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Researchers highlight the field of nanosized semiconducting oxide gas sensors because of threats to the atmosphere and health of humans. In this work, Zn-doped SnO2–TiO2 ternary nanocomposites were synthesized via the method of co-precipitation and hydrothermal method. Stannic chloride, titanium isopropoxide and zinc nitrate were used as precursors. Ternary nanocomposites with different composition of ZnO-doped SnO2–TiO2 were obtained and named as STZ1, STZ2 and STZ3. The characterization studies of ternary nanocomposites were determined by X-ray diffractogram, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy and UV-diffused reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS) analyses. To construct sensing devices, STZ1, STZ2 and STZ3 were coated on glass substrate as a thick film via doctor blade method. The STZ2 fabricated sensor shows the best selectivity to formaldehyde and attains maximum sensitivity at 100 ppm of gas concentration and at 10 ppm response time and recovery time was 8 s and 9 s, respectively, at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cloud Computing (CC) and Internet of Things (IoT) are upgrowing human intervention to enhance the daily lifestyle. Currently, the heavy loaded traffic congestion is a very big challenge over IoT-based applications. For that purpose, the researchers approached various ways to overcome the congestion mechanism in recent years. Even though, they have futile to acheive the best resource storage accessing capacity expectation other than, Cloud Computing. Data sharing is a key impediment of Cloud Computing as well as Internet of Things. These are the constituent that give rise to the combination of the IoT and cloud computing paradigm as IoT Cloud. Though, preserving the missed data during the execution time is a key factor to indulge the Retrial Queueing Theory (RQT), who is facing issue upon accessing Cloud Service Provider (CSP) enter into virtual pool to preserve the data for reuse. The paper imposes Markov Fluid analysis with Matrix Analytic Method (MAM) allows the data as continuous length of data rather than individual data to avoid the congestion. The virtual orbit queue follow constant retrial rate discipline, that is, head of the orbital users makes attempt to occupy the server are assumed to be independent and identically distributed (i.i.d). Steady-state expression presented to study the behaviour of congestion. An illustrative analysis is produced to gain deep perception into the system model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One type of wireless network, Wireless Ad hoc NETwork (WANET), is arranged in a disaster zone with the objective of acquiring patients' data and enhancing medical prerequisites. WANETs are poised for various compact nodes dispersed in the disaster zone. The nodes in WANETs are competent enough in sending the collected medical data and storing in Cloud instead of in a single server. The limited bandwidth with less concentric secured storage and retrieval of huge medical data necessitates secured and data storage in Cloud to maintain the service quality of WANETs. To address this issue, we propose an optimization-based medical data compression and encryption technique, which ensures data security and high performance data retrieval in Cloud via WANET. We propose a Walsh and Scalar Quantized Singular Value Decomposition technique to deliver the compressed medical data that maximize the lifetime of WANETs. Next, Miyaguchi Preneel Encryption Standards are utilized and applied to the compressed medical data that not only improve the security aspect but also ensure high performance data retrieval by a single key for both encryption and decryption. The utility of the proposed method is exhibited with simulation results. The results show that the proposed method efficiently secures the medical data by extending network lifetime and data retrieval. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The largest continental shelf Oxygen Minimum Zone (OMZ) in the world is formed along the Indian western shelf in the eastern Arabian Sea during the Southwest Monsoon [(SWM); June–September], which is a natural pollution event associated with the coastal upwelling. This study examines the composition, abundance, and distribution of copepods during the Northeast Monsoon [(NEM); November to February] and SWM in 50 m depth zones along the Indian western shelf in the eastern Arabian Sea. The NEM was characterised by warm, stratified, and low-salinity waters in the southeast Arabian Sea and cold, high-salinity, and well-mixed waters in the northeastern Arabian Sea. During the SWM, cold and Dissolved Oxygen (DO) deficient waters (<22 μM/0.5 ml L−1), which are the signs of coastal upwelling, were evident all along the study zone, but with more intensity off Kochi, Mangalore, and Goa in the south than off Mumbai and Okha in the north. The zooplankton total biomass and abundance showed seasonality with a general decrease during the SWM (av. 3.68 ± 1.29 ml m−3 and