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In real life, situations may arise when the available data are insufficient to provide accurate estimates for the domain, the small area estimation (SAE) technique has been used to get accurate estimates for the variable under study. The problem of missing data is a serious problem that has an impact on sample surveys, but small area estimates are especially prone to it. This paper is a basic effort that suggests design based synthetic imputation methods for the domain mean estimation using simple random sampling in order to address the issue of missing data under SAE. The expression of the mean square error for the proposed imputation methods are obtained up to first order approximation. The efficiency conditions are determined and a thorough simulation study is carried out using artificially generated data sets. An application is included with real data that further supports this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we propose logarithmic type direct and synthetic estima- tors for the estimation of domain mean under simple random sampling. The properties such as bias and mean square error of the proposed direct and synthetic estimators are obtained up to first order approximation. The efficiency conditions are obtained under which the proposed direct and synthetic estimators outperform their conventional counterparts. The performance of the proposed direct and synthetic estimators is examined with the help of comprehensive computational study using real and artificially drawn populations. Some appropriate suggestions are also provided to the surveyors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research article addresses an efficient separate and combined class of estimators for the population mean estimation based on stratified random sampling (StRS). The first order approximated expressions of bias and mean square error of the proposed separate and combined class of estimators are obtained. A comparative study is conducted to determine the efficiency conditions in which the suggested class of estimators outperforms the contemporary estimators. These efficiency conditions are examined through an extensive simulation study by employing a hypothetically drawn symmetrical and asymmetrical populations. The simulation results have shown that the suggested class of estimators is more effective than the other available estimators. In addition, an application of the proposed methods is also presented by examining a real data set. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well known that ranked set sampling (RSS) is more efficient than simple random sampling (SRS). Furthermore, the presence of missing data vitiates the conventional results. Only a minuscule amount of work has been conducted under RSS with missing data. This paper makes a modest attempt to provide some efficient difference- and ratio-type imputation methods in the presence of missing values under RSS. The envisaged imputation methods are demonstrated to provide better results than the existing imputation methods. The theoretical results are enhanced by a computational analysis using real and hypothetically generated symmetric (Normal) and asymmetric (Gamma and Weibull) populations. The computational results show that the proposed imputation method outperforms the existing imputation methods in terms of its higher percent relative efficiency. Additionally, the impact of skewness and kurtosis on the efficiency of the suggested imputation methods has also been calculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ranked set sampling (RSS) has been proven an efficient alternative to simple random sampling (SRS). The use of auxiliary information also helps to improve the efficiency of the estimation procedures. Therefore, to accomplish higher efficiency and discuss the optimality issues, we proffer some optimal classes of estimators under RSS by employing multi-auxiliary information. It is seen that the ordinary mean estimator, traditional regression, and ratio estimators are the subsets of the proffered estimators. The expressions of the bias and mean square error are reported. An analytical comparison under some optimality conditions points out the ascendancy of the proffered classes of estimators over all reviewed works. The theoretical results have been furnished with computational study by employing some artificial and natural populations. The computational results show that the proffered estimators outperform the conventional estimators reviewed in this study. Furthermore, apposite advices are suggested to the survey persons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the issue of population mean estimation utilizing past and present data in the form of an exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) statistic under simple random sampling (SRS). We suggest memory-type logarithmic estimators and derive their properties, such as mean-square error (MSE) and bias up to a first-order approximation. Using the EWMA statistic, the conventional and novel memory-type estimators are compared. Real and artificial populations are used as examples to illustrate the theoretical findings. According to the empirical findings, memory-type logarithmic estimators are superior to the conventional mean estimator, ratio estimator, product estimator, logarithmic-type estimator, and memory-type ratio and product estimators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, parental age is known to affect somatic mutation rates in their immediate progeny and here we show that this age dependent effect persists across successive generations. Using a set of detector lines carrying the mutated uidA gene, we examined if a particular parental age maintained across five consecutive generations affected the rates of base substitution (BSR), intrachromosomal recombination (ICR), frameshift mutation (FS), and transposition. The frequency of functional GUS reversions were assessed in seedlings as a function of identical/different parental ages across generations. In the context of a fixed parental age, BSR/ICR rates were unaffected in the first three generations, then dropped significantly in the 4th and increased in most instances in the 5th generation (e.g. BSR (F1 38 = 0.9, F2 38 = 1.14, F3 38 = 1.02, F4 38 = 0.5, F5 38 = 0.76)). On the other hand, with advancing parental ages, BSR/ICR rates remained high in the first two/three generations, with a striking resemblance in the pattern of mutation rates (BSR (F1 38 = 0.9, F1 43 = 0.53, F1 48 = 0.79, F1 53 = 0.83 and F2 38 = 1.14, F2 43 = 0.57, F2 48 = 0.64, F2 53 = 0.94). We adopted a novel approach of identifying and tagging flowers pollinated on a particular day, thereby avoiding biases due to potential emasculation induced stress responses. Our results suggest a time component in counting the number of generations a plant has passed through self-fertilization at a particular age in determining the somatic mutation rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In survey research, various types of estimators have been suggested that consider only the current sample information to compute the unknown population parameters. Therefore, we utilize the past sample information along with the current sample information in the form of hybrid exponentially weighted moving averages to suggest the memory type logarithmic