@article { ISI:000227075600029, title = {1,3-Dipolar cycloaddition reaction of D-glucose-derived nitrone with allyl alcohol: synthesis of 2-hydroxy-1-deoxycastanospermine analogues}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {70}, number = {4}, year = {2005}, month = {FEB}, pages = {1356-1363}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The synthesis and evaluation of glycosidase inhibitory activity of polyhydroxylated indolizidine alkaloids namely 2-hydroxy-1-deoxycastanospermine 3a,b and 2-hydroxy-1-deoxy-8a-epi-castanospermine 3c,d is reported. The key step involves the intermolecular 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of allyl alcohol to D-glucose-derived nitrone 4, followed by tosylation, that afforded four diastereomeric sugar-substituted isoxazolidines 5a-d with the desired regioselectivity. The one-pot conversion of 5a-d to pyrrolidines 8a-d by hydrogenolysis, removal of 1,2-acetonoide functionality, and hydrogenation afforded corresponding target molecules 3a-d.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/jo048176x}, author = {Karanjule, Narayan S. and Markad, Shankar D. and Sharma, T. and Sabharwal, Sushma G. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Dhavale, Dilip D.} } @article { ISI:000231556400005, title = {2,5-dioxido-1,4-benzoquinonediimine (H2L2-), a hydrogen-bonding noninnocent bridging ligand related to aminated topaquinone: different oxidation state distributions in complexes [{(bpy)(2)Ru}(2)(mu-H2L)](n) (n=0,+,2+,3+,4+) and [{(acac)(2)Ru}(2)(mu-H2L)]}, journal = {Chemistry - a European Journal}, volume = {11}, number = {17}, year = {2005}, month = {AUG}, pages = {4901-4911}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 10 11 61, D-69451 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

{The symmetrically dinuclear title compounds were isolated as diamagnetic [(bpy)(2)Ru(mu-H2L)Ru(bpy)(2)]- (ClO4)(2) (1-(ClO4)(2)) and as paramagnetic [(acac)(2)Ru(mu-H2L)Ru(acac)(2)] (2) complexes (bpy = 2,2{\textquoteright}-bipyridine; acac(-) -

}, keywords = {bridging ligands, Density functional calculations, EPR spectroscopy, N, O ligands, ruthenium}, issn = {0947-6539}, doi = {10.1002/chem.2005.00202}, author = {Kar, S. and Sarkar, B. and Ghumaan, Sandeep and Janardanan, D. and van Slageren, J. and Fiedler, Jan and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Sunoj, R. B. and Kaim, Wolfgang and Lahiri, Goutam Kumar} } @article { ISI:000229464500150, title = {6(2,4-Dichlorophenoxy)dibenzo[d,f][1,3,2]dioxa-phosphepine-6-sulfide}, journal = {Acta Crystallographica Section E-Structure Reports Online}, volume = {61}, number = {6}, year = {2005}, month = {JUN}, pages = {O1646-O1648}, publisher = {BLACKWELL PUBLISHING}, address = {9600 GARSINGTON RD, OXFORD OX4 2DG, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

In the title compound, C18H11Cl2O3PS, the seven-membered phosphepine ring exhibits a distorted-boat conformation, with the phosphoryl sulfide group axial and the dichlorophenoxy group equatorial. Fusion of the phosphepine ring to the biphenyl system causes strain, as evidenced by both widening and compression of the endocyclic angles in the heterocyclic ring. The P=S bond length is 1.8939 (12) angstrom and the planar dichlorophenyl ring is oriented at an angle of 28.70 (6)degrees to the phosphepine ring.

}, issn = {1600-5368}, doi = {10.1107/S1600536805013991}, author = {Krishnaiah, M. and Babu, V. H. H. Surendra and Krishna, J. R. and Kumar, K. A. and Reddy, C. S. and Puranik, Vedavati G.} } @article { ISI:000230044900021, title = {[6+3] cycloaddition of fulvenes with 3-oxidopyrylium betaine: a novel methodology for the synthesis of fused cyclooctanoid natural products}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {46}, number = {28}, year = {2005}, month = {JUL}, pages = {4785-4788}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Fulvenes undergo an easy [6+3] cycloaddition with 3-oxidopyrylium betaines leading to 5-8 fused oxabridged cyclooetanoids. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {cyclooctanoids, fulvenes, oxidopyrylium betaines, [6+3] cycloaddition}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2005.05.042}, author = {Radhakrishnan, K. V. and Krishnan, K. Syam and Bhadbhade, Mohan M. and Bhosekar, Gaurav V.} } @article {42568, title = {Activation of organic reactions by perchlorates}, journal = {Advances in Organic Synthesis}, volume = {1}, year = {2005}, month = {MAR}, pages = {215-232}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Perchlorates have been frequently employed to promote a variety of synthetic transformations under ambient conditions. For example, the LiClO4-diethyl ether solvent medium has proven to be a powerful substitute for external high pressure for Diels-Alder reactions and other organic reactions. In this chapter are discussed several such organic transformations where perchlorates have played highly significant role in promoting their rates and yields.

}, author = {Deshpande, Suvarna S. and Kumar, Anil} } @article {42824, title = {Analysis of the use of genomic DNA as a universal reference in two channel DNA microarrays}, journal = {BMC Genomics}, volume = {6}, year = {2005}, month = {MAY}, pages = {Article Number. 66}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Background: DNA microarray is an invaluable tool for gene expression explorations. In the two-dye microarray, fluorescence intensities of two samples, each labeled with a different dye, are compared after hybridization. To compare a large number of samples, the {\textquoteright}reference design{\textquoteright} is widely used, in which all RNA samples are hybridized to a common reference. Genomic DNA is an attractive candidate for use as a universal reference, especially for bacterial systems with a low percentage of non-coding sequences. However, genomic DNA, comprising of both the sense and anti-sense strands, is unlike the single stranded cDNA usually used in microarray hybridizations. The presence of the antisense strand in the {\textquoteright}reference{\textquoteright} leads to reactions between complementary labeled strands in solution and may cause the assay result to deviate from true values. Results: We have developed a mathematical model to predict the validity of using genomic DNA as a reference in the microarray assay. The model predicts that the assay can accurately estimate relative concentrations for a wide range of initial cDNA concentrations. Experimental results of DNA microarray assay using genomic DNA as a reference correlated well to those obtained by a direct hybridization between two cDNA samples. The model predicts that the initial concentrations of labeled genomic DNA strands and immobilized strands, and the hybridization time do not significantly affect the assay performance. At low values of the rate constant for hybridization between immobilized and mobile strands, the assay performance varies with the hybridization time and initial cDNA concentrations. For the case where a microarray with immobilized single strands is used, results from hybridizations using genomic DNA as a reference will correspond to true ratios under all conditions. Conclusion: Simulation using the mathematical model, and the experimental study presented here show the potential utility of microarray assays using genomic DNA as a reference. We conclude that the use of genomic DNA as reference DNA should greatly facilitate comparative transcriptome analysis.

}, doi = {10.1186/1471-2164-6-66}, author = {Gadgil, Mugdha and Lian, W. and Gadgil, Chetan J. and Kapur, V. and Wu, WS} } @conference { ISI:000234856700033, title = {Arrhythmia classification using local Holder exponents and support vector machine}, booktitle = {1st International Conference on Pattern Recognition and Machine Intelligence}, series = {LECTURE NOTES IN COMPUTER SCIENCE}, volume = {3776}, year = {2005}, note = {1st International Conference on Pattern Recognition and Machine Intelligence, Statist Inst Kolkata, Kolkata, INDIA, DEC 20-22, 2005}, month = {DEC}, pages = {242-247}, publisher = {Springer-Verlag Berlin, Heidelberger Platz 3, D-14197 Berlin, Germany}, organization = {Springer-Verlag Berlin, Heidelberger Platz 3, D-14197 Berlin, Germany}, address = { Statist Inst. Kolkata, India}, abstract = {

We propose a novel hybrid Holder-SVM detection algorithm for arrhythmia classification. The Holder exponents are computed efficiently using the wavelet transform modulus maxima (WTMM) method. The hybrid system performance is evaluated using the benchmark MIT-BIH arrhythmia database. The implemented model classifies 160 of Normal sinus rhythm, 25 of Ventricular bigeminy, 155 of Atrial fibrillation and 146 of Nodal (A-V junctional) rhythm with 96.94\% accuracy. The distinct scaling properties of different types of heart rhythms may be of clinical importance.

}, isbn = {3-540-30506-8}, issn = {0302-9743}, author = {Joshi, Aniruddha and Rajshekhar and Chandran, S. and Phadke, S. and Jayaraman, Valadi K. and Kulkarni, B. D.}, editor = {Pal, S. K. and Bandyopadhyay, Sanjoy and Biswas, S.} } @article { ISI:000233784100018, title = {Asymmetric aminohydroxylation route to (+)-L-733,060}, journal = {Tetrahedron-Asymmetry}, volume = {16}, number = {21}, year = {2005}, month = {OCT}, pages = {3579-3583}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An enantioselective synthesis of (+)-L-733,060 starting from cinnamic acid using Sharpless asymmetric aminohydroxylation and Wittig reactions as the key steps is described. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0957-4166}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetasy.2005.09.010}, author = {Kandula, Subba Rao V. and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000228575900005, title = {Asymmetric dihydroxylation route to (R)-(-)-octopamine, (R)-(-)-tembamide and (R)-(-)-aegeline}, journal = {Arkivoc}, number = {3}, year = {2005}, month = {JAN}, pages = {36-43}, publisher = {ARKAT USA INC}, type = {Article}, address = {C/O ALAN R KATRITZKY, UNIV FLORIDA, DEPT CHEMISTRY, PO BOX 117200, GAINESVILLE, FL 32611 USA}, abstract = {

A simple and efficient asymmetric synthesis of (R)-(-)-octopamine 1, (R)-(-)-tembamide 2 and (R)-(-)-aegeline 3 is described for the first time employing the Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation (AD) as the source of chirality. (C) 2004 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {aegeline, Asymmetric synthesis, Dihydroxylation, octopamine, tembamide}, author = {Sadyandy, R. and Fernandes, R. A. and Kumar, P.} } @article { ISI:000232860200017, title = {Asymmetric synthesis of (-)-alpha-conhydrine}, journal = {Tetrahedron-Asymmetry}, volume = {16}, number = {19}, year = {2005}, month = {OCT}, pages = {3268-3274}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The enantioselective synthesis of (-)-alpha-conhydrine has been achieved by two different synthetic routes. The key steps include Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation, regioselective opening of a cyclic sulfate and Wittig olefination. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0957-4166}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetasy.2005.08.045}, author = {Kandula, Subba Rao V. and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000227581000010, title = {Asymmetric synthesis of aryloxypropanolamines via OsO4-catalyzed asymmetric dihydroxylation}, journal = {Tetrahedron}, volume = {61}, number = {11}, year = {2005}, month = {MAR}, pages = {2831-2838}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A simple and effective procedure for the enantioselective synthesis of several beta-adrenergic blocking agents incorporating the first asymmetric synthesis of celiprolol, is described. The key steps are (i) sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation of aryl allyl ethers to introduce chirality into the molecules and (ii) conversion of cyclic sulfates into the corresponding epoxides using a three-step procedure. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {antihypertensive, asymmetric dihydroxylation, cyclic sulfates, epoxides}, issn = {0040-4020}, doi = {10.1016/j.tet.2005.01.074}, author = {Sayyed, I. A. and Thakur, V. V. and Nikalje, M. D. and Dewkar, Gajanan and Kotkar, S. P. and Sudalai, A.} } @article { ISI:000226508600051, title = {Asymmetric synthesis of both the enantiomers of trans-3-hydroxypipecolic acid}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {70}, number = {1}, year = {2005}, month = {JAN}, pages = {360-363}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Both the enantiomers of trans -3-hydroxypipecolic acid have been synthesized employing the Sharpless asymmetric di-hydroxylation and epoxidation as the key steps starting from a commercially available starting material 1,4-butanediol.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/jo0485381}, author = {Kumar, Pradeep and Bodas, Mandar S.} } @article { ISI:000232981200014, title = {Aziridine carboxylate from D-glucose: synthesis of polyhydroxylated piperidine, pyrrolidine alkaloids and study of their glycosidase inhibition}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {3}, number = {20}, year = {2005}, month = {OCT}, pages = {3720-3726}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The D-glucose derived aziridine carboxylate 5 was obtained from (E)-ethyl-6-bromo-1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-benzyl-5-deoxy-alpha-D-xylo-5 -eno-heptofuranuronate 4 through conjugate addition of benzylamine and in situ intramolecular nucleophilic expulsion of bromine. The regioselective aziridine ring-opening, using water as a nucleophile, resulted in the alpha-hydroxy-beta-aminoester 6, which was exploited in the synthesis of six and five membered azasugars 1b/1c and 2b/2c, respectively The glycosidase inhibitory activity of the title compounds was evaluated.

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/b509216g}, author = {Dhavale, Dilip D. and Kumar, K. S. A. and Chaudhari, Vinod D. and Sharma, T. and Sabharwal, Sushma G. and PrakashaReddy, J.} } @article { ISI:000226726900020, title = {Backbone-extended pyrrolidine peptide nucleic acids (bepPNA): design, synthesis and DNA/RNA binding studies}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, number = {4}, year = {2005}, month = {JAN}, pages = {495-497}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

One-carbon extended conformationally constrained pyrrolidine PNA monomer (bepPNA) has been synthesized, incorporated into PNA sequences at predefined positions, and showed selective RNA binding properties.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/B413542C}, author = {Govindaraju, T and Kumar, VA} } @article { ISI:000232046200030, title = {Benzoylation of polyphenylene oxide: characterization and gas permeability investigations}, journal = {European Polymer Journal}, volume = {41}, number = {10}, year = {2005}, month = {OCT}, pages = {2461-2471}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Benzoylation of polyphenylene oxide (PPO) was carried out with aromatic acid chlorides bearing specific groups at para-position (H methyl, Br, Cl and nitro), which differ in their polarity and bulk. The reaction conditions were optimized individually to get the high degree of substitution. These materials were characterized for thermal as well as other physical properties that are known to affect the gas permeation. In a series investigated, the nitrobenzoyl substitution on PPO resulted in the highest increase in glass transition temperature and the lowest thermal stability. An estimation of the packing density parameters-fractional free volume by density measurement and the d-spacing by X-ray diffraction analysis showed an increase in the packing density. The gas permeability was found to decrease in all the cases of benzoylation. The helium and oxygen based selectivities were increased, while CO2 based selectivities were decreased. The unusual trend observed in the gas permeation properties is explained on the basis of nature of substituent and the degree of substitution. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {benzoylation, Gas permeability, polyphenylene oxide, selectivity}, issn = {0014-3057}, doi = {10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2005.03.026}, author = {Bhole, Yogesh S. and Kharul, Ulhas K. and Somani, S. P. and Kumbharkar, S. C.} } @article { ISI:000227421800005, title = {Cataloguing Indian biota - Response}, journal = {Current Science}, volume = {88}, number = {4}, year = {2005}, month = {FEB}, pages = {532-533}, publisher = {CURRENT SCIENCE ASSN}, address = {C V RAMAN AVENUE, PO BOX 8005, BANGALORE 560 080, INDIA}, issn = {0011-3891}, author = {Chavan, V. and Watve, A. V. and Rane, N. S. and Krishnan, S.} } @article { ISI:000230297800031, title = {Catalyzing Henry reactions in chloroaluminate ionic liquids}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Catalysis A - Chemical}, volume = {235}, number = {1-2}, year = {2005}, month = {JUL}, pages = {244-248}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Henry reactions can be accelerated in chloroaluminate room temperature ionic liquids. The choloroaluminates with higher compositions of organic species of the chloroaluminates prove to be more efficient rate promoters than the ones with lower organic species in catalyzing Henry reactions. involving both aliphatic and aromatic carbonyl compounds. The ionic liquids can be recycled five times to offer good yields. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {chloroaluminates, Henry reactions, ionic liquids, Recycling}, issn = {1381-1169}, doi = {10.1016/j.molcata.2005.04.010}, author = {Kumar, Anil and Pawar, Sanjay S.} } @article { ISI:000232801900001, title = {Characterization of barium titanate: BaTiO3 (BT) ceramics prepared from sol-gel derived BT powders}, journal = {Journal of Electroceramics}, volume = {15}, number = {2}, year = {2005}, month = {NOV}, pages = {103-108}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, type = {Article}, address = {VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Sol-gel synthesis was attempted at room temperature by adding drop wise a clear solution (made by reacting BaCO3 with glacial acetic acid) to an equi-molar solution of titanium tetrabutoxide in isopropanol (IPA) and acetic acid. The gelation occurred within 30 minutes. The as-dried gel was calcined at 750 degrees C/6 h in air to obtain carbon free BaTiO3 powders. The resulting BT powders were further pressed into pellets and sintered at 1280 degrees C/4 h in air to get dense ceramics (density similar to 94\%). XRD and SEM techniques were used for phase and microstructure analysis respectively. The room temperature relative permittivity (e) of 1280 increased to 7200 (at Curie temperature of 127 degrees C) at 1 kHz frequency. The dissipation factor (tan delta) similar to 1.6\% was observed in these samples. Also, the ferroelectric properties such as spontaneous polarization (Ps similar to 13 mu C/cm(2)), coercive field (E-c similar to 4.0 kV/cm) and dielectric strength (similar to 34 kV/cm) are estimated for these samples. These performance parameters are compared with the available standard data from the literature.

}, keywords = {barium titanate, ferroelectricity, Microstructure, relative permittivity, sol-gel processing}, issn = {1385-3449}, doi = {10.1007/s10832-005-1460-7}, author = {Deshpande, S. B. and Godbole, P. D. and Khollam, Y. B. and Potdar, H. S.} } @article { ISI:000228604800045, title = {Characterization of gas-liquid flows in stirred vessels using pressure and torque fluctuations}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {44}, number = {9}, year = {2005}, month = {APR}, pages = {3298-3311}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Gas-liquid flows in a stirred vessel exhibit different flow regimes and demonstrate complex interaction of transport processes with varying spatio-temporal scales. The knowledge of key space and time scales of fluid dynamics is important for designing and enhancing the performance of gas-liquid stirred reactor. The present study uses simple, robust, and nonintrusive experimental techniques (torque and pressure sensors) to characterize the fluid dynamics in a gas-liquid stirred vessel. Time series obtained from the pressure and torque sensors were analyzed to develop criteria for flow regime identification. Further analyses of torque and pressure time series were done to extract valuable information of different time scales of fluid dynamics. The detailed analysis of torque and wall pressure fluctuations provided not only an insight into the fluid dynamics but also a possible opportunity to on-line monitoring of gas-liquid flows in stirred vessel.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/ie0493412}, author = {Khopkar, A. R. and Panaskar, S. S. and Pandit, A. B. and Ranade, V. V.} } @article { ISI:000227293600028, title = {Comment on {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}Prediction of viscosity of mixed electrolyte solutions based on the Eyring{\textquoteright}s absolute rate theory and the equations of Patwardhan and Kumar by Y.-F. Hu{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} (Chemical Engineering Science 2003,59,2457-2464)}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Science}, volume = {60}, number = {6}, year = {2005}, month = {MAR}, pages = {1793-1795}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, issn = {0009-2509}, doi = {10.1016/j.ces.2004.11.008}, author = {Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000233495500001, title = {Concise account of recent S(N)2 {\textquoteleft} grignard coupling reactions in organic synthesis}, journal = {Synthesis-Stuttgart}, number = {18}, year = {2005}, month = {NOV}, pages = {2995-3022}, publisher = {GEORG THIEME VERLAG KG}, type = {Article}, address = {RUDIGERSTR 14, D-70469 STUTTGART, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Over the past few decades studies oil controlling the chemo-, regio- and stereoselectivities of allylic Substitution reactions have been well documented in the literature and the S(N)2{\textquoteright} Grignard coupling reaction has emerged as a very powerful tool ill selective carbon-carbon bond formation. This review focuses on all the recent synthetic developments in this special class of reactions. 1 Introduction 2 S(N)2{\textquoteright} Grignard Coupling Reactions with Allylic Substrates 2.1 Allyl Halides 2.2 Allyl Acetates 2.3 Allyl Carbonates 2.4 Allyl Carbamates 2.5 Allyl Ethers 2.6 Allyl Silyl Ethers 2.7 Allyl Epoxides 2.8 Allyl Aziridines 2.9 Allyl Oxazolidinones 2.10 Allyl Thioethers 2.11 Allyl Benzotriazoles 2.12 Oxabicyclic Alkenes 2.13 Azabicyclic Alkenes 2.14 Oxa-azabicyclic Alkenes 3 S(N)2{\textquoteright} Grignard Coupling Reactions with Propargyl Substrates 3.1 Propargyl Acetates 3.2 Propargyl Silyl Ethers 3.3 Propargyl Epoxides 3.4 Propargyl Aziridines 3.5 Propargyl Dithioacetals 3.6 Propargyl Thioethers 4 S(N)2{\textquoteright} Grignard Coupling Reactions with Bromoallenes 5 S(N)2{\textquoteright} Grignard Coupling Reactions in Natural/Unnatural Product Synthesis 6 Conclusions.

}, keywords = {allylic substrates, bromoallenes, chiral/achiral S(N)2 {\textquoteleft} Grignard coupling reactions, Natural products, propargyl Substrates}, issn = {0039-7881}, doi = {10.1055/s-2005-918455}, author = {Kar, Anirban and N. P. Argade} } @article { ISI:000229223600004, title = {Conformationally constrained PNA analogues: structural evolution toward DNA/RNA binding selectivity}, journal = {Accounts of Chemical Research}, volume = {38}, number = {5}, year = {2005}, month = {MAY}, pages = {404-412}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Since its discovery 12 years ago, aminoethylglycyl peptide nucleic acid (aeg-PNA) has emerged as one of the successful DNA mimics for potential therapeutic and diagnostic applications. An important requisite for in vivo applications that has received inadequate attention is engineering PNA analogues for able discrimination between DNA and RNA as binding targets. Our approach toward this aim is based on structural preorganization of the backbone to hybridization-competent conformations to impart binding selectivity. This strategy has allowed us to design locked PNAs to achieve specific hybridization with DNA or RNA with aims to increase the binding strength without losing the binding specificity. This Account presents results of our rationale in design of different conformationally constrained PNA analogues, their synthesis, and evaluation of hybridization specificities.

}, issn = {0001-4842}, doi = {10.1021/ar030277e}, author = {Kumar, VA and Ganesh, Krishna N.} } @article { ISI:000232742000009, title = {Controlled growth of silicon nanocrystallites in silicon oxide matrix using 150 MeV Ag ion irradiation}, journal = {Nuclear Instruments \& Methods in Physics Research Section B-Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms}, volume = {239}, number = {3}, year = {2005}, month = {SEP}, pages = {185-190}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

We report the synthesis of silicon nanocrystals grown in silicon oxide matrix by swift heavy ion irradiation. Thin films of silicon oxide (SiO(x)) are irradiated with 150 MeV silver ions at fluence varying from 5 x 10(11) to 1 x 10(13) ions/cm(2). The variation in the properties of silicon nanocrystals embedded in silicon oxide with varying fluence is studied. The energy of the photoluminescence peak corresponding to the silicon nanocrystals is found to be red shifted with increasing fluence. The trends in the broadening of the X-ray diffraction peak with decreasing fluence supports the controlled growth of silicon nanocrystals in silicon oxide matrix. The crystallite size of nanoclusters of silicon is seen to increase with increasing fluence. The results are discussed in view of the structural transformation, in SiO(x) matrix, caused by swift heavy ion irradiation. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {oxide matrix, silicon nanocrystallites, swift heavy ion irradiation}, issn = {0168-583X}, doi = {10.1016/j.nimb.2005.04.069}, author = {Chaudhari, P. S. and Bhave, T. M. and Pasricha, R. and Singh, F. and Kanjilal, D. and Bhoraskar, S. V.} } @article { ISI:000232773100050, title = {Conversion of fly ash - an environmentally detrimental waste to zeolite beta (BEA) for commercial catalytic applications}, journal = {Journal of the American Ceramic Society}, volume = {88}, number = {11}, year = {2005}, month = {NOV}, pages = {3260-3263}, publisher = {BLACKWELL PUBLISHING}, type = {Article}, address = {9600 GARSINGTON RD, OXFORD OX4 2DQ, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Zeolite beta (BEA) was synthesized hydrothermally using fly ash as a combined source of alumina and silica. The overall crystallization period required to obtain pure crystalline BEA zeolite was found to be slightly longer when fly ash was used. The physicochemical properties of BEA phases obtained using fly ash (FLBEA) and conventional source materials (CONBEA) were compared. The H/FLBEA catalyst has exhibited excellent catalytic performance in commercially important benzene isopropylation process. These results have demonstrated that converting fly ash into BEA zeolite not only alleviates the disposal problem but also turns an otherwise waste material into a marketable commodity.

}, issn = {0002-7820}, doi = {10.1111/j.1551-2916.2005.00575.x}, author = {Kasture, M. W. and Bokade, Vijay V. and Joshi, P. N.} } @article { ISI:000232157000041, title = {Crystallization and preliminary x-ray characterization of a lectin from Cicer arietinum (chickpea)}, journal = {Acta Crystallographica Section F-Structural Biology and Crystallization Communications}, volume = {61}, number = {1}, year = {2005}, month = {JAN}, pages = {141-143}, publisher = {BLACKWELL PUBLISHING}, type = {Article}, address = {9600 GARSINGTON RD, OXFORD OX4 2DQ, OXON, ENGLAND}, issn = {1744-3091}, doi = {10.1107/S1744309104032166}, author = {Katre, Uma V. and Gaikwad, S. M. and Bhagyawant, S. S. and Deshpande, U. D. and Khan, Mohammad Islam and Suresh, C. G.} } @article { ISI:000233400500005, title = {Crystallization of polymers from stressed melts}, journal = {Journal of Macromolecular Science-Polymer Reviews}, volume = {C45}, number = {4}, year = {2005}, month = {OCT}, pages = {375-397}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS INC}, type = {Article}, address = {325 CHESTNUT ST, SUITE 800, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 USA}, abstract = {

In the last decade, there have been several investigations into the route by which a polymer melt that has been subjected to flow transforms into a crystalline state. Crystallization of polymers from flowing or stressed melts is a technologically important problem since most thermoplastics are subjected to intense flow fields during normal processing operations. The renewed interest in this problem is due to the availability of new experimental tools that, coupled with advances in modeling and simulations, are beginning to yield insights into the molecular characteristics that control the crystallization pathways adopted by a stressed polymer melt. Recent evidence conclusively implicates the high molecular weight tail in promoting crystallization on shearing. It appears that the formation of oriented nuclei in polydisperse melts is controlled by chain orientation of a small fraction of high molecular weight chains in a melt. Thus, it is the theological criteria for {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}critical{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} chain orientation that govern flow-induced acceleration and orientation in polymer crystallization. This review summarizes the literature on the effect of shearing on polymer crystallization, and focuses on recent advances in understanding the role of molecular parameters that couple polymer crystallization to flow and melt orientation.

}, keywords = {flow, polymer crystallization, processing, shear}, issn = {1532-1797}, doi = {10.1080/15321790500304171}, author = {Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy} } @article { ISI:000227998900001, title = {Cure characteristics and dielectric properties of magnetic composites containing strontium ferrite}, journal = {Journal of Elastomers and Plastics}, volume = {37}, number = {2}, year = {2005}, month = {APR}, pages = {109-121}, publisher = {SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {1 OLIVERS YARD, 55 CITY ROAD, LONDON EC1Y 1SP, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Hexagonal strontium ferrite (SrFe12O19) powders were synthesized by the conventional ceramic techniques. They were then characterized by the X-ray diffraction method and incorporated in the natural rubber matrix according to a specific recipe for various loadings of ferrite to produce rubber ferrite composites (RFCs). The processability of these compounds was determined by evaluating the cure characteristics namely, scorch time, cure time, minimum and maximum torque. The evaluation of the dielectric properties of ceramic strontium ferrite (SrF), natural rubber gum vulcanizate, and RFCs were done with the help of a Hewlett Packard (HP) impedance analyzer. The magnetic properties of these composites were studied using a Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM). The effect of carbon black on the processability, and the magnetic and dielectric properties were also studied by the incorporation of carbon black into these composites. It has been found that the addition of these ferrites and carbon black does not affect the processability of these composites, whereas the physical properties are found to be modified. From the magnetic and dielectric measurements it has been found that flexible magnets having appropriate dielectric strength can be prepared by the incorporation of appropriate amount of SrF and carbon black in the natural rubber matrix.

}, keywords = {hexagonal ferrites, Magnetic materials, permanent magnets, rubber ferrite composites (RFCs), strontium ferrite}, issn = {0095-2443}, doi = {10.1177/0095244305046488}, author = {Soloman, M. A. and Kurian, P. and Anantharaman, Maliemadom R. and Joy, Pattayil Alias} } @article { ISI:000229103900028, title = {Degradability of composites, prepared from ethylene-propylene copolymer and jute fiber under accelerated aging and biotic environments}, journal = {Materials Chemistry and Physics}, volume = {92}, number = {2-3}, year = {2005}, month = {AUG}, pages = {458-469}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

The utilization of natural fiber as reinforcement for the thermoplastic composites is growing not only for ecological concern but also for wide range of applications. In the present article, three types of composites were prepared by melt mixing of ethyl ene-propylene (EP) copolymer and (i) 3\% NaOH treated jute fiber, (ii) 17.5\% NaOH treated jute fiber and (iii) commercial microcrystalline cellulose powder using maleated EP copolymer as compatibilizer. The obtained composites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and microscopic measurements. The durability of the composites was evaluated under polychromatic irradiation (λ \≥ 290 nm) and composting condition for different time intervals. It was found that the treatments on the natural fiber have influenced the service life of the end product. Composites made from microcrystalline cellulose showed better mechanical properties as well as photo-resistance. The specimen containing 3\% NaOH treated fiber exhibited relatively lowest photo-resistance and biosusceptibility. It was found that the composites were less durable under both abiotic and biotic conditions in comparison of the neat polymer matrix. {\textcopyright} 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {accelerated aging and composting, composites, ethylene-propylene (EP) copolymers, jute fibers, mechanical properties, microcystalline cellulose powder}, issn = {0254-0584}, doi = {10.1016/j.matchemphys.2005.01.027}, author = {Kumar, AP and Singh, RP and Sarwade, BD} } @article { ISI:000233391900008, title = {Design, syntheses, and characterization of new thermoplastic polyureas based on 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene}, journal = {Journal of Polymer Science Part A-Polymer Chemistry}, volume = {43}, number = {23}, year = {2005}, month = {DEC}, pages = {5823-5830}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, type = {Article}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

New thermoplastic polyureas labeled PUn (n = 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, or 10), based on 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) with flexible aliphatic spacers, were synthesized and characterized for the first time. EDOT was chosen as a replacement for the aromatic phenyl group in conventional thermoplastics based on urea linkages to improve solubility without compromising the thermal properties. As synthesized, all the samples exhibited a semicrystalline nature. The glass-transition and melting temperatures showed a strong dependence on the spacer length. A comparison of the thermal properties of these polyureas with the corresponding phenyl analogues indicated that EDOT was a viable heteroatomic analogue of the phenyl group to be inserted into the main-chain polyureas without hampering their thermal stability. The polyureas with spacer lengths greater than hexamethylene formed transparent gels in N-methylpyrrolidone, 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane, and dimethyl sulfoxide. The molecular packing of the polyureas was assigned with wide-angle X-ray diffraction studies. (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

}, keywords = {3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene, heteroaromatic polymers, Polyurea, polyurea gels, Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), thermoplastics, WAXS}, issn = {0887-624X}, doi = {10.1002/pola.21065}, author = {Ojha, U. P. and Ramesh, C. and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000233790400003, title = {Determination of C-13 CSA tensors: extension of the model-independent approach to an RNA kissing complex undergoing anisotropic rotational diffusion in solution}, journal = {Journal of Biomolecular NMR}, volume = {33}, number = {3}, year = {2005}, month = {NOV}, pages = {163-174}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, type = {Article}, address = {VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Chemical shift anisotropy (CSA) tensor parameters have been determined for the protonated carbons of the purine bases in an RNA kissing complex in solution by extending the model-independent approach [Fushman, D., Cowburn, D. (1998) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 120, 7109-7110]. A strategy for determining CSA tensor parameters of heteronuclei in isolated X-H two-spin systems (X = C-13 or N-15) in molecules undergoing anisotropic rotational diffusion is presented. The original method relies on the fact that the ratio kappa(2)=R-2(auto)/R-2(cross) of the transverse auto- and cross-correlated relaxation rates involving the X CSA and the X-H dipolar interaction is independent of parameters related to molecular motion, provided rotational diffusion is isotropic. However, if the overall motion is anisotropic kappa(2) depends on the anisotropy D parallel to/D-perpendicular to of rotational diffusion. In this paper, the field dependence of both kappa(2) and its longitudinal counterpart kappa(1)=R-1(auto)/R-1(cross) are determined. For anisotropic rotational diffusion, our calculations show that the average kappa(av) = 1/2 (kappa(1)+kappa(2)), of the ratios is largely independent of the anisotropy parameter D parallel to/D-perpendicular to. The field dependence of the average ratio kappa(av) may thus be utilized to determine CSA tensor parameters by a generalized model-independent approach in the case of molecules with an overall motion described by an axially symmetric rotational diffusion tensor.

}, keywords = {anisotropic rotational diffusion, chemical shift anisotropy tensors, cross-correlation, model-independent approach, NMR}, issn = {0925-2738}, doi = {10.1007/s10858-005-3472-7}, author = {Ravindranathan, S and Kim, CH and Bodenhausen, G} } @article { ISI:000227246800051, title = {Diastereoselective amidoalkylation of (3S,7aR)-6-benzyl-7-hydroxy-3-phenyltetra-hydro-5H-imidazo[1,5-c][1, 3]thiazol-5-one : a short and highly efficient synthesis of (+)-biotin}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {70}, number = {5}, year = {2005}, month = {MAR}, pages = {1901-1903}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

A short and highly efficient synthesis of W-biotin in 10 steps with 20\% overall yield has been achieved from L-cysteine involving amidoalkylation of hydroxy imidazothiazolone 4 via an acyliminium ion intermediate to furnish C-7-substituted imidazothiazolones 5b as the key step.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/jo0488107}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Chittiboyina, A. G. and Ravindranathan, T. and Kamat, Subhash K. and Kalkote, Uttam R.} } @article { ISI:000230717500010, title = {DNA-binding studies of mixed ligand cobalt(III) complexes}, journal = {Transition Metal Chemistry}, volume = {30}, number = {3}, year = {2005}, month = {APR}, pages = {312-316}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The DNA binding characteristics of mixed ligand complexes of the type [Co(en)(2)(L)]Br-3 where en = N,N{\textquoteright}-ethylenediamine and L = 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), 2,2{\textquoteright}-bipyridine (bpy), 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione (phendione), dipyrido[3,2-a:2{\textquoteright},3{\textquoteright}-c]phenazine (dppz) have been investigated by absorption titration, competitive binding fluorescence spectroscopy and viscosity measurements. The order of intercalative ability of the coordinated ligands is dppz \> phen \> phendione \> bpy in this series of complexes.

}, issn = {0340-4285}, doi = {10.1007/s11243-004-5855-0}, author = {Barve, A. C. and Ghosh, Smita and Kumbhar, A. A. and Kumbhar, A. S. and Puranik, Vedavati G.} } @article { ISI:000232802700002, title = {Durability of natural fiber-reinforced composites of ethylene-propylene copolymer under accelerated weathering and composting conditions}, journal = {Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials}, volume = {18}, number = {6}, year = {2005}, month = {NOV}, pages = {489-508}, publisher = {SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {1 OLIVERS YARD, 55 CITY ROAD, LONDON EC1Y 1SP, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Three types of composites are prepared by the melt mixing of ethylene-propylene copolymer (EPC) with (i) 3 \% NaOH-treated jute fiber, (ii) 17.5 \% NaOH-treated jute fiber, and (iii) commercial microcrystal line cellulose powder using maleated EPC as compatibilizer. The composites obtained are characterized by FTIR and microscopic measurements. Their mechanical properties are measured using a UTM (Instron model 4204). The durability of the composites is evaluated in an irradiation chamber with UV radiation of wavelength lambda \>= 290 mn and composting conditions at different time intervals. The composites made from microcrystalline cellulose show superior mechanical properties, biodisintegrability, as well as photoresistance whereas the specimen containing 3\% NaOH-treated fiber exhibited the lowest photoresistance. Increasing the quantity of maleated EP (MEP) in the composition decreases photostability. Neat EPC has been found to be highly stable than all the composites with increasing UV irradiation. It has been found that the composites are less durable under both abiotic and biotic conditions in comparison to the neat polymer.

}, keywords = {compatibilization, composites, jute fiber, mechanical properties, Microcrystalline cellulose, photodegradation and composting}, issn = {0892-7057}, doi = {10.1177/0892705705054411}, author = {Kumar, A. P. and Depan, Dilip and Singh, R. P.} } @article { ISI:000228833300134, title = {(E)-1-(2-Hydroxy-3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-prop-2-en-1-on e}, journal = {Acta Crystallographica Section E-Structure Reports Online}, volume = {61}, number = {5}, year = {2005}, month = {MAY}, pages = {O1323-O1325}, publisher = {BLACKWELL MUNKSGAARD}, type = {Article}, address = {1 ROSENORNS ALLE, DK-1970 FREDERIKSBERG C, DENMARK}, abstract = {

The title compound, C17H16O5, crystallizes with two independent molecules in the asymmetric unit. These are oriented approximately orthogonal to one another. The keto group adopts an s-cis conformation; the six-membered ring formed by the O-H\•\•\• O hydrogen bond and the adjacent benzene ring are approximately coplanar. In addition to an intramolecular O-H\•\•\• O hydrogen bond, intermolecular O-H\•\•\• O interactions link adjacent molecules into chains.

}, issn = {1600-5368}, doi = {10.1107/S1600536805010731}, author = {Krishna, J. R. and Kumar, N. J. and Krishnaiah, M. and Rao, C. V. and Rao, Y. K. and Puranik, Vedavati G.} } @article { ISI:000229127000022, title = {Effect of 2-(2-pyridyl)azole-based ancillary ligands (L1-4) on the electrophilicity of the nitrosyl function in [Ru-II(trpy)(L1-4)(NO)](3+) [trpy=2,2 {\textquoteleft}: 6 {\textquoteleft},2 {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteright}-terpyridine]. synthesis, structures, and spectroscopic, electrochemical, and kinetic aspects}, journal = {Inorganic Chemistry}, volume = {44}, number = {10}, year = {2005}, month = {MAY}, pages = {3499-3511}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Ruthenium nitrosyl complexes [Ru(trpy)(L1-4)(NO)](3+) (13-16) [trpy = 2,2{\textquoteright}:6{\textquoteright},2"-terpyridine, L-1 = 2-(2-pyridyl)-benzoxazole, L-2 = 2-(2-pyridyl)benzthiazole, L-3 = 2-(2-pyridyl)benzimidazole, L-4 = 1-methyl-2-(2-pyridyl)-1H-benzimidazole] were obtained in a stepwise manner starting from [Ru-II(trpy)(L1-4) (Cl)]ClO4 (1-4) \→ [Ru-II(trpy)(L1-4) (H2O)](ClO4)(2) (5-8) \→ [Ru-II(trpy)(L1-4) (NO2)ClO4 (9-12) \→ [Ru-II(trpy)(L-1,L-2,L-4) (NO)](ClO4)(3) (13, 14, 16)/[Ru-II(trpy)(L-3) (NO)](Cl)(4))(2)(NO3) (15). Crystal structures of 1, 2, 4, 9, 12, 13, 15, and 16 established the stereoretentive nature of the transformation processes. Though the complexes of L1, L3, and L 4 were isolated in the isomeric form A (π-acceptor trpy and azole ring in the equatorial plane and the pyridine and chloride donors in the axial positions), complexes of L 2 preferentially stabilized in form B (trpy and pyridine in the equatorial plane and the azole ring and chloride donors in the axial positions). The v(NO) stretching frequency varied in the range of 1957-1932 cm(-1), 13 \&MGT; 14 \&MGT; 15 \> 16, primarily depending on the electronic aspects of L as well as the isomeric structural forms. The coordinated nitrosyl function underwent successive reductions of [Ru-II-NO+](3+) \→ [Ru-II-NO\•](2+) and [Ru-II-NO\•](2+) - [Ru-II-NO-](+), and the first reduction potential follows the order 14 \> 13 \&MGT; 15 \≈ 16. The nearly axial EPR spectra having nitrogen hyperfine splittings (A \≈ 26 G) at 77 K of 13(-)-16(-) with (g) \≈ 2.0 established that the reduction process is largely centered around the nitrosyl function. Despite an appreciably high v(NO), the complexes were found to be unusually stable even in the aqueous medium. They transformed slowly and only partially into the corresponding nitro derivatives in H2O (k \≈ 10(-4) s(-1) and K = 0.4-3.8). The chloro (1-4), aqua (5-8), and nitro (9-12) derivatives displayed reasonably strong emissions near 700 nm at 77 K (φ = 10(-1)-10(-2)). The aqua derivative 7 was found to interact with the calf thymus and the circular form of p-Bluescript SK DNA.

}, issn = {0020-1669}, doi = {10.1021/ic048184w}, author = {Chanda, N. and Paul, D. and Kar, S. and Mobin, Shaikh M. and Datta, Anindya and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Rao, K. K. and Lahiri, Goutam Kumar} } @article { ISI:000229181600012, title = {Effect of connectivity and terminal functionality on mesophase behaviour of thermotropic liquid crystals containing biphenyl units}, journal = {Liquid Crystals}, volume = {32}, number = {4}, year = {2005}, month = {APR}, pages = {499-512}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A series of 4,4{\textquoteright}-disubstituted biphenyls, designated as series HBC, in which, one substituent is an ester group linked directly to the ring and the other is the hydroxy-containing group O(CH2)(n)OH, have been prepared and analysed by differential scanning Calorimetry, polarizing optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The introduction of a trimethylene unit between the ester functional group and the biphenyl moiety of the HBC series gives rise to the HBB series, which did not exhibit liquid crystalline behaviour. Interestingly, mesophase behaviour could be restored by replacing the methylene group ( of the trimethylene unit) that was directly attached to the biphenyl ring by a keto group (HBOB series). When the terminal hydroxy group of these three series was substituted by a group such as acetoxy or hydrogen, the transition temperatures were reduced, and the disappearance of mesophase behaviour was observed in some cases. However, this could be recovered by the replacement of the ester group by a carboxylic acid group.

}, issn = {0267-8292}, doi = {10.1080/02678290500033802}, author = {Ranganathan, T. and Ramesh, C. and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000229128300059, title = {Effect of NaBr, KCl, KBr, and MgCl2 on viscosities of aqueous glycine and L-alanine solutions at 298.15 K}, journal = {Journal of Chemical and Engineering Data}, volume = {50}, number = {3}, year = {2005}, month = {JUN}, pages = {1083-1086}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Viscosities, η, of glycine and L-alanine are measured in aqueous solutions of NaBr, KCl, KBr, and MgCl2 up to high concentrations at 298.15 K. This study suggests that 1:1 electrolytes enhance the structure making ability of the amino acids whereas MgCl2 does not. The viscosities of the above solutions are correlated using a simple model with two interaction parameters.

}, issn = {0021-9568}, doi = {10.1021/je050048y}, author = {Badarayani, Rohini and Satpute, D. B. and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000226332600017, title = {Efficient stereoselective synthesis of (2S,4S,5R)-(-)- and (2R,4R,5S)-(+)-bulgecinine}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {46}, number = {3}, year = {2005}, month = {JAN}, pages = {439-441}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A short synthetic route to (-)-and (+)-bulgecinine, the amino acid moiety of the bulgecins was achieved from the readily available nonchiral pool starting material cis-2-butene-1,4-diol in which a Claisen orthoester rearrangement and a Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation were used as the key steps. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2004.11.101}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Praveen, C. and Sharma, P. and Kalkote, Uttam R.} } @article { ISI:000232045500026, title = {Efficient synthesis of 2,3-aziridino-gamma-lactones from azetidin-2-ones}, journal = {Synlett}, number = {15}, year = {2005}, month = {SEP}, pages = {2370-2372}, publisher = {GEORG THIEME VERLAG KG}, type = {Article}, address = {RUDIGERSTR 14, D-70469 STUTTGART, GERMANY}, abstract = {

An efficient synthesis of enantiopure 2,3-aziridino-gamma-lactones from azetidin-2-ones is described. Acid-catalyzed tandem intramolecular azetidinone ring opening followed by aziridine ring formation via elimination of a mesylate group is the key step in this synthesis. 2,3-Aziridino-gamma-lactones are important precursors for biologically important glutamic acid derivatives.

}, keywords = {azetidin-2-ones, aziridines, glutamic acid, lactones}, issn = {0936-5214}, doi = {10.1055/s-2005-875563}, author = {Kale, Ajaykumar S. and Deshmukh, A. R. A. S.} } @article { ISI:000231751000005, title = {Efficient total synthesis of iso-cladospolide B and cladospolide B}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {46}, number = {39}, year = {2005}, month = {SEP}, pages = {6625-6627}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An efficient synthesis of iso-cladospolide B and cladospolide B has been achieved using Jacobsen{\textquoteright}s hydrolytic kinetic resolution (HKR), Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation and Yamaguchi macrolactonization as the key steps. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {cladospolide B, Hydrolytic kinetic resolution, iso-cladospolide B, sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation, Yamaguchi macrolactonization}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2005.07.153}, author = {Pandey, SK and Kumar, P} } @article { ISI:000227928200058, title = {Efficient total synthesis of sapinofuranone B}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {70}, number = {7}, year = {2005}, month = {APR}, pages = {2843-2846}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

An efficient enantioselective synthesis of sapinofuranone B (1) using Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation, Sonogashira coupling, and Wittig olefination as the key steps is described.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/jo048087k}, author = {Kumar, P and Naidu, SV and Gupta, P} } @article { ISI:000231661800039, title = {Enantioselective synthesis of tarchonanthuslactone via iterative hydrolytic kinetic resolution}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {46}, number = {38}, year = {2005}, month = {SEP}, pages = {6571-6573}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A short and practical enantioselective synthesis of tarchonanthuslactone has been achieved in high diastereomeric excess using iterative Jacobsen{\textquoteright}s hydrolytic kinetic resolution and ring closing metathesis as the key steps. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Jacobsen{\textquoteright}s hydrolytic kinetic resolution, Ring closing metathesis, tarchonanthuslactone}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2005.07.056}, author = {Gupta, P and Naidu, SV and Kumar, P} } @article { ISI:000229384000005, title = {Encoding and decoding graphical chemical structures as two-dimensional (PDF417) barcodes}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Information and Modeling}, volume = {45}, number = {3}, year = {2005}, month = {MAY}, pages = {572-580}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

A wide range of molecular representations exist today, ranging from human-readable structural diagrams over line notations such as Wiswesser Line Notation (WLN) and SMILES to several dozen computer-readable file formats. Still, to encode molecular structures in a computer-readable way for inputting structures in computer systems those formats are not the method of choice since they are not easily and faultlessly readable via optical recognition. In the present study a two-dimensional (PDF417) barcode representation of molecular structures in SMILES format is explored that enables the user to read and input molecular structures into computer systems in a fully automated fashion. A Lempel-Ziv-Welch (LZW) based compressed version of SMILES is suggested for cases where the size of the structure exceeds the storage capacity of PDF417 barcodes. Alternatively, the compact ACS format may be employed as a structural representation. The input via barcodes is fast, practically error free due to the 2D barcodes used which employ error correction and fully automatic. A Web application interface is developed which is able to interpret these barcodes and export them as optimized 3D chemical structures. Applications of this representation range from keeping automated storage systems to Web-based tracking systems of molecular samples. The National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, employs 2D barcode encoded structures for in-house repository management, where barcodes can also be used for querying the database for similar or substructures of the query structure.

}, issn = {1549-9596}, doi = {10.1021/ci049758i}, author = {Karthikeyan, Muthukumarasamy and Bender, Andreas} } @article { ISI:000229118100006, title = {Extracellular biosynthesis of bimetallic Au-Ag alloy nanoparticles}, journal = {Small}, volume = {1}, number = {5}, year = {2005}, month = {MAY}, pages = {517-520}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 10 11 61, D-69451 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, keywords = {alloys, Biosynthesis, composites, enzymes, Nanoparticles}, issn = {1613-6810}, doi = {10.1002/smll.200400053}, author = {Senapati, S. and Ahmad, Absar and Khan, Mohammad Islam and Sastry, M. and Kumar, R.} } @article { ISI:000205747600006, title = {Extra-/intracellular biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles by an alkalotolerant fungus, trichothecium sp.}, journal = {Journal of Biomedical Nanotechnology}, volume = {1}, number = {1}, year = {2005}, month = {MAR}, pages = {47-53}, publisher = {AMER SCIENTIFIC PUBLISHERS}, type = {Article}, address = {25650 NORTH LEWIS WAY, STEVENSON RANCH, CA 91381-1439 USA}, abstract = {

The development of reliable, eco-friendly processes for the synthesis of nanoscale materials is an important aspect of nanotechnology. As part of our ongoing investigation into the use of fungi for nanoparticle synthesis, we report herein that depending on the reaction conditions of the fungus Trichothecium sp. with aqueous gold ions, gold nanoparticle synthesis can be controlled to occur either within the biomass or extracellularly. Moreover, we have found that reaction of gold ions with the Trichothecium sp. fungal biomass under stationary conditions results in the rapid extracellular formation of gold nanoparticles of spherical, rod-like and triangular morphology whereas reaction of the biomass under shaking conditions resulted in intracellular growth of the nanoparticles. It is believed that on changing the reaction conditions of the fungus with gold ions, the enzymes and proteins which are being released into the medium under stationary conditions do not get released under shaking conditions resulting in the formation of extracellular or intracellular gold nanoparticles respectively. The gold nanoparticles are not toxic to the cells and the cells continued to grow after the biosynthesis of the gold nanoparticles in both the cases.

}, keywords = {Biosynthesis, enzymes, Fungus, Gold, Morphology Control, Nanoparticles}, issn = {1550-7033}, doi = {10.1166/jbn.2005.012}, author = {Ahmad, Absar and Senapati, Satyajyoti and Khan, Mohammad Islam and Kumar, Rajiv and Sastry, Murali} } @article { ISI:000228951700012, title = {Facile regioselective decomposition of tosylhydrazones: an application towards the synthesis of alpha-lipoic acid}, journal = {Synlett}, number = {7}, year = {2005}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1129-1132}, publisher = {GEORG THIEME VERLAG KG}, type = {Article}, address = {RUDIGERSTR 14, D-70469 STUTTGART, GERMANY}, abstract = {

A facile regioselective decomposition of tosylhydrazones using NaOH as a base in refluxing isopropyl alcohol is described. This finding has been Successfully applied towards the synthesis of (\±)-α-lipoic acid (1).

}, keywords = {alpha-lipoic acid, Olefins, Regioselectivity, tosylhydrazones}, issn = {0936-5214}, doi = {10.1055/s-2005-865217}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Kale, R. R. and Pasupathy, K.} } @article { ISI:000231847000003, title = {Facile synthesis of rubrolide E}, journal = {Synthesis-Stuttgart}, number = {14}, year = {2005}, month = {SEP}, pages = {2284-2286}, publisher = {GEORG THIEME VERLAG KG}, type = {Article}, address = {RUDIGERSTR 14, D-70469 STUTTGART, GERMANY}, abstract = {

A simple and efficient synthesis of rubrolide E (1e) has been demonstrated via Meerwein coupling reaction of para-anisyl-diazonium chloride with N-phenylmaleimide (2), regioselective reduction of para-anisylmaleic anhydride (4), Knoevenagel condensation of butyrolactone 5 with para-anisaldehyde and demethylation pathway.

}, keywords = {Knoevenagel condensation, Meerwein coupling, N-phenylmaleimide, regioselective reduction, rubrolide E, Total synthesis}, issn = {0039-7881}, doi = {10.1055/s-2005-869995}, author = {Kar, Anirban and N. P. Argade} } @article { ISI:000228147400027, title = {First enantiospecific synthesis of (+)-beta-herbertenol}, journal = {Tetrahedron}, volume = {61}, number = {15}, year = {2005}, month = {APR}, pages = {3873-3879}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The first enantiospecific synthesis of (+)-beta-herbertenol, from naturally occurring R-(+)-citronellal, employing Taber{\textquoteright}s diazo decomposition protocol as the key step, is described. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {citronellal, diazo decomposition, enantiospecific}, issn = {0040-4020}, doi = {10.1016/j.tet.2005.01.050}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Thakkar, M. and Kharul, Rajendra K. and Pathak, A. B. and Bhosekar, Gaurav V. and Bhadbhade, Mohan M.} } @article {43217, title = {First synthesis of a noreremophilane isolated from the roots of ligularia przewalskii}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {46}, year = {2005}, month = {AUG}, pages = {5211-5213}, abstract = {

The total synthesis of a natural product noreremophilane has been achieved in just three steps from readily available starting materials. A highly stereo- and regio-selective Diels-Alder reaction was the key step in Our synthesis. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2005.05.130}, author = {Reddy, D. Srinivasa and Palani, K. and Balasubrahmanyam, D. and Kamath, V. B. and Iqbal, Javed} } @article { ISI:000227864000011, title = {Gas-liquid flow generated by a Rushton turbine in stirred vessel: CARPT/CT measurements and CFD simulations}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Science}, volume = {60}, number = {8-9}, year = {2005}, note = {5th International Symposium on Mixing in Industrial Processes, Seville, SPAIN, JUN 01-04, 2004}, month = {APR}, pages = {2215-2229}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

In this work, computer-automated radioactive particle tracking (CARPT), computed tomography (CT) and computational fluid dynamic (CFD) based models were used to investigate gas-liquid flow generated by a Rushton turbine. CARPT and CT measurements were carried out in a gas-liquid stirred vessel operating in two different flow regimes and captured the quantitative Eulerian information of gas-liquid flow. The CARPT data was then used to extract the circulation tune distribution in a vessel. A two-fluid model along with the standard k-epsilon turbulence model was used to simulate the dispersed gas-liquid flow in a stirred vessel. Appropriate drag corrections to account for bulk turbulence (along the lines proposed by Brucato et al. (Chem. Eng. Sci. 45(1998) 3295)) were developed to correctly simulate different flow regimes. The computational snapshot approach was used to simulate impeller rotation and was implemented in the commercial CFD code, FLUENT4.5 (of Fluent. Inc., USA). Most model predictions compared favourably with CARPT and CT measurements. Validated CFD models as attempted in this paper are promising to simulation of industrial stirred vessels. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {CARPT, CFD, CT, gas-liquid flow, stirred vessel}, issn = {0009-2509}, doi = {10.1016/j.ces.2004.11.044}, author = {Khopkar, A. R. and Rammohan, A. R. and Ranade, V. V. and Dudukovic, M. P.} } @article { ISI:000229384000006, title = {General melting point prediction based on a diverse compound data set and artificial neural networks}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Information and Modeling}, volume = {45}, number = {3}, year = {2005}, month = {MAY}, pages = {581-590}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

We report the development of a robust and general model for the prediction of melting points. It is based on a diverse data set of 4173 compounds and employs a large number of 2D and 3D descriptors to capture molecular physicochemical and other graph-based properties. Dimensionality reduction is performed by principal component analysis, while a fully connected feed-forward back-propagation artificial neural network is employed for model generation. The melting point is a fundamental physicochemical property of a molecule that is controlled by both single-molecule properties and intermolecular interactions due to packing in the solid state. Thus, it is difficult to predict, and previously only melting point models for clearly defined and smaller compound sets have been developed. Here we derive the first general model that covers a comparatively large and relevant part of organic chemical space. The final model is based on 2D descriptors, which are found to contain more relevant information than the 3D descriptors calculated. Internal random validation of the model achieves a correlation coefficient of R-2 = 0.661 with an average absolute error of 37.6 degrees C. The model is internally consistent with a correlation coefficient of the test set of Q(2) = 0.658 (average absolute error 38.2 degrees C) and a correlation coefficient of the internal validation set of Q(2) = 0.645 (average absolute error 39.8 degrees C). Additional validation was performed on an external drug data set consisting of 277 compounds. On this external data set a correlation coefficient of Q(2) = 0.662 (average absolute error 32.6 degrees C) was achieved, showing ability of the model to generalize. Compared to an earlier model for the prediction of melting points of druglike compounds our model exhibits slightly improved performance, despite the much larger chemical space covered. The remaining model error is due to molecular properties that are not captured using single-molecule based descriptors, namely both inter- and intramolecular interactions and crystal packing, for which examples of and reasons for outliers are given.

}, issn = {1549-9596}, doi = {10.1021/ci0500132}, author = {Karthikeyan, Muthukumarasamy and Glen, R. C. and Bender, Andreas} } @article { ISI:000231389200051, title = {Gold nanoparticle networks with photoresponsive interparticle spacings}, journal = {Langmuir}, volume = {21}, number = {17}, year = {2005}, month = {AUG}, pages = {7979-7984}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Photoresponsive gold nanoparticle networks were prepared by functionalizing them with azobenzene derivatives. A network can be formed when a linker molecule constituting the azobenzene moiety suitably derivatized on either side with gold surface sensitive groups such as thiols and amines is added to the nanoparticle solution. It is shown that the interparticle spacing in the networks could be controlled by the reversible trans-cis isomerization of the azobenzene moiety induced by UV and visible light, respectively. The photoinduced variation in the interparticle spacings is inferred by the changes in the optical spectra of the gold nanoparticles which display a red or blue shift in the surface plasmon resonance peak depending on a decrease or increase in the interparticle spacing, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy images are in consonance with the evidence from the optical spectra.

}, issn = {0743-7463}, doi = {10.1021/la051125q}, author = {Sidhaye, D. S. and Kashyap, Sudhir and Sastry, M. and Hotha, Srinivas and Bhagavatula L. V. Prasad} } @article { ISI:000227170600016, title = {Gradual transitions in morphology of diamond films grown by using N-2 admixtures of CH4+H-2 gas in a hot filament assisted chemical vapour deposition system}, journal = {Diamond and Related Materials}, volume = {14}, number = {2}, year = {2005}, month = {FEB}, pages = {232-242}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

A study of the evolution of morphology of diamond films grown as a function of N-2 gas additions to the CH4+H-2 precursor in an HF-CVD system is presented. With the increase of admixture of N2 fraction, in contrast to earlier studies, the morphology was observed first to gradually change from {111}-faceted crystallites texture to that of an intermediate cubo-octahedral crystallite texture and then gradually but finally to transform completely into that of {100}-faceted crystallites. The threshold nitrogen concentration, [N-2](thr), required to bring about the said transition in morphology was much larger than it was reported previously. Moreover, the morphology transition required a larger [N-2](thr) when a large fraction of methane was employed. Further additions of nitrogen, that just exceeded the [N-2](thr), resulted in growth of films containing slightly bigger {100}-multi-layered grains or isolated planar {100}-platelets. For extremely large nitrogen additions, the growth of nanocrystalline or amorphous carbon films was observed. The N-2 additions more than 50 vol.\% did not yield any deposition. Raman scattering and photoluminescence measurements were used respectively for characterizing the quality and nitrogen doping in the films. These results are attributed to the possible catalytic role of atomic nitrogen at the growing surface. (C) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {diamond film, hot filament CVD, morphology transitions, nitrogen}, issn = {0925-9635}, doi = {10.1016/j.diamond.2004.11.042}, author = {Kshirsagar, S. T. and Kshirsagar, R. B. and Patil, P. S. and Kulkarni, A. and Mandate, A. B. and Gaikwad, A. B. and Gokhale, Suresh P.} } @article { ISI:000232864800021, title = {Growth kinetics and thermodynamic stability of octadecyltrichlorosilane self-assembled monolayer on Si (100) substrate}, journal = {Materials Letters}, volume = {59}, number = {29-30}, year = {2005}, month = {DEC}, pages = {3890-3895}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

We have studied the growth kinetics and thermodynamic stability of octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) self-assembled monolayers on Si (100) substrate in order to understand its role in controlling the adhesion and surface hydrophobicity. Time-dependent contact angle measurements, using water as a function of OTS concentration, show rapid monolayer formation in the initial stage followed by a slow attainment of full coverage and the overall kinetics approximately follows the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The adsorption rate constant (k(a) = 150 M-1 s(-1)) is found to be significantly greater than the desorption rate constant (k(d) = 0.156 s(-1)) while the Gibbs free energy (Delta G(ads)) change amounts to -4.2 kcal/mol suggesting thermodynamic stability of OTS monolayer on a silicon surface. Partial monolayer formation by a {\textquoteleft}uniform{\textquoteright} growth mechanism, even at low coverage, is revealed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) in conjunction with grazing angle FTIR spectroscopy. Analysis of the interfacial adhesion properties using Zisman plot suggests a critical surface tension (gamma(c)) of 20.7 dyn/cm for OTS monolayer on Si (100) surface. (C) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Gibbs{\textquoteright}s free energy (AG), growth kinetics, octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS), self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), Zisman plot}, issn = {0167-577X}, doi = {10.1016/j.matlet.2005.07.026}, author = {Kulkarni, S. A. and Mirji, S. A. and Mandale, A. B. and Gupta, R. P. and Vijayamohanan, K. P.} } @article { ISI:000230828800038, title = {Hydrodynamics of trickle-bed reactors: experiments and CFD modeling}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {44}, number = {16}, year = {2005}, month = {AUG}, pages = {6278-6294}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

{Hydrodynamics of trickle-bed reactors involve complex interactions of gas and liquid phases with packed solids. Such complex interactions manifest in different flow regimes occurring in trickle-bed reactors. Knowledge of prevailing flow regime, pressure drop, and liquid holdup is essential for design and performance evaluation of the reactor. Detailed knowledge of fluid dynamics is essential for {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}a priory{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} predictions as well as for interpretation of available data. In this study, we have used wall pressure fluctuation measurements to identify prevailing flow regime in trickle beds. Experiments were carried out on two scales of columns (of diameter 10 cm and 20 cm) with two sets of particles (3 min and 6 mm diameter spherical particles). Effects of prewetted and unwetted bed conditions on pressure drop and liquid holdup were reported for a range of operating conditions (V-G = 0.22-0.44 kg/m(2)s

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/ie0491037}, author = {Gunjal, P. R. and Kashid, M. N. and Ranade, V. V. and Chaudhari, Raghunath V.} } @article { ISI:000232596300002, title = {Identification of coding and non-coding sequences using local holder exponent formalism}, journal = {Bioinformatics}, volume = {21}, number = {20}, year = {2005}, month = {OCT}, pages = {3818-3823}, publisher = {OXFORD UNIV PRESS}, type = {Article}, address = {GREAT CLARENDON ST, OXFORD OX2 6DP, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Motivation: Accurate prediction of genes in genomes has always been a challenging task for bioinformaticians and computational biologists. The discovery of existence of distinct scaling relations in coding and non-coding sequences has led to new perspectives in the understanding of the DNA sequences. This has motivated us to exploit the differences in the local singularity distributions for characterization and classification of coding and non-coding sequences. Results: The local singularity density distribution in the coding and non-coding sequences of four genomes was first estimated using the wavelet transform modulus maxima methodology. Support vector machines classifier was then trained with the extracted features. The trained classifier is able to provide an average test accuracy of 97.7\%. The local singularity features in a DNA sequence can be exploited for successful identification of coding and non-coding sequences.

}, issn = {1367-4803}, doi = {10.1093/bioinformatics/bti639}, author = {Kulkarni, O. C. and Vigneshwar, R. and Jayaraman, Valadi K. and Kulkarni, B. D.} } @article { ISI:000231864200007, title = {In ovulo rescue of hybrid embryos in flame seedless grapes - influence of pre-bloom sprays of benzyladenine}, journal = {Scientia Horticulturae}, volume = {106}, number = {3}, year = {2005}, month = {OCT}, pages = {353-359}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Based on the theory that cytokinins are known to increase the sink strength of seeds for assimilates, the present investigation was carried out to study the influence of pre-bloom and bloom time sprays of benzyladenine (BA) on embryo recovery, germination and plant development in Flame Seedless grape variety by using in ovulo rescue methods. The combined effect of pollen parent type and sprays of BA drastically improved these parameters and the embryo recovery was more than doubled in all the crosses, except in cross FS x Concord. Also, germination of embryos was higher when BA sprays were given. Recovery of embryos and growth depended on BA treatment and the pollen parent types. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {benzyladenine, flame seedless, in ovulo embryo rescue, interspecific hybridization, Vitis spp.}, issn = {0304-4238}, doi = {10.1016/j.scienta.2005.04.002}, author = {Bharathy, P. V. and Karibasappa, G. S. and Patil, S. G. and Agrawal, Dinesh C.} } @article { ISI:000232694100001, title = {Inactive enzymatic mutant proteins (phosphoglycerate mutase and enolase) as sugar binders for ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate regeneration reactors}, journal = {Microbial Cell Factories}, volume = {4}, year = {2005}, month = {FEB}, pages = {Article No. 5}, publisher = {BIOMED CENTRAL LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {MIDDLESEX HOUSE, 34-42 CLEVELAND ST, LONDON W1T 4LB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Background: Carbon dioxide fixation bioprocess in reactors necessitates recycling of D- ribulose1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) for continuous operation. A radically new close loop of RuBP regenerating reactor design has been proposed that will harbor enzyme-complexes instead of purified enzymes. These reactors will need binders enabling selective capture and release of sugar and intermediate metabolites enabling specific conversions during regeneration. In the current manuscript we describe properties of proteins that will act as potential binders in RuBP regeneration reactors. Results: We demonstrate specific binding of 3-phosphoglycerate (3PGA) and 3-phosphoglyceraldehyde ( 3PGAL) from sugar mixtures by inactive mutant of yeast enzymes phosphoglycerate mutase and enolase. The reversibility in binding with respect to pH and EDTA has also been shown. No chemical conversion of incubated sugars or sugar intermediate metabolites were found by the inactive enzymatic proteins. The dissociation constants for sugar metabolites are in the micromolar range, both proteins showed lower dissociation constant (Kd) for 3-phosphoglycerate ( 655 - 796 mu M) compared to 3-phosphoglyceraldehyde ( 822 - 966 mu M) indicating higher affinity for 3PGA. The proteins did not show binding to glucose, sucrose or fructose within the sensitivity limits of detection. Phosphoglycerate mutase showed slightly lower stability on repeated use than enolase mutants. Conclusions: The sugar and their intermediate metabolite binders may have a useful role in RuBP regeneration reactors. The reversibility of binding with respect to changes in physicochemical factors and stability when subjected to repeated changes in these conditions are expected to make the mutant proteins candidates for in-situ removal of sugar intermediate metabolites for forward driving of specific reactions in enzyme-complex reactors.

}, issn = {1475-2859}, doi = {10.1186/1475-2859-4-5}, author = {De, Dinesh and Dutta, D. and Kundu, M. and Mahato, S. and Schiavone, M. T. and Chaudhuri, S. and Giri, Ashok P. and Gupta, Vidya and Bhattacharya, S. K.} } @article { ISI:000233351600005, title = {IndCollections: biological specimens in Indian collections}, journal = {Current Science}, volume = {89}, number = {9}, year = {2005}, month = {NOV}, pages = {1454-1455}, publisher = {CURRENT SCIENCE ASSN}, address = {C V RAMAN AVENUE, PO BOX 8005, BANGALORE 560 080, INDIA}, issn = {0011-3891}, author = {Chavan, V. and Rane, N. S. and Ghate, H. V. and Krishnan, S.} } @article {42819, title = {India: apremier destination for outsourcing}, volume = {42}, year = {2005}, month = {JAN}, author = {Chorghade, Mukund S. and Chorghade, V. M. and Gurjar, Mukund K. and Ramana, Chepuri V. and Kamerkar, A. V. and Zafran, H. and Mashelkar, Raghunath Anant} } @article { ISI:000233927900004, title = {Influence of hydrothermal pretreatment on acidity and activity of H-GaAlMFI zeolite for the propane aromatization reaction}, journal = {Microporous and Mesoporous Materials}, volume = {87}, number = {1}, year = {2005}, month = {DEC}, pages = {23-32}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The acidity and propane aromatization activity of H-GaAlMFI has been investigated subsequent to different hydrothermal (HT) pretreatments. Extensive degalliation of framework Ga occurred during the HT pretreatments; the framework Si/Ga ratio nearly doubled when the steam concentration was increased from 0\% to 80\%. The extent of degalliation and corresponding loss of strong zeolitic acidity (measured in terms of pyridine chemisorbed at 400 degrees C) was particularly severe at high (\> 500 degrees C) temperatures and steam concentrations (\> 40 mol\%). Framework Al in the GaAlMFI zeolite was found to be very stable; the FW Si/Al ratio did not change to any appreciable extent even after severe HT pretreatments. Each of the HT pretreatment parameters (concentration of steam: 0-80\%, HT temperature: 400-600 degrees C and length of HT pretreatment: 0-6 h) showed a profound influence on the propane aromatization activity. The product selectivity was, however, only mildly affected by the HT pretreatments. The following factors were found to be important for high propane aromatization activity (a) strong zeolitic acidity and (b) optimal content/dispersion of the extra-framework Ga species which are formed in situ during the HT pretreatments. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Acidity, aromatic distribution, Ga-based zeolites, hydrothermal treatment and steam, propane aromatization}, issn = {1387-1811}, doi = {10.1016/j.micromeso.2005.07.028}, author = {Choudhary, Tushar V. and Kinage, A. and Banerjee, S. and Choudhary, Vasant R.} } @article { ISI:000226212200001, title = {Influence of process pressure on HW-CVD deposited a-Si : H films}, journal = {Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells}, volume = {85}, number = {3}, year = {2005}, note = {2nd International Conference on Cat-CVD (Hot-Wire CVD) Process, DENVER, CO, SEP 10-14, 2002}, month = {JAN}, pages = {301-312}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) films were deposited using pure silane (SiH4) without hydrogen dilution by hot wire chemical vapor deposition (HW-CVD) technique. The electrical, optical, and structural properties of these films are systematically studied as a function of process pressure (P-r). The device quality a-Si:H films with a photosensitivity \> 10(5) were deposited at a deposition rate \>40 Angstrom/s at low process pressure. However, a-Si:H films deposited at higher process pressures show degradation in their electrical and structural properties. The FTIR spectroscopic analysis showed that a-Si:H films deposited at low process pressure contain hydrogen mainly in mono-hydrogen (Si-H) configuration whereas films deposited at higher process pressure have hydrogen in di-hydrogen (Si-H-2) or poly hydrogen (SiH2)(n) complexes. The hydrogen content (C-H) in the films was found to be less than 4 at.\% over the entire range of process pressure studied. This indicates that the growth of a-Si:H films is mainly from the atomic species (Si and H) evaporated from the hot filament and hydrogen gets incorporated in the film via gas-phase reactions and substrate gas interactions. The band gap, however was found similar to1.71 eV or much higher. We attribute high band gap at low hydrogen content may be due to presence of microvoids. Raman spectroscopic analysis showed increase in structural disorder and Rayleigh scattering with increase in the process pressure. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Electrical properties, FTIR spectroscopy, hot wire chemical vapor deposition, hydrogenated amorphous silicon, Raman spectroscopy}, issn = {0927-0248}, doi = {10.1016/j.solmat.2004.04.017}, author = {Jadkar, Sandesh R. and Sali, J. V. and Kshirsagar, S. T. and Takwale, M. G.} } @article { ISI:000227818600031, title = {Isolation and characterization of an iodide bridged dimeric palladium complex in carbonylation of methanol}, journal = {Journal of Organometallic Chemistry}, volume = {690}, number = {6}, year = {2005}, month = {MAR}, pages = {1677-1681}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Palladium-catalyzed carbonylation of methanol in presence of iodide promoters was investigated. Iodide bridged palladium dimeric complex, [PPh3CH3](2)[Pd2I6] was isolated from the carbonylation reaction mixture and characterized using X-ray crystallography. Reaction mechanism was proposed based on IR and UV spectroscopic characterizations of catalytic species involved in the catalytic cycle. The isolated dimeric palladium species, [Pd2I6](2-) underwent carbonylation to give monomeric species [PdI3CO](-) at atmospheric pressure of carbon monoxide. It was also observed that PPh3 plays an important role to avoid catalyst deactivation at higher temperatures. Turnover frequency (TOF) of 1052 h(-1) was achieved using Pd(OAC)(2)-HI-PPh3 catalyst system at 175 degrees C. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {dirneric palladium, IR spectroscopy, methanol carbonylation, palladium catalyst, reaction mechanism, UV}, issn = {0022-328X}, doi = {10.1016/j.jorganchem.2005.01.010}, author = {Tonde, S. S. and Kelkar, Ashutosh A. and Bhadbhade, Mohan M. and Chaudhari, Raghunath V.} } @article { ISI:000232838800009, title = {Knowledge incorporated support vector machines to detect faults in Tennessee Eastman Process}, journal = {Computers \& Chemical Engineering}, volume = {29}, number = {10}, year = {2005}, month = {SEP}, pages = {2128-2133}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A support vector machine with knowledge incorporation is applied to detect the faults in Tennessee Eastman Process, a benchmark problem in chemical engineering. The knowledge incorporated algorithm takes advantage of the information on horizontal translation invariance in tangent direction of the instances in dataset. This essentially changes the representation of the input data while training the algorithm. These local translations do not alter the class membership of the instances in the dataset. The results on binary as well as multiple fault detection justify the use of knowledge incorporation. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {fault detection, knowledge, support vector machines, Tennessee Eastman Process}, issn = {0098-1354}, doi = {10.1016/j.compchemeng.2005.06.006}, author = {Kulkarni, A. and Jayaraman, Valadi K. and Kulkarni, B. D.} } @article { ISI:000231426000052, title = {Layered inorganic-organic clay-like nanocomposites rearrange to form silsesquioxanes on acid treatment}, journal = {Journal Physical Chemistry B}, volume = {109}, number = {33}, year = {2005}, month = {AUG}, pages = {16034-16039}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The formation of talc-like compounds by the condensation of organotrialkoxy silanes with magnesium hydroxide has been recently reported. These represent layered hybrid nanomaterials that have a layer thickness of around 1 nm, have organic moieties covalently linked to the layer surfaces, and are called {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}organoclays.{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} We show that such compounds are sensitive to acid treatment. When a phenylclay is treated with hydrochloric acid, magnesium leaches out, destroying the layered structure. The extent to which magnesium is leached out is a function of the time of the acid treatment and the concentration of the acid used. Magnesium leaches out rapidly when the concentration of acid used to treat the phenyl-clay is higher, and the extent of structural magnesium that is leached out is also higher for higher acid concentrations. Removal of the magnesium rearranges the structure of the phenyl-clay to form oligomeric phenylsilsesquioxanes. FTIR and NMR suggest that the silsesquioxanes formed by acid treatment of the phenyl-clay comprise a mixture of ladderlike and cagelike structures.

}, issn = {1520-6106}, doi = {10.1021/jp0526400}, author = {Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy and Deshmukh, Yogesh S. and Agrawal, Vikrant V. and Rajmohanan, P.} } @article { ISI:000229454100009, title = {Lilliputian hardware platform for scientific applications}, journal = {International Journal of Software Engineering and Knowledge Engineering}, volume = {15}, number = {2}, year = {2005}, note = {1st International Embedded and Hybrid Systems Conference, Singapore, SINGAPORE, MAY 11-13, 2005}, month = {APR}, pages = {189-192}, publisher = {WORLD SCIENTIFIC PUBL CO PTE LTD}, type = {Article, Proceedings Paper}, address = {5 TOH TUCK LINK, SINGAPORE 596224, SINGAPORE}, abstract = {

Microcontroller plays an important role in gearing up scientific applications for measurements, data acquisition and controls. With the advent of technology in microcontrollers, a new era in the form of microconverter is available at the user{\textquoteright}s doorstep. Benefited by the excellent features of Analog Devices{\textquoteright} microconverter chip ADuC 842, an attempt has been made to develop a Lilliputian platform for scientific applications at National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune. A real time system has been developed for measuring surface tension exerted by Langmuir films formed at air water interface. The films are compressed by smooth and precision barrier mechanism through DC motor in a controlled manner. (IC)-C-2 compatible EEPROM is provided on board for data storage and it can be communicated to a PC through RS232 link for further analysis. The other features provided are, In-circuit programming for firmware updating, keyboard functioning for special routine executions, (IC)-C-2 compatible RTC and battery backup. The software has been completely developed using assembly language programming. Intelligent Lilliputian platform designed using ADuC 842 chip and graphic LCD for real time plotting of surface pressure area isotherm of Langmuir films has been developed and tested successfully at NCL.

}, keywords = {Langmuir films, microconverter}, issn = {0218-1940}, doi = {10.1142/S0218194005002361}, author = {Iyer, Neelima and Khatavkar, Rupali and Joshi, Bhagyashree and Upadhye, V.} } @article { ISI:000230338900005, title = {Low-temperature synthesis of nanocrystalline powders of lithium ferrite by an autocombustion method using citric acid and glycine}, journal = {Materials Letters}, volume = {59}, number = {21}, year = {2005}, month = {SEP}, pages = {2630-2633}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Nanocrystalline lithium ferrite is synthesized by an autocombustion method from the corresponding metal nitrates using citric acid as well as glycine as fuels. The ordered phase of lithium ferrite, in single phase form, with particle size of 32-36 nm and large coercivity, is obtained by this method at a low temperature of 200 degrees C. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Combustion synthesis, LiFe5O8, lithium ferrite, low-temperature synthesis, Magnetic materials, Nanomaterials}, issn = {0167-577X}, doi = {10.1016/j.matlet.2005.04.005}, author = {Verma, S. and Karande, J. and Patidar, A. and Joy, Pattayil Alias} } @article { ISI:000232871700013, title = {Magnetic and processability studies of nitrile rubber vulcanisates containing barium ferrite and carbon black}, journal = {Indian Journal of Chemical Technology}, volume = {12}, number = {5}, year = {2005}, month = {SEP}, pages = {582-587}, publisher = {NATL INST SCIENCE COMMUNICATION}, type = {Article}, address = {DR K S KRISHNAN MARG, NEW DELHI 110 012, INDIA}, abstract = {

Fine particles of barium ferrite (BaFe12O19) belonging to the M-type hexagonal ferrites were prepared by the conventional ceramic techniques. They were incorporated into a nitrile rubber matrix according to a specific recipe for various loadings to produce rubber ferrite composites (RFC)The percolation threshold is not reached for a maximum loading of 130 phr (parts per hundred rubber). Here in this paper, the magnetic properties and processability of the nitrile rubber based RFCs containing barium ferrite (BaF) and HAF carbon black is reported. The magnetic properties of the ceramic ferrite and these rubber ferrite composites were evaluated and it was found that the coercivity values of RFCs were less than that of the ceramic BaF, but remained constant with the loading of both the ferrite filler and carbon black. However, other properties like saturation magnetization and magnetic remanence increased with the loading of ferrite filler.

}, keywords = {barium ferrite, carbon black, Magnetic materials, nitrile rubber, rubber ferrite composites}, issn = {0971-457X}, author = {Soloman, M. A. and Kurian, P. and Anantharaman, Maliemadom R. and Joy, Pattayil Alias} } @conference { ISI:000227460600023, title = {Magnetic properties of nanosized ferrite powders synthesized by microwave-hydrothermal method}, booktitle = {Ninth International Conference on Ferrites (ICF-9)}, year = {2005}, note = {9th International Conference on Ferrites (ICF-9), San Francisco, CA, AUG 22-27, 2004}, month = {AUG}, pages = {143-148}, publisher = {Amer Ceramic Soc, 735 Ceramic Place, Westerville, OH 43081-8720 USA}, organization = {Amer Ceramic Soc, 735 Ceramic Place, Westerville, OH 43081-8720 USA}, address = {San Francisco, CA}, abstract = {

Nanosized powders of Fe3O4 and MgFe2O4 are synthesized by microwave-hydrothermal (MH) method. The ferrite powders thus obtained are characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, Mossbauer spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopies, vibrating sample magnetometer and AC magnetic susceptibility studies. Stoichiometric, nanosized (similar to 34 nm) Fe3O4 particles, having cubic symmetry with a(0) approximate to 8.39 angstrom, are obtained when molar ratio of Fe/NaOH used for the synthesis is 0.133. On the other hand, non-stoichiometric Fe3O4 is obtained when Fe/NaOH molar ratio is increased to 0.4. Though the powder XRD patterns of both stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric Fe3O4 are identical, Mossbauer spectroscopic studies showed different features in terms of asymmetry, intensity, isomer shift, etc. Saturation magnetization, M-s = 70 emu/g and coercivity, H-c = 178 Oe, at room temperature, are obtained for stoichiometric Fe3O4 powders. In the case of MgFe2O4, spherical, nanosized (similar to 3 nm) powders with cubic symmetry (a(0) approximate to 8.30 angstrom) and having very narrow size distribution are obtained under the MH conditions. The temperature and field dependent magnetic measurements on MgFe2O4 powders confirmed the existence of superparamagnetic state in this material with a superparamagnetic blocking temperature of 38 K below which typical magnetic hysteresis behaviour is observed.

}, isbn = {1-57498-218-4}, author = {Khollam, Y. B. and Dhage, S. R. and Verma, S. and Potdar, H. S. and Deshpande, S. B. and Joy, Pattayil Alias and Date, Sadgopal K.}, editor = {Soohoo, R. F.} } @article { ISI:000228499400014, title = {Main chain thermotropic liquid crystalline polyurethanes containing biphenyl mesogens based on novel AB-type self-polycondensation route: FT-IR and XRD studies}, journal = {Journal of Polymer Science Part A-Polymer Chemistry}, volume = {43}, number = {9}, year = {2005}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1903-1912}, publisher = {JOHN WILEY \& SONS INC}, type = {Article}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN, NJ 07030 USA}, abstract = {

The detailed mesophasic characterization of main chain liquid crystalline polyurethanes containing biphenyl mesogen, which were synthesized by the novel AB-type self-polycondensation approach, was carried out by using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Polarized Optical Microscopy (POM), variable temperature X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopic studies. The type of mesophase present in these polymers was identified to be the smectic A phase by POM and XRD studies. The smectic layer thickness was found to increase as the length of the spacer increased. The effect of temperature on the hydrogen bonding was analyzed by FT-IR studies. The curve-fitting analysis of the NH stretching and C=O stretching modes of vibrations indicated a gradual decrease in hydrogen bonding during the transition from the crystalline state to the mesophase. The mesophase to isotropic liquid transition was then accompanied by the complete disappearance of the hydrogen bonding. The biphenyl bands also showed changes during phase transitions due to the coupling of biphenyl vibration modes with the urethane linkage attached to it. (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

}, keywords = {FT-IR, liquid-crystalline polymers, polyurethanes, XRD studies}, issn = {0887-624X}, doi = {10.1002/pola.20668}, author = {Ranganathan, T. and Gowd, E. B. and Ramesh, C. and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000227615900006, title = {Microwave assisted rapid synthesis of 4-amino-3,4-dihydroquinolin-2-ones from azetidin-2-ones}, journal = {Arkivoc}, number = {1}, year = {2005}, month = {JAN}, pages = {53-64}, publisher = {ARKAT USA INC}, type = {Article}, address = {C/O ALAN R KATRITZKY, UNIV FLORIDA, DEPT CHEMISTRY, PO BOX 117200, GAINESVILLE, FL 32611 USA}, abstract = {

An efficient one-pot synthesis of 4-amino-3,4-dihydroquinolin-2-ones from 3-(2-nitrophenyl)-1, 4-disubstituted azetidin-2-ones is described. Microwave assisted transfer hydrogenation of a nitro group followed by in situ beta-lactam ring opening by the newly formed amino group is the key step in this synthesis.

}, keywords = {4-amino-3, 4-dihydroquinolin-2-ones, azetidin-2-ones, imines, ketenes, Microwave, transfer hydrogenation}, doi = {10.3998/ark.5550190.0006.106}, author = {Shirode, N. M. and Kulkarni, K. C. and Gumaste, V. K. and Deshmukh, A. R. A. S.} } @article { ISI:000232103800003, title = {Mitochondrial sequence reveals high levels of gene flow between breeds of domestic sheep from Asia and Europe}, journal = {Journal of Heredity}, volume = {96}, number = {5}, year = {2005}, month = {SEP}, pages = {494-501}, publisher = {OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC}, type = {Article}, address = {JOURNALS DEPT, 2001 EVANS RD, CARY, NC 27513 USA}, abstract = {

Sequence variation present within the mitochondrial genome was used to investigate genetic diversity within sheep breeds from Asia and Europe. Comparison of 2027 bp of sequence from 121 animals revealed 44 phylogenetically informative nucleotide positions and a single insertion/deletion. A total of 57 haplotypes were observed which formed two distinct clades. Type A haplotypes were found in breeds from Asia (India, Indonesia, Mongolia, and Tibet), while type B haplotypes were observed at the highest frequency in breeds sourced from Europe (nine breeds from Austria, angstrom land, Finland, Spain, and northwestern Russia). The distribution of haplotypes indicates sheep appear to have the weakest population structure and the highest rate of intercontinental dispersal of any domestic animal reported to date. Only 2.7\% of the sequence variation observed was partitioned between continents, which is lower than both goat (approximately 10\%) and cattle (approximately 50\%). Diagnostic restriction fragment length polymorphism polymerase chain reaction (RFLP-PCR) tests which distinguish type A and B haplotypes were used to test an additional 223 animals from 17 breeds of European and Asian origin. A mixture of the two lineages was found in every breed except Suffolk and the Indian Garole, indicating introgression has played a major part during breed development and subsequent selection.

}, issn = {0022-1503}, doi = {10.1093/jhered/esi100}, author = {Meadows, J. R. S. and Li, K. and Kantanen, J. and Tapio, M. and Sipos, W. and Pardeshi, V. and Gupta, V. and Calvo, J. H. and Whan, V. and Norris, B. and Kijas, J. W.} } @article {43215, title = {Modular synthesis of cyclic peptidomimetics inspired by gamma-turns}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {7}, year = {2005}, month = {MAR}, pages = {1059-1062}, abstract = {A series of peptidomimetics based on a gamma-turn motif were synthesized using a modular approach, in which N-protected piperidones were reacted with a selection of 2-hydroxyalkyl azides derived from common L-amino acids. Hydrolysis of the initially formed iminium ethers afforded the targeted series of substituted 1,4-diazepin-5-ones.}, doi = {10.1021/ol047323a}, author = {Ramanathan, S. K. and Keeler, J. and Lee, H. L. and Reddy, D. Srinavasa and Lushington, G. and Aube, J.} } @article { ISI:000234827500083, title = {Molecular dynamics simulations of H2O with sites of Cu-I-FAU and Cu-II-FAU}, journal = {Studies in surface science and catalysis }, volume = {158}, number = {A-B}, year = {2005}, note = {3rd Conference of the Federation-of-European-Zeolite-Association, Prague, CZECH REPUBLIC, AUG 23-29, 2005}, month = {OCT}, pages = {655-662}, publisher = {Elsevier Science}, type = {Article, Proceedings Paper}, address = {Prague, Czech Republic}, abstract = {

A Born Oppenheimer molecular dynamic (BOMD) approach was chosen to study the interaction of water molecules with Cu-FAU models. We have compared the reactivity of Cu-I and Cu-II with the zeolite and compared the results to those calculated for Na. This Study shows a decrease of the coordination with time for Cu-I whereas there is not a significant change for Cu-II. BOMD shows also that, in the presence of water, Na+ may lead to easier cation exchange than for transition metal cations.

}, isbn = {0-444-52082-1}, issn = {0167-2991}, doi = {10.1016/S0167-2991(05)80397-0}, author = {Berthomieu, D. and Krishnamurty, S. and Heine, Thomas and Goursot, A.}, editor = {Cejka, J. and Zilkova, N. and Nachtigall, P.} } @article { ISI:000232598600005, title = {Molecular mapping of stem and leaf rust resistance in wheat}, journal = {Theoretical and Applied Genetics}, volume = {111}, number = {5}, year = {2005}, month = {SEP}, pages = {846-850}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, type = {Article}, address = {233 SPRING STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Stem rust caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici Eriks and Henn and leaf rust caused by Puccinia triticina Rob. ex Desm. are major constraints to wheat production worldwide. In the present study, F-4-derived SSD population, developed from a cross between Australian cultivars {\textquoteleft}Schomburgk{\textquoteright} and {\textquoteleft}Yarralinka{\textquoteright}, was used to identify molecular markers linked to rust resistance genes Lr3a and Sr22. A total of 1,330 RAPD and 100 ISSR primers and 33 SSR primer pairs selected on the basis of chromosomal locations of these genes were used. The ISSR marker UBC 840(540) was found to be linked with Lr3a in repulsion at a distance of 6.0 cM. Markers cfa2019 and cfa2123 flanked Sr22 at a distance of 5.9 cM (distal) and 6.0 cM (proximal), respectively. The use of these markers in combination would predict the presence or absence of Sr22 in breeding populations. A previously identified PCR-based diagnostic marker STS638 linked to Lr20 was validated in this population. This marker showed a recombination value of 7.1 cM with Lr20.

}, issn = {0040-5752}, doi = {10.1007/s00122-005-0005-4}, author = {Khan, R. R. and Bariana, Harbans S. and Dholakia, Bhushan B. and Naik, S. V. and Lagu, Meena D. and Rathjen, A. J. and Bhavani, Sridhar and Gupta, V. S.} } @article { ISI:000228658400021, title = {Morphology and chain dynamics during collapse transition of PNIPAM gels studied by combined imaging, relaxometry and Xe-129 spectroscopy techniques}, journal = {Magnetic Resonance Imaging}, volume = {23}, number = {2, SI}, year = {2005}, note = {7th International Conference on Magnetic Resonance in Porous Media (MRPM7), Palaiseau, FRANCE, JUL 04-08, 2004}, month = {FEB}, pages = {249-253}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC}, address = {360 PARK AVE SOUTH, NEW YORK, NY 10010-1710 USA}, abstract = {

The temperature-induced shape transition of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) gels of different cross-link densities was investigated by a combination of NMR techniques allowing the characterization of both the macroscopic collapse as well as the changes on a molecular scale related to the expulsion of water from the gel network. The proton-containing gel phase was visualized by swelling in heavy water, and the volume change was monitored by proton imaging for cross-link densities between 0.5 \% and 2.5 \%. Above the transition temperature of 35 degrees C, gel collapse led to a volume change of up to a factor of 17 for the gel of smallest cross-link density. Two spectral lines of Xe-129 are found in the gel state and are assigned to the hydrophobic and hydrophilic parts of the network. In the collapsed state, the hydrophobic peak shows a strong shift while the hydrophilic peak disappears. A considerable shortening of both T-1 and T-2 of the gel protons upon collapse was found at a field of 4.7 T. At lower fields, the effect becomes more pronounced and qualitatively different dispersion behaviors between the swollen and the collapsed states are observed. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {gel, networks, phase transition, relaxometry, Xe-129 spectroscopy}, issn = {0730-725X}, doi = {10.1016/j.mri.2004.11.019}, author = {Kariyo, Sobiroh and Kuppers, Markus and Badiger, Manohar V. and Prabhakar, A. and Jagadeesh, Bharatam and Stapf, S. and Blumich, B.} } @article { ISI:000229103900015, title = {Nanostructured tin oxide: synthesis and gas-sensing properties}, journal = {Materials Chemistry and Physics}, volume = {92}, number = {2-3}, year = {2005}, month = {AUG}, pages = {384-388}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Pure and Ru-doped nanostructured SnO2 sensing materials were synthesized using a modified Pechini route. Incorporation of Ru in SnO2 results in the reduction of particle size (8.3 nm) compared with that of the pure SnO2 (28.2 nm). Moreover, the sensor exhibited a reasonably good sensitivity towards both H-2 and liquified petroleum gas (LPG). The effect of Ru incorporation, operating temperature, and gas concentration on the structure, morphology, and sensitivity is discussed using the results of X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) along with sensing performance. {\textcopyright} 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {hydrogen and hydrocarbon sensor, Nanostructure, ruthenium, tin oxide}, issn = {0254-0584}, doi = {10.1016/j.matchemphys.2005.01.050}, author = {Niranjan, R. S. and Hwang, Young Kyu and Kim, D. K. and Jhung, S. H. and Chang, J. S. and Mulla, Imtiaz S.} } @article { ISI:000226669000004, title = {New bis-andrographolide ether from androgphis paniculata nees and evaluation of anti-HIV activity}, journal = {Natural Product Research}, volume = {19}, number = {3}, year = {2005}, month = {APR}, pages = {223-230}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Novel bis-andrographolide ether (1) and six known compounds andrographolide, 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide, andrograpanin, 14-deoxyandrographolide, (+/-)-5- hydroxy-7,8-dimethoxyflavanone, and 5-hydroxy-7,8-dimethoxyflavone have been isolated from the aerial parts of Andrographis paniculota and their structures were established by spectral data. All the isolates were tested for the anti-HIV and cytotoxic activity.

}, keywords = {Acanthaceae, Andrographis paniculata, anti-HIV, bis-andrographolide ether, Cytotoxic activity}, issn = {1478-6419}, doi = {10.1080/14786410410001709197}, author = {Reddy, V. L. N. and Reddy, S. M. and Ravikanth, V. and Krishnaiah, P. and Goud, T. V. and Rao, T. P. and Ram, T. S. and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Bhadbhade, Mohan M. and Venkateswarlu, Y} } @article { ISI:000227531600007, title = {New electro-active paper actuator using conducting polypyrrole: actuation behaviour in LiClO(4) acetonitrile solution}, journal = {Synthetic Metals}, volume = {149}, number = {1}, year = {2005}, month = {FEB}, pages = {53-58}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

The construction of electromechanical actuator has been achieved by using the conducting polypyrrole films deposition onto a gold-coated cellophane paper. This is probably the first report of this type of paper actuator. The conducting polypyrrole was electro-generated using either galvanostatic or potentiostatic conditions at 0.5 mA/cm(2) current density or 0.7 V applied potential, respectively. The two types of actuators were constructed, namely: (1) Ppy/cellophane bi-layer; (2) Ppy/cellophane paper/Ppy tri-layer. These actuators showed a reversible and reproducible displacement in acetonitrile solution containing LiClO(4) (I M). The maximum displacement of 9.1 mm was recorded for tri-layer device and 3.5 mm for bi-layer device in 1 M LiClO(4) acetonitrile solutions. The results obtained in acetonitrile solution containing 1 M LiClO(4) shows that the actuator requires very low excitation voltage of 0.2 MV m(-1). The mechanism for this paper actuation phenomenon is addressed in this paper. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {CP-EAPap actuators, electro-active paper actuator (EAPap), large displacement actuators, lightweight actuators, Ppy/cellophane paper bi-layer, Ppy/cellophane paper/Ppy tri-layer}, issn = {0379-6779}, doi = {10.1016/j.synthmet.2004.11.001}, author = {Deshpande, S. D. and Kim, Jaehwan and Yun, S. R.} } @article { ISI:000229156500009, title = {New method for the preparation of 1,2-benzisoxazole-3-carboxaldehyde}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Research}, number = {2}, year = {2005}, month = {FEB}, pages = {99-100}, publisher = {SCIENCE REVIEWS LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 314, ST ALBANS AL1 4ZG, HERTS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Synthesis of 1,2-benzisoxazole-3-carboxaldehyde is achieved from 3-methyl 1,2-benzisoxazole via 3-ethoxymethyl-1,2-benzisoxazole (4).

}, keywords = {1, 2-benzisoxazoles, benzylic bromination, indoxazenes}, issn = {0308-2342}, author = {Kalkote, Uttam R. and Panchgalle, S. R. and Mahakal, K. K. and Choudhary, S. M. and Chavan, Sayalee R.} } @article { ISI:000230866000007, title = {New synthetic approach to a [1.1.6] metapara cyclophane derivative via Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling and ring-closing metathesis}, journal = {Advanced Synthesis \& Catalysis}, volume = {347}, number = {9}, year = {2005}, month = {JUL}, pages = {1215-1218}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

The synthesis of a [1.1.6] metapara cyclophane derivative, 1,5(1,4),3(1,3)-tribenzenacycloun-decaphan-8-ene-6,11-dione, has been achieved via the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling of alpha,alpha{\textquoteright}-dibromo-m-xylene with an arylboronic acid derivative followed by an allylation and ring-closing metathesis reaction sequence.

}, keywords = {Cyclophanes, olefin metathesis, Palladium, ruthenium, Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling}, issn = {1615-4150}, doi = {10.1002/adsc.200404373}, author = {Kotha, S and Mandal, K and Arora, KK and Pedireddi, R} } @article { ISI:000232011300008, title = {Nitrogen ligands: The transition metal catalyzed reaction of aryl halides with olefins (Mizoroki-Heck), phenylboronic acid (Suzuki coupling) and Buchwald-Hartwig amination, new catalysts and effect of co-catalysts - Aryl halide activation - Part I}, journal = {Indian Journal of Chemistry Section B-Organic Chemistry including Medicinal Chemistry}, volume = {44}, number = {9}, year = {2005}, month = {SEP}, pages = {1894-1908}, publisher = {COUNCIL SCIENTIFIC \& INDUSTRIAL RES}, type = {Article}, address = {ANUSANDHAN BHAWAN, 2 RAFI MARG, NEW DELHI, 110001, INDIA}, abstract = {

Nitrogen ligands are an excellent alternative for the traditional P-ligands in the Pd catalyzed Mizoroki-Fleck reaction, Suzuki coupling and Buchwald-Hartwig aryl amination. Pd complexes of dimethyl glyoxime, 8-hydroxyquinoline, salen, picolinic acid, and DAB ligands gave high yields of the E-cinnamates and E-stilbenes from aryl iodides. Acetophenone oxime N, N-dimethybenzylamine and ferrocenyl oxime palladacycle are better catalysts with comparable yields, high TON (95, 000) and TOF{\textquoteright}s (2, 500 h(-1)) to P-ligand catalysts. Aryl bromides and in a few cases, aryl chlorides could also be activated by these complexes by the use of Lewis acid and (C(4)H(9))(4)NI as additives. Cy-DAB ligands gave good yields with electron rich aryl bromides and the use of ionic liquid improve the yield. These N-ligand metal complexes can be readily synthesized and the ligands possess the advantage of easy functional group modifications and convenient synthetic methods compared to P-ligands. The degradation reactions associated with P-ligands are not observed in the N-ligands, with comparable, high thermal, moisture and air stability and insensitivity. Activation of aryl bromides (Mizoroki-Fleck reaction, Suzuki reaction) could be achieved in high yields, TON and TOF (86-94\% yield, TON: 36, 000-90, 000, TOF:6, 000-11, 500 h-1) catalyzed by monomeric amine and oxime palladacycles (Cat-8, 11, 13 B) with a N-heterocyclic carbene ligand better than a phosphorous ligand. Molten (C(4)H(9))(4)NBr is an efficient ionic liquid medium for the Mizoroki-Fleck reaction of aryl bromides, giving higher yields. Low to moderate yields of aryl amination are obtained with the carbene pallaclacycle and N, N-dibenzyl piperazine Pd complexes.

}, keywords = {DAB, DMG, Mizoroki-Heck reaction, nitrogen ligands, Palladacycle}, issn = {0376-4699}, author = {Iyer, S and Kulkarni, GM and Ramesh, C and Sattar, AK} } @article { ISI:000232815200010, title = {Novel enzymatic route for kinetic resolution of (+/-)1,4-benzodioxan-2-carboxylic acid}, journal = {Biochemical Engineering Journal}, volume = {27}, number = {1}, year = {2005}, month = {DEC}, pages = {66-71}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {Ethyl 1,4-benzodioxan-2-carboxylate is used as an intermediate compound for the production of drug doxazosin mesylate. The title compound was kinetically resolved to get S-enantiomer of ethyl 1,4-benzodioxan 2-carboxylate in a simple lipase catalyzed transesterificafion reaction. Ethyl acetate was used as reaction medium as well as acyl donor. The influence of the enzyme source and time of reaction on the enantio selectivity of product were studied. Lipase from Candida antartica-B (Novozyme A/S) catalyzed transesterification reaction with good enantio selectivity towards S-enantiomer. The high enantiomeric ratio, E= 160, provided S-2 an acceptable chemical yield (50\%) and enaritiomeric excess (>95\%). (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.}, keywords = {1, 4-benzodioxan-2-carboxylate, 4-benzodioxan-2-carboxylic acid, doxazosin, enantio selectivity, enantiomeric ratio, ethyl 1, ethyl acetate, Lipases, transesterfication}, issn = {1369-703X}, doi = {10.1016/j.bej.2005.06.014}, author = {Kasture, Sangita M. and Varma, R and Kalkote, Uttam R. and Nene, S and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @conference { ISI:000245886300024, title = {Novel method for the synthesis of siloxane nanowires and filaments using gold nanoparticle catalysts}, booktitle = {International Conference on Nanoscience and Technology}, series = {International Journal of Nanoscience Series}, volume = {4}, number = {5-6}, year = {2005}, note = {International Conference on Nanoscience and Technology, Calcutta, INDIA, DEC 17-20, 2003}, month = {DEC}, pages = {1007-1010}, publisher = {World Scientific Publ Co Pte Ltd, Po Box 128 Farrer Rd, Singapore 9128, Singapore}, organization = {World Scientific Publ Co Pte Ltd, Po Box 128 Farrer Rd, Singapore 9128, Singapore}, address = { Calcutta, India}, abstract = {

A unique polymerization reaction of alkylsilanes to siloxane nanowires, filaments and tubes in presence of gold nanoparticles and water is presented. The gold nanoparticles, which catalyze this reaction also work as templates restricting the shape of the resulting polymers into wires and tubes. High resolution transmission electron microscopy images clearly reveal the presence of gold nanoparticle at the tip of each wire supporting the template hypothesis. Elemental analyses by different methods confirm the stoichiometry to be C18H37SiO1.5, when the alkylsilane used was C18H37SiH3, thus proving that the alkyl group remains intact during the polymerization reaction.

}, keywords = {gold nanoparticles, Nanowires, siloxane polymers}, doi = {10.1142/S0219581X0500398X}, author = {Bhagavatula L. V. Prasad and Stoeva, S. and Sorensen, C. M. and Klabunde, Kenneth J. and Zaikovskii, V.}, editor = {Sanyal, M. K. and Raychaudhuri, A. K. and Chakravorty, D.} } @article { ISI:000225750600004, title = {Novel polymer-inorganic solid-state reaction for the synthesis of CdS nanocrystallites}, journal = {Materials Letters}, volume = {59}, number = {5}, year = {2005}, month = {FEB}, pages = {554-559}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

We offer a novel polymer-inorganic solid-state reaction route for the in situ generation of nanochalcogenide semiconductor in the network of polymer which itself acts as a chalcogen source. We have exemplified feasibility of this route by reacting CdI2 with engineering thermoplastic polyphenylene sulphide (PPS). These two reactants in 1:1 and 10:1 molar ratios were simply heated at the crystalline melting temperature of PPS. The resultant products were characterized by X-ray diffractometry, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM, with selected area electron diffraction). The prima facie observations revealed the formation of cubic nanocrystallites of US with the particle size ranging from 6 to 20 nm entrapped in modified (cyclized) PPS matrix when the reactants were taken in 10:1 molar ratio. A tentative mechanism has been suggested for such hitherto unattempted solid-state reaction. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {CdS nanocrystallites, Semiconductor, solid-state reaction, Thermoplastic polymer matrix}, issn = {0167-577X}, doi = {10.1016/j.matlet.2004.10.037}, author = {Kanade, K. G. and Hawaldar, Ranjit R. and Pasricha, R. and Radhakrishnan, S. and Seth, T. and Mulik, Uttam P. and Kale, B. B. and Amalnerkar, Dinesh P.} } @article { ISI:000234204300019, title = {Oriented growth of nanocrystalline gamma ferric oxide in electrophoretically deposited films}, journal = {Hyperfine Interactions}, volume = {160}, number = {1-4}, year = {2005}, note = {International Workshop on Nanomaterials, Magnetic Ions and Magnetic Semiconductors Studies mostly by Hyperfine Interactions, M S Univ Baroda, Phys Dept, Baroda, INDIA, FEB 10-14, 2004}, month = {JAN}, pages = {199-209}, publisher = {Springer, Van Godewijckstraat 30, 3311 GZ Dordrecht, Netherlands}, type = {Article, Proceedings Paper}, address = { M S Univ Baroda, Phys Dept, Baroda, INDIA}, abstract = {

Films of nanocrystalline gamma-Fe2O3 were deposited on silicon substrates by using the technique of electrophoretic deposition. The precursor powder was nanocrystalline gamma-Fe2O3, which was synthesized, using DC arc plasma in the oxygen ambient by vapour-vapour interaction in gas phase condensation; at a stabilized arc current of 40 A. This powder was characterized by X-ray diffraction, Transmission Electron Microscopy, Vibrating Sample Magnetometer and Mossbauer Spectroscopy. An increase in directional coercivity was observed in case of films deposited on silicon substrates, which is dramatically significant. Preferred orientation of almost similar sized nanocrystalline magnetic domains in deposited films is evident from the results of X-ray diffraction and Transmission Electron Microscopy results. The preferred alignment of the nanocrystallites seems to be responsible for the significant changes observed in magnetic properties of films.

}, issn = {0304-3843}, doi = {10.1007/s10751-005-9165-5}, author = {Bhave, T. M. and Balasubramanian, C. and Nagar, H. and Kulkarni, S. and Pasricha, R. and Bakare, P. P. and Date, Sadgopal K. and Bhoraskar, S. V.} } @article { ISI:000227915900011, title = {Overview on the degradability of polymer nanocomposites}, journal = {Polymer Degradation and Stability}, volume = {88}, number = {2}, year = {2005}, month = {MAY}, pages = {234-250}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Polymer nanocomposites have attracted great attention world wide from both academic and industrial points of view. The material properties of polymers can be enhanced dramatically by incorporating layered silicates at fairly low concentrations. The durability of any material depends upon several factors e.g. light, heat, microwaves, mechanical abrasion etc. The study and the effect of these factors on the performance are essentially required to extend the application limits. The durability of polymer nanocomposites has been evaluated under different environments. The present review describes the durability of different polymer nanocomposites mainly under thermal- and photoageing. Biodegradable nanoeomposites of different polymers are also discussed briefly. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Biodegradation, Degradation, layered silicates, Nanocomposites, weathering}, issn = {0141-3910}, doi = {10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2004.09.013}, author = {Pandey, JK and Reddy, KR and Kumar, AP and Singh, RP} } @article { ISI:000230753500026, title = {Pd-catalyzed oxidative kinetic resolution of 2-azido-1-arylethanols}, journal = {Indian Journal of Chemistry Section B-Organic Chemistry Including Medicinal Chemistry}, volume = {44}, number = {7}, year = {2005}, month = {JUL}, pages = {1533-1535}, publisher = {NATL INST SCIENCE COMMUNICATION}, address = {DR K S KRISHNAN MARG, NEW DELHI 110 012, INDIA}, abstract = {

(-)-Sparteine/Pd (II) complex in combination with oxygen as a stoichiometric oxidant, catalyses the oxidative kinetic resolution of P-azido alcohols to afford the corresponding chiral 2-azido-1-arylethanols.

}, keywords = {(-)-sparteine-Pd (II) complex, beta-azidoalcohol, chiral 2-azido-1-arylethanol, Kinetic resolution}, issn = {0376-4699}, author = {Sayyed, I. A. and Kumar, N. S. C. R. and Sudalai, A.} } @article { ISI:000230436500003, title = {Photoluminescent core-shell particles of organic dye in silica}, journal = {Journal of Luminescence}, volume = {114}, number = {1}, year = {2005}, month = {JUL}, pages = {15-23}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Using a single silica precursor, Rhodamine 6G organic dye molecules have been entrapped in silica particles resulting into core-shell particles of similar to 500 nm diameter. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy analysis reveals that dye molecules are trapped inside the silica particles. Photoluminescence investigations show that highly luminescent and photostable core-shell particles are formed. Such core-shell particles can be easily suspended in water and would be useful for a variety of applications. However, there is a blue shift in the photolumineseence wavelength in case of core-shell particles compared to bare dye powder sample. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {core-shell, Luminescence, Nanoparticles, photoemission, RH06G dye, tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS)}, issn = {0022-2313}, doi = {10.1016/j.jlumin.2004.11.005}, author = {Ethiraj, Anita S. and Hebalkar, Neha and Kharrazi, Sharmin and Urban, J. and Sainkar, S. R. and Kulkarni, S. K.} } @article { ISI:000230531100013, title = {Poly(acrylonitrile) ultrafiltration membranes. I. polymer-salt-solvent interactions}, journal = {Journal of Polymer Science Part B: Polymer Physics}, volume = {43}, number = {15}, year = {2005}, month = {AUG}, pages = {2061-2073}, publisher = {JOHN WILEY \& SONS INC}, type = {Article}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN, NJ 07030 USA}, abstract = {

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to study the interactions among LiCl, ZnCl2, and AlCl3 with NN-dimethylformamide (DMF) and poly (acrylonitrile) (PAN). It was observed that all three salts complex with DMF as well as PAN. The strength of the cation interaction with the \> C=O oxygen of DMF was found to be higher than that with the -CN group of PAN. The \> C=O stretching frequency of DMF with ZnCl2 was red shifted, indicating stronger complex formation compared with other two cations. With the addition of salt, the salt-DMF pseudo solvent was found to become a 0 solvent for PAN compared with neat DMF. This change in PAN solvation power was primarily the result of DMF-salt complexation. As a result of the complexation, Mark-Houwink constant a, was found to reduce from 0.75 (for pure DMF) to similar to 0.6 for DMF-salt solvents, indicating decreased PAN chain expansion. Comparison of intrinsic viscosity [n] values indicated that addition of salts to PAN-DMF solutions resulted in: (i) decrease in the DMF solvation. power, which causes less expanded polymer coils, and (ii) increased interpolymer chain entanglements via salt-promoted chain association. (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

}, keywords = {activation energy viscosity, Additives, FT-IR, Poly(acrylonitrile), solution properties}, issn = {0887-6266}, doi = {10.1002/polb.20493}, author = {Phadke, M. A. and Musale, D. A. and Kulkarni, Sudhir S. and Karode, Sandeep K.} } @article { ISI:000230531100014, title = {Poly(acrylonitrile) ultrafiltration membranes. II. membrane morphology and permeation characteristics}, journal = {Journal of Polymer Science Part B: Polymer Physics}, volume = {43}, number = {15}, year = {2005}, month = {AUG}, pages = {2074-2085}, publisher = {JOHN WILEY \& SONS INC}, type = {Article}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN, NJ 07030 USA}, abstract = {

The rheology and phase-boundary characteristics of various solutions comprising three polyacrylonitrile (PAN) grades dissolved in solutions of N,N-dimethylformamide + salt (LiCl, ZnCl2, or AICl(3)) additives were correlated with the resulting membrane morphology as determined by microscopy and permeability measurements. The phase separation characteristics of the dope solution were not markedly affected by the PAN molecular weight (MW); however, they were affected by the salt additive. For higher MW grades, the effect of salt addition can also be masked by the increased self-association tendency of the polymer chains. PAN-B and -C membranes were clearly less asymmetric in structure than the lower MW PAN-Abased membranes. This is attributed to the higher viscosity/lower diffusivity of the PAN-13 and -C solutions, which results in slower solvent-nonsolvent exchange during the phase inversion process. Two factors reduce the incidence of surface defects (increased bubble points): (a) higher solution viscosity dampens surface perturbations during phase inversion, and (b) phase inversion pathways resulting in more homogenous morphology lead to membranes with higher bubble points. (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

}, keywords = {bubble point, membranes, Morphology, phase inversion, salts, viscosity}, issn = {0887-6266}, doi = {10.1002/polb.20494}, author = {Phadke, M. A. and Kulkarni, Sudhir S. and Karode, Sandeep K. and Musale, D. A.} } @article { ISI:000231573100016, title = {Polycondensation in liquid crystalline phases of nonionic surfactants. Kinetics and morphology}, journal = {Polymer}, volume = {46}, number = {19}, year = {2005}, month = {SEP}, pages = {7961-7968}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We have investigated acid-catalyzed polycondensation of alkoxysilane monomers in liquid crystalline phases of nonionic CnEm surfactants. The liquid crystalline phase is retained when the monomers polymerize. The high molecular weight molecules formed phase separate from the mesophase and are subsequently organized by it to form micron-sized particles. A variety of particle morphologies are formed by organization of the polymer particles in the mesophase. For condensation of dimethyldimethoxysilane (DMS, with trimethoxysilane, TMS as crosslinker) in hexagonal and lamellar phases, specific reaction conditions, viz. slow condensation kinetics and low crosslink density, give rod-like particles in hexagonal phases and sheet-like structures in lamellar phases. However, when higher acid concentrations are used, the reaction kinetics accelerates and irregular particles form. Irregular particles also form when the fraction of trifunctional crosslinker is increased, and finally complex flower-like structures form for condensation of trimethoxysilane in the hexagonal phase. The particle morphology formed is crucially dependent on the details of the polycondensation rate, crosslinker density and surfactant-monomer/oligomer interactions. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {nonionic, surfactant, templated synthesis}, issn = {0032-3861}, doi = {10.1016/j.polymer.2005.07.001}, author = {Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy and Wadekar, M. N. and Agrawal, Vikrant V. and Pasricha, R.} } @article { ISI:000228760300034, title = {Polymerization in surfactant liquid crystalline phases}, journal = {Chemistry of Materials}, volume = {17}, number = {9}, year = {2005}, month = {MAY}, pages = {2460-2465}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

We report the formation of cross-linked polysiloxane particles having rodlike and sheetlike morphologies by condensation of monomers in organized liquid crystalline mesophases of nonionic surfactants. The characteristic diffraction pattern obtained from the liquid crystalline surfactant assembly is preserved during polymer synthesis. The polymer colloids are rodlike when synthesized in a hexagonal mesophase and are sheetlike when synthesized in a lamellar mesophase. Interestingly, the size of the polymer particles is on the order of micrometers, viz. 3 orders of magnitude larger than the characteristic size of the surfactant mesophase. Thus, the polymers phase separate from the liquid crystalline phase during polymerization, and organize to resemble the mesophase geometry. The polymer particles are organized so as to minimize the elastic distortion of the surfactant mesophase after they phase separate. We speculate that the observed particle morphologies are formed due to the slow kinetics of polycondensation under our experimental conditions.

}, issn = {0897-4756}, doi = {10.1021/cm048240r}, author = {Wadekar, M. N. and Pasricha, R. and Gaikwad, A. B. and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy} } @article { ISI:000226756100018, title = {Preparation, characterization, and water-sorption study of polyvinyl alcohol based hydrogels with grafted hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments}, journal = {Journal of Applied Polymer Science}, volume = {95}, number = {5}, year = {2005}, month = {MAR}, pages = {1129-1142}, publisher = {JOHN WILEY \& SONS INC}, type = {Article}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN, NJ 07030 USA}, abstract = {

The interpenetrating polymer network hydrogels based on poly(vinyl alcohol) were obtained by graft copolymerization of acrylamide and styrene onto polyvinyl alcohol in the presence of N,N{\textquoteright}-methylene bisacrylamide as a crosslinking agent. The hydrogels were characterized by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectral analysis, differential scanning calorimeter, and thermogravimetric analysis. The hydrogels showed enormous swelling in aqueous medium and displayed swelling characteristics, which were highly dependent on the chemical composition of the hydrogels and pH of the swelling medium. The kinetics of water uptake and the mechanisms of water transport were studied as a function of composition of the hydrogel and pH of the swelling medium. (C) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

}, keywords = {Characterization, equilibrium swelling, grafting, IPN hydrogels, polyvinyl alcohol}, issn = {0021-8995}, doi = {10.1002/app.21344}, author = {Shukla, S. and Bajpai, A. K. and Kulkarni, R. A.} } @article { ISI:000234066100022, title = {Pressure dependence of the dissociation of acetic, benzoic, mandelic and succinic acids at 298.15 K}, journal = {Thermochimica Acta}, volume = {439}, number = {1-2}, year = {2005}, month = {DEC}, pages = {154-157}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Dissociation constants for acetic, benzoic, mandelic and succinic acids have been measured at 298.15 K as a function of pressure up to 138.8 MPa. The spectrophotometric technique using Bromocresol Green as the optical indicator was employed up to ionic strength of 0.03 mol kg(-1) in aqueous solution. Thermodynamic dissociation constants were calculated with the Davies activity coefficient equation. The pressure dependences of the ionization constants for the weak acids can be described by the equation of Lown, Thirsk and Wynne-Jones, application of which leads to accurate partial molal volume change on ionization, Delta(V) over bar (o) and compressibility change, Delta(K) over bar (o) at 0.1 MPa. (C) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Acetic acid, benzoic acid, dissociation constants, high pressure, mandelic acid, succinic acid}, issn = {0040-6031}, doi = {10.1016/j.tca.2005.06.045}, author = {Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000228698900038, title = {PVA stabilized gold nanoparticles by use of unexplored albeit conventional reducing agent}, journal = {Materials Chemistry and Physics}, volume = {92}, number = {1}, year = {2005}, month = {JUL}, pages = {229-233}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) stabilized gold nanoparticles have been prepared in aqueous medium using two different reducing viz.; hydrazine hydrate, a stronger reducing agent and sodium formaldehydesulfoxylate (SFS), a slightly weaker reducing agent. SFS is used for first ever time for reduction of gold metal salt. The PVA stabilized gold nanoparticles solutions are wine red to blood red coloured and are stable over a long period of time with no indication of aggregation. The solution shows strong visible light absorptions in the range of 520-540 nm, characteristics of gold nanoparticles. Powder X-ray diffraction patterns of freshly prepared films containing gold nanoparticles indicated particles size to be about 15 nm. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of a more than two-week-old sample revealed well-defined non-agglomerated spherical particles of about 50 nm diameter in solutions. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Chemical synthesis, electronic materials, Nanostructures, Polymer}, issn = {0254-0584}, doi = {10.1016/j.matchemphys.2005.01.016}, author = {Khanna, P. K. and Gokhale, R. and Subbarao, V. V. V. S. and Vishwanath, A. K. and Das, B. K. and Satyanarayana, C. V. V.} } @article { ISI:000230522300022, title = {Quantitative method for normalization of transfection efficiency using enhanced green fluorescent protein}, journal = {Analytical Biochemistry}, volume = {342}, number = {2}, year = {2005}, month = {JUL}, pages = {341-344}, publisher = {ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE}, type = {Article}, address = {525 B ST, STE 1900, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101-4495 USA}, issn = {0003-2697}, doi = {10.1016/j.ab.2005.02.006}, author = {Dandekar, D. H. and Kumar, M. and Ladha, J. S. and Ganesh, Krishna N. and Mitra, Debashis} } @article { ISI:000228868600016, title = {Rapid hydrothermal synthesis route for nanocrystalline SrZrO3 using reactive precursors}, journal = {Materials Science and Engineering B-Solid State Materials for Advanced Technology}, volume = {119}, number = {1}, year = {2005}, month = {MAY}, pages = {87-93}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Synthesis of nanocrystalline, orthorhombic (space group Pnma) SrZrO3 was achieved using appropriate molar proportions of nitrate salts of strontium and zirconium as precursors. Formation of SrZrO3 (SZ) was facilitated hydrothermally in time period as less as half-an-hour, in aqueous medium with alkaline pH as confirmed by XRD. Sample characterization was performed by FT-IR spectroscopy; powder XRD, SEM, TEM and DSC. The results have been explained by proposing a suitable reaction mechanism based on the step-wise analysis of the reaction intermediates using FT-IR as well as XRD. A double cation hydroxide composite formation is anticipated that under hydrothermal conditions results in the formation of SrZrO3. Morphology of the samples was determined with the help of SEM and TEM. The particle size distribution as seen from the TEM micrograph lies in the range of 15-25 nm. Heats of reaction for different decomposition steps were obtained by DSC. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Ceramics, Crystallization, diffraction, Electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy}, issn = {0921-5107}, doi = {10.1016/j.mseb.2005.01.007}, author = {Athawale, Anjali A. and Chandwadkar, Asha J. and Karandikar, Prashant R. and Bapat, Malini S.} } @article { ISI:000232337800013, title = {R\&D spending patterns of global firms}, journal = {Research-Technology Management}, volume = {48}, number = {5}, year = {2005}, month = {SEP}, pages = {51-59}, publisher = {INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH INST INC}, type = {Article}, address = {1550 M ST., NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20005 USA}, abstract = {

R\&D spending by the top 320 companies in 2004 was US\$ 331 billion. The R\&D intensity of these globalfirms has decreased marginally, as there was a decrease in R\&D spending by pharmaceutical firms. R\&D spending as a percentage of sales is the highest in the biotechnology industry followed by pharmaceuticals and network communications. At the same time, more firms are seeking to acquire intellectual assets from external sources. Managing intellectual assets will require competence to integrate external and internal knowledge assets so that innovation efficiency can go up while idea-to-market time goes down and product pipelines get richer.

}, keywords = {distributed innovation, globalization, R\&D spending}, issn = {0895-6308}, author = {Bowonder, B. and Racherla, J. K. and Mastakar, N. V. and Krishnan, S.} } @article { ISI:000226290900011, title = {Rearrangement of allyl phenyl ether over Al-MCM-41}, journal = {Journal of Catalysis}, volume = {229}, number = {1}, year = {2005}, month = {JAN}, pages = {105-113}, publisher = {ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE}, type = {Article}, address = {525 B ST, STE 1900, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101-4495 USA}, abstract = {

Claisen rearrangement of allyl phenyl ether to o-allylphenol and a dihydrobenzofuran derivative was investigated over MCM-41 with different Si/Al ratios. Higher aluminum content, higher reaction temperatures, and longer run duration favor the formation of the ring compound 2,3-dihydro-2-methyl benzofuran. There is a close relationship between acidity and conversion, which suggests that the reaction occurs inside the large pores of MCM-41. The influence of temperature and catalyst Si/Al ratio on the reaction are examined by kinetic analysis, under the assumption of a first-order consecutive reaction. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Al-MCM-41, allyl phenyl ether, Claisen rearrangement, Mesoporous material, molecular rearrangement, Solid acids}, issn = {0021-9517}, doi = {10.1016/j.jcat.2004.09.027}, author = {Mathew, Nevin T. and Khaire, S. and Mayadevi, S. and Jha, Ratnesh Kumar and Sivasanker, S.} } @article { ISI:000229751800049, title = {Reassessment of the binary, ternary, and quaternary interactions in mixed electrolytes from thermodynamic quantities: the systems with uncommon ions containing hydrophobic character}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, volume = {109}, number = {23}, year = {2005}, month = {JUN}, pages = {11743-11752}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Accurate estimates of the binary, ternary, and quaternary interactions in aqueous ionic mixtures with uncommon ions with hydrophobic character are presented. For this purpose, the values of the excess Gibbs free energy of mixing, Delta(m)G(E), obtained from our earlier isopiestic osmotic coefficients (Kumar, A. J. Phys. Chem. B 2003. 107, 2808) for the mixtures of NaCl with four guanidinium (Gn(+)) salts-CH(3)COOGn, GnNO(3), GnClO(4), and Gn(2)SO(4) are analyzed with the help of the method developed by Leifer and Wigent. The methodology of Leifer and Wigent is based on the equations of Scatchard-Rush-Johnson and Friedman{\textquoteright}s cluster integral expansion theory. The Scatchard-Rush-Johnson theory explicitly considers the quaternary and higher-order ionic interactions in the mixtures as compared to the specific ion interaction theory of Pitzer, which accounts for binary and ternary interactions only. The contributions due to binary, ternary, and quaternary interaction terms to total Delta(m)G(E) are estimated and discussed critically. Also, the interaction between the same two cations, for example, Gn(+)-Gn(+), is estimated and found significant, which otherwise cannot be obtained by the use of Pitzer{\textquoteright}s theory. The information obtained from the analysis of Delta(m)G(E) is also supported by the newly measured excess volumes of mixing, Delta(m)V(E), at 298.15 K. The individual contributions of the binary, ternary, and quaternary interaction terms to total Delta(m)V(E) are described. The binary, ternary, and quaternary interaction terms for both Delta(m)G(E) and Delta(m)V(E) are analyzed in terms of Friedman{\textquoteright}s cluster integral expansion theory.

}, issn = {1520-6106}, doi = {10.1021/jp050012c}, author = {Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000229119800001, title = {Recent advances in biodegradable nanocomposites}, journal = {Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology}, volume = {5}, number = {4}, year = {2005}, month = {APR}, pages = {497-526}, publisher = {AMER SCIENTIFIC PUBLISHERS}, type = {Article}, address = {26650 THE OLD RD, STE 208, VALENCIA, CA 91381-0751 USA}, abstract = {

There is growing interest in developing bio-based products and innovative process technologies that can reduce the dependence on fossil fuel and move to a sustainable materials basis. Biodegradable bio-based nanocomposites are the next generation of materials for the future. Renewable resource-based biodegradable polymers including cellulosic plastic (plastic made from wood), corn-derived plastics, and polyhydroxyalkanoates (plastics made from bacterial sources) are some of the potential biopolymers which, in combination with nanoclay reinforcement, can produce nanocomposites for a variety of applications. Nanocomposites of this category are expected to possess improved strength and stiffness with little sacrifice of toughness, reduced gas/water vapor permeability, a lower coefficient of thermal expansion, and an increased heat deflection temperature, opening an opportunity for the use of new, high performance, lightweight green nanocomposite materials to replace conventional petroleum-based composites. The present review addresses this green material, including its technical difficulties and their solutions.

}, keywords = {cellulose, layered silicates and properties, Nanocomposite, poly(caprolactone)s, poly(hydroxy alkanoate)s, polyiactic acid, Starch}, issn = {1533-4880}, doi = {10.1166/jnn.2005.111}, author = {Pandey, J. K. and Kumar, A. P. and Misra, M. and Mohanty, A. K. and Drzal, L. T. and Singh, R. P.} } @conference { ISI:000229432300024, title = {Recent applications of chloroaluminate ionic liquids in promoting organic reactions}, booktitle = {Symposium on Ionic Liquids - Fundamentals, Progress, Challenges and Opportunities held at the 226th American-Chemical-Society National Meeting}, series = {ACS Symposium Series}, volume = {902}, year = {2005}, note = {Symposium on Ionic Liquids - Fundamentals, Progress, Challenges and Opportunities held at the 226th American-Chemical-Society National Meeting, New York, NY, SEP 07-11, 2003}, month = {SEP}, pages = {350-370}, publisher = {Amer Chemical Soc, 1155 Sixteenth ST NW, Washington, DC 20036 USA}, organization = {Amer Chemical Soc, 1155 Sixteenth ST NW, Washington, DC 20036 USA}, address = {New York, USA}, abstract = {

Chloroaluminate ionic liquids composed of AICl(3) and organic cations can promote a variety of organic reactions. The composition of these chloroaluminate ionic liquids governs the acidity and basicity of solvent media, in which the reactions are carried out. Useful physico-chemical properties of these ionic liquids and the recent work on their role in accelerating organic reactions are described in the present article.

}, isbn = {0-8412-3893-6}, issn = {0097-6156}, author = {Kumar, Anil and Sarma, Diganta}, editor = {Rogers, R. D. and Seddon, K. R.} } @article { ISI:000231744300010, title = {Regression models using pattern search assisted least square support vector machines}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Research and Design}, volume = {83}, number = {A8}, year = {2005}, month = {AUG}, pages = {1030-1037}, publisher = {INST CHEMICAL ENGINEERS}, type = {Article}, address = {165-189 RAILWAY TERRACE, DAVIS BLDG, RUGBY CV21 3HQ, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Least Square Support Vector Machines (LS-SVM), a new machine-learning tool has been employed for developing data driven models of non-linear processes. The method is firmly rooted in the statistical learning theory and transforms the input data to a higher dimensional feature space where the use of appropriate kernel functions avoid computational difficulty. Further, a pattern search algorithm, which explores multiple directions and utilizes coordinate search with fixed step size, is employed for selecting optimal LS-SVM model that produces a minimum possible prediction error. To show the efficacy and efficiency of the fully automated pattern search assisted LS-SVM methodology, we have tested it on several benchmark examples. The study suggests that proposed paradigm can be a useful and viable tool in building data driven models of non-linear processes.

}, keywords = {equality constraints, LS-SVM, model selection, Optimization, pattern search}, issn = {0263-8762}, doi = {10.1205/cherd.03144}, author = {Patil, N. S. and Shelokar, P. S. and Jayaraman, Valadi K. and Kulkarni, B. D.} } @article {42687, title = {Reversible transformations of gold nanoparticle morphology}, journal = {Langmuir}, volume = {21}, year = {2005}, month = {SEP}, pages = {10280{\textendash}10283}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Herein is reported a metamorphosis taking place in a gold nanosized system. The observed phenomenon of shape and size transformations was found to be completely reversible. Unlike most procedures in the literature where shape and size control occur in the synthetic step by adding growth- and shape-controlling agents such as surfactants or polymers, in this system postsynthetic changes in shape and size can be carried out simply by changing the ratio of reactive, competing reagents, more specifically, alkylthiols versus tetralkylammonium salts. Interestingly, the transfer of gold metal occurs (large prismatic particles to small particles and vice versa) under the influence of reagents that do not cause such interactions with bulk gold. All intermediate steps of the morphology change were observed using HRTEM and electron diffraction. The processes of breaking down and {\textquotedblleft}welding back{\textquotedblright} solid metal nanoparticles occur under mild conditions and are remarkable examples of the unique chemical properties of nanomaterials. The described process is expected to be relevant to other nanoscale systems where similar structural circumstances could occur.

}, doi = {10.1021/la051699v}, author = {Stoeva, Savka I. and Zaikovski, Vladimir and Bhagavatula L. V. Prasad and Stoimenov, Peter K. and Sorensen, Christopher M. and Klabunde, Kenneth J.} } @article {42553, title = {Review on bubble formation, rise and break-up in a gas-liquid system}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {44}, year = {2005}, month = {MAY}, pages = {5873{\textendash}5931}, type = {Review}, abstract = {

The formation of gas bubbles and their subsequent rise due to buoyancy are very important fundamental phenomena that contribute significantly to the hydrodynamics in gas-liquid reactors. The rise of a bubble in dispersion can be associated with possible coalescence and dispersion followed by its disengagement from the system. The phenomenon of bubble formation decides the primitive bubble size in the system (which latter attains an equilibrium size), whereas the rise velocity decides the characteristic contact time between the phases which governs the interfacial transport phenomena as well as mixing. In view of their importance, we herein present a comprehensive review of bubble formation and bubble rise velocity in gas-liquid systems. The emphasis of this review is to illustrate the present status of the subjects under consideration and to highlight the possible future directions for further understanding of the subject. The bubble formation at a single submerged orifice and on multipoint sieve trays in Newtonian as well as non-Newtonian stagnant and flowing liquids is discussed in detail, which includes its mechanism as well as the effect of several system and operating parameters on the bubble size. The comparison of results has shown that the formulation of Gaddis and Vogelpohl22 is the most suitable for the estimation of bubble size in stagnant liquids. The special cases, such as bubble formation in reduced gravity conditions and weeping and in flowing liquids, are discussed in detail. The section on the rise of a gas bubble in liquid covers the various parameters governing bubble rise and their effect on the rise velocity. A comprehensive comparison of the various formulations is made by validating the predictions with experimental data for Newtonian as well as non-Newtonian liquids, published over last several decades. The results highlight that for the estimation of rise velocity in (i) pure Newtonian liquids, (ii) contaminated Newtonian liquids, and (iii) non-Newtonian liquids, the formulation based on the wave theory by Mendelson,190 Nguyen{\textquoteright}s formulation,155 and the formulation by Rodrigues,153 (last two, based on the dimensional analysis), respectively are the most suitable. The motion of bubbles in non-Newtonian liquids and the reason behind the discontinuity in the velocity are also discussed in detail. The bubble rise is also analyzed in terms of the drag coefficient for different system parameters and bubble sizes.

}, doi = {10.1021/ie049131p}, author = {Kulkarni, Amol A. and Joshi, Jyeshtharaj B.} } @article { ISI:000228575900026, title = {Ring-closing metathesis mediated total synthesis of microcarpalide and herbarumin III}, journal = {Arkivoc}, number = {3}, year = {2005}, month = {FEB}, pages = {237-257}, publisher = {ARKAT USA INC}, address = {C/O ALAN R KATRITZKY, UNIV FLORIDA, DEPT CHEMISTRY, PO BOX 117200, GAINESVILLE, FL 32611 USA}, abstract = {

Total synthesis of naturally occurring microcarpalide and herbarumin III are described. The ring-closing metathesis (RCM) approach to coin the medium sized rings present in their molecular structures form the basic premise of this investigation.

}, keywords = {herbarumin III, microcarpalide, microfilament, phosphodiesterase, ring-closing metathesis (RCM)}, author = {Gurjar, M. K. and Nagaprasad, R. and Ramana, C. V. and Karmakar, S. and Mohapatra, Debendra K.} } @article { ISI:000231067500001, title = {Role of Mg ions in modulating the morphology and structure of CaCO3 crystals grown in aqueous foams}, journal = {CrystEngComm}, volume = {7}, year = {2005}, month = {JUL}, pages = {469-475}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We investigate the role of magnesium ions in modulating the morphology and crystallography of CaCO3 crystals grown in aqueous foam. This is accomplished by first making foams from an aqueous mixture of CaCl2+MgCl2 and the anionic surfactant aerosol-OT (AOT) followed by reaction of the foam with Na2CO3 solution. The Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions electrostatically complex with AOT and react with Na2CO3 within the foam to yield CaCO3 crystals of interesting morphology. These studies indicate that CaCO3 in a fractured, needle-like morphology was formed at high Mg2+ concentrations in the foam whereas porous, rhombic CaCO3 crystals were obtained at low Mg2+ concentrations. The effect of water drainage time and thereby, the structure of the foam on the morphology of the CaCO3 crystals grown was also studied.

}, issn = {1466-8033}, doi = {10.1039/b501420b}, author = {Rautaray, Debabrata and Kasture, Manasi and Sastry, M.} } @article { ISI:000229298200025, title = {Role of non-linear processes in conducting polymer blends for piezo-sensors Part 2: studies on polyaniline/SBS blends}, journal = {Sensors and Actuators A-Physical}, volume = {120}, number = {2}, year = {2005}, month = {MAY}, pages = {474-481}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

The electrical properties and piezo-response of conducting polymer blends have been investigated with respect to composition for styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) elastomer containing two grades of polyaniline (PANI). The blends were synthesized using solution/dispersion technique in which the conducting PANI was prepared with either HCl or dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid (DBSA) as dopant. Thick sheets cast from these exhibited high piezo-sensitive electrical resistance even at small mechanical load. The pressure dependence of resistance followed a non-linear power law of the type R = KP-m where K and m values changed considerably with composition. The current voltage characteristics in these blends were found to be highly non-linear and the conduction mechanism was either space charge limited or tunneling type depending on the concentration and nature of conducting additive. These various results have been explained on the basis of the phenomenological model developed incorporating the non-linear processes for electrical and mechanical properties. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {conducting polymer, non-linear process, piezo-sensors}, issn = {0924-4247}, doi = {10.1016/j.sna.2005.01.037}, author = {Radhakrishnan, S and Kar, Swarnendu B.} } @article { ISI:000228436200035, title = {Self-assembly of nanostructured PbS for solar photovoltaic applications}, journal = {Materials Chemistry and Physics}, volume = {91}, number = {2-3}, year = {2005}, month = {JUN}, pages = {447-453}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

In the present communication, the self-assembly of nanocrystalline PbS at the liquid-liquid interface is reported. The PbS nanocrystals were, subsequently, transformed in the form of thin films by dip coating. The resultant Q-PbS films were characterized by SEM-EDAX, TEM-SAED, XRD, XPS and UV-vis Spectroscopy. Pyramidal features at the nanometer scale, preferred orientation along (2 2 0) and (4 0 0) planes of cubic structure and a sharp excitonic peak at 656 run are the salient aspects of this work. The band-gap of the order of 1.8 eV (associated with the excitonic feature) is ideally suited for solar photovoltaic applications. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Liquid-liquid interface, nanopyramid, Nanostructures, PbS}, issn = {0254-0584}, doi = {10.1016/j.matchemphys.2004.12.007}, author = {Hawaldar, Ranjit R. and Kanade, K. G. and Patil, K. R. and Sathaye, S. D. and Mulik, Uttam P. and Amalnerkar, Dinesh P.} } @article { ISI:000231719800006, title = {Simple and practical approach to enantiomerically pure (S)-3-hydroxy-gamma-butyrolactone: synthesis of (R)-4-cyano-3-hydroxybutyric acid ethyl ester}, journal = {Tetrahedron-Symmetry}, volume = {16}, number = {16}, year = {2005}, month = {AUG}, pages = {2717-2721}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The oxidation of alpha- or beta-(1,4) linked disaccharides or oligosaccharides with cumene hydroperoxide in the presence of a base gave (S)-3,4-dihydroxybutyic acid, which was cyclized under acidic conditions to furnish (S)-3-hydroxy-gamma-butyrolactone. This was subsequently converted into (R)-cyano-3-hydroxybutyric acid ethyl ester, an intermediate for statin based drugs and other related compounds. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0957-4166}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetasy.2005.07.012}, author = {Kumar, P. and Deshmukh, A. N. and Upadhyay, R. K. and Gurjar, M. K.} } @article { ISI:000228267300014, title = {Simple, concise, stereocontrolled synthesis of (8E,10Z)-pentadecadien-1-ol acetate}, journal = {Synthetic Communications}, volume = {35}, number = {7}, year = {2005}, month = {AUG}, pages = {987-994}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS INC}, type = {Article}, address = {325 CHESTNUT ST, SUITE 800, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 USA}, abstract = {

A simple, concise, and stereocontrolled synthesis of (8E, 10Z)-pentadecadien-l -ol acetate involving a Cadiot-Chodkiewicz reaction as the key step is described.

}, keywords = {acetate, Acrobasis vaccini, Cadiot-Chodkiewicz reaction, diacetylene, Pheromone}, issn = {0039-7911}, doi = {10.1081/SCC-200051715}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Kharul, Rajendra K. and Kamat, Subhash K. and Kalkote, Uttam R. and Kale, R. R.} } @article { ISI:000227321500008, title = {Simple oxalate precursor route for the preparation of barium-strontium titanate: Ba1-xSrxTiO3 powders}, journal = {Materials Characterization}, volume = {54}, number = {1}, year = {2005}, month = {JAN}, pages = {63-74}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC}, type = {Article}, address = {360 PARK AVE SOUTH, NEW YORK, NY 10010-1710 USA}, abstract = {

A simple one-step cation-exchange reaction between the stoichiometric solutions of ammonium titanyl oxalate (ATO) and barium hydroxide+strontium nitrate at room temperature (RT) is investigated successfully for the quantitative precipitation of barium-strontium titanyl oxalate (BSTO): Ba1-xSrxTiO(C2O4)(2).4H(2)O (x=0.25) precursor powders with nearly theoretical yield (greater than or equal to99\%). The pyrolysis of BSTO at 730degreesC/4 h in air produced barium-strontium titanate (Ba1-xSrxTiO3; BST) powders. The characterization studies on BSTO and BST powders by using various physico-chemical techniques: micro- and chemical analysis, differential thermal analysis (DTA)/thermo-gavimetric analysis (TGA), XRD, FTIR, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the powders formed are cubic, highly pure, stoichiometric and sub-micron-sized with nearly uniform size and shape distribution. The ceramic compacts obtained by sintering the BST pellets at 1300degreesC/4 It showed density similar to95\%, dielectric constant epsilon(Tc)similar to9500, tan delta-0.15\% and T(C)similar to32 degreesC. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {barium-strontium titanate, barium-strontium titanyl oxalate, permittivity, XRF}, issn = {1044-5803}, doi = {10.1016/j.matchar.2004.11.002}, author = {Khollam, Y. B. and Deshpande, S. B. and Potdar, H. S. and Bhoraskar, S. V. and Sainkar, S. R. and Date, Sadgopal K.} } @article { ISI:000229376400004, title = {Simple synthesis of (+/-)-sarkomycin}, journal = {Synthesis-Stuttgart}, number = {8}, year = {2005}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1234-1236}, publisher = {GEORG THIEME VERLAG KG}, type = {Article}, address = {RUDIGERSTR 14, D-70469 STUTTGART, GERMANY}, abstract = {

A facile 6-step route to (+/-)-sarkomycin in 17\% overall yield has been described via Michael addition of nitromethane to 2-hydroxymethyl-2-cyclopentenone, oxone-induced oxidative Nef reaction, and acid catalyzed dehydration.

