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Leukemia affects the body's blood‐forming tissues, especially the bone marrow and lymphatic system. Leukemia incidence varies between communities and between pathological kinds. Many treatment modalities exist for leukemia, such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, bone marrow transplantation, immunotherapy, and the engineering of immune cells to fight leukemia. Leukemia might be treated with a variety of pharmaceuticals, the most popular of which are imatinib (Gleevec), dasatinib (Sprycel), nilotinib (Tasigna), obinutuzumab (Gazyva), venetoclax (Venclexta), and so on. Thiazole is one of the scaffolds that are actively explored in leukemia. Derivatives having the thiazole nucleus have been surfacing as potent candidates in the treatment of leukemia for quite sometime now, but a consolidated report accumulating all these ventures is absent. Numerous naturally occurring substances, including flavones, alkaloids, anabolic steroids, and vitamin B1 (thiamine), include the basic thiazole molecule. Thiazole derivatives have been researched for their possible therapeutic effects in the treatment of leukemia. Thus, this review comprising reports regarding the effect of different thiazole‐based species in leukemia is a timely effort to the best of our knowledge. This review covers the chronological development of antileukemic thiazole‐based molecules, their synthesis, biological activity, and structure–activity relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An isolated interleaved boost converter (IIBC) based single-phase grid-interfaced photovoltaic system (SPGIPS) and its control are proposed in this article. The proposed double-stage SPGIPS consists of an IIBC and a single-phase full bridge voltage source converter (SPFBVSC). An IIBC is designed using a high-frequency transformer (HFT), two primary inductors, and two static switches with its emitter shared with photovoltaic (PV) panel ground. Shared emitter terminal reduces the gate control circuit complexity and HFT facilitates a galvanic isolation between PV panels and the utility grid, and thus it mitigates the appearance of leakage current. An IIBC reduces the ripple in PV panel current and voltages and therefore guarantees improved maximum power point operation (MPPO) of the PV system. To ensure the MPPO at PV panel terminals, a sliding mode control is used. The output DC terminals of IIBC are interfaced with self-commutated switches based SPFBVSC. To synchronize SPFBVSC with the utility grid, a new modified fourth-order generalized integrator (mFOGI) is developed. The mFOGI provides stable synchronization signal even under presence of noise, under/over shoot, or DC offset in the AC supply voltage. The proposed SPGIPS control and its performance are validated on Simulink and prototype system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a fifth-order generalized integrator (FOGI) as an orthogonal signal generator (OSG) to obtain a grid synchronization signal for a double-stage single-phase grid-interfaced photovoltaic supply system (GIPVSS). The proposed GIPVSS consists of a single-ended primary inductor converter (SEPIC) and a H-bridge voltage source converter (HBVSC) to transfer solar power to the grid system. The SEPIC controls maximum power delivery (MPD) from the Photovoltaic (PV) array and feeds that power to the grid via an HBVSC. In this study, all energy storage elements (inductors and capacitors) of SEPIC are considered with their effective series resistance (ESR). The dynamic modeling of SEPIC is obtained using a small signal analysis. The control of VSC allows harmonics' mitigation and power factor improvements. A FOGI and a second-order adaptive filtering approach are used in controling VSC. The FOGI is used to obtain a grid synchronization signal from sensed grid voltage under disturbances. The second-order adaptive filtering approach is used to obtain an active load current component. The comparative analysis of FOGI with other reported algorithms is carried out under harmonics in sensed grid voltage. The effectiveness of the proposed system and its control is validated in a laboratory prototype using a Launch Pad TMS320F28379D digital signal processor (DSP). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural determination of ultrasmall clusters remains a challenge due to difficulties in crystallisation. Often the atomically precise clusters undergo structural change under the influence of the environment. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) can be an attractive tool to study the electronic and geometric properties of such clusters deposited onto various supports under in situ conditions. Herein, [Au6(dppp)4](NO3)2, [Au9(PPh3)8](NO3)3, [Au13(dppe)5Cl2]Cl3, and Au101(PPPh3)21Cl5 clusters were studied using XAS. The clusters exhibited distinct features compared to bulk gold. XANES results show a systematic increase in the absorption edge energy and white line intensity, with a decrease in cluster nuclearity. The EXAFS of clusters are sensitive to nuclearity and ligands and were fitted with their known crystal structures. This study advances the understanding of the phosphine-ligated metal clusters relevant to practical applications in catalysis and sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dilawara reservoir of Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, India; an important drinking water source of Dhar tehsil is also widely used for fishculture besides irrigation and domestic purpose. In the present study, the demersal fish fauna of Dilawara Reservoir were selected for the gut content study and included species of catfish (Heteropneustes fossilis and Clarias batrachus), minor carps (Rasbora daniconius, Danio melaharicus, Puntisticto, P. sarana): fingerlings of major and common carp, snake head (Channa striatus, C. punctatus), one species of clupeide (Gadusia chapra) and one species of Mastocembalidae (Mastucembalus armatus). The selection of fish species was made on their feeding habits and their availability throughout the year. The food of demersal fish species of Dilawara Reservoir varied and diversified to include, mollusks, crustaceans, annelids, insects, snails, fish, macrophytes and various algae. Gut content analysis showed that most of the fish species preyed on zooplankton benthic animals except for fishes belonging to Family Clupeidae (Gudusia chapra) and minor carps. Their Stomach content analysis showed that macrophytes and algae were exclusively the dominant food items observed in their stomachs and were categorized as omnivorous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An energy management in micro grid portrays a significant role in coordinating the generation with the load demand and it is characterized as an optimization problem evaluated for economic dispatch (ED). In microgrid, energy management issues have thus far primarily been addressed with the purpose of lowering the operational costs. However, for a microgrid system to manage energy effectively, the environmental problems, or issues regarding emission must be addressed. In this research work, a novel metaheuristic approach, known as farmland fertility algorithm (FFA) is proposed for obtaining ED and integrated economic emission dispatch (IEED). The different test cases for ED and IEED are considered to minimize the fuel and the emission cost respectively. For the different cases contemplated for ED and IEED, the generation cost reduces after the inclusion of RES, and also in the case when wind energy source is included alone. These results depict that the ED and IEED perform using FFA achieves a cost optimization of 9.2% and 19.51% respectively. The ED and IEED with FFA offer more cost saving and provides reduced emission in comparison to reduced gradient method (RGM), ant colony optimization (ACO), cuckoo