av. 5711 ± 3096 Ind. m−3, respectively) compared to the NEM (av. 7.37 ± 2.17 ml m−3 and av. 14,473 ± 4966 Ind. m−3, respectively). At the same time, the abundance of Polychaeta and Siphonophora showed an increase during the SWM (av. 1187 ± 1055 Ind. m−3 and av. 169 ± 119 Ind. m−3, respectively), probably a result of the DO deficient waters associated with upwelling. Two striking seasonal features in Copepoda community were evident in this study: (a) a compositional shift from Cyclopoida dominant during the NEM to Calanoida dominant during the SWM, and (b) the coastal OMZ along the Indian western shelf during the SWM was dominated by Calanoida, which include oceanic OMZ species such as Pleuromamma indica , Lucicutia flavicornis , L.paraclausii , Eucalanus elongatus , Subeucalanus pileatus , S.subcrassus , and Clausocalanus furcatus. This forms a clear imprint for the extension of the oceanic OMZ into nearshore waters during the SWM due to coastal upwelling. • Considered Copepoda as an indicator of coastal hypoxia along the Indian western shelf. • A compositional shift of Copepoda was evident during different seasons. • Many Copepoda of oceanic OMZ were found in the coastal hypoxic zones. • The study shows the biological continuity of the coastal and oceanic OMZ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fishery and stock assessment of the portunid crab Charybdis natator were studied for a one-year period along the Gulf of Mannar coast, India, mainly to assess these conditions along this stretch of coast. The primary aim of the study was to approach some precautionary measures that can be suggested for sustainable exploitation of the resource. For a rational exploitation of the crab resources in India, the present status of the stock should be known. The carapace width (CW) of C. natator ranged from 2.4 to 12.8 cm for males and 5.1 to 11.82 cm for females. The highest estimated total catch of C. natator was recorded from June to October. The male part of the population of this species was recorded more abundant than the female part along the Gulf of Mannar coast. The total stock, annual stock, annual catch, and exploitation rate for C. natator were, for males, 886.09 tonnes (t), 322.81 t, 51.65 t, and 0.058, and for females, 1923.92 t, 606.80 t, 30.34 t, and 0.016, respectively. The recruitment of C. natator was recorded throughout the year, with a peak in October and in May for males, and in September for females. The difference between the annual catch and Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) of C. natator was determined for males as 406.74 tonnes and for females 910.20 t. From this study, it could be concluded that a very low fishing pressure was imposed on C. natator , and that thus the resources of this species were underexploited at the Gulf of Mannar coast. Consequently, the present exploitation was less than the calculated MSY and the present effort could be increased for this underexploited resource along this stretch of coast. So it is suggested to increase the present level of effort by employing gill nets and crab pots along the coast of the Gulf of Mannar. Résumé: Les pêcheries et l'évaluation des stocks du crabe portunidé Charybdis natator ont été étudiées sur une période d'un an le long des côtes du golfe de Mannar, Inde, essentiellement pour aborder les mesures de précaution qui pourraient permettre une exploitation durable des ressources. Pour une exploitation raisonnée des ressources du crabe en Inde, le statut actuel du stock doit être connu. La longueur de la carapace (CW) s'échelonne de 2,4 à 12,8 cm pour les mâles et 5,1 à 11,8 cm pour les femelles. Les plus fortes prises de C. natator ont été enregistrées de juin à octobre. Les mâles sont plus abondants que les femelles le long de la côte du golfe de Mannar. Le stock total, le stock annuel, les prises annuelles et le taux d'exploitation pour C. natator ont été respectivement, pour les mâles de 886,09 tonnes (t), 322,81 t, 51,65 t, et 0,058, et pour les femelles, 1923,92 t, 606,80 t, 30,34 t, and 0,016. Le recrutement de C. natator a été mesuré au cours de l'année, avec un pic en octobre et mai pour les mâles et en septembre pour les femelles. La différence entre les prises annuelles et le Rendement Maximal Durable (MSY) de C. natator a été déterminée pour les mâles à 406,74 t et pour les femelles à 910,20 t. A partir de cette étude, on peut conclure qu'une pression de pêche très basse a été imposée sur C. natator , et donc que les ressources de cette espèce ont été sous-exploitées sur les côtes du golfe de Mannar. En conséquence, l'exploitation actuelle est moindre que le MSY calculé et l'effort actuel pourrait être augmenté pour cette ressource sous-exploitée le long de cette côte. Il est donc suggéré d'augmenter le niveau d'effort actuel en employant des filets maillants et des nasses le long des côtes du golfe de Mannar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fishery and stock assessment of the portunid crab Charybdis natator were studied for a one-year period along the Gulf of Mannar