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The energetic performance of aluminum(Al)-based nanothermite composites is hindered by the native alumina shell on the surface of Al nanoparticles. To maximize the energetic release and lower the reaction temperature between Al and metal oxide nanoparticles, a novel fluorine and oxygen co-functionalized graphene (FGO) is reported. The material was synthesized by gas–solid reaction between graphene oxide paper and XeF2 gas. The stability of FGO in atmospheric humidity, heating, and exfoliation by sonication in different solvents were obtained by FTIR and SEM-EDS. The FGO contained both unstable acyl fluoride groups and stable carbon-fluorine covalent/semi-ionic bonds in its structure. The FGO was introduced as a functional additive in an Al/Bi2O3 nanothermite composite, leading to a heat of reaction heat of 1123 J/g, 58% greater than that from loose Al/Bi2O3 powder. The reaction completed before reaching the melting temperature of Al, indicating a novel all-solid-state reaction between Al and Bi2O3. The decreased reaction temperature is attributed to fluorine etching of the native alumina shell surrounding the Al nanoparticle fuel.

A field experiment was carried out at Rice Research Station, Chinsurah, Hooghly during rainy ( kharif ) season, 2016 and 2017 to evaluate the effects of potassium and sodium salts on whorl maggot, leaf folder and yellow stem borer of rice. The yield and yield attributing characters were observed and benefit cost ratio was calculated. The potassium salts viz. potassium chloride (KCl), potassium nitrate (KNO 3 ), potassium sulfate (K 2 SO 4 ), potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH 2 PO 4 ) and sodium salt as sodium chloride (NaCl) were applied by three modes viz. seed soaking for 12 hours before sowing, seedling root dipping for twelve hours before transplanting and foliar sprays at 30 and 50 days after transplanting (DAT). The experimental results revealed that the foliar spray with 1% potassium dihydrogen phosphate salt at 30 and 50 DAT was the best performer against rice insect-pests by lowering down the infestation of leaf folder, dead heart and white ear head and as well as responses for good yield. Maximum benefit was recorded with foliar spray of 1% sodium chloride salt.

In this paper, we propose the design and fabrication of a novel heterojunction semiconductor–insulator–semiconductor (SIS) front surface and interdigitated back-contact (IBC) solar cell. We approximate the performance parameters and loss analysis of the proposed solar cell using MATLAB software programming. Many studies have reported the experimental analysis of amorphous silicon (a-Si) IBC solar cells. A number of silicon heterojunction solar cell designs with promising efficiency have been reported in the past few decades. In this study, a long-lifetime (~ 2 ms) n-Si substrate was considered so that a sufficient number of photogenerated carriers could reach the interdigitated layer and be absorbed. The availability of carriers at the interdigitated back surface was further enhanced by considering a high-low junction created by a ZnO n+ layer at the front surface. A very thin layer of thermally deposited insulator SiO2 was considered between the ZnO and n-Si. This layer reduces the detrimental effects of interface defects. This is the first study in which we have theoretically investigated an IBC solar cell using metal oxide semiconductor layer deposition, thereby avoiding the expensive and complicated doping and diffusion process. In general, a high-concentration n+ layer is doped to create a high-low junction at the front to accelerate the transport of carriers to the back junctions. We propose a cost-effective method using thermal deposition of a SiO2 layer followed by sol–gel ZnO layer deposition, which serves the same purpose as an n+ layer by introducing an SIS junction potential at the front. The interdigitated back surface was designed with sequential n+ a-Si and p+ a-Si vertical junctions.

The presence of lignans (sesamin, sesamol) adds pharmaceutical value in the sesame oil. Wild sesame, Sesamum mulayanum, though less oil-yielding but contains remarkably higher lignan in oil. We performed an interspecific hybridization between cultivated Indian sesame (S. indicum) and S. mulayanum to bring a better oil profile in the cultivated sesame. The selected recombinant lines of F6 generation showed high oil content with a superior lignan profile and manifested distinct phenotypic selection traits. Sesamin synthase is an essential enzyme in the lignan biosynthetic pathway. We studied the gene behind this enzyme during seed development in the parents through semi-quantitative and qRT-PCR analysis. The recombinant lines with high sesamin content showed increased expression of sesamin synthase gene. This gene is a potential candidate for allele-based molecular marker development in future sesame breeding programme.

Gene-editing technologies, which include the CRISPR–Cas nucleases1–3 and CRISPR base editors4,5, have the potential to permanently modify disease-causing genes in patients6. The demonstration of durable editing in target organs of nonhuman primates is a key step before in vivo administration of gene editors to patients in clinical trials. Here we demonstrate that CRISPR base editors that are delivered in vivo using lipid nanoparticles can efficiently and precisely modify disease-related genes in living cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis). We observed a near-complete knockdown of PCSK9 in the liver after a single infusion of lipid nanoparticles, with concomitant reductions in blood levels of PCSK9 and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol of approximately 90% and about 60%, respectively; all of these changes remained stable for at least 8 months after a single-dose treatment. In addition to supporting a ‘once-and-done’ approach to the reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and the treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (the leading cause of death worldwide7), our results provide a proof-of-concept for how CRISPR base editors can be productively applied to make precise single-nucleotide changes in therapeutic target genes in the liver, and potentially in other organs. In a cynomolgus macaque model, CRISPR base editors delivered in lipid nanoparticles are shown to efficiently and stably knock down PCSK9 in the liver to reduce levels of PCSK9 and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the blood.

