Metal-Ylide Complexes: Mercury(II), Cadmium(II) & Palladium(II) Complexes of Ambidentate Sulphonium Ylides

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Morphological and Humidity Sensing Studies of WO3 Mixed with ZnO and TiO2 Powders

This paper reports resistive type humidity sensing properties of composite powder of WO3, ZnO and TiO2 taken in the ratio of 8:2:1. Tungsten oxide powder has been obtained by oxidizing Tungsten powder (Lobachemie, 99 % pure) at 600 0C. 250 mg of ZnO (qualigens, 99% pure) and 125 mg of TiO2 (qualigens, 98% pure) have been mixed with 1 gram of WO3. Pellet of this powder mixture has been made at pressure of 3 tones for half an hour. The pellet has been annealed at temperatures of 300 0C, 400 0C and 500 0C. Humidity sensing application of pellet has been studied in a specially designed chamber. Standard solution of potassium sulphate has been used as humidifier and potassium hydroxide as de-humidifier. Variation in resistances has been noted using Sinometre (MΩ range,VC 9808). Relative humidity is measured using standard hygrometer (Huger, Germany). It has been observed that as relative humidity increases, there is decrease in the resistance of the pellet. After annealing of sample at each temperature, it has been exposed to humidity in the chamber. The mean sensitivity of the pellet is calculated for each annealing temperature. It has been observed that as annealing temperature increases from 300 0C to 500 0C, mean sensitivity increases. This composite material carries a good scope for the development of resistive type humidity sensor

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Not AvailableCold shock proteins (CSPs) are greatly conserved family of structurally related DNA binding proteins which are produced during temperature drift. A 213 bp long cspA gene was cloned and sequenced from Pseudomonas koreensis P2 in the present study. The expression analysis of the cspA showed 2.5 folds increase in the mRNA level at 15 C while the expression was almost on par at 30 C and 5 C indicating its role in moderately low temperature. In silico analyses of the gene showed that the gene codes for 7.69 kDa protein which was phylogenetically very similar to CspA present in Pseudomonads. Amino acid composition of the CspA from P. koreensis was different from that of mesophilic Pseudomonas and tiny/small amino varied significantly between CspA of cold adaptive and mesophilic species. The CspA from P. koreensis P2 contained RNP motifs involved in binding of DNA and RNA. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the CspA protein of P. koreensis P2 was more close to CspA of distant subgroups of Pseudomonas like P. fluorescens and P. putida subgroup indicating a possible intra-specific gene transfer.The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial assistance under network project ‘Application of Microorganisms Agriculture and Allied Sectors (AMAAS)’ and ‘‘CRP Genomics’’ from Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), India. i

Does cytokine gene polymorphism affect steroid responses in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome?

Background: Immunological responses may be possibly involved in the pathogenesis of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS). Cytokines act as a potent immunomodulator. Pathogenesis of INS is associated with Th1 and Th2 cytokines imbalance. Aims, Settings and Design: We have investigated the association of IL-4, IL-6, and TNF-α gene polymorphisms and analyzed the data to evaluate the effect of these polymorphisms on the pathogenesis and clinical course of INS. Materials and Methods: One hundred fifty children with INS were selected. Children were analyzed for IL-4, IL-6, and TNF-α gene polymorphisms by using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. Statistical Analysis Used: Chi-square test was used for different comparisons. The synergistic effects of IL-4, IL-6, and TNF-α gene polymorphisms were evaluated by using logistic regression analysis. Results and Conclusions: We compared the steroid-resistant (SR) and steroid-responsive (SS) groups. Our results showed strong association of IL-6 -G174C, and IL-4 -C590T at genotypic level (P = 0.0121, OR = 14.71, 95% CI = 1.59-136.46; and P = 0.0386, OR = 7.29, 95% CI = 1.26-41.69). TNF-α revealed a strong association at genotypic level (P = 0.0121, OR = 14.71, 95% CI = 1.59-136.46), as well as at allelic level (P = 0.0433, OR = 2.251, 95% CI = 1.09-4.66), demonstrating that it may be considered one of the genetic risk factors affecting the steroid response in INS patients. The GG genotype of IL-6 -G174C, TT genotype of IL-4 -C590T, and AA genotype of TNF-α -G308A cytokine gene polymorphisms may be causative factors for nonresponsiveness towards steroid therapy among INS children