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Herein, we have reported the synthesis of a macrocyclic organosulfur ligand (L1) having a seventeen‐membered macrocyclic ring. Subsequently, the corresponding trans‐palladium complex (C1) of bulky macrocyclic organosulfur ligand (L1) was synthesized by reacting it with PdCl2(CH3CN)2 salt. The newly synthesized ligand and complex were characterized using various analytical and spectroscopic techniques. The complex showed a square planar geometry with trans orientation of two ligands around the palladium center. The complex possesses intramolecular SCH...Cl interactions of 2.648 Å between the macrocyclic ligand and palladium dichloride. The potential energy surface (PES) for the rotational process of C1 suggested a barrier of ~23.81 kcal/mol for chlorine rotation. Furthermore, the bulky macrocyclic organosulfur ligand stabilized palladium complex (C1) was used as a catalyst (2.5 mol %) for α‐olefination of nitriles by primary alcohols. The α,β‐unsaturated nitrile compounds were found to be the major product of the reaction (57–78 % yield) with broad substrate scope and large functional group tolerance. Notably, the saturated nitrile product was not observed during the reaction. The mechanistic studies suggested the formation of H2 and H2O as only by‐products of the reaction, thereby making the protocol greener and sustainable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ultimate goal of this study is to find a better method for minimizing hazardous emissions from a diesel engine. For this reason, emission parameters such as smoke, nitrogen oxides (NOX), unburned hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide from a single‐cylinder diesel engine were analyzed using various biodiesel blends. The biodiesel was extracted from mango seed oil through trans‐esterification and combined with pure diesel at a 2:8 ratio. The prepared biodiesel (MSME20) was further mixed with 50, 100, and 150 ppm of either cerium oxide (CeO2) or magnesium oxide (MgO) nano‐particles through ultra‐sonication to prepare various fuel blends. The results reported that the addition of nano‐particles significantly lowered CO, HC, and smoke opacity by 25%, 25%, and 28% when compared with diesel. Also, there was a nearly 16% brake thermal efficiency gain from 50 ppm nano‐particle‐added MSME20 than pure MSME20. But for NOX emission, MSME20 fuel produced 106 ppm more NOX than diesel. Later, it was reduced up to 24 ppm while adding 50 ppm nano‐particles into MSME20 fuel. Further, a hybrid deep belief network‐coupled sandpiper optimizer was developed to optimize fuel blends. The proposed algorithm showed 37.5 ppm nano‐particle added 17.5% MSME as an optimal mix for the tested engine while running with 50% load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we present AI Prediction of Equatorial Plasma Bubbles (APE), a machine learning model that can accurately predict the Ionospheric Bubble Index (IBI) on the Swarm spacecraft. IBI is a correlation (R2) between perturbations in plasma density and the magnetic field, whose source can be Equatorial Plasma Bubbles (EPBs). EPBs have been studied for a number of years, but their day‐to‐day variability has made predicting them a considerable challenge. We build an ensemble machine learning model to predict IBI. We use data from 2014 to 2022 at a resolution of 1s, and transform it from a time‐series into a 6‐dimensional space with a corresponding EPB R2 (0–1) acting as the label. APE performs well across all metrics, exhibiting a skill, association and root mean squared error score of 0.96, 0.98 and 0.08 respectively. The model performs best post‐sunset, in the American/Atlantic sector, around the equinoxes, and when solar activity is high. This is promising because EPBs are most likely to occur during these periods. Shapley values reveal that F10.7 is the most important feature in driving the predictions, whereas latitude is the least. The analysis also examines the relationship between the features, which reveals new insights into EPB climatology. Finally, the selection of the features means that APE could be expanded to forecasting EPBs following additional investigations into their onset. Key Points: AI Prediction of EPBs (APE) can accurately predict the Swarm Ionospheric Bubble IndexAPE is an XGBoost regressor that outperforms similarly trained linear and random forest modelsGame theory techniques reveals the influence of solar and geomagnetic activity as well as geo‐location, time, and season [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous electron‐hole transfer and the ability of nanoscale materials to absorb visible light are critical for pollutant catalytic reduction. Cobalt and copper co‐doped ZnO composites were shaped by the sol‐gel solution combustion (SG‐SC) approach. The x‐ray diffraction analysis confirmed the crystalline nature and interstitial doping of copper and cobalt in the zinc oxide lattice and the development of ZnO‐CuO local contact. The PL and DRS‐UV‐vis investigations showed the NCs' superior charge transfer and considerable redshift (from 3.17 to 2.21 eV) properties over ZnO. TEM and SEM‐EDS analyses confirmed the foam‐type surface morphology, elemental composition, and dopant distribution. The NCs showed greater potency than ZnO NPs in the catalytic reduction reactions of 4‐nitrophenol and methylene blue. Thus, the SG‐SC approach has the potential for industrially scalable catalytic pollutant reduction applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The computational fluid dynamics of hurricane rapid intensification (RI) is examined through idealized simulations using two codes: a community‐based, finite‐difference/split‐explicit model (WRF) and a spectral‐element/semi‐implicit model (NUMA). The focus of the analysis is on the effects of implicit numerical dissipation (IND) in the energetics of the vortex response to heating, which embodies the fundamental dynamics in the hurricane RI process. The heating considered here is derived from observations: four‐dimensional, fully nonlinear, latent heating/cooling rates calculated from airborne Doppler radar measurements collected in a hurricane undergoing RI. The results continue to show significant IND in WRF relative to NUMA with a reduction in various intensity metrics: (a) time‐integrated, mean kinetic energy values in WRF are ∼20% lower than NUMA and (b) peak, localized wind speeds in WRF are ∼12 m/s lower than NUMA. Values of the eddy diffusivity in WRF need to be reduced by ∼50% from those in NUMA to produce a similar intensity time series. Kinetic energy budgets demonstrate that the pressure contribution is the main factor in the model differences with WRF producing smaller energy input to the vortex by ∼23%, on average. The low‐order spatial discretization of the pressure gradient in WRF is implicated in the IND. In addition, the eddy transport term is found to have a largely positive impact on the vortex intensification with a mean contribution of ∼20%. Overall, these results have important implications for the research and operational forecasting communities that use WRF and WRF‐like numerical models. Plain Language Summary: The intensity of a hurricane is primarily a balance between energy