Showing papers by "Jawaharlal Nehru University published in 2017"
TL;DR: The applications of clustering in some fields like image segmentation, object and character recognition and data mining are highlighted and the approaches used in these methods are discussed with their respective states of art and applicability.
745 citations
TL;DR: The role of multi-omics approaches in generating multi-pronged information to provide a better understanding of plant–microbe interactions that modulate cellular mechanisms in plants under extreme external conditions and help to optimize abiotic stresses is described.
Abstract: Abiotic stresses are the foremost limiting factors for agricultural productivity. Crop plants need to cope up adverse external pressure created by environmental and edaphic conditions with their intrinsic biological mechanisms, failing which their growth, development, and productivity suffer. Microorganisms, the most natural inhabitants of diverse environments exhibit enormous metabolic capabilities to mitigate abiotic stresses. Since microbial interactions with plants are an integral part of the living ecosystem, they are believed to be the natural partners that modulate local and systemic mechanisms in plants to offer defence under adverse external conditions. Plant-microbe interactions comprise complex mechanisms within the plant cellular system. Biochemical, molecular and physiological studies are paving the way in understanding the complex but integrated cellular processes. Under the continuous pressure of increasing climatic alterations, it now becomes more imperative to define and interpret plant-microbe relationships in terms of protection against abiotic stresses. At the same time, it also becomes essential to generate deeper insights into the stress-mitigating mechanisms in crop plants for their translation in higher productivity. Multi-omics approaches comprising genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and phenomics integrate studies on the interaction of plants with microbes and their external environment and generate multi-layered information that can answer what is happening in real-time within the cells. Integration, analysis and decipherization of the big-data can lead to a massive outcome that has significant chance for implementation in the fields. This review summarizes abiotic stresses responses in plants in-terms of biochemical and molecular mechanisms followed by the microbe-mediated stress mitigation phenomenon. We describe the role of multi-omics approaches in generating multi-pronged information to provide a better understanding of plant-microbe interactions that modulate cellular mechanisms in plants under extreme external conditions and help to optimize abiotic stresses. Vigilant amalgamation of these high-throughput approaches supports a higher level of knowledge generation about root-level mechanisms involved in the alleviation of abiotic stresses in organisms.
515 citations
TL;DR: The most common adsorption mechanism can be considered as electron donor-acceptor interactions of electron withdrawing moieties with surface arene rings where the dominant species are zwitterionic or cationic.
403 citations
TL;DR: The mechanisms used by microbes to develop and sustain biofilms, including the influence of the microbiota are highlighted, in a mini-review of currently available drugs and therapies against biofilm related infection.
230 citations
TL;DR: This review is an attempt to summarize the major techniques used in cytotoxity determination and presents a detailed and elaborative discussion on the toxicity imposed by different types of nanoparticles.
Abstract: Nanotechnology has revolutionized gene therapy, diagnostics and environmental remediation. Their bulk production, uses and disposal have posed threat to the environment. With the appearance of these nanoparticles in the environment, their toxicity assessment is an immediate concern. This review is an attempt to summarize the major techniques used in cytotoxity determination. The review also presents a detailed and elaborative discussion on the toxicity imposed by different types of nanoparticles including carbon nanotubes, gold nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles, quantum dots, fullerenes, aluminium nanoparticles, zinc nanoparticles, iron nanoparticles, titanium nanoparticles and silica nanoparticles. It discusses the in vitro and in vivo toxological effects of nanoparticles on bacteria, microalgae, zebrafish, crustacean, fish, rat, mouse, pig, guinea pig, human cell lines and human. It also discusses toxological effects on organs such as liver, kidney, spleen, sperm, neural tissues, liver lysosomes, spleen macrophages, glioblastoma cells, hematoma cells and various mammalian cell lines. It provides information about the effects of nanoparticles on the gene-expression, growth and reproduction of the organisms.