search algorithm (CSA), interior search algorithm (ISA), Bat algorithm (BA) and directional bat algorithm (dBA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expansion of IoT devices has provoked the curiosity of a few foes searching for an alternate means to acquire unapproved admittance to frameworks or for other unlawful reasons. Therefore, it is fundamental to safeguard these gadgets. Vehicular ad hoc network (VANETs) has acquired wide notoriety with the end goal that consolidating trust among every hub in the network is important. Nonetheless, trust the executives among vehicles is a difficult undertaking as vindictive hubs are inclined to upset information transmission among various vehicles. The point of this work is to lay out the reality of agreement, to recognize the malignant hubs with no further postponement, by taking into account the choice of every vehicle on finding the trust values. The IDS acts as an second layer of protection against the intruders and not letting any attack to the network. This paper presents a Consistent Interference Acknowledgment Structure that has been set up for the IoT centre to foresee assault. In our paper we have trained and tested the model from the dataset, this has been attempted with consistent association traffic. Thus, in our proposed work we have evaluated the precision, recall and F1score to analyse the data used from dataset and enhance the performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent developments in deep learning techniques have produced significant improvements in long-standing AI jobs like drug discovery, gene analysis, and speech and image recognition. Although deep learning has numerous benefits, the identical training dataset that has did it so reliable also raises serious privacy concerns to address these privacy concerns, McMahan et al. created Federated Deep Learning, a together distributed deep learning paradigm for the mobile devices (FDL). Deep learning and distributed computation are essentially combined in FDL, where several parties get involved into the process of distributed training and parameter server records track of a deep learning model that needs to be built. The central parameter server first distributes a pre-trained model globally on a common set of data to each participant. Then, in each cycle, each party utilizes a local dataset to the train and improve the current global model. The gradients are gathered from each party by the central parameter server, which then utilises them to build a new global oriented model for upcoming iteration. At final stage the different parties and the central parameter of server repeat the aforementioned procedure till the global modelling attains a particular accuracy or ideal convergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we report the structural, morphological, optical and electrical properties of undoped and Ti-doped SnS2 thin films deposited on glass substrate by sol–gel spin coating technique. Grazing-Incidence X-ray diffraction and Raman analyses confirm the formation of hexagonal phase of as-deposited films. The structural parameters were estimated through GI-XRD data and found to be varying with Ti4+ concentration. Field effect scanning electron microscopy images show as-grown spherical nanoparticles with uniform deposition on the entire glass substrate. The UV–Vis absorption spectra were recorded to explore the optical properties of films. The analysis of data revealed the semiconductor nature of as-deposited films with a band gap of 2.24 eV in case of undoped SnS2. An intermediate band was also observed at 5 and 20 mol% Ti4+ concentration which directly indicates the extension of light absorption ability from visible to near infrared region of the solar spectrum. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis was performed to confirm the existence of constituent elements in the as-deposited films with their oxidation state. The electrical properties were explored by I–V and Hall Effect measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This article presents a single‐ended primary inductor converter (SEPIC) for solar energy–based sensorless speed control of squirrel cage induction motor (SCIM) drive. In the sensorless speed control, actual rotor speed estimation is done using accurate stator and rotor flux estimation using sensed SCIM terminal voltages and currents. The SEPIC is employed in between solar photovoltaic (PV) panel and DC link of three‐phase voltage source inverter (VSI). The SEPIC is controlled to extract maximum PV power. The control of SEPIC is obtained using the fuzzy logic–based maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm. The effectiveness of the proposed system and its control is validated on developed laboratory prototype using Texas LaunchPad TMS320F28379D microcontroller. This article deals with single‐ended primary inductor converter (SEPIC) for solar energy–based sensorless speed control of induction motor drive for autonomous application; the significant contributions in this article are,The control of SEPIC is obtained using fuzzy logic control (FLC). The FLC provides fast dynamic response under change in environment conditions and offers reduced oscillations in PV voltage and power.Solar power–driven speed sensorless control of squirrel cage induction motor (SCIM) drive is proposed. The speed sensorless control helps in cost minimization and improves reliability of autonomous drive system due to reduction in sensor count.A discrete moving average–based dc offset rejection concept is developed and implemented on low cost microcontroller, that is, TMS320F28379D. It helps in obtaining accurate flux for estimating the speed of the SCIM.The state space model of SEPIC is obtained to determine transfer function to ensure stability under required operating conditions.Prototype of the proposed solar energy–driven SCIM drive is developed in laboratory to analyze its performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The air‐conditioning sector experiences sustainable growth in recent time and resulted in hike in energy demands. To preserve the environment, reduce energy consumption, and improve social‐economic developments, these air‐conditioning loads should be either curtailed or driven using the green energy. In this work, the design, development, and control of quasi‐resonant switched step up converter (QRSSUC) are presented for solar energy‐based brushless DC motor (BLDCM) drive coupled with air‐conditioning loads. The QRSSUC is placed in between solar photovoltaic supply (SPVS) and DC link of a voltage source inverter. It reduces the switching losses by using zero voltage switching across the switch. The proposed system advises a promising option for solar energy‐based solution for air‐conditioning loads. The proposed position sensor less BLDCM drive is cost effective and more reliable as mechanical sensors are completely eliminated from the control. The MATLAB R2019 and dSPACE 1104 controller board are used to obtain simulation and experimental results. Test results are obtained on a developed prototype to verify that the proposed system can operate under the wide range of solar irradiations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper is regarded as a unique electrocatalyst for the CO 2 reduction reaction as it is able to produce products that require more than two electrons, such as C 2 H 4 and C 2 H 5 OH. When combined with the high activity of a gas diffusion electrode, copper becomes a great choice of catalyst for the CO 2 reduction reaction, however, it has a history of poor selectivity for a given product. In this work, we have synthesised a CuO electrocatalyst that has typical copper-like selectivity initially, however, as we tune the Nafion loading, we are able to shift the selectivity towards that of a gold-based catalyst. We propose that this