Lowering Band Gap of an Electroactive Metal-Organic Framework via Complementary Guest Intercalation.

A new honeycomb-shaped electroactive metal-organic framework (MOF) has been constructed from an electron deficient naphthalenediimide (NDI) ligand equipped with two terminal salicylic acid groups. π-Intercalation of electron-rich planar tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) guests between the NDI ligands stacked along the walls lowers the electronic band gap of the material by ca. 1 eV.

Filarial breast lump.

Lymphatic filariasis is one of the most debilitating and disfiguring scourges among all diseases. This report presents a case of a woman with recurrent breast nodularity after being previously operated for a suspected breast neoplasm. We would like to highlight the issue of similar clinical presentation of a filarial breast lump and other breast lesions leading to inappropriate therapy.

Target guided synthesis using DNA nano-templates for selectively assembling a G-quadruplex binding c-MYC inhibitor.

The development of small molecules is essential to modulate the cellular functions of biological targets in living system. Target Guided Synthesis (TGS) approaches have been used for the identification of potent small molecules for biological targets. We herein demonstrate an innovative example of TGS using DNA nano-templates that promote Huisgen cycloaddition from an array of azide and alkyne fragments.

A centrosomal protein FOR20 regulates microtubule assembly dynamics and plays a role in cell migration.

Here, we report that a centrosomal protein FOR20 [FOP (FGFR1 (fibroblast growth factor receptor 1) oncogene protein)-like protein of molecular mass of 20 kDa; also named as C16orf63, FLJ31153 or PHSECRG2] can regulate the assembly and stability of microtubules. Both FOR20 IgG antibody and GST (glutathione -transferase)-tagged FOR20 could precipitate tubulin from the HeLa cell extract, indicating a possible interaction between FOR20 and tubulin. FOR20 was also detected in goat brain tissue extract and it cycled with microtubule-associated proteins.

Lessons from bacterial homolog of tubulin, FtsZ for microtubule dynamics.

FtsZ, a homolog of tubulin, is found in almost all bacteria and archaea where it has a primary role in cytokinesis. Evidence for structural homology between FtsZ and tubulin came from their crystal structures and identification of the GTP box. Tubulin and FtsZ constitute a distinct family of GTPases and show striking similarities in many of their polymerization properties.

The population structure and genetic divergence of Labeo gonius (Hamilton, 1822) analyzed through mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b gene for conservation in Indian waters.

The present study explains the population structure and genetic diversity of medium carp Labeo gonius by analyzing partial sequence of mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b gene. Labeo gonius is a lower risk Near Threatened species, distributed throughout the North Indian major rivers, reservoirs and lakes. This species has a larger scope as an alternative candidate species in carp aquaculture system.

Bruchid egg induced transcript dynamics in developing seeds of black gram (Vigna mungo).

Black gram (Vigna mungo) seeds are a rich source of digestible proteins, however, during storage these seeds are severely damaged by bruchids (Callosobruchus spp.), reducing seed quality and yield losses. Most of the cultivated genotypes of black gram are susceptible to bruchids, however, few tolerant genotypes have also been identified but the mechanism of tolerance is poorly understood.

Synthesis and viscoelastic characterization of microstructurally aligned Silk fibroin sponges.

Silk fibroin (SF) is a model candidate for use in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine owing to its bio-compatible mechanochemical properties. Despite numerous advances made in the fabrication of various biomimetic substrates using SF, relatively few clinical applications have been designed, primarily due to the lack of complete understanding of its constitutive properties. Here we fabricate microstructurally aligned SF sponge using the unidirectional freezing technique wherein a novel solvent-processing technique involving Acetic acid is employed, which obviates the post-treatment of the sponges to induce their water-stability.

Antiproliferative Activity of Crocin Involves Targeting of Microtubules in Breast Cancer Cells.

Crocin, a component of saffron spice, is known to have an anticancer activity. However, the targets of crocin are not known. In this study, crocin was found to inhibit the proliferation of HCC70, HCC1806, HeLa and CCD1059sk cells by targeting microtubules.

