HAXPES beamline PES-BL14 at the Indus-2 synchrotron radiation source.

The Hard X-ray Photo-Electron Spectroscopy (HAXPES) beamline (PES-BL14), installed at the 1.5 T bending-magnet port at the Indian synchrotron (Indus-2), is now available to users. The beamline can be used for X-ray photo-emission electron spectroscopy measurements on solid samples. The PES beamline has an excitation energy range from 3 keV to 15 keV for increased bulk sensitivity. An in-house-developed double-crystal monochromator [Si (111)] and a platinum-coated X-ray mirror are used for the beam monochromatization and manipulation, respectively. This beamline is equipped with a high-energy (up to 15 keV) high-resolution (meV) hemispherical analyzer with a microchannel plate and CCD detector system with SpecsLab Prodigy and CasaXPS software. Additional user facilities include a thin-film laboratory for sample preparation and a workstation for on-site data processing. In this article, the design details of the beamline, other facilities and some recent scientific results are described.

Measurement of the branching fraction B(Λc+ → pK-π+).

We present the first model-independent measurement of the absolute branching fraction of the Λ(c)(+) → pK(-)π(+) decay using a data sample of 978 fb(-1) collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider. The number of Λ(c)(+) baryons is determined by reconstructing the recoiling D((*)-) pπ(+) system in events of the type e(+)e(-) → D((*)-) pπ(+)Λ(c)(+). The branching fraction is measured to be B(Λ(c)(+) → pK(-)π(+)) = (6.84 ± 0.24(-0.27)(+0.21))%, where the first and second uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively.

Observation of D0-D0 mixing in e+e- collisions.

We observe D(0)-D(0) mixing in the decay D(0) → K+π- using a data sample of integrated luminosity 976 fb(-1) collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB e+e- asymmetric-energy collider. We measure the mixing parameters x'(2) = (0.09 ± 0.22) × 10(-3) and y'=(4.6 ± 3.4) × 10(-3) and the ratio of doubly Cabibbo-suppressed to Cabibbo-favored decay rates R(D) = (3.53 ± 0.13) × 10(-3), where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic combined. Our measurement excludes the no-mixing hypothesis at the 5.1 standard deviation level.

MMP-9 as a potential biomarker for carcinoma of oral cavity: a study in eastern India.

Carcinoma of oral cavity have a high risk of recurrence after initial treatment with surgery, radiotherapy, surgery with adjuvant radiotherapy, or radio-chemotherapy.The present study investigated the changes in expression, activity and regulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) -2 and -9 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) which might help to ascertain the invasive potential of the tumor . Tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues of OSCC patients [N,37; either sex; 20-70 yrs] were subjected to clinico-pathology, histopathology and TNM grading. The enzyme activity and associated signalling was observed with gelatin zymography, immunohistochemistry, ELISA, western blot and semi quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR. OSCC tissues were observed with elevated MMP-9 activity, enhanced expression of fibronectin (FN), phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase (FAK Try 397), phosphatidyl inositol 3­kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT) and reduced expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase- 1(TIMP-1) than the control tissues.OSCC patients elicited a predominance of MMP-9 activity via up regulated FAK/PI3K/AKT pathway. A routine MMP-9 analysis may ascertain the invasiveness of the tumor and therefore may be professed as a suitable biomarker for metastatic potential of oral cancer.

Study of e+ e- → π+ π- J/ψ and observation of a charged charmoniumlike state at Belle.

The cross section for ee+ e- → π+ π- J/ψ between 3.8 and 5.5 GeV is measured with a 967 fb(-1) data sample collected by the Belle detector at or near the Υ(nS) (n = 1,2,…,5) resonances. The Y(4260) state is observed, and its resonance parameters are determined. In addition, an excess of π+ π- J/ψ production around 4 GeV is observed. This feature can be described by a Breit-Wigner parametrization with properties that are consistent with the Y(4008) state that was previously reported by Belle. In a study of Y(4260) → π+ π- J/ψ decays, a structure is observed in the M(π(±)J/ψ) mass spectrum with 5.2σ significance, with mass M = (3894.5 ± 6.6 ± 4.5) MeV/c2 and width Γ = (63 ± 24 ± 26) MeV/c2, where the errors are statistical and systematic, respectively. This structure can be interpreted as a new charged charmoniumlike state.

