a) decreasing the consumption of H 2 to the minimum required level with possibly the maximum CO 2 conversion, and (b) concurrently enhancing the selectivity of the desired CO, at the cost of methane. Towards meeting these two challenges, Co 3 O 4 spinel has been identified as a potential catalyst and it exhibits predominant CO selectivity ≥ 673 K at atmospheric pressure. CO 2 conversion begins ≥ 523 K, with 100% CO selectivity observed ≥ 673 K with CO 2 :H 2 = 3:2. Current work shows a sustainable catalytic CO 2 conversion to 100% CO selectivity with Co 3 O 4 -Nanocube (NC). Critically, CO selectivity and yield is observed to increase at the cost of methane with smaller amount of H 2. 1:1 and 3:2 CO 2 :H 2 ratio exhibits 88–100% CO selectivity with 24–32.5% CO 2 conversion between 623 and 823 K. Irrespective of the input CO 2 :H 2 , ratio of CO 2 :H 2 uptake changes from around 1:3 at 523 K to 1:1–1.5 at 823 K with concurrent production of significant methane to predominant CO, respectively. Surface electronic state changes was explored by near ambient pressure photoelectron spectroscopy, and the results suggests that Co 3 O 4 is the active phase that promotes CO 2 reduction selectively to CO. Broadening observed with the vibrational feature of the CO 2 molecules at high temperature underscores the heterogeneous character of the catalyst surface, under operating conditions, due to changing electron density. By optimizing the gas hourly space velocity (GHSV), H 2 -lean CO 2 :H 2 ratio, and the reaction temperature/pressure, 100% CO selectivity could be broadened to a range of operating conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors discuss a study by M. Stewart and colleagues, published within the issue which presented a Good Laboratory Practice study on the safety and efficacy of overlapping lesions created by a pulsed field ablation (PFA) system at intracardiac locations in a porcine model. Topics discussed include one of the most promising features of PFA, ways PFA can be performed, and studies establishing the feasibility of using PFA for cardiac ablation.

We have studied transmission through surface disordered waveguides in general and a solid basis. Our results showed that desired transmission properties on a waveguide through the roughness of its boundaries can be obtained. This surface scattering approach predicted that how mode specific scattering lengths in waveguides depend on the details of system's surface roughness. It was shown that previously neglected square-gradient scattering mechanism and predicted that this new scattering mechanism has to be considered together with the conventional amplitude scattering mechanism. Square gradient scattering is related to higher order terms in the disorder strength it can be the major scattering mechanism in system with modest disorder. Surface scattering theory is for long range correlations, which seems to restrict its applicability to very long waveguides. We have extended this surface scattering theory to short, individual waveguides. We found that an observed shift of the amplitude scattering gap could be attributed to the nonvanishing disorder strength. We also found that short wave lengths can exhibit effects predicted for systems with long range correlations leading to drastic changes in their transmission properties. The obtained results were compared with previously obtained results of theoretical and experimental works and were found in good agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Stirling cycle was developed by Rallis considering the adiabatic behaviour instead of isothermal behaviour of working fluid inside the expansion/compression volume, since the isothermal processes are very difficult to be realised in actual practice due to irreversibilities. In order to increase the performance of Rallis Stirling cycle engine, two modified versions of Rallis Stirling cycle engine model have been proposed and developed, called as Rallis modified Stirling cycle engine (RMSE). In this paper, the thermodynamic analysis of the developed models have been carried out and the simulated results are compared with the Rallis ideal model of Stirling cycle engine, as this model describes more accurately the thermodynamic cycle of practical Stirling machines. The results reveal the fact that the thermal efficiency of RMSE I model is enhanced by 38.06% and that of RMSE II model by 48.42%, whereas the power output is increased by 58.05% and 78.19% in case of RMSE I and RMSE II model respectively, when compared with the Rallis ideal adiabatic model of Stirling engine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well accepted that dysbiosis of microbiota is associated with disease; however, the biological mechanisms that promote susceptibility or resilience to disease remain elusive. One of the major limitations of previous microbiome studies has been the lack of complementary metatranscriptomic (functional) data to complement the interpretation of