coast, India, mainly to assess these conditions along this stretch of coast. The primary aim of the study was to approach some precautionary measures that can be suggested for sustainable exploitation of the resource. For a rational exploitation of the crab resources in India, the present status of the stock should be known. The carapace width (CW) of C. natator ranged from 2.4 to 12.8 cm for males and 5.1 to 11.82 cm for females. The highest estimated total catch of C. natator was recorded from June to October. The male part of the population of this species was recorded more abundant than the female part along the Gulf of Mannar coast. The total stock, annual stock, annual catch, and exploitation rate for C. natator were, for males, 886.09 tonnes (t), 322.81 t, 51.65 t, and 0.058, and for females, 1923.92 t, 606.80 t, 30.34 t, and 0.016, respectively. The recruitment of C. natator was recorded throughout the year, with a peak in October and in May for males, and in September for females. The difference between the annual catch and Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) of C. natator was determined for males as 406.74 tonnes and for females 910.20 t. From this study, it could be concluded that a very low fishing pressure was imposed on C. natator , and that thus the resources of this species were underexploited at the Gulf of Mannar coast. Consequently, the present exploitation was less than the calculated MSY and the present effort could be increased for this underexploited resource along this stretch of coast. So it is suggested to increase the present level of effort by employing gill nets and crab pots along the coast of the Gulf of Mannar. Résumé: Les pêcheries et l'évaluation des stocks du crabe portunidé Charybdis natator ont été étudiées sur une période d'un an le long des côtes du golfe de Mannar, Inde, essentiellement pour aborder les mesures de précaution qui pourraient permettre une exploitation durable des ressources. Pour une exploitation raisonnée des ressources du crabe en Inde, le statut actuel du stock doit être connu. La longueur de la carapace (CW) s'échelonne de 2,4 à 12,8 cm pour les mâles et 5,1 à 11,8 cm pour les femelles. Les plus fortes prises de C. natator ont été enregistrées de juin à octobre. Les mâles sont plus abondants que les femelles le long de la côte du golfe de Mannar. Le stock total, le stock annuel, les prises annuelles et le taux d'exploitation pour C. natator ont été respectivement, pour les mâles de 886,09 tonnes (t), 322,81 t, 51,65 t, et 0,058, et pour les femelles, 1923,92 t, 606,80 t, 30,34 t, and 0,016. Le recrutement de C. natator a été mesuré au cours de l'année, avec un pic en octobre et mai pour les mâles et en septembre pour les femelles. La différence entre les prises annuelles et le Rendement Maximal Durable (MSY) de C. natator a été déterminée pour les mâles à 406,74 t et pour les femelles à 910,20 t. A partir de cette étude, on peut conclure qu'une pression de pêche très basse a été imposée sur C. natator , et donc que les ressources de cette espèce ont été sous-exploitées sur les côtes du golfe de Mannar. En conséquence, l'exploitation actuelle est moindre que le MSY calculé et l'effort actuel pourrait être augmenté pour cette ressource sous-exploitée le long de cette côte. Il est donc suggéré d'augmenter le niveau d'effort actuel en employant des filets maillants et des nasses le long des côtes du golfe de Mannar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present a different process for the optimal solution to mixed constraints transportation problem with imprecise coefficients without changing to its crisp equivalent form which is very distinct from other existing methods. Here, all the variables are considered to be triangular fuzzy numbers. Utilizing a parametric form of triangular fuzzy numbers such as left fuzziness index, right fuzziness index, modal value and by using proposed algorithm, we obtained the initial basic fuzzy feasible solution to the problem without changing to its crisp equivalent form. To obtain the solution, we use fuzzy ranking dependent on left and right spreads at some S-level of fuzzy numbers and fuzzy arithmetic dependent on both location index function and fuzziness index function. We further discuss the more for less solution by obtaining shadow prices to the problem. The more for less situation occurs when we raise the supplies, and demand quantities may cause to reduce the optimal transportation cost. The more for less paradox is very useful to a manager in dynamic, for example expanding an item house loading level or plant age breaking point and publicizing attempts to build request at explicit markets. A numerical example is solved to show the adequacy of the proposed algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enolase is one of the key glycolytic metalloenzyme in many organisms, and it is a potential therapeutic target including trypanosomatids. Sequence and structural analysis of enolase of Trypanosoma bruzi (TbENO), Trypanosoma cruzi (TcENO) and Leishmania donovani (LdENO) revealed