Evidence of a new narrow resonance decaying to χ(c1)γ in B→χ(c1)γK.

We report measurements of B→χ(c1)γK and χ(c2)γK decays using 772×10(6) BB[over ¯] events collected at the Υ(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider. Evidence of a new resonance in the χ(c1)γ final state is found with a statistical significance of 3.8σ. This state has a mass of 3823.1±1.8(stat)±0.7(syst) MeV/c(2), a value that is consistent with theoretical expectations for the previously unseen 1(3)D(2) cc[over ¯] meson. We find no other narrow resonance and set upper limits on the branching fractions of the X(3872)→χ(c1)γ and χ(c2)γ decays.

Gentamicin in combination with ascorbic acid regulates the severity of Staphylococcus aureus infection-induced septic arthritis in mice.

To study the effects of gentamicin in combination with ascorbic acid on septic arthritis, mice were infected with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and treated with gentamicin, which was given at 5 mg/kg after 24 h of infection, followed by ascorbic acid, given at 20 mg/kg body weight after 2 h of gentamicin treatment. Mice were sacrificed at 3, 9, 15 days post-infection (dpi). Combined treatment of infected mice with gentamicin and ascorbic acid eradicated the bacteria from the blood, spleen and synovial tissue and showed a significant gross reduction in arthritis, reduced serum levels of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ). S. aureus-infected mice have demonstrated the disturbed antioxidant status measured in terms of cellular antioxidants like reduced glutathione and antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. The same were ameliorated when the animals were co-treated with gentamicin along with ascorbic acid.

Microscopy and microanalysis of hematological parameters in common carp, Cyprinus carpio, inhabiting a polluted lake in North East India.

Optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of red blood cells (RBCs) of common carp, Cyprinus carpio, inhabiting a polluted lake in Northeast India revealed a number of abnormalities. About 7% of the RBC showed the presence of a micronucleus, besides the presence of some bi-nucleated and abnormally shaped nuclei. RBCs, white blood cells, and hemoglobin content were found to be reduced significantly as compared to the control. SEM showed the presence of spherocytes, early stages of echinocytes, cytoplasmic blebbing, erythrocytes with contraction from one side, abnormal shape of erythrocytes (hexagonal/pentagonal/tetragonal), development of lobopodial projections, cell rupture, membrane internalization, and formation of ring-shaped RBC. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) showed the presence of a considerable percentage of silicon and lead in erythrocytes of the fish collected from the polluted lake, in contrast to a negligible concentration of the two elements in control fish. Significance of the study in relation to fish health in a polluted body of water and the importance of SEM, EDS, and light microscopy in utilizing hematological parameters as pollution indicators are discussed.

Effect of incorporation of chicken blood plasma on physico-chemical properties of cakes.

Level of inclusion of chicken blood plasma (CBP) in the preparation of cakes was assessed in respect of certain physico-chemical quality traits. The cakes were prepared with and without added flavour. In each group, seven cakes were prepared from 0 (control) to 60% level of inclusion of CBP with 10% interval. The cakes at 40% level of incorporation of CBP recorded highest visual grades for colour and consistency. There was gradual rise in cake volume up to 40% level and on further increase in level of inclusion of CBP resulted into subsequent fall in cake volumes. The pH of cakes did not differ significantly up to 20% level but it increased beyond 20%. The moisture, total ash and crude protein contents of cakes exhibited an increasing trend from 0 to 60% level of inclusion of CBP. The ether extract of cakes showed a gradual decrease at increased level of inclusion of CBP. There was no significant effect of flavour for all the parameters studied. Based on the overall results, it may be concluded that CBP could be successfully used up to 30% level of inclusion for value addition in egg products.

Estimates of upwelling rates in the Arabian Sea and the equatorial Indian Ocean based on bomb radiocarbon.

