North Eastern Hill University

About: North Eastern Hill University is a education organization based out in Shillong, Meghalaya, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Catalysis. The organization has 2318 authors who have published 4476 publications receiving 48894 citations.

Approximate formulas for the neutralino masses in the nonminimal supersymmetric standard model.

Abstract: We derive a number of approximate analytical formulas for the neutralino masses and neutralino states in the nominimal supersymmetric standard model containing a Higgs singlet in addition to the two Higgs doublets of the minimal model. A comparison with the numerical solution for the neutralino masses shows that these formulas serve as an excellent approximation for almost the entire phenomenologically interesting range of parameters.

Inter-state transmission potential and vulnerability of COVID-19 in India

Abstract: Since the first case of COVID-19 traced in India on 30th January, 2020, the total no. of confirmed cases is amplified. To assess the inter-state diversity in spreading potentiality of COVID-19, the exposure, readiness and resilience capability have been studied. On the basis of the extracted data, the outbreak scenario, growth rate, testing amenities have been analysed. The study reflects that there is an enormous disparity in growth rate and total COVID-19 cases. The major outbreak clusters associated with major cities of India. COVID-19 cases are very swiftly amplifying with exponential growth in every four to seven days in main affected states during first phase of lockdown. The result shows the vibrant disproportion in the aspects of, hospital bed ratio, coronavirus case-hospital bed ratio, provision of isolation and ventilators, test ratio, distribution of testing laboratories and accessibility of test centres all over India. The study indicates the sharp inequality in transmission potentiality and resilience capacity of different states. Every state and union territory are not well-prepared to contain the spreading of COVID-19. The strict protective measures and uniform resilience system must be implemented in every corner of India to battle against the menace of COVID-19.

Characterization of a Highly pH Stable Chi-Class Glutathione S-Transferase from Synechocystis PCC 6803.

Abstract: Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are multifunctional enzymes present in virtually all organisms. Besides having an essential role in cellular detoxification, they also perform various other functions, including responses in stress conditions and signaling. GSTs are highly studied in plants and animals; however, the knowledge regarding GSTs in cyanobacteria seems rudimentary. In this study, we report the characterization of a highly pH stable GST from the model cyanobacterium- Synechocystis PCC 6803. The gene sll0067 was expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli), and the protein was purified to homogeneity. The expressed protein exists as a homo-dimer, which is composed of about 20 kDa subunit. The results of the steady-state enzyme kinetics displayed protein’s glutathione conjugation activity towards its class specific substrate- isothiocyanate, having the maximal activity with phenethyl isothiocyanate. Contrary to the poor catalytic activity and low specificity towards standard GST substrates such as 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene by bacterial GSTs, PmGST B1-1 from Proteus mirabilis, and E. coli GST, sll0067 has broad substrate degradation capability like most of the mammalian GST. Moreover, we have shown that cyanobacterial GST sll0067 is catalytically efficient compared to the best mammalian enzymes. The structural stability of GST was studied as a function of pH. The fluorescence and CD spectroscopy in combination with size exclusion chromatography showed a highly stable nature of the protein over a broad pH range from 2.0 to 11.0. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first GST with such a wide range of pH related structural stability. Furthermore, the presence of conserved Proline-53, structural motifs such as N-capping box and hydrophobic staple further aid in the stability and proper folding of cyanobacterial GST- sll0067.

Changes in vegetation and nitrogen mineralization during recovery of a montane subtropical broadleaved forest in North-eastern India following anthropogenic disturbance

Abstract: Understanding the changes in the plant community and soil nitrogen (N) availability during natural recovery of a forest following clear-cutting is critical to develop post-disturbance forest management strategies. Therefore, post-clearcut changes in vegetation, net N mineralization rates and available N concentrations in soil were studied in a montane subtropical broadleaved forest during the early years of recovery following a chronosequence approach. Two replicate stands were selected for each treatment of old-growth undisturbed forest and recovering forest stands aged 1, 5 and 10 years. Following disturbance, tree species diversity and basal area declined but shrub and herb diversity increased. High percentage dissimilarity among the stands in tree, shrub and herb species composition indicated that species colonization varied with recovery age. NH4 +-N and NO3 −-N concentrations increased significantly (P < 0.001) following clear-cutting and the increasing trend continued until 5 years post-recovery, after which it declined. While ammonification rate remained unchanged with recovery age, nitrification and net N mineralization rates in 10-year-old and undisturbed forest were significantly greater (P < 0.001) than in 1- and 5-year-old forest, indicating that mineralization rates increased with recovery age. Despite high mineralization rates, low availability of soil N in the later years of recovery was attributed to high N uptake by growing vegetation and leaching because of high rainfall in Cherrapunjee. To ensure N availability during the later years of recovery, we suggest that forest management intervention should encourage aided regeneration of native N-fixing trees, e.g., Myrica esculenta, during the initial years of recovery.

An insight into the binding of 6-hydroxyflavone with hen egg white lysozyme: a combined approach of multi-spectroscopic and computational studies.

Abstract: The interaction of 6-hydroxyflavone (6HF) with hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) has been executed using multi-spectroscopic and computational methods. Steady state fluorescence studies indicat...