Banaras Hindu University

About: Banaras Hindu University is a education organization based out in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Catalysis. The organization has 11858 authors who have published 23917 publications receiving 464677 citations. The organization is also known as: Kashi Hindu Vishvavidyalay & Benares Hindu University.

Shoot regeneration and somatic embryogenesis from different explants of Brahmi [Bacopa monniera (L.) Wettst.].

Abstract: The morphogenetic potential of node, internode and leaf explants of Brahmi [Bacopa monniera (L.) Wettst.] was investigated to develop reliable protocols for shoot regeneration and somatic embryogenesis. The explants were excised from shoots raised from axillary buds of nodal explants cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium. Presence of 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) or kinetin influenced the degree of callus formation, from which a large number of shoot buds regenerated. Leaf explants gave the largest number of shoot buds followed by node and internode explants. BA was superior to kinetin; BA at 1.5 – 2.0 mg/l appeared to be optimum for inducing the maximum number of shoot buds. MS + 0.1 mg/l BA + 0.2 mg/l indole-3-acetic acid was the most suitable for shoot elongation. Elongated shoots were rooted on full- or half-strength MS medium with or without 0.5 – 1.0 mg/l indole-3-butyric acid or 0.5 – 1.0 mg/l α-naphthaleneacetic acid. The rooted plants were successfully established in soil. Calli derived from nodal explants cultured on MS medium containing 0.5 mg/l 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), when subcultured on MS medium containing 0.1 or 0.5 mg/l BA or 0.2 mg/l 2,4-D + 0.1 or 0.5 mg/l kinetin, developed somatic embryos. The somatic embryos germinated either on the same media or on MS basal medium, and the resulting plantlets were successfully transplanted to soil.

Co(II)-porphyrin-decorated carbon nanotubes as catalysts for oxygen reduction reactions: an approach for fuel cell improvement

Abstract: The development of high-performance and cost-effective catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is essential for the advancement of fuel cells. In this work, three different functionalized cobalt porphyrins, meso-tetraphenylporphyrinatocobalt(II) (CoTPP), meso-tetrakis(4′-hydroxyphenyl)porphyrinatocobalt(II) (CoTHPP) and meso-tetrakis(4′-carboxy-phenyl)porphyrinatocobalt(II) (CoTCPP), are prepared. These porphyrins are immobilized non-covalently on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and used for the ORR in 0.1 M HClO4, 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.0) and 0.1 M KOH media. The composite materials are characterized by using spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques and their oxygen reduction efficiencies are compared in different media. Kinetic interpretations and hydrodynamic voltammetry (in three media) studies demonstrated that the MWCNT–CoTPP, MWCNT–CoTHPP and MWCNT–CoTCPP composite materials exhibit significant efficiency with decreased overpotential, considerable methanol tolerance and long term operational stability (up to 3000 cycles) for the ORR similar to commercially available platinum carbon (Pt–C) catalysts. These results reveal that the new MWCNT–cobalt porphyrin composite materials can be a potential alternative to the expensive Pt–C catalysts or other commercial cathode materials in fuel cells.

Common Suppression Pattern of η and π0 Mesons at High Transverse Momentum in Au + Au Collisions at √sNN = 200GeV

Abstract: Inclusive transverse momentum spectra of eta mesons have been measured within p(T)=2-10 GeV/c at midrapidity by the PHENIX experiment in Au+Au collisions at root s(NN) = 200 GeV. In central Au+Au the eta yields are significantly suppressed compared to peripheral Au+Au, d+Au, and p+p yields scaled by the corresponding number of nucleon-nucleon collisions. The magnitude, centrality, and p(T) dependence of the suppression is common, within errors, for eta and pi(0). The ratio of eta to pi(0) spectra at high p(T) amounts to 0.40 < R-eta/pi(0)< 0.48 for the three systems, in agreement with the world average measured in hadronic and nuclear reactions and, at large scaled momentum, in e(+)e(-) collisions.

Immunochromatographic strip-test detection of anti-K39 antibody in Indian visceral leishmaniasis

Abstract: Stored sera from 429 Indian subjects were assayed to extend the analysis of the accuracy of immunochromatographic strip-test detection of anti-K39 antibody in the non-invasive diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). All 225 samples from patients with proven Leishmania infection tested positive [estimated sensitivity=100%; 95% confidence interval (CI)=98%-100%]. Sera from 99 of the 100 symptomatic patients with other diseases were non-reactive (estimated specificity=99%; CI=94%-100%). However, samples from 13 of the 104 apparently healthy controls showed positive strip-test results (estimated specificity=88%; CI=79%-93%), yielding an overall specificity of 93% (190/204; CI=88%-96%). If applied in a practical clinical setting (on symptomatic patients in whom active VL is suspected and other common infections have been excluded), strip testing of serum for anti-K39 antibody should be both sensitive and specific for diagnosing VL in India.

Acquisition and Homeostasis of Iron in Higher Plants and Their Probable Role in Abiotic Stress Tolerance

Abstract: Iron (Fe),a micronutrient,plays an important role in agriculture world wideand its smaller amount because a small amount is required for plant growth and development.All major functions in thea plant’s life from chlorophyllbiosynthesisto energy transfer are performed by Fe.Iron also acts as a major constituent of many plant proteins and enzymes. The Acacquisition of Fein plants occurs throughby two strategies i.e. stragegystrategy I and strategy II. Under various stress conditions, Nramp and the YSL gene families help in translocation of Fe,which further actsas amineral regulatory element and defends plants against stresses.Iron plays an irreplaceable role in alleviating stress imposed by salinity,drought, and heavy metal stress. This is because,as it activates plant enzymatic antioxidants like catalase (CAT),peroxidase, andone anisoform of superoxide dismutase (SOD) whichthat act as a scavengers of reactive oxygen species (ROS).In contrast, both its deficiency and excess amount can disturb the homeostasis of the a plant’s cell as a result of via decliningits declining the photosynthetic rate, respiration, and increased accumulation of Na+ and ClCal- ions which ultimately resulted intoculminate in an excessive formation of ROS. The short-range-order hydrated Fe oxides and organic functional groups show affinities for metal ions. Iron plaque biofilm matricesx could sequester a large amount of metals at the soil-root interface.Hence, it has attracted the attentions of plant physiologists and agricultural scientists for who are discovering more exciting and hidden applications of Fe and its potential in the development of bio-factories.This review looks into recent progress made in putting forward the role of Fe in plant growth, development, and acclimation under major abiotic stresses i.e.salinity, drought, and heavy metals.