}, keywords = {(+/-)-sarkomycin synthesis, 2-hydroxymethyl-2-cyclopentenone, Michael addition, nitromethane., oxidative Nef reaction, Oxone}, issn = {0039-7881}, doi = {10.1055/s-2005-861877}, author = {Kar, Anirban and N. P. Argade} } @article { ISI:000227895500014, title = {(SR/RS)-cyclohexanyl PNAs: conformationally preorganized PNA analogues with unprecedented preference for duplex formation with RNA}, journal = {Journal of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {127}, number = {12}, year = {2005}, month = {MAR}, pages = {4144-4145}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, issn = {0002-7863}, doi = {10.1021/ja044142v}, author = {Govindaraju, T and Kumar, VA and Ganesh, Krishna N.} } @article { ISI:000229484600033, title = {Stereoselective syntheses of (+)-alpha- and (-)-beta-conhydrine from L-aspartic acid}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {46}, number = {23}, year = {2005}, month = {JUN}, pages = {4091-4093}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An efficient synthesis of (+)-alpha-conhydrine 1 and (-)-beta-conhydrine 2 has been achieved by. diastereo selective alkylation of an amino aldehyde derivative 7 with ethylmagnesium bromide or diethylzinc. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Alkylation, conhydrine, Grignard reaction, Piperidine alkaloids, stereoselectivity}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2005.04.013}, author = {Pandey, SK and Kumar, P} } @article { ISI:000227833600014, title = {Stereoselective synthesis of (2R, 3S, 22R, 23E)-6, 6-ethylenedioxy-22-hydroxy-2, 3-isopropylidenedioxy-24-methyl-5 alpha-cholest-23-ene: An intermediate for the synthesis of castasterone, dolichosterone and brassinolide}, journal = {Indian Journal of Chemistry Section B-Organic Chemistry including Medicinal Chemistry}, volume = {44}, number = {3}, year = {2005}, month = {MAR}, pages = {611-614}, publisher = {NATL INST SCIENCE COMMUNICATION}, type = {Article}, address = {DR K S KRISHNAN MARG, NEW DELHI 110 012, INDIA}, issn = {0376-4699}, author = {Hazra, Braja G. and Kumar, T. P. and Pore, V. S.} } @article { ISI:000227508600006, title = {Stereoselective synthesis of (2S,7S)-7-(4-phenoxymethyl)2-(1-N-hydroxyureidyl-3-butyn-4-yl)oxepane: a potential anti-asthmatic drug candidate}, journal = {Tetrahedron-Asymmetry}, volume = {16}, number = {5}, year = {2005}, month = {MAR}, pages = {935-939}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We have achieved a short, efficient stereoselective synthesis of 7-membered oxepane derivatives with potential against asthma. Highlights of our synthetic strategy are regioselective oxidation of a hydroxyl group and efficient ring closure of an open chain aldehyde to a 2-benzenesulfonyl oxepane derivative with PhSO2H. Surprisingly the cis-isomer showed better activity than the traps-isomer. (C) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0957-4166}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetasy.2005.01.024}, author = {Gurjar, M. K. and Rao, B. V. and Krishna, L. M. and Chorghade, Mukund S. and Ley, S. V.} } @article { ISI:000227506100040, title = {Stereoselective synthesis of (+)-boronolide}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {46}, number = {12}, year = {2005}, month = {MAR}, pages = {2129-2131}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An efficient enantio- and stereocontrolled total synthesis of (+)-boronolide from valeralclehyde is described. The key steps include a Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation, a chelation controlled Grignard reaction followed by Sharpless asymmetric epoxidation and a ring closing metathesis. (C) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2005.01.120}, author = {Naidu, SV and Gupta, P and Kumar, P} } @article { ISI:000230879600018, title = {Stereoselectivity ratios in a simple Diels-Alder reaction in aqueous salt solutions of alcohols}, journal = {Tetrahedron}, volume = {61}, number = {33}, year = {2005}, month = {AUG}, pages = {8025-8030}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

This is the first exhaustive report on the variation of stereoselectivity ratios for a simple Diels-Alder reaction between cyclopentadiene and methyl acrylate. The reaction was carried out in aqueous mixtures of methanol, ethanol, propan-1-ol and butan-1-ol in presence of LiClO4, LiCl, NaCl, KCl, CaCl2 and MgCl2. The endo sterecisomer decreases with the increase in carbon chain length of the alcohol. However, LiClO4, a salting-in agent in water becomes salting-out in aqueous mixtures of alcohols. The solvent properties, thus can be attuned by adjusting the amount of solvents and salts. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {aqueous alcohols, Diels-Alder reaction, endolexo ratios, salts}, issn = {0040-4020}, doi = {10.1016/j.tet.2005.06.010}, author = {Deshpande, Suvarna S. and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000231294400029, title = {Stereospecific route to 5,11-methanomorphanthridine alkaloids via intramolecular 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of nonstabilized azomethine ylide: Formal total synthesis of (+/-)-pancracine}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {7}, number = {17}, year = {2005}, month = {AUG}, pages = {3713-3716}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

[GRAPHICS] The core structure of the complex pentacyclic 5,11-methanomorphanthridine alkaloids is constructed stereospecifically in one step employing an intramolecular [3 + 2]-cycloaddition of nonstabilized azomethine ylide as the key step. The strategy is demonstrated by accomplishing the formal total synthesis of (+/-)-pancracine.

}, issn = {1523-7060}, doi = {10.1021/ol051321o}, author = {Pandey, Ganesh and Banerjee, Prabal and Kumar, Ravindra and Puranik, Vedavati G.} } @article { ISI:000228412500017, title = {Structural rationalisation of co-crystals formed between trithiocyanuric acid and molecules containing hydrogen bonding functionality}, journal = {Chemistry - A European Journal}, volume = {11}, number = {8}, year = {2005}, note = {Symposium on Chemistry-A European Conference - Stimulating Concepts in Chemistry, Inst Sci Ingenierie Supramoleculaires, Strasbourg, FRANCE, APR 15, 2005}, month = {APR}, pages = {2433-2439}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, type = {Article}, address = {COMMERCE PLACE, 350 MAIN ST, MALDEN 02148, MA USA}, abstract = {

Crystallisation of trithiocyanuric acid (TTCA) from various organic solvents that have hydrogen bonding capability (acetone, 2-butanone, dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, methanol and acetonitrile) leads to the formation of co-crystals in which the solvent molecules are incorporated together with TTCA in the crystal structure. Structure determination by single-crystal X-ray diffraction reveals that these co-crystals can be classified into different groups depending upon the topological arrangement of the TTCA molecules in the crystal structure. Thus, three different types of single-tape arrangements of TTCA molecules and one type of double-tape arrangement of TTCA molecules are identified. In all co-crystals, hydrogen-bonding interactions are formed through the involvement of N-H bonds of TTCA molecules in these tapes and the other molecule in the co-crystal. Detailed rationalisation of the structural properties of these co-crystals is presented.

}, keywords = {crystal engineering, hydrogen bonds, nitrogen heterocycles, structure elucidation}, issn = {0947-6539}, doi = {10.1002/chem.200400340}, author = {Ahn, Sung-Hoon and PrakashaReddy, J. and Kariuki, B. M. and Chatterjee, S. and Ranganathan, A. and Pedireddi, V. R. and Rao, C. N. R. and Harris, Kenneth D. M.} } @article { ISI:000231458500048, title = {Studies on conducting polymer electroactive paper actuators: effect of humidity and electrode thickness}, journal = {Smart Materials \& Structures}, volume = {14}, number = {4}, year = {2005}, month = {AUG}, pages = {876-880}, publisher = {IOP PUBLISHING LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {TEMPLE CIRCUS, TEMPLE WAY, BRISTOL BS1 6BE, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Actuators based on cellulose paper with conducting polymer (CP-EAPap) as an electrode material were constructed. The bilayer and trilayer types of actuators were fabricated by depositing conducting polypyrrole on one side and two sides of cellophane paper respectively, which was previously gold coated. By varying the deposition time, the electrode thickness was manipulated. The performance of these two types of actuators was compared with respect to humidity changes and thickness variation. The electrode thickness plays a key role in the displacement behavior of these types of actuators. The best performance at higher humidity is also characteristic of CP-EAPap actuators. The possible mechanism of actuation is addressed in this paper.

}, issn = {0964-1726}, doi = {10.1088/0964-1726/14/4/048}, author = {Deshpande, S. D. and Kim, Jaehwan and Yun, Sung-Ryul} } @article { ISI:000233833100010, title = {Studies on effect of silane coupling agent on the mechanical properties of clay filled natural rubber}, journal = {Journal of the Indian Chemical Society}, volume = {82}, number = {11}, year = {2005}, month = {NOV}, pages = {985-988}, publisher = {INDIAN CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {92 ACHARYA PRAFULLA CHANDRA RD ATTN:DR INDRAJIT KAR/EXEC SEC, CALCUTTA 700009, INDIA}, abstract = {

Effect of treatment of coupling agents bis(3-triethoxvsilylpropyl)tetrasulphide (Si-69)] on mechanical properties of composites made from natural rubber and clay is reported here. The treatment resulted in enhancement of mechanical properties of composites of the said rubber when compared with untreated clay composites separately. The properties under consideration were tensile strength, modulus at 100\% and 400\%, Young{\textquoteright}s modulus, elongation at break, hardness, etc. Tensile strength was improved by 118.75\%, modulus at 400\% was found to improve by 422\% while Young{\textquoteright}s modulus also was improved by 133\% when compared with untreated clay composites at 0.42 volume fraction.

}, issn = {0019-4522}, author = {Alkadasi, N. A. N. and Sarwade, B. D. and Kapadi, U. R. and Hundiwale, D. G.} } @article { ISI:000234330700013, title = {Studies on the lactic-fermentation of sugar apple (Annona squamosa L.) puree}, journal = {Journal of Food and Drug Analysis}, volume = {13}, number = {4}, year = {2005}, month = {DEC}, pages = {377-381}, publisher = {NATL LABORATORIES FOODS DRUGS}, type = {Article}, address = {161-2 KUEN YANG STREET, NANKANG, TAIPEI, TAIWAN}, abstract = {

Sugar apple (Annona squamosa L.) is a fruit tree of economic importance in Taiwan, with the fruit primarily consumed fresh. Overproduction in recent years, coupled with short shelf life and other practical issues, make practical the research into uses for sugar apples in formats other than fresh. This study presents an exploration of lactic-fermented sugar apple products. The product has a unique sweet aroma and a test panel found its texture to be appealing. For this study, sugar apple puree was used as the substrate for fermentation using mixed starters in a ratio 1:1 or 1:1:1. The high total soluble solid nature (20.5 +/- 4.33 degrees Brix) of sugar apple puree as compared to that of mixed fruit juice (lower than 10 Brix) indicates its potential to be used in fermentation. Following fermentation, the properties and effects of different starter inoculations were recorded and discussed. Fermentation achieved a pH value of 3.8 after 60 hr. The performance of fermented product in the DPPH (alpha,alpha-diphenyl-beta- picrylhydrazyl) decreased from 92\% to 78\% after 48 hr, followed by a stationary state. Fermented sugar apple puree and fresh sugar apple juice blended in a ratio of 2:8 delivered the highest DPPH scavenging efficiency (88\%) and iron chelating ability (49\%). The relatively high values of these properties offer the potential for sugar apple juice to be further developed as a novel functional food. Such a development would surely help to ease recent overproduction problems.

}, keywords = {annonaceae, DPPH scavenging, Fermentation, Lactobacillus}, issn = {1021-9498}, author = {Tien, Y. Y. and Ng, C. C. and Chang, C. C. and Tseng, W. S. and Kotwal, S. and Shyu, Y. T.} } @article { ISI:000230729300026, title = {Study of correlation of structural and surface properties with electrochemical behaviour in carbon aerogels}, journal = {Journal of Materials Science}, volume = {40}, number = {14}, year = {2005}, month = {JUL}, pages = {3777-3782}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Carbon aerogel is a promising material for electrochemical double layer capacitors. In this paper carbon aerogels prepared by subcritical drying method are investigated for the change in the structure and surface properties at different pyrolysis temperatures. The important relations between structure, morphology, surface area and electrical properties were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), surface area measurement and cyclic voltametry. It is shown that structure and the surface functional groups play important role in enhancement of electrochemical capacitance. The specific capacitance achieved was 114 F/gm which is quite large value for subcritically prepared carbon aerogels without any kind of activation process. (c) 2005 Springer Science + Business Media, Inc.

}, issn = {0022-2461}, doi = {10.1007/s10853-005-3318-4}, author = {Hebalkar, Neha and Arabale, G. and Sainkar, S. R. and Pradhan, S. D. and Mulla, Imtiaz S. and Vijayamohanan, K. and Ayyub, P. and Kulkarni, S. K.} } @article { ISI:000224609100004, title = {SVM classifier incorporating simultaneous noise reduction and feature selection: illustrative case examples}, journal = {Pattern Recognition}, volume = {38}, number = {1}, year = {2005}, month = {JAN}, pages = {41-49}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A hybrid technique involving symbolization of data to remove noise and use of conditional entropy minima to extract relevant and non-redundant features is proposed in conjunction with support vector machines to obtain more robust classification algorithm. The technique tested on three data sets shows improvements in classification efficiencies. (C) 2004 Pattern Recognition Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {classification, conditional entropy, SVM, symbolization}, issn = {0031-3203}, doi = {10.1016/j.patcog.2004.06.002}, author = {Kumar, R. and Jayaraman, Valadi K. and Kulkarni, B. D.} } @article { ISI:000232886800008, title = {Synthesis and analysis of ZnO and CdSe nanoparticles}, journal = {Pramana-Journal of Physics}, volume = {65}, number = {4, SI}, year = {2005}, note = {1st National Conference on Nanoscience and Technology, Pune, INDIA, MAR 07-08, 2005}, month = {OCT}, pages = {615-620}, publisher = {INDIAN ACADEMY SCIENCES}, type = {Article}, address = {C V RAMAN AVENUE, SADASHIVANAGAR, P B \#8005, BANGALORE 560 080, INDIA}, abstract = {

Zinc oxide and cadmium selenide particles in the nanometer size regime have been synthesized using chemical routes. The particles were capped using thioglycerol in case of ZnO and 2-mercaptoethanol in case of CdSe to achieve the stability and avoid the coalescence. Zinc oxide nanoparticles were doped with europium to study their optical properties. A variety of techniques like UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence (PL), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to carry out structural and spectroscopic characterizations of the nanoparticles.

}, keywords = {chemical capping, Doping, Nanoparticles, photoluminescence}, issn = {0304-4289}, doi = {10.1007/BF03010449}, author = {Ashtaputre, S. S. and Deshpande, Aparna and Marathe, Sayali and Wankhede, M. E. and Chimanpure, J. and Pasricha, R. and Urban, J. and Haram, Santosh K. and Gosavi, S. W. and Kulkarni, S. K.} } @article { ISI:000225497800035, title = {Synthesis and characterization of microwave-hydrothermally derived Ba1-xSrxTiO3 powders}, journal = {Materials Letters}, volume = {59}, number = {2-3}, year = {2005}, month = {JAN}, pages = {293-296}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Submicron-sized, spherical, stoichiometric strontium substituted barium titanate: Ba0.75Sr0.25TiO3 (BST) powders are prepared by microwave-hydrothermal (MH) route under the MH conditions of 200 degreesC, 200 psi, and 30 min in strongly alkaline conditions (pH\>12) using potassium titanyl oxalate (KTO) and nitrates of Ba and Sr as the starting precursors and KOH as the mineralizer. The characterization studies by XRD, XRF and SEM indicated that stoichiometric cubic BST powders (a(0)=3.992 A) were obtained by adjusting MH conditions mentioned earlier and keeping the (Ba+Sr)/Ti ratio in starting solution slightly in excess (similar to1.06). (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {barium-strontium titanate, dissolution-recrystallization, Microstructure, microwave-hydrothermal synthesis, mineralizer, SEM, XRD, XRF}, issn = {0167-577X}, doi = {10.1016/j.matlet.2004.10.006}, author = {Deshpande, S. B. and Khollam, Y. B. and Bhoraskar, Y. B. and Date, Sadgopal K. and Sainkara, S. R. and Potdar, H. S.} } @article { ISI:000229051200014, title = {Synthesis and characterization of polyimides and co-polyimides having pendant benzoic acid moiety}, journal = {Polymer}, volume = {46}, number = {11}, year = {2005}, month = {MAY}, pages = {3669-3676}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A novel diamine monomer, 2,4-diamino-4{\textquoteright}-carboxy diphenyl ether had been synthesized. Several polyimides were prepared by reacting this diamine with commercially available dianhydrides, such as benzophenone tetracarboxylic acid dianhydride (BTDA), 4,4{\textquoteright}bis{hexafluoroisopropylidene his (phthalic anhydride)} (6-FDA), oxydiphthalic anhydride (ODPA) and 3,3{\textquoteright},4,4{\textquoteright}-biphenyltetracarboxylic acid dianhydride (BPDA). Furthermore, copolymers from the resulting diamine and oxydianiline (ODA) with 6 FDA were also synthesized. The inherent viscosities of the polymers were 0.42-0.67 dl g(-1). The polymers have good solubility in polar aprotic solvents, high thermal stability up to 410 \° C in nitrogen and high glass transition temperatures (T-g) ranging from 260-330 \° C. These polymers formed tough flexible films by solution casting. {\textcopyright} 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {co-polyimides, diamine with pendant benzoic acid, polyimides with pendant benzoic acid}, issn = {0032-3861}, doi = {10.1016/j.polymer.2005.03.001}, author = {Kulkarni, M and Kothawade, S and Arabale, G. and Wagh, D and Vijayamohanan, K and Kulkarni, RA and Vernekar, SP} } @article {42602, title = {Synthesis and curing studies of PPG based telechelic urethane methacrylic macromonomers}, journal = {European Polymer Journal}, volume = {41}, year = {2005}, month = {JAN}, pages = {23{\textendash}33}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A New class of telechelic urethane methacrylic (TUMA) macromonomers were synthesized by a two-step condensation of 1, 6-hexamethylenediisocyanate (HMDI) with polypropylene glycol (PPG) of various molecular weights and capped with hydroxyl ethyl methacrylate (HEMA). A model compound based on diethylene glycol (DEG){\textemdash}M-1 was synthesized as a low molecular weight analogue. Another model compound{\textemdash}M-2 was also synthesized by direct coupling of two equivalents of HEMA with HMDI. The structure of the telechelic urethanes were confirmed by 1H, 13C NMR and FTIR spectroscopy. Photopolymerization of these telechelic systems was investigated using 2,2-diethoxy acetophenone as the photoinitiator at 5 wt.\%. Trihydroxymethylpropane trimethacrylate (30 parts), PPG diacrylates (25 parts), ethylhexyl acrylate (20 parts) were mixed with the various telechelic urethane methacrylates (25 parts) for curing studies. The kinetics of the curing was monitored by following the disappearance of the methacrylic double bonds at 1628 cm-1 using IR spectroscopy. TUMAPPG-425 had the fastest cure rate among the telechelic urethane methacrylates. This could be accounted for by hydrogen bonding pre-association in these systems. The thermal properties of the cured films were studied using TGA measurements. The cured films of the neat resin had a lower 50 wt.\% loss temperature compared with that of the same resin in the formulation.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2004.08.005}, author = {Asha, S. K. and Thirumal, M. and Kavitha, A. and Pillai, C.K.S.} } @article { ISI:000233927900005, title = {Synthesis, characterization and catalytic application of Ru-II-ethylenediamine complex - mesoporous silica as heterogeneous catalyst system in chemo-selective hydrogenation of alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds}, journal = {Microporous and Mesoporous Materials}, volume = {87}, number = {1}, year = {2005}, month = {DEC}, pages = {33-44}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

An efficient heterogeneous catalyst system for chemo-selective hydrogenation of alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes was synthesized, involving anchoring of a Ru-II-phosphine complex on the inner surfaces of organo-functionalized (propylamine and propylethylenediamine) mesoporous MCM-41 and MCM-48 materials. Powder XRD, SEM and TEM experiments reveal highly ordered hexagonal and cubic patterns of the organically modified MCM-41 and MCM-48 materials, respectively, even after incorporation of Ru complexes. Moreover, the integrity of the Ru complex was retained after anchoring into the mesoporous hosts, which was supported by FTIR, P-31 CP MAS NMR and XPS analyses. This heterogeneous catalyst shows promising activity and chemo-selectivity towards hydrogenation of carbonyl groups in alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes. The effects of reaction temperature, reaction time and hydrogen pressure on the activity and selectivity were studied in detail. The anchored solid catalysts can be recycled effectively and reused several times without any loss in activity and selectivity. Although, the initial activity of the same Ru complex when grafted onto the organically modified surfaces of fumed silica is comparable to corresponding MCM41/MCM-48 catalysts, the activity and chemo-selectivity significantly decrease during recycle of the catalyst due to leaching. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {chemo-selective, heterogeneous catalysis, Heterogenization, Hydrogenation, mesoporous materials, organo-functionalization, Ru-II-ethylenediamine complex, unsaturated aldehyde}, issn = {1387-1811}, doi = {10.1016/j.micromeso.2005.06.042}, author = {Ghosh, Anirban and Kumar, R} } @article { ISI:000228301200003, title = {Synthesis, characterization, and performance evaluation of novel stabilized TDI-based polyurethane coatings under accelerated weathering}, journal = {Journal of Vinyl \& Additive Technology}, volume = {11}, number = {1}, year = {2005}, month = {MAR}, pages = {13-20}, publisher = {JOHN WILEY \& SONS INC}, type = {Article}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN, NJ 07030 USA}, abstract = {

Some toluene dilsocyanate (TDI)-based polyurethane resins (PURs) for coating applications were synthesized with castor oil and their performance was estimated under accelerated UV weathering with and without a novel UV absorber. Changes in physical properties, chemical structure, and color of the samples were monitored by mechanical property testing, FTIR spectroscopy, and colorimetry, respectively. A stable polyurethane coating was achieved at 0.5\% concentration of additive in the host matrix. Mechanical properties were also retained as in the pristine PUR after mixing. Commercial Tinuvin P and benzotriazole-based novel UV absorbers were found to improve the photoresistance of the PUR coating, and the highest efficiency of the novel UV absorber against weathering was estimated at 0.5 wt\% concentration.(c) 2005 Society of Plastics Engineers.

}, issn = {1083-5601}, doi = {10.1002/vnl.20032}, author = {Kumar, A. P. and Reddy, K. R. and Rana, S. and Lonkar, Sunil P. and Raut, K. G. and Singh, R. P.} } @article { ISI:000233914500027, title = {Synthesis of CdS and alloyed CdMnS nanocrystals using aqueous foams}, journal = {Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology}, volume = {5}, number = {12}, year = {2005}, month = {DEC}, pages = {2144-2154}, publisher = {AMER SCIENTIFIC PUBLISHERS}, type = {Article}, address = {25650 NORTH LEWIS WAY, STEVENSON RANCH, CA 91381-1439 USA}, abstract = {

Certain surfactant-stabilized aqueous foams provide a potentially efficient and simple chemical route for the synthesis of various nanomaterials with controllable structure, size, and shape. In the present work, a one-step process for the synthesis of CdS and Cdl(1-x)Mn(x)S (0 \< x \< 10) nanocrystals has been described. Aqueous CdCl2 and the aerosol-OT solutions are homogeneously mixed together and thereafter, nitrogen is bubbled through this solution to produce stable aqueous foam. After drainage of the foam, the freestanding dry foam consisting of cadmium cations electrostatically complexed with the anionic aerosol-OT molecules at the liquid-gas interface is treated with H2S vapor. The foam turns yellowish-orange and collapses, in the process yielding CdS nanoclusters of variable morphology. This morphology variation is appropriately attributed to growth of the CdS as well as alloyed Cd1-xMnxS nanoparticles in different regions of the foam contributing to the varying topological structure. Optical absorption spectra of both CdS and Cd1-xMnxS nanoparticles clearly show a well-defined exciton absorption feature around 450 nm due to quantum confinement effects. The interesting band edge emission characteristics of these AOT-capped CdS and Cd1-xMnxS nanoparticles produced in the foam are discussed with respect to their size and shape. Particular interest in the present novel aqueous foam approach arises due to the fact that the cubic zincblende CdS and alloyed Cd1-xMnxS nanocrystals could easily be obtained even under ambient experimental conditions itself.

}, keywords = {absorption and fluorescence, aerosol-OT, alloyed CdMnS nanocrystals, aqueous foams, CdS nanoclusters, quantum confinement, zincblende}, issn = {1533-4880}, doi = {10.1166/jnn.2005.401}, author = {Kumar, P. Senthil and Kasture, Manasi and Raghavan, U and Pasricha, R and Sastry, M} } @article { ISI:000233209400079, title = {Synthesis of eupomatilone-6 and assignment of its absolute configuration}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {70}, number = {23}, year = {2005}, month = {NOV}, pages = {9658-9661}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

[GRAPHICS] The Zn-mediated Barbier reaction of the biarylaldehyde 8 with crotyl bromide followed by hydroboration and oxidation provided the gamma-butyrolactones 4 and 5. The stereoselective installation of methyl group at C-3 by using LiHMDS and MeI completed the synthesis of racemic eupomatilone-6 (2) and its diastereomer 3. The spectroscopic data of 2 was in fall agreement with reported spectra of natural product, thus confirming the revised relative configuration of eupomatilone-6. Similarly, an optically active (3R,4R,5S)-isomer of eupomatilone-6 (23) was prepared in which the aldol reaction with thiazolidinethione as a chiral auxiliary was employed as a key step. On the basis of the spectroscopic data and optical rotation values of 23, the absolute configuration of eupomatilone-6 was proposed.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/jo0516234}, author = {Gurjar, Mukund K. and Karumudi, Bhargava and Ramana, C. V.} } @article { ISI:000230375200016, title = {Synthesis of fine PbE (E = S, Se) powder from direct in situ reduction of sulphur or selenium}, journal = {Materials Chemistry and Physics}, volume = {93}, number = {1}, year = {2005}, month = {SEP}, pages = {91-94}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Lead sulphide and lead selenide have been prepared for the first time, by in situ reduction of elemental S or Se by using aqueous DMF or aqueous SFS as reducing agents and their reaction with lead acetate. The grayish-black powder has been characterized by powder XRD measurement, XPS and SEM/EDAX analysis. Powder X-ray diffraction pattern revealed that cubic PbE (E = S, Se) is formed with a little impurities of lead in case of PbSe. Slightly broader peaks in XRD measurement suggest small particles diameter in the powder. The particle size by using Scheffer{\textquoteright}s formula is found to be about 100 nm. Peaks due to free lead particles are observed in XPS and EDS (in case of PbSe) analysis and SEM analysis indicates agglomerated particles. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Chemical synthesis, electronic materials, reduction, Semiconductor}, issn = {0254-0584}, doi = {10.1016/j.matchemphys.2005.02.025}, author = {Khanna, P. K. and Subbarao, VVVS and Wagh, M. and Jadhav, P. and Patil, K. R.} } @article { ISI:000233775500004, title = {Synthesis of gold, silver and their alloy nanoparticles using bovine serum albumin as foaming and stabilizing agent}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry }, volume = {15}, number = {48}, year = {2005}, month = {OCT}, pages = {5115-5121}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A simple and convenient method for the synthesis of gold, silver and their alloy nanoparticles in a foam matrix using the protein bovine serum albumin (BSA) is reported. BSA is an excellent foaming agent and, by virtue of its zwitterionic character at the protein isoelectric point, may be used to bind to either cationic silver (Ag+) or anionic gold (AuCl4-) ions in the foam. The metal ions in the foam are thereafter reduced in situ to yield silver and gold nanoparticles. The versatility of an amphoteric foaming agent is further demonstrated by the simultaneous binding of Ag+ and AuCl4- ions with zwitterionic BSA leading to the possibility of obtaining Au-Ag alloy nanoparticles in the foam. The BSA molecules coat and stabilize the nanoparticles thus prepared eliminating the necessity of employing an additional stabilizing agent in the experimental recipe.

}, issn = {0959-9428}, doi = {10.1039/b510398c}, author = {Singh, A. V. and Bandgar, B. M. and Kasture, Manasi and Bhagavatula L. V. Prasad and Sastry, M.} } @article { ISI:000229484400013, title = {Synthesis of naturally occurring bioactive butyrolactones: maculalactones A-C and nostoclide I}, journal = {Tetrahedron}, volume = {61}, number = {22}, year = {2005}, month = {MAY}, pages = {5297-5302}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Starting from citraconic anhydride (13), a simple multistep (9-10 steps) synthesis of naturally occurring butyrolactones maculalactone A (3), maculalactone B (1), maculalactone C (2) and nostoclide 1 (4) have been described with good overall yields via dibenzylmaleic anhydride (20) and benzylisopropylmaleic anhydride (27). The two anhydrides 20 and 27 were prepared by S(N)2{\textquoteright} coupling reactions of appropriate Grignard reagents with dimethyl bromomethylfumarate (14), LiOH-induced hydrolysis of esters to acids, bromination of carbon-carbon double bond, in situ dehydration followed by dehydrobromination and chemoselective allylic substitution of bromoatom in disubstituted anhydrides 19 and 26 with appropriate Grignard reagents. The NaBH4 reduction of these anhydrides 20 and 27 furnished the desired lactones 21 and 29, respectively. The lactone 21 on Knoevenagel condensation with benzaldehyde, furnished maculalactone B (1), which on isomerization gave maculalactone C (2). Selective catalytic hydrogenation of 1 gave maculalactone A (3). The conversion of lactone 29 to nostoclide 1 (4) is known. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {dimethyl bromomethylfumarate, disubstituted maleic anhydrides, maculalactone A-C, NaBH4 reductions, nostoclide 1, S(N)2 {\textquoteleft} Grignard couplings, synthesis}, issn = {0040-4020}, doi = {10.1016/j.tet.2005.03.065}, author = {Kar, Anirban and Gogoi, Sanjib and N. P. Argade} } @article { ISI:000226847200018, title = {Tetrazine derived mononuclear Ru-II(acac)(2)(L)(1), [Ru-II(bpy)(2)(L)](ClO4)(2)(2) and [Ru-II(bpy)(L)(2)](ClO4)(2)(3) (L=3-amino-6-(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine, acac = acetylacetonate, bpy=2,2 {\textquoteright}-bipyridine): syntheses, structures, spectra}, journal = {Polyhedron}, volume = {24}, number = {2}, year = {2005}, month = {JAN}, pages = {333-342}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Mononuclear ruthenium complexes of tetrazine derived L, Ru-II(acac)(2)(L) (1), [Ru-II(bpy)(2)(L)](ClO4)(2) (2) and [Ru-II(bpy)(L)(2)](ClO4)2 (3) (L = 3-amino-6-(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine, acac = acetylacetonate and bpy = 2,2{\textquoteright}-bipyridine) were prepared. The free L exists as a dimeric entity in the solid state via hydrogen bonding interactions involving L and water molecules present in the crystal lattice. 1 exhibits unusually strong bonds from Ru-II to coordinating pyrazolyl-N (2.040(2) Angstrom) and especially to tetrazine-N (1.913(2) Angstrom). The Ru-III/Ru-II couples of 1-3 appeared at 0.28, 1.34 and 1.50 V versus SCE, respectively. The tetrazine and bpy-based reductions were observed at -1.33 (1); -0.55 and -1.55/-1.75/-1.98 (2); -0.47/-0.78 and -1.80/-2.02 V (3), respectively. 1, 2 and 3 displayed two MLCT bands each, corresponding to dpi(Ru-II) --\> pi* (L, tetrazine) and dpi(Ru-II) --\> pi* (acac or bpy or L) transitions. 1(+) and 2(+) showed rhombic EPR spectra at 110 and 4 K, respectively and 1(-), 2(-) and 3(-) exhibited multiple line EPR spectra at 300 K. 1-3 exhibited moderately strong emission spectra in EtOH-MeOH glass at 77 K. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Electrochemistry, redox, ruthenium-tetrazine, spectra, structure, synthesis}, issn = {0277-5387}, doi = {10.1016/j.poly.2004.11.019}, author = {Nayak, A. and Patra, S. and Sarkar, B. and Ghumaan, Sandeep and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Kaim, Wolfgang and Lahiri, Goutam Kumar} } @article { ISI:000228936300008, title = {Textural/structural, stability and morphological properties of mesostructured silicas (MCM-41 and MCM-48) prepared using different silica sources}, journal = {Catalysis Communications}, volume = {6}, number = {5}, year = {2005}, month = {MAY}, pages = {361-366}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

A series of MCM-41 and MCM-48 samples have been synthesized under hydrothermal and static conditions using different silica sources (fumed silica, silica sot and ethyl silicate) and characterized by powder XRD, scanning electron microscopy and N-2 adsorption. The silica source reactivity trend observed was as: ethyl silicate \> fumed silica \> silica sot. However, the extent of contraction caused by calcination, magnitude of the wall thickness and stability were found to depend not only upon the type of silica source used but also on the type of structure formed. Noticeable morphological differences were observed in case of only MCM-41 when silica sources were varied. {\textcopyright} 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {1566-7367}, doi = {10.1016/j.catcom.2005.02.011}, author = {Gaydhankar, T. R. and Taralkar, U. S. and Jha, Ratnesh Kumar and Joshi, P. N. and Kumar, R} } @article { ISI:000230753500025, title = {Titanium superoxide catalyzed selective oxidation of phenols to p-quinones with aq. H2O2}, journal = {Indian Journal of Chemistry Section B-Organic Chemistry Including Medicinal Chemistry}, volume = {44}, number = {7}, year = {2005}, month = {JUL}, pages = {1530-1532}, publisher = {COUNCIL SCIENTIFIC \& INDUSTRIAL RES}, type = {Article}, address = {ANUSANDHAN BHAWAN, 2 RAFI MARG, NEW DELHI, 110001, INDIA}, abstract = {

Titanium superoxide, a novel heterogeneous and readily accessible catalyst, is found to catalyze the selective oxidation of phenols to the corresponding 1,4-benzoquinones in preparative yields with aq. 30\% H2O2 as oxidant under mild reaction conditions.

}, issn = {0376-4699}, author = {Dewkar, Gajanan and Shaikh, T. M. and Pardhy, S. and Kulkarni, S. S. and Sudalai, A.} } @article { ISI:000228983300063, title = {Total synthesis of microcarpalide}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {70}, number = {10}, year = {2005}, month = {MAY}, pages = {4207-4210}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

An efficient, convergent approach for the total synthesis of microcarpalide (1) is described. The synthetic strategy features the Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation, regioselective epoxide opening with various nucleophiles such as a lithium acetylide and cuprates derived from the vinyl stannane and the vinyl iodide for the construction of a C7-C8 trans-double bond and Yamaguchi macrolactonization as the key steps.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/jo050193e}, author = {Kumar, P and Naidu, SV} } @article { ISI:000231183000055, title = {Trans-5-Aminopipecolyl-aegPNA chimera: design, synthesis, and study of binding preferences with DNA/RNA in duplex/triplex mode}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {70}, number = {17}, year = {2005}, month = {AUG}, pages = {6956-6959}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

[GRAPHICS] The design and synthesis of novel chiral PNA monomer based on traps-5-aminopipecolic acid is reported. The trans diequatorial disposition of the 1,4 ring substituents in six-membered 5-aminopipecolic acid derivative could be favorable over trans 1,3 axial-equatorial disposition in 4-amino-pipecolic acid of PNA. Studies on the synthesis of traps-4/ 5-aminopipecolyl PNA-eagPNA chimeras and their binding preferences to DNA/RNA in duplex/triplex modes are described.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/jo0506884}, author = {Lonkar, P. S. and Kumar, V. A.} } @article { ISI:000231367700009, title = {Transparent chiral polymers for optical applications}, journal = {Journal of Applied Polymer Science}, volume = {98}, number = {1}, year = {2005}, month = {OCT}, pages = {58-65}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, type = {Article}, address = {COMMERCE PLACE, 350 MAIN ST, MALDEN 02148, MA USA}, abstract = {

Optically active chiral polymers and copolymers of cholesteryl methacrylate have been studied for use in optical applications including plastic optical fibers. Homopolymers of chiral cholesteryl methacrylate with differing molecular weights and copolymers with methyl methacrylate were synthesized by free-radical copolymerization in tetrahydrofuran using azobisisobutyronitrile at 67 degrees C for 26 h. All polymers were characterized for molecular weight, glass-transition temperature, optical rotation, transparency, and refractive index and solution blended to test for compatibility with poly(methyl methacrylate). Such chiral materials are of particular interest because they offer useful polarization properties without requiring bulk orientation of the molecules. This makes it possible to produce low cost optical elements such as circularly birefringent or circularly polarizing optical elements with potential applications in polarization manipulations and sensing. (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

}, keywords = {chiral, cholesteryl methacrylate, optically active, plastic optical fiber, poly(cholesteryl methacrylate), poly(cholesteryl methacrylate-co-methyl methacrylate)}, issn = {0021-8995}, doi = {10.1002/app.21983}, author = {Pujari, N. S. and Kulkarni, M. R. and Large, M. C. J. and Bassett, I. M. and Ponrathnam, S.} } @article { ISI:000230613600002, title = {Unraveling biochemical properties of cockroach (Periplaneta americana) proteinases with a gel X-ray film contact print method}, journal = {Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology B-Biochemistry \& Molecular Biology}, volume = {141}, number = {3}, year = {2005}, month = {JUL}, pages = {261-266}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC}, type = {Article}, address = {360 PARK AVE SOUTH, NEW YORK, NY 10010-1710 USA}, abstract = {

Eleven proteinase activity bands were detected in American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) gut. These were partially purified and characterized using a gel X-ray film contact print method. Cockroach gut proteinases (CGPs) show activity over a broad range of pH with maximum activity between pH 6 and 10, and optimal activity at 50-70 degrees C. CGPs were partially purified by preparative gel electrophoresis and analyzed using synthetic substrates and inhibitors. Four of the proteases exhibited chymotrypsin-like (C1 to C4) activity and seven trypsin-like (T I to T7) activity. Accuracy of the gel X-ray film contact print method is confirmed by including bovine chymotrypsin in CGP analysis. Inhibition of CGPs with different plant proteinaceous proteinase inhibitors allowed identification of potential CGP inhibitors. Our results imply that presence of several CGP activity bands, and their stability and activity over a broad pH and temperature range might contribute to adaptation of P americana to extreme environmental conditions and the polyphagous nature of the species. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {activity visualization, cockroach, gut enzymes, Periplaneta americana, plant proteinase inhibitors, Proteinases}, issn = {1096-4959}, doi = {10.1016/cbpc.2005.02.015}, author = {Hivrale, Vandana K. and Chougule, Nanasaheb P. and Chhabda, Pavan J. and Giri, Ashok P. and Kachole, M. S.} } @article { ISI:000227346300059, title = {Unusual monodentate binding mode of 2,2 {\textquoteleft}-dipyridylamine (L) in isomeric trans(acac)(2)Ru-II(L)2, trans-[(acac)(2)Ru-III(L)(2)]ClO4, and cis-(acac)(2)Ru-II(L)(2) (acac = acetylacetonate). Synthesis, structures, and spectroscopic, electrochemical, and magn}, journal = {Inorganic Chemistry}, volume = {44}, number = {5}, year = {2005}, month = {MAR}, pages = {1571-1579}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

{The reaction of cis-Ru(acac)(2)(CH3CN)(2) (acac = acetylacetonate) with 2,2{\textquoteright}-dipyridylamine (L) in ethanolic medium resulted in facile one-pot synthesis of stable [(acac)(2)Ru-III(L)]ClO4 ([1]ClO4), trans-[(acac)(2)Ru-II(L)2] (2), trans[(acac)(2)Ru-III(L)(2)[ClO4 ([2]ClO4), and cis-[(acac)(2)Ru-II(L)(2)] (3). The bivalent congener 1 was generated via electrochemical reduction Of [1]ClO4. Although in [1](+) the dipyridylamine ligand (L) is bonded to the metal ion in usual bidentate fashion, in 2/[2](+) and 3, the unusual monodentate binding mode of L has been preferentially stabilized. Moreover, in 2/[2](+) and 3, two such monodentate L{\textquoteright}s have been oriented in the trans- and cis-configurations, respectively. The binding mode of L and the isomeric geometries of the complexes were established by their single-crystal X-ray structures. The redox stability of the Ru(II) state follows the order 1 \< 2 much less than 3. In contrast to the magnetic moment obtained for [1]ClO4

}, issn = {0020-1669}, doi = {10.1021/ic049219v}, author = {Kar, S. and Chanda, N. and Mobin, Shaikh M. and Urbanos, F. A. and Niemeyer, M. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Jimenez-Aparicio, Reyes and Lahiri, Goutam Kumar} } @article { ISI:000231782100007, title = {Unusual stereochemical outcome of radical cyclization: synthesis of (+)-biotin}, journal = {Tetrahedron}, volume = {61}, number = {39}, year = {2005}, month = {SEP}, pages = {9273-9280}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An enantioselective synthesis of (+)-biotin 1 starting from naturally available cysteine is described. The key steps are the unusual stereochemical outcome of radical cyclization of compound 10 to prepare 5,5-fused system 11, and the introduction of C4-sidechain at C-6 in 13 via a Grignard reaction. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {biotin, exocyclization, radical cyclization}, issn = {0040-4020}, doi = {10.1016/j.tet.2005.07.070}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Chittiboyina, A. G. and Ramakrishna, G. and Tejwani, R. B. and Ravindranathan, T. and Kamat, Subhash K. and Rai, B. and Sivadasan, L. and Balakrishnan, K. and Ramalingam, S. and Deshpande, V. H.} } @article { ISI:000225786100016, title = {Using the dynamic, expanding liquid-liquid interface in a Hele-Shaw cell in crystal growth and nanoparticle assembly}, journal = {Faraday Discussions}, volume = {129}, year = {2005}, month = {JAN}, pages = {205-217}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The liquid-liquid interface has been used with considerable success in the synthesis of advanced materials ranging from (bio)minerals to inorganic membranes to nanoparticles. In almost all such cases, the interface is static. The Hele-Shaw cell in which a viscous fluid is displaced by a less viscous one in a constrained manner has been invaluable in the study of dynamic instabilities at interfaces and in the study of viscous fingering pattern formation. However, the potential of the Hele-Shaw cell in carrying out reactions at the interface between the two fluids leading to the formation of inorganic materials has been largely unrecognized and underexploited. Realizing that the dynamic liquid-liquid interface in a Hele-Shaw cell would provide opportunities to control a variety of time-scales associated with material formation, we have started a program on the use of the Hele-Shaw cell in materials synthesis. In this discussion paper, we present some of our recent results on the growth of calcium carbonate crystals in the Hele-Shaw cell by the reaction of Ca2+ ions electrostatically complexed with carboxylate ions pinned to the interface with carbonate ions present in the aqueous part of the biphasic reaction medium. We show that both polymorph selectivity and the morphology of the crystals may be modulated by varying the experimental conditions in the cell. We also discuss the possibility of using the dynamic interface in the Hele-Shaw cell to cross-link gold nanoparticles in water through bifunctional linkers present in the oil phase and investigate the nature of the structures formed.

}, issn = {1364-5498}, doi = {10.1039/b405599n}, author = {Rautaray, D and Kavathekar, R and Sastry, M} } @article { ISI:000229488700008, title = {Vapor phase oxidation of 4-fluorotoluene over vanadia-titania catalyst}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Catalysis A - Chemical}, volume = {234}, number = {1-2}, year = {2005}, month = {JUN}, pages = {51-57}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The vapor phase oxidation of 4-fluorotoluene has been carried out over vanadia-titania catalysts with moderate conversion and selectivity for 4-fluorobenzaldehyde. Two series of V2O5/TiO2 catalysts with 1-10 mol\% vanadia were prepared by sol-gel technique using vanadium and titanium peroxide as vanadia and titania precursors respectively and by impregnation technique using vanadium peroxide on anatase titania support. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, NH3-TPD, FT-IR and BET surface area measurements. The XRD of the catalysts prepared by impregnation technique showed retention of the anatase titania whereas the catalysts prepared by sol-gel technique showed the formation of rutile titania with minor amount of anatase phase at lower vanadia content (1-3 \%), which completely transformed into anatase phase at higher vanadia loading. The samples prepared by sol-gel method showed higher acidity and surface area compared to the samples prepared by impregnation. Pyridine adsorption study by FT-IR revealed the presence of Lewis acidity at lower vanadia loading (1-3 \%) and presence of both Lewis as well as Bronsted acidity at higher vanadia loading. The catalytic activity for oxidation of 4-fluorotoluene increased with vanadia loading in the sol-gel catalysts. The catalysts prepared by impregnation technique were found to be less active. However the selectivity for 4-fluorobenzaldehyde decreased with increase in vanadia content. The influence of vanadia loading, reaction temperature and contact time on the catalytic activity for 4-fluorotoluene oxidation has been investigated. The structure of the catalyst and its catalytic activity has been correlated. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Catalyst, fluorotoluene, Oxidation, vanadia-titania, vapor phase}, issn = {1381-1169}, doi = {10.1016/j.molcata.2005.02.020}, author = {Maurya, S. K. and Patil, P. and Shubhangi B. Umbarkar and Gurjar, M. K. and Dongare, Mohan K. and Rudiger, S. and Kemnitz, E.} } @article { ISI:000226929600009, title = {Vapour phase oxidation of acetophenone to benzoic acid over binary oxides of V and Mo}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Research and Design}, volume = {83}, number = {A1}, year = {2005}, month = {JAN}, pages = {75-80}, publisher = {INST CHEMICAL ENGINEERS}, type = {Article}, address = {165-189 RAILWAY TERRACE, DAVIS BLDG, RUGBY CV21 3HQ, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Test data for catalytic oxidation of acetophenone into benzoic acid performed at bench scale with V2O5-MoO3 catalyst in a continuous downflow metal reactor are presented. The process parameters such as temperature and flow rate influence the product distribution. The P2O5, B2O3 and Na2O when used as dopant on V2O5-MoO3 catalyst showed marked influence on activity and selectivity. An acidic catalyst like V2O5-MoO3-P2O5 favours formation of benzoic acid while a basic catalyst like V2O5-MoO3-Na2O favours formation of benzaldehyde. The addition of Na2O into V2O5-MoO3 binary oxides formed new phases (NaVMoO6 and Na2V2Mo3O15), which increased Arrhenius activation energy from 18.24 to 31.35 kcal mol(-1).

}, keywords = {acetophenone, activity, benzoic acid, carbon oxides, oxidation of acetophenone, selectivity}, issn = {0263-8762}, doi = {10.1205/cherd.03206}, author = {Chumbhale, Vilas R. and Paradhy, S. A. and Anilkumar, Mettu and Kadam, S. T. and Bokade, Vijay V.} } @article { ISI:000227566200019, title = {Wet-chemical templateless assembly of metal nanowires from nanoparticles}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, number = {11}, year = {2005}, month = {JAN}, pages = {1435-1437}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We describe a new, simple, room-temperature wet-chemical approach for assembling Au and Ag nanoparticles into nanowire networks, without the use of lithographic templates. Five to 35 nm-diameter nanowires passivated with a thin organic layer were synthesized by mechanically agitating a biphasic liquid mixture of an aqueous hydrosol containing the nanoparticles, and toluene. Nanowire structure and surface chemistry are discussed based on electron microscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analyses.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/b414447n}, author = {Maddanimath, Trupti and Kumar, Anil and D{\textquoteright}Arcy-Galla, J. and Ganesan, P. G. and Vijayamohanan, K. and Ramanath, G.} } @article { ISI:000234811400003, title = {Who patented what in 2004}, journal = {Research-Technology Management}, volume = {48}, number = {3}, year = {2005}, month = {MAY}, pages = {7-11}, publisher = {INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC}, type = {Editorial Material}, address = {2200 CLARENDON BLVD, STE 1102, ARLINGTON, VA 22201 USA}, issn = {0895-6308}, author = {Bowonder, B. and Krishnan, S. and Mastakar, N. V.} } @article { ISI:000233089900009, title = {Wittig-horner approach for the synthesis of tamoxifen}, journal = {Synthetic Communications}, volume = {35}, number = {21}, year = {2005}, month = {MAY}, pages = {2795-2800}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS INC}, type = {Article}, address = {325 CHESTNUT ST, SUITE 800, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 USA}, abstract = {

A stereoselective synthesis of Z -tamoxifen, a tetra-substituted alkene with antiestrogenic activity, is described. The Wittig-Horner reaction has been employed as the key step to establish the olefin stereochemistry.

}, keywords = {anticancer drug, phosphonate, stereoselectivity, Tamoxifen, Wittig-Horner reaction}, issn = {0039-7911}, doi = {10.1080/00397910500290516}, author = {Pandey, RK and Wakharkar, RD and Kumar, P} } @article { ISI:000236119700018, title = {2,4,6-tris(2-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine (tptz)-derived [Ru-II(tptz)(acac)(CH3CN)](+) and mixed-valent [(acac)(2)Ru-III{(mu-tptz-H+)(-)}Ru-II(acac)(CH3CN)](+)}, journal = {Inorganic Chemistry}, volume = {45}, number = {6}, year = {2006}, month = {MAR}, pages = {2413-2423}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Mononuclear [Ru-II(tptz)(acac:)(CH3CN)]ClO4 ((ClO4)-Cl-[1]) and mixed-valent dinuclear [(acac)(2)Ru-III{(mu-tptz-H+)(-)}Ru-II(acac)(CH3CN)]ClO4 ([5]ClO4; acac = acetylacetonate) complexes have been synthesized via the reactions of Ru-II(acac)2(CH3CN)(2) and 2,4,6-tris(2-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine (tptz), in 1:1 and 2:1 molar ratios, respectively. In [1]ClO4, tptz binds with the Ru-II ion in a tridentate N,N,N mode (motif A), whereas in [5]ClO4, tptz: bridges the metal ions unsymmetrically via the tridentate neutral N,N,N mode with the Ru-II center and cyclometalated N,C- state with the Ru-III site (motif F). The activation of the coordinated nitrile function in [1]ClO4 and [5]ClO4 in the presence of ethanol and alkylamine leads to the formation of iminoester ([2]ClO4 and [7]ClO4) and amidine ([4]ClO4) derivatives, respectively. Crystal structure analysis of [2]ClO4 reveals the formation of a beautiful eight-membered water cluster having a chair conformation. The cluster is H-bonded to the pendant pyridyl ring N of tptz and also with the O atom of the perchlorate ion, which, in turn, makes short (C-H{\textendash}{\textendash}-O) contacts with the neighboring molecule, leading to a H-bonding network. The redox potentials corresponding to the (RuI)-I-I state in both the mononuclear {[(acac)(tptz)Ru-II-N=-C-CH3]ClO4 ([1]ClO4) \>\> [(acac)(tptz)Ru-II-NH=C(CH3)-OC2H5]ClO4 ([2]ClO4) \> [(acac)(tptz)(RuNH2)-N-II-C6H4(CH3)]ClO4 ([3]ClO4) \> [(acac)(tptz)Ru-II-NH=C(CH3)-NHC2H5]ClO4 ([4]ClO4)} and dinuclear {[(acac)(2)Ru-III-{mu-tptz-H+)(-)}Ru-II(acac)(N equivalent to C-CH3)]ClO4 {(mu-tptz-H+)(-)}Ru-II(acac)(N equivalent to C-CH3)]ClO4 ([5]ClO4), [(acac)(2)Ru-III[(mu-tptz-H+(N-O ([6]ClO4), [(acac)(2)Ru-III{(mu-tptz-H+)(-)}Ru-II(acac)(NH=C(CH3)-OC2H5)]ClO4( [7]ClO4), and [(acac)(2)Ru-III{(mu-tptz-H+)(-)}Ru-II(acac)(NC4H4N)]ClO4 ([8]ClO4), complexes vary systematically depending on the electronic nature of the coordinated sixth ligands. However, potentials involving the Ru-III center in the dinuclear complexes remain more or less invariant. The mixed-valent (RuRuIII)-Ru-II species ([5]ClO4-[8]ClO4) exhibits high comproportionation constant (K-c) values of 1.1 X 10(12)-2 x 109, with substantial contribution from the donor center asymmetry at the two metal sites. Complexes display Ru-II- and Ru-III-based metal-to-ligand and ligand-to-metal charge-transfer transitions, respectively, in the visible region and ligand-based transitions in the UV region. In spite of reasonably high K, values for [5]ClO4[8]ClO4, the expected intervalence charge-transfer transitions did not resolve in the tpical near-IR region up to 2000 nm. The paramagnetic (RuRuIII)-Ru-II species ([5]ClO4-[8]ClO4) displays rhombic electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra at 77 K (\< g \> similar to 2.15 and Delta g similar to 0.5), typical of a low-spin Ru-III ion in a distorted octahedral environment. The one-electron-reduced tptz complexes [RuII(tptz center dot-)(acac)(CH3CN)] (1) and [(acac)(2)Ru-III{mu-tptz-H+)(center dot 2-)}-Ru-II(acac)(CH3CN)] (5), however, show a free-radical-type EPR signal near g = 2.0 with partial metal contribution.

}, doi = {10.1021/ic0514288}, author = {Ghumaan, Sandeep and Kar, S. and Mobin, Shaikh M. and Harish, B. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Lahiri, Goutam Kumar} } @article { ISI:000238171600014, title = {[6+3] cycloaddition of pentafulvenes with 3-oxidopyrylium betaine: a novel methodology toward the synthesis of 5-8 fused oxabridged cyclooctanoids}, journal = {Tetrahedron}, volume = {62}, number = {25}, year = {2006}, month = {JUN}, pages = {5952-5961}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Pentafulvenes undergo a facile [6+3] cycloaddition with 3-oxidopyrylium betaine, generated from the corresponding pyranulose acetate, leading to the formation of 5-8 fused oxabridged cyclooctanoids. The product is formed by a [6+3] cycloaddition, followed by a 1,5-hydrogen shift of the initially formed [6+3] adduct. The reaction was found to be general and a number of fulvenes with a wide range of substituents at the exocyclic double bond, that is, at the C6 position followed a similar reactivity pattern. The [6+3] adduct, a 5-8 fused oxabridged cyclooctanoid, is potentially amenable to a number of synthetic transformations due to the presence of an alpha, beta-unsaturated ketone and cyclopentadiene part. By selecting appropriately substituted fulvene and pyranulose acetates, it is possible to use this methodology for the synthesis of a wide range of 5-8 fused cyclooctanoids. The experimental results have been rationalized on the basis of theoretical calculations. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {fulvenes, oxabridged cyclooctanoids, oxidopyrylium betaine, [6+3] cycloaddition}, issn = {0040-4020}, doi = {10.1016/j.tet.2006.04.017}, author = {Krishnan, K. Syam and Sajisha, V. S. and Anas, S. and Suresh, C. H. and Bhadbhade, Mohan M. and Bhosekar, Gaurav V. and Radhakrishnan, K. V.} } @article { ISI:000240393500018, title = {Analysis of single PEM fuel cell performances based on current density distribution measurement}, journal = {Journal of Fuel Cell Science and Technology}, volume = {3}, number = {3}, year = {2006}, note = {1st Conference on European Fuel Cell Technology and Applications (EFC2005), Rome, ITALY, DEC 14-16, 2005}, month = {AUG}, pages = {351-357}, publisher = {Univ Perugia; Italian Agcy New Technol \& Environm; Amer Soc Mech Engineers}, type = {Article}, address = {THREE PARK AVE, NEW YORK, NY 10016-5990 USA}, abstract = {

A new in situ measurement method of mapping the current density distribution in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFC) is used to analyze the performance of a fuel cell under different operating conditions. The present method is useful in investigating the current density distribution in a single cell as well as a stack, which carries the information about the local reactant activity over the electrode area It was found that the current density close to the gas inlets is strongly influenced by the reactants{\textquoteright} relative humidity. The performance close to the gas outlets is greatly influenced by the inlet gas pressures and the stoichiometry factors of the reactant gases, mainly on the cathode side. It was also observed that the performance of the fuel cell drops with the increase in operating temperature if the reactant gases are not sufficiently humidified.

}, keywords = {current density distribution, fuel cell performance, PEFC}, issn = {1550-624X}, doi = {10.1115/1.2173664}, author = {Ghosh, P. C. and Wuester, T. and Dohle, H. and Kimiaie, N. and Mergel, J. and Stolten, D.} } @article { ISI:000241064000015, title = {Asymmetric aminohydroxylation route to cis-2,6-disubstituted piperidine-3-ol: application to the synthesis of (-)-deoxocassine}, journal = {Tetrahedron}, volume = {62}, number = {42}, year = {2006}, month = {OCT}, pages = {9942-9948}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A highly efficient, flexible, and convergent route to cis-2,3,6-trisubstituted piperidines has been developed employing the Sharpless asymmetric aminohydroxylation and stereoselective reductive amination by catalytic hydrogenation as the key steps. Its usage is illustrated by the short synthesis of the piperidine-3-ol alkaloid, (-)-deoxocassine. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0040-4020}, doi = {10.1016/j.tet.2006.08.014}, author = {Kandula, Subba Rao V. and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article {43374, title = {Asymmetric dihydroxylation route towards the synthesis of (R)-clorprenaline hydrochloride}, journal = {Arkivoc}, year = {2006}, month = {JAN}, pages = {10-14}, abstract = {An efficient asymmetric synthesis of enantiomerically pure (R)-clorprenaline hydrochloride is described using Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation as the key step.}, author = {Pandey, Rajesh Kumar and Upadhyay, Rajesh Kumar and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000241481100021, title = {Beta-lactam-azasugar hybrid as a competitive potent galactosidase inhibitor}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {47}, number = {45}, year = {2006}, month = {NOV}, pages = {7923-7926}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A beta-lactam-azasugar hybrid (polyhydroxylated carbacephem) has been designed and synthesized as a potent glycosidase inhibitor. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {beta-Galactosidase, beta-lactam-azasugar, glycosidase inhibitor, hybrid molecules}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2006.09.005}, author = {Pandey, Ganesh and Dumbre, Shrinivas G. and Khan, Mohammad Islam and Shabab, M. and Puranik, Vedavati G.} } @article { ISI:000241426600022, title = {Binding of T-antigen disaccharides to artocarpus hirsuta lectin and jacalin are energetically different}, journal = {Photochemistry and Photobiology}, volume = {82}, number = {5}, year = {2006}, month = {SEP}, pages = {1315-1318}, publisher = {AMER SOC PHOTOBIOLOGY}, type = {Article}, address = {BIOTECH PARK, 1021 15TH ST, SUITE 9, AUGUSTA, GA 30901-3158 USA}, abstract = {

The thermodynamics of binding of Me-alpha-GalNAc, Gal-beta-1-3GalNAc-alpha-O-Me (T-antigen-alpha), Gal-beta-1-3GalNAc and Gal-alpha-1-6Glc (mellibiose) to Artocarpus hirsuta lectin was studied using fluorescence spectroscopy. The binding affinities of the saccharides are in the order Gal-beta-1-3GalNAc-alpha-O-Me \> Me-alpha-GalNAc \> Me-alpha-Gal \> Gal-beta-1-3GalNAc \> Gal-alpha-1-6Glc. The binding affinities were comparable to those for jacalin. However, binding of the saccharides to the A. hirsuta lectin was not affected as strongly by temperature as observed in jacalin and the trend was found to be reversed. Values for Delta H and Delta S were found to be positive in A. hirsuta lectin-disaccharide binding despite similar binding affinities. Thus, with 99\% structural and 96\% sequence homology, with similar sugar specificity and affinity, the energetics of the disaccharide binding of the two lectins seem to be different. Me-alpha-GalNAc binding to A. hirsuta lectin is enthalpically driven, because the association constant decreases with increasing temperature. However, the binding of the T-antigen disaccharides and mellibiose disaccharides to the lectin is entropically driven. The difference in the molecular associations in the packing and variation of the C-terminal length of the P chain of the A. hirsuta lectin could be reflected in the different disaccharide binding energetics.

}, issn = {0031-8655}, doi = {10.1562/2006-05-04-RN-892}, author = {Gaikwad, Sushama M. and Khan, Mohammad Islam} } @article { ISI:000242459500013, title = {Biochemical characterization of a low molecular weight aspartic protease inhibitor from thermo-tolerant bacillus licheniformis: kinetic interactions with pepsin}, journal = {Biochimica et Biophysica Acta-General Subjects}, volume = {1760}, number = {12}, year = {2006}, month = {DEC}, pages = {1845-1856}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The present article reports a low molecular weight aspartic protease inhibitor, API, from a newly isolated thermo-tolerant Bacillus licheniformis. The inhibitor was purified to homogeneity as shown by rp-HPLC and SDS-PAGE. API is found to be stable over a broad pH range of 2-11 and at temperature 90 degrees C for 2 1/2 h. It has a Mr (relative molecular mass) of 1363 Da as shown by MALDI-TOF spectra and 1358 Da as analyzed by SDS-PAGE The amino acid analysis of the peptide shows the presence of 12 amino acid residues having Mr of 1425Da. The secondary structure of API as analyzed by the CD spectra showed 7\% alpha-helix, 49\% beta-sheet and 44\% aperiodic structure. The Kinetic studies of Pepsin-API interactions reveal that API is a slow-tight binding competitive inhibitor with the IC(50) and K(i) values 4.0nM and (3.83 nM - 5.31 nM) respectively. The overall inhibition constant K(i)* value is 0.107 +/- 0.015 nM. The progress curves are time-dependent and consistent with slow-tight binding inhibition: E+I reversible arrow (k(4), k(5)) EI reversible arrow (k(6), k(7)) EI*. Rate constant k(6) = 2.73 +/- 0.32 s(-1) reveals a fast isomerization of enzyme-inhibitor complex and very slow dissociation as proved by k(7)=0.068 +/- 0.009s(-1). The Rate constants from the intrinsic tryptophanyl fluorescence data is in agreement with those obtained from the kinetic analysis; therefore, the induced conformational changes were correlated to the isomerization of EI to EI*. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. Ail rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Aspartic protease inhibitor, Bacillus licheniformis, enzyme kinetic, Pepsin, Slow-tight binding inhibition}, issn = {0304-4165}, doi = {10.1016/j.bbagen.2006.08.004}, author = {Kumar, Ajit and Rao, Mala} } @article { ISI:000236076400015, title = {Biodegradation of gamma-sterilised biomedical polyolefins under composting and fungal culture environments}, journal = {Polymer Degradation and Stability}, volume = {91}, number = {5}, year = {2006}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1105-1116}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Polyolefin-based commodities are widely used as biomedical devices and food packaging after gamma-sterilisation. The aim of the present work was to study the effect of gamma-sterilisation on the biodegradation of polyolefins. Films of isotactic polypropylene, high-density polyethylene and ethylene-propylene (EP) copolymers were sterilised under gamma-radiation with doses of 10 and 25 kGy. Neat and sterilised samples were incubated in compost and fungal culture environments. The changes in functional groups, surface morphology and chain scission in polymer chains were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, SEM and viscometric measurements, respectively. A gradual decrease in intrinsic viscosity [eta] and increase in carbonyl and hydroxyl regions in FTIR spectra were found for the gamma-sterilised samples as a function of increasing dose. Polypropylene was found to be more susceptible to both radio-oxidation and biodegradation. It was observed that in case of ethylene-propylene copolymers, extent of gamma-sterilisation and/or biodegradation depends on the composition and distribution of comonomers. Important surface erosion was detected by SEM, for higher sterilisation doses, after composting. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Biodegradation, chain scission, Composting and fungal culture, gamma-sterilisation, Polyolefins}, issn = {0141-3910}, doi = {10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2005.07.004}, author = {Alariqi, Sameh A. S. and Kumar, A. P. and Rao, B. S. M. and Singh, R. P.} } @article {42737, title = {Brewster angle microscope - an excellent tool for nanoscience researchers}, journal = {Synthesis and Reactivity in Inorganic Metal - Organic and Nano-Metal Chemistry}, volume = {36}, year = {2006}, month = {AUG}, pages = {227-229}, type = {Article}, doi = {10.1080/15533170500524785}, author = {Joshi, Bhagyashree and Khatavkar, Rupali and Iyer, Neelima} } @article { ISI:000237128700003, title = {CFD simulation of gas-liquid stirred vessel: VC, S33, and L33 flow regimes}, journal = {AICHE Journal}, volume = {52}, number = {5}, year = {2006}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1654-1672}, publisher = {JOHN WILEY \& SONS INC}, type = {Article}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN, NJ 07030 USA}, abstract = {

A comprehensive computational model based on the Eulerian-Eulerian approach was developed to simulate gas-liquid flows in a stirred vessel. A separate submodel was developed to quantitatively understand the influence of turbulence and presence of neighboring bubbles on drag acting on bubbles. This submodel was used to identify an appropriate correlation for estimating the interphase drag force. The standard k-epsilon turbulence model was used to simulate turbulent gas-liquid flows in a stirred vessel. A computational snapshot approach was used to simulate motion of the standard Rushton turbine in a fully baffled vessel. The computational model was mapped onto FLUENT4.5, a commercial CFD solver. The model predictions were compared with the previously published experimental data of Bombac and co-workers. The model was used to simulate three distinct flow regimes in gas-liquid stirred vessels: vortex clinging (VC), alternating small cavities (S33), and alternating large cavities (L33). The predicted results show reasonably good agreement with the experimental data for all three regimes. The computational model and results discussed in this work would be useful for understanding and simulating gas holdup distribution and flow regimes in stirred vessels. (c) 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

}, keywords = {computational fluid dynamics (CFD), Flow regimes, gas holdup distribution, Rushton turbine, stirred vessel}, issn = {0001-1541}, doi = {10.1002/aic.10762}, author = {Khopkar, A. R. and Ranade, V. V.} } @article { ISI:000236318000022, title = {CFD simulation of mixing in tall gas-liquid stirred vessel: role of local flow patterns}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Science}, volume = {61}, number = {9, SI}, year = {2006}, note = {7th International Conference on Fluid Mixing, London, ENGLAND, APR 10-12, 2006}, month = {MAY}, pages = {2921-2929}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

In this work, we have used the computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-based models to investigate the gas-liquid flows generated by three down-pumping pitched blade turbines. A two-fluid model along with the standard k-epsilon turbulence model was used to simulate the dispersed gas-liquid flow in a stirred vessel. Appropriate drag corrections to account for bulk turbulence [Khopkar and Ranade, 2005. CFD simulation of gas-liquid flow in a stirred vessel: VC, S33 and L33 flow regimes. A.I.Ch.E. Journal, accepted for publication] were developed to correctly simulate different flow regimes. The computational snapshot approach was used to simulate impeller rotation and was implemented in the commercial CFD code, FLUENT4.5 (of Fluent. Inc., USA). The computational model has successfully captured the flow regimes as observed during experiments. The particle trajectory simulations were then carried out to examine the influence of the different flow regimes on the circulation time distribution. The model predictions were verified by comparing the predicted results with the experimental data of [Shewale and Pandit, 2006. Studies in multiple impeller agitated gas-liquid contactors. Chemical Engineering Science 61, 489-504]. The computational model and results discussed in this study would be useful for explaining the implications local flow patterns on the mixing process and extending the applications of CFD models for Simulating large multiphase stirred reactors. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {CFD, Flow regimes, mixing, pitched blade turbine, stirred vessel}, issn = {0009-2509}, doi = {10.1016/j.ces.2005.09.023}, author = {Khopkar, A. R. and Kasat, Gopal R. and Pandit, A. B. and Ranade, V. V.} } @article { ISI:000241717400007, title = {CFD simulation of shortstopping runaway reactions in vessels agitated with impellers and jets}, journal = {Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries}, volume = {19}, number = {6}, year = {2006}, month = {NOV}, pages = {570-581}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Runaway reactions are continuing to be a problem in the chemical industry. A recent study showed that 26\% of our major chemical plant accidents are due to runaways. The consequences of runaway reactions are usually mitigated with (a) reliefs and containment systems or (b) shortstopping (reaction inhibition). This study covers the concept of shortstopping. One of the major reasons for runaways is power failure. In the advent of a power failure, mixing an inhibiting agent with the reactor contents is challenging. However, jets or impellers driven by a small generator can be used for mixing. This study compares shortstopping results in vessels agitated with jets and impellers using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). A commercial CFD code, Fluent is used. For shortstopping systems relying on jet mixing, angle and diameter of jet nozzle and jet velocity are the key design/operating parameters. For the systems with impellers, type, size and RPM of impeller are the key parameters. In this work, mixing with a jet mixer is first investigated for three nozzle diameters and two angles of injection. The best jet mixer configuration on the basis of mixing time is used for shortstopping studies. The simulated shortstopping results with the jet mixer are then compared with those obtained with impeller (Rushton and pitched blade turbine) stirred vessels. Our results identify the conditions for effective shortstopping; i.e., agitation requirements, locations for adding the inhibitor, and the quantity of inhibitor. The distribution of excess inhibitor is shown to be an important and essential design criterion for effective shortstopping when using impeller stirred vessels. The comparative study with a single jet shows that jet mixer is ineffective when used for shortstopping. Efforts such as adding excess inhibitor and inhibition with higher reaction rates at the same power, proved to be ineffective when using jet mixer compared to the results with impellers. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {CFD, impeller stirred vessels, jet mixer, runaway reaction, shortstopping}, issn = {0950-4230}, doi = {10.1016/j.jlp.2006.02.003}, author = {Dakshinamoorthy, D. and Khopkar, A. R. and Louvar, J. F. and Ranade, V. V.} } @article { ISI:000235860500029, title = {Chemical methods to synthesize FeTiO3 powders}, journal = {Materials Letters}, volume = {60}, number = {11}, year = {2006}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1425-1427}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Three different techniques were used to synthesize FeTiO3 powders. The first method is simple coprecipitation of both Fe and Ti ions under basic conditions using standard ammonia solution from aqueous ferric nitrate and titanium oxy chloride. This precipitate on heating at 400 degrees C produces ilmenite phase. The second method is to digest hydroxide precipitates at 100 degrees C to form FeTiO3 phase. The third technique is to make use of citrate process to form FeTiO3 powders. The phase contents and lattice parameters were Studied by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). Particle size and morphology were studied by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All tights reserved.

}, keywords = {Chemical synthesis, Electron microscopy, electronic materials, X-ray methods}, issn = {0167-577X}, doi = {10.1016/j.matlet.2005.11.041}, author = {Mona, J. and Kale, Sangeeta N. and Gaikwad, A. B. and Murugan, A. Vadivel and Ravi, V.} } @article { ISI:000239671800023, title = {Cobalt-containing hexagonal mesoporous molecular sieves (Co-HMS): Synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity in the oxidation reaction of ethylbenzene}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Catalysis A-Chemical}, volume = {255}, number = {1-2}, year = {2006}, month = {AUG}, pages = {123-130}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Cobalt-containing hexagonal mesoporous materials (Co-HMS and Co/HMS) with different cobalt content were synthesized for the first time by direct hydrothermal and post-synthesis (grafting) method. The materials were characterized in detail by X-ray diffraction, BET surface area, N-2 sorption isotherms, SEM, TEM, UV-vis and XPS techniques. Powder X-ray diffraction pattern, N2 adsorption-desorption analysis and TEM analysis show the presence of hexagonal mesoporous structure, having Type W isotherms and reveals the typical wormhole-like morphology. Spectroscopic techniques like UV-vis and XPS reveal cobalt in +2 oxidation state and tetrahedrally coordinated. Liquid phase oxidation of ethylbenzene using TBHP (70 wt\%) as an oxidant shows that the catalysts are highly active, under solvent free conditions as well as under lower cobalt concentrations. Leaching studies performed by hot filtration experiments show that the cobalt catalysts prepared by hydrothermal methods are stable, while the grafted catalysts show the leaching of cobalt under the reaction conditions. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Co-HMS, ethylbenzene, HMS, hydrothermal, Oxidation}, issn = {1381-1169}, doi = {10.1016/j.molcata.2006.03.072}, author = {Bhoware, Shrikant S. and Shylesh, S. and Kamble, K. R. and Singh, A. P.} } @article { ISI:000207781603334, title = {COLL 613-Studies on the vapor-phase photo-oxidation of methanol over nano-size titania clusters dispersed in MCM-41 mesoporous silica}, journal = {Abstracts of Papers of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {232}, year = {2006}, month = {SEP}, pages = {613-COLL}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Meeting Abstract}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, issn = {0065-7727}, author = {Kumar, Dharmesh and Bhattacharyya, Kaustav and Tripathi, Arvind and Varma, Salil and Gupta, Narendra M.} } @article { ISI:000242935400096, title = {Collapse transition in random copolymer solutions}, journal = {Macromolecules}, volume = {39}, number = {26}, year = {2006}, month = {DEC}, pages = {9621-9629}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

We present dynamic Monte Carlo lattice simulations of the coil to globule collapse of single chains of a copolymer comprising monomer units, m and c, wherein there is a net attractive interaction between c-units. As the copolymer is cooled, the solvent quality becomes poorer, and the size of the chain decreases, driven by the net m-m and c-c attractions. The strong c-c attraction increases the overall solvophobicity of the chain relative to a homopolymer and, therefore, copolymers collapse more abruptly and at a higher effective temperature relative to homopolymers. We compare copolymers with homopolymers by rescaling collapse data to the same theta values to account for the effect of overall solvophobicity. This comparison shows that the behavior of copolymers and the corresponding homopolymers is identical as the chain size reduces from high temperatures to the theta value. Beyond theta, copolymers with c-content \< similar to 50\% collapse more abruptly than either homopolymer, after accounting for the difference in overall solvophobicity. Collapse of copolymers containing higher c-content is dominated entirely by the c-c attractions, and these chains behave qualitatively like homopolymers with a higher effective solvophobicity. Analysis of the chain structure during collapse provides a structural reason for the qualitative change in copolymer collapse at low c-content. When such copolymers are cooled below theta, the c-units rapidly aggregate to form an isotropic, compact core surrounded by an anisotropic solvated shell of m-units. The shell densifies as the copolymer is further cooled, but remains anisotropic for the finite chain sizes investigated.

}, issn = {0024-9297}, doi = {10.1021/ma061017q}, author = {Dasmahapatra, Ashok Kumar and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy and Nanavati, Hemant} } @article { ISI:000242285000001, title = {Comparative assessment of downstream processing options for lactic acid}, journal = {Separation and Purification Technology}, volume = {52}, number = {1}, year = {2006}, month = {NOV}, pages = {1-17}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The possibility of manufacturing a biodegradable polymer from lactic acid has led to extensive research in recovery of lactic acid produced by fermentation, by different downstream processing routes. This paper assesses the suitability of different downstream processing options such as reactive extraction, adsorption, electrodialysis, esterification and reactive distillation. It compares the costs of different process routes. The assessment indicates that the conventional precipitation of calcium lactate, followed by acidification, esterification and hydrolysis will be the most economical route although it generates large quantity of gypsum sludge. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Adsorption, electrodialysis, Esterification, Lactic acid, Reactive distillation, reactive extraction}, issn = {1383-5866}, doi = {10.1016/j.seppur.2006.03.015}, author = {Joglekar, H. G. and Rahman, Imran and Babu, Suresh and Kulkarni, B. D. and Joshi, Ajit} } @article {9}, title = {Comparative study of conductive polypyrrole and polyaniline coatings on electro-active papers}, journal = {Polymer Journal}, volume = {38}, number = {7}, year = {2006}, note = {IUPAC Symposium on Ionic Polymerization, Goa, INDIA, OCT 23-28, 2005}, month = {JAN}, pages = {659-668}, publisher = {IUPAC; Council Sci \& Ind Res; Ind Natl Sci Acad, Dept Sci \& Technol; Reliance Ind Ltd}, type = {Article}, address = {233 SPRING STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

{A comparative study is performed on the conductive polymer-coated electro-active paper (EAPap) actuators by aiming at improving the overall performance of the actuators. Conductive Polymer coated Electro-active Paper [

}, keywords = {conifer, glufosinate, particle bombardment, Pinus roxburghii, stable transformation}, issn = {0721-7714}, doi = {10.1295/polymj.PJ2005185}, author = {Kim, Jachwan and Deshpande, S. D. and Yun, Sungryul and Li, Qubo} } @article { ISI:000237716500031, title = {Comparison of flow structures in spacer-filled flat and annular channels}, journal = {Desalination}, volume = {191}, number = {1-3}, year = {2006}, note = {International Congress on Membranes and Membrane Processes, Seoul, SOUTH KOREA, AUG 21-26, 2005}, month = {MAY}, pages = {236-244}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Spacers are designed to create directional changes in the flow through membrane modules. Such secondary flow structures reduce concentration polarization and membrane fouling. Obviously, type of the spacer used in membrane modules strongly influences the resulting flow and therefore performance of the module. In this work, we have modeled detailed fluid dynamics of spacer filled channels by using the {\textquoteleft}unit cell{\textquoteright} approach. The validated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was used to evaluate performance of certain spacer shapes and compare the resulting fluid dynamics in flat and curved channels. The simulations show that fluid flow behavior in a spacer-filled flat and a spiral channel was not significantly different. This means that pressure drops and mass transfer coefficients measured in flat channels may provide adequate guidelines, which would also be valid for spiral-wound modules. The results presented in this work will have significant implications for identifying improved spacers with higher propensities to reduce fouling in membrane modules.

}, keywords = {annular channel, CFD, flat channel, membrane spacers}, issn = {0011-9164}, doi = {10.1016/j.desal.2006.03.003}, author = {Ranade, Vivek V. and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000237934700044, title = {Computational fluid dynamics simulation of the solid suspension in a stirred slurry reactor}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {45}, number = {12}, year = {2006}, month = {JUN}, pages = {4416-4428}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

A comprehensive computational fluid dynamics CFD model was developed in the present study to gain insight into the solid suspension in a stirred slurry reactor. The preliminary simulations highlighted the need for the correct modeling of the interphase drag force. A two-dimensional model problem was then developed using CFD to understand the influence of free stream turbulence on the particle drag coefficient. The proposed correlation was then incorporated in a two-fluid model (Euler-Euler) along with the standard k-epsilon turbulence model with mixture properties to simulate the turbulent solid-liquid flow in a stirred reactor. A multiple reference frame approach was used to simulate the impeller rotation in a fully baffled reactor. A computational model was mapped on to a commercial CFD solver FLUENT6.2 (of Fluent Inc., USA). The model predictions were compared with the published experimental data of Yamazaki et al. [Powder Technol. 1986, 48, 205] and Godfrey and Zhu [AIChE Symp. Ser. 1994, 299, 181]. The predicted results show reasonably good agreement with the experimental data. The computational model and results discussed in this work would be useful for extending the applications of CFD models for simulating large stirred slurry reactors.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/ie050941q}, author = {Khopkar, A. R. and Kasat, Gopal R. and Pandit, A. B. and Ranade, V. V.} } @article { ISI:000237886100006, title = {Convenient chemoenzymatic synthesis of (1S,7aS)-1-hydroxy-5-oxo-4-(2 {\textquoteleft}-carboxyethyl)-7a-methyltetrahydro-indane - a key intermediate of steroids}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Catalysis B-Enzymatic}, volume = {40}, number = {1-2}, year = {2006}, month = {MAY}, pages = {38-43}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

A porcine pancreatic lipase mediated enzymatic hydrolysis of (+/-)-1-acetoxy-5-oxo-4-(2 {\textquoteleft}-carbomethoxyethyl)-7a-methyltetrahydroindane (5b) furnished (1S,7aS)-1-acetoxy-5-oxo-4-(2 {\textquoteleft}-carbomethoxyethyl)-7a-methyltetrahydro-indane (9) and (1R,7aR)-1-hydroxy-5-oxo-4-(2 {\textquoteleft}-carbomethoxyethyl)-7a-methyltetrahydro-indane (8) with \> 99\% e.e. which on further chemical hydrolysis gave 1 and ent-1, key intermediates of steroids. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {chemoenzymatic method, Enzymatic hydrolysis, steroids, terpenoids}, issn = {1381-1177}, doi = {10.1016/j.molcatb.2006.01.037}, author = {Kalkote, Uttam R. and Purude, A. N. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Gurjar, M. K.} } @article { ISI:000241435600021, title = {Convergent approach toward the synthesis of the stereoisomers of C-6 homologues of 1-deoxynojirimycin and their analogues: evaluation as specific glycosidase inhibitors}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {71}, number = {22}, year = {2006}, month = {OCT}, pages = {8481-8488}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

A new and stereoselective strategy is developed to synthesize an appropriate template 9 to obtain C-6 homologues of 1-deoxyazasugars such as 1-deoxy-D-galactohomonojirimycin ( 5), 1-deoxy-4-hydroxymethyl-D-glucohomonojirimycin (6), and their enantiomers. The template 9 is also used to obtain neutral nonbasic pseudo-glyconolactam (8), C-4 amino, and methyl analogues of 1-deoxy- homonojirimycin as new analogues of 1- deoxyhomoazasugars. Compound 5 is found to be a potent and specific inhibitor to alpha-galactosidase (K-i = 1.7 mu M). Similarly compounds 6 (K-i = 28 mu M), ent-5 (K-i = 129 mu M), and ent-6 K-i = 12 mu M) exhibited specific inhibition of beta-glucosidase.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/jo061455v}, author = {Pandey, Ganesh and Dumbre, Shrinivas G. and Khan, Mohammad Islam and Shabab, M.} } @article { ISI:000238963800023, title = {Copper-, ligand- and solvent-free synthesis of ynones by coupling acid chlorides with terminal alkynes}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {47}, number = {31}, year = {2006}, month = {JUL}, pages = {5527-5530}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A general and efficient copper-, ligand- and solvent-free synthesis of ynones by coupling of a wide range of acid chlorides with terminal alkynes catalyzed by palladium(II) acetate at room temperature is reported. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {ligandless, neat, ynones}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2006.05.166}, author = {Palimkar, Sanjay S. and Kumar, P. Harish and Jogdand, Nivrutti R. and Daniel, Thomas and Lahoti, Rajgopal J. and Srinivasan, Kumar V.} } @article { ISI:000241967600018, title = {Design and synthesis of fluconazole/bile acid conjugate using click reaction}, journal = {Tetrahedron}, volume = {62}, number = {48}, year = {2006}, month = {NOV}, pages = {11178-11186}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Novel fluconazole/bile acid conjugates were designed and their regioselective synthesis was achieved in very high yield via Cu(I) catalyzed intermolecular 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition. These new molecules showed good antifungal activity against Candida species. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {1, 2, 3-Triazole, Antifungal agent, bile acid, Click chemistry, fluconazole/bile acid conjugate}, issn = {0040-4020}, doi = {10.1016/j.tet.2006.09.021}, author = {Pore, Vandana S. and Aher, Nilkanth G. and Kumar, Manish and Shukla, Praveen K.} } @article { ISI:000239359100012, title = {Dielectric properties of BaTiO3 ceramics prepared from powders with bimodal distribution}, journal = {Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry}, volume = {12}, number = {4}, year = {2006}, month = {JUL}, pages = {584-588}, publisher = {KOREAN SOC INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {A-803 TWIN BLDG, 275-3, YANGJAE-DONG, SEOCHO-KU, SEOUL 137-130, SOUTH KOREA}, abstract = {

BaTiO3 (BT) powders having bimodal distribution were synthesized successfully through a simple classical solid-state reaction route using cheap BaCO3 and TiO2 as starting materials. These powders were further processed in the form of green pellets to obtain dense BT ceramics having densities of similar to 94 similar to 96 \% after sintering in air at 1350 and 1400 degrees C/4 h in air. The room temperature dielectric constant (epsilon(RT)) of similar to 1500 at 1 KHz frequency was increased to : 10000 at a Curie temperature (T-C) similar to 126 degrees C, showing a very sharp transition from a polar tetragonal to a non-polar cubic structure. The dielectric loss factor (tan 6) was similar to 1.5 \%. SEM studies revealed the presence of dense microstructures having a distribution of smaller grains (size: 2 similar to 3 gm) surrounded by larger grains (\>= 35 mu m). The ferroelectric hysteresis loop measurements on these samples gave values of spontaneous polarization (P-s) of similar to 12.0 mu C/cm(2), a coercive field (E-C) of similar to 2 similar to 2.5 kV/cm, and a dielectric strength (E-b) of similar to 48.0 kV/cm. DC-resistivity as high as 1.5 x 10(9) Omega-cm was obtained in these samples. All these results are quite comparable with reported ferroelectric/dielectric data and are discussed elaborately in this paper.

}, keywords = {BaTiO3, dielectric-ferroelectric properties, Microstructure, Sintering, stoichiometry}, issn = {1226-086X}, author = {Deshpande, S. B. and Potdar, H. S. and Patil, M. M. and Deshpande, V. V. and Khollam, Y. B.} } @article { ISI:000239542900032, title = {Direct synthesis of nanocrystalline silver from the reaction between silver carboxylates and n-trioctylphosphine}, journal = {Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology}, volume = {6}, number = {7}, year = {2006}, month = {JUL}, pages = {2095-2102}, publisher = {AMER SCIENTIFIC PUBLISHERS}, type = {Article}, address = {26650 THE OLD RD, STE 208, VALENCIA, CA 91381-0751 USA}, abstract = {

Neat n-Trioctylphosphine (TOP) has been used for the first ever time for reduction of silver nitrate and silver carboxylates (citrate, oleate, and myristate) under mild thermal reaction conditions. UV-visible absorption measurements of re-dispersible silver particles that were obtained by reduction of silver myristrate (product-IV) and silver nitrate (product-I) showed surface plasmon resonance absorption peak at 400 nm. The powder XRD pattern of fcc zero-valent silver resulted in diameters in the range of about 25-30 nm. TEM analysis showed particle diameter similar to that was observed by the XRD. FTIR spectroscopy revealed that the organics from the carboxylate group are retained by the nano-particles in case of product-IV however, presence of TOP is observed in product-I. It is found that when silver nitrate is reduced by TOP, spherical silver nano-particles with poor redispersity are formed but extended heating results in formation of long silver rods of micrometer size however, the re-dispersible nano-particles are easily formed when silver carboxylates are reduced by TOP.

}, keywords = {Chemical synthesis, Nanocrystalline, noble metal, XRD}, issn = {1533-4880}, doi = {10.1166/jnn.2006.339}, author = {Charan, Shobhit and Singh, Narendra and Khanna, P. K. and Patil, K. R.} } @article { ISI:000242598200030, title = {Effect of a focusing electric field on the formation of arc generated carbon nanotubes}, journal = {Nanotechnology}, volume = {17}, number = {23}, year = {2006}, month = {DEC}, pages = {5895-5902}, publisher = {IOP PUBLISHING LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {DIRAC HOUSE, TEMPLE BACK, BRISTOL BS1 6BE, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The effect of a focusing electric field on the formation of carbon nanotubes in a direct current arc-plasma is investigated. The hard deposits on the surface of the cathode are the main products, rich in multi-walled carbon nanotubes. It is seen that the focusing electric field has a distinct influence on the yield, purity and morphology of the nanotubes. The yield of the carbon nanotubes under the {\textquoteleft}focused field condition{\textquoteright} has been found to be higher than that derived from the normal electrode configuration. It has been observed that the deposition of carbonaceous soot on the reactor wall is considerably reduced on application of the focusing electric field. Transmission electron microscopy has been used to determine the morphology of the nanotubes. In addition, Raman spectroscopy has helped in distinguishing the graphene-like structures from the disordered carbon networks and helped in analysing the morphology of the tubes. Thermal analysis gave a qualitative estimation of the relative yield of carbon nanotubes within the cathode deposits and their thermal stabilities. The crystalline nature of the samples has been confirmed by x-ray diffraction analysis. The results clearly indicate that the focusing electric field confines the positively charged carbon precursors within the cathode-anode space causing high relative yield and purity and has a distinct effect on controlling the inner diameter of the as-synthesized carbon nanotubes.

}, issn = {0957-4484}, doi = {10.1088/0957-4484/17/23/030}, author = {Karmakar, Soumen and Nagar, Harshada and Pasricha, R. and Seth, T. and Sathe, V. G. and Bhoraskar, S. V. and Das, A. K.} } @article { ISI:000240707800018, title = {Effect of annealing on properties of ZrSe2 thin films}, journal = {Journal of Crystal Growth}, volume = {294}, number = {2}, year = {2006}, month = {SEP}, pages = {254-259}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Thin films of ZrSe2 have been prepared on stainless steel and fluorine-doped tin oxide-coated glass substrates using electrodeposition technique at potentiostatic mode. Double-distilled water containing precursors Zr and Se with ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid disodium salt as a complexing agent was used to obtain good quality deposits by controlling the rate of reaction. The preparative parameters such as concentration of bath, deposition time, bath temperature, pH of the bath and annealing temperature have been optimized using photoelectrochernical (PEC) technique. The films deposited at optimum preparative parameters are annealed at different temperatures. The film annealed at 200 degrees C shows more photosensitivity. The as-deposited and annealed films at 200 degrees C have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive analysis by X-ray (EDAX), optical absorption and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The XRD analysis of the as-deposited and annealed films showed the presence of polycrystalline nature with hexagonal crystal structure. EDAX study reveals that deposited films are almost stoichiometric. Optical absorption study shows the presence of direct transition and band gap energies are found to be 1.5 and 1.38 eV, respectively, for the as-deposited and annealed films. SEM study revels that the grains are uniformly distributed over the surface of substrate for the as-deposited as well as annealed film, which indicates formation of good and compact type of crystal structure. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {band gap, EDAX, Electrodeposition, PEC, SEM, XRD, ZrSe2 thin films}, issn = {0022-0248}, doi = {10.1016/j.jcrysgro.2006.06.018}, author = {Hankare, P. P. and Asabe, M. R. and Kokate, A. V. and Delekar, S. D. and Sathe, D. J. and Mulla, Imtiaz S. and Chougule, B. K.} } @article { ISI:000238329100003, title = {Effect of thermal annealing on Fe40Ni38B18Mo4 thin films: modified Herzer model for magnetic evolution}, journal = {Journal of Physics D-Applied Physics}, volume = {39}, number = {10}, year = {2006}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1993-2000}, publisher = {IOP PUBLISHING LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {TEMPLE CIRCUS, TEMPLE WAY, BRISTOL BS1 6BE, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Magnetic properties of nano-crystalline soft magnetic alloys have usually been correlated to structural evolution with heat treatment. However, literature reports pertaining to the study of nano-crystalline thin films are less abundant. Thin films of Fe40Ni38B18Mo4 were deposited on glass substrates under a high vacuum of approximate to 10(-6) Torr by employing resistive heating. They were annealed at various temperatures ranging from 373 to 773K based on differential scanning calorimetric studies carried out on the ribbons. The magnetic characteristics were investigated using vibrating sample magnetometry. Morphological characterizations were carried out using atomic force microscopy (AFM), and magnetic force microscopy (MFM) imaging is used to study the domain characteristics. The variation of magnetic properties with thermal annealing is also investigated. From AFM and MFM images it can be inferred that the crystallization temperature of the as-prepared films are lower than their bulk counterparts. Also there is a progressive evolution of coercivity up to 573 K, which is an indication of the lowering of nano-crystallization temperature in thin films. The variation of coercivity with the structural evolution of the thin films with annealing is discussed and a plausible explanation is provided using the modified random anisotropy model.

}, issn = {0022-3727}, doi = {10.1088/0022-3727/39/10/002}, author = {Hysen, T. and Deepa, S. and Saravanan, S. and Ramanujan, R. V. and Avasthi, D. K. and Joy, Pattayil Alias and D Kulkarni, S. and Anantharaman, Maliemadom R.} } @article { ISI:000238030200026, title = {Electrochemical organization of monolayer protected gold nanoclusters on single-walled carbon nanotubes: significantly enhanced double layer capacitance}, journal = {Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology}, volume = {6}, number = {5}, year = {2006}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1387-1391}, publisher = {AMER SCIENTIFIC PUBLISHERS}, type = {Article}, address = {25650 NORTH LEWIS WAY, STEVENSON RANCH, CA 91381-1439 USA}, abstract = {

This paper reports a novel electrochemical route for anchoring monolayer protected gold nanoclusters (size 8 +/- 0.2 nm) on single-walled carbon nanotube bundles, resulting in the formation of hybrid materials. Monolayer protected gold nanoclusters prepared by modified Brust synthesis route were organized on SWNT bundles by cycling-the potential in dichloromethane between -1 to +1 V at a scan rate of 50 mV/s. Monolayer protected nanoclusters in electrolyte solutions possess ionic space charge around them (double layer charging), making them suitable for organization on nanotube bundles, by tuning the electrostatic interactions. More significantly, analysis of the double layer capacitance of these hybrid materials shows almost ten times increase in capacitance compared to that of bare SWNT bundles. We believe that these hybrid materials are potentially useful in nanoelectronics.

}, keywords = {double layer capacitance, double layer charging, hybrid materials, monolayer protected gold nanoclusters, single-walled carbon nanotubes}, issn = {1533-4880}, doi = {10.1166/jnn.2006.323}, author = {Mahima, Subhramanyam and Chaki, N. K. and Sharma, J. and Kakade, Bhalchandra A. and Pasricha, R. and Rao, A. M. and Vijayamohanan, K.} } @article { ISI:000237417400035, title = {Enantio- and diastereocontrolled total synthesis of (+)-boronolide}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {71}, number = {10}, year = {2006}, month = {MAY}, pages = {3935-3941}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

An efficient stereoselective total synthesis of (+)-boronolide from valeraldehyde is described. The key steps include a Sharpless asymmetric hydroxylation, a chelation-controlled vinyl Grignard reaction followed by a Sharpless asymmetric epoxidation, hydrolytic kinetic resolution, and a ring-closing metathesis.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/jo0603781}, author = {Kumar, P. and Naidu, S. V.} } @article { ISI:000238111400016, title = {Enantioselective synthesis of (2R,3R)- and (2S,3S)-beta-hydroxyornithine}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {47}, number = {25}, year = {2006}, month = {JUN}, pages = {4167-4169}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An efficient and short synthesis of (2R,3R)- and (2S,3S)-beta-hydroxyornithine 1a-b is described using Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation and regioselective nucleophilic opening of a cyclic sulfite as the key steps. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2006.04.055}, author = {Pandey, Satyendra Kumar and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000239522700020, title = {Enantioselective synthesis of (S,S)-ethambutol using proline-catalyzed asymmetric alpha-aminooxylation and alpha-amination}, journal = {Tetrahedron-Asymmetry}, volume = {17}, number = {11}, year = {2006}, month = {JUL}, pages = {1738-1742}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An efficient enantioselective synthesis of (S,S)-ethambutol, a tuberculostatic antibiotic, has been achieved in 99\% ee via both proline-catalyzed alpha-aminooxylation and alpha-amination of n-butyraldehyde as the key step. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0957-4166}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetasy.2006.06.011}, author = {Kotkar, Shriram P. and Sudalai, Arumugam} } @article { ISI:000242988100022, title = {Enhancement of gas permeation properties of polybenzimidazoles by systematic structure architecture}, journal = {Journal of Membrane Science}, volume = {286}, number = {1-2}, year = {2006}, month = {DEC}, pages = {161-169}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Systematic structural variations in thermally stable polybenzimidazole (PBI) are explored that led to a substantial improvement in gas permeation properties. Physical property determinations revealed that incorporation of hexafluoroisopropylidene and tert-butyl groups led to amorphous polymers with slightly lowered thermal stability and decreased chain packing. PBI based on 4,4{\textquoteright}-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)bis(benzoic acid) and 5-tert-butyl isophthalic acid exhibited 10-40 times higher permeability, while changes in selectivities for industrially important pairs ranged from modest decrease of 75\% or less than that of PBI based on isophthalic acid. The O-2/N-2 selectivity was almost doubled in case of PBI based on 5-tert-butyl isophthalic acid. Gas diffusion coefficients were estimated from solubility and permeability coefficient determinations. These, along with dual-mode sorption parameters estimated from sorption isotherms provided an insight towards variations in permeation behavior. The permeability predictions for heavier gases in isophthalic acid based PBI correlated well with physical properties. The occurrence of permeation characteristics (especially P-H2 and P-H2/P-N2) near Robeson{\textquoteright}s upper bound, high thermal stability and good solvent solubility achieved by these structural modifications depicted the potential of this family of polymers as gas separation membrane materials. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Diffusion, Gas permeation, Polybenzimidazole, Sorption, thermal stability}, issn = {0376-7388}, doi = {10.1016/j.memsci.2006.09.030}, author = {Kumbharkar, Santosh C. and Karadkar, Prasad B. and Kharul, Ulhas K.} } @article { ISI:000241767100009, title = {Eu3+ doped lanthanum oxide nanowhiskers: microwave hydrothermal synthesis, characterization and photoluminescence properties}, journal = {Journal of Physics D-Applied Physics}, volume = {39}, number = {18}, year = {2006}, month = {SEP}, pages = {3974-3977}, publisher = {IOP PUBLISHING LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {DIRAC HOUSE, TEMPLE BACK, BRISTOL BS1 6BE, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We report here a straightforward and rapid microwave - hydrothermal route providing an easy synthesis of Eu3+ doped La2O3 nanowhiskers. The nanostructured Eu3+ doped La2O3 is characterized by x-ray diffraction studies, scanning electron microscopy and photoluminescence (PL). The emission spectrum shows transitions from the excited 5D(0) state to F-7(J) (J = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4) levels of the Eu3+ ion. The most intense peak around 611 nm is due to the D-5(0) -\> F-7(2) transition, expected from the Judd-Ofelt selection rules. PL spectra measurements demonstrate that the lanthanum oxide nanowhisker shows higher PL intensity.

}, issn = {0022-3727}, doi = {10.1088/0022-3727/39/18/008}, author = {Murugan, A. Vadivel and Viswanath, Annamraju Kasi and Kakade, Bhalchandra A. and Ravi, V. and Saaminathan, V.} } @article { ISI:000241157000039, title = {Evidence for intergranular tunnelling in polyaniline passivated alpha-Fe nanoparticles}, journal = {Nanotechnology}, volume = {17}, number = {18}, year = {2006}, month = {SEP}, pages = {4765-4772}, publisher = {IOP PUBLISHING LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {DIRAC HOUSE, TEMPLE BACK, BRISTOL BS1 6BE, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Nanoparticles are of immense importance both from the fundamental and application points of view. They exhibit quantum size effects which are manifested in their improved magnetic and electric properties. Mechanical attrition by high energy ball milling (HEBM) is a top down process for producing fine particles. However, fineness is associated with high surface area and hence is prone to oxidation which has a detrimental effect on the useful properties of these materials. Passivation of nanoparticles is known to inhibit surface oxidation. At the same time, coating polymer film on inorganic materials modifies the surface properties drastically. In this work a modified set-up consisting of an RF plasma polymerization technique is employed to coat a thin layer of a polymer film on Fe nanoparticles produced by HEBM. Ball-milled particles having different particle size ranges are coated with polyaniline. Their electrical properties are investigated by measuring the dc conductivity in the temperature range 10-300 K. The low temperature dc conductivity (I-V) exhibited nonlinearity. This nonlinearity observed is explained on the basis of the critical path model. There is clear-cut evidence for the occurrence of intergranular tunnelling. The results are presented here in this paper.

}, issn = {0957-4484}, doi = {10.1088/0957-4484/17/18/039}, author = {Sunny, Vijutha and Narayanan, T. N. and Sajeev, U. S. and Joy, Pattayil Alias and Kumar, D. Sakthi and Yoshida, Yasuhiko and Anantharaman, Maliemadom R.} } @article { ISI:000242931900034, title = {Field emission from oriented tin oxide rods}, journal = {Thin Solid Films}, volume = {515}, number = {4}, year = {2006}, month = {DEC}, pages = {1450-1454}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Tin oxide (SnO2) films were grown on silicon substrates by a wet chemical route. It was found from scanning electron microscopy investigations that oriented SnO2 rods normal to the substrates were obtained. Field emission studies were carried out in diode configuration in an all metal ultra high vacuum chamber at a base pressure similar to 1.33 x 10(-8) mbar. The {\textquoteleft}onset{\textquoteright} field required to draw 0.1 mu A/cm(2) current density from the emitter cathode was found to be similar to 3.4 V/mu m for SnO2 rods. The field emission current and applied field follows the Folwer-Nordheim relationship in low field regime. The observed results indicate that the field emission characteristics of chemically grown SnO2 structures are comparable to the vapor grown nanostructures. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {field emission, microstructures, scanning electron microscopy, tin oxide}, issn = {0040-6090}, doi = {10.1016/j.tsf.2006.04.034}, author = {Deshpande, A. C. and Koinkar, Pankaj M. and Ashtaputre, S. S. and More, Mahendra A. and Gosavi, S. W. and Godbole, P. D. and Joag, Dilip S. and Kulkarni, S. K.} } @article { ISI:000241755300045, title = {First enantiospecific synthesis of (-)-parvifoline and (-)-curcuquinone}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {71}, number = {23}, year = {2006}, month = {NOV}, pages = {8986-8988}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The first enantiospecific synthesis of (-)-parvifoline, employing ring-closing metathesis as the key step, and (-)-curcuquinone from naturally occurring (R)-(+)-citronellal is described.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/jo061730d}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Thakkar, Mahesh and Jogdand, Ganesh F. and Kalkote, Uttam R.} } @article { ISI:000238008900004, title = {Flufenoxuron, an acylurea insect growth regulator, alters development of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera :tenebrionidae) by modulating levels of chitin, soluble protein content, and HSP70 and p34(cdc2) in the larval tissues}, journal = {Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology}, volume = {85}, number = {2}, year = {2006}, month = {JUN}, pages = {84-90}, publisher = {ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE}, type = {Article}, address = {525 B ST, STE 1900, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101-4495 USA}, abstract = {

The effect of sublethal concentrations, 0.00141\% (LC20), 0.00251\% (LC30), and 0.0036\% (LC40) of a dispersible formulation of an acylurea insect growth regulator, flufenoxuron (Cascade) on certain biochemical parameters in the larvae of Tribolium castaneum was investigated. When neonates were fed on diet treated with sublethal concentrations for 24 It, it was observed that at all concentrations tested, there was a significant reduction in chitin content on the 15th day of development. Total soluble protein content at LC20 and LC30 decreased with increasing age of the larvae. At LC20 and LC40 concentrations there was a progressive increase in the protein: chitin ratio as a function of increase in age of the larvae. SDS-PAGE analysis of the larval tissue extracts indicated gross quantitative changes in some of the protein bands (MW 50-97 kDa). Western blot analysis revealed significant increase in the level of HSP70 in the extracts of larvae fed on LC30 treated diet, on the 7th and 10th day of development in the decreasing order. Conversely, a significant decrease in the hyper-phosphorylated form of p34(cdc2) kinase due to flufenoxuron treatment indicating modulation of cell cycle regulation was observed. Thus, sublethal concentrations of flufenoxuron alter expression of developmentally regulated proteins, HSP70 and p34(cdc2) and chitin formation in a stage-specific manner thereby resulting developmental abnormalities in T castaneum. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {chitin, Development, flufenoxuron, HSP70, p34(cdc2), phosphotyrosine, sublethal effects, total soluble proteins, Tribolium castaneum}, issn = {0048-3575}, doi = {10.1016/j.pestbp.2005.10.006}, author = {Salokhe, S. and Sarkar, A. and Kulkarni, A. and Mukherjee, Samindra N. and Pal, J. K.} } @article { ISI:000238258000026, title = {Formation of linear polymers with pendant vinyl groups via inclusion complex mediated polymerization of divinyl monomers}, journal = {Journal of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {128}, number = {24}, year = {2006}, month = {JUN}, pages = {7752-7753}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, issn = {0002-7863}, doi = {10.1021/ja062568z}, author = {Satav, S. S. and Karmalkar, Rohini N. and Kulkarni, M. G. and Mulpuri, Nagaraju and Sastry, G. N.} } @article {42615, title = {Friction of a slider on a granular layer: non-monotonic thickness dependence and effect of boundary conditions}, journal = {Physical Review E}, volume = {73}, year = {2006}, month = {JAN}, pages = {010301}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We investigate the effective friction encountered by a mass sliding on a granular layer as a function of bed thickness and boundary roughness conditions. The observed friction has minima for a small number of layers before it increases and saturates to a value that depends on the roughness of the sliding surface. We use an index-matched interstitial liquid to probe the internal motion of the grains with fluorescence imaging in a regime where the liquid has no significant effect on the measured friction. The shear profiles obtained as a function of depth show a decrease in slip near the sliding surface as the layer thickness is increased. We propose that the friction depends on the degree of grain confinement relative to the sliding surfaces.

}, doi = {10.1103/PhysRevE.73.010301}, author = {Siavoshi, Saloome and Orpe, Ashish V. and Kudrollim, Arshad} } @article { ISI:000244926000019, title = {Genetic diversity analysis in Gaultheria fragrantissima wall. (Ericaceae) from the two biodiversity hotspots in India using ISSR markers}, journal = {Current Science}, volume = {91}, number = {12}, year = {2006}, month = {DEC}, pages = {1634-1640}, publisher = {CURRENT SCIENCE ASSN}, type = {Article}, address = {C V RAMAN AVENUE, PO BOX 8005, BANGALORE 560 080, INDIA}, abstract = {

Our study involves Inter Simple Sequence Repeat markers to analyse genetic diversity of an undershrub, Gaultheria fragrantissima Wall. (Ericaceae) from two plant diversity hotspots in India, namely Western Ghats and Northeastern Himalayas. The plants from these two regions show no morphological differences but the total heterozygosity (H-T = 0.505) is high. Furthermore, the average heterozygosity of G. fragrantissima at WG (H-s = 0.433) is higher than that at NE region (H-s, = 0.231). Within population variance is higher (15.56 \%) than among population variance (8.31 \%) as seen in outcrossing plant species. Mantel{\textquoteright}s test shows a strong positive correlation between the genetic and geographic distances. The plants within WG show high gene flow, which may be enough to prevent genetic drift, however, the gene flow in NE population is very low.

}, keywords = {Gaultheria fragrantissima, Genetic diversity, heterozygosity, ISSR markers}, issn = {0011-3891}, author = {Apte, G. S. and Bahulikar, R. A. and Kulkarni, R. S. and Lagu, Meena D. and Kulkarni, B. G. and Suresh, H. S. and Rao, P. S. N. and Gupta, V. S.} } @article { ISI:000236916100016, title = {Green protocol for the synthesis of N-oxides from secondary amines using vanadium silicate molecular sieve catalyst}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Catalysis A-Chemical}, volume = {248}, number = {1-2}, year = {2006}, month = {APR }, pages = {109-112}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Vanadium silicate molecular sieve catalyst VS-I was found to promote efficiently the oxidation of alpha alpha,alpha{\textquoteright}alpha{\textquoteright}-tetrasubstituted secondary amines with 30\% aqueous hydrogen peroxide as oxidant. In comparison to other catalysts reported to date, this heterogeneous catalyst offers a remarkably simple workup procedure and is reusable without any appreciable loss of activity. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {heterogeneous catalyst, Hydrogen peroxide, N-oxide, VS-1, zeolite}, issn = {1381-1169}, doi = {10.1016/j.molcata.2005.12.005}, author = {Phukan, P. and Khisti, R. S. and Sudalai, A.} } @article {Kaliaperumal, title = {Harvesting chemical information from the Internet using a distributed approach: chemxtreme}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Information and Modeling}, volume = {46}, number = {2}, year = {2006}, note = {7th International Conference on Chemical Structures, Noordwijkerhout, NETHERLANDS, JUN 05-09, 2005}, month = {MAR}, pages = {452-461}, publisher = {ASC, CINF; CSA Trust; CSJ; GDCh; KNCV}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

{The Internet is a comprehensive resource of chemical information which is at the same time largely unstructured. It provides a wealth of scientific information such as experimental data and requires a suitable automated data mining and analysis tool for its meaningful exploration. The Java based software presented here, ChemXtreme, is developed for harvesting chemical information from the Internet employing the Google API in combination with a distributed client/server text analysis architecture based on JavaRMI. It represents the first and until now the only toolkit for automated structured data retrieval from the Internet which is itself open source. ChemXtreme employs the {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}search the search engine{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}

}, keywords = {calcination, clinker, one-dimensional model, rotary cement kiln}, issn = {0887-0624}, doi = {10.1021/ci050329+}, author = {Karthikeyan, Muthukumarasamy and Krishnan, S. and Pandey, A. K. and Bender, Andreas} } @article { ISI:000240365800049, title = {Heteropoly acid supported on titania as solid acid catalyst in alkylation of p-cresol with tert-butanol}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Catalysis A-Chemical}, volume = {256}, number = {1-2}, year = {2006}, month = {AUG}, pages = {324-334}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Butylation of p-cresol with tert-butanol was investigated on titania modified with 12-tungstophosphoric acid (TPA/TiO2) catalyst under vapor phase conditions. Catalysts with different TPA loadings (10-25 wt.\%) and calcination temperatures (650-750 degrees C) were prepared by suspending titanium hydroxide in methanol solution of TPA followed by drying and calcination. These catalysts were characterized by surface area, XRD, P-31 MAS NMR, XPS, NH3-TPD, and FTIR pyridine adsorption. XRD results indicated that the presence of TPA retarded the crystallization of titania and stabilized TiO2 in anatase phase. P-31 MAS NMR indicated the presence of TPA in various forms (dispersed, highly fragmented and Keggin intact). These catalysts showed both Bronsted and Lewis acidity, and 20\% TPA on TiO2 calcined at 700 degrees C (from here after words 20\% TT 700) had the highest Bronsted as well as total acidity. Further, the catalytic activities were examined in tert-butylation of p-cresol with tent-butanol. The catalytic activity depended on TPA coverage, and the highest activity corresponded to the monolayer of TPA on titania. The most active catalyst 20\% TT-700 gave 82\% conversion of p-cresol and 89.5\% selectivity towards 2-tert-butyl cresol (TBC), 2,6-di-tert-butyl cresol (DTBC) 7.5\% and cresol-tert-butyl ether (CTBE) 3\% under optimized conditions. The activity was always higher than that of WO3/ZrO2, sulfated zirconia (SZ), USY, H-beta zeolites and montmorillonite K-10 (K-10mont) under similar conditions. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {2, 2-tert-butyl-p-cresol, 6-di-tert-butyl-p-cresol, Alkylation, heteropoly acid, p-Cresol, tert-butanol, titania}, issn = {1381-1169}, doi = {10.1016/j.molcata.2006.05.024}, author = {Kumbar, Suresh M. and Shanbhag, G. V. and Lefebvre, F. and Halligudi, Shivaraj B.} } @article { ISI:000238914002206, title = {Highly acidic phytase from Aspergillus niger NCIM 563 under submerged fermentation}, journal = {FEBS Journal}, volume = {273}, number = {1}, year = {2006}, note = {31st Congress of the Federation-of-European-Biochemical-Societies (FEBS), Istanbul, TURKEY, JUN 24-29, 2006}, month = {JUN}, pages = {301}, publisher = {Federat European Biochem Soc}, type = {Meeting Abstract}, address = {9600 GARSINGTON RD, OXFORD OX4 2DQ, OXON, ENGLAND}, issn = {1742-464X}, author = {Soni, S. K. and Khire, Jayant Malhar} } @article { ISI:000237420200060, title = {Hydrophobic effects are dominant over secondary orbital interactions for a simple Diels-Alder reaction in salt solutions}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {8}, number = {10}, year = {2006}, month = {MAY}, pages = {2199-2202}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The stereoselectivity ratios for a Diels-Alder reaction between cyclopentadiene with methyl trans-crotonate carried out in salt solutions demonstrate the dominance of hydrophobic effects over secondary orbital interactions.

}, issn = {1523-7060}, doi = {10.1021/ol060741q}, author = {Sarma, D. and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000237820800035, title = {Hydrophobic effects in a simple Diels-Alder reaction in water}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {47}, number = {23}, year = {2006}, month = {JUN}, pages = {3957-3958}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The endolexo ratio for a simple Diels-Alder reaction carried out in water has been used to argue that hydrophobic effects can dominate the geometries of the transition states. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2006.03.093}, author = {Sarma, D. and Pawar, S. S. and Deshpande, Suvarna S. and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000240369800005, title = {Identification of a respiratory-type nitrate reductase and its role for survival of mycobacterium smegmatis in wayne model}, journal = {Microbial Pathogenesis}, volume = {41}, number = {2-3}, year = {2006}, month = {AUG}, pages = {90-95}, publisher = {ACADEMIC PRESS LTD ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {24-28 OVAL RD, LONDON NW1 7DX, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Nitrate reductase (NR) is found to be expressed in certain mycobacterium sp. whose link with the development of persistence is yet to be resolved. The present study demonstrates the action of selective inhibitors on NR as well as in the survival of Mycobacterium smegmatis using Wayne{\textquoteright}s model. During gradual shift down to anaerobic stage in Wayne{\textquoteright}s model, conversion of nitrate to nitrite became apparent in M. smegmatis. More than 97 percent inhibition was observed for the conversion of nitrate to nitrite by azide (0.05 mM) and thiocyanate (20 mM) in both whole-cell as well as its cell-free lysate, respectively. Under identical condition, chlorate (20 mM) inhibited nitrate reduction by 67 and 10 percent, respectively. At these concentrations, neither of azide, thiocyanate nor chlorate had any significant effect on cell growth under aerobic condition. In Wayne{\textquoteright}s culture model, thiocyanate and chlorate inhibited the growth of M. smegmatis by almost 2 logs at the same concentrations whereas azide inhibited by almost 1.75 log when added at the time of inoculation. Exposure of same culture at 96 h after inoculation in Wayne{\textquoteright}s model to these inhibitors showed 1.74, 1.95 and 2.37 log inhibition of viable cells with respect to azide, thiocyanate and chlorate. These findings further indicated that NR inhibitors kill the bacilli at anaerobic stage under the experimental condition mentioned. Metronidazole (MTZ) (2 mM) and Nitrofurantoin (NIT) (0.3 mM) reduced the cell number at both stages by \< 0.7log. They did not have any effect on NR. Altogether, the results clearly indicate that NR-specific inhibitors could become more promising in killing the bacilli at anaerobic stage than the available conventional drugs. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Mycobacterium smegmatis, nitrate reductase, Wayne model}, issn = {0882-4010}, doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2006.04.006}, author = {Khan, Arshad and Sarkar, Dhiman} } @article { ISI:000238978400001, title = {Improved time series prediction with a new method for selection of model parameters}, journal = {Journal of Physics A-Mathematical and General}, volume = {39}, number = {30}, year = {2006}, month = {JUL}, pages = {L483-L491}, publisher = {IOP PUBLISHING LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {DIRAC HOUSE, TEMPLE BACK, BRISTOL BS1 6BE, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A new method for model selection in prediction of time series is proposed. Apart from the conventional criterion of minimizing RMS error, the method also minimizes the error on the distribution of singularities, evaluated through the local Holder estimates and its probability density spectrum. Predictions of two simulated and one real time series have been done using kernel principal component regression (KPCR) and model parameters of KPCR have been selected employing the proposed as well as the conventional method. Results obtained demonstrate that the proposed method takes into account the sharp changes in a time series and improves the generalization capability of the KPCR model for better prediction of the unseen test data.

}, issn = {0305-4470}, doi = {10.1088/0305-4470/39/30/L01}, author = {Jade, A. M. and Jayaraman, Valadi K. and Kulkarni, B. D.} } @article { ISI:000239975900022, title = {In situ optical emission spectroscopic investigations during arc plasma synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles by thermal plasma}, journal = {IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science}, volume = {34}, number = {4, 1}, year = {2006}, month = {AUG}, pages = {1175-1182}, publisher = {IEEE-INST ELECTRICAL ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS INC}, type = {Article}, address = {445 HOES LANE, PISCATAWAY, NJ 08855 USA}, abstract = {

Investigations using in situ precursor spectroscopy during the growth of nanoparticles of iron oxide by thermal plasma induced gas phase condensation method have been shown to be useful for correlating the size of nanoparticles with existing plasma parameters. The relative abundance of ionized Fe species inside the plasma plume is seen to directly establish the relation between particle size, arc current, arc length, and ambient pressure of the reacting oxygen gas. The argon plasma from a transferred arc reactor is made to impinge on the anode that is allowed to vaporize and react with oxygen. The spectral line profiles of both Ar and Fe along the plasma column during the synthesis of nanoparticles have been proved to be useful in understanding the growth mechanism. Band intensities of FeO molecular states indicated the inverse relation with particle sizes that have been correlated to the two competitive processes in which energy is released, namely: 1) one involving the radiative transition and 2) the other that of the growth by coagulation. Atomic Boltzmann plots are used for estimating the temperatures of the zones, whereas particle sizes have been inferred using transmission electron microscopic measurements.

}, keywords = {plasma arc device, plasma-materials processing applications, spectroscopy}, issn = {0093-3813}, doi = {10.1109/TPS.2006.878430}, author = {Banerjee, Indrani and Joshi, N. K. and Sahasrabudhe, S. N. and Kulkarni, Naveen V. and Karmakar, Soumen and Pasricha, R. and Ghorui, S. and Tak, Atul K. and Murthy, Shri P. S. S. and Bhoraskar, S. V. and Das, A. K.} } @article { ISI:000236313300022, title = {Influence of extended pi-conjugation units on carrier mobilities in conducting polymers}, journal = {Chemical Physics Letters}, volume = {420}, number = {4-6}, year = {2006}, month = {MAR}, pages = {387-390}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Carrier mobilities in thin films of copolymers with repeat units consisting of oligothiophenes bridged by Si atoms are measured over a range of doping levels, where the numbers of thienylenes in the repeat unit are 7, 8, 10, 12, and 14. The mobilities for these polymer films increased with the increase in doping level and the mobility enhancement followed an increasing order of the pi-conjugation length. The magnitude of the mobility increase for the Si polymer comprising 14 thiophene units reached ca. 10(4), implying that this pi-conjugation length is almost sufficient to reproduce transport properties of polythiophenes. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0009-2614}, doi = {10.1016/j.cplett.2006.01.009}, author = {Harima, Yutaka and Kim, D. H. and Tsutitori, Y. and Jiang, Xiaoqing and Patil, R. and Ooyama, Y. and Ohshita, J. and Kunai, A.} } @article { ISI:000241506400143, title = {Intact cell MALDI mass spectrometry as a tool to screen drugs in vivo for regulation of protein expression}, journal = {Molecular \& Cellular Proteomics}, volume = {5}, number = {10, S}, year = {2006}, month = {OCT}, pages = {S62}, publisher = {AMER SOC BIOCHEMISTRY MOLECULAR BIOLOGY INC}, type = {Meeting Abstract}, address = {9650 ROCKVILLE PIKE, BETHESDA, MD 20814-3996 USA}, issn = {1535-9476}, author = {Kulkarni, Mahesh J. and Vinod, V. P. and Umashankar, P. K. and Patole, M. and Rao, M.} } @article { ISI:000239793100088, title = {La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 nanoparticles coated with fatty amine}, journal = {Applied Physics Letters}, volume = {89}, number = {2}, year = {2006}, month = {JUL}, pages = {Article No. 023107}, publisher = {AMER INST PHYSICS}, type = {Article}, address = {CIRCULATION \& FULFILLMENT DIV, 2 HUNTINGTON QUADRANGLE, STE 1 N O 1, MELVILLE, NY 11747-4501 USA}, abstract = {

We report on the synthesis of La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (LSMO) nanoparticles having perovskite structure and particle size of the order of 30 rim. The process involves citrate-gel synthesis, size filtering, and; surface coating with a shell of octadecyl amine (ODA) using electrostatic interaction-assisted novel chemical route. Magnetic measurements show the Curie temperature of similar to 360 K establishing the desired stoichiometry and phase. Fourier transform infrared-studies bring out. that the amine group of ODA interacts with the LSMO surface. Refluidization yields uniform redispersion of the coated and dried powder. (c) 2006 American Institute of Physics.

}, issn = {0003-6951}, doi = {10.1063/1.2210080}, author = {Rajagopal, Rajashree and Mona, J. and Kale, Sangeeta N. and Bala, Tanushree and Pasricha, Rem and Poddar, P. and Sastry, M. and Bhagavatula L. V. Prasad and Kundaliya, Darshan C. and Ogale, S. B.} } @article { ISI:000237485300010, title = {Ligand-, copper-, and amine-free one-pot synthesis of 2-substituted indoles via Sonogashira coupling 5-endo-dig cyclization}, journal = {Tetrahedron}, volume = {62}, number = {21}, year = {2006}, month = {MAY}, pages = {5109-5115}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Results of the optimized conditions for the one-pot synthesis of 2-substituted indoles via palladium acetate catalyzed tandem Sonogashira coupling 5-endo-dig cyclization at room temperature under ultrasonic irradiation and standard stirred conditions are described. Electron-donating and electron-withdrawing groups present in both Coupling partners were well tolerated under these mild conditions. A copper-, ligand- and amine-free condition is an important feature of this protocol. Significant enhancement of reaction rates was observed for the reactions employing ultrasonic irradiation. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {5-endo-dig cyclization, Indole, synthesis, Ultrasound}, issn = {0040-4020}, doi = {10.1016/j.tet.2006.03.035}, author = {Palimkar, Sanjay S. and Kumar, P. Harish and Lahoti, Rajgopal J. and Srinivasan, Kumar V.} } @article {Rai, title = {Liquid phase oxidation of alkanes using Cu/Co-perchlorophthalocyanine immobilized MCM-41 under mild reaction conditions}, journal = {Applied Catalysis A-General}, volume = {297}, number = {2}, year = {2006}, month = {JAN}, pages = {220-230}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

{Amino-functionalized MCM-41 (NH2-MCM-41) was used to immobilize CU/CO-Cl16PC complex, i.e. Cu/Co-AM(PS) for liquid phase oxidation of alkanes under mild reaction conditions. Higher rates of reaction and better catalytic activity values were obtained for Cu/Co-AM(PS) as compared to Cu/Co-Cl16PC grafted on (i) amino-functionalized SiO2 [

}, keywords = {Ceramics, Electron microscopy, electronic materials, X-ray diffraction}, issn = {0272-8842}, doi = {10.1016/j.apcata.2005.09.012}, author = {Karandikar, Prashant R. and Chandwadkar, Asha J. and Agashe, M. and Ramgir, N. S. and Sivasanker, S.} } @article { ISI:000235439900024, title = {Low temperature route to prepare LaMnO3}, journal = {Materials Letters}, volume = {60}, number = {9-10}, year = {2006}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1213-1214}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

A combination of digestion and further low temperature calcination to crystallize the product is employed to prepare LaMnO3(LM) ceramics. Freshly co-precipitated lanthanum and manganese hydroxides gel is allowed to react at 100 degrees C under refluxing and stirring conditions for 6-12 h. The X-ray amorphous product so formed is heated at 300 degrees C to form crystalline LM powders. This is the lowest temperature so far reported for the formation of LaMnO3. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) investigations revealed that the average particle size is 50 nm for the calcined powders. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Chemical synthesis, LaMnO3, Precipitation, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction}, issn = {0167-577X}, doi = {10.1016/j.matlet.2005.11.002}, author = {Daundkar, A. and Kale, Sangeeta N. and Gokhale, Suresh P. and Ravi, V} } @article {31}, title = {Metal-induced reductive ring opening of 1,2,4,5-tetrazines: Three resulting coordination alternatives, including the new non-innocent 1,2-diiminohydrazido(2-) bridging ligand system}, journal = {Inorganic Chemistry}, volume = {45}, number = {3}, year = {2006}, month = {FEB }, pages = {1316-1325}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, type = {Article}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

{Reaction of 3,6-diaryl-1,2,4,5-tetrazines (aryl = R = phenyl, 2-furyl or 2-thienyl) with 2 equiv of Ru(acac)(2)(CH3-CN)(2) results in reductive tetrazine ring opening to yield diruthenium complexes [

}, keywords = {crystal engineering, hydrogen bonds, molecular, recocynition, Self-assembly, supramolecular chemistry}, issn = {0947-6539}, doi = {10.1021/ic051532p}, author = {Maji, Somnath and Sarkar, B. and Patra, S. and Fiedler, Jan and Mobin, Shaikh M. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Kaim, Wolfgang and Lahiri, Goutam Kumar} } @article { ISI:000236901300003, title = {Micellar behavior of dodecyldimethylethyl ammonium bromide and dodecyltrimethyl ammonium chloride in aqueous media in the presence of diclofenac sodium}, journal = {Colloids and Surfaces A-Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects}, volume = {278}, number = {1-3}, year = {2006}, month = {APR}, pages = {17-25}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The micellar properties of cationic surfactants (S) viz. dodecyldimethylethyl ammonium bromide (DDAB) and dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride (DTAC) in aqueous media in the presence of diclofenac sodium (D) have been investigated by spectroscopic and conductivity measurements. The UV-vis and H-1 NMR studies suggest possible packing of diclofenac sodiurn molecules in the micelles. The conductivity studies were carried out over the temperature range 288.15-308.15 K. The critical micelle concentration (cmc) and degree of counterion binding (beta) of the micelles were determined at different temperatures. Delay in micellisation was observed for both DDAB and DTAC. Thermodynamic parameters (Delta G(m)(0) Delta H-m(0) and Delta S-m(0).) for the micelle system were estimated by applying the charged pseudo-phase separation model. The results of the ternary S/D/W system were analysed in comparison with the reported results of binary SAV system. The Delta G(m)(0) values for the ternary S/D/W system in both the cases show an increase in comparison to the respective binary SAV system. However, Delta S-m(0) decreased with temperature and remained positive in both the systems. At lower temperatures, the micellisation was found to be entropy-driven while at higher temperatures it was enthalpy-dfiven. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {diclofenac sodium, dodecyldimethylethylammonium bromide, dodecyltrimethylammoniurn chloride, Electrical conductivity, spectroscopic measurements}, issn = {0927-7757}, doi = {10.1016/j.colsurfa.2005.11.071}, author = {Mehta, S. K. and Bhasin, K. K. and Kumar, Anil and Dham, S.} } @proceedings {42734, title = {Microconverter ADuC842 and LabVIEW platform ? a best suitable approach for real time plotting of pressure area isotherm of a monolayer}, year = {2006}, month = {FEB}, pages = {70-73}, publisher = {World Scientific and Engineering Academy and Society (WSEAS)}, address = {Madrid, Spain}, author = {Iyer, Neelima and Khatavkar, Rupali and Joshi, Bhagyashree} } @article { ISI:000239381500020, title = {Micropropagation of Indian laurel (Calophyllum inophyllum), a source of anti-HIV compounds}, journal = {Current Science}, volume = {90}, number = {10}, year = {2006}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1393-1397}, publisher = {CURRENT SCIENCE ASSN}, type = {Article}, address = {C V RAMAN AVENUE, PO BOX 8005, BANGALORE 560 080, INDIA}, abstract = {

An efficient protocol for in vitro micropropagtion of Calophyllum inophyllum (Linn.), an evergreen littoral tree, through multiple shoot formation from seed explants was developed. In vitro germination of the seeds was standardized on Woody Plant Medium (WPM) hormone free and/or supplemented with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP; 2.22 mu M) and on half or full strength MS medium. Multiple shoot formation was achieved on WPM supplemented with BAP (2.22-44.00 mu M) and thidiazuron (TDZ; 0.91-4.54 mu M) from the decapitated seedling explants. The maximum multiple shoots, 20.9 per explant were induced on TDZ (0.91 mu M) after two subcultures. Elongated shoots of size \> 4.0 cm were obtained on all media combinations with an average of 2.2-8.7 per explant. Elongation of the stunted shoots induced on BAP and TDZ was done on half strength WPM without any growth hormones. The elongated shoots on half WPM and/or full strength WPM supplemented with indole-3-butyric acid (2.46-24.60 mu M) alone or in combination with BAP (2.22 mu M) resulted in 52\% rooting with 1-5 roots per rooted plant. The micropropagated plants were acclimatized successfully with 77\% survival rate after five weeks. These plants were planted in the institute campus for ex situ conservation, where 72\% plants are showing good growth and development.

}, keywords = {Calophyllum inophyllum, ex situ conservation, micropropagation, seed}, issn = {0011-3891}, author = {Thengane, Shubhada Ratnakar and Bhosle, S. V. and Deodhar, Swapna R. and Pawar, K. D. and Kulkarni, D. K.} } @article { ISI:000240831600022, title = {Modifications in magnetic anisotropy of M-type strontium hexaferrite crystals by swift heavy ion irradiation}, journal = {Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials}, volume = {305}, number = {2}, year = {2006}, month = {OCT}, pages = {392-402}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Using vibrating sample magnetometery (VSM) 50 MeV Li(3+) ion irradiation effects on magnetic properties of single crystals of SrGa(x)In(y)Fe(12-(x+y))O(19) (where x = 0, 5, 7, 9; y = 0, 0.8, 1.3, 1.0), are reported. The substitution of Ga and In in strontium hexaferrite crystals decreases the value of magnetization sharply, which is attributed to shifting of collinear magnetic order to a non-collinear one. Reduction of magnetization is also explained to be as a result of the occupation of the crystallographic sites of Fe(3+) by Ga(3+) and In(3+). The Li(3+) ion irradiation decreases the value of magnetization, irrespective of whether the crystals are Ga-In substituted or unsubstituted crystals of SrFe(12)O(19). The result is interpreted in terms of the occurrence of a paramagnetic doublet in crystals replacing magnetic sextuplet as a result of irradiation. Substitution of Ga-In in Strontium hexaferrite decreases the value of anisotropy constant. Irradiation with Li(3+) ions increases the values of anisotropy field for both substituted as well as unsubstituted crystals. Substitution with Ga-In also decreases the Curie temperature (T(c)) but the irradiation with Li(3+) ions does not affect the curie temperature of either Ga-In substituted or pure SrFe(12)O(19) crystals. (C) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {anisotropy field, Curie temperature, irradiation, Magnetic anisotropy, Magnetization}, issn = {0304-8853}, doi = {10.1016/j.jmmm.2006.01.110}, author = {Kaur, Balwinder and Bhat, Monita and Licci, F. and Kumar, Ravi and Kulkarni, S. D. and Joy, Pattayil Alias and Bamzai, K. K. and Kotru, P. N.} } @article { ISI:000241320000002, title = {Nature and mode of addition of phosphate precursor in the synthesis of aluminum phosphate and its influence on methanol dehydration to dimethyl ether}, journal = {Catalysis Communications}, volume = {7}, number = {10}, year = {2006}, month = {OCT}, pages = {745-751}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Four aluminum phosphate catalysts with Al/P = 1 were prepared by precipitation of mixture of aluminum nitrate and phosphate precursor (either phosphoric acid or diammonium hydrogen phosphate) with NH3 and precipitation of aluminum nitrate with NH3 followed by impregnation of phosphate precursor (either phosphoric acid or diammonium hydrogen phosphate). The catalysts were characterized, using different physico-chemical methods viz., BET-S.A., XRD, FT-IR, and NH3-TPD. Al-27 and P-31 MAS NMR spectroscopy was used to characterize selected catalysts in order to find out the presence of Al and P environments. The catalytic conversion of methanol to dimethyl ether was conducted over these catalysts in a temperature range of 448-548 K at atmospheric pressure. AIPO(4) prepared by precipitating the mixture of aluminum nitrate and (NH4)(2)HPO4 with aq. NH3 generated more number of moderate acid sites and showed higher methanol dehydration activity with 100\% selectivity to DME at 548 K. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Al-27 and P-31 MAS NMR, aluminum phosphate, dehydration, dimethyl ether, Methanol, NH3-TPD}, issn = {1566-7367}, doi = {10.1016/j.catcom.2006.02.025}, author = {Kumar, V. Siva and Padmasri, A. H. and Satyanarayana, C. V. V. and Reddy, I. Ajit Kumar and Raju, B. David and Rao, K. S. Rama} } @article { ISI:000242059100038, title = {Nazarov reagent: a novel reagent for the synthesis of natural products}, journal = {Synlett}, number = {17}, year = {2006}, month = {OCT}, pages = {2853-2854}, publisher = {GEORG THIEME VERLAG KG}, type = {Article}, address = {RUDIGERSTR 14, D-70469 STUTTGART, GERMANY}, issn = {0936-5214}, doi = {10.1055/s-2006-950248}, author = {Kaur, Tanpreet} } @article { ISI:000239458500013, title = {Photo-bio-degradability of agro waste and ethylene-propylene copolymers composites under abiotic and biotic environments}, journal = {Journal of Polymers and the Environment}, volume = {14}, number = {2}, year = {2006}, month = {APR}, pages = {203-212}, publisher = {SPRINGER/PLENUM PUBLISHERS}, type = {Article}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Composites were prepared by two methods, (i) graft copolymerization (GFC) of isotactic polypropylene (PP) with maliec anhydride, (MAH) followed by esterification with coir fiber and (ii) by direct reactive mixing (DFC) of polypropylene (PP) and ethylene-propylene (EP) copolymers with MAH and peroxide with coir fiber. These composites, after molding in films (5 x 5 cm, - 100 mu m thickness) were examined for susceptibility to biological attack by measuring the percentage weight loss in compost upto 6 months, periodically, and fungal colonization on surface of the samples, when kept as sole carbon source for the growth of Aspergillus niger in culture medium upto 40 days. Photodegradation was evaluated by monitoring the variations in FT-IR spectrum and crack formation after successive treatment with UV light (\>= 290 nm) for 0, 20, 50 and 100 h at 60 C in the presence of air. Specimens of virgin PP were taken as a reference during all period of photo and biodegradation studies. Significant changes were observed depending on the preparation methods during photodegradation and biodisintegration of composites. DFCs samples were disintegrated faster than GFCs during the composting whereas, in culture, GFCs were covered highly in well uniform way by fungi. It was observed that photo-oxidative ageing directly enhanced the biodegradability of composites as the increase in fungal growth rate and decrease in weight during composting were found. It was concluded that extent of compatibilization had a profound effect on photo-oxidation and biodisintegration of composite material; consequently ester bonds were main units during fungal consumption. Composition of monomers in copolymers was also showing significant effect on the degradability which decreased with increasing content of ethylene in ethylene-propylene (EP) copolymers.

}, keywords = {Biodegradation, biodisintegration and composting, composites, ethylene-propylene copolymers, photo-degradation}, issn = {1566-2543}, doi = {10.1007/s10924-006-0012-9}, author = {Kumar, A. Pratheep and Pandey, Jitendra K. and Kumar, Bijendra and Singh, R. P.} } @article { ISI:000241849900014, title = {Photoelectrochemical properties of electrochemically deposited CdIn2S4 thin films}, journal = {Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids}, volume = {67}, number = {11}, year = {2006}, month = {NOV}, pages = {2331-2336}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Thin films of CdIn2S4 have been deposited on to stainless steel and fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO)-coated glass substrates from aqueous acidic bath using an electrodeposition technique. Ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) disodium salt is used as complexing agent to obtain good-quality deposits by controlling the rate of the reaction. The different preparative parameters like concentration of bath, deposition time, bath temperature, pH of the bath have been optimized by the photoelectrochemical (PEC) technique in order to get good-quality photosensitive material. Different techniques have been used to characterize CdIn2S4 thin films. Optical absorption shows the presence of direct transition with band gap energy 2.17 eV. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of the as-deposited and annealed films showed the presence of polycrystalline nature. Energy-dispersive analysis by X-ray (EDAX) study for the sample deposited at optimized preparative parameters shows that the In-to-Cd ratio is almost 2 and S-to-Cd ratio is almost 4. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for samples deposited at optimized preparative parameters reveals that spherical grains are uniformly distributed over the surface of the substrate indicates the well-defined growth of polycrystalline CdIn2S4 thin film. PEC characterization of the films is carried out by studying photoresponse, spectral response and photovoltaic output characteristics. The fill factor (ff) and power conversion efficiency (eta) of the cell are 69 and 2.94\%, respectively. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Thin films, X-ray diffraction}, issn = {0022-3697}, doi = {10.1016/j.jpcs.2006.05.022}, author = {Kokate, A. V. and Asabe, M. R. and Delekar, S. D. and Gavali, L. V. and Mulla, Imtiaz S. and Hankare, P. P. and Chougule, B. K.} } @article { ISI:000240680300119, title = {Photoluminescence studies of Eu3+ doped Y2O3 nanophosphor prepared by microwave hydrothermal method}, journal = {Applied Physics Letters}, volume = {89}, number = {12}, year = {2006}, month = {SEP}, pages = {123120}, publisher = {AMER INST PHYSICS}, type = {Article}, address = {CIRCULATION \& FULFILLMENT DIV, 2 HUNTINGTON QUADRANGLE, STE 1 N O 1, MELVILLE, NY 11747-4501 USA}, abstract = {

In this letter, the authors report the photoluminescence studies of Eu3+ doped Y2O3 nanorods, which have been synthesized by rapid microwave hydrothermal route within 6 min. The nanostructured Eu3+ doped Y2O3 is characterized by x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and photoluminescence. The emission spectrum shows transitions from the excited 5D(0) state to F-7(J) (J=0,1,2,3,4) levels of the Eu3+ ion. The most intense peak around 612 nm is due to the D-5(0)-\> F-7(2) transition, expected from the Judd-Ofelt selection rules [B. R. Judd, Phys. Rev. 127, 750 (1962); G. S. Ofelt, J. Chem. Phys. 37, 511 (1962)]. Photoluminescence measurements demonstrated that the nanocrystalline Eu3+:Y2O3 phase shows higher photoluminescence intensity. (c) 2006 American Institute of Physics.

}, issn = {0003-6951}, doi = {10.1063/1.2356694}, author = {Murugan, A. Vadivel and Viswanath, Annamraju Kasi and Ravi, V. and Kakade, Bhalchandra A. and Saaminathan, V.} } @article {KULKARNI, title = {Polymer supported vanadium and molybdenum complexes as potential catalysts for the oxidation and oxidative bromination of organic substrates}, journal = {Dalton Transactions}, number = {29}, year = {2006}, note = {Conference on Atomic Molecular and Optical Physics, Calcutta, INDIA, DEC 13-15, 2005}, month = {APR}, pages = {3561-3575}, publisher = {Indian Assoc Cultivat Sci}, type = {Review}, address = {PO BOX 128 FARRER RD, SINGAPORE 9128, SINGAPORE}, abstract = {

{The Schiff base (H(2)fsal-ohyba) derived from 3-formylsalicylic acid and o-hydroxybenzylamine has been covalently bonded to chloromethylated polystyrene cross-linked with 5\% divinylbenzene ( abbreviated as PS-H(2)fsal-ohyba, I). Treatment of [

}, keywords = {Bile acids, bis-steroids, hybrids, Peptides, polyamines, saponins, steroidal conjugates, synthetic ionophores}, doi = {10.1039/b600822d}, author = {Maurya, Mannar R. and Kumar, Umesh and Manikandan, Palanichamy} } @article { ISI:000238928100018, title = {Preparation and characterization of novel hybrid of chitosan-g-lactic acid and montmorillonite}, journal = {Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A}, volume = {78A}, number = {2}, year = {2006}, month = {AUG}, pages = {372-382}, publisher = {WILEY-LISS}, type = {Article}, address = {DIV JOHN WILEY \& SONS INC, 111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN, NJ 07030 USA}, abstract = {

The utilization of biopolymers and the development of organic-inorganic hybrids are ever increasing interest of material science researchers around the globe for various applications. The present attempt is intended to prepare nanocomposites of lactic acid grafted chitosan and layered silicates. Nanocomposites were prepared by dissolving chitosan and dispersing sodium montmorillonite in aqueous solution of L-lactic acid with subsequent heating and film casting. They were characterized by conventional techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, thermogravimetric analysis, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. The results from polar optical and transmission electron microscopic measurements are also discussed. Sorption behavior of samples has been followed by measuring swelling degree and contact angle. The films have shown enhanced hydrophilicity when compared with polylactic acid (PLA). Issues on the interactions of polycationic chitosan with clay are also discussed. It is observed that nanocomposites are exhibiting better thermal and physical properties than neat chitosang-LA and PLA. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

}, keywords = {Chitosan, contact angle, graft copolymerization, Nanocomposites, polylactic acid, water absorption}, issn = {1549-3296}, doi = {10.1002/jbm.a.30738}, author = {Depan, Dilip and Kumar, Annamalai Pratheep and Singh, Raj Pal} } @article { ISI:000239688400001, title = {Preparation and performance evaluation of EPDM nanocomposites under accelerated weathering}, journal = {Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials}, volume = {19}, number = {5}, year = {2006}, month = {SEP}, pages = {461-474}, publisher = {SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {1 OLIVERS YARD, 55 CITY ROAD, LONDON EC1Y 1SP, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The degradability of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) nanocomposites, prepared from organically modified montmorillonite (CMMT), is studied under accelerated UV irradiation (lambda \>= 290 nm) for different time intervals. The development of functional groups during degradation is monitored by FT-IR spectroscopy whereas, surface changes are studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effect of clay modifier and clay concentration on the degradability are studied. The degradation of neat polymer and composites taking place traditionally and an increase in carbonyl and hydroxyl groups are observed with irradiation time. Neat EPDM is found to be less degradable than nanocomposites. Degradation products, as seen by FT-IR in nanocomposites are found to be the same as in neat polymer but are generated at a faster rate. According to the experimental results, one can define that both ammonium ion and neat montmorillonite (MMT) accelerate the photo-oxidation of EPDM.

}, keywords = {carbonyl index, Degradation, EPDM, layered silicates, Nanocomposites, photooxidation}, issn = {0892-7057}, doi = {10.1177/0892705706062204}, author = {Rana, Sravendra and Tevtia, Amit K. and Kumar, Bijendra and Singh, R. P.} } @article { ISI:000235256200004, title = {Preparation of gamma-Fe2O3 nanoparticles using DC thermal arc-plasma route, their characterization and magnetic properties}, journal = {Scripta Materialia}, volume = {54}, number = {7}, year = {2006}, month = {APR}, pages = {1235-1240}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

gamma-Fe2O3 particles were prepared, for the first time, using a direct current thermal arc-plasma route. The powder was characterized using X-ray diffraction, Mossbauer spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, chemical analysis, vibrating sample magnetometry C and transmission electron microscopy. The high purity, stoichiometry and spherical morphology of the gamma-Fe2O3 particles (saturation magnetization = 79 emu g(-1) and coercivity = 348 Oe) were confirmed. (c) 2006 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {chemical analysis, DC thermal arc-plasma route, maghemite, Mossbauer spectroscopy, XPS}, issn = {1359-6462}, doi = {10.1016/j.scriptamat.2005.12.029}, author = {Banerjee, Indrani and Khollam, Y. B. and Balasubramanian, C. and Pasricha, R. and Bakare, P. P. and Patil, K. R. and Das, A. K. and Bhoraskar, S. V.} } @article { ISI:000238443200008, title = {Production of lactic acid and fructose from media with cane sugar using mutant of Lactobacillus delbrueckii NCIM 2365}, journal = {Letters in Applied Microbiology}, volume = {43}, number = {1}, year = {2006}, month = {JUL}, pages = {53-57}, publisher = {BLACKWELL PUBLISHING}, type = {Article}, address = {9600 GARSINGTON RD, OXFORD OX4 2DQ, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Aims: To examine the potential of Lactobacillus delbrueckii mutant, Uc-3 to produce lactic acid and fructose from sucrose-based media. Methods and Results: The mutant of L. delbrueckii NCIM 2365 was cultivated in shake flask containing hydrolysed cane sugar (sucrose)-based medium. The lactic acid yield and volumetric productivity with hydrolysed cane concentration up to 200 g l(-1) were in the range of 92-97\% of the theoretical value and between 2.7 and 3.8 g l(-1) h(-1), respectively. The fructose fraction of the syrup produced was more than 95\% when the total initial sugar concentration in the medium was higher (150-200 g l(-1)). There are no unwanted byproducts detected in the fermentation broth. Conclusions: We demonstrated that L. delbrueckii mutant Uc-3 was able to utilize glucose preferentially to produce lactic acid and fructose from hydrolysed cane sugar in batch fermentation process. Significance and Impact of the Study: These findings will be useful in the production of lactic acid and high fructose syrups using media with high concentrations of sucrose-based raw materials. This approach can lead to modification of the traditional fermentation processes to obtain value-added byproducts, attaining better process economics.

}, keywords = {fructose accumulation, hydrolyzed cane sugar, lactic acid production, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, Mutant}, issn = {0266-8254}, doi = {10.1111/j.1472-765X.2006.01907.x}, author = {Patil, S. S. and Kadam, S. R. and Patil, S. S. and Bastawade, Kulbhushan B. and Khire, Jayant Malhar and Gokhale, D. V.} } @article { ISI:000237576500008, title = {Propane conversion to aromatics on highly active H-GaAlMFI: effect of thermal pretreatment}, journal = {Energy \& Fuel}, volume = {20}, number = {3}, year = {2006}, month = {MAY}, pages = {919-922}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The propane aromatization activity over H-GaAlMFI has been investigated after different thermal pretreatments ( calcination temperature range: 500- 800 degrees C) at a reaction temperature of 500 degrees C and in the space velocity range of 1500-12000 cm(3)/g/h. The calcination temperature had a strong influence on the strong acidity of the zeolite, propane conversion, and aromatic distribution. The decrease in acidity with increased thermal treatment severity correlated well with the decrease in the framework Ga. There was a considerable decrease in propane aromatization activity at calcination temperatures above 600 degrees C. The effect of calcination temperature on the propane aromatization activity can be explained in terms of change in the strong acidity of the zeolite and the extraframework Ga content. The selectivity for aromatics was found to decrease with increasing thermal pretreatment severity, while that for methane, ethane, and propylene was found to increase. The aromatic distribution was also influenced by the thermal pretreatment; the selectivity for benzene increased with increasing pretreatment temperature, while the selectivity for toluene, C-8 aromatics, and C9+ aromatics decreased.