metagenomics (bacterial abundance). The purpose of this study was twofold, first to evaluate the bacterial diversity and differential gene expression of gut microbiota using complementary shotgun metagenomics (MG) and metatranscriptomics (MT) from same fecal sample. Second, to compare sequence data using different Illumina platforms and with different sequencing parameters as new sequencers are introduced, and to determine if the data are comparable on different platforms. In this study, we perform ultradeep metatranscriptomic shotgun sequencing for a sample that we previously analyzed with metagenomics shotgun sequencing. We performed sequencing analysis using different Illumina platforms, with different sequencing and analysis parameters. Our results suggest that use of different Illumina platform did not lead to detectable bias in the sequencing data. The analysis of the sample using MG and MT approach shows that some species genes are highly represented in the MT than in the MG, indicating that some species are highly metabolically active. Our analysis also shows that ~52% of the genes in the metagenome are in the metatranscriptome and therefore are robustly expressed. The functions of the low and rare abundance bacterial species remain poorly understood. Our observations indicate that among the low abundant species analyzed in this study some were found to be more metabolically active compared to others, and can contribute distinct profiles of biological functions that may modulate the host-microbiota and bacteria-bacteria interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Esterases are an important group of biocatalysts for synthetic organic chemistry. Functional metagenomics allows discovery of novel biocatalysts by providing access to the gene pool of the microbial community of a habitat. Two metagenomic libraries representing the gene pool of sea sediment and hot spring microbial mat were constructed. Functional screening of these libraries resulted in the isolation of total 8 clones with tributyrin hydrolytic activity. Sequence analysis revealed 10 putative lipolytic proteins with 42–99% homology to the protein sequences in the databases, nine of which represented six known esterase families. Four of the encoded proteins represented Family V and amongst others, one each represented the Family VIII, pectin acetylesterase, enterobactin esterase, G-D-S-L family and OsmC domain containing esterase. One unusual lipolytic protein possessed poly-(3-hydroxybutyrate) depolymerase domain fused to lipase/esterase domain. Two phylogenetically related esterases (MLC3 and SLC5) belonging to family V were expressed and purified to homogeneity. The enzymes exhibited environment-adapted temperature optimum and thermostability. MLC3 was able to stereoselectively hydrolyze R-methyl mandelate to produce R-mandelic acid, an important chiral building block, which suggests MLC3 has potential commercial application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Steady state analysis of GeSn alloy based single quantum well mid-infrared transistor lasers (TL) is reported in this paper. A theoretical model for the device is developed by considering the active Ge 0.85 Sn 0.15 well in the base of the transistor. The Model includes the effect of strain on the material gain and free carrier absorption in the active layer and optical confinement factor in various layers of the device. Laser rate equation and continuity equation for bulk minority carrier with 2-D carrier distribution in the active layer are solved to obtain the threshold base current density and other steady-state parameters of the device like photon density, current gain, etc. Results show that Sn composition in the active GeSn layer and some device parameters play important roles in the performance of the device. An estimated threshold base current density of 2.6 kA/cm 2 with the current gain of 2722 is obtained for a particular composition of Sn into SiGeSn/GeSn alloy in the base. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: Coinheritance of δβ thalassemia and HPFH with inherited factors is sparsely documented and may affect treatment modalities. So, we screened the presence of α deletion and β mutations in δβ thalassemia and HPFH disorders in 52 cases with high Hb F concentration. Material and methods: Fifty-two individuals with raised HbF levels were study subjects. CZE was done for quantitative assessment of hemoglobin variants. Asian Indian inversion deletion break point type A, B and HPFH-3 were done by GAP-PCR. Results: 18/52 cases of δβ Gγ (Aγδβ)0 thalassemia and 28/52 cases of HPFH-3 deletion were characterized. 6/52 patients with raised HbF levels were negative for δβ Gγ (Aγδβ)0 and HPFH-3 deletion. 9/18 (50%) were heterozygous for Gγ(Aγδβ)0 break point type A, 6/18 (33%) were heterozygous for break point type B and 3/18 (17%) were homozygous. Of the nine patients heterozygous for Gγ(Aγδβ)0 break point type A, three (33%) patients were double heterozygous with alpha 3.7 kb deletion and two (22%) patients showed compound heterozygosity with IVS 1-5(G-C) mutation. 