production and dissipation from various physical processes. Numerical models calculate this energy balance by solving complicated equations that attempt to capture these physical processes. Previous research has shown that the methods used to solve these equations can introduce additional dissipation into the system that affects the prediction of the storm intensity. In this paper, we examine this "numerical dissipation" idea more closely by conducting carefully designed comparisons between the community numerical model (WRF) and an advanced, research model (NUMA). Using observational estimates of heating in clouds, which feed the production of energy, we find that the WRF model produces significantly more numerical dissipation relative to NUMA that results in a reduced intensity of the storm. Our analysis indicates that the reason for the anomalous numerical dissipation in WRF is due to how the pressure gradient is computed. These results can have potentially important consequences for operational forecasts, especially the rapid intensification (RI) process. For example, the under‐prediction or low bias of RI forecasts may be partly due to excessive numerical dissipation. Key Points: The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) dynamic core dissipates ∼20% more kinetic energy than Non‐hydrostatic Unified Model of the Atmosphere (NUMA) for a dry vortex forced by four‐dimensional latent heating observationsValues of the eddy diffusivity in WRF need to be reduced by ∼50% from those in NUMA in order to produce a similar intensity time seriesBudgets and sensitivity tests indicate that the low‐order approximation of the pressure gradient is the source of the dissipation in WRF [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the presence of Soret and Dufour effects, a numerical analysis is performed for an unstable magnetohydrodynamics convective flow of parabolic motion with variable temperature and concentration. The finite‐difference method is used to solve the set of nondimensional governing equations with boundary conditions numerically. Graphs are used to investigate the effect of various physical characteristics on flow quantities. Variations in skin friction, Nusselt number, and Sherwood number are also examined using tables for physical curiosity. This study is unique in that it takes into account changeable temperature as well as concentration with Soret and Dufour effects. The magnetic parameter, Prandtl number, heat source, radiation parameter, Schmidt number, and chemical reaction parameter show a significant increase in skin friction, whereas the Grashof number, modified Grashof number, permeability parameter, radiation absorption parameter, Dufour number, and Soret number show the opposite trend. As the Soret number rises, the concentration rises as well, whereas the opposite is true for the Schmidt number and the chemical reaction parameter. The current study is highly supported by previously published data that have been verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A numerical investigation on MHD fluid flow in parabolic mode has been performed to point out its significant properties. Thermal radiation, porous medium, heat generation, chemical reaction, and thermal diffusion along with variable temperature and concentration are taken into consideration in the analysis. The novelty of the work is the inclusion of heat generation and thermal diffusion along with exponentially varying temperature and concentration. The constituent governing equations are solved by using finite difference schemes in explicit form. The fluctuations in velocity, concentration, and temperature are observed and discussed with the help of graphs as well as numerical data. Their gradients are also calculated and analyzed the flow properties by using numerical tables. The existence of heat generation, as well as viscous dissipation, creates an increment in the temperature. The gradient of heat transfer rises with the impact of Prandtl number and decay in it is examined under the existence of a source of heat and viscous dissipation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Accurate modeling of photovoltaic (PV) module allows proper load scheduling and avoids the uncertainties in grid. This paper uses forward‐backward linear least square error (FB‐LLSE) curve fitting method to estimate the parameters of PV module. The proposed method does not require any data sheet information and initial values of parameters. The proposed method utilizes the experimental data on I–V curve to extract the parameters of PV module. To validate the proposed method, three different PV modules, namely, Mono‐crystalline STM6‐40/36, Poly‐crystalline SMP6‐120/36, PWP‐201, and one Real Time Clock (R.T.C.) France solar cell has been considered. The obtained results are compared with three existing methods in the literature. The performance of the proposed FB‐LLSE method is studied with root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), normalized root mean square error (NRMSE), and normalized mean absolute error (NMAE). The calculated with proposed FB‐LLSEM is reduced by 10%, 7%, 2.26%, and 1.89%, respectively, for PWP‐201, STMP‐120/36, SMP6‐40/36, and R.T.C France solar cell when compared to the LLSEM method available in the literature. The proposed FB‐LLSE method is found to exhibit low value of RMSE for all three PV modules and one PV cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) improve sensitivity of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) detection compared to invasive coronary angiography (ICA), but their ability to predict clinical events is unknown. We determined whether severe CAV detected with ICA, IVUS, or OCT correlates with graft function. Methods: Comparison of specific vessel parameters between IVUS and OCT on 20 patients attending for angiography 12–24 months post‐orthotopic heart transplant. Serial left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) was recorded prospectively. Results: Analyzing 55 coronary arteries, OCT and IVUS correlated well for vessel CAV characteristics. A mean intimal thickness (MIT)OCT >.25 mm had a sensitivity of 86.7% and specificity of 74.3% at detecting Stanford grade 4 CAV. Those with angiographically evident CAV had significant reduction in graft EF over 7.3 years follow‐up (median ΔEF ‐2% vs +1.5%, P =.03). Patients with MITOCT >.25 mm in at least one vessel had a lower median EF at time of surveillance (57% vs 62%, P =.014). Two MACEs were noted. Conclusion: Imaging with OCT correlates well with IVUS for CAV detection. Combined angiography and OCT to screen for CAV within 12–24 months of transplant predicts concurrent and future deterioration in graft function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report describes the syntheses of three new trans‐palladium dichloride complexes of bulky selenium ligands. These complexes possess a Cl−Pd−Cl rotor spoke attached to a Se−Pd−Se axle. The new ligands and palladium complexes (C1−C3) were characterized with the help of NMR, HRMS, UV‐Vis. IR, and elemental analysis. The single‐crystal structure of metal complex C2 confirmed a square planar geometry of complex with trans‐orientation. The X‐ray structure revealed intramolecular