}, issn = {0887-0624}, doi = {10.1021/ef050328j}, author = {Choudhary, Tushar V. and Kinage, A. and Banerjee, S. and Choudhary, Vasant R.} } @article { ISI:000239278600023, title = {Propargyl glycosides as stable glycosyl donors: anomeric activation and glycoside syntheses}, journal = {Journal of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {128}, number = {30}, year = {2006}, month = {AUG}, pages = {Article No. JA062425C}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, issn = {0002-7863}, doi = {10.1021/ja062425c}, author = {Hotha, Srinivas and Kashyap, Sudhir} } @article { ISI:000237610600013, title = {Purification, characterization and substrate specificity of thermostable alpha-galactosidase from Bacillus stearothermophilus (NCIM-5146)}, journal = {Process Biochemistry}, volume = {41}, number = {6}, year = {2006}, month = {JUN}, pages = {1311-1317}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An extracellular thermostable alpha-galactosidase from Bacillus stearothermophilus (NCIM-5146) has been purified to homogeneity by chromatographic step, using Phenyl Sepharose CL-4B column. The specific activity of the enzyme was increased approximately 389-fold, from 1.03 U/mg protein to 400 U/mg protein. The molecular mass of the purified enzyme as determined by SDS-PAGE and gel filtration was 79.9 and 165.9 kDa, respectively, suggesting dimeric nature. The purified alpha-galactosidase is a non-glycosylated protein with a pI of 4.9. The pH and temperature optima for the purified enzyme are 6.5-7.0 and 65 degrees C, respectively. The alpha-galactosidase is stable over a broad pH range (3-9) and its half-life of inactivation (t(1/2)) at 70 degrees C is 30 min. The partial N-terminal sequence of alpha-galactosidase showed remarkable homology (80\% similarity) with earlier reported alpha-galactosidase from B. stearothermophilus NUB 3621. The secondary structure of the enzyme determined by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy exhibited alpha/beta class of protein and showed temperature induced conformational forms below and above the transition temperature. The purified enzyme showed biphasic Arrhenius plot with break point at 55 degrees C for pNPG and 50 degrees C for melibiose, raffinose and stachyose. The enzyme hydrolyzes alpha-1-3, alpha-1-4, and alpha-1-6 galactosidic linkages and not the beta-galactosidic linkages. Synthetic substrates pNPG and oNPG had lower K-m and higher K-cat as compare to natural substrates, melibiose, raffinose, and stachyose. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {alpha-galactosidase, Bacillus stearothermophilus (NCIM-5146), Purification, Secondary structure, thermostable enzyme}, issn = {1359-5113}, doi = {10.1016/j.procbio.2006.01.003}, author = {Gote, M. M. and Khan, Mohammad Islam and Gokhale, D. V. and Bastawade, Kulbhushan B. and Khire, Jayant Malhar} } @article { ISI:000238086600005, title = {Radiation assisted synthesis of nanosized barium zirconate}, journal = {Radiation Physics and Chemistry}, volume = {75}, number = {7}, year = {2006}, month = {JUL}, pages = {755-759}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

This paper reports the synthesis of refractory barium zirconate using solid-state reactive precursors subjected to gamma-radiations of a Co-60 source. Influence of varying doses on the formation of cubic phase of BaZrO3 has been investigated with the stepwise analysis of the intermediate products by means of FT-IR, XRD and TGA techniques. TEM depicts the nanospherical nature of the BaZrO3 particles. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Ceramics, gamma-radiation, Nanoparticles, perovskite, refractory, XRD}, issn = {0969-806X}, doi = {10.1016/j.radphyschem.2005.12.041}, author = {Athawale, Anjali A. and Chandwadkar, Asha J. and Karandikar, Prashant R. and Pasricha, R. and Bapat, Malini S.} } @article { ISI:000237600800007, title = {Rapid molecular identification of freshly squeezed and reconstituted orange juice}, journal = { International Journal of Food Science and Technology}, volume = {41}, number = {6}, year = {2006}, month = {JUN}, pages = {646-651}, publisher = {BLACKWELL PUBLISHING}, type = {Article}, address = {9600 GARSINGTON RD, OXFORD OX4 2DQ, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

This work presents a rapid and accurate molecular approach in the identification of freshly squeezed and reconstituted orange juice. Primers were designed based on the 18S and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. The findings indicated that self-made freshly squeezed orange juice heated to 80 degrees C for 30 s caused damage to DNA integrity, thus failing in amplification by primer 18S-ITSe, which gives a polymerase chain reaction product of 2081 bp, whereas primer 18S-ITSf, fragment length 2421 bp, could only be seen in heating conditions less stringent than 70 degrees C, 15 s. This new DNA integrity-dependent method has potential applications in identifying adulteration of freshly or processed orange juice.

}, keywords = {adulteration, citrus, DNA degradation, molecular detection, reconstituted juice}, issn = {0950-5423}, doi = {10.1111/j.1365-2621.2006.01125.x}, author = {Ng, C. C. and Chang, C. C. and Wu, I. C. and Kotwal, S. and Shyu, Y. T.} } @article { ISI:000241197300015, title = {Response characteristics of conducting polypyrrole bi-layer actuators: role of backing layer polymer}, journal = {Sensors and Actuators B-Chemical}, volume = {119}, number = {1}, year = {2006}, month = {NOV}, pages = {94-98}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

The response of a bi-layer conducting polymer-based actuator has been studied with respect to various parameters such as backing layer thickness, backing layer modulus, applied voltage, etc. The bending angles for the bi-layer actuators made by depositing, conducting polypyrrole (PPy) films on backing layers using LDPE/LLDPE, SBS, Hytrel, PP, PET materials have been compared. The response of the bi-layer actuators indicates that there is optimum for the backing layer thickness as well as its material modulus together with the thickness of the conducting polymer at which the maximum bending is observed. Other geometrical parameters such as a length to width ratio also influence the response of these actuators and have to be chosen properly for the best actuator performance. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {actuator, bi-layer, conducting polymer, polypyrrole, response}, issn = {0925-4005}, doi = {10.1016/j.snb.2005.11.061}, author = {Radhakrishnan, S. and Kar, Swarnendu B.} } @article { ISI:000236691000034, title = {Reverse microemulsion mediated sol-gel synthesis of lithium silicate nanoparticles under ambient conditions: Scope for CO2 sequestration}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Science}, volume = {61}, number = {10}, year = {2006}, month = {MAY}, pages = {3415-3418}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We report on the synthesis of nanocrystalline lithium silicate by coupling of sol-gel method in reverse microemulsion. The sample calcined at 800 degrees C gives pure phase lithium metasilicate nanocrystallites. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy confirmed the formation of nanocrystalline lithium silicate particles with a narrow size distribution. The nanoparticle prepared in the microemulsion shows enhanced CO2 sorption capacity and shorter retention times at higher temperature (similar to 131 ml/g at STP at 610 degrees C which are better than the best known results. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Adsorption, Carbon dioxide, Microemulsion, particle, separations, sol-gel, surfactant}, issn = {0009-2509}, doi = {10.1016/j.ces.2005.11.065}, author = {Khomane, Ramdas B. and Sharma, B. K. and Saha, S. and Kulkarni, B. D.} } @article { ISI:000242873400029, title = {Ring closing metathesis approach to the indole alkaloid mitralactonine}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {47}, number = {52}, year = {2006}, month = {DEC}, pages = {9301-9303}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An efficient utilisation of RCM leading to a convenient synthesis of a pentacyclic indole alkaloid is described. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {corynanthe type alkaloid, Dihydroxylation, mitralactonine, RCM, Swern oxidation}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2006.10.106}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Sharma, Pallavi and Sivappa, R. and Kalkote, Uttam R.} } @article { ISI:000241361400002, title = {Role of glucose in production and repression of polygalacturonase and pectate lyase from phytopathogenic fungus Fusarium moniliforme NCIM 1276}, journal = {World Journal of Microbiology \& Biotechnology}, volume = {22}, number = {9}, year = {2006}, month = {SEP}, pages = {893-899}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, type = {Article}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

A mangrove fungal isolate Fusarium moniliforme NCIM 1276 was found to produce the maximum extracellular endopolygalacturonase and pectate lyase activities in liquid medium containing 1\% citrus pectin and 0.2\% glucose at pH 5 and pH 8, respectively. The enzyme secretion started after 10 h, when the spores were completely germinated, and maximum production occurred after 72 h in the extracellular medium. The production of polygalacturonase was enhanced by 0.2\% glucose and completely repressed by 1\% glucose. Pectate lyase secretion was also induced by a similar concentration of glucose in the extracellular medium and significantly decreased at 1\% glucose. Quantification of extracellular and intracellular polygalacturonase and pectate lyase protein concentrations by ELISA and immunocytolocalization data suggested that glucose may control the expression of both enzymes at a transcriptional level.

}, keywords = {catabolic repression, Fusarium moniliforme, inducible enzyme, pectate lyase, polygalacturonase}, issn = {0959-3993}, doi = {10.1007/s11274-006-9119-3}, author = {Niture, Suryakant K. and Kumar, Ameeta R. and Pant, Aditi} } @article { ISI:000236922600002, title = {Room temperature synthesis of mesoporous aggregates of anatase TiO2 nanoparticles}, journal = {Materials Chemistry and Physics}, volume = {97}, number = {2-3}, year = {2006}, month = {JUN}, pages = {207-212}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

The controlled hydrolysis reaction of titanium tetrabutoxide in presence of acetic acid in isopropanol, i.e. in non-aqueous media was adopted in the present work for the synthesis of nanocrystalline titania followed by aging at ambient conditions for longer duration. The powder XRD shows that the as-dried precursor (without any aging) is non-crystalline in nature. However, room temperature aging for longer duration \> 120 days not only helped to develop crystallinity in TiO2 nanoparticles but also led to the formation of their self-assembly towards mesoporous aggregates creating sponge like TiO2 nano-structure having high surface area similar to 250m (2) g(-1)and narrow pore size distribution of 4-5 nm. TEM observations revealed the generation of spherical TiO2 nanoparticles (4-5 nm) assembled to form stable spongy scaffold having porous network structure with pore size 5-6 nm. Also, presence of a pronounced hysteresis loop in BET isotherm is indicative of a 3D-intersection network of the pores of size 4-5 nm. Further heat-treatment to the aged precursor at 400 degrees C/2 h in air modify pore network structure due to sintering of TiO2 particles as is observed in TEM studies and lowering thereby the surface area to 125 m(2) g(-1) (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Microstructure, porous materials, sol-gel processing, titania}, issn = {0254-0584}, doi = {10.1016/j.matchemphys.2005.02.014}, author = {Deshpande, S. B. and Potdar, H. S. and Khollam, Y. B. and Patil, K. R. and Pasricha, R. and Jacob, Nalini E.} } @article { ISI:000240670800024, title = {Short enantioselective synthesis of the antiepileptic agent, levetiracetam based on proline-catalyzed asymmetric alpha-aminooxylation}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {47}, number = {38}, year = {2006}, month = {SEP}, pages = {6813-6815}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An efficient enantioselective synthesis of a new antiepileptic drug, levetiracetam is described, in high optical purity (\> 99.5\% ee), using proline-catalyzed alpha-aminooxylation of n-butyraldehyde as the key step. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2006.07.061}, author = {Kotkar, Shriram P. and Sudalai, Arumugam} } @article {24}, title = {Soft-sensor development for fed-batch bioreactors using support vector regression}, journal = {Biochemical Engineering Journal}, volume = {27}, number = {3}, year = {2006}, note = {Conference on Atomic Molecular and Optical Physics, Calcutta, INDIA, DEC 13-15, 2005}, month = {JAN}, pages = {225-239}, publisher = {Indian Assoc Cultivat Sci}, type = {Article}, address = {DR K S KRISHNAN MARG, NEW DELHI 110 012, INDIA}, abstract = {

In the present paper, a state-of-the-art machine learning based modeling formalism known as "support vector regression (SVR)", has been introduced for the soft-sensor applications in the fed-batch processes. The SVR method possesses a number of attractive properties such as a strong statistical basis, convergence to the unique global minimum and an improved generalization performance by the approximated function. Also, the structure and parameters of an SVR model can be interpreted in terms of the training data. The efficacy of the SVR formalism for the soft-sensor development task has been demonstrated by considering two simulated bio-processes namely, invertase and streptokinase. Additionally, the performance of the SVR based soft-sensors is rigorously compared with those developed using the multilayer perceptron and radial basis function neural networks. The results presented here clearly indicate that the SVR is an attractive alternative to artificial neural networks for the development of soft-sensors in bioprocesses.

}, keywords = {deprotection, Microwave, stannous chloride, tert-butyldimethylsilyl ethers}, isbn = {978-981-270-379-8}, issn = {0376-4699}, doi = {10.1016/j.bej.2005.08.002}, author = {Desai, Kiran M. and Badhe, Yogesh P. and Tambe, S. S. and Kulkarni, B. D.} } @article { ISI:000239536200026, title = {Stabilization of gamma-sterilized biomedical polyolefins by synergistic mixtures of oligomeric stabilizers}, journal = {Polymer Degradation and Stability}, volume = {91}, number = {10}, year = {2006}, month = {OCT}, pages = {2451-2464}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The stabilization of polyolefins against gamma-sterilization has been studied with single or binary additive system. The present attempt is to utilize synergistic mixtures of stabilizers which are approved for food contact applications. Ethylene-propylene (EP) copolymer has been melt-mixed with hindered amine stabilizers (HAS), phenolic antioxidants and organo-phosphites (hydroperoxide decomposer). Samples were sterilized with different doses of gamma-radiation. Stabilization was characterized in terms of changes in the functional groups (oxidation products), tensile properties, yellowing and surface morphology by FTIR spectroscopy, Instron, colorimetry (reflectance) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. Results were discussed by comparing the stabilizing efficiency of mixtures with and without phenol system. Among phenol containing systems, where we mostly observe discoloration due to the oxidation of hindered phenol and the combination of secondary HAS, tertiary HAS, organo-phosphite and hindered phenol exhibited improved stabilization efficiency than single or binary additive systems. The mixture of secondary HAS and tertiary HAS, has shown antagonistic effect of stabilization whereas their combination with organo-phosphite has exhibited synergistic effect of stabilization even at higher doses of gamma-sterilization. The effects have been explained through the interaction between the stabilizers. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Antioxidants, discoloration, ethylene-propylene copolymer, gamma-sterilization, stabilization, tensile properties}, issn = {0141-3910}, doi = {10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2006.03.010}, author = {Alariqi, Sameh A. S. and Kumar, A. Pratheep and Rao, B. S. M. and Tevtia, Amit K. and Singh, R. P.} } @article { ISI:000241414500049, title = {Structural and functional analysis of a conjugated bile salt hydrolase from Bifidobacterium longum reveals an evolutionary relationship with penicillin V acylase}, journal = {Journal of Biological Chemistry}, volume = {281}, number = {43}, year = {2006}, month = {OCT}, pages = {32516-32525}, publisher = {AMER SOC BIOCHEMISTRY MOLECULAR BIOLOGY INC}, address = {9650 ROCKVILLE PIKE, BETHESDA, MD 20814-3996 USA}, abstract = {

Bile salt hydrolase (BSH) is an enzyme produced by the intestinal microflora that catalyzes the deconjugation of glycine- or taurine-linked bile salts. The crystal structure of BSH reported here from Bifidobacterium longum reveals that it is a member of N-terminal nucleophil hydrolase structural superfamily possessing the characteristic alpha beta beta alpha tetra-lamellar tertiary structure arrangement. Site-directed mutagenesis of the catalytic nucleophil residue, however, shows that it has no role in zymogen processing into its corresponding active form. Substrate specificity was studied using Michaelis-Menten and inhibition kinetics and fluorescence spectroscopy. These data were compared with the specificity profile of BSH from Clostridium perfrigens and pencillin V acylase from Bacillus sphaericus, for both of which the three-dimensional structures are available. Comparative analysis shows a gradation in activity toward common substrates, throwing light on a possible common route toward the evolution of pencillin V acylase and BSH.

}, issn = {0021-9258}, doi = {10.1074/jbc.M604172200}, author = {Kumar, R. Suresh and Brannigan, James A. and Prabhune, Asmita and Pundle, Archana V. and Dodson, Guy G. and Dodson, Eleanor J. and Suresh, C. G.} } @article { ISI:000234528800001, title = {Studies on shrikhand rheology}, journal = {Journal of Food Engineering}, volume = {74}, number = {2}, year = {2006}, month = {MAY}, pages = {169-177}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Shrikhand, a popular Indian dessert made from yogurt, is manufactured on an industrial scale using several chemical engineering unit operations such as mixing, filtration and heat transfer. Understanding the rheology of shrikhand is not only relevant for designing large scale mixers but can also provide quantitative means for linking the microstructure of shrikhand to its perception of texture, consistency and taste. We show here that shrikhand exhibits a combination of several rheological properties such as weak gel-like viscoelasticity, an apparent yield stress, thixotropy and long structural recovery time scales. For instance, the elastic modulus is always higher than the loss modulus over the measurable frequency range and that both moduli show only weak frequency dependence that is a characteristic of gel-like consistency. Forward and reverse rate sweep tests show a distinct hysteresis loop, which is a signature of thixotropic character. In an attempt to trace the origins of these rheological properties in shrikhand we characterized its microstructure and showed that there exist two different microstructures: one composed of crystallites of milk fats having a length scale of similar to 50-100 mu m, and the other composed of aggregates of colloidal cascin micelles of similar to 0.5-10 mu m size. Our studies show that while the temperature sensitivity of the viscoelastic parameters is dominated by the semicrystalline milk fat microstructure, the shear sensitivity is largely dictated by the protein network. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Microstructure, Rheology, shrikhand}, issn = {0260-8774}, doi = {10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2005.02.029}, author = {Kulkarni, C. and Belsare, N. and Lele, Ashish K.} } @article { ISI:000238294800037, title = {Suppression of electron-transfer characteristics of ferrocene by OTS monolayer on a silicon/electrolyte interface}, journal = {Journal of Colloid and Interface Science}, volume = {299}, number = {2}, year = {2006}, month = {JUL}, pages = {777-784}, publisher = {ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE}, type = {Article}, address = {525 B ST, STE 1900, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101-4495 USA}, abstract = {

The passivating behavior of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) on an n-type Si(100) electrode with and without a redox species like ferrocene in a polar non-aqueous medium has been investigated using techniques like contact angle measurements, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to understand the role of the monolayer. The electron-transfer behavior of ferrocene is found to be drastically affected by the presence of monolayer and the reasons for these are analyzed as a function of the change in resistance, dielectric thickness and coverage of the monolayer. Electrochemical impedance analysis in the presence of ferrocene gives the monolayer coverage as 0.998 and the apparent rate constant calculated from this gives 4.85 x 10(-12) cm s(-1) in comparison with 4.4 x 10(-8) cm s(-1) for a similar electrode without any monolayer. A positive shift of 200 mV in the flat-band potential after monolayer formation also suggests the covalent coupling of the silane nionolayer offering a protective barrier. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {cyclic voltammetry, ferrocene, impedance analysis, octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS), rate constant, self-assembled monolayer (SAM)}, issn = {0021-9797}, doi = {10.1016/j.jcis.2006.03.013}, author = {Kulkarni, S. A. and Kakade, Bhalchandra A. and Mulla, Imtiaz S. and Pillai, V. K.} } @article {31}, title = {Supramolecular self-assembled ruthenium-polypyridyl framework encapsulating discrete water cluster}, journal = {Crystal Growth \& Design}, volume = {6}, number = {3}, year = {2006}, month = {MAR}, pages = {743-748}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, keywords = {4, 4 {\textquoteleft}-dimethoxydiphenylmethane, benzylsulfonic acid, Condensation of anisole, p-formaldehyde, Zr-TMS-BSA}, issn = {1381-1169}, author = {Deshpande, Megha S. and Kumbhar, A. S. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Selvaraj, K.} } @article { ISI:000239445500108, title = {Surface modification of polyacrylonitrile based ultrafiltration membrane}, journal = {Journal of Applied Polymer Science}, volume = {101}, number = {6}, year = {2006}, month = {SEP}, pages = {4378-4385}, publisher = {JOHN WILEY \& SONS INC}, type = {Article}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN, NJ 07030 USA}, abstract = {

Ultrafiltration membrane based on polyacrylonitrile prepared by phase inversion method using zinc chloride as an additive showed more than 90\% rejection for BSA and 90-110 Im(-2) h(-1) water flux. The surface modification of this membrane was studied using ethanolamine, triethylamine, sodium hydroxide, and potassium hydroxide solutions. The effect of base treatment time and temperature on water flux and rejection was investigated. The membranes exhibited swelling by NaOH treatment followed by deswelling by HCl post-treatment, similar to pH responsive membranes. The treatment by organic as well as inorganic bases improved water flux with a slight lowering in BSA rejection by dead-end mode type treatment. A 230\% increase in water flux was achieved by sodium hydroxide treatment in crossflow mode without a noticeable pore swelling by SEM. The contact angle of the modified membranes was decreased as compared to the unmodified one indicating appreciable surface modification. As the treatment time or temperature increased, the ESCA analysis showed increased population of Na-carboxylate groups. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

}, keywords = {BSA rejection, chemical treatment, polyacrylonitrile membrane, surface modification, Ultrafiltration}, issn = {0021-8995}, doi = {10.1002/app.23917}, author = {Lohokare, Harshada R. and Kumbharkar, S. C. and Bhole, Yogesh S. and Kharul, Ulhas K.} } @article { ISI:000240085700003, title = {Synthesis and characterization of novel hydrophobically end-capped poly(ethylene oxide)s [PEOs]}, journal = {Macromolecular Symposia}, volume = {241}, year = {2006}, note = {Indo-French Symposium on Fibrillar Networks as Advanced Materials, Inst Charles Sadron, Strasbourg, FRANCE, SEP 21-23, 2005}, month = {JUL}, pages = {9-13}, publisher = {Indo-French Ctr Promot Adv Res; Indian Assoc Cultivat Sci; Kolkata; GUENET; CNRS}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 10 11 61, D-69451 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

We report on the synthesis and characterization of a novel hydrophobically modified end-capped poly(ethylene oxide)s. The end-capping agent of this polymer was designed and synthesised from a renewable resource material namely, gallic acid (i.e. 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid), the byproduct of tannin industry. The hydroxyl groups at 3, 4 and 5 positions of gallic acid provide an opportunity for varying the hydrophobicity of the compound. The hydrophobic end-capping compound, 3,4,5tridodecyloxy bezoylazide was prepared from gallic acid and PEGS with different chain lengths (of number average molecular weights, 10000 and 35000 g/mol) were endcapped. using 3,4,5-tridodecyloxybenzoyl azide. The quantitative analysis of end-capping in the polymers was demonstrated by H-1-NMR spectroscopy and the rheological studies were carried out in the surfactant solutions.

}, keywords = {end-capped PEOs, hydrophobically modified polymers, water-soluble polymers}, issn = {1022-1360}, doi = {10.1002/masy.200650902}, author = {Badiger, Manohar V. and Kadam, Vijay S. and Lele, Ashish K. and Wadgaonkar, P. P. and Hourdet, Dominique} } @article {42732, title = {Synthesis and utility of new amine/nucleobase addition products of allenylphosphonates}, journal = {Tetrahedron}, volume = {62}, year = {2006}, month = {SEP}, pages = {10152{\textendash}10161}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In the reaction of allenylphosphonates with amines/nucleobases, depending on the amine and the allenylphosphonate, either Z- or E-vinylphosphonate or allylphosphonate as a single isomer with a β-amino functionality was isolated. A simple route to phosphonates with a β-NH2 group is developed by direct reaction with ammonia. In reactions with adenine, three different modes of reaction, with one of them involving an unusual cyclisation, are observed. The utility of (enamino)allyl phosphonate products thus obtained in the synthesis of (enamino)-1,3-butadienes via Horner{\textendash}Wadsworth{\textendash}Emmons (HWE) reaction is also demonstrated.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.tet.2006.08.034}, author = {Swamy, K. C. Kumara and Balaraman, Ekambaram and Kumar, N. Satish} } @article { ISI:000239340200010, title = {Synthesis, characterization and optical properties of silver and gold nanowires embedded in mesoporous MCM-41}, journal = {Central European Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {4}, number = {2}, year = {2006}, month = {JUN}, pages = {317-328}, publisher = {SPRINGER HEIDELBERG}, type = {Article}, address = {TIERGARTENSTRASSE 17, D-69121 HEIDELBERG, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Uniform nanowires of silver and gold inside the channels of MCM-41 were prepared by controlled reduction of their respective metal salts with sodium borohydride (NaBH4). Presence of nanowires of silver and gold in MCM-41 were confirmed by high angle X-ray diffraction (XRD) data (peaks between 2 theta = 30 - 60 degrees) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the diameter of the nanowires. Diameter of nanowires is found to be similar to 2.8 nm which is coincident with channel diameter of MCM-41. Optical properties of these heterostructured materials Ag-MCM-41 and Au-MCM-41 reveals the presence of surface plasmon absorption peaks of silver and gold respectively, and the shift in the absorption bands are associated to agglomeration of clusters inside the channels. Room temperature photoluminescence spectra exhibits interesting optical properties as observed for direct band gap semiconductors. Non-linear optical properties (NLO) corresponding to second harmonic generation (SHG) values were also recorded for self supported films of these heterostructured materials. Enhanced optical non-linearity was found to be arising from a corresponding increase of local field near the surface plasmon resonance. Further enhancement in SHG was found with poling due to an induction of orientation order. (C) Versita Warsaw and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Ag/Au nanowires, MCM-41, photoluminescence, SHG, TEM}, issn = {1895-1066}, doi = {10.2478/s11532-006-0006-4}, author = {Adhyapak, Parag V. and Karandikar, Prashant R. and Dadge, Jagdish W. and Aiyer, Rohini C. and Chandwadkar, Asha J.} } @article {Bender, title = {Synthesis, characterization, X-ray structure and DNA photocleavage by cis-dichloro bis(diimine) Co(III) complexes}, journal = {Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry}, volume = {100}, number = {3}, year = {2006}, month = {MAR}, pages = {331-343}, publisher = {JOHN WILEY \& SONS LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE ATRIUM, SOUTHERN GATE, CHICHESTER PO19 8SQ, W SUSSEX, ENGLAND}, keywords = {Acetic acid, acrylic acid, oxidative conversion of propane, rare earth-doped Mo-V-Sb catalysts}, issn = {0268-2575}, doi = {10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2005.11.022}, author = {Ghosh, Smita and Barve, A. C. and Kumbhar, A. A. and Kumbhar, A. S. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Datar, P. A. and Sonawane, U. B. and Joshi, Rohini R.} } @article { ISI:000238050700006, title = {Synthesis of beta-Ag2Se from organo-selenium precursor and silver nitrate in DMF via simultaneous reduction of selenium and silver salt}, journal = {Materials Letters}, volume = {60}, number = {17-18}, year = {2006}, month = {AUG}, pages = {2080-2085}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Reaction of selenium powder and silver nitrate in aqueous N,N{\textquoteright}-dimethylformamide (aq. DMF) leads to formation of silver selenide. Similar reaction with cycloalkeno-1,2,3-selenadiazole an organic compound of selenium upon thermolysis, also produces silver selenide. It is believed that DMF activates selenium and reduces silver salt via in-situ generated hydrogen ion simultaneously. Slightly broadened X-ray diffraction pattern for pure beta silver selenide (beta-Ag2Se) was observed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated that the agglomerated particles could be in the range of about 100 to 200 nm in dimension. EDAX analysis showed non-stoichiometric elemental ratio between silver and selenium. It is found that the weight percent of Ag is slightly higher than Se. However, free amorphous selenium is also detected by XPS analysis when the product is made by use of elemental selenium. Thermal analysis (TGA) revealed a small (4\%) weight loss due to the presence of organics or the solvent from the reaction medium. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Chemical synthesis, nano powder, noble metal chalcogenides, Semiconductor}, issn = {0167-577X}, doi = {10.1016/j.matlet.2005.12.079}, author = {Khanna, P. K. and Singh, N. and Charan, Shobhit and Patil, K. R.} } @article { ISI:000242958500011, title = {Synthesis of cadmium selenide thin films at low-temperature by simple chemical route and their characterization}, journal = {Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids}, volume = {67}, number = {12}, year = {2006}, month = {DEC}, pages = {2506-2511}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Crystalline CdSe thin film has been deposited using appropriate precursor solution containing cadmium sulfate octahydrate, tartaric acid, potassium hydroxide, ammonia and sodium selenosulfate. The effect of parameters such as bath composition, deposition temperature, pH of the solution, speed of the rotation and the specificity of complexing agent on growth process is studied. The {\textquoteleft}as-deposited{\textquoteright} CdSe thin film was found to be red in color, specularly reflective and well adherent to the glass substrate. The crystalline phase of the deposited sample was hexagonal wurtzite-type. The analysis of optical absorption data shows energy band gap energy (E-g) 2.01 eV. The morphological study and compositional analysis of film sample have been discussed. The electrical resistivity of CdSe thin film was found to the order of 10(6) Omega cm. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {XRD}, issn = {0022-3697}, doi = {10.1016/j.jpes.2006.07.006}, author = {Hankare, P. P. and Delekar, S. D. and Asabe, M. R. and Chate, P. A. and Bhuse, V. M. and Khomane, A. S. and Garadkar, K. M. and Sarwade, B. D.} } @article { ISI:000236922600018, title = {Synthesis of star shaped Ba1-xSrTiO3 (BST) powders}, journal = {Materials Chemistry and Physics}, volume = {97}, number = {2-3}, year = {2006}, month = {JUN}, pages = {295-300}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Uniform star shaped strontium substituted barium titanyl oxalate Ba1-xSrxTiO(C2O4)(2) (BSTO)/strontium substituted barium titanate, Ba1-xSrxTiO3 (BST) powders were prepared via a simple chemical co-precipitation route with x = 0.15, 0.20, and 0.25. The process involved an addition of 0.1 M solution of titanium tetrabutoxide (BTM) in isopropanol (IPA) to 0.1 M oxalic acid in IPA containing 0.2 M of H2O to produce titanyl oxalate precipitate which was further reacted with 0.1 M solution of ammonium oxalate to obtain 0.1 M clear homogeneous solution of ammonium titanyl oxalate (ATO) with pH 4.25 containing titanium in the form of soluble anionic oxalate species [TiO(C2O4)(2)(2-)]. Stoichiometric quantities of barium hydroxide and strontium nitrate were dissolved in distilled water and its pH was adjusted nearly equal to that of ATO (similar to 4.15) by drop wise addition of dilute HNO3 solution 1:10 (v/v). The addition of this mixed cation precursor solution to ATO solution resulted in precipitation of strontium substituted barium titanyl oxalate (BSTO) having star shaped morphology. The calcination of BSTO precursors at 730 degrees C for 4 h in air produced cubic BST powders (a(o) similar to 4.001, 3.996 and 3.991 angstrom for x = 0. 15, 0.20, 0.25, respectively) having star shaped morphology. SEM, XRD and IFTIR techniques were used to characterize the BSTO/BST powders. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {barium-strontium titanate, barium-strontium titanyl oxalate, capping agent, Co-precipitation, Morphology}, issn = {0254-0584}, doi = {10.1016/j.matchemphys.2005.08.013}, author = {Khollam, Y. B. and Potdar, H. S. and Deshpande, S. B. and Gaikwad, A. B.} } @article { ISI:000240012600023, title = {Thermally assisted semiconductor-like to insulator transition in gold-poly(methyl methacrylate) nanocomposites}, journal = {Nanotechnology}, volume = {17}, number = {16}, year = {2006}, month = {AUG}, pages = {Article No. 4129-4134}, publisher = {IOP PUBLISHING LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {DIRAC HOUSE, TEMPLE BACK, BRISTOL BS1 6BE, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Gold-polymethylmethacrylate ( PMMA) nanocomposites were fabricated by mixing gold nanoparticles capped with oleylamine in polymethylmethacrylate. The samples were analysed using UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, small angle x-ray scattering, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry ( FTIR) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy ( XPS). Electrical resistivity of nanocomposite samples was measured by a four-probe technique in the 70-300 K range. The nanocomposites showed a transition with an onset at similar to 160-165 K. They exhibited a semiconductor-like conductivity at higher temperatures and nearly temperature independent conductivity at lower temperatures. The interfacial interaction of Au nanoparticles and PMMA polymer is investigated using FTIR and XPS. A ligand-exchange process occurs when capped gold nanoparticles are incorporated in PMMA polymer.

}, issn = {0957-4484}, doi = {10.1088/0957-4484/17/16/023}, author = {Abyaneh, Majid Kazemian and Pasricha, Renu and Gosavi, S. W. and Kulkarni, S. K.} } @article { ISI:000242469000012, title = {Unusual formation of nano-particles of CdO and Cd(OH)(2) from the reaction of dimethyl cadmium with DMF}, journal = {Materials Letters}, volume = {60}, number = {29-30}, year = {2006}, month = {DEC}, pages = {3492-3498}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

This paper presents generation of CdO and Cd(OH)(2) nano-particles from Dimethyl Cadmium in DMF. The CdO nano-particles were obtained instead of CdSe, even when the reaction was done in presence of 1,2,3-selenadiazole (the source of selenium) with Me2Cd in DMF (product-I). The direct reaction of Me2Cd in DMF also leads to formation of CdO (product-II). However, Cd(OH)(2) nano-particles were obtained when Me2Cd was refluxed in DMF for a few hours followed by reaction of H2S gas (product-III). The formation of Cd(OH)(2) was also established via decomposition Of Me2Cd:Et2O adduct (product-IV). Nano-particles of CdO and Cd(OH)(2) (product-I to product-IV) were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), TEM and SEM/EDS measurements, FTIR, thermal analysis (TGA) and XPS analysis. The particle size of all the products as calculated by XRD patterns were in the range of about 20 nm. TEM images showed that the products are agglomerated clusters with the particles in the nano-meter regime. The synthesis however, is understood to be unusual as the reactions with selenium source and sulfur source should have generated the CdSe and CdS however, the end products were always found to be the product-I to product-IV (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Chemical synthesis, Nanoparticles, Semiconductor, XRD}, issn = {0167-577X}, doi = {10.1016/j.matlet.2006.03.054}, author = {Singh, Narendra and Charan, Shobhit and Patil, K. R. and Viswanath, A. K. and Khanna, P. K.} } @article {42733, title = {Unusual products in the reactions of phosphorus(III) compounds with N=N, C equivalent to C or conjugated double-bonded systems}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Sciences}, volume = {118}, year = {2006}, month = {NOV}, pages = {495{\textendash}501}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The diversity of products in the reaction of diethyl azodicarboxylate (DEAD)/diisopropyl azodicarboxylate (DIAD) and activated acetylenes with PIII compounds bearing oxygen or nitrogen substituents is discussed. New findings that are useful in understanding the nature of intermediates involved in the Mitsunobu reaction are highlighted. X-ray structures of two new compounds (2-t-Bu-4-MeC6H3O)P (μ-N-t-Bu)2P+[(NH-t-Bu)N[(CO2]-i-Pr)(HNCO2-i-Pr)]](Cl-)(2-t-Bu-4-MeC6H3OH)(23)and [CH2(6-t-Bu-4-Me-C6H2O)2P(O)C(CO2Me)C-(CO2Me)CClNC(O)Cl] (33) are also reported. The structure of23 is close to one of the intermediates proposed in the Mitsunobu reaction.

}, doi = {10.1007/BF02703946}, author = {Swamy, K. C. Kumara and Balaraman, Ekambaram and Pavan, M. Phani and Kumar, N. N. Bhuvan and Kumar, K. Praveen and Kumar, N. Satish} } @article { ISI:000248080100348, title = {3-(3-Methylphenoxy)-1,5-dihydro-2,4,3-benzodioxaphosphepin-3-one}, journal = {Acta Crystallographica Section E-Structure Reports Online}, volume = {63}, number = {5}, year = {2007}, month = {MAY}, pages = {O2405-O2406}, publisher = {BLACKWELL PUBLISHING}, type = {Article}, chapter = {Part 5}, address = {9600 GARSINGTON RD, OXFORD OX4 2DQ, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

In the title compound, C15H15O4P, the seven-membered phosphepine ring exhibits a twist-chair conformation, with the phosphoryl O atom in an equatorial and the methylphenoxy group in an axial position. The crystal structure is stabilized by both intra- and intermolecular C-H center dot center dot center dot O hydrogen bonds.

}, issn = {1600-5368}, doi = {10.1107/S1600536807015954}, author = {Krishna, J. Radha and Krishnaiah, M. and Babu, M. F. Stephen and Reddy, C. Suresh and Puranik, Vedavati G.} } @article { ISI:000249453100008, title = {4-Formylazetidin-2-one as a useful building block for the formal synthesis of xylo-(2S,3R,4R)-phytosphingosine and threo-(2S,3S)-sphingosine}, journal = {Synthesis-Stuttgart }, volume = {17}, number = {17}, year = {2007}, month = {SEP}, pages = {2631-2636}, publisher = {GEORG THIEME VERLAG KG}, type = {Article}, address = {RUDIGERSTR 14, D-70469 STUTTGART, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Stereoselective formal synthesis of xylo-(2S,3R,4R)-phytosphingosine and threo-(2S,3S)-sphingosine is described starting from an enantiopure formyl-substituted P-lactam. Grignard reaction of the N-Boc-protected-beta-lactam carbonyl group, followed by further transformations, provides a common intermediate for xylo-(2S,3R,4R)-phytosphingosine and threo-(2S,3S)-sphingosine.

}, keywords = {azetidin-2-one, beta-lactam, Grignard reaction, Phytosphingosine, Sphingosine}, issn = {0039-7881}, doi = {10.1055/s-2007-983815}, author = {Kale, Ajaykumar S. and Sakle, Prathmesh S. and Gumaste, Vikas K. and Deshmukh, Abdul Rakeeb A. S.} } @article { ISI:000248080100349, title = {6-Bromo-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3,4-dihydro-1,3,2-benzoxa zaphosphinine 2-sulfide}, journal = {Acta Crystallographica Section E-Structure Reports Online}, volume = {63}, number = {5}, year = {2007}, month = {MAY}, pages = {O2407-O2409}, publisher = {BLACKWELL PUBLISHING}, type = {Article}, chapter = {Part 5}, address = {9600 GARSINGTON RD, OXFORD OX4 2DQ, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

In the title compound, C20H16BrClNO2PS, the six-membered oxazaphosphinine ring exhibits a boat conformation, with the S atom in an axial position. The methoxyphenyl and chlorobenzene groups are trans to each othe. The structure is stabilized by intermolecular C-H center dot center dot center dot S hydrogen bonds, linking the molecules into chains.

}, issn = {1600-5368}, doi = {10.1107/S160053680701776X}, author = {Krishna, J. Radha and Krishnaiah, M. and Prasad, G. Syam and Reddy, C. Suresh and Puranik, Vedavati G.} } @article { ISI:000245519000047, title = {Active site directed chemical modification of alpha-galactosidase from bacillus stearothermophilus (NCIM 5146): involvement of lysine, tryptophan and carboxylate residues in catalytic site}, journal = {Enzyme and Microbial Technology}, volume = {40}, number = {5}, year = {2007}, month = {APR}, pages = {1312-1320}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC}, type = {Article}, address = {360 PARK AVE SOUTH, NEW YORK, NY 10010-1710 USA}, abstract = {

The catalytic amino acid residues of the extracellular a-galactosidase (alpha-D-galactoside galactohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.22) from Bacillus stearothermophilus NCIM 5146 were investigated by pH dependence and chemical modification studies. These results suggested that carboxylate and a lysine residue take part in catalysis and only lysine residues were essential for substrate binding. Carbodiimide mediated chemical modification of the enzyme also supported that a carboxylate residue located in the active site act as a nucleophile base in substrate cleavage. Acylation and reductive methylation of lysine residues by acetic, citraconic anhydride and sodium borohydride suggested that four protonated lysine residues carrying positive charge on its epsilon-amino group provides the positive charge density for binding of the substrate. Additionally four tryptophan residues also found near to the active site and in a moderately hydrophobic environment. Kinetic and thermal inactivation study of modified enzyme indicated that these tryptophan residues might have a role in the catalytic site as well as in the thermal stabilization of active site conformation at higher temperature. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Active site, alpha-galactosidase, Bacillus stearothermophilus, carboxylate, Chemical modification, lysine, Tryptophan}, issn = {0141-0229}, doi = {10.1016/j.enzmictec.2006.10.004}, author = {Gote, M. M. and Khan, Mohammad Islam and Khire, Jayant Malhar} } @article { ISI:000250661500014, title = {All-solid-state{\textquoteright} electrochemistry of a protein-confined polymer electrolyte film}, journal = {Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications}, volume = {364}, number = {1}, year = {2007}, month = {DEC}, pages = {86-91}, publisher = {ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE}, type = {Article}, address = {525 B ST, STE 1900, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101-4495 USA}, abstract = {

Interfacial redox behavior of a heme protein (hemoglobin) confined in a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, Nafion (a perfluoro sulfonic acid ionomer) is investigated using a unique {\textquoteleft}all-solid-state{\textquoteright} electrochemical methodology. The supple phase-separated structure of the polymer electrolyte membrane, with hydrophilic pools containing solvated protons and water molecules, is found to preserve the incorporated protein in its active form even in the solid-state, using UV-visible, Fluorescence (of Tryptophan and Tyrosine residues) and DRIFT (diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform) spectroscopy. More specifically, solid-state cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance of the protein-incorporated polymer films reveal that the Fe2+-form of the entrapped protein is found to bind molecular oxygen more strongly than the native protein. In the {\textquoteleft}all-solid-state{\textquoteright} methodology, as there is no need to dip the protein-modified electrode in a liquid electrolyte (like the conventional electrochemical methods), it offers an easier means to study a number of proteins in a variety of polymer matrices (even biomimetic assemblies). In addition, the results of the present investigation could find interesting application in a variety of research disciplines, in addition to its fundamental scientific interest, including protein biotechnology, pharmaceutical and biomimetic chemistry. (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {all-solid-state, cyclic voltammetry, hemoglobin, Impedance, Nafion, redox behavior}, issn = {0006-291X}, doi = {10.1016/j.bbrc.2007.09.118}, author = {Parthasarathy, Meera and Pillai, Vijayamohanan K. and Mulla, Imtiaz S. and Shabab, Mohammed and Khan, Mohammad Islam} } @article { ISI:000248238400001, title = {Application of hydrolytic kinetic resolution (HKR) in the synthesis of bioactive compounds}, journal = {Tetrahedron}, volume = {63}, number = {13}, year = {2007}, month = {MAR}, pages = {2745-2785}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, keywords = {Biological activity, bis-epoxides, Hydrolytic kinetic resolution, meso-epoxides, Natural products, synthesis, terminal epoxides}, issn = {0040-4020}, doi = {10.1016/j.tet.2006.12.015}, author = {Kumar, Pradeep and Naidu, Vasudeva and Gupta, Priti} } @article { ISI:000251722700028, title = {Assessing feasibility of polyarylate-clay nanocomposites towards improvement of gas selectivity}, journal = {Journal of Membrane Science}, volume = {306}, number = {1-2}, year = {2007}, month = {DEC}, pages = {277-286}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Polymer-clay nanocomposites are well known to reduce the penetrant permeability by following tortuous path. Effects of such reduction in gas permeability on variation in selectivity of nanocomposites prepared using a high permeability polymer were examined. The polyarylate: poly (tetramethyl bisphenolA-iso/terephthalate) that exhibits high permeability and moderate selectivity was chosen for making nanocomposites with two organically modified clays (Cloisite 6A and 10A) by solution intercalation method. The nanocomposite formation for various clay loadings (3, 5 and 7\% w/w) in polyarylate was ascertained by change in physical properties (X-ray diffraction, DMA, TEM). Behavior of solution viscosity and nanocomposite density indicated existence of polymer-clay layer interactions. As anticipated, though the gas permeability of pure gases, viz., He, N-2, CH4 and CO2 exhibited decrease, it was not monotonous. This decrease was more for larger gases (N-2, CH4 and CO2) in comparison to the decrease for smaller gas (He) permeability. This led to a decrease in CO2/N-2 and CO2/CH4 selectivities and increase in He/CO2 selectivity; while He/CH4 selectivity was increased substantially at 7\% clay loading. This variation indicated feasibility of nanocomposites formation as a tool for improving selectivity of certain gas pairs. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Gas permeation, Nanocomposites, polyarylates, selectivity, solution intercalation}, issn = {0376-7388}, doi = {10.1016/j.memsci.2007.09.001}, author = {Bhole, Yogesh S. and Wanjale, Santosh D. and Kharul, Ulhas K. and Jog, Jyoti Prakash} } @article { ISI:000243627100004, title = {Attempt at taxonomical characterization of some Rhizobial species by intact cell MALDI mass spectrometry}, journal = {World Journal of Microbiology \& Biotechnology}, volume = {23}, number = {2}, year = {2007}, month = {FEB}, pages = {177-185}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, type = {Article}, address = {233 SPRING STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

In the present study an attempt was made to exploit the benefit of intact cell MALDI mass spectrometry (ICM-MS) in bringing out similarities and differences among some Rhizobium species and a species of Agrobacterium based on specific mass:charge (m/z) values. Rhizobium species isolated from the root nodules of selected leguminous plants were analysed by ICM-MS. The spectra were acquired in the range of 500-10,000 Da yielding several peaks specific to each species. The peaks obtained corresponded to the respective bacterial cell surface molecules which were desorbed during matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization. The number of peaks were more in the range of 500-1200 Da. Dice similarity coefficient analysis of m/z values indicated that Rhizobium species isolated from Trigonella foenum-graecum and Pisum arvense showed more similarity than any other species. Agrobacterium species did show a few common m/z values in comparison with other Rhizobium species. This clearly shows that Agrobacterium is closely related to Rhizobium. Eventually, ICM-MS technique offers clear, distinct, and consistent results for replicates, in less than an hour{\textquoteright}s time, therefore this technique has high potential in molecular taxonomy.

}, keywords = {ICM-MS, legume, molecular taxonomy, Rhizobium, symbiotic}, issn = {0959-3993}, doi = {10.1007/s11274-006-9207-4}, author = {Prabhu, R. R. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J. and Parasharami, V. A. and Santhakumari, B. and Paranjape, S.} } @article { ISI:000243163000080, title = {Au-Pt nanoparticles in amine functionalized MCM-41: catalytic evaluation in hydrogenation reactions}, journal = {Catalysis Communications}, volume = {8}, number = {3}, year = {2007}, month = {MAR}, pages = {629-634}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Nano-sized Au-Pt nanoparticles (Au-Pt-bi-MNPs) have been synthesized by the simultaneous reduction of HAuCl4 and HPtCl6 by NaBH4 inside the channels of amine functionalized Si-MCM-41 (NH2-Si-MCM-41) at ambient conditions. These materials were characterized using chemical analysis, UV-vis, XPS, XRD, FT-IR, Surface area and TEM analysis. The size of these alloyed nanoparticles (bi-MNPs) were found in the range of 2-4 nm. These nanoparticles were evaluated to study their catalytic activities towards hydrogenation of aromatic nitro compounds. The catalytic activity of the Au-Pt bi-MNPs was found to be superior to monometallic An nanoparticles. (c) 2006 Published by Elsevier B.V.

}, keywords = {amine-functionalized MCM-41, Au-Pt nanoparticles, Catalytic hydrogenation}, issn = {1566-7367}, doi = {10.1016/j.catcom.2006.03.004}, author = {Joseph, Trissa and Kumar, K. Vijay and Ramaswamy, A. V. and Halligudi, Shivaraj B.} } @article { ISI:000252511300020, title = {Bacterial enzyme mediated biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles}, journal = {Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology}, volume = {7}, number = {12}, year = {2007}, month = {DEC}, pages = {4369-4377}, publisher = {AMER SCIENTIFIC PUBLISHERS}, type = {Article}, address = {25650 NORTH LEWIS WAY, STEVENSON RANCH, CA 91381-1439 USA}, abstract = {

Development of synthesis methods for anisotropic metal nanoparticles is of considerable interest due to their remarkable optoelectronic properties. Various shapes ranging from rods to cubes to tetrapods and prisms may be obtained by chemical methods. Here we show that anisotropic gold nanoparticles can be synthesized biologically by the bacterium Actinobacter spp. when challenged with gold chloride in the presence of Bovine serum albumin (BSA). We also observed that synthesis of gold nanoparticles occur with simultaneous induction of the protease enzyme secreted by the bacterium in the presence of BSA. The presence of BSA helps to enhance the rate of gold nanoparticles biosynthesis and may also impart some shape control. Controlling simple experimental conditions like incubation temperature and presence or absence of oxygen have drastic effect on the reaction rate and the morphology of the particles. Various assay experiments show that the presence of enzyme protease can act as a reducing as well as shape directing agent.

}, keywords = {Biosynthesis, bovine serum, gold nanoparticles}, issn = {1533-4880}, doi = {10.1166/jnn.2007.891}, author = {Bharde, Atul A. and Kulkarni, Aarohi and Rao, Mala and Prabhune, Asmita and Sastry, Murali} } @article { ISI:000245984200011, title = {Bile salt hydrolase, the member of Ntn-hydrolase family: differential modes of structural and functional transitions during denaturation}, journal = {IUBMB Life}, volume = {59}, number = {2}, year = {2007}, month = {FEB}, pages = {118-125}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS INC}, type = {Article}, address = {325 CHESTNUT ST, SUITE 800, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 USA}, abstract = {

Conformational transitions and functional stability of the bile salt hydrolase (BSH; cholylglycine EC: 3.5.1.24) from Bifidobacterium longum (BlBSH) cloned and expressed in E. coli were studied under thermal, chemical and pH-mediated denaturation conditions using fluorescence and CD spectroscopy. Thermal and Gdn-HCl-mediated denaturation of BlBSH is a multistep process of inactivation and unfolding. The inactivation and unfolding of the enzyme was found to be irreversible. Enzyme activity seems sensitive to even minor conformational changes at the active site. Thermal denaturation as such did not result in any insoluble protein aggregates. However, on treating with 0.25-1 M Gdn-HCl the enzyme showed increasing aggregation at temperatures of 40-55 degrees C indicating more complex structural changes taking place in the presence of chemical denaturants. The enzyme secondary structure was still intact at acidic pH (pH 1-3). The perturbation in the tertiary structure at the acidic pH was detected through freshly formed solvent exposed hydrophobic patches on the enzyme. These changes could be due to the formation of an acid-induced molten globule-like state.

}, keywords = {Aggregation, Bile salt hydrolase, molten-globule, Unfolding}, issn = {1521-6543}, doi = {10.1080/15216540701245014}, author = {Kumar, R. Suresh and Suresh, C. G. and Brannigan, James A. and Dodson, Guy G. and Gaikwad, Sushama M.} } @article {67}, title = {Biochemical characterization of an aspartic protease from vigna radiata: kinetic interactions with the classical inhibitor pepstatin implicating a tight binding mechanism}, journal = {Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta-Proteins and Proteomics}, volume = {1774}, number = {5}, year = {2007}, month = {MAY}, pages = {619-627}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC}, type = {Article}, address = {360 PARK AVE SOUTH, NEW YORK, NY 10010-1710 USA}, abstract = {

{Aspartic proteases are the focus of recent research interest in understanding the physiological importance of this class of enzymes in plants. This is the first report of an aspartic protease from the seeds of Vigna radiata. The aspartic protease was purified to homogeneity by fractional ammonium sulfate precipitation and pepstatin-A agarose affinity column. It was found to have a molecular weight of 67,406 Da by gel filtration chromatography. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed the presence of a heterodimer with subunits of molecular weights of 44,024 and 23,349 Da respectively. The enzyme was pH stable with the amino acid analysis confirming the molecular weight of the protein. The substrate cleavage site as analyzed by using the synthetic substrate was found to be the Phe-Tyr bond. The kinetic interactions of the enzyme were studied with the universal inhibitor, pepstatin A. This is the first report on the interactions of a plant aspartic protease with pepstatin-A, an inhibitor from a microbial source. A competitive one-step mechanism of binding is observed. The progress curves are time-dependent and consistent with tight binding inhibition. The K(i) value of the reversible complex of pepstatin with the enzyme was 0.87 mu M whereas the overall inhibition constant K(i)*

}, keywords = {ant colony, global optimization, metaheuristics, multimodal continuous functions, particle swarm optimization}, issn = {0096-3003}, doi = {10.1016/j.bbapap.2007.03.014}, author = {Kulkarni, Aarohi and Rao, Mala} } @article { ISI:000249553200007, title = {Bio-milling technique for the size reduction of chemically synthesized BiMnO3 nanoplates}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry}, volume = {17}, number = {37}, year = {2007}, month = {AUG}, pages = {3910-3914}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Wet- chemical techniques for the synthesis of complex oxide materials have advanced significantly; however, achieving finely dispersed nanoparticles with sizes less than 10 nm still remains challenging, especially for the perovskite family of compounds. On the other hand, a fungusmediated synthesis technique has recently shown potential to synthesize perovskites such as BaTiO3 with sizes as small as 5 nm. Here we report, for the first time, the use of fungal biomass, at room temperature, to break down chemically synthesized BiMnO3 nanoplates ( size similar to 150 - 200 nm) into very small particles (, 10 nm) while maintaining their crystalline structure and the phase purity. This novel technique that we have named as {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft} bio- milling{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} holds immense potential for synergically utilizing both chemical and biological synthesis techniques to synthesize complex oxide nanoparticles with particle sizes less than 10 nm with the proper crystalline phase.

}, issn = {0959-9428}, doi = {10.1039/b706154d}, author = {Mazumder, Baishakhi and Uddin, Imran and Khan, Shadab and Ravi, Venkat and Selvraj, Kaliaperumal and Poddar, Pankaj and Ahmad, Absar} } @article { ISI:000251244900035, title = {Biphasic hydroformylation of 1,4-diacetoxy-2-butene: a kinetic study}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {46}, number = {25}, year = {2007}, note = {Joint 6th International Symposium on Catalysis in Multiphase Reactors/5th International Symposium on Multifunctional Reactors (CAMURE-6/ISMR-5-), Pune, INDIA, JAN 14-17, 2007}, month = {DEC}, pages = {8629-8637}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Hydroformylation of 1,4-diacetoxy-2-butene was studied using a water-soluble Rh complex catalyst prepared in situ from [Rh(COD)Cl](2) complex and trisodium salt of tri-(m-sulfophenyl)phosphine (TPPTS) in a biphasic system. The sequence of addition of catalyst precursor, ligand, and reactant/solvent showed a significant effect on leaching of Rh from aqueous to organic phase, and hence, the procedure was optimized to develop a nonleaching and stable biphasic catalyst system. The only hydroformylation product (1,4-diacetoxy-2-formyl butane, DAFB) formed was found to deacetoxylate completely to 2-formyl-4-acetoxybutene (FAB), thus allowing a one-pot synthesis of FAB, an important intermediate for Vitamin A. Experimental data on the concentration-time and CO/H-2 consumption-time profiles were obtained, and the effects of DAB concentration, CO partial pressure, H-2 partial pressure, and catalyst concentration were studied in a stirred batch reactor over a temperature range of 338-358 K. The effect of aqueous phase holdup on the initial rate of hydroformylation and analysis of gas-liquid and liquid-liquid mass transfer effects were also investigated to identify the reaction rate data operating in a kinetic regime. A rate equation based on the known hydroformylation reaction mechanism was used to fit the experimental rate data and to evaluate kinetic parameters. The agreement between the model prediction and the experimental data was found to be excellent. The activation energy was calculated as 30.1 kJ/mol. The biphasic catalyst system reported here is not only efficient for catalyst-product separation but also provides a tandem synthesis of Vitamin A intermediate, FAB.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/ie0700821}, author = {Chansarkar, Rashmi and Kelkar, Ashutosh A. and Chaudhari, Raghunath V.} } @article { ISI:000252406100012, title = {CdS quantum dots: enzyme mediated in vitro synthesis, characterization and conjugation with plant lectins}, journal = {Journal of Biomedical Nanotechnology}, volume = {3}, number = {4}, year = {2007}, month = {DEC}, pages = {406-413}, publisher = {AMER SCIENTIFIC PUBLISHERS}, type = {Article}, address = {25650 NORTH LEWIS WAY, STEVENSON RANCH, CA 91381-1439 USA}, abstract = {

This paper presents the in vitro synthesis of CdS quantum dot nanoparticles using sulphite reductase and capping peptide in the presence of a co-factor alpha-NADPH, their characterization and conjugation with plant lectins, Jacalin and Chick pea lectin. Incubation of sulphite reductase with aqueous CdCl2, Na2SO3, and capping peptide in the presence of a-NADPH, which acts as a co-factor, resulted in the formation of CdS nanoparticles of dimensions 5-20 nm. These CdS nanoparticles were conjugated with plant lectins by EDAC mediated coupling. These observations are of significance, as it will help in the development of eco-friendly process for the formation of CdS nanoparticles and their application as fluorescent biolabels. Moreover the above studies will also help in designing a rational enzymatic strategy for the synthesis of nanomaterials of different chemical composition, shapes and sizes as well as their separation.

}, keywords = {bio-label, CdS quantum dots, conjugation, Enzyme, in vitro synthesis, Nanoparticles}, issn = {1550-7033}, doi = {10.1166/jbn.2007.045}, author = {Ansary, Abu Ayoobul and Kumar, S. Anil and Krishnasastry, M. V. and Abyaneh, Majid Kazemian and Kulkarni, Sulabha K. and Ahmad, Absar and Khan, Mohammad Islam} } @proceedings { ISI:000291657600151, title = {Ce-Al-MCM-41: an efficient catalyst for Mukaiyama-Michael reaction}, volume = {170}, year = {2007}, note = {15th International Zeolite Conference, Beijing, PEOPLES R CHINA, AUG 12-17, 2007}, month = {AUG}, pages = {1161-1166}, publisher = {Elsevier Science BV}, address = {Sara Burgerhartstraat 25, Po Box 211, 1000 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands}, abstract = {

The activity of cerium containing Al-MCM-41 mesoporous materials has been studied for carbon-carbon bond formation reaction like Mukaiyama-Michael reaction under mild liquid phase conditions. The catalysts were synthesized by hydrothermal method at 383 K for 24-36 h in Teflon-lined autoclave and characterized thoroughly by XRD, UV-VIS, TEM, EPR, XPS, (27)Al NMR, NH(3)-TPD, pyridine-IR and AAS in order to obtain well-ordered M41S type materials. The Mukiayama-Michael reactions between silyl enol ether and alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones give Michael product in very good yields (100\% selectivity). The catalysts were reusable.

}, isbn = {978-0-444-53068-4}, issn = {0167-2991}, author = {Kalita, Pranjal and Kumar, Rajiv}, editor = {Xu, R and Gao, Z. and Chen, J and Yan, W} } @article {43076, title = {Characterization of nano-sized CdS-Ag2S core-shell nanoparticles using XPS technique}, journal = {Colloids and Surfaces A-Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects}, volume = {293}, year = {2007}, month = {FEB}, pages = {5-12}, abstract = {

This paper reports the use of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) method for the characterization of surface composition of core and shell nanoparticles. The core and shell nanoparticles were synthesized using sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT)/n-heptane/water microemulsion technique. The post-core and partial microemulsion methods have shown promise for core and shell formation and enhanced stability and sphericity of the semiconductor nanoparticles. In addition to above technique, the core-shell nanoparticles have also been characterized using SEM-elemental detection X-ray analysis (EDAX) and results are discussed. The XPS studies of US, Ag2S, and CdS-Ag2S nanoparticles prepared by post-core/partial microemulsion methods were carried out and results are compared with physical mixing of US and Ag2S nanoparticles. The Ag/Cd atomic ratio is found to be 5 and 10 as determined by XPS methods for nanoparticles prepared by using post-core and partial microemulsion methods, respectively. These results show the formation of core and shell nanoparticles. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.colsurfa.2006.06.036}, author = {Hota, G. and Idage, Susheela B. and Khilar, Kartic C.} } @article { ISI:000244404400002, title = {Characterization of the proteins of bacterial strain isolated from contaminated site involved in heavy metal resistance - a proteomic approach}, journal = {Journal of Biotechnology}, volume = {128}, number = {3}, year = {2007}, month = {FEB}, pages = {444-451}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The present study describes response of a bacterial strain isolated from a polluted river to heavy metal toxicity. The bacterium was identified to be Klebsiella pneumoniae by biochemical tests using API 20E strips and 16S ribotyping. The isolate was studied for its tolerance to two heavy metals, i.e., cobalt (Co2+) and lead (Pb2+) by growing it in citrate mineral medium (CMM). Proteomic approach involving two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D PAGE) and mass spectrometry (MS) was used to identify the differentially expressed proteins under heavy metal stress. Two of the differentially expressed proteins were identified to be L-isoaspartate protein carboxymethyltransferase type II and DNA gyrase A. To our knowledge, this is for the first time that K pneumoniae has been reported to be present in metal contaminated site and L-isoaspartate protein carboxymethyltransferase type II protein to be over expressed under heavy metal stress. The role of these proteins in metal tolerance is discussed. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {2D PAGE, heavy metal toxicity, Mass spectrometry}, issn = {0168-1656}, doi = {10.1016/j.jbiotec.2006.11.010}, author = {Bar, Chinmayee and Patil, Rajendra and Doshi, Jignesh and Kulkarni, Mahesh J. and Gade, Wasudeo N.} } @article { ISI:000244890900006, title = {Chemical, thermal and pH-induced equilibrium unfolding studies of fusarium solani lectin}, journal = {IUBMB Life}, volume = {59}, number = {1}, year = {2007}, month = {DEC}, pages = {34-43}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, type = {Article}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

The effect of urea, guanidine thiocyanate, temperature and pH was studied on the conformational stability of Fusarium solani lectin. Equilibrium unfolding with chemical denaturants showed that the lectin was least stable at pH 12 and maximally stable at pH 8.0 near its pI ( 8.7). Guanidine thiocyanate ( the concentration of denaturant at which the protein is half folded, D-1/2 = 0.49 M at pH 12) was found to be an eight times stronger denaturant than urea (D-1/2 = 3.88 M at pH 12). The unfolding curves obtained with fluorescence and CD measurements showed good agreement indicating a monophasic nature of unfolding and excluded the possibility of formation of any stable intermediate. The effect of pH on the lectin was found to be unusual as at acidic pH, the lectin showed a flexible tertiary structure with pronounced secondary structure, and retained its hemagglutinating activity. On the other hand, the lectin did not show any loss of conformation or activity upto 70 degrees C for 15 min. Moreover, thermal denaturation did not result in the aggregation or precipitation of the protein even at high temperatures. Thermal denaturation was also carried out in the presence of a low concentration of guanidine thiocyanate. Change in the enthalpy of transition (Delta H-m) varied linearly with transition temperature (T-m), which indicated that the heat capacity (Delta C-p =3.95 kJ (.) mol(-1) (.) K-1) of the lectin remained constant during the unfolding.

}, keywords = {Denaturation, Fusarium solani, guanidine, Lectin, thermal, Unfolding}, issn = {1521-6543}, doi = {10.1080/15216540601178075}, author = {Khan, Feroz and Ahmad, Absar and Khan, Mohammad Islam} } @article { ISI:000251244900014, title = {Cobalt-salen intercalated montmorillonite catalyst for air oxidation of p-cresol under mild conditions}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {46}, number = {25}, year = {2007}, note = {Joint 6th International Symposium on Catalysis in Multiphase Reactors/5th International Symposium on Multifunctional Reactors (CAMURE-6/ISMR-5-), Pune, INDIA, JAN 14-17, 2007}, month = {DEC}, pages = {8413-8419}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article, Proceedings Paper}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Air oxidation of p-cresol under very mild conditions (338 K and ambient pressure) was carried out in a semibatch reactor over a solid catalyst developed by intercalating cobalt-salen into the montmorillonite clay. The intercalation of cobalt - salen was done by a simple protocol, and the characterization of the intercalated catalyst was done by XPS, FTIR, and XRD techniques. A total selectivity \>= 90\% to the oxidation products could be achieved with this solid catalyst by eliminating the undesired coupling side products in air oxidation of p-cresol under ambient pressure conditions. Effect of various process parameters on the conversion and selectivity pattern were also studied, and it was found that the selectivity ratio of aldehyde to alcohol could be varied by suitably changing the reaction conditions. This heterogeneous catalyst was found to give a 5-fold higher turnover number than the homogeneous cobalt - salen complex.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/ie07.00720}, author = {Rode, Chandrashekhar V. and Kshirsagar, Vikas S. and Nadgeri, Jayprakash M. and Patil, Kashinath R.} } @article { ISI:000251714500004, title = {Complex carbohydrate specificity of lectin from fruiting body of ganoderma lucidum. a surface plasmon resonance study}, journal = {IUBMB Life}, volume = {59}, number = {12}, year = {2007}, month = {JAN}, pages = {758-764}, publisher = {JOHN WILEY \& SONS INC}, type = {Article}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN, NJ 07030 USA}, abstract = {

The thermodynamics and kinetics of binding of glycans and glycoproteins to Ganoderma lucidum lectin was studied using surface plasmon resonance. The lectin showed highest affinity for asialo triantennary N glycan (Ka = 3.52 x 10(5)) among the glycans tested. There was a several fold increase in affinity for glycoproteins compared to their corresponding glycans and coincident increase in contribution from enthalpy (Delta H), suggesting the involvement of hydrogen bonding in the interaction as well as involvement of protein-protein interactions. Increased affinity also showed increase in unfavorable negative binding entropy (Delta S) which was compensated with higher enthalpy. The glycoproteins showed faster association rates (k(1)) and the activation energy (E-1(double dagger)) in the association process was much lower for the glycoproteins than glycans, resulting in their faster associations. These observations elaborate the role of protein matrix in lectin-glycoconjugate interaction.

}, keywords = {ganoderma lucidum, glycans, Lectin, SPR}, issn = {1521-6543}, doi = {10.1080/15216540701663463}, author = {Thakur, Atul and Pal, Lakhan and Ahmad, Absar and Khan, Mohammad Islam} } @article { ISI:000251507000029, title = {Concise synthesis of (-)-deoxoprosopinine}, journal = {Synlett}, number = {18}, year = {2007}, month = {NOV}, pages = {2894-2896}, publisher = {GEORG THIEME VERLAG KG}, type = {Article}, address = {RUDIGERSTR 14, D-70469 STUTTGART, GERMANY}, abstract = {

A simple and highly efficient approach to (-)-deoxoprosopinine from racemic epoxide as a starting material is described employing a Jacobsen{\textquoteright}s hydrolytic kinetic resolution (HKR) and Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation (AD) as key steps.

}, keywords = {hydroboration-oxidation, Jacobsen{\textquoteright}s HKR, Piperidine alkaloids, sharpless AD, Total synthesis}, issn = {0936-5214}, doi = {10.1055/s-2007-991056}, author = {Pandey, Satyendra Kumar and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000250092000010, title = {Confinement of nano CdS in designated glass: a novel functionality of quantum dot-glass nanosystems in solar hydrogen production}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry}, volume = {17}, number = {40}, year = {2007}, month = {AUG}, pages = {4297-4303}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The present work is the investigation of our novel approach to designing quantum dot-glass nanosystems by confining nano CdS in designated glass and the first employment of such a quantum dot system in solar hydrogen production. The CdS quantum dots were grown in a special glass matrix, which involved a sequence of steps. The obtained glass was of uniformly bright yellow in color and the bulk glass was pulverized to a fine powder of micron size particles. The glass powder was characterized structurally and morphologically. X-Ray diffraction and electron diffraction patterns reveal a hexagonal crystallite system for the CdS quantum dots. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and chemical leaching with HCl studies demonstrate that the 2.5 nm size CdS quantum dots distribute homogeneously in a monodispersed form in the glass domain and on the surface with a {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}partially embedded exposure{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} configuration. This disposition imparts an excellent photostability against photocorrosion and also a facile catalytic function. Therefore, even a very small amount of CdS quantum dots (0.005 g per gram of glass powder) is able to photodecompose H2S under visible light (lambda \>= 420 nm) both in alkaline and pure aqueous media and produce solar hydrogen with markedly high quantum yields of 17.5 and 11.4\%, respectively at 470 nm. Salient features like reusability after simple washing, corrosionless-stability and remarkable catalytic activity of this quantum dot-glass nanosystem are brought forth by our novel catalyst design and are much acclaimed in large scale solar H-2 production.

}, issn = {0959-9428}, doi = {10.1039/b708269j}, author = {Kale, Bharat B. and Baeg, Jin-Ook and Apte, Sanjay K. and Sonawane, Ravindra S. and Naik, Sonali D. and Patil, Kashinath R.} } @article { ISI:000249894100012, title = {Convenient formal synthesis of (+/-)-paroxetine}, journal = {Synthetic Communications}, volume = {37}, number = {18}, year = {2007}, month = {SEP}, pages = {3143-3149}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS INC}, type = {Article}, address = {325 CHESTNUT ST, SUITE 800, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 USA}, abstract = {

A formal total synthesis of antidepressant (+/-)-paroxetine employing a solvent-free Heck reaction is disclosed.

}, keywords = {antidepressants, carbamate, electrophile, Heck reaction, piperidines}, issn = {0039-7911}, doi = {10.1080/00397910701545130}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Khobragade, Dushant A. and Pathak, Ashok B. and Kalkote, Uttam R.} } @article { ISI:000251244900032, title = {Data-driven dynamic modeling and control of a surface aeration system}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {46}, number = {25}, year = {2007}, note = {Joint 6th International Symposium on Catalysis in Multiphase Reactors/5th International Symposium on Multifunctional Reactors (CAMURE-6/ISMR-5-), Pune, INDIA, JAN 14-17, 2007}, month = {DEC}, pages = {8607-8613}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

In this study we have developed a support vector regression (SVR) based data-driven model for predicting two important design parameters of surface aerators, namely, the volumetric mass transfer coefficient (k(L)(a) under bar) and fractional gas hold-up (epsilon(G)). The dynamical state of the surface aerator system was captured by acquiring pressure fluctuation signals (PFSs) at various design and operating conditions. The most informative features from PFS were extracted using the chaos analysis technique, which includes estimation of Lyapunov exponent, correlation dimensions, and Kolmogorov entropy. At similar conditions the values of k(L)(a) under bar and epsilon(G) were also measured. Two different SVR models for predicting the volumetric mass transfer coefficient (k(L)(a) under bar) and overall gas hold-up (epsilon(G)) as a function of chaotic invariants, design parameters, and operating parameters were developed showing test accuracies of 98.8\% and 97.1\%, respectively. Such SVM based models for the surface aerator can be potentially useful on a commercial scale for online monitoring and control of desired process output variables.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/ie0700765}, author = {Gandhi, Ankit B. and Joshi, Jyeshtharaj B. and Jayaraman, Valadi K. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article { ISI:000244119200031, title = {Designing a self-associated cationic polymer for enhanced compatibility, palatability, and gastric release of cefuroxime axetil}, journal = {Biomacromolecules}, volume = {8}, number = {2}, year = {2007}, month = {FEB}, pages = {532-542}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Cefuroxime axetil (CA) has exhibited interactions with the polymers hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate, cellulose acetate trimellitate, and Eudragit E resulting in the generation of unacceptable amounts of impurities and degradation. Formulations, which mask the bitter taste of CA and release it immediately in the stomach, have therefore not been possible. In an attempt to overcome the interaction with CA, we report a self-associated cationic polymer (NREP) containing methyl methacrylate (MMA), 2-hydroxy ethylmethacrylate (HEMA), and 4-vinyl pyridine (4-VP). The hydrogen bonding between the pyridine nitrogen and the hydroxyl groups of HEMA results in strong intrachain associations, prevents interactions between NREP and CA, and inhibits degradation of CA. This has been validated by differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, NMR, and high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. These self-associations restrict polymer chain motions, enhance biocompatibility, and lead to a higher T-g, which ensures that NREP does not become tacky in processes involving heat. The judicious choice of the hydrophobic and hydrophilic monomers renders the polymer hydrophobic enough as to mask the bitter taste of CA at near neutral pH. Incorporation of the basic monomer 4-VP ensures rapid dissolution of the polymer and release of CA at the acidic pH prevalent in the stomach. The work indicates an approach to design pH-sensitive polymers for dosage forms that meet the pharmacokinetic requirements of the drug.

}, issn = {1525-7797}, doi = {10.1021/bm060673v}, author = {Menjoge, Anupa R. and Kulkarni, Mohan G.} } @article { ISI:000245098400014, title = {Development of a soft sensor for a batch distillation column using support vector regression techniques}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Research \& Design }, volume = {85}, number = {A2}, year = {2007}, month = {FEB}, pages = {283-287}, publisher = {INST CHEMICAL ENGINEERS}, type = {Article}, address = {165-189 RAILWAY TERRACE, DAVIS BLDG, RUGBY CV21 3HQ, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A support vector regression (SVR)-based model is developed for a batch distillation process in order to estimate the product compositions from temperature measurements. Kernel function such as linear, polynomial and RBF are employed for SVR modelling. The original process data was generated by simulating the batch distillation process, varying the initial feed composition and boilup rate from batch to batch. Within each batch reflux ratio was also randomly changed to represent the true dynamics of the batch distillation. The results show the potential of the method for developing softsensor for chemical processes.

}, keywords = {Batch distillation, composition estimation, soft sensor, support vector regression}, issn = {0263-8762}, doi = {10.1205/cherd05026}, author = {Jain, P. and Rahman, I. and Kulkarni, B. D.} } @article { ISI:000251763600015, title = {Development of support vector regression (SVR)-based correlation for prediction of overall gas hold-up in bubble column reactors for various gas-liquid systems}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Science}, volume = {62}, number = {24, SI}, year = {2007}, note = {8th International Conference on Gas-Liquid and Gas-Liquid-Solid Reactor Engineering, Indian Inst Technol Delhi, New Delhi, INDIA, DEC 16-19, 2007}, month = {DEC}, pages = {7078-7089}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The objective of this study was to develop a unified data-driven correlation for the overall gas hold-up for various gas-liquid systems using support vector regression (SVR)-based modeling technique. Over the years, researchers have amply quantified the hydrodynamics of bubble column reactors in terms of the overall gas hold-up. In this work, about 1810 experimental points were collected from 40 open sources spanning the years 1965-2007. The model for overall gas hold-up was established as a function of several parameters which include superficial gas velocity, superficial liquid velocity, gas density, molecular weight of gas, sparger type, sparger hole diameter, number of sparger holes, liquid viscosity, liquid density, liquid surface tension, operating temperature, operating pressure and column diameter of the gas-liquid system. For understanding the hold-up behavior, the data used for training the model was grouped into various gas-liquid systems viz., air-water, gas-aqueous viscous liquids, gas-organic liquids, gas-aqueous electrolyte solutions and gas-liquid systems operated over a wide range of pressure. A generalized model established using SVR was evaluated for its performance for various gas-liquid systems. Statistical analysis showed that the proposed generalized SVR-based correlation for overall gas hold-up has prediction accuracy of 97\% with average absolute relative error (\% AARE) of 12.11\%. A comparison of this correlation with the selected system specific correlations in the literature showed that the developed SVR-based correlation significantly gives enhanced prediction of overall gas hold-up. (C) 2007 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

}, keywords = {bubble column reactor, overall gas hold-up, support vector regression}, issn = {0009-2509}, doi = {10.1016/j.ces.2007.07.071}, author = {Gandhi, Ankit B. and Joshi, Jyeshtharaj B. and Jayaraman, Valadi K. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article {42760, title = {Displacement-induced switching rates of bioresponsive hydrogel microlenses}, journal = {Chemistry of Materials}, volume = {19}, year = {2007}, month = {MAY}, pages = {2527-2532}, type = {Article}, doi = {10.1021/cm063086p}, author = {Kim, Jongseong and Singh, Neetu and Lyon, L. Andrew} } @article { ISI:000251244900038, title = {Eco-friendly, selective hydroxylation of C-7 aromatic compounds catalyzed by TS-1/H2O2 system under solvent-free solid-liquid-liquid-type triphase conditions}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {46}, number = {25}, year = {2007}, note = {Joint 6th International Symposium on Catalysis in Multiphase Reactors/5th International Symposium on Multifunctional Reactors (CAMURE-6/ISMR-5-), Pune, INDIA, JAN 14-17, 2007}, month = {DEC}, pages = {8657-8664}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Direct ring hydroxylation of aromatics, namely, anisole, toluene, and benzylchloride, using TS-1 catalyst, a MFI-type titanium silicate molecular sieve, dilute H2O2 as oxidizing agent, and water as reaction medium, was investigated under solid-liquid-liquid (SLL)-type triphase conditions. The aim was to study the relative influence of commonly used organic solvents, under solid-liquid (SL)-type biphase reaction conditions, as compared to that of water, on the conversion and product selectivity. Under solvent-free triphase conditions, the ring hydroxylation of anisole, toluene, and benzylchloride leads to significant enhancement in the conversion, turn-over frequency, and para-selectivity. However, in the case of benzyl chloride, no ring hydroxylation took place under biphase conditions (using acetone as solvent) contrary to significant ring hydroxylation (ca. 60\% H2O2 efficiency) under triphase aqueous medium conditions. The simple product recovery (phase separation of organic and aqueous layers) and use of water as reaction medium are other advantages. Since TS-1 is relatively hydrophobic, the reaction is hindered in the presence of organic solvents as they compete favorably with the substrate for diffusion inside the TS-1 channels. However, in the presence of water, the organic substrate competes favorably with water, leading to increased conversion and para-selectivity.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/ie070088q}, author = {Mukherjee, P. and Bhaumik, Asim and Kumar, Rajiv} } @article { ISI:000243163000032, title = {Eco-friendly synthesis of epichlorohydrin catalyzed by titanium silicate (TS-1) molecular sieve and hydrogen peroxide}, journal = {Catalysis Communications}, volume = {8}, number = {3}, year = {2007}, month = {MAR}, pages = {379-382}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

In a mixed solvent system of acetonitrile and methanol, titanium silicate molecular sieve, TS-1, having MFI topology, efficiently catalyses the epoxidation of allyl chloride to the corresponding epichlorohydrin in excellent yields using dilute hydrogen peroxide (45\%) as an oxidizing agent. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {allyl chloride, epichlorohydrin, epoxidation, heterogeneous catalysis, selectivity, titanium silicalite-1}, issn = {1566-7367}, doi = {10.1016/j.catcom.2006.07.007}, author = {Pandey, Rajesh Kumar and Kumar, Rajiv} } @article { ISI:000246157400009, title = {Effect of sparger design on the flow in a bubble column: symbolic analysis of LDA data}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {46}, number = {10}, year = {2007}, month = {MAY}, pages = {2996-3007}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

This paper aims at developing a methodology that helps in the characterization of the effects of a single point and multipoint sparger on the flow patterns in a bubble column reactor. The methodology uses the simultaneously measured instantaneous velocity-time data (two orthogonal velocity components) using LDA at different measurement locations. The data sets are transformed into their equivalent description in terms of polar coordinates, viz., resultant velocity vector and angle. This information is further transformed in terms of symbolic representation in a binary number format. The covariance matrices obtained from the binary data are analyzed for their eigenvalues, and the spectrum is used for the identification of the dominant, energy containing modes in the data. In the vicinity of the sparger, the nature of covariance matrix and the eigenvalue spectrum for the single point sparger (SPS) data was significantly different from that of the multipoint sparger (MPS). In the bulk region, for both types of spargers, the nature of the eigenvalues and the number of dominant modes is seen to be different from the near sparger region. In general, more numbers of eigenvalues are required to capture the total energy in the data for a multipoint sparger when compared to a single point sparger. This suggests a higher level of complexities existing due to the intricate hydrodynamics for the multipoint sparger. The possible use of this methodology for practical purposes, e.g., identification of malfunctioning of gas-liquid sparger reactors is discussed.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/ie060778e}, author = {Kulkarni, A. A. and Deshpande, Suvarna S. and Joshi, J. B. and Kumar, V. Ravi and Kulkarni, B. D.} } @article { ISI:000251631200005, title = {Effect of substituent polarity, bulk, and substitution site toward enhancing gas permeation in dibromohexafluorobisphenol-A based polyarylates}, journal = {Journal of Polymer Science Part B-Polymer Physics}, volume = {45}, number = {23}, year = {2007}, month = {DEC}, pages = {3156-3168}, publisher = {JOHN WILEY \& SONS INC}, type = {Article}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN, NJ 07030 USA}, abstract = {

The gas permeation properties of polyarylates were tuned by varying nature and site of substituents present on both of its monomers, viz., bisphenol and dicarboxylic acid. The phenyl rings of hexafluorobisphenol-A were substituted in asymmetric manner by polar bromine to obtain dibromohexafluorobisphenol-A. This bisphenol was polymerized with equimolar mixture of iso- and terephthalic acid (base case), bromo- and nitroterephthalic acid (polar group substituted acids), 4,4{\textquoteright}-hexafluoroisopropylidene bis(benzoic acid), and t-butyl isophthalic acid (bulky group containing acids). Physical properties and gas permeation properties of these polyarylates were investigated to assess combined effects of asymmetric nature of bisphenol substitution, polar nature of substituent bromine, hexafluoroisopropylidene group present at the bridge position of bisphenol, and substituent present on the acid moiety. The combination of these substituent types led these polyarylates to lie near Robeson upper bound. The gas sorption analysis and estimation of diffusivity in these polyarylates shed a light on observed variations in gas permeation properties by attempted structural variations. (c) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

}, keywords = {asymmetric substitution, Diffusion, Gas permeation, gas sorption, polyarylates, selectivity, structure-property relations}, issn = {0887-6266}, doi = {10.1002/polb.21314}, author = {Ishole, Yogesh S. and Karadkar, Prasad R. and Kharul, Ulhas K.} } @article { ISI:000252219700011, title = {Efficient and practical total synthesis of (+/-)-alpha-cuparenone}, journal = {Synthesis-Stuttgart }, number = {24}, year = {2007}, month = {DEC}, pages = {3827-3830}, publisher = {GEORG THIEME VERLAG KG}, type = {Article}, address = {RUDIGERSTR 14, D-70469 STUTTGART, GERMANY}, abstract = {

A one-pot cyclopentannulation approach as the key step for the total synthesis of (+/-)-alpha-cuparenone is described.

}, keywords = {Alkylation, annulation, hydroboration-oxidation, reduction}, issn = {0039-7881}, doi = {10.1055/s-2007-990899}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Dhawane, Abasaheb N. and Kalkote, Uttam R.} } @article { ISI:000246431300013, title = {Efficient one-pot synthesis of alpha-amino phosphonates catalyzed by bismuth nitrate pentahydrate}, journal = {Synlett}, number = {5}, year = {2007}, month = {MAR}, pages = {745-748}, publisher = {GEORG THIEME VERLAG KG}, type = {Article}, address = {RUDIGERSTR 14, D-70469 STUTTGART, GERMANY}, abstract = {

A simple, efficient, and environmentally benign method has been developed for the synthesis of alpha-amino phosphonates through a one-pot reaction of aldehydes with amines and diethyl phosphite in the presence of bismuth nitrate pentahydrate as a catalyst. Some of the major advantages of this protocol are: good yields, the involvement of a less-expensive and non-toxic catalyst, mild and solvent-free reaction conditions and also tolerance towards other functional groups present in the substrates. Eighteen examples are described, highlighting the substrate scope of the reaction.

}, keywords = {aldehydes, alkyl phosphite, alpha-amino phosphonates, amines, bismuth nitrate pentahydrate, synthetic methods}, issn = {0936-5214}, doi = {10.1055/s-2007-970762}, author = {Bhattacharya, Asish K. and Kaur, Tanpreet} } @article { ISI:000246682000006, title = {Efficient synthesis of fused 1,2,3-triazolo-delta-lactams using huisgen [3+2] dipolar cycloaddition {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}click-chemistry{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} in water}, journal = {Chemistry Letters}, volume = {36}, number = {5}, year = {2007}, month = {MAY}, pages = {592-593}, publisher = {CHEMICAL SOC JAPAN}, type = {Article}, address = {1-5 KANDA-SURUGADAI CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO, 101-8307, JAPAN}, abstract = {

A general approach for the quick synthesis of various 1,2,3-triazolo-delta-lactams has been described, which involves the Huisgen [3 + 2] dipolar cycloaddition of azides derived from different amino acids with dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate in water followed by cyclization.

}, issn = {0366-7022}, doi = {10.1246/cl.2007.592}, author = {Kumar, Indresh and Rode, Chandrashekhar V.} } @article { ISI:000243519300018, title = {Efficient total synthesis of (-)-(3S,6R)-3,6-dihydroxy-10-methylundecanoic acid}, journal = {European Journal of Organic Chemistry}, number = {2}, year = {2007}, month = {JAN}, pages = {369-373}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 10 11 61, D-69451 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

An efficient enantioselective synthesis of (-)-(3S,6R)-3,6-dihydroxy-10-methylundecanoic acid (1) from epichlorohydrin is described. The key steps include Jacobsen{\textquoteright}s HKR, Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation, regioselective opening of epoxide and cyclic sulfate. ((c) Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH \& Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007).

}, keywords = {cyclic sulfate, Dihydroxylation, Grignard reaction, hydroboration-oxidation, Jacobsen{\textquoteright}s hydrolytic kinetic resolution (HKR), regio selectivity}, issn = {1434-193X}, doi = {10.1002/ejoc.200600690}, author = {Pandey, Satyendra Kumar and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000249667400056, title = {Electronic structure of spherical quantum dots using coupled cluster method}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Physics}, volume = {127}, number = {11}, year = {2007}, month = {SEP}, pages = {114708}, publisher = {AMER INST PHYSICS}, type = {Article}, address = {CIRCULATION \& FULFILLMENT DIV, 2 HUNTINGTON QUADRANGLE, STE 1 N O 1, MELVILLE, NY 11747-4501 USA}, abstract = {

2, 6, 12, and 20 electron quantum dots have been studied using coupled cluster at singles and doubles level and extensive multireference coupled cluster (MRCC) method. A Fock-space version of MRCC (FSMRCC) containing single hole-particle excited determinants has been used to calculate low-lying excited states of the above system. The ionization potential and electron affinity are also calculated. The effect of correlation energy on excitation energy and charge density is shown by calculating them at the high density region (low value of density parameter r(s)) and at the low density region (high value of density parameter r(s)). (c) 2007 American Institute of Physics.

}, issn = {0021-9606}, doi = {10.1063/1.2768523}, author = {Heidari, Ideh and Pal, Sourav and Pujari, B. S. and Kanhere, Dilip G.} } @article { ISI:000243630300013, title = {Enantioselective synthesis of (-)-cytoxazone and (+)-epi-cytoxazone via Rh-catalyzed diastereoselective oxidative C-H aminations}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letter}, volume = {48}, number = {1}, year = {2007}, month = {JAN}, pages = {65-68}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An efficient enantioselective synthesis of (-)-cytoxazone (1) and (+)-epi-eytoxazone (2) using proline-catalyzed asymmetric alpha-amino-oxylation of aldehydes followed by Rh-catalyzed diastereoselective oxidative C-H amination as the key steps is described. syn or anti 1,2-aminoalcohols were obtained by Rh-catalyzed intramolecular amidation of the C-H bonds of carbamates or sulfamate esters with good to excellent diastereoselectivity. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2006.11.016}, author = {Narina, Srinivasarao V. and Kumar, Talluri Siva and George, Shyla and Sudalai, Arumugam} } @article { ISI:000245388700011, title = {Enantioselective synthesis of (-)-pinellic acid}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letter}, volume = {48}, number = {13}, year = {2007}, month = {MAR}, pages = {2279-2282}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An enantioselective convergent approach toward the total synthesis of pinellic acid 1 from 1,9-nonanediol is described. The synthetic strategy features iterative Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation, Sonogashira coupling and Birch reduction. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2007.01.163}, author = {Naidu, S. Vasudeva and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000243799400004, title = {Estimation of gross calorific value of coals using artificial neural networks}, journal = {Fuel}, volume = {86}, number = {3}, year = {2007}, month = {FEB}, pages = {334-344}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The gross calorific value (GCV) is an important property defining the energy content and thereby efficiency of fuels, such as coals. There exist a number of correlations for estimating the GCV of a coal sample based upon its proximate and/or ultimate analyses. These correlations are mainly linear in character although there are indications that the relationship between the GCV and a few constituents of the proximate and ultimate analyses could be nonlinear. Accordingly, in this paper a total of seven nonlinear models have been developed using the artificial neural networks (ANN) methodology for the estimation of GCV with a special focus on Indian coals. The comprehensive ANN model developed here uses all the major constituents of the proximate and ultimate analyses as inputs while the remaining six sub-models use different combinations of the constituents of the stated analyses. It has been found that the GCV prediction accuracy of all the models is excellent with the comprehensive model being the most accurate GCV predictor. Also, the performance of the ANN models has been found to be consistently better than that of their linear counterparts. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis of the comprehensive ANN model has been performed to identify the important model inputs, which significantly affect the GCV. The ANN-based modeling approach illustrated in this paper is sufficiently general and thus can be gainfully extended for estimating the GCV of a wide spectrum of solid, liquid and gaseous fuels. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Artificial neural network, gross calorific value (GCV), proximate and ultimate analyses}, issn = {0016-2361}, doi = {10.1016/j.fuel.2006.07.036}, author = {Patel, Shagufta U. and Kumar, B. Jeevan and Badhe, Yogesh P. and Sharma, B. K. and Saha, Sujan and Biswas, Subhasish and Chaudhury, Asim and Tambe, Sanjeev S. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article { ISI:000248062700019, title = {Exhaustive analysis of frontal copolymerization of functionalized monovinyl and divinyl monomers}, journal = {Chemistry-A European Journal}, volume = {13}, number = {20}, year = {2007}, month = {APR}, pages = {5862-5872}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, type = {Article}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

A series of copolymers of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA)/ glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and ethylene dimethacrylate (EGDM) were synthesized by frontal polymerization (FP). This study was conducted to investigate the effect of crosslink density, type and concentration of initiator, the use of a complex initiator system, porogen, and diluent on the most relevant parameters of FP, such as sustainability of the front, temperature profile, front velocity, and yield. The products were also characterized for intruded pore volume, pore-size distribution, epoxy-functionality number, and surface morphology. Higher crosslink densities (CLDs) and initiator concentration produced higher front velocities, whereas no trend in front temperature was noted. A complex initiation system was effective in stabilizing and increasing the polymerization yield. Relative to suspension polymerization (SP), FP products synthesized without a solvent were microporous, whereas micro-to-macroporous products were obtained in the presence of a solvent (for HEMA-EGDM polymers). We also present, explain, and discuss the exotic patterns observed under a microscope. We observed two basic types of spatial patterns, namely, planar and nonplanar patterns. The type of planar pattern observed under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has a spatial impulse that appears as a loop followed by regular periodic motion in the radial and axial directions. This behavior gives rise to a repeating pattern that is a few microns thick. Also, nonplanar patterns, namely, layered concentric rings and winding staircase patterns, were observed under SEM.

}, keywords = {copolymerization, patterns, Polymers, porosity}, issn = {0947-6539}, doi = {10.1002/chem.200601428}, author = {Pujari, Narahari S. and Inamdar, Satish R. and Ambekar, Jalindar D. and Kulkarni, B. D. and Ponrathnam, Surendra} } @article { ISI:000245903300012, title = {Fabrication of MEMS composite-polymer gas sensor arrays for electronic nose}, journal = {Indian Journal of Pure \& Applied Physics}, volume = {45}, number = {4}, year = {2007}, note = {Indo-Chinese Workshop on Micro Electron Mechanical Systems (MEMS) and Related Technologies, Natl Phys Lab, New Delhi, INDIA, APR 05-07, 2006}, month = {APR}, pages = {321-325}, publisher = {NATL INST SCIENCE COMMUNICATION}, type = {Article, Proceeding Paper}, address = {DR K S KRISHNAN MARG, NEW DELHI 110 012, INDIA}, abstract = {

Sensor arrays capable of sensing different gases combined with a sampling system and a means of pattern classification and recognition comprise a basic system for an {\textquoteleft}Electronic Nose{\textquoteright} In the present work, a complete process for the fabrication of micro-cavities with sensing electrodes and volumes ranging from 2.5 to 12 nano-liters for the development of polymer gas sensors has been reported. An array of eight sensing cells in four sizes have been fabricated using SU-8 negative tone resist through UV-LIGA process developed at CEERI, Pilani. The length and width of the SU-8 cavities are: 250 x 250, 300 x 300, 500 x 500 and 500 x 600 micron and the depth of each of them was optimized to be 40 micron. These cavities filled with different polymer composites comprise the basic sensing cells for a variety of gases. The current paper presents the salient features of the fabrication process in detail and the results obtained in ethanol and methanol ambient using a polymer composite developed through dissolution of styrene and polyaniline in PMMA. A number of other composites such as Pc-Ppy, Pr-Ppy, Fc(+)-PPy have also been synthesized and tested for a high sensitivity in carbon monoxide.

}, keywords = {composite polymer, conducting polymer, electronic nose, polymer gas sensor, selectivity, sensitivity, sensor array}, issn = {0019-5596}, author = {Pant, B. D. and Kutnar, Mahesh and Lakshmi, Subha and Arora, Anil and Prasad, Mahanth and Sharma, Akshdeep and Patel, Mohan and Radhakrishnan, S. and Dwivedi, V. K.} } @article { ISI:000243819800014, title = {Facile total synthesis of (+/-)-alpha-cuparenone employing diallylation and RCM as key steps}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letter}, volume = {48}, number = {6}, year = {2007}, month = {FEB}, pages = {965-966}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A short and concise total synthesis of alpha-cuparenone employing one-pot diallylation and RCM as the key steps is described. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2006.12.023}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Dhawane, Abasaheb N. and Kalkote, Uttam R.} } @conference { ISI:000252140200008, title = {Fault diagnosis using dynamic time warping}, booktitle = {Pattern Recognition and Machine Intelligence, Proceedings}, series = {LECTURE NOTES IN COMPUTER SCIENCE}, volume = {4815}, year = {2007}, note = {2nd International Conference on Pattern Recognition and Machine Intelligence, Calcutta, INDIA, DEC 18-22, 2007}, month = {DEC}, pages = {57-66}, publisher = {Indian Stat Inst, Machine Intelligence Univ; ISI Ctr Soft Comp Res; Int Assoc Pattern Recognit; Int Ctr Pure \& Appl Math; Web Intelligence Consortium; Yahoo India Res \& Dev; Philips Res Asia}, organization = {Indian Stat Inst, Machine Intelligence Univ; ISI Ctr Soft Comp Res; Int Assoc Pattern Recognit; Int Ctr Pure \& Appl Math; Web Intelligence Consortium; Yahoo India Res \& Dev; Philips Res Asia}, address = {Heidelberger Platz 3, D-14197 Berlin, Germany}, abstract = {

Owing to the superiority of Dynamic Time Warping as a similarity measure of time series, it can become an effective tool for fault diagnosis in chemical process plants. However, direct application of Dynamic Time Warping can be computationally inefficient, given the complexity involved. In this work we have tackled this problem by employing a warping window constraint and a Lower Bounding measure. A novel methodology for online fault diagnosis with Dynamic Time Warping has been suggested and its performance has been investigated using two simulated case studies.

}, isbn = {978-3-540-77045-9}, issn = {0302-9743}, author = {Rajshekhar and Gupta, Ankur and Samanta, A. N. and Kulkarni, B. D. and Jayaraman, Valadi K.}, editor = {Ghosh, A. and De, R. K. and Pal, S. K.} } @article { ISI:000243704000028, title = {First enantiospecific synthesis of (-)-heritol: absolute configuration determination}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {48}, number = {4}, year = {2007}, month = {JAN}, pages = {643-646}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The first enantiospecific synthesis of (-)-heritol, from naturally occurring (R)-(+)-citronellal and confirmation of its absolute configuration, is described. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2006.11.123}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Thakkar, Mahesh and Kalkote, Uttam R.} } @article {sanjayan, title = {Formal synthesis of herbarumin III}, journal = {Tetrahedron-Asymmetry}, volume = {18}, number = {14}, year = {2007}, month = {JUL}, pages = {1688-1692}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An enantioselective synthesis of herbarumin III is described employing Jacobsen{\textquoteright}s hydrolytic kinetic resolution and Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation as the key steps. (c) 2007 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

}, keywords = {carboxymethyl-cellulase, F. moniliforme, pectate lyase, plant pathogenesis, polygalacturonase, Xylanase}, issn = {0957-4166}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetasy.2007.07.022}, author = {Gupta, Priti and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000250735600035, title = {Fungus-based synthesis of chemically difficult-to-synthesize multifunctional nanoparticles of CuAlO2}, journal = {Advanced Materials}, volume = {19}, number = {20}, year = {2007}, month = {NOV}, pages = {3295+}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 10 11 61, D-69451 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Fungal nanosynthesis of ternary CuAlO2 phase is achieved at 50 degrees C. This phase is chemically difficult to synthesize at low temperatures because of the incompatible oxidation chemistry of Cu and Al. The synthesized protein-capped water-dispersible nanoparticles show blue luminescence and radio-frequency absorption (see figure).

}, issn = {0935-9648}, doi = {10.1002/adma.200602605}, author = {Ahmad, Absar and Jagadale, Tushar C. and Dhas, Vivek V. and Khan, Shadab and Patil, Shankar and Pasricha, Renu and Ravi, Venkat and Ogale, Satishchandra B.} } @article { ISI:000250356300015, title = {Gas permeation in amine functionalized silicon rubber membranes}, journal = {Separation and Purification Technology}, volume = {57}, number = {2}, year = {2007}, month = {OCT}, pages = {304-313}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Silicon rubber (SR) based thin film composite (TFC) membranes find increasing applicability in various industrial separations owing to its excellent thermal and chemical stability. The functionalization of SR would provide enhanced separation characteristics for certain separation applications. The present research focuses on gas permeation properties of dense and thin film composite membranes based on amine substituted silicon rubber (ASR) and unsubstituted silicon rubber (SR). The dense membrane sorption analysis indicated that presence of amine functionality in ASR increased pressure dependant CO2 sorption capacity. Owing to this, an elevation Of CO2 permeability by 15\% and CO2 based selectivities by 22-34\% in comparison to that of unsubstituted SR was observed. The TFC membranes with SR and ASR as the selective layer on the top of different ultrafiltration (UF) supports with varying properties based on polyacrylonitrile and polysulfone were prepared. The effects of crucial parameters that affected TFC membrane performance, viz., coating solution concentration, UF support membrane porosity and nature of materials were investigated. The preparation of ASR based TFC membranes was demonstrated with a simple crosslinking agent-glutaraldehyde while analyzing effects of crosslinking time on their permeation properties. Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) was found to be better support layer material for ASR based TFC formation than polysulfone (PSF). Thin defect free coating layer can be obtained by appropriate combination of coating solution concentration and support UF membrane porosity. The analysis of effective skin layer thickness of TFC membranes indicated that careful optimization of these parameters is necessary to achieve defect free TFC membranes possessing a good combination of permeance and selectivity. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Carbon dioxide, Gas permeation, silicon rubber, thin film composite membrane}, issn = {1383-5866}, doi = {10.1016/j.seppur.2007.05.002}, author = {Achalpurkar, Manoj P. and Kharul, Ulhas K. and Lohokare, Harshada R. and Karadkar, Prasad B.} } @article { ISI:000250122000026, title = {Gas sorption and transport in polyarylates: effect of substituent symmetry and polarity}, journal = {Journal of Membrane Science}, volume = {303}, number = {1-2}, year = {2007}, month = {OCT}, pages = {244-251}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The gas sorption properties of polyarylates based on bisphenol-A possessing symmetric/asymmetric substitution by nonpolar -CH3 group and symmetrically linked terephthalic acid were examined. The effects of substitution of polar bromine on terephalic acid moiety of polyarylate based on asymmetrically substituted bisphenol were also studied for physical, sorption and transport properties. The estimation of dual mode sorption parameters, solubility and diffusion coefficient revealed that nature of the substituent and substitution type plays a crucial role in depicting permeation properties. An asymmetric substitution by -CH3 group increased solubility coefficient of pure gases (N-2, O-2, CH4 and CO2) up to 27\% and symmetric substitution increased the same up to 106\%. This was coupled with 7-35\% increase in solubility selectivity in both cases of substitution, which ascertained the usefulness of methyl group substitution in polyarylates based on terephalic acid. The pressure dependency of solubility coefficients and solubility selectivity was also investigated for these polyarylates. The sorption and transport properties of these polyarylates correlated well with physical properties of polyarylates and gases studied. The sorption/desorption kinetics of symmetrically substituted TMBisA-T was performed in order to deduce time dependent sorption behavior and to evaluate diffusivity coefficient. The apparent diffusion coefficients from sorption kinetics, desorption kinetics and from steady-states permeation-sorption were compared. The diffusion coefficients of CH4 and N-2 deduced by these methods correlated well with each other. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Diffusion, kinetics, permeation, polyarylates, Sorption}, issn = {0376-7388}, doi = {10.1016/j.memsci.2007.07.018}, author = {Karadkar, Prasad B. and Kharul, Ulhas K. and Bhole, Yogesh S. and Badhe, Yogesh P. and Tambe, Sanjeev S. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @conference { ISI:000252140200050, title = {Granular support vector machine based method for prediction of solubility of proteins on overexpression in Escherichia coli}, booktitle = {Pattern Recognition and Machine Intelligence, Proceedings}, series = {LECTURE NOTES IN COMPUTER SCIENCE}, volume = {4815}, year = {2007}, note = {2nd International Conference on Pattern Recognition and Machine Intelligence, Calcutta, INDIA, DEC 18-22, 2007}, month = {DEC}, pages = {406-415}, publisher = {Indian Stat Inst, Machine Intelligence Univ; ISI Ctr Soft Comp Res; Int Assoc Pattern Recognit; Int Ctr Pure \& Appl Math; Web Intelligence Consortium; Yahoo India Res \& Dev; Philips Res Asia}, organization = {Indian Stat Inst, Machine Intelligence Univ; ISI Ctr Soft Comp Res; Int Assoc Pattern Recognit; Int Ctr Pure \& Appl Math; Web Intelligence Consortium; Yahoo India Res \& Dev; Philips Res Asia}, address = {Heidelberger Platz 3, D-14197 Berlin, Germany}, abstract = {

We employed a granular support vector Machines(GSVM) for prediction of soluble proteins on over expression in Escherichia coli. Granular computing splits the feature space into a set of subspaces (or information granules) such as classes, subsets, clusters and intervals [14]. By the principle of divide and conquer it decomposes a. bigger complex problem into smaller and computationally simpler problems. Each of the granules is then solved independently and all the results are aggregated to form the final solution. For the purpose of granulation association rules was employed. The results indicate that a difficult imbalanced classification problem can be successfully solved by employing GSVM.

}, isbn = {978-3-540-77045-9}, issn = {0302-9743}, author = {Kumar, Pankaj and Jayaraman, Valadi K. and Kulkarni, B. D.}, editor = {Ghosh, A. and De, R. K. and Pal, S. K.} } @article { ISI:000246320900026, title = {Hexamethyldisilazane-iodine induced intramolecular dehydrative cyclization of diamides: a general access to natural and unnatural quinazolinones}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {48}, number = {18}, year = {2007}, month = {APR}, pages = {3243-3246}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A simple and efficient general approach to various quinazolinone scaffolds, including peptidomimetic examples, has been demonstrated by employing HMDS/I-2 for the intramolecular dehydrative cyclization of diamides. The protecting groups -Boc, -Fmoc and -Cbz tolerated the present reaction conditions and we did not observe any racemization. The present protocol has also been used as a key step for the efficient four-step syntheses of the naturally occurring quinazolinones, sclerotigenin, (-)-circumdatin-F and (-)-fumiquinazoline-F. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {diamides, HMDS/I-2, intramolecular dehydrative cyclizations, natural and unnatural quinazolinones, synthesis}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2007.03.032}, author = {Kshirsagar, Umesh A. and Mhaske, Santosh B. and N. P. Argade} } @article { ISI:000249567000022, title = {Highly photostable dye entrapped core-shell particles}, journal = {Materials Letters}, volume = {61}, number = {25}, year = {2007}, month = {OCT}, pages = {4738-4742}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Organic dye namely Coumarin 7 has been entrapped in silica particles using a single silica precursor viz. tetraethylorthosilicate. Both bare Coumarin 7 dye and dye incorporated core-shell particles were studied. Investigations of these core-shell composites were carried out using different characterization techniques such as energy dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. It has been shown that the photostability of dye molecules is improved along with an increase in photoluminescence. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {core-shell, coumarin 7 dye, Luminescence, photostability, tetraethylorthosilicate}, issn = {0167-577X}, doi = {10.1016/j.matlet.2007.03.030}, author = {Ethiraj, Anita S. and Kharrazi, Sharmin and Hebalkar, Neha and Urban, J. and Sainkar, S. R. and Kulkarni, S. K.} } @article { ISI:000249501700020, title = {Homogeneous nucleation temperatures in aqueous mixed salt solutions}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, volume = {111}, number = {37}, year = {2007}, month = {SEP}, pages = {10985-10991}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

This is the first report on the measurement of homogeneous nucleation temperature, T-H, in the presence of aqueous mixed salt systems of varying compositions and ionic strengths. The T-H,T-m (T-H value in aqueous mixed salt system) data for these systems have been analyzed in terms of a simple empirical equation. The T-H.m. values in simple aqueous mixed salts like NaCl-KCl can be approximated by linear summation of the products of ionic strength fraction and the T-H values of pure salt solutions at the same ionic strength as that of the mixture. The empirical parameter, q(0), indicating ionic interaction is related to the viscosity B-coefficients. The T-H.m data, though correlated on the basis of the B-coefficients also depends upon the mixing of two ions of like charges. Further, a linear correlation exists between the q(0) parameter and self-diffusion coefficient, D-0, of the ionic solute. The q(0) parameter is also well correlated with the rotational correlation time, T-c(h)/T-c(0) of the ionic species involved in the mixtures. It is possible to compute T-H,T-m for the salt mixtures with no common ions from the knowledge of the T-H,T-m values of the salt mixtures with common ions.

}, issn = {1520-6106}, doi = {10.1021/jp073846z}, author = {Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000251763600057, title = {Hydrodynamics and liquid phase residence time distribution in mesh microreactor}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Science}, volume = {62}, number = {24, SI}, year = {2007}, note = {8th International Conference on Gas-Liquid and Gas-Liquid-Solid Reactor Engineering, Indian Inst Technol Delhi, New Delhi, INDIA, DEC 16-19, 2007}, month = {DEC}, pages = {7484-7493}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

This paper is focused on the experimental analysis of residence time distribution and phase hold-up in a mesh microreactor. A microreactor, where a finely weaved mesh is sandwiched between two flat plates with specific inlets for gas and liquid, is proposed. The microvolumes formed upon sandwiching the mesh are totally connected and thus it yields a view of several interconnected microvolumes. This system is easy to build and does not need precision micromachining. A high-speed photographic analysis yielded the phase distribution for different mesh types over a wide range of operating gas and liquid flow rates. The RTD was studied by measuring the liquid phase conductivity at the outlet of the reactor. Channeling prevailed for mesh with smaller open area. The ADEM was used for fitting the tracer curves with tailing ends. The RTD and the image analysis for all the mesh types showed hysteresis when the gas flow rate was maintained constant and the liquid flow rate was gradually increased and then decreased. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {hydrodynamics, hysteresis, image analysis, microreactor, residence time distribution}, issn = {0009-2509}, doi = {10.1016/j.ces.2007.08.063}, author = {Kulkarni, A. A. and Gorasia, A. K. and Ranade, V. V.} } @article { ISI:000251244900016, title = {Hydrodynamics of bubble column reactors at high gas velocity: experiments and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) Simulations}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {46}, number = {25}, year = {2007}, note = {Joint 6th International Symposium on Catalysis in Multiphase Reactors/5th International Symposium on Multifunctional Reactors (CAMURE-6/ISMR-5-), Pune, INDIA, JAN 14-17, 2007}, month = {DEC}, pages = {8431-8447}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

This paper focuses on the modeling of flow and mixing in a bubble column reactor operated at high gas velocities (up to 0.40 m/s). A dual-tip conductivity probe was used to measure local void properties such as local time-averaged gas holdup, chord length distribution, bubble velocity distribution, and interfacial area. Chord length distribution was converted to bubble size distribution, using the backward transformation method. Liquid-phase mixing time measurements were conducted using a conductivity probe. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was developed to simulate the unsteady gas-liquid flow in a bubble column using commercial code FLUENT 6.2. The time-averaged flow properties predicted by CFD simulations were compared with the experimental data. The role of unsteady flow structures in mixing was studied. The {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteright} multiple snapshots {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteright} approach was used to simulate the mixing time using CFD. The mixing times that were predicted for all superficial gas velocities compared favorably to the measured values. This study of the hydrodynamic behavior of a bubble column at higher gas velocity provides a basis for understanding and simulating solid suspension (or solid mixing) in slurry bubble column reactors.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/ie070079h}, author = {Rampure, Mohan R. and Kulkarni, Amol A. and Ranade, Vivek V.} } @article { ISI:000244855500011, title = {Hydrogen bonding in trivinyl monomers: implications for inclusion complexation and polymerization}, journal = {Macromolecules}, volume = {40}, number = {6}, year = {2007}, month = {MAR}, pages = {1824-1830}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (TMPTMA) formed a 1:2 inclusion complex (IC) with beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD). Polymerization of the complex resulted in a soluble, linear polymer containing two pendant unsaturations per repeat unit since the methacryloyl groups included in the beta-CD cavity did not react with the growing radical chain. Trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA) formed a 1:1 complex with beta-CD. Yet a soluble polymer containing two pendant unsaturations per repeat unit was obtained. Computational analysis confirmed that in TMPTA hydrogen bonding between C-H center dot center dot center dot O=C brings two acryloyl groups in close vicinity of one another. As a result, both acryloyl groups were included in the same beta-CD cavity. Trimethylolpropane diacrylate 4-vinylbenzoate (TMPDAVB) once again formed 1:2 IC as a result of disruption of hydrogen bonds between two acryloyl groups. The study highlights that an understanding of the composition of the IC is more important than its stoichiometry alone.

}, issn = {0024-9297}, doi = {10.1021/ma062397i}, author = {Satav, Sunita S. and Karmalkar, Rohini N. and Kulkarni, Mohan G. and Mulpuri, Nagaraju and Sastry, G. Narahari} } @article { ISI:000250792200005, title = {Immobilization of mushroom polyphenol oxidase on poly(allyl glycidyl ether-co-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) macroporous beaded copolymers}, journal = {Reactive \& Functional Polymers}, volume = {67}, number = {10}, year = {2007}, month = {OCT}, pages = {905-915}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Functional, macroporous, beaded copolymers containing epoxy groups were synthesized for immobilization of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) from edible mushroom (Agaricus bisporus). The effect of incorporation of two different sets of monomers such as glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and allyl glycidyl ether (AGE) and the effect of cross-linking agent ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDM) with varying cross-link densities on binding and expression of mushroom PPO activity were studied. The effect of porogen viz. cyclohexanol and hexanol on PPO immobilization was studied. AGE copolymers with hexanol as a porogen were found to give higher binding and expression of PPO activity than GE polymers. Crosslinking of amino groups of enzyme with 5\% glutaraldehyde for 6 h gave a stable binding of PPO on AGE-75(Hex) polymer with storage half-life of approximately 25 days. Under optimum conditions, AGE-75(Hex) polymer gave 70.3\% of activity yield while percent retention of PPO activity was found to be 83.5\%. Immobilized PPO showed a broader pH, higher temperature and excellent storage stability. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {cross-linking agent, Enzyme immobilization, Epoxy-activated support, mushroom PPO}, issn = {1381-5148}, doi = {10.1016/j.reactfunetpolym.2007.05.015}, author = {Vaidya, Bhalchandra K. and Karale, Abhijeet J. and Suthar, Hitesh K. and Ingavle, Ganesh C. and Pathak, Tara Sankar and Ponrathnam, S. and Nene, Sanjay} } @article { ISI:000244902800037, title = {Improve polyethylene process control and product quality - using artificial intelligence-based sensors can improve costs}, journal = {Hydrocarbon Processing }, volume = {86}, number = {3}, year = {2007}, month = {MAR}, pages = {53+}, publisher = {GULF PUBL CO}, type = {Article}, address = {BOX 2608, HOUSTON, TX 77252-2608 USA}, issn = {0018-8190}, author = {Badhe, Yogesh P. and Lonari, J. and Tambe, S. S. and Kulkarni, B. D. and Valecha, N. K. and Deshmukh, S. V. and Ravichandran, S.} } @article { ISI:000244429400011, title = {In vitro clonal propagation of Casuarina equisetifolia forst. from mature tree-derived explants}, journal = {Current Science}, volume = {92}, number = {3}, year = {2007}, month = {FEB}, pages = {287-290}, publisher = {INDIAN ACAD SCIENCES}, type = {Article}, address = {C V RAMAN AVENUE, SADASHIVANAGAR, P B \#8005, BANGALORE 560 080, INDIA}, issn = {0011-3891}, author = {Seth, Rupali and Kendurkar, Shuchishweta V. and Nadgauda, Rajani} } @article {42763, title = {Influence of ancillary binding and nonspecific adsorption on bioresponsive hydrogel microlenses}, journal = {Biomacromolecules}, volume = {8}, year = {2007}, month = {APR}, pages = {1157-1161}, type = {Article}, doi = {10.1021/bm070005p}, author = {Kim, Jongseong and Singh, Neetu and Lyon, L. Andrew} } @article { ISI:000243388500023, title = {Influence of electric field on the global and local reactivity descriptors: reactivity and stability of weakly bonded complexes}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry A}, volume = {111}, number = {2}, year = {2007}, month = {JAN}, pages = {375-383}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The response of the global and local reactivity density-based descriptors (chemical potential, hardness, softness, Fukui function, and local softness) in the presence of external electric field has been studied for some of the simple prototype molecular systems. In addition to the analysis on the reactivity of these systems, the influence of the electric field on the interaction energy of the complexes formed by these systems has also been studied using the recently proposed semiquantitative model based on the local hard-soft acid-base principle. By using the inverse relationship between the global hardness and softness parameters, a simple relationship is obtained for the variation of hardness in terms of the Fukui function under the external electric field. It is shown that the increase in the hardness values for a particular system in the presence of external field does not necessarily imply that the reactivity of the system would be deactivated or vice versa.

}, issn = {1089-5639}, doi = {10.1021/jp065580m}, author = {Kar, Rahul and Chandrakumar, K. R. S. and Pal, Sourav} } @article { ISI:000250169800037, title = {Influence of film structure on mobilities of charge carriers in conducting polymers}, journal = {Electrochimica Acta}, volume = {52}, number = {28}, year = {2007}, month = {NOV}, pages = {8088-8095}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Two sorts of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (PHT) films with the same chemical compositions were prepared, and their electrochemical, spectroscopic, and transport properties were studied with a special interest in a possible influence of film structure on mobilities of charge carriers. One of the PHT films was electrochemically synthesized using 3-hexylthiophene as a monomer (as-grown film) and the other was obtained by dissolving the as-grown film in chloroform and then casting the polymer solution (cast film). A clear difference was observed in the mobility versus doping level plot between the two sorts of PHT films, demonstrating that the difference is caused only by a distinction in film structure. An initial decreasing feature of the mobility plot observed for the cast films was accounted for in terms of swelling of the films at an early stage of doping. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Doping, electrosynthesis, mobility, poly(3-hexylthiophene), swelling}, issn = {0013-4686}, doi = {10.1016/j.electacta.2007.07.007}, author = {Harima, Yutaka and Jiang, Xiaoqing and Patil, Rahul and Komaguchi, Kenji and Mizota, Haruo} } @article {42685, title = {Interaction of different metal ions with carboxylic acid group: a quantitative study}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry A}, volume = {111}, year = {2007}, month = {JUN}, pages = {6183{\textendash}6190}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The binding strength of the carboxylic acid group (-COOH) with different divalent metal ions displays considerable variation in arachidic acid (AA) thin films. It is considered that in AA thin films the metal ions straddle the hydrophilic regions of the stacked bilayers of AA molecules via formation of carboxylates. In this study first the uptake of different divalent cations in films of AA is estimated by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Through the amount of cation uptake, it is found that the strength of binding of different cations varies as Ca2+ \> Co2+ \> Pb2+ \> Cd2+. Variation in the binding strength of different ions is also manifested in experiments where AA thin films are exposed to metal ion mixtures. The higher binding strength of AA with certain metal ions when exposed individually, as well as the preference over the other metal ions when exposed to mixtures, reveal some interesting deviation from the expected behavior based on considerations of ionic radii. For example, Pb2+ is always found to bind to AA much more strongly than Cd2+ even though the latter has smaller ionic radius, indicating that other factors also play an important role in governing the binding strength trends apart from the effects of ionic radii. Then, to get a more meaningful knowledge regarding the binding capability, first-principles calculations based on density functional theory have been applied to study the interaction of different cations with the simplest carboxylic acid, acetic acid, that can result in formation of metal diacetates. Their electronic and molecular structures, cohesive energies, and stiffness of the local potential energy well at the cation (M) site are determined and attempts are made to understand the diversity in geometry and the properties of binding of different metal ions with -COOH group. We find that the calculated M-O bond energies depend sensitively on the chemistry of M atom and follow the experimentally observed trends quite accurately. The trends in M-O bond energies and hence the total M-acetate binding energy trends can actually be related to their molecular structures that fall into different categories: Ca and Cd have tetrahedral coordination; Fe, Ni, and Co exhibit planar 4-fold coordination; and Pb is off-centered from the planar structure (forming pyramidal structure) due to its stereochemically active lone pair of electrons.

}, doi = {10.1021/jp067906x}, author = {Bala, Tanushree and Bhagavatula L. V. Prasad and Sastry, Murali and Kahaly, Mousumi Upadhyay and Waghmare, Umesh V.} } @article { ISI:000243150300031, title = {Interface and defect structures in YBa(2)Cu(3)O(7-delta) and Nb : SrTiO(3) heterojunction}, journal = {Journal of Physics D-Applied Physics}, volume = {40}, number = {1}, year = {2007}, month = {JAN}, pages = {187-191}, publisher = {IOP PUBLISHING LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {TEMPLE CIRCUS, TEMPLE WAY, BRISTOL BS1 6BE, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

YBa(2)Cu(3)O(7-delta) thin films grown on a Nb-doped SrTiO(3) substrate by a pulsed laser deposition method have been fully characterized by scanning transmission electron microscopy Z- contrast imaging and electron energy loss spectroscopy techniques. The Nb distribution was found to be uniform and unchanged across the interface, ensuring a high quality p - n junction heterointerface. We first observed the coexistence of 124 and 125 YBCO defect structure phases, appearing as planar defects in a YBCO thin film. Dispersive Y(2)O(3) nanoparticles have also been observed in the thin film. The interaction of these defect structures and Y(2)O(3) nanoparticles is thought to be beneficial for pinning flux through the entire film thickness.

}, issn = {0022-3727}, doi = {10.1088/0022-3727/40/1/013}, author = {Fu, Lian-feng and Browning, Nigel D. and Ramadan, W. and Ogale, Satishchandra B. and Kundaliya, D. C. and Venkatesan, T.} } @article { ISI:000249986500041, title = {Ionic liquids as powerful solvent media for improving catalytic performance of silyl borate catalyst to promote Diels-Alder reactions}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {72}, number = {21}, year = {2007}, month = {OCT}, pages = {8111-8114}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

[GRAPHICS] Use of the acidic chloroaluminate ionic liquid, including the recycled ones, can improve the catalytic activity of the toluene-coordinated silyl borate in enhancing rates, stereoselectivities, and yields of Diels-Alder reactions.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/jo071099w}, author = {Kumar, Anil and Pawar, Sanjay S.} } @article { ISI:000251308700015, title = {Isopiestic osmotic coefficients of tetra-n-methylammonium chloride with guanidinium salts at 298.15 k}, journal = {Journal of Solution Chemistry}, volume = {36}, number = {11-12}, year = {2007}, month = {DEC}, pages = {1569-1584}, publisher = {SPRINGER/PLENUM PUBLISHERS}, type = {Article}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Isopiestic osmotic coefficients are presented for aqueous mixtures of tetra-n-methylammonium chloride, (CH3)(4)NCl, with guanidinium salts such as GnCl, CH(3)COOGn, GnNO(3), GnClO(4) and Gn(2)SO(4) at 298.15 K up to an ionic strength of 2 mol center dot kg(-1). The osmotic coefficients are analyzed in terms of the Scatchard-Rush-Johnson equations. The activity coefficients of each electrolyte in the mixtures were calculated and fitted by the Harned-type equations. The molar excess Gibbs energy of mixing, Delta(m) G(E), of the mixtures were analyzed with Friedman{\textquoteright}s equations.

}, keywords = {aqueous solutions, isopiestic method, Osmotic coefficients, Scatchard-Rush-Johnson equations, tetramethylammonium salts}, issn = {0095-9782}, doi = {10.1007/s10953-007-9206-6}, author = {Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000250178900006, title = {Low temperature synthesis and NOx sensing properties of nanostructured Al-doped ZnO}, journal = {Sensors and Actuators B-Chemical}, volume = {126}, number = {2}, year = {2007}, month = {OCT}, pages = {382-386}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Although ZnO is studied intensively as a sensing material, there are limited reports available on aluminum-doped ZnO (AZO) as a NO, sensor. This paper reports selective NO, sensing characteristics of M-doped ZnO synthesized in the form of porous pellets sintered at 350 degrees C. The salient feature of our experimental results is that our sensor can detect small concentrations of NO, at lower operating temperature. It is also observed that as compared to gases such as SOx HCl, LPG, H2S, H-2, ammonia, alcohol and acetone it selectively detects NOx due to Al-doping. The amount of Al in ZnO during synthesis is varied between 1 and 10 wt\%. Our sensor senses NO, concentration as low as 20ppm at 100 degrees C with a \%response of 11 and a \%response of 740 at 300 degrees C for 1 wt\% Al. Of all the compositions with Al-doping, I wt\% is found to give best results. Sensing experiments carried out at 350 C, however. do not show any significant improvement in the gas sensing properties. The phase contents and lattice parameters were determined by XRD and the average particle size was obtained using Scherrer formula. A probable mechanism for sensing NO, involving oxygen ion adsorption and desorption on the surface of sensor has been suggested. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {aluminum doping, nanomaterial, NOx, Sensor, ZnO}, issn = {0925-4005}, doi = {10.1016/j.snb.2007.03.019}, author = {Navale, S. C. and Ravi, V. and Mulla, Imtiaz S. and Gosavi, S. W. and Kulkarni, S. K.} } @article { ISI:000252511300009, title = {Low temperature synthesis of magnetite and maghemite nanoparticles}, journal = {Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology}, volume = {7}, number = {12}, year = {2007}, month = {DEC}, pages = {4294-4302}, publisher = {AMER SCIENTIFIC PUBLISHERS}, type = {Article}, address = {26650 THE OLD RD, STE 208, VALENCIA, CA 91381-0751 USA}, abstract = {

We report on the synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles below 100 degrees C by a simple chemical protocol. The uniqueness of the method lies in the use of Ferrous ammoniurn sulphate (in conjugation with FeCl3) which helps maintain the stability of Fe-2+ state in the reaction sequence thereby controlling the phase formation. Hexamine was added as the stabilizer. The nanoparticles synthesized at three different temperatures viz, 5 degrees, 27 degrees, and 95 degrees C are characterized by several techniques. Generally, when a mixture of Fe3+ and Fe2+ is added to sodium hydroxide, alpha-Fe2O3 (the anti-ferromagnetic phase) is formed after the dehydration process of the hydroxide. In our case however, the phases formed at all the three temperatures were found to be ferro (ferri) magnetic, implying modification of the formation chemistry due to the specifics of our method. The nanoparticles synthesized at the lowest temperature exhibit magnetite phase, while increase in growth temperature to 95 degrees C leads to the maghemite phase.

}, keywords = {low temperature synthesis, maghemite, magnetite, Nanoparticles}, issn = {1533-4880}, doi = {10.1166/jnn.2007.873}, author = {Bhagwat, Shrikant and Singh, Hema and Athawale, Anjali and Hannoyer, Beatrice and Jouen, Samuel and Lefez, Benoit and Kundaliya, Darshan and Pasricha, Renu and Kulkarni, Shailaja and Ogale, Satishchandra B.} } @article {42614, title = {Lubrication effects on the flow of wet granular materials}, journal = {Physical Review E}, volume = {76}, year = {2007}, month = {APR}, pages = {Article No. 031302}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We investigate the dynamics of a partially saturated grain-liquid mixture with a rotating drum apparatus. The drum is partially filled with the mixture and then rotated about its horizontal axis. We focus on the continuous avalanching regime and measure the impact of the volume fraction and viscosity of the liquid on the dynamic surface angle. The inclination angle of the surface is observed to increase sharply to a peak and then decrease as a function of liquid volume fraction. The height of the peak is observed to increase with rotation rate. For higher liquid volume fractions, the inclination angle of the surface can decrease with viscosity before increasing. The viscosity where the minimum occurs decreases with the rotation rate of the drum. Limited measurements of the flow depth were made, and these were observed to show only fractional changes with volume fraction and rotation speeds. We show that the qualitative features of our observations can be understood by analyzing the effect of lubrication forces on the time scale over which particles come in contact.

}, doi = {10.1103/PhysRevE.76.031302}, author = {Xu, Qing and Orpe, Ashish V. and Kudrolli, Arshad} } @article { ISI:000245041400042, title = {Mass transfer in bubble column reactors: effect of bubble size distribution}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {46}, number = {7}, year = {2007}, month = {MAR}, pages = {2205-2211}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Mass transfer in a bubble column is analyzed in a different perspective. The experiments were performed in a bubble column reactor that was operated in a regime where the overall rate of absorption of gas into liquid was dependent on both the mass-transfer coefficient and the rate of reaction. Homogeneous catalytic oxidation of sodium sulfite was considered as a model reaction. The local instantaneous velocity data was measured using LDA in the presence of reaction and was used to yield the bubble size distribution at several locations in the column. The role of individual bubble size during mass transfer with chemical reaction was observed to vary. The findings suggest that a narrow bubble size distribution would help to achieve uniformity in the performance at bubble scale, so that an identical regime of mass transfer with reaction exists at the individual bubble level.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/ie061015u}, author = {Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article { ISI:000250060600014, title = {Mechanistic investigations of phase behavior in Eudragit (R) blends}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmaceutics}, volume = {343}, number = {1-2}, year = {2007}, month = {OCT}, pages = {106-121}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Blends of Eudragit (R) E (EE) and polymeric excipients using thermal analysis and FTIR spectroscopy were examined. The interactions amongst the blend components were quantified in terms of parameters K-1 and K-2 in Schneider equation and were explained on the basis of interactions between the functional groups of the blend constituents investigated by FTIR spectroscopy. EE formed miscible blends with EC and polyelectrolyte complexes increasing in strength in the order: ES \< HPMCP \< CAP \< EL. From the T-g data the weight fraction of EE in the polyelectrolyte complex was determined. The importance of formulating polyelectrolyte complexes in stoichiometric ratios has been highlighted. The duration over which the release can be sustained by polyelectrolyte complexes has been correlated with equilibrium swelling of the polyelectrolyte complex and parameter K, for the first time. This would help in the choice of blend constituents and composition to tailor drug release. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {degree of swelling, Glass transition temperature, miscibility, polyelectrolyte complex, polymer blends, polymer-polymer interactions}, issn = {0378-5173}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijpharm.2007.05.033}, author = {Menjoge, Anupa R. and Kulkarni, M. G.} } @article { ISI:000249699500005, title = {Mitochondrial haplotypes reveal a strong genetic structure for three Indian sheep breeds}, journal = {Animal Genetics}, volume = {38}, number = {5}, year = {2007}, month = {OCT}, pages = {460-466}, publisher = {BLACKWELL PUBLISHING}, type = {Article}, address = {9600 GARSINGTON RD, OXFORD OX4 2DQ, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

This survey represents the first characterization of mitochondrial DNA diversity within three breeds of Indian sheep (two strains of the Deccani breed, as well as the Bannur and Garole breeds) from different geographic regions and with divergent phenotypic characteristics. A 1061-bp fragment of the mitochondrial genome spanning the control region, a portion of the 12S rRNA gene and the complete phenyl tRNA gene, was sequenced from 73 animals and compared with the corresponding published sequence from European and Asian breeds and the European Mouflon (Ovis musimon). Analysis of all 156 sequences revealed 73 haplotypes, 52 of which belonged to the Indian breeds. The three Indian breeds had no haplotypes in common, but one Indian haplotype was shared with European and other Asian breeds. The highest nucleotide and haplotype diversity was observed in the Bannur breed (0.00355 and 0.981 respectively), while the minimum was in the Sangamneri strain of the Deccani breed (0.00167 and 0.882 respectively). All 52 Indian haplotypes belonged to mitochondrial lineage A. Therefore, these Indian sheep are distinct from other Asian and European breeds studied so far. The relationships among the haplotypes showed strong breed structure and almost no introgression among these Indian breeds, consistent with Indian sheep husbandry, which discourages genetic exchange between breeds. These results have implications for the conservation of India{\textquoteright}s ovine biodiversity and suggest a common origin for the breeds investigated.

}, keywords = {Genetic diversity, Indian sheep, mitochondrial DNA, mitochondrial lineage, phylogeographic distribution, sheep domestication}, issn = {0268-9146}, doi = {10.1111/j.1365-2052.2007.01636.x}, author = {Pardeshi, V. C. and Kadoo, Narendra Y. and Sainani, Mohini N. and Meadows, J. R. S. and Kijas, J. W. and Gupta, Vidya S.} } @article { ISI:000247546800001, title = {Modified nucleic acid substructures in medicinal chemistry and drug development}, journal = {Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry}, volume = {7}, number = {7}, year = {2007}, month = {JAN}, pages = {639}, publisher = {BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBL LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {EXECUTIVE STE Y26, PO BOX 7917, SAIF ZONE, 1200 BR SHARJAH, U ARAB EMIRATES}, issn = {1568-0266}, doi = {10.2174/156802607780487731}, author = {Kumar, Vaijayanti A.} } @article { ISI:000250584500016, title = {Multiutility sophorolipids as nanoparticle capping agents: synthesis of stable and water dispersible Co nanoparticles}, journal = {Langmuir}, volume = {23}, number = {23}, year = {2007}, month = {NOV}, pages = {11409-11412}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Sophorolipids are a class of glycolipids that can be obtained from fatty acids by simply treating them with yeast cells (Candida bombicola, ATCC 22214) and glucose. In this letter, we demonstrate the application of sophorolipids obtained from oleic acid as a capping agent for Co nanoparticles. Upon capping the nanoparticle surface, the sugar moiety of these sophorolipids is exposed to the solvent environment, making the nanoparticles stable and water-redispersible.

}, issn = {0743-7463}, doi = {10.1021/la702931j}, author = {Kasture, Manasi and Singh, Sanjay and Patel, Pitamber and Joy, Pattayil Alias and Prabhune, Asmita and Ramana, C. V. and Bhagavatula L. V. Prasad} } @article {56}, title = {NCL-7, a novel all silica analog of polymorph B rich member of BEA family: synthesis and characterization}, journal = {Microporous and Mesoporous Materials}, volume = {101}, number = {1-2}, year = {2007}, note = {International Symposium on Zeolite and Microporous Crystals (ZMPC 2006), Yonago, JAPAN, JUL 30-AUG 02, 2006}, month = {APR}, pages = {108-114}, publisher = {Japan Assoc Zeolites}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

{Polymorph B-rich BEA type structure, NCL-7, was synthesized using hydrothermal method in fluoride medium using perchloric acid as promoter. The samples were characterized using XRD, low temperature N-2-adsorption and Si-29 MASNMR. As the structure of beta is highly disordered Rietveld refinement of powder XRD patterns is precluded. Phase composition is derived using the simulated patterns for the random intergrowths of polymorph A and B by DIFFaX. The stacking direction c{\textquoteright} is perpendicular to the a{\textquoteright}b{\textquoteright} plane of the layer. The composition of polymorph B is found to be ca. 60-65\%. Two other structures namely NCL-5 and NCL-6 with varying degree of polymorph B enrichment were also synthesized. Synthesis parameters such as effect of H2O/SiO2, TEAOH/SiO2, HClO4/SiO2 and crystallization temperature were studied thoroughly. The present article explains for the first time the synthesis and characterization of NCL-7, an analog of BEA type family with enrichment of polymorph B and its comparison with normal beta (*

}, keywords = {B-polymorph, DIFFaX, Promoter, Reitveld refinement, synthesis, zeolite beta}, issn = {1520-6106}, doi = {10.1016/j.micromeso.2006.10.033}, author = {Kadgaonkar, Mahesh D. and Kasture, Mahesh W. and Bhange, Deu S. and Joshi, Praphulla N. and Ramaswamy, Veda and Kumar, Rajiv} } @article { ISI:000246869200003, title = {New technique to study kinetics of chain conformation in polyaniline films}, journal = {Polymer Journal}, volume = {39}, number = {4}, year = {2007}, month = {FEB}, pages = {296-297}, publisher = {SOC POLYMER SCIENCE JAPAN}, type = {Article}, address = {TSUKIJI DAISAN NAGAOKA BLDG, 2-4-2 TSUKIJI, CHUO-KU, TOKYO, 104, JAPAN}, keywords = {Conformation, kinetics, laser, polyaniline, reflection}, issn = {0032-3896}, doi = {10.1295/polymj.PJ2006188}, author = {Harima, Yutaka and Kishimoto, Kazuya and Ogawa, Fumiyuki and Jiang, Xiaoqing and Patil, Rahul} } @article { ISI:000244293000015, title = {Nitrate reductase-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles from AgNO3}, journal = {Biotechnology Letters}, volume = {29}, number = {3}, year = {2007}, month = {MAR}, pages = {439-445}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, type = {Article}, address = {VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles using alpha-NADPH-dependent nitrate reductase and phytochelatin in vitro has been demonstrated for the first time. The silver ions were reduced in the presence of nitrate reductase, leading to the formation of a stable silver hydrosol 10-25 nm diam. and stabilized by the capping peptide. The nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV-Vis absorption. These studies will help in designing a rational enzymatic strategy for the synthesis of nanomaterials of different chemical composition, shapes and sizes as well as their separation.

}, keywords = {Capping Peptide, enzymatic method, nitrate reductase, silver nanoparticles}, issn = {0141-5492}, doi = {10.1007/s10529-006-9256-7}, author = {Kumar, S. Anil and Abyaneh, Majid Kazemian and Gosavi, S. W. and Kulkarni, Sulabha K. and Pasricha, Renu and Ahmad, Absar and Khan, Mohammad Islam} } @article { ISI:000246347900035, title = {Nitration and amination of polyphenylene oxide: synthesis, gas sorption and permeation analysis}, journal = {European Polymer Journal}, volume = {43}, number = {4}, year = {2007}, month = {APR}, pages = {1450-1459}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A high degree of nitration of polyphenylene oxide (PPO) was successfully achieved by carefully optimizing synthetic protocol. The reduction of nitro group to amino could be done quantitatively. The physical properties of formed polymers were investigated and correlated with gas sorption and permeation properties. The formed polymers were amorphous in nature as revealed by wide angle X-ray diffraction spectra. An increase in the packing density in comparison to unsubstituted PPO as a result of induced polarity was indicated by lowering of fractional free volume and d-spacing. The substitution by either nitro or amino group increased the chain stiffness as revealed by the dynamic mechanical analysis. Though both, nitro and amino group substitution on PPO led to a decrease in pure gas permeability, the selectivity of various gas pairs was increased by these substitutions. The gas sorption analysis revealed that both, solubility selectivity and diffusivity selectivity were increased by these polar group substitutions. The nitro group substitution was more effective in improving solubility selectivity, while amino group substitution was more effective in improving diffusivity selectivity. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Amination, nitration, permeation, polyphenylene oxide, Sorption}, issn = {0014-3057}, doi = {10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2007.01.017}, author = {Bhole, Yogesh S. and Karadkar, Prasad B. and Kharul, Ulhas K.} } @article {Huang, title = {Novel hybrid of clay, cellulose, and thermoplastics. I. preparation and characterization of composites of ethylene-propylene copolymer}, journal = {Journal of Applied Polymer Science}, volume = {104}, number = {4}, year = {2007}, month = {MAY}, pages = {2672-2682}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

{The present study is aimed to prepare hybrid materials by incorporating layered silicates and microcrystalline cellulose into thermoplastic polymer. Using ethylene-propylene (EP) copolymer as thermoplastic polymer matrix and maleated EP (MEP) copolymer as compatibilizer, three types of composites were prepared by (i) melt mixing of cellulose with thermoplastics [

}, keywords = {abrupt contraction, Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian, finite element, simulations}, issn = {0957-4166}, doi = {10.1002/app.25659}, author = {Kumar, Annamalai Pratheep and Singh, Raj Pal} } @article {43290, title = {One-step preparation of alpha-chlorostyrenes}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {48}, year = {2007}, month = {JUL}, pages = {4869-4872}, abstract = {alpha-Chlorostyrenes were prepared via a one-step method involving Friedel-Crafts reaction of various aromatic substrates with acid chlorides in the presence of a heterogeneous Si-Fe catalyst. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2007.05.065}, author = {Borate, Hanumant B. and Galkwad, Abaji G. and Maujan, Suleman R. and Sawargave, Sangmeshwer P. and Kalal, Kamalakar M.} } @article { ISI:000250085300004, title = {One-step preparation of nanosized Ag-PdCo-powder and its alloy formation at low temperature}, journal = {Synthesis and Reactivity in Inorganic Metal-Organic and Nano-Metal Chemistry}, volume = {37}, number = {7}, year = {2007}, month = {SEP}, pages = {531-539}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS INC}, type = {Article}, address = {325 CHESTNUT ST, SUITE 800, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 USA}, abstract = {

Nano-sized silver-palladium co-powder has been synthesized from silver nitrate-palladium chloride by wet chemical method. The present experimental conditions are applied for the first time for Ag-Pd co-powders wherein sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate (SFS) has been used as an external reducing agent to simultaneously reduce respective metal salts. SFS reduces the metal salts at room temperature thus prevents formation of bigger particles of the respective metals in co-powder. Powder X-ray diffraction measurements ( XRD) and Transmission electron microscopy ( TEM) suggest the formation of nano-sized Ag-Pd co-powder with particle diameter in the range of about 25 nm. SEM shows that the powder morphology changes with temperature. Heat treatment of 90: 10 (Ag:Pd) composition showed shift in XRD peaks indicating alloy formation of Ag/Pd at lower temperature. Thick-films generated by use of the co-powder resulted in Ag/Pd alloy at about 500 degrees C as confirmed by the XRD. Thermal analysis showed that Ag/Pd co-powders initially gain the weight due to oxidation followed by the weight loss.

}, keywords = {alloy, Chemical synthesis, nano-powder, noble metal, Transition Metal}, issn = {1553-3174}, doi = {10.1080/15533170701563707}, author = {Khanna, P. K. and Singh, N. and Kulkarni, D. and Marimuthu, R. and Charan, Shobhit and Patil, K. R. and Jain, G. H.} } @article { ISI:000244735900014, title = {Organocatalytic sequential alpha-amination-horner-wadsworth-emmons olefination of aldehydes: enantioselective synthesis of gamma-amino-alpha,beta-unsaturated esters}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {9}, number = {6}, year = {2007}, month = {MAR}, pages = {1001-1004}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

A novel and highly enantioselective method for the synthesis of gamma-amino-alpha,beta-unsaturated esters via tandem alpha-amination-Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons (HWE) olefination of aldehydes is described. The one-pot assembly has been demonstrated for the construction of functionalized chiral 2-pyrrolidones, subunits present in several alkaloids.

}, issn = {1523-7060}, doi = {10.1021/ol063012j}, author = {Kotkar, Shriram P. and Chavan, Vilas B. and Sudalai, Arumugam} } @article { ISI:000251908500042, title = {Pathway to copolymer collapse in dilute solution: uniform versus random distribution of comonomers}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Physics}, volume = {127}, number = {23}, year = {2007}, month = {DEC}, pages = {234901}, publisher = {AMER INST PHYSICS}, type = {Article}, address = {CIRCULATION \& FULFILLMENT DIV, 2 HUNTINGTON QUADRANGLE, STE 1 N O 1, MELVILLE, NY 11747-4501 USA}, abstract = {

Monte Carlo simulations show that copolymers with uniformly (or periodically) distributed sticky comonomers collapse {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}cooperatively,{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} abruptly forming a compact intermediate comprising a monomer shell surrounding a core of the aggregated comonomers. In comparison, random copolymers collapse through a relatively less-compact intermediate comprising a comonomer core surrounded by a fluffy monomer shell that densifies over a wide temperature range. This difference between the collapse pathways for random and uniform copolymers persists to higher chain lengths, where uniform copolymers tend to form multiple comonomer cores. In this paper, we describe the formation of such an intermediate state, and the subsequent collapse, by recognizing that these arise from the expected balance between comonomer aggregation enthalpy and loop formation entropy dictated by the chain microstructure. (c) 2007 American Institute of Physics.

}, issn = {0021-9606}, doi = {10.1063/1.2802296}, author = {Dasmahapatra, Ashok Kumar and Nanavati, Hemant and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy} } @article { ISI:000245141300053, title = {Photodegradation of ethylene/propylene/polar monomers, Co-, and terpolymers. II. prepared by Ni catalyst systems}, journal = {Journal of Applied Polymer Science}, volume = {104}, number = {3}, year = {2007}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1783-1791}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, type = {Article}, address = {COMMERCE PLACE, 350 MAIN ST, MALDEN 02148, MA USA}, abstract = {

The copolymers of ethylene/propylene as well as their terpolymers with polar monomers were prepared by Ni-catalyst systems and their photodegradation behavior was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The polar monomers used to synthesize co- and terpolymers of ethylene/propylene/polar monomer were 5-hexen-1-ol, 10-undecen-1-ol, acrylamide, methylmethacrylate, acrylonitrile, and methylvinyl ketone. The morphological changes of the irradiated samples were determined by scanning electron microscopy. The photodegradation kinetics has also been studied. The surface damage caused by polychromatic irradiation (lambda \>= 290 nm) at 55 degrees C in atmospheric air is presented in different micrographs. The rate of photo-oxidative degradation is very fast in terpolymers containing polar monomers as compared with copolymers and homopolymers. The morphological study of the photodegraded samples showed a very good correlation with the photodegraded results. (c) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

}, keywords = {copolymerization, Ethylene, Photodegradation, polar monomers, propylene}, issn = {0021-8995}, doi = {10.1002/app.25828}, author = {Fernandes, Susete N. and Correia, Sandra and Matos, Ines and Marques, Maria M. and Rana, Sravendra and Kumar, Bijandra and Gupta, M. K. and Singh, R. P.} } @article { ISI:000206190100007, title = {Photo-oxidation of EPDM/layered double hydroxides composites: influence of layered hydroxides and stabilizers}, journal = {Express Polymer Letters}, volume = {1}, number = {11}, year = {2007}, month = {NOV}, pages = {748-754}, publisher = {BUDAPEST UNIV TECHNOL \& ECON}, type = {Article}, address = {DEPT POLYMER ENG, MUEGYETEM RKP 3, BUDAPEST, H-1111, HUNGARY}, abstract = {

The photo-oxidation of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)/layered double hydroxide (LDH) composites as well as EPDM/LDH with stabilizers is studied under accelerated UV irradiation (lambda \>= 290 nm) at 60 degrees C for different time intervals. The development of functional groups during oxidation was monitored by FT-IR spectroscopy. The photo-degradation of the pristine polymer and composites take place and the increase in hydroxyl and carbonyl groups with irradiation times, was estimated. EPDM filled LDH showed higher degradation rate than pristine EPDM, while in acidic medium EPDM/LDH showed almost equal degradation as in isolated conditions. These results show the advantages of LDHs as a filler as well as an acid killer. The effect of stabilizers is very less because of their concentration in comparison of LDH.