210 citations
Forschungszentrum Jülich1, Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences2, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation3, Earth System Research Laboratory4, National Institute for Environmental Studies5, Goddard Space Flight Center6, Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences7, Norwegian Institute for Air Research8, National Institute of Environmental Research9, Environment Agency10, Japan Meteorological Agency11, United States Environmental Protection Agency12, National Autonomous University of Mexico13, National Central University14, Korea University15, University of the Witwatersrand16, Hong Kong Polytechnic University17, Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial18, University of Paris19, University of São Paulo20, National Research Council21, University of Auvergne22, Nanjing University23, National Atmospheric Research Laboratory24, University of Toulouse25, University of Maryland, College Park26, Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research27, Meteor28, Aarhus University29, University of Washington30, National Institute of Aeronautics and Space31, Deutscher Wetterdienst32, Finnish Meteorological Institute33, Korea Meteorological Administration34, Michigan Technological University35, Slovenian Environment Agency36, University of York37, Auckland Council38, Jawaharlal Nehru University39, University at Albany, SUNY40, Office of Environment and Heritage41, Russian Academy of Sciences42, University of Bristol43, Indian Institute of Science44, National University of Ireland, Galway45, Brookhaven National Laboratory46, Environment Protection Authority47, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology48, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology49, China Meteorological Administration50, Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research51, Shandong University52
TL;DR: The Tropospheric Ozone Assessment Report (TOAR) as discussed by the authors provides a database of surface ozone data from almost 10,000 measurement sites around the world with global metadata information, such as the first globally consistent characterisations of measurement sites as either urban or rural/remote.
Abstract: In support of the first Tropospheric Ozone Assessment Report (TOAR) a relational database of global surface ozone observations has been developed and populated with hourly measurement data and enhanced metadata. A comprehensive suite of ozone data products including standard statistics, health and vegetation impact metrics, and trend information, are made available through a common data portal and a web interface. These data form the basis of the TOAR analyses focusing on human health, vegetation, and climate relevant ozone issues, which are part of this special feature.
Cooperation among many data centers and individual researchers worldwide made it possible to build the world's largest collection of in-situ hourly surface ozone data covering the period from 1970 to 2015. By combining the data from almost 10,000 measurement sites around the world with global metadata information, new analyses of surface ozone have become possible, such as the first globally consistent characterisations of measurement sites as either urban or rural/remote. Exploitation of these global metadata allows for new insights into the global distribution, and seasonal and long-term changes of tropospheric ozone and they enable TOAR to perform the first, globally consistent analysis of present-day ozone concentrations and recent ozone changes with relevance to health, agriculture, and climate.
Considerable effort was made to harmonize and synthesize data formats and metadata information from various networks and individual data submissions. Extensive quality control was applied to identify questionable and erroneous data, including changes in apparent instrument offsets or calibrations. Such data were excluded from TOAR data products. Limitations of a posteriori data quality assurance are discussed. As a result of the work presented here, global coverage of surface ozone data for scientific analysis has been significantly extended. Yet, large gaps remain in the surface observation network both in terms of regions without monitoring, and in terms of regions that have monitoring programs but no public access to the data archive. Therefore future improvements to the database will require not only improved data harmonization, but also expanded data sharing and increased monitoring in data-sparse regions.
193 citations
TL;DR: Various attributes of sweet sorghum that make it an ideal candidate for biofuel feedstock are discussed, and an overview of genetic diversity, tools, and resources available for engineering and/or marker-assisting breeding of sweet Sorghum are provided.
Abstract: Sweet sorghum is a promising target for biofuel production. It is a C4 crop with low input requirements and accumulates high levels of sugars in its stalks. However, large-scale planting on marginal lands would require improved varieties with optimized biofuel-related traits and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Considering this, many studies have been carried out to generate genetic and genomic resources for sweet sorghum. In this review, we discuss various attributes of sweet sorghum that make it an ideal candidate for biofuel feedstock, and provide an overview of genetic diversity, tools, and resources available for engineering and/or marker-assisting breeding of sweet sorghum. Finally, the progress made so far, in identification of genes/quantitative trait loci (QTLs) important for agronomic traits and ongoing molecular breeding efforts to generate improved varieties, has been discussed.