secondary interactions (SeCH—Cl) between chlorine of PdCl2 and CH2 proton of selenium ligand. Variable‐temperature NMR data shows coalescence of diastereotopic protons, which indicates pyramidal inversion of selenium atom at elevated temperature. The relaxed potential energy scan of C2 suggests a rotational barrier of ∼12.5 kcal/mol for rotation of chlorine atom through Cl−Pd−Cl rotor. The complex C3 possesses dual intramolecular secondary interactions (OCH2—Cl and SeCH2—Cl) with stator ligand. Molecular rotor C2 was found to be a most efficient catalyst for the decarboxylative Heck‐coupling under mild reaction conditions. The protocol is applicable to a broad range of substrates with large functional group tolerance and low catalyst loading (2.5 mol %). The mechanism of decarboxylative Heck‐coupling reaction was investigated through experimental and computational studies. Importantly the reaction works under silver‐free conditions which reduces the cost of overall protocol. Further, the catalyst also worked for decarboxylative arylation and decarboxylative Suzuki‐Miyaura coupling reactions with good yields of the coupled products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of annealing process on I‐V characteristics of Ni/CeO2/p‐Si/Al metal‐insulator‐semiconductor (MIS) type Schottky barrier diodes is investigated. The I‐V measurements are performed for the as‐deposited and 700 °C annealed samples at room temperature. The Schottky barrier height (SBH), ideality factor values are evaluated using thermionic emission theory and are found to be 0.67 eV, 1.21 for the as‐deposited sample and 0.72 eV, 1.01 for the 700 °C annealed sample. The calculations indicate that the 700 °C annealed sample for 45 min exhibits a lower series resistance (680 Ω) when compared to the as‐deposited sample (2206 Ω). The calculated shunt resistance for the 700 °C annealed sample is found to be 346 × 103 Ω which is found to be lower than that of the as‐deposited sample that is 962 × 103 Ω. In conclusion, it is elucidated that the intentionally deposited CeO2 (rare‐earth oxide) insulating layer at the interface of Ni/p‐Si and the subsequent annealing process significantly influence the electrical properties of the fabricated Ni/CeO2/p‐Si/Al MIS type Schottky barrier diodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we report a multicomponent approach to access hexafluoroisopropyl activated esters using anthranil and aza‐oxyallyl cation with hexafluoroisopropyl alcohol (HFIP) under mild reaction conditions. Activated (HFIP) esters synthesized via this approach serve as an important intermediate to obtain coveted 1,4‐benzodiazepine‐3,5‐dione derivatives. The mechanism of the reaction was studied quantum mechanically using density functional theory (DFT) with functional M06‐2X and 6–31G (d, p) basis set. Different pathways were investigated. Calculated results reveal probable involvement of two mechanisms in current transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study reports the synthesis of D‐galactose based hydrophobic ionic liquid (IL) and its potential application in the removal of Cd2+ ions from aqueous solution. The synthesized D‐galactose based hydrophobic ionic liquid is insoluble in water and stable at room temperature as a solid. Batch adsorption studies were carried out to investigate the sorption capacity of IL toward Cd2+ ions. The experimental data was analyzed with various isotherm and kinetic models to understand the adsorption process. The Arrhenius activation energy was found to be 12.7 and 22.5 kJ/mol, respectively, for 10 and 30 mg/L of initial metal ion concentration suggesting physisorption of Cd2+ ions on to IL. The thermodynamic parameters suggest that the present process is spontaneous and exothermic in nature. The present IL exhibited superior adsorption capacity toward Cd2+ ions in presence of other co‐cations in aqueous solution. These results suggest that, the synthesized IL can be a superior adsorbent for the removal of Cd2+ ions from aqueous solution. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: S139–S145, 2019 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Synthesis of a succession of new α‐aminophosphonates 4a‐j was achieved by the one‐pot three‐component Kabachnik‐Fields reaction by reacting equimolar quantities of 4‐morpholinoaniline (1), a variety of aromatic aldehydes 2a‐j and diethyl phosphite (3) using silica‐supported zinc bromide (ZnBr2‐SiO2) as a catalyst in solvent‐free conditions under microwave (MW) irradiation. Products 4a‐j were characterized by IR, 1H, 13C, 31P, NMR and mass spectral data. For these new set of compounds, two‐dimensional structures are drawn, three‐dimensional coordinates are generated and studied for their anti‐cancer activity against breast cancer. To support theoretical findings, experimental studies are performed using breast cancer cell lines. The results of these studies suggested that analogue, 4f has the maximum activity against breast cancer cells (MDA‐MB‐231). Since α‐aminophosphonates are less toxic compared to drugs currently available in the market, this new classes of drugs have very good potential for the treatment of Breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Moderate to severe drought (water stress) at the reproductive stage is common in the U.S. Southern High Plains (SHP), where wheat is grown as a major winter crop. The objective of this study was to better understand the physiological basis of drought tolerance in elite wheat cultivars. A 2‐yr glasshouse study was conducted using three cultivars (TAM 111, TAM 112 and TAM 304) and two water treatments (wet: adequate water and dry: water‐limited). Overall, TAM 111 and TAM 112 used more water for cumulative evapotranspiration (ET) and had more tillers and greater root mass and shoot mass compared to TAM 304. In the dry treatment, TAM 112 had 67% and 81% more grain yield than TAM 111 and TAM 304, respectively. Water use efficiency for grain (WUEg) and water use efficiency for biomass (WUEbm) were also greater in TAM 112 compared to the other cultivars in the dry treatment. The flag leaves in TAM 112 at mid‐grain filling stage (about 15 days after flowering) had lower stomatal conductance (Gs), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), transpiration rate (Tr) and net photosynthetic rate (Pn), but higher photosynthetic water use efficiency (PWUE) than TAM 111 and TAM 304 under water stress. This study demonstrated a distinct role of gas exchange parameters in response to drought, and TAM 112 was more efficient than TAM 111 and TAM 304 in evolving physiological mechanisms to adapt to water stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Psoriasis is a systemic chronic inflammatory condition associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Data demonstrating that decreased skin inflammation reduces cardiovascular events in patients with psoriasis may be generalizable to other chronic inflammatory states with heightened cardiovascular risk. Objective To determine whether tumour necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) therapy is associated with decreased major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with psoriasis. Methods In this retrospective cohort study using the