This study is concerned with the diagnosis of discrepancies in a steel truss bridge by identifying dynamic properties from the vibration response signals of the bridges.The vibration response signals collected at brid...This study is concerned with the diagnosis of discrepancies in a steel truss bridge by identifying dynamic properties from the vibration response signals of the bridges.The vibration response signals collected at bridges under three different vehicular speeds of 10 km/hr,20 km/hr,and 30 km/hr are analyzed using statistical features such as kurtosis,magnitude of peak-to-peak,root mean square,crest factor as well as impulse factor in time domain,and Stockwell transform in the time-frequency domain.The considered statistical features except for kurtosis show uncertain behavior.The Stockwell transform showed low-resolution outcomes when the presence of noise in the recorded vibration responses.The elimination of noise and extraction of meaningful dynamic properties from the vibration responses is done by applying a new method which comes from the fusion of Hilbert transform with Spectral kurtosis and bandpass filtering.The outcomes obtained from Hilbert transform processed residual signals which are further filtered using bandpass filter show more robustness and accuracy in characterizing bridge modal frequencies from the noisy vibration responses.The proposed method produces a high-resolution frequency response which can unveil the joint discrepancy in the bridge structure.展开更多
The paper highlights the Phyto-diversity and indigenous uses an ecosystem existing in Lahaul Valley of tribal district of Lahaul and Spiti in Himacjhal Pradesh, India. This is one of the most preferred tourist spot es...The paper highlights the Phyto-diversity and indigenous uses an ecosystem existing in Lahaul Valley of tribal district of Lahaul and Spiti in Himacjhal Pradesh, India. This is one of the most preferred tourist spot especially for foreigners. The cold desert area of India is known for its specific topography, sense climate and unique vegetation. The valley is rich in high value medicinal wealth and local inhabitants (Buddhist) practice the Tebetan Amchi System of Medicine. Keeping in view the continuous pressure on nature, this paper reflects the Phyto-diversity of Valley, with reference to medicinal and aromatic plants and conserva-tion mechanisms to protect the valuable wealth of the valley and also suggests effective ecotourisim planning of the study area.展开更多
Interferon Regulatory Factor-2 (IRF-2) belongs to IRF family, was identified as a mammalian transcription factor involved in Interferon beta (IFNβ) gene regulation. Besides that IRF-2 is involved in immunomodulation,...Interferon Regulatory Factor-2 (IRF-2) belongs to IRF family, was identified as a mammalian transcription factor involved in Interferon beta (IFNβ) gene regulation. Besides that IRF-2 is involved in immunomodulation, hematopoietic differentiation, cell cycle regulation and oncogenesis. We have done molecular sub-cloning and expression of recombinant murine IRF-2 as GST (Glutathione-S-Transferase)- IRF-2 fusion protein in E. coli/XL-1blue cells. Recombinant IRF-2 with GST moiety at N-terminus expressed as GST-IRF-2 (~66 kd) in E. coli along with different low molecular mass degradation products revealed approximately 30, 42, 60 and 62 kd by SDS-PAGE and Western blot, respectively. We further confirm that degradation takes place at C-terminus of the fusion protein not at N-terminus as anti-GST antibody was detecting all bands in the immunoblot. The recombinant IRF-2 was biologically active along with their degradation products in terms of their DNA binding activity as assessed by Electrophoretically Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA). We observed three different molecular mass DNA/protein complexes (1 - 3) with Virus Response Element (VRE) derived from human Interferon IFNβ gene and five different molecular mass complexes (1 - 5) with IRF-E motif (GAAAGT)4 in EMSA gel. GST only expressed from empty vector did not bind to these DNA elements. To confirm that the binding is specific, all complexes were competed out completely when challenged with 100-X fold molar excess of IRF-E oligo under cold competition. It means degradation products along with full-length protein are able to interact with VREβ as well as IRF-E motif. This means degradation products may regulate the target gene (s) activation/repression via interacting with VRE/IRF-E.展开更多
Background Understanding the patterns and processes of species distributions has long remained a central focus of biogeographical and ecological research.While the evidence for elevational patterns in species richness...Background Understanding the patterns and processes of species distributions has long remained a central focus of biogeographical and ecological research.While the evidence for elevational patterns in species richness is widespread,our understanding of underlying causes and mechanisms remains limited.Therefore,this study aimed to entangle the infuence of environmental variables on plant species richness along elevational gradients in the Western Himalayas.Methods We compiled elevational distribution for about 1150 vascular plants using the published literature and available database.The species richness was estimated in 100-m elevational bands using the range interpolation method.We used the generalised linear model and structural