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Metal-Induced Energy Transfer (MIET) imaging is an easy-to-implement super-resolution modality that achieves nanometer resolution along the optical axis of a microscope. Although its capability in numerous biological and biophysical studies has been demonstrated, its implementation for live-cell imaging with fluorescent proteins is still lacking. Here, we present its applicability and capabilities for live-cell imaging with fluorescent proteins in diverse cell types (adult human stem cells, human osteo-sarcoma cells, andDictyostelium discoideumcells), and with various fluorescent proteins (GFP, mScarlet, RFP, YPet). We show that MIET imaging achieves nanometer axial mapping of living cellular and sub-cellular components across multiple timescales, from a few milliseconds to hours, with negligible phototoxic effects.

This paper proposes a comprehensive steady-state analysis for a front-end Modular Multi-Parallel Rectifiers (MMR) system with a shared DC-link. A generalised mathematical representation for n number of parallel rectifiers is proposed. The MMR is analysed for both Continuous Conduction Mode (CCM) and Discontinuous Conduction Mode (DCM). In addition, the CCM and DCM boundary of the MMR is identified mathematically. A 60kW Simulink model for the MMR is utilised to confirm the proposed steady-state mathematical modelling equations.

The discovery of exogenous contrast agents (CAs) is one of the key factors behind the success and widespread acceptability of MRI as an imaging tool. To the long list of CAs, the newest addition is the chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST)-based CAs. Among them, the diaCEST CAs are the safer metal-free option constituted by a large pool of organic and macromolecules, but the tradeoff comes in terms of smaller natural offset. Another major challenge for the CEST CAs is that they need to operate in the tens of millimolar concentration range to produce any meaningful contrast. The quest for high efficiency diaCEST agents has led to a number of strategies such as use of hydrogen bonding, use of equivalent protons, and use of diatropic ring current. Here, we present carbon quantum dot formation using hydrothermal treatment as a new strategy to amplify diaCEST contrast efficiency. We show that while the well-known analgesic drug lidocaine hydrochloride when repurposed as a diaCEST CA produces no contrast at the physiological pH and temperature, the carbon dots prepared from it elevate the physiological contrast to a sizable 11%. Also, the maximum efficiency at an acidic pH gets amplified by a factor of 2 to 46%. The study showed that the enhancement in CEST efficiency is reproducible and the pH response of these carbon dots is tunable through variation in synthesis conditions such as temperature, duration, and precursor concentration.

A Smartbin for waste management is presented in this work, as an attempt to maintain clean and hygienic environment. The concept of the Internet of Things (IoT) has been implemented through GSM module integrated with Arduino UNO to design this bin along with Bluetooth connectivity. The Bluetooth Controller App is employed for establishing connection with the Bluetooth module. The module is therefore leveraged to detect distance between the user and the bin, and the information enables the planning of an optimal route for the bin to move towards the user. As it detects the object, the lid of the bin opens automatically and allows the object to dispose the waste into it. The waste is then segregated into dry or wet particles and then the lid will get close automatically. Level indicators allow estimation of remaining capacity of the bin to store further waste. On exhaustion of the capacity of the bin, SMS-based notification is provided to the user via a GSM module. In this work, a low cost, user-friendly, economically viable waste management solution to control pollution is demonstrated.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease that has posed a global health challenge caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Early management and diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 are crucial for the timely treatment, traceability, and reduction of viral spread. We have developed a rapid method using a Graphene-based Field-Effect Transistor (Gr-FET) for the ultrasensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 Spike S1 antigen (S1-Ag). The in-house developed antispike S1 antibody (S1-Ab) was covalently immobilized on the surface of a carboxy functionalized graphene channel using carbodiimide chemistry. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Optical Microscopy, Raman Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA), and device stability studies were conducted to characterize the bioconjugation and fabrication process of Gr-FET. In addition, the electrical response of the device was evaluated by monitoring the change in resistance caused by Ag-Ab interaction in real time. For S1-Ag, our Gr-FET devices were tested in the range of 1 fM to 1 μM with a limit of detection of 10 fM in the standard buffer. The fabricated devices are highly sensitive, specific, and capable of detecting low levels of S1-Ag.