Objectives: Nowadays, mobile phones have become a prime necessity. At present, various advance networking connections such as 3G and 4G are available in the market to get a faster service. However, these mobile phones emit harmful electromagnetic radiations which have various ill effects on different physiological systems. The present study has been done to find out the extent of damage caused by mobile phone radiation on liver cells, and, whether high-protein diet (HPD) has any ameliorative effect on such changes. Materials and Methods: Male Swiss Albino mice were divided into four groups. Two groups of animals were exposed to mobile phone radiation at global system for mobile communications like frequencies at 1.8 GHz for 3 h continuously per day for 90 days. One of these radiation exposed groups received a normal diet (containing 5% casein) and the other exposed group received a HPD (supplemented with 20% casein). The control group animals received only a normal diet, while the animals of the remaining group received only a HPD. The serum biochemical and histological parameters of liver tissues and ladder assay of hepatic DNA were studied. Results: A significantly elevated level (P < 0.05) of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, bilirubin and serum caspase-3 levels was observed in the group of animals exposed to electromagnetic radiation emitted from mobile phone. Histological changes were also observed in the experimental groups. Moreover, in genomic DNA ladder assay, fragmented DNA was observed in exposed group, which is a probable sign of cell apoptosis. Recovery symptoms were observed in the animals supplemented with high casein diet. Conclusion: From the present study, it may be concluded that electromagnetic radiation emitted from mobile phones has damaging effects on hepatocytes which may be ameliorated by HPD.

Metal-assisted chemical etching (MACE) method is the most convenient and cost-effective nanowire fabrication method compared to other nanowire fabrication processes although a major problem arises in silicon nanowire, formed by MACE solution during n-type c-Si solar cell fabrication steps. High-temperature boron diffusion in conventional open tube furnace breaks down the nanowire resulting in a non-uniform surface pattern which is responsible to decrease overall conversion efficiency of the finished cell. In this work, this drawback is resolved by considering silicon nanowire formation after diffusion step. A slow etchant is considered for nanostructure on diffused silicon wafer to protect the diffused junction. The generated nanowire size is very less and has forage-like structure, and so termed as nanograss. Surface morphology and the characterization of the silicon nanograss structure after diffusion process on large area (156 mm × 156 mm) c-Si solar cells using MACE method have been investigated elaborately. Further, the complete solar cell has been fabricated with an efficiency of 17.20%.

Silicon nitride (SiNX) is conventionally used as antireflection coating (ARC) on p-type Silicon solar cells. But synthesis of SiNX involves two toxic and highly flammable gases ammonia (NH3) and silane (SiH4). To overcome this, an alternative material instead of SiNx was investigated. Diamond-like nanocomposite (DLN) is such a material whose deposition as ARC follows less hazardous pathway and produces better performance in many respect compare to SiNX. DLN film is deposited by a radio frequency plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (rfPECVD) process by using liquid precursor Hexamethyl disilazane (HMDSN) in argon (Ar) plasma. In this paper, the authors have compared electrical and optical parameters of multicrystalline silicon solar cells (mc-Si) for two different antireflection coatings SiNx and DLN. DLN film is characterized by FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. Optical properties are estimated by UV–Vis-NIR spectrophotometer. Electrical properties are measured by I-V simulator under 1.5 AM condition. The minimum reflection has been achieved 4.86% at 797 nm wavelength. The short circuit current density, JSC and open circuit voltage, VOC have been achieved from finished mc-Si solar cell are 32.54 mA/cm2 and 0.582 V respectively. Results prompt to conclude that DLN as ARC is comparable to SiNX. Thus silane and ammonia free DLN deposition as ARC, could be a good alternative of SiNX.

Carbothermic reduction of iron oxide is an important reaction in Ferro-alloy production process. Coke and bio-char are the main resource carbon for these industries. Carbon not only takes part in reduction reaction but also have important role in maintaining required carbon percentage in metal and contribution in energy supply for the process. Thus the price of carbonaceous material has significant contribution to the overall cost of Ferro-alloy production. Suitable low cost carbon materials are always in demand for such industries. In the present study low rank Indian coal has been carbonised in medium temperature level for producing an alternative semi-coke for this purpose. The coal sample has been first fractionated in two parts based on particle size distribution. Larger size samples are directly carbonised in a laboratory scale coke oven using non-recovery type coke making technique. Finer fractions are first carbonised, then agglomerated into small briquettes and subsequently de-volatilised for lowering volatile matter content, enhancement of fixed carbon and improvement of other properties.

Cryogenic treatment is one of the potential techniques to enhance cutting tool performance. The present work investigates the microstructure and machining performance of cemented carbide (WC-Co) inserts through deep cryogenic treatment. For this, ISO P30 WC-Co inserts were exposed to deep cryogenic treatment (−196 °C), accompanied by tempering at 200 °C. The cryogenic treatment cycle helps to develop η (eta) phase carbides by redistributing cobalt (Co) phase on the surface of cryogenically treated WC-Co inserts. Microhardness of specimens indicated a slight increase in the hardness of cryogenically treated inserts than its untreated counterpart. A comparative performance evaluation between cryogenically treated tungsten carbide insert and the untreated insert was studied by turning of AISI 316 austenitic stainless steel through tool flank wear, crater wear, and chip morphology. Machining operation was carried out by considering three different cutting speeds (i.e. at 100, 150, and 200 m/min.) with constant feed rate and depth of cut of 0.2 mm/rev and 1 mm, respectively. After cryogenic treatment, significant improvement in the average flank wear and crater wear of WC-Co insert was observed. The enhancement of tool wear in the cryogenically treated insert is explained in detail by analyzing their microstructures.

Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia Jacks. ex Andrews) is an orchid. It is adored for vanillin, a unique flavouring principle, used in numerous products. The production of Vanilla is dependent on in vitro mass propagation. Since it is a recalcitrant plant, its callus-based regeneration is often enigmatic. The present study reports a few development-stage specific proteins, their structural analysis and ligand-binding predictions, which are essential for the undifferentiated callus of Vanilla during the transition to the differentiated state. Of these proteins, the up regulation of Light-independent protochlorophyllide reductase in the dark grown-callus and retaining the same when the callus was placed under light after subculture to regeneration medium possibly indicated that it helped the callus to acquire its autotrophic stature that is vital for its self-sustenance in the differentiated state. Additionally, the up regulation of Phloem protein 2 in the callus and regenerating callus is an important finding since translocation of solutes is of utmost importance for the formation of the conductive elements, which are necessary for the development of the organized structures for the undifferentiated tissue to convert into the differentiated state.

