A COMPUTATIONAL APPROACH ON UNDERSTANDING STRUCTURAL INTERACTIONS OF ENVELOPE PROTEIN OF DENGUE VIRUS BOUND WITH SQUALENE, A PROTOTYPE ANTI-VIRAL COMPOUND

Objective: The objective of the work was to validate the structural binding affinity of Squalene with the envelope protein of Dengue virus by means of molecular simulations. Methods: Three-dimensional (3D) structure of dengue 2 virus envelope protein was retrieved from Protein Data Bank PDB and Squalene compound from the ZINC database. Molecular docking between the E protein and Squalene were carried out by means of Auto Dock 4.2. Results: Based on the study, it was observed that the binding/docking energy for the complex structure was calculated to be-5.55 kcal/mol. Critical residues to interact with E protein were scrutinized by analyzing the interface of the complex within 4 Å proximity. Residues such as Thr 48, Glu49, Ala 50, Val 130, Leu 135, Ser 186, Pro 187, Thr 189, Gly 190, Leu 191, Phe 193, Leu 198, Leu 207, Thr 268, Phe 279, Thr 280, Gly 281, His 282 and Leu 283 were found to be non-covalently located around the squalene. Conclusion: Scopes to design de novo anti-viral compounds to the dengue viruses by using squalene as a new class of template structure have also been concisely brought into fore

Catalytic transformation of (+)-limonene oxide over binary oxide catalysts of alumina-rare earths

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Optimising Solar Energy: An Evaluation of IoT-Based Solar Panel Monitoring Systems

The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies within the realm of renewable energy, notably solar power, has paved the way for the creation of intelligent and decentralised systems for enhanced monitoring and fault detection. In this review, we delve into the use of IoTfacilitated remote IV tracing mechanisms to identify and address faults within urban solar power installations. Concentrating on desert environments, where solar power is a cornerstone for sustainable growth, we consider the challenges introduced by dust deposition and its repercussions on solar energy output. We further elaborate on the integral role of IoT in spearheading smart monitoring systems that assess the efficiency of solar panels in dust-affected scenarios. This paper also provides a detailed assessment of a specific IoT-integrated solar monitoring framework designed for expansive and distributed solar provisions in smart cities

Mutually opposing activity of PIN7 splicing isoforms is required for auxin-mediated tropic responses in Arabidopsis thaliana

Summary Advanced transcriptome sequencing has uncovered that the majority of eukaryotic genes undergo alternative splicing (AS). Nonetheless, little effort has been dedicated to investigating the functional relevance of particular splicing events, even those in the key developmental and hormonal regulators. Combining approaches of genetics, biochemistry and advanced confocal microscopy, we describe the impact of alternative splicing on the PIN7 gene in the plant model Arabidopsis thaliana. PIN7 encodes a polarly localized transporter for the phytohormone auxin and produces two evolutionary-conserved transcripts PIN7a and PIN7b. PIN7a and PIN7b, differing in a 4-amino acid motif, exhibit almost identical expression pattern and subcellular localization. We reveal that they closely associate and mutually influence their mobility within the plasma membrane. Phenotypic complementation tests indicate that the functional contribution of PIN7b per se is minor, but it markedly reduces the prominent PIN7a activity, which is required for correct seedling apical hook formation and auxin-mediated tropic responses. Our results establish alternative splicing of the PIN family as a conserved, functionally relevant mechanism, unveiling an additional regulatory level of auxin-mediated plant development.Advanced transcriptome sequencing has revealed that the majority of eukaryotic genes undergo alternative splicing (AS). Nonetheless, little effort has been dedicated to investigating the functional relevance of particular splicing events, even those in the key developmental and hormonal regulators. Combining approaches of genetics, biochemistry and advanced confocal microscopy, we describe the impact of alternative splicing on the PIN7 gene in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. PIN7 encodes a polarly localized transporter for the phytohormone auxin and produces two evolutionarily conserved transcripts, PIN7a and PIN7b. PIN7a and PIN7b, differing in a four amino acid stretch, exhibit almost identical expression patterns and subcellular localization. We reveal that they are closely associated and mutually influence each other's mobility within the plasma membrane. Phenotypic complementation tests indicate that the functional contribution of PIN7b per se is minor, but it markedly reduces the prominent PIN7a activity, which is required for correct seedling apical hook formation and auxin-mediated tropic responses. Our results establish alternative splicing of the PIN family as a conserved, functionally relevant mechanism, revealing an additional regulatory level of auxin-mediated plant development.Peer reviewe