162 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors attempted to perform an extensive review on the global context and identify the measures adopted by the consumers of different countries to dispose off their E-waste.
Abstract: E-waste is a complex stream of toxic waste which requires specific handling considerations. Effective and responsible management of E-waste is a global concern today. Considering the depth of the E-waste problem, this paper is an attempt to review two key elements greatly accountable for influencing sustainable E-waste management initiatives: Consumers’ E-waste 1) ‘Disposal Behaviour’ and 2) ‘Awareness’. Taking into account the locale specific characteristics of consumers’ E-waste disposal behaviour and awareness, we have attempted to perform an extensive review on the global context and identify the measures adopted by the consumers of different countries to dispose off their E-waste. We observe significant differences in consumers’ E-waste disposal behaviour not only ‘between’ the developed and developing countries, but also ‘within’ these countries. The paper further especially explains the complexities in India’s E-waste management system due to its multifaceted socio-economic, cultural and other associated connotations influencing consumers’ disposal behaviour and awareness. We conclude that global experiences on consumers’ E-waste disposal behaviour and awareness could be helpful for a particular country to devise inclusive E-waste management strategies to adequately address their current E-waste crisis.
154 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the indirect impact of the environmental regulation on innovation activities of upstream (dye-producing) firms in India and examine how it varies by different firm characteristics: size and ownership.
151 citations
TL;DR: L- Cysteine functionalized magnetite nanoparticles (L-Cyst-Fe3O4 NPs) were synthesized by chemical co-precipitation using Fe2+ and Fe3+ as iron precursors, sodium hydroxide as a base and L-Cysteine as functionalized agent.
Abstract: L-Cysteine functionalized magnetite nanoparticles (L-Cyst-Fe3O4 NPs) were synthesized by chemical co-precipitation using Fe2+ and Fe3+ as iron precursors, sodium hydroxide as a base and L-Cysteine as functionalized agent. The structural and morphological studies were carried out using X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and UV-Vis spectrophotometric techniques. The zeta potential of bare Fe3O4 and functionalized L-Cyst-Fe3O4 NPs were +28 mV and −30.2 mV (pH 7.0), respectively. The positive surface charge changes to negative imply the presence of L-Cyst monolayer at particle interface. Band gap energy of 2.12 eV [bare Fe3O4NPs] and 1.4 eV [L-Cyst-Fe3O4 NPs] were obtained. Lead and chromium removal were investigated at different initial pHs, contact time, temperatures and adsorbate-adsorbent concentrations. Maximum Cr6+ and Pb2+ removal occurred at pH 2.0 and 6.0, respectively. Sorption dynamics data were best described by pseudo-second order rate equation. Pb2+ and Cr6+ sorption equilibrium data were best fitted to Langmuir equation. Langmuir adsorption capacities of 18.8 mg/g (Pb2+) and 34.5 mg/g (Cr6+) at 45 °C were obtained. Regeneration of exhausted L-Cyst-Fe3O4 NPs and recovery of Pb2+/Cr6+ were demonstrated using 0.01 M HNO3 and NaOH. L-Cyst-Fe3O4 NPs stability and reusability were also demonstrated.
149 citations
TL;DR: From the review it appears that there is a need for a multispecies approach to evaluate leachate toxicity, and different bioassays available for assessing the hazard posed by landfill leachates are reviewed.
TL;DR: The recent development of CRISPR-Cas9 into a key technology for genome editing, targeting, and regulation in a wide range of organisms and cell types is discussed.
TL;DR: Curcumin is identified as a pro-drug that requires oxidative activation into reactive metabolites to exert anti-inflammatory activities and the paradigm of metabolic bioactivation uncovered here is considered for the evaluation and design of clinical trials of curcumin and other polyphenols of medicinal interest.