The resistive switching behavior of 1-D TiO2 nanotube-based resistive random access memory (ReRAM) is discussed in this article. Highly oriented TiO2 nanotubes were synthesized by anodic oxidation method on a Ti substrate, which was used as the bottom electrode. To modulate the oxygen vacancy ( ${V}_{O}$ ) in TiO2 nanotubes, hydrazine hydrate reduction was employed in the temperature range 60 °C–100 °C. After charactering the morphological, elemental, and crystallographic properties, the level of reduction in different TiO2 nanotubes array was estimated by Raman, photoluminescence, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies. Au/TiO2 nanotubes/Ti devices were fabricated by using TiO2 nanotubes with various levels of reductions where thin and porous Au top electrode was used to make the resistive switching faster. TiO2 Nanotubes array, reduced at 80 °C showed promising resistive switching performance with SET/RESET voltages of 2 V/1.8 V, ${R}_{ \mathrm{\scriptscriptstyle OFF}} / {R}_{ \mathrm{\scriptscriptstyle ON}}$ of 19 at a read voltage of 0.5 V (25 °C) and stable endurance behavior after the 100th cycle. Interestingly, reduction temperature at 60 °C and 100 °C, offered degraded resistive switching within the same voltage range. All the devices showed electroforming free bipolar resistive switching. Efforts were devoted to establish the role of ${V}_{O}$ and its tuning to improve the resistive switching behavior in 1-D TiO2 nanotubes. This article systematically showcases the efficacy of 1-D metal oxide for potential ReRAM application and establishes an easy but efficient approach to improve the resistive switching by modulating oxygen vacancy in it.

To enhance the interactivity with biological cells, we developed ultrasmall (5 nm in diameter) Ag NPs coated with a mixture of Tween-20 (Tw-20) surfactant and human serum albumin (HSA) or hemoglobin (Hb) proteins. These were tested with cancerous and healthy cell lines to investigate the therapeutic applicability. Using the established concept of generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the ROS-induced oxidative stress in carcinogenic cells by Ag NPs, we found that the presently synthesized Ag NPs selectively destroyed the cancerous cells. A mixture of Tw-20 with protein, where the surfactant was in large excess, created a coating over the Ag NPs resulting weaker protein-protein interactions and facilitating interfacial protein-surfactant interactions, which leads to an increase in the film viscoelasticity to enhance the stability of the Ag NPs and cell viability. Moreover, this concept has been applied to drug delivery using a model fluorophore (fluorescein) on Ag NPs to explore the prospects in photodynamic therapy. The results are encouraging and deserve further investigation.

The present study demonstrates how the different states of solubilized water viz. quaternary ammonium headgroup-bound, bulklike, counterion-bound, and free water in reverse micelles of a series of ...

This study investigates the interannual variability of the surface and subsurface Chlorophyll-a Concentration (CC) over the Sri Lankan Dome (SLD) in the Bay of Bengal (BoB) and its possible linkage...

Adoption of nanoenergetic materials into large-scale applications is hindered by problems associated with scalability, particle aggregation, stability, and electrostatic discharge (ESD) sensitivity. We report a macroscale energetic graphene aerogel that simultaneously overcomes each of these problems while increasing the energy production and flame speed with respect to neat nanothermite sample. The aerogel is comprised of reduced graphene oxide (RGO), aluminum (Al) nanoparticles, and bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) nanoparticles. Synthesis of the aerogel requires chemical reduction and gelling that preserves the reactivity of embedded fuel and oxide nanoparticles. A new gelation process is adopted in which ethylenediamine was added to a propylene carbonate dispersion to gel and reduce RGO while retaining material reactivity. The energetic aerogel enhances the heat of reaction to 967 J/g, which is 36% higher than that from loose Al/Bi2O3 powder. A combustion speed of 960 ± 190 m/s under open ambient is measured for RGO/Al/Bi2O3 gel, which is the highest value reported for an Al/Bi2O3 system. Further, the underlying reduced graphene oxide scaffold reduces ESD sensitivity of the aerogel by three orders of magnitude.

Bismuth selenide layers and nanowires have been grown by molecular beam epitaxy on self-assembled Stranski–Krastanov InAs quantum dots of different sizes and densities on GaAs substrates. The size ...

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important bioactive signaling molecule in plants which modulates a variety of physiological processes and responses to abiotic and biotic stresses. In this study, the effects of exogenous NO supplied as sodium nitroprusside (SNP) in wheat seedlings under ironinduced oxidative damage was investigated. An appropriate concentration of NO was determined by conducting a preliminary experiment. In solution culture, wheat seeds were grown in the control (100 μM Fe), and toxic Fe (400 μM Fe) levels and the toxic Fe supply was treated with various levels of (50, 100, 200 and 500 μM) sodium nitroprusside (SNP). The results indicated that 400 μM Fe significantly decreased percentage germination, tolerance index, root lengths as well as fresh and dry weight compared to control. Exogenous SNP attenuated the inhibition of wheat seed germination. The promoting effect was most pronounced at 100 μM SNP. The accumulated concentration of iron and active Fe was significantly decreased by SNP treated Fe toxic seedlings. Toxicity of Fe caused oxidative stress by elevating hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA) and proline contents in roots of wheat seedlings. One hundred μM SNP counteracted Fe toxicity by reducing the H2O2, MDA and proline contents of toxic Fe exposed seedlings. Meanwhile, application of SNP markedly reduced the activities of superoxide dismutases (SOD), catalases (CAT), peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidases (APX), non protein thiols (NPT) and of glutathione reductase (GR) and increased ascorbate (ASc) compared with Fe toxic treatment alone, thereby indicating the modulation of the antioxidative capacity in the root under Fe stress by NO. The results indicated that the exogenous application of SNP, improved the antioxidant enzymes activity of wheat seedlings against Fe induced oxidative stress.