}, keywords = {EPDM, layered double hydroxides, Photo-oxidation, polymer composites}, issn = {1788-618X}, doi = {10.3144/expresspolymlett.2007.103}, author = {Kumar, B. and Rana, S. and Singh, R. P.} } @article { ISI:000251014000004, title = {Photo-stabilization of EPDM-clay nanocomposites: effect of antioxidant on the preparation and durability}, journal = {Polymers for Advanced Technologies}, volume = {18}, number = {11}, year = {2007}, note = {International Conference on Frontier in Polymer Science and Technology, Calcutta, INDIA, FEB 10-12, 2006}, month = {NOV}, pages = {891-900}, publisher = {JOHN WILEY \& SONS LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE ATRIUM, SOUTHERN GATE, CHICHESTER PO19 8SQ, W SUSSEX, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The present study is to examine the photo-stabilization effect of an antioxidant on the photo-oxidation of ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM)-clay nanocomposites. During the preparation of EPDM-clay nanocomposites via melt processing antioxidants are usually incorporated along with clay, which allows phenolic antioxidant molecules to get adsorbed onto acidic clay platelets and their interaction with metallic impurities reduces the stabilizing efficiency of the antioxidant. The nanocomposites were obtained by solution dispersion followed by melt compounding of EPDM and organophilic montmorillonite (OMMT). The samples were characterized by conventional tools such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infra Red (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). It was found, upon photo-irradiation (lambda \> 290 nm) studies by following the changes in functional groups and surface morphology, that photo-degradation was lowered by the antioxidant and the efficiency of the antioxidant could be improved by initial incorporation of antioxidant in the EPDM matrix. In EPDM-clay nanocomposites, a stabilizing activity of the antioxidant was observed above some threshold concentration of the antioxidant. The relationship between the nanoclay reinforcement and stabilizing efficiency in terms of photo-oxidation and surface morphology for their applicability are discussed. The methodology adopted for this study is also justified through our observation. Copyright (C) 2007 John Wiley \& Sons, Ltd.

}, keywords = {ethylene-propylene-diene monomer, nanocomposites photo-degradation antioxidant and stabilization}, issn = {1042-7147}, doi = {10.1002/pat.925}, author = {Lonkar, Sunil P. and Kumar, A. Pratheep and Singh, Raj Pal} } @article { ISI:000244257400014, title = {Practical and facile approach towards indole alkaloids: (-)-mitralactonine}, journal = {Synlett}, number = {1}, year = {2007}, month = {JAN}, pages = {79-82}, publisher = {GEORG THIEME VERLAG KG}, type = {Article}, address = {RUDIGERSTR 14, D-70469 STUTTGART, GERMANY}, abstract = {

An efficient approach to (-)-mitralactonine using Pictet-Spengler cyclisation with a highly functionalised masked aldehyde is described. Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation (SAD) is utilised to introduce chirality in the key substrate.

}, keywords = {alkaloids, asymmetric, cyclisations, dihydroxylations, thioacetats}, issn = {0936-5214}, doi = {10.1055/s-2006-958434}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Sharma, Pallavi and Sivappa, Rasapalli and Kalkote, Uttam R.} } @article { ISI:000249627100033, title = {Practical formal synthesis of camptothecin}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letter}, volume = {48}, number = {37}, year = {2007}, month = {SEP}, pages = {6561-6563}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The synthesis of the DE ring of camptothecin using simple and inexpensive starting materials, employing an addition elimination reaction and selective esterification of an aliphatic carboxylic acid as key steps is described. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {alkaloid, Anticancer, camptothecin, Natural product}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2007.07.017}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Pathak, Ashok B. and Kalkote, Uttam R.} } @article { ISI:000246298900004, title = {Practical formal synthesis of D-(+)-biotin from 4-formylazetidin-2-one}, journal = {Synthesis-Stuttgart}, number = {8}, year = {2007}, month = {APR}, pages = {1159-1164}, publisher = {GEORG THIEME VERLAG KG}, type = {Article}, address = {RUDIGERSTR 14, D-70469 STUTTGART, GERMANY}, abstract = {

A practical synthesis of (3S,6R)-1,3-dibenzyltetrahydro-1H-furo[3,4-d]imidazole-2,4-dione, an important intermediate in the synthesis of biotin, from 4-formyl-3-mesyloxyazetidin-2-one has been achieved. Acid-catalyzed azetidin-2-one ring opening followed by a one-pot conversion of diamine hydrochloride to a cyclic urea and hydroxymethylene to chloromethylene by triphosgene to obtain (4S,5R)-methyl-1,3-dibenzyl-5-chloromethyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxyl ate is the key step in this synthesis.

}, keywords = {azetidin-2-one, beta-Lactams, cyclization, Lactone, reduction}, issn = {0039-7881}, doi = {10.1055/s-2007-965992}, author = {Kale, Ajaykumar S. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Deshmukh, Abdul Rakeeb A. S.} } @article { ISI:000252029800002, title = {Practical synthesis of (+/-)-venlafaxine}, journal = {Synthetic Communications}, volume = {37}, number = {22-24}, year = {2007}, month = {NOV}, pages = {3901-3906}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS INC}, type = {Article}, address = {325 CHESTNUT ST, SUITE 800, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 USA}, abstract = {

A practical total synthesis of antidepressant (+/-)-venlafaxine is disclosed.

}, keywords = {antidepressant, Grignard reaction, Michael addition}, issn = {0039-7911}, doi = {10.1080/00397910701572266}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Khobragade, Dushant A. and Thakkar, Mahesh and Kalkote, Uttam R.} } @article { ISI:000249921800011, title = {Production and partial characterization of two types of phytase from aspergillus niger NCIM 563 under submerged fermentation conditions}, journal = {World Journal of Microbiology \& Biotechnology}, volume = {23}, number = {11}, year = {2007}, month = {NOV}, pages = {1585-1593}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, type = {Article}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Novel extracellular phytase was produced by Aspergillus niger NCIM 563 under submerged fermentation conditions at 30 degrees C in medium containing dextrin and glucose as carbon sources along with sodium nitrate as nitrogen source. Maximum phytase activity (41.47 IU/mL at pH 2.5 and 10.71 IU/mL at pH 4.0) was obtained when dextrin was used as carbon source along with glucose and sodium nitrate as nitrogen source. Nearly 13 times increase in phytase activity was observed when phosphate in the form of KH2PO4 (0.004 g/100 mL) was added in the fermentation medium. Physic-chemical properties of partially purified enzyme indicate the possibility of two distinct forms of phytases, Phy I and Phy II. Optimum pH and temperature for Phy I was 2.5 and 60 degrees C while Phy II was 4.0 and 60 degrees C, respectively. Phy I was stable in the pH range 1.5-3.5 while Phy II was stable in the wider pH range, 2.0-7.0. Molecular weight of Phy I and Phy II on Sephacryl S-200 was approximately 304 kDa and 183 kDa, respectively. Phy I activity was moderately stimulated in the presence of 1 mM Mg2+, Mn2+, Ca2+ and Fe3+ ions and inhibited by Zn2+ and Cd2+ ions while Phy II activity was moderately stimulated by Fe3+ ions and was inhibited by Hg2+, Mn2+ and Zn2+ ions at 1 mM concentration in reaction mixture. The Km for Phy I and II was 3.18 and 0.514 mM while Vmax was 331.16 and 59.47 mu mols/min/mg protein, respectively.

}, keywords = {Aspergillus niger, Phytase, phytate degradation, Poultry feed supplement, Submerged fermentation}, issn = {0959-3993}, doi = {10.1007/s11274-007-9404-9}, author = {Soni, Sarvesh Kumar and Khire, Jayant Malhar} } @article { ISI:000243572800014, title = {Purification and characterization of a lectin from endophytic fungus fusarium solani having complex sugar specificity}, journal = {Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics }, volume = {457}, number = {2}, year = {2007}, month = {JAN}, pages = {243-251}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC}, type = {Article}, address = {360 PARK AVE SOUTH, NEW YORK, NY 10010-1710 USA}, abstract = {

A lectin from the mycelial extract of an endophytic strain of Fusarium solani was purified. Its hemagglutinating activity was inhibited by glycoproteins possessing N-linked as well as O-linked glycans. The thermodynamics and kinetics of binding of glycans and glycoproteins to F. solani lectin Was Studied using SUH ace plasmon resonance. The lectin showed high affinity for asialofetuin, asia-lofibrinogen, asialofibrinogen, and thyroglobulin: and comparatively low affinity for mucin, fetuin, fibrinogen, and holotransferrin. Glycoproteins showed glycans with significant contribution from enthalpy and positive entropy, suggesting several fold higher affinity than their corresponding g the involvement of non-polar protein-protein interaction. Moreover, the higher affinity of the glycoproteins was due to their faster association rates and low activation energy. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {endophytic fungus, Fusarium solani, Lectin, Purification, SPR, Thermodynamic properties}, issn = {0003-9861}, doi = {10.1016/j.abb.2006.10.019}, author = {Khan, Feroz and Ahmad, Absar and Khan, Mohammad Islam} } @article {42612, title = {Rheology of surface granular flows}, journal = {Journal of Fluid Mechanics}, volume = {571}, year = {2007}, month = {JAN}, pages = {1-32}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Surface granular flow, comprising granular material flowing on the surface of a heap of the same material, occurs in several industrial and natural systems. The rheology of such a flow was investigated by means of measurements of velocity and number-density profiles in a quasi-two-dimensional rotating cylinder, half-filled with a model granular material {\textendash} monosize spherical stainless-steel particles. The measurements were made at the centre of the cylinder, where the flow is fully developed, using streakline photography and image analysis. The stress profile was computed from the number-density profile using a force balance which takes into account wall friction. Mean-velocity and root-mean-square (r.m.s.)-velocity profiles are reported for different particle sizes and cylinder rotation speeds. The profiles for the mean velocity superimpose when distance is scaled by the particle diameter d and velocity by a characteristic shear rate and the particle diameter, where βm is the maximum dynamic angle of repose and βs is the static angle of repose. The maximum dynamic angle of repose is found to vary with the local flow rate. The scaling is also found to work for the r.m.s. velocity profiles. The mean velocity is found to decay exponentially with depth in the bed, with decay length λ = 1.1d. The r.m.s. velocity shows similar behaviour but with λ = 1.7d. The r.m.s. velocity profile shows two regimes: near the free surface the r.m.s. velocity is nearly constant and below a transition point it decays linearly with depth. The shear rate, obtained by numerical differentiation of the velocity profile, is not constant anywhere in the layer and has a maximum which occurs at the same depth as the transition in the r.m.s. velocity profile. Above the transition point the velocity distributions are Gaussian and below the transition point the velocity distributions gradually approach a Poisson distribution. The shear stress increases roughly linearly with depth. The variation in the apparent viscosity η with r.m.s. velocity u shows a relatively sharp transition at the shear-rate maximum, and in the region below this point the apparent viscosity η \~{} u-1.5. The measurements indicate that the flow comprises two layers: an upper low-viscosity layer with a nearly constant r.m.s. velocity and a lower layer of increasing viscosity with a decreasing r.m.s. velocity. The thickness of the upper layer depends on the local flow rate and is independent of particle diameter while the reverse is found to hold for the lower-layer thickness. The experimental data is compared with the predictions of three models for granular flow.

}, doi = {10.1017/S002211200600320X}, author = {Orpe, Ashish V. and Khakhar, Devang V.} } @article { ISI:000250278300038, title = {Role of ionic diffusion in polymer gel mediated growth (PMG) technique for the synthesis of nanoparticulate fillers}, journal = {Materials Chemistry and Physics}, volume = {105}, number = {2-3}, year = {2007}, month = {OCT}, pages = {348-353}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Polymer mediated growth (PMG), which forms an important method for synthesis of nanoparticles, has one of the ions bound by polymer matrix while the other is allowed to diffuse and react to form desired compound. The exact role of ionic diffusion in the formation of nanoparticles has been investigated by taking specific case studies. Typically calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate and calcium sulfate have been formed in nano-size by PMG route using polyacrylamide gel. The extent of cross-linking of the polymer matrix in the formation of gel, affects the diffusivity of ions into polymer matrix and the size of particles formed. The rates of diffusion for different extents of cross-linking of polymer are estimated during the synthesis of nanoparticles using Fick{\textquoteright}s law. The inter-correlation between the particle size formation and the diffusion length has been clearly brought out in these studies. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {ionic diffusion, nanoparticulate fillers, polymeric gels}, issn = {0254-0584}, doi = {10.1016/j.matchemphys.2007.04.071}, author = {Sonawane, Pradip S. and Biradar, Santoshkumar S. and Radhakrishnan, S. and Kulkarni, B. D.} } @article { ISI:000246492900025, title = {Rotary Cement Kiln Simulator (RoCKS): integrated modeling of pre-heater, calciner, kiln and clinker cooler}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Science}, volume = {62}, number = {9}, year = {2007}, month = {MAY}, pages = {2590-2607}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

This paper presents an integrated reaction engineering based mathematical model for clinker formation in cement industry. Separate models for pre-heater, calciner, rotary kiln and cooler were initially developed and coupled together to build an integrated simulator. Appropriate models for simulating gas-solid contact and heat transfer in pre-heaters were developed. Calciner was modeled by considering simultaneous combustion of coal particles and calcination of raw meal. Complex heat transfer and reactions (solid-solid, gas-solid and homogeneous reactions in gas phase) in rotary kiln were modeled using three sub-models coupled to each other. Solid-solid reactions in the bed region of the kiln were modeled using pseudo-homogeneous approximation. Melting of solids in the bed and formation of coating within the kiln were accounted. Clinker cooler was simulated by developing a two-dimensional model to capture cross-flow heat transfer between air and hot clinkers. The individual models were coupled with each other via mass and energy communication through common boundaries. The coupled model equations were solved iteratively. The model predictions agree well with the observations and experience from cement industry. The model was used to gain better understanding of influence of operating conditions on energy consumption in cement plant. Several ways for reducing energy consumption were computationally investigated. The integrated model, the developed software RoCKS (for Rotary Cement Kiln Simulator) and results presented here will be useful for enhancing our understanding and for enhancing the performance of clinker manufacturing. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {cement, energy consumption, reaction engineering model}, issn = {0009-2509}, doi = {10.1016/j.ces.2007.01.063}, author = {Mujumdar, Kaustubh S. and Ganesh, K. V. and Kulkarni, Sarita B. and Ranade, Vivek V.} } @article { ISI:000252029800038, title = {Short and efficient synthesis of rubrolide E}, journal = {Synthetic Communications}, volume = {37}, number = {22-24}, year = {2007}, month = {DEC}, pages = {4253-4263}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS INC}, type = {Article}, address = {325 CHESTNUT ST, SUITE 800, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 USA}, abstract = {

Short and efficient synthesis of rubrolide E from commercially available 4-methoxyacetophenone, employing ring-closing metathesis, Knoevenagel condensation, and Reformatsky reactions, are the key steps are described.

}, keywords = {antibiotics, antitumor, Epoxide, Natural products, Total synthesis}, issn = {0039-7911}, doi = {10.1080/00397910701575665}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Pathak, Ashok B. and Pandey, Ankur and Kalkote, Uttam R.} } @article {17}, title = {Short synthesis of (+)-harzialactone A and (R)-(+)-4-hexanolide via proline-catalyzed sequential alpha-aminooxylation and horner-wadsworth-emmons olefination of aldehydes}, journal = {Tetrahedron-Asymmetry}, volume = {18}, number = {16}, year = {2007}, month = {AUG}, pages = {1795-1798}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

{In melts, ring polymers assume more compact conformations compared to linear chains with the same degree of polymerization N-r, i.e. R-r similar to N-r(nu) with nu approximate to 0.4, where R-r is the radius of gyration. Upon gradually substituting some of the ring polymers with linear chains, the ring molecules swell. In the limit of infinite dilution, their size scales as R-r similar to N-r(0.5). We present a scaling argument based on the blob model to capture this transition. Ring-linear blends are modeled as a semidilute solution of ring polymers in a theta-solvent consisting of linear chains. The model predicts that the size of the ring polymer remains unchanged up to the overlap concentration c(r)(*

}, keywords = {core-shell nanoparticles, Gold, HRTEM, interfacial seeded growth, Silver, XPS}, issn = {0957-4166}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetasy.2007.07.031}, author = {Kotkar, Shriram P. and Suryavanshi, Gurunath S. and Sudalai, Arumugarn} } @article { ISI:000246832500007, title = {Simple and efficient approach to 1,3-aminoalcohols: application to the synthesis of (+)-negamycin}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letter}, volume = {48}, number = {22}, year = {2007}, month = {MAY}, pages = {3793-3796}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A short and practical enantioselective synthesis of (+)-negamycin has been achieved in high enantio- and diastereomeric excess using an iterative Jacobsen{\textquoteright}s hydrolytic kinetic resolution as the key step. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2007.03.169}, author = {Naidu, S. Vasudeva and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000243365800018, title = {Simple and efficient synthesis of thysanone methyl ether}, journal = {Tetrahedron}, volume = {63}, number = {1}, year = {2007}, month = {JAN}, pages = {166-170}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The synthesis of thysanone methyl ether is achieved by employing semivioxanthin methyl ether, which in turn is prepared by the tandem Michael addition of an anion of orsellinate to a substituted dihydropyrone. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {human pathogen, Michael addition, orsellinate derivative, semivioxanthin}, issn = {0040-4020}, doi = {10.1016/j.tet.2006.10.038}, author = {Bulbule, Vivek J. and Koranne, Priti S. and Deshpande, Vishnu H. and Borate, Hanumant B.} } @article { ISI:000244413600017, title = {Spinning wave motion in frontal polymerization}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Science}, volume = {62}, number = {5}, year = {2007}, month = {MAR}, pages = {1448-1455}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We present a mathematical model describing dynamics of spinning waves which propagate during frontal polymerization reaction taking place in a cylindrical reactor tube. The self-organization of spatio-temporal solution of wave equations due to interplay between thermal diffusion and kinetics gives rise to pattern formation. We begin with a fundamental equation of motion of radial coordinate after defining an asymptotic phase for spinmode. The motion is analyzed near a critical (Hopf) point and a perturbation solution is used to obtain patterns for a case of preparation of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) via frontal polymerization reaction. The model uses the distance as seen in photograph taken using scanning electron microscope (SEM) from which motion begins around core of spiral and calculates pitch of spiral which matches closely with experimental observation in micrograph. Also the model predicts qualitatively the ramp wave and spiral wave motion as observed under SEM. Both these results are reported in open literature for the first time to our best knowledge. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {frontal polymerization, spinning wave, spiral motion, wave dynamics}, issn = {0009-2509}, doi = {10.1016/j.ces.2006.11.037}, author = {Inamdar, Satish R. and Pujari, N. S. and Karimi, I. A. and Ponrathnam, S. and Tayal, R. K. and Kulkarni, B. D.} } @article {34}, title = {Stabilization of gamma-sterilized biomedical polyolefins by synergistic mixtures of oligomeric stabilizers. part II. polypropylene matrix}, journal = {Polymer Degradation and Stability}, volume = {92}, number = {2}, year = {2007}, month = {FEB}, pages = {299-309}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, keywords = {Ceramics, Chemical synthesis, Electron microscopy, Oxides, X-ray diffraction}, issn = {0167-577X}, author = {Alariqi, Sameh A. S. and Kumar, A. Pratheep and Rao, B. S. M. and Singh, R. P.} } @article { ISI:000247546800008, title = {Structure-editing of nucleic acids for selective targeting of RNA}, journal = {Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry}, volume = {7}, number = {7}, year = {2007}, month = {JAN}, pages = {715-726}, publisher = {BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBL LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {EXECUTIVE STE Y26, PO BOX 7917, SAIF ZONE, 1200 BR SHARJAH, U ARAB EMIRATES}, abstract = {

The synthesis of backbone-modified nucleic acids has been an area of very intense research over the last two decades. The main reason for this research activity is the instability of nucleic acid based drugs in the intracellular conditions. Changes in the sugar-phosphate backbone invariably bring about the changes in the complementation properties of the nucleic acids. The naturally occurring deoxyribose- (DNA) and ribose (RNA) sugar-phosphate backbones are endowed with considerable differences in their binding affinities towards themselves. This occurs because of the different sugar conformations prevalent in DNA and RNA and the subtle structural changes accruing from these in hydrogen bonding, base-stacking interactions and hydration of major/minor grooves. The six-atom phosphodiester linkages and pentose-sugars give immense opportunities for chemical modifications that lead to several backbone-modified nucleic acid structures. This article is focused on such modifications that impart RNA-selective binding properties to the modified nucleic acid mimics and the rationale behind the said selectivity. It is found that the six-atom sugar-phosphate backbone could be replaced by either one-atom extended or one-atom edited repeating units, leading to the folded or extended geometries to maintain the internucleoside distance-complementarity. Other important contributions come from electronegativity of the substituent groups, hydration in the major/minor groove, base stacking etc.

}, issn = {1568-0266}, doi = {10.2174/156802607780487722}, author = {Kumar, Vaijayanti A. and Ganesh, Krishna N.} } @article { ISI:000246066000033, title = {Sulfonamide- and hydrazine-based palladium catalysts: stable and efficient catalysts for C-C coupling reactions in aqueous medium}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Catalysis A-Chemical}, volume = {269}, number = {1-2}, year = {2007}, month = {MAY}, pages = {218-224}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Syntheses of a novel family of sulfonamide-based palladium complexes and phenylhydrazine-based palladacycles are described. These catalysts are thermally stable, and not sensitive to air and moisture and some are completely soluble in water. These catalysts have shown excellent activity (good yields and high turnover numbers) and product selectivity in several arylation reactions including Suzuki, Heck, and Sonogashira reactions carried out totally under aqueous conditions. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {arylation reaction, Heck reaction, palladium catalyst, Sonogashira reaction, Suzuki coupling reaction}, issn = {1381-1169}, doi = {10.1016/j.molcata.2006.12.023}, author = {Kumar, N. S. C. Ramesh and Raj, I. Victor Paul and Sudalai, A.} } @article { ISI:000250387000005, title = {Synergistic effect of CPPU and benzyladenine on embryo rescue in six. stenospermocarpic cultivars of grapevine}, journal = {Vitis}, volume = {46}, number = {4}, year = {2007}, month = {JAN}, pages = {188-191}, publisher = {BUNDESANSTALT ZUCHTUNGS FORSCHUNG KULTURPFLANZEN}, type = {Article}, address = {INST REBENZUCHTUNG GEILWEILERHOF, D-76833 SIEBELDINGEN, GERMANY}, abstract = {

In ovulo/embryo culture technique has been used to recover hybrids from seedless grapevines. The present investigation was carried out to study the influence of pre-bloom sprays of N-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-N{\textquoteright}-phenylurea (CPPU) - a synthetic cytokinin, and N-6-benzyladenine (BA) supplemented in culture media on embryo recovery in six stenospermocarpic grapevine cultivars. The results showed synergistic effect of CPPU and BA on embryo recovery. Though a CPPU spray alone increased embryo recovery in four out of six cultivars tested, the efficiency was enhanced several fold on culture of excised ovules on media supplemented with BA. The percentage of embryo recovery also depended on BA concentration and varied among six cultivars indicating a genotypic influence as well. Germination percentage of rescued embryos varied among the six cultivars and mostly corresponded with embryo recovery. Germinated embryos developed into normal plantlets. Present study demonstrates that spraying of panicles with CPPU and incorporation of BA in the ovule culture medium can enhance the embryo recovery in stenospermocarpic cultivars of grapevine.

}, keywords = {benzyladenine, CPPU, embryo rescue, seedless grapes}, issn = {0042-7500}, author = {Nookaraju, A. and Barreto, M. S. and Karibasappa, G. S. and Agrawal, Dinesh C.} } @article { ISI:000243798400010, title = {Synergistic role of acid sites in the Ce-enhanced activity of mesoporous Ce-Al-MCM-41 catalysts in alkylation reactions: FTIR and TPD-ammonia studies}, journal = {Journal of Catalysis}, volume = {245}, number = {2}, year = {2007}, month = {JAN}, pages = {338-347}, publisher = {ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE}, type = {Article}, address = {525 B ST, STE 1900, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101-4495 USA}, abstract = {

The acidic properties of Ce-x-Al-y-MCM-41 with different Ce/Al/Si atomic ratios were examined by pyridine-FTIR and ammonia-TPD methods. Both the density and the strength of the acid sites were considerably higher in the samples containing both Ce and Al than in the samples with only one of these substituents. The IR spectra of chemisorbed pyridine revealed that the Ce-Al-MCM-41 samples contained at least two distinct Lewis acid sites, L-2 (1595-1444 cm(-1)) and L-1 (1613-1452 cm(-1)), where the L-2/L-1 ratio increased progressively with increasing Ce/Al atomic ratio in a series of samples with similar Si/Al ratios. In addition, the density of the Bronsted acid sites (B) as well as the B/L-1 ratio increased with increasing Ce/Al molar ratio in these samples. The findings of this study help us understand the synergistic role played by Lewis and Bronsted acid sites in the catalytic activity of these catalysts for the benzylation of toluene. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {ammonia-TPD, benzylation reaction, Ce-Al-MCM-41, Friedel-Crafts alkylation, pyridine-FrIR}, issn = {0021-9517}, doi = {10.1016/j.jcat.2006.10.022}, author = {Kalita, Pranjal and Gupta, Narendra M. and Kumar, Rajiv} } @article {Bhattacharya, title = {Synthesis and characterisation of polymer-anchored oxidovanadium(IV) complexes and their use for the oxidation of styrene and cumene}, journal = {European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry}, number = {16}, year = {2007}, month = {JUN}, pages = {2303-2314}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, type = {Article}, address = {233 SPRING STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

{The Schiff bases H(2)fsal-ea (I), H(2)fsal-pa (II) and H(2)fsal-amp (III), derived from 3-formylsalicylic acid and 2-aminoethanol, 3-aminopropanol and 2-amino-2-methylpropanol, respectively, have been connected, by means of covalent bonds, to chloromethylated polystyrene cross-linked with 5\% divinylbenzene. On treatment with [

}, keywords = {dissolution rate, mass transfer coefficient, particle size distribution, polydisperse solid, reactive liquid}, issn = {0930-7575}, author = {Maurya, Mannar R. and Kumar, Umesh and Manikandan, Palanichamy} } @article { ISI:000245141300028, title = {Synthesis and characterization of hindered amine light stabilizers based on end functionalization of polypropylene}, journal = {Journal of Applied Polymer Science}, volume = {104}, number = {3}, year = {2007}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1596-1602}, publisher = {JOHN WILEY \& SONS INC}, type = {Article}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN, NJ 07030 USA}, abstract = {

A polymeric hindered amine light stabilizer (HALS), where HALS moiety was attached at the terminal end of the polypropylene chain via end-functionalized vinylidine PP through simple organic reactions, was synthesized. It comprises the synthesis of vinylidine-terminated polypropylene by using Cp2ZrCl2/MAO as catalyst system and epoxidation of vinylidene polypropylene. The final product was synthesized by carrying out the reaction between epoxy end functionalized polypropylene and 4-amino-2,2,6,6-tetrametyl piperidine. The final product was characterized by using H-1 NMR, C-13 NMR, and FT-IR spectra. Functionality was calculated by using vapor phase osmometry and H-1 NMR. The solubility and diffusion coefficient of the product were calculated and also its stabilization performance was checked. (c) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

}, keywords = {end functionalization, functionalization of polymers, polymeric HALS, polypropylene, vinylidine and photostabilization}, issn = {0021-8995}, doi = {10.1002/app.25745}, author = {Reddy, K. Raghunatha and Kumar, Bijendra and Rana, Sravendra and Tevtia, Amit K. and Singh, R. P.} } @article { ISI:000243695000025, title = {Synthesis and characterization of mesoporous carbon through inexpensive mesoporous silica as template}, journal = {Microporous and Mesoporous Materials}, volume = {98}, number = {1-3}, year = {2007}, month = {JAN}, pages = {189-199}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Mesoporous silica materials have been synthesized through sol-gel reaction using inexpensive sodium silicate as source of silica and low cost hydroxy carboxylic acid compounds as templates/pore forming agents. The material measured surface area of 1014 m(2)/g, pore diameter of 65 angstrom and pore volume of 1.4 cc/g when parameters like time and temperature of synthesis along with mole ratio of TA/SiO(2) were optimized. Here TA stands for tartaric acid. Carbonization of sucrose inside the pores of above silica material at 900 degrees C followed by removal of silica framework using aqueous ethanoic solution of NaOH gave rise to mesoporous carbon material. The resulting materials were characterized by N(2)-sorption, FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermal analysis and cyclic voltammetry. Three dimensional interconnecting wormhole channel arrangement of mesoporous silica template leads to mesoporous carbon replica with surface area of 1200 m(2)/g. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic study (XPS) of the mesoporous carbon material shows the concentration of carbon atom in the range of 97-98\% with 1-2\% oxygen and negligible amount of silica. The electrochemical double layer capacitance behavior of carbon material with the specific capacitance value of 88.0 F/g at the scan rate of 1 mV/s appears to be promising. (C) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Electrochemical properties, hydroxy carboxylic acid, mesoporous carbon, Mesoporous silica, sodium silicate}, issn = {1387-1811}, doi = {10.1016/j.micromeso.2006.09.003}, author = {Karandikar, Prashant R. and Patil, K. R. and Mitra, A. and Kakade, Bhalchandra A. and Chandwadkar, Asha J.} } @article { ISI:000250399300012, title = {Synthesis and characterization of NCL-5, NCL-6 and NCL-7: new zeolites enriched with polymorph B of the BEA family}, journal = {Microporous and Mesoporous Materials}, volume = {105}, number = {1-2}, year = {2007}, month = {SEP}, pages = {82-88}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The synthesis of all-silica analogs of polymorph B-enriched zeolites of the BEA family denoted as NCL-5, NCL-6 and NCL-7 was realized hydrothermally at lower water content in fluoride medium using perchloric acid as promoter and terraethylammonium hydroxide as template. The present article explains the effect of different synthesis parameters on NCL-5, NCL-6 and NCL-7. The samples were characterized using XRD, low temperature N-2-adsorption, Si-29 MAS NMR and FTIR spectroscopy. The phase composition of the structures was derived using simulated patterns for the random intergrowths of polymorphs A and B using DIFFaX Code. The stacking direction c{\textquoteright} is perpendicular to the a{\textquoteright}b{\textquoteright} plane of the layer. The phase composition of polymorph B derived using DIFFaX code was found to be 90-95\%. 70-75\% and 60-65\% in NCL-5, NCL-6 and NCL-7, respectively. The gradual decrease of polymorph B concentration in these samples showed a correlation with the decrease in water/SiO2 molar ratio in gel. The framework FTIR spectral analysis of NCL-5 and all-silica-beta supported the postulation that significant enrichment of polymorph B in NCL-5 compared to that in all-silica-beta, as indicated by the relative intensities of pair of bands at 1097 and 1018 cm(-1) and 460 and 423 cm(-1) vibrations, leads to more tortuous channel structure associated with polymorph B. (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All riahts reserved.

}, keywords = {BEA family, NCL-5, NCL-6, NCL-7, polymorph B enrichment, synthesis, zeolites}, issn = {1387-1811}, doi = {10.1016/j.micromeso.2007.05.063}, author = {Kadgaonkar, Mahesh D. and Kasture, Mahesh W. and Bhange, Deu S. and Joshi, Praphulla N. and Ramaswamy, Veda and Gupta, Narendra M. and Kumar, Rajiv} } @proceedings { ISI:000291657600051, title = {Synthesis and characterization of value added catalysts zeolite beta using environmentally detrimental flyash}, volume = {170}, year = {2007}, note = {15th International Zeolite Conference, Beijing, PEOPLES R CHINA, AUG 12-17, 2007}, month = {AUG}, pages = {438-443}, publisher = {Elsevier Science BV}, address = {Beijing, Peoples R China}, abstract = {

Fly ash is a major byproduct of Thermal power plant, which makes a lot of pollution to the environment due to its fineness. When a large amount of fly ash is dumped in the places near to power plants, it mixes in all segment of environment like water, air as well as soil. Though it can be utilized for different useful purposes, due to the lack of technical knowledge about how and proper motivation, no progress has been made in its utilization. It has been demonstrated that the fly ash can be used for making a value added catalyst zeolite beta by using simple and low cost process. In the present paper it is demonstrated that the fly ash can be used as a source of silica and alumina in the synthesis of value added catalyst zeolite beta. Moreover, the influence of different silica sources such as tetraethylortho silicate, silica sol and fumed silica on the physiochemical characteristics of well crystallized zeolite beta was also studied. The detailed characterization was carried out by using powder XRD, (27)Al and (29)Si MAS NMR, chemical analysis and low temperature nitrogen adsorption. Based on the data obtained from various systems containing different silica source, fumed silica is found to be most efficient source materials and showed superiority in the uniformity of aluminum distribution and possesses higher surface area.

}, isbn = {978-0-444-53068-4}, issn = {0167-2991}, author = {Kasture, M. W. and Bokade, Vijay V. and Joshi, P. N. and Kumar, R.}, editor = {Xu, R and Gao, Z. and Chen, J and Yan, W} } @article { ISI:000248203200019, title = {Synthesis and evaluation of 1-deoxy-8-epi-castanospermine, 1-deoxy-8-hydroxymethyl castanospermine, and (6S,7S,8R,8aR)-8-amino-octahydroindolizine-6,7-diol}, journal = {Tetrahedron}, volume = {63}, number = {22}, year = {2007}, month = {MAY}, pages = {4756-4761}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A short, versatile, and enantioselective synthesis of 1-deoxy-8-epi-castanospermine (5), 1-deoxy-8-hydroxymethyl castanospermine (6), and (6S,7S,8R,8aR)-8-amino-octahydroindolizine-6,7-diol (7) is achieved from a common template 12. The key step utilized is PET provoked amine radical cyclization of 11 to 12 in excellent diastereoselectivity. The exocyclic double bond at C-8 of the template is functionalized to obtain 5-7 as exclusive diastereomers. 1-Deoxy-8-epi-castanospermine exhibited inhibition of alpha- and beta-galactosidase and beta-glucosidase. Compounds 6 and 7 were found to be weak inhibitors of beta-glucosidase. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {1-deoxy-8-epi-castanospermine, castanospermine, Glycosidase inhibitors}, issn = {0040-4020}, doi = {10.1016/j.tet.2007.03.085}, author = {Pandey, Ganesh and Dumbre, Shrinivas G. and Pal, Sujit and Khan, Mohammad Islam and Shabab, A.} } @article { ISI:000245634500005, title = {Synthesis and evaluation of 4/5-hydroxy-2,3-diaryl(substituted)-cyclopent-2-en-1-ones as cis-restricted analogues of combretastatin A-4 as novel anticancer agents}, journal = {Journal of Medicinal Chemistry}, volume = {50}, number = {8}, year = {2007}, month = {APR}, pages = {1744-1753}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

A new series of 2,3-diaryl-4/5-hydroxy-cyclopent-2-en-1-one analogues replacing the cis double bond of combretastatin A-4 (CA-4) by 4/5-hydroxy cyclopentenone moieties was designed and synthesized. The analogues displayed potent cytotoxic activity (IC50 \< 1 mu g/mL) against a panel of human cancer cell lines and endothelial cells. The most potent analogues 11 and 42 belonging to the 5-hydroxy cyclopentenone class were further evaluated for their mechanism of action. Both of the analogues led to cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and induced apoptosis in endothelial cells. Antitubulin property of 42 was superior to 11 and comparable to CA-4. The compound 42 had better aqueous solubility, metabolic stability, and pharmacokinetic profile than CA-4 and also demonstrated significant tumor regression in the human colon xenograft model. Our data suggests that cis-restricted analogues of CA-4 are a new class of molecules that have the potential to be developed as novel agents for the treatment of cancer.

}, issn = {0022-2623}, doi = {10.1021/jm060938o}, author = {Gurjar, Mukund K. and Wakharkar, Radhika D. and Singh, Anu T. and Jaggi, Manu and Borate, Hanumant B. and Shinde, Popat D. and Verma, Ritu and Rajendran, Praveen and Dutt, Sarjana and Singh, Gurvinder and Sanna, Vinod K. and Singh, Manoj K. and Srivastava, Sanjay K. and Mahajan, Vishal A. and Jadhav, Vinod H. and Dutta, Kakali and Krishnan, Karthik and Chaudhary, Anika and Agarwal, Shiv K. and Mukherjee, Rama and Burman, Anand C.} } @article { ISI:000250179600010, title = {Synthesis and evaluation of antifungal properties of a series of the novel 2-amino-5-oxo-4-phenyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoline-3-carbonitrile and its analogues}, journal = {Bioorganic \& Medicinal Chemistry}, volume = {15}, number = {21}, year = {2007}, month = {NOV}, pages = {6705-6715}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A series of 2-amino-5-oxo-4-phenyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoline-3-carbonitrile and various analogues have been synthesized in excellent isolated yields starting from various arylidenemalononitrile and 3-amino-2-cyclohexen-1-one in 1-propanol as solvent at reflux temperature in the absence of any added catalyst. All the synthesized compounds were evaluated for their antifungal activity. The relationship between functional group variation and biological activity of the evaluated compounds is discussed in the article. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Antifungal activity, antiproliferative activity, arylidenemalononitriles, arylquinoline carbonitrile, Michael addition}, issn = {0968-0896}, doi = {10.1016/j.bmc.2007.08.009}, author = {Gholap, Atul R. and Toti, Kiran S. and Shirazi, Fazal and Kumari, Ratna and Bhat, Manoj Kumar and Deshpande, Mukund V. and Srinivasan, Kumar V.} } @article { ISI:000250367600011, title = {Synthesis and glycosidase inhibitory studies of pentahydroxyindolizidines: D-Glucose-Derived aziridine-2-carboxylate approach}, journal = {European Journal of Organic Chemistry}, number = {29}, year = {2007}, month = {OCT}, pages = {4895-4901}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 10 11 61, D-69451 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

D-Glucose -derived aziridine-2-carboxylate I was converted into a-amino aldehyde 7, which, after Wittig olefination, asymmetric dihydroxylation, hydrogenation followed by LiAlH4 reduction, and N-Cbz protection, afforded two diastereomeric pyrrolidines 11a and 11b with sugar appendages. Removal of the 1,2-acetonide functionality in 11a/11b and reductive animation gave the pentahydroxyindolizidine alkaloids 6g and 6h, respectively, with (S) absolute configurations at the ring junctions. The glycosidase inhibitory activities of these compounds were studied.

}, keywords = {asymmetric dihydroxylation (AD), Iminosugars, indolizidine, N-methylmorpholine, N-oxide (NNIO)}, issn = {1434-193X}, doi = {10.1002/ejoc.200700461}, author = {Kumar, K. S. Ajish and Chaudhari, Vinod D. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Dhavale, Dilip D.} } @article { ISI:000251014600008, title = {Synthesis, characterization and actuation behavior of polyaniline-coated electroactive paper actuators}, journal = {Polymer International}, volume = {56}, number = {12}, year = {2007}, month = {DEC}, pages = {1530-1536}, publisher = {JOHN WILEY \& SONS LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE ATRIUM, SOUTHERN GATE, CHICHESTER PO19 8SQ, W SUSSEX, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

This investigation deals with the synthesis, characterization and actuation behavior of conductive polyaniline-coated electroactive paper actuators. The actuator is made by electrochemical deposition of conductive polyaniline on a cellulose paper. The aim of the investigation was to improve the bending displacement of electroactive paper actuators. The displacement outputs of the actuators show that a trilayer is better than a bilayer configuration. The nature of the dopant ion used in the electro-generation affects the performance. A change in humidity plays a vital role in actuation performance of the actuators. Comparing the performance of electroactive paper actuators with and without a conductive polyaniline coating, the coating improves the displacement output threefold. Finally, the actuation principle mechanism is addressed. (C) 2007 Society of Chemical Industry.

}, keywords = {bending actuator, conducting polymer, electroactive polymer (EAP), polyaniline}, issn = {0959-8103}, doi = {10.1002/pi.2297}, author = {Kim, Jaehwan and Yun, Sung-Ryul and Deshpande, S. D.} } @article { ISI:000251574200016, title = {Synthesis, NMR, X-ray crystallography and bioactivity of some alpha-aminophosphonates}, journal = {Arkivoc}, number = {13}, year = {2007}, month = {JAN}, pages = {133-141}, publisher = {ARKAT USA INC}, type = {Article}, address = {C/O ALAN R KATRITZKY, UNIV FLORIDA, DEPT CHEMISTRY, PO BOX 117200, GAINESVILLE, FL 32611 USA}, abstract = {

The synthesis of some new alpha-aminophosphonates (4a-l) was accomplished by one pot reaction of equimolar quantities of 2-amino-4-chlorophenol (1), various aromatic aldehydes (2a-l) and diethylphosphite (3) in dry toluene at reflux temperature. Products 4a-l were characterized by IR, H-1, C-13, P-31 NMR and in the case of 4g by X-ray crystal diffraction data.

}, keywords = {alpha-Aminophosphonates, Antibacterial}, issn = {1424-6376}, author = {Prasad, Gandavaram Syam and Krishna, Jadaprolu Radha and Manjunath, Manubolu and Reddy, Obulam Vijaya Sarathi and Krishnaiah, Musali and Reddy, Cirandur Suresh and Puranik, Vedavati G.} } @article { ISI:000252218700032, title = {Synthesis of an indole containing KDR kinase inhibitor by tandem Sonogashira coupling-5-endo-dig-cyclization as a key step}, journal = {Tetrahedron}, volume = {63}, number = {51}, year = {2007}, month = {DEC}, pages = {12786-12790}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An efficient synthesis of the potent KDR kinase inhibitor 3-[5-[[4-(methylsulfonyl)-1-piperazinyl]methyl]-1H-indol-2-yl]quin oline-2-(1H)-one using a Sonogashira coupling-5-eiido-dig-cyclization strategy is described. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0040-4020}, doi = {10.1016/j.tet.2007.09.075}, author = {Palimkar, Sanjay S. and More, Vijaykumar S. and Kumar, P. Harish and Srinivasan, Kumar V.} } @article { ISI:000251658100005, title = {Synthesis of C-2 methylene glycosides from C-2 propargyloxymethyl glycals exploiting the alkynophilicity of AuCl3}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {48}, number = {51}, year = {2007}, note = {21st Carbo Symposium 2006, Univ Delhi, Delhi, INDIA, NOV 26-29, 2006}, month = {DEC}, pages = {8960-8962}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

C-2 Methylene glycosides were synthesized from C-2 propargyloxymethyl glycals in a stereoselective manner using a catalytic quantity of AuCl3. The Au-catalyzed reaction was explored using various aglycones. The current protocol enables the preparation of C-2 methylene glycosides, tolerates diverse functional groups and is fast, catalytic and mild. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2007.10.144}, author = {Kashyap, Sudhir and Vidadala, Srinivasa Rao and Hotha, Srinivas} } @article { ISI:000248175000038, title = {Synthesis of La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 at 800 degrees C using citrate gel method}, journal = {Ceramics International}, volume = {33}, number = {6}, year = {2007}, month = {AUG}, pages = {1129-1132}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Manganite systems have been of considerable interest in the recent past due to their potential to operate in wide property range and also to serve as effective magnetic sensing and storing devices when synthesized using stringent conditions. We report a novel citrate gel method, in which La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 system has been synthesized at temperature 800 degrees C (LSMO800) with the synthesis duration is 6 h. The results have been compared with the sample synthesized at 1050 degrees C (LSMO1050). The synthesized bulk polycrystalline sample shows single-phase nature with the increase in particle size from similar to 50 nm to 300 nm with the increase in the sintering temperature. The magnetization data for LSMO800 shows well-defined hysteresis with saturation magnetization at around 1800 Oe and Curie temperature at 360 K, which is slightly lower than that of LSMO1050, which is 375 K. The results can be well attributed to the grain boundary effects. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Ceramics, Citrate gel method, CMR, Oxides}, issn = {0272-8842}, doi = {10.1016/j.ceramint.2006.02.008}, author = {Ravi, V. and Kulkarni, S. D. and Samuel, V. and Kale, Sangeeta N. and Mona, J. and Rajgopal, R. and Daundkar, A. and Lahoti, P. S. and Joshi, Rakesh S.} } @article { ISI:000250026200021, title = {Synthesis of tinidazole by condensation-oxidation sequence using MoO3/SiO2 bifunctional catalyst}, journal = {Catalysis Communications}, volume = {8}, number = {10}, year = {2007}, month = {OCT}, pages = {1550-1555}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Antimicrobial drug, tinidazole has been synthesized by condensation of 2-methyl,5-nitro-imidazole and 2-ethyl-thio-ethanol over MoO3/SiO2 catalyst to obtain 1-(2-ethyl-thio-ethanol)-2-methyl-5-nitro-imidazole which is further oxidized using hydrogen peroxide using the same MoO3/SiO2 catalyst to obtain tinidazole. MoO3/SiO2 catalyst (20\%), synthesized by sol-gel process showed the highest acid strength and was successfully demonstrated to catalyze both condensation and oxidation in the synthesis of tinidazole. Due to the bifunctional activity of the catalyst, the use of acetic acid for condensation step and tungstic acid or ammonium molybdate for oxidation step in the conventional synthesis of tinidazole could be eliminated, thus making it an environmentally benign process. The catalysts could be recycled five times without any appreciable loss in the conversion and selectivity showing the potential for. the use of MoO3/SiO2 as bifunctional catalyst for the production of this industrially important compound. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {antimicrobial drug, condensation, MoO3/SiO2, Oxidation, solid acid catalyst, tinidazole}, issn = {1566-7367}, doi = {10.1016/j.catcom.2007.01.001}, author = {Chandorkar, J. G. and Shubhangi B. Umbarkar and Rode, C. V. and Kotwal, V. B. and Dongare, Mohan K.} } @article { ISI:000248795100038, title = {Titania nanoparticles synthesis in mesoporous molecular sieve MCM-41}, journal = {Journal of Colloid and Interface Science}, volume = {314}, number = {1}, year = {2007}, month = {OCT}, pages = {310-316}, publisher = {ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE}, type = {Article}, address = {525 B ST, STE 1900, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101-4495 USA}, abstract = {

Nanocrystalline titanium oxide (TiO2) is one of the most useful oxide material, because of its widespread applications in photocatalysis, solar energy conversion, sensors and optoelectronics. The control of particle size and monodispersity of TiO2 nanoparticles is a challenging task. The use of MCM-41, an inorganic template of uniform pore size (2-10 nm), can overcome this difficulty and produce stable nanoparticles of uniform size and shape. Here, we demonstrate the synthesis of titania nanoparticles inside the pores of silica based MCM-41 forming a TiO2/Si-MCM composite. Composites are formed in the alcoholic medium by incipient wetness impregnation method. Titania particles of average 3 nm size are obtained. Effect of silica and titania precursors on the quality of nanoparticles has been investigated. The characterization of titania-MCM-41 composites has been carried out using a variety of techniques like UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy. It has been found that the titania particles are co-ordinated with Si-MCM by Si-O-Ti covalent bond. (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {incipient wetness impregnation, Mesoporous material, template, titania}, issn = {0021-9797}, doi = {10.1016/j.jcis.2007.05.069}, author = {Lihitkar, N. B. and Abyaneh, Majid Kazemian and Samuel, V. and Pasricha, R. and Gosavi, S. W. and Kulkarni, S. K.} } @article { ISI:000250836500003, title = {Total synthesis of (+)-camptothecin via an intramolecular palladium-catalyzed cyclization strategy}, journal = {Synlett}, number = {17}, year = {2007}, month = {OCT}, pages = {2635-2638}, publisher = {GEORG THIEME VERLAG KG}, type = {Article}, address = {RUDIGERSTR 14, D-70469 STUTTGART, GERMANY}, abstract = {

The novel cascade intramolecular Pd-catalyzed cyclization followed by aromatization for the construction Of D ring of (+)-camptothecin as a key step is demonstrated.

}, keywords = {alkaloids, antitumor, cyclizations, Natural products, Palladium}, issn = {0936-5214}, doi = {10.1055/s-2007-991054}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Pathak, Ashok B. and Kalkote, Uttam R.} } @article { ISI:000247620500052, title = {Total synthesis of pulchellalactam via an RCM strategy}, journal = {Synthetic Communications}, volume = {37}, number = {7-9}, year = {2007}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1503-1510}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS INC}, type = {Article}, address = {325 CHESTNUT ST, SUITE 800, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 USA}, abstract = {

Total synthesis of (Z) pulchellalactam, a CD protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor, from commercially available methallyl chloride employing ring-closure metathesis (RCM) as a key step is described.

}, keywords = {alkaloid, Natural products, pulchellalactam, RCM, Total synthesis}, issn = {0039-7911}, doi = {10.1080/00397910701229131}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Pathak, Ashok B. and Dhawane, Abasaheb N. and Kalkote, Uttam R.} } @article { ISI:000245519000057, title = {Tryptophan residue is identified in the substrate binding of penicillin G acylase from Kluyvera citrophila}, journal = {Enzyme and Microbial Technology}, volume = {40}, number = {5}, year = {2007}, month = {APR}, pages = {1389-1397}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC}, type = {Article}, address = {360 PARK AVE SOUTH, NEW YORK, NY 10010-1710 USA}, abstract = {

Penicillin acylases are important enzymes in pharmaceutical industry for the production of semi-synthetic beta-lactam antibiotics via the key intermediate 6-aminopenicillanic acid. The penicillin G acylase purified from Kluyvera citrophila (KcPGA) on modification with tryptophan-specific reagents such as N-bromo succinamide (NBS) and 2-hydroxy 5-nitrobenzylbromide (HNBB) showed partial loss of activity and substrate protection. Various solute quenchers and substrate were used to probe the microenvironment of the putative reactive tryptophan through fluorescence quenching. Homology modeling of KcPGA structure has been carried out. Docking substrate on this modeled KcPGA structure identifies the tryptophan residue that is directly influenced by substrate binding. To confirm the biological significance of this particular tryptophan, we did a sequence comparison of PGAs from various organisms. The sequence alignment clustered the matches into two sets, those closer to (\> 40\% identical) KcPGA and had the tryptophan of interest present in them formed the first set, while those less identical (\< 30\%) to KcPGA and the particular tryptophan absent in them formed the second set. It is clear from the reported kinetic parameters of representative members of these two sets that the affinity for penicillin G (penG) of the former class is several times better. Thus, based on our studies we suggest that the tryptophan residue in the identified position is important for binding substrate penG by the acylases. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {fluorescence measurement, K. citrophila, Penicillin G acylase, sequence alignment, substrate-docking, tryptophan modification}, issn = {0141-0229}, doi = {10.1016/j.enzmictec.2006.10.022}, author = {Kumar, R. Suresh and Prabhune, Asmita and Pundle, A. V. and Karthikeyan, Muthukumarasamy and Suresh, C. G.} } @article { ISI:000245961800012, title = {Tungstophosphoric acid supported on titania: a solid acid catalyst in benzylation of phenol with benzylalcohol}, journal = {Catalysis Communictions}, volume = {8}, number = {5}, year = {2007}, month = {MAY}, pages = {800-806}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

{Benzylation of phenol with benzylalcohol was carried out in liquid phase over tungstophosphoric acid (TPA) supported on titania. The catalysts were prepared with different TPA (10-25\%) loading by wet impregnation method, were calcined at 700 degrees C and characterized by XRD, surface area, FTIR and acidity of the catalysts was measured by temperature programmed desorption of NH(3)-TPD, FTIR pyridine adsorption. The catalysts have been represented by a general formula as xPTiO(2)-Y (where x = wt\%

}, keywords = {benzyl ether, benzyl phenol, benzylalcohol, Heteropolyacid, phenyl benzyl ether, titania, tungstophosphoric acid}, issn = {1566-7367}, doi = {10.1016/j.catcom.2006.08.027}, author = {Kumbar, Suresh M. and Halligudi, Shivaraj B.} } @article { ISI:000248860300003, title = {Using pseudo amino acid composition to predict protein subnuclear localization: approached with PSSM}, journal = {Pattern Recognition Letters}, volume = {28}, number = {13}, year = {2007}, month = {OCT}, pages = {1610-1615}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Identification of Nuclear protein localization assumes significance as it can provide in depth insight for genome regulation and function annotation of novel proteins. A multiclass SVM classifier with various input features was employed for nuclear protein compartment identification. The input features include factor solution scores and evolutionary information (position specific scoring matrix (PSSM) score) apart from conventional dipeptide composition and pseudo amino acid composition. All the SVM classifiers with different sets of input features performed better than the previously available prediction classifiers. The jack-knife success rate thus obtained on the benchmark dataset constructed by Shen and Chou [Shen, H.B., Chou, K.C., 2005, Predicting protein subnuclear location with optimized evidence-theoretic K-nearest classifier and pseudo amino acid composition. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 337, 752-756] is 71.23\%, indicating that the novel pseudo amino acid composition approach with PSSM and SVM classifier is very promising and may at least play a complimentary role to the existing methods. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {factor solution score, multiclass SVM, nuclear protein, PSSM, subnuclear localization}, issn = {0167-8655}, doi = {10.1016/j.patrec.2007.04.001}, author = {Mundra, Piyushkumar and Kumar, Madhan and Kumar, K. Krishna and Jayaraman, Valadi K. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article { ISI:000250986500008, title = {Using recurrence quantification analysis descriptors for protein sequence classification with support vector machines}, journal = {Journal of Biomolecular Structure \& Dynamics}, volume = {25}, number = {3}, year = {2007}, month = {DEC}, pages = {289-297}, publisher = {ADENINE PRESS}, type = {Article}, address = {2066 CENTRAL AVE, SCHENECTADY, NY 12304 USA}, abstract = {

In this work, we integrate a non-linear signal analysis method, recurrence quantification analysis (RQA), with the well-known machine-learning algorithm, support vector machines for the binary classification of protein sequences. Two different classification problems were selected, discriminating between aggregating and non-aggregating proteins and mostly disordered and completely ordered proteins, respectively. It has also been shown that classification performance of SVM models improve on selection of the most informative RQA descriptors as SVM input features.

}, issn = {0739-1102}, author = {Mitra, Joydeep and Mundra, Piyushkumar and Kulkarni, B. D. and Jayaraman, Valadi K.} } @article {42611, title = {Velocity correlations in dense granular flows observed with internal imaging}, journal = {Physical Review Letters}, volume = {98}, year = {2007}, month = {JUN}, pages = {238001}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We show that the velocity correlations in uniform dense granular flows inside a silo are similar to the hydrodynamic response of an elastic hard-sphere liquid. The measurements are made using a fluorescent refractive-index-matched interstitial fluid in a regime where the flow is dominated by grains in enduring contact and fluctuations scale with the distance traveled, independent of flow rate. The velocity autocorrelation function of the grains in the bulk shows a negative correlation at short time and slow oscillatory decay to zero similar to simple liquids. Weak spatial velocity correlations are observed over several grain diameters. The mean square displacements show an inflection point indicative of caging dynamics. The observed correlations are qualitatively different at the boundaries.

}, doi = {10.1103/PhysRevLett.98.238001}, author = {Orpe, Ashish V. and Kudrolli, Arshad} } @article { ISI:000251868800001, title = {Versatile method for the preparation of conjugates of peptides with DNA/PNA/analog by employing chemo-selective click reaction in water}, journal = {Nucleic Acids Research}, volume = {35}, number = {21}, year = {2007}, month = {DEC}, pages = {e139}, publisher = {OXFORD UNIV PRESS}, type = {Article}, address = {GREAT CLARENDON ST, OXFORD OX2 6DP, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The specific 1,3 dipolar Hisgen cycloaddition reaction known as {\textquoteleft}click-reaction{\textquoteright} between azide and alkyne groups is employed for the synthesis of peptideoligonucleotide conjugates. The peptide nucleic acids (PNA)/DNA and peptides may be appended either by azide or alkyne groups. The cycloaddition reaction between the azide and alkyne appended substrates allows the synthesis of the desired conjugates in high purity and yields irrespective of the sequence and functional groups on either of the two substrates. The versatile approach could also be employed to generate the conjugates of peptides with thioacetamido nucleic acid (TANA) analog. The click reaction is catalyzed by Cu (I) in either water or in organic medium. In water, similar to 3-fold excess of the peptide-alkyne/azide drives the reaction to completion in 2 h with no side products.

}, issn = {0305-1048}, doi = {10.1093/nar/gkm935}, author = {Gogoi, Khirud and Mane, Meenakshi V. and Kunte, Sunita S. and Kumar, Vaijayanti A.} } @article { ISI:000244006300011, title = {Water-triggered frontal polymerization}, journal = {Macromolecular Rapid Communications}, volume = {28}, number = {1}, year = {2007}, month = {JAN}, pages = {109-115}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 10 11 61, D-69451 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

A totally new mode of frontal polymerization (FP) of acrylamide is established which is triggered by the simple addition of a minute, specific volume of water. Experimental conditions under which this mode of polymerization yields linear and water-soluble polyacrylamide were carefully established, paving the way to synthesize commercially pertinent homo- and copolymers. A new redox couple was identified to circumvent the imidization and the ensuing gelation, hitherto associated with FP of acrylamide. Effects of reaction variables such as type and concentration of redox couple and volume of water on measurable parameters of FP such as front velocity, front temperature, shape of front and yield have been studied. Two types of redox couples are reported. Nonplanar frontal regime was observed in few redox couples. We could visually observe helical patterns with naked eyes, while layered patterns were observable under SEM. Additionally, micro-phase separation and heterogeneity in the polymer matrix was observed due to unreacted pockets of monomer which evolve via bulk mode. This nonlinear phenomenon is described.

}, issn = {1022-1336}, doi = {10.1002/marc.200600572}, author = {Pujari, Narahari S. and Inamdar, Satish R. and Ponrathnam, Surendra and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article { ISI:000254804700001, title = {2(7-3) fractional factorial optimization of polybenzimidazole based membrane electrode assemblies for H-2/O-2 fuel cells}, journal = {Journal of Applied Electrochemistry}, volume = {38}, number = {5}, year = {2008}, month = {MAY}, pages = {583-590}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, type = {Article}, address = {VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

We describe the usefulness of a statistical fractional factorial design to obtain consistent and reproducible behavior of a membrane-electrode-assembly (MEA) based on a phosphoric acid (PA) doped polybenzimidazole (PBI) membrane, which allows a H-2/O-2 fuel cell to operate above 150 degrees C. Different parameters involved during the MEA fabrication including the catalyst loading, amount of binder, processing conditions like temperature and compaction load and also the amount of carbon in the gas diffusion layers (GDL) have been systematically varied according to a 2(7-3) fractional factorial design and the data thus obtained have been analyzed using Yates{\textquoteright}s algorithm. The mean effects estimated in this way suggest the crucial role played by carbon loading in the gas diffusion layer, hot compaction temperature and the binder to catalyst ratio in the catalyst layer for enabling continuous performance. These statistically designed electrodes provide a maximum current density and power density of 1,800 mA cm(-2) and 280 mW cm(-2), respectively, at 160 degrees C using hydrogen and oxygen under ambient pressure.

}, keywords = {Carbon loading, Fractional factorial optimization, MEA, PBI, PEMFC}, issn = {0021-891X}, doi = {10.1007/s10800-007-9475-1}, author = {Kannan, Ramaiyan and Islam, Md. Nazrul and Rathod, D. and Vijay, M. and Kharul, Ulhas K. and Ghosh, P. C. and Vijayamohanan, K.} } @article { ISI:000257172700016, title = {Accumulation of cadmium in growing peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) seedlings - its effect on lipid peroxidation and on the antioxidative enzymes catalase and gualacol peroxidase}, journal = {Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science}, volume = {171}, number = {3}, year = {2008}, month = {JUN}, pages = {440-447}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, type = {Article}, address = {COMMERCE PLACE, 350 MAIN ST, MALDEN 02148, MA USA}, abstract = {

In plants exposed to high metal concentrations, mechanisms to counteract the oxidative burst are crucial for its survival. To investigate the temporal sequence of physiological reactions of peanut seedlings (Arachis hypogaea L.) to cadmium exposure, seeds were cultured in increasing concentrations of CdCl(2), ranging from 50 to 300 mu M. Germination frequency was scored, and the distributions of Cd in root, stem, and leaves were determined after 2 and 4 weeks of culture. Lipid peroxidation and activities of antioxidative enzymes including catalase (CAT, EC 1.11.1.6) and guaiacol peroxiclase (GPX; EC 1.11.1.7) were estimated in these three parts of the plant. Germination of seedlings was not affected, but the growth of seedlings was severely suppressed with increasing concentrations of CdCl(2) and incubation period. Pattern of Cd distribution in the three organs varied with concentration and period of exposure to Cd. Increased lipid peroxidation was detected in all parts of the developing seedlings with increasing metal accumulation. Catalase and guaiacol peroxidase activity varied in the three parts of the seedlings with concentration of Cd and incubation period. Guaiacol peroxidase activity appears to be more active in scavenging the reactive oxygen species in developing peanut seedlings. The results of the present experiment demonstrate the advantages of a tissue-culture model system in studying the complex network of interactions of various factors in stress tolerance.

}, keywords = {Abiotic stress, heavy metal, stress tolerance, TBARS, thiobarbituric acid, Tissue culture}, issn = {1436-8730}, doi = {10.1002/jpln.200700083}, author = {Kumar, Sunil and Mehta, Urmil J. and Hazra, Sulekha} } @article { ISI:000260978000002, title = {Active sites in vanadia/titania catalysts for selective aerial oxidation of beta-picoline to nicotinic acid}, journal = {Journal of Catalysis}, volume = {259}, number = {2}, year = {2008}, month = {OCT}, pages = {165-173}, publisher = {ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE}, type = {Article}, address = {525 B ST, STE 1900, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101-4495 USA}, abstract = {

Vanadia/titania catalysts with varying vanadium content were prepared by impregnation using three different titania carrier materials of varying surface area, The structure of active vanadium species for beta-picoline oxidation was investigated. Vanadium is mainly in the +5 oxidation state as revealed by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and V-51 magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (V-51 MAS NMR) spectroscopy techniques. Diffuse reflectance UV-visible (DRUV-vis) spectroscopy and spectral deconvolution enabled identification of at least five different types of vanadium oxide species in these catalysts: monomeric tetrahedral VO43-, polymeric distorted tetrahedral VO3-, square pyramidal V2O5, octahedral V2O62- and V4+ oxide species. While both VO43- and VO3- species are active in beta-picoline oxidation, the latter having a distorted tetrahedral geometry yielded the desired products-picolinaldehyde and nicotinic acid. High surface area, anatase structure for the support and dispersed, distorted tetrahedral vanadium oxide species are the key parameters determining the activity and selectivity of these oxidation catalysts. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Active vanadium species, Nicotinic acid, Oxidation of beta-picoline, Selective aerial oxidation, Spectroscopic investigations, Vanadia/titania}, issn = {0021-9517}, doi = {10.1016/j.jcat.2008.07.019}, author = {Srinivas, Darbha and Hoelderich, Wolfgang F. and Kujath, Steffen and Valkenberg, Michael H. and Raja, Thirumalaiswamy and Saikia, Lakshi and Hinze, Ramona and Ramaswamy, Veda} } @article { ISI:000259509600003, title = {Albumin competitively inhibits glycation of less abundant proteins}, journal = {Protein and Peptide Letters}, volume = {15}, number = {7}, year = {2008}, month = {JUL}, pages = {663-667}, publisher = {BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBL LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {EXECUTIVE STE Y26, PO BOX 7917, SAIF ZONE, 1200 BR SHARJAH, U ARAB EMIRATES}, abstract = {

Glycation, a non-enzymatic reaction between glucose and protein is the primary cause of diabetic complications. Albumin, the most abundant plasma protein undergoes glycation both in vivo and in vitro. The influence of albumin on glycation of less abundant proteins has not been addressed. For the first time, we show that albumin competitively inhibits the glycation of less abundant proteins. This study suggests that at least in the initial stages of diabetes, albumin may protect other proteins from glycation.

}, keywords = {Diabetes, glucose, insulin, MALDI-TOF-MS, vascular complication}, issn = {0929-8665}, doi = {10.2174/092986608785133690}, author = {Bhonsle, Hemangi S. and Singh, Sameer Kumar and Srivastava, Ghanshyam and Boppana, Ramanamurthy and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @article { ISI:000256583100002, title = {Analysis of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant defenses in complex I deficient patients revealed a specific increase in superoxide dismutase activity}, journal = {Free Radical Research}, volume = {42}, number = {5}, year = {2008}, month = {MAY}, pages = {415-427}, publisher = {INFORMA HEALTHCARE}, type = {Article}, address = {TELEPHONE HOUSE, 69-77 PAUL STREET, LONDON EC2A 4LQ, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The mechanism of free radical production by complex I deficiency is ill-defined, although it is of significant contemporary interest. This study studied the ROS production and antioxidant defenses in children with mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase deficiency. ROS production has remained significantly elevated in patients compared to controls. The expression of all antioxidant enzymes significantly increased at mRNA level. However, the enzyme activities did not correlate with high mRNA or protein expression. Only the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was found to correlate with higher mRNA expression in patient derived cell lines. The activities of the enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Catalase (CAT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) were significantly reduced in patients (p \< 0.05 or p \< 0.01). Glutathione reductase (GR) activity and intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels were not changed. Decreased enzyme activities could be due to post-translational or oxidative modification of ROS scavenging enzymes. The information on the status of ROS and marking the alteration of ROS scavenging enzymes in peripheral lymphocytes or lymphoblast cell lines will provide a better way to design antioxidant therapies for such disorders.

}, keywords = {antioxidant enzymes, mitochondrial complex I, mitochondrial myopathies, Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)}, issn = {1071-5762}, doi = {10.1080/10715760802068571}, author = {Wani, Aijaz A. and Rangrez, Ashraf Y. and Kumar, Himanshu and Bapat, Sharmila A. and Suresh, C. G. and Barnabas, Shama and Patole, Milind S. and Shouche, Yogesh} } @article { ISI:000252284200102, title = {Anomalous microwave heating effects in Ce-doped La(0.7)Sr(0.3)MnO(3): possible role of grain boundary capacitative effects across cerium solubility limit}, journal = {Applied Physics Letters}, volume = {92}, number = {1}, year = {2008}, month = {JAN}, pages = {Article No. 012512}, publisher = {AMER INST PHYSICS}, type = {Article}, address = {CIRCULATION \& FULFILLMENT DIV, 2 HUNTINGTON QUADRANGLE, STE 1 N O 1, MELVILLE, NY 11747-4501 USA}, abstract = {

Ce-doped manganite bulk nanocompacts [La(0.7-x)Ce(x)Sr(0.3)MnO(3) (0 \< x \< 0.1)] are studied for their microwave heating properties at 2.45 GHz. The heating effect is found to be nonmonotonic as a function of cerium concentration, and anomalously large heating (burning) is observed for a small concentration window near x=0.03. The x-ray diffraction studies show signatures of CeO(2) phase in x\>0.03 samples. The various characterizations collectively point to the key role of the developing grain boundary CeO(2) layer which leads to highest capacitative intergrain-coupling and related charging-discharging effects when it is thinnest near the apparent Ce solubility limit of x similar to 0.03. (c) 2008 American Institute of Physics.

}, issn = {0003-6951}, doi = {10.1063/1.2827184}, author = {Kale, Sangeeta N. and Mona, J. and Lofland, S. E. and Kulkarni, S. D. and Ogale, Satishchandra B.} } @article { ISI:000258784000005, title = {Antibacterial activity of synthesized 2,4,5-trisubstituted imidazole derivatives}, journal = {Chemical Biology \& Drug Design}, volume = {72}, number = {3}, year = {2008}, month = {SEP}, pages = {197-204}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, type = {Article}, address = {COMMERCE PLACE, 350 MAIN ST, MALDEN 02148, MA USA}, abstract = {

Some novel chemically synthesized 2,4,5-trisubstituted imidazoles from aryl aldehydes and 1,2-diketones or alpha-hydroxyketone were screened against eight different human pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Seven compounds were found to be active against different bacteria. These compounds showed variation in activity and were found to be active against Gram-positive as well as Gram-negative bacteria. Compound 4-(4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-phenol, 3d was the only compound which showed activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae while rest of the compounds did not show significant activity against this micro-organism. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of the compounds were in the range of 0.50 to 6.1 mu g/mL and minimum bactericidal concentration ranges from 1.11 to 12.9 mu g/mL. The candidature of active compounds to be an effective and novel drug was examined based on Lipinski{\textquoteright}s rule of Five which explained ClogP, LogS, H-bond acceptors, H-Bond donors and rotational bonds. Compounds 3a-d and 3f satisfies Lipinski{\textquoteright}s rule of Five and could be proposed as potent new antibacterial drugs.

}, keywords = {1, 2, 2-Diketones, 4, 5-trisubstituted imidazoles, alpha-hydroxyketone, antibacterial activity, aryl aldehydes}, issn = {1747-0277}, doi = {10.1111/j.1747-0285.2008.00691.x}, author = {Khan, Mohd Sajid and Siddiqui, Shafi Ahmad and Siddiqui, Mohammad Shaik Rafi Ahmad and Goswami, Usha and Srinivasan, Kumar Venkatraman and Khan, Mohammad Islam} } @article { ISI:000257626900005, title = {Bactericidal activity of 2-nitroimidazole against the active replicating stage of mycobacterium bovis BCG and mycobacterium tuberculosis with intracellular efficacy in THP-1 macrophages}, journal = {International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents}, volume = {32}, number = {1}, year = {2008}, month = {JUL}, pages = {40-45}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

This study evaluated the antituberculous potential of 2-nitroimidazole under in vitro conditions. Minimal bactericidal concentrations of the compound against actively replicating Mycobacterium bovis BCG and Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra were found to be 0.226 mu g/mL and 0.556 mu g/mL in enriched and minimal medium, respectively. Minimal inhibitory concentrations were \> 100 times lower than reported antituberculous nitroimidazoles such as nitrofurantoin and furaltadone, indicating the greater potential of 2-nitroimidazole. No discernible effect of 2-nitroimidazole was seen on saprophytic Mycobacterium smegmatis and the representative bacterial strain Escherichia coli DH5 alpha, indicating the specificity of the molecule against tuberculous mycobacteria. The compound was also found to be effective against M. tuberculosis in the intracellular environment of the human monocytic cell line THP-1, with a reduction in viability of bacilli by 2.5 log after 144 h of incubation at a concentration of 0.113 mu g/mL. A five-fold higher concentration (0.565 mu g/mL) of 2-nitroimidazole sterilised the macrophages of intracellular pathogens within 192 h, without affecting the host. However, 2-nitroimidazole was unable to affect significantly the viability of dormant non-replicating bacilli of M. bovis BCG and M. tuberculosis in Wayne{\textquoteright}s in vitro model. Overall, the results indicate that 2-nitroimidazole is a potent antituberculous agent active against the organism{\textquoteright}s active replicating stage, with promising intracellular efficacy as well. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. and the International Society of Chemotherapy. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {2-nitroimidazole, antimycobacterial agents, nitroimidazoles, THP-1 macrophage, tuberculosis}, issn = {0924-8579}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2008.02.022}, author = {Khan, Arshad and Sarkar, Sampa and Sarkar, Dhiman} } @article { ISI:000259888700043, title = {Biocomposites of cellulose reinforced starch: improvement of properties by photo-induced crosslinking}, journal = {Bioresource Technology}, volume = {99}, number = {18}, year = {2008}, month = {DEC}, pages = {8803-8809}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

In the present study, the composite films have been prepared from the aqueous dispersions of starch with microcrystalline cellulose using glycerol as plasticizer and irradiated under ultraviolet (UV) light using sodium benzoate as photo-sensitizer. Photocrosslinking was characterized by measuring the water absorption under 100\% relative humidity, swelling degree and gel fraction in dimethylsulphoxide (DMSC), upon irradiation time. Both, the incorporation of cellulose and photo-irradiation were found to decrease the water absorption, swelling in DMSO and increase the gel fraction. Thermal transitions indicated the anti-plasticization of amylopectin chains at the fiber/matrix interface. With increasing content of cellulose and photo-irradiation time, the tensile modulus and strength were found to improve. It is summarized that the combination of cellulose reinforcement and photo-crosslinking of matrix has improved the physical and mechanical properties. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Biocomposites, cellulose, Photo-irradiation and crosslinking, Starch}, issn = {0960-8524}, doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2008.04.045}, author = {Kumar, Annamalai Pratheep and Singh, Raj Pal} } @article { ISI:000258442800009, title = {CFD simulation of gas-liquid flows in a reactor stirred by dual rushton turbines}, journal = {International Journal of Chemical Reactor Engineering}, volume = {6}, year = {2008}, month = {JAN}, pages = {Article No. A60}, publisher = {BERKELEY ELECTRONIC PRESS}, type = {Article}, address = {2809 TELEGRAPH AVENUE, STE 202, BERKELEY, CA 94705 USA}, abstract = {

In the present work, we have simulated gas-liquid flows in a tall stirred reactor equipped with dual Rushton turbines. A two fluid model along with the standard k-epsilon turbulence model and modified drag coefficient, (proposed by Khopkar \& Ranade, 2006) accounting for the effect of bulk turbulence, was used to simulate the dispersed gas-liquid flow in a stirred reactor. The multiple reference frames (MRF) approach was used to simulate impeller rotation in a fully baffled reactor. The computational model was mapped on to a commercial solver FLUENT 6.2 (of Fluent Inc. USA). The model was used to simulate three distinct flow regimes in a gas-liquid stirred reactor: L33-VC (lower impeller-upper impeller), S33-VC and VC-VC. The model predictions were compared with the published experimental data of Bombac \& Zun (2000). The predicted results show good agreement with the experimental data for all the three flow regimes. The computational model presented in this work would be useful for simulating different flow regimes in a gas-liquid stirred vessel.

}, keywords = {computational fluid dynamics, dual Rushton turbine, Flow regimes, gas hold-up distribution, stirred reactor}, issn = {1542-6580}, author = {Kasat, Gopal R. and Pandit, Aniruddha B. and Ranade, V. V.} } @article { ISI:000258368000004, title = {CFD simulation of liquid-phase mixing in solid-liquid stirred reactor}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Science}, volume = {63}, number = {15}, year = {2008}, month = {AUG}, pages = {3877-3885}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A comprehensive CFD model was developed to gain an insight into solid suspension and its implications on the liquid-phase mixing process in a solid-liquid stirred reactor. The turbulent solid-liquid flow in a stirred reactor was simulated using a two-fluid model with the standard k-epsilon. turbulence model with mixture properties. The multiple reference frames (MRFs) approach was used to simulate impeller rotation in a fully baffled reactor. The computational model with necessary sub-models was mapped on to a commercial solver FLUENT 6.2 (of Fluent Inc., USA). The predicted solid concentration distribution was compared with the experimental data of Yamazaki et al. [ 1986. Concentration profiles of solids suspended in a stirred tank. Powder Technology 48, 205-216]. The computational model was then further extended to simulate and understand the implications of the suspension quality on liquid-phase mixing process. The computational model and the predicted results discussed here will be useful for understanding the liquid-phase mixing process in stirred slurry reactors in various stages of solid suspension. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {CFD, mixing, solid suspension, stirred reactor}, issn = {0009-2509}, doi = {10.1016/j.ces.2008.04.018}, author = {Kasat, Gopal R. and Khopkar, A. R. and Ranade, V. V. and Pandita, A. B.} } @article { ISI:000258819000009, title = {Characterization of smallest active monomeric penicillin V acylase from new source: a yeast, rhodotorula aurantiaca (NCIM 3425)}, journal = {Process Biochemistry}, volume = {43}, number = {9}, year = {2008}, month = {SEP}, pages = {961-967}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An intracellular monomeric penicillin V acylase (PVA) of 36,000 Da exhibiting pI of 4.19, purified from newly identified yeast source, Rhodotorula aurantiaca (NCIM 3425). The enzyme was purified by hydrophobic interaction chromatography. The enzyme showed optimal activity at 45 degrees C and retained 80\% activity after incubation at 45 degrees C and pH 5.5 for I h. The enzyme showed maximum activity at pH 5.5 and was very stable between pH 5.5-6.5 with optimum stability at pH 6.0. It exhibited 50\% of its original activity after 30 min incubation at 60 degrees C. Enzyme hydrolyzed substrates with benzyl side chain but preferred penicillin V as primary substrate. N-terminally located serine supports the fact that it belongs to Ntn (N-terminal nucleophile)-hydrolase superfamily. The initial ten amino acid residues of R. aurantiaca PVA were identical to the initial sequence of NADH dehydrogenase (EC 1.6.99.3): however the enzyme lacks dehydrogenase activity. EGTA, EDTA, hexane and ethyl acetate stabilized the activity where as small chain alcohols inhibited it. 1,4-Dioxane, THF (tetrahydrofurane), phenol and benzyl alcohol severely inhibited enzyme activity while BME and DTT increased it. Tween 80 and Tween 20 highly enhanced the activity where as SIDS and Triton X-100 inhibited it. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Intracellular enzyme, N-terminal sequencing, Penicillin V acylase, Purification, Rhodotorula aurantiaca, Substrate specificity}, issn = {1359-5113}, doi = {10.1016/j.procbio.2008.04.024}, author = {Kumar, Atul and Prabhune, Asmita and Suresh, C. G. and Pundle, Archana} } @article { ISI:000253283700034, title = {Chemical inhomogeneity and mixed-state ferromagnetism in diluted magnetic semiconductor Co : TiO2}, journal = {Chemistry of Materials}, volume = {20}, number = {4}, year = {2008}, month = {FEB}, pages = {1344-1352}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Diluted magnetic semiconductors (DMS) are among the most intensely investigated materials in recent times in view of their great application potential. Yet, they are also the most controversial because of the possibility of extrinsic effects attributable to dopant solubility and clustering, point defects, incorporation of unintentional impurities, etc. This has highlighted the central role of materials chemistry in rendering a specific microstate and property response. In this work, we provide a combined window of high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron energy-loss spectrometry, X-ray absorption (XAS)/X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD), and magnetization measurements on epitaxial rutile CoxTi1-xO2 (x = 0-0.06) system (the first discovered oxide-DMS, which continues to be controversial) grown at low temperature (400 degrees C) under different ambient atmospheres. The study brings out a mixed-state scenario of ferromagnetism involving intrinsic DMS (uniform dopant distribution at low dopant concentration) and coupled cluster magnetism, involving cobalt associations within the matrix at higher concentrations. We also show that by matrix valence control during growth, it is possible to realize a uniform embedded cluster state and the related coupled cluster magnetism.

}, issn = {0897-4756}, doi = {10.1021/cm702089z}, author = {Ogale, Satishchandra B. and Kundaliya, Darshan and Mehraeen, Shareghe and Fu, Lian-feng and Zhang, Shixiong and Lussier, Alexandre and Dvorak, Joe and Browning, Nigel D. and Idzerda, Yves and Venkatesan, Thirumalai} } @article { ISI:000255189100003, title = {Chemoselective synthesis of beta-amino acid derivatives by hydroamination of activated olefins using AISBA-15 catalyst prepared by post-synthetic treatment}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Catalysis A-Chemical}, volume = {284}, number = {1-2}, year = {2008}, month = {APR}, pages = {16-23}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

beta-Amino acid derivatives have a wide variety of applications viz. in the synthesis of peptide analogues, precursor for amino alcohols, optically active amino acids, lactums and diamines. Chemoselective anti-Markovnikov hydroamination reaction of activated olefins was effectively used to synthesize beta-amino acid derivatives using AlSBA-15 and AlMCM-41 catalysts. These catalysts with different Si/Al ratios were synthesized by isomorphous substitution of aluminium into the framework of SBA-15, which induces the Bronsted and Lewis acid sites. The structural integrity of the catalysts was established by characterizing with XRD, N-2-sorption, TEM, NH3-TPD Al-27 MAS NMR and Si-29 MAS NMR techniques. Hydroamination of ethyl acrylate with aniline was used as a test reaction, which gave N-[2-(ethoxycarbonyl)ethyl] aniline with high selectivity. The performance of AlSBA-15 catalyst was also determined with different acrylates and amines to know the general applicability of the catalyst in hydroamination reactions. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {acrylate, activated olefin, addition, AlMCM-41, AlSBA-15, Amine, beta-amino acid, Catalyst, hydroamination, Mesoporous}, issn = {1381-1169}, doi = {10.1016/j.molcata.2007.12.025}, author = {Shanbhag, Ganapati V. and Kumbar, S. M. and Halligudi, Shivaraj B.} } @article { ISI:000252757100011, title = {Chimeric (alpha-amino acid plus nucleoside-beta-amino acid)(n) peptide oligomers show sequence specific DNA/RNA recognition}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, number = {6}, year = {2008}, month = {JAN}, pages = {706-708}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An alpha/beta-peptide backbone oligonucleotide comprising natural alpha-amino acids alternating with a beta-amino acid component derived from thymidine sequence specifically recognizes and binds to deoxy- and ribo-oligoadenylates in triplex mode.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/b716835g}, author = {Gogoi, Khirud and Kumar, Vaijayanti A.} } @article { ISI:000258274200014, title = {Chiral Mn(III) salen complex immobilized onto ionic liquid modified mesoporous silica for oxidative kinetic resolution of secondary alcohols}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {49}, number = {33}, year = {2008}, month = {AUG}, pages = {4865-4868}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A supported ionic liquid strategy has been applied for the immobilization of a chiral Mn(III) salen complex onto ionic liquid modified mesoporous silica SBA-15. The immobilized catalyst demonstrated high enantioselectivity and activity in the oxidative kinetic resolution of secondary alcohols, and could be recycled five times without obvious loss of activity. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Mesoporous silica SBA-15, Mn(III) salen, Oxidative kinetic resolution, Secondary alcohol, Supported ionic liquid}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2008.06.014}, author = {Sahoo, Suman and Kumar, Pradeep and Lefebvre, F. and Halligudi, Shivaraj B.} } @article { ISI:000252416000015, title = {Co : CdS diluted magnetic semiconductor nanoparticles: radiation synthesis, dopant-defect complex formation, and unexpected magnetism}, journal = {Chemistry of Materials}, volume = {20}, number = {2}, year = {2008}, month = {JAN}, pages = {440-446}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Incorporating a dopant into a nanoparticle is a nontrivial proposition in view of the size dependent surface versus bulk energy considerations and the intrinsic proximity of the surface to the interior, which facilitates migration to the surface. If realized and controlled, however, it can open up new avenues to novel nanomaterials. Some previous studies have shown the dopability of nanosystems but only with specific surface functionalization. Here, we demonstrate the successful dopant incorporation via a new route of pulsed high energy electron induced synthesis. We choose a system Co:CdS (dilutely cobalt doped cadmium sulfide) in view of the well-known application-worthy properties of CdS and the potential possibility of its conversion to a diluted magnetic semiconductor of interest to spintronics. By using various techniques, we show that matrix incorporation and uniform distribution of cobalt are realized in US nanocrystals without the need for additional chemical or physical manipulation. Optical and photoluminescence properties also support dopant incorporation. Interestingly, although magnetism is realized, it is weak, and it decreases at higher cobalt concentration. First principle density functional calculations are performed to understand this counterintuitive behavior. These calculations suggest that the introduction of parent cation or anion vacancies lead to magnetic moment reduction, albeit marginally. However, with some Co impurity fraction in the octahedral interstitial site inside the wurtzite cage, the magnetic moment drops down drastically. This study reveals that defect states may have an interesting role in dopant stabilization in nanosystems, with interesting system dependent consequences for the properties.

}, issn = {0897-4756}, doi = {10.1021/cm702118w}, author = {Bogle, Kashinath A. and Ghosh, Saurabh and Dhole, Sanjay D. and Bhoraskar, Vasant N. and Fu, Lian-feng and Chi, Miao-Fang and Browning, Nigel D. and Kundaliya, Darshan and Das, Gour P. and Ogale, Satishchandra B.} } @conference { ISI:000271775103415, title = {COLL 41-studies in biosurfactants: sophorolipids}, booktitle = { 235th American-Chemical-Society National Meeting}, volume = {235}, year = {2008}, note = {235th American-Chemical-Society National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, APR 06-10, 2008}, month = {APR}, pages = {Meeting Abstract : 41 - Coll}, publisher = {American Chemical Society}, organization = {American Chemical Society}, type = {Meeting Abstract}, address = {1155 16th ST, NW, Washington, DC 20036 USA}, keywords = {Biosurfactants, Candida bombicola ATCC 22214, Fermentation Process, sophorolipids}, issn = {0065-7727}, author = {Momin, Shamim A. and Prabhune, Asmita and Sonchal, Bhushan P. and Shah, Sachin and Kothekar, Shrinivas C.} } @article { ISI:000253511900004, title = {Comparative study of structural, acidic and hydrophilic properties of Sn-BEA with Ti-BEA using periodic density functional theory}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, volume = {112}, number = {9}, year = {2008}, month = {MAR}, pages = {2573-2579}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Periodic density functional theory has been employed to characterize the differences in the structural, Lewis acidic and hydrophilic properties of Sn-BEA and Ti-BEA. We show that the incorporation of Sri increases the Lewis acidity of BEA compared to the incorporation of Ti. Hence, the present work gives insight into the role of Sn in increasing the efficiency of the oxidation reactions. The results also justify that the percentage of Sri substituted in BEA is less than Ti. The structural analysis shows that the first coordination shell of Sri is larger than that of Ti. However, the second coordination of both sites remains the same. The water adsorption properties of these substituted zeolites are quantified. Moreover, we explain the higher Lewis acidity of Sn than the Ti site on the basis of the Fukui functions and charge population analysis.

}, issn = {1520-6106}, doi = {10.1021/jp709846s}, author = {Shetty, Sharan and Kulkarni, Bhakti S. and Kanhere, Dilip G. and Goursot, Annick and Pal, Sourav} } @article { ISI:000259622100005, title = {Comparison of Metarhizium isolates for biocontrol of helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera : Noctuidae) in chickpea}, journal = {Biocontrol Science and Technology}, volume = {18}, number = {8}, year = {2008}, month = {FEB}, pages = {809-828}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Metarhizium isolates from soil (53) and insect hosts (10) were evaluated for extracellular production of cuticle degrading enzyme (CDE) activities such as chitinase, chitin deacetylase (CDA), chitosanase, protease and lipase. Regression analysis demonstrated the relation of CDE activities with Helicoverpa armigera mortality. On basis of this relation, ten isolates were selected for further evaluation. Subsequently, based on LT(50) of the 10 isolates towards H. armigera, five isolates were selected. Out of these five isolates, three were selected on the basis of higher conidia production (60-75 g/kg rice), faster sedimentation time (ST(50)) (2.3-2.65 h in 0.1\% (w/v) Tween 80) and lower LC(50) (1.4- 5.7 x 10(3) conidia/mL) against H. armigera. Finally, three Metarhizium isolates were selected for the molecular fingerprinting using ITS sequencing and RAPD patterning. All three isolates, M34412, M34311 and M81123, showed comparable RAPD patterns with a 935G primer. These were further evaluated for their field performance against H. armigera in a chickpea crop. The percent efficacies with the three Metarhizium isolates were from 65 to 72\%, which was comparable to the chemical insecticide, endosulfan (74\%).

}, keywords = {appressorium formation, chitin deacetylase, chitinase, chitosanase, Helicoverpa armigera, Lipase, Metarhizium anisopliae, Protease}, issn = {0958-3157}, doi = {10.1080/09583150802366475}, author = {Kulkarni, Shuklangi A. and Ghormade, Vandana and Kulkarni, Girish and Kapoor, Manisha and Chavan, Santosh B. and Rajendran, Armugam and Patil, Sanjay K. and Shouche, Yogesh and Deshpande, Mukund V.} } @article { ISI:000256290100015, title = {Composites of polypropylene with layered Mg-silsesquioxanes show an unusual combination of properties}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {47}, number = {11}, year = {2008}, month = {JUN}, pages = {3891-3899}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

We report the synthesis of vinyl modified magnesium silsesqiuoxanes ({\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}vinyl clay{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}), and the formation of their composites with isotactic polypropylene (iPP) by melt compounding. Vinyl clay is a layered compound with a layer thickness of approximately 1 nm. Vinyl clay does not exfoliate in iPP; rather, it disperses to form a network that exhibits a characteristic low frequency solid-like plateau in the elastic modulus in dynamic melt theological measurements. Strangely, vinyl clay also plasticizes iPP-there is a decrease in the high frequency complex viscosity. The decrease in the complex viscosity is higher at higher frequencies, suggesting the influence of slip at the iPP-vinyl clay interface. The combination of the low frequency elastic plateau and plasticization makes the vinyl clay composite significantly more shear thinning than the matrix iPP. In the solid state, vinyl clay-iPP composites exhibit increased tensile modulus (showing approximate to 50\% increase for a 5\% loading), but surprisingly, no corresponding decrease in the elongation at break. Thus, while microstructural characterization indicates that only a small fraction, if any, of the vinyl clay is exfoliafed, the enhancement in mechanical properties is similar to that observed for iPP-exfoliated montmonillonite nanocomposites. Our compounding protocol is unable to effectively disperse the clay in the iPP at clay loadings greater than about 7.5\%. Therefore, the low frequency plateau in the melt elastic modulus and the solid tensile modulus increase with clay loading until 7.5\% but exhibit a nonmonotonic decrease at higher clay loadings.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/ie071658p}, author = {Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy and Deshmukh, Yogesh S. and Agrawal, Vikrant V. and Nisal, Anuya} } @article { ISI:000255827100025, title = {Concise synthesis of protected (2S,4R)-4-hydroxyornithine}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {49}, number = {20}, year = {2008}, month = {MAY}, pages = {3297-3299}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A short synthesis of the nonproteinogenic amino acid, (2S,4R)-4-hydroxyornithine is described. Starting from racemic benzyl glycidol, the scaffold of the target compound was constructed in high enantio- and diastereoselectivity using Jacobsen{\textquoteright}s hydrolytic kinetic resolution (HKR) and regioselective opening of an epoxide as key steps. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Epoxide, Grignard reaction, hydroxyornithine, Jacobsen{\textquoteright}s HKR, Natural product}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2008.03.076}, author = {Pandey, Satyendra Kumar and Pandey, Menaka and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000259450800027, title = {Continuous flow nitration of salicylic acid}, journal = {Organic Process Research \& Development}, volume = {12}, number = {5}, year = {2008}, month = {SEP}, pages = {995-1000}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Continuous flow nitration of salicylic acid using HNO3/AcOH was studied in the SS316 tubular microreactor. At specific reaction conditions, complete conversion of the reactant was achieved in less than 7 min. It yielded only mononitro derivatives with a higher selectivity of 5-nitrosalicylic acid. Presence of the lower amount of acetic acid in the reaction mixture was seen to be detrimental, leading to precipitation of the desired product (5-nitrosalicylic acid). Reaction at higher temperatures yielded byproducts. The continuous mode operation using the system comprising the microdevices was demonstrated for 2 h with consistent composition at the outlet.

}, issn = {1083-6160}, doi = {10.1021/op800112u}, author = {Kulkarni, Amol A. and Nivangune, Nayana T. and Kalyani, Vishwanath S. and Joshi, Ramesh A. and Joshi, Rohini R.} } @article { ISI:000259161600016, title = {Convenient access to 1, 3,4-trisubstituted pyrazoles carrying 5-nitrothiophene moiety via 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of sydnones with acetylenic ketones and their antimicrobial evaluation}, journal = {European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry}, volume = {43}, number = {8}, year = {2008}, month = {AUG}, pages = {1715-1720}, publisher = {ELSEVIER FRANCE-EDITIONS SCIENTIFIQUES MEDICALES ELSEVIER}, type = {Article}, address = {23 RUE LINOIS, 75724 PARIS, FRANCE}, abstract = {

Novel 1-aryl-3-(5-nitro-2-thienyl)-4-aroyl-pyrazoles 7 have been synthesized by the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of 3-arylsydnones 3 with 1-aryl-3-(5-nitro-2-thienyl)-2-propyn- 1-ones 6. The newly synthesized compounds were well characterized by elemental analysis, IR, (1)H NMR and mass spectral studies. They were also screened for their antibacterial and antifungal activities against a variety of microorganisms and the results of such studies have been discussed in this article. (c) 2007 Elsevier Masson SAS. All fights reserved.

}, keywords = {1, 3-dipolar cycloaddition, 5-nitrothiophene, acetylenic ketone, Antibacterial, antifungal, Pyrazole, sydnone}, issn = {0223-5234}, doi = {10.1016/j.ejmech.2007.08.002}, author = {Rai, N. Satheesha and Kalluraya, Balakrishna and Lingappa, B. and Shenoy, Shaliny and Puranik, Vedavati G.} } @article { ISI:000252413800017, title = {Copolyester nanocomposites based on carbon nanotubes: reinforcement effect of carbon nanotubes on viscoelastic and dielectric properties of nanocomposites}, journal = {Polymer International}, volume = {57}, number = {1}, year = {2008}, month = {JAN}, pages = {114-123}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, type = {Article}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

Nanocomposites based on an amorphous copolyester, poly(ethylene glycol-co-cyclohexane-1,4-dimethanol terephthalate) and carbon nanotubes were fabricated using a simple melt processing technique. The reinforcement effect of carbon nanotubes in the copolyester was investigated experimentally using different approaches based on dynamic mechanical analysis, theology and dielectric analysis. The nanocomposites show a mechanical reinforcement effect with significant increase in the stiffness especially in the rubbery regime with increasing nanotube content. An increase in T-g and a decrease in damping are seen, which are derived from the presence of a percolating superstructure of the filler. Rheological experiments show an increase in storage modulus up to four orders of magnitude. Viscolelastic characterization shows that the percolation threshold is at 3 wt\% of nanotubes. Dielectric relaxation spectroscopy confirms the presence of this percolating structure. We conclude that the responses of both rheological and electrical properties are different, although both are related to the formation of a percolating network superstructure of the filler. (c) 2007 Society of Chemical Industry.

}, keywords = {Carbon nanotubes, dielectric analysis, nanocomposites., reinforcement, viscoelastic properties}, issn = {0959-8103}, doi = {10.1002/pi.2325}, author = {Kalgaonkar, Rajendra A. and Jog, Jyoti Prakash} } @article { ISI:000254698300035, title = {Co-precipitation method for preparation of Bi3TiNbO9 powders}, journal = {Ceramics International}, volume = {34}, number = {3}, year = {2008}, month = {APR}, pages = {675-677}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A simple co-precipitation technique has been successfully used for the preparation of pure, ultrafine, single phase Bi3TiNbO9 (BTN). An aqueous ammonium hydroxide solution was used to simultaneously precipitate Bi3+, Ti4+ and Nb5+, cations as hydroxides under basic conditions (pH similar to 9). No pyrochlore phase was found while heating powder at 500 degrees C and pure BTN phase was found to be formed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). For comparison, BTN samples were also synthesized by the traditional solid state method. The sequence of phase formation in both cases were investigated by XRD studies. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Ceramics, Chemical synthesis, electronic material, Oxides, XRD}, issn = {0272-8842}, doi = {10.1016/j.ceramint.2007.02.002}, author = {Gupta, U. N. and Samuel, V. and Muthurajan, H. and Kumar, H. H. and Patil, S. D. and Ravi, V.} } @article { ISI:000257538200034, title = {Co-precipitation technique to prepare BiNbO4 powders}, journal = {Ceramics International}, volume = {34}, number = {6}, year = {2008}, month = {AUG}, pages = {1565-1567}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A simple co-precipitation technique was successfully used for the preparation of pure ultrafine single phase BiNbO4. A standard ammonium hydroxide solution was used to precipitate Bi3+ and Ta5+ cations as hydroxides simultaneously under basic conditions. For comparison, BN powders were also prepared by the traditional solid-state method. It is observed that the co-precipitation technique produces BiNbO4 on heating at 600 degrees C, whereas complete phase formation occurs only at 800 degrees C in the solid-state method. The phase contents and lattice parameters were Studied by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {BiNbO4, Ceramics, Chemical synthesis, Electron microscopy, Oxides, X-ray diffraction}, issn = {0272-8842}, doi = {10.1016/j.ceramint.2007.03.022}, author = {Radha, R. and Gupta, U. N. and Samuel, V. and Muthurajan, H. and Kumar, H. H. and Ravi, V.} } @article { ISI:000255704100017, title = {Density functional investigations of electronics structure and dehydrogenation reactions of Al- and Si-substituted magnesium hydride}, journal = {ChemPhysChem }, volume = {9}, number = {6}, year = {2008}, month = {APR}, pages = {928-934}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 10 11 61, D-69451 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

{The effect on the hydrogen storage attributes of magnesium hydride (MgH2) of the substitution of Mg by varying fractions of Al and Si is investigated by an ab initio plane-wave pseuodopotential method based on density functional theory. Three supercells, namely, 2 x 2 x x 3 x 1 x 1 and 5 x 1 x 1 are used for generating configurations with varying amounts (fractions x=0.0625, 0.1, and 0.167) of impurities. The analyses of band structure and density of states (DOS) show that, when a Mg atom is replaced by Al, the band gap vanishes as the extra electron occupies the conduction band minimum. In the case of Si-substitution, additional states are generated within the band gap of pure MgH2-significontly reducing the gap in the process. The reduced band gaps cause the Mg-H bond to become more susceptible to dissociation. For all the fractions, the calculated reaction energies for the stepwise removal of H-2 molecules from Al- and Si-substituted MgH2 ore much lower than for H-2 removal from pure MgH2. The reduced stability is also reflected in the comparatively smaller heats of formation (Delta H-f) of the substituted MgH2 systems. Si causes greater destabilization of MgH2 than Al for each x. For fractions x = 0.167 of Al

}, keywords = {band structure, Density functional calculations, hydrides, Hydrogen storage, Thermodynamics}, issn = {1439-4235}, doi = {10.1002/cphc.200700860}, author = {Kelkar, Tuhina and Pal, Sourav and Kanhere, Dilip G.} } @article { ISI:000252815300072, title = {Development of nanofibrous morphology in LDPE/LLDPE/PP blends and its effect on mechanical properties of blend films}, journal = {Journal of Applied Polymer Science}, volume = {107}, number = {6}, year = {2008}, month = {MAR}, pages = {4005-4012}, publisher = {JOHN WILEY \& SONS INC}, type = {Article}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN, NJ 07030 USA}, abstract = {

Nanofibrous morphology has been observed in ternary blends of low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), and isotactic polypropylene (PP) when these were melt-extruded via slit die followed by hot stretching. The morphology was dependent on the concentration of the component polymers in ternary blend LDPE/LLDPE/PP. The films were characterized by wide angle X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and testing of mechanical properties. The XRD patterns reveal that the P phase of PP is obtained in the as-stretched nanofibrillar composites, whose concentration decreases with the increase of LLDPE concentration. The presence of PP nanofibrils shows significant nucleation ability for crystallization of LDPE/LLDPE blend. The SEM observations of etched samples show an isotropic blend of LDPE and LLDPE reinforced with more or less randomly distributed and well-defined nanofibrils of PP, which were generated in situ. The tensile modulus and strength of LDPE/LLDPE/PP blends were significantly enhanced in the machine direction than in the transverse direction with increasing LLDPE concentration. The ultimate elongation increased with increasing LLDPE concentration, and there was a critical LLDPE concentration above which it increased considerably. There was a dramatic increase in the falling dart impact strength for films obtained by blow extrusion of these blends. These impressive mechanical properties of extruded samples can be explained on the basis of the formation of PP nanofibrils with high aspect ratio (at least 10), which imparted reinforcement to the LDPE/LLDPE blend. (C) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

}, keywords = {linear low density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, mechanical properties, melt-extruded films, nanofibrous morphology, polypropylene, ternary blends}, issn = {0021-8995}, doi = {10.1002/app.27630}, author = {Sonawane, Pradip S. and Radhakrishnan, S. and Bhangale, J. A. and Gadhavi, A. L. and Khare, Anagha} } @article { ISI:000254736700028, title = {Differential accumulation of manganese in three mature tree species (Holoptelia, Cassia, Neem) growing on a mine dump}, journal = {Current Science}, volume = {94}, number = {5}, year = {2008}, month = {MAR}, pages = {639-643}, publisher = {INDIAN ACAD SCIENCES}, type = {Article}, address = {C V RAMAN AVENUE, SADASHIVANAGAR, P B \#8005, BANGALORE 560 080, INDIA}, abstract = {

Three trees, including Cassia siamea (Cassia), Azadirachta indica (Neem), Holoptelia integrifolia (Holoptelia) belonging to three different families were identified from a manganese mine tailing dump. Manganese content in dump soil and in the stem, green leaves and dry, fallen leaves of the plants was determined. Values were compared with similar samples collected from normal vegetation. Under control condition, manganese content was highest in Cassia. Distribution of metal in samples collected from the dump site revealed that Holoptelia has a special ability to accumulate high amounts of manganese under stress condition followed by Cassia and Neem. There is no literature on metal accumulation in Holoptelia. Mechanism of manganese sequestration in Holoptelia is different from the other two trees growing in the same soil.

}, keywords = {Azadirachta indica, Cassia siamea, Holoptelia integrifolia, hyperaccumulator, manganese, mine dump}, issn = {0011-3891}, author = {Raju, D. and Kumar, Sunil and Mehta, Urmil J. and Hazra, Sulekha} } @article { ISI:000253334800010, title = {Dimethyl sulfoxide pivaloyl chloride: a new reagent for oxidation of alcohols to carbonyls}, journal = {Synthetic Communications}, volume = {38}, number = {5}, year = {2008}, month = {FEB}, pages = {746-753}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS INC}, type = {Article}, address = {325 CHESTNUT ST, SUITE 800, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 USA}, abstract = {

An efficient procedure for conversion of alcohols to the corresponding carbonyl compounds, an alternative to the classical Swern oxidation, is described. Pivaloyl chloride is employed as a mild and inexpensive electrophile. A possible reaction mechanism is proposed.

}, keywords = {Alcohols, carbonyls, DMSO, pivaloyl chloride, Swern oxidation}, issn = {0039-7911}, doi = {10.1080/00397910701820343}, author = {Dubey, Abhishek and Kandula, Subba Rao V. and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000259484700016, title = {Direct shoot organogenesis and plant regeneration from hypocotyl explants in selected genotypes of Leucaena leucocephala - a leguminous pulpwood tree}, journal = {Indian Journal of Biotechnology}, volume = {7}, number = {3}, year = {2008}, month = {JUL}, pages = {388-393}, publisher = {NATL INST SCIENCE COMMUNICATION-NISCAIR}, type = {Article}, address = {DR K S KRISHNAN MARG, PUSA CAMPUS, NEW DELHI 110 012, INDIA}, abstract = {

An efficient in vitro plant regeneration system in subabul (Leucaena leucocephala), a leguminous pulp wood tree species, was established. The induction of shoots was achieved from selected elite clones of subabul K-8, K-636 and also wild type on MS medium supplemented with 2\% sucrose and different concentrations (0.88 to 24.6 mu M) of plant growth regulators (BA, Kn, 2iP \& TDZ). The best medium for shoot regeneration was MS with 22.2 mu M BA (5 shoots per explant), followed by 22.7 mu M TDZ (4.6 shoots per explant). Addition of putriscine (9.3 mu M) to MS medium containing 22.2 mu M BA enhanced the number of multiple shoots to 7-8 but not the frequency of response. Shoot initials (measuring 1 cm) when separated and transferred on to MS medium containing 1.4 mu M GA(3) elongated to 2-5 cm in 15.20 d with 80\% frequency. The per cent frequency of shoot differentiation was almost identical in the genotypes K-8 and K-636 but it differed significantly from the wild type. Leaf yellowing and abscission in all the genotypes was curtailed by supplementing the medium with 685 mu M glutamine or 540 mu M adenine. The excised shoots were transferred to root regeneration media containing 2.46 and 4.98 mu M IBA or 2.6 and 5.3 mu M NAA. Root regeneration was noticed with 100\% frequency in all the three genotypes in presence of IBA or NAA. Plantlets were transferred successfully to the pots with 70\% survival rate with no visible morphological variations. The protocol can be utilized for mass propagation and genetic transformation studies of this important pulpwood species.

}, keywords = {hypocotyl explants, Leucaena lucocephala, pulpwood leguminous tree, shoot organogenesis}, issn = {0972-5849}, author = {Sirisha, V. L. and Prashant, S. and Ranadheer, D. and Ramprasad, P. and Shaik, N. M. and Arha, Manish and Gupta, S. K. and Srivastava, Sarneer and Yadav, A. K. and Kulkarni, P. S. and Othalathara U. Abhilash and Khan, Bashir Mohammad and Rawal, Shuban K. and Kishor, P. B. Kavi} } @article { ISI:000255448400001, title = {Distributed chemical computing using chemstar: an open source java remote method invocation architecture applied to large scale molecular data from pubchem}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Information and Modeling}, volume = {48}, number = {4}, year = {2008}, month = {APR}, pages = {691-703}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

present the application of a Java remote method invocation (RMI) based open source architecture to distributed chemical computing. This architecture was previously employed for distributed data harvesting of chemical information from the Internet via the Google application programming interface (API; ChemXtreme). Due to its open source character and its flexibility, the underlying server/client framework can be quickly adopted to virtually every computational task that can be parallelized. Here, we present the server/client communication framework as well as an application to distributed computing of chemical properties on a large scale (currently the size of PubChem; about 18 million compounds), using both the Marvin toolkit as well as the open source JOELib package. As an application, for this set of compounds, the agreement of log P and TPSA between the packages was compared. Outliers were found to be mostly non-druglike compounds and differences could usually be explained by differences in the underlying algorithms. ChemStar is the first open source distributed chemical computing environment built on Java RMI, which is also easily adaptable to user demands due to its {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}plug-in architecture{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}. The complete source codes as well as calculated properties along with links to PubChem resources are available on the Internet via a graphical user interface at http://moltable.nel.res.in/chemstar/.

}, issn = {1549-9596}, doi = {10.1021/ci700334f}, author = {Karthikeyan, Muthukumarasamy and Krishnan, S. and Pandey, Anil Kumar and Bender, Andreas and Tropsha, Alexander} } @article { ISI:000256441200268, title = {Di-tert-butyl N,N {\textquoteleft}-(octahydropentalene-2,5-diyl) dicarbamate}, journal = {Acta Crystallographica Section E-Structure Reports Online}, volume = {64}, number = {6}, year = {2008}, month = {JUN}, pages = {O1149-U2804}, publisher = {BLACKWELL PUBLISHING}, type = {Article}, address = {9600 GARSINGTON RD, OXFORD OX4 2DQ, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

In the molecule of the title compound, C18H32N2O4, the central bicyclo[3.3.0] octane (octahydropentalene) has a rigid ring junction. Both rings of the bicyclo[3.3.0] octane unit adopt an envelope conformation, and the flexible tert-butylcarbamoyl side chains each have an extended conformation. Such a constrained bicyclo[3.3.0] octane aliphatic template is of interest with respect to the design of novel self-assembling motifs. Molecules related by c-glide symmetry are linked via intermolecular N-H center dot center dot center dot O hydrogen bonds, forming a two-dimensional layer structure. Neighboring layers are weakly associated along the a axis due to the close approach of the tert-butylcarbamoyl groups (2.55 angstrom).

}, issn = {1600-5368}, doi = {10.1107/S1600536808014876}, author = {Kendhale, Amol M. and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Sanjayan, Gangadhar J.} } @article { ISI:000255686900001, title = {Effect of gold dispersion on the photocatalytic activity of mesoporous titania for the vapor-phase oxidation of acetone}, journal = {International Journal of Photoenergy}, year = {2008}, month = {JAN}, pages = {Article No. 789149}, publisher = {HINDAWI PUBLISHING CORPORATION}, type = {Article}, address = {410 PARK AVENUE, 15TH FLOOR, \#287 PMB, NEW YORK, NY 10022 USA}, abstract = {

Mesostructured titanium dioxide photocatalyst, having uniform crystallite size (6-12 nm) and average pore diameter of similar to 4.2 nm, was synthesized by using a low-temperature nonsurfactant hydrothermal route, employing tartaric acid as a templating agent. Gold additions from 0.5 to 2wt\% were incorporated, either during the hydrothermal process or by postsynthesis wet impregnation. Compared to the impregnation-prepared samples, the samples synthesized hydrothermally contained smaller-size (\<= 1 nm) gold clusters occluded in the pores of the host matrix. Whereas CO(2) and H(2)O were the main reaction products in UV-assisted vapor-phase oxidation of acetone using these catalysts, C(2)H(6) and HCO(2)CH(3) were also produced for higher acetone concentrations in air. The conversion of acetone was found to increase with decrease in the size of both TiO(2) and gold particles. In situ IR spectroscopy revealed that titania and gold particles serve as independent adsorption and reaction sites for acetone and oxygen molecules. Acetone molecules adsorb exclusively at TiO(2) surface, giving rise to a strongly adsorbed (condensed) state as well as to the formation of formate- and methyl formate- type surface species. Hydroxyl groups at titania surface participate directly in these adsorption steps. Nanosize gold particles, on the other hand, were primarily responsible for the adsorption and activation of oxygen molecules. Mechanistic aspects of the photochemical processes are discussed on the basis of these observations. Copyright (C) 2008.

}, issn = {1110-662X}, doi = {10.1155/2008/789149}, author = {Awate, S. V. and Belhekar, Anagha A. and Bhagwat, S. V. and Kumar, R. and Gupta, N. M.} } @article { ISI:000260283800018, title = {Effect of hydrodynamic cavitation on zooplankton: a tool for disinfection}, journal = {Biochemical Engineering Journal}, volume = {42}, number = {3}, year = {2008}, month = {DEC}, pages = {320-328}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Application of hydrodynamic cavitation for disinfection of water is gaining momentum, as it provides environmentally and economically sound options. In this effort, the effect of cavitating conditions created by differential pump valve opening and that created by flowing through a cavitating element (orifice plates) on the microbes (zooplankton in sea water) is described. The experimental results are compared with modelling of cavitating conditions that includes cavity dynamics, turbulence generated by individual oscillating cavity, cell wall strength and geometrical and operating parameters of cavitation device. Theoretical model for quantifying the cavitationally generated turbulent shear and extent of microbial disinfection has been developed. Experimental results indicated that cavitation and/or turbulent fluid shear dominantly originating from cavitation are effective tools for sea water disinfection as more than 80\% of the zooplankton present in the sea water were killed. It was also observed that shock waves generated due to cavitation is not the sole cause for zooplankton disruption. A correct physical mechanism accounting fluid turbulence and shear, generated from stable oscillation of cavity, significantly contribute towards the disruption. Further refinement of the model presented will serve as a basis for higher degree of disinfection and provide a practical tool for sea water disinfection. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Cell disruption, heat transfer, Hydrodynamic cavitation, Modelling, Wastewater treatment, Zooplankton}, issn = {1369-703X}, doi = {10.1016/j.bej.2008.08.001}, author = {Sawant, Subhash Shivram and Anil, Arga Chandrashekar and Krishnamurthy, Venkat and Gaonkar, Chetan and Kolwalkar, Janhavi and Khandeparker, Lidita and Desai, Dattesh and Mahulkar, Amit Vinod and Ranade, Vivek Vinayak and Pandit, Aniruddha Balchandra} } @article { ISI:000255689100002, title = {Effect of repeated in vitro sub-culturing on the virulence of metarhizium anisopliae against helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera : Noctuidae)}, journal = {Biocontrol Science and Technology}, volume = {18}, number = {4}, year = {2008}, month = {MAY}, pages = {337-355}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The effect of repeated conidial sub-culturing of Metarhizium anisopliae on its virulence against Helicoverpa armigera (Hbner) was studied. The LT(50) observed against third instar larvae of H. armigera for the first sub-culture was 3.4 days; it increased to 4.5 and 5.6 days for the 20th and the 40th sub-cultures, respectively. The LT50 values after passage of the 40th sub-culture on H. armigera decreased to 4.4 and 3.7 days for the 40th (first in vivo) and the 40th (fifth in vivo) passages, respectively. Similarly, the LC(50) of M. anisopliae towards third instar larvae of H. armigera increased from the first sub-culture (0.17x10(4)) to (3.0x10(4)) for the 40th conidial transfers on potato dextrose agar and again decreased to 0.74x10(4) and 0.23x10(4) in the 40th (first in vivo) and the 40th (fifth in vivo) passage, respectively. Similar trends for LC(50) and LT(50) values were seen when sugarcane woolly aphid, Ceratovacuna lanigera Zehntner was used as a host. Significant variation in appressorium formation and cuticle-degrading enzyme production such as chitinase, chitin deacetylase, chitosanase and protease during subsequent sub-culturing and passage through H. armigera was observed. Though there was no effect on internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence pattern, interestingly, in randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), significant differences in the band intensities and in the banding pattern for different sub-cultures of M. anisopliae were observed. As stable virulence towards the insect pest is desirable for commercialisation of a mycoinsecticide, such changes in virulence due to repeated in vitro transfer need to be monitored and minimised.

}, keywords = {appressorium formation, chitin deacetylase, chitinase, Helicoverpa armigera, in vitro sub-culturing, Lipase, Metarhizium anisopliae, Protease}, issn = {0958-3157}, doi = {10.1080/09583150801935650}, author = {Nahar, Pallavi B. and Kulkarni, Shuklangi A. and Kulye, Mahesh S. and Chavan, Santosh B. and Kulkarni, Girish and Rajendran, Armugham and Yadav, Priya D. and Shouche, Yogesh and Deshpande, Mukund V.} } @article { ISI:000257834700017, title = {Effective arsenic removal using polyacrylonitrile-based ultrafiltration (UF) membrane}, journal = {Journal of Membrane Science}, volume = {320}, number = {1-2}, year = {2008}, month = {JUL}, pages = {159-166}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Applicability of polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based negatively charged ultrafiltration (UF) membrane for effective arsenic removal has been demonstrated, to our knowledge, for the first time. The hydrolysis of PAN-based UF membrane surface by NaOH leading to the formation of carboxylate (-COO-) groups and reduction in initial pore size rendered As-V rejection capability by Donnan exclusion principle. A lowering in pore size was indicated by the reduction in water flux and elevation in rejection of protein and polyethylene glycol (PEG). NaOH treatment leading to formation of carboxylate group on the membrane surface was indicated by FTIR-ATR, while contact angle measurement indicated increased hydrophilicity. This treatment rendered membrane surface smoothening as confirmed by SEM and AFM analyses. The molecular weight cut off after the NaOH treatment was found to be similar to 6 kDa. The rejection of pentavalent arsenic (As-V) by these surface modified membranes was studied with different feed concentration, cross-flow velocity, pressure, temperature and pH. Experiments with 50 ppb As-V in feed showed that arsenic rejection was close to 100\% and remained constant up to 6 h. Feed sample concentration of 1000 ppb and 50 ppm of As-V showed \>95\% rejection at pH 7 and room temperature, but for 1000 ppm feed concentration, the rejection was 40-65\%. For concentrations \<= 50 ppm of arsenic in the feed, the rejection coefficient was not dependent on cross-flow velocity or transmembrame pressure. The rejection for 1000 ppm. concentration of As-V varied from 40 to 65\% with variation in the cross-flow velocity and transmembrane pressure as the concentration polarization was important. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Arsenic rejection, concentration polarization, cross-flow velocity, Polyacrylonitrile, surface modification, Ultrafiltration}, issn = {0376-7388}, doi = {10.1016/j.memsci.2008.03.068}, author = {Lohokare, Harshada R. and Muthu, M. R. and Agarwal, Gopal P. and Kharul, Ulhas K.} } @article { ISI:000260843200008, title = {Efficacy of 4-methyl-7-hydroxy coumarin derivatives against vectors aedes aegypti and culex quinquefasciatus}, journal = {Indian Journal of Experimental Biology}, volume = {46}, number = {11}, year = {2008}, month = {NOV}, pages = {788-792}, publisher = {NATL INST SCIENCE COMMUNICATION}, type = {Article}, address = {DR K S KRISHNAN MARG, NEW DELHI 110 012, INDIA}, abstract = {

4-Methyl-7-hydroxy coumarin is considered as a lead molecule as a biopesticide. Its mono bromo and tribromo derivatives were synthesized. Two more derivatives were synthesized by acylation. Compound 1 (3.6,8-tribromo-7-hydroxy-4-methyl-chromen-2-one) was found to be the most potent against IV(th) instar larvae of C. quinquefasciatus and A. aegypti the LC(50) being 1.49 and 2.23 ppm respectively. It showed 100\% larval mortality at 25 ppm against A. aegypti and at 10 ppm against C. quinquefasciatus. Compounds 1 and 2 (3,6,8-tribromo-7-hydroxy-4-methyl-chromen-2{\textquoteright}-oxo-2H-chromen-7-yl acetate) showed remarkable ovicidal activity. Significant reduction of 80-85\%, hatching of eggs of both mosquito species was observed at the highest dose of 100 ppm. The hatched larvae showed 100\% mortality in the successive instars. Compounds 3 and 4 (3-bromo-7-hydroxy-4-methyl-chromen-2-one and 3-bromo-4-methyl-2{\textquoteright}-oxo-2H-chromen-7-yl acetate) showed moderate activity against both mosquito species.

}, keywords = {4-Methyl-7-hydroxy coumarin, Aedes aegypti, Culex quinquefasciatus, Larval mortality, Ovicidal activity}, issn = {0019-5189}, author = {Deshmukh, Madhavi and Pawar, Pushpa and Joseph, Mary P. and Phalgune, Usha and Kashalkar, Rajashree and Deshpande, Nirmala R.} } @article { ISI:000255728500004, title = {Efficient route towards the covalent functionalization of single walled carbon nanotubes}, journal = {Applied Surface Science}, volume = {254}, number = {16}, year = {2008}, month = {JUN}, pages = {4936-4943}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

A simple and efficient method of chemical functionalization of both single and multiwalled carbon nanotubes has been discussed to give enhanced water solubility by rapidly and efficiently generating an appreciable amount of hydrophilic functional groups using microwave radiation. Surface functionalization containing more than 30 wt\% of oxygen has been achieved, resulting into solubility of 2-5 mg/mL. Further covalent functionalization of such soluble SWNTs provides a remarkable degree of aniline functionalization through amidation, where the formation of polyaniline has been avoided. Functionalization of SWNTs is confirmed by techniques like electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, Raman spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy. Electrochemical analysis suggests an enhanced double layer capacitance (similar to 110 F/g) of nanotubes after microwave treatment. Aniline functionalization of SWNTs shows possible variations on the nanotube topography with concomitant formation of a dynamic polymer layer on the nanotube surface. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Carbon nanotubes, Functionalization, Microwave, solubility}, issn = {0169-4332}, doi = {10.1016/j.apsusc.2008.01.148}, author = {Kakade, Bhalchandra A. and Pillai, Vijayamohanan K.} } @article { ISI:000253919900008, title = {Efficient total synthesis of decarestrictine D}, journal = {European Journal of Organic Chemistry}, number = {7}, year = {2008}, month = {MAR}, pages = {1195-1202}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, type = {Article}, address = {COMMERCE PLACE, 350 MAIN ST, MALDEN 02148, MA USA}, abstract = {

An efficient total synthesis of decarestrictine D has been achieved using cross-metathesis or ring-closing metathesis and Yamaguchi macrolactonization as key steps. The stereogenic centres were generated by means of hydrolytic kinetic resolution (HKR) and Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation (AD).

}, keywords = {Cross metathesis, Hydrolytic kinetic resolution, Macrolides, Ring-closing metathesis, sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation}, issn = {1434-193X}, doi = {10.1002/ejoc.200700868}, author = {Guptali, Priti and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000259140200017, title = {Electric field induced, superhydrophobic to superhydrophilic switching in multiwalled carbon nanotube papers}, journal = {Nano Letters}, volume = {8}, number = {9}, year = {2008}, month = {SEP}, pages = {2693-2696}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Superhydrophobic multiwalled carbon nanotube bucky paper, fabricated after ozonolysis, shows fascinating electrowetting behavior, which could be remarkably tuned by changing key solution variables like the ionic strength, the nature of the electrolyte, and the pH of the water droplet. More significantly, the droplet behavior can be reversibly switched between superhydrophobic, Cassie-Baxter state to hydrophilic, Wenzel state by the application of an electric field, especially below a threshold value.

}, issn = {1530-6984}, doi = {10.1021/nl801012r}, author = {Kakade, Bhalchandra A. and Mehta, Rutvik and Durge, Apurva and Kulkarni, Sneha and Pillai, Vijayamohanan} } @article { ISI:000256765900007, title = {Electric field response of molecular reactivity descriptors: a case study}, journal = {Theoretical Chemistry Accounts}, volume = {120}, number = {4-6}, year = {2008}, month = {JUL}, pages = {375-383}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, type = {Article}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

In the present article, we study the influence of external electric field on the density-based global and local reactivity descriptors using examples of some planar nonlinear polyatomic molecules with C-2V point group symmetry. The study mainly involves the application of weak electric field in a direction along the principal axis and along its perpendicular direction. We also discuss the strength of the electric field studied in this work in terms of the strength of the molecular interaction. The work is expected to throw light on the effect of interactions within the above range on reactivity descriptors. Results are presented for a few prototype molecules.

}, keywords = {electric field, molecular interaction, planar nonlinear polyatomic molecules, Reactivity descriptors}, issn = {1432-881X}, doi = {10.1007/s00214-008-0437-4}, author = {Kar, Rahul and Pal, Sourav} } @article { ISI:000253646100010, title = {Enantioselective hydrogenation of olefins by chiral iridium phosphorothioite complex covalently anchored on mesoporous silica}, journal = {Journal of Catalysis}, volume = {254}, number = {1}, year = {2008}, month = {FEB}, pages = {91-100}, publisher = {ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE}, type = {Article}, address = {525 B ST, STE 1900, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101-4495 USA}, abstract = {

Chiral monodentate phosphorous-based ligands have proven effective for the enantioselective hydrogenation of olefins. Binol-derived monodentate phosphorothioite (PS) ligand was synthesized from binol and thiopropyltriethoxysilane, and its iridium complex was covalently anchored to mesoporous silica supports like SBA-15, MCM-41, and MCM-48. These catalysts were characterized by different physicochemical techniques and assessed for their catalytic performances in the heterogeneous asymmetric hydrogenation of itaconic acid and its derivatives. It was found that the catalytic activities and enantioselectivities of the heterogenized iridium complex (IrPSSBA-15) in the hydrogenation reactions were comparable to its homogeneous analogue. Binol-derived monodentate phosphorothioite ligand in heterogeneously anchored form (iridium complex) is a more effective catalyst than the reported monodentate phosphorous ligand systems in the hydrogenation reactions, possibly due to the changes in electronic properties around the iridium metal center. The effects of substrate-to-catalyst molar ratio, solvents, and temperature on substrate conversions and enantioselectivities, of the products were investigated in hydrogenation reactions. (c) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {binol, Enantioselective hydrogenation, Immobilization, iridium complex, itaconic acid, Mesoporous silica SBA-15, monodentate ligand, phosphorothioite ligand}, issn = {0021-9517}, doi = {10.1016/j.jcat.2007.12.002}, author = {Sahoo, Suman and Kumar, Pradeep and Lefebvre, F. and Halligudi, Shivaraj B.} } @article { ISI:000257231200057, title = {Enhanced field emission from hexagonal rhodium nanostructures}, journal = {Applied Physics Letters}, volume = {92}, number = {25}, year = {2008}, month = {JUN}, pages = {253106}, publisher = {AMER INST PHYSICS}, type = {Article}, address = {CIRCULATION \& FULFILLMENT DIV, 2 HUNTINGTON QUADRANGLE, STE 1 N O 1, MELVILLE, NY 11747-4501 USA}, abstract = {

Shape selective synthesis of nanostructured Rh hexagons has been demonstrated with the help of a modified chemical vapor deposition using rhodium acetate. An ultralow threshold field of 0.72 V/mu m is observed to generate a field emission current density of 4 x 10(-3) mu A/cm(2). The high enhancement factor (9325) indicates that the origin of electron emission is from nanostructured features. The smaller size of emitting area, excellent current density, and stability over a period of more than 3 h are promising characteristics for the development of electron sources. (C) 2008 American Institute of Physics.

}, issn = {0003-6951}, doi = {10.1063/1.2943657}, author = {Sathe, Bhaskar R. and Kakade, Bhalchandra A. and Mulla, Imtiaz S. and Pillai, Vijayamohanan K. and Late, Dattatray J. and More, Mahendra A. and Joag, Dilip S.} } @article { ISI:000254416300010, title = {Enhanced shape anisotropy and magneto-optical birefringence by high energy ball milling in NixFe1-xFe2O4 ferrofluids}, journal = {Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials}, volume = {320}, number = {6}, year = {2008}, month = {MAR}, pages = {815-820}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Ferrofluids belonging to the series NixFe1-xFe2O4 were synthesised by two different procedures-one by standard co-precipitation techniques, the other by co-precipitation for synthesis of particles and dispersion aided by high-energy ball milling with a view to understand the effect of strain and size anisotropy on the magneto-optical properties of ferrofluids. The birefringence measurements were carried out using a standard ellipsometer. The birefringence signal obtained for chemically synthesised samples was satisfactorily fitted to the standard second Langevin function. The ball-milled ferrofluids showed a deviation and their birefringence was enhanced by an order. This large enhancement in the birefringence value cannot be attributed to the increase in grain size of the samples, considering that the grain sizes of sample synthesised by both modes are comparable; instead, it can be attributed to the lattice strain-induced shape anisotropy(oblation) arising from the high-energy ball-milling process. Thus magnetic-optical (MO) signals can be tuned by ball-milling process, which can find potential applications. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {birefringence, Co-precipitation, ferrofluid, HEBM}, issn = {0304-8853}, doi = {10.1016/j.jmmm.2007.08.032}, author = {Nair, Swapna S. and Xavier, Francis and Joy, Pattayil Alias and Kulkarni, S. D. and Anantharaman, Maliemadom R.} } @article { ISI:000255107700017, title = {EPR and DRS evidence for NO2 sensing in Al-doped ZnO}, journal = {Sensors and Actuators B-Chemical}, volume = {130}, number = {2}, year = {2008}, month = {MAR}, pages = {668-673}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a well-known semiconducting multifunctional material wherein properties right from the morphology to gas sensitivity can be tailor-made by doping or surface modification. Aluminum (Al)-incorporated porous zinc oxide (AI:ZnO) exhibits good response towards NO2 at low-operating temperature. The NO2 gas concentration as low as 20 ppm exhibits S = 17\% for 5 wt. \% Al-incorporated ZnO. The NO2 response increases with operating temperature and concentration and reaches to its maximum at 300 degrees C without any interference from other gases such as SO3, HCl, LPG and alcohol. Physico-chemical characterization likes differential thermogravimetric analysis (TG-DTA) electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and diffused reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) have been used to understand the sensing behavior for pure and A]-incorporated ZnO. The TG-DTA depicts formation of ZnO phase at 287 degrees C. The EPR study reveals distinct variation for O- (g=2.003) and Zn interstitial (g = 1.98) defect sites in pure and Al:ZnO. The DRS studies elucidate signature of adsorbed NO, species in aluminium-incorporated zinc oxide indicating its tendency to adsorb these species even at low temperatures. This paper is an attempt to correlate the gas sensing behavior with the physico-chemical studies such as EPR and DRS. (c) 2007 Published by Elsevier B.V.

}, keywords = {aluminum doping, DRS, EPR, NO2 sensor, ZnO}, issn = {0925-4005}, doi = {10.1016/j.snb.2007.10.055}, author = {Navale, Shalaka C. and Ravi, V. and Srinivas, D. and Mulla, Imtiaz S. and Gosavi, S. W. and Kulkarni, S. K.} } @article {42610, title = {Erosion of a granular bed driven by laminar fluid flow}, journal = {Journal of Fluid Mechanics}, volume = {605}, year = {2008}, month = {JUN}, pages = {47-58}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Motivated by examples of erosive incision of channels in sand, we investigate the motion of individual grains in a granular bed driven by a laminar fluid to give us new insights into the relationship between hydrodynamic stress and surface granular flow. A closed cell of rectangular cross-section is partially filled with glass beads and a constant fluid flux Q flows through the cell. The refractive indices of the fluid and the glass beads are matched and the cell is illuminated with a laser sheet, allowing us to image individual beads. The bed erodes to a rest height hr which depends on Q. The Shields threshold criterion assumes that the non-dimensional ratio θ of the viscous stress on the bed to the hydrostatic pressure difference across a grain is sufficient to predict the granular flux. Furthermore, the Shields criterion states that the granular flux is non-zero only for θ \> θc. We find that the Shields criterion describes the observed relationship hr ∝ Q1/2 when the bed height is offset by approximately half a grain diameter. Introducing this offset in the estimation of θ yields a collapse of the measured Einstein number q* to a power-law function of θ - θc with exponent 1.75 {\textpm} 0.25. The dynamics of the bed height relaxation are described well by the power-law relationship between the granular flux and the bed stress.

}, doi = {10.1017/S0022112008001389}, author = {Lobkovsky Alexander E. and Orpe, Ashish V. and Molloy, Ryan and Kudrolli, Arshad and Rothman, D. H.} } @article { ISI:000253622800027, title = {Experimental analysis of the lift force on bubbles in a swarm}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Science}, volume = {63}, number = {6}, year = {2008}, month = {OCT}, pages = {1710-1723}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The lift force acting on bubbles in a swarm has been estimated by analyzing the instantaneous velocity-time data obtained using LDA in a cylindrical bubble column. Phase distinction was achieved through the multiresolution analysis of the velocity-time data. Several important issues related to the transverse motion of bubbles subjected to a shear field have been discussed quantitatively. The actually measured bubble sizes, the respective slip velocity values in transverse and axial directions and the local shear rates (gamma) enabled the verification of known formulations for the lift coefficient (C-L) for bubbles. At many locations in the column the radial flux of the gas phase by turbulent dispersion and the radial slip were estimated. The radially inward movement of bubbles from low to high axial velocity (from column wall to center, i.e., C-L \< 0) was observed at most of the measurement locations. The local lift coefficient was estimated using the transverse drag force and the values support the results from the material balance approach. The estimated C-L values showed a wide variation over the column cross-section. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Bubble, Bubble column, bubble size, hydrodynamics, LDA, lift force}, doi = {10.1016/j.ces.2007.10.029}, author = {Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article { ISI:000253283700051, title = {Extracellular bacterial synthesis of protein-functionalized ferromagnetic Co3O4 nanocrystals and imaging of self-organization of bacterial cells under stress after exposure to metal ions}, journal = {Chemistry of Materials}, volume = {20}, number = {4}, year = {2008}, month = {FEB}, pages = {1484-1491}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Co3O4, which crystallizes in the spinet phase at temperatures much higher than ambient temperatures, orders antiferromagnetically below its Neel temperature (similar to 40 K). However, in nanosize, it shows ferromagnetic ordering due to surface canting, disorder, imperfect oxygen atom coordination, etc. Here, for the first time, we report the synthesis of single-crystalline, ferromagnetic Co3O4 nanoparticles functionalized with proteins (size 5-7 nm) using cobalt acetate as precursor at room temperature in aqueous medium by a metal-tolerant marine bacterium isolated from the coast of the Arabian Sea. Energetically unfavorable change in the oxidation state of Co atoms from (+2 to +3) during synthesis by the bacterial strain was evidenced by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The effect on the morphology of bacterial cells after exposure to the cobalt acetate was imaged by scanning electron microscopy showing cooperative, self-organized. structured colony formation, possibly due to the interbacterial communication under external stress.

}, issn = {0897-4756}, doi = {10.1021/cm702727x}, author = {Kumar, Umesh and Shete, Ashvini and Harle, Arti S. and Kasyutich, Oksana and Schwarzacher, W. and Pundle, Archana and Poddar, Pankaj} } @article { ISI:000253042200004, title = {Facile and highly selective deprotection of tert-butyldimethyl silyl ethers using sulfated SnO2 as a solid catalyst}, journal = {Synthetic Communications}, volume = {38}, number = {3}, year = {2008}, month = {JAN}, pages = {346-353}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS INC}, type = {Article}, address = {325 CHESTNUT ST, SUITE 800, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 USA}, abstract = {

Highly selective deprotection of tert-butyldimethylsilyl ethers at room temperature has been described using sulfated SnO2 as an efficient solid catalyst.

}, keywords = {deprotection, sulfated SnO2, TBDMS ethers}, issn = {0039-7911}, doi = {10.1080/00397910701767056}, author = {Bhure, Mahesh H. and Kumar, Indresh and Natu, Arun D. and Rode, Chandrashekhar V.} } @article { ISI:000263598900010, title = {Fast decay of the velocity autocorrelation function in dense shear flow of inelastic hard spheres}, journal = {EPL}, volume = {84}, number = {6}, year = {2008}, month = {DEC}, pages = {64003}, publisher = {EDP SCIENCES S A}, type = {Article}, address = {17, AVE DU HOGGAR, PA COURTABOEUF, BP 112, F-91944 LES ULIS CEDEX A, FRANCE}, abstract = {

We find in complementary experiments and event-driven simulations of sheared inelastic hard spheres that the velocity autocorrelation function psi(t) decays much faster than t(-3/2) obtained for a fluid of elastic spheres at equilibrium. Particle displacements are measured in experiments inside a gravity-driven flow sheared by a rough wall. The average packing fraction obtained in the experiments is 0.59, and the packing fraction in the simulations is varied between 0.5 and 0.59. The motion is observed to be diffusive over long times except in experiments where there is layering of particles parallel to boundaries, and diffusion is inhibited between layers. Regardless, a rapid decay of psi(t) is observed, indicating that this is a feature of the sheared dissipative fluid, and is independent of the details of the relative particle arrangements. An important implication of our study is that the non-analytic contribution to the shear stress may not be present in a sheared inelastic fluid, leading to a wider range of applicability of kinetic theory approaches to dense granular matter. Copyright (C) EPLA, 2008

}, issn = {0295-5075}, doi = {10.1209/0295-5075/84/64003}, author = {Orpe, Ashish V. and Kumaran, V. and Reddy, K. Anki and Kudrolli, Arshad} } @article { ISI:000251708300041, title = {Feasibility studies and dynamics of catalytic liquid phase esterification reactions in a micro plant}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Journal}, volume = {135}, number = {1}, year = {2008}, note = {9th International Conference on Microreaction Technology, Berlin, GERMANY, SEP 06-08, 2006}, month = {JAN}, pages = {S270-S275}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

We present a new micro reactor concept which is suitable for investigations of heterogeneously catalyzed liquid phase reactions. In the set-up two reactants are mixed in a commercially available interdigital micro mixer. The outlet of the micro mixer is connected to a modular micro reactor that consists of stacked plates. Each plate contains a milled meandering channel filled with catalyst beads. By using a variable number of plates the residence time can be manipulated and thus adjusted for a specific task. The synthesis of butyl acetate is considered as a model reaction since it has been investigated in detail in conventional reaction systems. In a first step, some experimental results of the heterogeneously catalyzed reaction are presented. In the second part, the set-up is operated as a chromatographic reactor. Dynamic behaviour is investigated applying the frontal analysis mode and the elution chromatography mode. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {chromatographic reactor, heterogeneous catalysis, integrated process, modular micro reactor}, issn = {1385-8947}, doi = {10.1016/j.cej.2007.07.024}, author = {Kulkarni, A. A. and Zeyer, K. -P. and Jacobs, T. and Kaspereit, M. and Kienle, Achim} } @article { ISI:000253152700039, title = {Ferrocene-linked thymine/uracil conjugates: base pairing directed self-assembly and supramolecular packing}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {73}, number = {4}, year = {2008}, month = {FEB}, pages = {1508-1515}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Ferrocene-linked bis(nucleobase) (la-c) and chimeric nucleobase (1d) conjugates have been synthesized from mono- and bis(hydroxybutyl)ferrocene 6 via Mitsunobu reaction as the key step. X-ray crystallographic studies of ferrocene bis(nucleobase) conjugates reveal two-dimensional supramolecular organizations of backbones through self-assembled Watson-Crick and reverse Watson-Crick type pairs. Ferrocene-bis(thymine) conjugate self-assembles by reverse Watson-Crick pairing, while the corresponding bis(uracil) conjugate self-assembles by alternating WC and reverse WC type pairing. Such continuous assemblies are not seen in monosubstituted ferrocene nucleobase conjugates which form only planar sheets. The results are interesting from the point of understanding and engineering supramolecular assemblies through rational design of base pairing patterns.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/jo7023416}, author = {Patwa, Amit N. and Gupta, Susmita and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Kumar, Vaijayanti A. and Bhadbhade, Mohan M. and Ganesh, Krishna N.} } @article { ISI:000262312300018, title = {First asymmetric total synthesis of penarolide sulfate A(1)}, journal = {European Journal of Organic Chemistry}, number = {36}, year = {2008}, month = {DEC}, pages = {6213-6224}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, type = {Article}, address = {COMMERCE PLACE, 350 MAIN ST, MALDEN 02148, MA USA}, abstract = {

Penarolide sulfate A(1), with three contiguous stereogenic centers on a macrocyclic skeleton, affords promise as an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor. Herein, we describe the first asymmetric total synthesis of this natural product. A stereoselective strategy for rapid assembly of the complete framework of the 30-membered macrocyclic core is delineated herein. Sequential amidation and intramolecular Sonogashira cross-coupling reactions were pivotal to the success of our efforts. ((C) Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH \& Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)

}, keywords = {Asymmetric synthesis, C-C coupling, Dihydroxylation, epoxidation, Macrocycles, Regioselectivity, Total synthesis}, issn = {1434-193X}, doi = {10.1002/ejoc.200800680}, author = {Mohapatra, Debendra K. and Bhattasali, Debabrata and Gujar, Mukund K. and Khan, Mohammad Islam and Shashidhara, K. S.} } @article { ISI:000256005300018, title = {First principles calculations of thermal, equations of state and thermodynamical properties of MgH2 at finite temperatures}, journal = {Computational Materials Science}, volume = {42}, number = {3}, year = {2008}, month = {MAY}, pages = {510-516}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

We present the first principles calculations of the thermodynamical properties of magnesium hydride (MgH2) over a temperature range of 0-1000 K. The phonon dispersions are determined within the density functional framework and are used to calculate the free energy of MgH2 within the quasiharmonic approximation (QHA) at each cell volume and temperature T. Using the free energies the thermal equation of state (EOS) is derived at several temperatures. From the thermal EOS structural parameters such as the equilibrium bell volume (V-0) and elastic properties, namely, bulk modulus (K-0) and its pressure derivative (K-0({\textquoteright})) are computed. The free energies are also used to calculate various thermodynamical properties within QHA. These include internal energy E, entropy S, specific heat capacity at constant pressure C-P, thermal pressure P-thermal(V,T) and volume thermal expansion Delta V/V (\%). The good agreement of calculated values of S and Cp with experimental data exhibits that QHA can be used as a tool for calculating the thermodynamical properties of MgH2 over a wide temperature range. P-thermal(V,T) increases strongly with T at all the volumes but it is a slowly varying function of volume for T = 298-500 K. According to Karki [B.B. Karki, Am. Miner. 85 (2000) 1447] such volume based variations can be neglected and so it is possible to estimate the thermal EOS only with the knowledge of the measured P-thermal(V,T) versus temperature at ambient pressure and isothermal compression data at ambient temperature. Temperature dependence of Delta V/V(\%) shows that V-0 increased with increase in temperature. However, the percentage decrease in K-0 superseded this percentage increase in V-0 even at temperatures moderately higher than 298 K. Therefore, we suggest application of temperature (T \> 298 K) as an approach to enhance the hydrogen storage capacity of MgH2 because of its better compressibility at these temperatures. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {equation of state, Hydrogen storage, lattice dynamics, magnesium hydride, Thermodynamic properties}, issn = {0927-0256}, doi = {10.1016/j.commatsci.2007.08.014}, author = {Kelkar, Tuhina and Kanhere, Dilip G. and Pal, Sourav} } @article { ISI:000255046700003, title = {Flow pattern in vortex diode: experiments and CFD simulations}, journal = {AICHE Journal}, volume = {54}, number = {5}, year = {2008}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1139-1152}, publisher = {JOHN WILEY \& SONS INC}, type = {Article}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN, NJ 07030 USA}, abstract = {

Vortex diodes are used as leaky nonreturn valves in applications, where it is desirable to avoid valves with moving parts. Despite their use in practice for several decades, no detailed analysis of the flow inside the vortex diodes is available. A strategy was derived for the CFD simulations of the vortical flow in diodes. A good agreement was seen between pressure drop (Delta P) across the inlet-outlet ports from CFD simulations, and the experimental data for five diode sizes. The simulations showed that in the reverse flow situation tangential velocity was dominant and resulted in conservation of angular momentum in the chamber until it reaches the axial exit port. This vortical motion induced a significant pressure drop (Delta P-r). The axial velocity gradient over the chamber cross-section helps in inducing relaminarization of the flow. In the forward flow mode, the fluid gets distributed radially over the chamber and exits through the tangential port, yielding low Delta P-f. The analysis showed that the performance of a diode is strongly affected by diode geometry, size, aspect ratio, nozzle configuration and Reynolds number. Among different configurations, the nozzles with entry port size equal to diode yielded higher diodicity. Simulations showed that using angle of divergence for diffuser sections of nozzles of the order of 7 degrees exhibited higher diodicity than smaller angles. It was also observed that at higher flow rates significantly higher diodicity was obtained using axial nozzles with larger radius of curvature for expander section. The modeling methodology and results presented will be useful for evolving better designs of vortex diodes.

}, keywords = {CFD, Diodicity, pressure drop, relaminarization, Vortex diode}, issn = {0001-1541}, doi = {10.1002/aic.11439}, author = {Kulkarni, Amol A. and Ranade, V. V. and Rajeev, R. and Koganti, S. B.} } @article { ISI:000256212400012, title = {Foldamers with unusual structural architecture from spirobi(indane) building blocks}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, number = {22}, year = {2008}, month = {JUN}, pages = {2541-2543}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

This communication demonstrates the utility of inherently rigid building blocks such as 1,1{\textquoteright}-spirobi(indane) for generating conformationally ordered synthetic oligomers with structural architectures distinct from those classically observed.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/b800825f}, author = {Kendhale, Amol M. and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Rajamohanan, Pattuparambil R. and Hofmann, Hans-Joerg and Sanjayan, Gangadhar J.} } @article { ISI:000260776600007, title = {Functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes with azides derived from amino acids using click chemistry}, journal = {Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology}, volume = {8}, number = {7}, year = {2008}, month = {JUL}, pages = {3351-3356}, publisher = {AMER SCIENTIFIC PUBLISHERS}, type = {Article}, address = {25650 NORTH LEWIS WAY, STEVENSON RANCH, CA 91381-1439 USA}, abstract = {

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were chemically functionalized with amino acid-based moieties. The covalent functionalization of alkyne-derived SWCNTs with well defined azides derived from amino acids was accomplished through Cu(I)-catalyzed Huisgen [3+2] dipolar cycloaddition click chemistry. Transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and infrared spectroscopic measurements confirmed the functionalization of SWCNTs by organic molecules derived from amino acids, and the resulting material showed some good solubility in the organic solvents such as tetrahydrofuran, CH2Cl2, and CHCl3.

