Computer Recognition Method as Applied to Codification Process for Inventory System of a Large Multidisciplined Laboratory

A variety of algorithms are existing to retrieve the information by means of furnished keys'. As suggested by Nakatsu N. et al . algorithm for the LCS problem can be used to find string which contain some given words or words similar to them. Some such LCS algorithms with their time responses are discussed 2-6 This paper also describes an effective method of recognizing the information. The method involves two way search giving the weightages to each. Finally the two values are combined to produce a match factor for recognition of information. Its application to codification in inventory system is discussed

Surfactant protein D inhibits HIV-1 infection of target cells via interference with gp120-CD4 interaction and modulates pro-inflammatory cytokine production

© 2014 Pandit et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.Surfactant Protein SP-D, a member of the collectin family, is a pattern recognition protein, secreted by mucosal epithelial cells and has an important role in innate immunity against various pathogens. In this study, we confirm that native human SP-D and a recombinant fragment of human SP-D (rhSP-D) bind to gp120 of HIV-1 and significantly inhibit viral replication in vitro in a calcium and dose-dependent manner. We show, for the first time, that SP-D and rhSP-D act as potent inhibitors of HIV-1 entry in to target cells and block the interaction between CD4 and gp120 in a dose-dependent manner. The rhSP-D-mediated inhibition of viral replication was examined using three clinical isolates of HIV-1 and three target cells: Jurkat T cells, U937 monocytic cells and PBMCs. HIV-1 induced cytokine storm in the three target cells was significantly suppressed by rhSP-D. Phosphorylation of key kinases p38, Erk1/2 and AKT, which contribute to HIV-1 induced immune activation, was significantly reduced in vitro in the presence of rhSP-D. Notably, anti-HIV-1 activity of rhSP-D was retained in the presence of biological fluids such as cervico-vaginal lavage and seminal plasma. Our study illustrates the multi-faceted role of human SPD against HIV-1 and potential of rhSP-D for immunotherapy to inhibit viral entry and immune activation in acute HIV infection. © 2014 Pandit et al.The work (Project no. 2011-16850) was supported by Medical Innovation Fund of Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India (www.icmr.nic.in/)

Structure Activity Relationship of Dendrimer Microbicides with Dual Action Antiviral Activity

Topical microbicides, used by women to prevent the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections are urgently required. Dendrimers are highly branched nanoparticles being developed as microbicides. However, the anti-HIV and HSV structure-activity relationship of dendrimers comprising benzyhydryl amide cores and lysine branches, and a comprehensive analysis of their broad-spectrum anti-HIV activity and mechanism of action have not been published.Dendrimers with optimized activity against HIV-1 and HSV-2 were identified with respect to the number of lysine branches (generations) and surface groups. Antiviral activity was determined in cell culture assays. Time-of-addition assays were performed to determine dendrimer mechanism of action. In vivo toxicity and HSV-2 inhibitory activity were evaluated in the mouse HSV-2 susceptibility model. Surface groups imparting the most potent inhibitory activity against HIV-1 and HSV-2 were naphthalene disulfonic acid (DNAA) and 3,5-disulfobenzoic acid exhibiting the greatest anionic charge and hydrophobicity of the seven surface groups tested. Their anti-HIV-1 activity did not appreciably increase beyond a second-generation dendrimer while dendrimers larger than two generations were required for potent anti-HSV-2 activity. Second (SPL7115) and fourth generation (SPL7013) DNAA dendrimers demonstrated broad-spectrum anti-HIV activity. However, SPL7013 was more active against HSV and blocking HIV-1 envelope mediated cell-to-cell fusion. SPL7013 and SPL7115 inhibited viral entry with similar potency against CXCR4-(X4) and CCR5-using (R5) HIV-1 strains. SPL7013 was not toxic and provided at least 12 h protection against HSV-2 in the mouse vagina.Dendrimers can be engineered with optimized potency against HIV and HSV representing a unique platform for the controlled synthesis of chemically defined multivalent agents as viral entry inhibitors. SPL7013 is formulated as VivaGel(R) and is currently in clinical development to provide protection against HIV and HSV. SPL7013 could also be combined with other microbicides