The present work embodies outward oxygen atom transfer (OAT) reaction from pyridylbenzoxazole (L1) chelated oxorhenium(V) complex of type [ReOCl3(L1)], 1 towards oxophilic PMe2Ph resulting in the formation of reduced Re(III) derivative [Re(OPMe2Ph)Cl3(L1)], 4 containing oxidised phosphine trans to azole nitrogen. Another possible isomer (4a) having oxidised phosphine trans to pyridyl nitrogen has not been isolated. Structural elucidation of 4 reveals meridional disposition of three Cl atoms around the metal featuring distorted octahedral geometry. DFT analysis of isomers of type [Re(OPMe2Ph)Cl3(L1)] (4 and 4a) confirms isoenergetic nature in gas phase, however, stereospecific binding of L1 to Re(III) centre affording 4 as exclusive product is attributed to crystal packing force. 1 → 4 redox transformation has also been attended with the change in singlet → triplet spin state of the metal. Triplet state of 4 is more stable by ca. 15 kcal mol−1 compared to the singlet state in gas phase. Two electron paramagnetic nature (2.13 μB) in solid state affirms triplet ground state characterised with strong orbital coupling. Kinetic data for 1 → 4 transformation suggests associative pathway (ΔS≠ = ∼−36 J/K/mol) with no major structural reorganisation in the primary coordination sphere of the substrate and the reagent (ΔH≠ = ∼+10 kcal mol−1) to reach the transition state. Pyridylbenzthiazole (L2) chelated oxorhenium(V) complex of type [ReOCl3(L2)], 1b also reacts with PMe2Ph in a same manner to from [Re(OPMe2Ph)Cl3(L2)], 4b where the pyridyl nitrogen lies trans to phosphineoxide moiety unlike 4. The second order rate constants of OAT to PMe2Ph for [ReOCl3(L1)] are nearly two times higher than that of [ReOCl3(L2)] at all recorded temperatures due to difference in azole heteroatom electronegativity, ReV O bond length and ReVI/ReV reduction potential.

Detection of sugar by enzymatic assay has been suffering from costly, time-taking, instable and denaturation of glucose oxidase. Recently, chemosensors that have affinity towards boronate became the hot topic in the domain of monosaccharide detection. In this work, a novel strategy was addressed to fabricate carbon dots (C-dots) from linear sulfated polysaccharides κ- carrageenan and phenyl boronic acid for nonenzymatic monosaccharide (glucose) detection. The boronic acid group anchored C-dots surface can form assembly by covalently bonded with the cis-diol moiety of the glucose which caused fluorescence quenching of the C-dots. The inert surface nature of the luminescent C-dots enables them to sense as low as 1.7 μM glucose without the interference of other biomolecules. The proposed sensing system was successfully applied for assay of glucose in blood serum. Interestingly, these C-dots were used as a nano vehicle for delivery of anti-diabetic drug Metformin. Good biocompatibility results were found with MTT and hemolysis assay. Owing to its simplicity and effectiveness, the as-prepared C-dots offered great promise for blood sugar diagnosis and treatment.

Environmental exposure to toxicants/heavy metals during critical periods of development can influence changes in embryo and germline of the offspring; and later on affect the disease susceptibility in adults. Exposures to toxic metals or endocrine disruptors are particularly harmful during fetal development. Arsenic, a well-known toxic metalloid and reproductive toxicant is one the major concern because of its adverse and delayed health effects. Considering the complex and numerous adverse health effects of prenatal arsenic exposure, it is very difficult to identify the one single mechanism for arsenic-induced toxicity. This is further complicated due to biphasic response reported where arsenic has very different effects at low and high doses particularly during early life exposure scenario. In this review, we are focusing on prenatal arsenic exposure and its lifelong adverse effects, and their association with endocrine disruption and epigenetic changes. We provide evidence that developmental arsenic exposure alters the functional fetal epigenome in a tissue-specific manner by alterations in DNA methylation patterns, histone modifications and changes in micro RNA. Arsenic as an endocrine disruptor also affects the reproductive potential of the organism. These adverse effects of arsenic could manifest directly through classical hormone imprinting or through irreversible epigenetic modulation. Thus, understanding the association of epigenetic changes and endocrine disruption by prenatal arsenic exposure may help unravel the crucial mechanism for the development of disease later in life.

We report a novel phenazine-embedded fluorescent probe (2-[2-(pyridin-2-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-1H-imidazo[4,5-b]phenazine, PIP), which upon complexation with Cu(II)-ion-forming [(PIP)CuII(Cl)] becomes ...

Phytic acid is the major source of phosphorus and other mineral bound compounds in many plant tissues especially seeds and bran of cereals. During germination, phytase enzyme degrades phytic acid and bound phosphate and minerals are released. The monogastric animal cannot digest phytate due to lack of the phytase enzyme. Considering that, we have generated low phytate rice by over expressing appA gene cloned from E. coli under the aleurone-specific promoter of maize zein gene. Molecular analysis confirmed the stable integration of transgene and plants were grown up to T3 generation. The T3 seeds showed around 45% decrease in seed phytate content with a fourfold increase of inorganic phosphorus (Pi) level. The enhanced iron and zinc was twofold and threefold respectively in polished seeds of transgenic plants. There was no change in germination behaviour and other morphological traits in transgenic seeds. Thus, this result provides evidence that tissue-specific expression of bacterial phytase can lead to the reduction of phytic acid in rice seeds without hampering its other physiological processes and phenotypic cost.