This research paper is aimed to deliver a novel approach to prepare a popular probiotic beverage i.e., kombucha from infusion of tea waste to valorize the by-product of tea industry. In this study, a GC-MS based approach in combination with preliminary in vitro biochemical analysis was used to investigate the metabolic profiles, especially the antioxidant compounds produced during the fermentation of waste tea infusion. Waste tea infusion was found to be rich in xanthosine, the precursor of caffeine while the fermented sample was seen to be rich in more bioactive secondary metabolites derived from the substrate compounds i.e., xanthosine and sucrose. In addition, GC-MS based metabolomics helped to propose biosynthesis pathways of the metabolome which suggest the later breakdown of xanthosine and other substrate components into microbial metabolites during fermentation process. These findings are expected to be useful for further studies on production of bioactive formulations from tea waste.

Tea is a major plantation crop and the socioeconomic pillar of Terai region of West Bengal. Use of various inorganic fertilizers may have increased the crop production but affected the environment badly. Importance of biomass of different trees in accumulation of carbon had long been known but few studies on characterization of biomass accumulation are reported. So, selection of different species for getting the good amount of organic nutrients is important. In tea plantation, various leguminous trees are used as shade trees. This research, conducted in the tea plantation of University of North Bengal, has provided some approaches which could possibly reduce the application of inorganic fertilizers. Different tests on physicochemical parameters, micronutrients status, biomass etc. were conducted with the collected plant litters. The results of this comparative analysis suggested and validated the beneficial effects of each shade tree in organically maintaining nutrient profile of tea plantation soil.

In this prospective study, children from 1-month to 12-years, admitted with positive IgM ELISA testing for scrub typhus, were enrolled over 1-year and administered an empirical single dose of azithromycin (10 mg/kg). All 189 (median age 4.84-years) children had fever with median duration of 8 days at admission. Shortness of breath, altered sensorium, headache, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, pallor, oedema and hypotension were the most prominent symptoms/signs. About 46% of children developed complications, among them hepatic, neurological and cardiovascular were most common. Our study showed a remarkable response to azithromycin, with mean defervescence of 32 h and no mortality. The presence of shortness of breath, headache, altered sensorium, hepatosplenomegaly, meningeal signs, severe anemia, leucocytosis, hyponatremia along with/without any of above mentioned three systemic complications were independent predictors for delayed treatment response by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Hepatic, neurological and cardiovascular complications are an emerging trend. Empiric azithromycin based on clinical suspicion of scrub typhus can be lifesaving.

Haria, the traditional rice based liquor of eastern India and Nepal, is an indigenous alcoholic beverage prepared by different ethnic communities where bakhar is used as starter culture which is a tablet like mixed culture of various yeasts, filamentous molds, and lactic acid bacteria etc. This research work was designed to make a fusion of tea infusion and bakhar to produce “Tea Haria”. Tea infusion and bakhar were co-cultured for fermentation which was further characterized by different physicochemical and biochemical parameters. In vitro assessment of antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-ipid peroxidation activity and antibacterial activity were assessed. Primary investigations for qualitative characters on this fermented broth or tea haria revealed the presence of steroids, tannin, flavonoids, phenol, cardiac glycosides, coumarin, caffeine etc. Tea haria, the fermented broth showed high free radical scavenging activity. The antioxidant activity, acidity and alcohol percentage were seen to be gradually increased while brix and specific gravity of broth were decreased during the first fifteen days of fermentation. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of thirty-three compounds including many potential antioxidant molecules and other bioactive agents which validated the qualities detected and estimated through in vitro assays in tea haria. Presence of alcohol with medicinally active compounds and antioxidant, antibacterial and other biological activities have made this tea haria a bioactive probiotic-fermented formulation and, furthermore, brought out the ethnic knowledge of haria fermentation, specifically, ethnic starter bakhar as a useful biotechnological tool which can be utilized in research and development of fermentation technology.