KPSC health plan, patients had at least three ICD-9 codes for psoriasis and no antecedent MACE codes. Propensity score-adjusted multivariable Cox regression assessed hazard ratios (HR) of MACE associated with TNFi use. Results After adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors, the TNFi cohort had significantly lower MACE HR compared with the topical cohort (HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.66-0.98). The oral/phototherapy cohort had similar MACE HR compared with the topical cohort (HR, 1.19 (95% CI, 0.99-1.42)). Conclusions We observed significantly lower MACE risk in patients with psoriasis receiving TNFi compared to topical or oral/phototherapy agents. TNFi therapy may have benefits beyond skin disease in mitigating cardiovascular event risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Altered activity of the proteolytic machine—the 26S proteasome is observed in many disease conditions. Hence, either inhibition or activation of the 26S proteasome is thought to be a novel therapy for treatment of certain diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. In this study, we tested the potential of cinnamon and one of its active ingredients, procyanidin‐B2 (PCB2), in inhibiting the catalytic activities of the proteasome and suppressing prostate cancer cell growth. Proteasome activities were measured using fluorogenic substrates specific for the different enzymatic activities of the 26S proteasome by flourometry. Cell viability was assessed using the 3‐[4, 5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2.5‐diphenyl‐tetrazolium bromide assay, while apoptosis was examined by Hoechst and propidium iodide staining and caspase‐3 activity. Both, the cinnamon extract and its PCB2‐enriched F2 fraction inhibited the catalytic activities of the purified proteasome and the proteasome in cancer cells but not in normal cells. Furthermore, cinnamon and its active component decreased cell proliferation of human prostate cancer cells but not normal lung cells, decreased expression of anti‐apoptotic and angiogenic markers in prostate cancer cell lysates. These results demonstrate that cinnamon extract and its PCB2‐enriched fraction act as proteasome inhibitors and have prospects as anti‐cancer agents. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(5):445–457, 2018 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Exhumed eclogitic crust is rare and exposures that preserve both protoliths and altered domains are limited around the world. Nominally anhydrous Neoproterozoic anorthositic granulites exposed on the island of Holsnøy, in the Bergen Arcs in western Norway, preserve different stages of progressive prograde deformation, together with the corresponding fluid‐assisted metamorphism, which record the conversion to eclogite during the Ordovician–Silurian Caledonian Orogeny. Four stages of deformation can be identified: (1) brittle deformation resulting in the formation of fractures and the generation of pseudotachylites in the granulite; (2) development of mesoscale shear zones associated with increased fluid–rock interaction; (3) the complete large‐scale replacement of granulite by hydrous eclogite with blocks of granulite sitting in an eclogitic “matrix”; and (4) the break‐up of completely eclogitized granulite by continued fluid influx, resulting in the formation of coarse‐grained phengite‐dominated mineral assemblages. P–T constraints derived from phase equilibria forward modelling of mineral assemblages of the early and later stages of the conversion to eclogite document burial and partial exhumation path with peak metamorphic conditions of ~21–22 kbar and 670–690°C. The P–T models, in combination with existing T–t constraints, imply that the Lindås Nappe underwent extremely rapid retrogressive pressure change. Fluid infiltration began on the prograde burial path and continued throughout the recorded P–T evolution, implying a fluid source that underwent progressive dehydration during subduction of the granulites. However, in places limited fluid availability on the prograde path resulted in assemblages largely consuming the available fluid, essentially freezing in snapshots of the prograde evolution. These were carried metastably deeper into the mantle with strain and metamorphic recrystallization partitioned into areas where ongoing fluid infiltration was concentrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Blocking of lymphocyte trafficking to bile ducts is a potential mechanism to alter the disease course of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Aim: To describe the effect of the α4β7 integrin antibody, vedolizumab, on liver biochemistry and disease activity in patients with PSC and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods: This is a retrospective multi‐centre study of adult patients with a diagnosis of both IBD and PSC. The primary outcome was change in serum alkaline phosphatase level at weeks 14 and 30. Secondary outcomes included changes in other liver biochemistries and in clinical outcomes for the bowel disease. A safety analysis for adverse events was performed. Results: Thirty‐four patients (16 Crohn's disease, 18 ulcerative colitis) were included. Nine (26%) had a history of liver transplant. Median follow‐up on vedolizumab was 9 months (IQR: 7‐16). There was no overall change in serum alkaline phosphatase level with vedolizumab therapy (median 268 [IQR: 105‐551] IU/L at baseline versus 249 [IQR: 183‐634] IU/L, P = 0.99 at week 30). No significant changes in other liver biochemistries or the Mayo PSC Risk Score were demonstrated at week 30. Clinical remission was achieved at week 30 in 55% of Crohn's disease and 29% of ulcerative colitis patients. Seven (21%) patients ceased vedolizumab; six patients stopped therapy due to persistent IBD activity and one for worsening of liver biochemistries. Conclusion: Vedolizumab treatment in patients with PSC and IBD did not improve liver biochemistry but was associated with improvement in bowel disease and a favourable safety profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This narrative review on the use of biophotonics therapies for management of oral diseases is written as a tribute to Prof. Crispian Scully. His seminal contributions to the field are highlighted by the detailed, comprehensive description of clinical presentations of oral diseases. This has enabled a more thorough, fundamental understanding of many of these pathologies by research from his group as well as inspired mechanistic investigations in many groups globally. In the same vein, a major emphasis of this narrative review is to focus on the evidence from human case reports rather than in vitro or in vivo animal studies that showcases the growing and broad impact of biophotonics therapies. The similarities and differences between two distinct forms of low‐dose biophotonics treatments namely photodynamic therapy and photobiomodulation therapy are discussed. As evident in this review, a majority of these reports provide promising evidence for their clinical efficacy. However, a lack of adequate technical details, precise biological rationale, and limited outcome measures limits the current utility of these treatments. Future investigations should attempt