estimators for time-based surveys. The expression of the mean square error of the suggested estimators is determined to the first order of approximation. A relative comparison of the suggested estimators with the existing estimators is performed and efficiency conditions are obtained. Further, a simulation study is accomplished using a hypothetically rendered population and a real data illustration to improve the theoretical results. The results of the simulation study and the real data application exhibit that the consideration of past and current sample information meliorates the efficiency of the suggested estimators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present article discusses the issue of population mean estimation in the ranked set sampling framework. A modified class of estimators is proffered and compared in the aspect of its efficacious performance with all salient conventional estimators existing to date. Some well-known existing estimators under R S S are recognized as the members of the proffered estimators for appropriately chosen characterizing scalars. The ascendancy of the proposed class of estimators regarding the conventional estimators has been shown through an extensive computational study utilizing some natural and artificially generated populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this manuscript, we propose the combined and separate difference and ratio type estimators of population mean using stratified ranked set sampling. Additionally, several well-known estimators are identified as the sub-class of the suggested estimators. The characteristics of the suggested estimators have been analyzed and their effective performances are compared with the prominent estimators existing till date. Moreover, to prove the credibility of the theoretical findings, an extensive empirical study is administered over some real and hypothetically yielded symmetric and asymmetric populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infectious and contagious diseases exist in humanity for many centuries which causes a curb in the growth of the population. Immunization plays a vital role to prevent mortality and morbidity against infectious diseases. COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage the urgency of developing a vaccine that should ensure the safety, efficacy, swift and fair deployment, implementation, and monitoring of vaccines across the globe. In the present context, the vaccine production to immunization campaign is a critical challenge. Therefore, an effective vaccine supply chain mechanism is required to address issues such as counterfeit vaccines, reduce vaccine wastages, and vaccine record fraud. In this paper, a blockchain-enabled vaccine supply chain is proposed to ensure the correctness, transparency, trust, and immutable log and improve the efficiency of vaccine distribution in the cold chain. The uniqueness of the proposed system is to provide distributed system to verify the reliability and efficacy of the vaccine from production to end beneficiaries' feedback about the vaccine. Our proposed system gives a clear view to the users as well as to the healthcare provider about the vaccination and ensures the anticounterfeit vaccine. The proposed system minimizes counterfeit vaccines and records, provides transparent communication between stakeholders in the supply chain, and improves the security of the vaccine supply chain and immutable feedback system about the vaccine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This manuscript considers some improved combined and separate classes of estimators of population mean using bivariate auxiliary information under stratified simple random sampling. The expressions of bias and mean square error of the proposed classes of estimators are determined to the first order of approximation. It is exhibited that under some particular conditions, the proposed classes of estimators dominate the existing prominent estimators. The theoretical findings are supported by a simulation study performed over a hypothetically generated population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study introduces some modified classes of estimators of population variance in simple random sampling utilizing information on auxiliary attribute which cover traditional mean, ratio and regression estimators and Kadilar and Cingi (2004) type estimators adapted by Singh and Malik (2014) for particular values of characterizing scalars. The expressions of bias and mean square error of the proposed classes of estimators are tabulated up to the first order of approximation. The proposed classes of estimators are theoretically compared with the contemporary estimators existing till date and the efficiency conditions are obtained. Subsequently, the theoretical results are numerically enhanced by using a real data set. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article deals with some new imputation methods by extending the work of Bhushan and Pandey using multi-auxiliary information. The popularly used imputation like mean imputation, ratio method of imputation, regression method of imputation and power transformation method are special cases of the proposed methods apart from being less efficient than the proposed methods. The proposed imputation methods can be considered as an efficient extension to the work of Singh and Deo (Stat Pap 44:555–579, 2003), Singh (Stat A J Theor Appl Stat 43(5):499–511, 2009), Ahmed et al. (Stat Transit 7(6):1247–1264, 2006), Diana and Perri (Commun Stat Theory Methods 39:3245–3251, 2010) and Bhushan and Pandey (J Stat Manag Syst 19(6):755–769, 2016, Commun Stat Theory Methods 47(11):2576–2589, 2018). The theoretical results are derived and comparative study is conducted using real and simulated data and the results are found to be quite encouraging providing the improvement over the all discuss work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the global population growth and economic development, energy demand has increased worldwide. Countries take steps to improve their alternative and renewable energy sources. Algae is one of the alternative energy sources and can be used to produce renewable biofuel. In this study, nondestructive, practical, and rapid image processing techniques were applied to determine the algal growth kinetics and biomass potential of four algal strains, including C. minutum, Chlorella sorokiniana, C. vulgaris, and S. obliquus. Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine different aspects of biomass and chlorophyll production of those algal strains. Suitable non-linear growth models, including Logistic, modified Logistic, Gompertz, and modified Gompertz models, were employed to determine the growth pattern of algae. Moreover, the methane potential of harvested biomass was calculated. The algal strains were incubated for 18 days, and the growth kinetics were determined. After the incubation, the biomass was harvested and assessed for its chemical oxygen demand content and biomethane potential. Among the tested strains, C. sorokiniana was the best in biomass productivity (111.97 ± 0.9 mg L−1d−1). The calculated vegetation indices, namely; colorimetric difference, color index vegetation, vegetative, excess green, excess green minus excess red, combination, and brown index values showed a significant correlation with biomass and chlorophyll content. Among the tested growth models, the modified Gompertz shows the best growth pattern. Further, the estimated theoretical CH 4 yield was highest for C. minutum (0.98 mL g−1) compared to other tested strains. The present findings suggest that image analysis can be used as an alternative method to study the growth kinetics and biomass production potential of different algae during cultivation in wastewater. [Display omitted] • Growth of C. sorokiniana , C. vulgaris , C. minutum , and S. obliquus were compared. • C. sorokiniana outperformed in terms of biomass production in municipal wastewater. • Pioneering attempts on algal growth kinetics using image analysis. • Among the tested growth models, modified Gompertz shows the best fit. • Optimal theoretical CH 4 for C. minutum was 0.98 mL g−1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of transverse magnetic field on time-dependent peristaltic transport of electrically-conducting fluids through a microchannel under an applied external electric field with induced electric field effect is considered, based on lubrication theory approximations. The electrohydrodynamic (EHD) problem is also simplified under the Debye linearization. Closed-form solutions for the linearized dimensionless boundary value problem are derived. With increasing Hartmann number, the formation of bolus in the regime (associated with trapping) is inhibited up to a critical value of magnetic field. Flow rate, axial velocity and local wall shear stress are strongly decreased with greater Hartmann number whereas pressure difference is enhanced with higher Hartmann number at low time values but reduced with greater elapse in time. With greater electro-osmotic parameter (i.e. smaller Debye length), maximum time-averaged flow rate is enhanced, whereas the axial velocity is reduced. An increase in electrical field parameter (i.e. maximum electro-osmotic velocity) causes an increase in maximum time-averaged flow rate. The simulations find applications in electromagnetic peristaltic micro-pumps in medical engineering and also “smart” fluid pumping systems in nuclear and aerospace industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lupus nephritis and renal polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) are two distinct disorders that rarely overlap. Herein, we describe a patient who was initially diagnosed with lupus nephritis based on her clinical presentation, proteinuria, hematuria, positive anti-nuclear antibody, and a kidney biopsy. A month later, the patient presented with left flank pain and weakness. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis showed a perinephric hematoma and the renal arteriogram revealed numerous microaneurysms within the kidney consistent with renal PAN. This case elucidates the diagnostic and management dilemmas that confront physicians taking care of patients with overlapping features of lupus nephritis and renal PAN and also points to the possible role of lupus nephritis in pathogenesis of renal PAN. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

AP9-cd, a novel lignan composition from Cedrus deodara has significant anticancer potential, and to further enhance its activity, it was lucratively encumbered into solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs). These nanoparticles were formulated by micro-emulsion technique with 70% drug trap competence. AP9-cd-SLNs were regular, solid, globular particles in the range of 100–200 nm, which were confirmed by electron microscopic studies. Moreover, AP9-cd-SLNs were found to be stable for up to six months in terms of color, particle size, zeta potential, drug content and entrapment. AP9-cd-SLNs have 30–50% higher cytotoxic and apoptotic potential than the AP9-cd alone. The augmented anticancer potential of AP9-cd-SLNs was observed in cytotoxic IC 50 value, apoptosis signaling cascade and in Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT) model. AP9-cd-SLNs induce apoptosis in Molt-4 cells via both intrinsic and extrinsic pathway. Moreover, the dummy nanoparticles (SLNs without AP9-cd) did not have any cytotoxic effect in cancer as well as in normal cells. Consequently, SLNs of AP9-cd significantly augment the apoptotic and antitumor potential of AP9-cd. The present study provides a podium for ornamental the remedial latent via novel delivery systems like solid lipid nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) are being increasingly produced as a result of the rapid development in nanotechnology. They are used to generate innovative and versatile goods in a wide range of industrial, medical and public sectors including healthcare, biomedicine, cosmetics, agriculture, transport, energy, materials, and information and communication technologies. Nanomaterials have very unique chemical and physical properties that do suggest potential health hazards, but a limited health and safety information exists for engineered nanomaterials. In vivo and in vitro experimental studies have shown that several types of ENPs (metallic nanoparticles, quantum dots, carbon nanotubes, Zinc oxide, Iron oxide) can have various types of biological effects, some detrimental on the various organs, both acutely and in the long term, resulting in cytotoxicity and/or genotoxicity. This review focus on the possible biological impact of engineered NPs, serving as a reminder that nanomaterials can become a double-edged sword if not handled properly and thus, the current efforts should include research to generate data for safety and nanotoxicological evaluation of potential or putative hazards to the human health in particular and the environment at large. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enzymatic pretreatment is emerging as an efficient tool for the extraction of biofuel precursors from algal biomass. However, yardsticks for end-use directed selection of optimal pretreatment conditions are not yet identified. The present study, for the first time, reveals different optimal conditions for algal biomass solubilization and sugar release. Algal biomass pretreatment optimization was carried out using the Taguchi method. Crude enzyme from Aspergillus fischeri was found effective for pretreatment of Chlorella pyrenoidosa. Maximum sugar yield (190 mg g−1 biomass) from algal biomass was observed at a substrate concentration of 4 g L-1, with a 5% enzyme load at temperature 60°C, pH 5.5, and shaking speed of 80 rpm. In contrast, maximum sCOD (1350 mg g−1 biomass) was obtained at 2 g L−1 substrate concentration with enzyme load of 20% v/v, at 60°C, pH 4, and shaking speed of 100 rpm. Hence, the first set of conditions would be more beneficial for bioethanol production. Whereas another set of conditions would improve the biofuel production that requires maximum solubilization of algal biomass, such as fermentative methane production. Overall, the present observations established that process conditions required for enzymatic pretreatment of algal biomass should be selected according to the desired biofuel type. [Display omitted] • Rhizopus oryzae, Aspergillus sp. and Aspergillus fischeri were tested for enzymatic activity. • Maximum enzyme activity of 0.343 FPU ml−1 was seen in A. fischeri. • Key parameters for microalgae pretreatment were optimized using Taguchi Method. • Enzymatic pretreatment conditions are crucial to obtain desired biofuel type. • A mechanism for the recovery of