A battery energy storage system (BESS) can play a critical role in regulating system frequency and voltage in an islanded microgrid. A $\mu$ -synthesis-based robust control has been proposed for dc link voltage regulation of BESS for achieving frequency regulation and voltage quality enhancement of islanded microgrid. Variation in the operating condition of ac microgrid affects the operating condition of the BESS’ converter. This controller synthesis accounts for such uncertain variations as parametric uncertainty. The stability and performance of the proposed controller can be guaranteed for bounded parametric variations. The bounds on parameters are selected based on practical limitations of BESS. In this article, the proposed controller's performance is tested on an islanded CIGRE TF C6:04:02 benchmark low voltage ac microgrid system. The importance of dc link voltage regulation is analyzed based on performance comparison with a benchmark controller. The controller performance is also validated using a real-time Typhoon HIL emulator.

A comparison of different diacetamide isomers shows the influence of hydrogen-bonding networks in tuning the diaCEST MRI contrast efficiency.

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed health care workers to unique challenges facing a previously unknown virulent disease. A balance was needed between personal health and fulfilling professional duties. Previous research identified barriers in the willingness and ability of health care professionals to work in a hypothetical pandemic scenario. Our aim was to identify if such barriers existed amongst a largely Asian health care work force in delivering their professional responsibilities at the initial phase of COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A GDPR compliant survey of 28 questions was designed using Microsoft forms. Social media (WhatsApp and Facebook messenger group) and professional emails were used to contact health care workers internationally. Data were analysed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS24. Results: 334 responded; 188 doctors (56·3%) and 90 nurses (26·9%). 236 participants lived in south Asia (70·7%) and 81 in Europe (24·3%). 215 out of 334 (64·4%) were Indians, 60 (18%) Bangladeshi and 41 (12·3%) Caucasian. A positive association between obesity (perceived) and fear of COVID-19 infection was found (OR 1·77 (95% CI 1·06, 2·98)). We didn't find any association between ages of the participants, country of residence, ethnicity or comorbidities with worry of being infected by COVID-19. Our respondents mostly remained satisfied with their profession. Only 37 out of 334 (11%) said they wished they were in a different profession. Conclusion: Contrary to predictive data, health care workers showed a more balanced approach in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic from the very early days of the 1 pandemic according to real time data. MRCPCH, Consultant Respiratory Paediatrician, Kings College Hospital, London

Carbon dot formation through the hydrothermal treatment of amino-thioamide improves the diaCEST contrast efficiency.

A novel wine has been developed from Camellia japonica’s petal by fermenting the decoction with Saccharomyces cerevisiae or brewer’s yeast. pH, brix, specific gravity and alcohol percentage were tested to study the physicochemical properties of the wine. Qualitative tests indicated presence of phenols such as flavonoids, coumarins; protein; glycosides; glycerin; terpenoids; steroids; and fatty acids in the wine. Total phenol content was found high in the decoction and in its fermented form as well. In vitro biological activities such as antioxidant activity, antidiabetic activity and lipid peroxidation inhibition power were assessed in samples. Furthermore, GC-MS analysis helped to detect volatiles present in the unfermented decoction and understand the effect of fermentation on its changing metabolome while column chromatography assisted the separation of solvent-based fractions. Notable outcomes from this study were detection of bioactive compound quinic acid in the decoction and a proposed pathway of its metabolic breakdown after fermentation. Results of this research revealed biochemical and physicochemical acceptability of this wine prepared from an underutilized flower. Graphical Abstract

