Innovative spectral characterisation of beached pelagic sargassum towards remote estimation of biochemical and phenotypic properties.

In recent years, pelagic sargassum (S. fluitans and S. natans - henceforth sargassum) macroalgal blooms have become more frequent and larger with higher biomass in the Tropical Atlantic region. They have environmental and socio-economic impacts, particularly on coastal ecosystems, tourism, fisheries and aquaculture industries, and on public health. Despite these challenges, sargassum biomass has the potential to offer commercial opportunities in the blue economy, although, it is reliant on key chemical and physical characteristics of the sargassum for specific use. In this study, we aim to utilise remotely sensed spectral profiles to determine species/morphotypes at different decomposition stages and their biochemical composition to support monitoring and valorisation of sargassum. For this, we undertook dedicated field campaigns in Barbados and Ghana to collect, for the first time, in situ spectral measurements between 350 and 2500 nm using a Spectra Vista Corp (SVC) HR-1024i field spectrometer of pelagic sargassum stranded biomass. The spectral measurements were complemented by uncrewed aerial system surveys using a DJI Phantom 4 drone and a DJI P4 multispectral instrument. Using the ground and airborne datasets this research developed an operational framework for remote detection of beached sargassum; and created spectral profiles of species/morphotypes and decomposition maps to infer biochemical composition. We were able to identify some key spectral regions, including a consistent absorption feature (920-1080 nm) found in all of the sargassum morphotype spectral profiles; we also observed distinction between fresh and recently beached sargassum particularly around 900-1000 nm. This work can support pelagic sargassum management and contribute to effective utilisation of the sargassum biomass to ultimately alleviate some of the socio-economic impacts associated with this emerging environmental challenge.

Targeted (PCR-based) screening of antibiotic resistance genes' prevalence in the gut microbiota of tribal people of Nabarangpur, Odisha, India.

Antibiotic resistance is a major public health concern worldwide. The gut microbiota harbours multiple antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) that contribute to the existing and future microbial population in a community or ecosystem. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of 35 antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the gut microbiota of the tribal people of Nabarangpur, Odisha, India. A total of 83 faecal samples were collected from three different tribes (Bhatra, Gond, and Paraja). Total faecal DNA was extracted, and the simplex polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect selected ARGs. Further analysis was done to estimate the incidence of these ARGs across these tribes based on alcohol consumption habits. We identified a higher prevalence of tetracycline resistance genes (tetW, tetQ and tetM) in the gut microbiota among three populations. Furthermore, a significant (P = 0·024) difference in ARG prevalence against vancomycin in individuals with and without alcohol consumption habits was noticed. The overall distribution of ARGs among the three major tribes of this location was found to be very similar. Together, irrespective of the tribes, the people of this location have gut microbiota harbouring different kinds of ARGs and tetracycline-resistant genes are the most commonly found ARGs.

Land use and land cover change effect on surface temperature over Eastern India.

Land use and land cover (LULC) change has been shown to have significant effect on climate through various pathways that modulate land surface temperature and rainfall. However, few studies have illustrated such a link over the Indian region using observations. Through a combination of ground, satellite remote sensing and reanalysis products, we investigate the recent changes to land surface temperature in the Eastern state of Odisha between 1981 and 2010 and assess its relation to LULC. Our analysis reveals that the mean temperature of the state has increased by ~0.3 °C during the past three decades with the most accelerated warming (~0.9 °C) occurring during the recent decade (2001 to 2010). Our study shows that 25 to 50% of this observed overall warming is associated with LULC. Further we observe that the spatial pattern of LULC changes matches well with the independently estimated warming associated with LULC suggesting a physical association between them. This study also reveals that the largest changes are linked to changing vegetation cover as evidenced by changes to both LULC classes and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Our study shows that the state has undergone an LULC induced warming which accounts for a quarter of the overall temperature rise since 2001. With the expected expansion of urban landscape and concomitant increase in anthropogenic activities along with changing cropping patterns, LULC linked changes to surface temperature and hence regional climate feedback over this region necessitates additional investigations.