Triad of human cellular proteins, IRF2, FAM111A, and RFC3, restrict replication of orthopoxvirus SPI-1 host-range mutants.

Viruses and their hosts can reach balanced states of evolution ensuring mutual survival, which makes it difficult to appreciate the underlying dynamics. To uncover hidden interactions, virus mutants that have lost defense genes may be used. Deletion of the gene that encodes serine protease inhibitor 1 (SPI-1) of rabbitpox virus and vaccinia virus, two closely related orthopoxviruses, prevents their efficient replication in human cells, whereas certain other mammalian cells remain fully permissive.

Enhanced stability of microtubules contributes in the development of colchicine resistance in MCF-7 cells.

Understanding the mechanism of resistance to tubulin-targeted anticancer drugs is important for improved chemotherapy. In this work, a colchicine-resistant MCF-7 cell line (MCF-7) was generated by the gradual increment of colchicine treatment and the MCF-7 showed ∼8-fold resistance towards colchicine. MCF-7 cells showed ∼2.

Genetic variation in wild and hatchery population of Catla catla (Hamilton, 1822) analyzed through mtDNA cytochrome b region.

Catla (Catla catla) is a one of the most harvested Indian major carps and is widely cultured fish species in Indian subcontinent. In the present study, genetic variability between hatchery and wild stocks of Catla was surveyed using sequence data of mitochondrial DNA of partial 307 bp of cytochrome b region. A total of 174 Catla individuals were examined from three different river basins and hatcheries.

Recent advancements in the sonophotocatalysis (SPC) and doped-sonophotocatalysis (DSPC) for the treatment of recalcitrant hazardous organic water pollutants.

Unlabelled: Sonophotocatalysis (SPC) is considered to be one of the important wastewater treatment techniques and hence attracted the attention of researchers to eliminate recalcitrant hazardous organic pollutants from aqueous phase. In general, SPC refers to the integrated use of ultrasonic sound waves, ultraviolet radiation and the addition of a semiconductor material which functions as a photocatalyst. Current research has brought numerous improvements in the SPC based treatment by opting visible light irradiation, nanocomposite catalysts and numerous catalyst supports for better stability and performance.

Population structure and genetic diversity of Indian Major Carp, Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) from three phylo-geographically isolated riverine ecosystems of India as revealed by mtDNA cytochrome b region sequences.

The population structure and genetic diversity of Rohu (Labeo rohita Hamilton, 1822) was studied by analysis of the partial sequences of mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b region. We examined 133 samples collected from six locations in three geographically isolated rivers of India. Analysis of 11 haplotypes showed low haplotype diversity (0.

A Carbocyclic Curcumin Inhibits Proliferation of Gram-Positive Bacteria by Targeting FtsZ.

Inhibition of FtsZ assembly has been found to stall bacterial cell division. Here, we report the identification of a potent carbocyclic curcumin analogue (2d) that inhibits Bacillus subtilis 168 cell proliferation by targeting the assembly of FtsZ. 2d also showed potent inhibitory activity (minimum inhibitory concentrations of 2-4 mg/L) against several clinically important species of Gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

The C-terminal tails of heterotrimeric kinesin-2 motor subunits directly bind to α-tubulin1: Possible implications for cilia-specific tubulin entry.

The assembly of microtubule-based cytoskeleton propels the cilia and flagella growth. Previous studies have indicated that the kinesin-2 family motors transport tubulin into the cilia through intraflagellar transport. Here, we report a direct interaction between the C-terminal tail fragments of heterotrimeric kinesin-2 and α-tubulin1 isoforms in vitro.

WhmD promotes the assembly of Mycobacterium smegmatis FtsZ: A possible role of WhmD in bacterial cell division.

WhmD is considered to have a role in the septation and division of Mycobacterium smegmatis cells. Since FtsZ is the central protein of the septum, we determined the effect of WhmD on the assembly of Mycobacterium smegmatis FtsZ (MsFtsZ) in vitro. WhmD increased both the rate and extent of the assembly of MsFtsZ in vitro.