equation modelling(SEM)framework to identify the direct and indirect efects of climatic factors on species richness.Results Our results indicated that primary environmental correlates of species richness varied with elevational gradients.Climatic variables combined with energy and water availability were more important than the topographic heterogeneity.Further,the direct and interaction efects of climatic variables were more substantial than their indirect efects.The indirect efects of climate are more strongly mediated by water–energy dynamics than the energy alone.Conclusions Overall,our fndings emphasise the importance of considering direct efects and interactions among environmental variables while studying the underlying mechanisms governing elevational biodiversity gradients.Species richness appeared to be shaped by climatic tolerances rather than habitat heterogeneity at regional scales.This information can have implications for biodiversity dynamics under environmental change.展开更多
Concrete is extensively used construction material in the infrastructure development industry.With increase in technical knowhow,the need of research for high performance concretes such as self-compacting concrete(SCC...Concrete is extensively used construction material in the infrastructure development industry.With increase in technical knowhow,the need of research for high performance concretes such as self-compacting concrete(SCC)has increased in the last decade.The adaptability of SCC is due to its fluidic behavior in fresh state.However,to develop SCC using indigenous materials,the lack of standardized mix design procedures is the biggest impediment.Although with the advent of chemical admixtures,it is possible to achieve concrete with high fluidity,but at the same time durability issues require more attention.To have these fresh state properties SCC mixes are typically designed with high powder contents,and chemical admixtures.Proportioning and optimization of these materials is a key issue in the mix design of SCC.This paper focuses mainly on experimental study to optimize dosages of superplasticizer for mortar of SCC and then in concrete mixture itself.展开更多
Barley(Hordeum vulgare L.)grasses(BG)have attracted considerable interest due to their multiple physiological activities and health benefits.In this paper,eight BG at four different growth stages were collected:seedli...Barley(Hordeum vulgare L.)grasses(BG)have attracted considerable interest due to their multiple physiological activities and health benefits.In this paper,eight BG at four different growth stages were collected:seedling,tillering,stem elongation,and heading,and their product qualities and biological activities were examined and studied.Results demonstrated that harvest time obviously influenced proximate composition,surface color,and amino acid profile.Z21 and Z23 harvested at the seedling and early tillering stages,respectively,had higher total phenolic content(TPC)and total flavonoid content(TFC)than the other BG.Moreover,Z21 and Z23 possessed better DPPH radical-scavenging ability,antioxidant capacity,andα-glucosidase inhibitory activity,which were positively correlated with TPC,TFC,and protein and total amino acid contents.Our findings suggested that the early tillering stages were the preferable harvest times for BG with good product quality and biological properties.展开更多
文摘This study is concerned with the diagnosis of discrepancies in a steel truss bridge by identifying dynamic properties from the vibration response signals of the bridges.The vibration response signals collected at bridges under three different vehicular speeds of 10 km/hr,20 km/hr,and 30 km/hr are analyzed using statistical features such as kurtosis,magnitude of peak-to-peak,root mean square,crest factor as well as impulse factor in time domain,and Stockwell transform in the time-frequency domain.The considered statistical features except for kurtosis show uncertain behavior.The Stockwell transform showed low-resolution outcomes when the presence of noise in the recorded vibration responses.The elimination of noise and extraction of meaningful dynamic properties from the vibration responses is done by applying a new method which comes from the fusion of Hilbert transform with Spectral kurtosis and bandpass filtering.The outcomes obtained from Hilbert transform processed residual signals which are further filtered using bandpass filter show more robustness and accuracy in characterizing bridge modal frequencies from the noisy vibration responses.The proposed method produces a high-resolution frequency response which can unveil the joint discrepancy in the bridge structure.
文摘The paper highlights the Phyto-diversity and indigenous uses an ecosystem existing in Lahaul Valley of tribal district of Lahaul and Spiti in Himacjhal Pradesh, India. This is one of the most preferred tourist spot especially for foreigners. The cold desert area of India is known for its specific topography, sense climate and unique vegetation. The valley is rich in high value medicinal wealth and local inhabitants (Buddhist) practice the Tebetan Amchi System of Medicine. Keeping in view the continuous pressure on nature, this paper reflects the Phyto-diversity of Valley, with reference to medicinal and aromatic plants and conserva-tion mechanisms to protect the valuable wealth of the valley and also suggests effective ecotourisim planning of the study area.