Reduction of the fatigue risk presented by acoustically induced vibration in flare header systems using mitigations that either reduce dynamic stress concentration effects or the level of vibration are of considerable interest to designers and plant operators. Assessments of the relative performance of different types of pipe fittings in reducing dynamic stress levels are presented based on the evaluation of data from full-scale laboratory tests of a pressure-relief system. A modal-analysis based finite-element methodology is also developed so that predictions may be extended to other piping arrangements that vary in thickness, size or connection type. The pipe fittings considered in the test are Pipet®, fabricated tee (Stub-on arrangement), sockolet (small-bore branch connections only), full-wrap reinforced fabricated Tee and Sweepolet®. For the finite-element method reducing tee connection is considered in addition. The test system produced significant levels of both turbulent-induced vibration (FIV) and acoustically induced vibration (AIV), which required differentiation of stress evaluations for the low-frequency FIV region and the mid-to-high frequency AIV region. The relative performance of mitigations (through selection of the type of pipe fitting) was found to be particularly relevant in the low-frequency FIV region. The reductions in dynamic stress and vibration of small-bore branch connections from installation of clamped bracing are also presented. The results show that the use of reducing Tees and full-wrap reinforcements for Stub-on connections for tailpipe and sub-header branch connections provide significant mitigation of dynamic stress and improvement of fatigue life over the use of Pipet® and Stub-on fittings. However, for the Sweepolet® connection which was expected to provide similar improvement the benefits are not fully realized in the 10S configuration.

Compressor piping is a dominant noise source in petrochemical plants with large centrifugal compressors. Acoustic insulation is used on compressor suction, discharge and recycle lines as a measure to mitigate noise radiating from compressor piping. This paper will demonstrate using case studies the importance of acoustic insulation on compressor piping as the primary and most cost effective noise control method for both community and in-plant noise. Case studies include the predicted and measured noise levels obtained during post startup noise surveys. This paper will also illustrate that to obtain good agreement with measured noise levels it is imperative to accurately model the piping sources following the actual piping layout and account for distance attenuation. A cost-benefit analysis of using complete compressor houses and/or acoustic blankets will be presented along with the efficacy of various types of acoustic insulation including elastomeric foam and aerogel based insulation systems. Different acoustic requirements for hot and cold insulation systems will also be presented.

Plants possess numerous secondary metabolites imparting flavor and aroma. However, fragrance inducing natural biomolecules and their potential sources are yet to be thoroughly explored. GC-MS analysis of a sweetly scented Malvacean liana; Hibiscus fragrans Roxburgh was conducted to explore and characterize the concerned aroma fingerprints with sound insights on anticipated array of biosynthetic pathways. Leaf extract of the plant was analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) technique. Biosynthetic pathways of signature aroma compounds were deduced utilizing bioinformatic databases and reviewing literatures. A rare fragrant biomolecule '2-n-Heptylcyclopentanone' and 22 other aroma impacting biomolecules were detected and functional attributes were deliberately scrutinized. Interactive biosynthetic pathway schemes for all the 23 aromatic metabolomes including proposal for probable origin of 2-n-Heptylcyclopentanone and six other biomolecules (Pentadecanal; Cis-9-Hexadecenal; 14-Heptadecenal; Octadecanal; Undecane and 1-Decyne) with no previous biosynthesis report; out of a total of 47 GC-MS revealed metabolites were designed. Increased production of fragrant molecules in controlled surroundings availing biotechnological administration through metabolic bioengineering and in vitro tissue culture techniques may offer exciting dimensions to fragrance research.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Twist angle modifies the band alignment, screening, and interlayer (IL) coupling in twisted bilayers (tBLs) of transition metal dichalcogenides. Intermediate misorientation (twist angles > 15 degrees) bilayers (BLs) offer a unique opportunity to tune excitonic behavior within these concurrent physical mechanisms but are seldom studied. In this paper, we measure many-body excitonic complexes in monolayer (ML), natural BL, and tBL WSe2. Neutral biexciton (XX) is observed in tBL, while being undetected in nonencapsulated ML and BL, demonstrating unique effects of disorder screening in tBLs. The XX as well as charged biexciton are robust to thermal dissociation and are controllable by electrostatic doping. Vanishing of momentum-indirect IL excitons with increasing electron doping is demonstrated in tBL, resulting from the near alignment of Q-K and K-K valleys. Intermediate misorientation samples offer a high degree of control of excitonic complexes while offering possibilities for studying exciton-phonon coupling, band alignment, and screening.