4/9 (45%) patients were Gγ(Aγδβ)0 heterozygous. Discussion and conclusion: We found 5/18(27.β) δβ-thalassemia cases with co-inherited alpha 3.7 deletion and 3/18 (16β) cases with IVS 1-5(G-C) mutation. Patients showed features of thalassemia intermedia phenotype among which those with co-inherited IVS 1-5(G-C) mutation showed severe phenotype as compared to those with co-inherited alpha 3.7 deletion. So, we highlight importance of genotyping of patients with δβ thalassemia or HPFH and coinheritance with inherited factors which plays crucial role in clinicopathological profile and setting up prenatal diagnostic protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels play significant role in lowering down the morbidity and mortality in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients. Coinheritance of heme oxygenase-1 (HMOX1) rs2071746:A > T polymorphism may contribute to variable HbF levels in Indian SCD patients. Objective This study was aimed to evaluate the role of HMOX1 polymorphism and its impact on HbF level in Indian SCD patients. Materials and Methods One-hundred twenty confirmed cases of SCD and 50 healthy controls were recruited. Their mean age was 11.5 ± 8.6 years (range: 3–23 years). Quantification of Hb, HbA2, HbF, and HbS was done by capillary zone electrophoresis. Allele-specific polymerase chain reaction was used to genotype HMOX1 (rs2071746:A > T) gene polymorphism. Results Out of the 120 cases of SCD, 65 were hemoglobin sickle-shaped (HbSS) and 55 were sickle-beta thalassemia (Sβ). Out of 65 HbSS patients, 29 (44.6%) were heterozygous (AT), 20 (30.76%) were homozygous (TT), and 16 (24.61%) were found wild-type (AA) genotype. Out of 55 Sβ, 22 (40%) were heterozygous, 18 (32%) were homozygous and 15 (28%) were wild-type. Patients carrying HMOX1 (rs2071746:A > T), AT, and TT genotypes had less anemia, painful crisis, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, jaundice, and blood transfusion. HbF level was found higher in TT genotype (in HbSS the HbF levels was 25.1 ± 4.4; in sickle-beta thalassemia the HbF levels was 36.1 ± 4.7) than wild-type(AA) and was statistically significant (p -value <0.001). Conclusion The TT genotype of the rs2071746:A > T polymorphism was associated with increased levels of Hb F (p < 0.001). It can serve as a HbF modifier in Indian sickle cell diseases patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is done under general anesthesia (GA) in most of the centers. However, associated complications and cost are higher for GA than for regional anesthesia. Aim: The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of GA versus subarachnoid block (SAB) with regard to intraoperative blood loss and postoperative drop in hemoglobin (Hb) in patients undergoing PCNL. Setting and Design: This prospective, randomized, comparative clinical trial was carried out at a tertiary care hospital. After obtaining the institute ethical committee clearance (vide no 57/15), patients were randomly allocated into two groups using table of randomization (n = 30 each), Group A – GA, Group B – SAB. Materials and Methods: Intraoperative blood loss was assessed by measuring the Hb of irrigated fluid and postoperative drop in Hb concentration. Other parameters such as intraoperative mean arterial pressure and heart rate were also compared in these groups. Statistical Analysis: The results are presented in frequencies, percentages, and mean ± standard deviation. The Chi-square test was used to compare the categorical variables between the groups. Unpaired t-test was used to compare the continuous variables between the groups. Results: Hemodynamic parameters were similar in both the groups preoperatively. The Hb drop was significant in Group A (1.28 ± 0.35 g.dl−1) as compared to Group B (1.10 ± 0.67 g.dl−1). On calculating Hb in irrigated fluid-blood mixture, it was found to be significantly higher in Group A (1.87 ± 0.44 g.L−1) as compared to Group B (1.25 ± 0.25 g.L−1). Conclusions: Both GA and SAB are effective and safe in PCNL. However, SAB is associated with less blood loss as estimated by intraoperative blood loss and Hb drop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, axisymmetric compression tests were carried out on 304LN stainless steel at temperatures of 900 ℃, 1000 ℃ and 1100 ℃ at strain rates of 0.01 s −1 , 0.1 s −1 and 1 s −1 . Electron back scatter diffraction (EBSD) technique was used to characterize the microstructure, qualitatively as well as quantitatively. The resultant microstructures were a mixture of both elongated deformed and equi-axed recrystallized grains for samples deformed at 900 ℃. For samples deformed at 1000 ℃ and 1100 ℃, the microstructures are almost fully recrystallized with a high fraction of Σ3 twin boundaries. Partitioning of these microstructures, based on grain orientation spread (GOS) approach, was done to separate the deformed grains