Indole and azaindole halogenation catalyzed by the RebH enzyme variant 3-LSR utilizing co-purified E. coli reductase

Biocatalytic C-H halogenation is becoming increasingly attractive due to excellent catalyst-controlled selectivity and environmentally benign reaction conditions. Significant efforts have been made on enzymatic halogenation of industrial arenes in a cost-effective manner. Here we report an unprecedented enzymatic halogenation of a panel of industrially important indole, azaindole and anthranilamide derivatives using a thermostable RebH variant without addition of any external flavin reductase enzyme. The reactions were catalyzed by the RebH variant 3-LSR enzyme with the help of a co-purified E. coli reductase identified as alkyl hydroperoxide reductase F (AhpF)

Visakhapatnam Regional Centre: A Profile

The Visakhapatnam Regional Centre of ICAR - CMFRI had its beginning in 1947 as a Survey Unit, which was housed in the premises of the Department of Fisheries, Government of Andhra Pradesh. The main function of the Survey Unit was to collect the fish landing data. The Survey Unit was upgraded as a Research Unit and research activities were initiated in the year 1955 in the premises of Department of Zoology, Andhra University. Later, the Calcutta Research Unit of CMFRI was merged with the Visakhapatnam Research Unit of CMFRI in 1962. During 1970, the Research Unit housed within the premises of Department of Zoology, Andhra University was elevated to a Sub-station and subsequently as a Research Centre in 1976. The Research Centre moved into its own building in 1995, and was further upgraded as the Regional Centre on 17th October, 2001. The Kakinada Research Centre of CMFRI was merged with the Visakhapatnam Regional Centre of CMFRI on 15th February, 200

Development of innovative automated solutions for the assembly of multifunctional thermoplastic composite fuselage

In this study, the development of innovative tooling and end-effector systems for the assembly of a multifunctional thermoplastic fuselage is presented. The increasing demand for cleaner and new aircraft requires utilising novel materials and technologies. Advanced thermoplastic composites provide an excellent material option thanks to their weldability, low density, low overall production cost, improved fracture toughness and recyclability. However, to fully appreciate their potentials, new manufacturing approaches and techniques are needed. Hence, this project develops three end-effector solutions to demonstrate the feasibility of assembling a full-scale multifunctional-integrated thermoplastic lower fuselage shell, including the integration of a fully equipped floor and cargo structure. The developed assembly solution comprises three individual yet well-integrated tooling systems that allow housing the skin and assembly; picking, placing and welding of the assembly parts, i.e. clips and stringers; and welding of frames and floor beam sub-assemblies. The process of developing these systems including the end-user requirements, technical challenges, tooling and end-effectors design and manufacturing process are detailed in this paper.This study is part of the TCTool project, which has received funding from the Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 865131. Project partners: GKN-Fokker Aerospace (Topic Manager), TWI Ltd., Andalusian Foundation for Aerospace Development – Advanced Center for Aerospace Technologies, Brunel University London (Brunel Composites Centre), London South Bank University, Acroflight Ltd., and Smart Advanced Manufacturing XL (SAM|XL)

Characterization and antibacterial activity of violacein producing deep purple pigmented bacterium Pseudoalteromonas luteoviolacea (Gauthier, 1982) isolated from coral reef ecosystems

The present study describes the isolation, characterization and antibacterial activity of two strains of the deep purple pigmented bacterium Pseudoalteromonas luteoviolacea designated P42 (Accession no. MN647538) and M64 (Accession no. MN647537), isolated from two coral reef regions viz. Minicoy Lagoon in the Lakshadweep Sea and Palk Bay, off Olaikuda village in Tamil Nadu, India. Ultrastructural examinations were done using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Presence of violacein pigment was qualitatively analysed by chemical methods; UV-VIS spectrophotometry and FTIR spectroscopy. The strains, P42 and M64 were found to have antibacterial activity against 13 out of the 36 marine bacterial species tested. Antibiogram analysis revealed the sensitivity of both the strains to all the antibiotics tested, except for the resistance of P42 to Penicillin G and Trimethoprim. This study reports the isolation and characterization of P. luteoviolacea for the first time from India. Since both the isolated strains have shown clear evidence for the presence of violacein as well as antibacterial activity against selected marine bacteria, both P42 and M64 can be suggested as potent antibacterial agents