Ghosh B, Majumder S, Acharyya S, Ghosh A, Saha S, Sarkar S, Chakraborty S, Bhattacharya M. 2022. Comparative phytochemical analysis of mature mango leaves from nineteen cultivars of Murshidabad district, India. Asian J Nat Prod Biochem 20: 48-55. Mango (Mangifera indica L.), "the king of fruits," is one of the most popular fruits in tropical regions. This research aimed to qualitatively and quantitatively screen major phytochemical groups present in the leaves of nineteen cultivars of mango tree extracted with three different solvents (petroleum benzene, acetone, methanol) belonging to different polarities and to determine their antibacterial activity against two Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus) and two Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae) bacteria. The antiradical scavenging activity was performed using a DPPH assay. In addition, total phenol and flavonoids in the leaf extracts were also quantitatively analyzed. Phytochemical investigations showed that mango leaf extracts contain phenol, tannin, protein, coumarin, terpenoid, alkaloid, steroid, and cardiac glycoside. The extracts also contain a variety of total phenols and flavonoids. Antiradical scavenging activity showed that polar solvents (methanol, acetone) are more potent than non-polar (petroleum benzene) extracts. Mango leaf extracts inhibit the growth of E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and S. aureus, but no inhibition zone against B. subtilis. Based on the phytochemical compounds and significant antioxidant and antibacterial properties of mango leaf extracts, mango leaves might be a potential source for developing pharmaceutical formulations and drugs.

Introduction. Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a common cause of cognitive impairment, behavioral changes and language deficits. in this study we assessed the clinical and FDG-PET characteristics of our patients and compared them with available international and Indian data on FTD. Methods. All patients were evaluated with a neuropsychological battery followed by 18F-FDG-PET scan, in addition to all necessary dementia work-up. Results. 15 FTD patients (m:f = 11:4) had a mean age of presentation of 67.4 (8.6) years, with a mean interval of 1.7 (0.7) years from the symptom onset to diagnosis. those with 10 or less years of education had an earlier presentation. a positive family history was present in 20%. The mean MMSE score was 18.8 (4.6). Disinhibition was the most common symptom seen in 60%. Apathy was less frequently noted. FDG-PET scan showed predominantly anterior cingulate and anterior temporal hypometabolism, with asymmetry in 67%. 2 cases diagnosed as fvAD had a revised diagnosis of bvFTD after FDG-PET scan. 1 patient of nfvPPA was mute at presentation with a history of agrammatism with hypometabolism in left inferior frontal and superior temporal regions. Conclusions. There were significant variations compared to international/Western literature, with later age of presentation, shorter interval from onset to presentation, lower MMSE scores, with disinhibition rather than apathy as the commonest symptom. FDG-PET showed similar areas of involvement but with less extensive hypometabolism compared to other studies with a lesser frequency of asymmetry. FDG-PET scan is a useful adjunct for evaluation of FTD patients.

Background: Kombucha is a traditional, popular and probiotic health drink having strong antioxidant properties. Involvement of various bacteria and yeasts in kombucha fermentation have been previously described by several scientists. In this research, we aimed to determine the growth pattern of microbes involved in kombucha fermentation, using the orthodox turbidimetric method and a simultaneous determination of antioxidant activity regularly. Methods: This experiment was designed in a simple way to evaluate the interrelation between growth of microbes involved in kombucha fermentation and the rate of release of antioxidant molecules using spectrophotometric growth study and DPPH free radical scavenging assay. Results: In this research, some new characteristics of kombucha have been found regarding microbial fermentation. Moreover, we prepared broths using different types of sugars as carbon source for a comparative analysis. Significance: In all the broths, it was found that there is a negative correlation between rhythmic microbial growth pattern and antioxidant activity which is definitely a new finding in food science.