Radiocarbon measurements were made in the water column of the Arabian Sea and the equatorial Indian Ocean during 1994, 1995 and 1997 to assess the temporal variations in bomb 14C distribution and its inventory in the region with respect to GEOSECS measurements made during 1977-1978. Four GEOSECS stations were reoccupied (three in the Arabian Sea and one in the equatorial Indian Ocean) during this study, with all of them showing increased penetration of bomb 14C along with decrease in its surface water activity. The upwelling rates derived by model simulation of bomb 14C depth profile using the calculated exchange rates ranged from 3 to 9 m a(-1). The western region of the Arabian Sea experiencing high wind-induced upwelling has higher estimated upwelling rates. However, lower upwelling rates obtained for the stations occupied during this study could be due to reduced 14C gradient compared to that during GEOSECS.

Cardiomyocyte dysfunction in sucrose-fed rats is associated with insulin resistance.

Diabetes is associated with impaired cardiac dysfunction in both humans and animals. Specific phenotypic changes-prolonged action potentials, slowed cytosolic Ca2+ clearing, and slowed relaxation-that contribute to this whole heart dysfunction occur in isolated ventricular myocytes. The present study was designed to determine whether cardiomyocyte abnormalities occur early in the development of type 2 diabetes (in this case, insulin resistance) and whether an insulin-sensitizing drug (metformin) is cardioprotective. In the study, high-sucrose feeding was used to induce whole-body insulin resistance. Wistar rats were maintained for 7-10 weeks on a starch (ST) diet, sucrose (SU) diet, or diet supplemented with metformin (SU + MET). Whole-body insulin resistance was measured in SU and SU + MET rats by performing euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamps. Mechanical properties of isolated ventricular myocytes were measured by high-speed video edge detection, and [Ca2+]i transients were evaluated with Fura-2 AM. Untreated SU rats were insulin-resistant (glucose infusion rate [GIR] = 14.5 +/- 1.1 mg.kg(-1).min(-1)); metformin treatment in SU + MET rats prevented this metabolic abnormality (GIR = 20.0 +/- 2.2 mg.kg(-1).min(-1)). Indexes of myocyte shortening and relengthening were significantly longer in SU rats (area under the relaxation phase [AR/peak] = 103 +/- 3 msec) when compared to ST and SU + MET rats (AR/peak = 73 +/- 2 and 80 +/- 1 msec, respectively). The rate of intracellular Ca2+ decay and the integral of the Ca2+ transient through the entire contractile cycle were significantly longer in myocytes from SU than from ST rats (Ca2+ signal normalized to peak amplitude = 152 +/- 8 vs. 135 +/- 5 msec, respectively). Collectively, our data showed the presence of cardiomyocyte abnormalities in an insulin-resistant stage that precedes frank type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, metformin prevented the development of sucrose-induced insulin resistance and the consequent cardiomyocyte dysfunction.

Stoichiometry, Length, and Wall Thickness Optimization of TiO2 Nanotube Array for Efficient Alcohol Sensing.

The present study concerns development of an efficient alcohol sensor by controlling the stoichiometry, length, and wall thickness of electrochemically grown TiO2 nanotube array for its use as the sensing layer. Judicious variation of H2O content (0, 2, 10 and 100% by volume) in the mixed electrolyte comprising ethylene glycol and NH4F resulted into the desired variation of stoichiometry. The sensor study was performed within the temperature range of 27 to 250 °C for detecting the alcohols in the concentration range of 10-1000 ppm. The nanotubes grown with the electrolyte containing 2 vol % H2O offered the maximum response magnitude. For this stoichiometry, variation of corresponding length (1.25-2.4 µm) and wall thickness (19.8-9 nm) of the nanotubes was achieved by varying the anodization time (4-16 h) and temperatures (42-87 °C), respectively. While the variation of length influenced the sensing parameters insignificantly, the best response magnitude was achieved for ∼13 nm wall thickness. The underlying sensing mechanism was correlated with the experimental findings on the basis of structural parameters of the nanotubes.

pH-induced folding of an apoptotic coiled coil.

