Underway Hyperspectral Bio-Optical Assessments of Phytoplankton Size Classes in the River-Influenced Northern Gulf of Mexico

High inflows of freshwater from the Mississippi and Atchafalaya rivers into the northern Gulf of Mexico during spring contribute to strong physical and biogeochemical gradients which, in turn, influence phytoplankton community composition across the river plume–ocean mixing zone. Spectral features representative of bio-optical signatures of phytoplankton size classes (PSCs) were retrieved from underway, shipboard hyperspectral measurements of above-water remote sensing reflectance using the quasi-analytical algorithm (QAA_v6) and validated against in situ pigment data and spectrophotometric analyses of phytoplankton absorption. The results shed new light on sub-km scale variability in PSCs associated with dynamic and spatially heterogeneous environmental processes in river-influenced oceanic waters. Our findings highlight the existence of localized regions of dominant picophytoplankton communities associated with river plume fronts in both the Mississippi and Atchafalaya rivers in an area of the coastal margin that is otherwise characteristically dominated by larger microphytoplankton. This study demonstrates the applicability of underway hyperspectral observations for providing insights about small-scale physical-biological dynamics in optically complex coastal waters. Fine-scale observations of phytoplankton communities in surface waters as shown here and future satellite retrievals of hyperspectral data will provide a novel means of exploring relationships between physical processes of river plume–ocean mixing and frontal dynamics on phytoplankton community composition

A large cavity gamma ray spectrometer for measurement of cosmogenic radionuclides in astromaterials by whole rock counting

For resolving the ongoing debate that the Earth's climate may respond to solar activity variations, it is necessary to reconstruct a high resolution time series of heliospheric magnetic field in the past and correlate it to climatic records. The solar magnetic activity modulates the galactic cosmic ray flux, which is responsible for producing radioactive nuclides in rocks on planetary surfaces and in meteorites. To measure the minute quantity of γ emitting cosmogenic radionuclides, we have set up a low background, highly specific and selective γ-ray spectrometer. Using this spectrometer, we have reconstructed the solar activity over the past 3 centuries by measuring 44Ti and 26Al in meteorite falls; in particular we have shown that the intensity of cosmic rays has linearly decreased, in agreement with some models proposed for the past solar activity. In order to improve the Ge-NaI coincidence spectrometer, crucial for selective 44Ti detection, we have developed a multiparametric acquisition system. The flexibility of optimizing appropriate energy channels allows more reliable measurement of the small activity present in meteorites

Experimental set-up and optimization of a gamma-ray spectrometer for measurement of cosmogenic radionuclides in meteorites

We have developed a highly efficient and selective gamma-ray spectrometer with extremely low background for activity measurement of gamma emitting cosmogenic radionuclides in meteorites. This spectrometer can operate in specific modes to match decay scheme of a particular radionuclide and is specially suited for measurement of positron emitters. The system consists of a hyperpure Ge detector (3 kg, 147 relative efficiency), operating in coincidence with an umbrella of NaI(Tl) scintillator (90 kg) in order to achieve low background. The system is tuned such that strong interference due to naturally occurring uranium daughters, e.g. 214Bi present in the meteorites and in the laboratory environment, is minimized. It enables us to measure 44Ti ( T 1 / 2 = 59.2 y ) which is ideal for studying centennial scale variations of cosmic ray flux in the interplanetary space with good reliability. The specific configuration of the coincidence system and electronics are described here

Estradiol inhibits HIV-1BaL infection and induces CFL1 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and endocervical mucosa

An inhibitory effect of estradiol (E2) on HIV-1 infection was suggested by several reports. We previously identified increased gene expression of actin-binding protein cofilin 1 (CFL1) in endocervix in the E2-dominated proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle. Actin cytoskeleton has an integral role in establishing and spreading HIV-1 infection. Herein, we studied in vitro effects of E2 on HIV-1 infection and on CFL1 expression to gain insight into the mechanism of HIV-1 inhibition by E2. E2 dose-dependently inhibited HIV-1BaL infection in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and endocervix. In PBMCs and endocervix, E2 increased protein expression of total CFL1 and phosphorylated CFL1 (pCFL1) and pCFL1/CFL1 ratios. LIMKi3, a LIM kinase 1 and 2 inhibitor, abrogated the phenotype and restored infection in both PBMCs and endocervix; inhibited E2-induced expression of total CFL1, pCFL1; and decreased pCFL1/CFL1 ratios. Knockdown of CFL1 in PBMCs also abrogated the phenotype and partially restored infection. Additional analysis of soluble mediators revealed decreased concentrations of pro-inflammatory chemokines CXCL10 and CCL5 in infected tissues incubated with E2. Our results suggest a link between E2-mediated anti-HIV-1 activity and expression of CFL1 in PBMCs and endocervical mucosa. The data support exploration of cytoskeletal signaling pathway targets for the development of prevention strategies against HIV-1