PurposeThe yield of defective items and emissions of greenhouse gases in supply chains are areas of concern. Organizations try to reduce the yield defective items and emissions. In this paper, a constrained optimization model is developed with consideration of the yield of defective items and strict carbon cap policy simultaneously and then optimized. Further, sensitivity analyses have been carried out to draw different managerial insights. Precisely, we have tried to address the following research questions: (1) how to optimize the cost for a two-echelon supply chain considering yield of defective items and strict carbon cap policy, (2) how the total expected cost and total expected emissions act with changing parameters.Design/methodology/approachThe mathematical modeling approach has been adopted to develop a model and further optimized it with optimization software. Costs and emissions from different areas of a supply chain have been derived and then the total cost and total emissions have been formulated mathematically. One constrained mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problem has been formulated and solved considering emissions-related, velocity and production related-constraints. Further, different sensitivity analyses have been derived to draw some managerial insights.FindingsIn this paper, many decision variables have been calculated with a set of basic values of other parameters. It has been found that both cost and emissions can be controlled by controlling different parameters. It has been also found that some parameters have very little or no influence either on cost or emissions. In most cases, originations may exhaust the given limit of carbon cap to optimize their costs.Originality/valueIn spite of my sincere efforts, no paper has been found that has considered the yield of defective items and strict carbon cap policy simultaneously. In this paper, it is assumed that both demand and defect rates are random in nature. The model, presented in this paper may give insights to develop different supply chain models with consideration of both defective items and strict carbon cap policy. Sensitivity analyses, drawn in this paper may give deep insights to managers and carbon regulatory bodies.

Super-resolution fluorescence imaging that surpasses the classical optical resolution limit is widely utilized for resolving the spatial organization of biological structures at molecular length scales. In one example, single-molecule localization microscopy, the lateral positions of single molecules can be determined more precisely than the diffraction limit if the camera collects individual photons separately. Using several schemes that introduce engineered optical aberrations in the imaging optics, super-resolution along the optical axis (perpendicular to the sample plane) has been achieved, and single-molecule localization microscopy has been successfully applied for the study of 3D biological structures. Nonetheless, the achievable axial localization accuracy is typically three to five times worse than the lateral localization accuracy. Only a few exceptional methods based on interferometry exist that reach nanometer 3D super-resolution, but they involve enormous technical complexity and restricted sample preparations that inhibit their widespread application. We developed metal-induced energy transfer imaging for localizing fluorophores along the axial direction with nanometer accuracy, using only a conventional fluorescence lifetime imaging microscope. In metal-induced energy transfer, experimentally measured fluorescence lifetime values increase linearly with axial distance in the range of 0-100 nm, making it possible to calculate their axial position using a theoretical model. If graphene is used instead of the metal (graphene-induced energy transfer), the same range of lifetime values occurs over a shorter axial distance (~25 nm), meaning that it is possible to get very accurate axial information at the scale of a membrane bilayer or a molecular complex in a membrane. Here, we provide a step-by-step protocol for metal- and graphene-induced energy transfer imaging in single molecules, supported lipid bilayer and live-cell membranes. Depending on the sample preparation time, the complete duration of the protocol is 1-3 d.

Hybrid devices consisting of graphene or transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) and semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) were widely studied for potential photodetector and photovoltaic applications, while for photodetector applications, high internal quantum efficiency (IQE) is required for photovoltaic applications and enhanced carrier diffusion length is also desirable. Here, we reported the electrical measurements on hybrid field-effect optoelectronic devices consisting of compact QD monolayer at controlled separations from single-layer graphene, and the structure is characterized by high IQE and large enhancement of minority carrier diffusion length. While the IQE ranges from 10.2% to 18.2% depending on QD-graphene separation, ds, the carrier diffusion length, LD, estimated from scanning photocurrent microscopy (SPCM) measurements, could be enhanced by a factor of 5-8 as compared to that of pristine graphene. IQE and LD could be tuned by varying back gate voltage and controlling the extent of charge separation from the proximal QD layer due to photoexcitation. The obtained IQE values were remarkably high, considering that only a single QD layer was used, and the parameters could be further enhanced in such devices significantly by stacking multiple layers of QDs. Our results could have significant implications for utilizing these hybrid devices as photodetectors and active photovoltaic materials with high efficiency.