conserved sequence pattern and structural features. Hence identification of an inhibitor against enolase of one trypanosomatid organism may have similar effects on enolase of homologous organisms belonging to same family. In the process to identify potent inhibitor compounds against TbENO by in silico methods, compounds containing the substructures of substrate, i.e. phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) and the well-known inhibitors, fluoro-2-phosphono-acetohydroxamate (FPAH) and phosphono-acetohydroxamate (PAH), were collected. Virtual screening and induced fit docking studies were carried out to explore compounds that have better binding affinity than PEP and FPAH. PPPi was found to be the top hit exhibiting significant binding affinity towards enolase. Glide energy values of two other compounds represented by PubChem ID: 511392 and 101803456 was in good agreement with PEP and PAH. TbENO-PPPi complex was subjected to molecular orbital analysis and molecular dynamic studies by considering its remarkable binding affinity as it could be a potent inhibitor of enolase. Despite being an endogenous compound, based on the results of this study, we highlight PPPi to be a lead compound, and its structure can be treated as a model for further chemical modifications to obtain more potent antagonists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cyclinD1 is an emerging potent therapeutic drug target in the treatment of ovarian cancer. CyclinD1, Cdks phosphorylation regulates cell cycle and controls transcription. For this reason, CyclinD1 have been subject to extensive cell cycle- related research, and consequently various therapeutic inhibitor drugs have been developed to these protein targets. In the present study we identified that the expression levels of Bcl-2, Bax, caspase 8, 9 and cyclinD1 using Q-PCR method in SKOV3 cell lines treated with Isochamanetin. The viability and migratory inhibition ability also studied to know the mode of cell death. Further the expression levels of Bcl-2, caspase8,9, Cytochrome C and CyclinD1 were significantly down regulated in SKOV3 cancer cells treated with isochamanetin, a specific binding molecule to CyclinD1. The therapeutic molecules found by a high through put insilicoscreen of this pocket exhibit cytostatic nature and reduce protein levels of cell cycle. The novel structural site on CyclinD1, which is well conserved and inhibits the SKOV3 cells from G0-G1 to S phase cell cycle progression. The current result suggests that isochamanetin serves as potent binding agent to the cyclinD1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review is aimed at equipping the reader with fundamental knowledge pertaining to vaccines, their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, along with specific examples with respect to clinical trials and mechanism of action. Poliomyelitis, rotavirus and diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccines have been discussed in this review. Progress made in vaccines has been discussed, from failed clinical trials to recent ground-breaking developments. Efforts made to combat the recent outbreak of Zika virus have also been included. The recent development of the Nanopatch™ technology aims at revolutionizing the vaccine industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dynamically changing road traffic model which occasionally suffers a disaster (traffic collision, wrecked vehicles, conflicting weather conditions, spilled cargo, and hazardous matter) resulting in loss of all the vehicles (diverted to other routes) has been discussed. Once the system gets repaired, it undergoes n-1 trial phases and finally reaches its full capacity phase n. We have obtained the explicit steady state probabilities of the system via Matrix Geometric Method. Probability Generating Function is used to evaluate the time spent by the system in each phase. Various performance measures like mean traffic, average waiting time of vehicles, and fraction of vehicles lost are calculated. Some special cases have also been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Presents the copepods in the OMZs of the Arabian Sea (AS) and the Bay of Bengal (BoB). • Summarises the oceanography of a thicker OMZ in the AS than in the BoB. • Lucicutia grandis is an indicator of the lower boundary of OMZ in the AS. • Calanoides carinatus is a diapausing species of OMZ in the AS. • A severe lack of information exists on OMZ copepods in the BoB. The Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal are cul-de-sacs of the northern Indian Ocean, and they contain more than half of the world's Oxygen Minimum Zones (OMZs). The current study reviews the vast and advancing literature on the oceanographic settings that lead to distinct OMZs in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal and links them with the copepods thriving there, their status, and likely adaptations. The Arabian Sea has a thicker perennial subsurface OMZ (∼1000 m) than the Bay of Bengal (∼500 m), which is linked to high plankton production via upwelling and