}, keywords = {Amino acids, Carbon nanotubes, Click chemistry, Functionalization}, issn = {1533-4880}, doi = {10.1166/jnn.2008.109}, author = {Kumar, Indresh and Rana, Sravendra and Rode, Chandrashakher V. and Cho, Jae Whan} } @article { ISI:000261950600017, title = {Furfural: hemicellulose/xylosederived biochemical}, journal = {Biofuels Bioproducts \& Biorefining-Biofpr}, volume = {2}, number = {5}, year = {2008}, month = {SEP}, pages = {438-454}, publisher = {JOHN WILEY \& SONS LTD}, type = {Review}, address = {THE ATRIUM, SOUTHERN GATE, CHICHESTER PO19 8SQ, W SUSSEX, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Hemicellulose, the second, most common polysaccharide in nature constitutes approximately 20-35\% of lignocellulosic biomass. Effective utilization of biomass, hitherto underutilized, is gaining tremendous importance for the production of energy, fuels, and chemicals. Amongst the vast array of chemicals derived from lignocellulosics, furfural is the key chemical that finds wide applications in oil refining, plastics, pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. There is no synthetic route for the production of furfural. A few conventional technologies currently in practice for its separation and subsequent isolation are appropriately reviewed. Major disadvantages associated with processes currently used for the production of furfural based on acid-catalyzed hydrolysis have been discussed. A need to develop a process which is devoid of all the shortcomings associated with conventional process is emphasized. Several important aspects of chemistry underlying the acid hydrolysis of xylose are discussed. The importance of myriad pre-treatment steps involved to surmount the physical and chemical barriers and to liberate xylose from the confines of acid-resistant layer of lignin has been emphasized. New developments in the production of furfural from cyclodehydration of xylose using solid acid catalysts in the recent past have been reviewed appropriately in present communication. Finally, the production of furfural and furfuryl alcohol, their domestic market and export in China deserve some coverage and therefore have appropriately been discussed as well. (c) 2008 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley \& Sons, Ltd

}, keywords = {acid hydrolysis, cyclodehydration, furfural, Hemicellulose, pre-treatment of lignocellulosics, Xylose}, issn = {1932-104X}, doi = {10.1002/bbb.95}, author = {Mamman, Ajit Singh and Lee, Jong-Min and Kim, Yeong-Cheol and Hwang, In Taek and Park, No-Joong and Hwang, Young Kyu and Chang, Jong-San and Hwang, Jin-Soo} } @article { ISI:000254883500012, title = {Gelation of covalently edge-modified laponites in aqueous media. 1. rheology and nuclear magnetic resonance}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, volume = {112}, number = {15}, year = {2008}, month = {APR}, pages = {4536-4544}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

We describe the covalent modification of the edges of laponite with organic groups and the influence of this modification on gelation behavior. We compare three materials: an unmodified laponite, a laponite edge modified with a trimethyl moiety (MLap), and an octyldimethyl moiety (OLap). Gelation is investigated using rheology and NMR T-1 relaxation measurements and nuclear Overhauser enhancement spectroscopy (NOESY). MLap and OLap show qualitatively different gelation. Gelation of MLap is very similar to laponite: MLap gels over the same time scale as laponite and has about the same solid modulus, and the MLap gel is almost as transparent as laponite. In contrast, OLap gels rapidly relative to laponite and forms a weak, turbid gel. We believe that gelation in laponite and MLap results from the formation of a network of well-dispersed platelets (or a few platelets), while in OLap, gelation results from a network of stacks of several platelets. NMR relaxation measurements indicate that gelation does not affect the average relaxation of water protons. However, T, increases marginally for the protons in the organic moieties in MLap and decreases for protons in the organic moieties in OLap. Relaxation measurements, analyses of line width, and NOESY taken together suggest that, in OLap, gelation is a consequence of association of the organic moieties on the laponite edges, and that this association strengthens with time. Thus, the time-dependent changes in NMR suggest a structural origin for the time-dependent changes in the rheological behavior.

}, issn = {1520-6106}, doi = {10.1021/jp710489n}, author = {Patil, Suhas P. and Mathew, Renny and Ajithkumar, Thalasseril G. and Rajamohanan, P. R. and Mahesh, T. S. and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy} } @article { ISI:000259408300012, title = {Gold nanoparticle superlattices}, journal = {Chemical Society Reviews}, volume = {37}, number = {9}, year = {2008}, month = {SEP}, pages = {1871-1883}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Review}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Ordered metal nanoparticle assemblies-superlattices-have captivated and stirred the imagination of scientists and engineers alike and promise great prospect for future technologies. This potential though will greatly be determined by the understanding and control that can be exerted on the assembling processes. This tutorial review presents a brief account of the factors that govern the formation of superlattices and then presents several examples of gold nanoparticle superlattices that are distinguished by the size of participating particles, chain length/functional group of the capping agent, the substrates on which they form etc.

}, issn = {0306-0012}, doi = {10.1039/b712175j}, author = {Bhagavatula L. V. Prasad and Sorensen, C. M. and Klabunde, Kenneth J.} } @article { ISI:000255086600041, title = {Highly active nanostructured Co3O4 catalyst with tunable selectivity for liquid phase air oxidation of p-cresol}, journal = {Chemistry Letters}, volume = {37}, number = {3}, year = {2008}, month = {MAR}, pages = {310-311}, publisher = {CHEMICAL SOC JAPAN}, type = {Article}, address = {1-5 KANDA-SURUGADAI CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO, 101-8307, JAPAN}, abstract = {

This is a first report of highly efficient heterogeneous nanostructured Co3O4 catalyst (6-8 nm) having high surface area (95 m(2)/g) developed for selective liquid phase air oxidation of p-cresol under atmospheric pressure conditions.

}, issn = {0366-7022}, doi = {10.1246/cl.2008.310}, author = {Kshirsagar, Vikas S. and Vijayanand, Subramanian and Potdar, Hari S. and Joy, Pattayil Alias and Patil, Kashinath R. and Rode, Chandrashekhar V.} } @article { ISI:000252252400015, title = {Highly chemoselective catalytic system for hydrogenation of diketones to ketols: an environmentally benevolent system}, journal = {Catalysis Letters}, volume = {120}, number = {3-4}, year = {2008}, month = {JAN}, pages = {257-260}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, type = {Article}, address = {233 SPRING STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Ru(Phen)(2)Cl-2 [Phen = Phenanthroline] anchored in organo-functionalized MCM-41 [Ru(Phen)(2)Cl-NH-MCM-41] efficiently catalyzes highly chemoselective hydrogenation of diketones to ketols (Sel. similar to 99\%) under environmentally benign tri-phasic (solid-liquid-liquid) reaction condition in aqueous medium.

}, keywords = {Chemoselective, dione, Hydrogenation, ketol, ruthenium phenanthroline, Water}, issn = {1011-372X}, doi = {10.1007/s10562-007-9278-3}, author = {Deshmukh, Amit A. and Kinage, Anil K. and Kumar, Rajiv} } @article { ISI:000253042300017, title = {Highly efficient sulfimidation of 1,3-dithianes by Cu(I) complexes}, journal = {Synthetic Communications}, volume = {38}, number = {4}, year = {2008}, month = {FEB}, pages = {619-625}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS INC}, type = {Article}, address = {325 CHESTNUT ST, SUITE 800, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 USA}, abstract = {

A series of four Cu(I) complexes were tested for sulfimidation of 1,3-dithianes in the presence of [N-(p-tolysulfonyl)imino]phenyliodinane (PhI = NTs) as the nitrene-transfer agent. Cu(TMPhen)(PPh3)Br is an efficient catalyst with more than 90\% yield of the corresponding product with less reaction time as compared to the literature copper(I) complexes.

}, keywords = {1, 3-dithianes, Cu(I) complexes, PhI = NTs, sulfimidation}, issn = {0039-7911}, doi = {10.1080/00397910701798200}, author = {Giribabu, Lingamallu and Singh, Surya P. and Patil, Nandkumar M. and Kantam, M. Lakshmi and Gupte, Sunil P. and Chaudhari, Raghunath V.} } @article { ISI:000258800700002, title = {Highly selective catalytic hydrogenation of arenes using rhodium nanoparticles supported on multiwalled carbon nanotubes}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {112}, number = {35}, year = {2008}, month = {SEP}, pages = {13317-13319}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Rhodium nanoparticles (RhNPs; 4.9 +/- 0.4 nm) supported on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (Rh/MWNT), prepared by simple microwave treatment, show a remarkable catalytic activity for arene hydrogenation with enhanced turnover numbers of similar to 10000; disubstituted arenes show selective conversion of thermodynamically less favorable cis products (\>80\%). A series of arenes have been tested using various Rh-based catalysts, and a comparison of the results with that of reported rhodium catalysts shows unique selectivity under mild conditions.

}, issn = {1932-7447}, doi = {10.1021/jp804843h}, author = {Kakade, Bhalchandra A. and Sahoo, Suman and Halligudi, Shivappa B. and Pillai, Vijayamohanan K.} } @article { ISI:000254979800023, title = {Highly selective synthesis of mono-ethylene glycol phenyl ethers via hydroxyalkoxylation of phenols by cyclic carbonates using large pore zeolites}, journal = {Catalysis Communications}, volume = {9}, number = {7}, year = {2008}, month = {APR}, pages = {1649-1655}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Hydroxyalkoxylation of phenols by cyclic carbonates catalyzed by alkali loaded large pore zeolites has been reported. The study shows that KL type zeolite was recyclable and selective in producing mono-ethylene glycol pheryl ethers in similar to 98.5\% yield. Various substituted simple phenols were converted into mono-ethylene glycol ether of phenols with over 90\% yields, except 3-bromo and 2-methyl phenols. Mono hydroxyl plienols such as hydroquinone, biphenol and BPA (2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane) also produce corresponding mono- and di-ethylene glycol ethers. The ratio of ethylene carbonate to phenol was found to be critical for selective formation of monoethylene glycol phenyl ether of phenols. A ratio of two results in formation of appreciable amount of diether derivative viz., 2-(2-phenoxyethoxy) ethanol. Compared to ethylene carbonate, a lower reactivity of 1,2-propane carbonate was found for hydroxyalkoxylation of phenol. It was found that ring opening at less hindered methylene carbon of 1,2-propylene carbonate prevailed giving rise to selective formation of beta-hydroxy phenyl ethers. The reactivity of ethylene carbonate towards O-alkylation versus transesterification of phenol has been explained on the basis of HSAB concept. Finally, it has been shown that yield of mono-ethylene glycol phenyl ether is controlled both by basicity and channel architecture of zeolite structure. KL zeolite was found to be the most effective zeolite because of it{\textquoteright}s intermediate basicity and one dimensional channel architect. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {cyclic carbonate, ethylene glycol phenyl ether, hydroxyalkoxylation, phenol}, issn = {1566-7367}, doi = {10.1016/j.catcom.2008.01.019}, author = {Kinage, Anil K. and Gupte, Sunil P. and Chaturvedi, Rajiv K. and Chaudhari, Raghunath V.} } @article { ISI:000255627700001, title = {High-purity synthesis of scrolled mats of multi-walled carbon nanotubes using temperature modulation}, journal = {Carbon}, volume = {46}, number = {4}, year = {2008}, month = {APR}, pages = {567-576}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Felt-like mats (6-7 mu m thick) of multimalled carbon nanotubes wrapped into scrolls have been synthesized by chemical vapor deposition from a toluene-ferrocene mixture using a temperature ramp from 680 degrees C to 550 degrees C in hydrogen-argon atmosphere. Thermogravimetric analysis reveals a very low catalyst content of ca. 1.25 wt\% in the as-synthesized sample while, X-ray photo electron and Raman spectroscopies suggest the results matching with that of multiwalled carbon nanotubes. Considering, different time scales of various reactions and the diffusion of different reactants and products a tentative base growth mechanism has been proposed as per the available characterization data in conjunction with possible scrolling effects. Thermal expansion effects could explain a tentative mechanism for rolling action of sheets. Interestingly, electrical conductivity measurements as a function of temperature suggest a semiconducting behavior, despite being governed by different electron transport mechanisms with activation energies of 0.33 and 1.03 meV corresponding to two temperature ranges respectively. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance analysis show a reversible redox behavior due to very low catalyst content and an irreversible etching of the Fe catalyst after acid treatment. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0008-6223}, doi = {10.1016/j.carbon.2007.12.020}, author = {Kakade, Bhalchandra A. and Allouche, Hatem and Mahima, Subhramanyam and Sathe, Bhaskar R. and Pillai, Vijayamohanan K.} } @article { ISI:000256501000031, title = {Hydrogen bonding-directed metallosupramolecular structural motifs based on a peripheral urea fused bipyridine tecton}, journal = {Crystal Growth \& Design}, volume = {8}, number = {6}, year = {2008}, month = {JUN}, pages = {1952-1960}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The potential of bipyridine glycoluril (BPG), a urea fused bipyridine, tecton to form metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) has been explored by structural characterization of BPG and its complexes [Ru(phen)(BPG)(2)]Cl(2) (1) and [Ru(BPG)(3)]Cl(2) (2). The single crystal X-ray structure of BPG reveals that the inherent H-bond donor (N-H) and acceptor groups (C=O) exhibit a potential to generate diverse supramolecular motifs depending on the stoichiometry of tectons. The single crystal X-ray analysis of the secondary building units 1 and 2 provide evidence for this hydrogen-bonding capacity which results in supramolecular self-assembled metal-organic frameworks (MOF) via C-H center dot center dot center dot Cl, C-H.center dot center dot center dot O, N-H center dot center dot center dot Cl, and N-H center dot center dot center dot O interactions with a cluster of water molecules and chlorine anions surrounding secondary building units in I and channels encapsulating mixed water-dimethylsulfoxide clusters in 2.

}, issn = {1528-7483}, doi = {10.1021/cg8000015}, author = {Deshpande, Megha S. and Kumbhar, Avinash S. and Puranik, Vedavati G.} } @article { ISI:000260976900021, title = {Identification and characterization of flow structures in chemical process equipment using multiresolution techniques}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Science}, volume = {63}, number = {21}, year = {2008}, month = {NOV}, pages = {5330-5346}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Planar information of velocity from 2D particle image velocimetry (PIV) and large eddy simulation (LES) data have been studied using multiresolution wavelet transform (WT) formalisms, i.e., discrete and continuous WT. Identification of dominant energy containing structures with their characterization in terms of fractal spectra have been carried out for industrially important equipment exhibiting turbulent behavior. These include annular centrifugal contactor, jet loop reactor, ultrasound reactor, channel flow, stirred tank and bubble column reactor. The characterization of their dynamics based on denoising the data and studying the local energy along the WT scales show sensitive variation and this helps in identifying the size and shape of structures. A dependency is seen between mixing time and the higher order moments of length scale distribution, viz., skewness and kurtosis and a generalized correlation has been built up for important types of equipment and associated flow parameters. The correlation is not only based on the knowledge of reactor geometry and operating conditions but also on the flow structures via their statistical parameters. Wavelet transform modulus maxima (WTMM) methodology has been used to study the evolution of structures and their interaction in a reduced dimensionality by evaluating the fractal spectra. Classification studies have been carried out using principal component analysis (PCA) of the fractal spectra. The results obtained show clear classes for the six types of equipments and delineate regimes to obtain benchmark patterns of flow hydrodynamics based on PCA co-ordinates. This methodology offers a generalized way for the optimal design and operation of different types of reactors. (c) 2008 Published by Elsevier Ltd .

}, keywords = {Chemical reactors, hydrodynamics, Length scale distribution, mixing, Model reduction, Turbulence, Wavelet transform}, issn = {0009-2509}, doi = {10.1016/j.ces.2008.06.010}, author = {Deshpande, Sagar S. and Joshi, Jyeshtharaj B. and Kumar, V. Ravi and Kulkarni, B. D.} } @article {43067, title = {Identification of ripening specific proteins in tomato by intact tissue MALDI-TOF-MS.}, journal = {Electronic Journal of Food and Plants Chemistry}, volume = {3}, year = {2008}, month = {JAN}, pages = {10-13}, author = {Korwar, Arvind M. and Santhakumari, B. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @article { ISI:000254479300039, title = {Immobilization of Candida rugosa lipase on poly(allyl glycidyl ether-co-thylene glycol dimethacrylate) macroporous polymer particles}, journal = {Bioresource Technology}, volume = {99}, number = {9}, year = {2008}, month = {JUN}, pages = {3623-3629}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Macroporous polymer particles containing surface epoxy groups were synthesized for immobilization of Candida rugosa lipase (CRL). The effect of incorporation of two different sets of monomers [allyl glycidyl ether (AGE) and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA)] and the effect of crosslinking density on immobilization of lipase were studied. AGE-co-EGDM polymers gave higher binding and expression of lipase than GMA-co-EGDM polymers. Optimization of immobilization parameters was done with respect to immobilization time and enzyme loading. Amongst AGE-co-EGDM polymer series, AGE-150 polymer found to give maximum lipase activity yield and therefore evaluated for temperature, pH and storage stability. Under optimum conditions, AGE-150 polymer gave 78.40\% of activity yield. Immobilized lipase on AGE-150 showed a broader pH, higher temperature and excellent storage stability. (C) 2007 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

}, keywords = {Candida rugosa lipase, Enzyme immobilization, Epoxy-activated support}, issn = {0960-8524}, doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2007.07-035}, author = {Vaidya, Bhalchandra K. and Ingavle, Ganesh C. and Ponrathnam, S. and Kulkarni, B. D. and Nene, Sanjay N.} } @article { ISI:000262377000003, title = {In situ synthesis of ligand reduced/capped silver nanoparticles and the effect of temperature and ligand structure on the size of silver nanoparticles}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Sciences}, volume = {120}, number = {6}, year = {2008}, note = {International Conference on Molecules and Materials - New Directions, Bangalore, INDIA, DEC 04, 2008}, month = {JAN}, pages = {515-520}, publisher = {INDIAN ACAD SCIENCES}, type = {Article, Proceedings Paper}, address = {C V RAMAN AVENUE, SADASHIVANAGAR, P B \#8005, BANGALORE 560 080, INDIA}, abstract = {

We report in situ synthesis of silver nanoparticles using biosurfactants called sophorolipids as reducing and capping agents. We further study the effect of temperature and the structure of sophorolipid on the size of silver nanoparticles obtained. The silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV-visible, transmission electron microscope (TEM) and light scattering (DLS) analysis techniques.

}, keywords = {dynamic light scattering, Nucleation and growth, silver nanoparticles, Sophorolipid}, issn = {0974-3626}, doi = {10.1007/s12039-008-0080-6}, author = {Kasture, M. B. and Patel, P. and Prabhune, Asmita and Ramana, C. V. and Kulkarni, A. A. and Bhagavatula L. V. Prasad} } @article { ISI:000254648100007, title = {In situ synthesis of Pt nanoparticles in SBA-15 by encapsulating in modified template micelles: size restricted growth within the mesochannels}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry}, volume = {18}, number = {15}, year = {2008}, month = {FEB}, pages = {1765-1770}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A truly in situ and simple method is developed for nanoparticle incorporation within the mesochannels of SBA-15 involving dispersion of metal precursors in surfactant-modified polymer micelles. The diffusion of the precursor within the micellar structure is aided by interaction with the cationic head group of the surfactant leading to a unique method to facilitate the formation of highly disperse, uniform nanoparticles molded by the walls of the mesochannels. The nanoparticle incorporated mesoporous material has a highly enhanced surface area and adsorption capabilities in comparison to its parent materials without any pore blockage which makes this method ideal for the preparation of nanocatalysts.

}, issn = {0959-9428}, doi = {10.1039/b717991j}, author = {Prashar, Atul K. and Hodgkins, Robert P. and Kumar, Rajiv and Devi, R. Nandini} } @article { ISI:000252803200006, title = {Inactivation of polygalacturonase and pectate lyase produced by pH tolerant fungus Fusarium moniliforme NCIM 1276 in a liquid medium and in the host tissue}, journal = {Microbiological Research}, volume = {163}, number = {1}, year = {2008}, month = {JAN}, pages = {51-62}, publisher = {ELSEVIER GMBH, URBAN \& FISCHER VERLAG}, type = {Article}, address = {OFFICE JENA, P O BOX 100537, 07705 JENA, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Fusarium moniliforme NCIM 1276 produced pH dependent an extracellular potygalacturonase (PG) and pectate lyase (PL) at pH 5 and pH 8, respectively. In the extracellular medium about 20.3\% PG and 54\% of PL protein concentrations were present in the active state at pH 5 and pH 8, respectively, whereas in intracelluarly, more than 86\% of both protein contents remained in the active state at all pH tested. We found two possible reasons, end-product inhibition and effect of environmental. pH on conformation of the proteins after their release into the medium. Additionally, in infected tomato and cauliflower plants, the fungus secreted similar proteins which were located near to the epidermal and vascular regions of the hypocotyts. In infected tissues, between 26.9\% and to 41.5\% of PG and only 0.84\% - 13.4\% of PL protein concentrations were present in active state. Thus, the medium/cell sap pH and concentrations of substrate/end products seem to play an important role in fungal invasion during plant pathogenesis are discussed with current literature. (c) 2006 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Fusarium moniliforme, pathogenesis, pectate lyase, polygatacturonase}, issn = {0944-5013}, doi = {10.1016/j.micres.2006.03.004}, author = {Niture, Suryakant K. and Kumar, Ameeta R. and Parab, Pradeep B. and Pant, Aditi} } @article { ISI:000255865500030, title = {Influence of pretreatment of agriculture residues on phytase production by aspergillus niger NCIM 563 under submerged fermentation conditions}, journal = {African Journal of Biotechnology}, volume = {7}, number = {8}, year = {2008}, month = {APR}, pages = {1101-1106}, publisher = {ACADEMIC JOURNALS}, type = {Article}, address = {P O BOX 5170-00200 NAIROBI, VICTORIA ISLAND, LAGOS 73023, NIGERIA}, abstract = {

The extracellular phytase production by Aspergillus niger NCIM 563 was evaluated in medium containing various agriculture residues under submerged fermentation conditions. Phytase production was affected by inorganic phosphate content of agriculture residues which ranged from 2.8 to 8 mg/g. The agriculture residues containing less than 4 mg/g inorganic phosphate supported phytase production with maximum activity of 68 IU/ml in medium containing 1\% rice bran on 11(th) day of fermentation. Addition of glucose up to 5\% in fermentation medium containing 1\% rice bran, enhanced phytase production. Pretreatment of agriculture residues with water to remove excess inorganic phosphate has significantly enhanced the phytase activity in case of de-oiled rice bran, wheat bran, peanut cake (low and high oil) and coconut cake. Maximum increase of 20.3 times in phytase activity was observed in case of wheat bran as compared to de-oiled rice bran, coconut cake, peanut cake high and low oil in which the increase in phytase activity was 6.85, 6.1, 5.3 and 3.0 times, respectively. Maximum phytase activity of 68 IU/ml was produced on the 11(th) day of fermentation compared to earlier reported 41.47 IU/ml phytase activity on the 15(th) day of submerged fermentation using 5\% dextrin and 2.5\% glucose, thus increasing productivity.

}, keywords = {Agriculture residue, Aspergillus niger, Phytase, phytate degradation, Poultry feed supplement, Submerged fermentation}, issn = {1684-5315}, author = {Bhavsar, Kavita P. and Shah, Parin and Soni, Sarvesh Kumar and Khire, Jayant Malhar} } @article { ISI:000258977500033, title = {Influence of synthesis conditions on structural properties of MCM-48}, journal = {Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids}, volume = {69}, number = {8}, year = {2008}, month = {AUG}, pages = {2075-2081}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The influence of synthesis variables such as time, cetyltrimethyl ammonium hydroxide (CTAOH) concentration, water content, pH, temperature and silica source on the structural properties of Si-MCM-48 is investigated. Time-dependent studies on the progressive development of MCM-48 have indicated that synthesis time is a crucial parameter, which influences the unit cell parameter. The formation of different mesophases was observed when the concentration of CTAOH and pH of the initial gel were varied. The Si-29 MASNMR results showed that the (Q(2) +W-3)/Q(4) ratio decreases with the increase in synthesis temperature. On account of increase in W units at high-temperature synthesis run, Si-MCM-48 with highly polymerized silica walls with lower surface area was obtained when compared with Si-MCM-48 prepared at lower temperature. Such effect was not significant when Si-MCM-48 was synthesized at the same temperature but using silica sol as a source in place of fumed silica. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0022-3697}, doi = {10.1016/j.jpcs.2008.03.004}, author = {Taralkar, U. S. and Kasture, M. W. and Joshi, P. N.} } @article { ISI:000256743300032, title = {Insight into the micellization of dodecyldimethylethylammonium bromide (DDAB) in the presence of bovine serum albumin (BSA)}, journal = {Journal of Colloid and Interface Science}, volume = {323}, number = {2}, year = {2008}, month = {JUL}, pages = {426-434}, publisher = {ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE}, type = {Article}, address = {525 B ST, STE 1900, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101-4495 USA}, abstract = {

in this work, we report the effect of concentration of bovine serum albumin (BSA) on the micellization of a cationic surfactant, doclecyldimethylethylammonium bromide (DDAB). Several samples covering a wide range of concentrations of protein and surfactant have been investigated. The interactions between the moieties are investigated by measuring fluorescence quenching of BSA molecules. The aggregation number of DDAB micelles is found to be small in the presence of BSA. The formation of DDAB-BSA complex is confirmed by FTIR. Absorbance spectroscopy indicates that at higher concentration, the conformational stability of BSA in DDAB is higher. The viscosity data for protein-surfactant systems confirm conformational changes in protein chains induced by the surfactant. The cmc values for DDAB increase with increasing concentration of BSA. At higher temperatures the micellization-complexation becomes enthalpy-dominated. (c) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Aggregation number, BSA, conductivity, conformational stability, DDAB, FFIR, fluorescence, UV-visible, viscosity}, issn = {0021-9797}, doi = {10.1016/j.jcis.2008.04.026}, author = {Mehta, S. K. and Bhawna and Bhasin, K. K. and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000260923000048, title = {Intramolecular Diels-Alder reaction in ionic liquids: effect of ion-specific solvent friction}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {73}, number = {22}, year = {2008}, month = {NOV}, pages = {9075-9083}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The present work aims at understanding the role of viscosity or solvent friction in ionic liquids for an intramolecular Diels-Alder (IMDA) reaction of (E)-1-phenyl-4-[2-(3-methyl-2-butenyloxy)benzylidene]-5-pyrazolone (1). The results have been analyzed on the basis of the current theoretical models, and their failure to account for the observed trends is discussed in terms of {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}effective{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} viscosity or microviscosity. The rates of the reaction decrease with the increasing viscosity of the ionic liquids. As evident from the anionic effect, the solute-solvent specific interactions play a role in governing the kinetics of the reaction. The lower viscosities of the bistrifluoromethanesulfonimide [NTf(2)](-) based ionic liquids as compared to those based on tetrafluoroborate [BF(4)](-) anion fail to result in a corresponding acceleration in the rates of the reaction. These contradictory results indicate that solvent microviscosity, rather than the bulk macroscopic viscosity, should be the criteria for selecting the ionic liquids as reaction media.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/jo801802q}, author = {Tiwari, Shraeddha and Khupse, Nageshwar D. and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000261262000024, title = {Invertase inhibition based electrochemical sensor for the detection of heavy metal ions in aqueous system: application of ultra-microlelectrode to enhance sucrose biosensor{\textquoteright}s sensitivity}, journal = {Biosensors \& Bioelectronics}, volume = {24}, number = {4}, year = {2008}, month = {DEC}, pages = {657-664}, publisher = {ELSEVIER ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY}, type = {Article}, address = {OXFORD FULFILLMENT CENTRE THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We are reporting fabrication and characterization of electrochemical sucrose biosensor using ultra-microelectrode (UME) for the detection of heavy metal ions (Hg(II), Ag(I), Pb(II) and Cd(II)). The working UME, with 25 mu m diameter, was modified with invertase (INV, EC: 3.2.1.26) and glucose oxidase (GOD, EC: 1.1.3.4) entrapped in agarose-guar gum. The hydrophilic character of the agarose-guar gum composite matrix was checked by water contact angle measurement. The atomic force microscopy (AFM) images of the membranes showed proper confinement of both the enzymes during co-immobilization. The dynamic range for sucrose biosensor was achieved in the range of 1 x 10(-10) to 1 x 10(-7) M with lower detection limit 1 x 10(-10) M at pH 5.5 with 9 cycles of reuse. The spectrophotometric and electrochemical studies showed linear relationship between concentration of heavy metal ions and degree of inhibition of invertase. The toxicity sequence for invertase using both methods was observed as Hg(2+) \> Pb(2+) \> Ag(+) \> Cd(2+). The dynamic linear range for mercury using electrochemical biosensor was observed in the range of 5 x 10(-10) to 12.5 x 10(-10) M for sucrose. The lower detection limit for the fabricated biosensor was found to be 5 x 10(-10) M. The reliability of the electrochemical biosensor was conformed by testing the spike samples and the results were comparable with the conventional photometric DNSA method. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Co-immobilization, Electrochemical biosensor, Heavy metal ions, Invertase (INV)-glucose oxidase (GOD), Mercury, Ultra-microelectrode (UME)}, issn = {0956-5663}, doi = {10.1016/j.bios.2008.06.027}, author = {Bagal-Kestwal, Dipali and Karve, Meena S. and Kakade, Bhalchandra A. and Pillai, Vijayamohanan K.} } @article { ISI:000256649100007, title = {Ionic interactions in aqueous mixtures of hydrophilic and -phobic ions}, journal = {Pure and Applied Chemistry}, volume = {80}, number = {6}, year = {2008}, note = {30th International Conference on Solution Chemistry, Murdoch Univ, Perth, AUSTRALIA, JUL 16-20, 2007}, month = {JUN}, pages = {1267-1279}, publisher = {INT UNION PURE APPLIED CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {104 TW ALEXANDER DR, PO BOX 13757, RES TRIANGLE PK, NC 27709-3757 USA}, abstract = {

Ions of both hydrophilic and -phobic nature play a pivotal role in biological systems and during synthesis of many organic molecules. However, the interaction of a hydrophilic ion with a hydrophobic one is not a simple physical process and is useful in understanding the rate enhancement in organic transformations and thermal stability of DNA and RNA. During the talk, an attempt was made to present some of the experimental work on aqueous mixtures of these ions carried out at National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, and give a theoretical interpretation of the binary, ternary, and quaternary interactions operating in these systems. The contribution of these interaction terms to the excess free energy of mixing, Delta(m)G(E), will be analyzed.

}, keywords = {aqueous solutions, excess free energy, hydrophobic ions, ionic solutions, mixing effects}, issn = {0033-4545}, doi = {10.1351/pac200880061267}, author = {Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000255223800001, title = {Ionic liquids: physico-chemical, solvent properties and their applications in chemical processes}, journal = {Indian Journal of Chemistry Section A-Inorganic Bio-Inorganic Physical Theoretical \& Analytical Chemistry}, volume = {47}, number = {4}, year = {2008}, month = {APR}, pages = {495-503}, publisher = {NATL INST SCIENCE COMMUNICATION}, type = {Article}, address = {DR K S KRISHNAN MARG, NEW DELHI 110 012, INDIA}, abstract = {

A new class of compounds, called as ionic liquids, has recently emerged as potential substitute for volatile organic solvents. Ionic liquids possess certain special physico-chemical characteristics that render them very useful in different areas of research and development. In this review, the physico-chemical properties and the applications of ionic liquids in chemical processes are critically discussed and recommendations made for probing further the poorly understood aspect of this newly emerging class of compounds.

}, issn = {0376-4710}, author = {Singh, Geetanjali and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000257961500018, title = {Isolation and heterologous expression of PHA synthesising genes from Bacillus thuringiensis R1}, journal = {World Journal of Microbiology \& Biotechnology}, volume = {24}, number = {9}, year = {2008}, month = {SEP}, pages = {1769-1774}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, type = {Article}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

The polyhydroxyalkanoate biosynthesis gene locus from Bacillus thuringiensis R1 was isolated, cloned and analyzed at the molecular level. We found that a similar to 5 kb SacI-ClaI digested fragment of genomic DNA from B. thuringiensis R1 encoding the PHA synthesising genes, conferred PHA producing ability to E. coli. The fragment was sequenced and found to be of 4787 bp with five open reading frames. Sequence alignment with closely related species of Bacillus in the existing database revealed that the ORFs correspond to phaP, phaQ, phaR, phaB and phaC genes. However, E. coli harboring phaP, phaQ, phaR, phaB and phaC locus produced very low PHA. Furthermore, complementation of the locus with phaA from Ralstonia eutropha increased the PHA production in the recombinant E. coli from 3.0\% to 24\% of cell dry mass. The putative promoter regions and ribosome binding sites were identified for each of the gene. Conserved domains for PHA synthase and aceto-acetyl-coA reductase were also identified. We hence conclude that the PHA operon of Bacillus thuringiensis R1 consists of phaP, phaQ, phaR, phaB, phaC and complementation of the same with phaA is accountable for its high PHA production.

}, keywords = {aceto-acetyl-coA reductase, Bacillus thuringiensis R1, PHA synthase, polyhydroxyalkanoate}, issn = {0959-3993}, doi = {10.1007/s11274-008-9669-7}, author = {Desetty, Rohini D. and Mahajan, Vineet S. and Khan, Bashir Mohammad and Rawal, Shuban K.} } @article { ISI:000254820000016, title = {La0.67Ce0.03Sr0.3MnO3-coupled microwave assisted ultra-fast synthesis of nanocrystalline cobalt oxide and Bismuth oxide}, journal = {Materials Letters}, volume = {62}, number = {10-11}, year = {2008}, month = {APR}, pages = {1511-1513}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Bismuth hydroxide and Cobalt hydroxide gels were freshly prepared by adding aqueous sodium hydroxide to their corresponding nitrates under basic conditions. Then they were oven dried at 373 K and found to be amorphous in X-ray diffraction (XRD) study. They crystallized into their respective oxides by microwave irradiation (2.45 GHz) in merely 2 min using La0.67Ce0.03Sr0.3MnO3 (LCSMO) as couplant in a microwave domestic oven (similar to 100 W). This is the lowest temperature treatment and synthesis time so far reported in the literature for the formation of these systems. Formation of nanocrystallites of Bi2O3 (10 nm) and Co3O4 (15 nm) has been confirmed by XRD. Normally these hydroxides produce oxides only on heating at temperature \>673 K or digesting them at 373 K for 4 - 6 hours as reported by us earlier. Microwave assisted heating proves to be a novel technology whose applications can be carefully harnessed due to its unique effects compared to the conventional heating, such as rapid volumetric heating, shortened reaction time and energy saving. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Citrate gel method, Manganites, Microwave, Oxides}, issn = {0167-577X}, doi = {10.1016/j.matlet.2007.09.013}, author = {Rajagopal, Rajashree and Mona, J. and Joshi, Rakesh S. and Kale, Sangeeta N. and Pradhan, Sivararn and Gaikwad, A. B. and Ravi, V.} } @article { ISI:000254798300018, title = {Lipases catalyzed enantioselective hydrolysis of (R,S)-methyl 1,4-benzodioxan-2-carboxylate intermediate for (S)-doxazosin mesylate}, journal = {World Journal of Microbiology \& Biotechnology}, volume = {24}, number = {4}, year = {2008}, month = {APR}, pages = {577-579}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

(S)-1,4-benzodioxan-2-carboxylic acid-1 is used as starting compound for the production of the more effective (S) enantiomer of the drug doxazosin mesylate. The catalytic ability of some commercial lipases for preparations of (S) enantiomer of 1 from (+/-) methyl 1,4-benzodioxin-2-carboxylate-2 is reported. Lipases from bacterial sources were more successful in resolving the ester than those from the yeast lipases. About 85\% enantiomerically pure ester was achieved by lipase from alcaligenes sp.

}, keywords = {1, 4-benzodioxan-2-carboxylate, 4-benzodioxan-2-carboxylic acid, doxazosin, Enantioselectivity, Lipases}, issn = {0959-3993}, doi = {10.1007/s11274-007-9504-6}, author = {Varma, Rita and Kasture, Sangita M. and Nene, Sanjay and Kalkote, Uttam R.} } @article { ISI:000253106100026, title = {Low temperature synthesis of SrNb2O6 and SrTa2O6 using hydroxide precursor}, journal = {Materials Letters}, volume = {62}, number = {6-7}, year = {2008}, month = {MAR}, pages = {892-894}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

SrNb2O6 (SN) or SrTA(2)O(6) (ST) compounds were prepared at low temperatures for the first time from hydroxide precursors. A simple procedure of mixing commercially purchased strontium hydroxide and niobium (or tantalum) hydroxide thoroughly together and heating at a low temperature (\<400 degrees C) produced SrNb2O6 (SN) or SrTa2O6 (ST) powders. This is the lowest temperature so far reported for the formation of these phases. These materials are potential candidates for ferroelectric and electro-optic applications. The reaction sequence and evolution of the phase formation were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. The average particle size and morphology of these powders were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Chemical synthesis, Electron microscopy, electronic materials, X-ray diffraction}, issn = {0167-577X}, doi = {10.1016/j.matlet.2007.07.006}, author = {Muthurajan, H. and Kumar, H. H. and Koteswara Rao, N. and Pradhan, Sivaram and Jha, Ratnesh Kumar and Ravi, V.} } @article { ISI:000258195800007, title = {Low temperature synthesis of ZnSe nanoparticles}, journal = {Materials Letters}, volume = {62}, number = {23}, year = {2008}, month = {AUG}, pages = {3803-3805}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Synthesis of thioglycerol capped zinc selenide nanoparticles with a relatively narrow size distribution by a simple and inexpensive low temperature (similar to 80 degrees C) wet chemical method is reported here. Main advantage of this method is the use of non-toxic precursors. The size of the nanoparticles can be varied easily by changing the concentration of the capping agent. The extracted nanoparticles remain stable under normal atmospheric conditions and can be redispersed in suitable solvents. The sharp absorption features obtained in the UV-Visible absorption spectra reveal the formation of monodispersed ZnSe nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, UV-Visible absorption spectroscopy, photoluminescence and transmission electron microscopy. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Luminescence, Nanomaterials, Semiconductor, X-ray techniques}, issn = {0167-577X}, doi = {10.1016/j.matlet.2008.04.082}, author = {Deshpande, Aparna and Singh, Shashi B. and Abyaneh, Majid Kazemian and Pasricha, Renu and Kulkarni, S. K.} } @article { ISI:000257904900015, title = {MCM-41-supported ruthenium carbonyl cluster-derived catalysts for asymmetric hydrogenation reactions}, journal = {Applied Catalysis A-General}, volume = {344}, number = {1-2}, year = {2008}, month = {JUL}, pages = {124-130}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

{The anionic ruthenium carbonyl cluster [Ru-4(mu-H)(3)(CO)(12)](-) has been ion-paired with (3-chloropropyl)-trimethoxysilyl-cinchonidium or sparteinium groups chemically bound to the surfaces of MCM-41 [(MCM-41-)(-O)(3)SiCH2CH2CH2NR3+Cl-

}, keywords = {asymmetric catalysis, functionalized MCM-41, hydrogenation catalysts, nanocatalyst, ruthenium carbonyl cluster}, issn = {0926-860X}, doi = {10.1016/j.apcata.2008.04.009}, author = {Indra, Arindam and Basu, Susmit and Kulkarni, Dhanashree G. and Gopinath, Chinnakonda S. and Bhaduri, Sumit and Lahiri, Goutam Kumar} } @article { ISI:000251870400005, title = {Microwave assisted low temperature rapid synthesis of manganite system using La0.67Ce0.03Sr0.3MnO3 mini-cavity furnace}, journal = {Materials Letters}, volume = {62}, number = {2}, year = {2008}, month = {JAN}, pages = {191-193}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Amorphous La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (LSMO) and La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 (LCMO) precursor powders synthesized by the citrate gel method at 673 K, have been found to crystallize by microwave irradiation in just 60 s using La0.67Ce0.03Sr0.3MnO3 (Ce-LSMO) as couplant. This is the lowest temperature treatment and synthesis time so far reported in literature for the fort-nation of manganite systems. Using ceramic route, the same amorphous samples crystallize on heat treatment only at temperatures greater than 1000 K. The microwave heating through this method is novel and has tremendous potential for accelerating the evolution of the product phase in very shorter durations, with just low temperature processing of the precursors, which cannot be realized in normal process. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Citrate gel method, LSMO, Manganites, Microwave, Oxides}, issn = {0167-577X}, doi = {10.1016/j.matlet.2007.05.002}, author = {Kale, Sangeeta N. and Rajagopal, Rajashree and Mona, J. and Londhe, D. P. and Joshi, Rakesh S. and Jagadale, Tushar C. and Satyanarayana, C. and Ravi, V.} } @article { ISI:000256931600006, title = {Microwave studies on synthesis of biologically active chalcone derivatives}, journal = {Indian Journal of Chemistry Section B-Organic Chemistry Including Medicinal Chemistry}, volume = {47}, number = {6}, year = {2008}, month = {JUN}, pages = {927-931}, publisher = {COUNCIL SCIENTIFIC \& INDUSTRIAL RES}, address = {ANUSANDHAN BHAWAN, 2 RAFI MARG, NEW DELHI, 110001, INDIA}, abstract = {

Synthesis of pyrazole derivative using microwave energy has been carried out. The compound 1-[4-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-ethanone, is prepared from p-hydroxy-acetophenone and 2-chloro-ethanol. Chalcone derivative has been prepared by the condensation reaction of 1-[4-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]- ethanone with 4-chlorobenzaldehyde. This chalcone. derivative cyclised with hydrazine hydrate and glacial acetic acid under microwave irradiation conditions give pyrazole derivative. These products have been characterized by detailed spectral analysis and have been screened for their antimicrobial activity, against Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, and Salmonella typhimurium.

}, keywords = {Antimicrobial activity, chalcones, Pyrazole}, issn = {0376-4699}, author = {Katade, Sushama and Phalgune, Usha and Biswas, Sujata and Wakharkar, Radhika and Deshpande, Nirmala} } @article { ISI:000261582300006, title = {Molecular dynamics of copolyester/clay nanocomposites as investigated by viscoelastic and dielectric analysis}, journal = {Journal of Polymer Science Part B-Polymer Physics}, volume = {46}, number = {23}, year = {2008}, month = {DEC}, pages = {2539-2555}, publisher = {JOHN WILEY \& SONS INC}, type = {Article}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN, NJ 07030 USA}, abstract = {

We have investigated the molecular dynamics of poly(ethylene glycol-co-cycloxeane-1,4-dimethanol terephthalate) (PETG) nanocomposites based on a organically modified layered silicate. Intercalated namocomposites were prepared by melt compounding technique as evidenced from the X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy studies. Two relaxation processes were observed in pure PETG as well as in the nanocomposites. The low-temperature beta-process was assigned to the local motions of C=O polar groups and the alpha-process was due to the glass-rubber transition or the segmental relaxations associated with the polymer chain backbone. Presence of layered silicates accelerated alpha-relaxation dynamics in the nanocomposites accompanied by a depression in T(g) which was attributed to the reduced intermolecular cooperativity between intercalated polymers chains. Additionally, a direct comparison between the viscoelastic and dielectric studies shows excellent agreement between the accelerated alpha dynamics of the nanocomposites. (C) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 2539-2555, 2008

}, keywords = {clay, Dielectric relaxation, Nanocomposites, polyesters}, issn = {0887-6266}, doi = {10.1002/polb.21603}, author = {Kalgaonkar, Rajendra A. and Jog, Jyoti Prakash} } @article { ISI:000260431100004, title = {Monte carlo simulations of chain dimensions and conformational properties of various poly(n-alkyl methacrylates) in solution}, journal = {Journal of Macromolecular Science Part B-Physics}, volume = {47}, number = {6}, year = {2008}, month = {OCT}, pages = {1075-1086}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS INC}, address = {325 CHESTNUT ST, SUITE 800, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 USA}, abstract = {

Rotational Isomeric State (RIS) Metropolis Monte Carlo (RMMC) simulations of the conformational properties and chain dimensions of a series of chemically different poly(n-alkyl methacrylates) including poly(methyl methacrylate), poly(n-butyl methacrylate), poly(n-hexyl methacrylate), and poly(phenyl methacrylate), in the theta state were investigated, and (r(2)/M)(1/2), (s(2)/M)(1/2) and C(n) were calculated and compared in order to obtain fundamental understanding of the influence of the chemical structure. Simulations were conducted for different molecular weights. Results obtained from the simulations are compared with experimentally obtained dimensions in the literature using the Mark-Houwink relationship as well as, in some cases, data available from direct determinations in theta solvents. Good agreement between simulation and experimental data was obtained. The backbone conformation is predominantly trans in these polymers. Increase in bulkiness and rigidity of the substituting acrylate side group results in an increase in trans and a decrease in gauche backbone conformer population. In the case of rotatable bonds in the side-group structure, increase in rigidity of the side group leads to a decrease in the trans population, although this effect is not uniformly observed.

}, keywords = {chain dimensions, Monte Carlo simulation, polymethacrylate, theta solvent}, issn = {0022-2348}, doi = {10.1080/00222340802266397}, author = {Karyappa, Rahul B. and Natarajan, Upendra} } @article { ISI:000258965100011, title = {Mossbauer spectroscopic investigations of nanophase iron oxides synthesized by thermal plasma route}, journal = {Materials Characterization}, volume = {59}, number = {9}, year = {2008}, month = {SEP}, pages = {1215-1220}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC}, address = {360 PARK AVE SOUTH, NEW YORK, NY 10010-1710 USA}, abstract = {

Magnetic nanoparticles of iron oxide were synthesized by transferred arc plasma induced gas phase condensation method. Structural, morphological and magnetic studies of the as synthesized powder were carried out using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and Mossbauer spectroscopy. These studies have revealed the simultaneous nucleation and condensation of different magnetic phases with a broad size distribution of the nanoparticles which is peaked at 30-50 nm and ranges from 10 nm to 80 nm. 57 Fe Mossbauer spectra recorded at various temperatures (5 K-300 K) in presence of external magnetic field (at 5 K) have suggested the presence of different phases of iron oxide with sizable amounts of gamma-Fe2O3 and alpha-Fe2O3 in addition to Fe3O4. The relative concentrations of these phases have been obtained by a self consistent spectral area analysis and were found to be 44:22:34 (\%). (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {iron oxides, Mossbauer spectroscopy, phase analysis, plasma synthesis}, issn = {1044-5803}, doi = {10.1016/j.matchar.2007.10.003}, author = {Nagar, Harshada and Kulkarni, Naveen V. and Karmakar, Soumen and Sahoo, B. and Banerjee, Indrani and Chaudhari, P. S. and Pasricha, R. and Das, A. K. and Bhoraskar, S. V. and Date, Sadgopal K. and Keune, W.} } @article { ISI:000251070500021, title = {Multicanonical jump walk annealing assisted by tabu for dynamic optimization of chemical engineering processes}, journal = {European Journal of Operational Research}, volume = {185}, number = {3}, year = {2008}, month = {MAR}, pages = {1213-1229}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

A hybrid methodology, viz., multicanonical jump walk annealing assisted by tabu list (MJWAT) is proposed for solving dynamic optimization problems in chemically reacting systems. This method combines the power of multicanonical sampling with the beneficial features of simulated annealing. Incorporating tabu list further enhances the efficiency of the method. The superior performance of the MJWAT is highlighted with the help of five benchmark case studies. (C) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {dynamic optimization, metaheuristics, Monte Carlo simulations, multicanonical algorithms, simulated annealing, tabu conditions}, issn = {0377-2217}, doi = {10.1016/j.ejor.2006.06.049}, author = {Shelokar, P. S. and Jayaraman, Valadi K. and Kulkarni, B. D.} } @article { ISI:000259104700034, title = {Multi-component carbon-carbon bond forming Mannich reaction catalyzed by yttria-zirconia based Lewis acid}, journal = {Catalysis Communications}, volume = {9}, number = {14}, year = {2008}, month = {AUG}, pages = {2445-2448}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

A direct three component Mannich-type reaction of aldehyde, amine, and ketone (without silyl enolates) were efficiently catalyzed by yttria-zirconia based strong Lewis acid in aqueous acetonitrile. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {beta-amino carbonyls, Mannich reaction, multi-component reaction, yttria-zirconia based Lewis acid}, issn = {1566-7367}, doi = {10.1016/j.catcom.2008.06.011}, author = {Ramalingam, S. and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000258442800007, title = {Nanoreactors for nanostructured materials}, journal = {International Journal of Chemical Reactor Engineering}, volume = {6}, year = {2008}, month = {JAN}, pages = {A62}, publisher = {BERKELEY ELECTRONIC PRESS}, address = {2809 TELEGRAPH AVENUE, STE 202, BERKELEY, CA 94705 USA}, abstract = {

Organized systems such as micelles, reverse micelles, vesicles, polyelectrolyte capsules, liquid crystals, etc., formed through a self-assembling process represent nanoreactors that can be used for preparing nanostructured materials. Besides a fascinating academic subject, these nanoreactors provide a unique way to develop a special type of advanced material for a wide variety of applications in electronics, photonics, biomedical and other areas. The article examines the formation, functioning, properties and special attributes of these nanoreactors with a view towards their engineering analysis, design and possible integration in manufacturing technology.

}, keywords = {nanoreactors, Nanostructured materials, organized self-assemblies}, issn = {1542-6580}, author = {Khomane, Ramdas B. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article { ISI:000259140700055, title = {N-doped TiO2 nanoparticle based visible light photocatalyst by modified peroxide sol-gel method}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {112}, number = {37}, year = {2008}, month = {SEP}, pages = {14595-14602}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The peroxide gel route is employed to synthesize N-doped TiO2 nanoparticles (NP) at low temperature using titanium tetraisopropoxide, ethylmethylamine, and hydrogen peroxide as precursors. Structural studies show anatase phase in the undoped titania NPs as well as at 5 at. \% N-doped titania NPs, although with a degree of matrix disorder in the latter case. The annealing of N-doped titania NPs at different temperatures shows that above 400 degrees C nitrogen escapes the O-Ti-O matrix and at 500 degrees C the sample becomes crystalline. Transmission electron microscopy reveals that the particle size is in the range of 20-30 nm for the undoped TiO2 but only 5-10 nm for N-doped TiO2. At higher nitrogen concentration (10 at. \%) bubble-like agglomerates form. FTIR and photoluminescence quenching also confirm the incorporation of nitrogen in anatase TiO2. Optical properties reveal an extended tailing of the absorption edge toward the visible region upon nitrogen doping. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is used to examine the electronic state of doped nitrogen and the associated possible electronic modification of the TiO2 matrix. Under visible light irradiation the undoped TiO2 NPs do not show any significant photocatalytic activity, as expected; however, the 5 at. \% N-doped TiO2 NPs show excellent activity.

}, issn = {1932-7447}, doi = {10.1021/jp803567f}, author = {Jagadale, Tushar C. and Takale, Shrikant P. and Sonawane, Ravindra S. and Joshi, Hrushikesh M. and Patil, Shankar I. and Kale, Bharat B. and Ogale, Satishchandra B.} } @article { ISI:000262377000014, title = {Near-complete phase transfer of single-wall carbon nanotubes by covalent functionalization}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Sciences}, volume = {120}, number = {6}, year = {2008}, note = {International Conference on Molecules and Materials - New Directions, Bangalore, INDIA, DEC 04, 2008}, month = {NOV}, pages = {599-606}, publisher = {INDIAN ACAD SCIENCES}, address = {C V RAMAN AVENUE, SADASHIVANAGAR, P B \#8005, BANGALORE 560 080, INDIA}, abstract = {

We describe here an efficient phase transfer of single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) from aqueous to non-aqueous media using a unique amide functionalization route, where water soluble SWNTs (2.6 mg/mL) are effectively transferred to solvents like chloroform, toluene and CS(2). A maximum of 30 wt\% of oxygenated groups have been generated on the side walls by rapid microwave treatment, leading to a solubility of more than 2.6 mg/mL in water. Approximate surface amine coverage of 50\% has been accomplished after oxalyl chloride treatment as inferred from thermogravimetry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy by controlling several key parameters associated with the extent of functionalization including purity of the sample, temperature and time.

}, keywords = {Carbon nanotubes, microscopy, Microwave, Nanostructures, solubility of SWNTs}, issn = {0253-4134}, doi = {10.1007/s12039-008-0091-3}, author = {Kakade, Bhalchandra A. and Patil, Sanjay and Sathe, Bhaskar and Gokhale, Suresh and Pillai, Vijayamohanan} } @article { ISI:000261133600029, title = {New microporous MOF material based on Zn(II)-polycarboxylate coordination polymer synthesized with the aid of 1,6-diaminohexane as template}, journal = {Microporous and Mesoporous Materials}, volume = {116}, number = {1-3}, year = {2008}, month = {DEC}, pages = {204-209}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

A new microporous metal-organic framework (MOF) material ZBTEC-1 has been synthesized by designing infinite coordination polymer network formed between Zn(II) and 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylic acid (BTEC) under solvothermal conditions in the presence of 1,6-diaminohexane (DAH) as a single molecule template. Powder XRD data demonstrate that the ZBTEC-1 material has a new MOF structure. N-2 sorption studies indicated moderately good surface area (306 m(2) g(-1)) with large size micropores (average pore diameter ca. 0.7 nm) and very high pore volume (1.93 ccg(-1)). C-13 solid state MAS-NMR, FT-IR and UV-visible spectroscopic studies showed the presence of BTEC moieties in the framework. TEM and FE-SEM analysis indicated 30-60 nm diameter size microporous spherical particles for the ZBTEC-1 crystallites. This novel MOF material showed good hydrogen adsorption capacity at 77 K, indicating its potential application in hydrogen storage. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Coordination polymer, Metal-organic framework, Microporous material, porosity, Zinc complex}, issn = {1387-1811}, doi = {10.1016/j.micromeso.2008.04.003}, author = {Chandra, Debraj and Kasture, Mahesh W. and Bhaumik, Asim} } @article { ISI:000254004400057, title = {New poly(phenylene oxide)/polystyrene blend nanocomposites with clay: intercalation, thermal and mechanical properties}, journal = {Journal of Applied Polymer Science}, volume = {108}, number = {3}, year = {2008}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1818-1828}, publisher = {JOHN WILEY \& SONS INC}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN, NJ 07030 USA}, abstract = {

We present the first study and results on the preparation and characterization of montmorillonite clay filter based polymer blend nanocomposites of the miscible poly(phenylene oxide)/polystyrene blend. Intercalated nanocomposites, prepared by a melt-processing method with 2-6 wt \% commercially available organically modified sodium montmorillonite, have been characterized with wide-angle X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy analysis, thermal analysis (thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry), and mechanical tensile tests. We show that nanocomposites can be successfully prepared in a batch mixer at temperatures much below the conditions conventionally used for this blend without organic degradation. Thermal stability is enhanced by nanoscale hybrid formation. The level of intercalation (change in the d-spacing) does not change with the clay loading. Better dispersion of clay in the blend matrix has been observed at a low level of clay content. The nanocomposites show improved tensile modulus (by 31\%) in comparison to the blend, whereas the tensile strength (stress at break) and elongation decrease in the presence of the filler with an increase in the clay loading. The Halpin-Tsai model is able to predict the modulus of the nanocomposites in very good agreement with the experimental data. (c) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

}, keywords = {mechanical properties, Nanocomposites, organoclay, poly(phenylene oxide), Polystyrene, Thermal properties}, issn = {0021-8995}, doi = {10.1002/app.27743}, author = {Tiwari, Rajkiran R. and Khilar, Kartic C. and Natarajan, Upendra} } @article { ISI:000258370500013, title = {New route for preparation of luminescent mercaptoethanoate capped cadmium selenide quantum dots}, journal = {Bulletin of Materials Science}, volume = {31}, number = {3}, year = {2008}, note = {National Review and Coordination Meeting on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Hyderabad, INDIA, 2007}, month = {JUN}, pages = {291-296}, publisher = {INDIAN ACAD SCIENCES}, address = {C V RAMAN AVENUE, SADASHIVANAGAR, P B \#8005, BANGALORE 560 080, INDIA}, abstract = {

We report a synthesis of cadmium selenide quantum dots (Q-CdSe) by refluxing a mixture of cadmium acetate, selenium powder, sodium sulfite and 2-mercaptoethanol in N,N{\textquoteright}-dimethyl formamide (DMF)/water solution. X-ray and electron diffractions suggest the formation of hexagonal phase of size quantized CdSe. Based on TEM analysis, the formation of nanoparticles with an average diameter of 3.5 +/- 0.5 nm is inferred. Their sols in DMF and dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) gave characteristic absorption peaks at 300 nm and 327 nm, which is attributed to the formation of high quality, size quantized CdSe particles. Extracted particles from the sol were readily redispersed in DMF and DMSO, which were diluted further with water without losing their optical and colloidal properties. FTIR spectroscopy suggested the formation of 2-mercaptoethanol thiolate on the particle surface, with free -OH groups available for linkage. Sols in DMSO and their solutions in water displayed an intense photoluminescence (PL).

}, keywords = {chalcogenides, Chemical synthesis, photoluminescence, semiconductor quantum dots}, issn = {0250-4707}, doi = {10.1007/s12034-008-0047-8}, author = {Wankhede, Manoj E. and Inamdar, Shaukatali N. and Deshpande, Aparna and Thete, Aniket R. and Pasricha, Renu and Kulkarni, Sulabha K. and Harani, Santosh K.} } @article {43210, title = {New route to eremophilanes: synthesis of (+/-)-eremophilenolide, (+/-)-eremophiledinone, and (+/-)-deoxyeremopetasidione}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {49}, year = {2008}, month = {OCT}, pages = {6084-6086}, abstract = {A new and efficient route to the family of eremophilanes is reported. Key steps are the highly stereocontrolled Diels-Alder reaction and aldol condensation to furnish a cis-decalin system with the desired stereochemistry present in the eremophilane family of natural products. This approach is general and was utilized for the synthesis of (+/-)-eremophilenolide, (+/-)-eremophiledinone, and (+/-)-deoxyeremopetasidione. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2008.08.006}, author = {Srinivas, P. and Reddy, D. Srinivasa and Kumar, K. Shiva and Dubey, P. K. and Iqbal, Javed and Das, Parthasarathi} } @article { ISI:000257365900027, title = {Novel hydroxide precursors for low temperature synthesis of selected ternary oxides}, journal = {Materials Research Bulletin}, volume = {43}, number = {7}, year = {2008}, month = {JUL}, pages = {1842-1849}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A novel method of using hydroxide precursors to reduce the synthesis temperature for few selected ternary oxides has been presented here. This technique is very useful and advantageous when the ternary oxides contain an alkaline earth element. The selected compositions for this method are BaCeO3 (BC), BaBiO3 (BB), La0.7Sr0.3CoO3 (LSCO) and BaBi2Nb2O9 (BBN). Commercially purchased strontium (or barium) hydroxide and freshly prepared lanthanum, cobalt, bismuth and niobium hydroxides were mixed thoroughly in stoichiometric ratio and heated at different temperatures ranging from 100 to 700 degrees C for 10 h for corresponding compositions. The sequence of the reaction and evolution of the product phase were studied by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. The phase purity and lattice parameters were also determined by XRD investigations. All the product phases in each case were formed at relatively low temperature than when they were prepared by co-precipitation or solid state method. The morphology and average particle size of these powders were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Ceramics, Chemical synthesis, Electron microscopy, Oxides, X-ray diffraction}, issn = {0025-5408}, doi = {10.1016/j.materresbull.2007.07.006}, author = {Muthurajan, H. and Rao, N. Koteswara and Gupta, U. N. and Pradhan, Sivaram and Jha, Ratnesh Kumar and Kumar, H. H. and Mirji, S. A. and Ravi, V.} } @article { ISI:000254698300034, title = {Novel hydroxide precursors to prepare NaNbO3 and KNbO3}, journal = {Ceramics International}, volume = {34}, number = {3}, year = {2008}, month = {APR}, pages = {671-673}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Firstly, fresh niobium, hydroxide was precipitated from NbF5 solution using an aqueous ammonium hydroxide under basic conditions. Then a simple procedure of mixing potassium (or sodium) and niobium hydroxides together and heating at a low temperature (\<400 degrees C) produced KNbO3 (KN) or NaNbO3 (NN) powders. This is the lowest temperature so far reported for the formation of these phases. The phase content and lattice parameters are determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The average particle size and morphology were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {chemical preparation, niobates, Perovskites, powders, X-ray methods}, issn = {0272-8842}, doi = {10.1016/j.ceramint.2006.12.014}, author = {Muthurajan, H. and Kumar, H. H. and Samuel, V. and Gupta, U. N. and Ravi, V.} } @article { ISI:000254698300033, title = {Novel technique to prepare LiTaO3 at low temperature}, journal = {Ceramics International}, volume = {34}, number = {3}, year = {2008}, month = {APR}, pages = {669-670}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Firstly, fresh tantalum hydroxide was precipitated from TaF5 solution using an aqueous ammonium hydroxide under basic conditions. Then a simple procedure of mixing lithium and tantalum hydroxides together and heating at a low temperature (450 degrees C) produced pure ultrafine single phase LiTaO3 (LT). This is the lowest temperature so far reported for the formation of LT in the literature. The phase content and lattice parameters are determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The average particle size and morphology were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {chemical synthesis X-ray diffraction, Electron microscopy, electronic materials, LiTaO3}, issn = {0272-8842}, doi = {10.1016/j.ceramint.2006.11.003}, author = {Muthurajan, H. and Kumar, H. H. and Natarajan, N. and Ravi, V.} } @article { ISI:000253715400006, title = {Observations of enhanced aerosol longwave radiative forcing over an urban environment}, journal = {Geophysical Research Letters}, volume = {35}, number = {4}, year = {2008}, month = {FEB}, pages = {L04817}, publisher = {AMER GEOPHYSICAL UNION}, address = {2000 FLORIDA AVE NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20009 USA}, abstract = {

Collocated measurements of sun/ sky radiance, aerosol chemical composition and radiative fluxes have been utilized to estimate longwave aerosol radiative forcing over Pune, an Indian urban site during dry winter [Dec2004 to Feb2005] by two methods. Hybrid method which uses observed downwelling and modeled upwelling longwave fluxes for different aerosol loadings yielded a surface forcing of 9.4 Wm(-2). Model approach includes utilization of skyradiometer derived spectral aerosol optical properties in the visible and near infra-red wavelengths, modeled aerosol properties in 1.2-40 mu m using observed soot and chemical composition data, MODIS water vapor and TOMS column ozone in a radiative transfer model. Estimates from model method showed longwave enhancement of 6.5 and 8.2Wm(-2) at the surface with tropical model atmosphere and temporally varying profiles of temperature and humidity, respectively. Study reveals that about 25\% of the aerosol shortwave cooling is being compensated by increase in longwave radiation due to aerosol absorption.

}, issn = {0094-8276}, doi = {10.1029/2007GL032879}, author = {Panicker, A. S. and Pandithurai, G. and Safai, P. D. and Kewat, S.} } @article { ISI:000257228100019, title = {Optimal xylanase production using Penicilium janthinellum NCIM 1169: a model based approach}, journal = {Biochemical Engineering Journal}, volume = {40}, number = {2}, year = {2008}, month = {JUN}, pages = {348-356}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Xylanases are an industrially important class of hydrolytic enzymes that degrade xylans. Production of xylanase from a fungal culture by submerged fermentation and optimization of the operating conditions for maximum activity are the two aims of the present study. Penicillium janthinellum NCIM 1169 with Mandels-Weber medium, sugarcane bagassse (40\#) as a carbon source and beef extract as a nitrogen source were used in the experiments. We did 41 experiments to see the effect of variations in carbon, nitrogen source, pH, and inoculum on xylanase activity. This data was then used to build an input/output model using multiple linear regression, back propagation neural network and lazy learning algorithm. It was found that lazy learning model correlated well in mapping input/output data. This model was then utilized as an objective function in genetic algorithm to find the optimal combination of the operating conditions to get the maximum xylanase activity. It was observed that with carbon source, 1.63\%, nitrogen source, 0.16\%, pH, 4.1, and inoculum, 5.5\%, maximum xylanase activity of 28.98 +/- 1.73 U/ml was achieved. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Artificial intelligence, Enzyme activity, Fermentation, Modeling, Optimization, Xylanase}, issn = {1369-703X}, doi = {10.1016/j.bej.2008.01.003}, author = {Meshram, Mukesh and Kulkarni, Abhijit and Jayaraman, Valadi K. and Kulkarni, B. D. and Lele, S. S.} } @article { ISI:000257287600018, title = {Peculiarities of the adsorption kinetics of mixed convex plus concave contour objects}, journal = {Physical Review E}, volume = {77}, number = {6, 2}, year = {2008}, month = {JUN}, pages = {066111}, publisher = {AMER PHYSICAL SOC}, address = {ONE PHYSICS ELLIPSE, COLLEGE PK, MD 20740-3844 USA}, abstract = {

Random sequential adsorption of mixed convex plus concave contour (MC) objects exhibits some distinctly different peculiar characteristics than the cases of purely convex objects. Though the substrate coverage approaches the jamming limit with time t as t(-p), same as that for convex objects, the law p similar to 1/d(f), valid for convex objects with d(f) degrees of freedom, does not hold for MC objects. Interestingly, for a fixed number of degrees of freedom, the exponent p changes with the degree of nonconvexity and bears a near perfect correlation with the same.

}, issn = {1539-3755}, doi = {10.1103/PhysRevE.77.066111}, author = {Shelke, Pradip B. and Ogale, S. B. and Khandkar, M. D. and Limaye, A. V.} } @article { ISI:000208979401243, title = {Permeabilization effect of organic solvents on cell bound penicillin v acylase activity of Erwinia aroideae (DSMZ 30186)}, journal = {Journal of Biotechnology}, volume = {136}, number = {S}, year = {2008}, month = {OCT}, pages = {S321}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Meeting Abstract}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, issn = {0168-1656}, doi = {10.1016/j.jbiotec.2008.07.1932}, author = {Kumar, Atul and Pundle, Archana} } @article { ISI:000260809600008, title = {pH Induced structural alterations in an aspartic protease from Vigna radiata indicating an alkali induced molten globule state}, journal = {International Journal of Biological Macromolecules}, volume = {43}, number = {4}, year = {2008}, month = {NOV}, pages = {373-376}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

pH-dependent transitions in secondary and tertiary structure are described for a plant aspartic protease from Vigna radiata. The enzyme was pH stable with pH optima of 3.0. The Lineweaver Burk analysis at various pH yielded pK(a) values of 3.3 and 4.29 indicating acidic amino acids at the active site of the enzyme. The structural changes exemplified compact secondary structure collapsed tertiary structure and exposure of hydrophobic patches at pH 10. The changes at pH 10 are typical of a molten globule state. This alkali induced molten globule is novel since acid induced molten globule state is more reported. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Alkali induced molten globule, Plant aspartic protease, Structural transitions}, issn = {0141-8130}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2008.07.017}, author = {Kulkarni, Aarohi and Gaikwad, Sushama M. and Rao, Mala} } @article { ISI:000256183700015, title = {Phosphotungstic acid on silica with modified acid sites as a solid catalyst for selective cleavage of tert-butyldimethylsilyl ethers}, journal = {Catalysis Communications}, volume = {9}, number = {9}, year = {2008}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1863-1868}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The strength and nature of acid sites of bulk phosphotungstic acid could be modified after dispersing it on silica support which was characterized by XRD, ammonia TPD and (31)P MAS NMR techniques. This solid acid catalyst was found to be highly selective for the cleavage of tert-butyldimethylsilyl ethers at room temperature. The catalyst was easily recovered by filtration and could be reused for several times without loss of any activity giving a TON of 9.5 x 10(5). (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Ammonia TPD, Catalytic cleavage, reaction pathway, solid acid, tert-butyldimethylsilyl ethers, XRD}, issn = {1566-7367}, doi = {10.1016/j.catcom.2008.03.017}, author = {Bhure, Mahesh H. and Kumar, Indresh and Natu, Arun D. and Chikate, Rajeev C. and Rode, Chandrashekhar V.} } @article { ISI:000255001300003, title = {Physicomechanical and magnetic properties of neoprene based rubber ferrite composites}, journal = {Polymer-Plastics Technology and Engineering}, volume = {47}, number = {2}, year = {2008}, month = {JAN}, pages = {137-146}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS INC}, address = {325 CHESTNUT ST, SUITE 800, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 USA}, abstract = {

Fine (approximately 18nm) particles of nickel ferrite were synthesized by the sol-gel technique, and their structural properties were evaluated by X-ray diffraction. Neoprene-based rubber ferrite composites were prepared by incorporating these nickel ferrite powders in the rubber matrix according to a specific recipe. The cure characteristics were analyzed, and the samples were molded into particular shapes whose properties were determined according to ASTM standards. Magnetization studies were carried out using a Vibrating Sample Magnetometer. This study indicates that neoprene rubber-based flexible magnets with desired magnetic properties and appropriate mechanical properties can be prepared by incorporating an adequate amount of nanoscale nickel ferrite particles within the rubber matrix.

}, keywords = {Ferrite, ferrite composites, flexible magnets, neoprene rubber, rubber, Sol-gel method}, issn = {0360-2559}, doi = {10.1080/03602550701815946}, author = {Prema, K. H. and Kurian, Philip and Joy, Pattayil Alias and Anantharaman, Maliemadom R.} } @article { ISI:000254869800024, title = {Polymer electrolyte fuel cells using nafion-based composite membranes with functionalized carbon nanotubes}, journal = {Angewandte Chemie-International Edition}, volume = {47}, number = {14}, year = {2008}, month = {FEB}, pages = {2653-2656}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {PO BOX 10 11 61, D-69451 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, keywords = {fuel cells, membranes, nanotubes, Polymers, proton transport}, issn = {1433-7851}, doi = {10.1002/anie.200704343}, author = {Kannan, Ramaiyan and Kakade, Bhalchandra A. and Pillai, Vijayamohanan K.} } @article { ISI:000261995800008, title = {Potential plasmid-curing agent, 8-epidiosbulbin E acetate, from dioscorea bulbifera L. against multidrug-resistant bacteria}, journal = {International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents}, volume = {32}, number = {5}, year = {2008}, month = {NOV}, pages = {405-410}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Bioassay-guided fractionation of an aqueous methanolic extract of Dioscorea bulbifera L. bulbs was performed using organic solvents. A novel plasmid-curing compound was identified as 8-epidiosbulbin E acetate (EEA) (norditerpene) on the basis of modern spectroscopic analysis and X-ray crystallography. EEA exhibited broad-spectrum plasmid-curing activity against multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, including vancomycin-resistant enterococci. EEA cured antibiotic resistance plasmids (R-plasmids) from clinical isolates of Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Shigella sonnei and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with 12-48\% curing efficiency. The reference plasmids of Bacillus subtilis (pUB110), E. coli (RP4), P. aeruginosa (RIP64) and Salmonella typhi (R136) were cured with efficiency ranging from 16\% to 64\%. EEA-mediated R-plasmid curing decreased the minimal inhibitory concentration of antibiotics against MDR bacteria, thus making antibiotic treatment more effective. The antibiotic resistance pattern revealed that the compound was effective in the reversal of bacterial resistance to various antibiotics. In addition, the compound did not show any cytotoxicity against a broad range of human cancer cell lines, namely MCF-7 (breast cancer), SiHa (cervical cancer) and A431 (epidermal carcinoma), and hence has the potential to be used as a lead compound for drug discovery programmes. (C) 2008 Elsevier B. V. and the International Society of Chemotherapy. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {8-Epidiosbulbin E acetate, Antibiotic resistance, Dioscorea bulbifera, Plasmid curing}, issn = {0924-8579}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2008.05.013}, author = {Shriram, Varsha and Jahagirdar, Sheetal S. and Latha, C. and Kumar, Vinay and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Rojatkar, Supada and Dhakephalkar, Prashant K. and Shitole, M. G.} } @article { ISI:000251802900022, title = {Preparation and characterization of novel hybrid of chitosan-g-PDMS and sodium montmorrilonite}, journal = {Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B-Applied Biomaterials}, volume = {84}, number = {1}, year = {2008}, month = {JAN}, pages = {184-190}, publisher = {WILEY-LISS}, address = {DIV JOHN WILEY \& SONS INC, 111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN, NJ 07030 USA}, abstract = {

Preparation and properties of Chitosan (CS)-clay nanocomposites grafted with polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS) with different clay ratios are herein discussed. CS is intercalated into sodium montmorrilonite and PDMS is grafted onto CS under UV irradiation. Sample films of CS intercalated into clay and grafted with PDMS were prepared by solvent casting method with varying amount of nanoclay and PDMS. They were characterized by conventional techniques such as X-ray diffractometry, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, C-13 NMR, thermo gravimetric analysis, and differential thermal analysis. Sorption behavior of samples has been followed by measuring swelling degree and issues on the interactions of biopolymers with clay are also discussed. The water absorption of composites films reduces with an increase in the amount of incorporated clay. This is due to the barrier formation in the form of cross-linking points, which prevents water permeation into CS. The amount of adsorbed water is more, when the amount of CS exceeds the amount of PDMS. This shows high water retention capacity of CS. (c) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

}, keywords = {Chitosan, graft copolymerization, Nanocomposites, PDMS, water absorption}, issn = {1552-4973}, doi = {10.1002/jbm.b.30860}, author = {Depan, Dilip and Kumar, Bijandra and Singh, Raj Pal} } @article { ISI:000257815100074, title = {Preparation and electrochemical characterization of lithium cobalt oxide nanoparticles by modified sol-gel method}, journal = {Materials Research Bulletin}, volume = {43}, number = {8-9}, year = {2008}, month = {AUG}, pages = {2497-2503}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Uniformly distributed nanoparticles of LiCoO2 have been synthesized through the simple sol-gel method in presence of neutral surfactant (Tween-80). The powders were characterized by X-ray diffractometry, transmission electron microscopy and electrochemical method including charge-discharge cycling performance. The powder calcined at a temperature of 900 degrees C for 5 h shows pure phase layered LiCoO2. The results show that the particle size is reduced in presence of surfactant as compared to normal sol-gel method. Also, the sample prepared in presence of surfactant and calcined at 900 degrees C for 5 h shows the highest initial discharge capacity (106 mAh g(-1)) with good cycling stability as compared to the sample prepared without surfactant which shows the specific discharge capacity of 50 mAh g(-1). (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Electrochemical properties, intercalation reactions, Layered compounds, Sol-gel chemistry, X-ray diffraction}, issn = {0025-5408}, doi = {10.1016/j.materresbull.2007.08.033}, author = {Khomane, Ramdas B. and Agrawal, Amit C. and Kulkarni, B. D. and Gopukumar, S. and Sivashanmugam, A.} } @article { ISI:000262590700009, title = {Presence of a functional nitrate assimilation pathway in mycobacterium smegmatis}, journal = {Microbial Pathogenesis}, volume = {44}, number = {1}, year = {2008}, month = {JAN}, pages = {71-77}, publisher = {ACADEMIC PRESS LTD ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {24-28 OVAL RD, LONDON NW1 7DX, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Ability of Mycobacterium smegmatis to assimilate nitrate was evaluated in its active and dormant phase. Nitrate (10 mM), nitrite (0.5 mM) and ammonia (10 mM)allowed growth of M. smegmatis concomitant with their complete depletion from the culture in 144, 120 and 96 h, respectively, when used as sole nitrogen Source. Azide (50 mu M) stopped the growth of M. smegmatis when nitrate was used as sole nitrogen source. L-methionine-S-sulfoximine (L-MSO), which is a well-known inhibitor of glutamine synthetase, an enzyme also involved in nitrogen metabolic pathway, when applied at 10 mu g/ml concentration, completely inhibited the growth of the organism when nitrate or nitrite was used as sole nitrogen source. There was no effect of either azide or L-MSO at above concentrations on the growth of the organism when asparagine or ammonia was used as sole nitrogen source. More significantly, utilization of nitrate, nitrite and ammonia continued even in oxygen depletion induced dormant culture at the rates of 289, 25 and 354 mu M/day, respectively. These rates were 5-8 times slower than the rates of 1966, 127 and 2890 mu M/day, respectively, in active replicating phase. In the presence of azide (50 mu M) and L-MSO (10 mu g/ml), 2.1 and 1.51 logs reduction in viability of dormant M. smegmatis was observed using nitrate and nitrite, respectively, as sole nitrogen source. Altogether, the results indicated the presence of nitrate assimilation pathway operating in both active and dormant stage of M. smegmatis. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Dormant bacilli, Glutamine synthetase, L-methionine-S-sulfoximine, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Nitrate assimilation}, issn = {0882-4010}, doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2007.08.006}, author = {Khan, Arshad and Akhtar, Shamim and Ahmad, Jawid N. and Sarkar, Dhiman} } @article { ISI:000254697200009, title = {Purification and characterization of a T-antigen specific lectin from the coelomic fluid of a marine invertebrate, sea cucumber (Holothuria scabra)}, journal = {Fish \& Shellfish Immunology}, volume = {24}, number = {4}, year = {2008}, month = {APR}, pages = {450-458}, publisher = {ACADEMIC PRESS LTD ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {24-28 OVAL RD, LONDON NW1 7DX, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A novel lectin was purified from the coelomic fluid of the sea cucumber Holothuria scabra (HSL), subjected to bacterial challenge. HSL is a monomeric glycoprotein of molecular mass 182 kDa. The lectin is highly thermostable as it retains full activity for 1 h at 80 degrees C. Further, the hemagglutination activity of HSL is unaffected by pH in the range 2-11. Unlike other lectins purified from marine invertebrates, the hemagglutination activity of HSL does not require any divalent metal ions. The affinity profile of HSL was studied by a combination of hemagglutination inhibition and fluorescence spectroscopy. HSL binds to desialylated glycoproteins, Me alpha Gal, T-antigen and T (alpha-ser)-antigen with a distinction between beta 1-4 and beta 1-3 linkages. Me alpha-T-antigen was a potent ligand having highest affinity (K-a 8.32 x 10(7) M-1). Monosaccharide binding is enthalphically driven while disaccharide binding involves both entropic and enthalpic contributions. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Fluorescence spectroscopy, Holothuria scabra, Lectin, marine invertebrate, Thermodynamic properties}, issn = {1050-4648}, doi = {10.1016/j.fsi.2008.01.002}, author = {Gowda, Nagaraj M. and Goswami, Usha and Khan, Mohammad Islam} } @article { ISI:000257694300013, title = {Rapid extraction and separation of indium(III) with a high molecular weight amine}, journal = {Indian Journal of Chemical Technology}, volume = {15}, number = {3}, year = {2008}, month = {MAY}, pages = {291-297}, publisher = {NATL INST SCIENCE COMMUNICATION}, address = {DR K S KRISHNAN MARG, NEW DELHI 110 012, INDIA}, abstract = {

The liquid-liquid extraction of indium(III) from sodium succinate media using n-octylaniline in toluene as an extractant was studied. Quantitative extraction of indium(III) was observed in the range of 0.004-0.0075 M sodium succinate at pH 3.8-6.0 with 4\% n-octylaniline in toluene. Indium(III) was completely stripped from the metal loaded organic phase of the extractant with water and determined complexometrically. The stoichiometry of the extracted species was determined on the basis of;slope analysis. The extraction was found to proceed by a ion-pair mechanism with the extracted species being [RNH3+In(succinate)(2)(-)](org). Separation of indium(III) was carried out from some associated metals like Tl(I), Mg(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II),. Cd(II), Hg(II), Pb(II), GC(IV), Sb(III), Bi(III). The selectivity of the extraction of indium(III) can also be achieved by use of a suitable masking agent for estimation and determination from the synthetic mixture corresponding to alloy to show the practical utility of the extractant.

}, keywords = {Indium(III), n-octylaniline, Separation, solvent extraction, succinate}, issn = {0971-457X}, author = {Shilmkar, T. N. and Kolekar, S. S. and Wadgaonkar, P. P. and Anuse, Mansing A.} } @article { ISI:000253767100014, title = {Rapid phase-controlled microwave synthesis of nanostructured hierarchical tetragonal and cubic beta-In2S3 dandelion flowers}, journal = {Chemical Physics Letters}, volume = {452}, number = {4-6}, year = {2008}, month = {FEB}, pages = {301-305}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Phase controlled synthesis of hierarchical nanostructured beta-In2S3 dandelion flowers is realized by a rapid microwave solvothermal process using indium metal, nitric acid and thiourea as precursors. The tetragonal and cubic phases of the compound have been successfully and separately stabilized in the same type of dandelion morphology by using aqueous-mediated and methanol-mediated synthesis, respectively. The possible mechanism responsible for phase control is discussed. Optical properties of the flowers as well as their hydrogen generation capability by photodecomposition of H2S under visible light are also reported. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0009-2614}, doi = {10.1016/j.cplett.2007.12.048}, author = {Naik, S. D. and Jagadale, Tushar C. and Apte, S. K. and Sonawane, S. and Kulkarni, M. V. and Patil, S. I. and Ogale, Satishchandra B. and Kale, B. B.} } @article { ISI:000253366100001, title = {Rare earth metal triflates promoted diels-alder reactions in ionic liquids}, journal = {Applied Catalysis A-General}, volume = {335}, number = {1}, year = {2008}, month = {FEB}, pages = {1-6}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Rare earth metal triflates, when used with ionic liquids can promote Diels-Alder reactions carried out with different dienes and dienophiles suggesting an enhancement in the catalytic power of the triflates in ionic liquids. It is possible to recover and reuse the ionic liquid phase with triflates to give comparable yields and stereoselectivities even after six cycles. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Diels-Alder reactions, ionic liquids, rare earth metal triflates}, issn = {0926-860X}, doi = {10.1016/j.apcata.2007.10.026}, author = {Sarma, Diganta and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000255455300004, title = {Reaction kinetics of liquid phase air oxidation of p-cresol to p-hydroxybenzaldehyde}, journal = {Applied Catalysis A-General}, volume = {339}, number = {1}, year = {2008}, month = {APR}, pages = {28-35}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The kinetics of liquid phase oxidation of p-cresol to p-hydroxybenzaldehyde has been investigated using insoluble cobalt oxide (CO3O4) catalyst at oxygen partial pressures in the range 0.1-1.5 MPa, reaction temperatures 333-393 K, p-cresol concentrations 0.49-1.53 kmol/m(3) and catalyst loadings 0.38-3.03 kg/m(3). The effects of oxygen partial pressure, reaction temperature, p-cresol concentration and catalyst loading on the initial rate of reaction have been studied. The initial rate varied linearly with catalyst loading up to 1.5 kg/m(3) beyond which it was independent of the catalyst loading while first-order dependence was observed with variation in oxygen partial pressure. A rate expression has been proposed considering Langmuir-Hinshelwood (LH) type mechanism, based on the initial rate data. A batch reactor model was also developed based on the kinetics studied and the concentration time profile predicted by the model was in good agreement with the experimental data. The activation energy for the liquid phase oxidation of p-cresol was found to be 39.6 kJ/mol. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Co3O4, kinetics, p-cresol oxidation, XPS, XRD}, issn = {0926-860X}, doi = {10.1016/j.apcata.2008.01.006}, author = {Kshirsagar, V. S. and Nadgeri, J. M. and Tayade, P. R. and Rode, C. V.} } @article { ISI:000255774700006, title = {Rigid bicyclo[3.3.0]octane (octahydropentalene): a heavily constrained novel aliphatic template for molecular self-assembly}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {49}, number = {19}, year = {2008}, month = {MAY}, pages = {3056-3059}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

This Letter reports the utility of a heavily constrained cis-fused bicyclo[3.3.0]octane (octahydropentalene) aliphatic template for effecting molecular self-assembly. An attractive feature of this system is its heavily constrained alicyclic backbone that would allow for the exploration of self-assembling systems with conformationally ordered features. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2008.03.062}, author = {Kendhale, Amol M. and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Rajamohanan, P. R. and Sanjayan, Gangadhar J.} } @article { ISI:000256043100018, title = {Selective N-oxidation of aromatic amines to nitroso derivatives using a molybdenum acetylide oxo-peroxo complex as catalyst}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {49}, number = {22}, year = {2008}, month = {MAY}, pages = {3616-3619}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The molybdenum acetylide oxo-peroxo complex obtained in situ by the treatment of the corresponding molybdenum acetylide carbonyl complex, CpMo(CO)(3)(C CPh); Cp = eta(5-)C(5)H(5) with H(2)O(2), has been used as an efficient catalyst for selective N-oxidation of primary amines to nitroso derivatives. Excellent amine conversion (up to 100\%) and very high selectivity for nitroso compounds (99\%) have been obtained using 30\% hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant. The oxo peroxo, Mo(VI) complex has also been found to be very active for the oxidation of various substituted primary aromatic amines with electron donating as well as electron withdrawing substituents on the aromatic ring. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {aromatic amine, Homogenous catalyst, Hydrogen peroxide, Molybdenum complex, nitroso, Oxidation, Oxo-peroxo}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2008.04.005}, author = {Biradar, Ankush V. and Kotbagi, Trupti V. and Dongare, Mohan K. and Shubhangi B. Umbarkar} } @article { ISI:000263320900032, title = {Sequence-specific unusual (1 -> 2)-type helical turns in alpha/beta-hybrid peptides}, journal = {Journal of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {130}, number = {52}, year = {2008}, month = {DEC}, pages = {17743-17754}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

This article describes novel conformationally ordered (alpha/beta-hybrid peptides consisting of repeating L-proline-anthranilic acid building blocks. These oligomers adopt a compact, right-handed helical architecture determined by the intrinsic conformational preferences of the individual amino acid residues. The striking feature of these oligomers is their ability to display an unusual periodic pseudo beta-turn network of nine-membered hydrogen-bonded rings formed in the forward direction of the sequence by 1{\textendash}\>2 amino acid interactions both in solid-state and in solution. Conformational investigations of several of these oligomers by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, solution-state NMR, and ab initio MO theory suggest that the characteristic steric and dihedral angle restraints exerted by proline are essential for stabilizing the unusual pseudo beta-turn network found in these oligomers. Replacing proline by the conformationally flexible analogue alanine (Ala) or by the conformationally more constrained alpha-amino isobutyric acid (Aib) had an adverse effect on the stabilization of this structural architecture. These findings increase the potential to design novel secondary structure elements profiting from the steric and dihedral angle constraints of the amino acid constituents and help to augment the conformational space available for synthetic oligomer design with diverse backbone structures.

}, issn = {0002-7863}, doi = {10.1021/ja804297f}, author = {Prabhakaran, Panchami and Kale, Sangram S. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Rajamohanan, P. R. and Chetina, Olga and Howard, Judith A. K. and Hofmann, Hans-Joerg and Sanjayan, Gangadhar J.} } @article { ISI:000257640400029, title = {Serine protease inhibitor from hemolymph of green mussel, perna viridis}, journal = {Bioorganic \& Medicinal Chemistry Letters}, volume = {18}, number = {14}, year = {2008}, month = {JUL}, pages = {3963-3967}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Bioactivity guided fractions of cell-free hemolymph of bacterially challenged marine mussel, Perna viridis led to the isolation of a novel quaternary alkaloid 1, which was identified by its spectral data. The isolated molecule 1 has been found to be a potent serine protease inhibitor ( SPI) showing IC(50) and K(i) values of 102.5 and 97.1-104.68 mu M, respectively. The E(t)/K(i) value of SPI is 6.3, whereas E(t)/K(m) value is 1.04. The Van{\textquoteright}t Hoff analysis showed that the value of K(i) decreases with increase in temperature, and the binding of the inhibitor is entropically driven. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {hemolymph, Natural product, Perna viridis, protease inhibitor}, issn = {0960-894X}, doi = {10.1016/j.bmcl.2008.06.010}, author = {Khan, M. S. and Goswami, U. and Rojatkar, S. R. and Khan, Mohammad Islam} } @article { ISI:000257349100007, title = {Silicate nanoparticles by bioleaching of glass and modification of the glass surface}, journal = {Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids}, volume = {354}, number = {29}, year = {2008}, month = {JUL}, pages = {3433-3437}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Bioleaching is examined as a low temperature (50 degrees C) soft chemical approach to nanosynthesis and surface processing. We demonstrate that fungus based bioleaching of borosilicate glass enables synthesis of nearly monodispersed ultrafine (similar to 5 +/- 0.5 nm) silicate nanoparticles. Using various techniques such as X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and FTIR we compare the constitution and composition of the nanoparticles with that of the parent glass, and establish the basic similarities between the two. The bioleaching process is shown to enhance the non-bridging oxygen component and correspondingly influence the Si-O-Si network. The root mean square roughness of glass surface is seen to increase from 1.27 nm for bare glass to 2.52 nm for 15 h fungal processed case, this increase being equivalent to that for glass annealed at 500 degrees C. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Bioglass, Biomaterials, borosilicates, narroparticles}, issn = {0022-3093}, doi = {10.1016/j.jnoncrysol.2008.03.025}, author = {Kulkarni, Sneha and Syed, Asad and Singh, Sanjay and Gaikwad, Anil and Patil, Kashinath and Vijayamohanan, K. and Ahmad, Absar and Ogale, Satishchandra} } @article { ISI:000255300600009, title = {Simple whole cell based high throughput screening protocol using Mycobacterium bovis BCG for inhibitors against dormant and active tubercle bacilli}, journal = {Journal of Microbiological Methods}, volume = {73}, number = {1}, year = {2008}, month = {APR}, pages = {62-68}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

This study aimed at developing a whole cell based high throughput screening protocol to identify inhibitors against both active and dormant tubercle bacilli. A respiratory type of nitrate reductase (NarGHJI), which was induced during dormancy, could reflect the viability of dormant bacilli of Mycobacterium bovis BCG in microplate adopted model of in vitro dormancy. Correlation between reduction in viability and nitrate reductase activity was seen clearly when dormant stage inhibitor metronidazole and itaconic anhydride were applied in this in vitro microplate model. Active replicating stage could also be monitored in the same assay by measuring the A(620) of the culture. MIC values of 0.08, 0.075, 0.3 and 3.0 mu g/ml, determined through monitoring A(620) in this assay for rifampin, isoniazid, streptomycin and ethambutol respectively, were well in agreement with previously reported by BACTEC and Bio-Siv assays. S/N ratio and Z{\textquoteright} factor for the assay were 8.5 and 0.81 respectively which indicated the robustness of the protocol. Altogether the assay provides an easy, inexpensive, rapid, robust and high content screening too] to search novel antitubercular molecules against both active and dormant bacilli. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {high throughput screening, tuberculosis, Wayne{\textquoteright}s dormancy model, whole cell based assay}, issn = {0167-7012}, doi = {10.1016/j.mimet.2008.01.015}, author = {Khan, Arshad and Sarkar, Dhiman} } @article { ISI:000253896400027, title = {Steady state and time-resolved fluorescence studies of a hemagglutinin from Moringa oleifera}, journal = {Journal of Fluorescence}, volume = {18}, number = {2}, year = {2008}, month = {MAR}, pages = {479-485}, publisher = {SPRINGER/PLENUM PUBLISHERS}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

The saccharide binding and conformational characterization of a hemagglutinin, a low molecular weight protein from the seeds of Moringa oleifera was studied using steady state and time resolved fluorescence. The lectin binds sugars LacNAc (K-a = 1380 M-1) and fructose (K-a = 975 M-1), as determined by the fluorescence spectroscopy. It has a single tryptophan per monomer which is exposed on the surface and is in a strong electropositive environment as revealed by quenching with iodide. Quenching of the fluorescence by acrylamide involved both static (K-s = 0.216 M-1) and collisional (K-sv= 8.19 M-1) components. The native protein showed two different lifetimes, tau(1) (1.6 ns) and tau(2) (4.36 ns) which decrease and get converted into a single one, (2.21 ns) after quenching with 0.15 M acrylamide. The bimolecular quenching constant, k(q) was 7.55 x 10(11) M-1 s(-1). ANS binding studies showed that the native protein has exposed hydrophobic patches which get further exposed at extreme acidic or alkaline pH. However, they get buried in the interior of the protein in presence of 1 M GdnHCl or urea.

}, keywords = {ANS binding, fluorescence, Hemagglutinin, lifetime, Moringa oleifera, saccharide binding, Solute quenching}, issn = {1053-0509}, doi = {10.1007/s10895-007-0289-7}, author = {Katre, Uma V. and Suresh, C. G. and Khan, Mohammad Islam and Gaikwad, Sushama M.} } @article { ISI:000261163000013, title = {Structural elucidation of propargylated products of 3-substituted-1,2,4-triazole-5-thiols by NMR techniques}, journal = {Magnetic Resonance in Chemistry}, volume = {46}, number = {12}, year = {2008}, month = {DEC}, pages = {1168-1174}, publisher = {JOHN WILEY \& SONS LTD}, address = {THE ATRIUM, SOUTHERN GATE, CHICHESTER PO19 8SQ, W SUSSEX, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Propargylation of 3-substituted-1,2,4-triazole-5-thiols, which predominantly exist as their thione tautomers, was carried out with the view to synthesize different heterocycles and study their biological activity. Three different products namely, a mono S-propargyl and two S,N-dipropargyl regioisomers, arising from N1/N2 substitution, were isolated and characterized. Unambiguous structural elucidation of the regioisomers of S,N-dipropargyl derivatives was achieved by means of (13)C-(1)H HMBC technique. The proportion of the regioisomers was found to vary with the substituent on the 1,2,4-triazole thiols. No product corresponding to N4 substitution was isolated from any of the reactions carried out. Copyright (C) 2008 John Wiley \& Sons, Ltd.

}, keywords = {(1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, (15)N NMR, 1, 2, 4-triazoles, HMBC, NMR, Regioisomers}, issn = {0749-1581}, doi = {10.1002/mrc.2307}, author = {Chaudhary, Preeti M. and Chavan, Sayalee R. and Kavitha, M. and Maybhate, Shailaja P. and Deshpande, Sunita R. and Likhite, Anjali P. and Rajamohanan, P. R.} } @article { ISI:000252940800007, title = {Structure sensitivity of nano-structured CdS/SBA-15 containing Au and PtCo-catalysts for the photocatalytic splitting of water}, journal = {Catalysis Letters}, volume = {121}, number = {3-4}, year = {2008}, month = {MAR}, pages = {226-233}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Photocatalysts containing nanocrystallites of cadmium sulphide dispersed in the channels of mesoporous silicate SBA-15 exhibited enhanced activity for visible-light mediated splitting of water, as compared to bulk CdS. Whereas the incorporation of 1 wt.\% Pt co-catalyst in CdS/SBA-15 led to a substantial increase in H-2 yield, Au at similar loading resulted in marginally decreased activity. The results indicate that the photocatalytic activity of CdS crystallites is structure sensitive. Similarly, the role of a noble metal may be associated with the particle size dependent micro-structural features, rather than its electronic properties such as the work function or the heat of adsorption of reactant or product molecules.

}, keywords = {nano-structured cadmium sulphide, Photocatalysis, role of noble metal co-catalyst, Splitting of water, structure sensitivity}, issn = {1011-372X}, doi = {10.1007/s10562-007-9319-y}, author = {Lunawat, Puja S. and Kumar, Rajiv and Gupta, Narendra M.} } @article { ISI:000253563900018, title = {Structure-activity relationship of a hemagglutinin from Moringa oleifera seeds}, journal = {International Journal of Biological Macromolecules}, volume = {42}, number = {2}, year = {2008}, month = {MAR}, pages = {203-207}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The hemagglutinin from the seeds of Moringa oleifera (MoL) agglutinates human as well as rabbit erythrocytes; the affinity for the latter is almost 250 times more than that for the former. MoL was inhibited by glycoproteins namely thyroglobulin, fetuin and holotransferin indicating the complex sugar specificity of the lectin. The protein is a homodimer with molecular mass of 14 kDa, subunits (7.1 kDa) linked by the disulfide bond(s). The secondary structure elements of MoL area-helix, 28\%; beta-sheet, 23\%; turn 20\% and unordered 28\%. While the activity and secondary structure were not affected at extreme pH and high temperature, they were drastically affected in presence of dithiothreitol at and above pH 7.0, indicating that disulfide linkages hold the active conformation of the protein. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {disulfide linkages, Moringa oleifera hemagglutinin, Secondary structure}, issn = {0141-8130}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2007.10.024}, author = {Katre, Uma V. and Suresh, C. G. and Khan, Mohammad Islam and Gaikwad, Sushama M.} } @article { ISI:000252354300005, title = {Study of a laboratory-scale froth flotation process using artificial neural networks}, journal = {Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy Review}, volume = {29}, number = {2}, year = {2008}, month = {DEC}, pages = {130-142}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS INC}, address = {325 CHESTNUT ST, SUITE 800, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 USA}, abstract = {

A three-layer feed-forward artificial neural network (ANN) model, trained using the error back propagation algorithm, has been established to simulate the froth flotation process for the beneficiation of coal fines. The network model validates the experimentally observed qualitative and quantitative trends. The optimal model parameters in terms of network weights have been estimated and can be used to compute the parameters of the coal flotation process over wide-ranging experimental conditions.

}, keywords = {back propagation algorithm, froth flotation, laboratory-scale, neural network}, issn = {0882-7508}, doi = {10.1080/08827500701421912}, author = {Kalyani, V. K. and Pallavika and Chaudhuri, Sanjay and Charan, T. Gouri and Haldar, D. D. and Kamal, K. P. and Badhe, Yogesh P. and Tambe, S. S. and Kulkarni, B. D.} } @article { ISI:000252926700002, title = {Study of papain-cystatin interaction by intensity fading MALDI-TOF-MS}, journal = {Protein Journal}, volume = {27}, number = {1}, year = {2008}, month = {JAN}, pages = {7-12}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Intensity fading (IF) matrix assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) time of flight (TOF) mass spectrometry (MS ) has become an alternative screening approach for the affinity-binding analysis of proteins and peptides with molecular ligands. In this investigation an attempt has been made to study the protein ligand interaction by intensity fading (IF) MALDI-MS using papain and cystatin as model system for protein-ligand interactions. The intensity fading of cystatin was monitored using various concentration of cystatin ranging from (1 to 8.6 mu M) in presence of target protein, papain. The results indeed indicate that the intensity of cystatin decreases upon addition of papain. Furthermore, for the first time we have used IF-MALDI-MS for determining the number of binding sites for cystatin on papain by Scatchard analysis.

}, keywords = {intensity fading, MALDI, papain-cystatin, protein-ligand interaction, Scatchard plot}, issn = {1572-3887}, doi = {10.1007/s10930-007-9102-3}, author = {Shabab, M. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J. and Khan, Mohammad Islam} } @article { ISI:000257381600004, title = {Sulfur nanoparticles synthesis and characterization from H2S gas, using novel biodegradable iron chelates in w/o microemulsion}, journal = {Nanoscale Research Letters}, volume = {3}, number = {6}, year = {2008}, month = {JUN}, pages = {221-229}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Sulfur nanoparticles were synthesized from hazardous H2S gas using novel biodegradable iron chelates in w/o microemulsion system. Fe3+-malic acid chelate (0.05 M aqueous solution) was studied in w/o microemulsion containing cyclohexane, Triton X-100 and n-hexanol as oil phase, surfactant, co-surfactant, respectively, for catalytic oxidation of H2S gas at ambient conditions of temperature, pressure, and neutral pH. The structural features of sulfur nanoparticles have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), diffused reflectance infra-red Fourier transform technique, and BET surface area measurements. XRD analysis indicates the presence of alpha-sulfur. TEM analysis shows that the morphology of sulfur nanoparticles synthesized in w/o microemulsion system is nearly uniform in size (average particle size 10 nm) and narrow particle size distribution (in range of 5-15 nm) as compared to that in aqueous surfactant systems. The EDS analysis indicated high purity of sulfur (\> 99\%). Moreover, sulfur nanoparticles synthesized in w/o microemulsion system exhibit higher antimicrobial activity (against bacteria, yeast, and fungi) than that of colloidal sulfur.

}, keywords = {Antimicrobial activity, H2S gas, iron chelates, sulfur nanoparticles, w/o microemulsion}, issn = {1931-7573}, doi = {10.1007/s11671-008-9140-6}, author = {Deshpande, Aniruddha S. and Khomane, Ramdas B. and Vaidya, Bhalchandra K. and Joshi, Renuka M. and Harle, Arti S. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article { ISI:000261281100001, title = {SVR-based prediction of point gas hold-up for bubble column reactor through recurrence quantification analysis of LDA time-series}, journal = {International Journal of Multiphase Flow}, volume = {34}, number = {12}, year = {2008}, month = {DEC}, pages = {1099-1107}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Recurrence quantification analysis (RQA) has emerged as a useful tool for detecting singularities in nonstationary time-series data. In this paper, we use RQA to analyze the velocity-time data acquired using laser doppler anemometry (LDA) signals in a bubble column reactor for Single point and Multipoint point spargers. The recurring dynamical states within the velocity-time-series occurring due to the bubble and the liquid passage at the point of measurement, are quantified by RQA features (namely \% Recurrence, \% Determinism, \% Laminarity and Entropy), which in turn are regressed using support vector regression (SVR) to predict the point gas hold-up values. It has been shown that SVR-based model for the bubble column reactor can be potentially useful for online prediction and monitoring of the point gas hold-up for different sparging conditions. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Bubble column, Gas hold-up, LDA, Recurrence quantification analysis (RQA), Support vector regression (SVR)}, issn = {0301-9322}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijmultiphaseflow.2008.07.001}, author = {Gandhi, Ankit B. and Joshi, J. B. and Kulkarni, A. A. and Jayaraman, Valadi K. and Kulkarni, B. D.} } @article { ISI:000260429100023, title = {Synthesis and biological evaluation of bile acid dimers linked with 1,2,3-triazole and bis-beta-lactam}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {6}, number = {20}, year = {2008}, month = {OCT}, pages = {3823-3830}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We report herein the synthesis and biological evaluation of bile acid dimers 11-18 linked through 1,2,3-triazole and bis-beta-lactam. The dimers 11-18 were synthesized using 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of diazido bis-beta-lactams 3, 4 and terminal alkynes 7-10 derived from cholic acid/deoxycholic acid in the presence of Cu(I) catalyst (click chemistry). These novel molecules were evaluated in vitro for their antifungal and antibacterial activity. Most of the compounds exhibited significant antifungal as well as antibacterial activity against all the tested fungal and bacterial strains. Moreover, their in vitro cytotoxicities towards HEK-293 and MCF-7 cells were also established.

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/b809221d}, author = {Vatmurge, Namdev S. and Hazra, Braja G. and Pore, Vandana S. and Shirazi, Fazal and Deshpande, Mukund V. and Kadreppa, Sreenath and Chattopadhyay, Samit and Gonnade, Rajesh G.} } @article { ISI:000262183900001, title = {Synthesis and characterization of high surface area CeO2-doped SnO2 nanomaterial}, journal = {Materials Chemistry and Physics}, volume = {112}, number = {3}, year = {2008}, month = {DEC}, pages = {719-722}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

In the present investigation the synthesis and characterization of high surface area CeO2-doped SnO2 nanomaterial has been reported. The material was synthesized by coprecipitation process combined with surfactant incorporating method. The concentration level of Ce (III) additive was varied systematically from 1 to 11 wt.\%. After calcinations at500 degrees C,a high BET surface area of 40 m(2)/g was obtained for 7 wt.\% CeO2. The effect of variation of sintering temperature (600-800 degrees C/2h) on the particle size and surface area of a CeO2/SnO2 system was investigated. The material obtained was nanocrystalline, having particle size in the range of 10-16 nm. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {CeO2:SnO2, Nanomaterials, sensors}, issn = {0254-0584}, doi = {10.1016/j.matchemphys.2008.06.022}, author = {Gambhire, A. B. and Lande, Machhindra K. and Kalokhe, S. B. and Shirsat, M. D. and Patil, K. R. and Gholap, Ramkrishna S. and Arbad, B. R.} } @article { ISI:000253740900005, title = {Synthesis and characterization of novel organo-montmorillonites}, journal = {Applied Clay Science}, volume = {38}, number = {3-4}, year = {2008}, month = {FEB}, pages = {203-208}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Sodium Montmorillonite (NaMMT) has been modified via cation exchange reaction using three different organic cations. Basal spacings, interlamellar structure and thermal stability of these organo-montmorillonites (OMMT) clays have been characterized using wide angle X-ray diffraction (WARD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques. Increase in the basal spacing due to organic modification is in good agreement with simple theoretical calculations based on van der Waals volume of the cationic ammonium ions. TGA characterization and analysis show that the amount of organic modifier in the OMMT{\textquoteright}s is in good agreement with theoretically calculated stoichiometric content expected for almost complete exchange of Na+ ions by organic cations. The OMMT{\textquoteright}s shows stepwise decomposition corresponding to initial weight loss from residual water desorption, followed by decomposition of the organic surfactant and the dehydroxylation of structural water of the montmorillonite layers. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Montmorillonite, organo-clays, organo-montmorillonite, surfactant}, issn = {0169-1317}, doi = {10.1016/j.clay.2007.05.008}, author = {Tiwari, Rajkiran R. and Khilar, Kartic C. and Natarajan, Upendra} } @article { ISI:000258981000008, title = {Synthesis and characterization of novel polybenzimidazoles bearing pendant phenoxyamine groups}, journal = {Journal of Polymer Science Part A-Polymer Chemistry}, volume = {46}, number = {17}, year = {2008}, month = {SEP}, pages = {5776-5793}, publisher = {JOHN WILEY \& SONS INC}, type = {Article}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN, NJ 07030 USA}, abstract = {

A novel aromatic diacid, 3, 5-dicarboxyl-4{\textquoteright}-amino diphenyl ether, containing pendant phenoxy amine group was synthesized. Homo- and co-polybenzimidazoles containing different content of pendant phenoxyamine groups were synthesized by condensation of 3,3{\textquoteright}-diaminobenzidine with this acid and a mixture of this acid and isophthalic acid in different ratio in polyphosphoric acid. Copolybenzimidazoles with structural variations were also synthesized based on this acid and pyridine dicarboxylic acid, terephthalic acid, adipic acid, or sebacic acid. The polymers have good solubility in polar aprotic solvents and strong acids and they form tough flexible films by solution casting. The polymers were characterized by different instrumental techniques (FTIR, TGA, DSC, XRD, etc.) and for solvent solubility, mechanical properties, inherent viscosity, and proton conductivity. The inherent viscosities of the polymers vary in the range of 0.62-1.52 dL/g. They have high thermal stability up to 475506 degrees C (IDT) in nitrogen, high glass transition temperatures (T-g) ranging from 313 to 435 degrees C and good tensile strength ranging from 58 to 125 MPa. Proton conductivity of homo polymer is 3.72 x 10(-3) S/cm at 25 degrees C and 2.45 x 10(-2) S/cm at 200 degrees C (c) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

}, keywords = {Characterization, copolybenzimidazoles, High performance polymers, high temperature materials, pendant phenoxyamine group, polybenzimidazoles, synthesis}, issn = {0887-624X}, doi = {10.1002/pola.22892}, author = {Kulkarni, Mahesh and Potrekar, Ravindra and Kulkarni, R. A. and Vernekar, S. P.} } @article { ISI:000258026000010, title = {Synthesis and characterizations of NiTiO(3) nanoparticles prepared by the sol-gel process}, journal = {Philosophical Magazine Letters}, volume = {88}, number = {6}, year = {2008}, month = {MAR}, pages = {467-472}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Nanocrystalline nickel titanate (NiTiO(3)) composite powders were prepared by the sol-gel process combined with a surfactant-assisted template method. The resulting powders were calcined at different temperatures ranging from 150 degrees C to 750 degrees C for 2 h in air. The results revealed that a pure hexagonal phase of NiTiO(3) could be obtained at the low temperature of 750 degrees C. The phase evolution of NiTiO(3) was investigated by X-ray diffraction patterns, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Particle size and morphology were studied by transmission electron microscopy.

}, keywords = {Nanoparticles, nickel titanate, sol-gel process}, issn = {0950-0839}, doi = {10.1080/09500830802199709}, author = {Gambhire, A. B. and Lande, Machhindra K. and Kalokhe, S. B. and Mandale, A. B. and Patil, K. R. and Gholap, Ramkrishna S. and Arbad, B. R.} } @article { ISI:000254416300052, title = {Synthesis and magnetic properties of barium-calcium hexaferrite particles prepared by sol-gel and microemulsion techniques}, journal = {Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials}, volume = {320}, number = {6}, year = {2008}, month = {MAR}, pages = {1095-1101}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The preparation of W-type hexaferrite particles with the composition BaCa2Fe16O27 by microemulsion and a stearic acid sol - gel method with and without surfactant has been investigated at various sintering temperatures. The structural and magnetic characteristics have been studied by X-ray diffraction ( XRD), a vibrating sample magnetometer ( VSM), scanning electron microscopy ( SEM), thermogravimetric analysis ( TGA), differential scanning calorimetric ( DSC) and Fourier transform infrared ( FTIR) techniques. The effect of sintering temperature on the properties of BaCa2Fe16O27 hexaferrites has been studied. The value of saturation magnetization ( M-s) depends on types of surfactant used. The sample prepared in the presence of polyoxyethylene ( 20) sorbitan monooleat ( Tween 80) shows low saturation magnetization ( M-s 15.10 emu/g), whereas the other sample prepared in the presence of a surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) exhibits high saturation magnetization (M-s = 24.60 emu/g) compared to the normal sample. (C) 2007 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {BaCa2Fe16O27, hexaferrite, magnetic property, Microemulsion, Sol-gel method, surfactant}, issn = {0304-8853}, doi = {10.1016/j.jmmm.2007.10.032}, author = {Jotania, R. B. and Khomane, Ramdas B. and Chauhan, C. C. and Menon, Shamal K. and Kulkarni, B. D.} } @article { ISI:000260062900021, title = {Synthesis and self-assembling properties of alpha,omega-hydroxy-poly(ethylene oxide) end-capped with 1-isocyanato-3-pentadecylcyclohexane}, journal = {Polymer}, volume = {49}, number = {21}, year = {2008}, month = {OCT}, pages = {4635-4646}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A novel hydrophobic compound, 1-isocyanato-3-pentadecylcyclohexane (PDC) issued from a renewable resource material (Cashew Nut Shell Liquid), is used to end-cap poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) of different molecular weights. The synthesis, characterization and self-assembling properties of these new associating polymers are reported. In aqueous solution, PDC modified PEOs self-associate into micellar structures which are characterized by neutron scattering. Using a star-polymer model with sticky hard sphere interactions, it is shown that the characteristics of the micelles mainly depend on the size of the PEO chain. In the case of PDC stickers, the aggregation number decreases from 25 to 17 with increasing molecular weight of PEO, from 10 to 20 kg/mol, respectively. The temperature directly impacts the interaction potential between the hydrophilic coronas of PEO which become less repulsive with increasing temperature. Rheological measurements, performed in dilute solution, clearly demonstrate that PEO micelles self-associate into open supramolecular structures. The correlation length of these loose clusters increases with polymer concentration and the hierarchical self-assembly follows the rules of the percolation theory. The sol/gel transition takes place at the overlap concentration of clusters. In semi-dilute solution, the viscoelastic properties of PDC end-capped PEOs are well described by the Maxwell model with a single relaxation mode. The characteristic time of the network follows an Arrhenius temperature dependence with an activation energy of 70 kJ/mol, in very good agreement with the size of PDC stickers. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Associating polymer, Hydrophobically end-capped, poly(ethylene oxide), Star micelles}, issn = {0032-3861}, doi = {10.1016/j.polymer.2008.07.064}, author = {Kadam, Vijay S. and Badiger, Manohar V. and Wadgaonkar, Prakash P. and Ducouret, Guylaine and Hourdet, Dominique} } @article { ISI:000255339200058, title = {Synthesis, characterization, and gas permeability of aromatic polyimides containing pendant phenoxy group}, journal = {Journal of Applied Polymer Science}, volume = {108}, number = {6}, year = {2008}, month = {JUN}, pages = {3881-3889}, publisher = {JOHN WILEY \& SONS INC}, type = {Article}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN, NJ 07030 USA}, abstract = {

A diamine containing a pendant phenoxy group, 1-phenoxy-2,4-diaminobenzene, was synthesized and condensed with different aromatic dianhydrides [4,4{\textquoteright}-oxydiphthalic dianhydride, 4,4{\textquoteright}-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride, 3,3{\textquoteright},4,4-benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 3,3{\textquoteright},4,4{\textquoteright}-biphenyltetracorboxylic dianhydride, and pyromellitic dianhydride] by one-step synthesis at a high temperature in m-cresol to obtain polyimides in high yields. Most of the polyimides exhibited good solvent solubility and could be readily dissolved in chloroform, sym-tetrachloroethane, N,N-dimethylformamide, NN-dimethylacetamide, and nitrobenzene. Their inherent viscosities were in the range of 0.33-1.16 dL/g. Wide-angle X-ray spectra revealed that these polymers were amorphous in nature. All these polyimides were thermally stable, having initial decomposition temperatures above 500 degrees C and glass-transition temperatures in the range of 248-281 degrees C. The gas permeability of 4,4{\textquoteright}-oxydiphthalic dianhydride and 4,4{\textquoteright}-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride based polyimides was investigated with pure gases: He, H-2, O-2, Ar, N-2, CH4, and CO2. A polyimide containing a -C(CF3)(2)- linkage showed a good combination of permeability and selectivity. (C) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

}, keywords = {Gas permeation, membranes, polyimides, selectivity, structure-property relations}, issn = {0021-8995}, doi = {10.1002/app.28074}, author = {Kothawade, Sandeep S. and Kulkarni, Mahesh P. and Kharul, Ulhas K. and Patil, Anandrao S. and Vernekar, Subhash P.} } @article { ISI:000259412500023, title = {Synthesis of alpha-amino phosphonates by three component condensation of carbonyl compound, amine, and dialkyl phosphite using Yttria-zirconia based Lewis acid catalyst}, journal = {Catalysis Letters}, volume = {125}, number = {3-4}, year = {2008}, month = {OCT}, pages = {315-319}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, type = {Article}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

An efficient Yttria-zirconia Lewis acid catalyzed one-pot synthesis of alpha-amino phosphonates by three component coupling reaction of a carbonyl compound amine and dialkyl phosphates is described in good to high yield.

}, keywords = {alpha-amino phosphonates, three component coupling, Yttria-zirconia based Lewis acid catalyst}, issn = {1011-372X}, doi = {10.1007/s10562-008-9562-x}, author = {Ramalingam, S. and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000254222400007, title = {Synthesis of bismuth titanate (Bi4Ti3O12)powders via calcination of microwave-hydrothermally (MH) derived precursor}, journal = {Indian Journal of Engineering and Materials Sciences}, volume = {15}, number = {1}, year = {2008}, month = {FEB}, pages = {51-54}, publisher = {NATL INST SCIENCE COMMUNICATION}, type = {Article}, address = {DR K S KRISHNAN MARG, NEW DELHI 110 012, INDIA}, abstract = {

Micrometer sized platelet-like particles of bismuth titanate (Bi4Ti3O12) ire prepared successfully by the calcination of a mixed-precursor in air. The mixed precursor is precipitated Under microwave-hydrothermal (MH) treatment via dissolution-recrystallization kinetics. The mixed precursor is precipitated in-situ by giving MH treatment (at 200 degrees C, 200 psi, and 30 min hold time) to the hydrolysed slurry containing Bi and Ti cations. The slurry was prepared by adding 20\% aqueous KOH precipitant solution to a well-mixed stoichiometric nitrate solution containing Bi and Ti cations. XRD results revealed that the as-dried precursor consisted of a homogenous mixture of non-crystalline particles of Bi2O3 and TiO2. The calcination of the as-dried precursor at 700 degrees C/2 h in air resulted ill the formation of micron sized platelet like single-phase Bi4Ti3O12 powders having orthorhombic structure.

}, keywords = {Bi4Ti3O12, MH processing, SEM, XRD}, issn = {0971-4588}, author = {Khollam, Y. B. and Deshpande, S. B. and Samuel, V. and Potdar, H. S.} } @article { ISI:000259972800039, title = {Synthesis of chimeric tetrapeptide-linked cholic acid derivatives: impending synergistic agents}, journal = {Bioorganic \& Medicinal Chemistry Letters}, volume = {18}, number = {20}, year = {2008}, month = {OCT}, pages = {5512-5517}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Tetrapeptides derived from glycine and beta-alanine were hooked at the C-3 beta position of the modified cholic acid to realize novel linear tetrapeptide-linked cholic acid derivatives. All the synthesized compounds were tested against a wide variety of microorganisms (Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria and fungi) and their cytotoxicity was evaluated against human embryonic kidney (HEK293) and human mammary adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cell lines. While relatively inactive by themselves, these compounds interact synergistically with antibiotics such as fluconazole and erythromycin to inhibit growth of fungi and bacteria, respectively, at 1-24 mu g/mL. The synergistic effect shown by our novel compounds is due to their inherent amphiphilicity. The fractional inhibitory concentrations reported are comparable to those reported for Polymyxin B derivatives. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Antimicrobial activity, Cholic acid, Cytotoxicity, Synergism, Tetrapeptide}, issn = {0960-894X}, doi = {10.1016/j.bmcl.2008.09.013}, author = {Bavikar, Sudhir N. and Salunke, Deepak B. and Hazra, Braja G. and Pore, Vandana S. and Dodd, Robert H. and Thierry, Josiane and Shirazi, Fazal and Deshpande, Mukund V. and Kadreppa, Sreenath and Chattopadhyay, Samit} } @article { ISI:000252408000048, title = {Synthesis of LSMO at low temperature by novel hydroxide precursor technique}, journal = {Materials Letters}, volume = {62}, number = {3}, year = {2008}, month = {FEB}, pages = {527-529}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

A novel technique of mixing individual hydroxide is employed to prepare La0.65Sr0.35MnO3 (LSMO) at low temperature. Freshly prepared lanthanum and manganese hydroxides are mixed thoroughly with strontium hydroxide in stoichiometric ratio and heated at different temperatures ranging from 100 to 500 degrees C for 6 h. At 500 degrees C, formation of La0.65Sr0.35MnO3 was confirmed by the X-ray diffraction studies (XRD). This is the lowest temperature so far reported in the literature. The particle size and morphology were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Ceramics, Electron microscopy, La0.65Sr0.35MnO3, Oxides, Precipitation, X-ray diffraction}, issn = {0167-577X}, doi = {10.1016/j.matlet.2007.05.077}, author = {Gupta, U. N. and Muthurajan, H. and Kumar, H. H. and Rao, N. Koteswara and Gokhale, Suresh P. and Ravi, V.} } @article { ISI:000261907900005, title = {Synthesis of novel 2-alkyl substituted oleobenzimidazole derivatives using ethylene glycol as solvent}, journal = {Canadian Journal of Chemistry-Revue Canadienne De Chimie}, volume = {86}, number = {11}, year = {2008}, month = {NOV}, pages = {1030-1033}, publisher = {NATL RESEARCH COUNCIL CANADA-N R C RESEARCH PRESS}, address = {BUILDING M 55, OTTAWA, ON K1A 0R6, CANADA}, abstract = {

The objective of this research was to conduct constructive organic chemistry by using ethylene glycol as an efficient solvent and to achieve yields that were comparable to or better than those in other media. The reaction parameters, such as temperature (150-200 degrees C), density, and reaction time (6 h), have been systematically studied to understand whether ethylene glycol is as an efficient solvent and can have a positive effect on the chemistry with good yields. By tuning the parameters, the yields have been optimized to around 70\%-80\%. Thus, a new class of 2-alkyl substituted oleo-benzimidazole derivatives have been synthesized and characterized by FTIR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, MS, and elemental analysis.

}, keywords = {ethylene glycol, oleo-benzimidazole derivatives, oleochemistry, unusual fatty acids}, issn = {0008-4042}, doi = {10.1139/V08-152}, author = {Hosamani, K. M. and Hiremath, V. B. and Keri, R. S. and Harisha, R. S. and Halligudi, Shivaraj B.} } @article { ISI:000256114400005, title = {Synthesis of oleic acid capped copper nano-particles via reduction of copper salt by SFS}, journal = {Materials Chemistry and Physics}, volume = {110}, number = {1}, year = {2008}, month = {JUL}, pages = {21-25}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Synthesis of oleic acid capped copper nano-particles has been carried out by use of sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate (SFS) in aqueous medium. Nano-copper can be effectively coated with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Phase-pure nano-Cu can be obtained when water/acetone was used as aqueous medium. It is observed that the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) phenomena can be controlled during synthesis by the use of suitable reagent system, e.g. absorption band in presence of PVA can be blue shifted. As-prepared copper nano-particles were characterized by X-ray diffraction measurements (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDAX), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR). XRD analysis revealed broad pattern for fcc crystal structure of copper metal. The particle size by use of Scherrer{\textquoteright}s equation was calculated to be about 20 nm. TGA revealed similar to 10\% weight loss due to the presence of surfactant. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of oleic acid around the particles. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Chemical synthesis, electronic materials, metals, Nanostructure}, issn = {0254-0584}, doi = {10.1016/j.matchemphys.2008.01.013}, author = {Khanna, P. K. and Kale, Trupti S. and Shaikh, Mushtaq and Rao, N. Koteswar and Satyanarayana, C. V. V.} } @article { ISI:000252970800002, title = {Synthesis of platinum Y-junction nanostructures using hierarchically designed alumina templates and their enhanced electrocatalytic activity for fuel-cell applications}, journal = {Chemistry of Materials}, volume = {20}, number = {3}, year = {2008}, month = {FEB}, pages = {601-603}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, issn = {0897-4756}, doi = {10.1021/cm702102b}, author = {Mahima, Subhramanyam and Kannan, Ramaiyan and Komath, Indulekha and Aslam, Mohammed and Pillai, Vijayarnohanan K.} } @article { ISI:000257424800017, title = {Synthesis of polyhydroxy piperidines and their analogues: a novel approach towards selective inhibitors of alpha-glucosidase}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {6}, number = {14}, year = {2008}, month = {JAN}, pages = {2587-2595}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Various polyhydroxy piperidine azasugars have been synthesized from precursors 18a and 18b, obtained in both enantiomeric forms from D-ribose. Out of these polyhydroxy piperidine azasugars, 22, 39 and 20 were found to be potent as well as selective inhibitors of a-glucosidase with K(i) values ranging as low as 1.07 mu M, 16.4 mu M, and 88.2 mu M, respectively. Replacement of the hydroxy methylene moiety of 19 (K(i) 33\% at 1 mM) by an amino methylene moiety (32, K(i) 36.8 mu M) showed a remarkable increase in the activity (almost 30 times). Furthermore, increasing the lipophilicity of 33 by N-alkylation with a dodecyl group (36) showed a three-fold enhancement in the activity (K(i) 217 mu M to K(i) 72.3 mu M).

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/b804278k}, author = {Pandey, Ganesh and Bharadwaj, Kishor Chandra and Khan, Mohammad Islam and Shashidhara, K. S. and Puranik, Vedavati G.} } @article { ISI:000261466800007, title = {Tandem aza-michael-condensation-aldol cyclization reaction: approach to the construction of DE synthon of (+/-)-camptothecin}, journal = {Synlett}, number = {18}, year = {2008}, month = {NOV}, pages = {2781-2784}, publisher = {GEORG THIEME VERLAG KG}, type = {Article}, address = {RUDIGERSTR 14, D-70469 STUTTGART, GERMANY}, abstract = {

An efficient synthesis of the DE ring of camptothecin, employing a Reformatsky and a tandem one-pot, three-step transformation involving aza-Michael reaction, condensation with ethyl malonyl chloride followed by intramolecular {\textquoteleft}aldol{\textquoteright} reaction to furnish the dihydropyridone derivative from commercially available starting materials, has been achieved.

}, keywords = {Aldol cyclizations, alkaloids, antitumor, Natural products, Reformatsky reaction}, issn = {0936-5214}, doi = {10.1055/s-0028-1083539}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Dhawane, Abasaheb N. and Kalkote, Uttam R.} } @article { ISI:000256597700001, title = {Tandem non-polymerizing strategy to higher order acrylamide oligomers; potential intermediates for conformational correlations of poly-N-acrylamides}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {32}, number = {6}, year = {2008}, month = {FEB}, pages = {909-912}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

This letter describes an efficient tandem non-polymerization strategy to deliver higher order N-acrylamide oligomers. These oligomers, accessible in an one-pot procedure, are potential intermediates for the correlation of stereochemistry (tacticity) with conformation and hydrogen bonding propensities in poly (oligo) N-acrylamides.

}, issn = {1144-0546}, doi = {10.1039/b802471e}, author = {Kendhale, Amol M. and Rajamohanan, Pattuparampil R. and Sanjayan, Gangadhar J.} } @article { ISI:000259829900004, title = {T-antigen binding lectin with antibacterial activity from marine invertebrate, sea cucumber (Holothuria scabra): possible involvement in differential recognition of bacteria}, journal = {Journal of Invertebrate Pathology}, volume = {99}, number = {2}, year = {2008}, month = {OCT}, pages = {141-145}, publisher = {ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE}, type = {Article}, address = {525 B ST, STE 1900, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101-4495 USA}, abstract = {

In invertebrates, cellular and humoral components are evolved to maintain their body immunity and integrity. Both these factors respond to different antigens such as microorganisms, vertebrate erythrocytes and foreign proteins. In this article, we report a study of a lectin (HSL) involved in immune response in the echinoderm, sea Cucumber (Holothuria scabra). Correlative studies indicate that the expression of this defensive lectin is induced by bacterial challenge, wherein cell wall glycoconjugates of bacteria are involved in lectin induction. HSL showed strong broad spectrum antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Under in vitro conditions, purified HSL mediate agglutination of the test bacteria, there by indicating a possible mode of action in physiological situation. (c) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {agglutination, antibacterial activity, coelomic fluid, Holothuria scabra, Lectin, sea cucumber}, issn = {0022-2011}, doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2008.04.003}, author = {Gowda, Nagaraj M. and Goswami, Usha and Khan, Mohammad Islam} } @article { ISI:000260807500005, title = {Taxol and 10-deacetylbaccatinIII induce distinct changes in the dynamics of caveolae}, journal = {FEBS Letters}, volume = {582}, number = {25-26}, year = {2008}, month = {OCT}, pages = {3595-3600}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Taxol treatment of HeLa cells resulted in a transient recruitment of Caveolin-1 to the cell surface followed by internalization. Interestingly, 20 min after 10-deacetylbaccatinIII (10-DAB) treatment, the caveolae displayed faster {\textquoteleft}kiss and run{\textquoteright} dynamics while BaccatinIII (BacIII) did not induce any change. Sustained phosphorylation of Caveolin-1 is observed upon treatment and between Taxol and 10-DAB, the former shows phosphorylated Raf-1, ERK1/2 and hyperphosphorylated Bcl-2 while the later showed much less magnitude of the same. BacIII treatment did not induce phosphorylation of Raf-1 or Bcl-2. It is possible that Taxol might act on multiple targets and the side chain may be crucial. (c) 2008 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {10-DeacetylbaccatinIII, BaccatinIII, Caveolae, Cytotoxicity, Kiss and run dynamic, Taxol, TIRFM}, issn = {0014-5793}, doi = {10.1016/j.febslet.2008.09.029}, author = {Ahmed, Neesar and Dasari, Sreekanth and Srivastava, Saumya S. and Sneh, Amita and Ahmad, Absar and Khan, Mohammad Islam and Krishnasastry, M. V.} } @article { ISI:000255342500023, title = {Temperature dependent structural studies and magnetic properties of BaCa2Fe16O27 hexaferrites prepared by stearic acid gel route in presence of SDS surfactant}, journal = {Synthesis and Reactivity in Inorganic Metal-Organic and Nano-Metal Chemistry}, volume = {38}, number = {2}, year = {2008}, note = {Symposium on New Routes to Inorganic Materials, Films and Nanocrystals held at ICMAT 2007, Singapore, SINGAPORE, JUL 01-06, 2007}, month = {MAR}, pages = {225-228}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS INC}, type = {Article, Proceedings Paper}, address = {325 CHESTNUT ST, SUITE 800, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 USA}, abstract = {

The preparation of BaCa2Fe16O27 hexaferrite powders by a stearic acid gel method with SDS surfactant has been investigated at various sintering temperatures. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), TGA, FTIR and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The effect of sintering temperature on properties of BaCa2Fe16O27 hexaferrites was studied. In presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) surfactant, the magnetic parameters, like saturation magnetization, coercivity and remanent magnetization, have been calculated from hysteresis loop.

}, keywords = {BaCa2Fe16O27, magnetic properties, stearic acid gel method}, issn = {1553-3174}, doi = {10.1080/15533170801926549}, author = {Joyania, R. B. and Khomane, Ramdas B. and Chauhan, C. C. and Kulkarni, B. D.} } @article { ISI:000259922200004, title = {Tetranuclear manganese (III) salicylaldoxime ensemble}, journal = {Structural Chemistry }, volume = {19}, number = {5}, year = {2008}, month = {OCT}, pages = {735-740}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Crystal structure of {[Mn(salicylaldoximeH)(salicylaldoxime)](4)} center dot 3CHCl(3) 1 formed by the interaction of MnCl2 center dot 4H(2)O and salicylaldoxime in a 1:1 ratio is described. The compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca (No 61) with the lattice parameters; a = 27.769 (3), b = 22.672 (2), c = 21.650 (2) angstrom, V = 13630 (2) angstrom(3), Z = 8, R-1 = 0.0776, wR(2) = 0.2356, S = 1.164. The cluster with four Mn (III) centers formed by four terminal and four bridging salicylaldoxime ligands results in a central rotating wheel-like core with the Mn-Mn separation varying from 3.531 to 3.576 angstrom and with the diagonal distances being 4.156-4.165 angstrom. Four intramolecular H-bonds between a terminal oxime (NOH) group and the adjacent phenolate oxygen atom of another ligand stabilize the structure of the cluster. Spectral, magnetic, and cyclic voltammetry studies corroborate a stable Mn (III) tetramer.}, author = {Kumbhar, Avinash S. and Mulay, Mahesh P. and Padhye, Subhash B. and Tavale, Sudam S. and Puranik, Vedavati G.} } @article { ISI:000257016800018, title = {Titania supported silicotungstic acid: an efficient solid acid catalyst for veratrole acylation}, journal = {Catalysis Communications}, volume = {9}, number = {10}, year = {2008}, month = {JUN}, pages = {2026-2029}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Titania supported silicotungstic acid (STA) with different STA loading (10-25 wt\%) and calcination temperature (650-750 degrees C) were prepared by wet impregnation method. The catalysts have been represented by a general formula xSTiO(2)y (where x denotes wt\%, S denotes STA and y denotes calcination temperature in degrees C). These catalysts were characterized by techniques such as X-ray diffraction, surface analysis, FTIR-pyridine and TPD-NH(3) and were used as heterogeneous solid acid catalysts in the liquid phase acylation of veratrole with acetic anhydride (Ac(2)O). It was found that 20STiO(2)700 gave the highest activity in acylation reaction due to its highest acidity. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {acetic anhydride, Acylation, Silicotungstic acid, titania, veratrole}, issn = {1566-7367}, doi = {10.1016/j.catcom.2008.03.043}, author = {Waghmare, Nilesh G. and Kasinathan, Palraj and Amrute, Amol P. and Lucas, Nishita and Halligudi, Shivaraj B.} } @article { ISI:000255698500020, title = {Total synthesis and determination of relative and absolute configuration of multiplolide A}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {73}, number = {10}, year = {2008}, month = {MAY}, pages = {3817-3822}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

A flexible approach for total syntheses of possible multiplolide A diastereomers establishing the relative and absolute configuration is documented. The adopted strategy features ring-closing metathesis (RCM) as the key reaction and screening of a set of substrates for the feasibility of RCM in general and for the requisite E-configuration of ring olefin in particular. Selective protecting groups manipulation prior to the assembly of the central macrocyclic core was instrumental in installing the epoxide functionality on a fully deprotected nonenolide at the end of the synthesis.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/jo7027568}, author = {Ramana, C. V. and Khaladkar, Tushar P. and Chatterjee, Soumitra and Gurjar, Mukund K.} } @article { ISI:000260843700019, title = {Total synthesis of (+)-isolaurepan}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {49}, number = {49}, year = {2008}, month = {DEC}, pages = {7012-7014}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A versatile and efficient method for the enantioselective synthesis of 2,7-cis-disubstituted oxepane 1c, (+)-isolaurepan, using oxidative resolution of a secondary alcohol and highly diastereoselective Et(3)SiH/TMSOTf-promoted reductive cyclization of a hydroxy ketone is described. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Cis-selective cyclization, Cyclic ethers, Isolaurepan, Oxepanes, Oxidative resolution of secondary alcohols}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2008.09.134}, author = {Tripathi, Divya and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000252482800031, title = {Tuning the hydrophobic properties of silica particles by surface silanization using mixed self-assembled monolayers}, journal = {Journal of Colloid and Interface Science}, volume = {318}, number = {2}, year = {2008}, month = {FEB}, pages = {372-379}, publisher = {ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE}, type = {Article}, address = {525 B ST, STE 1900, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101-4495 USA}, abstract = {

Here we describe a novel method of preparing hydrophobic silica particles (100-150 nm; water contact angle of dropcasted film ranging from 60 degrees to 168 degrees) by surface functionalization using different alkyltrichlorosilanes. During their preparation, the molecular surface roughness is also concurrently engineered facilitating a change in both the surface chemical composition and the geometrical microstructure to generate hierarchical structures. The water contact angle has been measured on drop-cast film surface. The enhancement in the water contact angle on 3D (curved) SAMs in comparison to that on 2D (planar) surface is discussed using the Cassie-Baxter equation. These silica particles can be utilized for many potential applications including selective adsorbents and catalysts, chromatographic supports and separators in microfluidic devices. (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {alkyltrichlorosilane, silanization, silica particles, superhydrophobicity}, issn = {0021-9797}, doi = {10.1016/j.jcis.2007.11.012}, author = {Kulkami, Sneha A. and Ogale, Satishchandra B. and Vijayamohanan, Kunjukrishanan P.} } @article { ISI:000256058000039, title = {Tuning the transport properties of Poly(oxyethylene)bisamine - Nafion polyelectrolyte complexes by dielectric manipulation}, journal = {Macromolecules}, volume = {41}, number = {10}, year = {2008}, month = {MAY}, pages = {3653-3658}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) of Nafion-H+, a perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer, and Poly(oxyethylene)bisamine (Polyox) were synthesized, and the effect of electrostatic interactions on the physicochemical properties of the individual components was studied using a combination of spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques. More specifically, the pristine PECs were extensively characterized using viscosity, surface tension, and pH measurements and diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared (DRIFT) spectroscopy and their transport properties were investigated using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, by employing [Fe(CN)(6)](3-) as a redox probe. Acid-base interaction between Nafion and Polyox is evident from pH measurements of the blend solutions, which indicate salt formation at a 50:50 composition, supported further by the existence of a maximum in the plot of surface tension versus blend composition. DRIFT spectra of the PEC membranes indicate subtle changes in the ionic environment and a transition from a state of medium hydration to a partially dehydrated state of the parent ionomer, Nation, after complexation with Polyox. Further evidence for polyelectrolyte-polyelectrolyte association is obtained from cyclic voltammetry, which shows that the interaction between the redox active chromophore, [Fe(CN)(6)](3-), and the pendent sulfonate groups of Nafion is minimized by complexation with the oppositely charged polyelectrolyte Polyox. The water-soluble nature of these PECs along with the tunable range of properties with blend composition could qualify them as suitable candidates for developing stimuli-responsive polymer systems for pharmaceutical and environmental applications.

}, issn = {0024-9297}, doi = {10.1021/ma7028677}, author = {Parthasarathy, Meera and Kakade, Bhalchandra A. and Pillai, Vijayamohanan K.} } @article { ISI:000253512400006, title = {Tuning the wetting properties of multiwalled carbon nanotubes by surface functionalization}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {112}, number = {9}, year = {2008}, month = {MAR}, pages = {3183-3186}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

A simple strategy of chemical functionalization is employed here for controlling the wettability of multiwalled carbon nanotube films from superhydorphobic (156 degrees) to nearly hydrophilic (40 degrees), which further shows superhydrophilicity with a water contact angle of about 0 degrees within 2 s. The hydrophobic surface (water contact angle 145 degrees) in case of nitric-acid-treated MWCNT bucky paper shows an unusual pinning action even at a tilt angle of 45 degrees, following Wenzel behavior of the surface. The variation in the wetting properties of MWCNT bucky paper using such surface designing strategies provides controlled heterogeneity on the surface with no or minimal effect on surface roughness.

}, issn = {1932-7447}, doi = {10.1021/jp711657f}, author = {Kakade, Bhalchandra A. and Pillai, Vijayamohanan K.} } @article { ISI:000254443900006, title = {Ultrasound promoted asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of ketones using Ru(II)arene/amino alcohol catalyst system}, journal = {Ultrasonics Sonochemistry}, volume = {15}, number = {4}, year = {2008}, month = {APR}, pages = {289-293}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of ketones using Ru(II)arene/amino alcohol catalyst system proceeds with significant rate enhancement by ultrasound promotion. Comparison of the silent reactions carried out at 25 degrees C with reactions under sonochemical activation at 25 degrees C clearly showed enhancement in catalytic activity by 5-10 times without significantly affecting the enantioselectivity. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {asymmetric catalysis, transfer hydrogenation, Ultrasound}, issn = {1350-4177}, doi = {10.1016/j.ultsonch.2007.10.003}, author = {Shingote, Savita K. and Kelkar, Ashutosh A. and Borole, Yogesh L. and Joshi, Pradip D. and Chaudhari, Raghunath V.} } @article { ISI:000255339600033, title = {Unexpected metal-promoted transformation yields an anthrylmethyl spiroanthracene}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {73}, number = {9}, year = {2008}, month = {MAY}, pages = {3559-3561}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The isolation and characterization of an unusual spiroanthracene, from the reaction of bisdichlororuthenium(II)bi-pyridine dihydrate with 3-(9-anthrylmethyl)pentane-2,4-dione (AMPD), is reported. This metal-promoted formation of spiroanthracene has been obtained for the first time during the synthesis of metal complexes.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/jo702284t}, author = {Kumbhar, Anupa A. and Kumbhar, Avinash S. and Puranik, Vedavati G.} } @article { ISI:000259381200014, title = {Unusual temperature dependence of salt effects for {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}on water{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} wittig reaction: hydrophobicity at the interface}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, number = {37}, year = {2008}, month = {MAY}, pages = {4445-4447}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An unusual variation with temperature of the salt effects in aqueous Wittig reaction is observed, suggesting that hydrophobic acceleration of reactions comprising {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}on water{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} reactants is fundamentally different from that for reactions with small non-polar solutes.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/b809127g}, author = {Tiwari, Shraeddha and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000259760100035, title = {Uranyl-anchored MCM-41 as a highly efficient photocatalyst in the oxidative destruction of short chain linear alkanes: an in situ FTIR study}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {112}, number = {40}, year = {2008}, month = {OCT}, pages = {15832-15843}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Uranyl ions anchored in the mesopores of MCM-41 molecular sieve were found to be a highly efficient heterogeneous photocatalyst in the complete degradation of short chain linear alkanes such as methane, ethane, propane, and butane, carried out under ambient conditions of light irradiation. In addition to the formation of carbon dioxide and water, a negligible amount of methane was detected during the photooxidation of ethane, propane, and butane. Further, small amounts of ethane were also obtained during photooxidation of butane, suggesting quenching of *UO22+ by a C-C bond cleavage, in addition to a hydrogen atom abstraction. An C, in situ Fourier transform IR spectroscopy analysis was employed in order to monitor the photooxidation of methane and ethane over *UO22+/MCM-41, where formic acid, formaldehyde, and formate species were the transient species identified from methane, and acetic acid, acetaldehyde, and acetate species were the intermediates obtained from ethane. Appropriate reaction pathways were proposed based on the formation of these species (C-H cleavage) and also from the negligible quantitites of methane and ethane obtained during photooxidation of higher alkanes (C-C cleavage).

}, issn = {1932-7447}, doi = {10.1021/jp80779e}, author = {Krishna, Vidya and Kamble, Valmik S. and Gupta, Narendra M. and Selvam, Parasuraman} } @article { ISI:000253620600008, title = {Use of the pictet-spengler reaction for the synthesis of 1,4-disubstituted-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carbolines and 1,4-disubstituted-beta-carbolines: formation of gamma-carbolines}, journal = {Tetrahedron}, volume = {64}, number = {8}, year = {2008}, month = {FEB}, pages = {1654-1662}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Microwave-assisted conjugate addition of indole on nitro-olefins furnished nitro compounds, which were reduced to tryptamines. Further, by using Pictet-Spengler condensation, new 1,4-disubstituted-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carbolines were synthesized in diastereoselective manner. Dehydrogenation of the tetrahydro-beta-carbolines produced new 1,4-disubstituted-beta-carbolines. As a new observation, in some of the cases, Pictet-Spengler condensation and dehydrogenation gave two products, namely 1,4-disubstituted-beta-carbolines and 1,4-disubstituted-gamma-carbolines. A mechanism is proposed for this observation. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {1, 2, 3, 4-Disubstituted-1, 4-disubstituted-beta-carboline, 4-disubstituted-gamma-carboline, 4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline, 4-tetrahydro-gamma-carboline, Pictet-Spengler reaction}, issn = {0040-4020}, doi = {10.1016/j.tet.2007.12.008}, author = {Kusurkar, Radhika S. and Alkobati, Nabil A. H. and Gokule, Anita S. and Puranik, Vedavati G.} } @article { ISI:000252195200043, title = {Utilization of molasses sugar for lactic acid production by lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp delbrueckii mutant Uc-3 in batch fermentation}, journal = {Applied and Environmental Microbiology}, volume = {74}, number = {1}, year = {2008}, month = {JAN}, pages = {333-335}, publisher = {AMER SOC MICROBIOLOGY}, type = {Article}, address = {1752 N ST NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036-2904 USA}, abstract = {

Efficient lactic acid production from cane sugar molasses by Lactobacillus delbrueckii mutant Uc-3 in batch fermentation process is demonstrated. Lactic acid fermentation using molasses was not significantly affected by yeast extract concentrations. The final lactic acid concentration increased with increases of molasses sugar concentrations up to 190 g/liter. The maximum lactic acid concentration of 166 g/liter was obtained at a molasses sugar concentration of 190 g/liter with a productivity of 4.15 g/liter/h. Such a high concentration of lactic acid with high productivity from molasses has not been reported previously, and hence mutant Uc-3 could be a potential candidate for economical production of lactic acid from molasses at a commercial scale.