Par-4 is a 38-kD protein pivotal to the apoptotic pathways of various cell types, most notably prostate cells and neurons, where it has been linked to prostate cancer and various neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's and Huntington's diseases and HIV encephalitis. The C-terminal region of Par-4 is responsible for homodimerization and the ability of Par-4 to interact with proposed effector molecules. In this study, we show that the C-terminal 47 residues of Par-4 are natively unfolded at physiological pH and temperature. Evidence is rapidly accumulating that natively unfolded proteins play an important role in various cellular functions and signaling pathways, and that folding can often be induced on complexation with effector molecules or alteration of environment. Here we use primarily CD studies to show that changes in the environment, particularly pH and temperature, can induce the Par-4 C terminus to form a self-associated coiled coil.

Protein A protects mice from depletion of biotransformation enzymes and mortality induced by Salmonella typhimurium endotoxin.

Changes in hepatic microsomal mixed-function oxidase enzyme levels (aniline hydroxylase, aminopyrine demethylase, glutathione S-transferase), glutathione content, total sulphydryl content, and plasma enzyme levels of aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase were studied in male Swiss albino mice exposed to Salmonella typhimurium endotoxin (50-150 micrograms per mouse, LC50 141.82 micrograms). Animals exposed to the same dose of endotoxin but pretreated with protein A of Staphylococcus aureus (5 micrograms/per mouse) protected the animals from both mortality and depletion of biotransformation enzymes.

Excess choline availability: a transient effect on spermatogenesis in the rat.

The reproductive effects of choline (trimethyl-beta-hydroxyethylammonium) are unknown. Excess dietary intake of choline may occur in humans. Adult male rats were administered i.p. aqueous choline chloride (25 mg/rat, daily for 12 or 24 days). Administration of excess choline for 12 days did not significantly alter spermatogenesis. Administration for 24 days depleted pachytene spermatocytes until posttreatment day 5, while slight proliferation of spermatogonia was noted from day 5 onwards. By day 12, the tubules showed almost normal cellular associations. It is suggested that perhaps a prolonged administration of excess choline may prove to be toxic to male reproduction.

Testicular toxicity of methylmercury: analysis of cellular distribution pattern at different stages of the seminiferous epithelium.

Stage-specific distribution of methylmercury (MM) and spermatogenic changes were analyzed in rats administered 5 or 10 micrograms MM/kg, ip, daily for 15, 30, 60, and 90 days. MM deposition, as grain number/cm2 was noted in basal portions at later stages on day 15, which increased gradually by day 90. MM deposition was in the order of stages IV, VII, XIV, IX, being higher in adluminal portions on days 30 and 60. MM-enriched cytoplasmic masses leaked out through disintegrated tubular membrane on days 60 and 90. Epithelial damage, at stages late XIV through IV, V through VI, VII through VIII, XIII through mid-XIV, and IX through XII, accorded with the gradual deposition of MM. As profound cell death occurred between zygotenes to pachytenes and dividing spermatocytes to step 1 spermatids, the spermatids were conspicuously decreased at later times. It is possible that MM distorts the barrier system at stages IX through XII, gets distributed within the tubule, and hence may pose a direct or Sertoli cell mediated effect at stages XII through early XIV in a dose-duration-MM burden related manner.

An assay for DNA photolyases using non-radioactive DNA and restriction enzymes.

Restriction enzymes, such as Eco RI, Hind III, etc., which have a potential pyrimidine dimer site in their recognition sequence, fail to cleave DNA if their recognition site is modified by the formation of pyrimidine dimers as a result of UV irradiation of DNA (J. E. Cleaver, J. Mol. Biol., 170 (1983) 305-317). We have made use of this functional property of restriction enzymes to develop a rapid and sensitive assay for DNA photolyases. UV-irradiated plasmid pBR322 DNA is only partially digested when incubated with a single site enzyme Hind III even at high concentration (20 units (micrograms DNA)-1). The amount of DNA not cleaved by Hind III is determined by agarose gel electrophoresis. The effect of UV irradiation is reversed by the photoreactivation of DNA. The decrease in the amount of Hind III-resistant DNA on treatment with photolyase gives a measure of the enzymatic activity of the photolyase preparation. The advantage of using non-radioactive DNA and the high speed and simplicity of this assay make it especially suitable for use in the purification of photolyases.

