Use of Indian digital libraries by biomedical practitioners in West Bengal region: a study

The use of Internet by students, teachers, researchers, journalists, librarians, information scientists, and numerous other professionals have already gathered momentum in our country with the strengthening of information infrastructure day-by-day. The number of Internet service providers, personal Internet connections, institutional Internet connections, cyber cafes, etc are also multiplying at a rapid rate. Biomedical practitioners in the world are also finding Internet-based information resources highly useful inasmuch as it is providing latest information about the harmful drugs being withdrawn, new drugs being introduced in the world, novel medical equipments being marketed, unique surgical techniques becoming successful, and so on. At this juncture, a question automatically arises as to what extent this facility is being used by biomedical practitioners of a region of our country, where computerization and Internet facility etc have started rather late. The study aims to find out the use of Indian digital libraries by biomedical practitioners in the West Bengal region. The data is to be gathered through a structured questionnaire that was circulated among biomedical practitioners. The questionnaire seeks to elicit the information on the extent of the use of open access biomedical literature; awareness about the biomedical databases, electronic journals, digital libraries, digital archives, web portals of biomedical organizations, etc. Digital libraries have already started coming up in India. National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources is developing Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), and National Informatics Centre is developing INDmed (Indian Biomedical Database), medIND (Indian Biomedical Literature) and OpenMed (Open Access archive on biomedical literature). All these databases are accessible free of cost. The study will lay special emphasis on the use of these biomedical information resources. Based on the findings of the study, suggestions are made as to how the awareness among biomedical practitioners can be increased to optimize the use of biomedical information resources in general and Indian digital libraries in particular

Specialized Plant Growth Chamber Designs to Study Complex Rhizosphere Interactions.

The rhizosphere is a dynamic ecosystem shaped by complex interactions between plant roots, soil, microbial communities and other micro- and macro-fauna. Although studied for decades, critical gaps exist in the study of plant roots, the rhizosphere microbiome and the soil system surrounding roots, partly due to the challenges associated with measuring and parsing these spatiotemporal interactions in complex heterogeneous systems such as soil. To overcome the challenges associated with in situ study of rhizosphere interactions, specialized plant growth chamber systems have been developed that mimic the natural growth environment. This review discusses the currently available lab-based systems ranging from widely known rhizotrons to other emerging devices designed to allow continuous monitoring and non-destructive sampling of the rhizosphere ecosystems in real-time throughout the developmental stages of a plant. We categorize them based on the major rhizosphere processes it addresses and identify their unique challenges as well as advantages. We find that while some design elements are shared among different systems (e.g., size exclusion membranes), most of the systems are bespoke and speaks to the intricacies and specialization involved in unraveling the details of rhizosphere processes. We also discuss what we describe as the next generation of growth chamber employing the latest technology as well as the current barriers they face. We conclude with a perspective on the current knowledge gaps in the rhizosphere which can be filled by innovative chamber designs

Non lithographic block copolymer directed self-assembled and plasma treated self-cleaning transparent coating for photovoltaic modules and other solar energy devices

Through a combination of sol-gel based self-assembly and plasma based approach we have developed highly transparent, self-ordered, superhydrophilic and photoactive TiO2 thin film coatings. TiO2 sol used for such coatings comprises a block copolymer which functions as a structure directing agent. This structure directing agent aid to formation of regular pores in the TiO2 thin film, thereby, remarkably reducing the refractive index values (similar to 1.31) and enhancing the transparency (4% antireflection gain) of the coatings. Further, such porous TiO2 coatings show an excellent ability to photo-decompose organic pollutants, due to the photocatalytic ability of such metal oxide semiconductor. Enhancement in the photocatalytic activity has been obtained by porous surface created using a block copolymer and shifting the band gap energy by incorporating nitrogen so as to utilize part of the visible region of the solar spectrum for photocatalysis. An optimum condition is achieved by varying the RF self-bias potential and time of plasma treatment. Nitrogen plasma treatment, in addition to enhancing the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 is also found to enhance the mechanical stability and hydrophilicity, without hampering the optical transmission of coatings. Such coatings are also found to exhibit superhydrophilicity with water contact angle (WCA) < degrees 5 under optimized condition. Thus, the coatings developed, qualify as a suitable candidate to be applied on solar PV panel and other energy devices. Treatment with nitrogen plasma extends the photocatalytic activity towards visible region of the spectrum and also ensures the mechanical stability of the otherwise porous network

