Preliminary results of GPS studies for the January 2001 Gujarat earthquake

The Global Positioning System (GPS) provides a valuable tool to monitor crustal deformations, and thereby aids in understanding the complex earthquake mechanisms. After the tragic earthquake that struck the Gujarat region of western India on 26th January 2001, immediate GPS observations were carried out in the area by the GPS team of Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB), for estimating the post-earthquake deformations. Repeat observations of the GPS network were completed in February 2002. The aim was not only to understand the post-earthquake crustal deformation pattern, but also to establish precise GPS control for monitoring crustal dynamics in this earthquake-affected region in the future. The data has been processed and analyzed using scientific GPS data processing software: Bernese and GAMIT. The preliminary results from the analysis of the data from these two epochs, and future plan of work, are presented here. An extensive GPS network is being established in India under the 'National GPS for Geodynamics Programme' by Government of India. A brief overview of this programme is also provided

Thermal plasma gasification of organic waste stream coupled with CO2-sorption enhanced reforming employing different sorbents for enhanced hydrogen production

202212 bckwVersion of RecordPublishe

Gloriosa superba Mediated Synthesis of Platinum and Palladium Nanoparticles for Induction of Apoptosis in Breast Cancer

Green chemistry approaches for designing therapeutically significant nanomedicine have gained considerable attention in the past decade. Herein, we report for the first time on anticancer potential of phytogenic platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) and palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) using a medicinal plant Gloriosa superba tuber extract (GSTE). The synthesis of the nanoparticles was completed within 5 hours at 100 degrees C which was confirmed by development of dark brown and black colour for PtNPs and PdNPs, respectively, along with enhancement of the peak intensity in the UV-visible spectra. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) showed that the monodispersed spherical nanoparticles were within a size range below 10 nm. Energy dispersive spectra (EDS) confirmed the elemental composition, while dynamic light scattering (DLS) helped to evaluate the hydrodynamic size of the particles. Anticancer activity against MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma) cell lines was evaluated using MTT assay, flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy. PtNPs and PdNPs showed 49.65 +/- 1.99% and 36.26 +/- 0.91% of anticancer activity. Induction of apoptosis was most predominant in the underlying mechanism which was rationalized by externalization of phosphatidyl serine and membrane blebbing. These findings support the efficiency of phytogenic fabrication of nanoscale platinum and palladium drugs for management and therapy against breast cancer

Plant polyphenolics as anti-invasive cancer agents

Because invasion is, either directly or via metastasis formation, the main cause of death in cancer patients, development of efficient anti-invasive agents is an important research challenge. We have established a screening program for potentially anti-invasive compounds. The assay is based on organotypic confronting cultures between human invasive cancer cells and a fragment of normal tissue in three dimensions. Anti-invasive agents appeared to be heterogeneous with regard to their chemical nature, but plant alkaloids, polyphenolics and some of their synthetic congeners were well represented. Even within this group, active compounds were quite diverse: (+)-catechin, tangeretin, xanthohumol and other prenylated chalcones, 3,7-dimethoxyflavone, a pyrazole derivative, an isoxazolylcoumarin and a prenylated desoxybenzoin. The data gathered in this system are now applied in two projects. Firstly, structure-activity relationships are explored with computer models using an artificial neural network approach, based on quantitative structural descriptors. The aim of this study is the prediction and design of optimally efficient anti-invasive compounds. Secondly, the metabolism of orally ingested plant polyphenolics by colonic bacteria is studied in a simulator of the human intestinal microbial ecosystem ( SHIME) and in human intervention trials. This method should provide information on the final bioavailability of the active compounds in the human body, with regard to microbial metabolism, and the feasibility of designing pre-or probiotics that increase the generation of active principles for absorption in the gastro-intestinal tract. The final and global aim of all these studies is to predict, synthesize and apply in vivo molecules with an optimal anti-invasive, and hence an anti-metastatic activity against cancer