optimal COD/sugar release was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) produces H2S via enzymatic conversion of L-cysteine and plays a critical role in cardiovascular homeostasis. We investigated the effects of genetic modulation of CSE and exogenous H2S therapy in the setting of pressure overload-induced heart failure.Methods and Results: Transverse aortic constriction was performed in wild-type, CSE knockout, and cardiac-specific CSE transgenic mice. In addition, C57BL/6J or CSE knockout mice received a novel H2S donor (SG-1002). Mice were followed up for 12 weeks with echocardiography. We observed a >60% reduction in myocardial and circulating H2S levels after transverse aortic constriction. CSE knockout mice exhibited significantly greater cardiac dilatation and dysfunction than wild-type mice after transverse aortic constriction, and cardiac-specific CSE transgenic mice maintained cardiac structure and function after transverse aortic constriction. H2S therapy with SG-1002 resulted in cardioprotection during transverse aortic constriction via upregulation of the vascular endothelial growth factor-Akt-endothelial nitric oxide synthase-nitric oxide-cGMP pathway with preserved mitochondrial function, attenuated oxidative stress, and increased myocardial vascular density.Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that H2S levels are decreased in mice in the setting of heart failure. Moreover, CSE plays a critical role in the preservation of cardiac function in heart failure, and oral H2S therapy prevents the transition from compensated to decompensated heart failure in part via upregulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and increased nitric oxide bioavailability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the study on the H2S as a protection against pressure overload-induced heart failure by upregulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase. It says that the transverse aortic constriction was performed in wild-type, cystathionine and cardiac-specific ϒ-lase (CSE) transgenic mice. Result show that H2S levels are decreased in mice in the setting of heart failure and CSE plays critical role in the preservation of cardiac function in heart failure. INSET: CLINICAL PERSPECTWE.

East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW) is an important site for fish culture in sewage-fed areas, which are major receivers of pollutants and wastages from Kolkata. EKW is internationally important as the Ramsar site was declared on Aug 2002 with an area of 125 km2. EKW is a natural water body where wastewater-fed natural aquaculture has been practiced for more than 70 years. It is ecologically vulnerable due to the discharge of toxic waste through sewage canals from cities. Assessing the EKW to understand the inflow and load of the toxic metal (s) in fish, water, and sediments samples is essential. The field (samples collection from 13 sites) and lab (determination of toxic level of metals) based research were carried out to assess metal toxicity and health risk assessment in EKW. The levels of eighteen metals (18), namely Chromium, Vanadium, Cobalt, Manganese, Copper, Nickel, Zinc, Silver, Molybdenum, Arsenic, Selenium, Tin, Gallium, Germanium, Strontium, Cadmium, Mercury, and Lead, were determined using Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in five fish tissues viz. muscle, liver, kidney, gill and brain, along with the water samples and soil sediments in 13 sampling sites. The bioaccumulation and concentration of metals in fish tissues, soil sediments, and water samples were well within the safe level concerning the recommendation of different national and international agencies except for a few metals in a few sampling sites like Cd, As, and Pb. The geoaccumulation index (Igeo) was also determined in the soil sediments, indicating moderate arsenic, selenium, and mercury contamination in a few sites. The contamination index in water was also determined in 13 sampling sites. The estimated daily intake (EDI), reference dose (RfD), target hazard quotient (THQ), slope factor and cancer risk of Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd, Pb and Hg from fish muscle were determined. Based on the results of the present investigation, it is concluded that fish consumption in the East Kolkata Wetland (EKW) is safe. The effects of bioaccumulation of metals in muscle tissue were well within the safe level for consumption as recommended by WHO/FAO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we have proposed to use two sampling strategies based on the modified ratio estimator using the coefficient of kurtosis of the auxiliary variable by Singh et al [9] for estimating the population mean (total) of the study variable in a finite population. The main objective of this paper is to provide some ideas for unbiased estimation of population mean of the study variable by using prior information on auxiliary variable. A comparative study is made with usual sampling strategies utilizing the availability of the range prior information regarding the optimizing value of the characterizing scalar. Finally some concluding remarks are given and an empirical study is included as an illustration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As nascent polypeptide chains are synthesized, they pass through a tunnel in the large ribosomal subunit. Interaction between specific nascent chains and the ribosomal tunnel is used to induce translational stalling for the regulation of gene expression. One well-characterized example is the Escherichia coli SecM (secretion monitor) gene product, which induces stalling to up-regulate translation initiation of the downstream secA gene, which is needed for protein export. Although many of the key components of SecM and the ribosomal tunnel have been identified, understanding of the mechanism by which the peptidyl transferase center of the ribosome is inactivated has been lacking. Here we present a cryo-electron microscopy reconstruction of a SecM-stalled ribosome nascent chain complex at 5.6 Å. While no cascade of rRNA conformational changes is evident, this structure reveals the direct interaction between critical residues of SecM and the ribosomal tunnel. Moreover, a shift in the position of the tRNA-nascent peptide linkage of the SecM-tRNA provides a rationale for peptidyl transferase center silencing, conditional on the simultaneous presence of a Pro-tRNAPro in the ribosomal A-site. These results suggest a distinct allosteric mechanism of regulating translational elongation by the SecM stalling peptide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Specific regulatory nascent chains establish direct interactions with the ribosomal tunnel, leading to translational stalling. Despite a wealth of biochemical data, structural insight into the mechanism of translational stalling in eukaryotes is still lacking. Here we use cryo-electron microscopy to visualize eukaryotic ribosomes stalled during the translation of two diverse regulatory peptides: the fungal arginine attenuator peptide (AAP) and the human cytomegalovirus (hCMV) gp48 upstream open reading frame 2 (uORF2). The C terminus of the AAP appears to be compacted adjacent to the peptidyl transferase center (PTC). Both nascent chains interact with ribosomal proteins L4 and L17 at tunnel constriction in a distinct fashion. Significant changes at the PTC were