is due to the Nafion providing an in-penetrable barrier to the electrolyte that prevents the catalyst from being flooded, which is supported by electrochemical, XAS, and TEM analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Solar power driven PMSM drive employing boost-buck converter is proposed first time for a refrigeration system. • Proposed system offers high efficiency over wide input and output voltage range as well as it increases life of compressor. • Due to presence of inductors at the DC and AC section of the cascaded boost buck converter, very less ripple in currents are obtained at PV supply terminals and DC bus of VSI. It helps in improving efficiency and therefore low implementation cost due to reduced panel size. • More flexibility in design and control approach comparative to single switch topology. This paper deals with the boost-buck converter employed solar power based PMSM (Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor) drive for variable speed compressor of a refrigeration system. A cascaded boost-buck converter is used as a non-inverting DC-DC converter in between solar PV panel and the PMSM drive. An independent control scheme for cascaded boost-buck converter is used to achieve non-inverting output DC bus voltage with maximum power tracking. It allows variable voltage control at PV panel with reduced voltage stress across the boost-buck converter switches under a desired voltage gain and system efficiency. The ZDC (Zero Direct Current) based vector-oriented control is employed for the VSI (Voltage Source Inverter) for speed control of non-salient pole PMSM drive. A DSC (Digital Signal Controller) dSPACE 1104 is used for real time validation. Simulation results are obtained to validate the performance of proposed control algorithms and test results are obtained with a rooftop solar PV panel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the modeling, design, and control of a photovoltaic supply (PVS) for single-phase grid system. In the two stage conversion process, a step-up converter (SUC) is employed in between the photovoltaic panel and dc bus of voltage source converter (VSC). For the maximum power tracking (MPT) at PVS terminals, a fuzzy logic control (FLC) based approach is developed for the switching of an SUC. A band-pass filter (BPF) is developed using modified multilayer fifth-order generalized integrator (mMLFOGI) to estimate synchronizing signals of the grid supply for the control of VSC. The mMLFOGI based BPF ensures the proper synchronization of VSC under grid disturbances such as dc offsets, frequency variations, voltage sag, swell, and harmonics. These proposed control approaches are simulated in MATLAB 2018a and prototype of PVS for single-phase grid system is developed in the laboratory. A Texas instrument micro controller board TMS320F28379D is used for real time validations of proposed control algorithms. The performance is obtained using simulation model and validated with test results under field emulated conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This paper deals with the position sensorless speed control of solar photovoltaic (PV) power‐based permanent‐magnet brushless DC (PMBLDC) motor drive coupled with the compressor unit of refrigeration system. The proposed system plays an important role to design one of the best alternatives for green‐energy‐driven refrigeration plants. The proposed system eliminates position sensors and the need for DC‐DC conversion stage to reduce complexity and cost of the overall system with increased efficiency. The sliding‐mode control (SMC)‐based maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm is used in this proposed system. The sliding‐mode switching function helps to improve the dynamic response and stabilize the output power. A digital signal controller (DSC) dSPACE 1104 is used for real‐time validation of the proposed system. Test results are obtained to observe the performance of devised control algorithms on developed prototype under field‐emulated situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents design, modeling, and control of a quasi-resonant zero-current switching boost converter used in a photovoltaic (PV) power based surface-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor (SPMSM) for driving compressor loads of a refrigeration plant situated in remote locations. The solar-based refrigeration system is an attractive solution as cooling burden matches with the peak incident solar radiation. The field-oriented controlled voltage source inverter is employed for speed control of the SPMSM drive under variation in solar irradiation. The MATLAB/SIMULINK environment is used to model the control of a PV power based SPMSM drive. The performance of the developed system is investigated under wide changes in operating conditions. A prototype of an 800 W PV power based SPMSM drive is developed in the laboratory to validate the simulation results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Denosumab has become the preferred agent over zolendronic acid to help prevent skeletal-related events in patients with metastatic bone disease and multiple myeloma because it is approved for use in those with kidney dysfunction. However, denosumab has been linked to cases of hypocalcemia, particularly in those with advanced kidney disease. Case Presentation. We present the case of a patient with metastatic prostate cancer and chronic kidney disease due to obstructive nephropathy who developed severe hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia after denosumab injection, which required intensive care unit admission, aggressive calcium supplementation, and hemodialysis assistance. We reviewed the evidence behind the safety profile of denosumab in chronic kidney disease, and we also looked at additional factors that may precipitate severe hypocalcemia with denosumab in advanced kidney disease. Conclusion. We believe that denosumab should be avoided in advanced chronic kidney disease due to the potential life-threatening, severe hypocalcemia that has been observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 (CZTS) nanocrystals were synthesized by a simple ultrasonic assisted sol-gel method using two different solvents. Structure and purity of the phase formed were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman measurements. The average crystallite size were estimated by using Scherrer's formula and found to be 2.09 and 7.15 nm. Raman study reveals the kesterite-phase of prepared samples. The influence of solvent in the morphologies of prepared samples was investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Ultraviolet–visible–near-infrared absorption measurement was carried out to calculate the optical band gap of samples. Oxidation state of the constitute elements of as-prepared samples were investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis and the results are in good agreement with the literature. The surface area and pore volume were estimated after analysis of nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherm curves and found to be 16.5 m 2 /gm and 0.01 cm 3 /gm respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients suffering from chronic mountain sickness (CMS) have excessive erythrocytosis. Low −level cobalt toxicity as a likely contributor has been demonstrated in some subjects. We performed a randomized, placebo controlled clinical trial in Cerro de Pasco, Peru (4380 m), where 84 participants with a hematocrit (HCT) ≥65% and CMS score > 6, were assigned to four treatment groups of placebo, acetazolamide (ACZ, which stimulates respiration), N -acetylcysteine (NAC, an antioxidant that chelates cobalt) and combination of ACZ and NAC for 6 weeks. The primary outcome was change in hematocrit and secondary outcomes were changes in PaO 2 , PaCO 2 , CMS score, and serum and urine cobalt