to address these shortcomings and develop better designed, rigorous, controlled studies to fully harness the tremendous potential of low‐dose biophotonics therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the efficacy of a 'tuned' fuzzy logic method at determining the height of the boundary layer using the measurements from a 1280 MHz lower atmospheric radar wind profiler located in Gadanki (13.5°N, 79°E, 375 mean sea level), India, and discusses the diurnal and seasonal variations of the measured convective boundary layer over this tropical station. The original fuzzy logic (FL) method estimates the height of the atmospheric boundary layer combining the information from the range-corrected signal-to-noise ratio, the Doppler spectral width of the vertical velocity, and the vertical velocity itself, measured by the radar, through a series of thresholds and rules, which did not prove to be optimal for our radar system and geographical location. For this reason the algorithm was tuned to perform better on our data set. Atmospheric boundary layer heights obtained by this tuned FL method, the original FL method, and by a 'standard method' (that only uses the information from the range-corrected signal-to-noise ratio) are compared with those obtained from potential temperature profiles measured by collocated Global Positioning System Radio Sonde during years 2011 and 2013. The comparison shows that the tuned FL method is more accurate than the other methods. Maximum convective boundary layer heights are observed between ~14:00 and ~15:00 local time (LT = UTC + 5:30) for clear-sky days. These daily maxima are found to be lower during winter and postmonsoon seasons and higher during premonsoon and monsoon seasons, due to net surface radiation and convective processes over this region being more intense during premonsoon and monsoon seasons and less intense in winter and postmonsoon seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the case of a 26-year-old women who undergone an isolated small bowel transplant when she was 6 weeks pregnant. Topics discussed include the medical history of the woman, the probable acute transplant rejection experienced by the woman which was treated with methylprednisolone, and the safety in pregnancy following solid organ transplant.

A letter to the editor is presented on the pitfalls and accuracy in HbA2 determination and its significance and on hemoglobinopathy testing.

White spot syndrome virus ( WSSV), an aquatic virus infecting shrimps and other crustaceans, is widely distributed in Asian subcontinents including India. The infection has led to a serious economic loss in shrimp farming. The WSSV genome is approximately 300 kb and codes for several proteins mediating the infection. The envelope proteins VP26 and VP28 play a major role in infection process and also in the interaction with the host cells. A comprehensive study on the viral proteins leading to the development of safe and potent antiviral therapeutic is of adverse need. The novel synthesized compound 3-(1-chloropiperidin-4-yl)-6-fluoro benzisoxazole 2 is proved to have potent antiviral activity against WSSV. The compound antiviral activity is validated in freshwater crabs ( Paratelphusa hydrodomous). An in silico molecular docking and simulation analysis of the envelope proteins VP26 and VP28 with the ligand 3-(1-chloropiperidin-4-yl)-6-fluoro benzisoxazole 2 are carried out. The docking analysis reveals that the polar amino acids in the pore region of the envelope proteins were involved in the ligand binding. The influence of the ligand binding on the proteins is validated by the molecular dynamics and simulation study. These in silico approaches together demonstrate the ligand's efficiency in preventing the trimers from exhibiting their physiological function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In attempt to search for more potent , a series of 7-nitro-1-(piperidin-4-yl)-4,5-dihydro-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinoline-derived sulphonamides were synthesized. Their structures were established by elemental analyses, IR, and NMR (1H and 13C) spectral data. The of the obtained compounds was investigated against different Gram-negative ( Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram-positive ( Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria and antifungal activity against two fungal strains ( Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus clavatus) using disk diffusion method at various concentrations (20, 40, 60, and 80 μg/mL). The study reveals that most of the title compounds showed significant antibacterial and fungal activity when compared with their respective standards streptomycin and griseofulvin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postoperative anaemia is a concern for patients who refuse blood products or have rare blood types. Acute normovolaemic haemodilution ( ANH) is a potential solution for these challenging populations. However, protocols for ANH provide limited detail on preparation of blood collection systems. This report describes a novel protocol for ANH and an example of a patient who clearly benefited from ANH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: JAXA's Hayabusa2 mission successfully retuned 5.4 g of regolith from asteroid 162173 Ryugu, a water-rich C-type asteroid, in December 2020 [1]. Analysis of Ryugu grains indicate that the sample is consistent with CI chondrite [1]. One of key goals of the Hayabusa2 mission is to understand how C-type asteroid surfaces are modified by space weathering. However, reflectance spectra of returned samples are different to the spectra acquired from the Hayabusa2 probe [1,2], while only ~6 % of Ryugu grains studied so far exhibit space weathering features [3]. The frequency of space weathered grains observed from Ryugu is much lower than asteroid Itokawa [4] and the Moon. This study aims to determine why space weathered grains are so rare on asteroid Ryugu. Methods: Two Ryugu grains were mounted on Cu tape. Their surfaces were imaged by Low (2 keV) kV scanning electron microscopy (SEM) using a Zeiss Sigma variable pressure field emission gun (VP-FEG)-SEM at the ISAAC facility at the University of Glasgow (UofG). Ryugu grains were then sputter coated with a 200nm protective layer of Cr and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Atom Probe Tomography (APT) samples were extracted using a FEI Nova Nanolab 200 Ga-Focused ion beam (FIB)-SEM in the KNC at UofG, following the approach of Daly et al. [5]. TEM analysis and imaging were undertaken on the JEOL ARM 200cF TEM in the KNC at UofG. APT samples were analysed on a CAMECA LEAP 5000XS at the University of Oxford. Results: Low kV SEM imaging shows that the grains are angular-subrounded. Low kV SEM, TEM and APT analysis provide no evidence of space weathering. Low kV SEM imaging indicate that crystals of magnetite, carbonate and sulphide exposed at the grain's surface exhibit rounded facets and stand proud of the fine grained phyllosilicate matrix, while TEM imaging reveals that these same crystal facets are angular at depth. Discussion and Conclusion: The rarity of space weathered grains on asteroid Ryugu could indicate that only the very surface of C-type