TRPV4 activation in rat carotid artery in DOCA hypertension involves eNOS and endothelium-derived contractile factor (EDCF).

Aim: Role of TRPV4 channel in regulation of endothelial function in the carotid artery in deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) model of hypertension in rat was studied. Methods: 8-10 weeks old albino Wistar rats divided into three groups namely Control, UNX and hypertensive animals. Vascular smooth muscle response was studied in isolated carotid artery of rat with acetylcholine, sodium nitroprusside, GSK1016790A (GSK) in presence and absence of L-NAME and indomethacin. Results: At the end of the 6th week, the mean systolic blood pressure was increased in DOCA-treated hypertensive rats (166 ± 8 mm Hg) compared to Control and UNX (125 ± 5 mm Hg). ACh (10-9 to 10-5 M) produced almost 100% relaxation in Control (Emax = 97.48 ± 1.06 %) and UNX animals (Emax = 93.16 ± 2.33 %) which was attenuated in DOCA-treated hypertensive animals (Emax = 70.85 ± 1.65 %). No significant changes seen in SNP (10-12 to 10-5 M) induced relaxation. GSK1016790A (10-12 to 10-7 M)-mediated relaxation was significantly attenuated in DOCA-treated hypertensive animals (Emax = 25.58 ± 13.60%) compared to the control (Emax = 80.59 ± 6.86%) and UNX (Emax = 87.32 ± 2.01%) animals. L-NAME (10-4 M) potently blocked GSK-induced relaxation, and a contractile response to GSK was observed in presence of L-NAME in all the three groups of animals which was sensitive to indomethacin (10-5 M). Conclusion: TRPV4 may regulate the vascular tone of rat carotid artery through an attenuated NO pathway and stimulation of the release of contractile prostanoids in the DOCA hypertensive rats.

Estimating terrestrial gross primary productivity in water limited ecosystems across Africa using the Southampton Carbon Flux (SCARF) model.

The amount of carbon uptake by vegetation is an important component to understand the functioning of ecosystem processes and their response/feedback to climate. Recently, a new diagnostic model called the Southampton Carbon Flux (SCARF) Model driven by remote sensing data was developed to predict terrestrial gross primary productivity (GPP) and successfully applied in temperate regions. The model is based on the concept of quantum yield of plants and improves on the previous diagnostic models by (i) using the fraction of photosynthetic active radiation absorbed by the photosynthetic pigment (FAPARps) and (ii) using direct quantum yield by classifying the vegetation into C3 or C4 classes. In this paper, we calibrated and applied the model to evaluate GPP across various ecosystems in Africa. The performance of the model was evaluated using data from seven eddy covariance flux tower sites. Overall, the modelled GPP values showed good correlation (R>0.59, p<0.0001) with estimated flux tower GPP at most sites (except at a tropical rainforest site, R=0.38, p=0.02) in terms of their seasonality and absolute values. Mean daily GPP across the investigated period varied significantly across sites depending on the vegetation types from a minimum of 0.44gCm-2day-1 at the semi-arid and sub-humid savanna grassland sites to a maximum of 9.86gCm-2day-1 at the woodland and tropical rain forest sites. Generally, strong correlation is observed in savanna woodlands and grasslands where vegetation follows a prescribed seasonal cycle as determined by changes in canopy chlorophyll content and leaf area index. Finally, the mean annual GPP value for Africa predicted by the model was 35.25PgCyr-1. The good performance of the SCARF model in water-limited ecosystems across Africa extends its potential for global application.

Spasmolytic effect of curcumin on goat ruminal artery is endothelium independent and by activation of sGC.