Polyamines help to mitigate salt stress in plants. SAMdC or S-adenosyl methionine decarboxylase is a crucial enzyme in the polyamine biosynthetic pathway. Overexpressing the samdc gene of Pokkali (a salt-tolerant Indica rice landrace) in the model plant tobacco through Agrobacterium-mediated transformation resulted in tobacco plants capable of withstanding high salinity (200 mM) stress. The transgenic tobacco plants maintained a steady level of the higher polyamines and resisted ionic imbalance under salt stress. Since appropriate binding of the substrate with the enzyme is essential for an enzymatic reaction, we performed molecular docking experiment of SAMdC enzyme of Pokkali rice and tobacco to get an idea about its commonality in the two plants in the backdrop of Japonica rice and Arabidopsis. In silico characterization of SAMdC revealed that the enzyme used the same substrate in Pokkali rice and tobacco, from where the gene is introgressed and where it is overexpressed.

Phytic acid or Myo-inositol hexakisphosphate is an essential compound for the rice plants. It remains in the form of phytate, a mixed salt of different mineral cations, in the seeds. The phytate breaks down during germination and provides the inorganic phosphorus and mineral ions to the seedlings. However, humans do not get the benefit of those essential ions from rice consumption due to the absence of phytase in the gut. We envisaged down-regulating ITPK, the gene behind the phytic acid biosynthesis so that its low amount would facilitate a greater amount of free mineral ions in the endosperm. Since there are six homologues of rice ITPK, we studied their expression in seeds. Additionally, we undertook an in-silico analysis of the homologous proteins. Considering the results, we selected ITPK-2 for its RNAi-mediated embryo-specific down-regulation to obtain the low phytate rice. We obtained a 37% reduction of phytic acid content accompanied by a nearly three-fold enhancement of inorganic phosphorus in the transgenic seeds. Additionally, the iron and zinc content increased in polished rice grains compared to the wild type. The results also showed that reduced phytic acid content did not affect the germination potential and seedling growth of the transgenic rice.

Controlled growth of ZnO-based nanostructures, starting from a vertical nanowall surface morphology to laterally grown highly anisotropic nanorods/wires formation has successfully been achieved by controlled thermal oxidation of thin Zn films for a temperature range of 100–700 °C. The as-grown ZnO nanorods were further used for carbon monoxide gas sensing at low temperatures (down to 150 °C) as well as ethanol vapour sensing at room temperatures. Thin films of Zn were deposited on glass and silicon substrate at room temperature, using a vacuum-assisted thermal evaporation technique. Structure, morphology and chemical property of ZnO layers were investigated using various surface characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy. The XRD and SEM results are in very good correlation and showed vertical growth morphology of ZnO nanowall/sheet structures at a relatively lower oxidation temperature up to 400 °C. However, at higher oxidation temperature, lateral growths started to dominate over the vertical growth. Oxidation at 700 °C appeared with laterally grown one-dimensional (1D) ZnO nanowires/rods of high density. Raman spectroscopy and XPS results suggested that the vertical growth is mainly initiated by the metallic Zn film morphology, whereas the lateral growth is strongly dominated by the oxide (ZnO) formation. Finally, laterally grown ZnO nanorods could successfully sense CO gas and ethanol vapour. A drastic enhancement in CO gas sensitivity for a concentration of 230 ppm was clearly observed in dynamic gas flow mode even for a wide range of operating temperature.

A combined facies, petrography and isotope geochemistry reveal an extensive pedogenic alteration of platform carbonate deposits of the Upper Cretaceous Bagh Group in the western Narmada basin in central India. The highly fossiliferous carbonate sequence of the Bagh Group consists of two formations, the Nodular Limestone at the base, and the Bryozoan Limestone Formation at top. The Nodular Limestone Formation comprises primarily of mudstone and wackestone, with relics of bioclasts such as gastropods, echinoderms, molluscs, forams and calcispheres, reflecting a low-energy supratidal to upper intertidal environment of deposition. Prolonged pedogenesis leads to pervasive micritization, brecciation, desiccation and recrystallization. The overlying Bryozoan Limestone, dominated by packstone and planar laminated rudstone with bryozoans, gastropods, echinoderms/echinoid spines, and molluscs, indicates deposition within the lower intertidal environment with moderately high-energy conditions. Abundant meniscus cement and biomolds suggest meteoric vadose diagenetic modification, whereas, intense secondary micritization of sediments indicates prolonged calichification. The δ13C and δ18O ratios of both Nodular Limestone and Bryozoan Limestone formations are depleted than the normal marine values, indicating an extensive diagenetic resetting of the carbonates. While the meteoric cement is depleted in both δ13C and δ18O ratio, the burial cement shows a decrease of δ18O at constant δ13C. The pedogenetic horizons within the Bagh carbonates bear subtle evidence of subaerial exposures within the overall transgressive Bagh Group. A glauconite bed at the upper part of the Bryozoan Limestone Formation marks the top part of the transgressive deposit.

We propose in this paper silicon nano-grass layer as an alternative of conventional black silicon nanowire structure. Conventional metal-assisted chemical etching process by HF produces porous silicon nanowire structure. This is due to uncontrollable chemical reaction making long-heighted nanowires which causes detrimental effect on further solar cell processing. The shape and height of silicon nanostructure was reduced by new chemical solution to minimize the porosity. Silicon nano-grass layer was grown on textured silicon surface and investigated in detail. The structure was formed by NH4F/H2SO4/H2O2 solution at room temperature. Substantial reflectance reduction with broadband spectral range was observed. The etching mechanism and the effect of etch constituents of the etching solution on the structure of nano-grass were studied elaborately. Reflectance and photoluminescence were studied accordingly, and the variations in the surface porosity and light absorbance property have been monitored. At the very end, a comparative study of conventional black silicon etching process by HF/H2O2 and nano-grass on textured silicon by NH4F solution has been investigated. The etch rate and the optical superiority of nanostructures formed by both the solutions have been manifested and explained. For the commercial production level, silicon nano-grass structure is much persistent than silicon nanowire.