asteroids is space weathered and that the kinetic sampling mechanism used by Hayabusa2 preferentially collected material from depth. However, regolith gardening processes would result in overturn of the surface burying space weathered grains and exposing fresh grains. Thus even a sample from depth should contain space weathered grains. Alternatively, the rounded grain morphology, and crystal facets combined with the nanotopography of competent minerals relative to soft minerals is consistent with abrasion. This could be caused by collisions and fracturing during sampling by the Hayabusa2 probe or by natural abrasion and erosion within the regolith of Ryugu. If kinetic sampling was the cause we would expect angular grains and grains with space weathered surfaces on one grain face - inconsistent with observations. In contrast, natural agitation of the regolith during impacts or regolith gardening would slowly erode and destroy space weathered surfaces on grains at depth, particularly weak minerals like phyllosilicates and produce rounded grains. Thus, the scarcity of space weathering features on Ryugu is likely due to natural abrasion of grains in the asteroid's regolith. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rocks exposed along the Scottish coast between Fraserburgh and Inzie Head contain information critical to understanding the evolution of the Buchan Block, the type locality for low- P, high- T regional metamorphism, and its relationship with the rest of the Grampian terrane, one of the major tectonostratigraphic components of the Scottish Caledonides. The ~8 km long section traverses a regional network of shear zones and, at the highest grades around Inzie Head, passes into the core of the Buchan Anticline, a large-scale open fold that is commonly regarded as a late structure, post-dating metamorphism. The metasedimentary rocks increase in grade from upper amphibolite to granulite facies and preserve unequivocal evidence for partial melting. The diatexite migmatites around Inzie Head, along with other gneissose units within the Buchan Block, have been regarded as allochthonous Precambrian basement rocks that were thrust into their current position during the Grampian orogenesis. However, field observations show that the onset of in situ partial melting in metapelitic rocks, which was associated with the formation of garnet-bearing aplites and associated pegmatites, occurred around Fraserburgh, where shear fabrics are absent. Thus, the rocks preserve a continuous metamorphic field gradient that straddles the shear zone network. This observation supports an alternative interpretation that anatexis was the result of mid-Ordovician (Grampian) metamorphism, rather than an older tectonothermal event, and that the Inzie Head gneisses are autochthonous. Using an average mid-Dalradian pelite as a plausible representative protolith, phase equilibria modelling satisfactorily reproduces the observed appearance and disappearance of key minerals providing that peritectic garnet produced with the first formed melts (represented by the garnet-bearing aplites) depleted the source rocks in Mn. The modelled metamorphic field gradient records a temperature increase of at least 150 °C (from ~650 °C near Fraserburgh to in excess of 800 °C at Inzie Head) but is isobaric at pressures of 2.7-2.8 kbar, suggesting the Buchan Anticline developed synchronous with partial melting. The Buchan Anticline is likely an expression of crustal thinning and asthenospheric upwelling, which produced voluminous gabbroic intrusions that supplied the heat for Buchan metamorphism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives In health psychology, several models are being constructed to understand human behaviour. Multidimensional health locus of control ( MHLC) is one among them. We sought to know the relationship of MHLC with dental plaque and gingival status before and after oral health education programme among 286 college students, aged 18-21 years in Davangere city. Methods Multidimensional health locus of control questionnaire consisting of questions measuring internal health locus of control ( IHLC), powerful others health locus of control ( PHLC) and chance health locus of control ( CHLC) was administered to students. Dental plaque and gingival health status were recorded using Plaque Index ( PLI) and Gingival Index ( GI), 1967. Oral health education was provided using power point presentation after the baseline oral examination. After 10 weeks of intervention, the students were given the same proforma followed by the assessment of plaque and gingival status. Results A negative correlation was observed between PHLC and IHLC with PLI and GI and positive correlation of CHLC with PLI and GI at a level of P < 0.01. The difference between 'pre-test' and 'post-test' mean PLI scores, GI scores, PHLC was found to be statistically significant at a level of P < 0.05. Conclusion Oral health education was found to be effective and this could change the behaviour of individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT In this letter, a microstrip-fed triple-band monopole antenna loaded with a composite right/left handed (CRLH) unit cell is presented. The proposed CRLH unit cell comprises of shunt spiral inductors and series interdigital capacitors. Loading of the monopole with CRLH unit cell induces two additional lower order frequency bands below the λ/4 resonance of the monopole. The measured and simulated results are in good agreement. The radiation patterns at the three operating frequencies are quasi-omnidirectional. The proposed antenna can be used in GSM-900/WLAN/LTE2500 applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:115-119, 2015 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

L8065 --> 805.21 --> Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), encoded by the PTPN1 gene, is a well‐known negative regulator of insulin signaling. Since insulin, via the activation of the insulin receptor, is involved in cholesterol synthesis by stimulating genes like HMG‐CoA reductase (HMGCR), we enquired whether PTP1B also played a role in the regulation of cholesterol homeostasis. Interestingly, knocking out PTP1B in hepatocytes, where most of the circulating cholesterol is synthesized, generates mice that have reduced circulating cholesterol levels. Moreover, SNPs in the human PTPN1 gene are associated with higher levels of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, total plasma cholesterol, and with the insulin sensitivity index and fasting glucose levels. As a first step, to better understand the function of PTP1B in cholesterol homeostasis, we used Mouse Embryonic Fibroblast (MEFs) cells derived from WT or PTP1B KO mice and measured cholesterol levels utilizing an Amplex red assay. As previously observed in liver PTP1B KO mice, we observed a ~ 50% decrease in cholesterol levels in PTP1B KO cells when compared to WT cells. Supporting this, Western blot analysis also indicated that proteins regulating cholesterol homeostasis are differently expressed in WT and KO MEFs at basal. We observed decreased expression of LDLR, PCSK9, HMGCR, SREBP1 and Cav‐1 in PTP1B KO cells. In addition, cholesterol treatment also showed a decreased adaptive response in PTP1B KO