Effects of different treatments of fly ash and mining soil on growth and antioxidant protection of Indian wild rice.

The aim of the present study was investigation of the effects of fly ash and mining soil on growth and antioxidant protection of two cultivars of Indian wild rice (Oryza nivara and Oryza rufipogon) for possible phytoremediation and restoration of metal-contaminated site. In this study, Indian wild rice showed significant changes in germination, growth, and biochemical parameters after exposure to different ratio of fly ash and mining soil with garden soil. There was significant reduction of germination, fresh weight, dry weight, leaf chlorophyll content, leaf area, Special Analysis Device Chlorophyll (SPAD) Index, proteins, and activities of antioxidant enzymes in both cultivars of the wild rice grown in 100% fly ash and mining soil compared to the plants grown in 100% garden soil.

Mutation of Arg191 in FtsZ Impairs Cytokinetic Abscission of Bacillus subtilis Cells.

FtsZ monomers assemble to form a dynamic Z-ring at the midcell position in bacteria that coordinates bacterial cell division. Antibacterial agents plumbagin and SB-RA-2001 were found to bind to FtsZ and to inhibit Z-ring formation in bacteria. Docking analysis indicated similar binding regions for these two inhibitors on FtsZ, and residue R191 was involved in the binding interaction with both compounds.

Mechanism of apoptosis induction in human breast cancer MCF-7 cell by Ruviprase, a small peptide from Daboia russelii russelii venom.

Ruviprase, a 4.4 kDa peptide isolated from Daboia russelii russelii venom demonstrated antiproliferative activity against EMT6/AR1, U-87MG, HeLa and MCF-7 cancer cells with an IC50 value of 23.0, 8.

Percutaneous endobiliary RFA combined with balloon-sweep for re-opening occluded metallic biliary stents.

The aim of this report is to discuss the results of percutaneous endobiliary radiofrequency ablation (RFA) combined with balloon-sweep technique in restoring the patency of occluded self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) secondary to tumor infiltration. A total of eight patients underwent endobiliary RFA for reopening of occluded SEMS at our institute. After endobiliary RFA, all patients showed restoration of stent patency.

Status and Prospects of ZnO-Based Resistive Switching Memory Devices.

In the advancement of the semiconductor device technology, ZnO could be a prospective alternative than the other metal oxides for its versatility and huge applications in different aspects. In this review, a thorough overview on ZnO for the application of resistive switching memory (RRAM) devices has been conducted. Various efforts that have been made to investigate and modulate the switching characteristics of ZnO-based switching memory devices are discussed.

The Role of Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein (PTHrP) in Osteoblast Response to Microgravity: Mechanistic Implications for Osteoporosis Development.

Prolonged skeletal unloading through bedrest results in bone loss similar to that observed in elderly osteoporotic patients, but with an accelerated timeframe. This rapid effect on weight-bearing bones is also observed in astronauts who can lose up to 2% of their bone mass per month spent in Space. Despite the important implications for Spaceflight travelers and bedridden patients, the exact mechanisms involved in disuse osteoporosis have not been elucidated.

Non-Volatile Flash Memory Characteristics of Tetralayer Nickel-Germanide Nanocrystals Embedded Structure.

Formation of tetralayer memory structure having nickel-germanide nanocrystals using a Ge/Ni multilayers is proposed. X-ray diffraction study shows the NiGe (002) phase formation after proper annealing. Cross sectional HRTEM clearly shows the sharpness and the size (~4-6 nm) of the stacked nanocrystals embedded in the oxide matrix.

Identification of agents targeting FtsZ assembly.

Filamenting temperature-sensitive mutant Z (FtsZ), an essential cell division protein in bacteria, has recently emerged as an important and exploitable antibacterial target. Cytokinesis in bacteria is regulated by the assembly dynamics of this protein, which is ubiquitously present in eubacteria. The perturbation of FtsZ assembly has been found to have a deleterious effect on the cytokinetic machinery and, in turn, upon cell survival.