Herein, we report a new red-emitting ratiometric fluorescent probe containing a benzothiazole-hemicyanine scaffold (BPVI) linked with a CC double bond, which is highly selective and sensitive for the detection of peroxynitrite (ONOO−) in biological systems. The dual colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent response of the probe BPVI was due to the peroxynitrite-induced oxidation of the central double bond, which inhibited the intramolecular charge-transfer (ICT) process. The probe BPVI showed a rapid response to ONOO− over other reactive ROS/RNS at room temperature, and an attractive ratiometric fluorescence change from contessa (red region) to sapphire blue was observed in the presence of ONOO−, which was well justified in terms of ESIPT and ICT. Moreover, in the presence of competitive ROS species, our probe did not show any significant changes in both color and emission intensity ratio (I522/I702); this proved the high selectivity and sensitivity of the probe BPVI towards ONOO−, with a very low limit of detection (LOD, 37.0 nM). To verify the electronic properties of the BPVI probe, DFT and TDDFT calculations were performed. Moreover, it was found that the auto-fluorescence of biomolecules in living systems and aqueous solution did not significantly affect the detection procedure; the utility of the BPVI probe in the detection of ONOO− in live cells was also indicated using adenocarcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial cells.

An innocuous fluorescent species, pyrene benzothiazole, PyB, has been found to exhibit outstanding colorimetric and fluorogenic properties toward the estimation of toxic phosgene gas via significant participation of two pivotal photo-physical processes, photoinduced electron transfer (PET) and intramolecular charge transfer (ICT), as manifested through occupation of the lone electron pair on the benzothiazole N atom upon quaternization by phosgene. This is the first report of a phosgene sensor that harnesses most efficiently the charge transfer potential inherent in the sensing platform. In addition, since the basicity of the benzothiazole N atom is not quite sufficient to warrant easy interaction with less acidic chlorides and/or acids than the severely potent phosgene, the probe shows a high degree of selectivity. PyB is amenable to nanomolar (nM) level phosgene sensing through naked eye observation of colour changes in plain daylight as well as the presence of a handheld UV lamp with an appreciably low response time of

The current diabetes management strategies not only aim at controlling glycaemic parameters but also necessitate continuous medical care along with multifactorial risk reduction through a comprehensive management concept. The sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are a group of evolving antidiabetic agents that have the potential to play a pivotal role in the comprehensive management of patients with diabetes due to their diverse beneficial effects. SGLT2i provide moderate glycaemic control, considerable body weight and blood pressure reduction, and thus have the ability to lower the risk of macrovascular and microvascular complications. Some of the unique characteristics associated with SGLT2i, such as reduction in body weight (more visceral fat mass loss than subcutaneous fat loss), reduction in insulin resistance and improvement in β-cell function, as measured by homeostatic model assessment-β (HOMA-β) could be potentially beneficial and help in overcoming some of the challenges faced by Indian patients with diabetes. In addition, a patient-centric approach with individualised treatment during SGLT2i therapy is inevitable in order to reduce diabetic complications and improve quality of life. Despite their broad benefits profile, the risk of genital tract infections, volume depletion, amputations and diabetic ketoacidosis associated with SGLT2i should be carefully monitored. In this compendium, we systematically reviewed the literature from Medline, Cochrane Library, and other relevant databases and attempted to provide evidence-based recommendations for the positioning of SGLT2i in the management of diabetes in the Indian population. Funding: AstraZeneca Pharma India Limited.

Nanostructured Co3O4 was synthesized by a sol–gel technique while 30% & 40% Co3O4–PANI (polyaniline) nanocomposites were successfully prepared employing an in situ polymerization technique. Various characterization techniques were utilized to examine the structural, spectroscopic, topographical, elemental and chemical features of the nanostructured Co3O4 and Co3O4–PANI nanocomposites utilizing XRD, FTIR, SEM and EDX respectively. The crystallite sizes of Co3O4, 30% Co3O4–PANI and 40% Co3O4–PANI were calculated, with the aid of XRD patterns, to be 41, 30 and 22 nm, respectively. By scrutinizing the SEM results of all the materials, a nearly spherical morphology was perceived. Numerous pores were also observed in their surface morphology which shows that the prepared materials are highly advantageous for gas sensing. Further, the materials were utilized for LPG sensing. Significant parameters of LPG sensing such as response time, recovery time, sensitivity and reproducibility were calculated for both materials. LPG sensing studies indicate that the 40% Co3O4–PANI nanocomposite, which exhibits lower response and recovery times, i.e. 10 s and 32 s, might be an efficient and potential material for use as an LPG sensor.

We have developed an ESIPT based drug delivery system (DDS), Cou–Benz–Cbl conjugate, by incorporating a benzothiazole group at the 8th position of the 7-hydroxy-coumarin moiety for pH sensitive fluorescence properties and photocontrolled release of the anticancer drug chlorambucil. The Cou–Benz–Cbl conjugate exhibited unique photophysical properties like good absorbance at around 350 nm, a large Stokes shift (∼151 nm) and pH sensitive fluorescence properties. The pH sensitive fluorescence properties of the Cou–Benz–Cbl conjugate can be ascribed to an ESIPT turn “on and off” mechanism. At physiological pH, the ESIPT gets turned “off” and a blue fluorescence of the coumarin moiety was observed, but at acidic pH, the ESIPT gets turned “on” and a green fluorescence was noted. Photolysis of the Cou–Benz–Cbl conjugate using UV light of wavelength ≥365 nm resulted in the efficient release of the anticancer drug chlorambucil. Cellular uptake studies revealed that the Cou–Benz–Cbl conjugate was easily internalized inside the cancer cells. Further, an MTT assay showed that the Cou–Benz–Cbl conjugate has a good biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity towards the MDA-MB-231 cell line, whereas upon exposure to UV light, the Cou–Benz–Cbl conjugate exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity compared to the free drug due to the effective release of the anticancer drug chlorambucil inside the cancer cell.