concentrations. The mean (±SD) hematocrit, CMS score and serum cobalt concentrations were 69 ± 4%, 9.8 ± 2.4 and 0.24 ± 0.15 μg/l, respectively for the 66 participants. The ACZ arm had a relative reduction in HCT of 6.6% vs. 2.7% (p = 0.048) and the CMS score fell by 34.9% vs. 14.8% (p = 0.014) compared to placebo, while the reduction in PaCO 2 was 10.5% vs. an increase of 0.6% (p = 0.003), with a relative increase in PaO 2 of 13.6% vs. 3.0%. NAC reduced CMS score compared to placebo (relative reduction of 34.0% vs. 14.8%, p = 0.017), while changes in other parameters failed to reach statistical significance. The combination of ACZ and NAC was no better than ACZ alone. No changes in serum and urine cobalt concentrations were seen within any treatment arms. ACZ reduced polycythemia and CMS score, while NAC improved CMS score without significantly lowering hematocrit. Only a small proportion of subjects had cobalt toxicity, which may relate to the closing of contaminated water sources and several other environmental protection measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water pollution due to indiscriminate disposal of industrial dyes poses serious environmental hazards nationally and internationally. Some of the dyes are potentially carcinogenic and may induce mutagenicity and genotoxicity. Recently, graphene-based nanocomposite has attracted considerable interest for photocatalysis-based wastewater treatment. Here, we report the production of graphene-oxide-based hydrophobic PAN/GO nanofibers using electrospinning technique for photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine 6G dye under natural sunlight illumination. The synthesized nanofibers were characterized using X-ray diffraction, EDX, field emission scanning electron microscopy and FTIR spectroscopy. Dye removal efficiency was investigated by monitoring UV-Vis absorption intensity over time. Structural change in dye was studied using FTIR analysis. Kinetics of dye degradation reaction was monitored through pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetics model. Effects of nanofiber weight and initial dye concentration on the degradation efficiency were investigated in detail. Reusability and stability of these synthesized nanofibers in dye solution have been studied using scanning electron microscopy and FTIR spectroscopy. A comparative study for dye degradation was also performed using TiO-coated nanofibers under visible light and UV light illumination. These large-area reusable graphene oxide nanofibers provide a scalable and novel route for photocatalytic degradation of carcinogenic dyes from industrial water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with control of a solar-photovoltaic (PV) power-generating system interfaced with the grid. A sliding mode control approach is used for achieving maximum power tracking control of a solar-PV array. The Lyapunov function-based control approach is designed and modeled for the dc–ac inverter to serve the functions of an active power injection to the grid, balanced grid currents at unity power factor and load currents harmonics compensation. The proposed approaches eliminate the need of adjustment of system parameters under changing loads and generation scenario. The effectiveness of the proposed control strategies is established using its stability analyses. The performance of the solar-PV power-generating system with the proposed control algorithms is demonstrated using simulation and experimental studies under various operating conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Some common medicinal plants that are used either alone or in association, and sold as industrial preparations or by phytotherapists for the treatment of hyperlipidemia. We used two medicinal plants namely Lagenaria siceraria and Carica papaya with cow urine for the treatment of Hyperlipidemia. Hyperlipidemia is a condition of excess fatty substances called lipids, largely cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. It is also called hyperlipoproteinemia because these excess lipids travel in the blood attached to proteins. The aim of present study is to evaluate and compare the anti-hyperlipidemia effects of cow urine & freshly prepared juice and hydroalcholic extract of Lageraria siceraria fruit & Carica papaya leaf in high fat diet induced hyperlipidemia rat with marketed Atorvastatin. Present work aim to check potency of cow urine with freshly prepared juice and hydroalcholic extract of Lageraria siceraria fruit & Carica papaya leaf preparation with potent anti-hyperlipidemic activity. In present study four preparations were taken i.e. Lagenaria siceraria fruit juice (LSFJ) and Carica papaya leaves juice(CPLJ) with CU in dose of 10 ml/kg and 20 ml/kg and hydroalcoholic extract of Lagenaria siceraria (LSFE) and Carica papaya leaves extract(CPLE) with CU in dose of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg. LSFJ and CPLJ in dose of 20 ml/kg and LSFE and CPLE in dose of 200 mg/kg showed the most significant results among other preparation in high fat diet induce obese and hyperlipidemic rats. The results of study reveal that the juice and hydroalcoholic extract of Lagenaria siceraria and Carica papaya leaves with CU when administered to the obese & hyperlipidemic rats causes significant decrease in the body weight, Serum TC, LDL, TG and VLDL level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This paper deals with a grid-integrated single phase solar photovoltaic system (GISPSPS) employed with a single switched based high gain boost converter. The significant contributions in this paper are; • The dynamic model of HGBC including effective series resistance (ESR) of passive elements is developed for improving accuracy with slight increase in complexity of model. Then its stability analysis is carried out under different solar irradiations (i.e. 300, 500, 800 and 1000 W/m2) using an eigenvalue plot. • The HGBC control is obtained using the sliding mode control (SMC) for PPE under change in solar irradiations. In proposed SMC only two sensing signals PV panel voltage and current (i.e. v pv and i pv) are needed for PPE in comparison to three sensing signals PV panel voltage, current and DC link voltage (i.e. v pv , i pv and v dc) require in SMC of ref. [10]. • The control of FBVSC is obtained by a F i OGI controller. The F i OGI provides noise-less extraction of synchronization signal, under presence of DC offset and noise in grid voltage. However, FOGI used in ref. [10] exhibits poor performance under presence of noise in grid supply voltage. This paper presents a grid-integrated single phase solar photovoltaic (PV) system (GISPSPS) with its modeling, design and control. The GISPSPS consists of a single switch based high gain boost converter (HGBC) and full bridge voltage source converter (FBVSC). The HGBC, boost the low PV panel voltage and extracts the optimum PV power. The HGBC allows high voltage conversion ratio and possesses less voltage stresses on power devices. The optimum PV power is extracted via a sliding mode control (SMC) strategy that generates the switching signal for the switch of HGBC. The FBVSC delivers PV power to the single phase utility grid, as well as load connected at point of interfacing (POI). A fifth order generalized integrator (F i OGI) is developed for FBVSC control to ensure harmonic suppression and DC offset rejection capability during extraction of fundamental grid voltage. Experimental validation of proposed GISPSPS and its control is also verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article deals with the performance evaluation of fixed-speed and variable-speed stand-alone wind energy conversion systems using an isolated asynchronous generator. A voltage and frequency controller for an isolated asynchronous generator based variable-speed stand-alone wind energy conversion system is