observed: the eukaryotic-specific loop of ribosomal protein L10e establishes direct contact with the CCA end of the peptidyl-tRNA (P-tRNA), which may be critical for silencing of the PTC during translational stalling. Our findings provide direct structural insight into two distinct eukaryotic stalling processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As translation proceeds, the nascent polypeptide chain passes through a tunnel in the large ribosomal subunit. Although this ribosomal exit tunnel was once thought only to be a passive conduit for the growing nascent chain, accumulating evidence suggests that it may in fact play a more active role in regulating translation and initial protein folding events. Here we have determined single-particle cryo–electron microscopy reconstructions of eukaryotic 80S ribosomes containing nascent chains with high α-helical propensity located within the exit tunnel. The maps enable direct visualization of density for helices as well as allowing the sites of interaction with the tunnel wall components to be elucidated. In particular regions of the tunnel, the nascent chain adopts distinct conformations and establishes specific contacts with tunnel components, both ribosomal RNA and proteins, that have been previously implicated in nascent chain–ribosome interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The trimeric Sec61/SecY complex is a protein-conducting channel (PCC) for secretory and membrane proteins. Although Sec complexes can form oligomers, it has been suggested that a single copy may serve as an active PCC. We determined subnanometer-resolution cryo--electron microscopy structures of eukaryotic ribosome-See61 complexes. In combination with biochemical data, we found that in both idle and active states, the Sec complex is not oligomeric and interacts mainly via two cytoplasmic loops with the universal ribosomal adaptor site. In the active state, the ribosomal tunnel and a central pore of the monomeric PCC were occupied by the nascent chain, contacting loop 6 of the Sec complex. This provides a structural basis for the activity of a solitary Sec complex in cotranslational protein translocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stability effects in photoconductivity (PC) rise and decay have been studied over a period of 2 years in thin films of (Cd-Pb)S:LiF, La/Pr and (Cd-Zn)S: LiF,La/Pr and have been found quite stable; however, those of CdS are not that stable. Results of annealing effect are also included, which present more stable values. XRD studies show prominent lines of base materials. Further, XRD and SEM studies show the particle sizes are in the nanometer range. Results of optical absorption spectra have been used to evaluate the band gap of the materials. Effect of thickness of the Ag electrode has also been included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We have analysed 385 mitochondrial and 567 chloroplastic signal sequences of proteins found in the organellar proteomes of Arabidopsis thaliana. Despite overall similarities, the first 16 residues of transit peptides differ remarkably. To test the hypothesis that the N-terminally truncated transit peptides would redirect chloroplastic precursor proteins to mitochondria, we studied import of the N-terminal deletion mutants of ELIP, PetC and Lhcb2.1. The results show that the deletion mutants were neither imported into chloroplasts nor miss-targeted to mitochondria in vitro and in vivo, showing that the entire transit peptide is necessary for correct targeting as well as miss-sorting. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Presequence protease PreP is a novel protease that degrades targeting peptides as well as other unstructured peptides in both mitochondria and chloroplasts. The first structure of PreP from Arabidopsis thaliana refined at 2.1 Å resolution shows how the 995-residue polypeptide forms a unique proteolytic chamber of more than 10 000 Å3 in which the active site resides. Although there is no visible opening to the chamber, a peptide is bound to the active site. The closed conformation places previously unidentified residues from the C-terminal domain at the active site, separated by almost 800 residues in sequence to active site residues located in the N-terminal domain. Based on the structure, a novel mechanism for proteolysis is proposed involving hinge-bending motions that cause the protease to open and close in response to substrate binding. In support of this model, cysteine double mutants designed to keep the chamber covalently locked show no activity under oxidizing conditions. The manner in which substrates are processed inside the chamber is reminiscent of the proteasome; therefore, we refer to this protein as a peptidasome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have previously identified a zinc metalloprotease involved in the degradation of mitochondrial and chloroplast targeting peptides, the presequence protease (PreP). In the Arabidopsis thaliana genomic database, there are two genes that correspond to the protease, the zinc metalloprotease (AAL90904) and the putative zinc metalloprotease (AAG13049). We have named the corresponding proteins AtPreP1 and AtPreP2, respectively. AtPreP1 and AtPreP2 show significant differences in their targeting peptides and the proteins are predicted to be localized in different compartments. AtPreP1 was shown to degrade both mitochondrial and chloroplast targeting peptides and to be dual targeted to both organelles using an ambiguous targeting peptide. Here, we have overexpressed, purified and characterized proteolytic and targeting properties of AtPreP2. AtPreP2 exhibits different proteolytic subsite specificity from AtPreP1 when used for degradation of organellar targeting peptides and their mutants. Interestingly, AtPreP2 precursor protein was also found to be dual targeted to both mitochondria and chloroplasts in a single and dual in vitro import system. Furthermore, targeting peptide of the AtPreP2 dually targeted green fluorescent protein (GFP) to both mitochondria and chloroplasts in tobacco protoplasts and leaves using an in vivo transient expression system. The targeting of both AtPreP1 and AtPreP2 proteases to chloroplasts in A. thaliana in vivo was confirmed via a shotgun mass spectrometric analysis of highly purified chloroplasts. Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) analysis revealed that AtPreP1 and AtPreP2 are differentially expressed in mature A. thaliana plants. Phylogenetic evidence indicated that AtPreP1 and AtPreP2 are recent gene duplicates that may have diverged through subfunctionalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study attempts to integrate phyco-remediation and enhanced lipid productivity using microalgae-bacterial consortium enriched from wastewater fed aquaculture pond. Metagenomic analyses and microscopic images of the consortium revealed the presence of Chlorella variabilis, Parachlorella kessleri, Thermosynechococcus elongatus, Chlamydomonas, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Oscillatoriales, Synechocystis sp. , Microcystis aeruginosa, Nostocales, Naviculales, Stramenopiles, other members of Chlorophyceae, Trebouxiophyceae, and Chroococcales along with potential bacterial bioremediants. During a 30 days trial run (15 days stabilization and 14 days remediation studies) for phyco-remediation drastic reduction in the nutrient and COD content from the tested wastewater samples was seen. There was up to 93% and 87.2% reduction in chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammonium concentration, respectively. Further, almost 100% removal of nitrates and phosphates from the dairy wastewater upon 48 h of treatment with polyculture under ambient temperature (25 ± 2 °C) with 6309 lux illumination and mild aeration, was observed for all the seven cycles. Interestingly, the nutrient and COD concentrations in the treated water were below the discharge standards as per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) norms. In additions, biomass (reported as dry cell weight) was enhanced by 67% upon treatment with ammonia-rich dairy wastewater exhibiting 42% lipid, 55% carbohydrate, and 18.6% protein content enhancement. The polyculture mainly grown as attached biofilm to the surface, offered an easy harvesting and separation of grown biomass from the treated wastewater. Overall, dairy wastewater was found to be a potential nutrient source for microalgae-bacteria cultivation thereby making the treatment process sustainable and eco-friendly. [Display omitted] • 42% lipid and 1.7-fold algal biomass enhancement during dairy wastewater treatment. • Wastewater treatment within 48 h incubation for discharge and reuse. • An integrated approach for algal biomass production and wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cloud computing offers the services to access, manipulate and configure data online over the web. The cloud term refers to an internet network which is remotely available and accessible at anytime from anywhere. Cloud computing is undoubtedly an innovation as the investment in the real and physical infrastructure is much greater than the cloud technology investment. The present work addresses the issue of power consumption done by cloud infrastructure. As there is a need for algorithms and techniques that can reduce energy consumption and schedule resource for the effectiveness of servers. Load balancing is also a significant part of cloud technology that enables the balanced distribution of load among multiple servers to fulfill users' growing demand. The present work used various optimization algorithms such as particle swarm optimization (PSO), cat swarm optimization (CSO), BAT, cuckoo search algorithm (CSA) optimization algorithm and the whale optimization algorithm (WOA) for balancing the load, energy efficiency, and better resource scheduling to make an efficient cloud environment. In the case of seven servers and eight server's settings, the results revealed that whale optimization algorithm outperformed other algorithms in terms of response time, energy consumption, execution time and throughput. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, the effect of α-Fe2O3-nanoparticles (IONPs) supplementation at varying doses (0, 10, 20 and, 30 mg L−1) at the intermittent stage (after 12th day of growth period) was studied on the growth and biogas production potential of Chlorella pyrenoidosa. Significant enhancements in microalgae growth were observed with all the tested IONPs doses, the highest (2.94 ± 0.01 g L−1) being at 20 mg L−1. Consequently, the composition of the biomass was also improved. Based on the precedent determinations, theoretical chemical oxygen demand (CODth) as well as theoretical and stoichiometric methane potential (TMP, and SMP) were also estimated. The CODth, TMP, SMP values indicated IONPs efficacy for improving biogas productivity. Further, the biochemical methane potential (BMP) test was done for IONPs supplemented biomass. The BMP test revealed up to a 25.14% rise in biogas yield (605 mL g–1 VSfed) with 22.4% enhanced methane content for 30 mg L−1 IONPs supplemented biomass over control. Overall, at 30 mg L−1 IONPs supplementation, the cumulative enhancements in biomass, biogas, and methane content proffered a net rise of 98.63% in biomethane potential (≈ 2.86 × 104 m3 ha−1 year−1) compared to control. These findings reveal the potential of IONPs in improving microalgal biogas production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The slow kinetics and poor substrate specificity of the key photosynthetic CO2-fixing enzyme Rubisco have prompted the repeated evolution of Rubisco-containing biomolecular condensates known as pyrenoids in the majority of eukaryotic microalgae. Diatoms dominate marine photosynthesis, but the interactions underlying their pyrenoids are unknown. Here, we identify and characterize the Rubisco linker protein PYCO1 from Phaeodactylum tricornutum. PYCO 1 is a tandem repeat protein containing prion-like domains that localizes to the pyrenoid. It undergoes homotypic liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) to form condensates that specifically partition diatom Rubisco. Saturation of PYCO 1 condensates with Rubisco greatly reduces the mobility of droplet components. Cryo--electron microscopy and mutagenesis data revealed the sticker motifs required for homotypic and heterotypic phase separation. Our data indicate that the PYCO 1--Rubisco network is cross-linked by PYCO 1 stickers that oligomerize to bind to the small subunits lining the central solvent channel of the Rubisco holoenzyme. A second sticker motif binds to the large subunit. Pyrenoidal Rubisco condensates are highly diverse and tractable models of functional LLPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquaporins are tetrameric integral membrane proteins that act as water channels, and can also permeabilize membranes to other solutes. The monomer appears to be the functional form despite all aquaporins being organized as tetramers, which therefore must provide a clear functional advantage. In addition to this quaternary organization, some aquaporins can act as adhesion molecules in membrane junctions, when tetramers located in opposing membranes interact via their extracellular domains. These stacked forms have been observed in a range of aquaporins, whether using lipidic membrane environments, in electron crystallography, or using detergent micelles, in single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). In the latter technique, structural studies can be performed when the aquaporin is reconstituted into nanodiscs of lipids that are surrounded by a protein scaffold. During attempts to study E. coli Aquaporin Z (AqpZ), we have found that in some conditions these nanodiscs tend to form filaments that appear to be either thicker head-to-tail or thinner side-to-side stacks of nanodiscs. Nanodisc oligomerization was observed using orthogonal analytical techniques analytical ultra-centrifugation and mass photometry, although the nature of the oligomers (head-to-tail or side-to-side) could not be determined. Using the latter technique, the AqpZ tetramer itself formed oligomers of increasing size when solubilized only in detergent, which is consistent with multiple stacking of AqpZ tetramers. We observed images consistent with both of these filaments in negative staining EM conditions, but only thicker filaments in cryo-EM conditions. We hypothesize that the apparent nanodisc side-to-side arrangement that can only be visualized in negative staining conditions is related to artifacts due to the sample preparation. Filaments of any kind were not observed in EM when nanodiscs did not contain AqpZ, or after addition of detergent into