}, issn = {0099-2240}, doi = {10.1128/AEM.01595-07}, author = {Dumbrepatil, Arti and Adsul, Mukund G. and Chaudhari, Shivani and Khire, Jayant Malhar and Gokhale, Digambar V.} } @article { ISI:000261555200036, title = {Valence-state analysis through spectroelectrochemistry in a series of quinonoid-bridged diruthenium complexes [(acac)(2)Ru(mu-L)Ru(acac)(2)](n) (n =+2,+1, 0,-1,-2)}, journal = {Chemistry-A European Journal}, volume = {14}, number = {34}, year = {2008}, month = {OCT}, pages = {10816-10828}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, type = {Article}, address = {COMMERCE PLACE, 350 MAIN ST, MALDEN 02148, MA USA}, abstract = {

The quinonoid ligand-bridged diruthenium compounds [(acac)(2)Ru(mu-L2-)Ru(acac)(2)] (acac(-) = acetylacetonato = 2,4-pentanedionato; L2- = 2,5-dioxido-1,4-benzoquinone, 1; 3,6-dichloro-2,5-dioxido-1,4-benzoquinone, 2; 5,8-dioxido-1,4-naphthoquinone, 3; 2-3-dichloro-5,8-dioxido-1,4-naphthoquinone, 4; 1,5-dioxido-9,10-anthraquinone, 5; and 1,5-diimido-9,10-anthraquinone, 6) were prepared and characterized analytically. The crystal structure analysis of 5 in the rac configuration reveals two tris(2,4-pentanedionato)ruthenium moieties with an extended anthracenedione-derived bis(ketoenolatee) pi-conjugated bridging ligand. The weakly antiferro-magnetically coupled {Ru-III(mu-L2-)Ru{\textendash}(III)} configuration in 1-6 exhibits complicated overall magnetic and EPR responses,. ne simultaneous presence of highly redox-active quinonoid-bridging ligands and of two ruthenium centers capable of adopting the oxidation states +2, +3, and +4 creates a large variety of possible oxidation state combinations. Accordingly. the complexes 1-6 exhibit two reversible one-electron oxidation steps and at least two reversible reduction processes. Shifts to positive potentials were observed on introduction of Cl substituents (1 -\> 2, 3 -\> 4) or through replacement of NH by O (6 -\> 5). The ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) absorptions in the visible region of the neutral molecules become more intense and shifted to lower energies on stepwise reduction with two electrons. On oxidation, the para-substituted systems 1-4 exhibit monocation intermediates with intervalence charge transfer (IVCT) transitions of (RuRuIV)-Ru-III mixed-valent species. In contrast, the differently substituted systems 5 and 6 show no such near infrared (NIR) absorption. While the first reduction steps are thus assigned to largely ligand-centered processes, the oxidation appears to involve metal-ligand delocalized molecular orbitals with variable degrees of mixing.

}, keywords = {magnetic properties, quinones, ruthenium, spectroelectrochemistry, structure elucidation, valence-state distributions}, issn = {0947-6539}, doi = {10.1002/chem.200800976}, author = {Ghumaan, Sandeep and Sarkar, Biprajit and Maji, Somnath and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Fiedler, Jan and Urbanos, Francisco A. and Jimenez-Aparicio, Reyes and Kaim, Wolfgang and Lahiri, Goutam Kumar} } @conference { ISI:000257237400015, title = {Variability among vitis vinifera cultivars to in vitro propagation}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the International Symposium on Grape Production and Processing}, series = {ACTA HORTICULTURAE}, number = {785}, year = {2008}, note = {International Symposium on Grape Production and Processing, Baramati, INDIA, FEB 06-11, 2006}, month = {MAY}, pages = {127-139}, publisher = {Agr \& Processed Food Prod Export Dev Author; Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperat Ltd; Maharashtra Agro Industries Dev Corp Ltd; Indian Council Agr Res; Natl Res Ctr Grapes; Federat Indian Chambers Commerce \& Ind; Natl Hort Board; Minist Food Proc Industrie}, organization = {Agr \& Processed Food Prod Export Dev Author; Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperat Ltd; Maharashtra Agro Industries Dev Corp Ltd; Indian Council Agr Res; Natl Res Ctr Grapes; Federat Indian Chambers Commerce \& Ind; Natl Hort Board; Minist Food Proc Industrie}, address = {Po Box 500, 3001 Leuven 1, Belgium}, abstract = {

Response of grapevines to tissue culture has been reported to be genotype dependent, hence it becomes imperative to optimize culture conditions for newly developed varieties or cultivars, needing a large scale planting but availability of sufficient planting stock is a constraint. In the present study, conditions for in vitro propagation of six popular table grape cultivars have been standardized. Single node stem segments of cultivars 2A-Clone of Thompson Seedless, Red Globe, Crimson Seedless, Thompson Seedless, Flame Seedless and Italia cultured on ten different basal media showed varied percentages of bud break and morphogenetic responses. The percentage of bud break varied among the six cultivars. Direct rooting at basal ends of single node segments was observed in all the cultivars except in Italia. Woody plant medium induced the highest response and Eriksson medium the least in all the cultivars tested. Rooted nodal segments with shoots in axils could be established into whole plants on potting. Six cultivars showed different optimum concentrations of growth regulators for induction of maximum number of multiple shoots in both primary as well as secondary nodal segments. Shoot proliferation could be enhanced by several fold in the majority of cultivars on culture of initial shoot clumps to glass bottles instead of culture tubes. Six cultivars showed significant differences in optimum requirement of nutrients and growth regulators for shoot elongation, in vitro and ex vitro rooting and survival rate. Tissue culture plants of all the six cultivars could establish successfully in a greenhouse.

}, keywords = {basal media, Grapevine, growth regulators, micropropagation, Tissue culture, Vitis}, isbn = {978-90-6605-268-0}, issn = {0567-7572}, author = {Barreto, M. S. and Nookaraju, A. and Joglekar, A. M. and Karibasappa, G. S. and Agrawal, Dinesh C.}, editor = {Adsule, P. G. and Sawant, I. S. and Shikhamany, S. D.} } @article { ISI:000252678500008, title = {XPS and AFM investigations on silver-based photoimageable thick film systems}, journal = {Microelectronics International}, volume = {25}, number = {1}, year = {2008}, month = {JAN}, pages = {46-57}, publisher = {EMERALD GROUP PUBLISHING LIMITED}, type = {Article}, address = {HOWARD HOUSE, WAGON LANE, BINGLEY BD16 1WA, W YORKSHIRE, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to ascertain chemical changes occurring at various stages involved in processing of silver-based photoimageable thick films; and to determine ensuing topographical features which other wise appeared to be hindered in 2D scanning electron microscopy. Design/methodology/approach - Surface sensitive techniques, viz. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used. Findings - Interfacial adhesion of silver film with substrate (Al(2)O(3)) was specifically looked into with respect to role played by photoimaging (before and after exposure to ultra-violet light). XPS results revealed occurrence of subtle chemical changes in terms of unsaturation to saturation in C-C bonding and also an interesting C-Al bonding which presumably improves mechanical adhesion of unfired film with the alumina substrate. AFM was carried out to examine the surface roughness, particle size, and microstructure of film which are very important from the standpoint of high-frequency applications. Originality/value - Surface sensitive techniques like XPS and AFM were exclusively used in order to characterize silver-based photoimageable thick films.

}, keywords = {microscopy, Silver, thick film circuits, X-rays}, issn = {1356-5362}, doi = {10.1108/13565360810846653}, author = {Umarji, Govind and Ketkar, Supriya and Hawaldar, Ranjit R. and Gosavi, Suresh W. and Patil, Kashinath and Mulik, Uttam P. and Amalnerkar, Dinesh P.} } @article { ISI:000260941700137, title = {Zinc oxide nanoparticles as novel alpha-amylase inhibitors}, journal = {Journal of Applied Physics}, volume = {104}, number = {9}, year = {2008}, month = {NOV}, pages = {094907}, publisher = {AMER INST PHYSICS}, type = {Article}, address = {CIRCULATION \& FULFILLMENT DIV, 2 HUNTINGTON QUADRANGLE, STE 1 N O 1, MELVILLE, NY 11747-4501 USA}, abstract = {

Amylase inhibitors, also known as starch blockers, contain substances that prevent dietary starches from being absorbed by the body via inhibiting breakdown of complex sugars to simpler ones. In this sense, these materials are projected as having potential applications in diabetes control. In this context, we report on zinc oxide nanoparticles as possible alpha-amylase inhibitors. Zinc oxide nanoparticles have been synthesized using soft-chemistry approach and 1-thioglycerol was used as a surfactant to yield polycrystalline nanoparticles of size similar to 18 nm, stabilized in wurtzite structure. Conjugation study and structural characterization have been done using x-ray diffraction technique, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Cytotoxicity studies on human fibrosarcoma (HT-1080) and skin carcinoma (A-431) cell lines as well as mouse primary fibroblast cells demonstrate that up to a dose of 20 mu g/ml, ZnO nanoparticles are nontoxic to the cells. We report for the first time the alpha-amylase inhibitory activity of ZnO nanoparticles wherein an optimum dose of 20 mu g/ml was sufficient to exhibit 49\% glucose inhibition at neutral pH and 35 degrees C temperature. This inhibitory activity was similar to that obtained with acarbose (a standard alpha-amylase inhibitor), thereby projecting ZnO nanoparticles as novel alpha-amylase inhibitors. (C) 2008 American Institute of Physics. [DOI: 10.1063/1.3009317]

}, issn = {0021-8979}, doi = {10.1063/1.3009317}, author = {Dhobale, Sandip and Thite, Trupti and Laware, S. L. and Rode, C. V. and Koppikar, Soumya J. and Ghanekar, Ruchika-Kaul and Kale, Sangeeta N.} } @article { ISI:000269523400273, title = {2-(2,6-Dimethoxyphenyl)-5-hydroxy-7-methoxy-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one}, journal = {Acta Crystallographica Section E-Structure Reports Online}, volume = {65}, number = {9}, year = {2009}, month = {SEP}, pages = {O2262-U2986}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {COMMERCE PLACE, 350 MAIN ST, MALDEN 02148, MA USA}, abstract = {

In the title compound, C18H16O6, the dimethoxyphenyl ring is rotated by 61.8 (1)degrees from the plane of the benzopyran system. The molecule is stabilized by an intramolecular O-H center dot center dot center dot O hydrogen bond.

}, issn = {1600-5368}, doi = {10.1107/S1600536809032383}, author = {Kumar, R. Ravi and Krishnaiah, M. and Kumar, N. Jagadesh and Reddy, D. Gunasekhar and Puranik, Vedavati G.} } @article {43242, title = {Accelerating convergence in iterative solution for large-scale complete active space self-consistent-field calculations}, journal = {International Journal of Quantum Chemistry}, volume = {109}, year = {2009}, month = {AUG}, pages = {2178-2190}, abstract = {An algorithm that accelerates the convergence of the iterative optimization of the complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) wavefunction so as to find a optimum solution in fewer macroiterations is described. The algorithm is oriented to large-scale CASSCF problems that are to be solved with a combination of density matrix renormalization group (DMRG) method for the configuration interaction (CI) process. The algorithm is based on the alternating (or two-step) CASSCF optimization in which the CI and molecular orbital (MO) parameters are optimized separately. Convergence ratio is improved by finding further optimized MOs from a linear extrapolation of the MO sets of the iteration history. The acceleration results in fewer diagonalizations in a total CASSCF calculation to save a considerable computational cost. The convergence performance is examined in a couple of realistic applications on SiC(3) and poly (phenyl)carbenes. For poly(phenyl)carbenes, the large-size CASSCF calculations with CAS(30e,30o) that entails full pi valence space as well as sp(2) orbital space of carbenes are performed by using the practical implementation of DMRG-CASSCF in conjunction with the acceleration technique. (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem 109: 2178-2190, 2009}, doi = {10.1002/qua.22099}, author = {Yanai, Takeshi and Kurashige, Yuki and Ghosh, Debashree and Chan, Garnet Kin-Lic} } @article { ISI:000269426900019, title = {Acetalization of glycerol using mesoporous MoO3/SiO2 solid acid catalyst}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Catalysis A-Chemical}, volume = {310}, number = {1-2}, year = {2009}, month = {SEP}, pages = {150-158}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Acetalization of glycerol with various aldehydes has been carried out using mesoporous MoO3/SiO2 as a solid acid catalyst. A series of MoO3/SiO2 catalysts with varying MoO3 loadings(1-20 mol\%) were prepared by sol-gel technique using ethyl silicate-40 and ammonium heptamolybdate as silica and molybdenum source respectively. The sol-gel derived samples were calcined at 500 degrees C and characterized using various physicochemical characterization techniques. The XRD of the calcined samples showed the formation of amorphous phase up to 10 mol\% MoO3 loading and at higher loading of crystalline alpha-MoO3 on amorphous silica support. TEM analyses of the materials showed the uniform distribution of MoO3 nanoparticles on amorphous silica support. Raman spectroscopy showed the formation of silicomolybdic acid at low Mo loading and a mixture of alpha-MoO3 and polymolybdate species at high Mo loadings. Moreover the Raman spectra of intermediate loading samples also suggest the presence of beta-MoO3. Acetalization of glycerol with benzaldehyde was carried out using series of MoO3/SiO2 catalysts with varying MoO3 loadings (1-20 mol\%). Among the series, MoO3/SiO2 With 20 mol\% MoO3 loadings was found to be the most active catalyst in acetalization under mild conditions. Maximum conversion of benzaldehyde (72\%) was obtained in 8 h at 100 degrees C with 60\% selectivity for the six-membered acetal using 20\% MoO3/SiO2. Interestingly with substituted benzaldehydes under same reaction conditions the conversion of aldehydes decreased with increase in selectivity for six-membered acetals. These results indicate the potential of this catalyst for the acetalization of glycerol for an environmentally benign process. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Acetalization, Aldehyde, Glycerol, Silicomolybdic acid, solid acid}, issn = {1381-1169}, doi = {10.1016/j.molcata.2009.06.010}, author = {Shubhangi B. Umbarkar and Kotbagi, Trupti V. and Biradar, Ankush V. and Pasricha, Renu and Chanale, Jyoti and Dongare, Mohan K. and Mamede, Anne-Sophie and Lancelot, Christine and Payen, Edmond} } @article { ISI:000269197400006, title = {Adsorption of aqueous selenite [Se(IV)] species on synthetic layered double hydroxide materials}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {48}, number = {17}, year = {2009}, month = {SEP}, pages = {7893-7898}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

{Layered double hydroxide materials (Zn/Al, Mg/Al, Zn/Fe) with varying composition (M(2+):M(3+) molar ratio

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/ie900136s}, author = {Mandal, Sujata and Mayadevi, S. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article { ISI:000269956500009, title = {Alum: an efficient catalyst for one-pot synthesis of alpha-aminophosphonates}, journal = {Chinese Chemical Letters}, volume = {20}, number = {9}, year = {2009}, month = {SEP}, pages = {1042-1046}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC}, address = {360 PARK AVE SOUTH, NEW YORK, NY 10010-1710 USA}, abstract = {

Alum (KAl(SO(4))(2)center dot 12H(2)O) is an inexpensive, efficient, non-toxic and mild catalyst for the one-pot synthesis of alpha-aminophosphonates. A three component reaction of an aldehyde/ketone, an an-tine and triethyl phosphite was carried out under solvent-free conditions to afford the corresponding alpha-aminophosphonates in short reaction times and high yields with the green aspects by avoiding toxic catalysts and solvents. (C) 2009 Murlidhar S. Shingare. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Chemical Society. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Aldehyde/ketone, alpha-Aminophosphonates, Alum, Amine, Solvent-free, Triethyl phosphite}, issn = {1001-8417}, doi = {10.1016/j.cclet.2009.04.024}, author = {Sonar, Swapnil S. and Shelke, Kiran F. and Kakade, Gopal K. and Shingate, Bapurao B. and Shingare, Murlidhar S.} } @article { ISI:000266693600015, title = {Ammonium metavanadate: an effective catalyst for synthesis of alpha-hydroxyphosphonates}, journal = {Arkivoc}, year = {2009}, month = {DEC}, pages = {138-148}, publisher = {ARKAT USA INC}, address = {C/O ALAN R KATRITZKY, UNIV FLORIDA, DEPT CHEMISTRY, PO BOX 117200, GAINESVILLE, FL 32611 USA}, abstract = {

Ammonium metavanadate (NH(4)VO(3)) is an inexpensive, efficient and mild catalyst for the synthesis of alpha-hydroxyphosphonate derivatives by the reaction of various aryl or heteroaryl aldehydes with triethylphosphite at room temperature. This method affords the alpha-hydroxyphosphonates in short reaction times, under solvent-free conditions, and in high yield.

}, keywords = {Aldehyde, alpha-hydroxyphosphonate, Ammonium metavanadate (NH(4)VO(3)), Solvent-free, Triethyl phosphite}, issn = {1424-6376}, author = {Sonar, Swapnil S. and Kategaonkar, Amol H. and Ware, Madhav N. and Gill, Charansingh H. and Shingate, Bapurao B. and Shingare, Murlidhar S.} } @article { ISI:000265186800069, title = {Assembly of gold nanoparticles on single-walled carbon nanotubes by using click chemistry}, journal = {Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology}, volume = {9}, number = {5}, year = {2009}, month = {MAY}, pages = {3261-3263}, publisher = {AMER SCIENTIFIC PUBLISHERS}, address = {25650 NORTH LEWIS WAY, STEVENSON RANCH, CA 91381-1439 USA}, abstract = {

Azide moiety-functionalized gold nanoparticles were conjugated with acetylene functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes by employing copper-catalyzed Huisgen{\textquoteright}s [3+2] dipolar cycloaddition {\textquoteleft}click chemistry{\textquoteright} reaction. Evidences of conjunction were observed by TEM, EDX and Raman images.

}, keywords = {Carbon nanotubes, Click chemistry, Functionalization, Nanoparticles}, issn = {1533-4880}, doi = {10.1166/jnn.2009.035}, author = {Rana, Sravendra and Kumar, Indresh and Yoo, Hye Jin and Cho, Jae Whan} } @article { ISI:000264313200007, title = {Autocatalysis: a unit process of biological systems}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Progress}, volume = {105}, number = {3}, year = {2009}, month = {MAR}, pages = {8}, publisher = {AMER INST CHEMICAL ENGINEERS}, address = {3 PARK AVE, NEW YORK, NY 10016-5901 USA}, issn = {0360-7275}, author = {Gadgil, Chetan J. and Kulkarni, B. D.} } @article { ISI:000263980300001, title = {Autocatalysis in biological systems}, journal = {Aiche Journal}, volume = {55}, number = {3}, year = {2009}, month = {MAR}, pages = {556-562}, publisher = {JOHN WILEY \& SONS INC}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN, NJ 07030 USA}, issn = {0001-1541}, doi = {10.1002/aic.11842}, author = {Gadgil, Chetan J. and Kulkarni, B. D.} } @article { ISI:000273349000001, title = {Bond length variations: electron number profiles and transferable atomic sizes}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Structure}, volume = {936}, number = {1-3}, year = {2009}, month = {NOV}, pages = {1-8}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

A profile of the number of electrons with distance along the M-X bond in gas-phase diatomic molecules has been obtained from electron density plots calculated using DFT B3LYP 6-311G** method for some representative molecules. This {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}number profile{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} is compared with that expected from the partitioning of the 1D bond-distance into atom-specific transferable {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}hub{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} or core atomic sizes of the M and X atoms and another {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}axle{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} size which is associated with a pair of (bonding) electrons. The {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}hub{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} size is proportional to a core atom-specific size, r(nZ)(c) with r(nZ)(c)(M) \>= r(nZ)(c)(X). For {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}single bonds{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}, the {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}hub{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} size for M atom is C(M)r(nZ)(c)(M) and for X atom is C(X)r(nZ)(c)(X). The {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}axle{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} size, DMX, is usually the ordinary (similar to 4a(H)/3 where a(H) is the Bohr radius of the hydrogen atom) or elongated (similar to 2a(H)) bond length of the hydrogen molecule. The {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}hub{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} and {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}axle{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} sizes could be characterized {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}charge-transfer{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} (C(M) = pi(2/3) = 2.144; C(X) = pi(4/3)/2 = 2.300 and D(MX) = 4a(H)/3) or {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}neutral{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} (CM or C(X) = 1, 2, ... and D(MX) = 2a(H)). We use a new {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}static{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} or {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}peripatetic{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} classification for the core sizes which is derived from a new condition for metallization in elements based on atomic size. The charge-transfer distance, d(MX)(+/-), is usually found for {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}static{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} conditions while the {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}neutral{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} description is usually found when X = F or for {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}peripatetic{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} conditions. Such a partitioning is seen to agree with that from the plot of the total number of electrons, N(el), vs r along a bond axis. The Nel vs r plots from each atom are described by a simple hydrogen-atom-like function which differ away ({\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}out{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}) or towards ({\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}in{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}) the M-X bond. Thus N(in,out)(M, X) = (Z(M,X) +/- 1) exp (-r/B(in,out)) where the minus sign is associated with M and plus sign with X and Bin, out being related inversely to the Slater orbital exponent. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {B3LYP, Bond length, Bond-stretch isomer, DFT, Diatomic molecule}, issn = {0022-2860}, doi = {10.1016/j.molstruc.2009.07.007}, author = {Ganguly, Parthasarathy and Kulkarni, Bhakti S. and Pal, Sourav} } @article { ISI:000207861902126, title = {CARB 36-Novel and structurally biased backbone modifications of nucleic acids}, journal = {Abstracts of Papers of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {238}, year = {2009}, month = {AUG}, pages = {Meeting Abstract : 36-CARB}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Meeting Abstract}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, issn = {0065-7727}, author = {Kumar, Vaijayanti A.} } @article { ISI:000270362100043, title = {Carbon nanofiber with selectively decorated pt both on inner and outer walls as an efficient electrocatalyst for fuel cell applications}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {113}, number = {40}, year = {2009}, month = {OCT}, pages = {17572-17578}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

A novel electrocatalyst, with excellent Pi dispersion oil the inner and outer wall of a carbon nanofiber (CNF) was prepared by a modified polyol process in which both surface tension and polarity characteristics of the medium were properly adjusted to favor solution entry into the tubular region by capillary filling and homogeneous wetting of the inner wall surface by the solvents. The pristine CNF, which possesses an inherently active inner wall surface and inactive outer Wall surface, led to selective Pt deposition along the inner wall, whereas activation of the outer wall with chemical functionalization resulted in excellent dispersion of Pt along both inner and outer walls. Structural and morphological characterizations using high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed that when Pt could be dispersed along the inner as well as the Outer walls of CNF, the Pt particle size decreased to almost half as compared to the one With Pt decoration only along a single wall of the Substrate material. Further, electrochemical studies using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and rotating disk electrode (RDE) measurements revealed enhanced methanol oxidation and oxygen reduction properties, respectively. The electrochemical active area obtained for the catalyst with both inner and outer wall Pt decoration wits nearly two times higher than that corresponding to the one with only inner wall Pt decoration. Similarly, the rate constant for the oxygen reduction reaction displayed by this sample was four times higher in comparison with the sample prepared by Utilizing only one wall for Pt decoration.

}, issn = {1932-7447}, doi = {10.1021/jp9042655}, author = {Balan, Beena K. and Unni, SreeKuttan M. and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article { ISI:000271443200015, title = {Catalytic activity of cobalt containing MCM-41 and HMS in liquid phase oxidation of diphenylmethane}, journal = {Catalysis Letters}, volume = {133}, number = {1-2}, year = {2009}, month = {NOV}, pages = {106-111}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Cobalt containing MCM-41 and HMS were synthesized by direct hydrothermal (DHT) and post synthesis methods (grafting and immobilization). The catalytic activity of these materials was investigated in the liquid phase oxidation of diphenylmethane at 80 A degrees C with TBHP (70 wt\%) as oxidant. Comparative study of cobalt containing MCM-41 and HMS was carried out to reveal the catalytic performance of framework, extraframework and immobilized cobalt species. The role of the solvent in the performance of catalyst was examined with different polar and non polar solvents. Oxidation of diphenylmethane in solvent free media (under similar reaction conditions) shows formation of hydroxy derivatives of benzophenone in addition to main product (benzophenone). Hundred percent selectivity to benzophenone was obtained when the reaction was carried out in solvent.

}, keywords = {diphenylmethane, HMS, Immobilization, MCM-41, XRD}, issn = {1011-372X}, doi = {10.1007/s10562-009-0162-1}, author = {Bhoware, Shrikant S. and Kamble, K. R. and Singh, A. P.} } @article { ISI:000264614500017, title = {Catalytic meerwein-ponndorf-verley reductions over mesoporous silica supports: rational design of hydrophobic mesoporous silica for enhanced stability of aluminum doped mesoporous catalysts}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Catalysis A-Chemical}, volume = {301}, number = {1-2}, year = {2009}, month = {MAR}, pages = {118-126}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

A series of aluminum isopropoxide-grafted mesoporous organosilica having ethane (-CH(2)-CH(2)-) and ethene (-CH=CH-) groups in the frame wall positions (ethane-silica, ethene-silica) as well as mesoporous silicas (MCM-41, MCM-48. SBA-15) through siloxide linkages were fabricated. The samples were used as catalysts in the Meerwein-Ponndorf-Verley reduction of ketones and aldehydes of different nature and size using secondary alcohols as the hydrogen transfer agents. Aluminum isopropoxide supported mesoporous silica samples show higher catalytic conversion and among them, the one-dimensionally channel oriented Si-MCM-41 supported aluminum isopropoxide shows better results than the three-dimensional Si-MCM-48 and the large pore Si-SBA-15. Compared to aluminum isopropoxide-grafted mesoporous silica samples, aluminum alkoxide-grafted organosilica samples shows better catalytic activity even in the presence of 10\% of water and the better stability is attributed to the presence of integrated hydrophobic organic groups in the frame wall positions. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Aluminum isopropoxide, Mesoporous silica, Organosilica, reduction}, issn = {1381-1169}, doi = {10.1016/j.molcata.2008.11.020}, author = {Shylesh, S. and Kapoor, Mahendra P. and Juneja, Lekh R. and Samuel, Prinson R. and Srilakshmi, Ch and Singh, A. R.} } @article { ISI:000269664200021, title = {Catalytic synthesis of chalcone and flavanone using Zn-Al hydrotalcite adhere ionic liquid}, journal = {Catalysis Communications}, volume = {10}, number = {14}, year = {2009}, month = {AUG}, pages = {1881-1888}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The Claisen-Schmidt condensation of 2{\textquoteright}-hydroxy acetophenone and benzaldehyde to chalcone and flavanone show that calcined Zn-Al (6) hydrotalcite is active for this synthesis. Coating of ionic liquid {\textquoteleft}1-(tri-ethoxy-silyl-propyl)-3-methyl-imidazolium chloride{\textquoteright} on Zn-Al hydrotalcites was accomplished employing incipient wetness process and on NaY, NaX, MK-5 and silica gel employing co-condensation methodology. Impregnated IL on calcined Zn-Al (6) catalysts were characterized by XRD, SEM, BET, (13)C and (27)Al NMR analysis and the activity of these catalysts were investigated for chalcone and flavanone synthesis. (27)Al CP MAS NMR technique was used to show that interaction of IL with hydrotalcite modifies the acid-base sites and is responsible for enhancement of catalyst activity. Several aromatic aldehydes were screened to assess the general applicability of the system. (c) 2009 Published by Elsevier B.V.

}, keywords = {(27)Al CP MAS NMR, chalcone, Claisen-Schmidt condensation, Flavanone, Ionic liquid, Zn-Al hydrotalcite}, issn = {1566-7367}, doi = {10.1016/j.catcom.2009.06.018}, author = {Kunde, Lalita B. and Gade, Swapna M. and Kalyani, Vishwanath S. and Gupte, Sunil P.} } @article { ISI:000261922400011, title = {Cell proliferation and controlled drug release studies of nanohybrids based on chitosan-g-lactic acid and montmorillonite}, journal = {Acta Biomaterialia}, volume = {5}, number = {1}, year = {2009}, month = {JAN}, pages = {93-100}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The present paper reveals the potential uses of novel hybrids of chitosan-g-lactic acid and sodium montmorillonite (MMT) in controlled drug delivery and tissue engineering applications. The drug-loaded novel nanohybrid films and porous scaffolds have been prepared by solvent casting and freeze-drying of the grafted polymer solution, respectively. Sodium Ibuprofen was loaded into nanohybrids of chitosan-g-lactic acid/sodium montmorillonite (CS-g-LA/MMT). Grafting of lactic acid and the drug loading were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Formation of intercalated nanocomposites was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. Mechanical properties measurements have shown improvement in modulus and strength with expense of elongation by MMT reinforcement. The nanohybrids were found to be stable regardless of pH of the medium. The cell proliferation profile also shows that prepared nanohybrids are biocompatible. MMT reinforcement was found to control the drug (Ibuprofen) release rate in phosphate buffer saline solution (pH 7.4). MMT clay is therefore a viable additive for formulating sustained drug delivery systems based on lactic acid grafted chitosan. (C) 2008 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Chitosan, clay, Controlled release, drug delivery systems, Nanocomposites}, issn = {1742-7061}, doi = {10.1016/j.aetbio.2008.08.007}, author = {Depan, Dilip and Kumar, Annamalai Pratheep and Singh, Raj Pal} } @article { ISI:000268650600020, title = {On the change in bacterial size and magnetosome features for magnetospirillum magnetotacticum (MS-1) under high concentrations of zinc and nickel}, journal = {Biomaterials}, volume = {30}, number = {25}, year = {2009}, month = {SEP}, pages = {4211-4218}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The characteristic size, shape and specific alignment of magnetite crystals synthesized by magnetotactic bacteria is a highly coordinated process with precise control over magnetosome vesicle formation, uptake and transport of Fe, and magnetite biomineralization. Magnetosome membranes along with some specific membrane proteins regulate crystal nucleation and morphology of magnetite. Several previous works have indicated that the morphology of mature magnetite crystals is largely unaffected by environmental conditions, though some recent studies have shown the possibility of manipulation of the biomineralization process. In this study we have examined the effects of high concentrations of Zinc and Nickel on the growth of Magnetospirillum magnetotacticum (MS-1) and the corresponding magnetosome formation. Using various characterizations it is shown that the growth of the bacterial cells, as well as the size, shape and magnetosome chain alignment is significantly influenced in the presence of high concentrations of Zn or Ni. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Biomineralization, magnetite, Magnetosome, Magnetospirillum magnetotacticum, Nickel, zinc}, issn = {0142-9612}, doi = {10.1016/j.biomaterials.2009.04.039}, author = {Kundu, S. and Kale, A. A. and Banpurkar, Arun G. and Kulkarni, G. R. and Ogale, S. B.} } @article { ISI:000269374500012, title = {Changes in volatile composition during fruit development and ripening of {\textquoteleft}Alphonso{\textquoteright} mango}, journal = {Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture}, volume = {89}, number = {12}, year = {2009}, month = {SEP}, pages = {2071-2081}, publisher = {JOHN WILEY \& SONS LTD}, address = {THE ATRIUM, SOUTHERN GATE, CHICHESTER PO19 8SQ, W SUSSEX, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

BACKGROUND: Volatile blends of five developing and five ripening stages of mango (Mangifera indica L. cv. Alphonso) were investigated along with those of flowers and leaves. Raw and ripe fruits of cv. Sabia were also used for comparison. RESULTS: A total of 55 volatiles belonging to various chemical classes such as aldehydes, alcohols, mono- and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, lactones and furanones were identified. In all Alphonso tissues monoterpenes quantitatively dominated, with 57-99\% contribution; in particular, (Z)-ocimene was found in the highest amount. Ripeness was characterized by the de novo appearance of lactones and furanones in the blend of monoterpenes. Sabja was distinguished by the abundance of monoterpene hydrocarbons in the raw fruit, and that of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and their derivatives in the ripe stage. CONCLUSION: Various stages of the Alphonso fruit during transition from flower to ripe fruit are characterized by unique volatile signatures that are distinguished from each other by the qualitative and quantitative appearance of different volatile compounds. Thus volatiles can be highly informative markers while studying the development and ripening of mango. (C) 2009 Society of Chemical Industry

}, keywords = {Deogad, Gas chromatography, Mangifera indica, mango products, ripening indicator, Sabja}, issn = {0022-5142}, doi = {10.1002/jsfa.3692}, author = {Pandit, Sagar S. and Kulkarni, Ram S. and Chidley, Hemangi G. and Giri, Ashok P. and Pujari, Keshav H. and Koellner, Tobias G. and Degenhardt, Joerg and Gershenzon, Jonathan and Gupta, Vidya S.} } @article { ISI:000271982400003, title = {Characterization of clay intercalated cobalt-salen catalysts for the oxidation of p-cresol}, journal = {Applied Catalysis A-General}, volume = {370}, number = {1-2}, year = {2009}, month = {NOV}, pages = {16-23}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The intercalation of cobalt-salen complexes into the interlamelar spaces of montmorillonite clay was investigated by various characterization studies. The {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}neat{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} cobalt-salen complex showed a weight loss at 368 degrees C while the weight loss for the corresponding intercalated complex was observed at much higher temperature of 492 degrees C due to decomposition of the complex. The thermal stabilization observed was due to the host-guest interaction of clay and metal complex and thus confirmed the intercalation. The XANES spectrum of Co(salen)-mont sample revealed the change of symmetry from the tetrahedral in plane to the octahedral structure having an axial bonding of oxygen to the cobalt, indicating that cobalt atoms in Co(salen)-mont were coordinated axially with the lattice oxygen of montmorillonite. Both XANES and EXAFS results indicated that cobalt atoms in Co(salen)-mont form two additional Co-O bonds with a bond length of 0.199 nm by the intercalation while retaining the Co-salen structure. Co-salen intercalated into the montmorillonite clay showed the highest activity for the air oxidation of p-cresol, giving 88\% selectivity to the oxidation products. Effects of NaOH concentration and various solvents on the conversion and selectivity patterns also have been studied. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Cobalt-oxygen bond, Cobalt-salen, Extended X-ray absorption fine structure, Intercalation, Lattice oxygen, Montmorillonite, X-ray absorption near edge structure}, issn = {0926-860X}, doi = {10.1016/j.apcata.2009.09.003}, author = {Kshirsagar, V. S. and Garade, Ajit C. and Mane, R. B. and Patil, K. R. and Yamaguchi, A. and Shirai, M. and Rode, C. V.} } @article { ISI:000263784200014, title = {Characterization of the smallest dimeric bile salt hydrolase from a thermophile brevibacillus sp.}, journal = {Extremophiles}, volume = {13}, number = {2}, year = {2009}, month = {MAR}, pages = {363-370}, publisher = {SPRINGER JAPAN KK}, address = {CHIYODA FIRST BLDG EAST, 3-8-1 NISHI-KANDA, CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO, 101-0065, JAPAN}, abstract = {

A thermophilic microorganism producing bile salt hydrolase was isolated from hot water springs, Pali, Maharashtra, India. This microorganism was identified as Brevibacillus sp. by 16S rDNA sequencing. Bile salt hydrolase (BSH) was purified to homogeneity from this thermophilic source using Q-sepharose chromatography and its enzymatic properties were characterized. The subunit molecular mass of the purified enzyme was estimated to be 28 kDa by SDS-PAGE and, 28.2 kDa by MALDI-TOF analysis. The native molecular mass was estimated to be 56 kDa by gel filtration chromatography, indicating the protein to be a homodimer. The pH and temperature optimum for the enzyme catalysis were 9.0 and 60A degrees C, respectively. Even though BSH from Brevibacillus sp. hydrolyzed all of the six major human bile salts, the enzyme preferred glycine conjugated substrates with apparent K (M) and k (cat) values of 3.08 mu M and 6.32 x 10(2) s(-1), respectively, for glycodeoxycholic acid. The NH2-terminal sequence of the purified enzyme was determined and it did not show any homology with other bacterial bile salt hydrolases. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the purification of BSH to homogeneity from a thermophilic source.

}, keywords = {Bile salt hydrolase, Brevibacillus sp., Dimeric intracellular enzyme, Purification, Thermophile}, issn = {1431-0651}, doi = {10.1007/s00792-008-0224-0}, author = {Sridevi, N. and Srivastava, Sameer and Khan, Bashir Mohammad and Prabhune, Asmita Ashutosh} } @article { ISI:000266648400001, title = {Chlorophyll-based photocatalysts and their evaluations for methyl orange photoreduction}, journal = {Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A-Chemistry}, volume = {204}, number = {2-3}, year = {2009}, month = {MAY}, pages = {83-89}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Immobilization of chlorophyll on different functionalized mesoporous materials has been attempted. The replacement of butanediol with monoethanol amine has resulted in increase in chlorophyll loading by a factor of two. The maximum immobilization of chlorophyll was on MCM-41 functionalized with monoethanolamine MCM-41/MEA/Chl) as compared to other mesoporous materials. This material has been characterized using XRD, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX) and fluorescence spectroscopy. The photocatalytic reduction of methyl orange (MO)was studied using MCM-41/MEA/Chl as photocatalyst under the visible light. The photocatalytic reduction of MO was 0.396 mg/g of MCM-41/MEA/Chl photocatalyst as compared to 0.508 mg/g of TiO(2) for that of Degussa P-25 photocatalyst. The effect of various operating parameters like catalyst loading, initial concentration and intensity of light has also been studied. Photocatalytic property of chlorophyll-based photocatalytic material indicates that chlorophyll acts as a reaction center, which absorbs visible light and generates electron, which is transferred to different electron acceptors reducing MO into derivative of hydrazine. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Chlorophyll-based photocatalyst, Mesoporous material, Methyl orange, Photoreduction}, issn = {1010-6030}, doi = {10.1016/j.jphotochem.2009.01.016}, author = {Joshi, Meenal M. and Kamble, Sanjay R. and Labhsetwar, Nitin K. and Parwate, D. V. and Rayalu, Sadhana S.} } @article { ISI:000268863800079, title = {Click chemistry based rapid one-pot synthesis and evaluation for protease inhibition of new tetracyclic triazole fused benzodiazepine derivatives}, journal = {Bioorganic \& Medicinal Chemistry Letters}, volume = {19}, number = {17}, year = {2009}, month = {SEP}, pages = {5241-5245}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We describe herein a one-pot synthesis of novel tetracyclic scaffolds that incorporate a fusion of a proline, 1,2,3-triazole ring with [1,4]-benzodiazepin-8(4H)-one ring systems following click chemistry. The expected peptide bond formation followed by in situ 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition in absence of any catalyst led to the formation of new triazole fused benzodiazepine derivatives. (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

}, issn = {0960-894X}, doi = {10.1016/j.bmcl.2009.06.107}, author = {Mohapatra, Debendra K. and Maity, Pradip K. and Shabab, M. and Khan, Mohammad Islam} } @article { ISI:000271309400016, title = {CNS Depressant activity of ethanol extract of sterculia guttata seeds in mice}, journal = {Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences}, volume = {71}, number = {4}, year = {2009}, month = {JUL}, pages = {445-U167}, publisher = {MEDKNOW PUBLICATIONS}, address = {A-108-109 KANARA BUSINESS CENTRE, GHAKTOPAR, MUMBAI, 400075, INDIA}, abstract = {

Shade dried, powdered seeds of Sterculia guttata were extracted using a Soxhlet extractor with ethanol. Ethanol was removed under reduced pressure and dried to obtained crude extract. This extract was evaluated for its effect on behavioral changes, exploratory activity and barbiturate-sleeping time, using appropriate standard methods in mice. The extract exhibited dose-dependent CNS depressant activity.

}, keywords = {Barbitone sodium, CNS depressant activity, pentobarbitone sodium, Sterculia guttata Roxb., Swiss albino mice}, issn = {0250-474X}, author = {Katade, S. R. and Misar, Ashwini V. and Mujumdar, Arvind M. and Phalgune, U. D. and Wakharkar, R. D. and Deshpande, N. R.} } @article { ISI:000264127100020, title = {Column liquid chromatography-ultraviolet and column liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry evaluation of stress degradation behavior of escitalopram oxalate}, journal = {Journal of AOAC international}, volume = {92}, number = {1}, year = {2009}, month = {JAN}, pages = {138-147}, abstract = {

{The objective of this work was to study the degradation behavior of escitalopram oxalate under different International Conference on Harmonization (ICH)-recommended stress conditions by column liquid chromatography (LC)-UV and LC/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) and to establish a validated stability-indicating LC assay method. Escitalopram oxalate was subjected to stress conditions of hydrolysis, oxidation, photolysis, and thermal decomposition. Extensive degradation was found to occur in alkaline medium. Mild degradation was observed in acidic and oxidative conditions. Escitalopram oxalate was stable to neutral, photolytic, and thermal stress. Successful separation of the drug from degradation products formed under stress conditions was achieved on a PerfectSil-100 ODS-3 column [C(18) (5 mu m, 25 cm x 4.6 mm id)] using methanol-0.01 M acetate buffer pH 3.8 adjusted with acetic acid (45 + 55) as the mobile phase. The flow rate was 1 mL/min, and the detection wavelength was 239 nm. The method was validated according to ICH guidelines. Major degradation products formed in hydrolysis and oxidative conditions were isolated, and structural elucidation of degradation products was done by LC/MS and infrared spectrometry studies. The major hydrolysis degradation product was confirmed as 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-1-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-1,3dihydroisobenzofuran-5- carboxylic acid, and the major oxidative degradation product was confirmed as 1-{[3-dimethylamino(oxide)-propyl]-1(4-flurophenyl)}-1,3-dihydro-iso benzofuran-5-carbonitrile.

}, author = {Dhaneshwar, Sunil R. and Mahadik, Mahadeo V. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @article { ISI:000264484400007, title = {Comparative studies of two araceous lectins by steady state and time-resolved fluorescence and CD spectroscopy}, journal = {Journal of Fluorescence}, volume = {19}, number = {2}, year = {2009}, month = {MAR}, pages = {239-248}, publisher = {SPRINGER/PLENUM PUBLISHERS}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Transitions in the tryptophan microenvironment and secondary structure of two monocot lectins from Sauromatum guttatum and Arisaema tortuosum under different denaturing conditions were studied by steady state and time resolved fluorescence and CD spectroscopy. The lectins exist as tetramers with a single tryptophan residue estimated per monomer, present in a polar environment. Quenching with ionic quenchers showed predominantly electropositive environment for tryptophan residues. Acrylamide had maximum quenching effect. A decrease in KI quenching due to lectin denaturation indicated redistribution of charges as a result of possible conformational change. The two values for lifetimes of tryptophanyl population (1.2-1.4 and 6.3-6.4 ns) reduced substantially on quenching or denaturation. Similarly, both the lectins showed a drastic loss of secondary structure in 5 M Gdn-HCl or 6 M Urea or at pH 2.0 and below. For the first time araceous lectins, like legume lectins are shown to bind adenine. The presence of a compact structure at alkaline pH 10.0-12.0 was observed in CD spectra.

}, keywords = {Araceae lectins, Denaturation, fluorescence, Lifetime spectroscopy, Secondary structure}, issn = {1053-0509}, doi = {10.1007/s10895-008-0409-z}, author = {Dharker, Poorva N. and Gaikwad, Sushama M. and Suresh, C. G. and Dhuna, Vikram and Khan, Mohammad Islam and Singh, Jatinder and Kamboj, Sukhdev Singh} } @article { ISI:000262657300010, title = {Comparative study on liquid phase alkylation of 2-methylnaphthalene with long chain olefins using different solid acid catalysts}, journal = {Applied Catalysis A-General}, volume = {352}, number = {1-2}, year = {2009}, month = {JAN}, pages = {74-80}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

A comparative study has been made over a variety of solid acid catalysts, which include isopoly and heteropoly ions supported on various supports such as zirconia, titania, a large variety of zeolites and a couple of mesoporous materials for liquid phasealkylation of 2-methylnaphthalene with 1-octene.All the catalyst systems were characterized by nitrogen sorption analysis, X-ray diffraction and NH(3)-TPD. Inspite of their high acid amounts zeolites gave poor catalytic performance due to their diffusional constraints; on the other hand mesoporous materials lacked diffusional constraints but due to their low acid amounts resulted in poor conversions. lsopoly and heteropoly ions supported on zirconia and titania were found to be catalytically active for the reaction due to total surface acidity. Among them, isopolytungstate supported on zirconia exhibited the best catalytic activity and was used for further optimization of reaction conditions. Excellent conversions of all olefins (\>92\%) with high selectivity of monoalkylmethylnaphthalene (\>95\%) was obtained under optimized reaction conditions. The catalyst could be recycled for several times without any obvious loss of its activity. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {2-Methylnaphthalene, Alkylation, Long chain olefins, Zirconia}, issn = {0926-860X}, doi = {10.1016/j.apcata.2008.09.032}, author = {Lucas, Nishita and Bordoloi, Ankur and Amrute, Amol P. and Kasinathan, Palraj and Vinu, Ajayan and Bohringer, Walter and Fletcher, Jack C. Q. and Halligudi, Shivaraj B.} } @article { ISI:000272077400009, title = {Complex permeability studies of Ni-Co-Zn ferrites synthesized by an oxalate precursor method}, journal = {Smart Materials \& Structures}, volume = {18}, number = {12}, year = {2009}, month = {DEC}, pages = {125009}, publisher = {IOP PUBLISHING LTD}, address = {DIRAC HOUSE, TEMPLE BACK, BRISTOL BS1 6BE, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Nanocrystalline Co-substituted Ni-Zn ferrites have been synthesized by employing a co-precipitation technique using oxalate precursors. The co-precipitated oxalates were decomposed in air at 650 degrees C for 1 h and the powder was sintered at 1000 degrees C. The phase formation of the sintered ferrite was confirmed by x-ray diffraction studies. The lattice parameter a (angstrom) increases with the addition of Co(2+) which is attributed to the large ionic size of Co(2+) (0.78 angstrom), which replaces Ni(2+) (0.74 angstrom). The crystallite size has been estimated by the Debye-Scherrer formula using the full width at half-maximum (FWHM) of the line broadening of the (311) reflection and it is found to be in the range of 25-28 nm. Also, with increasing cobalt content the magnetocrystalline anisotropy constant (K(1)) and magnetostriction constant (lambda(s)) increase, and the grain size decreases, hence the value of initial permeability mu(i) decreases. The saturation magnetization M(s) and magnetic moment (n(B)) do not show any significant variation for all compositions varying with the cobalt content.

}, issn = {0964-1726}, doi = {10.1088/0964-1726/18/12/125009}, author = {Ghodake, J. S. and Kambale, R. C. and Kulkarni, S. D. and Sawant, S. R. and Suryavanshi, S. S.} } @article { ISI:000266989800010, title = {Computational study of electronic structure, thermodynamics and kinetics of hydrogen desorption from Al- and Si-doped alpha-, gamma-, and beta-MgH2}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry}, volume = {19}, number = {25}, year = {2009}, month = {APR}, pages = {4348-4355}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

First principles calculations of pure and Al-and Si-doped alpha-, gamma-, and beta-MgH2 were performed to investigate the influence of Al and Si as impurities and the presence of high pressure phases on the properties of hydrogen sorption of magnesium hydride. The ab initio plane wave pseudopotential method based on density functional theory within the generalized gradient approximation was used in the present study. The total energies of the considered systems were calculated as a function of cell volume to obtain material properties such as bulk modulus K-0, equilibrium cell volume V-0 and minimum energy E-0(V-0). From the density of states (DOS) analysis, it was shown that doping MgH2 with Al and Si caused a reduction in the band gaps of each of the three phases. The diminished band gaps made the Mg-H bond more susceptible to dissociation. The destabilization of the hydrides was reflected in the decreased heats of formation of the doped hydrides, with the following Delta H-f order: Si \< Al and beta \< gamma \< alpha. A 30.5\% reduction in the activation energy barrier E-act for H-2 desorption was calculated for the Al-doped alpha-MgH2(001) surface and a 15.5\% decrease in E-act of the Si-doped gamma-MgH2(001) surface was deduced, while doping with Al and Si increased the activation energy barrier for the beta-MgH2 (001) surface drastically.

}, issn = {0959-9428}, doi = {10.1039/b901115c}, author = {Kelkar, Tuhina and Pal, Sourav} } @article { ISI:000264650100005, title = {Concise enantioselective synthesis of (+)-febrifugine}, journal = {Tetrahedron-Asymmetry}, volume = {20}, number = {1}, year = {2009}, month = {JAN}, pages = {84-88}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A short enantioselective synthesis of (+)-febrifugine, a potent antimalarial alkaloid, has been described based on the regioselective asymmetric dihydroxylation of a 1,4-dienic ester as the key step. The strategy also involves chemoselective [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement of 1,5-hexadiene-3-ol and intramolecular lactamization of azidolactone for the construction of piperidine core. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0957-4166}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetasy.2008.11.024}, author = {Emmanuvel, Lourdusamy and Kamble, Dayanand A. and Sudalai, Arumugam} } @article { ISI:000269892100029, title = {Continuous flow nitration of benzaldehyde}, journal = {Organic Process Research \& Development}, volume = {13}, number = {5}, year = {2009}, note = {235th American-Chemical-Society National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, APR 06-10, 2008}, month = {OCT}, pages = {999-1002}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The nitration of benzaldebyde can be carried out in a safe manner in continuous mode using a microreactor system. Choice of a micromixer was seen to affect the performance of this two-phase reaction significantly The reaction time could he brought down to 2 min by increasing the reaction temperature and thereby taking advantage of higher heat transfer area. The simple T-micromixer is seen to be inefficient for two-phase reactions. Further scope of process intensification is also discussed.

}, issn = {1083-6160}, doi = {10.1021/op000129vv}, author = {Kulkarni, Amol A. and Kalyani, Vishwanath S. and Joshi, Ramesh A. and Joshi, Rohini R.} } @article { ISI:000261342600009, title = {Correlations of thermodynamic properties of aqueous amino acid-electrolyte mixtures}, journal = {Journal of Solution Chemistry}, volume = {38}, number = {1}, year = {2009}, month = {JAN}, pages = {95-114}, publisher = {SPRINGER/PLENUM PUBLISHERS}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Suitable equations have been proposed to correlate thermodynamic properties, like mean ion activity coefficients, volumes and compressibilities, of amino acids in electrolyte solutions. An amino acid-electrolyte-water interaction parameter is extracted from the regression of the amino acid property values in aqueous electrolyte solution that is then transferred to an expression to correlate the properties of the electrolyte in mixtures. The single interaction parameter can successfully correlate the published data on mean ion activity coefficients, apparent molar volumes and compressibilities of amino acids as well as of electrolytes in their aqueous mixtures. The equations are tested against the large number of experimental data sets available in the literature.

}, keywords = {Amino acids, Electrolytes, Pitzer equation, Thermodynamic properties}, issn = {0095-9782}, doi = {10.1007/s10953-008-9355-2}, author = {Saritha, C. and Satpute, Dilip B. and Badarayani, Rohini and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000263216000054, title = {Cultivar relationships in mango based on fruit volatile profiles}, journal = {Food Chemistry}, volume = {114}, number = {1}, year = {2009}, month = {MAY}, pages = {363-372}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Aroma volatiles of mango (Mangifera indica L.) determine consumer acceptability and influence selection, whilst breeding. To assess their variety, composition and possible impact on cultivar relationships, volatile blends of 22 Indian and five non-Indian cultivars were investigated using solvent extraction and gas chromatography. Totally 84 volatiles belonging to various chemical classes were detected. Based on the Cumulative Occurrence of members of these classes, cultivars were grouped as monoterpene or sesquiterpene dominant. a-Pinene, beta-myrcene and beta-caryophyllene were found in all 27 cultivars. For ordination, common compounds with high (relative) concentration provided quantitative characters, whereas the rare and lesser ones provided qualitative (binary) characters; non-Indian cultivars separated from Indian ones but displayed close relations within their groups. In conclusion, mango flavour is dominated qualitatively as well as quantitatively by terpene hydrocarbons; ancient selection of mango cultivars is hinted to be driven by different aroma characters in different parts of the world. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Flavour, GC-MS, Mangifera indica, Multivariate analysis, Ordination}, issn = {0308-8146}, doi = {10.1016/j.foodchem.2008.09.107}, author = {Pandit, Sagar S. and Chidley, Hemangi G. and Kulkarni, Ram S. and Pujari, Keshav H. and Giri, Ashok P. and Gupta, Vidya S.} } @article { ISI:000272015800038, title = {Defluoridation of drinking water using chemically modified bentonite clay}, journal = {Desalination}, volume = {249}, number = {2}, year = {2009}, month = {DEC}, pages = {687-693}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Adsorption potential of metal oxide (lanthanum, magnesium and manganese) incorporated bentonite clay was investigated for defluoridation of drinking water using batch equilibrium experiments to gain insight of adsorption behavior, kinetics and mechanisms of adsorption of fluoride ion. The effect of various physicochemical parameters such as pH, adsorbent dose, initial fluoride concentration and the presence of interfering co-ions on adsorption of fluoride has been investigated. The 10\%La-bentonite shows higher fluoride uptake capacity for defluoridation of drinking water as compared to Mg-bentonite, Mn-bentonite and bare bentonite clay. The uptake of fluoride in acidic pH was higher as compared to alkaline pH. The equilibrium adsorption data fitted reasonably well in both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. It was also observed that in the presence of certain co-existing ions can have positive effect on removal of fluoride, while carbonate and bicarbonate anions show deleterious effect. The rate of adsorption was reasonably rapid and maximum fluoride uptake was attained within 30 min. The modified adsorbent material shows better fluoride removal properties for actual field water, which could be due to the positive effect of other co-ions present in the field water. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {10\%La-bentonite, Defluoridation, Kinetic modeling, Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms, Water treatment}, issn = {0011-9164}, doi = {10.1016/j.desal.2009.01.031}, author = {Kamble, Sanjay P. and Dixit, Priyadarshini and Rayalu, Sadhana S. and Labhsetwar, Nitin K.} } @article { ISI:000263373600066, title = {Dendritic effect of ligand-coated nanoparticles: enhanced apoptotic activity of silica-berberine nanoconjugates}, journal = {Langmuir}, volume = {25}, number = {4}, year = {2009}, month = {FEB}, pages = {2339-2347}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

We describe the synthesis and biological characterization of a novel prototype, namely, silica nanoconjugates bearing a covalently linked berberine, a plant alkaloid known to have antiproliferative activity. The effect of synthesized nanoconjugates on cell proliferation, the cell cycle profile, and apoptosis in the human cervical carcinoma cell line (HeLa), human hepatocellular liver carcinoma cell line (HepG2), and human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293T cell line has been studied and compared with the results obtained for free berberine. Our results show that all the nanoconjugates display higher antiproliferative activity than free berberine. The ability of these nanoconjugates to inhibit cellular proliferation is mediated by the cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase. Moreover, silica nanoconugates caused selective apoptotic arrest with a higher efficiency than free berberine followed by apoptotic cell death as shown by quantitative fluorescence-activated cell sorting analyses. Efficiency of the nanoconjugates increases upon an increase in the linker chain length, demonstrating the distinct role of the spacer chain that conjugates nanoparticles and ligands. The actual reason to show enhanced efficiency by the nanoconjugates has not been elucidated in the present study; however, we hypothesize that an increase in local concentration due to the confinement of a ligand on the nanosurface ({\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}dendritic{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} effect) might have led to the observed effect.

}, issn = {0743-7463}, doi = {10.1021/la802761b}, author = {Halimani, Mahantappa and Chandran, S. Prathap and Kashyap, Sudhir and Jadhav, V. M. and Bhagavatula L. V. Prasad and Hotha, Srinivas and Maiti, Souvik} } @article { ISI:000265529700034, title = {Density functional investigation of relativistic effects on the structure and reactivity of tetrahedral gold clusters}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {113}, number = {17}, year = {2009}, month = {APR}, pages = {7101-7106}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The influence of relativistic effects on the structure, vibrational modes, and reactivity of recently discovered tertrahedral gold clusters (Au(19) and Au(20)) are investigated using density functional methods. The intramolecular reactivity of the clusters was analyzed using density functional-based reactivity descriptors. The work shows that whereas the structural properties and vibrational modes are considerably affected by the relativistic effects, the reactivity trends based on Fukui function calculation on various atoms within this cluster remain unaffected by the absence or presence of relativistic effects. The reactivity descriptors reveal that the vertex atoms are the most reactive ones in Au(20) toward a nucleophilic attack. On the other hand, atoms connecting the missing vertex edge with the pyramid base along with the vertex atom are the most reactive for a nucleophilic attack in Au(19). The atoms lying at the center of each face are favorable for an electrophilic attack in both cases. Interestingly, the atoms with a missing cap in Aulg are highly favorable for electrophilic attack, and Au(20) has more sites for a favorable nucleophilic attack.

}, issn = {1932-7447}, doi = {10.1021/jp9001884}, author = {De, Himadri Sekhar and Krishnamurty, Sailaja and Pal, Sourav} } @article { ISI:000266061500016, title = {Dependence of Si-29 NMR chemical shielding properties of precursor silicate species, Q(0) on its local structure at the pre-nucleation stages of zeolite synthesis - a DFT based computational correlation}, journal = {Microporous and Mesoporous Materials}, volume = {122}, number = {1-3}, year = {2009}, month = {JUN}, pages = {105-113}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The exploration for new zeolite structures with tailored framework architectures for enhanced catalytic applications requires the knowledge about their nucleation and crystallization at molecular level. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is one of the most widely tried techniques to understand this. However, by NMR, it is difficult to accurately assign the molecular level precursor silicate structures at the pre-nucleation stages of zeolite synthesis. Hence, understanding the chemical shielding of such precursor molecules using quantum mechanical (QM) computations is extremely useful. Alkali is a fundamental component in the alkali based hydrothermal zeolite synthesis and its nature plays a major role. In the present report, we attempt to understand the differences in the local structure of the primary building block such as Si(OH)(4) (Q(0) silicate species) due to the associated alkali and their influence on NMR chemical shielding properties. Present work reports the calculation of Si-29 NMIR isotropic chemical shifts of T species with different cations such as Na, K and Ca using density functional theory (DFT). Results of natural bonding orbital (NBO) analysis, Perturbation theory energy analysis and electron density iso-surfaces were employed to obtain a deeper insight about their influence on the chemical shielding and on zeolite synthesis. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Ab initio method, Density Functional Theory (DFT), Electron density, NBO analysis, Perturbation theory, Q(0) silicate species, Si-29 NMR chemical shift, synthesis, zeolite}, issn = {1387-1811}, doi = {10.1016/j.micromeso.2009.02.022}, author = {Selvaraj, Kaliaperumal and Kurian, Reshmi} } @article { ISI:000266821100020, title = {Design of an "allsolid-state{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} supercapacitor based on phosphoric acid doped polybenzimidazole (PBI) electrolyte}, journal = {Journal of Applied Electrochemistry}, volume = {39}, number = {7}, year = {2009}, month = {JUL}, pages = {1097-1103}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The effectiveness of phosphoric acid doped polybenzimidazole as a polymer electrolyte membrane to fabricate an all solid-state super capacitor has been explored using hydrous RuO(2)/carbon composite electrodes (20 wt.\%) of surface area 250 m(2) g(-1) with many intrinsic advantages. The electrochemical evaluation of these super capacitors through cyclic voltammetry, charge/discharge and impedance measurements demonstrate the utility of this type of thin, compact and flexible supercapacitor capable of functioning at 150 degrees C to yield a maximum capacitance of about 290 F g(-1) along with a life of more than 1,000 cycles. A power density of 300 W kg(-1) and energy density of 10 Wh kg(-1) have been accomplished although the equivalent series resistance (ESR) of about 3.7 Omega needs to be reduced further for high rated applications.

}, keywords = {Electrochemical characterization, Electrochemical supercapacitor, Energy storage device, PBI electrolyte, RuO(2)/carbon composite}, issn = {0021-891X}, doi = {10.1007/s10800-008-9764-3}, author = {Rathod, Dhanraj and Vijay, Meenu and Islam, Md. Nazrul and Kannan, Ramaiyan and Kharul, Ulhas K. and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Pillai, Vijayamohanan} } @article { ISI:000271103500032, title = {Development of correlations for overall gas hold-up, volumetric mass transfer coefficient, and effective interfacial area in bubble column reactors using hybrid genetic algorithm-support vector regression technique: viscous newtonian and non-newtonian liq}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {48}, number = {21}, year = {2009}, month = {NOV}, pages = {9631-9654}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The objective of this study was to develop hybrid genetic algorithm-support vector regression (GA-SVR)-based correlations for overall gas hold-up (epsilon(G)), volumetric mass-transfer coefficient (kt,a), and effective interfacial area (a) in bubble Column reactors for gas-liquid systems employing Viscous Newtonian and non-Newtonian systems as the liquid phase. The hybrid GA-SVR is a novel technique based on the feature 0 generation approach using genetic algorithm (GA). In the present study, GA has been used for nonlinear rescaling of attributes. These, exponentially scaled, are eventually subjected to SVR training The technique is an extension of conventional SVR technique, showing relatively enhanced results For this purpose an extensive literature search was done. From the published literature, 1629 data points for viscous Newtonian and 845 data points for VISCOUS non-Newtonian systems for cc;, 500 data points for viscous Newtonian and 556 data points for viscous non-Newtonian systems for k(L)a, and 208 data points for viscous non-Newtonian systems for a, respectively, were collected These data sets were collected spanning the years 1965-2007 Correlations were developed after taking into account all the parameters affecting epsilon(G), k(1)a, and a such as column and sparger geometry, gas-liquid properties, operating temperature, pressure, and Superficial gas and liquid velocities. The correlations thus developed gave prediction accuracies of 0.994 and 0.999 and average absolute relative errors (AARE) of 3.75 and 1.65\% for viscous Newtonian and non-Newtonian systems for epsilon(G), prediction accuracies of 0.983 and 0.998 and AARE of 8 62 and 1.91\% for viscous Newtonian and non-Newtonian systems for k(1)a, and prediction accuracy of 0.999 and AARE of 1\% for viscous non-Newtonian systems for a, respectively. These correlations also showed much improved results when compared with all the existing correlations proposed in literature. To facilitate their usage, all the hybrid GA-SVR-based correlations have been uploaded on the web link http-//wwwesnips.com/web/UICT-NCL.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/ie801834w}, author = {Gupta, Prashant P. and Merchant, Shamel S. and Bhat, Akshay U. and Gandhi, Ankit B. and Bhagwat, Sunil S. and Joshi, Jyeshtharaj B. and Jayaraman, Valadi K. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article { ISI:000281760100214, title = {Development of mycoinsecticide for the control of insect pests: comparative evaluation of metarhizium isolates to identify strains for commercialization}, journal = {New Biotechnology}, volume = {25}, number = {1}, year = {2009}, month = {SEP}, pages = {S88-S89}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, issn = {1871-6784}, doi = {10.1016/j.nbt.2009.06.360}, author = {Deshpande, Mukund V. and Kulkarni, Shuklangi A. and Ghormade, Vandana and Kapoor, Manisha and Chavan, Santosh B. and Kulkarni, Grish and Shouche, Yogesh} } @article { ISI:000265781200006, title = {Development of unified correlations for volumetric mass-transfer coefficient and effective interfacial area in bubble column reactors for various gas-liquid systems using support vector regression}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {48}, number = {9}, year = {2009}, month = {MAY}, pages = {4216-4236}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The objective of this study was to develop a unified correlation for the volumetric mass-transfer coefficient (k(L)a) and effective interfacial area (a) in bubble columns for various gas-liquid systems using support vector regression (SVR-) based modeling technique. From the data published in the open literature, 1600 data points from 27 open sources spanning the years 1965-2007 for k(L)a and 1330 data points from 28 open sources spanning the years 1968-2007 for a were collected. Generalized SVR-based models were developed for the relationship between k(L)a (and a) and each design and operating parameters such as column and sparger geometry, gas-liquid physical properties, operating temperature, pressure, superficial gas velocity, and so on. Further, these models for k(L)a and a are available online at http://www.esnips.com/web/UICT-NCL. The proposed generalized SVR-based correlations for k(L)a and a have prediction accuracies of 99.08\% and 98.6\% and average absolute relative errors (AAREs) of 7.12\% and 5.01\%, respectively. Also, the SVR-based correlation provided much improved predictions compared to those obtained using empirical correlations from the literature.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/ie8003489}, author = {Gandhi, Ankit B. and Gupta, Prashant P. and Joshi, Jyeshtharaj B. and Jayaraman, Valadi K. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article { ISI:000270450400265, title = {Diethyl [(5-chloro-2-hydroxyanilino)(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]phosphonate}, journal = {Acta Crystallographica Section E-Structure Reports Online}, volume = {65}, number = {10}, year = {2009}, month = {OCT}, pages = {O2506+}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {COMMERCE PLACE, 350 MAIN ST, MALDEN 02148, MA USA}, abstract = {

In the title compound, C17H20Cl2NO4P, the P atom is bonded in a distorted tetrahedral environment. The dihedral angle between the two benzene rings is 80.5 (1)degrees. In the crystal structure, intermolecular O-H center dot center dot center dot O and N-H center dot center dot center dot O hydrogen bonds link pairs of molecules into centrosymmetric dimers. These dimers, are in turn, linked by weak intermolecular C-H center dot center dot center dot O hydrogen bonds into one-dimensional chains along [010]. Additional stabilization is provided by very weak C-H center dot center dot center dot Cl interactions.

}, issn = {1600-5368}, doi = {10.1107/S1600536809037039}, author = {Krishnaiah, M. and Babu, V. H. H. Surendra and Prasad, G. Syam and Reddy, C. Suresh and Puranik, Vedavati G.} } @article { ISI:000272903900005, title = {Differential elicitation of an aspartic protease inhibitor: regulation of endogenous protease and initial events in germination in seeds of vigna radiata}, journal = {Peptides}, volume = {30}, number = {12}, year = {2009}, month = {DEC}, pages = {2118-2126}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC}, address = {360 PARK AVE SOUTH, NEW YORK, NY 10010-1710 USA}, abstract = {

Plant aspartic proteases are of recent origin with their physiological significance in crucial processes emerging. Reports on the significance of aspartic protease inhibitors and their endogenous proteases in seeds of plants are scanty. This paper reports the purification of an aspartic protease inhibitor from the seeds of Vigna radiata, its control of the endogenous aspartic protease and their subsequent role in the early germination events. The role of the aspartic protease inhibitor and the enzyme in initial stages of germination of V. radiata has been tracked by differential timed expression and germination assays. The expression pattern revealed maximum expression of the inhibitor in the dormant seeds while the enzyme was predominant in the germinating seeds. Their expression patterns and interactions indicate their significance in initiation of germination. The expression of other classes of proteases was monitored during germination and a model predicting the events occurring during proteolysis of the storage protein in germination is hypothesized. The inhibitor was a linear, hydrophobic, pH stable and thermostable peptide with molecular weight of 1660 Da. The purified inhibitor showed a pI of 4.36 with the sequence as AEIYN KDGNK LDLYG. The inhibitor was found to be stable in a broad range of pH from 2 to 10 with an optimum of 3.0. The half-life of VrAPI at 100 degrees C was 30 min whereas the maximum activity was observed at 37 degrees C. The initial kinetic analysis of the inhibitor against the enclogenous protease showed an IC50 value of 11 nM while the value of the inhibition rate constant K-i was 34 x 10(-9) M. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Aspartic protease, Plant proteases, Protease inhibitors, Vigna radiata}, issn = {0196-9781}, doi = {10.1016/j.peptides.2009.08.024}, author = {Kulkarni, Aarohi and Rao, Mala} } @article { ISI:000268138400070, title = {Domain size manipulation of perflouorinated polymer electrolytes by sulfonic acid-functionalized MWCNTs to enhance fuel cell performance}, journal = {Langmuir}, volume = {25}, number = {14}, year = {2009}, month = {JUL}, pages = {8299-8305}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The application of sulfonic acid-functionalized multiwalled (s-MWNT) carbon nanotubes to manipulate the hydrophilic domain size of Nafion membranes is explored here as an option for tuning the proton conductivity of polymer electrolyte membranes for hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells. The electrochemical impedance experiments provide preliminary evidence of increased proton conductivity, while small-angle X-ray scattering measurements line. out enhanced ionic cluster domain size in these composite membranes as the central reason for higher conductivity (70 angstrom for the optimum composite membrane vs 50 angstrom for Nafion 115) values. Scanning electrochemical microscopy indicates synergistic interaction between the sulfonic acid functional groups present in the Nation membrane and those on the nanotube surface. More interestingly, the nanotube-tailored Nafion membranes ameliorate the performance of fuel cells as confirmed by measurements at a sin le-cell level, which reveal a maximum power density of 380 mW cm(-2), higher than those of Nafion 115 (250 mW cm(-2)) and recast Nafion (230 mW cm-2) membranes. Thus, in addition to providing an elegant means of controlling the ionic cluster size, the strategic approach of using CNT both as an anchoring backbone for -SO(3)H groups to enrich proton conductivity and as a blending agent to improve the mechanical characteristics of the Nafion phase might be helpful in alleviating many critical problems associated with the use of commercial Nafion membranes.

}, issn = {0743-7463}, doi = {10.1021/la9005218}, author = {Kannan, Ramaiyan and Parthasarathy, Meera and Maraveedu, Sreekuttan U. and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Pillai, Vijayamohanan K.} } @article { ISI:000270770900015, title = {Doping-induced microstructural, textural and optical properties of In2Ti1-xVxO5+delta semiconductors and their role in the photocatalytic splitting of water}, journal = {Materials Chemistry and Physics}, volume = {117}, number = {2-3}, year = {2009}, month = {OCT}, pages = {399-407}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

The physicochemical properties of V-doped indium titanates (In2Ti1-xVxO5-delta, 0.0 \<= x \<= 0.2) were investigated by using XPS, powder XRD, UV-vis, SEM and luminescence spectroscopy techniques. The Rietveld refinement of XRD data revealed that even though the V-containing samples were isostructural with In2TiO5 (orthorhombic space group Pnma), a systematic x-dependent variation was noticeable in the Ti-O bond lengths in [TiO6] octahedral units, cell parameters and in the value of delta. XPS results confirmed the coexistence of V5+ and V4+ states, leading thereby to an enhancement in oxygen non-stoichiometry in the doped samples. A loading-dependent progressive shift from 400 to 750 nm was also observed in the onset of the absorption edge, indicating a significant narrowing of the band gap. Furthermore, the samples with higher V-content were comprised of the grain clusters having larger size and an irregular shape. The UV-vis. photoluminescence and thermoluminescence studies indicate that the doping-induced lattice defects may give rise to certain closely spaced acceptor/donor energy levels in between the band gap of host matrix. The indium titanates are found to serve as stable photocatalysts for water splitting under visible light, where oxygen was the major reaction product. The role of microstructural and morphological properties in the photocatalytic activity is discussed. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {In2Ti1-xVxO5+delta photocatalysts, Luminescence spectroscopy, Microstructure, Optical properties, Structure-activity relationship, water splitting}, issn = {0254-0584}, doi = {10.1016/j.matchemphys.2009.06.013}, author = {Shah, Pallavi and Bhange, Deu S. and Deshpande, Aparna and Kulkarni, Mukund S. and Gupta, Narendra M.} } @article { ISI:000264326100007, title = {Dramatic change in viscosities of pure ionic liquids upon addition of molecular solvents}, journal = {Journal of Solution Chemistry}, volume = {38}, number = {5}, year = {2009}, month = {MAY}, pages = {589-600}, publisher = {SPRINGER/PLENUM PUBLISHERS}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Viscosities of binary mixtures of pyridinium based ionic liquids (1-butyl pyridinium tetrafluoroborate, [BP][BF(4)], 1-butyl 3-methyl pyridinium tetrafluoroborate [3-MBP][BF(4)], 1-butyl 4-methyl pyridinium tetrafluoroborate, [4-MBP][BF(4)]), and phosphonium based ionic liquids, (tetrabutyl phosphonium alaninate, [TBP][Ala]; tetrabutyl phosphonium valinate, [TBP][Val]) with the molecular solvents, water, methanol and dichloromethane, have been measured at 298.15 K. A Brookfield ultra-rheometer was employed to measure the reported viscosities. The drop in viscosity in the close vicinity of pure ionic liquid is more prominent in polar solvents like water compared to less polar solvents. The temperature dependence of this observation was also studied for binary mixtures of [4-MBP][BF(4)] with water in range of 298.15-323.15 K. The Vogel-Fulcher-Tamman (VFT) equation was employed to investigate the temperature dependence of the viscosities of pure pyridinium-based ionic liquids in the temperature range from 298.15-323.15 K.

}, keywords = {ionic liquids, Molecular solvents, VFT equations, viscosity}, issn = {0095-9782}, doi = {10.1007/s10953-009-9390-7}, author = {Khupse, Nageshwar D. and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000271506600038, title = {Effect of chirality of L/D-proline and prochiral glycine as the linker amino acid in five-atom linked thymidinyl-(alpha-aminoacid)-thymidine dimers}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, number = {43}, year = {2009}, month = {SEP}, pages = {6646-6648}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The chirality of the amide linker in dimer blocks was found to have a profound effect on the orientation of base stacking interactions as studied by CD and NMR spectroscopy.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/b913546d}, author = {Seema Bagmare and D{\textquoteright}Costa, Moneesha and Kumar, Vaijayanti A.} } @article { ISI:000267662600010, title = {Effect of cultural conditions and media constituents on production of penicillin V acylase and CTAB treatment to enhance whole-cell enzyme activity of rhodotorula aurantiaca (NCIM 3425)}, journal = {Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology}, volume = {157}, number = {3}, year = {2009}, month = {JUN}, pages = {463-472}, publisher = {HUMANA PRESS INC}, address = {999 RIVERVIEW DRIVE SUITE 208, TOTOWA, NJ 07512 USA}, abstract = {

Penicillin V acylase (PVA) is a pharmaceutically important enzyme as it plays a vital role in the manufacture of semi-synthetic beta-lactam antibiotics. Rhodotorula aurantiaca (NCIM 3425) produced high levels of intracellular penicillin V acylase after 18 h at pH 8.0 and temperature 27 degrees C. Fructose was the best carbon source for PVA production, whereas tryptone was the best nitrogen source to produce the enzyme up to 170 and 1,088 IU/l of culture, respectively. Additionally, the cell-bound PVA activity was enhanced on treatment with cationic detergent. Whole-cell activity was found to be doubled (204\%) on treatment of 0.01 g dry weight of cells with 50 mu g/ml solution of N-cetyl-N,N,N-trimethylammoniumbromide at pH 8.0 for 1 h at room temperature. Atomic force microscopy images of permeabilized cells show perturbation in the cell wall and offer first-ever visual illustration of surface structure modifications that occur during permeabilization of R. aurantiaca cells leading to enhancement in activity of intracellular enzyme.

}, keywords = {Atomic force microscopy, Intracellular enzyme, Penicillin Vacylase, Permeabilization, Rhodotorula aurantiaca}, issn = {0273-2289}, doi = {10.1007/s12010-008-8294-0}, author = {Kumar, Atul and Singh, Sanjay and Poddar, Pankaj and Prabhune, Asmita and Pundle, Archana} } @article { ISI:000271103500012, title = {Effect of flow structures on heat transfer in single and multiphase jet reactors}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {48}, number = {21}, year = {2009}, month = {NOV}, pages = {9428-9440}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

High frequency experimental measurements by hot film anemometry (HFA) of liquid velocities and temperature in the region of vapor-liquid (VL) and solid-liquid (SL) interfaces for two important reactor types, namely, condensation jet and jet loop reactors, have been studied for their heat transfer characteristics. An algorithm for flow structure identification has been devised from velocity data based oil (i) zero crossings and (ii) continuous wavelet transform. The wavelet transform algorithm is especially found to be useful in accurately estimating both the age and size distributions of eddies near interfaces in a multiscale framework Using these distributions, it is shown that the calculated values of heat transfer coefficients (HTC) at the SL and VL interfaces show remarkable correspondence with the HTC values obtained experimentally from instantaneous temperature measurements. For this purpose, a modified capacitance model has been proposed that takes into account the information about both the age and size distributions. The results obtained by the present methodology show the improvement possible for calculating the HTC at interfaces when compared with the earlier surface renewal models. It may therefore be used to study the interaction between flow dynamics and heat transfer behavior in chemical process equipment

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/ie900052s}, author = {Deshpande, Sagar S. and Mathpati, Channamallikarjun S. and Gulawani, Sagar S. and Joshi, Jyeshtharaj B. and Kumar, V. Ravi} } @article { ISI:000263212700021, title = {Effect of gamma-dose rate on crystallinity and morphological changes of gamma-sterilized biomedical polypropylene}, journal = {Polymer Degradation and Stability}, volume = {94}, number = {2}, year = {2009}, month = {FEB}, pages = {272-277}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The present work is aimed to study the changes in crystallinity and morphology of biomedical polyolefins after gamma-sterilization. The isotactic polypropylene (iPP) films were sterilized by gamma-radiation and the changes were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. The effect of dose rate on crystallinity changes also was focused. It was found that crystallinity and morphology significantly changed with gamma-irradiation. There was an increase in crystallinity Lip to 10 kGy accompanied with decrease in viscosity and mechanical properties. The changes in crystallinity mainly depend on gamma-irradiation dose and dose rate. The rise in crystallinity was attributed to chain scission and forming new perfect lamellae. However, the reduction was accompanied by occurrence of gamma- and beta-phases and crosslinking. Possible explanations for transitions in phases are also discussed based on our results. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Crystallinity, Dose rate, Gamma radiation, mechanical properties, Morphology, polypropylene}, issn = {0141-3910}, doi = {10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2008.10.027}, author = {Alariqi, Sameh A. S. and Kumar, A. Pratheep and Rao, B. S. M. and Singh, R. P.} } @article { ISI:000269206600022, title = {Effect of nickel nanofillers on the dielectric and magnetic properties of composites based on rubber in the X-band}, journal = {Applied Physics A-Materials Science \& Processing}, volume = {97}, number = {1}, year = {2009}, month = {OCT}, pages = {157-165}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Nickel-rubber nanocomposites were synthesized by incorporating ferromagnetic nickel nanoparticles in a natural rubber as well as neoprene rubber matrix. Complex dielectric permittivity and magnetic permeability of these composites were evaluated in the X-band microwave frequencies at room temperature using cavity perturbation technique. The dielectric loss in natural rubber is smaller compared to neoprene rubber. A steady increase in the dielectric permittivity is observed with increase in the content of nickel in both the composites. The magnetic permeability exhibits a steady decrease with increase in frequency and magnetic loss shows a relaxation at 8 GHz. The suitability of these composites as microwave absorbers is modeled based on the reflection loss which is dependant on the real and imaginary components of the complex dielectric permittivity and magnetic permeability.

}, issn = {0947-8396}, doi = {10.1007/s00339-009-5284-1}, author = {Jamal, E. Muhammad Abdul and Mohanan, P. and Joy, Pattayil Alias and Kurian, Philip and Anantharaman, Maliemadom R.} } @article { ISI:000264899000012, title = {Effect of organic solvents on cell-bound penicillin V acylase activity of erwinia aroideae (DSMZ 30186): a permeabilization effect}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Catalysis B-Enzymatic}, volume = {57}, number = {1-4}, year = {2009}, month = {MAY}, pages = {67-71}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Erwinia aroideae (DSMZ 30186) is a potential microbial culture to produce intracellular penicillin V acylase (PVA). The whole cell PVA activity was improved by permeabilization with various organic solvents. The cell-bound PVA activity showed an eightfold increase upon treatment with chloroform (5 mu L/mg(dry) (biomass)) for 10 min and diethyl ether (10 mu L/mg(dry) (biomass)) for 45 min. Hexane, toluene, ethyl acetate and dichloromethane enhanced the enzyme activity up to two-, six-, four- and two-fold, respectively; whereas, PVA activity declined drastically on permeabilization with acetone, pyridine and alcohols. The physicochemical properties of the organic solvents used for permeabilization were correlated with the change in activity. It was found that solvents with high hydrophobicity (log P \> 0.68) and lower dielectric constant (\< 9) were relatively effective in increasing PVA activity. These results allow systematic selection of suitable solvent for best performance. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {dielectric constant, Erwinia aroideae, Hydrophobicity, Organic solvents, Penicillin V acylase, Permeabilization}, issn = {1381-1177}, doi = {10.1016/j.molcatb.2008.06.018}, author = {Kumar, Atul and Pundle, Archana} } @article { ISI:000263732700047, title = {Effects for the incorporation of five-atom thioacetamido nucleic acid (TANA) backbone on hybridization thermodynamics and kinetics of DNA duplexes}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, volume = {113}, number = {9}, year = {2009}, month = {MAR}, pages = {2944-2951}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Thermodynamic studies of nucleic acids serve not only to widen our understanding on the nature and strength of forces that stabilize nucleic acids in a myriad of structural states they assume but also to facilitate the development of databases that could be used to predict the stability and selectivity of probe/primer-sets required in a broad range of nucleic acid-based diagnostic and therapeutic protocols. In the current study, we investigated the effect of a novel, backbone-modified {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}thioacetamido linkage{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} (TANA) on thermodynamics of hybridization, binding kinetics, and conformation of a DNA duplex. The modification comprises of an extended five-atom amide (N3{\textquoteright}-CO-CH(2)-S-CH(2)) linker, as opposed to four-atom phosphodiester linker backbone present in DNA. One to three TANA-substitutions have been introduced in the linker backbone of two thymidine residues of one of the strand of the DNA duplex. Using spectroscopic and calorimetric techniques, we observed that TANA destabilizes the DNA helix by lowering the favorable enthalpy parameter of duplex formation. TANA center dot DNA duplexes were found to adopt a conformation toward an A-type duplex as shown by circular dichroism spectroscopy studies. Analysis of differential scanning calorimetry data indicated a nonzero heat capacity change, Delta C(p), accompanying the duplex formation. The average Delta C(p) change per duplex was found to be 832.5 cal mol(-1) K(-1), giving an average base-pair change of 59.5 cal (mol of base pairs)(-1) K(-1). Hybridization kinetic measurements using surface plasmon resonance indicated a decrease in binding affinity parameter (K(A)) that originates from higher dissociation rate constants (k(d)). Furthermore, optical melting studies showed that increasing the number of modifications results in a modest change in the number of counterions taken up during duplex formation.

}, issn = {1520-6106}, doi = {10.1021/jp808747g}, author = {Kaur, Harleen and Arora, Amit and Gogoi, K. and Solanke, P. and Gunjal, Anita D. and Kumar, Vaijayanti A. and Maiti, Souvik} } @article { ISI:000264538000029, title = {Efficient formal synthesis of (S)-dapoxetine from enantiopure 3-hydroxy azetidin-2-one}, journal = {Tetrahedron}, volume = {65}, number = {12}, year = {2009}, month = {MAR}, pages = {2605-2609}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An efficient formal synthesis of S-(+) dapoxetine starting from 3-hydroxy azetidin-2-one is described. The intermediate (S)-3-(dimethyl amino)-3-phenylpropan-1-ol was synthesized in enantiopure form starting with 3-hydroxy azetidin-2-one in seven steps. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Azetidin 2 ones, beta-Lactams, Enantioselective synthesis, reduction, Staudinger reaction}, issn = {0040-4020}, doi = {10.1016/j.tet.2008.11.042}, author = {Chincholkar, Pinak M. and Kale, Ajaykumar S. and Gumaste, Vikas K. and Deshmukh, Abdul Rakeeb A. S.} } @article { ISI:000272089600022, title = {Enantioselective synthesis of decarestrictine J}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {50}, number = {51}, year = {2009}, month = {DEC}, pages = {7188-7190}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An efficient total synthesis of decarestrictine J has been achieved using ring-closing metathesis and Yamaguchi esterification as key steps. The stereogenic centres were generated by means of iterative hydrolytic kinetic resolution (HKR) of racemic epoxides. (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Decanolides, epoxides, Hydrolytic kinetic resolution, Ring-closing metathesis, Yamaguchi esterification}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2009.10.035}, author = {Chowdhury, Partha Sarathi and Gupta, Priti and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000265398300007, title = {Enhanced production of amidase from Rhodococcus erythropolis MTCC 1526 by medium optimisation using a statistical experimental design}, journal = {Journal of Industrial Microbiology \& Biotechnology}, volume = {36}, number = {5}, year = {2009}, month = {MAY}, pages = {671-678}, publisher = {SPRINGER HEIDELBERG}, address = {TIERGARTENSTRASSE 17, D-69121 HEIDELBERG, GERMANY}, abstract = {

In the present work, statistical experimental methodology was used to enhance the production of amidase from Rhodococcus erythropolis MTCC 1526. R. erythropolis MTCC 1526 was selected through screening of seven strains of Rhodococcus species. The Placket-Burman screening experiments suggested that sorbitol as carbon source, yeast extract and meat peptone as nitrogen sources, and acetamide as amidase inducer are the most influential media components. The concentrations of these four media components were optimised using a face-centred design of response surface methodology (RSM). The optimum medium composition for amidase production was found to contain sorbitol (5 g/L), yeast extract (4 g/L), meat peptone (2.5 g/L), and acetamide (12.25 mM). Amidase activities before and after optimisation were 157.85 units/g dry cells and 1,086.57 units/g dry cells, respectively. Thus, use of RSM increased production of amidase from R. erythropolis MTCC 1526 by 6.88-fold.

}, keywords = {Amidase, Medium optimisation, Plackett-Burman screening, Response surface methodology, Rhodococcus erythropolis}, issn = {1367-5435}, doi = {10.1007/s10295-009-0536-9}, author = {Vaidya, Bhalchandra K. and Mutalik, Snehal R. and Joshi, Renuka M. and Nene, Sanjay N. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article { ISI:000270790500006, title = {Entrainer for batch distillation of acetic acid -water system}, journal = {Journal of Scientific \& Industrial Research}, volume = {68}, number = {10}, year = {2009}, month = {OCT}, pages = {871-875}, publisher = {NATL INST SCIENCE COMMUNICATION}, address = {DR K S KRISHNAN MARG, NEW DELHI 110 012, INDIA}, abstract = {

Acetic acid-water system (AW) poses a challenge in reactive distillation, acetic acid purity and loss of acetic acid in aqueous solutions. Feasible separation of AW has been studied using entrainers but acetic acid loss in lean phase cannot be avoided. This study presents feasible region to operate column with toluene and benzene as entrainer for AW. Liquid-liquid equilibrium data and nature of tie line for ethyl acetate are given priority.

}, keywords = {Acetic acid, Batch distillation, Benzene, Entrainer, Toluene}, issn = {0022-4456}, author = {Gadekar, S. V. and Naik, R. V. and Kaul, S. N.} } @article { ISI:000262886200019, title = {Epitaxially grown zinc-blende structured Mn doped ZnO nanoshell on ZnS nanoparticles}, journal = {Materials Research Bulletin}, volume = {44}, number = {2}, year = {2009}, month = {FEB}, pages = {339-344}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Zinc oxide in the bulk as well as in the nanocrystalline form is thermodynamically stable in the wurtzite structure. However, zinc oxide in the zinc-blende structure is more useful than that in the wurtzite structure due to its superior electronic properties as well as possibility of efficient doping. Therefore, zinc oxide shell is grown epitaxially on zinc sulphide core nanoparticles having zinc-blende structure. It is shown that doping of manganese could be achieved in zinc oxide nanoshell with zinc-blende structure. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Chemical synthesis, Luminescence, Nanostructures, Semiconductors, X-ray diffraction}, issn = {0025-5408}, doi = {10.1016/j.materresbull.2008.05.015}, author = {Limaye, Mukta V. and Singh, Shashi B. and Date, Sadgopal K. and Gholap, Ramkrishna S. and Kulkarni, Sulabha K.} } @article { ISI:000268120200001, title = {Evaluation of repulsive particle swarm method for phase equilibrium and phase stability problems}, journal = {Fluid Phase Equilibria}, volume = {282}, number = {2}, year = {2009}, month = {AUG}, pages = {65-67}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Phase equilibrium and stability problems are of crucial importance in simulation, design and optimization of several separation processes. Recently, these problems have been solved using minimization of Gibbs free energy, using global optimization techniques. In this paper, repulsive particle swarm (RPS), a recent global optimization technique is explored for the Solution of phase stability and phase equilibrium. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Liquid-liquid equilibria, Phase equilibrium, Phase stability analysis, Repulsive particle swarm method}, issn = {0378-3812}, doi = {10.1016/j.fluid.2009.04.014}, author = {Rahman, Imran and Das, Anwesh Kr. and Mankar, Raju B. and Kulkarni, B. D.} } @article { ISI:000267587600014, title = {Facile approach to diverse range of 1,3-diaza-heterocycles: angular/linear selectivity paradigm and a remarkable intramolecular methyl migration}, journal = {Tetrahedron}, volume = {65}, number = {27}, year = {2009}, month = {JUL}, pages = {5244-5250}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Starting from cyclic anhydrides and tert-butyl 2-aminobenzylcarbamate, simple and efficient synthesis of diverse range of kinetically controlled angular and thermodynamically controlled linear tricyclic and tetracyclic 1,3-diaza-heterocycles have been described via the intramolecular cyclizations of the corresponding imides/anilic acid esters. The effect of imide stability on the angular/linear product selectivity has also been described. The kinetically controlled angular products were successfully transformed to the corresponding thermodynamically controlled linear products by refluxing in methanol or methanol and acetic acid mixture. An interesting in situ 1,2-intramolecular methyl group migration has also been described. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0040-4020}, doi = {10.1016/j.tet.2009.04.088}, author = {Kshirsagar, Umesh A. and N. P. Argade} } @article { ISI:000265517700038, title = {Facile synthesis of 5,6-dihydro-5-hydroxy-2(1H)-pyridone}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {50}, number = {20}, year = {2009}, month = {MAY}, pages = {2440-2442}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A short synthesis of 5,6-dihydro-5-hydroxy-2(1H)-pyridone was achieved from L-serine employing Horner-Emmons olefination as the key step. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {alkaloids, Horner-Emmons olefination, L-serine, Pyridone, Z-selectivity}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2009.03.026}, author = {Upadhyay, Puspesh K. and Prasad, Rajendra and Pandey, Menaka and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000266526200007, title = {Feature selection and classification employing hybrid ant colony optimization/random forest methodology}, journal = {Combinatorial Chemistry \& High Throughput Screening}, volume = {12}, number = {5}, year = {2009}, month = {JUN}, pages = {507-513}, publisher = {BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBL LTD}, address = {EXECUTIVE STE Y26, PO BOX 7917, SAIF ZONE, 1200 BR SHARJAH, U ARAB EMIRATES}, abstract = {

Accurate classification of instances depends on identification and removal of redundant features. Classification of data having high dimensionality is usually performed in conjunction with an appropriate feature selection method. Feature selection enables identification of the most informative feature subset from the enormously vast search space that can accurately classify the given data. We propose an ant colony optimization (ACO)/random forest based hybrid filter-wrapper search technique, which traverses the search space and selects a feature subset with high classifying ability. We evaluate the performance of our algorithm on four widely studied CoEPrA (Comparative Evaluation of Prediction Algorithms, http://coepra.org) datasets. The performance of the software ants mediated hybrid filter/wrapper approach compares well with the available competition results. Thus, the proposed Ant Colony Optimization based technique can effectively find small feature subsets capable of classifying with a very good accuracy and can be employed for feature subset selection with a high level of confidence.

}, issn = {1386-2073}, author = {Patil, Diwakar and Raj, Rahul and Shingade, Prashant and Kulkarni, Bhaskar and Jayaraman, Valadi K.} } @article { ISI:000261862800001, title = {Features of homotetrameric molecular association in protein crystals}, journal = {Acta Crystallographica Section D-Biological Crystallography}, volume = {65}, year = {2009}, month = {JAN}, pages = {1-10}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL PUBLISHING, INC}, address = {COMMERCE PLACE, 350 MAIN ST, MALDEN 02148, MA USA}, abstract = {

The crystal structures of proteins showing homotetrameric association, a common feature observed in many lectins, have been analyzed in order to understand the characteristics of tetrameric association in terms of the arrangement of subunits and their biological significance. The analysis could group the tetramer units into the following four categories. (i) Tetrahedral molecules, in which the four monomers form a nearly perfect tetrahedral arrangement. The angle between the axes of any two monomers is similar to 109 degrees. (ii) Molecules that form a sandwiched dimer of dimers in which the two dimers are arranged perpendicular to each other, one upon the other. (iii) Planar molecules, in which the four monomers lie in one plane and the corresponding sides of adjacent monomers face in opposite directions. This can be considered as a flattened tetrahedral shape. (iv) Planar closed molecules, in which all four monomers lie in one plane arranged in a head-to-tail fashion in a square. The first group and its variant, the third group, are the most commonly found arrangements in crystal structures. Each arrangement has its own importance for biological function. Some tetrameric assemblies that deviate from the majority described above also have relevance to their biological function.

}, issn = {0907-4449}, doi = {10.1107/S0907444908029867}, author = {Katre, Uma V. and Suresh, C. G.} } @article { ISI:000271841900023, title = {First asymmetric total synthesis of aspinolide A}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {50}, number = {50}, year = {2009}, month = {DEC}, pages = {7018-7020}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The first total synthesis of aspinolide A has been achieved using ring-closing metathesis as a key step. The stereogenic centers were generated by means of hydrolytic kinetic resolution (HKR) of racemic epoxides. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Decanolides, epoxides, Hydrolytic kinetic resolution, Ring-closing metathesis}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2009.09.151}, author = {Chowdhury, Partha Sarathi and Gupta, Priti and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000266693600010, title = {Formal synthesis of (-) anisomycin via organocatalysis}, journal = {Arkivoc}, year = {2009}, month = {JAN}, pages = {88-94}, publisher = {ARKAT USA INC}, address = {C/O ALAN R KATRITZKY, UNIV FLORIDA, DEPT CHEMISTRY, PO BOX 117200, GAINESVILLE, FL 32611 USA}, abstract = {

An efficient formal synthesis of (-) anisomycin (1), a potent antibiotic agent, has been achieved in good yields and excellent diastereoselectivity. The key steps are proline-catalyzed sequential alpha-amination or alpha-aminoxylation of aldehyde 2 followed by tandem Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons olefination.

}, keywords = {alpha-Amination, alpha-aminoxylation, anisomycin, olefination, Proline}, issn = {1424-6376}, author = {Chouthaiwale, Pandurang V. and Kotkar, Shriram P. and Sudalai, Arumugam} } @article { ISI:000264471400009, title = {General approach to medium-sized ring ethers via hydrolytic and oxidative kinetic resolutions: stereoselective syntheses of (-)-cis-lauthisan and (+)-isolaurepan}, journal = {Tetrahedron}, volume = {65}, number = {11}, year = {2009}, month = {MAR}, pages = {2226-2231}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A short and enantioselective approach to medium ring ethers and its application to the syntheses of (-)-cis-lauthisan and (+)-isolaurepan are described. The synthetic strategy features Jacobson{\textquoteright}s Hydrolytic Kinetic Resolution (HKR), oxidative resolution of secondary alcohol, and highly diastereoselective Et(3)SiH/TMSOTf-promoted reductive cyclization of a hydroxy ketone to give exclusively the different medium-sized cis-disubstituted cyclic ethers. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {cis-Reductive cyclization, Jacobson{\textquoteright}s Hydrolytic Kinetic Resolution (HKR), Oxepanes, Oxidative resolution of secondary alcohol, Ring ether}, issn = {0040-4020}, doi = {10.1016/j.tet.2009.01.062}, author = {Tripathi, Divya and Pandey, Satyendra Kumar and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000271103500011, title = {Heterogeneous cobalt-saponite catalyst for liquid phase air oxidation of p-cresol}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {48}, number = {21}, year = {2009}, month = {NOV}, pages = {9423-9427}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Heterogeneous Co-saponite was found to be an efficient catalyst for the liquid phase oxidation of p-cresol under mild conditions. Divalent cobalt tons were found to be in both the tetrahedral and octahedral positions of the saponite clay. Studies on the effect of reaction parameters showed that the rate of reaction increased with increase in Co loading from 5 to 13\% and then remained constant up to 30\% of Co loading, while the rate of oxidation showed a first-order dependence on the partial pressure of oxygen up to 300 kPa. Results of oxidation experiments over Co-saponite, in an Inert atmosphere, and the XPS studies Suggest Mars-van Krevelen pathway operating, which involves lattice oxygen of Co-saponite in the liquid phase oxidation of p-cresol.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/ie801941e}, author = {Kshirsagar, Vikas S. and Garade, Ajit C. and Patil, Kashinath R. and Jha, Ratnesh Kumar and Rode, Chandrashekhar V.} } @article { ISI:000269877500009, title = {High energy electron irradiation effects on polystyrene films}, journal = {Radiation Effects and Defects in Solids}, volume = {164}, number = {10}, year = {2009}, month = {SEP}, pages = {PII 914466497}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS LTD}, address = {4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The effect of an 8MeV electron-beam on the structural, optical and dielectric properties of polystyrene films has been investigated respectively by means of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) spectroscopy and electrical impedance (LCR) analysis over a radiation dose in the range of 50-250kGy using a Microtron accelerator. The FTIR spectral analysis shows no change in the overall structure of the irradiated polystyrene films, except a minor change in the intensity of a few peaks in the FTIR spectrum, indicating that polystyrene is resistant to electron-beam irradiation over the range of radiation doses investigated. The optical band gap analysis using the UV-VIS absorption spectra of the polystyrene shows a small decrease in the optical band gap (Eg) and the activation energy with an increase in electron doses. Further, the dielectric measurements over a frequency range of 100Hz to 1MHz for the electron-beam-irradiated polystyrene films show that both the dielectric constant and the dielectric loss increase with an increase in electron radiation dose, which may be ascribed to the formation of defect sites in the band gap of polystyrene as a consequence of molecular chain scission in the polymer films upon irradiation.

}, keywords = {electrons, optical spectroscopy, Polymers, radiation}, issn = {1042-0150}, doi = {10.1080/10420150903173262}, author = {Mathad, R. D. and Kumar, H. G. Harish and Sannakki, B. and Ganesh, S. and Sarma, K. S. S. and Badiger, Manohar V.} } @article {43365, title = {Human blood vessel-derived endothelial progenitors for endothelialization of small diameter vascular prosthesis}, journal = {Plos One}, volume = {4}, year = {2009}, month = {NOV}, pages = {Article Number: e7718}, abstract = {Background: Coronary bypass graft failure as a result of acute thrombosis and intimal hyperplasia has been the major challenge in surgical procedures involving small-diameter vascular prosthesis. Coating synthetic grafts with patients{\textquoteright} own endothelial cells has been suggested to improve the patency rate and overall success of bypass surgeries. Methodology/Principal Findings: We isolated endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) from leftover pieces of human saphenous vein/mammary artery. We demonstrate that EPCs can be expanded to generate millions of cells under low-density culture conditions. Exposure to high-density conditions induces differentiation to endothelial cell phenotype. EPC-derived endothelial cells show expression of CD144(high), CD31, and vWF. We then assessed the ability of differentiated endothelial cells to adhere and grow on small diameter expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) tubings. Since ePTFE tubings are highly hydrophobic, we optimized protocols to introduce hydrophilic groups on luminal surface of ePTFE tubings. We demonstrate here a stepwise protocol that involves introduction of hydrophilic moieties and coating with defined ECM components that support adhesion of endothelial cells, but not of blood platelets. Conclusion/Significance: Our data confirms that endothelial progenitors obtained from adult human blood vessels can be expanded in vitro under xenoprotein-free conditions, for potential use in endothelialization of small diameter ePTFE grafts. These endothelialized grafts may represent a promising treatment strategy for improving the clinical outcome of small-caliber vascular grafts in cardiac bypass surgeries.}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0007718}, author = {Ranjan, Amaresh K. and Kumar, Umesh and Hardikar, Ashutosh A. and Poddar, Pankaj and Nair, Prabha D. and Hardikar, Anandwardhan A.} } @article { ISI:000267625000020, title = {Hydroesterification of 2-vinyl-6-methoxynaphthalene using palladium complexes containing chelating nitrogen ligands}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Catalysis A-Chemical}, volume = {307}, number = {1-2}, year = {2009}, month = {JUL}, pages = {134-141}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Hydroesterification of 2-vinyl-6-methoxynaphthalene (VMN) to methyl ester of 6-methoxy naphthyl propionic acid (ester of naproxen) has been investigated using palladium complexes containing the chelating N(boolean AND)O and N(boolean AND)N ligands (pyridine-2-carboxylate, 2-acetylpyridine, 2-pyridine-carboxaldehyde, and bipyridine) as catalysts. Palladium complex containing 2-acetylpyridine as the ligand was found to be superior to other Pd-complexes. Both acid and halide promoters were necessary for high activity and selectivity. As an acid promoter, benzenesulfonic acid was found to be more effective compared to p-toluenesulfonic acid. Formation of ether 2-methoxy-6-(1-methoxyethyl)naphthalene and a polymer of VMN was observed in all the reactions. It was observed that active catalytic species generated during carbonylation reaction was responsible for the polymer formation. The effect of various parameters such as solvents, CO pressure, and alcohols on the catalytic activity as well as the selectivity was investigated. The turnover frequency using the complex Pd(acpy)(PPh(3))(OTs)(2) (acpy = 2-acetylpyridine) catalyst was found to be 42 h(-1), which is the highest for the hydroesterification of VMN. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Carbonylation, Hydroesterification, Naproxen, Palladium complex, Polymer of VMN, Promoters}, issn = {1381-1169}, doi = {10.1016/j.molcata.2009.03.021}, author = {Atla, Shashi B. and Kelkar, Ashutosh A. and Chaudhari, Raghunath V.} } @article { ISI:000271103500017, title = {Hydroformylation of 1,4-diacetoxy-2-butene using HRh(CO)(PPh3)(3) tethered on alumina as a catalyst: kinetic study}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {48}, number = {21}, year = {2009}, month = {NOV}, pages = {9479-9489}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Hydroformylation of 1,4-diacetoxy-2-butene (DAB) was studied using [HRh(CO)(PPh3)(3)] complex catalyst tethered on alumina using phosphotungstic acid (PTA) as an anchoring agent, with the aim to understand the product distribution, selectivity, and intrinsic kinetics. It was observed that with the tethered heterogeneous catalyst a simultaneous hydroformylation followed by deacetoxylation steps was possible, which is relevant for combining two steps in the sequence of synthesis of vitamin-A intermediate [2-formyl-4-acetoxy butene (FAB)]. P-31 cross-polarization magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (CP MAS NMR) and infrared (IR) instrumental techniques were found be the most effective techniques to establish the catalyst structure and true heterogeneity. On the basis of the spectroscopic evidence, we postulate the loss of a PPh3 group during tethering to give HRh(CO)(PPh3)(2)-PTA-Al2O3 as a heterogeneous complex catalyst. Experimental data on the concentration-time and CO/H-2 consumption-time profiles were obtained and the effects of DAB concentration, CO partial pressure, H-2 partial pressure, and catalyst loading were studied in a 50 mL stirred batch reactor over a temperature range of 338-358 K. The analysis of solid-liquid-gas mass transfer effects was investigated to ensure that the reaction was operating in the kinetic regime Various models were developed, and the best model was chosen by a model discrimination procedure. The agreement between the model prediction and the experimental data was found to be excellent. The activation energies for the hydroformylation and deacetoxylation steps were found to be 42.5 and 80.2 kJ/mol.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/ie900269z}, author = {Chansarkar, Rashmi and Kelkar, Ashutosh A. and Chaudhari, Raghunath V.} } @article { ISI:000267168600002, title = {Hydrolytic kinetic resolution as an emerging tool in the synthesis of bioactive molecules}, journal = {Synlett}, number = {9}, year = {2009}, month = {JUN}, pages = {1367-1382}, publisher = {GEORG THIEME VERLAG KG}, address = {RUDIGERSTR 14, D-70469 STUTTGART, GERMANY}, abstract = {

A variety of racemic epoxides mainly derived from terminal olefins, such as aliphatic epoxides, multifuncitonalized epoxides and amine-substituted epoxides, have been successfully resolved into the enantiomerically pure epoxides and diols using Jacobsen{\textquoteright}s hydrolytic kinetic resolution (HKR) method. The chiral epoxides thus prepared were further elaborated by synthetic manipulation to provide a variety Of Compounds of biological interest. A general synthetic strategy for the construction Of S synlanti-1,3-polyol systems using iterative HKR has been developed, which was subsequently utilized in the synthesis of natural products with a broad range of biological activity. The protocol for the 1,3-polyols was also further extended to the synthesis of 1,3-amino alcohols.

}, keywords = {Biological activity, Hydrolytic kinetic resolution, Natural products, synthesis, terminal epoxides}, issn = {0936-5214}, doi = {10.1055/s-0029-1217171}, author = {Kumar, Pradeep and Gupta, Priti} } @article { ISI:000278806800025, title = {Identification of defensins employing recurrence quantification analysis and random forest classifiers}, journal = {Pattern Recognition and Machine Intelligence, Proceedings}, volume = {5909}, year = {2009}, note = {3rd International Conference on Pattern Recognition and Machine Intelligence, IIT Delhi, New Delhi, INDIA, DEC 16-20, 2009}, month = {DEC}, pages = {152-157}, publisher = {ISI Kolkata}, address = {HEIDELBERGER PLATZ 3, D-14197 BERLIN, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Defensins represent a class of antimicrobial peptides synthesized in the body acting against various microbes. In this paper we study defensins using a non-linear signal analysis method Recurrence Quantication Analysis (RQA). We used the descriptors calculated employing RQA for the classification of defensins with Random Forest Classifier. The RQA descriptors were able to capture patterns peculiar to defensins leading to an accuracy rate of 78.12\% using 10-fold cross validation.

}, isbn = {978-3-642-11163-1}, issn = {0302-9743}, author = {Karnik, Shreyas and Prasad, Ajay and Diwevedi, Alok and Sundararajan, V. and Jayaraman, Valadi K.}, editor = {Chaudhury, S. and Mitra, S. and Murthy, C. A. and Sastry, P. S. and Pal, S. K.} } @article { ISI:000278806800024, title = {Identification of N-glycosylation sites with sequence and structural features employing random forests}, journal = {Pattern Recognition and Machine Intelligence, Proceedings}, volume = {5909}, year = {2009}, note = {3rd International Conference on Pattern Recognition and Machine Intelligence, IIT Delhi, New Delhi, INDIA, DEC 16-20, 2009}, month = {DEC}, pages = {146-151}, publisher = {ISI Kolkata}, address = {HEIDELBERGER PLATZ 3, D-14197 BERLIN, GERMANY}, abstract = {

N-Glycosylation plays a very important role in various processes like quality control of proteins produced in ER, transport of proteins and in disease control. The experimental elucidation of N-Glycosylation sites is expensive and laborious process. In this work we build models for identification of potential N-Glycosylation sites in proteins based on sequence and structural features. The best model has cross validation accuracy rate of 72.81\%.

}, isbn = {978-3-642-11163-1}, issn = {0302-9743}, author = {Karnik, Shreyas and Mitra, Joydeep and Singh, Arunima and Kulkarni, B. D. and Sundarajan, V. and Jayaraman, Valadi K.}, editor = {Chaudhury, S. and Mitra, S. and Murthy, C. A. and Sastry, P. S. and Pal, S. K.} } @article { ISI:000272560400015, title = {Immobilization of phosphotungstic acid (PTA) on imidazole functionalized silica: evidence for the nature of PTA binding by solid state NMR and reaction studies}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {113}, number = {50}, year = {2009}, month = {DEC}, pages = {21114-21122}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Phosphotungstic acid (PTA) immobilized onto imidazole functionalized fumed silica and was used its an efficient catalyst for epoxidation of a variety of olefins using aqueous H(2)O(2) as all oxidant. Negligible leaching of PTA under the reaction conditions employed indicates a strong interaction between PTA and imidazole The immobilized catalysts Could be separated and reused after the catalytic cycle Evidence for the heterogenization of PTA oil the imidazole functionalized fumed silica has been inferred from different spectroscopic techniques like IR, UV-vis, and NMR. Importantly, the nature of binding of PTA oil the support has been studied in detail by solid state NMR spectroscopy using (15)N labeled imidazole Support. It is clear from the NMR Studies that the effective heterogenization of PTA is mainly due to imidazolium ion Formation oil the support by the acidic protons of PTA and the resultant ion pair

}, issn = {1932-7447}, doi = {10.1021/jp906108e}, author = {Sofia, L. T. Aany and Krishnan, Asha and Sankar, M. and Raj, N. K. Kala and Manikandan, Palanichamy and Rajamohanan, P. R. and Ajithkumar, Thalasseril G.} } @article { ISI:000267478100001, title = {Immobilized invertase}, journal = {Biotechnology Advances}, volume = {27}, number = {4}, year = {2009}, month = {JUL}, pages = {311-322}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Invertase is a commercially important enzyme used for the hydrolysis of sucrose. The hydrolysis of sucrose yields an equimolar mixture of glucose and fructose, known as invert syrup, is widely used in food and beverage industries. This enzyme is also used for the manufacture of artificial honey, plasticizing agents used in cosmetics, pharmaceutical and paper industries as well as enzyme electrodes for the detection of sucrose. Immobilization of invertase and its biotechnological applications are reviewed. (c) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Applications, Immobilization, Invert syrup, Saccharase}, issn = {0734-9750}, doi = {10.1016/j.biotechadv.2009.01.009}, author = {Kotwal, S. M. and Shankar, V.} } @article { ISI:000264092400030, title = {Impact of zinc substitution on the structural and magnetic properties of chemically derived nanosized manganese zinc mixed ferrites}, journal = {Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials}, volume = {321}, number = {8}, year = {2009}, month = {APR}, pages = {1092-1099}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Mn(1-x)Zn(x)Fe(2)O(4) nanoparticles (x = 0-1) were synthesized by wet chemical co-precipitation techniques. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy were effectively utilized to investigate the different structural parameters. The elemental analysis was conducted using energy-dispersive spectrum and inductively coupled plasma analysis. The magnetic properties such as magnetization and coercivity were measured using vibrating sample magnetometer. The observed magnetization values of the nanoparticles were found to be lower compared to the bulk counterpart. The magnetization showed a gradual decrease with zinc substitution except for a small increase from x = 0.2 to 0.3. The Curie temperature was found to be enhanced in the case of ferrites in the nanoregime. The variation in lattice constant, reduced magnetization values, variation of magnetization with zinc substitution, the presence of a net magnetic moment for the zinc ferrite and the enhancement in Curie temperature in Mn(1-x)Zn(x)Fe(2)O(4) all provide evidence to the existence of a metastable cation distribution together with possible surface effects at the nanoregime. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Manganese zinc ferrite}, issn = {0304-8853}, doi = {10.1016/j.jmmm.2008.10.031}, author = {Gopalan, E. Veena and Al-Omari, I. A. and Malini, K. A. and Joy, Pattayil Alias and Kumar, D. Sakthi and Yoshida, Yasuhiko and Anantharaman, Maliemadom R.} } @article { ISI:000271252400004, title = {Incorporation of tin in different types of pores in SBA-15: synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity}, journal = {Microporous and Mesoporous Materials}, volume = {126}, number = {3}, year = {2009}, month = {DEC}, pages = {234-244}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Mesoporous Sn-SBA-15 has been synthesized by three different methods Such as conventional hydrothermal route, using cocatalyst NH4F and in the presence of organosilane precursor. All the materials are thoroughly characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), SEM. TEM. N-2 sorption and surface area measurements, diffuse-reflectance UV-visible and FTIR spectroscopy. TG-DTA and elemental analysis through ICP. Nitrogen adsorption data, XRD patterns, and TEM observations Suggests that the textural properties are retained during the isomorphous substitution of silicon by tin. ICP chemical analysis indicates that tin can be substituted in the range of S-l/S-n = 69-162. UV-visible spectra of samples synthesized by the cocatalytic approach exhibit unique absorption band at 213 nm characteristics of tin atom substituted in the smaller pores (2-3 nm) located inside the walls of mesopores. Further, an additional band at 224 nm can be assigned to Sri atoms located in the distorted tetrahedral position along the primary mesopores. In contrary, only one absorption band centered at 224 nm is observed for all the samples synthesized by conventional hydrothermal as well as in the presence of organosilane precursor. F-19 NMR spectra confirmed (no signal) the absence of occluded F- ions in the samples made with NH4F. Observed high catalytic activity in Baeyer-Villiger oxidation and Meerwin-Pondorf-Verly reduction under the liquid-phase conditions suggest the incorporation of a portion of tin in the smaller pores for the Sn-SBA-15 materials synthesized through cocatalyst method. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Baeyer-Villiger oxidation, catalysis, Functionalization of mesopores, Meerwin-Pondorf-Verly reduction, Sn-SBA-15}, issn = {1387-1811}, doi = {10.1016/j.micromeso.2009.05.038}, author = {Sasidharan, M. and Kiyozumi, Y. and Mal, N. K. and Paul, M. and Rajamohanan, P. R. and Bhaumik, Asim} } @article { ISI:000272134300006, title = {Interaction of alpha-mannosidase from aspergillus fischeri with glycosidase inhibitors, metal ions and group specific reagents}, journal = {Research Journal of Biotechnology}, volume = {4}, number = {4}, year = {2009}, month = {NOV}, pages = {39-48}, publisher = {RESEARCH JOURNAL BIOTECHNOLOGY}, address = {SECTOR A-80, SCHEME NO 54, VIJAY NAGAR, A B ROAD, INDORE, 452 010 MP, INDIA}, abstract = {

As an initial step towards using alpha-mannosidase as a target against anticancer drugs, inhibition studies of a model enzyme, class II alpha-mannosidase from Aspergillus fischeri in presence of polyhydroxy piperidine derived glycosidase inhibitors, metal ions and amino acid specific reagents were carried out to reveal the sensitivity of the enzyme. Three of the derivatives (Compound 20, 32 and 39)(11) showed competitive inhibition (K(i) =45, 48 and 235 mu M) and the binding of the inhibitors to the enzyme was entropically driven. Among the metal ions checked, Cu(++) (K(i) = 21nm) and Se(++) ions (K(i) = 32 mu M) showed noncompetitive and Co(++) (K(i) = 1.195 mM) showed competitive inhibition of the enzyme activity with insignificant change in the secondary structure of the protein. The above studies exhibit the Potential of the enzyme in studying anticancer drugs. Treatment of the enzyme with group specific reagents showed the presence of carboxylate, Arg and Cys at the active site. Substrate protection studies and kinetics of the modified enzyme confirmed the above results. Trp and His at the active site were observed to be in proximity.

}, keywords = {active-site, alpha-Mannosidase, Chemical modification, Glycosidase inhibitors, metal ions}, issn = {0973-6263}, author = {Shashidhara, K. S. and Gaikwad, S. M. and Khan, Mohammad Islam and Bharadwaj, Kishor Chandra and Pandey, G.} } @article { ISI:000272338600007, title = {Interfacial reactivity of {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}on water{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} reactions in the presence of alcoholic cosolvents}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry A}, volume = {113}, number = {49}, year = {2009}, month = {DEC}, pages = {13685-13693}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

A detailed study of the variation in the interfacial reactivity and selectivity of {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}on water{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} reactions in the presence of increasing amounts of alcoholic cosolvents is discussed in the present work. The initial increase in the rates of {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}on water{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} reactions on the addition of alcoholic cosolvents is contrary to the sharp decrease in rates observed for homogeneous aqueous reactions. The existing theoretical framework is presented in terms of a typical {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}on water{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} process to enable a discussion of the experimental observations with reference to changing composition of the reaction medium. On the basis of the interesting observations of reactivity and selectivity variations with composition of the reaction medium, a simple {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}signature{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} characteristic for {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}on water{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} reactions is proposed.

}, issn = {1089-5639}, doi = {10.1021/jp906281g}, author = {Tiwari, Shraeddha and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000269926200012, title = {Intermediate hamiltonian hilbert space coupled cluster method: theory and pilot application}, journal = {International Journal of Quantum Chemistry}, volume = {109}, number = {13}, year = {2009}, month = {NOV}, pages = {2909-2915}, publisher = {JOHN WILEY \& SONS INC}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN, NJ 07030 USA}, abstract = {

The intermediate Hamiltonian state universal (Hilbert-space) coupled-cluster method is presented, using a formalism similar to that developed for the valence universal (Fock-space) approach. The method is expected to be applicable to many states not accessible by traditional multiroot multireference all-order size-extensive approaches. A pilot application to excited states of atomic beryllium shows good convergence and agreement with experiment and full CI values. (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem 109: 2909-2915, 2009

}, keywords = {coupled cluster, Hilbert space, intermediate Hamiltonian}, issn = {0020-7608}, doi = {10.1002/qua.22155}, author = {Eliav, Ephraim and Borschevsky, Anastasia and Shamasundar, K. R. and Pal, Sourav and Kaldor, Uzi} } @article { ISI:000266930900034, title = {Iterative approach to enantiopure syn/anti-1,3-polyols via proline-catalyzed sequential alpha-aminoxylation and horner-wadsworth-emmons olefination of aldehydes}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {11}, number = {12}, year = {2009}, month = {JUN}, pages = {2611-2614}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Iterative use of proline-catalyzed tandem alpha-aminoxylation and HWE olefination of aldehydes provided a simple access to 1,3-polyols. The feasibility of this approach is initially studied to synthesize syn- and anti-1,3-diols and is further extended to a syn/syn-1,3,5-triol at a useful level of asymmetric induction and yield. Its usage is Illustrated by the short synthesis of a hydroxylactone pheromone component, (2S,3S)-2-hydroxyhexylcyclopentanone.

}, issn = {1523-7060}, doi = {10.1021/ol900868v}, author = {Kondekar, Nagendra B. and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000268905100015, title = {Kinetics of arylation of 3-bromo-benzophenone with n-butylacrylate using NC palladacycle catalyst}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Catalysis A-Chemical}, volume = {309}, number = {1-2}, year = {2009}, month = {AUG}, pages = {111-116}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The kinetics of arylation of n-butylacrylate (n-BA) with 3-bromo-benzophenone (BBP) using a monomeric palladacycle complex [Pd(ppy)(PPh(3))(OTs)](ppy=2-phenylpyridine) catalyst has been studied. The effect of concentration of the substrate, base (NaOAc), and catalyst was studied at three different temperatures (413-433 K). The rate was found to be first order with respect to catalyst, first order tending to zero order with respect to n-butylacrylate and NaOAc concentrations. The rate passed through a maximum with variation of BBP concentration. The observed results have been explained on the basis of formation of Pd species (PdX(2), PdX(3)(-), PdX(4)(2-), and Pd(2)X(6)(2-)) which are inactive for the Heck reaction. Various empirical rate equations were considered to fit the rate data and the best fitting model has been selected. The rates predicted by model were found to be in good agreement with the observed experimental data. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Arylation, Heck reaction, kinetics, Palladacycle}, issn = {1381-1169}, doi = {10.1016/j.molcata.2009.05.003}, author = {Atla, Shashi B. and Rajurkar, Kalpendra B. and Kelkar, Ashutosh A. and Chaudhari, Raghunath V.} } @article { ISI:000270759600015, title = {LC-UV and LC-MS evaluation of stress degradation behaviour of tenatoprazole}, journal = {Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis}, volume = {50}, number = {5}, year = {2009}, month = {DEC}, pages = {787-793}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

In the present study, comprehensive stress testing of tenatoprazole was carried out according to ICH guideline Q1A (R2). Tenatoprazole was subjected to stress conditions of hydrolysis, oxidation, photolysis and neutral decomposition. Additionally, the solid drug was subjected to 50 degrees C for 60 days in dry-bath, and to the combined effect of temperature and humidity at 40 degrees C/75\% RH. Extensive degradation was found to occur in acidic, neutral and oxidative conditions. Mild degradation was observed in basic conditions. The drug is relatively stable in the solid-state. The products formed under different stress conditions were investigated by LC and LC-MS. Successful separation of drug from degradation products formed under stress conditions was achieved on a Chemito ODS-3 column [C(18) (5 mu m, 250 mm x 4.6 mm, i.d.)] using methanol: 0.01 M acetate buffer pH 4.5 adjusted with glacial acetic acid (55:45) as the mobile phase at flow rate of 1 mL/min and the peak was detected using a UV detector set at 306 nm. The LC-MS m/z values and fragmentation patterns of degradation products formed under different stress conditions were studied and characterized through LC-MS fragmentation. Based on the results, degradation pathway for drug has been proposed. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {HPLC, Stability-indicating method, Stress studies, Tenatoprazole, Validation}, issn = {0731-7085}, doi = {10.1016/j.jpba.2009.06.026}, author = {Mahadik, Mahadeo V. and Bhusari, Vidhya K. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J. and Dhaneshwar, Sunil R.} } @article { ISI:000266263000034, title = {Liquid phase oxidation of p-cresol over cobalt saponite}, journal = {Topics in Catalysis}, volume = {52}, number = {6-7}, year = {2009}, month = {JUN}, pages = {784-788}, publisher = {SPRINGER/PLENUM PUBLISHERS}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Liquid phase oxidation of p-cresol was carried out over a Co-saponite catalyst in a temperature and pressure range of 333-393 K and 20-827 kPa, respectively in n-propanol. Co-saponites with varying cobalt content (5-30\%) were prepared and screened among which 13\% Co-saponite gave the highest conversion of 92\% of p-cresol with 92\% selectivity to p-hydroxybenzaldehyde without formation of any non-oxidation products.

}, keywords = {Co-saponite, Liquid phase oxidation, p-Cresol, p-Hydroxybenzaldehyde, XPS}, issn = {1022-5528}, doi = {10.1007/s11244-009-9199-z}, author = {Kshirsagar, Vikas S. and Garade, Ajit C. and Patil, Kashinath R. and Shirai, Masayuki and Rode, Chandrashekhar V.} } @article { ISI:000263397900005, title = {Manipulation of magnetic nanostructures through low temperature metal-oxygen chemistry: Co/CoO exchange biased nanodonuts and Co nanotips}, journal = {Solid State Communications}, volume = {149}, number = {7-8}, year = {2009}, month = {FEB}, pages = {277-280}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Dense nanodonut and nanotip type morphologies are shown to self-evolve in Ultrathin cobalt films during growth under Vacuum, depending oil the level of oxygen incorporation and temperature. The nanodonut morphology forms at room temperature and the corresponding magnetic hysteresis shows exchange bias (similar to 35 Oe shift along the field axis), which is attributed to the presence of CoO and its exchange Coupling with cobalt. The morphology evolves into nanotip features with increase of growth temperature, with Concurrent elimination of the oxide component and exchange bias. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Co/CoO, Magnetic film, self assembly, Vacuum evaporation}, issn = {0038-1098}, doi = {10.1016/j.ssc.2008.12.019}, author = {Phase, Deodatta and Choudhary, Ram Janay and Ganesan, V. and Reddy, V. Raghvendra and Gupta, Ajay and Selvi, N. and Kulkarni, Sneha and Ogale, Satishchandra} } @article { ISI:000268376100057, title = {Mannitol production from glycerol by resting cells of Candida magnoliae}, journal = {Bioresource Technology}, volume = {100}, number = {20}, year = {2009}, month = {OCT}, pages = {4911-4913}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Production of mannitol from glycerol by resting cells of Candida magnoliae under aerobic condition was investigated. The resting cells were Suspended in aqueous Solution of glycerol in Erlenmeyer flasks and incubated on rotary shaker. The samples were analyzed by ion exclusion-HPLC equipped with refractive index and UV detector. The resting cells of C. magnoliae produced mannitol from fructose, Sucrose and glycerol but not from glucose. Addition of yeast extract and/or potassium phosphate to the glycerol solution adversely affected its conversion to mannitol. The conversion of glycerol to mannitol was dependent on oxygen availability. Using testing cells, the yield of mannitol was as high as 45\%. This is probably the first report of conversion of glycerol to mannitol by osmophilic yeast. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Candida magnoliae, Glycerol, Mannitol production, Resting cells}, issn = {0960-8524}, doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2009.04.048}, author = {Khan, Asiya and Bhide, Amey J. and Gadre, Ramchandra V.} } @article { ISI:000264991100040, title = {Mass transfer and solubility of CO and H-2 in ionic liquid. case of [Bmim][PF6] with gas-inducing stirrer reactor}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {48}, number = {8}, year = {2009}, month = {APR}, pages = {4075-4082}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Since the past decade, ionic liquids have gained significant importance as alternative solvents for catalysis applications. Many of the reactions evaluated in ionic liquids employ gases as substrates, and therefore it is important to know their solubility and mass transfer characteristics. This work reports for the first time both the solubility and volumetric gas-liquid mass transfer coefficient k(La) for hydrogen and carbon monoxide in 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([Bmim][PF6]) at three temperatures (293, 323, and 373 K) in relevance to hydroformylation reaction. The experimental data on the volumetric gas-liquid mass transfer coefficient are described by a dimensionless correlation for the bench-scale stirred tanks with gas-inducing impeller. k(La) values have also been evaluated for different [Bmim][PF6]-decane emulsions at 373 K.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/ie801584p}, author = {Sharma, Amit and Julcour, Carine and Kelkar, Ashutosh A. and Deshpande, Raj Madhukar and Delmas, Henri} } @article { ISI:000272936400005, title = {Mechanistic study of surface functionalization of enzyme lysozyme synthesized Ag and Au nanoparticles using surface enhanced raman spectroscopy}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {113}, number = {52}, year = {2009}, month = {DEC}, pages = {21493-21500}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The fate of bioactivity of biomolecules such as enzymes, proteins, and even drug molecules is greatly affected by the conformational changes in the proximity of the solid surfaces. This interaction is the key to the potential of their further applications as biosensors, in drug delivery, etc. With increasing interest in the biofunctionalization of noble metal nanoparticles for various applications, it is important to precisely investigate the functional groups responsible for binding with the nanoparticle surfaces and probable structural changes in the structure of the biomolecules as both are key factors affecting the bioactivity of these molecules once they are tagged onto the nanoparticle surfaces. However, it is not an easy task to probe these properties, especially for bigger Molecules such as enzymes and proteins. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has been used extensively in the detection of biomolecules and study of their conformation on noble metal surfaces since its discovery because of its high sensitivity. This technique is capable of detecting changes in the secondary structure and the effects of surrounding environment on the biomolecule in the proximity of nanoscopic rough metal surfaces. In this study, we have used this technique to precisely determine the functional groups responsible in the Surface capping of Ag and Au nanoparticles synthesized by the hen egg derived enzyme lysozyme. The sharp and intense Stokes Raman shift peaks observed around 704, 866, 1519, and 1598 cm(-1), in the case of Ag nanoparticles, which are assigned to tryptophan, tyrosine, phenylalanine, and histidine residues, clearly indicate the involvement of these residues for surface passivation of the Ag nanoparticle surface. The Ag-N peak situated around 236 cm(-1) was also seen in the spectra, showing that probably the amine group of lysozyme is responsible in binding to the Ag nanoparticle surface. Similarly, in the case of Au nanoparticles, we observed sharp and intense peaks around 1583, 1545, and 1584 cm(-1) which were assigned to above-mentioned amino acid residues, indicating that a similar mechanism is also responsible for the binding of lysozyme molecules at the Au nanoparticle surface. In both cases peaks for the amide III band (C-N-H) around 1250 cm(-1) were also observed.

}, issn = {1932-7447}, doi = {10.1021/jp905806t}, author = {Das, Raja and Jagannathan, Ramya and Sharan, Chandrashekhar and Kumar, Umesh and Poddar, Pankaj} } @article { ISI:000265398300016, title = {Media optimization for biosurfactant production by rhodococcus erythropolis MTCC 2794: artificial intelligence versus a statistical approach}, journal = {Journal of Industrial Microbiology \& Biotechnology}, volume = {36}, number = {5}, year = {2009}, month = {MAY}, pages = {747-756}, publisher = {SPRINGER HEIDELBERG}, address = {TIERGARTENSTRASSE 17, D-69121 HEIDELBERG, GERMANY}, abstract = {

This paper entails a comprehensive study on production of a biosurfactant from Rhodococcus erythropolis MTCC 2794. Two optimization techniques-(1) artificial neural network (ANN) coupled with genetic algorithm (GA) and (2) response surface methodology (RSM)-were used for media optimization in order to enhance the biosurfactant yield by Rhodococcus erythropolis MTCC 2794. ANN and RSM models were developed, incorporating the quantity of four medium components (sucrose, yeast extract, meat peptone, and toluene) as independent input variables and biosurfactant yield [calculated in terms of percent emulsification index (\% EI24)] as output variable. ANN-GA and RSM were compared for their predictive and generalization ability using a separate data set of 16 experiments, for which the average quadratic errors were similar to 3 and similar to 6\%, respectively. ANN-GA was found to be more accurate and consistent in predicting optimized conditions and maximum yield than RSM. For the ANN-GA model, the values of correlation coefficient and average quadratic error were similar to 0.99 and similar to 3\%, respectively. It was also shown that ANN-based models could be used accurately for sensitivity analysis. ANN-GA-optimized media gave about a 3.5-fold enhancement in biosurfactant yield.

}, keywords = {Artificial neural network, Biosurfactant, Genetic algorithm, Media optimization, Response surface methodology, Rhodococcus}, issn = {1367-5435}, doi = {10.1007/s10295-009-0547-6}, author = {Pal, Moumita P. and Vaidya, Bhalchandra K. and Desai, Kiran M. and Joshi, Renuka M. and Nene, Sanjay N. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article { ISI:000263353200007, title = {Microwave dielectric and attenuation properties of Ni0.7-xCoxZn0.3Fe2O4 thick films}, journal = {Microelectronics International}, volume = {26}, number = {1}, year = {2009}, month = {JAN}, pages = {43-46}, publisher = {EMERALD GROUP PUBLISHING LIMITED}, address = {HOWARD HOUSE, WAGON LANE, BINGLEY BD16 1WA, W YORKSHIRE, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Purpose - The aim of this paper is to investigate permittivity of nano structured Ni0.7-xCoxZn0.3Fe2O4 thick films at microwave frequencies. Design/methodology/approach - Nanosized Ni0.7-xCoxZn0.3Fe2O4 ferrites with x = 0, 0.04, 0.08 and 0.12 were prepared by sucrose precursor technique using the constituent metal nitrates. Thick films of the ferrites were fabricated on alumina substrates by screen-printing technique. Microwave dielectric constant (epsilon{\textquoteright}) and the loss factor (epsilon {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteright}) for the thick films were measured by VSWR slotted section method in the 8-18 GHz range of frequencies. Microwave attenuation properties were studied using a waveguide reflectometer set up. Findings - Both the epsilon{\textquoteright} and epsilon {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteright} were found to vary with frequency and composition x It is observed that, value of epsilon{\textquoteright} increases with increase in x, due to the increase in bulk density and reduction in porosity of the material, that resulted due to the substitution of cobalt in Ni-Zn ferrite. The microwave transmission loss offered by the thick films was found to increase with the increase in cobalt concentration x Within the band width of 4 GHz (from 12-16 GHz), all the films except that with x = 0.04 offered the reflection loss of less than 3 dB. Originality/value - The dielectric constant of Ni0.7-xCoxZn0.3Fe2O4 thick films have been reported for the first time. These thick films provide scope for cost effective planar ferrite devices.

}, keywords = {Microwaves, Oxides, Thick-film circuits}, issn = {1356-5362}, doi = {10.1108/13565360910923160}, author = {Rendale, M. K. and Kulkarni, S. D. and Puri, Vijaya} } @article {42728, title = {Mitsunobu and related reactions: advances and applications}, journal = {Chemical Reviews}, volume = {109}, year = {2009}, month = {APR}, pages = {2551{\textendash}2651}, doi = {10.1021/cr800278z}, author = {Swamy, K. C. Kumara and Kumar, N. N. Bhuvan and Balaraman, Ekambaram and Kumar, K. V. P. Pavan} } @article { ISI:000269059100008, title = {Molecular mapping of wilt resistance genes in chickpea}, journal = {Molecular Breeding}, volume = {24}, number = {2}, year = {2009}, month = {SEP}, pages = {177-183}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Fusarium wilt is a widespread and serious chickpea disease caused by the soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceri (Foc). We evaluated an F(9) recombinant inbred line population of chickpea for resistance to three Foc races (1, 2 and 3) in pot culture experiments and identified flanking and tightly linked DNA markers for the resistance genes. The simple sequence repeat markers H3A12 and TA110 flanked the Foc1 locus at 3.9 and 2.1 cM, respectively, while Foc2 was mapped 0.2 cM from TA96 and 2.7 cM from H3A12. The H1B06y and TA194 markers flanked the Foc3 locus at 0.2 and 0.7 cM, respectively. These markers were also validated using 16 diverse chickpea genotypes. Identification of tightly linked flanking markers for wilt resistance genes will be useful for their exploitation in breeding programs and to understand the mechanism of resistance and evolution of the genes.

}, keywords = {fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium wilt, Genetic mapping, Marker validation, Pathogen races}, issn = {1380-3743}, doi = {10.1007/s11032-009-9282-y}, author = {Gowda, S. J. M. and Radhika, P. and Kadoo, Narendra Y. and Mhase, L. B. and Gupta, V. S.} } @article { ISI:000269291500035, title = {Nanocrystalline Mn-Zn-ferrite by novel oxalato-hydrazinated complex method}, journal = {Materials Chemistry and Physics}, volume = {117}, number = {1}, year = {2009}, month = {SEP}, pages = {187-191}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

We report here for the first time the synthesis of technologically important ferrite, using a metal oxalato-hydrazinate (MOH) complex method. The MOH complex of iron-manganese-zinc was synthesized at room temperature using the precursors, ferrous ammonium sulphate, manganese acetate and zinc acetate. Thermo-gravimetric studies of MOH intermediate showed complete phase formation of MnZnFe(2)O(4) at 280 degrees C. XRD data showed the formation of single phase cubic spinel MnZnFe(2)O(4). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrate the spherical shape particle morphology. TEM images indicated the particle size of ferrite powder in the range of 20-36 nm. Magnetization of synthesized nano-sized Mn(0.69)Zn(.0.19)Fe(2.12)O(4) was observed coercive force (H(c)) at 127.82 Oe with a saturation magnetization (M(s)), 34.5 emu g(-1) using vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) at room temperature. Mossbauer study of nano-sized ferrite powder showed super-paramagnteic behavior. (c) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {crystal structure, Magnetic materials, Mn-Zn-ferrite, Nanostructures, Optical properties}, issn = {0254-0584}, doi = {10.1016/j.matchemphys.2009.05.036}, author = {Kanade, K. G. and Amalnerkar, Dinesh P. and Potdar, H. S. and Kale, B. B.} } @article { ISI:000266529600001, title = {Nanoscale particles for polymer degradation and stabilization-trends and future perspectives}, journal = {Progress in Polymer Science}, volume = {34}, number = {6}, year = {2009}, month = {JUN}, pages = {479-515}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The field of nanoscience and nanotechnology is extending the applications of physics, chemistry, biology, engineering and technology into previously unapproached infinitesimal length scales. The polymer-nanoparticles/nanocomposites have been the exponentially growing field of research for developing the materials in last few decades and have been mainly focusing on the structure-property relationships and their development. Since the polymer-nanocomposites have been the staple of modern polymer industry, their durability under various environmental conditions and degradability after their service life are also essential fields of research. Thus, this article is intended to review the status of worldwide research in this aspect. Among various nanoparticulates, clay minerals and carbon nanotubes are more often used in enhancing physical, mechanical and thermal properties of polymers. In very few systems, the nano particulates have been incorporated into polymer as {\textquoteleft}nano-additives{\textquoteright} for both purposes: degradation and stabilization of polymers. The degradation and durability of polymers is reviewed in the presence of nanoparticles/nanocomposites under different environmental conditions. Nanoparticle-induced biodegradation of polymers is also discussed. (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Carbon nanotubes, clay, Degradation and stabilization, Nanocomposites, Nanoparticles, Polymer}, issn = {0079-6700}, doi = {10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2009.01.002}, author = {Kumar, Annamalai Pratheep and Depan, Dilip and Tomer, Namrata Singh and Singh, Raj Pal} } @article { ISI:000271819300006, title = {Natural yeast flora of different varieties of grapes used for wine making in India}, journal = {Food Microbiology}, volume = {26}, number = {8}, year = {2009}, month = {DEC}, pages = {801-808}, publisher = {ACADEMIC PRESS LTD- ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {24-28 OVAL RD, LONDON NW1 7DX, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The natural Saccharomyces and non-Saccharomyces yeast flora present on the grape berries significantly affect wine production. Six grape varieties, Bangalore blue, Zinfandel, Cabernet, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz are being used in India for wine making. The yeast diversity was studied on the basis of morphological, colony, physiological characteristics and 5.8S-ITS sequencing of rDNA of the isolates. Eleven different species belonging to seven genera were identified as: Candida azyma, Candida quercitrusa, Debaryomyces hansenii, Hanseniaspora guilliermondii, Hanseniaspora viniae, Hanseniaspora uvarum. Issatchenkia orientalis, Issatchenkia terricola, Pichia membranifaciens, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Zygoascus steatolyticus. H. guilliermondii was the predominant species while S. cerevisiae was observed occasionally in the six vine varieties. For the first time, C. azyma was isolated from Bangalore blue and Cabernet varieties grown in different localities. This association may be attributed to the change in cropping pattern from sugarcane to viticulture in the vine growing regions and the known association of C. azyma with sugarcane phylloplane. Further analysis of the indigenous strains and the qualitative and quantitative changes in the flora during fermentation will be useful to understand wine quality and to design preservation strategies to control wine spoilage. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {5.8S-ITS sequence, Identification, Physiological, Wine yeasts}, issn = {0740-0020}, doi = {10.1016/j.fm.2009.05.005}, author = {Chavan, Pradnya and Mane, Sarika and Kulkarni, Girish and Shaikh, Shamim and Ghormade, Vandana and Nerkar, Devidas P. and Shouche, Yogesh and Deshpande, Mukund V.} } @article { ISI:000263365600013, title = {NC palladacycles in the Heck arylation of ethylene: synthesis, structure and their reactivity}, journal = {Journal of Organometallic Chemistry}, volume = {694}, number = {5}, year = {2009}, month = {MAR}, pages = {683-690}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Monomeric cyclopalladated complexes with NC coordination using ligands 2-phenylpyridine, 2-phenylquinoline, 8-methylquinoline have been synthesized and the structures have been determined by single crystal X-ray structure analysis. The crystal structures of monomeric palladacycles prepared using benzophenone oxime, and 2-phenylpyridine have also been determined. The use of these complexes in the Heck arylation of ethylene with 2-bromo-6-methoxynaphthalne (BMN) to give 2-vinyl-6-methoxynapthalene which is an intermediate for the synthesis of anti-inflammatory drug Naproxen has been examined and also arylation of ethylene with 3-bromo-benzophenone and 4-bromo-isobutylbenzene was investigated. These palladacycles with NC coordination show excellent catalytic activity with a TOF \> 4000 h (1). (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {alpha-Aryl propionic acids, Arylation, Palladacycle}, issn = {0022-328X}, doi = {10.1016/j.jorganchem.2008.11.065}, author = {Atla, Shashi B. and Kelkar, Ashutosh A. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Bensch, Wolfgang and Chaudhari, Raghunath V.} } @article { ISI:000269310700020, title = {Non-templated hydrothermal growth of anisotropic magnetite nanostructures using hexamine as the directing agent}, journal = {Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology}, volume = {9}, number = {10}, year = {2009}, month = {OCT}, pages = {5823-5828}, publisher = {AMER SCIENTIFIC PUBLISHERS}, address = {25650 NORTH LEWIS WAY, STEVENSON RANCH, CA 91381-1439 USA}, abstract = {

Anisotropic growth of magnetite (Fe(3)O(4)) nanoparticles is achieved in a hydrothermal growth process using hexamine to play a dual role of oxide forming and directing agent. The samples are characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, squid magnetometry, ferromagnetic resonance technique, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and Mossbauer spectroscopy, which collectively establish the formation of Fe(3)O(4) phase. Anisotropic structures such as nanorods and nanotubules are revealed and these are shown to exhibit good humidity sensing properties.

}, keywords = {Anisotropic Nanostructures, Hexamine, hydrothermal, magnetite, Mossbauer}, issn = {1533-4880}, doi = {10.1166/jnn.2009.1244}, author = {Bhagwat, S. V. and Jouen, Samuel and Kundaliya, D. C. and Singh, H. and Jagadale, Tushar C. and Athawale, A. A. and Lofland, S. E. and Hannoyer, Beatrice and Ogale, Satishchandra B.} } @article { ISI:000263218700025, title = {Novel synthesis of coumarins employing triphenyl(alpha-carboxymethylene)-phosphorane imidazolide as a C-2 synthon}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {50}, number = {2}, year = {2009}, month = {JAN}, pages = {236-238}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A novel one-pot synthesis of coumarins via intramolecular Wittig cyclization from the reaction of phenolic compounds containing ortho-carbonyl group and triphenyl(alpha-carboxy methylene)phosphorane imidazolide is described. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Carbonyldiimidazole, Coumarins, Intramolecular Wittig reaction, Phenolic compound, Phosphorane}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2008.10.133}, author = {Upadhyay, Puspesh K. and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000272871400006, title = {N-substitution of polybenzimidazoles: synthesis and evaluation of physical properties}, journal = {European Polymer Journal}, volume = {45}, number = {12}, year = {2009}, month = {DEC}, pages = {3363-3371}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Series of N-substituted polybenzimidazoles (PBI) were synthesized using selective alkyl groups with varying bulk and flexibility, viz., methyl, n-butyl, methylene trimethylsilane and 4-tert-butylbenzyl. PBl-I based on 3,3{\textquoteright}-diaminobenzidine (DAB) and isophthalic acid and PBI-Bul based on DAB and 5-tert-butyl isophthalic acid were chosen for N-substitution. Structural characterizations of substituted polymers by FT-IR and (1)H NMR revealed elimination of hydrogen bonding. Evaluation of their physical properties revealed that N-substitution rendered better solvent solubility in common organic solvents, more open polymer matrix, but reduced thermal properties in comparison to their respective parent PBI. 4-tert-butylbenzyl, methylene trimethylsilane or n-butyl group substituted polymers were soluble even in chlorinated solvents (CHCl(3) and TCE). Substantial variations in gas permeability of inert gases, He and Ar and attractive P(He)/P(Ar) selectivity, especially after methyl group substitution depicted potential of these materials for gas separation. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Gas permeation, hydrogen bonding, N-Substitution, Polybenzimidazole}, issn = {0014-3057}, doi = {10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2009.10.006}, author = {Kumbharkar, Santosh C. and Kharul, Ulhas K.} } @article { ISI:000272010100009, title = {Optical investigations of interaction between zinc tetra phenyl porphyrin and CdSe nanoparticles}, journal = {Chemical Physics Letters}, volume = {483}, number = {4-6}, year = {2009}, month = {DEC}, pages = {227-232}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Interactions between nanoparticles of zinc tetra phenyl porphyrin (ZnTPP) with CdSe nanoparticles in dimethyl sulphoxide solvent have been investigated. A ZnTPP-CdSe complex was formed which showed substantial changes in the UV-Vis absorption spectra in the presence of CdSe. Fluorescence measurements showed an interesting behavior at low as well as high concentrations of CdSe. When low concentrations of CdSe nanoparticles were added to the ZnTPP nanoparticles solution, besides two fluorescence bands due to ZnTPP nanoparticles, an intense new band appeared. On the other hand at high concentrations of CdSe one of the fluorescence band of ZnTPP at similar to 604 nm increased. (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier B. V.

}, issn = {0009-2614}, doi = {10.1016/j.cplett.2009.10.074}, author = {Lihitkar, N. B. and Singh, S. B. and Singh, Jai and Srivastava, O. N. and Naik, R. H. and Kulkarni, S. K.} } @article { ISI:000268233800070, title = {Optoelectronic photoinduced charge transfer system with mu 3PhN-Ru-3 cluster functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry C}, volume = {113}, number = {30}, year = {2009}, month = {JUN}, pages = {13403-13408}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Optoelectronic photoinduced charges have been attracting great attention lately in view of their applicability to diverse optoelectronic device systems. Here, we report the design and implementation of a charge transfer system based on triruthenium (Ru) cluster compounds on viologen modified single-walled carbon nanotubes (V-SWNTs) by an in situ preparation method. We examine the photoinduced (intensity dependent and temporal) changes in the transport properties of the Ru-cluster functionalized V-SWNT coating and identify the possible charge transfer mechanism. Furthermore, we demonstrate the applicability of such Ru-cluster functionalized V-SWNT films to photoelectrochemical cells.