Distribution of copepods from the polluted and unpolluted regions off Bombay

346-349Distribution and abundance of copepods in the nearshore waters off Bombay were studied at 4 fixed sampling sites during October 1977 to December 1978.The stations Mahim and Thana received domestic and industrial waste while the stations of Versova and Harbour were relatively free from major waste discharge. Maximum population density of copepods (av. 5360/m3) was observed at Mahim, which was about twice than at other stations. Major peaks were noticed in October/November and March/April. Of the 21 genera of copepods recorded, Paracalanus, Acrocalanus, Acartia, and Oithona were the most common. The polluted regions of Mahim and Thana creek were characterised by the dominance of Paracalanus, Oithona and Acartia. The generic diversity of copepods was greater in unpolluted area

Distribution of planktonic fish eggs and larvae around Bombay waters

128-131Distribution of planktonic eggs and larvae in the coastal waters off Bombay, Maharashtra, India was studied during Oct. 1977 to Dec. 1978. Samples were collected from Versova, Mahim, Harbour and Thana which represented different ecological conditions. Fish eggs and larvae were more abundant during pre and postmonsoon periods. Greater diversity of fish larvae at Versova and Harbour as compared to Mahim and Thana, clearly indicated the deteriorating environmental conditions at Mahim and Thana Creek due to pollution

Distribution of Chaetognaths in the polluted & Unpolluted waters around Bombay

66-69Chaetognath fauna inhabiting the nearshore waters of Bombay was studied during Oct. 1977- Sept.1978. Among the 4 stations investigated Thana and Mahim represent polluted regions while Harbour and Versova are relatively unpolluted. Maximum density of chaetognaths at all stations was obtained during postmonsoon period. Fluctuation in the population of chaetognaths was greater in the polluted than in the unpolluted water. Sagitta bedoti was the most common species in the collections. Juveniles of S. bedoti were in appreciable numbers throughout the period of collection. Breeding of S. bedoti was continuous in the nearshore waters with a few intense spawning periods. The other species present were S. bombayensis, S. enflata, S, oceania, S. pulchra and S. robusta. Species diversity was more in the unpolluted waters. It would appear that the disappearance of sensitive species and the consequent decrease in diversity may be the first indication of impending deterioration of the environment

Diurnal variation of zooplankton in Malad Creek, Bombay

75-79Variation in zooplankton biomass and composition in relation to the prevailing hydrographical conditions was studied for 24 h in Malad Creek, Bombay, Maharashtra, India, which was highly polluted by sewage. The adverse effect of pollution was more during the ebb tide with relatively low values of salinity and zero values of dissolved oxygen. Zooplankton biomass varied from 0.01 to 13.2 ml. (100 m3) -1 [av. 3.4 ml. (100 m3) -1] during different tidal conditions. Zooplankton standing stock and total population were higher in night than in day collections. Abundance and diversity of zooplankton were directly correlated to the prevailing tide and pollution load. Copepods formed the predominant group followed by decapods, gastropods, chaetognaths and mysids. Variations in the incidence of different groups/species of zooplankton were discussed in detail

Petroleum hydrocarbon concentration in selected species of fish and prawn from northwest coast of India

123-125Concentration of petroleum hydrocarbons in 6 fish and prawn species sampled at 10 transects from Veraval to Ratnagiri were determined using alkali digestion and alumina column chromatography followed by fluorescence spectroscopy. Efficiency of the method was in the range of 36.9-78.5% for 1-10 mug.g-1, wet wt chrysene concentrations. The levels observed were low ranging from 0.2 to 10.0 mug.g-1 (wet wt, chrysene equivalent units). The most abundant species Johnius glaucus and Coilila dussumieri showed comparatively higher levels of petroleum hydrocarbons than others. Samples from Bassein and Thana creeks as well as from Bassein and Bombay coastal stations revealed relatively high accumulations. Comparison of values with concentrations in water and sediment from corresponding locations was discussed