Binary van der Waals heterostructures of graphene (Gr) and transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) have evolved as a promising candidate for photodetection with very high responsivity due to the separation of photo-excited electron-hole pairs across the interface. The spectral range of optoelectronic response in such hybrids has so far been limited by the optical bandgap of the light absorbing TMDC layer. Here, the bidirectionality of interlayer charge transfer is utilized for detecting sub-band gap photons in Gr-TMDC heterostructures. A Gr/MoSe

The network approach is quickly becoming a fundamental building block of computational methods aiming at elucidating the mechanism of action (MoA) and therapeutic effect of drugs. By modeling the effect of drugs and diseases on different biological networks, it is possible to better explain the interplay between disease perturbations and drug targets as well as how drug compounds induce favorable biological responses and/or adverse effects. Omics technologies have been extensively used to generate the data needed to study the mechanisms of action of drugs and diseases. These data are often exploited to define condition-specific networks and to study whether drugs can reverse disease perturbations. In this review, we describe network data mining algorithms that are commonly used to study drug’s MoA and to improve our understanding of the basis of chronic diseases. These methods can support fundamental stages of the drug development process, including the identification of putative drug targets, the in silico screening of drug compounds and drug combinations for the treatment of diseases. We also discuss recent studies using biological and omics-driven networks to search for possible repurposed FDA-approved drug treatments for SARS-CoV-2 infections (COVID-19).

Abstract. Saha S, Ghosh A, Acharyya S, Bhattacharya M. 2022. Short Communication: Metabolites of Albizia inhibit in vitro growth of phosphate solubilizing microbial consortia isolated from tea garden soil of Darjeeling hills, India. Biodiversitas 23: 2865-2870. Phosphate solubilizing microorganisms (PSM) play a crucial role in maintaining the nutritional status and fertility of the soil. PSMs help in solubilizing the metallic phosphate salts of soil into available phosphate anions for easy uptake by plants. However, this beneficial group of microorganisms also face different challenges for survival from its immediate surroundings. This study was carried out to assess the effect of shade tree litters on the PSM consortia isolated from different tea garden soils of Darjeeling hills, since shade trees are an integral part of tea plantations. Albizia odoratissima, Albizia chinensis and Albizia procera, widely used in tea gardens as shade trees were selected. GC-MS analysis was carried out to detect the metabolites produced by the litters. Twenty-three compounds exhibiting antimicrobial activities were detected. Major peak was found in A. odoratissima, followed by A. chinensisand least in A. procera. Compounds like 1-heptanol, 2-propyl-, neophytadiene, phytol and squalene were common in all three extracts and are considered to provided antimicrobial activity to Albizia. A proportional relation has been observed between magnitude of inhibition zones and peak area percentage in Albizia spp. PSM isolates from shade tree gardens were observed to be more tolerant toward the leaf extracts.

Residue specific measurement of translational diffusion coefficient involving labile amide protons of a protein molecule is known to give inconsistent result due to multiple solute-solvent exchange events during the diffusion encoding period. The residues accessible to solvent often overestimates the diffusion coefficient due to the contribution by fast diffusing solvent molecules to the measured values. It has been, however, shown that this apparent drawback of overestimation can become a valuable source of information about the exchange rates. An associated exchange related drawback that has never been perceived in a similar positive manner is the high repetition inaccuracy. The exchanging residues not only overestimate, they do so in an inconsistent way as the contribution of exchange differs from one measurement to the next. We show here how measurement uncertainty can become another useful tool in recognizing the sections of the polypeptide chain that are exposed to solvent. Additionally, we show that the uncertainty is more sensitive a marker than the overestimation in detecting small changes in solvent accessibility of a residue due to structural changes of a protein molecule.