and the recrystallized grains. The obtained recrystallization fraction was used to estimate the flow stress value between the peak stress and the steady state stress. A good agreement between the predicted and the experimental flow stress value was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are major signal recognition and transmission units in the plasma membrane. The interaction of activated and phosphorylated GPCRs with the multifunctional adaptor proteins β-arrestins (βarrs) is crucial for regulation of their signaling and functional outcomes. Over the past few years, a range of structural, biochemical, and cellular studies have revealed novel insights into GPCR–βarr interaction and signaling. Some of these findings have come as a surprise and therefore have the potential to significantly refine the conceptual framework of the GPCR–βarr system. Here we discuss these recent advances with particular emphasis on biphasic GPCR–βarr interaction, the formation of GPCR–G-protein–βarr supercomplexes, and receptor-specific conformational signatures in βarrs. We also underline the emerging research areas that are likely to be at the center stage of investigations in the coming years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harnessing of Morita-Baylis-Hillman (MBH) carbonates of acetylenic aldehydes as handy synthons has allowed a facile synthesis of azaspirocyclohexadienones by sequential DABCO-promoted sulfonamidation/ICl-mediated ipso-iodocyclization reactions. A variety of MBH-carbonates having aryl or heteroaryl groups on the alkyne functionality fruitfully participated in the one-pot ipso-annulation reaction to provide the corresponding 3-iodo spirocyclohexadienones. The sulphonamide functionality was further utilized to construct the tricyclic fused-sultam framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AF Susceptibility in TGF-β1 Transgenic Goats Introduction Large animal models of progressive atrial fibrosis would provide an attractive platform to study relationship between structural and electrical remodeling in atrial fibrillation (AF). Here we established a new transgenic goat model of AF with cardiac specific overexpression of TGF-β1 and investigated the changes in the cardiac structure and function leading to AF. Methods and Results Transgenic goats with cardiac specific overexpression of constitutively active TGF-β1 were generated by somatic cell nuclear transfer. We examined myocardial tissue, ECGs, echocardiographic data, and AF susceptibility in transgenic and wild-type control goats. Transgenic goats exhibited significant increase in fibrosis and myocyte diameters in the atria compared to controls, but not in the ventricles. P-wave duration was significantly greater in transgenic animals starting at 12 months of age, but no significant chamber enlargement was detected, suggesting conduction slowing in the atria. Furthermore, this transgenic goat model exhibited a significant increase in AF vulnerability. Six of 8 transgenic goats (75%) were susceptible to AF induction and exhibited sustained AF (>2 minutes), whereas none of 6 controls displayed sustained AF (P < 0.01). Length of induced AF episodes was also significantly greater in the transgenic group compared to controls (687 ± 212.02 seconds vs. 2.50 ± 0.88 seconds, P < 0.0001), but no persistent or permanent AF was observed. Conclusion A novel transgenic goat model with a substrate for AF was generated. In this model, cardiac overexpression of TGF-β1 led to an increase in fibrosis and myocyte size in the atria, and to progressive P-wave prolongation. We suggest that these factors underlie increased AF susceptibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theoretical models suggest that competitive coexistence of consumers over shared resources can occur only under very restrictive conditions. Yet, in apparent defiance of the competitive exclusion principle, large numbers of species form natural communities while sharing a small number of limiting resources. Consumers not only coexist, but also show positive facilitative interactions among themselves. Since body size and functional responses may play important roles in these interactions, we investigate their joint effects on two consumers over a single resource. We find that two consumers with unimodal Type IV functional response can facilitate each other by increasing each other’s intake rates. But, this facilitation does not necessarily impact their co-existence. When the consumers differ in their body sizes, the larger consumer receives greater absolute benefits, and the smaller consumer gains more relative benefits. These results are consistent with empirical observations, and do not require any additional assumptions over the parameters governing dynamics of resources to explain net positive interactions between consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human microbiome has emerged as a major player in regulating human health and disease. Translational