TL;DR: Investigation on spatio-chemical, contamination sources, and health risk assessment arising from the consumption of groundwater contaminated with trace and toxic elements in the Chhaprola Industrial Area, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, India indicated natural and anthropogenic activities like industrial effluent and agricultural runoff are responsible for the degrading of groundwater quality.
TL;DR: The role and applications of geo-spatial tool such as GIS for precise agro-residue resource assessment, biomass logistic and power plant design, and application of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in understanding the potential impact of bioenergy generation on different ecosystem services are reviewed.
Book•
25 May 2017TL;DR: Falk as mentioned in this paper introduced the realist theory of international law and the Grotian quest towards a transdisciplinary Jurisprudence, and proposed a realist approach to international law.
Abstract: Foreword - Richard Falk Introduction The Realist Theory of International Law The World of Hans Morgenthau The McDougal-Laswell Approach to International Law Richard Falk and the Grotian Quest Towards a Transdisciplinary Jurisprudence The Marxist Theory of International Law In Lieu of a Conclusion
Panjab University, Chandigarh1, University of Calicut2, Homi Bhabha National Institute3, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics4, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre5, Indian Institute of Technology Madras6, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay7, University of Calcutta8, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research9, Harish-Chandra Research Institute10, University of Delhi11, University of Mysore12, Physical Research Laboratory13, University of Lucknow14, Aligarh Muslim University15, University of Kashmir16, Jawaharlal Nehru University17, Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre18, American College, Madurai19, Utkal University20, Banaras Hindu University21
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors presented the physics potential of the ICAL detector as obtained from realistic detector simulations and gave the expected physics reach of the detector with 10 years of runtime.
Abstract: The upcoming 50 kt magnetized iron calorimeter (ICAL) detector at the India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) is designed to study the atmospheric neutrinos and antineutrinos separately over a wide range of energies and path lengths. The primary focus of this experiment is to explore the Earth matter effects by observing the energy and zenith angle dependence of the atmospheric neutrinos in the multi-GeV range. This study will be crucial to address some of the outstanding issues in neutrino oscillation physics, including the fundamental issue of neutrino mass hierarchy. In this document, we present the physics potential of the detector as obtained from realistic detector simulations. We describe the simulation framework, the neutrino interactions in the detector, and the expected response of the detector to particles traversing it. The ICAL detector can determine the energy and direction of the muons to a high precision, and in addition, its sensitivity to multi-GeV hadrons increases its physics reach substantially. Its charge identification capability, and hence its ability to distinguish neutrinos from antineutrinos, makes it an efficient detector for determining the neutrino mass hierarchy. In this report, we outline the analyses carried out for the determination of neutrino mass hierarchy and precision measurements of atmospheric neutrino mixing parameters at ICAL, and give the expected physics reach of the detector with 10 years of runtime. We also explore the potential of ICAL for probing new physics scenarios like CPT violation and the presence of magnetic monopoles.
TL;DR: These maghemite nanoparticles made by FSP were readily prepared, characterized and showed promise for remediating heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore both micro-and macro-level factors which determine female labour force participation rate (LFPR); to examine the “U shape” female LFPR, by examining the likely income and substitution effects of the real wage increase, to identify the sub-sectors within manufacturing and service sectors that could create jobs for new female job aspirants and those older women displaced from agriculture in recent years; and thus to understand the conditions under which female LFP could be raised.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors synthesize the available information and research on cloudburst events and try to define it based on associated dynamics, thermodynamics and physical processes leading to a cloudburst event.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyzed the eco-social transformation of the East Kolkata Wetland (EKW) and examined the patterns and drivers of wetland change in the EKW.
TL;DR: ToLCNDV genetic variability has been analyzed, providing new insights into the taxonomy, host adaptation, and evolution of this virus.