the nanodisc cryo-EM preparation, at concentrations that did not disrupt nanodisc formation. To our knowledge, these filaments have not been observed in nanodiscs preparations of other membrane proteins. AqpZ, like other aquaporins has a charge asymmetry between the cytoplasmic (more positive) and the extracellular sides, which may explain the likely head-to-tail stacking observed, both in nanodisc preparations and also in detergent micelles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study proposes additive hazard shared inverse Gaussian frailty model with generalized Pareto, generalized Rayleigh and xgamma distributions as baseline distribution to analyze the bivariate data set of McGilchrist and Aisbett (1991). The estimation of the parameters involved in the models was done by Bayesian approach of Markov Chain Monte Carlo technique. The true values and the estimated values of the parameters are compared by using simulation study. The proposed models are fitted to the real life data set and the best model suggested for the data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report two structures of the human voltage-gated potassium channel (Kv) Kv1.3 in immune cells alone (apo-Kv1.3) and bound to an immunomodulatory drug called dalazatide (dalazatide-Kv1.3). Both the apo-Kv1.3 and dalazatide-Kv1.3 structures are in an activated state based on their depolarized voltage sensor and open inner gate. In apo-Kv1.3, the aromatic residue in the signature sequence (Y447) adopts a position that diverges 11 Å from other K+ channels. The outer pore is significantly rearranged, causing widening of the selectivity filter and perturbation of ion binding within the filter. This conformation is stabilized by a network of intrasubunit hydrogen bonds. In dalazatide-Kv1.3, binding of dalazatide to the channel's outer vestibule narrows the selectivity filter, Y447 occupies a position seen in other K+ channels, and this conformation is stabilized by a network of intersubunit hydrogen bonds. These remarkable rearrangements in the selectivity filter underlie Kv1.3's transition into the drug-blocked state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have demonstrated that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) protects against multiple cardiovascular disease states in a similar manner as nitric oxide (NO). H2S therapy also has been shown to augment NO bioavailability and signaling. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of H2S deficiency on endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) function, NO production, and ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. We found that mice lacking the H2S-producing enzyme cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) exhibit elevated oxidative stress, dysfunctional eNOS, diminished NO levels, and exacerbated myocardial and hepatic I/R injury. In CSE KO mice, acute H2S therapy restored eNOS function and NO bioavailability and attenuated I/R injury. In addition, we found that H2S therapy fails to protect against I/R in eNOS phosphomutant mice (S1179A). Our results suggest that H2S-mediated cytoprotective signaling in the setting of I/R injury is dependent in large part on eNOS activation and NO generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This paper examined whether nebivolol protects the heart via nitric oxide (NO) synthase and NO-dependent signaling in an in vivo model of acute myocardial infarction. Background: Beta3-adrenergic receptor (AR) activation promotes endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity and NO bioavailability. We hypothesized that specific beta3-AR agonists would attenuate myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (MI/R) injury via eNOS activation and increased NO bioavailability. Methods: Mice were subjected to 45 min of myocardial ischemia in vivo followed by 24 h of reperfusion (R). Nebivolol (500 ng/kg), CL 316243 (1 μg/kg), BRL-37344 (1 μg/kg), or vehicle (VEH) was administered at the time of R. Myocardial area-at-risk (AAR) and infarct size (INF)/AAR was measured at 24 h of R. Cardiac tissue and plasma were collected to evaluate eNOS phosphorylation, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), inducible nitric oxide synthase expression, and nitrite and nitrosothiol levels. Results: Nebivolol (500 ng/kg) reduced INF/AAR by 37% (p < 0.001 vs. VEH) and serum troponin-I levels from 41 ± 4 ng/ml to 25 ± 4 ng/ml (p < 0.05 vs. VEH). CL 316243 and BRL-37344 reduced INF by 39% and 42%, respectively (p < 0.001 vs. VEH). Nebivolol and CL 316243 increased eNOS phosphorylation at Ser-1177 (p < 0.05 vs. VEH) and increased nitrite and total nitrosylated protein levels. Nebivolol and CL 316243 significantly increased myocardial nNOS expression. Nebivolol failed to reduce INF after MI/R in beta3-AR −/−, eNOS−/−, and in nNOS−/− mice. Conclusions: Our results indicate that beta3-AR agonists protect against MI/R injury. Furthermore, the cardioprotective effects of beta3-AR agonists are mediated by rapid eNOS and nNOS activation and increased NO bioavailability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study describes the anti-cancer activity of P19, an analog of parthenin. P19 induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells and inhibited cell proliferation with 48h IC50 of 3.5μM. At 10mg/kg dose, it doubled the median survival time of L1210 leukemic mice and at 25mg/kg it inhibited Ehrlich ascites tumor growth by 60%. Investigation of the mechanism of P19 induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells revealed that N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) and s-methylisothiourea (sMIT) could reverse several molecular events that lead to cell death by inhibiting nitric oxide (NO) formation. It selectively produced massive NO in cells while quenching the basal ROS levels with concurrent elevation of GSH. P19 disrupted mitochondrial integrity leading to cytochrome c release and caspase-9 activation. P19 also caused caspase-8 activation by selectively elevating the expression of DR4 and DR5. All these events lead to the activation of caspase-3 leading to PARP-1 cleavage and DNA fragmentation. However, knocking down of AIF by siRNA also suppressed the apoptosis substantially thus indicating caspase independent apoptosis, too. Further, contrary to enhanced iNOS expression, its transcription factor, NF-κB (p65) was cleaved with a simultaneous increase in cytosolic IκB-alpha. In addition, P19 potently inhibited pro-survival proteins pSTAT3 and survivin. The multi-modal pro-apoptotic activity of P19 raises its potential usefulness as a promising anti-cancer therapeutic. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An essential oil from a lemon grass variety of Cymbopogon flexuosus (CFO) and its major chemical constituent sesquiterpene isointermedeol (ISO) were investigated for their ability to induce apoptosis in human leukaemia HL-60 cells because dysregulation of apoptosis is the hallmark of cancer cells. CFO and ISO inhibited cell proliferation with 48h IC50 of ∼30 and 20μg/ml, respectively. Both induced concentration dependent strong and early apoptosis as measured by various end-points, e.g. annexinV binding, DNA laddering, apoptotic bodies formation and an increase in hypo diploid sub-G0 DNA content during the early 6h period of study. This could be because of early surge in ROS formation with concurrent loss of mitochondrial membrane potential observed. Both CFO and ISO activated apical death receptors TNFR1, DR4 and caspase-8 activity. Simultaneously, both increased the expression of mitochondrial cytochrome c protein with its concomitant release to cytosol leading to caspase-9 activation, suggesting thereby the involvement of both the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis. Further, Bax translocation, and decrease in nuclear NF-κB expression predict multi-target effects of the essential oil and ISO while both appeared to follow similar signaling apoptosis pathways. The easy and abundant availability of the oil combined with its suggested mechanism of cytotoxicity make CFO highly useful in the development of anti-cancer therapeutics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Polyalthia longifolia is a lofty evergreen tree found in India and Sri Lanka. We are reporting first time the anticancer potential of P. longifolia leaves extract (A001) and its chloroform fraction (F002). Both inhibited cell proliferation of various human cancer cell lines in which colon cancer cells SW-620 showed maximum inhibition with IC50 value 6.1μg/ml. Furthermore, F002 induce apoptosis in human leukemia HL-60 cells as measured by several biological end points. F002 induce apoptotic bodies formation, DNA ladder, enhanced annexin-V-FITC binding of the cells, increased sub-G0 DNA fraction, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ mt), release of cytochrome c, activation of caspase-9, caspase-3, and cleavage of poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) in HL-60 cells. All the above parameters revealed that F002-induced apoptosis through the mitochondrial-dependent pathway in HL-60 cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Recently we have identified the novel mitochondrial peptidase responsible for degrading presequences and other short unstructured peptides in mitochondria, the presequence peptidase, which we named PreP peptidasome. In the present study we have identified and characterized the human PreP homologue, hPreP, in brain mitochondria, and we show its capacity to degrade the amyloid β-protein (Aβ). PreP belongs to the pitrilysin oligopeptidase family M16C containing an inverted zinc-binding motif. We show that hPreP is localized to the mitochondrial matrix. In situ immuno-inactivation studies in human brain mitochondria using anti-hPreP antibodies showed complete inhibition of proteolytic activity against Aβ. We have cloned, overexpressed, and purified recombinant hPreP and its mutant with catalytic base Glu78 in the inverted zinc-binding motif replaced by GIn. In vitro studies using recombinant hPreP and liquid chromatography nanospray tandem mass spectrometry revealed novel cleavage specificities against Aβ-(1- 42), Aβ-(1- 40), and Aβ Arctic, a protein that causes increased protofibril formation an early onset familial variant of Alzheimer disease. In contrast to insulin degrading enzyme, which is a functional analogue of hPreP, hPreP does not degrade insulin but does degrade insulin B-chain. Molecular modeling of hPreP based on the crystal structure at 2.1 Å resolution of AtPreP allowed us to identify Cys90 and Cys527 that form disulfide bridges under oxidized conditions and might be involved in redox regulation of the enzyme. Degradation of the mitochondrial Aβ by hPreP may potentially be of importance in the pathology of Alzheimer disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adventitious root formation is considered a major developmental step during the propagation of difficult to root plants, especially in horticultural crops. Recently, adventitious roots induced through plant tissue culture methods have also been used for production of phytochemicals such as flavonoids, anthocyanins and anthraquinones. It is rather well understood which horticultural species will easily form adventitious roots, but the factors affecting this process at molecular level or regulating the induction process in in vitro conditions are far less known. The present study was conducted to identify transcripts involved in in vitro induction and formation of adventitious roots using Arnebia euchroma leaves at different time points (intact leaf (control), 3 h, 12 h, 24 h, 3 d, 7 d, 10 d and 15 d). A. euchroma is an endangered medicinal Himalayan herb whose root contains red naphthoquinone pigments. These phytoconstituents are widely used as an herbal ingredient in Asian traditional medicine as well as natural colouring agent in food and cosmetics. Results: A total of 137.93 to 293.76 million raw reads were generated and assembled to 54,587 transcripts with average length of 1512.27 bps and N50 of 2193 bps, respectively. In addition, 50,107 differentially expressed genes were identified and found to be involved in plant hormone signal transduction, cell wall modification and wound induced mitogen activated protein kinase signalling. The data exhibited dominance of auxin responsive (AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR8, IAA13, GRETCHEN HAGEN3.1) and sucrose translocation (BETA-31 FRUCTOFURANOSIDASE and MONOSACCHARIDE-SENSING protein1) genes during induction phase. In the initiation phase, the expression of LATERAL ORGAN BOUNDARIES DOMAIN16, EXPANSIN-B15, ENDOGLUCANASE25 and LEUCINE-rich repeat EXTENSION-like proteins was increased. During the expression phase, the same transcripts, with exception of LATERAL ORGAN BOUNDARIES DOMAIN16 were identified. Overall, the transcriptomic analysis revealed a similar patterns of genes, however, their expression level varied in subsequent phases of in vitro adventitious root formation in A. euchroma. Conclusion: The results presented here will be helpful in understanding key regulators of in vitro adventitious root development in Arnebia species, which may be deployed in the future for phytochemical production at a commercial scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have recently isolated and identified a novel mitochondrial metalloprotease, pre-sequence protease (PreP) from potato and shown that it degrades mitochondrial pre-sequences. PreP belongs to the pitrilysin protease family and contains an inverted zinc-binding motif. To further investigate the degradation of targeting peptides, we have overexpressed the Arabidopsis thaliana homologue of PreP, zinc metalloprotease (Zn-MP), in Escherichia coli. We have characterized the recombinant Zn-MP with respect to its catalytic site, substrate specificity and intracellular localization. Mutagenesis studies of the residues involved in metal binding identified the histidines and the proximal glutamate as essential residues for the proteolytic activity. Substrate specificity studies showed that the Zn-MP has the ability to degrade both mitochondrial pre-sequences and chloroplastic transit peptides, as well as other unstructured peptides. The Zn-MP does not recognize an amino acid sequence per se. Immunological studies and proteolytic activity measurements in isolated mitochondria and chloroplasts revealed the presence of the Zn-MP in both organelles. Furthermore, the Zn-MP was found to be dually imported to both mitochondria and chloroplasts in vitro. In summary, our data show that the Zn-MP is present and serves the same function in chloroplasts as in mitochondria – degradation of targeting peptides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]