}, issn = {1932-7447}, doi = {10.1021/jp901683g}, author = {Lee, Wonjoo and Koo, Gumae and Ogale, Satishchandra B. and Han, Sung-Hwan} } @article { ISI:000270126100012, title = {Organocatalytic enantioselective synthesis of beta-blockers: (S)-propranolol and (S)-naftopidil}, journal = {Tetrahedron-Asymmetry}, volume = {20}, number = {15}, year = {2009}, month = {AUG}, pages = {1767-1770}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An efficient enantioselective synthesis of beta-adrenergic blockers (S)-propranolol and (S)-naftopidil with \> 98\% ee using an L-proline-catalyzed alpha-aminoxylation of an aldehyde as a key step is described. (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0957-4166}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetasy.2009.07.002}, author = {Panchgalle, Sharad P. and Gore, Rohitkumar G. and Chavan, Subhash P. and Kalkote, Uttam R.} } @article { ISI:000263491600003, title = {Oxidative kinetic resolution of alcohols using chiral Mn-salen complex immobilized onto ionic liquid modified silica}, journal = {Applied Catalysis A-General}, volume = {354}, number = {1-2}, year = {2009}, month = {FEB}, pages = {17-25}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The supported ionic liquid strategy has been applied for the immobilization of chiral Mn(III) salen complex onto ionic liquid modified silica. Chiral Mn(III) salen complex was immobilized over silica through a thin film of covalently anchored imidazolium ionic liquid. These catalysts were characterized by N(2) sorption, XRD, MR, DRUV-vis, and elemental analysis. The results showed that the chiral Mn(III) salen complex could be successfully immobilized onto the modified mesoporous materials and that the long-range mesoporous ordering of parent supports was maintained after the immobilization. The immobilized catalyst provided good enantioselectivity and activity in the heterogeneous catalysis of the oxidative kinetic resolution of secondary alcohol and can be recovered and recycled for four times without obvious loss of enantioselectivity and activity. Oxidative kinetic resolutions of meso-diols, hydroxyl ester and primary alcohol were also studied using this catalyst system. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Mesoporous silica, Mn(III) salen, Oxidative kinetic resolution, Secondary alcohol, Supported ionic liquid}, issn = {0926-860X}, doi = {10.1016/j.apcata.2008.10.039}, author = {Sahoo, Suman and Kumar, Pradeep and Lefebvre, F. and Halligudi, Shivaraj B.} } @article { ISI:000264437500025, title = {Photocatalytic mineralization of benzene over gold containing titania nanotubes: role of adsorbed water and nanosize gold crystallites}, journal = {Catalysis Today}, volume = {141}, number = {1-2}, year = {2009}, note = {18th National Symposium and Indo-US Seminar on Catalysis, Indian Inst Petroleum, Dehradun, INDIA, APR 16-18, 2007}, month = {MAR}, pages = {144-151}, publisher = {Catalysis Soc India; Petrotech Soc; Indo US Sci \& Technol Forum}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Well aligned titania nanotubes, with surface area of similar to 150 m(2) g(-1) and average pore diameter of similar to 5 nm, have been synthesized by subjecting a mesoporous TiO(2) sample to alkaline treatment followed by calcination at different temperatures. Composite catalysts with gold particles dispersed in these nanotubes were also synthesized and their structural, morphological, optical and photocatalytic properties were examined. The catalytic activity of TiO(2) for UV-mediated photo-oxidation of benzene was found to be affected by several factors, such as the sample texture. presence of adsorbed water and gold crystallites. The overall conversion of benzene to form CO(2) followed a trend: Au/nanotube \> TiO(2) nanotubes \> mesoporous TiO(2). In situ IR spectroscopy revealed that the adsorption and reaction of benzene molecules gave rise to formation of certain phenolic species over TiO(2), while the temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) study showed that the Au/TiO(2) interfaces serve as distinct sites for the adsorption and activation of oxygen molecules. It is suggested that certain hydroxyl and oxygen ion radicals produced under UV-irradiation may promote the deep oxidation of surface phenolic species and phenoxyl (ArO center dot) type transient radicals. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Benzene degradation, Gold containing, Photocatalyst, Role of adsorbed water, TiO(2) nanotubes, Transient species}, issn = {0920-5861}, doi = {10.1016/j.cattod.2008.04.008}, author = {Awate, S. V. and Sahu, R. K. and Kadgaonkar, Mahesh D. and Kumar, R. and Gupta, N. M.} } @article { ISI:000267416000001, title = {Photodegradation of EPDM/MWCNT nanocomposites: effect of singlet oxygen}, journal = {Polymer Composites}, volume = {30}, number = {7}, year = {2009}, month = {JUL}, pages = {855-860}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

The photo-oxidation of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)/multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) nanocomposites has been studied under accelerated UV-irradiation (lambda \>= 290 nm) in the presence of singlet oxygen. The rate of photodegradation of EPDM/MWCNT is found to be higher when compared to the pristine polymer in presence of singlet oxygen. The enhancement of the rate of degradation of composite has been described through [2 + 2] photocycloaddition reaction between singlet oxygen and double bonds on composite which is followed by cleavage. The rate of degradation and the formation of new functional groups on the composite has been monitored by FTIR spectroscopy and found to be increased with irradiation time. The changes in surface morphology have been studied by scanning electron microscope. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements revealed an increase in the glass transition temperature of photodegraded EPDM and EPDM/MWCNT nanocomposites. POLYM. COMPOS., 30:855-860, 2009. (C) 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers

}, issn = {0272-8397}, doi = {10.1002/pc.20646}, author = {Kumar, Bijandra and Kumar, Indresh and Singh, R. P.} } @article { ISI:000262435000012, title = {Phylogenetic analysis, homology modelling, molecular dynamics and docking studies of caffeoyl-CoA-O- methyl transferase (CCoAOMT 1 and 2) isoforms isolated from subabul (Leucaena leucocephala)}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Modeling}, volume = {15}, number = {2}, year = {2009}, month = {FEB}, pages = {203-221}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Caffeoyl coenzyme A O-methyltransferase (CCoAOMT) is an important enzyme that participates in lignin biosynthesis especially in the formation of cell wall ferulic esters of plants. It plays a pivotal role in the methylation of the 3-hydroxyl group of caffeoyl CoA. Two cDNA clones that code CCoAOMT were isolated earlier from subabul and in the present study; 3D models of CCoAOMT1 and CCoAOMT2 enzymes were built using the MODELLER7v7 software to find out the substrate binding sites. These two proteins differed only in two amino acids and may have little or no functional redundancy. Refined models of the proteins were obtained after energy minimization and molecular dynamics in a solvated water layer. The models were further assessed by PROCHECK, WHATCHECK, Verify_3D and ERRAT programs and the results indicated that these models are reliable for further active site and docking analysis. The refined models showed that the two proteins have 9 and 10 alpha-helices, 6 and 7 beta-sheets respectively. The models were used for docking the substrates CoA, SAM, SAH, caffeoyl CoA, feruloyl CoA, 5-hydroxy feruloyl CoA and sinapyl CoA which showed that CoA and caffeoyl CoA are binding with high affinity with the enzymes in the presence and absence of SAM. It appears therefore that caffeoyl CoA is the substrate for both the isoenzymes. The results also indicated that CoA and caffeoyl CoA are binding with higher affinity to CCoAOMT2 than CCoAOMT1. Therefore, CCoAOMT2 conformation is thought to be the active form that exists in subabul. Docking studies indicated that conserved active site residues Met58, Thr60, Val63, Glu82, Gly84, Ser90, Asp160, Asp162, Thr169, Asn191 and Arg203 in CCoAOMT1 and CCoAOMT2 enzymes create the positive charge to balance the negatively charged caffeoyl CoA and play an important role in maintaining a functional conformation and are directly involved in donor-substrate binding.

}, keywords = {Caffeoyl-CoA 3-O-methyl transferase, docking, Modelling, S-adenosyl homocysteine}, issn = {1610-2940}, doi = {10.1007/s00894-008-0395-8}, author = {Pagadala, Nataraj Sekhar and Arha, Manish and Reddy, P. S. and Kumar, Ranadheer and Sirisha, V. L. and Prashant, S. and Reddy, K. Janardhan and Khan, Bashir Mohammad and Rawal, S. K. and Kishor, P. B. Kavi} } @article { ISI:000270383400068, title = {Physical test of a particle simulation model in a sheared granular system}, journal = {Physical Review E}, volume = {80}, number = {3}, year = {2009}, month = {SEP}, pages = {031305}, publisher = {AMER PHYSICAL SOC}, address = {ONE PHYSICS ELLIPSE, COLLEGE PK, MD 20740-3844 USA}, abstract = {

We report a detailed comparison of a slow gravity-driven sheared granular flow with a discrete-element simulation performed in the same geometry. In the experiments, grains flow inside a silo with a rectangular cross section and are sheared by a rough boundary on one side and smooth boundaries on the other sides. Individual grain position and motion are measured using a particle index-matching imaging technique where a fluorescent dye is added to the interstitial liquid which has the same refractive index as the glass beads. The simulations use a Cundall-Strack contact model between the grains using contact parameters that have been used in many other previous studies and ignore the hydrodynamic effects of the interstitial liquid. Computations are performed to understand the effect of particle coefficient of friction, elasticity, contact model, and polydispersity on mean flow properties. We then perform a detailed comparison of the particle fluctuation properties as measured by the displacement probability distribution function and the mean square displacement. All in all, our study suggests a high level of quantitative agreement between the simulations and experiments.

}, issn = {1539-3755}, doi = {10.1103/PhysRevE.80.031305}, author = {Rycroft, Chris H. and Orpe, Ashish V. and Kudrolli, Arshad} } @article { ISI:000264647800005, title = {Physico-chemical, photo-catalytic and O-2-adsorption properties of TiO2 nanotubes coated with gold nanoparticles}, journal = {Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A-Chemistry}, volume = {203}, number = {1}, year = {2009}, month = {MAR}, pages = {24-31}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Gold-containing titania nanotubes (Au/NT) were found to display higher activity for photooxidation of acetaldehyde, as compared to corresponding gold-free nanotubes and also a Degussa P-25 catalyst. Besides CO2 as a major reaction product, small amounts of H-2, CH4, CO, H2O and CH3COOH were also formed, irrespective of the catalyst employed. High-resolution TEM examination showed that most of the gold particles in Au/NT were of 1.5-5 nm size, distributed both within and at outside surface of the nanotubes. Some larger size (10-70 run) clusters were also seen at the external surfaces, particularly in the samples calcined at an elevated temperature. The temperature-programmed desorption measurements revealed that, compared to P-25 TiO2, a significant entrapment of O-2 occurred at two distinct tubular sites of NT samples, corresponding activation energy of desorption (E,) being around 36 and 41 kcal mol(-1). On the other hand, gold nanoparticles in Au/NT served as independent low-energy (E-a = 26 kcal mol(-1)) sites for adsorption/activation of O-2. These adsorptive properties of TiO2 and Au were lost completely on calcination, thus revealing a crucial role played by the particle size. In situ IR spectroscopy results showed that room-temperature exposure to acetaldehyde + air gave rise to a molecularly bound state, i.e. CH3CHOad, over both NT and Au/NTsamples, which in turn transformed quickly to yield certain acetate (CH3COOad-) and formate (HCOOad-) type transient species with the involvement of the surface OH groups. The decomposition and oxidation of these surface species with the help of O-2(-), O-ad and hydroxyl ion radicals (OH-) formed at photo-excited Au/NT interfaces led to the reaction products mentioned above. We conclude that, besides electron-hole charge separation, the adsorptive properties of host matrix and nanosize gold may together play a significant role in deciding the photo-catalytic properties of Au/TiO2. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Acetaldehyde oxidation, Gold co-catalyst, O-2-adsorption, Photo-catalytic activity, TiO2 nanotubes}, issn = {1010-6030}, doi = {10.1016/j.jphotochem.2008.12.013}, author = {Malwadkar, Sachin S. and Gholap, Ramkrishna S. and Awate, Shobhana V. and Korake, Prakash V. and Chaskar, Manohar G. and Gupta, Narendra M.} } @article { ISI:000266088200028, title = {Pilot plant study of recovery of lactic acid from ethyl lactate}, journal = {Organic Process Research \& Development}, volume = {13}, number = {3}, year = {2009}, month = {MAY}, pages = {573-575}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Purified lactic acid is used for production of biodegradable polymer. Esterification with ethanol and subsequent hydrolysis in distillation columns to produce purified lactic acid without catalyst has obvious advantages. In this paper, we present a pilot-plant study of ethyl lactate hydrolysis to produce 3.86 kg/h lactic acid (99.85\% purity) using three distillation columns. Simulation of distillation columns at steady state has been carried out, and the results obtained tally with the experimental results of the pilot plant.

}, issn = {1083-6160}, doi = {10.1021/op800312k}, author = {Barve, Prashant P. and Rahman, Imran and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article { ISI:000265316800007, title = {Polybenzimidazoles tethered with N-Phenyl 1,2,4-triazole units as polymer electrolytes for fuel cells}, journal = {Journal of Polymer Science Part A-Polymer Chemistry}, volume = {47}, number = {9}, year = {2009}, month = {MAY}, pages = {2289-2303}, publisher = {JOHN WILEY \& SONS INC}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN, NJ 07030 USA}, abstract = {

Polybenzimidazole (PBI) polymers tethered with N-phenyl 1,2,4-triazole (NPT) groups were prepared from a newly synthesized aromatic diacid, 3{\textquoteright}-(4-phenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3,5-diyl) dibenzoic acid (PTDBA). The obtained polymers show superior thermal and chemical stability and good solubility in many aprotic solvents. The inherent viscosities of all polymers were around 1 dL/g. They exhibit high thermal stability with initial decomposition temperature ranging from 515 to 530 degrees C, high glass transition temperature ranging from 375 to 410 degrees C, and good mechanical properties with tensile stress in the range of 66-98 MPa and modulus 1897-2600 MPa. XRD analysis indicates that these polymers are amorphous in nature. PhysicochemiCal properties such as water and phosphoric acid-uptake, oxidative stability, and proton conductivity of membranes of these polymers have also been determined. The proton conductivity ranged from 4.7 x 10(-3) to 1.8 x 10(-2) S cm(-1) at 175 degrees C in dry conditions. (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 2289-2303, 2009

}, keywords = {fuel cells, Polybenzimidazole, synthesis and characterization, Triazole}, issn = {0887-624X}, doi = {10.1002/pola.23310}, author = {Potrekar, R. A. and Kulkarni, M. P. and Kulkarni, R. A. and Vernekar, S. P.} } @article { ISI:000263332200056, title = {Polyimides based on aromatic diisocyanates containing pendent flexible alkoxy chains and aromatic dianhydrides: synthesis, characterization, and liquid-crystal alignment properties}, journal = {Journal of Applied Polymer Science}, volume = {112}, number = {1}, year = {2009}, month = {APR}, pages = {461-472}, publisher = {JOHN WILEY \& SONS INC}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN, NJ 07030 USA}, abstract = {

Four new aromatic diisocyanates containing pendent flexible alkoxy chains, namely, 5-butyloxy-1,3-phenylenediisocyanate, 5-octyloxy-1,3-phenylenediisocyanate, 5-dodecyloxy-1,3-phenylenediisocyanate, and 5-hexadecyloxy-1,3-phenylenediisocyanate, were synthesized by Curtius rearrangement of the corresponding 5-alkoxy-1,3-phenylene diacylazides. These diisocyanates were each polycondensed with three commercially available aromatic dianhydrides: 4,4{\textquoteright}-oxydiphthalic anhydride, 3,3{\textquoteright},4,4{\textquoteright}-(hexafluoroisopropylidene) diphthalic anhydride, and 3,3{\textquoteright},4,4{\textquoteright}-benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride-in benzonitrile in the presence of 1,4-dizabicyclo[2.2.2]octane as a catalyst to obtain a series of polyimides with inherent viscosities in the range 0.16-0.43 dL/g. Except for 3,3{\textquoteright},4, 4{\textquoteright}-benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride based polyimides, all of the polyimides were found to be soluble in dichloromethane, m-cresol, 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, tetra-chloroethane, and pyridine either at room temperature or on heating and could be cast into tough, flexible, transparent films from a solution in in-cresol or tetra chloroethane. X-ray diffractograms revealed that the polyimides with longer alkoxy chains had layered structures. The glass-transition temperature of the polyimides containing pendent flexible alkoxy chains were in the range 159-246 degrees C as measured by differential scanning calorimetry. The temperature for the 10\% weight loss of the polyimides was in the range 410-460 degrees C in a nitrogen atmosphere, which indicated good thermal stability. A pretilt angle of 2.97 degrees was observed for the polyimide derived from 5-octyloxy-1,, 3-phenylenediisocyanate and 4,4{\textquoteright}-oxydiphthalic anhydride. (c) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 112: 461-472, 2009

}, keywords = {High performance polymers, polyimides, Thermal properties}, issn = {0021-8995}, doi = {10.1002/app.29388}, author = {Sarkar, Anjana and Halhalli, Mahadeo R. and Kulkarni, Arun D. and Wadgaonkar, Prakash P.} } @article { ISI:000269287200036, title = {Polymer crystallization in the presence of {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}sticky{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} additives}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Physics}, volume = {131}, number = {7}, year = {2009}, month = {AUG}, pages = {074905}, publisher = {AMER INST PHYSICS}, address = {CIRCULATION \& FULFILLMENT DIV, 2 HUNTINGTON QUADRANGLE, STE 1 N O 1, MELVILLE, NY 11747-4501 USA}, abstract = {

The effect of {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}sticky{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} additives (viz., those that have attractive interactions with the polymer) on polymer crystallization, has been investigated by dynamic Monte Carlo (DMC) simulations. Additive-polymer attractive interactions result in a slowing down of the polymer chain diffusivity in the melt state. Our results show that with increasing additive stickiness, polymer crystallinity decreases monotonically, and thinner crystallites form, viz., crystallization is inhibited by the presence of sticky additives. Unusually, the observed {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}specific heat{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} peak at the phase transition shows nonmonotonic behavior with additive stickiness, and exhibits a maximum for intermediate values of additive stickiness. While the origins of this unexpected behavior are not clear, we show that it correlates with a large interchange between crystalline and amorphous states of the monomers, in the vicinity of the additives. At this intermediate additive stickiness, we also find that crystallization follows a qualitatively different route-crystallinity shows a non-Avrami-like evolution, unlike the case at low or high additive stickiness.

}, keywords = {Additives, amorphous state, crystallisation, crystallites, Diffusion, Monte Carlo methods, polymer melts}, issn = {0021-9606}, doi = {10.1063/1.3174449}, author = {Dasmahapatra, Ashok Kumar and Nanavati, Hemant and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy} } @article { ISI:000266520400034, title = {Polymer-embedded stannic oxide nanoparticles as humidity sensors}, journal = {Materials Science \& Engineering C-Biomimetic and Supramolecular Systems}, volume = {29}, number = {3}, year = {2009}, month = {APR}, pages = {847-850}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Stannic oxide (SnO(2)) nanoparticles have been suspended in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix in different PVA: SnO(2) molar ratios ranging from 1:1 to 1:5 using simple chemical route. This suspension was deposited on ceramic substrate and upon drying was carefully detached from the substrate. SnO(2)-embedded self-standing, transparent and flexible thin films were hence synthesized. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Xray diffraction (XRD) techniques show the rutile tetragonal structure of SnO(2) with particle size similar to 5 nm. UV-Visible spectroscopy demonstrates the band gap of 3.9 eV, which does not alter when embedded in polymer. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) reveals that the properties of SnO(2) do not modify due to incorporation in the PVA matrix. The structures work as excellent humidity sensors at room temperature. For a critical PVA:SnO(2) molar ratio of 1:3, the resistance changes to five times of magnitude in 92\% humidity within fraction of second when compared with resistance at 11\% humidity. The sample regains its original resistance almost instantaneously after being removed from humid chamber. Nanodimensions of SnO(2) particles and percolation mechanism related to transport through polymer matrix and water molecule as a carrier has been used to understand the mechanism. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {humidity sensor, Nanoparticles, Polymer, Stannic oxide}, issn = {0928-4931}, doi = {10.1016/j.msec.2008.07.039}, author = {Hatamie, Shadie and Dhas, Vivek V. and Kale, B. B. and Mulla, Imtiaz S. and Kale, Sangeeta N.} } @article { ISI:000264309000017, title = {Pressure drop across vortex diodes: experiments and design guidelines}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Science}, volume = {64}, number = {6}, year = {2009}, month = {MAR}, pages = {1285-1292}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Vortex diodes are used as leaky non-return valves in applications where it is desirable to avoid valves with moving parts. Despite their use in practice for several decades, no clear guidelines for design and optimization of vortex diodes are available. Detailed experimental study on flow and pressure drop characteristics of vortex diodes was therefore carried out to evolve such guidelines. The study covered a wide range of vortex diodes. The variation of diodicity (ratio of pressure drop for reverse and forward flow for the same flow rate) with respect to diode geometry, diode size (d(c)), aspect ratio (d(c)/h), nozzle configuration and Reynolds number (Re) was studied. The experimental results were critically analyzed to develop a design methodology. The methodology is shown to be useful for obtaining the diode dimensions that would yield the desired diodicity for the required operating flow rate. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Aspect ratio, Diodicity, Nozzles, pressure drop, Vortex diode}, issn = {0009-2509}, doi = {10.1016/j.ces.2008.10.060}, author = {Kulkarni, Amol A. and Ranade, Vivek V. and Rajeev, R. and Koganti, S. B.} } @article { ISI:000272302200009, title = {Production, purification, and characterization of taxol and 10-DABIII from a new endophytic fungus gliocladium sp isolated from the Indian yew tree, taxus baccata}, journal = {Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology}, volume = {19}, number = {11}, year = {2009}, month = {NOV}, pages = {1342-1347}, publisher = {KOREAN SOC MICROBIOLOGY \& BIOTECHNOLOGY}, address = {KOREA SCI TECHNOL CENTER \#507, 635-4 YEOGSAM-DONG, KANGNAM-GU, SEOUL 135-703, SOUTH KOREA}, abstract = {

We have isolated endophytic fungi from the Indian yew tree, Taxus baccata, and then screened for taxol production. Out of the 40 fungal cultures screened, one fungus Gliocladium sp. was found to produce taxol and 10-DABIII (10-deacetyl baccatin III). These compounds were purified by TLC and HPLC and characterized using UV-spectroscopy, ESI-MS, MS/MS, and proton NMR. One liter of Gliocladium sp. culture yielded 10 mu g of taxol and 65 mu g of 10-DABIII. The purified taxol from the fungus showed cytotoxicity towards cancer lines HL-60 (leukemia), A431 (epidermal carcinoma), and MCF-7 (breast cancer).

}, keywords = {10 DAB III, Endophytic fungi, Gliocladium sp., Taxol, Taxus baccata}, issn = {1017-7825}, doi = {10.4014/jmb.0904.04041}, author = {Sreekanth, D. and Syed, A. and Sarkar, S. and Sarkar, Dhiman and Santhakumari, B. and Ahmad, Absar and Khan, Mohammad Islam} } @article { ISI:000265921000002, title = {Purification and characterization of putative alkaline [Ni-Fe] hydrogenase from unicellular marine green alga, tetraselmis kochinensis NCIM 1605}, journal = {Microbiological Research}, volume = {164}, number = {2}, year = {2009}, month = {FEB}, pages = {131-137}, publisher = {ELSEVIER GMBH, URBAN \& FISCHER VERLAG}, address = {OFFICE JENA, P O BOX 100537, 07705 JENA, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Hydrogenase enzyme from the unicellular marine green alga Tetraselmis kochinensis NCIM 1605 was purified 467 fold to homogeneity. The molecular weight was estimated to be similar to 89kDa by SDS-PAGE. This enzyme consists of two subunits with molecular masses of similar to 70 and similar to 19 kDa. The hydrogenase was found to contain 10 g atoms of Fe and 1 g of atom of Ni per mote of protein. The specific activity of hydrogen evolution was 50 mu mol H-2/mg/h of enzyme using reduced methyl viologen as an electron donor. This hydrogenase enzyme has pl value similar to 9.6 representing its alkaline nature. The absorption spectrum of the hydrogenase enzyme showed an absorption peak at 425 nm indicating that the enzyme had iron-sulfur clusters. The total of 16 cysteine residues were found per mote of enzyme under the denaturing condition and 20 cysteine residues in reduced denatured enzyme indicating that it has two disulfide bridges. (C) 2007 Published by Elsevier GmbH.

}, keywords = {Characterization, Chemical modification, Ni-Fe hydrogenase, Tetraselmis kochinensis, Unicellular green algae}, issn = {0944-5013}, doi = {10.1016/j.micres.2006.11.006}, author = {Bhosale, Siddharth H. and Pant, A. and Khan, Mohammad Islam} } @article { ISI:000266545500027, title = {Real-time nanomechanical and topographical mapping on live bacterial cells-brevibacterium casei under stress due to their exposure to Co2+ Ions during microbial synthesis of Co3O4 nanoparticles}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, volume = {113}, number = {22}, year = {2009}, month = {JUN}, pages = {7927-7933}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The study of elastic properties of microbial and mammalian cells using atomic force microscopy, with force-sensitivity as high as pico-Newtons and spatial resolution of a few nanometers, is proving to be a great tool for the real-time observation of the effects of drugs, biomolecules, metal ions, and nanoparticles on cell physiology in their natural environment. It has been shown that the Young{\textquoteright}s modulus of the cell surfaces is extremely sensitive to the surrounding environment. Recently, a broad array of microbes have been used successfully to synthesize nanocrystals of several metal and metal oxides in a controlled manner at room temperature after exposing them to various metal ion precursors. However, so far there is no report on the fate of their elastic properties and cell topography etc. during and after their exposure to the metal ions during the microbial synthesis of nanomaterials. Additionally, this information is also found to be extremely relevant to areas such as bioremediation, bioleaching, and biomineralization, where it is important to study the direct influence on the cell physiology in the presence of metal ions. Here, we report, for the first time, the use of AFM force-distance curves on live cells, to directly monitor (in real time) the changes in the surface-topography, surface-adhesion, indentation-depth, and Young{\textquoteright}s modulus of a metal-tolerant marine bacterium, Brevibacterium casei, isolated from the coast of the Arabian Sea, after its exposure to the Co2+ ions during the process of biosynthesis of nanoparticles. We earlier reported that this bacterium is capable of using the cobalt acetate as a precursor to synthesize protein-functionalized Co3O4 nanoparticles with very high crystallinity. Our study indicates a significant change in the morphology as well as elastic and adhesive properties of the Brevibacterium casei, where we found an increase in the adhesive properties and the indentation depth of the bacterial surfaces and a decrease in the cell stiffness after several hours of exposure to the cobalt acetate. We have discussed both qualitative and quantitative analysis of the force-spectroscopy data in detail.

}, issn = {1520-6106}, doi = {10.1021/jp902698n}, author = {Kumar, Umesh and Vivekanand, K. and Poddar, Pankaj} } @article { ISI:000268401300001, title = {Responses of midgut amylases of Helicoverpa armigera to feeding on various host plants}, journal = {Journal of Insect Physiology}, volume = {55}, number = {8}, year = {2009}, month = {AUG}, pages = {663-670}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Midgut digestive amylases and proteinases of Helicoverpa armigera, a polyphagous and devastating insect pest of economic importance have been studied. We also identified the potential of a sorghum amylase inhibitor against H. armigera midgut amylase. Amylase activities were detected in all the larval instars, pupae, moths and eggs; early instars had lower amylase levels which steadily increased up to the sixth larval instar. Qualitative and quantitative differences in midgut amylases of H. amigera upon feeding on natural and artificial diets were evident. Natural diets were categorized as one or more members of legumes, vegetables, flowers and cereals belonging to different plant families. Amylase activity and isoform patterns varied depending on host plant and/or artificial diet. Artificial diet-fed H. armigera larvae had comparatively high amylase activity and several unique amylase isoforms. Correlation of amylase and proteinase activities of H. armigera with the protein and carbohydrate content of various diets suggested that H. armigera regulates the levels of these digestive enzymes in response to macromolecular composition of the diet. These adjustments in the digestive enzymes of H. armigera may be to obtain better nourishment from the diet and avoid toxicity due to nutritional imbalance. H. armigera, a generalist feeder experiences a great degree of nutritional heterogeneity in its diet. An investigation of the differences in enzyme levels in response to macronutrient balance and imbalance highlight their importance in insect nutrition. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Amylase inhibitors, Diet, Helicoverpa armigera larvae, Midgut amylase, Proteinases}, issn = {0022-1910}, doi = {10.1016/j.jinsphys.2009.05.004}, author = {Kotkar, Hemlata M. and Sarate, Priya J. and Tamhane, Vaijayanti A. and Gupta, Vidya S. and Giri, Ashok P.} } @article { ISI:000266525900010, title = {Review on lazy learning regressors and their applications in QSAR}, journal = {Combinatorial Chemistry \& High Throughput Screening}, volume = {12}, number = {4}, year = {2009}, month = {MAY}, pages = {440-450}, publisher = {BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBL LTD}, address = {EXECUTIVE STE Y26, PO BOX 7917, SAIF ZONE, 1200 BR SHARJAH, U ARAB EMIRATES}, abstract = {

Building accurate quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) is important in drug design, environmental modeling, toxicology, and chemical property prediction. QSAR methods can be utilized to solve mainly two types of problems viz., pattern recognition, (or classification) where output is discrete (i.e. class information), e. g., active or non-active molecule, binding or non-binding molecule etc., and function approximation, (i.e. regression) where the output is continuous (e.g., actual activity prediction). The present review deals with the second type of problem (regression) with specific attention to one of the most effective machine learning procedures, viz. lazy learning. The methodologies of the algorithm along with the relevant technical information are discussed in detail. We also present three real life case studies to briefly outline the typical characteristics of the modeling formalism.

}, keywords = {classification, lazy learning, machine learning, Quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR), regression}, issn = {1386-2073}, author = {Kulkarni, Abhijit J. and Jayaraman, Valadi K. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article { ISI:000271538700006, title = {Rhodotorula aurantiaca penicillin V acylase: active site characterization and fluorometric studies}, journal = {Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B-Biology}, volume = {97}, number = {2}, year = {2009}, month = {NOV}, pages = {109-116}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Penicillin V acylase (PVA), a member of newly evolved Ntn-hydrolase superfamily, is a pharmaceutically important enzyme to produce 6-aminopenicillanic acid. Active site characterization of recently purified monomeric PVA from Rhodotorula aurantiaca (Ra-PVA), the yeast source, showed the involvement of serine and tryptophan in the enzyme activity. Modification of the protein with serine and tryptophan specific reagents such as PMSF and NBS showed partial loss of PVA activity and substrate protection. Ra-PVA was found to be a multi-tryptophan protein exhibiting one tryptophan, in native and, four in its denatured condition. Various solute quenchers and substrate were used to probe the microenvironment of the putative reactive tryptophan through fluorescence quenching. The results obtained indicate that the tryptophan residues of Ra-PVA were largely buried in hydrophobic core of the protein matrix. Quenching of the fluorescence by acrylamide was collisional. Acrylamide was the most effective quencher amongst all the used quenchers, which quenched 71.6\% of the total intrinsic fluorescence of the protein, at a very less final concentration of 0.1 M. Surface tryptophan residues were found to have predominantly more electropositively charged amino acids around them, however differentially accessible for ionic quenchers. Denaturation led to shift lambda(max) from 336, in native state, to 357 nm and more exposed to the solvent, consequently increase in fluorescence quenching with all quenchers. This is an attempt towards the conformational studies of Ra-PVA. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {active site residues, Fluorometric studies, Penicillin V acylase, Rhodotorula aurantiaca}, issn = {1011-1344}, author = {Kumar, Atul and Gowda, Nagaraj M. and Gaikwad, Sushama M. and Pundle, Archana} } @article { ISI:000267239200041, title = {Scolecite as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of 2,4,5-triarylimidazoles}, journal = {Central European Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {7}, number = {3}, year = {2009}, month = {SEP}, pages = {550-554}, publisher = {VERSITA}, address = {9 DRUGA POPRZECNA ST, 04-604 WARSAW 41, POLAND}, abstract = {

Natural scolecite has been found as an effective catalyst for the one-pot synthesis of 2,4,5-triarylimidazole derivatives via a three component reaction using benzil or benzoin, aldehydes and ammonium acetate. This method provides several advantages such as being environmentally benign, reusable, possessing high yields with increased variations of the substituents in the product and preparative simplicity.

}, keywords = {2, 4, 5-Triarylimidazoles, heterogeneous catalyst, Three-component reaction}, issn = {1895-1066}, doi = {10.2478/s11532-009-0050-y}, author = {Gadekar, Lakshman S. and Mane, Shivshankar R. and Katkar, Santosh S. and Arbad, Balasaheb R. and Lande, Machhindra K.} } @article { ISI:000272759400005, title = {Scolecite catalyzed facile and efficient synthesis of polyhydroquinoline derivatives through hantzsch multi-component condensation}, journal = {Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society}, volume = {30}, number = {11}, year = {2009}, month = {NOV}, pages = {2532-2534}, publisher = {KOREAN CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {635-4 YEOGSAM-DONG, KANGNAM-GU, SEOUL 135-703, SOUTH KOREA}, abstract = {

A facile and efficient synthetic route has been developed for the polyhydroquinoline via four component reactions of aldehydes, dimedone, ethyl acetoacetate and ammonium acetate in the presence of catalytic amount of scolecite in ethanol at 70 degrees C through Hantzsch reaction. This method gives remarkable advantages such as simple work-up procedure. environmentally friendly, inexpensive, non-toxic and recyclable catalyst, shorter reaction time along with excellent yields

}, keywords = {heterogeneous catalyst, Multicomponent reaction, Polyhydroquinoline, Reusable catalyst}, issn = {0253-2964}, author = {Gadekar, Lakshman S. and Katkar, Santosh S. and Mane, Shivshankar R. and Arbad, Balasaheb R. and Lande, Machhindra K.} } @article { ISI:000273100600003, title = {Selective binding of benzoquinone with a Pt-II-cyclophane constructed on the skeleton of N,N {\textquoteleft}-bis(salicylidene)-p-phenylenediamine: synthesis and spectroscopic studies}, journal = {Indian Journal of Chemistry Section A-Inorganic Bio-Inorganic Physical Theoretical \& Analytical Chemistry}, volume = {48}, number = {12}, year = {2009}, month = {DEC}, pages = {1644-1651}, publisher = {NATL INST SCIENCE COMMUNICATION-NISCAIR}, address = {DR K S KRISHNAN MARG, PUSA CAMPUS, NEW DELHI 110 012, INDIA}, abstract = {

The Schiff base NN{\textquoteright}-bis(salicylidene)-p-phenylenediamine has been complexed with Pt(en)Cl-2 and the resulting Pt-II-cyclophane, [Pt(en)L](2)center dot 4PF(6), reacted with phenol, resorcinol, hydroquinone or benzoquinone in DMSO solution. Their binding has been monitored by the variation in the corresponding UV-visible and emission spectral patterns. The binding properties are compared with the earlier reported Zn-II-cyclophane [Zn(bpy)L](2) (bpy = 2,2{\textquoteright}-bipyridine). A few solid adducts of phenol and benzoquinone with the Pt-II-cyclophane complex and hydroquinone as well as that of resorcinol with the Zn-cyclophane have also been synthesized and characterized.

}, keywords = {Coordination chemistry, Cyclophanes, Metallocyclophanes, platinum, Schiff bases}, issn = {0376-4710}, author = {Kumari, Niraj and Prajapati, Rishikesh and Dixit, Mudit and Mishra, Lallan} } @article { ISI:000263491600023, title = {Selective hydroxyalkylation of phenol to bisphenol F over dodecatungstophosphoric acid (DTP) impregnated on fumed silica}, journal = {Applied Catalysis A-General}, volume = {354}, number = {1-2}, year = {2009}, month = {FEB}, pages = {176-182}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The catalyst activity of various solid acids, such as fumed Silica (SiO(2)) dodecatungstophosphoric acid (DTP), DTP impregnated on SiO(2), amberlyst-15 and montmorillonite KSF/0, was studied for the hydroxyalkylation of phenol to bisphenol F. A well-dispersed DTP on SiO2 catalyst was prepared by the wet impregnation method. The effect of DTP loading on SiO(2) was also compared with bulk DTP and other solid acid catalysts. 20\% DTP/SiO(2) catalyst gave the highest products yield of 34.2\% and selectivity of 90.1\% to bisphenol F, at 353 K and with a phenol-to-formaldehyde mole ratio of 5:1. Ammonia TPD studies of various catalysts showed that an appropriate combination of both strong and weak acid sites of DTP/SiO(2) Was mainly responsible, rather than only the stronger acidity of bulk DTP, for its highest catalytic activity and selectivity. The effect of various reaction parameters like mole ratio, catalyst concentration, temperature and reaction time on product yield and bisphenol F selectivity was also investigated. The catalyst recycle was established by catalyst activity testing. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Bisphenol F, Hydroxyalkylation, NH(3)-TPD, Reaction pathways, solid acid catalysts}, issn = {0926-860X}, doi = {10.1016/j.apcata.2008.11.025}, author = {Garade, Ajit C. and Kshirsagar, V. S. and Rode, C. V.} } @article { ISI:000264521700002, title = {Selective synthesis of cumene by isopropylation of benzene using catalytic membrane reactor}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Journal}, volume = {147}, number = {2-3}, year = {2009}, month = {APR}, pages = {97-101}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Selective isopropylation of benzene to cumene is demonstrated using catalytic membrane reactor (CMR), to our knowledge for the first time and the performance was evaluated against conventional plug flow reactor (PFR). Almost complete elimination of byproducts like polyalkylated benzene and higher aromatics could be made possible by using CMR. These are present in significant amount when reaction is carried out with PFR. The cumene selectivity increased up to a maximum of 97.25\% by CMR as against 90.05\% with conventional PFR. The effect of reaction parameters that can greatly influence the process economics, such as liquid hourly space velocity (LHSV), reactant mole ratio and catalyst/reactor volume ratio were investigated. Changes in these parameters made for CMR are industrially advantageous. The process by CMR is more economical and ecofriendly than PFR as far as milder process parameters (higher LHSV, lower reactant feed mole ratio, less catalyst require, etc.) and process intensification (reaction and separation in single reactor) are concerned. The study provides new insights for benzene isopropylation reaction. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Benzene, Catalytic membrane reactor, cumene, Diisopropyl benzene, Friedel-Craft alkylation}, issn = {1385-8947}, doi = {10.1016/j.cej.2008.06.035}, author = {Bokade, Vijay V. and Kharul, Ulhas K.} } @article { ISI:000261660200019, title = {Self assembled hydrophobic nanoclusters of poly(methylmethcrylate) embedded into polyvinyl alcohol based hydrophilic matrix: preparation and water sorption study}, journal = {Journal of Applied Polymer Science}, volume = {111}, number = {3}, year = {2009}, month = {FEB}, pages = {1300-1310}, publisher = {JOHN WILEY \& SONS INC}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN, NJ 07030 USA}, abstract = {

Hydrophilic matrices containing nanosized Clusters of hydrophilic moieties have demonstrated potential applications in biomedical field. A novel hydrogel containing nanosized domains (20-35 nm) of hydrophobic moieties of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was prepared by grafting crosslinked p ly(acrylic acid-co-methyl-methacrylate) chains onto polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) backbone using an efficient redox system. The graft copolymerization process was investigated to observe the influence of gel components on the kinetic parameters of grafting such as rate of grafting (R(g)), grafting yield (G(y)) and grafting efficiency (G(e)). The prepared graft nanohydrogel was evaluated for its water sorption potential under varying chemical composition of the gel and changing pH, temperature, and ionic strength of the swelling bath. The swelling process was also examined mechanistically and diffusion constants (D) of water molecules through the swellable nanohydrogel were also evaluated. (c) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J ppl Polym Sci 111: 1300-1310, 2009

}, keywords = {graft copolymers, hydrophilic polymers, Nanocomposites, swelling}, issn = {0021-8995}, doi = {10.1002/app.29155}, author = {Shukla, Sandeep Kumar and Shaikh, A. Wasif and Gunari, Nikhil and Bajpai, A. K. and Kulkarni, R. A.} } @article { ISI:000264111200022, title = {Self-assembly of silica particles in a nonionic surfactant hexagonal mesophase}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, volume = {113}, number = {11}, year = {2009}, month = {MAR}, pages = {3423-3430}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

We investigate the process of self-assembly, and the resultant structures in composites of silica particles with a hexagonal mesophase of a nonionic surfactant and water. We report a systematic transition in behavior when the particle size is increased relative to the characteristic mesophase spacing. Water dispersible cage-like silsesquioxanes that are molecular analogues of silica particles and are smaller than the mesophase spacing swell the space between the surfactant cylinders. Silica particles comparable to the characteristic hexagonal spacing partition into the hexagonal phase and into strandlike particulate aggregates. Even larger particles phase separate from the hexagonal phase to form particulate strands that organize with a mesh size comparable to the wavelength of visible light. This self-assembly is reversible and the particles disperse by breaking up the aggregates on heating the composite into the isotropic phase. On cooling from the isotropic phase into the hexagonal, the particles are expelled from the growing hexagonal domains and finally impinge to form strandlike aggregates. Unusually, the isotropization temperature is increased in the composites as the particles nucleate the formation of the hexagonal phase.

}, issn = {1520-6106}, doi = {10.1021/jp810769g}, author = {Sharma, Kamendra P. and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy and Ly, Isabelle and Mondain-Monval, Olivier} } @article { ISI:000266390000011, title = {Silver fused conducting fiber formation of Au-Ag core-shell nanoparticles mediated by ascorbic acid}, journal = {Plasmonics}, volume = {4}, number = {2}, year = {2009}, month = {JUN}, pages = {161-170}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

In this paper, we report the spontaneous formation of fibrous structures consisting of assemblies of Au-Ag core-shell nanoparticles (NPs) from a solution consisting of Au-Ag core-shell NPs and l-ascorbic acid (AA). AA acted both as the reducing agent for the generation of NPs and also as the mediator for the formation of fibers. The process of fiber formation involved three steps-reduction of HAuCl(4) to Au NPs by AA, subsequent formation of Au-Ag core-shell NPs after addition of AgNO(3), and spontaneous formation of fibers from the mixtures in water. It took typically about 30 days to form complete fibers that are of lengths of several hundred micrometers to millimeters, although nanofibers started forming from the first day of solution preparation. The width of each of these fibers was typically about 1-4 A mu m with length of each segment of fiber bundle, on the order of 40 A mu m. Formation of fibers was also observed in absence of AgNO(3). These fibers consisted of Au NPs and polymer of AA degradation products and were not electrically conducting. Also, low concentrations of AgNO(3) produced fibers with low electrical conductivity. However, it was observed that increase in the amount of AgNO(3) leads to the formation of fibers that were electrically conducting with conductivity values in the range of metallic conductivity. Spectroscopic and electron microscopic investigations were carried out to establish the formation of fibers. The details of fiber formation mechanism under different conditions and electrical conductivities of the fibers are discussed in the article.

}, keywords = {Ascorbic acid, core-shell, Fiber, Gold, Nanoparticles, Silver}, issn = {1557-1955}, doi = {10.1007/s11468-009-9091-5}, author = {Murugadoss, A. and Kar, Manoranjan and Pasricha, Renu and Chattopadhyay, Arun} } @article { ISI:000268726500015, title = {Simple and efficient enzymatic transglycosylation of stevioside by beta-cyclodextrin glucanotransferase from Bacillus firmus}, journal = {Biotechnology Letters}, volume = {31}, number = {9}, year = {2009}, note = {13th International Biotechnology Symposium and Exhibition (IBS-2008), Dalian, PEOPLES R CHINA, OCT 12-17, 2008}, month = {SEP}, pages = {1415-1420}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Stevioside was subjected to 1,4-intermolecular transglycosylation using beta-cyclodextrin glucanotransferase (beta-CGtase) produced from an alkalophilic strain of Bacillus firmus. The reaction was carried out by traditional, ultrasound-assisted and microwave-assisted techniques. Reaction under microwave conditions was faster and was completed in 1 min yielding two 1,4 transglycosylated products, 4{\textquoteright}-O-alpha-d-glycosyl stevioside (I) and 4{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}-O-alpha-d-maltosyl stevioside (II) in 66\% and 24\%, respectively. The optimum transglycosylation occurred by using stevioside (1.24 mmol), beta-CD (1.76 mmol) and beta-CGtase (2 U/g) under microwave assisted reaction (MAR) in 5 ml sodium phosphate buffer (pH 7) at 50A degrees C and 80 W power. MAR is therefore potentially a useful and economical method for faster transglycosylation of stevioside.

}, keywords = {beta-cyclodextrin, beta-Cyclodextrin glucanotransferase, Microwave-assisted reaction, Stevia rebaudiana, Stevioside, Transglycosylation}, issn = {0141-5492}, doi = {10.1007/s10529-009-0020-7}, author = {Jaitak, V. and Kaul, V. Kumar and Bandna and Kumar, N. and Singh, B. and Savergave, L. S. and Jogdand, Vitthal V. and Nene, S.} } @article { ISI:000207804200008, title = {Single step synthesis and properties of M/MFe2O4 and PVDF/M/MFe2O4 (M = Co, Ni) magnetic nanocomposites}, journal = {Science of Advanced Materials}, volume = {1}, number = {3}, year = {2009}, month = {DEC}, pages = {262-268}, publisher = {AMER SCIENTIFIC PUBLISHERS}, address = {26650 THE OLD RD, STE 208, VALENCIA, CA 91381-0751 USA}, abstract = {

Metal/ferrite nanocomposites (M/MFe2O4; M = Co, Ni), consisting of nanoparticles of a metal and the corresponding metal ferrite, have been synthesized under in situ conditions by a simple and single step process. The metal/ferrite nanocomposites embedded in a polymer matrix have been prepared by a simple hot-pressing method. The performance parameters such as magnetization, coercivity, permeability and dielectric constant of the two- and three-phase nanocomposite systems are compared. The coercivity increases and the permeability decreases with increasing polymer content in the three-phase composite. Enhancement of the dielectric constant is observed at low frequencies.

}, keywords = {Dielectric, Ferrite, magnetic properties, Nanocomposite, Nanocrystalline, permeability}, issn = {1947-2935}, doi = {10.1166/sam.2009.1053}, author = {Deka, Sasanka and Joy, Pattayil Alias and Kumar, A. Pratheep} } @article { ISI:000262987800024, title = {Solid state synthesis and room temperature magnetic properties of iron phosphide nanoparticles}, journal = {Journal of Nanoparticle Research}, volume = {11}, number = {2}, year = {2009}, month = {FEB}, pages = {491-497}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Room temperature magnetic properties have been achieved for nano-crystalline iron phosphide synthesized from the direct solid state reaction of iron chloride and tri-octylphosphine (TOP). The magnetization continuously increased with higher magnetic fields, indicating a super-paramagnetic behavior. It is observed that room temperature magnetism is possible for the material showing antiferromagnetic nature at low temperatures. In the present synthesis, TOP acted as a source of phosphorus as well as a surfactant. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies revealed that the black powder is a mixture of FeP and Fe(2)P. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed elongated as well spherical particles. Energy dispersion X-ray analysis (EDAX) confirmed a non-stoichiometric iron phosphide. Presence of TOP was confirmed by infra-red (IR) spectroscopy, and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated about 6\% wt. loss due to presence of organics.

}, keywords = {Iron phosphide, Semiconductors, Solid state reaction, synthesis, XRD}, issn = {1388-0764}, doi = {10.1007/s11051-008-9458-0}, author = {Singh, N. and Khanna, P. K. and Joy, Pattayil Alias} } @article { ISI:000268923200029, title = {Solubilization and conformational behavior of zein in aqueous solution of dodecyldimethylethylammonium bromide (DDAB)}, journal = {Colloids and Surfaces A-Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects}, volume = {346}, number = {1-3}, year = {2009}, month = {AUG}, pages = {195-201}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The solubilization and conformational behavior of Zein in the presence of cationic surfactant, dodecyldimethylethylammonium bromide (DDAB) have been studied. The colloidal properties of DDAB in the absence and presence of Zein have also been investigated using physico-chemical and spectroscopy methods. The surfactant appears to bind to Zein at concentrations below the critical micelle concentration (cmc) and the binding becomes weaker at concentrations above the cmc. The interaction between DDAB and Zein depends on the chemical structure and molecular parameters (conformation, molar mass, charge) of the protein. The schematic sketches of the molecular mechanisms of the complex formation between like-charged proteins and surfactants have been proposed. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Absorbance spectroscopy, Aggregation number, conductivity, DDAB, FT-IR, Surface tension, viscosity, Zein}, issn = {0927-7757}, doi = {10.1016/j.colsurfa.2009.06.016}, author = {Mehta, S. K. and Bhawna and Bhasin, K. K. and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000263939200021, title = {Solvent extraction of trivalent indium from succinate solution by 2-octylaminopyridine in chloroform}, journal = {Journal of the Iranian Chemical Society}, volume = {6}, number = {1}, year = {2009}, month = {MAR}, pages = {200-212}, publisher = {IRANIAN CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {NO 7, MARAGHEH ST, OSTAD NEJATOLLAHI AVE, PO BOX 15875-1169, TEHRAN, 00000, IRAN}, abstract = {

Extraction processes of indium(III) with 2-octylaminopyridine (2-OAP) from media of various complexing ability, succinate and salicylate, in chloroform have been elucidated. The ion-pair complex has also quantitative extraction in xylene and 1,2-dichloroethane. Indium(III) from organic phase was stripped with 1.0 M hydrochloric acid and determined complexometrically with EDTA. The stoichiometry of the extracted species was found out on the basis of slope analysis. The extraction of indium(III) proceeds by an anion exchange mechanism and the extracted species is [RR{\textquoteright}NH(2)(+)In(succinate)(2)(-)]((org)). Temperature dependence of the extraction equilibrium constant was also examined to estimate the apparent thermodynamic functions (Delta H, Delta G and Delta S) for extraction reaction. It is possible to separate indium(III) from Zn(II), Cd(II), Pb(II), Hg(II), Bi(III), Tl(I), Tl(III), Ga(III), Al(III), Te(IV), Se(IV), Sb(III), Fe(III) and Sn(IV). The method is simple, rapid and reproducible and can be used to determine the indium from samples like alloys.

}, keywords = {2-OAP, Binary separations, Indium(III), liquid-liquid extraction, Sodium succinate}, issn = {1735-207X}, author = {Mahamuni, Sandip V. and Kolekar, S. S. and Wadgaonkar, P. P. and Anuse, Mansing A.} } @article { ISI:000267478600011, title = {Spatial and temporal expression patterns of diverse Pin-II proteinase inhibitor genes in Capsicum annuum Linn}, journal = {Gene}, volume = {442}, number = {1-2}, year = {2009}, month = {AUG}, pages = {88-98}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Pin-II type proteinase inhibitor (PI) genes were cloned from fruit and stem tissues of Capsicum annuum L var Phule Jyoti using primers designed from reported CanPI gene sequence (AF039398). In total, 21 novel CanPIs, members of the Pin-II PI family, were identified in the study, with three isoforms of 1-inhibitory repeat domain (IRD), eight isoforms of 2-IRD), three isoforms of 3-IRD, five isoforms of 4-IRD and two partial CanPI sequences. Most of the sequences showed variation (2 to 20\%) in the deduced AA sequences which were pronounced close to the reactive site loop. Expression patterns of CanPIs in the fruit and stem tissues of mature C. annuum plants were shown to vary qualitatively and quantitatively using semi-quantitative RT-PCR expression analysis. In the fruit tissue. CanPIs with different IRDs (from 1 to 4) were expressed simultaneously. In stem tissue, 1- and 2-IRD CanPIs were strongly expressed along moderate expression of 3- and 4-IRD genes. Analysis of CanPI protein activity showed a range of active forms across the tissues. CanPI expression was differentially up-regulated upon wounding and insect attack. Although infestation by aphids (Myzus persicae) and lepidopteran pests (Spodoptera litura) specifically induced 4-IRD CanPIs, virus-infected leaves did not affect CanPI expression. Analysis of CanPI protein activity indicated that the up-regulation in CanPI expression was not always correlated with increase in PI activity. Our results demonstrated that CanPI expression is regulated spatially, temporally as well as qualitatively and quantitatively. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {CanPI, Capsicum annuum, Endogenous role, Pin-II, Plant defense, Proteinase inhibitor}, issn = {0378-1119}, doi = {10.1016/j.gene.2009.04.012}, author = {Tamhane, Vaijayanti A. and Giri, Ashok P. and Kumar, Pavan and Gupta, Vidya S.} } @article { ISI:000263683800007, title = {Strain improvement and up scaling of phytase production by aspergillus niger NCIM 563 under submerged fermentation conditions}, journal = {Journal of Industrial Microbiology \& Biotechnology}, volume = {36}, number = {3}, year = {2009}, month = {MAR}, pages = {373-380}, publisher = {SPRINGER HEIDELBERG}, address = {TIERGARTENSTRASSE 17, D-69121 HEIDELBERG, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Combination of physical and chemical mutagenesis was used to isolate hyper secretory strains of Aspergillus niger NCIM 563 for phytase production. Phytase activity of mutant N-1 and N-79 was about 17 and 47\% higher than the parent strain. In shake flask the productivity of phytase in parent, mutant N-1 and N-79 was 6,181, 7,619 and 9,523 IU/L per day, respectively. Up scaling of the fermentation from shake flask to 3 and 14 L New Brunswick fermenter was studied. After optimizing various fermentation parameters like aeration, agitation and carbon source in fermentation medium the fermentation time to achieve highest phytase activity was reduced considerably from 14 days in shake flask to 8 days in 14 L fermenter. Highest phytase activity of 80 IU/ml was obtained in 1\% rice bran-3.5\% glucose containing medium with aeration 0.2 vvm and agitation 550 rpm at room temperature on 8th day of fermentation. Addition of either bavistin (0.1\%), penicillin (0.1\%), formalin (0.2\%) and sodium chloride (10\%) in fermented broth were effective in retaining 100\% phytase activity for 8 days at room temperature while these reagents along with methanol (50\%) and ethanol (50\%) confer 100\% stability of phytase activity at 4A degrees C till 20 days. Among various carriers used for application of phytase in feed, wheat bran and rice bran were superior to silica and calcium carbonate. Thermo stabilization studies indicate 100\% protection of phytase activity in presence of 12\% skim milk at 70A degrees C, which will be useful for its spray drying.

}, keywords = {Agriculture residue, Aspergillus niger, Phytase, phytate degradation, Poultry feed supplement, Submerged fermentation}, issn = {1367-5435}, doi = {10.1007/s10295-008-0506-7}, author = {Shah, P. and Bhavsar, Kavita P. and Soni, S. K. and Khire, Jayant Malhar} } @article { ISI:000271542900148, title = {On the structural, magnetic and electrical properties of sol-gel derived nanosized cobalt ferrite}, journal = {Journal of Alloys and Compounds}, volume = {485}, number = {1-2}, year = {2009}, month = {OCT}, pages = {711-717}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Nanoparticles of cobalt ferrite were synthesized by sol gel method. These particles were structurally characterized by using X-Ray Diffraction and Transmission Electron Microscopy, High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive Spectrum and Inductively Coupled Plasma Analysis and the results confirmed the formation of spherically shaped nanoparticles of cobalt ferrite having a size lying in the range of 13-14 nm. The as prepared sample was sintered at 800 degrees C and the structural, magnetic and dielectric properties were measured. The dielectric properties were studied and analyzed as a function of temperature and frequency. The ac and dc conductivity studies were carried out to delve into the conduction mechanism. The existing models based on quantum mechanical tunneling were effectively employed to explain the frequency dependent conductivity. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Electronic Transport, Magnetic measurements, Magnetically ordered materials, Nanostructures, Scanning and transmission electron microscopy, Sol-gel synthesis, X-ray diffraction}, issn = {0925-8388}, doi = {10.1016/j.jallcom.2009.06.033}, author = {Gopalan, E. Veena and Joy, Pattayil Alias and Al-Omari, I. A. and Kumar, D. Sakthi and Yoshida, Yasuhiko and Anantharaman, Maliemadom R.} } @article { ISI:000264490200027, title = {Studies toward the total synthesis of carba analogue of motif C OF M. TB cell wall AG complex}, journal = {Heterocycles}, volume = {77}, number = {2}, year = {2009}, month = {FEB}, pages = {909-925}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Herein we describe the synthesis of the carba analogue of motif C of arabinogalactan complex present in M tuberculosis cell wall. Pd(0) catalyzed allylic alkylation and Fraser-Reid{\textquoteright}s glycosidation are the two key reactions that were employed for the synthesis of central glycosyl accepter unit and the glycosylation respectively.

}, keywords = {Allylic Alkylation, desymmetrization, Fraser-Reid{\textquoteright}s Glycosidation, M. Tb Ag Complex, Mycobacterium tuberculosis}, issn = {0385-5414}, doi = {10.3987/COM-08-S(F)59}, author = {Gurjar, Mukund K. and Reddy, Challa Nageswar and Kalkote, Uttam R. and Chorghade, Mukund S.} } @article { ISI:000262707000040, title = {Synthesis and antifungal activity of 1,2,3-triazole containing fluconazole analogues}, journal = {Bioorganic \& Medicinal Chemistry Letters}, volume = {19}, number = {3}, year = {2009}, month = {FEB}, pages = {759-763}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Fluconazole based novel mimics containing 1,2,3-triazole were designed and synthesized as antifungal agents. Their antifungal activities were evaluated in vitro by measuring the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs). Compounds 12, 15, and 16 were found to be more potent against Candida fungal pathogens than control drugs fluconazole and amphotericin B. The studies presented here provide structural modi. cation of fluconazole to give 1,2,3-trazole containing molecules. Furthermore, these molecules were evaluated in vivo against Candida albicans intravenous challenge in Swiss mice and antiproliferative activities were tested against human hepatocellular carcinoma Hep3B and human epithelial carcinoma A431. It was found that compound 12 resulted in 97.4\% reduction in fungal load in mice and did not show any profound proliferative effect at lower dose (0.001 mg/ml). (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {1, 2, 3-Triazole, Antifungal agent, bile acid, Conjugates, Fluconazole}, issn = {0960-894X}, doi = {10.1016/j.bmcl.2008.12.026}, author = {Aher, Nilkanth G. and Pore, Vandana S. and Mishra, Nripendra N. and Kumar, Awanit and Shukla, Praveen K. and Sharma, Aanchal and Bhat, Manoj K.} } @article { ISI:000263932600008, title = {Synthesis and characterization of high-surface-area Ag2O-doped SnO2 nanomaterial}, journal = {Philosophical Magazine Letters}, volume = {89}, number = {3}, year = {2009}, month = {MAR}, pages = {PII 909257359}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS LTD}, address = {4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Nanosized tin dioxide-based powders containing silver and palladium oxides have been prepared by coprecipitation reaction. XRD, TEM, and XPS analysis were carried out for investigation of crystalline structure and surface morphology. The best reactive conditions were determined, such as the concentration of the reactants, pH value, surfactants, reaction temperature, and time. The material obtained is nanocrystalline, having a particle size in the range of 5.21-7.42 nm. Effect of doped-Ag2O on the crystal size of the nanoparticles and the influence of the presence of a second dopant (Pd) on the Ag2O/SnO2 matrix was discussed.

}, keywords = {Ag2O:SnO2, Nanomaterials, XPS}, issn = {0950-0839}, doi = {10.1080/09500830902758651}, author = {Gambhire, A. B. and Lande, Machhindra K. and Kalokhe, S. B. and Shirsat, M. D. and Patil, K. R. and Gholap, Ramkrishna S. and Arbad, B. R.} } @article { ISI:000272522300034, title = {Synthesis and properties of new polybenzoxazines containing (substituted) cyclohexyl moieties}, journal = {Polymers for Advanced Technologies}, volume = {20}, number = {12}, year = {2009}, month = {DEC}, pages = {1107-1113}, publisher = {JOHN WILEY \& SONS LTD}, address = {THE ATRIUM, SOUTHERN GATE, CHICHESTER PO19 8SQ, W SUSSEX, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A series of new polybenzoxazines were synthesized based on diphenols containing (substituted) cyclohexyl moiety and were characterized by FT-IR, (1)H-NMR, and (13)C-NMR spectroscopy. These new benzoxazine monomers exhibited better processability with lower peak cure temperature and a wide cure controllable window (CCW) as manifested in differential scanning calorimetric analysis. The cure analysis was performed by FT-IR spectroscopy. Glass transition temperature of new polybenzoxazines varied from 170 to 205 degrees C. The cyclohexyl bridge groups facilitated ring opening, resulting in polymer with improved thermal stability in comparison to bisphenol A-based benzoxazine as assessed by the various thermal analyses. The water contact angles of polybenzoxazines containing (substituted) cyclohexyl moieties were higher than that of bisphenol A-based polybenzoxazine, implying their higher hydrophobicity. Copyright (C) 2009 John Wiley \& Sons, Ltd.

}, keywords = {Hydrophobicity, polybenzoxazines, thermally stable polymers}, issn = {1042-7147}, doi = {10.1002/pat.1370}, author = {Kumar, K. S. Santhosh and Nair, C. P. Reghunadhan and Ninan, K. N. and Kulkarni, A. D. and Wadgaonkar, P. P.} } @article { ISI:000265237700014, title = {Synthesis, characterization and catalytic performance of Sn-MCM-48 in solvent-free Mukaiyama-type aldol condensation reactions}, journal = {Applied Catalysis A-General}, volume = {358}, number = {1}, year = {2009}, month = {APR}, pages = {88-94}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The influence of various synthesis variables on the physico-chemical properties of mesoporous stannosilicate molecular sieves with MCM-48 structure (Sn-MCM-48) has been investigated. Sn-MCM48 has been used as a new heterogeneous catalyst in solvent-free Mukaiyama-type aldol reactions. Invariably, the beta-hydroxy ester selectivity was found to be 100\% irrespective of the conversion level. The product yield was found to increase, to reach a maximum (70\%), and then to decrease with the increase in tin content. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Characterization, heterogeneous catalysis, Hydrothermal synthesis, Mesoporous molecular sieves, Mukaiyama-aldol condensation, Sn-MCM-48}, issn = {0926-860X}, doi = {10.1016/j.apcata.2009.02.001}, author = {Taralkar, U. S. and Kalita, Pranjal and Kumar, Rajiv and Joshi, P. N.} } @article { ISI:000264463600013, title = {Synthesis of Ag-Pt alloy nanoparticles in aqueous bovine serum albumin foam and their cytocompatibility against human gingival fibroblasts}, journal = {Colloids and Surfaces B-Biointerfaces}, volume = {69}, number = {2}, year = {2009}, month = {MAR}, pages = {239-245}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Foams of bovine serum albumin (BSA) have been utilized for synthesizing in situ protein capped Ag-Pt alloy nanoparticles. The in vitro cytotoxicity and the rate of proliferation of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) in presence of the above synthesized alloy nanoparticles is investigated. Expression profile of protein involved in detoxification, i.e. metallotheonein (MT) were assayed by ELISA and expression of mRNA transcripts by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Cytotoxicity results suggested that protein capped nano-alloys might be promising candidates for implants and prosthetic material. RT-PCR and ELISA confirmed the expression of MT. in cells treated with the alloy nanoparticles. Morphology variation studied by SEM also confirms that cells treated with alloy nanoparticles present an intact morphology. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Alloy nanoparticles, Biocompatibility, ELISA, Human gingival fibroblasts, mRNA, Protein foams}, issn = {0927-7765}, doi = {10.1016/j.colsurfb.2008.11.021}, author = {Singh, A. V. and Patil, R. and Kasture, M. B. and Gade, Wasudeo N. and Bhagavatula L. V. Prasad} } @article { ISI:000264123000013, title = {Synthesis of chiral sulfoxides by enantioselective sulfide oxidation and subsequent oxidative kinetic resolution using immobilized Ti-binol complex}, journal = {Journal of Catalysis}, volume = {262}, number = {1}, year = {2009}, month = {FEB}, pages = {111-118}, publisher = {ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE}, address = {525 B ST, STE 1900, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101-4495 USA}, abstract = {

Chiral Ti-binol complex was immobilized onto ionic liquid modified SBA-15 and characterized by different physicochemical techniques. The catalyst was found to be highly enantioselective in the heterogeneous asymmetric oxidation of prochiral sulfides to sulfoxides and subsequent oxidative kinetic resolution of the sulfoxides using aqueous tert-butylhydroperoxide as the oxidant. A positive non-linear effect was observed in the oxidation-kinetic resolution of thioanisole using this supported catalyst. The supported catalyst was reused in multiple catalytic runs without any loss of enantioselectivity. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Kinetic resolution, Mesoporous silica, Non-linear effect, Sulfides, Sulfoxides, Supported ionic liquid, Ti-binol}, issn = {0021-9517}, doi = {10.1016/j.jcat.2008.12.007}, author = {Sahoo, Suman and Kumar, Pradeep and Lefebvre, F. and Halligudi, Shivaraj B.} } @article { ISI:000270973600047, title = {Synthesis of framework Ti-substituted, 3-D hexagonal, mesoporous Ti-SBA-12 for selective catalytic oxidation}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, number = {42}, year = {2009}, month = {SEP}, pages = {6484-6486}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Framework Ti-substituted, 3-D hexagonal mesoporous, Ti-SBA-12, obtained for the first time by direct hydrothermal synthesis, oxidises bulky molecules such as cyclohexene and cyclooctene to the epoxides with \>96\% selectivity at high conversion levels (\>60\%).

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/b915324a}, author = {Kumar, Anuj and Srinivas, Darbha and Ratnasamy, Paul} } @article { ISI:000263216300005, title = {Synthesis of nickel-rubber nanocomposites and evaluation of their dielectric properties}, journal = {Materials Science and Engineering B-Advanced Functional Solid-State Materials}, volume = {156}, number = {1-3}, year = {2009}, month = {JAN}, pages = {24-31}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Nanocomposites based on natural rubber and nano-sized nickel were synthesized by incorporating nickel nanoparticles in a natural rubber matrix for various loadings of the filler. Structural, morphological, magnetic and mechanical properties of the composites were evaluated along with a detailed study of dielectric properties. It was found that nickel particles were uniformly distributed in the matrix without agglomeration resulting ill a magnetic nanocomposite. The elastic properties showed an improvement with increase in filler content but breaking stress and breaking strain were found to decrease. Dielectric permittivity was found to decrease with increase in frequency, and found to increase with increase in nickel loading. The decrease in permittivity with temperature is attributed to the high volume expansivity of rubber at elevated temperatures. Dielectric loss of blank rubber as well as the composites was found to increase with temperature. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Dielectric relaxation, Interfacial polarization, Nanocomposites}, issn = {0921-5107}, doi = {10.1016/j.mseb.2008.10.041}, author = {Jamal, E. Muhammad Abdul and Joy, Pattayil Alias and Kurian, Philip and Anantharaman, Maliemadom R.} } @article { ISI:000268481500018, title = {Synthesis of polyfunctional quinolizidine alkaloids: development towards selective glycosidase inhibitors}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {7}, number = {16}, year = {2009}, month = {JUN}, pages = {3300-3307}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A highly divergent route to a variety of quinolizidine alkaloids is described. The enantiomeric precursors 22a and 22b utilized for the synthesis of these alkaloids were constructed stereospecifically from the PET cyclization of the corresponding acetylene tethered alpha-trimethylsilyl amine moieties 21a and 21b, respectively, both of which were synthesised from D-ribose. The polyhydroxy quinolizidine alkaloid 7 was found to be a selective inhibitor of alpha-galactosidase with Ki 83.9 mu M. The amine analogs 18, 12 and 10 are found to be selective and potent inhibitors of alpha-glucosidase with Ki 28, 120 and 140 mu M, respectively.

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/b907007a}, author = {Pandey, Ganesh and Grahacharya, Debasish and Shashidhara, K. S. and Khan, Mohammad Islam and Puranik, Vedavati G.} } @article { ISI:000263073800048, title = {Template free synthesis of mesoporous TiO2 with high wall thickness and nanocrystalline framework}, journal = {Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology}, volume = {9}, number = {1, SI}, year = {2009}, month = {JAN}, pages = {371-377}, publisher = {AMER SCIENTIFIC PUBLISHERS}, address = {26650 THE OLD RD, STE 208, VALENCIA, CA 91381-0751 USA}, abstract = {

A simple procedure to prepare nanocrystalline mesoporous titania (meso-TiO2) is reported without any templating agent and it possesses a high BET surface area and a large pore wall thickness (11.3 nm) than that of meso-TiO2 prepared by other methods. Nanocrystalline meso-TiO2 also has been synthesized with hexadecylamine template for comparison through known procedure. The meso-TiO2 materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, FT-IR, UV-Vis absorbance spectra, thermal analysis, SEM, HRTEM and textural properties through N-2 adsorption-desorption isotherms. Spherical shape particles in a range of few hundred nanometers are obtained in the template free method. Above systematic characterization provides direct indications toward the mechanism of formation of meso-TiO2 in the template free method. A comparison of the physical and textural properties indicates a possibility of coarse-tuning of the textural characteristics of mesoporous TiO2 by adopting different preparation methods.

}, keywords = {Mesopore, Mesopore Formation, Template-Free, Thick Wall, titania}, issn = {1533-4880}, doi = {10.1166/jnn.2009.J019}, author = {Kulkarni, Dhanashree G. and Murugan, A. Vadivel and Viswanath, Annamraju Kasi and Gopinath, Chinnakonda S.} } @article { ISI:000267070700082, title = {Tethered aminohydroxylation route to L-arabino-[2R,3S,4R] and L-xylo-[2R,3S,4S]-C-18-phytosphingosines}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {50}, number = {26, SI}, year = {2009}, month = {JUL}, pages = {3425-3427}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A concise and highly efficient synthesis of L-arabino-[2R,3S,4R] and L-xylo-[ 2R,3S,4S]-C-18-phytosphingosines has been achieved. The synthetic strategy features the Sharpless kinetic resolution and tethered aminohydroxylation as the key steps. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd, All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Phytosphingosine, Regioselectivity, Sharpless asymmetric kinetic resolution, Sphingolipids, stereoselectivity, Tethered aminohydroxylation}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2009.02.173}, author = {Dubey, Abhishek and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000263249600064, title = {Tin-silicalite-1: synthesis by dry gel conversion, characterization and catalytic performance in phenol hydroxylation reaction}, journal = {Materials Chemistry and Physics}, volume = {114}, number = {1}, year = {2009}, month = {MAR}, pages = {344-349}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Tin-silicalite-1 (Sn-MFI) has been successfully synthesized by dry gel conversion (DGC) method. The influence of various synthesis parameters such as crystallization time, temperature, water content at the bottom of autoclave, molar ratios of (TPA)(2)O/SiO(2) and SiO(2)/SnO(2) in dry gel on the crystallization kinetics and physico-chemical properties of Sn-MFI materials has been investigated. Powder-X-ray diffraction (XRD),XPS,AAS, DRUV-vis and SEM techniques were employed as characterization tools. Time-dependent studies revealed that, the progressive crystallization of Sn-MFI depend not only on the synthesis time but also on the other various synthesis parameters. Increase in the crystallization temperature, water content at bottom of autoclave (TPA)(2)O/SiO(2) and SiO(2)/SnO(2) molar ratios in dry gel resulted in the lowering of overall crystallization period. A good correspondence between the chemical composition of the surface and the bulk indicated the uniform distribution of Sn(4+) ions. The presence of these ions in tetrahedral coordination has been indicated by DRUV-vis spectral studies. Although, not better but comparable activity has been shown by Sn-MFI prepared by dry gel conversion method with Sn-MFI prepared by conventional hydrothermal crystallization method in the hydroxylation of phenol reaction. Increase in concentration of isolated Sn(4+) ions led to increase in phenol conversion and H(2)O(2) efficiency. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {crystallisation, Dry gel conversion, microporous materials, Sn-MFI}, issn = {0254-0584}, doi = {10.1016/j.matchemphys.2008.09.026}, author = {Niphadkar, Prashant S. and Kotwal, Mehejabeen S. and Deshpande, Shilpa S. and Bokade, Vijay V. and Joshi, Praphulla N.} } @article { ISI:000265959200028, title = {Titanium superoxide: a heterogeneous catalyst for anti-Markovnikov aminobromination of olefins}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {50}, number = {23}, year = {2009}, month = {JUN}, pages = {2815-2817}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A new facile procedure for the aminobromination of olefins in high yields has been described using p-toluene sulfonamide (p-TsNH(2)) and N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) as introgen and bromine sources, respectively, and titanium superoxide as a truly heterogeneous catalyst. The formation of anti-Markovnikov product exclusively in all the cases studied possibly proceeding I free radical reaction pathway is remarkable. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {anti-Markovnikov addition, Bromoamination, N-Bromosuccinimide, p-Toluenesulfonamide, Titanium superoxide}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2009.03.169}, author = {Shaikh, Tanveer Mahamadali and Karabal, Pratibha U. and Suryavanshi, Gurunath and Sudalai, Arumugam} } @article { ISI:000267531100032, title = {Transesterification of sunflower oil catalyzed by flyash-based solid catalysts}, journal = {Fuel}, volume = {88}, number = {9}, year = {2009}, month = {SEP}, pages = {1773-1778}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Flyash-based base catalyst was used in the transesterification of sunflower oil with methanol to methyl esters in a heterogeneous manner. Catalyst preparation variables such as, the KNO(3) loading amount and calcination temperature were optimized. The catalysts were characterized by powder XRD. The catalyst prepared by loading of 5 wt.\% KNO(3) on flyash followed by its calcination at 773 K has exhibited maximum oil conversion (87.5 wt.\%). The influence of various reaction parameters such as \% catalyst loading, methanol to oil molar ratio, reaction time, temperature, reusability of the catalyst on the catalytic activity was investigated. K(2)O derived from KNO(3) might be an essential component in the catalyst for its efficiency. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Flyash, heterogeneous catalyst, Methyl ester, Sunflower oil, transesterification}, issn = {0016-2361}, doi = {10.1016/j.fuel.2009.04.004}, author = {Kotwal, M. S. and Niphadkar, P. S. and Deshpande, Suvarna S. and Bokade, Vijay V. and Joshi, P. N.} } @article { ISI:000263071500026, title = {Two modes of O-H center dot center dot center dot O hydrogen bonding utilized in dimorphs of racemic 6-O-acryloyl-2-O-benzoyl-myo-inositol 1,3,5-orthoformate}, journal = {Acta Crystallographica Section C-Crystal Structure Communications}, volume = {65}, year = {2009}, month = {FEB}, pages = {O54-O57}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL PUBLISHING, INC}, address = {COMMERCE PLACE, 350 MAIN ST, MALDEN 02148, MA USA}, abstract = {

The title compound, C(17)H(16)O(8), yields conformational dimorphs [forms (I) and (II)] at room temperature, separately or concomitantly, depending on the solvent of crystallization. The yield of crystals of form (I) is always much more than that of crystals of form (II). The molecule has one donor -OH group that can make intermolecular O-H center dot center dot center dot O hydrogen bonds with one of the two acceptor C O groups, as well as with the hydroxyl O atom; interestingly, each of the options is utilized separately in the dimorphs. The crystal structure of form (I) contains one molecule in the asymmetric unit and is organized as a planar sheet of centrosymmetric dimers via O H center dot center dot center dot O hydrogen bonds involving the OH group and the carbonyl O atom of the acryloyl group. In the crystal structure of form (II), which contains two independent molecules in the asymmetric unit, two different O-H center dot center dot center dot O hydrogen bonds, viz. hydroxyl-hydroxyl and hydroxyl-carbonyl (benzoyl), connect the molecules in a layered arrangement. Another notable feature is the transformation of form (II) to form (I) via melt crystallization upon heating to 411 K. The higher yield of form (I) during crystallization and the thermal transition of form (II) to form (I) suggest that the association in form (I) is more highly favoured than that in form (II), which is valuable in understanding the priorities of molecular aggregation during nucleation of various polymorphs.

}, issn = {0108-2701}, doi = {10.1107/S0108270109000225}, author = {Krishnaswamy, Shobhana and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Bhadbhade, Mohan M. and Shashidhar, Mysore S.} } @article { ISI:000269197400038, title = {Two-phase flow in minichannels: hydrodynamics, pressure drop, and residence time distribution}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {48}, number = {17}, year = {2009}, month = {SEP}, pages = {8193-8204}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Two-phase flow in mini-channels (1 mm x 1.5 mm x 430 mm and 1.5 mm x 0.5 mm x 430 mm serpentine channel geometry) made in different materials (SS 316, PMMA and Teflon) was studied at different flow rate ratio (0.66, 1.0 and 1.56) of the two immiscible fluids. A dual syringe pump was used to pump the fluids (air-water and water-kerosene) through the channels. For characterization of the two phase flow, experiments were carried out to measure the slug size distribution and relevant hydrodynamic properties, pressure drop across a single serpentine unit (i.e., one sinusoidal unit that includes two 180 degrees return bends connected by a straight portion of 20 mm) and also the residence time distribution of water. In all the cases, the effect of material of fabrication on the hydrodynamics was significant. Apart from flow rates and flow rate ratio of the two fluids, the slug size distribution was seen to have a strong effect of the channel orientation (vertical, horizontal) and also the flow direction (up-flow and down-flow). In the RTD studies, the response curve observed at the end of the channel was significantly different than the published literature. The reasons for such observations are discussed in detail.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/ie801937x}, author = {Kulkarni, A. A. and Kalyani, Vishwanath S.} } @article { ISI:000269310600079, title = {Ultrafast switching time and third order nonlinear coefficients of microwave treated single walled carbon nanotube suspensions}, journal = {Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology}, volume = {9}, number = {9}, year = {2009}, note = {International Conference on Nanoscience and Technology, Chennai, INDIA, FEB 27-29, 2008}, month = {SEP}, pages = {5550-5554}, publisher = {AMER SCIENTIFIC PUBLISHERS}, address = {25650 NORTH LEWIS WAY, STEVENSON RANCH, CA 91381-1439 USA}, abstract = {

Microwave treated water soluble and amide functionalized single walled carbon nanotubes have been investigated using femtosecond degenerate pump-probe and nonlinear transmission experiments. The time resolved differential transmission using 75 femtosecond pulse with the central wavelength of 790 nm shows a bi-exponential ultrafast photo-bleaching with time constants of 160 fs (130 fs) and 920 fs (300 fs) for water soluble (amide functionalized) nanotubes. Open and closed aperture z-scans show saturation absorption and positive (negative) nonlinear refraction for water soluble (amide functionalized) nanotubes. Two photon absorption coefficient, beta(0) similar to 250 cm/GW (650 cm/GW) and nonlinear index, gamma similar to 15 cm(2)/pW (-30 cm(2)/pW) are obtained from the theoretical fit in the saturation limit to the data for two types of nanotubes.

}, keywords = {Nonlinear Optical Coefficients, SWCNT, Ultra-Fast Switching}, issn = {1533-4880}, doi = {10.1166/jnn.2009.1184}, author = {Kamaraju, N. and Kumar, Sunil and Karthikeyan, B. and Kakade, Bhalchandra A. and Pillai, Vijayamohanan K. and Sood, A. K.} } @article { ISI:000262781700012, title = {Ultrasound assisted synthesis of polyacrylic acid-nanoclay nanocomposite and its application in sonosorption studies of malachite green dye}, journal = {Ultrasonics Sonochemistry}, volume = {16}, number = {3}, year = {2009}, month = {MAR}, pages = {351-355}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Synthesis of nanoclay nanocomposite has been undertaken by using polyacryalic acid (PAA) in aqueous medium and ultrasound environment and its application in dye removal has been investigated. The synthesized product was characterized by using FTIR and XRD techniques. The sonosorption capacity of the product namely PAA-nanoclay composite was determined by choosing malachite green (MG) dye as a model pollutant. The effects of various parameters such as nanocomposite loading, pH, various process conditions etc. have been studied. On comparing the results obtained with that of nanoclay as an adsorbent, it was found for an initial concentration of 500 mg/l, the PAA-nanoclay nanocomposite exhibited higher percentage of pollutant removal (68\%) and for nanoclay it was 54\%. The adsorption data has been correlated using Langmuir and Freundlich models. The fit of the Freundlich isotherm model was found to be good in the entire range of concentration for the experimental sorption data obtained on the nanoclay nanocomposite. A plausible reaction mechanism for use of PAA-nanoclay nanocomposite as ail adsorbent is also proposed. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Malachite Green, Nanocomposite, Polyacrylic acid, Sonosorption, Ultrasound}, issn = {1350-4177}, doi = {10.1016/j.ultsonch.2008.10.008}, author = {Sonawane, S. H. and Chaudhari, P. L. and Ghodke, S. A. and Parande, M. G. and Bhandari, Vinay M. and Mishra, Satyendra and Kulkarni, R. D.} } @article { ISI:000268215200019, title = {Vapour sensing with conductive polymer nanocomposites (CPC): polycarbonate-carbon nanotubes transducers with hierarchical structure processed by spray layer by layer}, journal = {Sensors and Actuators B-Chemical}, volume = {140}, number = {2}, year = {2009}, month = {JUL}, pages = {451-460}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

The development of conductive polymer nanocomposite (CPC) sensors for volatile organic compounds (VOC) detection has been carried out using a spray layer by layer (LbL) process. This technique was successfully used to hierarchically structure polycarbonate-multiwall carbon nanotubes (PC-CNT) solutions into a double percolated architecture as attested by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and optical microscopy (OM). PC-CNT vapour sensing behaviour was investigated as a function of CNT content, films thickness, vapour flow and vapours solubility parameter. The response ranking A(r)(toluene)\>A(r)(methanol)\>A(r)(water)of PC-CNT was found to be coherent with kappa(12) Flory-Huggins interaction parameters provided that signals are normalised by analyte molecules number. Signals shape was interpreted to the light of Langmuir-Henry-Clustering (LHC) model and found to be proportional to vapour content. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Atomic force microscopy, carbon nanotube, Chemo-electrical behaviour, Conductive polymer nanocomposite, Vapour Sensing, Volatile organic compounds}, issn = {0925-4005}, doi = {10.1016/j.snb.2009.05.006}, author = {Lu, Jianbo and Kumar, Bijandra and Castro, Mickael and Feller, Jean-Francois} } @article { ISI:000264434000008, title = {Variation in acid moiety of polybenzimidazoles: investigation of physico-chemical properties towards their applicability as proton exchange and gas separation membrane materials}, journal = {Polymer}, volume = {50}, number = {6}, year = {2009}, month = {MAR}, pages = {1403-1413}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A series of polybenzimidazoles (PBIs) were prepared from 3,3{\textquoteright}-diaminobenzidine (DAB) and substituted aromatic dicarboxylic acids. Effects of added polarity, bulk and isomerism in the dicarboxylic acid moiety on the properties of formed aromatic polybenzimidazoles were investigated. Solution polycondensation procedure was optimized for individual case of PBI synthesis in order to obtain inherent viscosity of \>= 1 dL/g. Analysis of physical properties, water uptake, acid doping (H(3)PO(4) and H(2)SO(4)) and gas permeability was performed. All these PBIs exhibited high thermal stability, good solvent solubility and amorphous nature. The uptake of H(3)PO(4) varied from 9 to 20.1 moles per repeat unit (mol/RU), H(2)SO(4) uptake varied from 3.39 to 3.81 mol/RU, while water uptake varied from 1.8 to 3.6 mol/RU of PBI. The dibromoterephthalic acid and tert-butylisophthalic acid based PBI showed the highest H(3)PO(4) uptake in the series, while tert-butylisophthalic acid based PBI exhibited the highest water uptake. Acid uptake was correlated with swelling of the PBI matrix, while density estimation of H(3)PO(4)-doped PBI by He gas expansion method could be correlated to the physical state of PBI. 5-tert-Butylisophthalic acid and 4,4{\textquoteright}-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)bis(benzoic acid) based PBI exhibited higher H(2) and O(2) permeability than other PBIs. The ideal gas selectivity for O(2)/H(2) was considerably higher for most of the PBIs than conventional gas separation membrane materials. These analyses suggested that some of these PBIs have a potential to be used as a PEM or gas separation membrane material. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Gas permeability, Polybenzimidazole, Proton exchange membrane}, issn = {0032-3861}, doi = {10.1016/j.polymer.2009.01.043}, author = {Kumbharkar, S. C. and Islam, Md. Nazrul and Potrekar, R. A. and Kharul, Ulhas K.} } @article { ISI:000263021000003, title = {Vinyl-2-pyrrolidone derivatized guar gum based aqueous two-phase system}, journal = {Separation and Purification Technology}, volume = {65}, number = {1, SI}, year = {2009}, month = {FEB}, pages = {9-13}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Aqueous two-phase systems (ATPs) are formed when certain combinations of two polymers or polymer and salt are added to water. Phase separation occurs at certain specific concentrations that have similar densities and low interfacial tensions. The present study involves synthesis and application of a novel derivatized guar in aqueous two-phase system. The derivation of guar gum was performed by grafting of 1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone by a redox reaction in aqueous medium ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) and potassium Peroxydisulfate(K2S2O8). The ratio of grafting efficiency (\%GE) and ratio of grafting (\%G) was 56\% and 70.1\% respectively. The grafted copolymers were characterized for percent yield and FTIR absorbance. A new aqueous two-phase extraction protocol was established using a mixture of derivatized guar and dextran. A phase diagram was constructed based on the phase separation exhibited by the system at 25 degrees C. The partition coefficient was determined for standard bovine serum albumin (BSA), lactate oxidase (LO) and phytase. The partitioning coefficients were 0.479, 1.981, and 2.586 respectively in the Dextran (2 mill ion)/V-GG/H2O system. The influence of an ionic salt sodium chloride (NaCl) was investigated on the partitioning of BSA. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Aqueous two phase, graft copolymers, Guar gum, Partition coefficient (K), Phase diagram, Vinyl pyrrolidone, viscosity}, issn = {1383-5866}, doi = {10.1016/j.seppur.2008.03.020}, author = {Kautharapu, Kumar and Pujari, Narahari S. and Golegaonkar, Sandeep B. and Ponrathnam, Surendra and Nene, Sanjay N. and Bhatnagar, D.} } @article { ISI:000264558200004, title = {Visible light induced photoreduction of methyl orange by N-doped mesoporous titania}, journal = {Applied Catalysis A-General}, volume = {357}, number = {1}, year = {2009}, month = {MAR}, pages = {26-33}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

N-doped mesoporous titania was synthesized using templating method. Biopolymer chitosan was used as a template and also as a nitrogen source along with ammonium hydroxide. Three different types of N-doped mesoporous titania were synthesized by varying composition of chitosan and titania precursor. These photocatalysts were characterized using XRD, BET-SA, FTIR, UV-DRS, SEM-EDX and XPS analysis. The photocatalytic activity of mesoporous titania was studied by methyl orange (MO) photoreduction reaction. From the experimental results it was observed that the N-doped mesoporous titania (1:2) gives the highest photocatalytic reduction of MO as compared to N-doped mesoporous titania prepared with (1:1) and (1:3) stoichiometry. This could be due to the optimal level of {\textquoteleft}N{\textquoteright} incorporation in the N-doped mesoporous titania (1:2). Photocatalysts reduce the MO dye into derivative of hydrazine. Photoactivity of N-doped mesoporous titania (1:2) is 1.0721 mg of MO reduced per g of TiO2 vis-a-vis 0.508 mg of MO reduced per g of TiO2 for Degussa P25 photocatalyst. The effect of various operating parameters like photocatalyst loading. initial concentration and intensity of light also has been studied. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {biopolymer, Chitosan, MO photoreduction, N-doped mesoporous titania, Visible active photocatalyst}, issn = {0926-860X}, doi = {10.1016/j.apcata.2008.12.030}, author = {Joshi, Meenal M. and Labhsetwar, Nitin K. and Mangrulkar, Priti A. and Tijare, Saumitra N. and Kamble, Sanjay P. and Rayalu, Sadhana S.} } @article { ISI:000262449000038, title = {VLS-like growth and characterizations of dense ZnO nanorods grown by e-beam process}, journal = {Journal of Physics D-Applied Physics}, volume = {42}, number = {3}, year = {2009}, month = {FEB}, pages = {035310}, publisher = {IOP PUBLISHING LTD}, address = {DIRAC HOUSE, TEMPLE BACK, BRISTOL BS1 6BE, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We present a new approach to produce ZnO nanorods in a reproducible manner at a temperature lower than other physical vapour deposition techniques, such as the vapour-liquid-solid mechanism. Arrays of well-aligned ZnO nanorods of uniform diameter have been synthesized on the Si substrate precoated with Au, using a simple electron beam evaporation method without the flow of any carrier gas. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy characterizations show that as-grown nanorods are well aligned and uniform in diameter. X-ray diffraction measurements and clear lattice fringes in high-resolution transmission electron microscopy image show the growth of good quality polycrystalline hexagonal ZnO nanorods and a \< 0 0 2 \> growth direction. The polarization-dependent studies of near edge x-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) are performed to investigate the electronic structure of the zinc and oxygen ions. The analysis of NEXAFS spectra at different angles of incidence of photon flux indicates the formation of ZnO nanorods having anisotropic behaviour of O and Zn states. The photoluminescence spectrum exhibits strong ultraviolet emission at 385 nm and the UV-visible spectrum also shows a band-gap transition around 390 nm indicating the good quality of nanorods. The catalytic growth mechanism of the ZnO nanorods is discussed on the basis of experimental results in this work.

}, issn = {0022-3727}, doi = {10.1088/0022-3727/42/3/035310}, author = {Agarwal, Dinesh C. and Chauhan, R. S. and Avasthi, D. K. and Sulania, I. and Kabiraj, D. and Thakur, P. and Chae, K. H. and Chawla, Amit and Chandra, Ramesh and Ogale, S. B. and Pellegrini, G. and Mazzoldi, P.} } @article { ISI:000266364000003, title = {Wind tunnel investigation of the distortion of polluted water drops in the horizontal electric fields}, journal = {Journal of Geophysical Research-Atmospheres}, volume = {114}, year = {2009}, month = {MAY}, pages = {D10205}, publisher = {AMER GEOPHYSICAL UNION}, address = {2000 FLORIDA AVE NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20009 USA}, abstract = {

Distortion of the water drops freely suspended in a vertical wind tunnel is investigated when these drops are polluted with sulphate/nitrate salt and are also subjected to the horizontal electric fields. Results show that although the drops{\textquoteright} average shape is not significantly affected, the magnitudes of drop oscillations decrease when these are formed from the water polluted with sulphate/nitrate salt. However, when these polluted drops are placed in a horizontal electric field, their oblateness increases with respect to that of the distilled water drops, and this increase in oblateness is more in higher electric fields. Results can possibly be explained because of the increase in surface tension, viscosity and density, and a more dominant effect due to the increase in electrical conductivity of the polluted water. Significance of the results is discussed in view of the possible modification of lightning activity in clouds formed over big cities.

}, issn = {2169-897X}, doi = {10.1029/2008JD011102}, author = {Bhalwankar, Rohini V. and Kamra, A. K.} } @article { ISI:000263875000017, title = {Yttria-zirconia-based lewis acid catalysis of the biginelli reaction: an efficient one-pot synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2-(1H)-ones}, journal = {Synthetic Communications}, volume = {39}, number = {7}, year = {2009}, month = {MAR}, pages = {PII 909239399}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS INC}, address = {325 CHESTNUT ST, SUITE 800, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 USA}, abstract = {

Yttria-zirconia-based Lewis acid efficiently catalyzes the three-component cyclocondensation reaction of aldehyde, -keto ester, and urea or thiourea in refluxing acetonitrile to produce the corresponding dihydropyrimidones in high yields.

}, keywords = {Biginelli reaction, dihydropyrimidone, yttria-zirconia-based Lewis acid}, issn = {0039-7911}, doi = {10.1080/00397910802519174}, author = {Ramalingam, S. and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000276010700025, title = {Acidity tuning of montmorillonite K10 by impregnation with dodecatungstophosphoric acid and hydroxyalkylation of phenol}, journal = {Applied Clay Science}, volume = {48}, number = {1-2, SI}, year = {2010}, month = {MAR}, pages = {164-170}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Acidity tuning of montmorillonite K10 (mont K10) was achieved by impregnating with dodecatungstophosphoric acid (DTP). The effect on the hydroxyalkylation of phenol was studied at 353 K with phenol to formaldehyde molar ratio of 5. The nature and strength of acid sites were determined by NH(3)-TPD measurement while the distribution of Brensted and Lewis acid sites expressed as B/L ratio, was determined by pyridine IR technique. Among various loadings of DTP (5-60\%) studied for the hydroxyalkylation of phenol, 20\% DTP/mont K10 showed the highest catalyst activity (90\% selectivity to bisphenol F with 28\% conversion of phenol). Both total concentration of acid sites and the distribution of acid sites in a high temperature region were required for the high bisphenol F selectivity. Our catalyst (20\% DTP/Mont K10) could be recycled three times. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Acidity tuning, Dodecatungstophosphoric acid/Montmorillonite K10, Hydroxyalkylation, Impregnation, Temperature programmed desorption}, issn = {0169-1317}, doi = {10.1016/j.clay.2009.11.042}, author = {Garade, Ajit C. and Kshirsagar, V. S. and Mane, R. B. and Ghalwadkar, Ajay A. and Joshi, U. D. and Rode, C. V.} } @article { ISI:000284342100003, title = {Adsorption of fluoride from aqueous solution by alumina of alkoxide nature: batch and continuous operation}, journal = {Desalination}, volume = {264}, number = {1-2}, year = {2010}, month = {DEC}, pages = {15-23}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

In this investigation, we report the adsorption potential of alkoxide origin alumina for defluoridation of drinking water using batch and continuous mode of operations. The effects of different operating parameters such as adsorbent dose, initial fluoride concentration, pH of the solution and interfering ions (usually present in groundwater) were studied with a view to understand the adsorption behavior of the material under various conditions. A thermodynamic study shows that the adsorption of fluoride by alkoxide origin alumina is an exothermic and spontaneous process. The kinetic results showed that the fluoride sorption follows pseudo-second-order kinetics. The applicability of adsorbent in the field is also tested through column breakthrough studies. It has been observed that with an increase in the flow rate and initial fluoride concentration, the breakthrough curve becomes sharper and the breakthrough time and adsorbed fluoride ion concentration decrease. The breakthrough curve also becomes steeper as the bed height increases. The alkoxide origin alumina based adsorbent media can be used directly for field applications since it is also commercially available in granular form. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Adsorption, Alkoxide alumina, Breakthrough studies, Fluoride, Kinetic modeling}, issn = {0011-9164}, doi = {10.1016/j.desal.2010.07.001}, author = {Kamble, Sanjay P. and Deshpande, Gunavant and Barve, Prashant P. and Rayalu, Sadhana and Labhsetwar, Nitin K. and Malyshew, Alexander and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article { ISI:000281128700008, title = {Adsorption of nonionic surfactant on silica nanoparticles: structure and resultant interparticle interactions}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, volume = {114}, number = {34}, year = {2010}, month = {SEP}, pages = {10986-10994}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Addition of nonionic surfactant, C(12)E(9), to an aqueous dispersion of charge stabilized silica nanoparticles renders particle aggregation reversible. In contrast, aggregation of the same silica particles in aqueous solutions is irreversible. We use a combination of small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and contrast matching small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) to investigate interparticle interactions and microstructure in dispersions of silica particles in aqueous nonionic surfactant solutions. We show that the silica particles interact through a screened Coulombic interaction in aqueous dispersions; interestingly, this interparticle interaction is hard-sphere-like in surfactant solutions. In surfactant solutions, we show that the final surfactant-particle structure can be modeled as 14 micelles adsorbed (on average) on the surface of each silica particle. This gives rise to the short-range interparticle repulsion that makes particle aggregation reversible, and results in the hard sphere interparticle interaction potential. Finally, we show that adsorption of polyethylene imine on the surface of the silica particles prevents adsorption of surfactant micelles on the particle surface.

}, issn = {1520-6106}, doi = {10.1021/jp1033799}, author = {Sharma, Kamendra P. and Aswal, Vinod K. and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy} } @article {42793, title = {Amino functionalized oligoimides telechelics}, number = {2922/DEL/2010 A}, year = {2010}, month = {AUG}, type = {India Patents}, abstract = {

This invention relates to a process for the preparation of amino functionalized oligoimide telechelics. More particularly it relates to a process for the preparation of soluble oligoimide prepolymers which can be used as matrix resins that can be rapidly cured to form stable polyimides with amino end functionalities. The amino functionalized oligoimide telechelics are suitable for conversion into three dimensional polymeric systems through condensation chemistry such as reaction with oligo epoxies (epoxy-imide resins), polyacids (polyamide imides) and polyhalogenated compounds (poly amine - imides) to form crosslinked structures having enhanced thermal stability and mechanical strength. The polymers prepared by the process of this invention can be used as materials in advanced composites having high temperature stability.

}, author = {Dwivedi, Mayank and Rao, Locanindi Hari Sarvothama and Reddy, Krishna Mohan Srinivasulu and Dhanasekharan, Janakiraman and Rao, Bevara Madhusudana and Kumar, Sriperambudur Rajesh and Ponrathnam, Surendra and Rajan, Chelanattukizhakkemadath Raman and Deokar, Sarika Babasaheb and Mulani, Khudbudin Baban and Ghorpade, Ravindra V. and Bhongale, Sunil Sitaram and Nalawade, Archana Chetan and Sontakke, Kalpana Vishwanathrao and Shaikh, Wasif Abdul Lateef and Chavan, Nayaku and Qureshi, Mohammed Shadbar and Dhoble, Deepa Arun and Mule, Smita Atmaram and Bhosle, Sonali Madhavrao and Momin, Mohasin Shamshuddin} } @article { ISI:000280527500021, title = {Amino/guanidino-functionalized N-(pyrrolidin-2-ethyl)glycine-based pet-PNA: design, synthesis and binding with DNA/RNA}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {8}, number = {16}, year = {2010}, month = {JUN}, pages = {3742-3750}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The N-(pyrrolidin-2-ethyl) glycine-based PNA (pet-PNA) backbone, with 4-amino or 4-guanidino-functionalized pyrrolidine ring, confers constrained conformational flexibility on aegPNA. The oligomers bind to the target DNA and RNA sequences with increased sequence specificity and antiparallel versus parallel orientation selectivity. The easy post-synthetic guanidination gives very good access to the positively charged PNA oligomers.

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/c004005c}, author = {Gokhale, Sachin S. and Kumar, Vaijayanti A.} } @article {42798, title = {Amino-phenol-formaldehyde resins by in-situ generation of catalyst}, number = {2536/DEL}, year = {2010}, month = {JAN}, author = {Dwivedi, Mayank and Rao, Locanindi Hari Sarvothama and Reddy, Krishna Mohan Srinivasulu and Dhanasekharan, Janakiraman and Rao, Bevara Madhusudana and Kumar, Sriperambudur Rajesh and Ponrathnam, Surendra and Chelanattukizhakkemadath, Raman Rajan and Tayal, Rajivkumar and Qureshi, Moham} } @article { ISI:000279803700017, title = {Antibacterial \& antiplasmid activities of Helicteres isora L.}, journal = {Indian Journal of Medical Research}, volume = {132}, number = {1}, year = {2010}, month = {JUL}, pages = {94-99}, publisher = {INDIAN COUNCIL MEDICAL RES}, address = {PO BOX 4911 ANSARI NAGAR, NEW DELHI 110029, INDIA}, abstract = {

Background \& objectives: The multiple drug resistance (MDR) is a serious health problem and major challenge to the global drug discovery programmes. Most of the genetic determinants that confer resistance to antibiotics are located on R-plasmids in bacteria. The present investigation was undertaken to investigate the ability of organic extract of the fruits of Helicteres isora to cure R-plasmids from certain clinical isolates. Methods: Active fractions demonstrating antibacterial and antiplasmid activities were isolated from the acetone extracts of shade dried fruits of H. isora by bioassay guided fractionation. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of antibiotics and organic extracts was determined by agar dilution method. Plasmid curing activity of organic fractions was determined by evaluating the ability of bacterial colonies (pre treated with organic fraction for 18 h) to grow in the presence of antibiotics. The physical loss of plasmid DNA in the cured derivatives was further confirmed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Results: The active fraction did not inhibit the growth of either the clinical isolates or the strains harbouring reference plasmids even at a concentration of 400 mu g/ml. However, the same fraction could cure plasmids from Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus and E. coli (RP4) at curing efficiencies of 14, 26, 22 and 2 per cent respectively. The active fraction mediated plasmid curing resulted in the subsequent loss of antibiotic resistance encoded in the plasmids as revealed by antibiotic resistance profile of cured strains. The physical loss of plasmid was also confirmed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Interpretation \& conclusions: The active fraction of acetone extract of H. isora fruits cured R-plasmids from Gram-positive and Gram-negative clinical isolates as well as reference strains. Such plasmid loss reversed the multiple antibiotic resistance in cured derivatives making them sensitive to low concentrations of antibiotics. Acetone fractions of H. isora may be a source to develop antiplasmid agents of natural origin to contain the development and spread of plasmid borne multiple antibiotic resistance.

}, keywords = {antibacterial activity, Antibiotic resistance, antiplasmid activity, Helicteres isora, multiple drug resistance, plasmid-curing}, issn = {0971-5916}, author = {Shriram, Varsha and Jahagirdar, Sheetal S. and Latha, C. and Kumar, Vinay and Dhakephalkar, Prashant K. and Rojatkar, Supada and Shitole, Mahadeo G.} } @article { ISI:000280021000011, title = {Artificially designed membranes using phosphonated multiwall carbon nanotube-polybenzimidazole composites for polymer electrolyte fuel cells}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters}, volume = {1}, number = {14}, year = {2010}, month = {JUL}, pages = {2109-2113}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The ability of phosphonated carbon nanotubes to offer an unprecedented approach to tune both proton-conductivity and mechanical stability of hybrid polymer electrolytes based on the polybenzimidazole membrane is demonstrated for fuel cell applications. The covalent attachment between the amino group of the 2-aminoethylphosphonic acid precursor and CNTs has been confirmed by NMR and IR experiments, while EDAX analysis indicates that one out of every 20 carbon atoms is in the CNT is functionalized. Proton conductivity of the composite membrane shows a remarkable 50\% improvement in performance while a maximum power density of 780 and 600 mW cm(-2) is obtained for the composite and pristine membranes, respectively. Finally, the ultimate strength determined for the composite and pristine membranes is 100 and 65 MPa, respectively, demonstrating the superiority of the composite. This study opens up a new strategy to systematically tune the properties of polymer electrolytes for special applications by using appropriately functionalized CNTS.

}, issn = {1948-7185}, doi = {10.1021/jz1007005}, author = {Kannan, Ramaiyan and Aher, Pradnya P. and Palaniselvam, Thangavelu and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Kharul, Ulhas K. and Pillai, Vijayamohanan K.} } @inbook { ISI:000275173500011, title = {Bacterial biosurfactants, and their role in microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR)}, booktitle = {Biosurfactants}, series = {Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology}, volume = {672}, year = {2010}, pages = {146-157}, publisher = {Springer-Verlag Berlin}, organization = {Springer-Verlag Berlin}, address = {Heidelberger Platz 3, D-14197 Berlin, Germany}, abstract = {

Surfactants are chemically synthesized surface-active compounds widely used for large number of applications in various industries. During last few years there is increase demand of biological surface-active compounds or biosurfactants which are produced by large number of microorganisms as they exert biodegradability, low toxicity and widespread application compared to chemical surfactants. They can be used as emulsifiers, de-emulsifiers, wetting agents, spreading agents, foaming agents, functional food ingredients and detergents. Various experiments at laboratory scale on sand-pack columns and field trials have successfully indicated effectiveness of biosurfactants in microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR).

}, isbn = {978-1-4419-5978-2}, issn = {0065-2598}, author = {Khire, Jayant Malhar}, editor = {Sen, R} } @article {42799, title = {Beaded cross linked polymers containing tert-amino functional group moities}, number = {2537/DEL}, year = {2010}, month = {DEC}, author = {Dwivedi, Mayank and Rao, Locanindi Hari Sarvothama and Reddy, Krishna Mohan Srinivasulu and Dhanasekharan, Janakiraman and Rao, Bevara Madhusudana and Kumar, Sriperambudur Rajesh and Ponrathnam, Surendra and Chelanattukizhakkemadath, Raman Rajan and Tayal, Rajivkumar and Qureshi, Moham} } @article { ISI:000283603000012, title = {Bio-inspired catalyst compositions for enhanced oxygen reduction using nanostructured Pt electrocatalysts in polymer electrolyte fuel cells}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry}, volume = {20}, number = {43}, year = {2010}, month = {SEP}, pages = {9651-9657}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Composites of Nafion with a class of bio-molecules viz., plant hormones, are explored as potential polymer electrolytes for improving the proton transport inside the catalyst layer of a H(2)/O(2) fuel cell. Specifically, four nitrogenous plant hormones, two each from the class of auxins and cytokinins have been investigated, following preliminary characterization of the composite dispersions and membranes. Interestingly, the use of indole-3-acetic acid (an auxin) in the catalyst layer reveals a 30\% enhancement in Pt catalyst utilization and improved fuel cell performance by 150 mW cm(-2). The effect of these bio-molecules on the kinetic and mass transport parameters has been analyzed systematically using a combination of electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques.

}, issn = {0959-9428}, doi = {10.1039/c0jm01774d}, author = {Parthasarathy, Meera and Kannan, Ramaiyan and Sreekumar, Kurungot and Pillai, Vijayamohanan K.} } @article { ISI:000281161700013, title = {Catalytic asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of ketones using [Ru(p-cymene)Cl-2](2) with chiral amino alcohol ligands}, journal = {Catalysis Letters}, volume = {138}, number = {3-4}, year = {2010}, month = {SEP}, pages = {231-238}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Catalytic asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of aromatic alkyl ketones has been investigated using [Ru(p-cymene)Cl-2](2) and new derivatives of beta-amino alcohols synthesized from (S)-(-)-lactic acid and mandelic acid as ligands. Chiral secondary alcohols were obtained with good to excellent conversion (60-90\%) and moderate to good enantioselectivities (40-86\%). Asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of ketones has been investigated using [Ru(p-cymene)Cl-2](2) and beta-amino alcohols synthesized from (S)-(-)-lactic acid and Mandelic acid as ligands. Chiral secondary alcohols were obtained with good to excellent conversion (60-90\%) and moderate to good enantioselectivities (40-86\%).

}, keywords = {Amino alcohol ligand, Asymmetric transfer hydrogenation, Ketones, Ru catalyst}, issn = {1011-372X}, doi = {10.1007/s10562-010-0408-y}, author = {Deshpande, Sudhindra H. and Kelkar, Ashutosh A. and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Shingote, Savita K. and Chaudhari, Raghunath V.} } @article { ISI:000281868200016, title = {Cobalt nanoparticles doped emaraldine salt of polyaniline: a promising room temperature magnetic semiconductor}, journal = {Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials}, volume = {322}, number = {24}, year = {2010}, month = {DEC}, pages = {3926-3931}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Incorporation of magnetic nanoparticles in polymers with organic functional groups working as semiconducting substrate is of immense interest in the field of dilute magnetic semiconductors (DMS) and spintronics. In this article we report on synthesis and evaluation of dilutely doped (0-10 wt\%) cobalt nanoparticles in emaraldine salt (ES) of polyaniline in the presence of dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid (DBSA) and p-toluene sulfonic acid (p-TSA) using a sonochemical-assisted-reduction approach as a possible DMS candidate. The X-ray diffraction pattern and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) image show the ES to be polycrystalline, in which 10 nm sized Co nanoparticles get embedded in its FCC structural form. From Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and UV-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy studies, it is predicted that cobalt particles get electrostatically bound to the specific SO(3)(-) ion sites of ES, thereby modifying torsional degrees of freedom of the system. The applied field dependent magnetization study shows that the sample exhibits hysteresis loop with a minimal doping of 3 wt\% of Co nanoparticles and increases with the amount of Co nanoparticles in ES due to dipolar interaction. The electron transport data show that with increase in Co wt\% there is a gradual shift from ohmic to non-ohmic response to the sample bias, accompanied by opening of electrical hysteresis and an increased resistance. The non-linear response of higher doped systems has been attributed to the combination of direct and Fowler-Nordheim tunneling phenomena in these systems. Persistence of optical and transport properties of the polymer, with an introduction of magnetic moment in the system, envisages the system to be a fine magnetic semiconductor. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Cobalt nanoparticles, Magnetic semiconductor, polyaniline}, issn = {0304-8853}, doi = {10.1016/j.jmmm.2010.08.022}, author = {Hatamie, Shadie and Kulkarni, M. V. and Kulkarni, S. D. and Ningthoujam, R. S. and Vatsa, R. K. and Kale, Sangeeta N.} } @article { ISI:000274355800017, title = {Comparison of the auxiliary density perturbation theory and the noniterative approximation to the coupled perturbed kohn-sham method: case study of the polarizabilities of disubstituted azoarene molecules}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry A}, volume = {114}, number = {6}, year = {2010}, month = {FEB}, pages = {2357-2364}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

We present a theoretical study of the polarizabilities of free and disubstituted azoarenes employing auxiliary density perturbation theory (ADPT) and the noniterative approximation to the coupled perturbed Kohn-Sham (NIA-CPKS) method. Both methods are noniterative but use different approaches to obtain the perturbed density matrix. NIA-CPKS is different froth the conventional CPKS approach in that the perturbed Kohn-Sham matrix is obtained numerically, thereby yielding a single-step solution to CPKS. ADPT is an alternative approach to the analytical CPKS method in the framework of the auxiliary density functional theory. It is shown that the polarizabilities obtained using these two methods are in good agreement with each other. Comparisons are made for disubstituted azoarenes, which give support to the push-pull mechanism. Both methods reproduce the same trend for polarizabilities because of the substitution pattern of the azoarene moiety. Our results are consistent with the standard organic chemistry {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}activating/deactivating{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} sequence. We present the polarizabilities of the above molecules calculated with three different exchange-correlation functionals and two different auxiliary function sets. The computational advantages of both methods are also discussed.

}, issn = {1089-5639}, doi = {10.1021/jp909966f}, author = {Shedge, Sapana V. and Carmona-Espindola, Javier and Pal, Sourav and Koster, Andreas M.} } @article { ISI:000282106400002, title = {Concise synthesis of (2S,3S,4S)-2-(Hydroxymethyl)pyrrolidine-3,4-diol (LAB1)}, journal = {Synthesis-Stuttgart}, number = {18}, year = {2010}, month = {SEP}, pages = {3063-3066}, publisher = {GEORG THIEME VERLAG KG}, address = {RUDIGERSTR 14, D-70469 STUTTGART, GERMANY}, abstract = {

The synthesis of (2S,3S,4S)-2-(hydroxymethyl)pyrrolidine-3,4-diol (LAB1) from Garner{\textquoteright}s aldehyde is described using the Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation as the key step.

}, keywords = {alkaloid, azasugars, diastereoselectivity, Garner{\textquoteright}s aldehyde, pyrrolidine, Wittig reaction}, issn = {0039-7881}, doi = {10.1055/s-0030-1258185}, author = {Upadhyay, Puspesh K. and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000276973200011, title = {Continuous flow synthesis of functionalized silver nanoparticles using bifunctional biosurfactants}, journal = {Green Chemistry}, volume = {12}, number = {4}, year = {2010}, month = {APR}, pages = {609-615}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Silver nanoparticles were synthesized by continuous flow methods using biosurfactants, namely, oleic acid sophorolipid (OASL) and stearic acid sophorolipid (SASL). Both the sophorolipids can act as reducing and capping agents. The effect of temperature on the completion of nanoparticle formation and the particle growth dynamics (size) were studied in batch mode. While the completion of the reaction using oleic acid sophorolipid needed 20 min, only 5 min were required with the stearic acid sophorolipid as capping and reducing agent. Hence all the continuous flow experiments were carried out using the stearic acid sophorolipid. The continuous flow synthesis of silver nanoparticles was carried out in a stainless steel helical coil and also in a spiral polymeric minichannel reactor. The DLS results show that higher flow rate leads to the formation of bigger and polydisperse particles because of incomplete reactions. Higher residence time allowed the completion of reaction leading to spherical, small and monodisperse particles.

}, issn = {1463-9262}, doi = {10.1039/b919550e}, author = {Kumar, D. V. Ravi and Kasture, Manasi and Prabhune, Asmita and Ramana, C. V. and Bhagavatula L. V. Prasad and Kulkarni, A. A.} } @article { ISI:000273404500044, title = {Contrasting thermosolvatochromic trends in pyridinium-, pyrrolidinium-, and phosphonium-based ionic liquids}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, volume = {114}, number = {1}, year = {2010}, month = {JAN}, pages = {376-381}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Thermosolvatochromism has been studied in three series of ionic liquids, pyridinium-based 1-butylpyridinium, 1-hexylpyridinium, and 1-octylpyridinium with bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [NTf2] and tetrafluoroborate [BF4] anions, pyrrolidinium-based ionic liquids 1-methyl-1-butylpyrrolidium, 1-methyl-1-hexylpyrrolidium, 1-methyl-1-octylpyrrolidium with bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide anion and phosphonium-based ionic liquids tetrabutylphosphonium with alanate and valinate anions. The effect of increase in alkyl chain length and temperature on normalized polarity E-T(N), Kanilet-Taft parameters, hydrogen bond donor ability (alpha), hydrogen bond acceptor ability (beta), and polarizability (pi*) was investigated in the temperature range of 298-353 K. Interestingly, the polarity decreases with temperature in the case of pyridinium- and pyrrolidinium-based ionic liquids, and it increases with temperature in the case of phosphonium-based ionic liquids.

}, issn = {1520-6106}, doi = {10.1021/jp908498p}, author = {Khupse, Nageshwar D. and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000280799100039, title = {Copper-catalyzed intramolecular N-arylation of quinazolinones: facile convergent approach to (-)-circumdatins H and J}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {12}, number = {16}, year = {2010}, month = {AUG}, pages = {3716-3719}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

A copper-catalyzed intramolecular N-arylation of a quinazolinone nucleus that furnished the central benzodiazepine core unit has been demonstrated to accomplish an efficient convergent total synthesis of (-)-circumdatins H and J.

}, issn = {1523-7060}, doi = {10.1021/ol101597p}, author = {Kshirsagar, Umesh A. and N. P. Argade} } @article { ISI:000276010000034, title = {Cytotoxic activity of 9,10-dihydro-2,5-dimethoxyphenanthrene-1,7-diol from Eulophia nuda against human cancer cells}, journal = {Journal of Ethnopharmacology}, volume = {128}, number = {1}, year = {2010}, month = {MAR}, pages = {251-253}, publisher = {ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD}, address = {ELSEVIER HOUSE, BROOKVALE PLAZA, EAST PARK SHANNON, CO, CLARE, 00000, IRELAND}, abstract = {

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Eulophia nuda L. (Orchidaceae) is a medicinally important terrestrial orchid used for the treatment of tumours and various health problems by the local healers throughout the Western Ghats region in Maharashtra (India). Aim of the study: To isolate the active molecule from Eulophia nuda and to study its cytotoxic potential against human cancer cells. Materials and methods: The crude methanolic extract of Eulophia nuda tubers was fractionated by stepwise gradient of the solvents chloroform-methanol to isolate the pure compound. Isolated pure compound was assessed for its cytotoxic potential against human breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 using MTT assay. Structure elucidation of the isolated active compound was carried out by extensive spectroscopic analysis including (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, NOESY, COSY, LC-MS and IR. Results: The isolated active molecule was identified as phenanthrene derivative 9,10-dihydro-2,5-dimethoxyphenanthrene-1,7-diol. This compound showed good antiproliferative activity against human breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 (91\%) and MDA-MB-231 (85\%) at 1000 mu g/ml concentration. Conclusion: 9,10-Dihydro-2,5-dimethoxyphenanthrene-1,7-diol from Eulophia nuda tubers showed good growth suppressive effect against human cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 making it a potential biomolecule against human cancer. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Cytotoxic activity, Eulophia nuda, Phenanthrene derivatives}, issn = {0378-8741}, doi = {10.1016/j.jep.2009.12.031}, author = {Shriram, Varsha and Kumar, Vinay and Kishor, P. B. Kavi and Suryawanshi, Sharad B. and Upadhyay, Ankur K. and Bhat, Manoj K.} } @article { ISI:000280527500020, title = {Design, synthesis and DNA/RNA binding studies of nucleic acids comprising stereoregular and acyclic polycarbamate backbone: polycarbamate nucleic acids (PCNA)}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {8}, number = {16}, year = {2010}, month = {Jun}, pages = {3734-3741}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The designed, chiral, acyclic polycarbamate nucleic acids (PCNA) exhibited sequence and orientation specific binding to nucleic acids. Complexes of PCNA with DNA were as stable as PNA:DNA complexes and those with RNA were as stable as natural DNA:RNA complexes.

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/c003405n}, author = {Madhuri, Vangala and Kumar, Vaijayanti A.} } @article { ISI:000277325500008, title = {Dibutyltin oxide catalyzed aminolysis of oxalate to carbamate, oxamate and derivatives of imidazolidine trione}, journal = {Applied Organometallic Chemistry}, volume = {24}, number = {5}, year = {2010}, month = {MAY}, pages = {402-407}, publisher = {JOHN WILEY \& SONS LTD}, address = {THE ATRIUM, SOUTHERN GATE, CHICHESTER PO19 8SQ, W SUSSEX, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Catalytic aminolysis of oxalates by simple and substituted ureas has been shown to give carbamates, oxamates and derivatives of imidazolidine trione. Various substituted ureas and oxalates were screened to verify the applicability of the protocol. The role of dibutyltin oxide as catalyst, effect of solvent and reaction conditions on product distribution pattern has been discussed. Copyright (C) 2010 John Wiley \& Sons, Ltd.

}, keywords = {Aminolysis, carbamate, derivative of imidazolidine trione, oxalate, oxamate, transfunctionalyzation, Urea}, issn = {0268-2605}, doi = {10.1002/aoc.1629}, author = {Kunde, Lalita B. and Kalyani, Vishwanath S. and Gupte, Sunil P.} } @article { ISI:000284386100046, title = {Direct transfer of micro-molded electrodes for enhanced mass transport and water management in PEMFC}, journal = {Electrochemistry Communications}, volume = {12}, number = {11}, year = {2010}, month = {NOV}, pages = {1638-1641}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC}, address = {360 PARK AVE SOUTH, NEW YORK, NY 10010-1710 USA}, abstract = {

Soft lithography technique is used to micropattern the electrodes on the electrolyte membrane of polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEMFC) in order to alleviate the issues due to poor water management and inadequate reactant distribution in the fuel cell environment. Membrane electrode assembly with the micropatterned electrode has shown an increase in power density at a higher temperature as well as at a higher relative humidity when compared to a flat electrode. Consistency in cell performance is observed in the case of micropatterned electrodes. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Bipolar plate-less PEM fuel cell, Micropatterned electrodes, Microtransfer molding, Soft lithography}, issn = {1388-2481}, doi = {10.1016/j.elecom.2010.09.015}, author = {Deshmukh, Ashvini B. and Kale, Vinayak S. and Dhavale, Vishal M. and Sreekumar, K. and Vijayamohanan, K. and Shelke, Manjusha V.} } @article { ISI:000276229500006, title = {Discovery of rifampicin as a new anti-glycating compound by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry-based insulin glycation assay}, journal = {European Journal of Mass Spectrometry}, volume = {16}, number = {2}, year = {2010}, month = {FEB}, pages = {221-226}, publisher = {IM PUBLICATIONS}, address = {6 CHARLTON MILL, CHARLTON, CHICHESTER,, W SUSSEX PO18 0HY, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An in vitro insulin glycation assay was developed for screening glycation inhibitors. The assay involves the use of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry for monitoring the formation of glycated insulin. The assay is simple, rapid and amenable for high throughput screening. Using this assay we have discovered a strong anti-glycation activity for the anti-tuberculosis drug rifampicin. These results were compared with bovine serum albumin glucose fluorescence assay. In addition, the IC(50) of rifampicin was lower than that of aminoguanidine, a known anti-glycating agent, suggesting that rifampicin is a more potent glycation inhibitor.

}, keywords = {AGE, aminoguanidine, antibiotic, diabetic complication, drug repositioning, IC(50)}, issn = {1469-0667}, doi = {10.1255/ejms.1066}, author = {Golegaonkar, Sandeep B. and Bhonsle, Hemangi S. and Boppana, Ramanamurthy and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @conference { ISI:000287122200023, title = {Dynamic modeling of hydro- formylation of 1-decene on Rh/C catalyst in bubble colunm slurry reactor}, booktitle = {International Conference on Modeling, Optimization, and Computing}, series = {AIP Conference Proceedings}, volume = {1298}, year = {2010}, note = {International Conference on Modeling, Optimization, and Computing, Durgapur, INDIA, OCT 28-30, 2010}, month = {OCT}, pages = {143-150}, publisher = {Natl Inst Technol Durgapur; SERC, Dept Sci \& Technol; Caledonian Coll Engn; BRNS, Dept Atom Energy; DRDO, Minist Defence}, organization = {Natl Inst Technol Durgapur; SERC, Dept Sci \& Technol; Caledonian Coll Engn; BRNS, Dept Atom Energy; DRDO, Minist Defence}, address = {2 Huntington Quadrangle, STE 1NO1, Melville, NY 11747-4501 USA}, abstract = {

A dynamic model has been developed for the bubble column slurry reactor operating under non-isothermal conditions. The model consists of mass and heat balance equations for the gas and liquid phases and the catalyst particle. The model equations consisted of partial differential equations (PDE) which were converted to ordinary differential equations (ODE) by using finite difference relationships for the spatial derivatives and the ordinary differential equations for the time derivatives (Numerical Method of Lines-NMoL). The model was applied to describe the dynamic behaviour of bubble column slurry reactor during the hydroformylation of 1-decene on Rh/C catalyst. Model simulations were performed to obtain a meaningful path to steady state and to reproduce the other characteristics of the dynamic behaviour of the reactor. Under given conditions, the reaction required approximately 3750 seconds to reach the steady state concentrations at various reactor positions. It was observed with increase in the fluid velocities, the dynamics of the system was altered to 2500 seconds to reach the steady state condition. The effect of axial dispersion on the substrate concentration and the temperature rise along the reactor was further studied and discussed.

}, keywords = {axial dispersion, bubble column slurry reactor, Dynamic modeling, method of line, PDE solutions}, isbn = {978-0-7354-0854-8}, issn = {0094-243X}, doi = {10.1063/1.3516292}, author = {Upkare, Makarand M. and Rajurkar, Kalpendra B. and Das, Samir K. and Jaganathan, Rengaswamy}, editor = {Paruya, S. and Kar, S. and Roy, S.} } @article { ISI:000278112200007, title = {Effect of solvents having different dielectric constants on reactivity: a conceptual DFT approach}, journal = {International Journal of Quantum Chemistry}, volume = {110}, number = {9}, year = {2010}, month = {AUG}, pages = {1642-1647}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

Conceptual density functional theory is exploited to understand the reactivity in a medium of solvents with increasing dielectric constants. Aprotic as well as protic solvents are used for this study. It is found that the global parameters, such as chemical potential and hardness, decrease from gas phase to solvent phase with increasing dielectric constant. However, it is observed that the Fukui functions of the reactive atoms increase significantly with the dielectric constants of the aprotic solvents while for the protic solvents the variation of the reactivity indices is insignificant. (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem 110: 1642-1647, 2010

}, keywords = {COSMO, DFT, dielectric constant, Reactivity descriptors, solvent effect}, issn = {0020-7608}, doi = {10.1002/qua.22333}, author = {Kar, Rahul and Pal, Sourav} } @article { ISI:000284814600017, title = {Efficient heterogeneous catalytic system for chemoselective hydrogenation of unsaturated ketones in aqueous medium}, journal = {Polyhedron}, volume = {29}, number = {17}, year = {2010}, month = {NOV}, pages = {3262-3268}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A highly chemoselective and green heterogeneous catalytic system of immobilized Ru(II)-phenanthroline complexes on amino functionalised MCM-41 material for the chemoselective hydrogenation of unsaturated ketones to unsaturated alcohols is demonstrated using water as a solvent The XRD and FTIR spectra show the highly ordered hexagonal nature of the MCM-41 even after encapsulation of the ruthenium complex The complex retains its configuration after anchoring as was confirmed by FTIR and UV-Vis analysis The detailed reaction parametric effect was studied for the hydrogenation of 3 methylpent-3-en-2-one to achieve complete conversion up to \>99\% chemoselectivity of 3-methylpent-3-en-2 ol The anchored heterogeneous catalysts were recycled effectively and reused five times with marginal changes in activity and selectivity The use of water as a solvent not only afforded high activity for the hydroge nation reaction compared to organic solvents but also afforded a green process Crown Copyright (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved

}, keywords = {1 10 Phenanthroline, alpha beta Unsaturated ketone, Chemoselective hydrogenation, mesoporous materials, ruthenium}, issn = {0277-5387}, doi = {10.1016/j.poly.2010.09.006}, author = {Deshmukh, Amit A. and Kinage, Anil K. and Kumar, Rajiv and Meijboom, Reinout} } @article { ISI:000285311000016, title = {Enantio- and diastereocontrolled total synthesis of (+)-strictifolione}, journal = {European Journal of Organic Chemistry}, number = {36}, year = {2010}, month = {DEC}, pages = {6993-7004}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {COMMERCE PLACE, 350 MAIN ST, MALDEN 02148, MA USA}, abstract = {

A concise and practical enantioselective synthesis of (+)-strictifolione has been achieved in high diastereomeric excess using Jacobsen{\textquoteright}s hydrolytic kinetic resolution, proline-catalyzed sequential alpha-aminoxylation and Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons olefination of aldehyde and cross olefin/ring-closing metathesis as the key steps.

}, keywords = {Asymmetric synthesis, Hydrolytic kinetic resolution, lactones, Natural products, organocatalysis, Ring-closing metathesis, Total synthesis}, issn = {1434-193X}, doi = {10.1002/ejoc.201001221}, author = {Kumar, Pradeep and Pandey, Menaka and Gupta, Priti and Naidu, S. Vasudeva and Dhavale, Dilip D.} } @article { ISI:000278985800034, title = {Enantioselective synthesis of (R)-(+)-alpha-lipoic acid via proline-catalyzed sequential alpha-aminoxylation and HWE olefination of aldehyde}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {51}, number = {27}, year = {2010}, month = {JUL}, pages = {3587-3589}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An efficient enantioselective synthesis of (R)-(+)-alpha-lipoic acid is described, in high optical purity (\>97\% ee), using L-proline-catalyzed sequential alpha-aminoxylation and Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons olefination of aldehyde as the key step. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2010.05.007}, author = {Panchgalle, Sharad P. and Jogdand, Ganesh F. and Chavan, Subhash P. and Kalkote, Uttam R.} } @article { ISI:000278616800022, title = {Enantioselective synthesis of syn/anti-1,3-amino alcohols via proline-catalyzed sequential alpha-aminoxylation/alpha-amination and horner-wadsworth-emmons olefination of aldehydes}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {12}, number = {12}, year = {2010}, month = {JUN}, pages = {2762-2765}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

A novel and general method for asymmetric synthesis of both syn/anti-1,3-amino alcohols is described. The method uses proline-catalyzed sequential alpha-aminoxylation/alpha-amination and Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons (HWE) olefination of aldehydes as the key step. By using this method, a short synthesis of a bioactive molecule, (R)-1-((S)-1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)-5-phenylpentan-2-ol, is also accomplished.

}, issn = {1523-7060}, doi = {10.1021/ol100856u}, author = {Jha, Vishwajeet and Kondekar, Nagendra B. and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000282471100001, title = {Enhancement of thermal stability and phase relaxation behavior of chitosan dissolved in aqueous l-lactic acid: using {\textquoteleft}silver nanoparticles{\textquoteright} as nano filler}, journal = {Macromolecular Research}, volume = {18}, number = {8}, year = {2010}, month = {AUG}, pages = {713-720}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Chitosan films with various compositions of silver nanoparticles were prepared by solution casting with an aqueous solution of chitosan and l-lactic acid. The chitosan/Ag nanocomposites were characterized by wide angle Xray diffraction (WAXD) and UV-vis spectroscopy. An analysis of the surface topography and size of the Ag nanoparticles (\<= 100 nm) were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTA) confirmed the increase in thermal stability with increasing Ag nanoparticle content in the nanocomposites. Dynamic thermal analysis (DMA) was used to examine the phase relaxation behavior of chitosan and its nanocomposites. The conductivity of chitosan/Ag nanocomposites was considered with respect to the frequency. Contact angle measurements were used to characterize the surface twistability, surface cleanliness, and hydrophilic/hydrophobic nature of the surface.

}, keywords = {Chitosan, conductivity, contact angle, relaxation, silver nanoparticles}, issn = {1598-5032}, doi = {10.1007/s13233-010-0801-9}, author = {Rana, V. K. and Pandey, Asutosh K. and Singh, Raj Pal and Kumar, B. and Mishra, Satyendra and Ha, Chang-Sik} } @article { ISI:000273400300004, title = {Experimental and theoretical study on the remarkable influence of protecting groups on the selectivity of addition of amines to vinyl sulfone-modified hex-2-enopyranosides}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {75}, number = {2}, year = {2010}, month = {JAN}, pages = {303-314}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Although phenylmethylene-protected vinyl sulfone-modified carbohydrate 2 alpha reacts with both primary and secondary amines in Michael fashion to afford aminated products, only primary amines react with the dibenzyl-protected 3 alpha, 6-O-trityl-protected 4 alpha, and unprotected 5 alpha, highlighting for the first time the remarkable influence of protecting, groups on the reaction patterns of vinyl sulfone-modified carbohydrates. The quantum chemical calculations suggest that the Michael addition of amines and proton transfer to vinyl sulfone-modified carbohydrates 2 alpha and 5 alpha are possible via relay process in a concerted mechanism. These calculations reveal that the addition of primary amines to vinyl sulfone-modified carbohydrate is preferential due to the low activation energy barriers, whereas the addition of secondary amines has relatively higher activation energy barriers. The theoretical conclusions are in line with the experimental observations.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/jo902046g}, author = {Bhattacharya, Rahul and Kesharwani, Manoj K. and Manna, Chinmoy and Ganguly, Bishwajit and Suresh, Cheravakattu G. and Pathak, Tanmaya} } @article { ISI:000278798900006, title = {Expression profiling of various genes during the fruit development and ripening of mango}, journal = {Plant Physiology and Biochemistry}, volume = {48}, number = {6}, year = {2010}, month = {JUN}, pages = {426-433}, publisher = {ELSEVIER FRANCE-EDITIONS SCIENTIFIQUES MEDICALES ELSEVIER}, address = {23 RUE LINOIS, 75724 PARIS, FRANCE}, abstract = {

Mango (Mangifera indica L. cv. Alphonso) development and ripening are the programmed processes; conventional indices and volatile markers help to determine agronomically important stages of fruit life (fruit-setting, harvesting maturity and ripening climacteric). However, more and precise markers are required to understand this programming; apparently, fruit{\textquoteright}s transcriptome can be a good source of such markers. Therefore, we isolated 18 genes related to the physiology and biochemistry of the fruit and profiled their expression in developing and ripening fruits, flowers and leaves of mango using relative quantitation PCR. In most of the tissues, genes related to primary metabolism, abiotic stress, ethylene response and protein turnover showed high expression as compared to that of the genes related to flavor production. Metallothionin and/or ethylene-response transcription factor showed highest level of transcript abundance in all the tissues. Expressions of mono- and sesquiterpene synthases and 14-3-3 lowered during ripening; whereas, that of lipoxygenase, ethylene-response factor and ubiquitin-protein ligase increased during ripening. Based on these expression profiles, flower showed better positive correlation with developing and ripening fruits than leaf. Most of the genes showed their least expression on the second day of harvest, suggesting that harvesting signals significantly affect the fruit metabolism. Important stages in the fruit life were clearly indicated by the significant changes in the expression levels of various genes. These indications complemented those from the previous analyses of fruit development, ripening and volatile emission, revealing the harmony between physiological, biochemical and molecular activities of the fruit. (C) 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Mangifera indica, Stress response, Terpene metabolism, Transcriptome analysis}, issn = {0981-9428}, doi = {10.1016/j.plaphy.2010.02.012}, author = {Pandit, Sagar S. and Kulkarni, Ram S. and Giri, Ashok P. and Koellner, Tobias G. and Degenhardt, Joerg and Gershenzon, Jonathan and Gupta, Vidya S.} } @article { ISI:000285081100050, title = {Ferrocene-Bis(thymine/uracil) conjugates: base pairing directed, spacer dependent self-assembly and supramolecular packing}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {75}, number = {24}, year = {2010}, month = {DEC}, pages = {8705-8708}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

X-ray crystallographic studies of methylene linked Ferrocene-bis(thymine/uracil) conjugates Fc(T:T)m and Fc(U:U)(M) reveal base dependent 2-D supramolecular assemblies generated via wobble self-pairing for bis-thymine and reverse wobble self-pairing for bis-uracil conjugates, differing in architecture from the corresponding butylene spacer linked conjugates

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/jo101813z}, author = {Patwa, Amit N. and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Kumar, Vaijayanti A. and Bhadbhade, Mohan M. and Ganesh, Krishna N.} } @article { ISI:000273204100059, title = {Flexible microwave absorber based on nickel ferrite nanocomposite}, journal = {Journal of Alloys and Compounds}, volume = {489}, number = {1}, year = {2010}, month = {JAN}, pages = {297-303}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Flexible magnetic composite materials were prepared by incorporating precharacterized nickel ferrite nanoparticles in a natural rubber matrix. The complex dielectric permittivity and magnetic permeability of the composites were measured at different microwave frequencies using the cavity perturbation technique. A steady increase in dielectric permittivity was observed with increase in filler concentration. Maxwell-Garnett mixture equations were employed to model the effective permittivity and permeability of the composite. Reflection loss was estimated by employing the model of single layer absorber backed with a perfect conductor. Reflection loss minima of -5.9 dB at 3.2 GHz for 12 mm thick rubber ferrite composite sheet is obtained in the S-band while a loss up to -16 dB could be achieved at 9.5 GHz in the X-band. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Cavity perturbation, Complex permeability, Complex permittivity, Microwave absorber, Nanocomposites, Nickel ferrite}, issn = {0925-8388}, doi = {10.1016/j.jallcom.2009.09.077}, author = {Sunny, Vijutha and Kurian, Philip and Mohanan, P. and Joy, Pattayil Alias and Anantharaman, Maliemadom R.} } @article { ISI:000272071800042, title = {Flocculation of dimorphic yeast benjaminiella poitrasii is altered by modulation of NAD-glutamate dehydrogenase}, journal = {Bioresource Technology}, volume = {101}, number = {4}, year = {2010}, month = {FEB}, pages = {1393-1395}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A strategy to control flocculation is investigated using dimorphic yeast, Benjaminiella poitrasii as a model. Parent form of this yeast (Y) exhibited faster flocculation (11.1 min) than the monomorphic yeast form mutant Y-5 (12.6 min). Atomic force microscopy revealed higher surface roughness of Y (439.34 rms) than Y-5 (52 rms). Also, the former had a zeta potential of -65.97 +/- 3.45 as against -50.21 +/- 2.49 for the latter. Flocculation of both Y and Y-5 could be altered by supplementing either substrates or inhibitor of NAD-glutamate dehydrogenase (NAD-GDH) in the growth media. The rate of flocculation was promoted by alpha-ketoglutarate or isophthalic acid and decelerated by glutamate with a statistically significant inverse correlation to corresponding NAD-GDH levels. These interesting findings open up new possibilities of using NAD-GDH modulating agents to control flocculation in fermentations for easier downstream processing. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Benjaminiella poitrasii, dimorphism, flocculation, NAD-glutamate dehydrogenase}, issn = {0960-8524}, doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2009.09.052}, author = {Joshi, C. V. and Ghormade, Vandana and Kunde, P. and Kulkarni, P. and Mamgain, H. and Bhat, Suresh K. and Paknikar, K. M. and Deshpande, Mukund V.} } @article { ISI:000272936000061, title = {Fluconazole analogues containing 2H-1,4-benzothiazin-3(4H)-one or 2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one moieties, a novel class of anti-Candida agents}, journal = {Bioorganic \& Medicinal Chemistry Letters}, volume = {20}, number = {2}, year = {2010}, month = {JAN}, pages = {722-725}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

As a part of our program to develop new antifungal agents, a series of fluconazole analogues was designed and synthesized wherein one of the triazole moieties in fluconazole was replaced with 2H-1,4-benzothiazin-3(4H)-one or 2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one moiety. The new chemical entities thus synthesized were screened against various fungi and it was observed that the compounds 4a and 4i are potent inhibitors of Candida strains. The structure-activity relationship for these compounds is discussed. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {antifungal, Benzothiazinone, Benzoxazinone, Fluconazole}, issn = {0960-894X}, doi = {10.1016/j.bmcl.2009.11.071}, author = {Borate, Hanumant B. and Maujan, Suleman R. and Sawargave, Sangmeshwer P. and Chandavarkar, Mohan A. and Vaiude, Sharangi R. and Joshi, Vinay A. and Wakharkar, Radhika D. and Iyer, Ramki and Kelkar, Ramesh G. and Chavan, Subhash P. and Kunte, Sunita S.} } @article { ISI:000278451000017, title = {Formal synthesis of (+/-)-camptothecin via tricyclic lactone as key synthon}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {51}, number = {23}, year = {2010}, month = {JUN}, pages = {3099-3101}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Formal synthesis of (+/-)-camptothecin via CDE tricyclic lactone employing tandem Michael addition, Dieckmann condensation and addition-elimination reaction as key steps starting from glycinate is described. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2010.04.019}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Dhawane, Abasaheb N. and Kalkote, Uttam R.} } @article { ISI:000283602000008, title = {General and concise asymmetric synthesis of sphingosine, safingol and phytosphingosines via tethered aminohydroxylation}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {8}, number = {22}, year = {2010}, month = {SEP}, pages = {5074-5086}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A novel, practical and efficient enantioselective synthesis of sphingoid bases, L-threo-[2S,3S]-sphinganine (safingol), L-threo-[2S,3S]-sphingosine, L-arabino-[2R,3S,4R] and L-xylo-[2R,3S,4S]-C(18)-phytosphingosine is described. The synthetic strategy features the Sharpless kinetic resolution and tethered aminohydroxylation (TA) as the key steps.

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/c0ob00117a}, author = {Kumar, Pradeep and Dubey, Abhishek and Puranik, Vedavati G.} } @article { ISI:000208189304130, title = {Glycerine to renewable amino alcohol: reaction mechanism and kinetics of the catalytic reductive amination of hydroxyacetone}, journal = {Abstracts of Papers of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {239}, year = {2010}, month = {MAR}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, issn = {0065-7727}, author = {Arredondo, Victor M. and Gibson, Michael S. and Fairweather, Neil T. and Daniels, Angella C. and Kreuzer, David P. and Jaganathan, Rengaswamy} } @article { ISI:000282200300012, title = {Gold-catalyzed glycosidations: unusual cleavage of the interglycosidic bond while studying the armed/disarmed effect of propargyl glycosides}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {51}, number = {40}, year = {2010}, month = {OCT}, pages = {5269-5272}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Armed/disarmed effect of propargyl glycosides in the presence of AuBr(3) is studied. Observed that oxophilic AuBr(3) cleaves interglycosidic bond of an armed disaccharide resulting in the formation of a disaccharide and a 1,6-anhydro sugar. Trisaccharides were obtained after fine tuning the reactivity of the glycosyl donor with different protecting groups. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2010.07.157}, author = {Kayastha, Abhijeet K. and Hotha, Srinivas} } @article { ISI:000273051800037, title = {Halide ion controlled shape dependent gold nanoparticle synthesis with tryptophan as reducing agent: enhanced fluorescent properties and white light emission}, journal = {Chemical Physics Letters}, volume = {484}, number = {4-6}, year = {2010}, month = {JAN}, pages = {271-275}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

We report the synthesis of Au nanoparticles in presence of two surfactants cetyltrimethyl ammonium chloride (CTAC) and cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) by reducing Au(3+) ions with tryptophan. Interestingly, triangular shaped particles were seen to form in presence of CTAB, while spherical nanoparticles resulted with CTAC. The highlight of this result is the white light emission from the Au triangles obtained when CTAB is used. These results are supported by lifetime measurements and fluorescence. (C) 2009 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0009-2614}, doi = {10.1016/j.cplett.2009.11.052}, author = {Kasture, Manasi and Sastry, Murali and Bhagavatula L. V. Prasad} } @article { ISI:000284266200038, title = {Helical self-assembly of molecules in pseudopolymorphs of racemic 2,6-di-O-(4-halobenzoyl)-myo-inositol 1,3,5-orthoformates: clues for the construction of molecular assemblies for intermolecular acyl transfer reaction}, journal = {Crystengcomm}, volume = {12}, number = {12}, year = {2010}, month = {Aug}, pages = {4184-4197}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The crystal structure of racemic 2,6-di-O-benzoyl-myo-inositol 1,3,5-orthoformate (1) which underwent a facile intermolecular benzoyl transfer reaction in the solid state, revealed a helical assembly of molecules along the two-fold screw axis via O-H center dot center dot center dot O hydrogen bond bringing the electrophile (C=O) and the nucleophile (-OH) in close proximity along the helical axis. However, structurally related racemic 2,6-di-O-(p-halobenzoyl)-myo-inositol 1,3,5-orthoformates (bromo (2) and chloro (3)) produced triclinic dimorphs (both P (1) over bar) when crystallized from methanol and ethyl acetate. Molecules in either form did not assemble spirally (like 1), and instead exhibited a one-dimensional isostructurality, bridging O-H center dot center dot center dot O linked identical molecular strings via C-H center dot center dot center dot O interactions across the inversion center. However, the molecules of 2 and 3 assembled in a helical manner similar to 1 with inclusion of solvent molecules in the crystal lattice when crystallized from other common organic solvents. Remarkably, in all the solvates the host molecules formed strikingly similar helices around the crystallographic 2(1)-screw axis through O-H center dot center dot center dot O bond involving the -OH group and carbonyl oxygen of the equatorial C2-O-benzoyl group. Comparison of the crystal structure of dimorphs and the solvatomorphs revealed that the solvent molecules, which interact with the orthoformate-bridge, trigger the helix formation of the host. The difference in the crystal structures of solvatomorphs arises in the interlinking of the neighbouring helices, which creates voids of different sizes to accommodate the solvent molecules. All the solvates crystallized in the monoclinic system distributed over three different space groups P2(1)/n, P2(1)/c and C2/c. In the P2(1)/n system, the adjacent helices are linked via C-X center dot center dot center dot O contacts, in P2(1)/c via C-H center dot center dot center dot X (X Cl, Br) contacts and in C2/c via short X center dot center dot center dot X contacts (X = Cl). The helical organization achieved through solvent mediation and inclusion is of significance in creating molecular packing for intermolecular acyl transfer reactions in crystals.