文摘Interferon Regulatory Factor-2 (IRF-2) belongs to IRF family, was identified as a mammalian transcription factor involved in Interferon beta (IFNβ) gene regulation. Besides that IRF-2 is involved in immunomodulation, hematopoietic differentiation, cell cycle regulation and oncogenesis. We have done molecular sub-cloning and expression of recombinant murine IRF-2 as GST (Glutathione-S-Transferase)- IRF-2 fusion protein in E. coli/XL-1blue cells. Recombinant IRF-2 with GST moiety at N-terminus expressed as GST-IRF-2 (~66 kd) in E. coli along with different low molecular mass degradation products revealed approximately 30, 42, 60 and 62 kd by SDS-PAGE and Western blot, respectively. We further confirm that degradation takes place at C-terminus of the fusion protein not at N-terminus as anti-GST antibody was detecting all bands in the immunoblot. The recombinant IRF-2 was biologically active along with their degradation products in terms of their DNA binding activity as assessed by Electrophoretically Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA). We observed three different molecular mass DNA/protein complexes (1 - 3) with Virus Response Element (VRE) derived from human Interferon IFNβ gene and five different molecular mass complexes (1 - 5) with IRF-E motif (GAAAGT)4 in EMSA gel. GST only expressed from empty vector did not bind to these DNA elements. To confirm that the binding is specific, all complexes were competed out completely when challenged with 100-X fold molar excess of IRF-E oligo under cold competition. It means degradation products along with full-length protein are able to interact with VREβ as well as IRF-E motif. This means degradation products may regulate the target gene (s) activation/repression via interacting with VRE/IRF-E.
基金supported by the University Grants Commission(UGC),Government of India,New Delhi in the form of Senior Research Fellowships to Abhishek Kumar[507/(OBC)(CSIR-UGC NET DEC.2016)]Meenu Patil[492/(CSIR-UGC NET JUNE 2017)]Pardeep Kumar[443/(CSIR-UGC NET DEC.2017)].
文摘Background Understanding the patterns and processes of species distributions has long remained a central focus of biogeographical and ecological research.While the evidence for elevational patterns in species richness is widespread,our understanding of underlying causes and mechanisms remains limited.Therefore,this study aimed to entangle the infuence of environmental variables on plant species richness along elevational gradients in the Western Himalayas.Methods We compiled elevational distribution for about 1150 vascular plants using the published literature and available database.The species richness was estimated in 100-m elevational bands using the range interpolation method.We used the generalised linear model and structural equation modelling(SEM)framework to identify the direct and indirect efects of climatic factors on species richness.Results Our results indicated that primary environmental correlates of species richness varied with elevational gradients.Climatic variables combined with energy and water availability were more important than the topographic heterogeneity.Further,the direct and interaction efects of climatic variables were more substantial than their indirect efects.The indirect efects of climate are more strongly mediated by water–energy dynamics than the energy alone.Conclusions Overall,our fndings emphasise the importance of considering direct efects and interactions among environmental variables while studying the underlying mechanisms governing elevational biodiversity gradients.Species richness appeared to be shaped by climatic tolerances rather than habitat heterogeneity at regional scales.This information can have implications for biodiversity dynamics under environmental change.
文摘Concrete is extensively used construction material in the infrastructure development industry.With increase in technical knowhow,the need of research for high performance concretes such as self-compacting concrete(SCC)has increased in the last decade.The adaptability of SCC is due to its fluidic behavior in fresh state.However,to develop SCC using indigenous materials,the lack of standardized mix design procedures is the biggest impediment.Although with the advent of chemical admixtures,it is possible to achieve concrete with high fluidity,but at the same time durability issues require more attention.To have these fresh state properties SCC mixes are typically designed with high powder contents,and chemical admixtures.Proportioning and optimization of these materials is a key issue in the mix design of SCC.This paper focuses mainly on experimental study to optimize dosages of superplasticizer for mortar of SCC and then in concrete mixture itself.
基金Author Mr.Aakash Upadhyay would like to thank the Ministry of Human Resources and Development(MHRD),Government of India,for providing financial support to carry out this research work during his M.Tech.(Packaging Technology)Study.
文摘Barley(Hordeum vulgare L.)grasses(BG)have attracted considerable interest due to their multiple physiological activities and health benefits.In this paper,eight BG at four different growth stages were collected:seedling,tillering,stem elongation,and heading,and their product qualities and biological activities were examined and studied.Results demonstrated that harvest time obviously influenced proximate composition,surface color,and amino acid profile.Z21 and Z23 harvested at the seedling and early tillering stages,respectively,had higher total phenolic content(TPC)and total flavonoid content(TFC)than the other BG.Moreover,Z21 and Z23 possessed better DPPH radical-scavenging ability,antioxidant capacity,andα-glucosidase inhibitory activity,which were positively correlated with TPC,TFC,and protein and total amino acid contents.Our findings suggested that the early tillering stages were the preferable harvest times for BG with good product quality and biological properties.