Acetylsalicylic acid commonly termed as aspirin (AS) is a well known antipyretic and anti-inflammatory drug which can also be used to reduce death risks due to heart attack. In addition to this, it also exhibits some adverse effect such as gastrointestinal, tinnitus, Reye's syndrome. The side effects of AS such as gastrointestinal ulcer, tinnitus and Reye's syndrome are caused due to conversion of AS into its active metabolite salicylic acid (SAL). Conversion of AS into SAL has been investigated generally at basic pH. Since the pH of Gastrointestinal tract is on average neutral ranging from 6.5–7.4. Therefore in the present research work, in vitro conversion of AS to SAL was detected at neutral pH in both aqueous medium and human blood serum samples by time series fluorescence measurements and DFT study. The SAL obtained from AS at neutral pH was observed to be stable for ~ 6 and ~ 4 days in aqueous medium and blood serum, respectively. The mechanism of conversion of AS into SAL was investigated using the transition state theory employing density functional theory (DFT). On the basis of DFT calculation the in vitro formation of SAL from AS at neutral pH was found to involve two intermediate transition states.

Silver nanoparticles decorated reduced graphene oxide is a well-established nanoparticle for multifunctional applications. Herein, the aim of the work is to prepare the nanoparticles in an in situ green reduction fashion without using any external reducing agent and stabilizing agent. Thus, a new stabilizer cum reducing agent has been introduced for the first time to prepare the silver nanoparticle decorated reduced graphene oxide. The new stabilizer cum reducing agent was naturally occurring saponin which has been extracted as Brahmi leaf (Bacopa monniera) sap. The as-synthesized material has been confirmed by X-ray diffraction, UV–visible spectra and Raman spectra. The surface chemical features have been confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Transmission electron micrograph revealed distinct nanoparticles abound range of 12-35 nm over reduced graphene oxide basal plane. The synthesized nanoparticles have been tested for dual applications, i.e., solid state catalytic activity and bactericidal activity.

Carbon dots with heteroatom co-doping associated with consummate luminescence features are of acute interest in diverse applications such as biomolecule markers, chemical sensing, photovoltaic, and trace element detection. Herein, we demonstrate a straightforward, highly efficient hydrothermal dehydration technique to synthesize zinc and nitrogen co-doped multifunctional carbon dots (N, Zn-CDs) with superior quantum yield (50.8%). The luminescence property of the carbon dots can be tuned by regulating precursor ratio and surface oxidation states in the carbon dots. A unique attribution of the as-prepared carbon dots is the high monodispersity and robust excitation-independent emission behavior that is stable in enormously reactive environment and over a wide range of pH. These N, Zn-CDs unveils captivating bacteriostatic activity against gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli. Furthermore, the excellent luminescence properties of these carbon dots were applied as a platform of sensitive biosensor for the detection of hydrogen peroxide. Under optimized conditions, these N, Zn-CDs reveals high sensitivity over a broad range of concentrations with an ultra-low limit of detection (LOD) indicating their pronounced prospective as a fluorescent probe for chemical sensing. Overall, the experimental outcomes propose that these zero-dimensional nano-dots could be developed as bacteriostatic agents to control and prevent the persistence and spreading of bacterial infections and as a fluorescent probe for hydrogen peroxide detection.

The Callovian-Oxfordian Kuldhar Member of Middle-Upper Jurassic Jaisalmer Formation, Rajasthan is characterized by a rich cephalopod (ammonites and belemnites) fauna along with other invertebrates. They are embedded in oolitic limestone, at places in nodular limestone, grey shale and occasional red mud. The belemnite rostra bear bioerosions in the form of borings of circular or elliptical type. The present study identified those as Trypanites isp. and Rogerella isp. and characterized the hitherto unnoticed bioerosions of these belemnite rostra to be post-mortal. Different dispositions of major diameter of belemnite rostra has been interpreted to represent churning effect of ichnofossil producing organisms which put evidences of several generations of omission surfaces. Vertical and horizontal orientations of stephanoceratid ammonites side by side have been critically analysed in the light of lithology and prevailing environmental condition and inferred to be an artifact of gravity and thixotropic property of clay. Ammonites like Stephanoceratids and Macrocephalitids inhabit within 110m depth which is also permissible depth of belemnites as well as probable depth of formation of oolites, carbonate mud and aluminosilicate mud. Considering the lithology of the rocks like oolites, carbonate mud, aluminosilicate, the habitat of stephanoceratid and habitat of acrothoracid barnacles (organisms responsible for Rogerella isp.), the environment has been delineated to be sublittoral which was previously designated as shoreface zone to offshore transition zone.

The α and γ polymorphs of drug pyrazinamide have been detected with the help of temperature dependent Raman spectroscopic technique. Pyrazinamide is a very useful drug used for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB) and plays a significant role in destroying the dormant tubercle bacilli which are not destroyed by other common TB drugs. Temperature dependent Raman spectra suggest polymorphic phase change from α → γ form of pyrazinamide between 145 and 146 °C. In situ Raman spectra of pyrazinamide between 145 and 146 °C show the conversion of α → γ form by the shift in C O stretching vibration accompanied by several other changes. The phase change is characterized by the breaking of two linear N H ⋯ O type hydrogen bonds associated with C O stretching vibration in α dimer and formation of one linear N H ⋯ N type hydrogen bond along with a weak intramolecular C H ⋯ O type hydrogen bond in the γ dimer.

