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Electrophoretic propulsion of matchstick-shaped magnetodielectric particles in the presence of external magnetic fields in a nematic liquid crystal
No full textSynthesis of micro- and nanoparticles of pre-designed shape and surface properties is an integral part of soft and synthetic active matter. We report synthesis of matchstick-shaped (MS) magnetodielectric particles and demonstrate their potential as active agents with field-controllable trajectories in a nematic liquid crystal (NLC). The MS particles with homeotropic anchoring in NLCs align either parallel or perpendicular to the director depending on the dipolar or quadrupolar director distortions. When subjected to transverse electric and magnetic fields, the particles experience electric and magnetic torques trying to align them in the respective field directions. At equilibrium, the long axis is tilted at an angle with respect to the director. The change in orientation alters the surrounding elastic distortion, which results in unbalanced electroosmotic flows. These flows provide the necessary impetus for propelling the particles in various directions with different velocities depending on their orientations
Convergence and quasi-optimality of an AFEM for the Dirichlet boundary control problem
No full textIn this article, convergence and quasi-optimal rate of convergence of an Adaptive Finite Element Method is shown for the Dirichlet boundary control problem that was proposed by Chowdhury et al. (2017, Error bounds for a Dirichlet boundary control problem based on energy spaces, Math. Comp., 86, 1103–1126). The theoretical results are illustrated by numerical experiments
Inositol hexakisphosphate kinase 1 is essential for cell junction integrity in the mouse seminiferous epithelium
No full textInositol hexakisphosphate kinases (IP6Ks) are enzymes that catalyse the synthesis of the inositol pyrophosphate 5-IP7 which is involved in the regulation of many physiological processes in mammals. The IP6K paralog IP6K1 is expressed at high levels in the mammalian testis, and its deletion leads to sterility in male mice. Here, we show that the loss of IP6K1 in mice causes a delay in the first wave of spermatogenesis. Testes from juvenile Ip6k1 knockout mice show downregulation of transcripts that are involved in cell adhesion and formation of the testis-specific inter-Sertoli cell impermeable junction complex known as the blood-testis barrier (BTB). We demonstrate that loss of IP6K1 in the mouse testis causes BTB disruption associated with transcriptional misregulation of the tight junction protein claudin 3, and subcellular mislocalization of the gap junction protein connexin 43. In addition to BTB disruption, we also observe a loss of germ cell adhesion in the seminiferous epithelium of Ip6k1 knockout mice, ultimately resulting in premature sloughing of round spermatids into the epididymis. Mechanistically, we show that loss of IP6K1 in the testis enhances cofilin dephosphorylation in conjunction with increased AKT/ERK and integrin signalling, resulting in destabilization of the actin-based cytoskeleton in Sertoli cells and germ cell loss
Comparative assessment of dry- and humid-heat extremes in a warming climate: Frequency, intensity, and seasonal timing
No full textDry and humid-heat extremes are two types of heat extremes, each exhibiting unique climatological characteristics and impacts on different sectors of society. Using historical simulations and projections produced under two Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5) by models from the sixth phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6), we show a comparative assessment of the future changes in dry- and humid-heat extremes over global land. Relative to 1995–2014, projections for the mid-term future (2041–2060) and long-term future (2081–2100) periods suggest that most global regions will experience an increase in frequency and intensity of both dry- and humid-heat extremes, especially the tropical regions. In these future periods, the peak occurrences of dry- and humid-heat extremes in mid-to high-latitude regions often occur within the same month. However, there will be a one-to two-month gap between the peak occurrences of dry- and humid-heat extremes in tropical regions, primarily due to monsoonal circulations that introduce variability by causing dry-heat extremes before the onset of monsoons and humid-heat extremes as the monsoons commence. This suggests the need for sector-specific adaptation strategies during different periods of the year for tropical regions. Under both future scenarios, whether considering individual exposure or land area, the average level of exposure to extreme humid-heat days is projected to increase more significantly compared to dry-heat days. The above results highlight the risks associated with the intensification of humid heat in future climate scenarios and warrant the development of effective strategies to mitigate the adverse effects
IBCL-383 Follicular lymphoma: Impact of complete response on outcomes in FL: A tertiary care analysis
No full textBackground:
Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the second most common subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in India. There are few studies about the clinicopathological features and survival outcomes of FL from India.