investigated using two back-to-back connected voltage source converters and a battery energy storage system. A three-leg insulated-gate bipolar transistor based voltage source converter is used at the machine side for variable-voltage–variable-frequency energy conversion, and a four-leg insulated-gate bipolar transistor based voltage source converter is used between the load terminals and intermediate DC link for feeding regulated voltage and frequency supply. A voltage and frequency controller for an isolated asynchronous generator based fixed-speed stand-alone wind energy conversion system is also designed and modeled using a four-leg voltage source converter and battery energy storage system. A detailed performance evaluation is made between fixed-speed and variable-speed stand-alone wind energy conversion systems using wind data obtained for Jakhau (Gujarat) situated in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a stand-alone doubly wound asynchronous generator (DWAG) employed for feeding single-phase loads with harmonic compensation. Pulsewidth modulation controlled back-to-back-connected voltage-source converters (VSCs) are used with a battery-supported common dc link. The stator converter (SC) with a star-delta-connected transformer is used to provide functions of a load leveler, a current balancer, and a harmonics eliminator. The rotor converter (RC) is used to achieve maximum power tracking along with control of voltage and frequency at DWAG stator under varying rotor speeds. Both VSCs are controlled in vector oriented control mode to achieve robust dynamic response. The proposed control scheme for SC and RC is realized using a digital signal processor. Performance of developed system is demonstrated under linear and nonlinear loads using simulation and experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objectives: To assess the feasibility of using mobile communication technology in completing a 30-day follow-up of surgical site infection (SSI). Subjects and Methods: SSIs are infections occurring up to 30 days after an operative procedure. This prospective exploratory study was conducted in a cohort of patients who were admitted and operated on in the general surgery wards of a rural hospital in India from October 2010 to June 2011. At the time of discharge, all patients were requested to follow-up in the surgical outpatient clinic at 30 days after surgery. If this was not done, a mobile phone-based surveillance was done to complete the follow-up. Results: The mean age of the 536 operated-on patients was 40 years (95% confidence interval [CI], 38-41 years). The mean duration of hospital stay was 10.7 days (95% CI, 9.9-11.6 days). Most (81%) operated-on patients were from rural areas, and 397 (75%) were male. Among the operated-on patients the ownership of mobile phones was 75% (95% CI, 73-78%). The remaining 25% of patients (n =133) used a shared mobile phone. For 380 patients (74.5%) the follow-up was completed by mobile phones. The SSI rate at follow-up was 6.3% (n =34). In 10 patients, an SSI was detected over the mobile phone. Conclusions: Mobile communication technology is feasible to be used in rural settings to complete case follow-up for SSIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the increase in environmental concerns, it becomes mandatory now to focus on energy management and the planning of resources. An integration of distributed generation resources with conventional sources is gaining popularity. The hybrid modeling of the power system poses a complex and challenging optimization problem without getting trapped in a local optimum. A novel Hybrid Statistical Multiswarm Particle Swarm Optimizer-Sine Cosine Algorithm (HSMPSO-SCA) is developed in this paper, and its performance is evaluated on various test benchmark functions. The real operating conditions such as valve point loading, prohibited zones, ramp rate limits and uncertainties in solar and wind power generation for the IEEE 30 bus system are considered for combined emission economic load dispatch (CEELD). The performance of the HSMPSO-SCA is also analyzed for the solution of CEELD for various standard test systems with interaction of solar and wind plants. The efficacy of the proposed HSMPSO-SCA is found to be much better than various metaheuristics, hybrid and multi-agent algorithms in minimizing cost along with emissions optimally and achieves better accuracy and a faster convergence rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the implementation of a voltage and frequency controller (VFC) for an isolated asynchronous generator (IAG)-based stand-alone wind energy conversion system (SWECS) with a battery energy storage system (BESS) feeding three-phase four-wire loads. The control algorithm for VFC is based on a low-pass filter (LPF) for estimation of reference source currents. The VFC is realized using a voltage source converter (VSC) with a BESS at its dc bus and a nonisolated T-connected transformer to feed three-phase four-wire consumer loads. Test results are presented to demonstrate the performance of a proposed VFC for an IAG in the wind power generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between dietary sodium and potassium intake with elevated blood pressure ( BP) levels is unclear. The authors examined the association between dietary sodium and potassium intake and BP levels in 6985 adults aged 18 years and older with no prior history of hypertension who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2001-2006). After adjustment for age, sex, race, body mass index, diabetes, and estimated glomerular filtration rate, there was no association between higher quartiles of sodium or potassium intake with the risk of a BP >140/90 mm Hg or >130/80 mm Hg. There was also no relationship between dietary sodium and potassium intake with BP when systolic and diastolic BP were measured as continuous outcomes ( P=.68 and P=.74, respectively). Furthermore, no association was found between combinations of sodium and potassium intake with elevated BP. In the US adult population without hypertension, increased dietary sodium or low potassium intake was not associated with elevated BP levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genome sequences of plant fungal pathogens have enabled the identification of effectors that cooperatively modulate the cellular environment for successful fungal growth and suppress host defense. Identification and characterization of novel effector proteins are crucial for understanding pathogen virulence and host-plant defense mechanisms. Previous reports indicate that the Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 type III secretion system ( T3 SS) can be used to study how non-bacterial effectors manipulate dicot plant cell function using the effector detector vector (p EDV) system. Here we report a p EDV-based effector delivery system in which the T3 SS of Burkholderia glumae, an emerging rice pathogen, is used to translocate the AVR- Pik and AVR- Pii effectors of the fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae to rice cytoplasm. The translocated AVR- Pik and AVR- Pii showed avirulence activity when tested in rice cultivars containing the cognate R genes. AVR- Pik reduced and delayed the hypersensitive response triggered by B. glumae in the non-host plant Nicotiana benthamiana, indicative of an immunosuppressive virulence activity. AVR proteins fused with fluorescent protein and nuclear localization signal were delivered by B. glumae T3 SS and observed in the nuclei of infected cells in rice, wheat, barley and N. benthamiana. Our bacterial T3 SS-enabled eukaryotic effector delivery and subcellular localization assays provide a useful method for identifying and studying effector functions in monocot plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyponatraemia--the most common serum electrolyte