Abstract: The tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV) (genus Begomovirus, family Geminiviridae) represents an important constraint to tomato production, as it causes the most predominant and economically important disease affecting tomato in the Indian sub-continent However, in recent years, ToLCNDV has been fast extending its host range and spreading to new geographical regions, including the Middle East and the western Mediterranean Basin Extensive research on the genome structure, protein functions, molecular biology, and plant-virus interactions of ToLCNDV has been conducted in the last decade Special emphasis has been given to gene silencing suppression ability in order to counteract host plant defense responses The importance of the interaction with DNA alphasatellites and betasatellites in the biology of the virus has been demonstrated ToLCNDV genetic variability has been analyzed, providing new insights into the taxonomy, host adaptation, and evolution of this virus Recombination and pseudorecombination have been shown as motors of diversification and adaptive evolution Important progress has also been made in control strategies to reduce disease damage This review highlights these various achievements in the context of the previous knowledge of begomoviruses and their interactions with plants
TL;DR: ITSOD1 serves as a potential candidate for treating nitrogen rich wastewater using simultaneous nitrification and aerobic denitrification and can be used in bioaugmentation studies under varied condition.
TL;DR: The fabrication of an electrochemical immunosensor based on a highly stable gold nanoparticles-reduced graphene oxide (AuNPs-rGO) composite material as a transducer matrix for label-free and noninvasive detection of salivary oral cancer biomarker interleukin-8 demonstrates the commercial potential of this nanoplatform for the detection of other biomarkers of clinical relevance.
Abstract: An efficient electrochemical transducer matrix for biosensing devices requires specific characteristics, such as fast electron transfer, stability, high surface area, biocompatibility, and presence of specific functional groups, to facilitate biomolecule attachment. We demonstrate the fabrication of an electrochemical immunosensor based on a highly stable gold nanoparticles-reduced graphene oxide (AuNPs-rGO) composite material as a transducer matrix for label-free and noninvasive detection of salivary oral cancer biomarker interleukin-8 (IL8). The synergy between rGO and AuNPs allowed the immunosensor to exhibit fast response and high sensitivity due to the improved electron transfer behavior of the composite. The immunosensor shows very fast detection (9 min) of IL8 and high sensitivity with an experimental linear dynamic range of 500 fg mL–1 to 4 ng mL–1 and a detection limit of 72.73 ± 0.18 pg mL–1. The fabricated immunosensor exhibits excellent specificity toward the detection of IL8 in human saliva s...
TL;DR: Low surface area switchgrass biochar can adsorb far more MCPA per unit of measured surface area than high surface area commercial activated carbons which absorb only 0.08-0.11 mg/m2, and indicates that biochar three dimensional swelling occurs in an aqueous environment and adsorbates are imbibed and adsorbed at additional sorption sites.
TL;DR: A new tool for the prediction of lncRNAs in plants is reported, based on machine learning and uses random forest algorithm to classify coding and long non-coding transcripts, which has better prediction accuracy as compared to other existing tools and is particularly well-suited for plants.
Abstract: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) make up a significant portion of non-coding RNAs and are involved in a variety of biological processes. Accurate identification/annotation of lncRNAs is the primary step for gaining deeper insights into their functions. In this study, we report a novel tool, PLncPRO, for prediction of lncRNAs in plants using transcriptome data. PLncPRO is based on machine learning and uses random forest algorithm to classify coding and long non-coding transcripts. PLncPRO has better prediction accuracy as compared to other existing tools and is particularly well-suited for plants. We developed consensus models for dicots and monocots to facilitate prediction of lncRNAs in non-model/orphan plants. The performance of PLncPRO was quite better with vertebrate transcriptome data as well. Using PLncPRO, we discovered 3714 and 3457 high-confidence lncRNAs in rice and chickpea, respectively, under drought or salinity stress conditions. We investigated different characteristics and differential expression under drought/salinity stress conditions, and validated lncRNAs via RT-qPCR. Overall, we developed a new tool for the prediction of lncRNAs in plants and showed its utility via identification of lncRNAs in rice and chickpea.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine the dynamic interlinkages between the two pillars of ambidexterity in universities, research and knowledge transfer, and propose a theoretical model linking these two pillars at the organisational level.