The aim of the present work was to study the mechanism of action of curcumin in vasomotion of a physiologically important artery of ruminant i.e. ruminal artery. ACh and SNP were used to study the role of endothelium in relaxation of this artery. Vasorelaxatation by curcumin was studied in a dose dependent manner, on rings precontracted with 5-hydroxy tryptamine and noradrenalin, in presence and absence of L-NAME, 4AP, ODQ and 4AP+ODQ combination. SNP (1 ηM-100 µM) produced a significant relaxation compared to ACh (0.1-100 µM) on 5-HT (10 µM) and NA (10 µM) induced contraction in endothelium intact rings. Curcumin (10 ηM-100 µM) relaxed the vascular rings in dose dependent manner with maximal relaxation up to 20.94% and 13.81% in 5-HT and NA induced contraction, respectively which was potently blocked by ODQ (10 µM) and combination of 4AP and ODQ (10 µM) but 4AP (10 µM) and L-NAME (100 µM) alone could not block the relaxation and interestingly we observed a slight increase in the tension at higher dose of the agonist (>10 µM). Therefore in goat ruminal artery, curcumin at least in part, act via direct activation of sGC mediated cGMP pathway followed by opening of K(+) ion channel. However other mechanisms may not be ruled out.

DC heating induced shape transformation of Ge structures on ultraclean Si(5 5 12) surfaces.

We report the growth of Ge nanostructures and microstructures on ultraclean, high vicinal angle silicon surfaces and show that self-assembled growth at optimum thickness of the overlayer leads to interesting shape transformations, namely from nanoparticle to trapezoidal structures, at higher thickness values. Thin films of Ge of varying thickness from 3 to 12 ML were grown under ultrahigh vacuum conditions on a Si(5 5 12) substrate while keeping the substrate at a temperature of 600 °C. The substrate heating was achieved by two methods: (i) by heating a filament under the substrate (radiative heating, RH) and (ii) by passing direct current through the samples in three directions (perpendicular, parallel and at 45° to the (110) direction of the substrate). We find irregular, more spherical-like island structures under RH conditions. The shape transformations have been found under DC heating conditions and for Ge deposition more than 8 ML thick. The longer sides of the trapezoid structures are found to be along (110) irrespective of the DC current direction. We also show the absence of such a shape transformation in the case of Ge deposition on Si(111) substrates. Scanning transmission electron microscopy measurements suggested the mixing of Ge and Si. This has been confirmed with a quantitative estimation of the intermixing using Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) measurements. The role of DC heating in the formation of aligned structures is discussed. Although the RBS simulations show the presence of a possible SiO(x) layer, under the experimental conditions of the present study, the oxide layer would not play a role in determining the formation of the various structures that were reported here.

Spatial variability of groundwater depth and quality parameters in the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

The groundwater quantity and quality scenario is of much concern in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, India, which necessitates an investigation to envisage the extent of spatial variability of groundwater depth and pollutant concentration levels in this region. Therefore, in this study, an effort was made to generate the spatial variability map of groundwater depth and quality parameters (viz. chloride, electrical conductivity, fluoride, magnesium, and nitrate). Ordinary kriging was used to analyze the spatial variability of groundwater depth and quality parameters, whereas indicator kriging was used to analyze groundwater quality parameters equal to or greater than the pollution threshold values. It was observed that the semivariogram parameters fitted well in the exponential model for water depth and in the spherical model for water quality parameters. The generated spatial variability maps indicated that in 43% of the study area, groundwater depth was within 20 m. The salinity level was higher than 2.5 dS m(-1) in 69% of the study area and the nitrate concentration exceeded 45 mg l(-1) in 36% of the area. The probability maps showed that about 24% of the area had the highest probability (0.8-1.0) of exceedence of the threshold electrical conductivity value and an area of 2% exhibited the highest probability of exceedence of the threshold value of nitrate concentration in the groundwater. The generated spatial variability and probability maps will assist water resource managers and policymakers in development of guidelines in judicious management of groundwater resources for agricultural and drinking purposes in the study area.

Phase transitions of adsorbed atoms on the surface of a carbon nanotube.

