23 research outputs found
A simple and rapid method of sample preparation from culture filtrate of M. tuberculosis for two-dimensional gel electrophoresis
Exact eigenstate analysis of finite-frequency conductivity in graphene
We employ the exact eigenstate basis formalism to study electrical
conductivity in graphene, in the presence of short-range diagonal disorder and
inter-valley scattering. We find that for disorder strength, 5, the
density of states is flat. We, then, make connection, using the MRG approach,
with the work of Abrahams \textit{et al.} and find a very good agreement for
disorder strength, = 5. For low disorder strength, = 2, we plot the
energy-resolved current matrix elements squared for different locations of the
Fermi energy from the band centre. We find that the states close to the band
centre are more extended and falls of nearly as as we move away
from the band centre. Further studies of current matrix elements versus
disorder strength suggests a cross-over from weakly localized to a very weakly
localized system. We calculate conductivity using Kubo Greenwood formula and
show that, for low disorder strength, conductivity is in a good qualitative
agreement with the experiments, even for the on-site disorder. The intensity
plots of the eigenstates also reveal clear signatures of puddle formation for
very small carrier concentration. We also make comparison with square lattice
and find that graphene is more easily localized when subject to disorder.Comment: 11 pages,15 figure
Planning action for strengthening the ecosystem for Ayurvedic research
The establishment of AYUSH independent ministry has a commitment towards strengthening the AYUSH ecosystem. Health problems involving chronic diseases, non communicable diseases etc, there is a scope for complementary as well as preferential choice of any system including Ayurveda. There are a large number of clinical setups in national/state Ayurveda institutions, but the quality publication outcome is low. In the present article, being a scientist and science manager, I have just summarized my opinion to strengthen and growth of Ayurveda. Development of special validation methods for Ayurveda research based on Ayurveda principle is an hour of need. Randomized controlled trials on the use of new innovations are needed in Ayurveda. To strengthen Ayurveda, interdisciplinary approach may prove beneficial. Value addition based synergy and partnerships with ICMR/DBT/DST/ICAR would be beneficial for the growth of Ayurveda. Keywords: Ayurvedic research, Ecosystem, Planning and implementatio
Molecular identification of beta lactamase producing gram negative bacteria in water samples collected from River Yamuna in Agra Region
Seroprevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Syphilis Infections among Patients Attending the STD, Gyn. and Obs., ANC Clinics of Northern India: Observations from Seven Rounds of Sentinel Surveillance (1998-2004)
Over-expression of superoxide dismutase obliterates the protective effect of BCG against tuberculosis by modulating innate and adaptive immune responses
An efficient global control of tuberculosis requires development of alternative vaccination strategies that can enhance the efficacy of existing BCG vaccine. In this study, we evaluated the protective efficacy of a recombinant BCG (rBCG) vaccine over-expressing iron-cofactored superoxide dismutase (SOD-A), one of the prominent oxidative stress response proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Contrary to our expectations, over-expression of SOD-A resulted in the abrogation of BCG's ability to confer protection in guinea pig as well as in murine model. Analysis of immune responses revealed that over-expression of SOD-A by rBCG has pleiotropic effects on innate and adaptive immune responses. Macrophages infected in vitro with rBCG exhibited a marked reduction in apoptosis and microbicidal potential. In addition, rBCG vaccination of mice resulted in a reduced IFNγ and increased IL10 production when compared with the BCG vaccination. Further, we show that rBCG vaccination failed to generate an effective multi-functional CD4 T cell response. Altogether, our findings suggest that over-expression of SOD-A in BCG enhances the immuno-suppressive properties of BCG, characterized by skewing of immune responses towards Th2 type, an inefficient multi-functional T cell response and reduced apoptosis and microbicidal potential of macrophages leading to abolishment of BCG's protective efficacy