Methods:
This was a retrospective study in 101 patients with FL registered in our tertiary institute over a period of 12 years (2012-2023). The primary objective was to study the survival outcomes (overall survival [OS] and progression-free survival [PFS]) in patients with FL. Statistical analysis was done using the Software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 29.0.20.
Results:
Out of 101 patients there were 58 males and 43 females, with median age of 52 years (range, 12-81 years). Ann Arbor stage distribution: stage I, 9%; stage II, 10%; stage III, 21%; and stage IV, 60%. Bone marrow involvement and bulky disease were seen in 34% and 16%, respectively. Extranodal involvement was seen in 60% patients. Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index 1 (FLIPI) scores: low, 18%; intermediate, 26%; and high risk, 56% of cases. Eighty-eight patients (87%) received treatment at presentation or during follow-up. Chemotherapeutic regimens used: bendamustine and rituximab, n=67 (76%); lenalidomide and rituximab, n=8 (9%); and other regimens, n=13 (15%). Rituximab maintenance therapy was given in 49 cases (49%) only due to financial constraints. Eight cases during follow-up transformed to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Complete remission was achieved in 67% of patients and overall response rate was 85%. Receipt of the rituximab was the only factor associated with complete response (CR) and no other clinical and tumour characteristics were associated with treatment response. Median OS could not be reached and median PFS was 106 months, with a median follow-up of 60 months. Failure to attain CR (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 3.4; 95% CI, 1.1-10.5), anemia (aHR 3.8; 95% CI, 1.2-12.3), and raised LDH at baseline (aHR 3.1; 95% CI, 1.0-9.5) were associated with poor OS.
Conclusion:
This study highlights the various clinicopathological features and survival outcomes from FL in India. Patients with FL account for 10% of all lymphoma cases at our centre, with 20% anemia and 56% of patients were in high-risk FLIPI. Anemia and failure to attain CR were important prognostic variables for OS
Co‐overexpression of SWEET sucrose transporters modulates sucrose synthesis and defence responses to enhance immunity against bacterial blight in rice
No full textEnhancing carbohydrate export from source to sink tissues is considered to be a realistic approach for improving photosynthetic efficiency and crop yield. The rice sucrose transporters OsSUT1, OsSWEET11a and OsSWEET14 contribute to sucrose phloem loading and seed filling. Crucially, Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) infection in rice enhances the expression of OsSWEET11a and OsSWEET14 genes, and causes leaf blight. Here we show that co-overexpression of OsSUT1, OsSWEET11a and OsSWEET14 in rice reduced sucrose synthesis and transport leading to lower growth and yield but reduced susceptibility to Xoo relative to controls. The immunity-related hypersensitive response (HR) was enhanced in the transformed lines as indicated by the increased expression of defence genes, higher salicylic acid content and presence of HR lesions on the leaves. The results suggest that the increased expression of OsSWEET11a and OsSWEET14 in rice is perceived as a pathogen (Xoo) attack that triggers HR and results in constitutive activation of plant defences that are related to the signalling pathways of pathogen starvation. These findings provide a mechanistic basis for the trade-off between plant growth and immunity because decreased susceptibility against Xoo compromised plant growth and yield
Ultrabroad Near Infrared Emitting Perovskites
No full textPhosphor converted light emitting diodes (pc-LEDs) have revolutionized solid-state white lighting by replacing energy-inefficient filament-based incandescent lamps. However, such a pc-LED emitting ultrabroad near-infrared (NIR) radiations still remains a challenge, primarily because of the lack of ultrabroad NIR emitting phosphors. To address this issue, we have prepared 2.5 % W4+-doped and 2.8 % Mo4+-doped Cs2Na0.95Ag0.05BiCl6 perovskites emitting ultrabroad NIR radiation with unprecedented spectral widths of 434 and 468 nm, respectively. Upon band-edge excitation, the soft lattice of the host exhibits broad self-trapped exciton (STE) emission covering NIR-I (700 nm), which then nonradiatively excites the dopants. The –donor ligand Cl− reduces the energy of dopant d-d transitions emitting NIR-II with a peak at ~950 nm. Vibronic coupling broadens the dopant emission. The large spin-orbit coupling and local structural distortion might possibly enhance the dopant emission intensity, leading to an overall NIR photoluminescence quantum yield ~40 %. The composite of our ultrabroad NIR phosphors with biodegradable polymer polylactic acid could be processed into free-standing films and 3D printed structures. Large (170X 170mm2 ), robust, and thermally stable 3D printed pc-LED panels emit ultrabroad NIR radiation, demonstrating NIR imaging applications