winter convection in the former and river influx and mesoscale eddies in the latter. Studies world over show that OMZs adversely affect the zooplankton community as their core always sustains reduced zooplankton biomass. Exclusive studies on copepods in the perennial OMZ in the northern Indian Ocean have been limited to the Arabian Sea so far, which showed that the calanoid copepod Lucicutia grandis is an indicator species of the OMZ lower boundary, whereas Calanoides natalis is a diapausing species in the OMZ. Studies also evidenced that many calanoids (Pleuromamma indica , Lucicutia longicornis , Rhincalanus nasutus , Paracalanus aculeatus , Eucalanus attenuatus , Euchaeta rimana , Subeucalanus subcrassus), cyclopoids (Oithona nana , Oncaea conifera , Oncaea subtilis , Saphirina), Harpacticoids (Microsetella sp., Aegisthus mucronatus) and Mormonilloids (Mormonilla minor) living in the perennial OMZ are either vertical migrators or having a patchy distribution between the epipelagic to the deeper OMZ stratum. These OMZ copepods are believed to have distinctive growth and reproductive traits that allow them to exist in the OMZs. Their high enzyme activity allows them to carry out vertical migration, their high lipid reserves allow them to stay alive in starving conditions, and their slow lifestyle reduces their energy consumption in deeper OMZs. Unlike the perennial OMZs in the Arabian Sea, copepods in the seasonal OMZs in the coastal upwelling zones are almost unexplored, except for a recent attempt that demonstrated that cyclopoids have better survival strategies there. The Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal around India have a strong seasonal exchange of their water masses, but how they influence and shape the copepod communities in these regions and the OMZs they harbour is completely unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of our previous investigations on extracts of selected marine algae showed that Caulerpa peltata and Padina gymnospora had more promising antiproliferative and antioxidant activities than Gelidiella acerosa and Sargassum wightii. Based on these results, the more active chloroform extract of C. peltata and ethyl acetate extract of P. gymnospora were further analyzed for their constituents by using gas chromatography in tandem with mass spectrometry. The GC-MS analysis (GC % peak area given in parentheses) showed that fucosterol (12.45%) and L-(+)-ascorbic acid 2,6-dihexadecanoate (8.13%) were the major compounds present in P. gymnospora ethyl acetate extract. On the other hand, C. peltata chloroform extract had 1-heptacosanol (10.52%), hexacosanol acetate (9.28%), tetradecyl ester of chloroacetic acid (7.22%), .Z,.Z-6,28-heptatriactontadien-2-one (6.77%) and 10,13-dimethyl-methyl ester of tetradecanoic acid (5.34%) as major compounds. Also described in the report are the beta-carotene bleaching inhibitory and total reducing activities of the chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts of C. peltata and P. gymnospora, respectively, relative to the other three extracts (aqueous, methanol, chloroform or ethyl acetate) of the two algae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effect created using shock waves in the germination of the seedlings and growth aspects of the plant species Vigna mungo were investigated by studying agronomical traits, biochemical and phytochemical compounds. The test sample seeds were irradiated with shock waves with Mach numbers 1.7 and 2.2 through three shock pulses (5, 10 and 15 pulses) formed by the physically operated shock tube. After the shock wave treatment, the raw seeds and the shock pulse loaded seeds were sowed into the tested red soil at a simultaneous time and the physiological parameters like germination time, the height of the plant, shoot length, leaves count, branches produced, flower counts, and seeds produced from the plant were measured for every 5 days of by the POT analysis method. After 83 days of vegetation, the parts of the plants were harvested, and the specimens were analyzed using qualitative biochemical and phytochemical studies. The outcomes revealed that there is an increasing trend in the chlorophyll content of the shock - loaded seed samples over the control one. Similarly, there is an appreciable increasing trend in the phytochemicals was observed in the shock loaded seeds with comparison to the control. The study conducted by the application of shock pulses in the germination of seeds and improvement of the plant growth needs to be explored in the future with much more studies especially testing the hormonal changes produced by the shock in the seeds. • Shock wave was applied to stimulate the seed germination of Vigna mungo • No fertilizer was used in this study • Test sample seeds were irradiated with shock waves with Mach number 1.7 and 2.2 • Chlorophyll content of the shock loaded seed samples over the control one • Investigated by studying agronomical traits, biochemical & phytochemical compounds [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antioxidant and