21 Dec 2017
TL;DR: The results obtained indicated that if lignin is depolymerized into low-molecular-weight intermediates, then it can easily be utilized and converted into value-added products like PHA by microbes.
Abstract: The present study investigates polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production from lignin and its derivatives by a previously reported lignin-degrading bacterial strain Pandoraea sp. ISTKB. PHA production was screened by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry using a Nile red stain. PHA and biomass accumulation, while screening, was found to be maximum on 4-hydroxybenzoic acid followed by p-coumaric acid, vanillic acid, 2,6-dimethoxyphenol, and kraft lignin after 96 h. Monomer composition was analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and was followed by Fourier transform infrared and 1H NMR analysis, indicating PHA to be a copolymer of P(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate). Genomic analysis of Pandoraea sp. ISTKB also complemented the results of GC–MS and NMR, and the relevant genes responsible for the synthesis of small chain length PHA were discovered in the genome. Process parameters were optimized by response surface methodology for enhanced production of PHA and biomass on 4-hydroxybenzoate...
TL;DR: A comprehensive analysis of transcriptome dynamics during seed development in two cultivars with contrasting seed size/weight suggested that extended period of cell division during embryogenesis and higher level of endoreduplication along with more accumulation of storage compounds during maturation determine large seed Size/weight.
Abstract: Seed development is an intricate process regulated via a complex transcriptional regulatory network. To understand the molecular mechanisms governing seed development and seed size/weight in chickpea, we performed a comprehensive analysis of transcriptome dynamics during seed development in two cultivars with contrasting seed size/weight (small-seeded, Himchana 1 and large-seeded, JGK 3). Our analysis identified stage-specific expression for a significant proportion (>13%) of the genes in each cultivar. About one half of the total genes exhibited significant differential expression in JGK 3 as compared with Himchana 1. We found that different seed development stages can be delineated by modules of coexpressed genes. A comparative analysis revealed differential developmental stage specificity of some modules between the two cultivars. Furthermore, we constructed transcriptional regulatory networks and identified key components determining seed size/weight. The results suggested that extended period of cell division during embryogenesis and higher level of endoreduplication along with more accumulation of storage compounds during maturation determine large seed size/weight. Further, we identified quantitative trait loci-associated candidate genes harboring single nucleotide polymorphisms in the promoter sequences that differentiate small- and large-seeded chickpea cultivars. The results provide a valuable resource to dissect the role of candidate genes governing seed development and seed size/weight in chickpea.
TL;DR: It is concluded that IONPs induce ROS‐mediated cytotoxicity in lymphocytes, with significant increase in ROS levels, lipid peroxidation level as well as depletion of antioxidant enzymes and glutathione.
Abstract: Over the past few decades nanotechnology and material science has progressed extremely rapidly. Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) owing to their unique magnetic properties have a great potential for their biomedical and bioengineering applications. However, there is an inevitable need to address the issue of safety and health effects of these nanoparticles. Hence, the present study was aimed to assess the cytotoxic effects of IONPs on rats' lymphocytes. Using different assays, we studied diverse parameters including mitochondrial membrane potential, intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lactate dehydrogenase activity, antioxidant enzymes activity and DNA damage measurements. Intracellular metal uptake and ultrastructure analysis were also carried out through inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy respectively. The results show that the IONP-induced oxidative stress was concentration-dependent in nature, with significant (P < 0.05) increase in ROS levels, lipid peroxidation level as well as depletion of antioxidant enzymes and glutathione. Moreover, we observed morphological changes in the cell after intracellular uptake and localization of nanoparticles in cells. From the findings of the study, it may be concluded that IONPs induce ROS-mediated cytotoxicity in lymphocytes. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.