Experimental set-up for gamma-activity measurements of astromaterials

The most important proxies of past solar activity are radionuclides produced by nuclear interactions of cosmic rays in the Earth’s atmosphere, in meteorites and in planetary surfaces. In fact, the production of these radioisotopes depends on the cosmic ray flux and energy spectrum and vary in the heliosphere because of solar modulation. Therefore the study of cosmogenic isotopes in terrestrial archives and in meteorites, which fell at different times, gives information on solar activity in the past. Because of its half life, 44Ti (T½ = 59.2 years) in meteorites has been proposed as an ideal index for the study of centennial scale solar activity variations. The main experimental difficulties are related to the very low (∼1 dpm/kg) 44Ti γ activity in meteorites and to the strong interference by 214Bi γ’s from the decay chain of the naturally occurring 238U. On the basis of the decay scheme of 44Ti, we have set up a low background spectrometer, whose high specificity derives from a selective coincidence between the principal HPGe detector and the active shield of NaI(Tl). Using this spectrometer we have reconstructed the solar activity over the past 235 years by measuring 44Ti and 26Al in meteorite falls; in particular we have shown that the intensity of cosmic rays has linearly decreased during this period, in agreement with some models proposed for the past solar activity. In order to improve the Ge-NaI coincidence spectrometer, we have recently developed a multiparametric acquisition system, allowing better selectivity in the choice of the coincidence windows, crucial for the 44Ti detection. A background measurement of the apparatus, taken for about a month, shows efficient elimination of the 214Bi γ signal in coincidence mode. Moreover the coincidence spectrum of Dhajala meteorite (fall, 1976) shows a - - good 44Ti γ peak

Reconstruction of solar activity variations in the past by measurement of cosmogenic radioisotopes in meteorites

Many reconstructions of solar activity variations in the past are based on the measurement of cosmogenic isotopes (such as 14C and 10Be) stored in terrestrial archives. The concentration of these isotopes is however influenced by terrestrial phenomena. In order to avoid this problem our group is studying cosmogenic radioisotopes in meteorites at the underground laboratory of Monte dei Cappuccini in Torino (Italy). Measurement of 44Ti decay activity in 21 meteorites has revealed a centennial oscillation superimposed on a decreasing trend of the cosmic ray flux in the last 235 years. The decreasing trend is consistent with some models based on solar open magnetic field variations. We show some preliminary results obtained using a new acquisition system we have recently developed and set up in order to enhance selectivity of 44Ti detection

A multiparametric HPGe-Nal acquisition system for low gamma activity measurements of meteorites

The study of long-term solar activity variations in the past requires the use of radioisotopic data planetary reservoirs. At the Laboratory of Monte dei Cappuccini in Torino (IFSI-Torino, INAF) for many years we have been studying radioisotopes in meteorites, because their production, which is related to galactic cosmic ray flux in the heliosphere, is anticorrelated with the heliospheric magnetic field variations. We have developed very sensitive gamma detection techniques, in particular to measure 44Ti activity in meteorites; due to its half-life (t1=2 = 59:2 years), this radioisotope is an ideal index to reveal the imprint of solar activity variations on the centennial scale. Recently we have improved the spectrometer by a new multiparametric acquisition system, which allows to extract efficiently the 44Ti peak from the natural background

Not Available

Not AvailableResearch Leadership Building System (RLBS) is envisaged as a single window platform for applying in various Leadership programmes /schemes. Schemes covered under RLBS are as follows: ICAR-Emeritus Scientist (ES) : The ICAR Emeritus Scientist Programme started during 4th five-year plan (1973-74) with an objective of tapping the brain and skill bank of superannuated professionals of NARES by allowing them to complete the work in hand for its conclusion, utilize their talent in teaching specialized courses and use their experience in addressing nationally important policy issues. ICAR-Emeritus Professor (EP): The ICAR Emeritus Professor Programme is a structural method of tapping Brain and skill bank of the outstanding superannuated professionals of National Agricultural Research and Education system (NARES) by utilizing their talent in teaching courses and uses their experience in addressing nationally important policy issues. ICAR- National Fellow (NF) & National Prof. (NP): The National Fellow (NF) Programme was initiated in 1978-79 with the objective to promote excellence at national level in agricultural research & education and recognize the meritorious contribution of individual agricultural scientists/teachers and facilitate their research and related activities in agriculture.Not Availabl

Not Available

Not AvailableIndian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in its continued efforts towards enhancing and sustaining the standards, quality and relevance of higher agricultural education in the country has instituted International Fellowships with dual purpose of: (i) Human resource development in cutting edge technologies, and (ii) Demonstrating the strength of Indian agricultural system in the world. The objective is to develop competent human resource that are trained in the identified best laboratories in the world (for Indian candidates) and similarly expose overseas candidates to the best Indian Agricultural Universities (AUs) in the ICAR-AU system (comprising of State Agricultural Universities, Central Agricultural Universities (CAUs), ICAR-Deemed Universities, Allahabad Agricultural Institute-DU, Central Universities having agricultural faculty) for creating a pool of scientist-envoys for enhanced future co-operation.Not Availabl

Griffithsin and carrageenan combination results in antiviral synergy against SARS-CoV-1 and 2 in a pseudoviral model

Over 182 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 and more than 4 million deaths have been reported to date around the world. It is essential to identify broad-spectrum antiviral agents that may prevent or treat infections by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) but also by other coronaviruses that may jump the species barrier in the future. We evaluated the antiviral selectivity of griffithsin and sulfated and non-sulfated polysaccharides against SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 using a cytotoxicity assay and a cell-based pseudoviral model. The half-maximal cytotoxic concentration (CC50) and half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) were determined for each compound, using a dose-response-inhibition analysis on GraphPad Prism v9.0.2 software (San Diego, CA, USA). The therapeutic index (TI = CC50/EC50) was calculated for each compound. The potential synergistic, additive, or antagonistic effect of different compound combinations was determined by CalcuSyn v1 software (Biosoft, Cambridge, UK), which estimated the combination index (CI) values. Iota and lambda carrageenan showed the most potent antiviral activity (EC50 between 3.2 and 7.5 µg/mL). Carrageenan and griffithsin combinations exhibited synergistic activity (EC50 between 0.2 and 3.8 µg/mL; combination index \u3c 1), including against recent SARS-CoV-2 mutations. The griffithsin and carrageenan combination is a promising candidate to prevent or treat infections by SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2