studies of the microbiome have the potential to indicate clinical applications such as fecal transplants and probiotics. However, one major issue is accurate identification of microbes constituting the microbiota. Studies of the microbiome have frequently utilized sequencing of the conserved 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene. We present a comparative study of an alternative approach using whole genome shotgun sequencing (WGS). In the present study, we analyzed the human fecal microbiome compiling a total of 194.1 × 10 6 reads from a single sample using multiple sequencing methods and platforms. Specifically, after establishing the reproducibility of our methods with extensive multiplexing, we compared: 1) The 16S rRNA amplicon versus the WGS method, 2) the Illumina HiSeq versus MiSeq platforms, 3) the analysis of reads versus de novo assembled contigs, and 4) the effect of shorter versus longer reads. Our study demonstrates that whole genome shotgun sequencing has multiple advantages compared with the 16S amplicon method including enhanced detection of bacterial species, increased detection of diversity and increased prediction of genes. In addition, increased length, either due to longer reads or the assembly of contigs, improved the accuracy of species detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Resource distributions determine the trait structure of competitive communities. • Wider resource distributions allow more species to coexist. • The shape of the distribution determines trait patterns of the coexisting species. • Abundance of species is determined by the underlying resource distribution. • Competition acts to maximize resource use efficiency. Competition is a pervasive interaction known to structure ecological communities. The Lotka-Volterra (LV) model has been foundational for our understanding of competition, and trait-based LV models have been used to model community assembly and eco-evolutionary phenomena like diversification. The intrinsic growth rate function is determined by the underlying resource distribution and is a key determinant of the resulting diversity, traits and abundances of species. In these models, the width of the resource distribution relative to the width of the competition kernel has been identified as a key parameter that leads to diversification. However, studies have only investigated the impact of width at just a few discrete values, while also often assuming the intrinsic growth rate function to be unimodal. Thus, the impact of the underlying resource distribution's width and shape together remains incompletely explored, particularly for large, diverse communities. In this study, we vary its width continuously for two shapes (unimodal and bimodal) to explore its impact on community structure. When the resource distribution is very narrow in both the unimodal bimodal cases, competition is strong, leading to exclusion of all but the best-adapted species. Wider resource distributions allow stable coexistence, where the traits of the species depend on the shape of the resource distribution. Extremely wide resource distributions support a diverse community, where the strength of competition ultimately determines the diversity and traits of coexisting species, but their abundances reflect the underlying resource distribution. Further, competition acts to maximize the use of available resources among the competing species. For large communities, the shape of resource distribution becomes immaterial and the width determines the diversity. These results affirm and extend our understanding of limiting similarity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kappa opioid receptor (κ-OR) agonists are promising therapeutic candidates for pain and itch; however, they also exhibit the adverse effects of sedation and dysphoria. A recent study has demonstrated that a G protein-biased agonist for κ-OR provides effective pain and itch relief without causing sedation or dysphoria, in animal models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of different lineage specific transcription factors in directing hematopoietic cell fate towards myeloid lineage is well established but the status of epigenetic modifications has not been defined during this important developmental process. We used non proliferating, PU.1 inducible myeloid progenitor cells and differentiating bone marrow derived macrophages to study the PU.1 dependent KLF4 transcriptional regulation and its promoter demethylation during monocyte/macrophage differentiation. Expression of KLF4 was regulated by active demethylation of its promoter and PU.1 specifically bound to KLF4 promoter oligo harboring the PU.1 consensus sequence. Methylation specific quantitative PCR and Bisulfite sequencing indicated demethylation of CpG residues most proximal to the transcription start site of KLF4 promoter. Cloned KLF4 promoter in pGL3 Luciferase and CpG free pcpgf-bas vectors showed accentuated reporter activity