Association of FANCC and PTCH1 with the development of early dysplastic lesions of the head and neck

Background: Alteration of chromosome 9q22.3 region is an early and frequent event in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The aim of this study was to understand the association of candidate tumor suppressor genes PHF2, FANCC, PTCH1, and XPA located in this region in the development of HNSCC. Methods: The alterations (deletion, promoter methylation, mutation, expression) of these genes were analyzed in 65 dysplastic head and neck lesions and 84 primary HNSCC samples. Clinicopathologic correlations were made with alterations of the genes. Results: Overall alterations (deletion, promoter methylation) of FANCC and PTCH1 were high in mild dysplasia and comparable in subsequent stages of tumor progression. However, PHF2 alteration was low in mild dysplasia, but increased in moderate and severe dysplasias. Alterations (deletion, promoter methylation) of FANCC and PTCH1 showed association with each other. Two novel mutations in GLI binding sites of PTCH1 promoter and a novel microsatellite marker hmPTCH1 with four alleles at immediate upstream of the gene were identified. In a case-control study, the (CGG)7 allele of hmPTCH1 was found to be susceptible for HNSCC development. Concordance was seen in the expression (RNA, protein) of these genes with their molecular alterations. Conclusions: Alterations of FANCC and PTCH1 could be used as molecular marker for early diagnosis and prognosis of HNSCC

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Not AvailableManipur in India is endowed with rich biodiversity and abundant natural resources. Despite inaccessibility, marginality and heterogeneity, the state has made good progress in agriculture and allied sectors. About 80% of the state population depends on agriculture for livelihood. However, agriculture sector in Manipur is facing the consequences of climate change. Climate change is a reality and an increasing trend in temperature, precipitation and emission of greenhouse gases has been observed in Manipur. The state is also projected to experience more of extreme rainfall and reduction in crop yields. As subsistence level farming is coupled with prevalent shifting cultivation, the small and marginal farmers will be most affected due to climate change. Hence, there is an urgent need for devising climate proof plan and climate ready policy for climate compatible agricultural development in Manipur. Location-specific climate smart technology baskets need to be devised or introduced and should be demonstrated through participatory approach, for ensuring a climate resilient production system, and a climate resilient ecosystem. The interactions between the system’s adaptation strategies and the mitigation potential should also be given due importance in the action plan for combating climate change. This article deals with the present status of agriculture and allied sector and various technological and policy options for climate resilient agriculture in the hill and mountain ecosystems of Manipur.NMSHE_TF

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Not AvailableManipur in India is endowed with rich biodiversity and abundant natural resources. Despite inaccessibility, marginality and heterogeneity, the state has made good progress in agriculture and allied sectors. About 80% of the state population depends on agriculture for livelihood. However, agriculture sector in Manipur is facing the consequences of climate change. Climate change is a reality and an increasing trend in temperature, precipitation and emission of greenhouse gases has been observed in Manipur. The state is also projected to experience more of extreme rainfall and reduction in crop yields. As subsistence level farming is coupled with prevalent shifting cultivation, the small and marginal farmers will be most affected due to climate change. Hence, there is an urgent need for devising climate proof plan and climate ready policy for climate compatible agricultural development in Manipur. Location-specific climate smart technology baskets need to be devised or introduced and should be demonstrated through participatory approach, for ensuring a climate resilient production system, and a climate resilient ecosystem. The interactions between the system's adaptation strategies and the mitigation potential should also be given due importance in the action plan for combating climate change. This article deals with the present status of agriculture and allied sector and various technological and policy options for climate resilient agriculture in the hill and mountain ecosystems of Manipur.Department of Science and Technology, Go