Spectrofluorimetric determination of molybdenum in some real and environmental samples.

A very simple, highly-sensitive and selective quenchofluorimetric method for the rapid determination of molybdenum(VI) in aqueous media is described. The method is based on the instantaneous quenching action by the metal-ion upon the native fluorescence of bathophenanthrolinedisulphonate (4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthrolinedisulphonate) solution [lambda(ex) (max) 288 nm; lambda(em) (max) 444.8 nm] in the optimum pH-range of 3.0-3.7 at room temperature (25 +/- 5 degrees ). The fluorescence quenching is co-linear in the range of 0.01-1.0 ppm molybdenum. Large excesses of over 50 cations, anions and some common complexing agents were found to have no interference. Cu, Ni, Co, Fe and V can be tolerated only up to the corresponding amount of molybdenum. Interference from greater amounts can however be removed by a one-step ion-exchange separation process. The developed method was successfully tested over several standard alloys, synthetic mixtures of various compositions, factory effluents and in spiked environmental waters.

Chemical oxidation of methylene blue using a Fenton-like reaction.

Oxidation by Fenton-like reactions is proven and economically feasible process for destruction of a variety of hazardous pollutants in wastewater. We report herein the oxidation of methylene blue, a basic dye of thiazine series using a Fenton-like reaction at normal laboratory temperature and at atmospheric pressure. The effects of different parameters like the initial concentrations of dye, Fe2+, and H2O2, pH of the solution, reaction temperature, and added electrolytes on the oxidation of the dye present in dilute aqueous solution in the concentration range (3.13-9.39)x10(-5)mol dm(-3) (10-30 mg l(-1)) have been assessed. The results indicate that the dye can be most effectively oxidized in aqueous solution at dye:Fe(2+):H2O2 molar ratio of 1:1.15:14.1. More than 98% removal of the dye could be achieved in 1h in the pH range 2.2-2.6 at 299 K which corresponds to about 81% reduction of the initial COD. The results will be useful for designing the treatment systems of various dye-containing wastewaters.

Steroidogenic alterations in testes and sera of rats exposed to trichloroethylene (TCE) by inhalation.

1. Trichloroethylene (TCE) is an organic unsaturated solvent used in dry cleaning, metal degreasing, thinner for paints/varnishes, anaesthetic agents etc. Human beings are considerably exposed to TCE vapours by inhalation route. 2. TCE has been reported to induce spontaneous abortions and congenital cardiac malformation in occupationally exposed women. However, scanty on-line information is available regarding toxic effects of TCE on male reproductive efficiency in experimental animals. 3. Our earlier observations with TCE inhalation in male rats (376 p.p.m., 4 h/day, 5 days a week) for 12 and 24 weeks using whole body dynamic inhalation chamber consistently showed significant decrease (P<0.05) in total epididymal sperm count and sperm motility. The mating experiments of above TCE inhaled rats with virgin unexposed females showed significantly decreased fertility. 4. These observations prompted us to investigate whether or not primary testicular steroidal precursors (cholesterol and ascorbic acid) and testosterone have any role in TCE induced significantly decreased epididymal sperm count, sperm motility and overall male reproductive inefficiency resulting therefrom. 5. The results indicate significant decrease (P<0.05) in total epididymal sperm count, sperm motility, specific activities of enzymes Glucose 6-p dehydrogenase (G6PDH) and 17 beta hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase (17betaHSD) with concomitant decrease in serum testosterone concentrations in TCE inhaled rats showing reduced male reproductive efficiency. There was net accumulation in total cholesterol contents in testes of TCE exposed rats. 6. The findings in the present study indicate possible impairment of testosterone biosynthesis in TCE inhaled rats after 12 and 24 weeks. These findings also serve in parts to elucidate the mechanism of reproductive inefficiency in TCE exposed rats. The role of testosterone in this phenomenon is being reported for the first time.