when co-transfected with the PU.1 expression vector. In vitro methylation of both KLF4 promoter oligo and cloned KLF4 promoter vectors showed attenuated in vitro DNA binding activity and Luciferase/mouse Alkaline phosphotase reporter activity indicating the negative influence of KLF4 promoter methylation on PU.1 binding. The Cytosine deaminase, Activation Induced Cytidine Deaminase (AICDA) was found to be critical for KLF4 promoter demethylation. More importantly, knock down of AICDA resulted in blockade of KLF4 promoter demethylation, decreased F4/80 expression and other phenotypic characters of macrophage differentiation. Our data proves that AICDA mediated active demethylation of the KLF4 promoter is necessary for transcriptional regulation of KLF4 by PU.1 during monocyte/macrophage differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structural remodeling in chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) occurs over weeks to months. To study the electrophysiological, structural, and functional changes that occur in chronic AF, the selection of the best animal model is critical. AF was induced by rapid atrial pacing (50-Hz stimulation every other second) in pigs (n = 4), dogs (n = 8), and goats (n = 9). Animals underwent MRIs at baseline and 6 mo to evaluate left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF). Dogs were given metoprolol (50-100 mg po bid) and digoxin (0.0625- 0.125 mg po bid) to limit the ventricular response rate to 180 beats/min and to mitigate the effects of heart failure. The pacing leads in pigs became entirely encapsulated and lost the ability to excite the heart, often before the onset of sustained AF. LV EF in dogs dropped from 54 ± 11% at baseline to 33 ± 7% at 6 mo (P < 0.05), whereas LV EF in goats did not drop significantly (69 ± 8% at baseline vs. 60 ± 9% at 6 mo, P = not significant). After 6 mo of AF, fibrosis levels in dog atria and ventricles increased, whereas only atrial fibrosis levels increased in goats compared with control animals. In our experience, the pig model is not appropriate for chronic rapid atrial pacing-induced AF studies. Rate-controlled chronic AF in the dog model developed HF and LV fibrosis, whereas the goat model developed only atrial fibrosis without ventricular dysfunction and fibrosis. Both the dog and goat models are representative of segments of the patient population with chronic AF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Metagenomics provides culture-independent access to gene pool of the whole microbial communities. To identify genes responsible for salt tolerance in unculturable bacteria, Escherichia coli clones were enriched with an ability to grow at inhibitory NaCl concentrations (750mM) from a pond water metagenomic library. From two unique clones, genes encoding for proteins with similarity to a putative general stress protein (GspM) harbouring GsiB domain and a putative enoyl-CoA hydratase (EchM) were identified to be responsible for salt tolerance. The gspM was expressed by its native promoter whereas the echM was expressed from the lacZ promoter of the plasmid. EchM was overexpressed with a hexahistidyl tag. Purified EchM showed crotonyl-CoA hydratase activity. These genes have potential application in generating salt tolerant recombinant bacteria or transgenic plants. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Introduction: Several prothrombotic factors – both hereditary and acquired – are known to cause stroke. Commonly investigated causes are activated protein C resistance, factor V Leiden mutation, factor VIII levels, prothrombin 20210 G-to-A mutation, coagulation inhibitors such as proteins C and S, and antiphospholipid antibodies such as β2-glycoprotein. Objective: The literature on the prevalence of hematological defects pertaining to these variables in the Asian Indian stroke population is limited to a few isolated reports. In the current study we investigate the above-mentioned variables in 120 stroke patients (non-cardioembolic acute-onset stroke) and compare their status with the hematological profile of an equal number of healthy age- and sex-matched controls. Material and Methods: Plasma and blood leukocytes were collected from all patients and controls for performing hematological assays and molecular tests respectively. The mutations were detected using standard polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR/RFLP) procedures. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 12.0. Results: Factor V Leiden (prevalence 8.3% in patients) and activated protein C resistance (prevalence 19.6% in patients) both showed a high degree of association (P <0.01) with the disease condition. However, contrary to common expectations, factor V Leiden was observed much less frequently in patients showing activated protein C resistance (10 out of 23; 43.4%) than is commonly observed in the Caucasian population (almost 90%). Post-acute-phase factor VIII levels were also found to be significantly associated with stroke: 125.6+21.1% number of profitable positions (NPP) for controls and 136.2+28.8% NPP for patients (P =0.001). Conclusion: factor V mutations, such as factor V Leiden, may be important risk factors for stroke in an Asian Indian population. Activated protein C resistance has a stronger association with stroke than factor V Leiden and may be caused by other factors such as elevated factor VIII levels in the Asian Indian population apart from factor V Leiden itself. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The majority of bacteria elude culture in the laboratory. A metagenomic approach provides culture-independent access to the gene pool of the whole bacterial community. A metagenomic library was constructed from an industrial effluent treatment plant sludge containing about 1.25 Gb of microbial community DNA. Two arsenic-resistant clones were selected from the metagenomic library. Clones MT3 and MT6 had eight- and 18-fold higher resistance to sodium arsenate in comparison with the parent strain, respectively. The clones also showed increased resistance to arsenite but not to antimony. Sequence analysis of the clones revealed genes encoding for putative arsenate reductases and arsenite efflux pumps. A novel arsenate resistance gene ( arsN) encoding a protein with similarity to acetyltransferases was identified from clone MT6. ArsN homologues were found to be closely associated with arsenic resistance genes in many bacterial genomes. ArsN homologues were found fused to putative arsenate reductases in Methylibium petroleiphilum PM1 and Anaeromyxobacter dehalogenans 2CP-C and with a putative arsenite chaperone in Burkholderia vietnamiensis G4. ArsN alone resulted in an approximately sixfold higher resistance to sodium arsenate in wild-type Escherichia coli W3110. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Thrombin Activatable Fibrinolytic Inhibitor (TAFI) is a plasma protein, which inhibits fibrinolysis by removing carboxyterminal lysine residues from partially degraded fibrin thereby decreasing plasminogen binding on its surface. In this study we have investigated the antigenic level variability (Inter and Intraindividual) of Thrombin Activatable Fibrinolysis Inhibitor in 120 healthy Asian Indians since no data on this is available regarding this population. TAFI antigen levels did not show a normal distribution in our population (p <0.001). Median TAFI antigen levels were found to be 11.683 µg/ml. It ranged from 33.9–202.5%of normal pool plasma (3.9–23.5 µg/ml). TAFI antigenic level showed high level of variability in the Indian population (coefficient of variation: 37.4%). TAFI antigenic levels were stable intraindividually (p =0.218). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Hemophilia A is a common hereditary bleeding disorder caused mainly by mutations in the Factor VIII (FVIII) gene, which results in defective or absent FVIII protein. Most of the causative mutations arise from the germ cells, which leads to either heterozygous or hemizygous state for the mutation in the next generation. Germline or somatic mosaic may result due to a de novo mutation during early embryogenesis. Method: We analyzed 14 families of Indian origin with Hemophilia A [sporadic and severe] for the presence of mosaic individuals by employing Allele Specific PCR, mutation enrichment experiment and sequencing. Result: Nine families had point mutations, 3 families had small deletions or insertions, 2 families had splice site mutations. The origin of the de novo mutation was assigned to the patients'' mother in 8 families. For 4 families it was assigned to the maternal grandmother and to the maternal grandfather in 2 families. In a single family somatic mosaic was detected. Conclusion: The presence of somatic mosaic in families with sporadic Hemophilia A in India may confound risk estimation during genetic counseling. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Metagenomic libraries give access to gene pool of bacteria present in environmental samples avoiding the culture bias. A metagenomic library of pond water microbial assemblage in plasmid vector containing about 532Mb of community DNA was prepared. Screening of a part of the unamplified library resulted in isolation of 11 unique lipolytic clones with an ability to hydrolyze tributyrin. DNA sequence of the lipolytic genes varied in G+C composition from 57% to 75%. Twelve lipolytic genes encoding proteins with 25–70% amino acid identity with proteins in the databases were identified. Ten of the encoded proteins belonged to seven known lipolytic protein families. One of the proteins was similar to recently identified esterase BioH. A lipolytic protein with high similarity to yet uncharacterized α/β hydrolase protein family abh_upf0017 was identified from one of the clones. Conserved motif for lipolytic enzymes GXSXG, conserved aspartic and histidine residues were identified in this encoded protein. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]