Phase transitions of adsorbed atoms and molecules on two-dimensional substrates are well explored, but similar transitions in the one-dimensional limit have been more difficult to study experimentally. Suspended carbon nanotubes can act as nanoscale resonators with remarkable electromechanical properties and the ability to detect adsorption at the level of single atoms. We used single-walled carbon nanotube resonators to study the phase behavior of adsorbed argon and krypton atoms as well as their coupling to the substrate electrons. By monitoring the resonance frequency in the presence of gases, we observed the formation of monolayers on the cylindrical surface, phase transitions within them, and simultaneous modification of the electrical conductance.

Formation of aligned nanosilicide structures in a MBE-grown Au/Si(110) system: a real-time temperature-dependent TEM study.

Thin Au films (∼2 nm) were deposited on an Si(110) substrate epitaxially under ultra-high vacuum (UHV) conditions in a molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) system. Real-time in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements were carried out at various temperatures (from room temperature to 700 °C), which shows the formation and growth of aligned gold silicide nanorod-like structures. The real-time selected-area electron diffraction patterns show the presence of silicon and unreacted gold at lower temperatures (up to 363 °C), while at higher temperatures only the signature of silicon has been observed. The diffraction analysis from room temperature cooled systems show the presence of gold silicide structures. Around 700 °C, 97% of the nanostructures were found to be aligned nanosilicide-rod-like structures with a longer side of ≈37 nm and aspect ratio of 1.38. For a high temperature annealed system (at 600 °C), selected-area diffraction (SAD) and high resolution lattice (after cooling down to room temperature) confirmed the formation of nano- Au(5)Si(2) structures. The alignment of gold silicide structures has been explained on the basis of lattice matching between the substrate silicon and silicide structures.

Classical rotational inertia of solid 4He.

The observation of reduced rotational inertia in a cell containing solid 4He has been interpreted as evidence for superfluidity of the solid. We propose an alternative explanation: slippage of the solid, due to grain boundary premelting between the solid and dense adsorbed layers at the container wall. We calculate the range of film thickness, and determine the viscosity that will account for the missing rotational inertia. Grain boundary premelting also explains inertial anomalies in an earlier study of solid helium in porous glass and indicates that the liquid is partially superfluid.

Congenital granular cell lesion "congenital epulis"--report of a case.

Congenital granular cell lesion (CGCL) or "congenital epulis" is a rare lesion of newborn also known as Neuman's Tumor, which is benign in nature, mostly occurs as a single tumour but rarely as multiple. The histogenesis and natural clinical history of the lesion remains obscure. Even with the advent of modem histopathological techniques, it has not been possible to depict specific cellular features unique to this lesion. This lesion arises from mucosa of gingiva either from maxillary or mandibular alveolar ridge. The appearance of the lesion is most common in maxillary alveolar ridge than mandibular with predominance in females than in the males. The present report describes a case of congenital granular cell lesion (CGCL) in the incisor region of mandibular alveolar ridge. This lesion was causing feeding problem and was excised under local anaesthesia.

Talon cusp associated with other dental anomalies: a case report.

Talon cusp is an uncommon dental anomaly referring to an accessory cusp projecting from the cingulum area, or cemento-enamel junction of maxillary or mandibular anterior teeth, in both the primary and permanent dentition. This paper reports a rare case of talon cusp affecting the mandibular right central incisor and maxillary right lateral incisor, together with other dental abnormalities, viz. an inverted impacted migrating mandibular right second premolar; complete agenesis of the maxillary and mandibular third molars, the maxillary right second permanent molar, and the mandibular left permanent central incisor; severe crowding; deep bite; hypoplastic teeth; bilateral reverse cross-bite in the premolar region; and a retrognathic mandible. The presence of this number of dental anomalies in a single patient is rare.

Mandibular lateral incisor-canine transposition (Mn.12.C): a case report.

Tooth transposition is a rare developmental anomaly of the teeth characterized by positional interchange of permanent tooth leading to disintegration in the alignment in the affected segment, shifting of midline and malocclusion of teeth. This article reports a rare case of Mn.12.C anomaly affecting right mandibular arch of a (11 year old) female child causing shifting of midline and crowding.

Prevalence of supernumerary teeth in deciduous and mixed dentition.