cells. Interestingly, Src, a substrate of PTP1B, was hyperphosphorylated in PTP1B KO MEFs treated with cholesterol and these cells were more sensitive to cholesterol‐induced toxicity as indicated by caspase‐3 cleavage at lower concentrations of cholesterol. Quantitative mass spectrometry analysis using isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) further revealed that several proteins involved in cholesterol homeostasis (e.g. NPC2, NPC1L1, DHCR7, NCEH1, ApoA, ApoB, ApoC, ApoE) were overexpressed in PTP1B KO MEFs. We also observed that proteins involved in retinoic acid homeostasis, which have also been involved in the regulation of insulin resistance and lipid homeostasis, were overexpressed in PTP1B KO MEFs. We are currently validating these findings and exploring underlying mechanisms by which PTP1B gene inactivation regulates cholesterol homeostasis in mammalian cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The ciprofloxacin (CPX)-loaded blends made of sodium alginate and lignosulfonic acid (LS) were prepared by solution casting method in the ratio of 80/20. The blends were crosslinked for different intervals of time to control the drug release. The drug release was investigated for 24 hours in different pH medium (1, 4, 7, and 9). It was confirmed that drug release is controlled by diffusion through the polymer matrix followed by the erosion of the polymer. The pH of the surrounding medium influences the drug solubility, swelling, and degradation rate of the polymer and therefore the overall drug release process. The blend shows minimal drug release at pH 1 and 9, whereas moderate release at pH 4, but rapid release at pH 7. Further FTIR, XRD, and SEM characterization are carried, to confirm the chemical-interaction, crystallization effects, and compatibility between the blend matrixes. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40442. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A tandem gold-catalyzed 5-endo-dig/spirocyclization of 2-[(2-aminophenyl)ethynyl]phenylamines with isatins was achieved to produce the corresponding 5',11'-dihydrospiro-[indoline-3,6'-indolo[3,2-c]quinolin]-2-one derivatives in good yields with high regioselectivity. This reaction proceeded well at ambient temperature under mild conditions. Ketones also participated smoothly under similar conditions to produce 6,6-disubstituted-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolo[3,2-c]-quinolones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A tandem SN2 alkylation/Michael addition to vinylogous carbonates based approach for the stereoselective synthesis of benzoxepines is developed. The stereoselectivity improves with an increase in the steric bulk of the substituents. The method is extended to the synthesis of benzopyranoxepines and benzoxepinopyridines with angular substituents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on investigations of liver biopsy material, certain cellular genes have been implicated as correlates of success or failure to interferon alpha-ribavirin (IFN/RBV) therapy against hepatitis C. The current study aimed at determining whether expression of host genes thought to be relevant to HCV replication in the liver would be correlated with HCV infection status in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and also with patient responsiveness to IFN/RBV treatment. Therefore, PBMCs from patients with chronic hepatitis C responding (n = 35) or not (n = 49) to IFN/RBV and from healthy controls (n = 15) were evaluated for HCV RNA load and cellular gene expression. Non-responders had 3- to 10-fold higher basal levels of interleukin (IL)-8, IFN-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15), 2′,5′-oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS), and Toll-like receptors (TLR)-4, -5, and -7 compared to responders. Non-responders with similar post-treatment follow-ups as responders persistently expressed 6- to 20-fold greater levels of IL-8, ISG15, and OAS after therapy. Higher expression of IFN-α, IFN-γ, and IFN-λ was found in PBMCs of individuals achieving sustained virological response, either before or after therapy. Pre-treatment HCV RNA loads in PBMCs of non-responders were significantly higher ( P = 0.016) than those of responders. In conclusion, the data indicate that immune cells of responders and non-responders to IFN/RBV therapy exhibited significantly different virological and host gene expression profiles. Elevated baseline HCV loads and TLR-4, -5, and -7 levels, and persistently high levels of IL-8, ISG15, and OAS were correlated with IFN non-responsiveness. The results warrant further investigations on the utilization of PBMCs for predicting success or failure to IFN-based therapies. J. Med. Virol. 85:441-448, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhodopseudomonas acidophila KU001 was isolated from leather industry effluents and the effect of different cultural conditions on hydrogen production was studied. Anaerobic light induced more hydrogen production than anaerobic dark conditions. Growing cells produced more amounts of hydrogen between 96 and 144 h of incubation. Resting and growing cells preferred a pH of 6.0 ± 0.24 for hydrogen production. Succinate was the most preferred carbon source for the production of hydrogen while citrate was a poor source of carbon. Acetate and malate were also good carbon sources for hydrogen production under anaerobic light. Among the nitrogen sources, R. acidophila preferred ammonium chloride followed by urea for production of hydrogen. L-tyrosine was the least preferred nitrogen source by both growing and resting cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Solid-state (SS) manometry catheters with portable data loggers offer many potential advantages over traditional water-perfused (WP) systems, such as prolonged recordings in a more physiologic ambulatory setting and the lack of risk for water overload. The use of SS catheters has not been evaluated in comparison with perfused catheters in children. This study aims to compare data provided by SS and WP catheters in children undergoing colonic manometry studies. Methods A SS catheter and a WP catheter were taped together such that their corresponding sensors were at the same location. Simultaneous recordings were obtained using the SS and WP catheters (both 8 channels, 10 cm apart) in 15 children with severe defecation disorders referred for colonic manometry. Signals were recorded for a minimum of 1 h during fasting, 1 h after ingestion of a meal, and 1 h after the administration of bisacodyl. Solid-state signals from the data logger were analyzed against the perfused signals. All high-amplitude propagated contractions (HAPCs), the most recognizable and interpreted colonic motor event, were evaluated for spatial and temporal features including their durations, amplitudes, and propagation velocities. Key Results A total of 107 HAPCs were detected with SS and 91 with WP catheters. All WP-HAPC were also observed with SS. Linear regression analysis showed that SS catheters tended to give higher readings in the presence of amplitudes <102 mmHg and lower reading with amplitudes >102 mmHg. An opposite trend was found for the duration of contractions. No significant difference was found for HAPC velocity. Conclusions & Inferences SS catheters are more sensitive in recording HAPCs in children with defecation disorders compared with the more traditional WP assembly. There is a difference in measurements of amplitude between the two systems. Solid-state catheters offer potential advantages over WP catheters in children, being portable, safer to use, and may provide data over a more prolonged period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT • The treatment options for heart failure with normal ejection fraction (HFNEF), which constitutes about 50% of the cases of heart failure, is varied and consists of β-adrenoceptor blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), calcium channel blockers and digoxin. However none of the treatment options have shown consistent results in improving the condition. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS • The meta-analysis conducted by us on the pooled data from the clinical trials on the various treatment options has revealed no definite benefit with pharmacotherapy in HFNEF. A systematic review of these data reveals a possible benefit with β-adrenoceptor blockers in this condition. But to evaluate this larger studies with preplanned subgroup analysis, longer follow up periods and with echocardiographic parameters as outcomes to measure the LV diastolic dysfunction are required. AIM The pharmacotherapy for heart failure with normal ejection fraction (HFNEF) is not as well defined as that for the treatment for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFREF). Studies of the various drugs given for HFNEF have revealed conflicting results. The aim of this systematic review was to determine whether there is any benefit with pharmacotherapy in HFNEF in terms of cardiac outcomes. METHODS Electronic and printed sources were searched until August 2010 for randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) comparing drug therapy with placebo in HFNEF. Weighted mean difference and pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. RESULTS A total of six RCTs including 8410 patients with a mean follow-up period of 21 months were included in the analysis. Although there were no significant differences in all cause mortality between the two groups (pooled OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.79, 1.13, P= 0.55), the subgroup analysis revealed a slight but non significant advantage with the β-adrenoceptor blocker group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of cardiovascular mortality, hospitalization, worsening heart failure, ejection fraction, E : A ratio, deceleration time and E : E′ ratio. CONCLUSION There was no significant benefit of pharmacotherapy in HFNEF. This might have been because of a lack of stringent inclusion criteria for patients in the trials and lower power of the studies. Hence trials with well defined inclusion criteria, better power, longer follow-up periods and with echocardiographic parameters as endpoints are required to shed further light on this topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background, The yield of screening for acute HIV infection among general medical patients in resource-scarce settings remains unclear. Our objective was to evaluate the strategy of using pooled HIV plasma RNA to diagnose acute HIV infection in patients with negative or discordant rapid HIV antibody tests in Durban, South Africa. Methods, We prospectively enrolled patients with negative or discordant rapid HIV antibody tests from a routine HIV screening programme in an out-patient department in Durban with an HIV prevalence of 48%. Study participants underwent venipuncture for pooled qualitative HIV RNA, and, if this was positive, quantitative RNA, enzyme immunoassay and Western blot (WB). Patients with negative or indeterminate WB and positive quantitative HIV RNA were considered acutely infected. Those with chronic infection (positive RNA and WB) despite negative or discordant rapid HIV tests were considered to have had false negative rapid antibody tests. Results, Nine hundred and ninety-four participants were enrolled with either negative (n5976) or discordant (n518) rapid test results. Eleven [1.1%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.6-2.0%] had acute HIV infection, and an additional 20 (2.0%; 95% CI 1.3-3.1%) had chronic HIV infection (false negative rapid test). Results, Nine hundred and ninety-four participants were enrolled with either negative (n5976) or discordant (n518) rapid test results. Eleven [1.1%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.6-2.0%] had acute HIV infection, and an additional 20 (2.0%; 95% CI 1.3-3.1%) had chronic HIV infection (false negative rapid test). Conclusions, One per cent of out-patients with negative or discordant rapid HIV tests in Durban, South Africa had acute HIV infection readily detectable through pooled serum HIV RNA screening. Pooled RNA testing also identified an additional 2% of patients with chronic HIV infection. HIV RNA screening has the potential to identify both acute and chronic HIV infections that are otherwise missed by standard HIV testing algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High expression of metastasis-associated protein 1 co-regulator (MTA1), a component of the nuclear remodelling and histone deacetylase complex, has been associated with human tumours. However, the precise role of MTA1 in tumorigenesis remains unknown. In this study, we show that induced levels of MTA1 are sufficient to transform Rat1 fibroblasts and that the transforming potential of MTA1 is dependent on its acetylation at Lys626. Underlying mechanisms of MTA1-mediated transformation include activation of the Ras–Raf pathway by MTA1 but not by acetylation-inactive MTA1; this was due to the repression of Gαi2 transcription, which negatively influences Ras activation. We observed that acetylated MTA1–histone deacetylase (HDAC) interaction was required for the recruitment of the MTA1–HDAC complex to the Gαi2 regulatory element and consequently for the repression of Gαi2 transcription and expression leading to activation of the Ras–Raf pathway. The findings presented in this study provide for the first time—to the best of our knowledge—evidence of acetylation-dependent oncogenic activity of a cancer-relevant gene product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthesis of alkyl/aryl [2-(1,2,4,5-tetrahydro-3-sulfanylene/selenylene naphtha[1,8-f,g][1,5,3]diazaphosphocin-3-yl) methyl amino acid esters] (6–15) was accomplished in three steps. 1, 8-diamino naphthalene (2) was reacted with tris (bromomethyl) phosphine (1) in the presence of triethylamine in dry tetrahydrofuran (THF) under N2 atmosphere to form a PIII intermediate (3). It was converted to the corresponding sulfide (4) and selenide (5) by reacting with sulfur and selenium, respectively. The intermediates 4 and 5 were further reacted with amino acid esters to obtain the title compounds (6–15). The structures of the title compounds were established by elemental analysis and spectral data (IR, 1H, 13C, 31P NMR, and FAB mass). The antimicrobial activity of these compounds was evaluated and they exhibited significant activity. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]