antiproliferative activities were examined for methanol ( M), chloroform ( C), ethyl acetate ( E) and aqueous ( A) extracts of Turbinaria ornata, Kappaphycus alvarezii, Acanthophora spicifera and Gracilaria corticata, using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl ( DPPH) radical scavenging, beta-carotene bleaching inhibition, ferrous ion chelation, total reducing activity and resazurin-based growth inhibition (in A549, HCT-15, MG-63 and PC-3 cell lines) assays. Higher growth inhibition was observed in A549 and MG-63 cells with higher values of total flavonoid content, DPPH radical scavenging and total reducing activities, and in PC-3 cells with higher beta-carotene bleaching inhibition. Positive correlation ( P < 0.05) was observed between total phenolic content and total reducing activity. Although all seaweeds have been examined for antioxidant and brine shrimp cytotoxic activities, and for some, in some cancer cell lines, this is the first report of growth inhibition in the cell lines chosen for this study that represent highly prevalent cancers. Practical Applications Although Turbinaria ornata, Kappaphycus alvarezii, Acanthophora spicifera and Gracilaria corticata have already been examined for various activities, including antioxidant and brine shrimp cytotoxicity, this is the first report of antiproliferative activity in the cell lines chosen for this study that represent highly prevalent cancers. Besides this, seaweeds like K. alvarezii find widespread use as thickening and gelling agents and A. spicifera is consumed in many parts of the world as food and a folklore remedy, including the Gulf of Mannar and Fiji. We hope that this report of antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of these four seaweeds will promote interest in their cultivation to further study their mechanism of cytotoxicity against the cell lines in this study to facilitate drug discovery efforts, besides the existing interest in them as nutraceuticals as well as food and fodder additives, among other applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the hypoglycemic activity of an aqueous extract of the flower of Hibiscus rosa sinensis on blood glucose in normal and streptozotocin (STZ) -induced diabetic rats, serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels and the effect of the flower extract on insulin secretion. Effect of H. rosa sinensis flower extract on blood glucose was studied with fed, fasted and glucose-loaded diabetic and nondiabetic rats. Glycosylated hemoglobin, serum insulin levels and lipid profile were also determined. Student's t test was used for statistical analysis. In normal rats, the aqueous extract of the flower of H. rosa sinensis (250 and 500 mg/kg body weight) significantly ( P < 0.001) reduced the blood glucose levels after an oral glucose load from 127.9 ± 5.6 to 80.6 ± 3.9 mg/dl 2 h after oral administration of the flower extract. It also significantly lowered the blood glucose in STZ diabetic rats from 241.0 ± 6.6 to 90.8 ± 5.7 mg/dl after 21 days of oral administration of the extract ( P < 0.001). Serum insulin levels were not stimulated in the animals treated with the extract. Glycosylated hemoglobin and serum lipid profiles were significantly lowered by the administration of the extract. From the studies, it can be concluded that the aqueous extract of the flowers of H. rosa sinensis at a dosage of 500 mg/kg/day exhibits significant hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities. A marked reduction in glycosylated hemoglobin was also observed while insulin levels did not show any significant change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β (C/EBPβ) is known to play an important role in the expression of several genes necessary for bone development and homeostasis including osteocalcin, IGF-1, and IL-6. In this study, we show that C/EBPβ protein levels and, consequently, DNA-binding activity are temporally regulated, dramatically decreasing upon differentiation of MC3T3-E1 mouse osteoblasts. Corresponding with these results, the constitutive expression of C/EBPβ LAP in MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts increased proliferation and suppressed osteogenic differentiation. Thus, C/EBPβ LAP not only appears to participate in the regulation of genes associated with mature bone physiology, but is also a critical regulator of osteoblast growth and differentiation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A single specimen of the three-spined box crab, Arcania undecimspinosa De Haan, 1841, measuring 21.0 mm CW and 20.5 mm CL, is here documented for the first time from the Arabian Sea along the north-west coast of India. Previously, the species has been only reported from the Bay of Bengal region along the Indian coast. The present study provides a detailed taxonomic description of the species with high-resolution colour photographs and line drawings, along with a key to the species of the genus Arcania known from the Indian coast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A single male specimen of