Synthesis of pH responsive malononitrile functionalized metal organic framework MIL-100(Fe) for efficient adsorption of uranium U(VI) from real-life alkaline leach liquor
No full textThe porous framework of MIL-100(Fe) was functionalized using malononitrile (MN), through an in-situ Knoevenagel condensation reaction to introduce abundant –C≡N groups on the surface of the developed adsorbent. The resultant MN-functionalized MIL-100(Fe) exhibited excellent Uranium (U(VI)) removal capacity (i.e., 270 mg/g) at highly alkaline pH (⁓ 10). Different coexisting cations and anions show negligible influence on the U-removal and it was 92.1–99.7 % in presence of different co-ions, with the concentration from 10 to 50 mg/L. Moreover, MIL-100(Fe)_MN showed extremely selective U removal from the actual alkaline leach liquor (⁓ 97 %), without any pH adjustment and leaching of the constituent Fe. The surface-grafted –C≡N groups were predominantly active towards the coordinative interactions with the U(VI) ionic moieties, as evident from the XPS and FTIR analysis. The MIL-100(Fe)_MN adsorbent was also subjected to five consecutive adsorption-desorption cycles, with >90 % U removal after 5th cycle. Moreover, the regenerated MIL-100(Fe)_MN was structurally and functionally resilient, as observed from the morphological and crystallographic analysis. A convection-pore diffusion based transport model was used to analyze the optimized mass transfer parameters. Overall, the present study highlights the simple design and development of malononitrile-functionalized MIL-100(Fe) as an efficient and selective adsorbent for U(VI) removal from U-rich alkaline leach liquor
A joint Fermi-GBM and Swift-BAT analysis of gravitational-wave candidates from the third gravitational-wave observing run
No full textWe present Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor (Fermi-GBM) and Swift Burst Alert Telescope (Swift-BAT) searches for gamma-ray/X-ray counterparts to gravitational-wave (GW) candidate events identified during the third observing run of the Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo detectors. Using Fermi-GBM onboard triggers and subthreshold gamma-ray burst (GRB) candidates found in the Fermi-GBM ground analyses, the Targeted Search and the Untargeted Search, we investigate whether there are any coincident GRBs associated with the GWs. We also search the Swift-BAT rate data around the GW times to determine whether a GRB counterpart is present. No counterparts are found. Using both the Fermi-GBM Targeted Search and the Swift-BAT search, we calculate flux upper limits and present joint upper limits on the gamma-ray luminosity of each GW. Given these limits, we constrain theoretical models for the emission of gamma rays from binary black hole mergers
Differential Transcriptional Landscape of Vero Cells During Dengue Virus 2 Infection in the Presence of Sinococuline
No full textDengue virus (DENV) is transmitted by Aedes genus mosquitoes and is responsible for dengue fever (DF) and other severe diseases, posing a significant challenge to the global health system. Currently, anti-dengue pharmacological treatment options are not available. Earlier, we demonstrated that Sinococuline has potent anti-dengue activity and prevents virus infection. In this study, we profile the host transcriptome response in the Vero cells after infection with DENV2 in the presence of Sinococuline, using bioinformatics to identify significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs). A total of 1510 DEGs were noted by transcriptional analysis of Vero cells that were infected with dengue virus as compared to the uninfected cells, among which 697 were upregulated and 813 were downregulated. Also, 184 out of 697 and 254 out of 817 genes were altered in dengue-infected Vero cells in the presence of Sinococuline. We found that TNF, cytokine–cytokine receptor interactions, and NF-kB signaling pathways were differentially expressed in DENV2-infected Vero cells, which was prevented by Sinococuline. The findings of this study add to our knowledge of Sinococuline’s antiviral activity in DENV2-infected Vero cells at the transcriptome level. These findings also identify potential candidate antiviral genes that can be verified for their function in the future