disorder--has also emerged as an important marker of the severity and prognosis of important diseases such as heart failure and cirrhosis. Acute hyponatraemia can cause severe encephalopathy, but the rapid correction of chronic hyponatraemia can also profoundly impair brain function and even cause death. With the expanding elderly population and the increased prevalence of hyponatraemia in this segment of society, prospective studies are needed to examine whether correcting hyponatraemia in the elderly will diminish cognitive impairment, improve balance and reduce the incidence of falls and fractures. Given that polypharmacy is also common in the elderly population, the various medications that may stimulate arginine vasopressin release and/or enhance the hormone's action to increase water absorption must also be taken into consideration. Whether hyponatraemia in a patient with cancer is merely a marker of poor prognosis or whether its presence may alter the patient's quality of life remains to be examined. In any case, hyponatraemia can no longer be considered as just a biochemical bystander in the ill patient. A systematic diagnostic approach is necessary to determine the specific aetiology of a patient's hyponatraemia. Therapy must then be dictated not only by recognized reversible causes such as advanced hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, diuretics or other medicines, but also by whether the hyponatraemia occurred acutely or chronically. Information is emerging that the vast majority of cases of hyponatraemia are caused by the nonosmotic release of arginine vasopressin. Now that vasopressin V2-receptor blockers are available, a new era of clinical investigation is necessary to examine whether hyponatraemia is just a marker of severe disease or whether correction of hyponatraemia could improve a patient's quality of life. Such an approach must involve prospective randomized studies in different groups of patients with hyponatraemia, including those with advanced heart failure, those with cirrhosis, patients with cancer, and the elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with a stand-alone single-phase power generation using a three-phase isolated asynchronous generator (IAG) coupled with a wind turbine or a pico-hydro turbine. The proposed voltage and frequency controller (VFC) for a stand-alone single-phase power generation is used as a phase balancer for a three-phase IAG, a load leveler, and an active filter. The VFC is realized using a three-leg voltage-source converter and a battery energy storage system. The VFC ensures optimum utilization of a three-phase IAG for feeding a variety of single-phase loads, improves conversion efficiency, and reduces noise and vibration in the IAG. The rating considerations of an IAG and VFCs are also discussed for a single-phase power generation. The performance of an IAG system is demonstrated under steady-state and dynamic conditions of feeding single-phase linear and nonlinear loads. Simulated results are validated with test results on a developed system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the design and implementation of a voltage and frequency controller (VFC) for a three-phase four-wire autonomous wind energy conversion system (WECS). The VFC is realized using a four-leg voltage source converter and a battery energy storage system. The enhanced phase-locked loop-based control algorithm is used in the VFC. A prototype of a 3.7-kW isolated asynchronous generator-based WECS is developed to demonstrate the performance of the VFC. The obtained test results have shown that the proposed VFC functions as a load leveler, a load balancer, a neutral current compensator, and a harmonic eliminator. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Sequence diversity in the two barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.) genes encoding sucrose synthase I ( SSI) and sucrose phosphate synthase II ( SPSII), both of which are involved in sucrose accumulation and grain filling, was studied by partial resequencing of eight reference genotypes and SNP analysis by pyrosequencing in a panel of 94 spring and 96 winter European barley varieties. The resequencing was based on two adjacent SSI fragments of size 880 and 820 bp, and a 2,322 bp SPSII fragment. In the SSI gene, 26 SNPs were present in the larger fragment, and 25 in the smaller one, and 11 of these were exploited to develop high-throughput SNP assays used for haplotype analysis. An association analysis based on either a general or a mixed linear model suggested that the predominant three haplotypes influenced certain components of both kernel and malting quality. However, the level of phenotype/haplotype association shown with the SPSII gene was rather low. SNP variation of SSI was used to map the locus to chromosome 7H. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benzothiophene derivatives like benzothiophene sulphonamides, biphenyls, or carboxyls have been synthesized and have found wide pharmacological usage. Here we report, bromo-benzothiophene carboxamide derivatives as potent, slow tight binding inhibitors of Plasmodium enoyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) reductase (PfENR). 3-Bromo- N-(4-fluorobenzyl)-benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide (compound 6) is the most potent inhibitor with an IC50 of 115 nM for purified PfENR. The inhibition constant ( Ki) of compound 6 was 18 nM with respect to the cofactor and 91 nM with respect to crotonoyl-CoA. These inhibitors showed competitive kinetics with cofactor and uncompetitive kinetics with the substrate. Thus, these compounds hold promise for the development of potent antimalarials. © 2011 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 63(12): 1101-1110, 2011 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with an artificial neural network based control of the voltage and frequency (VF) of autonomous wind power generation using an isolated asynchronous generator (IAG) feeding three-phase four-wire loads. The reference generator currents are estimated using the adaptive linear neuron and its training through least mean square (LMS) algorithm to control the VF of an IAG system. Three-leg voltage source converter (VSC) with an isolated T-connected transformer is used as an integrated VSC. The integrated VSC with a battery energy storage system is used to control the active power of the wind energy conversion system (WECS). Bi-directional power flow capabilities of the proposed VF controller in WECS are demonstrated through simulation results. The proposed controller functions as a VF regulator, a load leveler, a load balancer and a harmonic eliminator in the WECS. The WECS is modeled and simulated in the MATLAB using the Simulink and the sim power system toolboxes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Root lesion nematodes of the genus Pratylenchus are important pests in crop cultivation that cause severe damage to crops throughout the world. P. neglectus is one of the most important members of this genus. The present study aimed to select barley accessions with resistance to P. neglectus in a greenhouse resistance test and to detect resistance quantitative trait loci (QTLs). Infection rates have been found to vary greatly among different barley accessions; however, immunity could not be found. An existing Igri × Franka doubled-haploid mapping population was used to map resistance genes after artificial inoculation with P. neglectus under controlled environment. QTLs were found with a likelihood of odds score between 2.71 and 6.35 and explaining phenotypic variation of 8 to 16%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The root-lesion nematode Pratylenchus neglectus can cause severe losses in barley cultivation. Multiplication rates had been found to vary greatly between different barley accessions. Two