As quantum technologies develop, a specific class of electrically conducting materials is rapidly gaining interest because they not only form the core quantum-enabled elements in superconducting qubits, semiconductor nanostructures, or sensing devices, but also the peripheral circuitry. The phase coherence of the electronic wave function in these emerging materials will be crucial when incorporated in the quantum architecture. The loss of phase memory, or dephasing, occurs when a quantum system interacts with the fluctuations in the local electromagnetic environment, which manifests in "noise" in the electrical conductivity. Hence, characterizing these materials and devices therefrom, for quantum applications, requires evaluation of both dephasing and noise, although there are very few materials where these properties are investigated simultaneously. Here, the available data on magnetotransport and low-frequency fluctuations in electrical conductivity are reviewed to benchmark the dephasing and noise. The focus is on new materials that are of direct interest to quantum technologies. The physical processes causing dephasing and noise in these systems are elaborated, the impact of both intrinsic and extrinsic parameters from materials synthesis and devices realization are evaluated, and it is hoped that a clearer pathway to design and characterize both material and devices for quantum applications is thus provided.

Human embryonic stem cells offer a huge potential for the study of early human development and for application in biomedical sciences. Growing evidence has shown that besides the protein coding genes, the non-coding elements of the human genome play a crucial role in maintaining its property of self renewal and in cell fate determination. However, a clear understanding of this regulatory mechanism and the landscape of interactions between the coding and non-coding elements was still lacking. To fill in this void, we use transcriptomic data from RNA-seq and small RNA-seq experiments to reconstruct the core pluripotency circuitry involving mRNAs, lncRNAs and miRNAs. The overall interaction landscape revealed an alternate circuit for the maintenance of pluripotency devoid of the classic pluripotency transcription factors NANOG, SOX2 and POU5F1. We also identified networks specific to the naive and primed states of human pluripotency revealing a new set of transcriptomic markers that could not only be used to differentiate pluripotent state from non-pluripotent state but also to identify the intra-pluripotency state. The lncRNA DANT1 was found to be crucial in determination to the two pluripotency states as it formed a bridge between the naive and primed state specific pluripotency networks. Further, we also identified and computationally validated putative ceRNA mechanism involving DANT1, the miRNAs hsa-miR-30c-2-3p, hsa-miR-210-3p and hsa-let-7b-5p, and several key pluripotency related genes including PTPRZ1, SALL2, TOX3, ZNF695, and ZYG11A which warrants further experimental validation.HIGHLIGHTSReconstructed the key MLMi circuitry underlying human pluripotency by combining RNA-Seq data and known interaction information.Identified an alternate pluripotency circuit devoid of classic pluripotency transcription factors NANOG, SOX2 and POU5F1.Predicted a new set of markers that can not only distinguish between pluripotent and non-pluripotent states but also identify the intra-pluripotency state.Identified novel putative function of lncRNA DANT1 as ceRNA in formation of naive and primed state pluripotency.DANT1 harbours binding sites for miRNAs hsa-miR-30c-2-3p, hsa-miR-210-3p and hsa-let-7b-5p.

The next decade is likely to witness considerable growth in the application of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs). However, uncoordinated PEV charging in low-voltage distribution networks may cause grid issues, such as transformer overload and voltage unbalance (VU). Therefore, it is essential to consider a more suitable methodology of voltage regulation for the consumers placed at the end of the feeder when the network is predominantly resistive. With this background, this article investigates the capability of dynamic PEV load transfer within the three phases of a distribution network to propose a new hybrid PEV coordination approach. In addition to the online centralized battery charging and var discharging, this approach performs local voltage profiles improvement by switching PEV at selected single-phase residential houses such that a PEV can be switched from a heavily loaded phase to a (relatively) lightly loaded phase. This results in better voltage regulations and VU reductions. The impacts of uncoordinated and proposed genetic algorithm (GA) coordinated PEV charging on VU and node voltage profiles and losses are simulated for a real unbalanced Western Australian distribution network in the Perth solar city over 24 h.