the pebble crab, Liagore rubromaculata (De Haan, 1835) measuring 40.0 × 27.0 mm (CW × CL) was observed and is recorded for the first time from the west coast of India. The species was identified by the presence of a smooth and unarmed anterolateral margin. Globally, the species has been reported from the waters of Australia, South China, Indonesia, the Persian Gulf, and the Bay of Bengal, but no report is available from the Arabian Sea. Hence the present study bestows the first confirmed record of L. rubromaculata from the Arabian Sea along the west coast of India, provided with a detailed taxonomic description of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two cylindrical crabs, Ixa cylindrus (Fabricius, 1777) and Ixa edwardsii Lucas, 1858 are herein recorded for the first time from the coastal waters of the eastern Arabian Sea. Both species were collected from the bycatch landing of the commercial demersal trawlers operated along the Gujarat coastal region, northwest coast of India, between 20 and 80 m depth. Both species have been recorded from the Bay of Bengal on the east coast of India, but there is no detailed information available on their taxonomic identification and global distributional records. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of disease treatment and preventive measures to avoid any dangerous outbreak of epidemic proportions are important. Modern methods of detection and treatment include tissue culture, nanotechnology, radiation, and laser technology. We report the synthesis of nanocrystalline materials by combustion method with the use of Aloe vera extract powder. Addition of ZnO changes the structural and optical properties of A. vera. The as-prepared nanocrystalline ZnO (ZnO + A. vera) powders were characterized using XRD, TEM, and SEM. Antibacterial and antifungal tests show that ZnO nanoparticles mixed with A. vera are effective in inhibiting bacterial growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the above-mentioned paper that was published in Crustaceana, 96(11-12): 1085-1093, a correction must be made with regard to the identification of the corresponding author: this should not be K. Karuppasamy, but instead B. Sureandiran. The authors apologize for this mistake and regret possible confusion caused for readers/users of their paper.On behalf of the authors,B. SUREANDIRANK. KARUPPASAMYBy B. Sureandiran; T. H. Dave; J. B. Solanki; K. Karuppasamy; N. K. Suyani and V. VidhyaReported by Author; Author; Author; Author; Author; Author [Extracted from the article]

CdSe:In films were prepared by electron beam evaporation technique using CdSe and InSe (purity ∼99.9%) pellets. The crystal structure of the films with and without Indium, measured by X-ray diffraction (XRD), showed a typical wurtzite structure, higher Indium doping shifts the peak angle to higher side along with the broadening of the peaks. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies indicated binding energies corresponding to 54 eV (Se3d), 444 eV (In 3d), 411 eV (Cd 3d), (Cd 3d). Atomic force microscope (AFM) studies indicated a uniform surface.The grain size decreases with increase of In doping. A decrease in the band gap was observed with increase of dopant concentration. Resistivity of the films is in the range of 10 Ωcm. Carrier density was in the range of 10 cm for the films. The photolumineasenec spectra (PL) spectra indicated three peaks. The peak intensity decreases as the Indium concentration increases. (© 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engagement of integrin receptors with the extra cellular matrix induces the formation of focal adhesions (FAs). Dynamic regulation of FAs is necessary for cells to polarize and migrate. Key interactions between FA scaffolding and signaling proteins are dependent on tyrosine phosphorylation. However, the precise role of tyrosine phosphorylation in FA development and maturation is poorly defined. Here, we show that phosphorylation of type l-γ phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinase (PIPKIγ661) on tyrosine 644 (Y644) is critical for its interaction with talin, and consequently, localization to FAs. PIPKFγ661 is specifically phosphorylated on Y644 by Src. Phosphorylation is regulated by focal adhesion kinase, which enhances the association between PIPKI-γ661 and Src, The phosphorylation of Y644 results in an ∼15-fold increase in binding affinity to the talin head domain and blocks β-integrin binding to talin. This defines a novel phosphotyrosine-binding site on the talin F3 domain and a "molecular switch" for talin binding between PIPKI-γ661 and 13-integrin that may regulate dynamic FA turnover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was undertaken to document the elasmobranch diversity and their abundance along Wadge Bank. Species were collected fortnightly during June 2015 to May 2016 from three landing centres viz., Chinnamuttom,Colachel and Vizhinjam of Wadge Bank. A total of 1,575 specimens were collected during the period and 44 species were identified belonging to 8 orders, 13 families