winter barley cultivars, Igri and Franka, had been found to differ in their ability to resist this parasite. An existing Igri × Franka doubled haploid population was chosen to genetically map resistance genes after artificial inoculation with P. neglectus in the greenhouse and climate chamber. A continuous phenotypic variation was found indicating a quantitative inheritance of P. neglectus resistance. An existing map was enriched by 527 newly developed Diversity Array Technology markers (DArTs). The new genetic linkage map was comprised of 857 molecular markers that cover 1,157 cM on seven linkage groups. Using phenotypic data collected from four different experiments in 3 years, five quantitative trait loci were mapped by composite interval mapping on four (3H, 5H, 6H and 7H) linkage groups. A quantitative trait locus with a large phenotypic effect of 16% and likelihood of odds (LOD) score of 6.35 was mapped on linkage group 3H. The remaining four QTLs were classified as minor or moderate with LOD scores ranging from 2.71 to 3.55 and R values ranging from 8 to 10%. The DNA markers linked to the resistance QTLs should be quite useful for marker-assisted selection in barley breeding because phenotypic selection is limited due to time constraints and labor costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) is an important component of the plant sucrose biosynthesis pathway. In the monocotyledonous Poaceae, five SPS genes have been identified. Here we present a detailed analysis of the wheat SPSII family in wheat. A set of homoeologue-specific primers was developed in order to permit both the detection of sequence variation, and the dissection of the individual contribution of each homoeologue to the global expression of SPSII. Results: The expression in bread wheat over the course of development of various sucrose biosynthesis genes monitored on an Affymetrix array showed that the SPS genes were regulated over time and space. SPSII homoeologue-specific assays were used to show that the three homoeologues contributed differentially to the global expression of SPSII. Genetic mapping placed the set of homoeoloci on the short arms of the homoeologous group 3 chromosomes. A resequencing of the A and B genome copies allowed the detection of four haplotypes at each locus. The 3B copy includes an unspliced intron. A comparison of the sequences of the wheat SPSII orthologues present in the diploid progenitors einkorn, goatgrass and Triticum speltoides, as well as in the more distantly related species barley, rice, sorghum and purple false brome demonstrated that intronic sequence was less well conserved than exonic. Comparative sequence and phylogenetic analysis of SPSII gene showed that false purple brome was more similar to Triticeae than to rice. Wheat - rice synteny was found to be perturbed at the SPS region. Conclusion: The homoeologue-specific assays will be suitable to derive associations between SPS functionality and key phenotypic traits. The amplicon sequences derived from the homoeologue-specific primers are informative regarding the evolution of SPSII in a polyploid context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morpho-agronomic traits and microsatellite markers were used to survey genetic diversity in 115 common bean genotypes that included 70 Indian landraces, 24 released varieties and 21 exotic accessions. Twelve morpho-agronomic traits, namely, days to 50% flowering, leaflet length, leaflet width, pod length, pod width, number of pods per plant, days to maturity, seed length, seed width, number of seeds per pod, 100 seed weight and seed yield per plant were studied. Field data of two consecutive years were subjected to multivariate analysis as proposed by Mahalanobis’s D2-statistics, Tochers method of clustering and combined analysis of variance. Seventeen microsatellite markers were also used to examine genetic diversity at molecular level that showed polymorphic information content (PIC) in the range of 0.00–0.684. Dendrograms based on Euclidean distances and UPGMA analysis showed the presence of majority of released varieties into single cluster, which pointed toward their low genetic base in comparison to indigenous landraces and exotic germplasm. Significant correlation existed between morphological genetic distance and microsatellite genetic distance tested by Mantel test ( r = 0.876). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Condensing enzymes play an important and decisive role in terms of fatty acid composition of any organism. They can be classified as condensing enzymes involved in initiating the cycle and enzymes involved in elongating the initiated fatty acyl chain. In E. coli, two isoforms for the elongation condensing enzymes (FabB and FabF) exists whereas Plasmodium genome contains only one isoform. By in vitro complementation studies in E. coli CY244 cells, we show that PfFabB/F functions like E. coli FabF as the growth of the mutant cells could be rescued only in the presence of oleic acid. But unlike bacterial enzyme, PfFabB/F does not increase the cis-vaccenic acid content in the mutant cells upon lowering the growth temperature. This study thus highlights the distinct properties of P. falciparum FabF which sets it apart from E. coli and most other enzymes of this family described so far. © 2009 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 61(6): 658–662, 2009 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The solid state photo-electrochemical cell (PEC) solar energy conversion devices based on pure PPAT and PPAT:TY blend has been fabricated having structure ITO/nc-ZnO/PPAT or PPAT:TY/electrolyte/PEDOT:PSS-ITO and characterized. The redox properties of PPAT and TY were characterized using cyclic voltammetery (CV). The energy levels of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) have been estimated from their CV and UV–vis absorption spectra. The PPAT and PPAT:TY were used as sensitizer for ZnO nano-particle (nc-ZnO) in the film of PEC devices. Device that consist of PPAT:TY/nc-ZnO photoactive electrode showed improved photovoltaic performance over that consist of PPAT/nc-ZnO. This improvement attributed to the formation bulk heterojunction between PPAT and TY resulting efficient exciton dissociation into free charge carrier and photoinduced charge transfer. The photovoltaic performance of the device is further enhanced when the annealed PPAT:TY blend is used as sensitizer, which attributed to the increase in absorption and red shift in the absorption peak upon thermal annealing. This effect is due to the increased crystallinity of PPAT in the blend. PEC assembling with nc-ZnO adsorbed PPAT:TY blend using polar solvent treated PEDOT:PSS coating on ITO as a counter electrode, was studied. It was observed that when DMSO treated PEDOT:PSS counter electrode is used, the photovoltaic performance of the device is highest, which is attributed to enhanced conductivity of PEDOT:PSS and increased surface roughness. The PEC using carbon black (0.2wt.%) modified DMSO treated PEDOT:PSS counter electrode reached a device efficiency of 5.54% under illumination 10mW/cm2. This efficiency is higher than a PEC using untreated PEDOT:PSS as counter electrode. The thermal annealing of nc-ZnO photoelectrode improves the power conversion efficiency of the device, attributed to the increase crystallinity of the ZnO. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is known to have numerous pharmacological properties. In the present study, we have shown that EGCG inhibits enoyl–acyl carrier protein reductase of Plasmodium falciparum (PfENR) by following a two-step, slow, tight-binding inhibition mechanism. The association/isomerization rate constant (k 5) of the reversible and loose PfENR–EGCG binary complex to a tight [PfENR–EGCG]∗ or EI∗ complex was calculated to be 4.0×10−2 s−1. The low dissociation rate constant (k 6) of the [PfENR–EGCG]∗ complex confirms the tight-binding nature of EGCG. EGCG inhibited PfENR with the overall inhibition constant (K i ∗) of 7.0±0.8nM. Further, we also studied the effect of triclosan on the inhibitory activity of EGCG. Triclosan lowered the k 6 of the EI∗ complex by 100 times, lowering the overall K i ∗ of EGCG to 97.5±12.5 pM. The results support EGCG as a promising candidate for the development of tea catechin based antimalarial drugs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: AFLP technique was applied to assess genetic diversity among 44 common bean accessions that included 6 exotic accessions, 15 Indian land races and 23 released varieties. Eight AFLP primer pairs were used that produced 820 products of which 698 were polymorphic (85.12%). Wide variations were observed among all the accessions for the number of amplification products, percent polymorphism and average polymorphism information content (PIC). The Jaccard''s similarity indices (J) based on the AFLP profiles were subjected to UPGMA cluster analysis. The dendrogram generated revealed seven major groups. Seventeen out of 23 released varieties were restricted to clusters VI and VII. The value of r =0.934 in Mantel''s test for cophenetic corrlelation applied to the cluster analysis indicated the high fitness of the accessions to a group. The germplasm used in the present study had narrow genetic base, although moderate to high genetic diversity was observed. The details of diversity analysis and the potential use of Indian common bean accessions in common bean breeding programme are provided in the present study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Among the various inhibitors known for enoyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) reductases, triclosan and green tea catechins are two promising candidates. In the present study, we show, for the first time that epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a major component of green tea catechins, inhibits InhA, the enoyl-ACP reductase of Mycobacterium tuberculosis with an IC50 of 17.4μM. EGCG interferes with the binding of NADH to InhA. We also demonstrate that EGCG increased the inhibitory activity of triclosan towards InhA and vice versa. Direct binding assay using [3H]EGCG and fluorescence titration assay support the spectrophotometric/kinetic inhibition data. The biochemical data has been explained by docking simulation studies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Acyl carrier protein (ACP) plays a central role in many metabolic processes inside the cell, and almost 4% of the total enzymes inside the cell require it as a cofactor. Here, we report self-acylation properties in ACPs from Plasmodium falciparum and Brassica napus that are essential components of type II fatty acid biosynthesis (FAS II), disproving the existing notion that this phenomenon is restricted only to ACPs involved in polyketide biosynthesis. We also provide strong evidence to suggest that catalytic self-acylation is intrinsic to the individual ACP. Mutational analysis of these ACPs revealed the key residue(s) involved in this phenomenon. We also demonstrate that these FAS II ACPs exhibit a high degree of selectivity for self-acylation employing only dicarboxylic acids as substrates. A plausible mechanism for the self-acylation reaction is also proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The crystals obtained from various batches of crystallization trials of FabZ from Plasmodium falciparum exhibited non-isomorphism. The c axis of the I222 cell showed a large variation of about 16 Å, from c = 81 Å to c = 97 Å. Complete data sets were collected for three crystal forms with varying lengths of the c axis (form 1, c = 97 Å; form 2, c = 92 Å; form 3, c = 81 Å). The crystal structure of form 1 has been reported previously. Here, the crystal structures of the other two crystal forms are reported and a detailed structural comparison is made of the three crystal forms in order to explore the possible reasons for the existence of non-isomorphism. The conformations of three loops vary between the three crystal forms. The disposition of the loops affects the crystal packing and hence the unit-cell parameter. The crystallization condition and crystallization method employed, which change the evaporation rate, determine the crystal form of the enzyme. The present analysis shows that pH-induced intrinsic conformational changes in the protein play a key role in the observed differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Electrical and photovoltaic properties of donor–acceptor composite system comprised of poly (3-phenyl azo methine thiophene) (PPAT) and 1, 1′–diallyl substituted 4, 4′-dipyridine (DADP) were investigated. A significant enhancement of photocurrent was observed when PPAT was blended with DADP. The increase in photocurrent has been explained in terms of efficient charge separation that resulted from the transfer of photo-excited electrons from PPAT to DADP. The strong quenching of fluorescence of PPAT was caused by the presence of DADP that indicates the photo-induced charge transfer from PPAT to DADP. The open circuit voltage (V oc) generated in the device is independent of the variation of work function of negative metal electrode that has been explained in terms of Fermi level pinning between DADP and metal via surface charges. The electrical characteristics of ITO/PPAT: DADP/Al photovoltaic device were determined by analyzing the dependence of short circuit photocurrent density (J sc) and V oc under illumination at different temperatures. The V oc decreases almost linearly with increasing temperature, while short-circuit photocurrent increases logarithmically with temperature and saturates at higher temperature above 330K. This dependence of J sc and V oc on temperature has been discussed in terms of possible mechanism that involves the photovoltage generation and charge carrier transport in the device under thermally activated state. The photovoltaic device made from PPAT: DADP blend has shown three times higher photosensitivity than that of made from pure PPAT. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Acyl Carrier Protein (ACP) from the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum (PfACP) in its holo form is found to exist in two conformational states in solution. Unique 3D solution structures of holo-PfACP have been determined for both equilibrium conformations, using high-resolution NMR methods. Twenty high-resolution solution structures for each of the two forms of holo-PfACP have been determined on the basis of 1226 and 1218 unambiguously assigned NOEs (including NOEs between 4‰-phosphopantetheine prosthetic group (4‰-PP) and protein), 55 backbone dihedral angles and 26 hydrogen bonds. The atomic rmsd values of the determined structures of two equilibrium forms, about the mean coordinates of the backbone and heavy atoms, are 0.48 ± 0.09 and 0.92 ± 0.10 and 0.49 ± 0.08 and 0.97 ± 0.11 Å, respectively. The interaction of 4‰-PP with the polypeptide backbone is reported here for the first time for any of the ACPs. The structures of holo-PfACP consist of three well-defined helices that are tightly packed. The structured regions of the molecule are stabilized by extensive hydrophobic interactions. The difference between the two forms arises from a reorientation of the 4‰-PP group. The enthalpy difference between the two forms, although small, implies that a conformational switch is essential for the activation of holo-ACP. Sequence and structures of holo-PfACP have been compared with those of the ACPs from type I and type II fatty acid biosynthesis pathways (FAS), in particular with the ACP from rat and the butyryl-ACP from E. coli. The PfACP structure, thus determined has several novel features hitherto not seen in other ACPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]