Supernumerary teeth are the extra teeth which may have either erupted or unerupted in addition to normal dentition and are seen both in deciduous as well as permanent dentition. The incidence of supernumerary teeth shows more frequent occurrence in permanent dentition than deciduous dentition, affecting both the sexes. The etiology of supernumerary teeth is still unknown and not well understood, but thought to be the result from disturbance during the initiation and proliferation stages of tooth development. In the present study an attempt has been made to asses, its prevalence in deciduous and mixed dentition phase.

A study of behaviour patterns of normal children in a dental situation and its relationship with socioeconomic status, family type and sibling position.

Different psychosocial variables, such as socioeconomic status, family type and sibling position may be considered to be of great significance as it may influence child behaviour pattern in a dental treatment situation. 143 children in the age group of 3-14 years were selected randomly from the out patient department of Pediatric Dentistry, Dental Wing, S. C. B. Medical College, Cuttack with an aim of assessing relationship, if any, between the magnitude of behaviour and the above mentioned psychosocial variables. Behaviour rating was done using Frankl behaviour rating scale. The results of the study reveals no significant relationship between socio economic status, family type and sibling position with child behaviour pattern, but a trend has been observed that children of high socio economic back ground behave more positively, children of a nuclear family exhibit more negative attitude and middle siblings show less negative behaviour than youngest and eldest.

Prevalence of dental caries and treatment needs among children of Cuttack (Orissa).

An epidemiological investigation was carried out to know the prevalence of Dental Caries amongst 1257 children in the age group of 5, 8, 11 & 15 years respectively attending schools in the city of Cuttack, Orissa. The examination was carried out under natural light and dental caries was diagnosed according to W.H.O. Criteria 1983. The point prevalence of dental caries was recorded to be 64.3% with an average DMFT of 2.38. The prevalence of caries showed a pattern of occurrence i.e. prevalence consistantly increased from 5 years to 8 years age group and subsequently decreased at 11 years and 15 years age. Regarding treatment needs, 63.6% children required dental treatment for various reason and it is in accordance with dental caries prevalence of different age group.

Identification and partial characterization of Arkansas isolates of chicken anemia virus.

Chickens from both broiler and broiler breeder pullet flocks experiencing symptoms of chicken anemia virus (CAV) infection were first observed at the Poultry Health Research Laboratory at the University of Arkansas in September 1992. Flocks had experienced higher than normal mortality with subcutaneous hemorrhages on the wings, neck, and thorax. Postmortem and histopathologic evaluation revealed thymus and bursal atrophy and lesions consistent with those reported for CAV infection. Because this infection had not previously been observed by Poultry Health Research Laboratory personnel in Arkansas-grown chickens, the establishment of a definitive diagnosis was deemed important. The presence of CAV was established by infecting MSB-1 cells with pooled liver homogenates from groups of 10 specific-pathogen-free chickens that had previously been inoculated in an attempt to experimentally reproduce the disease observed in the field. Cytopathic effects in the infected MSB-1 cells were first evident following the fifth passage. Indirect fluorescent antibody technique identified infected MSB-1 cells following at least five blind passages. To further confirm the presence of CAV, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was used to amplify a specific portion of the virus genome from infected MSB-1 cells and tissue extracts from several submitted chickens. Sequence analysis of a 186-bp PCR amplification product revealed that the Arkansas isolate was very similar to the Cuxhaven-1 isolate (99.5% sequence identity).

Zinc sulfide in intestinal cell granules of Ancylostoma caninum adults.

A source of confusion has existed since the turn of the century about the reddish brown, weakly birefringent "sphaerocrystals" located in the intestines of strongyle nematodes, Strongylus and Ancylostoma. X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive spectrometric analyses were used for accurate determination of the crystalline order and elemental composition of the granules in the canine hookworm Ancylostoma caninum. The composition of the intestinal pigmented granules was identified unequivocally as zinc sulfide. It seems most probable that the granules serve to detoxify high levels of metallic ions (specifically zinc) present due to the large intake of host blood.