and 25 genera. Among the recorded \families,Carcharhinidae is the most dominant family with 12 species. The Colachel landing centre was rich in diversity with 43 species followed by Chinnamuttom 39 species and Vizhinjam26 species. The highest Shannon Weiner diversity (H' value) was observed at Colachel (4.17) followed by Chinnamuttom (4.11) and Vizhinjam (3.76). The Margalef's species richness ('d') value was assessed at Colachel (4.55) followed by Chinnamuttom (4.01) and Vizhinjam (2.91). The Pielou's evenness (J') estimated was 0.7786, 0.7700 and 0.8005respectively, for Chinnamuttom, Colachal and Vizhinjam. The highest taxonomic diversity value was observed at Colachel (60.33) and the lowest during at Vizhinjam (54.08). Among the three landing centres studied, the total phylogenetic diversity (sPhi+) was found to be the lowest at Vizhinjam (940) and highest at Colachel landing centre (1720). Bray Curtis similarities measure was also calculated, fish communities were separated into several clusters based on seasons. The conservation of elasmobranchs and the management measures to be followed along the Wadge Bank is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fishery, population characteristics and stock estimates of Nemipterus bipunctatus were studied during June 2015 to May 2016 from Wadge Bank, South India. This region is characterised by rich biodiversity and has a conducive influence of the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea. The asymptotic length (L8), growth coefficient (K) and arbitrary origin of growth (t0) were estimated as 30.5 cm, 0.85/year and 0.18 respectively. The mortality parameters, total mortality rate (Z), fishing mortality rate and natural mortality rate (M) were estimated as 2.20, 0.95 and 1.25 respectively. Exploitation ratio (E) was found to be 0.57 which showed marginal over exploitation of the species at Wadge Bank. This species has two recruitment seasons, one major season from October to December and another minor season in August. The length structured Virtual population analysis revealed heavy fishing pressure on the length group 24 to 28 cm and hence the delegoa threadfin bream was not found to suffer due to recruitment overfishing in Wadge Bank. Estimated total stock, Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) and annual catch were 5625.9348 tonnes, 1935.321t, 2419.152t respectively. Present level of Exploitation rate (U) and Exploitation ratio (F/Z) were estimated to be 0.43 and 0.57 respectively. The study infers the cod end mesh size of the trawls operated at Wadge Bank coast has to be increase from 10 to 25 mm to increase the yield per recruit, the effort could also be maintained as the exploitation ratio of 0.50 to have maximum yield per recruit. The study suggests reducing the present level of effort by 8 percent may be needed to sustain the stock of N. bipunctatus in Wadge Bank, South India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An extremely sensitive Jet nebuliser spray pyrolysis has been used to prepare by using indium tinoxide thin films. Visible light responsive In2O3 composite was successfully prepared and annealed for different temperatures. The as-prepared samples and annealed samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-Vis spectra (UV-Vis). The ordered structure of was destroyed to some extent and the size of 2O3 particles is about 20-40 nm. The absorption edges of the IR samples (about 360 nm) display a noticeable shift to the visible light region as compared to that of the 2O3. The 2O3 annealed at different temperatures showed a strong adsorption capability and a high visible light and well grained morphological studies of SEM, which could be attributed to the synergetic effects of the structure and the 2O3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The focal adhesion targeting (FAT) domain of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is critical for recruitment of FAK to focal adhesions and contains tyrosine 926, which, when phosphorylated, binds the SH2 domain of Grb2. Structural studies have shown that the FAT domain is a four-helix bundle that exists as a monomer and a dimer due to domain swapping of helix 1. Here, we report the NMR solution structure of the avian FAT domain, which is similar in overall structure to the X-ray crystal structures of monomeric forms of the FAT domain, except that loop 1 is longer and less structured in solution. Residues in this region undergo temperature-dependent exchange broadening and sample aberrant phi and psi angles, which suggests that this region samples multiple conformations. We have also identified a mutant that dimerizes ∼8 fold more than WT FAT domain and exhibits increased phosphorylation of tyrosine 926 both in vitro and in vivo. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Examines the inhibition of CMP-sialic acid transport into Golgi vesicles by nucleoside monophosphates. Interaction between nucleotides and CMP-sialic acid transporter; Relationship between binding and subsequent transport; Rate of enzyme transports.