Partially aggregated Rhodamine 6G (R6G) dye is used as a lights-on temperature sensor to analyze the spatiotemporal heating of aluminum nanoparticles (Al NPs) embedded within a tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene, and vinylidene fluoride (THV) fluoropolymer matrix. The embedded Al NPs were photothermally heated using an IR laser, and the fluorescent intensity of the embedded dye was monitored in real time using an optical microscope. A plasmonic grating substrate enhanced the florescence intensity of the dye while increasing the optical resolution and heating rate of Al NPs. The fluorescence intensity was converted to temperature maps via controlled calibration. The experimental temperature profiles were used to determine the Al NP heat generation rate. Partially aggregated R6G dyes, combined with the optical benefits of a plasmonic grating, offered robust temperature sensing with sub-micron spatial resolution and temperature resolution on the order of 0.2 °C.

In this work, the influence of Ag additions into CrAlN coatings on the surface morphology, chemical composition, structure, hardness and oxidation behavior was studied. Increasing the Ag content decreased the size of the morphological features and produced a more compact coating. All coatings displayed a fcc structure typical of transition metal nitrides; the silver phase was indexed for the coatings with Ag concentration ≥ 8.6 at.%. XPS results confirmed that Ag existed as nanoclusters within the film coating structure. A maximum hardness of around 23 GPa was observed for the 8.6 at. % of Ag. The decrease of the hardness with further increase in the Ag content was ascribed to the much softer character of this phase. The reference CrAlN coating displayed the best oxidation resistance and the lowest onset point of oxidation. The good oxidation resistance of this coating was attributed to the formation of a continuous and protective thin Cr2O3 layer on the top of the oxide layer. Ag additions degraded the oxidation resistance of the coatings, since the diffusion of Ag to the top surface of the oxide scale created extra paths for ions diffusion in the protective Cr-O layer. The formation of AgCrO2 phase in CrAlNAg9 coating, for the particular temperature of at 800°C, was responsible for the low oxidation resistance of the coating as compared to the same coating oxidized at even when compared to the one achieved at 900°C.

Hemidesmus indicus, popularly known as ‘Anantmul’, is valued for its magical root-an ingredient used in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and cosmetic industries. Owing to high market demand, overexploitation has threatened the natural population of this endangered species deserving conservation and sustainable utilization. In this study, a tissue culture based aeroponics assisted system was developed to produce quality fragrant roots of Hemidesmus indicus for the first time. Suitable aeroponics system was designed by optimizing aeromist intervals and droplet size. A comparative study of soilless and soil-based systems was conducted and it was revealed that propagation via aeroponic system was found significantly superior both for above and underground plant parts. The plants generated through aeroponic were taller and producing larger no. of leaves with broader leaf area and higher quantity of photosynthetic pigments than soil grown plants. The most prospective observation was achieved in belowground parts, using a simple digital imaging platform which can be an alternative to manual root phenotyping, were shown to promote root growth with higher root no., length and its surface area in aeroponic cultivation. These resulted in formation of greater quantities of root biomass along with augmented levels of lead root metabolite 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde.

The direct reduction of graphene oxide (GO) by hydroiodic acid is an established method to produce iodine functionalized reduced GO (I-rGO). However, the stability of the iodine species within I-rGO upon heating and dispersing into different solvents, as required for many applications, has not been examined. Herein we examined the stability of I-rGO and utilized it to promote self-assembled nanoenergetic composites. I-rGO intercalated with polyiodide was found to be unstable at elevated temperature and when dispersed in organic solvents. The I-rGO exhibited excellent dispersion in dimethylformamide but resulted in a loss of iodine content as exfoliation released weakly-bound intercalated iodine species. The dispersed I-rGO was utilized as a scaffold to self-assemble I-rGO/Al and I-rGO/Al/Bi2O3 nanoenergetic composites. The I-rGO both prevented the phase separation of Al and Bi2O3 particles and provided a source for reactive iodine to etch the alumina shell surrounding Al fuel nanoparticles. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that the use of the I-rGO assembly template reduced the temperature of initiation and peak reaction and produced 70% greater energy release than randomly mixed Al/Bi2O3 nanoenergetic powder. In fact, 95% of the exothermal energy released by the reaction occurred while Al was in the solid state, suggesting that the reaction between free iodine and alumina was significant enough to greatly reduce the diffusion barrier between solid Al fuel and surrounding oxidizer. Further, the underlying conductive I-rGO scaffold reduces electrostatic discharge sensitivity of the nanoenergetic composite by almost four orders of magnitude.

Nitric oxide photodonor (NOD) conjugated perylene tetracarboxylate ester (TPT) based fluorescent organic TPT(NOD)4 nanoparticles (NPs) with aggregation induced NIR emission have shown photoinduced nitric oxide delivery along with a red to green emission transition. Time dependent imaging and dose dependent cytotoxicity studies of these NPs using U87MG cells demonstrate the self monitoring and real time reporting abilities and potential anticancer activity of the system, respectively.

An easily synthesized (7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazole) NBD piperazine conjugate, NPC, has been successfully employed for the fluorogenic sensing of the hazardous substance, formaldehyde (FA), based on the inhibition of photoinduced electron transfer (PET) as a consequence of formimine creation, which was proven by ESI-MS analysis. The probe has been found to be highly selective with a low response time of 2 min. The robust sensor NPC has been used to demonstrate its practical applicability in detecting vapor phase FA through emissions from plywood samples. The cell permeability has also been exploited to demonstrate the possibility of intracellular FA estimation using this probe.