}, issn = {1466-8033}, doi = {10.1039/b924482d}, author = {Krishnaswamy, Shobhana and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Shashidhar, Mysore S. and Bhadbhade, Mohan M.} } @article { ISI:000277199300002, title = {Heterofunctional nanomaterials: fabrication, properties and applications in nanobiotechnology}, journal = {Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology}, volume = {10}, number = {7}, year = {2010}, month = {JUL}, pages = {4124-4134}, publisher = {AMER SCIENTIFIC PUBLISHERS}, address = {26650 THE OLD RD, STE 208, VALENCIA, CA 91381-0751 USA}, abstract = {

Nanotechnology and nanoengineering includes a novel class of materials that are gaining significant recognition to pursuit technological/biological advances in diverse fields including, biology, medicine, electronics, engineering etc. due to their unique size- and shape-dependent intrinsic physicochemical, optoelectronic and biological properties. Characteristics such as high surface to volume ratios and quantum confinement results in materials that are qualitatively different from their bulk counterparts. These properties not only make them suitable for numerous applications in existing and emerging technologies, but also have outstanding role in many fields that provide inspiration for their fabrication. In Today{\textquoteright}s trend nanotechnology is spreading vigorously where researchers all over the world are focusing towards their synthesis and applications. Therefore, this review is helpful for the researchers in the field of nanobiotechnology/nanomedicine, providing a brief overview of nanotechnology, covering nanomaterial synthesis methods (with emphasis on environmentally benign greener approaches), their properties, and applications; such as drug delivery, bio-labeling, nanotoxicity etc. The influence of synthesis methods and surface coatings/stabilizing agents and their subsequent applications is discussed, and a broad outline on the biomedical applications into which they have been implemented is also presented.

}, keywords = {Bio-Fabrication, Bio-Labeling, Cell imaging, drug delivery, Greener Synthesis, Nanomaterials, Nanotoxicity}, issn = {1533-4880}, doi = {10.1166/jnn.2010.2944}, author = {Kumar, S. Anil and Khan, Mohammad Islam} } @article { ISI:000285772600015, title = {Heterogenized Ru(II) phenanthroline complex for chemoselective hydrogenation of diketones under biphasic aqueous medium}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Catalysis A-Chemical}, volume = {333}, number = {1-2}, year = {2010}, month = {DEC}, pages = {114-120}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The chemoselective hydrogenation of acetylacetone to 4-hydroxypentan-2-one over immobilized ruthenium phenanthroline metal complexes in amino functionalized MCM-41 in biphasic aqueous reaction medium was investigated. The catalyst was characterized by XRD, TEM, surface analysis, FT-IR and UV-vis to understand the morphology, complex geometry, and XPS such that the oxidation state of the metal complex inside the MCM-41 framework could be understood. The use of water as a solvent, not only gives high activity and selectivity for hydrogenation of acetylacetone, but also gives a path for an environmentally safer process. The optimizations of ligand, metal to ligand ratio, the choice of solvent and other reaction parameters were studied in detail. The heterogeneous catalytic system gave a higher degree of chemoselectivity (99\%) towards 4-hydroxypentan-2-one as compared to homogeneous catalyst when hydrogenation was carried out using water as a solvent. The immobilized ruthenium-phenanthroline complex was easily separated and reused. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {4-Hydroxypentan-2-one, acetylacetone, Chemoselective, Diketone, Hydrogenation, Phenanthroline, ruthenium, Water}, issn = {1381-1169}, doi = {10.1016/j.molcata.2010.10.005}, author = {Deshmukh, Amit A. and Kinage, Anil K. and Kumar, Rajiv and Meijboom, Reinout} } @article { ISI:000280145000055, title = {High aspect ratio nanoscale multifunctional materials derived from hollow carbon nanofiber by polymer insertion and metal decoration}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {46}, number = {30}, year = {2010}, month = {JUN}, pages = {5590-5592}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A novel high aspect ratio material which can simultaneously display multiple functions such as proton and electron conductivity and electrocatalytic activity has been developed by incorporating both platinum nanoparticles and phosphoric acid doped polybenzimidazole along the inner and outer surfaces of a hollow carbon nanofiber.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c0cc00571a}, author = {Balan, Beena K. and Kale, Vinayak S. and Aher, Pradnya P. and Shelke, Manjusha V. and Pillai, Vijayamohanan K. and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article { ISI:000281153600066, title = {High current density, low threshold field emission from functionalized carbon nanotube bucky paper}, journal = {Applied Physics Letters}, volume = {97}, number = {7}, year = {2010}, month = {AUG}, pages = {073102}, publisher = {AMER INST PHYSICS}, address = {CIRCULATION \& FULFILLMENT DIV, 2 HUNTINGTON QUADRANGLE, STE 1 N O 1, MELVILLE, NY 11747-4501 USA}, abstract = {

Field emission studies of bucky paper of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), prepared after microwave (MW) assisted acid functionalization are reported along with a comparison with that of {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}as-grown{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} sample. MW treated bucky papers reveal an interesting linear field emission behavior in Fowler-Nordheim plot. The field emission currents at preset value are found to be remarkably stable over a period of more than 3 h sustaining current densities of 4.9 mA/cm(2) and 8.5 mA/cm(2) for {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}as-grown{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} and functionalized sample, respectively. The enhancement in the field emission due to functionalization has been discussed in terms of tip opening and defect induced charge transport caused by intershell and intertubular interaction. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3479049]

}, keywords = {Carbon nanotubes, current density, field emission, fullerenes}, issn = {0003-6951}, doi = {10.1063/1.3479049}, author = {Kakade, Bhalchandra A. and Pillai, Vijayamohanan K. and Late, Dattatray J. and Chavan, Padmakar G. and Sheini, Farid J. and More, Mahendra A. and Joag, Dilip S.} } @article { ISI:000281129100046, title = {High pt utilization electrodes for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells by dispersing pt particles formed by a preprecipitation method on carbon {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}polished{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} with polypyrrole}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {114}, number = {34}, year = {2010}, month = {SEP}, pages = {14654-14661}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Pt utilization on carbon black (CB) has been significantly improved by initially utilizing polypyrrole (PPy) as a moiety to {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}polish{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} the carbon surface and subsequently by dispersing Pt particles formed by a preprecipitation process to minimize their migration into the geometrically restricted areas of the carbon surface. This process strategy has helped to significantly extend the triple-phase boundary as a greater number of Pt particles comes in direct contact with Nafion, leading to a substantial improvement in the overall catalyst utilization. Preliminary analyses such as IR, thermogravimetric analysis, and N(2) sorption confirmed the presence of PPy on the surface. Approximately 50\% reduction in the surface area of CB after the controlled in situ polymerization of pyrrole monomer on the carbon surface indicated preferential filling and coverage of pores and other geometrically restricted pockets of carbon surface. On the other hand, by converting Pt into colloids in the preprecipitation method prior to their reduction, the platinum particles are forced to stay on the hybrid support; a major part of which otherwise would have been migrated into the surface pores and defect sites. Platinum particle size on these hybrid supports is 2 times higher than the catalyst prepared by polyol process. However, the electroactive surface area and mass activity are 2 times higher than that of the Pt particles prepared by polyol on hybrid material and are also significantly higher than that of the conventional electrocatalysts prepared by the polyol method. At 0.8 V, the kinetic current density (j(k)) of Pt/C-PPy-Pre obtained from the Koutecky-Levich plot is 1.5 and 2.5 times higher than that of catalysts prepared by the polyol method on PPy-coated carbon and Vulcan XC-72 carbon, respectively. Almost 210 and 160 mW cm(-2) improvement for the maximum power density, respectively with oxygen and air, was obtained with the modified system in comparison to the conventional system when the single cell evaluations were carried out at 60 degrees C with a Pt loading of 0.5 mg cm(-2) in the anode and cathode sides. This enhancement in the cell performance under the two different oxygen partial pressure conditions clearly emphasizes the improved oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and mass-transfer characteristics of the hybrid electrode material compared to the other catalysts.

}, issn = {1932-7447}, doi = {10.1021/jp104664t}, author = {Unni, SreeKuttan M. and Dhavale, Vishal M. and Pillai, Vijayamohanan K. and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article { ISI:000281323300012, title = {Highly selective claisen-schmidt condensation catalyzed by silica chloride under solvent-free reaction conditions}, journal = {Synthetic Communications}, volume = {40}, number = {19}, year = {2010}, month = {AUG}, pages = {PII 926308853}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS INC}, address = {325 CHESTNUT ST, SUITE 800, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 USA}, abstract = {

Silica chloride serves as a useful catalyst in the cross-aldol condensation, leading to the synthesis of a wide variety of bisarylidene cycloalkanones and chalcones. The catalyst showed high selectivity; self-condensation of ketones was not observed.

}, keywords = {Aldol reaction, arylidene cycloalkanone, Claisen-Schmidt, condensation, silica chloride}, issn = {0039-7911}, doi = {10.1080/00397910903340637}, author = {Hazarkhani, Hassan and Kumar, Pradeep and Kondiram, Kadam Sachin and Gadwal, Ikhlas M. Shafi} } @article { ISI:000283463600060, title = {Hydroformylation of 1-octene using [Bmim][PF6]-decane biphasic media and rhodium complex catalyst: thermodynamic properties and kinetic study}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {49}, number = {21}, year = {2010}, note = {21st International Symposium on Chemical Reaction Engineering (ISCRE 21), Philadelphia, PA, JUN 13-16, 2010}, month = {NOV}, pages = {10698-10706}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

A chemical reaction engineering approach is reported to investigate the biphasic hydroformylation of I-octene using [bmim][PF6] ionic liquid. It is based both on a process parameter investigation (temperature, concentrations, and pressures) and a thermodynamic study of the reaction medium (gas liquid and liquid liquid equilibria). Initial rate data show complex behavior with respect to operating parameters and are best described by a rate equation based on a mechanistic model. Complete reaction scheme including isomerization is then modeled accounting from the time dependent concentration of the organic substrates measured in organic phase and recalculated in ionic liquid phase from liquid liquid equilibria.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/ie100222k}, author = {Sharma, Amit and Lebigue, Carine Julcour and Deshpande, Raj Madhukar and Kelkar, Ashutosh A. and Delmas, Henri} } @article { ISI:000284443200005, title = {Hydrogen evolution by a low cost photocatalyst: bauxite residue}, journal = {International Journal of Hydrogen Energy}, volume = {35}, number = {20, SI}, year = {2010}, month = {OCT}, pages = {10859-10866}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Bauxite residue or red mud which is an aluminium industry waste has been used as a novel low cost photocatalyst active in visible light for the generation of hydrogen from water. The driving force behind the use of bauxite residue as a photocatalyst is not only the fact that it is widely available but also bauxite residue is a fine grained mixture of oxides and hydroxides (Fe(2)O(3), TiO(2), SiO(2), and Al(2)O(3), Al(OH)3). The photocatalyst was characterized with respect to BET-SA, UV-DRS, XRD, SEM and EDX. Hydrogen yield of 4600 mu mol/h/g of TiO(2) was achieved as compared to hydrogen evolution rate of 164 mu mol/h/g of TiO(2) for commercially available titania Degussa P-25. However, the hydrogen evolution was 20.85 mu mol/h/g of photocatalyst. The results suggest that bauxite residue appears to be a novel low cost photocatalyst. The various operating conditions of photocatalytic hydrogen generation were studied which include amount of catalyst, illumination intensity, illumination time, effect of various sacrificial donors etc. (C) 2009 Professor T. Nejat Veziroglu. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Aluminium industry waste, Bauxite residue, Hydrogen generation, Red mud, Sacrificial donors}, issn = {0360-3199}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijhydene.2009.10.075}, author = {Mangrulkar, Priti A. and Joshi, Meenal V. and Kamble, Sanjay P. and Labhsetwar, Nitin K. and Rayalu, Sadhana S.} } @article { ISI:000278307300007, title = {Influence of filler size and morphology in controlling the thermal emissivity of aluminium/polymer composites for space applications}, journal = {Materials Science and Engineering B-Advanced Functional Solid-State Materials}, volume = {168}, number = {1-3, SI}, year = {2010}, note = {Conference on Specialty Advanced Materials and Polymers for Aerospace and Defense and Applications (SAMPADA-2008), Mat Res Soc Singapore, Singapore, SINGAPORE, JUL 03-08, 2005}, month = {APR}, pages = {40-44}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The paper has addressed the problem of controlling the thermal emissivities from metal/polymer composites prepared by solution method. Aluminium is used as a filler and polystyrene as a polymer-matrix. Aluminium particles, with micrometer and nanometer dimensions having different morphologies, were employed. The values of emissivities were reduced when the coarse grains and flakes of aluminium were used as fillers, whereas, no significant change was observed when nano-aluminium was used in the composite. Dielectric dispersion for the composites was measured and the results are analysed in view of Fresnel relation. The differences in the values of dielectric constants, between the experimentally measured and those which can be predicted theoretically, are thought to arise from the interfacial polarization. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Camouflaging, Composite, dielectric constant, Infra-red, Thermal emissivity}, issn = {0921-5107}, doi = {10.1016/j.mseb.2009.11.009}, author = {Babrekar, Harshada A. and Kulkarni, Naveen V. and Jog, Jyoti Prakash and Mathe, Vikas L. and Bhoraskar, S. V.} } @article { ISI:000273051800057, title = {Influence of plane wave cut-off on structural and electronic properties in Sn-BEA and Ti-BEA zeolite water molecule interaction}, journal = {Chemical Physics Letters}, volume = {484}, number = {4-6}, year = {2010}, month = {JAN}, pages = {374-379}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Periodic systems are best described by the pseudo-potential methods. However, the accuracy of its description depends on the cut-off of plane wave basis. This is much more critical in the case of weak interactions, where a clear understanding on the influence of plane wave cut-off on the structural and electronic properties is not readily available in the literature. In the present work, we have taken a metal substituted beta zeolite-H2O complex for understanding this objective. Our studies show that while a lower cut-off of 500 eV is sufficient for the convergence of the structural parameters, description of energy-dependent properties necessitates a high cut-off value. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0009-2614}, doi = {10.1016/j.cplett.2009.11.041}, author = {Kulkarni, Bhakti S. and Krishnamurty, Sailaja and Pal, Sourav} } @article { ISI:000281054300011, title = {Interaction of recombinant CanPIs with helicoverpa armigera gut proteases reveals their processing patterns, stability and efficiency}, journal = {Proteomics}, volume = {10}, number = {15}, year = {2010}, month = {JUL}, pages = {2845-2857}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {PO BOX 10 11 61, D-69451 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Six diverse representative Capsicum annuum (common name: hot pepper; Solanaceae) protease inhibitor genes, viz CanPI-5, -7, -13, -15, -19, and 22 comprising 1-4 inhibitory repeat domains (IRDs), were cloned and expressed in Pichia pastoris. The recombinant proteins were evaluated for their interactions with bovine trypsin, chymotrypsin, and Helicoverpa armigera gut proteases (HGP) using electrophoretic (native and denaturing) and mass spectrometric (MALDI-TOF-MS in combination with intensity fading assays) techniques. These techniques allow qualitative and semiquantitative analysis of multiple and processed IRDs of purified recombinant Capsicum annuum proteinase inhibitor (rCanPI) proteins. rCanPIs showed over 90\% trypsin inhibition, varying chymotrypsin inhibition depending on the number of respective IRDs and over 60\% inhibition of total HGP. rCanPI-15 that has only one IRD showed exceptionally low inhibition of these proteases. Interaction studies of rCanPIs with proteases using intensity fading-MALDI-TOF-MS revealed gradual processing of multi-IRD rCanPIs into single IRD forms by the action of HGP at the linker region, unlike their interactions with trypsin and chymotrypsin. Intensity fading-MALDI-TOF-MS assay showed that CanPI-13 and -15, possessing single IRD and expressed predominantly in stem tissue are degraded by HGP; indicating their function other than defense. In vitro and in vivo studies on rCanPI-5 and -7 showed maximum inhibition of HGP isoforms and their processed IRDs were also found to be stable in the presence of HGP. Even single amino acid variations in IRDs were found to change the HGP specificity like in the case of HGP-8 inhibited only by IRD-12. The presence of active PI in insect gut might be responsible for changed HGP profile. rCanPI-5 and -7 enhanced HGP-7, reduced HGP-4, -5, -10 expression and new protease isoforms were induced. These results signify isoform complexity in plant PIs and insect proteases.

}, keywords = {CanPI, H. armigera gut proteases, Intensity fading MALDI-TOF-MS, Pin-II, Plant proteomics, Plant-insect interaction}, issn = {1615-9853}, doi = {10.1002/pmic.200900853}, author = {Mishra, Manasi and Tamhane, Vaijayanti A. and Khandelwal, Neha and Kulkarni, Mahesh J. and Gupta, Vidya S. and Giri, Ashok P.} } @article { ISI:000277784300022, title = {Inverse magnetocaloric effect in sol-gel derived nanosized cobalt ferrite}, journal = {Applied Physics A-Materials Science \& Processing}, volume = {99}, number = {2, SI}, year = {2010}, month = {MAY}, pages = {497-503}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

The magnetocaloric properties of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles were investigated to evaluate the potential of these materials as magnetic refrigerants. Nanosized cobalt ferrites were synthesized by the method of sol-gel combustion. The nanoparticles were found to be spherical with an average crystallite size of 14 nm. The magnetic entropy change (Delta S (m)) calculated indirectly from magnetization isotherms in the temperature region 170-320 K was found to be negative, signifying an inverse magnetocaloric effect in the nanoparticles. The magnitudes of the Delta S (m) values were found to be larger when compared to the reported values in the literature for the corresponding ferrite materials in the nanoregime.

}, issn = {0947-8396}, doi = {10.1007/s00339-010-5573-8}, author = {Gopalan, E. Veena and Al-Omari, I. A. and Kumar, D. Sakthi and Yoshida, Yasuhiko and Joy, Pattayil Alias and Anantharaman, Maliemadom R.} } @article { ISI:000278905100015, title = {Investigation of gas permeation properties of systematically modified polybenzimidazoles by N-substitution}, journal = {Journal of Membrane Science}, volume = {357}, number = {1-2}, year = {2010}, month = {JUL}, pages = {134-142}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Gas permeation behavior of a series of thermally stable N-substituted polybenzimidazoles by systematically varying bulk and flexibility of the substituent was investigated. Two different PBIs having variation in their acid moiety, viz., PBI-I (based on isophthalic acid) and PBI-BuI (based on 5-tert-butyl isophthalic acid) were selected for N-substitution by alkyl groups possessing different bulk and flexibility. These substituent groups were methyl, n-butyl, methylene trimethylsilane and 4-tert-butylbenzyl. Pure gas sorption and permeability using H(2), N(2), O(2), CH(4) and CO(2) were investigated and correlated with physical properties of formed polymers. Estimation of dual-mode sorption parameters, coefficients of sorption, permeability and diffusion for different gases provided an insight towards effects of nature of a substituent group and parent PBI on governing gas sorption and permeation properties. By changing the substituent group, diffusivity coefficients was found to vary to a larger extent than the solubility coefficient. This significantly enhanced gas permeability for different gases by 1.2-129 times than that of parent PBIs. The permselectivity P(O2)/P(N2) was increased (up to 237\%), while for other gas pairs, it was decreased to a different extent. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Diffusion, Gas permeation, N-Substitution, Polybenzimidazole, Sorption}, issn = {0376-7388}, doi = {10.1016/j.memsci.2010.04.014}, author = {Kumbharkar, Santosh C. and Kharul, Ulhas K.} } @article {42812, title = {Investigation of magnetic anisotropy in Co nanoparticles using ferromagnetic resonance technique}, journal = {Journal of Physics: Conference Series}, volume = {200}, year = {2010}, month = {JAN}, abstract = {

Using ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) technique, we have investigated the temperature dependence and angular dependence of line width and resonance magnetic field of Co nanoparticles capped with novel alkane carboxylic acids of varying chain lengths. The magnetic properties such as blocking temperature and anisotropy sensitively depend on the chain length as evidenced by the temperature dependence of line width. These results indicate that the magnetic properties of these samples are critically governed by the interparticle interactions which are decided by the chain length. The presence of anisotropy even up to very high temperature above the blocking temperature observed in these studies confirms the presence of inter-particle magnetic interactions as well as intra-particle exchange interaction between the core and shell regions as evidenced by our earlier ac susceptibility and transverse susceptibility measurements on similar system.

}, doi = {10.1088/1742-6596/200/7/072088}, author = {Sendilkumar, A. and Kasture, Manasi and Patel, Pitamber and Ramana, Chepuri V. and Bhagavatula L. V. Prasad and Srinath, S.} } @article { ISI:000279017900002, title = {Ionic liquids: new materials with wide applications}, journal = {Indian Journal of Chemistry Section A-Inorganic Bio-Inorganic Physical Theoretical \& Analytical Chemistry}, volume = {49}, number = {5-6, SI}, year = {2010}, month = {MAY}, pages = {635-648}, publisher = {NATL INST SCIENCE COMMUNICATION-NISCAIR}, address = {DR K S KRISHNAN MARG, PUSA CAMPUS, NEW DELHI 110 012, INDIA}, abstract = {

Ionic liquids have emerged as possible substitutes for volatile organic solvents and have found many applications in a variety of research areas. In this review, an effort has been made to discuss the special properties of ionic liquids that render these unique solvent media useful in chemical transformations, electrochemical applications, extractions, etc.

}, keywords = {Chemical processes, Electrochemical devices, ionic liquids, Physicochemical properties, Solvent properties, viscosity}, issn = {0376-4710}, author = {Khupse, Nageshwar D. and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000279787200004, title = {Isolation, structure, and functional elucidation of a modified pentapeptide, cysteine protease inhibitor (CPI-2081) from streptomyces species 2081 that exhibit inhibitory effect on cancer cell migration}, journal = {Journal of Medicinal Chemistry}, volume = {53}, number = {14}, year = {2010}, month = {JUL}, pages = {5121-5128}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Cysteine proteases play an important role in cell migration and tumor metastasis. Therefore, their inhibitors are of colossal interest, having potential to be developed as effective antimetastatic drugs for tumor chemotherapy. Traditionally, secondary metabolites from streptomyces show a wide range of diversity with respect to their biological activity and chemical nature. In this article, we have described the characterization of small molecule cysteine protease inhibitor, CPI-2081 (compound 1), a mixture of two novel pentapeptides, compound 1a (736.71 Da), and compound 1b (842.78 Da), isolated from Streptomyces species NCIM2081, following solvent extraction and repeated HPLC based on C18 chemistry, and completely characterized using a variety of both ID and 2D NMR spectroscopy. Further, it was found that nanomolar concentration of compound 1 is able to inhibit papain hydrolytic activity. Also, compound 1 significantly inhibits tumor cell migration at sub cytotoxic concentration, indicating its remarkable potential to be developed as antimetastatic drug, which will make chemotherapy more localized and specific, thereby minimizing the hazardous side effects on normal tissues.

}, issn = {0022-2623}, doi = {10.1021/jm9014179}, author = {Singh, Jay Prakash and Tamang, Sudarsan and Rajamohanan, P. R. and Jima, N. C. and Chakraborty, Goutam and Kundu, Gopal C. and Gaikwad, Sushama M. and Khan, Mohammad Islam} } @article { ISI:000281430800001, title = {Kinetic model of TBP auto-regulation exhibits bistability}, journal = {Biology Direct}, volume = {5}, year = {2010}, month = {AUG}, pages = {50}, publisher = {BIOMED CENTRAL LTD}, address = {236 GRAYS INN RD, FLOOR 6, LONDON WC1X 8HL, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Background: TATA Binding Protein (TBP) is required for transcription initiation by all three eukaryotic RNA polymerases. It participates in transcriptional initiation at the majority of eukaryotic gene promoters, either by direct association to the TATA box upstream of the transcription start site or by indirectly localizing to the promoter through other proteins. TBP exists in solution in a dimeric form but binds to DNA as a monomer. Here, we present the first mathematical model for auto-catalytic TBP expression and use it to study the role of dimerization in maintaining the steady state TBP level. Results: We show that the autogenous regulation of TBP results in a system that is capable of exhibiting three steady states: an unstable low TBP state, one stable state corresponding to a physiological TBP concentration, and another stable steady state corresponding to unviable cells where no TBP is expressed. Our model predicts that a basal level of TBP is required to establish the transcription of the TBP gene, and hence for cell viability. It also predicts that, for the condition corresponding to a typical mammalian cell, the high-TBP state and cell viability is sensitive to variation in DNA binding strength. We use the model to explore the effect of the dimer in buffering the response to changes in TBP levels, and show that for some physiological conditions the dimer is not important in buffering against perturbations. Conclusions: Results on the necessity of a minimum basal TBP level support the in vivo observations that TBP is maternally inherited, providing the small amount of TBP required to establish its ubiquitous expression. The model shows that the system is sensitive to variations in parameters indicating that it is vulnerable to mutations in TBP. A reduction in TBP-DNA binding constant can lead the system to a regime where the unviable state is the only steady state. Contrary to the current hypotheses, we show that under some physiological conditions the dimer is not very important in restoring the system to steady state. This model demonstrates the use of mathematical modelling to investigate system behaviour and generate hypotheses governing the dynamics of such nonlinear biological systems.

}, issn = {1745-6150}, doi = {10.1186/1745-6150-5-50}, author = {Gokhale, Sucheta A. and Roshan, Reema and Khetan, Vivek and Pillai, Beena and Gadgil, Chetan J.} } @article {42748, title = {Large-bite bisphosphite, 1,3-C6H4{OPOC10H6(μ-S)C10H6O}2: synthesis, copper(I), and gold(I) complexes}, journal = {Journal of Organometallic Chemistry}, volume = {695}, year = {2010}, month = {NOV}, pages = {981{\textendash}986}, abstract = {

Large-bite bisphosphite ligand 1,3-C6H4{OPOC10H6(μ-S)C10H6O}2 (3), is obtained by reacting chlorophosphonite {OC10H6(μ-S)C10H6O}PCl (2) with resorcinol in the presence of triethylamine. Treatment of 3 with CuCl in 1:1 molar ratio produces a 1D-coordination polymer [CuCl{({\textendash}OC10H6(μ-S)C10H6O{\textendash})P({\textendash}OC6H4O{\textendash})P({\textendash}OC10H6(μ-S)C10H6O{\textendash})}-κP,κP]$\infty$ (4) in good yield. Similar reaction of 3 with two equivalents of AuCl(SMe2) affords a dinuclear complex, [Au2Cl2{({\textendash}OC10H6(μ-S)C10H6O{\textendash})P({\textendash}OC6H4O{\textendash})P({\textendash}OC10H6(μ-S)C10H6O{\textendash})}-κP,κP] (5). Single crystal X-ray structures of the ligand 3 and the complexes 4 and 5 are reported. The gold complex 5 shows dimeric structure supported by strong Au{\textperiodcentered}{\textperiodcentered}{\textperiodcentered}Au aurophilic interactions.

}, author = {Balakrishna, Maravanji S. and Kumar, Pawan and Punji, Benudhar and Mague, Joel T.} } @article { ISI:000276938100029, title = {On the magnetic and dielectric properties of nickel-neoprene nanoconaposites}, journal = {Materials Chemistry and Physics}, volume = {121}, number = {1-2}, year = {2010}, month = {MAY}, pages = {154-160}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Nickel nanocomposites were prepared by incorporating nickel nanoparticles in a neoprene matrix according to a specific recipe for various loadings of nickel particles. The dielectric properties of these composites were evaluated for different frequencies ranging from 100 kHz to 8 MHz at different temperatures from 30 degrees C to 120 degrees C. The dielectric permittivity increases with increase of nickel concentration. Increase in temperature enhances the permittivity initially, till 40 degrees C and thereafter the permittivity decreases. The dielectric loss exhibits relaxation peaks and the peaks shift to lower frequencies with increase in volume fraction of the nickel nanoparticles in the matrix. The evaluation of magnetic and dielectric properties of these composites suggests that the dielectric permittivity can be tailored by an appropriate loading of the filler using semi-empirical equations and the magnetic properties vary according to simple mixture equations. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Composite materials, dielectric properties, Elastomers, magnetic properties}, issn = {0254-0584}, doi = {10.1016/j.matchemphys.2010.01.006}, author = {Jamal, E. Muhammad Abdul and Joy, Pattayil Alias and Kurian, Philip and Anantharaman, Maliemadom R.} } @article { ISI:000276615500006, title = {On the magnetic, mechanical and rheological properties of rubber-nickel nanocomposites}, journal = {Polymer Bulletin}, volume = {64}, number = {9}, year = {2010}, month = {MAY}, pages = {907-923}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Rubber-nickel nanocomposites were synthesized by incorporating freshly prepared nanometric nickel particles in two different matrices namely natural rubber and neoprene rubber according to specific recipes for various loadings of nano nickel and the cure characteristics of these composites were evaluated. The maximum torque values register an increase with the increase in loading of nickel in both composites and this is attributed to the non-interacting nature of nickel nanoparticles with rubber matrices. The cure time of natural rubber composites decreases with increase in the content of nickel, and in neoprene rubber cure, time increases with increase in filler content. In natural rubber, the curing reaction seems to be activated by the presence of nickel particles. The magnetization studies of the composites reveal that the magnetic properties of nickel are retained in the composite samples. The elastic modulus of natural rubber and neoprene rubber are largely improved by the incorporation of nickel particles.

}, keywords = {Cure characteristics, Elastic modulus, magnetic properties, Nanocomposites}, issn = {0170-0839}, doi = {10.1007/s00289-009-0231-z}, author = {Jamal, E. Muhammad Abdul and Joy, Pattayil Alias and Kurian, Philip and Anantharaman, Maliemadom R.} } @conference { ISI:000287122200024, title = {Mathematical modeling and simulation of bubble column reactor for aerial liquid phase cyclohexane oxidation}, booktitle = {International Conference on Modeling, Optimization, and Computing}, series = {AIP Conference Proceedings}, volume = {1298}, year = {2010}, note = {International Conference on Modeling, Optimization, and Computing, Durgapur, INDIA, OCT 28-30, 2010}, month = {OCT}, pages = {151-159}, publisher = {Natl Inst Technol Durgapur; SERC, Dept Sci \& Technol; Caledonian Coll Engn; BRNS, Dept Atom Energy; DRDO, Minist Defence}, organization = {Natl Inst Technol Durgapur; SERC, Dept Sci \& Technol; Caledonian Coll Engn; BRNS, Dept Atom Energy; DRDO, Minist Defence}, address = {2 Huntington Quadrangle, STE 1no1, Melville, NY 11747-4501 USA}, abstract = {

Cyclohexane oxidation is an important but complex commercial reaction, wherein the desired product, K-A oil appears as an intermediates of the reaction sequence. A mathematical model has been developed for the bubble column reactor operating under isothermal conditions. The mass and energy model equations consisted of stiff ODEs. The model was applied to describe the behavior of bubble column reactor for aerial liquid phase cyclohexane oxidation. Effect of initial substrate concentration, catalyst loading and temperature was studied and discussed in detail. Conclusions were presented at the end of the study.

}, keywords = {K-A Oil Selectivity, Mathematical modeling, substrate conversion and product yield analysis}, isbn = {978-0-7354-0854-8}, issn = {0094-243X}, doi = {10.1063/1.3516293}, author = {Upkare, Makarand M. and Rajurkar, Kalpendra B. and Gupta, Pankaj R. and Jaganathan, Rengaswamy}, editor = {Paruya, S. and Kar, S. and Roy, S} } @article { ISI:000277280500019, title = {Measurements and molecular interactions for N,N-dimethylformamide with ionic liquid mixed solvents}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, volume = {114}, number = {18}, year = {2010}, month = {MAY}, pages = {6126-6133}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

To understand the molecular interactions between N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) with two families of ionic liquids (ILs), we have measured thermophysical properties such as densities (rho) and ultrasonic sound velocities (a) over the whole composition range at 25 degrees C under atmospheric pressure. The excess molar volume (V(E)) and the deviation in isentropic compressibilities (Delta K(s)) were predicted using these properties as a function of the concentration of IL. These results are fitted to the Redlich-Kister polynomials. The materials investigated in the present study included two families of ILs such as ammonium salts and imidazolium salts. Diethylammonium acetate ([Et(2)NH][CH(3)COO], DEAA), triethylammonium actetate ([Et(3)NH][CH(3)COO], TEAA), triethylammonium dihydogen phosphate ([Et(3)NH][H(2)PO(4)], TEAP), and triethylammonium sulfate ([Et(3)NH][HSO(4)], TEAS) are ammonium salts and l-benzy1-3-methylimidazolium chloride (Bmiml[Cl]) belongs to the imidazolium family. The intermolecular interactions and structural effects were analyzed on the basis of the measured and the derived properties. A qualitative analysis of the results is discussed in terms of the ion dipole, ion-pair interactions, and hydrogen bonding between ILs and DMF molecules and their structural factors.

}, issn = {1520-6106}, doi = {10.1021/jp101209}, author = {Attri, Pankaj and Reddy, P. Madhusudan and Venkatesu, P. and Kumar, Anil and Hofman, T.} } @article { ISI:000274432400021, title = {Molecular electric dipole moments using the GVVPT2 variant of multireference perturbation theory}, journal = {Chemical Physics Letters}, volume = {487}, number = {1-3}, year = {2010}, month = {FEB}, pages = {116-121}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

A Lagrangian approach for electric dipoles within second order Generalized Van Vleck Perturbation Theory (GVVPT2) is presented. The Lagrangian approach for this response property requires that only one, perturbation-independent, set of simultaneous equations needs to be solved. The presented formulation is demonstrated numerically on several well studied molecules at their equilibrium bond lengths and on the complete potential energy curves of the ground and first excited states of LiH. Numerical corroboration of the expected continuity for molecular properties for the GVVPT2 method is observed. It is seen that the GVVPT2 electric dipoles are in good agreement with experiment and with other high accuracy theoretical methods. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0009-2614}, doi = {10.1016/j.cplett.2010.01.003}, author = {Theis, Daniel and Khait, Yuriy G. and Pal, Sourav and Hoffmann, Mark R.} } @article { ISI:000286021300025, title = {Multistate unfolding of alpha-mannosidase from Canavalia ensiformis (Jack Bean): evidence for the thermostable molten globule}, journal = {Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications}, volume = {403}, number = {3-4}, year = {2010}, month = {DEC}, pages = {391-397}, publisher = {ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE}, address = {525 B ST, STE 1900, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101-4495 USA}, abstract = {

The relevance of partially ordered states of proteins (such as the molten-globule state) in cellular processes is beginning to be understood. We examined the conformational transitions in a multimeric and high molecular weight class II alpha-mannosidase from Canavalia ensiformis (Jack Bean) (Jb alpha-man) utilizing intrinsic fluorescence, solute quenching, hydrophobic dye binding, size exclusion chromatography and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy for the protein in presence of Guanidine hydrochloride (GdnHCl). The decomposition analysis of the protein spectra obtained during unfolding showed progressive appearance of class S, I, II and III trp. The parameter A and spectral center of mass showed multi state unfolding of the protein and phase diagram analysis revealed formation of an intermediate of Jb alpha-man in the vicinity of 1 M GdnHCl. The intermediate exhibited compact secondary and distorted tertiary structure with exposed hydrophobic amino acids on the surface, indicating the molten-globule nature. The dissociation, partial unfolding and aggregation of Jb alpha-man occurred simultaneously during chemical denaturation. The molten-globule possessed slightly higher hydrodynamic radius, perturbance in the structure up to 60 degrees C and stability of the structure up to 80 degrees C unlike the native Jack Bean alpha-mannosidase. The modes of chemical and thermal denaturation of the native protein were different. The solute quenching parameters confirmed the altered confirmation of the intermediate. Taken together, our results constitute one of the early reports of formation of GdnHCl induced molten globule in a class II alpha-mannosidase. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {alpha-Mannosidase, Circular dichroism, fluorescence, Guanidine hydrochloride, Molten globule, Thermostability, Unfolding}, issn = {0006-291X}, doi = {10.1016/j.bbrc.2010.11.041}, author = {Kumar, Avinash and Gaikwad, Sushama M.} } @article { ISI:000284664500025, title = {NaIO4/LiBr-mediated aziridination of olefins using chloramine-T}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {51}, number = {49}, year = {2010}, month = {DEC}, pages = {6460-6462}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A new milder protocol for aziridination of a variety of olefins has been described. The process employs catalytic amount of sodium metaperiodate (NaIO4) as an oxidant and LiBr and chloramine-T as the bromine and nitrogen sources, respectively. Interestingly, the formation of aziridine products in all the cases studied takes place presumably through a process of 1,2-aminobromination of alkenes. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Aziridination, Chloramine-T, Lithium bromide, Olefin, Sodium metaperiodate}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2010.10.005}, author = {Karabal, Pratibha U. and Chouthaiwale, Pandurang V. and Shaikh, Tanveer M. and Suryavanshi, Gurunath and Sudalai, Arumugam} } @article { ISI:000281058900005, title = {Nanogold-Loaded sharp-edged carbon bullets as plant-gene carriers}, journal = {Advanced Functional Materials}, volume = {20}, number = {15}, year = {2010}, month = {AUG}, pages = {2416-2423}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {PO BOX 10 11 61, D-69451 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

The higher DNA delivery efficiency into plants by gold nanoparticles embedded in sharp carbonaceous carriers is demonstrated. These nanogold-embedded carbon matrices are prepared by heat treatment of biogenic intracellular gold nanoparticles. The DNA-delivery efficiency is tested on a model plant, Nicotiana tabacum, and is further extended to the monocot, Oryza sativa, and a hard dicot tree species, Leucaena leucocephala. These materials reveal good dispersion of the transport material, producing a greater number of GUS foci per unit area. The added advantages of the composite carrier are the lower plasmid and gold requirements. Plant-cell damage with the carbon-supported particles is very minimal and can be, gauged from the increased plant regeneration and transformation efficiency compared with that of the commercial micrometer-sized gold particles. This is ascribed to the sharp edges that the carbon supports possess, which lead to better piercing capabilities with minimum damage.

}, issn = {1616-301X}, doi = {10.1002/adfm.200901883}, author = {Vijayakumar, Periyasamy S. and Othalathara U. Abhilash and Khan, Bashir Mohammad and Bhagavatula L. V. Prasad} } @article { ISI:000280311500048, title = {New N-substituted ABPBI: synthesis and evaluation of gas permeation properties}, journal = {Journal of Membrane Science}, volume = {360}, number = {1-2}, year = {2010}, month = {SEP}, pages = {418-425}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Aromatic poly(2,5-benzimidazole), ABPBI was post-modified for the first time to produce organosoluble N-substituted ABPBI. This modification was carried out by N-substitution of ABPBI with bulky alkyl groups, viz., 4-tert-butylbenzyl and methylene trimethylsilyl in an attempt to utilize high rigidity of ABPBI towards gas permeation. These substituted polymers exhibited solubility in common organic solvents, enhancing their processability than ABPBI, which is soluble only in acidic solvents. Considerable decrease in chain packing density led to increase in gas sorption as that of unsubstituted ABPBI. The permeability of pure gases of commercial significance (He, H(2), N(2), O(2), CH(4) and CO(2)) were high, coupled with attractive selectivities. In comparison to conventional PBI, methylene trimethylsilyl substituted ABPBI led to considerably high (33 folds) CO(2) permeability with almost similar selectivity (P(CO2)/P(N2) approximate to 33). Feasibility of these N-substituted ABPBIs to be converted in to required membrane form along with its considerably higher permeation properties depicted the potential of this polymer to be used as gas separation material. Gas diffusion coefficients were estimated from solubility and permeability coefficient. These, along with dual-mode sorption parameters estimated from sorption isotherms provided an insight towards variations in permeation behavior caused by the substitution. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {5-benzimidazole), Diffusion, Gas permeation, N-Substitution, Poly(2, Sorption}, issn = {0376-7388}, doi = {10.1016/j.memsci.2010.05.041}, author = {Kumbharkar, Santosh C. and Kharul, Ulhas K.} } @article { ISI:000279958200023, title = {Nitrophenoxy groups containing polybenzimidazoles as polymer electrolytes for fuel cells: synthesis and characterization}, journal = {Journal of Applied Polymer Science}, volume = {117}, number = {6}, year = {2010}, month = {SEP}, pages = {3282-3292}, publisher = {JOHN WILEY \& SONS INC}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN, NJ 07030 USA}, abstract = {

Polybenzimidazoles containing different contents of pendant nitrophenoxy groups were prepared by condensation of 3,3{\textquoteright}-diamino-benzidine with a mixture of 3,5-dicarboxyl-4{\textquoteright}-nitro diphenyl ether and isophthalic acid (IPA) in different ratios in polyphosphoric acid. The polymers are soluble in polar aprotic solvents, they have inherent viscosities in the range of 0.75-1.10 dL g(-1) and they form tough and transparent films on solution casting. They have good thermal stability with initial decomposition temperature ranging from 380 to 416 degrees C in nitrogen, good tensile strength ranging from 56 to 65 MPa and reasonably good oxidative stability. Phosphoric acid uptake of these polymers is low compared with PBI and membranes doped with phosphoric acid exhibit good proton conductivity in the range of 6.6x 10(-3) to 1.9x 10(-2) S/cm at 25 degrees C and 1.2x 10(-2) to 4.9x 10(-2) S/cm at 175 degrees C, compared with 3.9x 10(-3) S/cm at 25 degrees C and 3.2x 10(-2) S/cm at 175 degrees C for PBI. These membranes are suitable for applications as polymer electrolyte for fuel cell and presumably for gas separation at high temperature. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 117: 3282-3292, 2010

}, keywords = {Characterization, membranes, pendant nitrophenoxy group, polybenzimidazoles, proton conductivity, synthesis}, issn = {0021-8995}, doi = {10.1002/app.30279}, author = {Kulkarni, Mahesh and Potrekar, Ravindra and Kulkarni, R. A. and Vernekar, S. P.} } @article {43241, title = {Non-covalent interactions in extended systems described by the effective fragment potential method: theory and application to nucleobase oligomers}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry A}, volume = {114}, year = {2010}, month = {NOV}, abstract = {The implementation of the effective fragment potential (EFP) method within the Q-CHEM electronic structure package is presented. The EFP method is used to study noncovalent π-π and hydrogen-bonding interactions in DNA strands. Since EFP is a computationally inexpensive alternative to high-level ab initio calculations, it is possible to go beyond the dimers of nucleic acid bases and to investigate the asymptotic behavior of different components of the total interaction energy. The calculations demonstrated that the dispersion energy is a leading component in π-stacked oligomers of all sizes. Exchange-repulsion energy also plays an important role. The contribution of polarization is small in these systems, whereas the magnitude of electrostatics varies. Pairwise fragment interactions (i.e., the sum of dimer binding energies) were found to be a good approximation for the oligomer energy.}, author = {Ghosh, Debashree and Kosenkov, Dmytro and Vanovschi, Vitalii and Williams, Christopher F. and Herbert, John M. and Gordon, Mark S. and Schmidt, Michael W. and Slipchenko, Lyudmila V. and Krylov, Anna I.} } @article { ISI:000276374700004, title = {Novel bifunctional peptidic aspartic protease inhibitor inhibits chitinase A from Serratia marcescens: kinetic analysis of inhibition and binding affinity}, journal = {Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta-General Subjects}, volume = {1800}, number = {5}, year = {2010}, month = {MAY}, pages = {526-536}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Background: Chitinase inhibitors have chemotherapeutic potential as fungicides, pesticides and antiasthmatics. The majority of chitinase inhibitors reported are natural products like argifin, argifin linear fragments, argadin, allosamidin and disulfide-cyclized peptides. Here, we report a novel peptidic inhibitor API (Aspartic Protease Inhibitor), isolated from Bacillus licheniforrnis that inhibits chitinase A (ChiA) from Serratia marcescens. Methods: The binding affinity of API with ChiA and type of inhibition was determined by the inhibition kinetics assays. Fluorescence and CD spectroscopic analysis and chemical modification of API with different affinity reagents elucidated the mechanism of binding of API with ChiA. Results and conclusions: The peptide has an amino acid sequence N-Ile(1)-Cys(2)-Glu(3)-Ala(4)-Glu(5)-His(6)-Lys(7)-Trp(8)-Gly(9)-Asp(10) -Tyr(11)-Leu(12)-Asp(13)-C. The ChiA-API kinetic interactions reveal noncompetitive, irreversible and tight binding nature of API with I-50= 600 nM and K-i = 510 nM in the presence of chromogenic substrate pnitrophenyl-N,N{\textquoteright}-diacetyl-beta-chitobioside[p-NP-(GIcNAc)(2)]. The inhibition progress curves show a two-step slow tight binding inhibition mechanism with the rate constant k(5) = 8.7 +/- 1 x 10(-3) s(-1) and k(6) = 7.3 +/- 0.6 x 10(-5) s(-1). CD-spectra and tryptophanyl fluorescence analysis of ChiA incubated with increasing API concentrations confirms conformational changes in enzyme structure which may be due to irreversible denaturation of enzyme upon binding of API. Chemical modifications by WRK abolished the anti-chitinase activity of API and revealed the involvement of carboxyl groups in the enzyme inactivation. Abolished isoindole fluorescence of OPTA-labeled ChiA demonstrates the irreversible denaturation of ChiA upon incubation with API for prolonged time and distortion of active site of the enzyme. General significance: The data provide useful information that could lead to the generation of drug-like, natural product-based chitinase inhibitors. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Aspartic protease inhibitor, Bacillus licheniformis, Chitinase A, Enzyme kinetics, Slow tight binding inhibition}, issn = {0304-4165}, doi = {10.1016/j.bbagen.2010.01.014}, author = {Kumar, Ajit and Rao, Mala} } @article { ISI:000276963200003, title = {Novel synthesis and characterization of titanium superoxide and its application in organic oxidative processes}, journal = {Catalysis Surveys from Asia}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, year = {2010}, month = {MAR}, pages = {21-32}, publisher = {SPRINGER/PLENUM PUBLISHERS}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

A novel, exceptionally stable titanium superoxide radical ion was prepared and its structure determined by FTIR, ESR, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis and elemental analysis. This heterogeneous catalyst has been found to be effective for the selective oxidation of aromatic amines and phenols to the corresponding nitro aromatics and p-quinones, respectively. In addition, this non-toxic, inexpensive and reusable catalyst has also been used in aminobromination of olefins, which proceed to give the 1, 2-bromoaminated anti-Markovnikov product. A brief account of these results is summarized in this review.

}, keywords = {Amino Bromination, Anti-Markovnikov, heterogeneous catalyst, Oxidation, Titanium superoxide}, issn = {1571-1013}, doi = {10.1007/s10563-010-9085-5}, author = {Reddy, R. Santhosh and Shaikh, Tanveer Mahamadali and Rawat, Varun and Karabal, Pratibha U. and Dewkar, Gajanan and Suryavanshi, Gurunath and Sudalai, Arumugam} } @article { ISI:000285236700003, title = {N-Type field effect transistors based on rigid rod and liquid crystalline alternating copoly(benzobisoxazole) imides containing perylene and/or naphthalene}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, volume = {114}, number = {50}, year = {2010}, month = {DEC}, pages = {16694-16704}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The synthesis, characterization, and device studies of poly(benzobisoxazole imide)s containing perylene or naphthalene units in an alternating fashion with the oxazole unit are described. Photoinduced energy transfer and charge separation were studied in methanesulfonic acid (MSA) solution via absorption, excitation, and steady-state fluorescence studies. Excitation of the bisoxazole moiety resulted in enhanced emission from the perylene bisimide unit as a result of FRET (Forster resonance energy transfer). The influence of the imide substitution into the linear chain of poly(benzobisoxazole) (PBO) on its solid-state packing was examined by wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WXRD) analysis. Bottom contact field effect transistors (FET) based on thermally annealed polymer films were fabricated and studied. The polymers showed n-type charge transport and current modulation with an on/off ratio greater than 10(2). It was observed that the FETs consisting of the random copolymer of bisoxazole containing both perylene as well as naphthalene bisimide units had higher performance parameters such as better mobility (mu e) and I(on)/I(off) ratio compared to those of the pristine systems.

}, issn = {1520-6106}, doi = {10.1021/jp107232u}, author = {Kolhe, Nagesh B. and Asha, S. K. and Senanayak, Satyaprasad P. and Narayan, K. S.} } @article { ISI:000275170800011, title = {One-pot synthesis of oleic acid-capped cadmium chalcogenides (CdE: E = Se, Te) nano-crystals}, journal = {Journal of Nanoparticle Research}, volume = {12}, number = {1, SI}, year = {2010}, month = {JAN}, pages = {101-109}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Surface-capped CdSe and CdTe nano-crystals (NCs) have been synthesized using cadmium acetate, oleic acid and respective tri-octylphosphine chalcogenide (TOPE; E = Se/Te) in diphenyl ether (DPE). Well-dispersed CdSe particles showed two absorption bands at the region of 431-34 and 458-60 nm in optical absorption study. A band-edge emission resulted at 515 nm with an excitation energy of 400 nm, in its photoluminescence (PL) spectrum. Similarly, UV-visible absorption study of CdTe revealed an absorption band at \< 700 nm. The broadened X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern showed that at higher reaction temperature cubic CdSe but hexagonal CdTe can be obtained with crystallite size of \< 10 nm. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that agglomerated particles are of spherical nature. The inter-planar spacing in CdTe was measured to be 0.406 nm, a characteristic of (100) lattice plane in hexagonal CdTe. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed that CdSe NCs have better air stability stable than CdTe. Presence of organic moiety around the semiconductor particles was confirmed by infrared (IR) spectroscopy.

}, keywords = {Chemical synthesis, photoluminescence, Semiconductors, Surface capping}, issn = {1388-0764}, doi = {10.1007/s11051-008-9581-y}, author = {Khanna, P. K. and Rao, K. Srinivasa and Patil, K. R. and Singh, V. N. and Mehta, B. R.} } @article { ISI:000284728400014, title = {Organocatalytic asymmetric synthesis of (-)-delta-coniceine based on sequential proline-catalyzed asymmetric alpha-amination-HWE olefination}, journal = {Tetrahedron-Asymmetry}, volume = {21}, number = {19}, year = {2010}, month = {OCT}, pages = {2399-2401}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An efficient asymmetric synthesis of (-)-delta-coniceine via sequential proline-catalyzed asymmetric alpha-amination and Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons olefination of an aldehyde with excellent enantiomeric excess (\>99\%) and high yields (overall yield 44\%) is described. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0957-4166}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetasy.2010.08.009}, author = {Panchgalle, Sharad P. and Bidwai, Harshad B. and Chavan, Subhash P. and Kalkote, Uttam R.} } @article { ISI:000283834100025, title = {Organocatalytic route to the synthesis of lactone moiety of compactin and mevinolin}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {51}, number = {44}, year = {2010}, month = {NOV}, pages = {5838-5839}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An efficient synthesis of lactone moiety of compactin has been achieved. The stereogenic centers were generated by means of iterative proline-catalyzed sequential alpha-aminoxylation and Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons (HWE) olefination of aldehydes. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Aminoxylation, Compactin, Lactone, organocatalysis, Proline}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2010.08.093}, author = {Kumar, Pradeep and Pandey, Menaka and Gupta, Priti and Dhavale, Dilip D.} } @article { ISI:000285797300007, title = {Oxidation of propane to acrylic acid and acetic acid over alkaline earth-doped Mo-V-Sb-O-x catalysts}, journal = {Journal of Natural Gas Chemistry}, volume = {19}, number = {6}, year = {2010}, month = {NOV}, pages = {593-599}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Alkaline earth metal (Mg, Ca, Sr and Ba)-doped Mo-V-Sb-O-x catalysts, prepared by a dry-up method, have been investigated for their catalytic performance in the oxidation of propane under different reaction conditions. The catalysts have been characterized by N-2 adsorption-desorption, temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) of NH3, SEM and XRD. Influence of water vapor on the catalytic performance, particularly on the selectivities to acetic acid and acrylic acid, has also been studied. The selectivity to acrylic acid was improved significantly by the doping of alkaline earth metals to Mo-V-Sb-O-x catalysts. The surface acidic sites of the catalyst decreased with the doping of the catalyst with alkaline earth metals, which ultimately was found to be beneficial for obtaining high selectivity to acrylic acid. The catalytic activity and product selectivities were found to be influenced by the reaction temperature, C3H8/O-2 ratio and space velocity. A significant improvement in the selectivity to acrylic acid has also been observed by the addition of water vapor in the feed of propane and oxygen in the oxidation of propane.

}, keywords = {Acetic acid, acrylic acid, alkaline earth doped Mo-V-Sb-O-x catalysts, oxidation of propane, Surface acidity}, issn = {1003-9953}, doi = {10.1016/S1003-9953(09)60122-5}, author = {Chaudhari, Chandan S. and Sable, Shailesh S. and Gurav, Hanumant and Kelkar, Ashutosh A. and Rane, Vilas H.} } @article { ISI:000274885600046, title = {Pivaloyl chloride/DMF: a new reagent for conversion of alcohols to chlorides}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {51}, number = {4}, year = {2010}, month = {JAN}, pages = {744-746}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An efficient procedure for conversion of alcohols into the corresponding chlorides is described. Pivaloyl chloride/DMF complex is employed as a mild and inexpensive reagent. A possible reaction mechanism is proposed. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2009.11.131}, author = {Dubey, Abhishek and Upadhyay, Arun K. and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000274348100003, title = {Polyarylate based thin film composite (TFC) membranes: effects of coating parameters, gutter layer, and intrinsic material properties}, journal = {Separation Science and Technology}, volume = {45}, number = {2}, year = {2010}, month = {JAN}, pages = {163-171}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS INC}, address = {325 CHESTNUT ST, SUITE 800, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 USA}, abstract = {

Investigations in thin film composite (TFC) membrane formation with polyacrylonitrile ultrafiltration membrane as a support and three polyarylates with sequentially increased polarity are reported. Effects of TFC membrane preparation parameters viz., concentration of the coating solution, dip time, presence of solvent in pores of UF membrane support, and presence of the gutter layer were examined towards the formation of the selective skin layer, which was assessed by gas permeation analysis. TFC membranes prepared using dimethyl bisphenol-A based polyarylate exhibited similar to 3 orders of magnitude higher permeability and comparable selectivity as that of its dense membrane.

}, keywords = {Gas permeation, gutter layer, polarity, polyarylates, TFC membrane}, issn = {0149-6395}, doi = {10.1080/01496390903423089}, author = {Chendake, Yogesh J. and Bhole, Yogesh S. and Lohokare, Harshada R. and Kharul, Ulhas K.} } @article { ISI:000288092200005, title = {Preparation and characterization of bioceramic nanocomposites based on hydroxyapatite (HA) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)}, journal = {Macromolecular Research}, volume = {18}, number = {12}, year = {2010}, month = {DEC}, pages = {1160-1167}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

We report the synthesis of biomimetic nanocomposites based on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles via a co-precipitation method. Physico-chemical characterization was performed before and after calcination by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, solid state (31)P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The formation of nanocomposites was observed by wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The spectral and crystallographic data indicated the formation of hydroxyapatite in the presence of CMC. They were observed as aggregates of HA nanoparticles and CMC, whose sizes were approximately similar to 260 +/- 40 nm. The crystallite size of the hydroxyapatite particles decreased (with 2 wt\% 18 +/- 3 nm) with increasing CMC content. The morphological aspects of the calcined samples revealed the sintering ability of HA nanoparticles. Nanocomposites of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles that mimic the process of nucleation and growth in nature can be prepared using biomacromolecules such as CMC.

}, keywords = {biopolymer, cellulose, hydroxyapatite, Nanoparticles, Particle size, X-ray diffraction}, issn = {1598-5032}, doi = {10.1007/s13233-010-1208-3}, author = {Kumar, Annamalai Pratheep and Mohaideen, Kamal Khaja and Alariqi, Sameh A. S. and Singh, Raj Pal} } @article { ISI:000283531100049, title = {Probing binding preferences of DNA and RNA: backbone chirality of thioacetamido-linked nucleic acids and iso-thioacetamido-linked nucleic acids to differentiate DNA versus RNA selective binding}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {75}, number = {21}, year = {2010}, month = {NOV}, pages = {7431-7434}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Subtle differences in RNA and DNA duplex geometry could be sensed by the changed stereochemistry at 3 {\textquoteleft}-amino function in the 5-atom thioacetamido linker of thioacetamido-linked nucleic acids and iso-thioacetamido-linked nucleic acids modified oligomers. In contrast to the preferred N-type sugar conformations for either 3 {\textquoteleft}- ribo- or xylo amino nucleosides, predominant S-type sugar conformations were found in the dimers. Although the CD spectral differences for the dimer blocks were found to be identical for those found in phosphodiester linked ribo/xylo dimers, the 5-atom thioactamido linker could reverse the RNA binding selectivity to DNA binding selectivity by the change in configuration at the 3 {\textquoteleft}-amino-substituted sugar.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/jo1014036}, author = {Gokhale, Sachin S. and Gogoi, Khirud and Kumar, Vaijayanti A.} } @article { ISI:000281321000006, title = {Probing lewis acidity and reactivity of Sn- and Ti-beta zeolite using industrially important moieties: a periodic density functional study}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Catalysis A-Chemical}, volume = {329}, number = {1-2}, year = {2010}, month = {AUG}, pages = {36-43}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The Lewis acidic nature and reactivity of two industrially important catalysts, viz.. Sn and Ti substituted beta zeolite (T-BEA) are analyzed using a unique combination of structural parameters, energetics and reactivity descriptors. To achieve this purpose, we adsorb the industrially important moieties (L) namely NH(3), H(2)O, CH(3)OH, CH(3)CN on the active sites of T-BEA. The calculations were performed using a periodic density functional method where the valence electrons are described using a plane wave basis set in conjunction with pseudo-potentials for the core electrons. The analysis of the structural properties of these complexes reveals that TO(4) shows typical characteristic splitting 120 degrees/90 degrees, close to bipyramidal geometry as compared to tetrahedral symmetry observed in the bare T-BEA. This is associated with small variations in the framework bond lengths (\>= 0.08 angstrom) and a substantially large variation of bond angles (\<= 10 degrees) in all the ligand-zeolite complexes. Further in both cases of Sn and Ti substituted beta zeolite, ligand interacts at optimum inter-atomic bond distance. Our interaction energies show that adsorption of all ligand moieties is stronger at Sn center than that of Ti. In general, the order of stability of the different T-BEA adducts is NH(3) \> H(2)O \> CH(3)OH \> CH(3)CN. The ligand interaction is associated with the corresponding bond elongation and bond reduction of the adsorbed molecules on catalyst active site, which can be taken as measure of red or blue shifted frequencies. Finally, the global descriptors of reactivity justify the fact that soft acid, Sn-BEA, interacts strongly with soft bases following the Pearson{\textquoteright}s HSAB principle. However, hard acid, Ti-BEA interacts with soft bases to form a stable Lewis adduct. Furthermore, the HOMO-LUMO gap of all Sn-BEA-L adducts is lower than that of Ti-BEA-L adducts indicating to its higher Lewis acidic nature compared to Ti-BEA. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Beta zeolite, Lewis acidity, Ligand-zeolite complex, Periodic-DFT, Reactivity descriptors}, issn = {1381-1169}, doi = {10.1016/j.molcata.2010.06.014}, author = {Kulkarni, Bhakti S. and Krishnamurty, Sailaja and Pal, Sourav} } @article {42795, title = {Process for synthesis of beaded cross linked polymers, water-in-oil-in-water emulsions and post functionalisation}, number = {2538/DEL}, year = {2010}, month = {JAN}, author = {Dwivedi, Mayank and Rao, Locanindi Hari Sarvothama and Reddy, Krishna Mohan Srinivasulu and Dhanasekharan, Janakiraman and Rao, Bevara Madhusudana and Kumar, Sriperambudur Rajesh and Ponrathnam, Surendra and Chelanattukizhakkemadath, Raman Rajan and Tayal, Rajivkumar and Qureshi, Moham} } @article { ISI:000282201200049, title = {Production and characterization of a biodegradable poly (hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHB-co-PHV) copolymer by moderately haloalkalitolerant Halomonas campisalis MCM B-1027 isolated from Lonar Lake, India}, journal = {Bioresource Technology}, volume = {101}, number = {24}, year = {2010}, month = {DEC}, pages = {9765-9771}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Several microorganisms produce polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). They are accumulated intracellularly as energy storage compounds. The PHAs are of interest because of their potential in biomedical applications. Halophilic bacteria and archaea are known to produce polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). This paper describes production of a biodegradable copolymer, PHB-co-PHV by a moderately haloalkalitolerant Halomonas campisalis, isolated from Lonar Lake, India. The production of PHA was in the range of 45-81\% on dry cell weight basis when the organism was grown in a production medium containing 1\% (w/v) maltose and 0.1\% (w/v) yeast extract, at pH ranging from 6 to 9 with an inoculum density of 10(5)-10(7) cells/ml of medium, for incubation period of 15-30 h and at 37 degrees C. The polymer produced by the organism is a hydroxyester with molecular weight of 1.3014 x 10(6). Its melting temperature was 171 degrees C. The (1)H NMR analysis revealed that the polymer was a copolymer of PHB-co-PHV. This could be achieved by providing simple carbon source viz. maltose. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Biodegradable plastics, Halomonas campisalis, Polyhydroxyalkanoates}, issn = {0960-8524}, doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2010.07.089}, author = {Kulkarni, S. O. and Kanekar, Pradnya P. and Nilegaonkar, S. S. and Sarnaik, S. S. and Jog, Jyoti Prakash} } @article { ISI:000285951200017, title = {Proline catalyzed direct diastereoselective 6-enolexo aldolization: toward the synthesis of the imino sugar DNJ}, journal = {Tetrahedron-Asymmetry}, volume = {21}, number = {21-22}, year = {2010}, month = {NOV}, pages = {2703-2708}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A L-proline catalyzed direct diastereoselective 6-enolexo aldolization reaction of differentiating dialdehydes derived from tartaric acid is presented This organocatalytic approach provides high levels of synselectivity (dr \> 10 1) with the stereocontrolled C-C bond formation between C4 and C5 intramolecularly which can serve to synthesize Imino-sugar skeleton quickly (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved

}, issn = {0957-4166}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetasy.2010.10.024}, author = {Kumar, Indresh and Rode, Chandrashekhar V.} } @article { ISI:000275985700041, title = {Pt-MoOx-carbon nanotube redox couple based electrocatalyst as a potential partner with polybenzimidazole membrane for high temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell applications}, journal = {Electrochimica Acta}, volume = {55}, number = {8}, year = {2010}, month = {MAR}, pages = {2878-2887}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A redox couple based electrocatalyst comprising of Pt-Multi Wall Carbon NanoTube (Pt-MWCNT) promoted with molybdenum oxide (MoOx, 2 \< x \< 3) nanoparticles was prepared. The objective was to effectively organize the Pt-MoOx interface on the smooth MWCNT surface to overcome the practical difficulties associated with establishing such interface with Pt dispersed on carbon morphologies possessing surface irregularities. The present study revealed the importance of stringent controlling of the additive level for maintaining a balanced bifunctional behavior of the catalyst combination through the synergistic effects by the components and the need of a proton conducting membrane operable at high temperature to get better output from the Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) systems. An indigenously developed polybenzimidazole (PBI) membrane was used to fabricate a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) as it can be operated at higher temperatures compared to that of Nafion membranes. MoOx additive level was carefully controlled by monitoring the active Pt area by cyclic voltammetry. All prepared electrocatalysts were characterized by using HRTEM, XRD and XPS to get information on dispersion and morphology, crystalinity and oxidation state of different elements, respectively. The system prepared with 5\% MoOx addition with respect to Pt (hereafter Pt-MoOx(5\%)-MWCNT) displayed balanced active Pt area and excellent oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) activities. Rotating Disk Electrode (ROE) system was extensively utilized to understand the ORR kinetics and the favorable role of MoOx as the promoter in the reaction. The kinetic current (j(k)) measured at 0.02 V vs. Hg/Hg2SO4 electrode from the Koutecky-Levich plots was 9 times higher and the apparent activation energy during single cell evaluation was 27 kJ/mol lower for the MoOx promoted system, compared to the system without the additive. A higher operating temperature significantly favored the cell performance by a combined effect of enhancement in proton conductivity of the PBI membrane and possible kinetic benefit by the well postulated oxygen spill over effect by the MoOx type systems in some combinations involving such systems. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Methanol oxidation reaction, MWCNT, oxygen reduction reaction, PBI membrane, PEMFC}, issn = {0013-4686}, doi = {10.1016/j.electacta.2010.01.012}, author = {Vellacheri, Ranjith and Unni, SreeKuttan M. and Nahire, Sandip and Kharul, Ulhas K. and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article { ISI:000282507400010, title = {Purification and characterization of two distinct acidic phytases with broad pH stability from aspergillus niger NCIM 563}, journal = {World Journal of Microbiology \& Biotechnology}, volume = {26}, number = {11}, year = {2010}, month = {NOV}, pages = {2009-2018}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Aspergillus niger NCIM 563 produced two different extracellular phytases (Phy I and Phy II) under submerged fermentation conditions at 30A degrees C in medium containing dextrin-glucose-sodium nitrate-salts. Both the enzymes were purified to homogeneity using Rotavapor concentration, Phenyl-Sepharose column chromatography and Sephacryl S-200 gel filtration. The molecular mass of Phy I and II as determined by SDS-PAGE and gel filtration were 66, 264, 150 and 148 kDa respectively, indicating that Phy I consists of four identical subunits and Phy II is a monomer. The pI values of Phy I and II were 3.55 and 3.91, respectively. Phy I was highly acidic with optimum pH of 2.5 and was stable over a broad pH range (1.5-9.0) while Phy II showed a pH optimum of 5.0 with stability in the range of pH 3.5-9.0. Phy I exhibited very broad substrate specificity while Phy II was more specific for sodium phytate. Similarly Phy II was strongly inhibited by Ag(+), Hg(2+) (1 mM) metal ions and Phy I was partially inhibited. Peptide analysis by Mass Spectrometry (MS) MALDI-TOF also indicated that both the proteins were totally different. The K (m) for Phy I and II for sodium phytate was 2.01 and 0.145 mM while V (max) was 5,018 and 1,671 mu mol min(-1) mg(-1), respectively. The N-terminal amino acid sequences of Phy I and Phy II were FSYGAAIPQQ and GVDERFPYTG, respectively. Phy II showed no homology with Phy I and any other known phytases from the literature suggesting its unique nature. This, according to us, is the first report of two distinct novel phytases from Aspergillus niger.

}, keywords = {Aspergillus niger, Phytase, Phytate, Poultry feed, Purification}, issn = {0959-3993}, doi = {10.1007/s11274-010-0385-8}, author = {Soni, S. K. and Magdum, A. and Khire, Jayant Malhar} } @article { ISI:000286161600003, title = {QTL mapping of 1000-kernel weight, kernel length, and kernel width in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)}, journal = {Journal of Applied Genetics}, volume = {51}, number = {4}, year = {2010}, month = {DEC}, pages = {421-429}, publisher = {POLISH ACAD SCIENCES, INST PLANT GENETICS}, address = {STRZESZYNSKA 34, POZNAN, 60-479, POLAND}, abstract = {

Kernel size and morphology influence the market value and milling yield of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The objective of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling kernel traits in hexaploid wheat. We recorded 1000-kernel weight, kernel length, and kernel width for 185 recombinant inbred lines from the cross Rye Selection 111 x Chinese Spring grown in 2 agro-climatic regions in India for many years. Composite interval mapping (CIM) was employed for QTL detection using a linkage map with 169 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. For 1000-kernel weight, 10 QTLs were identified on wheat chromosomes 1A, 1D, 2B, 2D, 4B, 5B, and 6B, whereas 6 QTLs for kernel length were detected on 1A, 2B, 2D, 5A, 5B and 5D. Chromosomes 1D, 2B, 2D, 4B, 53 and 5D had 9 QTLs for kernel width. Chromosomal regions with QTLs detected consistently for multiple year-location combinations were identified for each trait. Pleiotropic QTLs were found on chromosomes 2B, 2D, 4B, and 5B. The identified genomic regions controlling wheat kernel size and shape can be targeted during further studies for their genetic dissection.

}, keywords = {composite interval mapping, kernel shape, kernel size, quantitative trait loci, Stable QTLs, Triticum aestivum}, issn = {1234-1983}, doi = {10.1007/BF03208872}, author = {Ramya, P. and Chaubal, A. and Kulkarni, K. and Gupta, L. and Kadoo, Narendra Y. and Dhaliwal, Harcharan Singh and Chhuneja, Parveen and Lagu, Meena D. and Gupta, V.} } @article { ISI:000284533700013, title = {Regiospecific azidoiodination of alkenes with sodium periodate, potassium iodide, and sodium azide: a high-yield synthesis of beta-iodoazides}, journal = {Synthesis-Stuttgart}, number = {22}, year = {2010}, month = {NOV}, pages = {3879-3882}, publisher = {GEORG THIEME VERLAG KG}, address = {RUDIGERSTR 14, D-70469 STUTTGART, GERMANY}, abstract = {

The combination of sodium periodate, potassium iodide, and sodium azide has been found to be an efficient, simple, and inexpensive reagent system for azidoiodination of alkenes. The regiospecific 1,2-azidoiodination proceeds in an anti-Markovnikov fashion to produce beta-iodoazides in excellent yields.

}, keywords = {alkenes, azides, azidoiodination, beta-iodoazides, regio-specific}, issn = {0039-7881}, doi = {10.1055/s-0030-1258250}, author = {Chouthaiwale, Pandurang V. and Karabal, Pratibha U. and Suryavanshi, Gurunath and Sudalai, Arumugam} } @article { ISI:000277343900009, title = {Relatedness of Indian flax genotypes (Linum usitatissimum L.): an inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) primer assay}, journal = {Molecular Biotechnology}, volume = {45}, number = {2}, year = {2010}, month = {JUN}, pages = {161-170}, publisher = {HUMANA PRESS INC}, address = {999 RIVERVIEW DRIVE SUITE 208, TOTOWA, NJ 07512 USA}, abstract = {

The objective of this study was to analyze the genetic relationships, using PCR-based ISSR markers, among 70 Indian flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) genotypes actively utilized in flax breeding programs. Twelve ISSR primers were used for the analysis yielding 136 loci, of which 87 were polymorphic. The average number of amplified loci and the average number of polymorphic loci per primer were 11.3 and 7.25, respectively, while the percent loci polymorphism ranged from 11.1 to 81.8 with an average of 63.9 across all the genotypes. The range of polymorphism information content scores was 0.03-0.49, with an average of 0.18. A dendrogram was generated based on the similarity matrix by the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA), wherein the flax genotypes were grouped in five clusters. The Jaccard{\textquoteright}s similarity coefficient among the genotypes ranged from 0.60 to 0.97. When the omega-3 alpha linolenic acid (ALA) contents of the individual genotypes were correlated with the clusters in the dendrogram, the high ALA containing genotypes were grouped in two clusters. This study identified SLS 50, Ayogi, and Sheetal to be the most diverse genotypes and suggested their use in breeding programs and for developing mapping populations.

}, keywords = {ALA, Alpha linolenic acid, Diversity assessment, Linseed, Oil content, Omega-3 fatty acid}, issn = {1073-6085}, doi = {10.1007/s12033-010-9256-7}, author = {Rajwade, Ashwini V. and Arora, Ritu S. and Kadoo, Narendra Y. and Harsulkar, Abhay M. and Ghorpade, Prakash B. and Gupta, Vidya S.} } @article { ISI:000281296900029, title = {Reversal from endothermic to exothermic behavior of imidazolium-based ionic liquids in molecular solvents}, journal = {Chemical Physics Letters}, volume = {496}, number = {1-3}, year = {2010}, month = {AUG}, pages = {143-147}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

In this communication, we present an interesting reversal in the enthalpic behavior from endothermic to exothermic on increasing the carbon chain length attached to the imidazolium ring in the imidazolium-based ionic liquids. A systematic investigation is presented on the excess partial molar enthalpy, H(IL)(E) directly measured using isothermal titration calorimeter at 298.15 K for the interactions operating between cation and anion of four imidazolium ionic liquids with aqueous and various non-aqueous solvents. This reversal behavior is analyzed in terms of hydrophobic and solvation effects. (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier B.V.

}, issn = {0009-2614}, doi = {10.1016/j.cplett.2010.07.056}, author = {Rai, Gitanjali and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000278307300033, title = {Ring opening polymerization of dilactide using salen complex as catalyst}, journal = {Materials Science and Engineering B-Advanced Functional Solid-State Materials}, volume = {168}, number = {1-3, SI}, year = {2010}, note = {Conference on Specialty Advanced Materials and Polymers for Aerospace and Defense and Applications (SAMPADA-2008), Mat Res Soc Singapore, Singapore, SINGAPORE, JUL 03-08, 2005}, month = {APR}, pages = {193-198}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The recent concerns about our environment have led to search for environmentally benign and sustainable materials that could substitute the more commonly used petroleum based materials. Biodegradable and sustainable polylactide (PLA) is becoming one of the most promising and practical materials as a partial replacement for the petroleum-based materials. The commercially available PLA is generally homochiral poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) at present because L-lactic acid with high optical purity can only be obtained in bulk by fermentation of carbohydrate. PLLA is mostly synthesized by ring opening polymerization (ROP) of homochiral L-lactide (LLA), which is a cyclic dimer of L-lactic acid. In the present work, poly(L-lactide)s were synthesized by the ring opening polymerization (ROP) of L-lactide using iron and manganese salen complexes as catalyst. The new iron and manganese salen complexes were synthesized, purified, characterized and used as catalyst for polymerization of L-lactide. The poly(L-lactide)s prepared were characterized by infrared, proton NMR spectroscopy, solution viscosity, gel permeation chromatography, thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Gel permeation chromatography, Iron salen catalyst, L-Lactic acid, L-Lactide, Manganese salen catalyst, Poly(L-lactide), ring opening polymerization, Solution viscosity}, issn = {0921-5107}, doi = {10.1016/j.mseb.2009.10.037}, author = {Idage, Bhaskar B. and Idage, Susheela B. and Kasegaonkar, A. S. and Jadhav, R. V.} } @article { ISI:000284454600041, title = {Ru(II) phenanthroline complex as catalyst for chemoselective hydrogenation of nitro-aryls in a green process}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {49}, number = {23}, year = {2010}, month = {DEC}, pages = {12180-12184}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Ru(II) Phenanthroline [Ru(II)(Phen)(n) where n = 1,2,3] complexes were used as highly chemoselective catalysts for hydrogenation of nitro aryls using molecular hydrogen in an aqueous media. Water, universal solvent, was used as a reaction mixture for hydrogenation of nitro-aryls to make the process green. The chemoselectivity in hydrogenation of substituted nitrobenzene to substituted aniline was obtained as high as \>99\% at about complete conversion of substituted nitrobenzene. The parametric effects, including effect of solvent, effect of ligand, effect of metal to ligand ratio, effect of temperature and pressure, were studied in detail to obtain the best results. The Ru(Phen)(n) was characterized by FTIR, UV-vis, and XPS.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/ie1015969}, author = {Deshmukh, Amit A. and Prashar, Atul K. and Kinage, Anil K. and Kumar, Rajiv and Meijboom, Reinout} } @article { ISI:000285027100017, title = {Self-organizing maps: a tool to ascertain taxonomic relatedness based on features derived from 16S rDNA sequence}, journal = {Journal of Biosciences}, volume = {35}, number = {4}, year = {2010}, month = {DEC}, pages = {617-627}, publisher = {INDIAN ACAD SCIENCES}, address = {C V RAMAN AVENUE, SADASHIVANAGAR, P B \#8005, BANGALORE 560 080, INDIA}, abstract = {

Exploitation of microbial wealth, of which almost 95\% or more is still unexplored, is a growing need. The taxonomic placements of a new isolate based on phenotypic characteristics are now being supported by information preserved in the 16S rRNA gene. However, the analysis of 16S rDNA sequences retrieved from metagenome, by the available bioinformatics tools, is subject to limitations. In this study, the occurrences of nucleotide features in 16S rDNA sequences have been used to ascertain the taxonomic placement of organisms. The tetra- and penta-nucleotide features were extracted from the training data set of the 16S rDNA sequence, and was subjected to an artificial neural network (ANN) based tool known as self-organizing map (SOM), which helped in visualization of unsupervised classification. For selection of significant features, principal component analysis (PCA) or curvilinear component analysis (CCA) was applied. The SOM along with these techniques could discriminate the sample sequences with more than 90\% accuracy, highlighting the relevance of features. To ascertain the confidence level in the developed classification approach, the test data set was specifically evaluated for Thiobacillus, with Acidiphilium, Paracocus and Starkeya, which are taxonomically reassigned. The evaluation proved the excellent generalization capability of the developed tool. The topology of genera in SOM supported the conventional chemo-biochemical classification reported in the Bergey manual.

}, keywords = {Curvilinear component analysis, Principal component analysis, self-organizing maps}, issn = {0250-5991}, doi = {10.1007/s12038-010-0070-y}, author = {Raje, D. V. and Purohit, H. J. and Badhe, Yogesh P. and Tambe, S. S. and Kulkarni, B. D.} } @conference { ISI:000280550300020, title = {Shear induced diffusion in dense granular flows}, booktitle = {IUTAM-ISIMM Symposium on Mathematical Modeling and Physical Instances of Granular Flows}, series = {AIP Conference Proceedings}, volume = {1227}, year = {2010}, note = {IUTAM-ISIMM Symposium on Mathematical Modeling and Physical Instances of Granular Flows, Reggio Calabria, ITALY, SEP 14-18, 2009}, month = {JUN}, pages = {221-229}, publisher = {IUTAM; ISIMM; Italian Inst Higher Math; US Natl Sci Fdn; Reg Council Reggio Calabria; Prov Reggio Calabria; Mediterranean Univ Reggio Calabria}, organization = {IUTAM; ISIMM; Italian Inst Higher Math; US Natl Sci Fdn; Reg Council Reggio Calabria; Prov Reggio Calabria; Mediterranean Univ Reggio Calabria}, address = {2 Huntington Quadrangle, STE 1NO1, Melville, NY 11747-4501 USA}, abstract = {

The dynamics of dense granular flows subjected to gravity induced shear are investigated experimentally using the refractive index matching technique. The system consists of grains flowing inside a bin with a rectangular cross-section and sheared by a rough boundary on one side and smooth boundaries on the remaining sides. The particles flow within a viscous interstitial liquid having the same refractive index as particles and are imaged in the bulk using laser fluorescence. The particle positions are identified very accurately and tracked over long durations to obtain the mean and fluctuating properties. The shear is observed to be non-linear and localized in a region of 3 to 4 particles near the boundary. The boundary imposes a packing order, and the grains are observed to flow in layers, parallel to the shearing boundary, which get progressively more disordered with distance from the walls. We have also carried out soft particle simulations in a equivalent system incorporating the Cundall-Strack contact model between the particles and ignoring the hydrodynamic effects of the interstitial liquid to understand the effect of particle friction coefficient, elasticity, contact model and polydispersity on the mean and fluctuating flow properties. We find the mean velocity and the number density of the particles as a function of flow cross-section and the particle fluctuation properties observed in the experiments and the simulations to in very good agreement after appropriate scaling.

}, keywords = {DEM, Diffusion, granular, index matching, LAMMPS, laser fluorescence}, isbn = {978-0-7354-0772-5}, issn = {0094-243X}, doi = {10.1063/1.3435393}, author = {Orpe, Ashish V. and Rycroft, Chris H. and Kudrolli, Arshad A.}, editor = {Goddard, J. D. and Jenkins, J. T. and Giovine, P.} } @article { ISI:000281783500005, title = {Short and efficient synthesis of (S)-(+)-2-(Hydroxymethyl)-6-piperidin-2-one}, journal = {Synthesis-Stuttgart}, number = {15}, year = {2010}, month = {AUG}, pages = {2512-2514}, publisher = {GEORG THIEME VERLAG KG}, address = {RUDIGERSTR 14, D-70469 STUTTGART, GERMANY}, abstract = {

A concise synthesis of (S)-(+)-2-(hydroxymethyl)-6-piperidin-2-one is described that employs L-aspartic acid as chiral pool starting material and Wittig reaction as the key step.

}, keywords = {Amino acid, Hydrogenation, L-aspartic acid, pipecolate, piperidone, Wittig reaction}, issn = {0039-7881}, doi = {10.1055/s-0029-1218823}, author = {Upadhyay, Puspesh K. and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000281175500059, title = {Simple chemical co-precipitation/calcination route for the synthesis of simulated synroc-B and synroc-C powders}, journal = {Materials Chemistry and Physics}, volume = {123}, number = {2-3}, year = {2010}, month = {OCT}, pages = {695-699}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

A simple chemical co-precipitation/calcination route was developed for the synthesis of simulated synroc-B and synroc-C powders using mostly nitrate salts as starting chemicals and 20\% ammonia solution as precipitant. In this route, a mixed solution containing Al-nitrate, Ca-nitrate, Ba-nitrate, zirconyl nitrate and titanyl nitrate in the molar proportion required for synroc-B is added to dilute ammonia solution to precipitate these cations in the form of their hydroxides at room temperature by maintaining pH approximate to 10.5 during precipitation. Formation of a major fluorite phase with minor amounts of anatase, rutile and hollandite phases is observed in the powder obtained after calcination in air at 750 degrees C. Multiphase crystalline synroc-B matrix containing hollandite, perovskite, zirconolite, and rutile phases is obtained after sintering the heat treated powder in the form of pellets at 1230 degrees C for 4h in air. Similarly, pure synroc-C phases with 14 and 20\% simulated waste loadings were synthesized following the same synthesis protocol. These pre-treated powders with a high surface area of similar to 25 m(2) g(-1) gave sintered ceramics having density of similar to 90\% for 14 and 20\% waste loadings. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Ceramics, Chemical synthesis, Oxides, Sintering}, issn = {0254-0584}, doi = {10.1016/j.matchemphys.2010.05.039}, author = {Potdar, H. S. and Vijayanand, S. and Mohaideen, Kamal Khaja and Patil, K. R. and Joy, Pattayil Alias and Madhavan, R. Raja and Kutty, K. V. G. and Ambashta, Ritu D. and Wattal, P. K.} } @article { ISI:000275937400001, title = {Solvent-induced viscosity changes in ionic liquids - a review}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences India Section A-Physical Sciences}, volume = {80}, number = {1}, year = {2010}, month = {JAN}, pages = {1-12}, publisher = {NATL ACAD SCIENCES INDIA}, address = {5 LAJPATRAI RD, ALLAHABAD 211002, INDIA}, abstract = {

The high viscosity of several ionic liquids is an undesirable property for their applications in a variety of chemical reactions and electrochemical devices. Addition of a solvent in an ionic liquid is known to reduce its high viscosity to a great extent. In this review, an attempt has been made to examine the published data on the reduction in viscosities of many ionic liquids upon the addition of molecular solvents, including water. A tentative description has been provided for the drop in viscosities under these conditions. Analysis of the viscosity data with the help of empirical equations has been summarized. This critical review also outlines the future outlook of the required studies that might be useful to those who are interested in using ionic liquids for a variety of applications.

}, keywords = {ionic liquids, solvent, viscosity}, issn = {0369-8203}, author = {Khupse, Nageshwar D. and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000274401600036, title = {Steady state and time resolved fluorescence quenching and chemical modification studies of a lectin from endophytic fungus fusarium solani}, journal = {Journal of Fluorescence}, volume = {20}, number = {1}, year = {2010}, month = {JAN}, pages = {305-313}, publisher = {SPRINGER/PLENUM PUBLISHERS}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

The solute quenching studies of a lectin from endophytic fungus Fusarium solani were carried out using different quenchers such as acrylamide, succinimide, potassium iodide and cesium chloride. The lectin showed emission maximum at 348 nm indicating relative exposure of tryptophan. The quenchable fraction of the fluorophore was 100\% with acrylamide, whereas it was only 50\% with succinimide. The ionic quenchers iodide and cesium showed opposite effects at different pH. In the case of cesium, raising the pH resulted in increased quenching and accessibility of typtophan residue, while the iodide showed just opposite effect. These studies showed that the single tryptophan residue of the lectin (per monomer) is relatively exposed, and might be in the vicinity of positively charged amino acid residues. Various amino acids of the F. solani lectin were modified using different reagents to obtain information about the hemagglutinating site. The chemical modification studies suggested tyrosine residues can be modified using N-acetylimidazole, which results in complete loss of hemagglutination activity of the lectin. Kinetics of chemical modification suggested involvement of only 2 tyrosine residues. Modification of arginine, cysteine, histidine, lysine, aspartate, glutamate and tryptophan did not result in loss of hemagglutinating activity of the lectin.

}, keywords = {Chemical modification, fluorescence, Fusarium, Lectin, Quenching, Time-resolved}, issn = {1053-0509}, doi = {10.1007/s10895-009-0556-x}, author = {Khan, Feroz and Ahmad, Absar and Khan, Mohammad Islam} } @article { ISI:000275455500010, title = {Strain improvement of lactobacillus lactis for d-lactic acid production}, journal = {Biotechnology Letters}, volume = {32}, number = {4}, year = {2010}, month = {APR}, pages = {517-520}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Three mutants, isolated by repeated UV mutagenesis of Lactobacillus lactis NCIM 2368, produced increased d-lactic acid concentrations. These mutants were compared with the wild type using 100 g hydrolyzed cane sugar/l in the fermentation medium. One mutant, RM2-24, produced 81 g lactic acid/l which was over three times that of the wild type. The highest d-lactic acid (110 g/l) in batch fermentation was obtained with 150 g cane sugar/l with a 73\% lactic acid yield. The mutant utilizes cellobiose efficiently, converting it into d-lactic acid suggesting the presence of cellobiase. Thus, this strain could be used to obtain d-lactic acid from cellulosic materials that are pre-hydrolyzed with cellulase.

}, keywords = {Cellobiose utilization, D-Lactic acid production, Lactobacillus lactis, Mutant, Sucrose (cane sugar)}, issn = {0141-5492}, doi = {10.1007/s10529-009-0187-y}, author = {Joshi, D. S. and Singhvi, M. S. and Khire, Jayant Malhar and Gokhale, D. V.} } @article { ISI:000276199300050, title = {Strain-rate frequency superposition in large-amplitude oscillatory shear}, journal = {Physical Review E}, volume = {81}, number = {3, 1}, year = {2010}, month = {MAR}, pages = {031401}, publisher = {AMER PHYSICAL SOC}, address = {ONE PHYSICS ELLIPSE, COLLEGE PK, MD 20740-3844 USA}, abstract = {

In a recent work, Wyss et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 98, 238303 (2007)] have noted a property of {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}soft solids{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} under oscillatory shear, the so-called strain-rate frequency superposition. We extend this study to the case of soft solids under large-amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS). We show results from LAOS studies in a mono-disperse hydrogel suspension, an aqueous gel, and a biopolymer suspension and show that constant strain-rate frequency sweep measurements with soft solids can be superimposed onto master curves for higher harmonic moduli with the same shift factors as for the linear viscoelastic moduli. We show that the behavior of higher harmonic moduli at low frequencies in constant strain- rate frequency sweep measurements is similar to that at large strain amplitude in strain- amplitude sweep tests. We show surface plots of the harmonic moduli and the energy dissipation rate per unit volume in LAOS for soft solids and show experimentally that the energy dissipated per unit volume depends on the first harmonic loss modulus alone, in both the linear and the nonlinear viscoelastic regime.

}, issn = {1539-3755}, doi = {10.1103/PhysRevE.81.031401}, author = {Kalelkar, Chirag and Lele, Ashish K. and Kamble, Samruddhi} } @article { ISI:000279333000002, title = {Structure-activity studies of dodecatungstophosphoric acid impregnated bentonite clay catalyst in hydroxyalkylation of p-cresol}, journal = {Catalysis Communications}, volume = {11}, number = {11}, year = {2010}, month = {JUN}, pages = {942-945}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Bentonite clay impregnated with dodecatungstophosphoric acid (20\% DTP/BNT) showed an excellent activity, selectivity and stability [95\% product yield with 94\% selectivity to 2, 2{\textquoteright}-methylenebis (4-methylphenol), DAM] for the hydroxyalkylation of p-cresol with formaldehyde at 353 K and for a mole ratio of 5. Ammonia-TPD results showed that an increase in total concentration of acid sites from 4.9 of parent bentonite to 11.6 micromoles per surface area NH(3) (mu molS(-1) NH(3)) of 20\% DTP/BNT was due to a strong interaction of protons of bulk DTP with surface hydroxyl groups of BNT as evidenced by (31)P NMR studies. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {(31)P CPMAS NMR, Bentonite, Hydroxyalkylation, p-Cresol, surface modification}, issn = {1566-7367}, doi = {10.1016/j.catcom.2010.04.008}, author = {Garade, Ajit C. and Kshirsagar, V. S. and Jha, Ajay and Rode, C. V.} } @article { ISI:000283745300023, title = {Study of the effect of plasma-striking atmosphere on Fe-oxidation in thermal dc arc-plasma processing}, journal = {Journal of Vacuum Science \& Technology A}, volume = {28}, number = {6}, year = {2010}, month = {NOV}, pages = {1399-1403}, publisher = {A V S AMER INST PHYSICS}, address = {STE 1 NO 1, 2 HUNTINGTON QUADRANGLE, MELVILLE, NY 11747-4502 USA}, abstract = {

The effect of plasma-striking atmosphere: air and air+Ar-gas on the crystallization of Fe-oxide phases was studied using dc thermal arc-plasma processing route. The powders were characterized by x-ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometry, transmission electron microscopy, and Mossbauer spectroscopy techniques. At room temperature and O(2) rich atmosphere, arc-evaporated Fe(2+) ions oxidize into either gamma-Fe(2)O(3) or Fe(3)O(4) depending upon the combining ratio of Fe with molecular O(2). Fe/O ratio could be adjusted using proper flow rate of Ar gas to crystallize the pure gamma-Fe(2)O(3). (C) 2010 American Vacuum Society. [DOI: 10.1116/1.3504597]

}, issn = {0734-2101}, doi = {10.1116/1.3504597}, author = {Banerjee, Indrani and Khollam, Y. B. and Mahapatra, S. K. and Das, A. K. and Bhoraskar, S. V.} } @article { ISI:000278626400054, title = {Synthesis and biological evaluation of new 2-chloro-3-((4-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)methyl)quinoline derivatives via click chemistry approach}, journal = {European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry}, volume = {45}, number = {7}, year = {2010}, month = {JUL}, pages = {3142-3146}, publisher = {ELSEVIER FRANCE-EDITIONS SCIENTIFIQUES MEDICALES ELSEVIER}, address = {23 RUE LINOIS, 75724 PARIS, FRANCE}, abstract = {

Synthesis of new 2-chloro-3-((4-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)methyl)quinoline derivatives (4a-h) using 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition (click chemistry) reaction of 3-(azidomethyl)-2-chloro-quinoline derivatives (3a-h) with phenyl acetylene in the presence of Cu(I) catalyst has been achieved in very high yield. These molecules were evaluated in vitro for their antifungal and antibacterial activity. Most of the compounds exhibited significant antifungal and antibacterial activity against all the tested strains. (C) 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {1, 2, 2-Chloro3-formyl quinoline, 3-Triazole, Antibacterial, antifungal, Click chemistry}, issn = {0223-5234}, doi = {10.1016/j.ejmech.2010.04.002}, author = {Kategaonkar, Amol H. and Shinde, Pravin V. and Kategaonkar, Atul H. and Pasale, Sharad K. and Shingate, Bapurao B. and Shingare, Murlidhar S.} } @article { ISI:000283103300014, title = {Synthesis and characterization of polyesters based on 1,1,1-[bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4 {\textquoteleft}-pentadecylphenyl]ethane}, journal = {Polymer International}, volume = {59}, number = {10}, year = {2010}, month = {OCT}, pages = {1408-1414}, publisher = {JOHN WILEY \& SONS LTD}, address = {THE ATRIUM, SOUTHERN GATE, CHICHESTER PO19 8SQ, W SUSSEX, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Aromatic polyesters are of considerable interest because of their excellent mechanical properties, chemical resistance and thermal stability. However, most aromatic polyesters are difficult to process due to their high glass transition temperatures coupled with their insolubility in common organic solvents. The present article describes a series of organosoluble polyesters and copolyesters based on 1,1,1-[bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4{\textquoteright}-pentadecylphenyl]ethane. A series of new aromatic polyesters containing pendant pentadecyl chains was synthesized by interfacial polycondensation of 1,1,1-[bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4{\textquoteright}-pentadecylphenyl]ethane with terephthalic acid chloride (TPC), isophthalic acid chloride (IPC) and a mixture of TPC and IPC. A series of copolyesters was synthesized from 4,4{\textquoteright}-isopropylidenediphenol with TPC by incorporating 1,1,1-[bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4{\textquoteright}-pentadecylphenyl]ethane as a comonomer. Inherent viscosities of the polyesters and copolyesters were in the range 0.72-1.65 dL g(-1) and number-average molecular weights were in the range 18 170-87 220. The polyesters and copolyesters containing pendant pentadecyl chains dissolved readily in organic solvents such as chloroform, dichloromethane, pyridine and m-cresol and could be cast into transparent, flexible and apparently tough films. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction data revealed the amorphous nature of the polyesters and copolyesters. The formation of loosely developed layered structure was observed due to the packing of pendant pentadecyl chains. The temperature at 10\% weight loss, determined using thermogravimetric analysis in nitrogen atmosphere, of the polyesters and copolyesters containing pendant pentadecyl chains was in the range 400-460 degrees C. The polyesters and copolyesters exhibited glass transition temperatures in the range 63-82 degrees C and 177-183 degrees C, respectively. (C) 2010 Society of Chemical Industry

}, keywords = {cashew nutshell liquid, CNSL, pentadecyl, polyesters, renewable}, issn = {0959-8103}, doi = {10.1002/pi.2883}, author = {More, Arvind S. and Naik, Parimal V. and Kumbhar, Kishor P. and Wadgaonkar, Prakash P.} } @article { ISI:000276562300063, title = {Synthesis and characterization of poly-L-lysine-grafted silica nanoparticles synthesized via NCA polymerization and click chemistry}, journal = {Langmuir}, volume = {26}, number = {8}, year = {2010}, month = {APR}, pages = {5772-5781}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Polypeptide polymer-grafted silica nanoparticles are of considerable interest because the ordered secondary structure of the polypeptide grafts imparts novel functional properties onto the nanoparticle composite. The synthesis of poly-L-lysine-grafted nanoparticles would be of particular interest because the high density of cationic charges on the surface could lead to many applications such as gene delivery and antimicrobial agents. In this work, we have developed a {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}grafting-to{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} approach using a combination of NCA polymerization and {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}click chemistry{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} to synthesize poly-L-lysine-grafted silica nanoparticles with a high graft density of 1 chain/nm(2). The covalent attachment of poly-L-lysine to silica nanoparticles (PLL-silica) was confirmed using a variety of techniques such as C-13 CP MAS NMR, TGA, and IR. This methodology was then extended to graft poly-L-lysine-b-poly-L-leucine copolymer (PLL-b-PLLeu-silica) and poly-L-benzylglutamate (PLUG silica) onto silica nanoparticles. All of these polypeptide-grafted nanoparticles show interesting aggregation properties in solution. The efficacy of PLL-silica and PLL-h-PLLeu-silica as antimicrobial agents was tested on both gram-negative B. cull and grain-positive Bacillus subtilis.

}, issn = {0743-7463}, doi = {10.1021/la903595x}, author = {Kar, Mrityunjov and Vijayakumar, P. S. and Bhagavatula L. V. Prasad and Sen Gupta, Sayam} } @article { ISI:000279836400026, title = {Synthesis and characterization of polyurethane-grafted single-walled carbon nanotubes via click chemistry}, journal = {Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology}, volume = {10}, number = {9}, year = {2010}, month = {SEP}, pages = {5700-5707}, publisher = {AMER SCIENTIFIC PUBLISHERS}, address = {26650 THE OLD RD, STE 208, VALENCIA, CA 91381-0751 USA}, abstract = {

Polyurethane (PU)-grafted carbon nanotubes were synthesized by the coupling of alkyne moiety decorated single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) with azide moiety containing PU using Cu(I) catalyzed Huisgen [3 + 2] cycloaddition click chemistry. The azide moiety containing poly(E-caprolactone)diol was synthesized by ring-opening polymerization and further used for PU synthesis. Alkyne-functionalizion of SWCNT was completed by the reaction of p-aminophenyl propargyl ether with SWCNT using a solvent free diazotization procedure. Nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared, and Raman spectroscopic measurements confirmed the functionalization of SWCNT. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images showed an excellent dispersion of SWCNTs, and specially debundling of SWCNTs could be observed due to polymer assisted dispersion. A quantitative grafting was successfully achieved even at high content of functional groups.

}, keywords = {Carbon nanotubes, Click chemistry, dispersion, polyurethane}, issn = {1533-4880}, doi = {10.1166/jnn.2010.2434}, author = {Rana, Sravendra and Cho, Jae Whan and Kumar, Indresh} } @article { ISI:000282663700004, title = {Synthesis of acrolein by gas-phase dehydration of glycerol over silica supported bronsted acidic ionic liquid catalysts}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology}, volume = {85}, number = {10}, year = {2010}, month = {OCT}, pages = {1319-1324}, publisher = {JOHN WILEY \& SONS LTD}, address = {THE ATRIUM, SOUTHERN GATE, CHICHESTER PO19 8SQ, W SUSSEX, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

BACKGROUND: Glycerol has become readily available as a byproduct from the biodiesel industry. High functionality and relatively low price make it a potential building block to produce value-added derivatives such as acrolein. RESULTS: Dehydration of glycerol to acrolein was performed over several silica supported Bronsted acidic ionic liquids as catalysts. All the catalysts prepared were active for the synthesis of acrolein (conversion of glycerol was observed in the range 35-90\% with selectivity to acrolein in the range 29-58\%). CONCLUSIONS: Catalyst prepared from triphenyl (3-sulfopropyl) phosphonium 4-methylbenzenesulfonate gave good activity and selectivity at 4 h reaction time. The conversion of glycerol decreased with increase in glycerol concentration. Higher temperature (325 degrees C) resulted in significantly lower conversion as well as selectivity to acrolein. With the use of two additional traps cooled to -7 degrees C, the selectivity to acrolein increased significantly for good catalysts. (C) 2010 Society of Chemical Industry

}, keywords = {acidic ionic liquids, acrolein, glycerol dehydration, supported catalyst}, issn = {0268-2575}, doi = {10.1002/jctb.2434}, author = {Munshi, Mudassir K. and Lomate, Samadhan T. and Deshpande, Raj Madhukar and Rane, Vilas H. and Kelkar, Ashutosh A.} } @article { ISI:000276909600011, title = {Synthesis of aculeatins A and B via iterative hydrolytic kinetic resolution}, journal = {Synthesis-Stuttgart}, number = {9}, year = {2010}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1479-1484}, publisher = {GEORG THIEME VERLAG KG}, address = {RUDIGERSTR 14, D-70469 STUTTGART, GERMANY}, abstract = {

A simple and concise approach for the synthesis of aculeatins A and B starting from (+/-)-epichlorohydrin is described. The synthetic strategy features Jacobsen{\textquoteright}s hydrolytic kinetic resolution and a Linchpin coupling as key steps.

}, keywords = {aculeatins, Epoxide, Hydrolytic kinetic resolution, Linchpin coupling, spirocyclization}, issn = {0039-7881}, doi = {10.1055/s-0029-1218687}, author = {Harbindu, Anand and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000276804800005, title = {Synthesis of (-)-galantinic acid via iterative hydrolytic kinetic resolution and tethered aminohydroxylation}, journal = {Tetrahedron}, volume = {66}, number = {17}, year = {2010}, month = {APR}, pages = {3159-3164}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A new synthetic strategy for (-)-galantinic acid is reported using iterative hydrolytic kinetic resolution and tethered aminohydroxylation as the key steps. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {1, 2-Aminoalcohol, 3-Diol, Iterative hydrolytic kinetic resolution, selectivity, Tethered aminohydroxylation}, issn = {0040-4020}, doi = {10.1016/j.tet.2010.02.093}, author = {Dubey, Abhishek and Kauloorkar, Shruti Vandana and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000276573700013, title = {Synthesis of hybrid 1,2,3-triazolo-delta-lactams/lactones using Huisgen [3+2] cycloaddition {\textquoteleft}click-chemistry{\textquoteright} in water}, journal = {Tetrahedron-Asymmetry}, volume = {21}, number = {3}, year = {2010}, month = {MAR}, pages = {352-355}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The synthesis of a new class of hybrid 1,2,3-triazozlo-delta-lactams/lactones has been achieved using the Huisgen [3+2] dipolar cycloaddition {\textquoteleft}click-chemistry{\textquoteright} reaction of various organic azides with an activated alkyne in water, followed by cyclization. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0957-4166}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetasy.2010.02.002}, author = {Kumar, Indresh and Rana, Sravendra and Cho, Jae Whan and Rode, Chandrashekhar V.} } @article { ISI:000282106400009, title = {Synthesis of (R)-coniine and (S)-coinicine via organocatalytic alpha-aminoxylation of an aldehyde}, journal = {Synthesis-Stuttgart}, number = {18}, year = {2010}, month = {SEP}, pages = {3105-3112}, publisher = {GEORG THIEME VERLAG KG}, address = {RUDIGERSTR 14, D-70469 STUTTGART, GERMANY}, abstract = {

A short and efficient synthesis of the indolizidine alkaloid (S)-coinicine has been achieved using organocatalytic sequential alpha-aminoxylation and Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons olefination of an aldehyde catalyzed by L-proline. Similarly, a common organocatalytic alpha-aminoxylation route has been developed for the asymmetric synthesis of both (R)-coniine and (S)-coinicine.

}, keywords = {hemlock alkaloids, organocatalysis, Proline, sequential reactions, synthesis}, issn = {0039-7881}, doi = {10.1055/s-0030-1257869}, author = {Kondekar, Nagendra B. and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000280514500009, title = {Synthesis of Rh-carbon nanotube based heterostructures and their enhanced field emission characteristics}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {46}, number = {31}, year = {2010}, month = {JUL}, pages = {5671-5673}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Selective decoration of Rh nanospheres on acid functionalized carbon nanotubes has been demonstrated using Al as a sacrificial substrate. Remarkable field emission has been observed for this heterostructure as a high current density of 170 mu A cm(-2) is generated at an ultra-low threshold of 300 V mu m(-1), compared to much smaller values for Rh nanospheres and carbon nanotubes separately.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c0cc01532f}, author = {Sathe, Bhaskar R. and Kakade, Bhalchandra A. and Kushwaha, Ajay and Aslam, Mohammed and Pillai, Vijayamohanan K.} } @article { ISI:000275756700010, title = {Synthesis of the antibacterial benzoquinone primin and its water-soluble analogue, primin acid}, journal = {Synthesis-Stuttgart}, number = {7}, year = {2010}, month = {APR}, pages = {1141-1144}, publisher = {GEORG THIEME VERLAG KG}, address = {RUDIGERSTR 14, D-70469 STUTTGART, GERMANY}, abstract = {

The biologically active natural product, primin and its water-soluble acid analogue, primin acid are prepared in 34\% and 25\% overall yields, respectively, from a common intermediate using a Grignard reaction and a Johnson-Claisen rearrangement as the key steps.

}, keywords = {1, 4-benzoquinones, Antibacterial, Johnson-Claisen rearrangement, primin, primin acid}, issn = {0039-7881}, doi = {10.1055/s-0029-1218666}, author = {Bhattacharya, Asish K. and Kaur, Tanpreet and Ganesh, Krishna N.} } @article { ISI:000279017900010, title = {Temperature dependent viscosity of mixtures of ionic liquids at different compositions}, journal = {Indian Journal of Chemistry Section A-Inorganic Bio-Inorganic Physical Theoretical \& Analytical Chemistry}, volume = {49}, number = {5-6, SI}, year = {2010}, month = {MAY}, pages = {727-730}, publisher = {NATL INST SCIENCE COMMUNICATION-NISCAIR}, address = {DR K S KRISHNAN MARG, PUSA CAMPUS, NEW DELHI 110 012, INDIA}, abstract = {

This work presents experimental investigations of viscosities of the mixtures of ionic liquids, viz., [bmim][BF(4)] + [bmim][PF(6)] and [hmim][BF(4)] + [hmim][PF(6)] at different temperatures. The temperature dependence of viscosities of these mixtures has been analysed in the light of Vogel-Fulcher-Tammann (VFT) equation with excellent accuracy. The viscosities of the mixtures have been analysed using a simple mixing rule.

}, keywords = {ionic liquids, viscosity}, issn = {0376-4710}, author = {Khupse, Nageshwar D. and Kurolikar, Shabana R. and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000283110500021, title = {Temperature effect on the molecular interactions between ammonium ionic liquids and N,N-dimethylformamide}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, volume = {114}, number = {42}, year = {2010}, month = {OCT}, pages = {13415-13425}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

In view of the wide scope of molecular interactions between the highly polar compound of N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and ammonium ionic liquids (ILs), we have measured thermophysical properties such as densities (rho) and ultrasonic sound velocities (u) over the whole composition range at temperatures ranging from 25 to 50 degrees C under atmospheric pressure. To gain some insight into the several aggregations of molecular interactions present in these mixed solvents, we predicted the excess molar volume (V(E)) and the deviations in isentropic compressibilities (Delta K(s)) as a function of the concentration of IL. These results are fitted to the Redlich-Kister polynomials. The materials investigated in the present study included the hydroxide series of ammonium ILs of tetramethylammonium hydroxide [(CH(3))(4)N][OH] (TMAH), tetraethylammonium hydroxide [(C(2)H(5))(4)N][OH] (TEAH), and tetrapropylammonium hydroxide [(C(2)H(7))(4)N][OH] (TPAH). The intermolecular interactions and structural effects were analyzed on the basis of the measured and the derived properties. A qualitative analysis of the results is discussed in terms of the ion-dipole and ion-pair interactions, and hydrogen bonding between ILs and DMF molecules and their structural factors.

}, issn = {1520-6106}, doi = {10.1021/jp108003x}, author = {Attri, Pankaj and Venkatesu, Pannuru and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000279851200004, title = {Template assisted highly ordered novel self assembly of micro-reservoirs and its replication}, journal = {Lab on a Chip}, volume = {10}, number = {15}, year = {2010}, month = {JAN}, pages = {1902-1906}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A novel method is developed for template assisted fabrication of a regular assembly of microcavity arrays. Simple micropatterns on PDMS mold are used to create complex geometries via solvent vapor back pressure in a biodegradable polymer. Cavities are in turn replicated in complimentary PDMS mushroom like microstructures.

}, issn = {1473-0197}, doi = {10.1039/c004576d}, author = {Hire, Santosh L. and Shelke, Manjusha V. and Kale, Vinayak S. and Galopin, Elisabeth and Kulkarni, Mohan G. and Boukherroub, Rabah and Ogale, Satishchandra B.} } @article { ISI:000277203500017, title = {Template-assisted synthesis and characterization of passivated nickel nanoparticles}, journal = {Nanoscale Research Letters}, volume = {5}, number = {5}, year = {2010}, month = {MAY}, pages = {889-897}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Potential applications of nickel nanoparticles demand the synthesis of self-protected nickel nanoparticles by different synthesis techniques. A novel and simple technique for the synthesis of self-protected nickel nanoparticles is realized by the inter-matrix synthesis of nickel nanoparticles by cation exchange reduction in two types of resins. Two different polymer templates namely strongly acidic cation exchange resins and weakly acidic cation exchange resins provided with cation exchange sites which can anchor metal cations by the ion exchange process are used. The nickel ions which are held at the cation exchange sites by ion fixation can be subsequently reduced to metal nanoparticles by using sodium borohydride as the reducing agent. The composites are cycled repeating the loading reduction cycle involved in the synthesis procedure. X-Ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Transmission Electron microscopy, Energy Dispersive Spectrum, and Inductively Coupled Plasma Analysis are effectively utilized to investigate the different structural characteristics of the nanocomposites. The hysteresis loop parameters namely saturation magnetization and coercivity are measured using Vibrating Sample Magnetometer. The thermomagnetization study is also conducted to evaluate the Curie temperature values of the composites. The effect of cycling on the structural and magnetic characteristics of the two composites are dealt in detail. A comparison between the different characteristics of the two nanocomposites is also provided.

}, keywords = {Nickel nanoparticles, Polymer-metal nanocomposites, Strongly acidic cation exchange resin, Stuctural and magnetic properties, Weakly acidic cation exchange resin}, issn = {1556-276X}, doi = {10.1007/s11671-010-9580-7}, author = {Gopalan, E. Veena and Malini, K. A. and Santhoshkumar, G. and Narayanan, T. N. and Joy, Pattayil Alias and Al-Omari, I. A. and Kumar, D. Sakthi and Yoshida, Yasuhiko and Anantharaman, Maliemadom R.} } @article { ISI:000282128700005, title = {Tensile properties, cell adhesion, and drug release behavior of chitosan-silver-gelatin nanohybrid films and scaffolds}, journal = {Macromolecular Research}, volume = {18}, number = {9}, year = {2010}, month = {SEP}, pages = {845-852}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Drug-loaded nanohybrid films and porous scaffolds were prepared using chitosan, Ag nanoparticles and gelatin using a solution casting and freeze-drying method, respectively. Gelatin was used to incorporate the cell onto the surface of the scaffolds and the nanohybrid films. 1-[2-hydroxyethyl]-2-methyl-5-nitroimidazole) (Metronidazole (MTZ) was used as a model drug. The small percentage of Ag nanoparticles in the nanohybrid films and scaffolds produced significantly higher cell proliferation and levels of drug release. The tensile properties showed improvement in strength by Ag nanoparticles reinforcement at the expense of elongation.

}, keywords = {carcinogenic metronidazole, cell proliferation, chitosan-Ag-gelatin nanohybrids, drug release, nano-hybrids, scaffolds}, issn = {1598-5032}, doi = {10.1007/s13233-010-0905-2}, author = {Rana, V. K. and Kushwaha, Omkar S. and Singh, RajPal and Mishra, Satyendra and Ha, Chang-Sik} } @article { ISI:000277822200012, title = {Thermodynamic analysis of dry autothermal reforming of glycerol}, journal = {Fuel Processing Technology}, volume = {91}, number = {5}, year = {2010}, month = {MAY}, pages = {520-530}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

{Dry autothermal reforming of glycerol uses a combination of dry (CO(2)) reforming and partial oxidation reactions to produce syngas rich product stream. Thermodynamic equilibrium data for dry autothermal reforming of glycerol was generated for temperature range 600-1000 K . 1 bar pressure, OCGR [feed O(2)/C (C of glycerol only) ratio] 0.1 to 0.5 and CGR [feed CO(2)/glycerol ratio] 1 to 5 and analyzed. The objective of the paper is to identify the thermodynamic domain of the process operation, study the variation of product distribution pattern and describe the optimum conditions to maximize yield of the desired product and minimize the undesired product formation. Higher OCGR and higher CGR yielded a syngas ratio (similar to 1), with lower carbon and methane formation, while lower CGR and lower OCGR yielded good hydrogen and total hydrogen, with low water and CO2 production. The best thermoneutral condition for DATR of glycerol operation was seen at a temperature of 926.31 K at 1 bar pressure

}, keywords = {CO(2) reforming, Dry reforming, Glycerol reforming, Syngas production, Thermodynamic modeling}, issn = {0378-3820}, doi = {10.1016/j.fuproc.2009.12.015}, author = {Kale, Ganesh R. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article { ISI:000279737500056, title = {Thermodynamic study of combining chemical looping combustion and combined reforming of propane}, journal = {Fuel}, volume = {89}, number = {10}, year = {2010}, month = {OCT}, pages = {3141-3146}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Existing energy generation technologies emit CO(2) gas and are posing a serious problem of global warming and climate change. The thermodynamic feasibility of a new process scheme combining chemical looping combustion (CLC) and combined reforming (CR) of propane (LPG) is studied in this paper. The study of CLC of propane with CaSO(4) as oxygen carrier shows thermodynamic feasibility in temperature range (400-782.95 degrees C) at 1 bar pressure. The CO(2) generated in the CLC can be used for combined reforming of propane in an autothermal way within the temperature range (400-1000 degrees C) at 1 bar pressure to generate syngas of ratio 3.0 (above 600 degrees C) which is extremely desirable for petrochemical manufacture. The process scheme generates (a) huge thermal energy in CLC that can be used for various processes, (b) pure N(2) and syngas rich streams can be used for petrochemical manufacture and (c) takes care of the expensive CO(2) separation from flue gas stream and CO(2) sequestration. The thermoneutral temperature (TNP) of 702.12 degrees C yielding maximum syngas of 5.98 mol per mole propane fed, of syngas ratio 1.73 with negligible methane and carbon formation was identified as the best condition for the CR reactor operation. The process can be used for different fuels and oxygen carriers. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Chemical looping combustion, CLC, CO(2) utilization, Energy generation}, issn = {0016-2361}, doi = {10.1016/j.fuel.2010.05.029}, author = {Kale, Ganesh R. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D. and Joshi, Ajit R.} } @article { ISI:000285819500015, title = {Thermoneutral point analysis of ethanol dry autothermal reforming}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Journal}, volume = {165}, number = {3}, year = {2010}, month = {DEC}, pages = {864-873}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

{Dry autothermal reforming of ethanol can be used to produce a variety of value added products like hydrogen, syngas and also carbon (possible CNF). A thermodynamic analysis of dry autothermal reforming of ethanol has been carried out to locate the thermoneutral temperatures and product composition at those points at 1, 3, 6 and 9 bar reaction pressures. The variations of thermoneutral temperatures and individual product yields at those temperatures have been discussed to find the optimum operating parameters for desired product output from the process. The process operated at thermoneutral conditions can give useful products like hydrogen, syngas (of low ratio) and carbon (possibly CNFs) and also provide a way for CO2 sequestration using renewable ethanol fuel. A maximum of 2.58 moles of syngas of ratio 2.01 obtained at 1 bar

}, keywords = {CO2 utilization, Dry autothermal reforming, Ethanol reforming, Thermoneutral}, issn = {1385-8947}, doi = {10.1016/j.cej.2010.10.033}, author = {Kale, Ganesh R. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article { ISI:000276556600030, title = {Total synthesis of proposed auranthine}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {75}, number = {8}, year = {2010}, month = {APR}, pages = {2702-2705}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Starting from CBz-protected glutamic anhydride and Boc-protected o-aminobenzyl amine, the first total synthesis of proposed structure of auranthine has been reported. An intramolecular aza-Wittig reaction involving a lactam carbonyl group that delivered the diazepine core unit was the key step in the synthesis.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/jo100400z}, author = {Kshirsagar, Umesh A. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and N. P. Argade} } @article { ISI:000293064700010, title = {Uncatalyzed synthesis of thiomorpholide using polyethylene glycol as green reaction media}, journal = {Green Chemistry Letters and Reviews}, volume = {3}, number = {4}, year = {2010}, month = {DEC}, pages = {315-318}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS LTD}, address = {4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Polyethylene glycol-600 was used as an efficient and recyclable solvent for the one-pot three component condensation reactions of aryl alkyl ketones, sulfur, and morpholine to produce the corresponding thiomorpholide. This protocol has advantages of high yields, short reaction times, mild reaction conditions, minimal environmental pollution, and simple work up procedure. [GRAPHICS] .

}, keywords = {polyethylene glycol-600, Sulfur, thiomorpholide, Willgerodt-Kindler reaction}, issn = {1751-8253}, doi = {10.1080/17518253.2010.486772}, author = {Gawande, Shrikant S. and Bandgar, Babasaheb P. and Kadam, Prasad D. and Sable, Shailesh S.} } @article { ISI:000273084000005, title = {Understanding the genetic structure of symplocos laurina wall. populations using nuclear gene markers}, journal = {Genetica}, volume = {138}, number = {2}, year = {2010}, month = {FEB}, pages = {197-210}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

To characterize the genetic diversity of present populations of Symplocos laurina, which grow in the montane forests in India, we analyzed the DNA sequences of a nuclear gene. Using the 881 bp sequence of cytosolic Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene, we detected 24 haplotypes among 195 individuals sampled from 14 populations. Two dominant haplotypes were distributed over the entire range of this species in India and several private haplotypes were found. Low genetic diversity within population, high differentiation, number of population specific haplotypes and deviation from neutral evolution characterized the present populations of S. laurina. An analysis of molecular variance indicated the presence of geographic structure within the haplotype distribution. The occurrence of S. laurina preglaciation in India is the most parsimonious explanation for the current geographic structure observed. The populations are presumably ancient and might have spread across its extant distribution range in India through a recent range expansion event.

}, keywords = {GapC, Genetic diversity, Glaciation, Refugium}, issn = {0016-6707}, doi = {10.1007/s10709-009-9410-y}, author = {Banu, Sofia and Bhagwat, Rasika M. and Kadoo, Narendra Y. and Lagu, Meena D. and Gupta, V. S.} } @article { ISI:000276341700068, title = {Understanding the reactivity properties of Au-n (6 <= n <= 13) clusters using density functional theory based reactivity descriptors}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {114}, number = {14}, year = {2010}, month = {APR}, pages = {6690-6703}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

{Relativistic density functional theory (DFT) based calculations have been performed on gold clusters with six to thirteen atoms (Au-n

}, issn = {1932-7447}, doi = {10.1021/jp1004852}, author = {De, Himadri Sekhar and Krishnamurty, Sailaja and Pal, Sourav} } @article { ISI:000277649500046, title = {Volume transition of PNIPAM in a nonionic surfactant hexagonal mesophase}, journal = {Macromolecules}, volume = {43}, number = {10}, year = {2010}, month = {MAY}, pages = {4782-4790}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

We investigate the volume transition of a thermoresponsive polymer, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), PNIPAM, in the presence of an aqueous solution of nonionic surfactant, C(12)E(9). We combine turbidimetry with optical microscopy, NMR, and SAXS to follow the volume transition of the PNIPAM and the H(1)-isotropic transition of the surfactant/water system. Nonionic surfactants such as C(12)E(9) are known to interact weakly with PNIPAM. Accordingly, we show that there is only a small change in the volume transition temperature for the PNIPAM in isotropic micellar solutions of C(12)E(9), even for relatively high concentrations of C(12)E(9). Interestingly, once the surfactant forms an H(1) phase, there is a dramatic decrease in the coil globule transition onset temperature. We believe that this behavior results from a competition between C(12)E(9) in the H(1) phase, and PNIPAM to associate with water. When PNIPAM in the H(1) phase is cooled to low enough temperatures so as to be in the coil state, it locally disturbs the hexagonal phase ordering. Thus, we show that for PNIPAM in a weakly interacting surfactant matrix, it is the phase behavior of the matrix rather than the matrix chemistry that governs the coil globule transition. Finally, we show that in a PNIPAM copolymer with a higher LCST we observe an interesting sequence of transitions in the surfactant phase: on cooling from a high temperature free-blowing turbid globular state (similar to 75 degrees C), we enter a free-flowing translucent coil phase (similar to 47 degrees C), then a turbid gel (similar to 25 degrees C) where the copolymer is collapsed in the HI phase, and finally a low-temperature clear gel (similar to 5 degrees C) where the copolymer is in the expanded coil state.

}, issn = {0024-9297}, doi = {10.1021/ma100357h}, author = {Jijo, V. J. and Sharma, Kamendra P. and Mathew, Renny and Kamble, Samruddhi and Rajamohanan, P. R. and Ajithkumar, Thalasseril G. and Badiger, Manohar V. and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy} } @article { ISI:000276917900011, title = {ZnO-beta zeolite: as an effective and eco-friendly heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of benzothiazole derivatives}, journal = {Chinese Chemical Letters}, volume = {21}, number = {4}, year = {2010}, month = {APR}, pages = {421-425}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC}, address = {360 PARK AVE SOUTH, NEW YORK, NY 10010-1710 USA}, abstract = {

A cheap and recyclable ZnO-beta zeolite was used as catalyst for the synthesis of benzothiazole derivatives. This method provides several advantages such as environmental friendliness, short reaction times, high yields, simple work-up procedure and catalyst was successfully reused for four cycles without significant loss of activity. (C) 2009 Machhindra K. Lande. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Chemical Society. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Benzothiazole, cyclocondensation, heterogeneous catalyst, ZnO-beta zeolite}, issn = {1001-8417}, doi = {10.1016/j.cclet.2009.10.020}, author = {Katkar, Santosh S. and Mohite, Pravinkumar H. and Gadekar, Lakshman S. and Vidhate, Kaluram N. and Lande, Machhindra K.} } @article { ISI:000293064700006, title = {ZnO-beta zeolite: as an effective and reusable heterogeneous catalyst for the one-pot synthesis of polyhydroquinolines}, journal = {Green Chemistry Letters and Reviews}, volume = {3}, number = {4}, year = {2010}, month = {DEC}, pages = {287-292}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS LTD}, address = {4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

ZnO-beta zeolite, an inexpensive and mild catalyst, has been used for the synthesis of polyhydroquinolines in excellent yields from the one-pot four-component condensation of aldehydes, dimedone, ethyl acetoacetate, and ammonium acetate in ethanol at room temperature. The remarkable advantages offered by this method are a green catalyst, mild reaction conditions, simple work-up procedures, much faster reactions, and excellent yield of products. Furthermore, the catalyst could be reused several times keeping its initial activity in recycled reactions.

}, keywords = {Hantzsch condensation, heterogeneous catalyst, multicomponent, ZnO-beta zeolite}, issn = {1751-8253}, doi = {10.1080/17518253.2010.482065}, author = {Katkar, Santosh S. and Mohite, Pravinkumar H. and Gadekar, Lakshman S. and Arbad, Balasaheb R. and Lande, Machhindra K.} } @article { ISI:000276548300011, title = {ZnO-beta zeolite mediated simple and efficient method for the one-pot synthesis of quinoxaline derivatives at room temperature}, journal = {Central European Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {8}, number = {2}, year = {2010}, month = {APR}, pages = {320-325}, publisher = {VERSITA}, address = {SOLIPSKA 14A-1, 02-482 WARSAW, POLAND}, abstract = {

A rapid and an efficient one-pot method for the synthesis of quinoxalines catalysed by ZnO-beta zeolite at room temperature is described. This environmentally benign method provides several advantages over methods that are currently employed such as a simple work-up, mild reaction conditions, good to excellent yields, and a process to recover and reuse the catalyst for several cycles with consistent activity.

}, keywords = {cyclocondensation, Quinoxaline, Room temperature, ZnO-beta zeolite}, issn = {1895-1066}, doi = {10.2478/s11532-009-0151-7}, author = {Katkar, Santosh S. and Mohite, Pravinkumar H. and Gadekar, Lakshman S. and Arbad, Balasaheb R. and Lande, Machhindra K.} } @article { ISI:000286474600008, title = {(-)-6 alpha-Hydroxy polyanthellin A - a novel antifouling diterpenoid from the Indian soft coral Cladiella krempfi (Hickson)}, journal = {Canadian Journal of Chemistry-Revue Canadienne De Chimie}, volume = {89}, number = {1}, year = {2011}, month = {JAN}, pages = {57-60}, publisher = {CANADIAN SCIENCE PUBLISHING, NRC RESEARCH PRESS}, address = {1200 MONTREAL ROAD, BUILDING M-55, OTTAWA, ON K1A 0R6, CANADA}, abstract = {

Bioassay-guided purification of methanol extract of the soft coral Cladiella krempfi (Octocorallia: Alcynocea) yielded a novel eunicellin-type diterpenoid, (-)-6 alpha-hydroxy polyanthellin A (1), active against the cyprids of the fouling barnacle, Balanus amphitrite (EC(50) 9.02 mu g/mL; LC(50) 36 mu g/mL; and therapeutic ratio = 4). The structure of compound 1 was determined from its spectral data, including IR, NMR (1D and 2D NMR), and mass spectra.

}, keywords = {antifouling, Balanus amphitrite, biofouling, Cladiella krempfi, diterpenes}, issn = {0008-4042}, doi = {10.1139/V10-159}, author = {Mol, V. P. Limna and Raveendran, T. V. and Parameswaran, P. S. and Kunnath, R. J. and Rajamohanan, P. R.} } @article { ISI:000286890500041, title = {Activity and stability of alpha-chymotrypsin in biocompatible ionic liquids: enzyme refolding by triethyl ammonium acetate}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics}, volume = {13}, number = {7}, year = {2011}, month = {FEB}, pages = {2788-2796}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

In view the of wide scope of structural information of biomolecules in biocompatible ionic liquids (ILs) in various applications including chemical and biochemical, it is essential to study the productive preferential interactions between biological macromolecules and biocompatible ILs. We have therefore explored the stability and activity of alpha-chymotrypsin (CT) in the presence of five ILs from different families, such as triethyl ammonium acetate (TEAA), triethyl ammonium phosphate (TEAP) from ammonium salts, 1-benzyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bzmim][Cl]), 1-benzyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([Bzmim][BF(4)]) from imidazolium salts and tetra-butyl phosphonium bromide (TBPBr) from phosphonium families. Circular dichroism (CD) and UV-vis spectrophotometer experiments were used to study CT stabilization by ILs, related to the associated structural changes and enzyme activity studies, respectively. We observed that all ILs have a dominant contribution to the stabilization of CT. The stability and activity of CT depends on the structural arrangement of the ions of ILs. Our experimental results explicitly elucidate that more hydrophobic imidazolium and phosphonium cations carrying longer alkyl chains of ILs ([Bzmim][Cl], [Bzmim][BF(4)] and TBPBr) were weak stabilizers for CT, while small alkyl chain molecules of triethyl ammonium salts (TEAA and TEAP) are strong stabilizers and therefore more biocompatible for CT stability. Our CD and NMR measurements reveal that TEAA is a refolding additive for CT from a quenched thermal unfolded enzyme structure.

}, issn = {1463-9076}, doi = {10.1039/c0cp01291b}, author = {Attri, Pankaj and Venkatesu, Pannuru and Kumar, Anil} } @article {42715, title = {Alkynyl and phosphonyl substituted nucleobases: a case of thermally induced conformational polymorphism}, journal = {Crystal Growth \& Design}, volume = {11}, year = {2011}, month = {APR}, pages = {2302{\textendash}2310}, abstract = {

Substituted nucleobases with alkynyl and phosphonyl groups were investigated in the context of supramolecular interactions and possible use toward synthesis of nucleoside phosphonic acids (NPAs). The adeninyl compound (adeninyl-N-9)-CH2CH2CH2CH2C=CH exhibits conformational polymorphism as revealed by X-ray structures determined at 200 and 298 K. Interestingly, in the compound (adeninyl-N-9)-(CH2)15CH3, the long aliphatic carbon chain does not show disorder. A rather unusual bending of alkyl chain, likely due to C{\textendash}H{\textperiodcentered}{\textperiodcentered}{\textperiodcentered}O interactions, is observed in the case of the thymine compound (thyminyl)-CH2CH2CH2C=CH that possesses a terminal alkyne group. The powerful hydrogen bond acceptor property of the phosphoryl oxygen (P=O) does not perturb (unless assisted by other hydrogen bonding partners) the homo base-pairing in the structures of most of the phosphonyl substituted nucleobases studied.

}, doi = {10.1021/cg101737x}, author = {Swamy, K. C. Kumara and Allu, Srinivasarao and Srinivas, Venu and Balaraman, Ekambaram and Kumar, K. V. P. Pavan} } @article { ISI:000288825800026, title = {Alternative process for gasoline fuel processors}, journal = {International Journal of Hydrogen Energy}, volume = {36}, number = {3}, year = {2011}, month = {FEB}, pages = {2118-2127}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The article explores the thermodynamics of an alternate hydrogen generation process dry autothermal reforming and its comparison to autothermal reforming process of isooctane for use in gasoline fuel processors for SOFC. A thermodynamic analysis of isooctane as feed hydrocarbon for autothermal reforming and dry autothermal reforming processes for feed OCIR (oxygen to carbon in isooctane ratio) from 0.5 to 0.7 at 1 bar pressure under analogous thermoneutral operating conditions was done using Gibbs free energy minimization algorithm in HSC Chemistry. The trends in thermoneutral points (TNP), important product gas compositions at TNPs and fuel processor energy requirements were compared and analyzed. Dry autothermal reforming was identified as a less energy consuming alternative to autothermal reforming as the syngas can be produced with lower energy requirements at thermoneutral temperatures, making it a promising candidate for use in gasoline fuel processors to power the solid oxide fuel cells. The dry autothermal reforming process for syngas production can also be used for different fuels. (C) 2010 Professor T. Nejat Veziroglu. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Autothermal reforming, Dry autothermal reforming, hydrogen production, Isooctane reforming, Thermodynamic modeling}, issn = {0360-3199}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijhydene.2010.11.055}, author = {Kale, Ganesh R. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article { ISI:000293087200006, title = {Antioxidant and anticancer activities of supramolecularly controlled magnetostructural halo-oximes of lawsone}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {35}, number = {8}, year = {2011}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1615-1623}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Crystal engineering based on halogen bonding together with host-guest interactions of water molecules via H-bonding, stabilizing supramolecular architecture in chloro 1, bromo 2 and iodo 3 oximes of lawsone, is discussed. 1 and 2 crystallize in orthorhombic, non-centrosymmetric space group Pna2(1) while 3 crystallizes in monoclinic P2(1)/n space group. Non-covalent competitive interactions of asymmetric solvation and halogen bonding can have a large influence on the spin distribution in 1, 2 and 3 derivatives of spin carrier lawsone live polymer as revealed by single crystal X-ray and EPR studies. The significant C3-Cl/Br center dot center dot center dot O, C3-Cl/Br center dot center dot center dot H, O-H center dot center dot center dot O-C, C-H center dot center dot center dot pi and pi center dot center dot center dot pi interactions have been identified in the molecular assemblies leading to net magnetostructures of halo-oximes. Dimer-of-dimer-type tetrameric radical assembly of 3 and interacting bi- and monoradical chain on 2(1) axis in 1 and 2 have been identified. The proton-coupled electron transfers possibly govern the antioxidant nature in halooximes of spin carrier lawsone in terms of oxygen reduction to water molecules. Such activity is found to be directly proportional to the spin (radical) concentrations in 1 to 3 and increases in order 1 \< 2 \< 3 according to halogen bonding effect. The antioxidant chemical DPPH assays for scavenging of such free radicals result in similar trend of increasing order like 1 \< 2 \< 3, but the chemical in vitro as well as ex vivo SOD antioxidant activities and biological anticancer activity on MCF-7, Hela and HL-60 cell lines show the increasing order 3 \< 2 \< 1 according to H-bonding effect. This probably could be attributed to the conversion of superoxide radical ions into H(2)O(2), which leads to greater oxidative stress leading to apoptosis.

}, issn = {1144-0546}, doi = {10.1039/c1nj20176j}, author = {Zaware, Santosh B. and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Srinivas, Darbha and Khan, Ayesha A. and Rane, Sandhya Y.} } @article { ISI:000292893300014, title = {Assembly of polyethyleneimine in the hexagonal mesophase of nonionic surfactant: effect of pH and temperature}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, volume = {115}, number = {29}, year = {2011}, month = {JUL}, pages = {9059-9069}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

We investigate the dispersion of a pH responsive polymer, polyethyleneimine, PEI, in a hexagonal (H(1)) mesophase of a nonionic surfactant, C(12)E(9), and water, at pH ranging from basic (pH = 12.8) to acidic (pH = 1). While the C(12)E(9)/H(2)O phase behavior is independent of pH, we demonstrate that, in the PEI/C(12)E(9)/H(2)O system, changing the pH influences PEI-C(12)E(9) interactions, and thus, influences the isotropic-H(1) phase transition. With decrease in pH, there is increasing protonation of the PEI chain, and consequently, the chain extends. We show, using a combination of SAXs, optical microscopy and visual experiments, that the inclusion of PEI in a 1:1 surfactant water mixture, lowers the hexagonal-isotropic transition temperature, T. At higher pH = 12.8 T(HI) shows a pronounced decrease from SO to 13 degrees C on addition of PEI, and the PEI/C(12)E(9)/H(2)O system forms a transparent gel. At pH = 1, we observe qualitatively different behavior and an opaque gel forms below T(HI)= 25 degrees C. The isotropic-H(1) transition, in turn, influences the phase separation of PEI chains from the C(12)E(9)/H(2)O system. 2D NMR ROESY data provides evidence that there are strong surfactant PEI interactions at high pH that significantly reduce at lower pH. The NMR data is in accord with molecular dynamics simulations that show that surfactants strongly aggregate with unprotonated PEI chains, but not with fully protonated chains; thus, in this system, the pH controls a cascade of microstructural organization: increasing pH decreases chain protonation and increases polymer-surfactant interactions, resulting in suppression of the isotropic-H(1) transition to lower temperatures, thus, influencing the phase separation of PEI from the surfactant/water system.

}, issn = {1520-6106}, doi = {10.1021/jp202614x}, author = {Sharma, Kamendra P. and Choudhury, Chandan Kumar and Srivastava, Sonal and Davis, Hilda C. and Rajamohanan, P. R. and Roy, Sudip and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy} } @article { ISI:000295113200015, title = {Asymmetric dihydroxylation route to (-)-bulgecinine}, journal = {Tetrahedron-Asymmetry}, volume = {22}, number = {11}, year = {2011}, month = {JUN}, pages = {1234-1238}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The stereoselective synthesis of (-)-bulgecinine is reported from L-aspartic acid using Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation and intramolecular cyclization via nucleophilic displacement of alpha-tosylate as key steps. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0957-4166}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetasy.2011.06.018}, author = {Show, Krishanu and Upadhyay, Puspesh K. and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000286862200012, title = {Asymmetric total synthesis of (2S,3S)-3-hydroxypipecolic acid}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {52}, number = {3}, year = {2011}, month = {JAN}, pages = {404-406}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A synthetic route to (2S,3S)-3-hydroxypipecolic acid was achieved from readily available nonchiral pool starting material cis-2-butene-1,4-diol and involved Claisen orthoester rearrangement, Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation and intramolecular lactamisation of azido lactone as the key steps. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2010.11.062}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Dumare, Nilesh B. and Harale, Kishor R. and Kalkote, Uttam R.} } @article { ISI:000292333103041, title = {Atomic level description of the domain closure in a dimeric enzyme: thermus thermophilus 3-isopropylmalate dehydrogenase (IPMDH)}, journal = {FEBS Journal}, volume = {278}, number = {1, SI}, year = {2011}, note = {36th FEBS Congress of the Biochemistry for Tomorrows Medicine, Torino, ITALY, JUN 25-30, 2011}, month = {JUN}, pages = {458}, publisher = {Federat Soc Biochem \& Mol Biol}, address = {COMMERCE PLACE, 350 MAIN ST, MALDEN 02148, MA USA}, issn = {1742-464X}, author = {Graczer, E. and Merli, Angelo and Singh, R. K. and Karuppasamy, Manikandan and Zavodszky, P. and Weiss, M. S. and Vas, M.} } @article { ISI:000289367200026, title = {Atomic level description of the domain closure in a dimeric enzyme: thermus thermophilus 3-isopropylmalate dehydrogenase}, journal = {Molecular Biosystems}, volume = {7}, number = {5}, year = {2011}, month = {MAR}, pages = {1646-1659}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The domain closure associated with the catalytic cycle is described at an atomic level, based on pairwise comparison of the X-ray structures of homodimeric Thermus thermophilus isopropylmalate dehydrogenase (IPMDH), and on their detailed molecular graphical analysis. The structures of the apo-form without substrate and in complex with the divalent metal-ion to 1.8 angstrom resolution, in complexes with both Mn(2+) and 3-isopropylmalate (IPM), as well as with both Mn(2+) and NADH, were determined at resolutions ranging from 2.0 to 2.5 angstrom. Single crystal microspectrophotometric measurements demonstrated the presence of a functionally competent protein conformation in the crystal grown in the presence of Mn(2+) and IPM. Structural comparison of the various complexes clearly revealed the relative movement of the two domains within each subunit and allowed the identification of two hinges at the interdomain region: hinge 1 between alpha d and beta F as well as hinge 2 between alpha h and beta E. A detailed analysis of the atomic contacts of the conserved amino acid side-chains suggests a possible operational mechanism of these molecular hinges upon the action of the substrates. The interactions of the protein with Mn(2+) and IPM are mainly responsible for the domain closure: upon binding into the cleft of the interdomain region, the substrate IPM induces a relative movement of the secondary structural elements beta E, beta F, beta G, alpha d and alpha h. A further special feature of the conformational change is the movement of the loop bearing the amino acid Tyr139 that precedes the interacting arm of the subunit. The tyrosyl ring rotates and moves by at least 5 angstrom upon IPM-binding. Thereby, new hydrophobic interactions are formed above the buried isopropyl-group of IPM. Domain closure is then completed only through subunit interactions: a loop of one subunit that is inserted into the interdomain cavity of the other subunit extends the area with the hydrophobic interactions, providing an example of the cooperativity between interdomain and intersubunit interactions.

}, issn = {1742-206X}, doi = {10.1039/c0mb00346h}, author = {Graczer, Eva and Merli, Angelo and Singh, Rajesh Kumar and Karuppasamy, Manikandan and Zavodszky, Peter and Weiss, Manfred S. and Vas, Maria} } @article {42570, title = {Auxin signaling and transport promote susceptibility to the root-infecting fungal pathogen fusarium oxysporum in arabidopsis}, journal = {Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions}, volume = {24}, year = {2011}, month = {JUN}, pages = {733-748}, doi = {10.1094/MPMI-08-10-0194}, author = {Kidd, Brendan N. and Kadoo, Narendra Y. and Dombrecht, Bruno and Tekeoglu, Muecella and Gardiner, Donald M. and Thatcher, Louise F. and Aitken, Elizabeth A. B. and Schenk, Peer M. and Manners, John M. and Kazan, Kemal} } @article { ISI:000299148200039, title = {Azide derivatized anticancer agents of vitamin K-3: X-ray structural, DSC, resonance spectral and API studies}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Structure}, volume = {1006}, number = {1-3}, year = {2011}, month = {DEC}, pages = {288-296}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Compound 1 [1-imino (acetyl hydrazino)-Vitamin K-3], displays valence tautomerically related electronic isomers as Form land Form II. Form I exhibits 2D packing fragment with 1D ribbon chains of N-H center dot center dot center dot O hydrogen bonds and shows EPR silent features. While Form II is EPR active and exhibits biradical nature with double quantum transitions at g = 2.0040. H-1 NMR of compound 2, [1-imino (hydrazino carboxylate)-Vitamin K-3] and Form II exhibit pi delocalization via resonance assisted H-bonding [RAHB] effect compared to Form I. Molecular interactions in Form I and II are visualized by DSC. The electronic structures of compounds 1 and 2 have been correlated to their API values by measuring anticancer activities, mitochondrial potentials and DNA shearing patterns. Form II and compound 2 indicate mitochondria mediated apoptosis (similar to 75\% cell death) while Form I causes 35\% cell death. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Anticancer agents, API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients), Electronic isomers, RAHB (resonance assisted H-bonding), Vitamin K-3}, issn = {0022-2860}, doi = {10.1016/j.molstruc.2011.09.022}, author = {Badave, Kirti D. and Patil, Yogesh and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Srinivas, Darbha and Dasgupta, Rajan and Khan, Ayesha A. and Rane, Sandhya} } @article { ISI:000295890100006, title = {Bicyclic amino acid-carbohydrate-conjugates as conformationally restricted hydroxyethylamine (HEA) transition-state isosteres}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {9}, number = {21}, year = {2011}, month = {SEP}, pages = {7300-7302}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

This communication describes a general synthetic route to bicyclic amino acid-carbohydrate-conjugates, which would be useful as conformationally restricted hydroxyethylamine (HEA) transition-state isosteres. The synthesis was achieved in 12 steps starting from D-glucose. The striking features of this system are the bicyclic rigid core displaying an a-amino acid side chain and hydroxyethylamine moiety - both of which would be potentially important for receptor interactions, leading to various biomedical responses, as described in the literature. Crystal structure investigation suggested extensive intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions in this system, involving the backbone amide and hydroxyl groups.

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/c1ob06215h}, author = {Kale, Sangram S. and Chavan, Sanjay T. and Sabharwal, Sushma G. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Sanjayan, Gangadhar J.} } @article { ISI:000292932100011, title = {Bioactivity of essential oils of zingiber officinalis and achyranthes aspera against mosquitoes}, journal = {Parasitology Research}, volume = {109}, number = {2}, year = {2011}, month = {AUG}, pages = {339-343}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Due to the global health problems associated with mosquito-borne diseases, over two million people primarily in the tropical countries are at risk. The widely and commonly used chemical method though effective, has some major disadvantages making insect control practically difficult. In view of the above, it is unavoidable to search for new molecules, which are eco-friendly, cheaper, and safer. The present study deals with evaluation of bioactive potential of two commonly occurring plants against mosquitoes presenting an alternative to the conventional chemical methods. Essential oils extracted by steam distillation from rhizome of Zingiber officinalis and leaf and stem of Achyranthes aspera were evaluated for larvicidal, attractant/repellent, and oviposition attractant/deterrent activity against two mosquito species viz. Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus. The highest larvicidal activity, i.e., LC(50) = 154 ppm and LC(50) = 197 ppm for A. aegypti and C. quinquefasciatus, respectively was shown by Z. officinalis. This oil also offers 5-h protection at the concentration of 0.5 mg/cmA(2) from both mosquito species. The highest oviposition deterrence activity was exhibited by A. aspera stem oil, i.e., 100\% and 85.71\%, in case of A. aegypti and C. quinquefasciatus, respectively, at the concentration of 0.1\%. These results reveal that both these oils have control potential against A. aegypti and C. quinquefasciatus.

}, issn = {0932-0113}, doi = {10.1007/s00436-011-2261-3}, author = {Khandagle, Abhay J. and Tare, Vrushali S. and Raut, Kishor D. and Morey, Rashmi A.} } @article { ISI:000291879600008, title = {Biochemical characterisation of alpha-amylase inhibitors from achyranthes aspera and their interactions with digestive amylases of coleopteran and lepidopteran insects}, journal = {Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture}, volume = {91}, number = {10}, year = {2011}, month = {AUG}, pages = {1773-1780}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

BACKGROUND: Starchy seeds are an important food and a source of dietary ingredients in many countries. However, they suffer from extensive predation by bruchids (weevils) and other pests. alpha-Amylase inhibitors are attractive candidates for the control of seed weevils, as these insects are highly dependent on starch as an energy source. RESULTS: A proteinaceous alpha-amylase inhibitor from the seeds of Achyranthes aspera was identified, purified and characterised. In electrophoretic analysis, two prominent amylase inhibitor activity bands (AI1 and AI2) were detected. The inhibitor was purified 9.99-fold with 1206.95 total amylase inhibitor units mg(-1) protein. The molecular weight of the purified inhibitor was around 6 kDa. The isolated alpha-amylase inhibitor was found to be resistant to heat and proteolysis. Feeding analysis of Callosobruchus maculatus larvae on a diet containing seed powder of A. aspera revealed that survival of the larvae was severely affected, with the highest mortality rate occurring on the fifth day of feeding. The isolated inhibitor inhibited the majority of amylase isoforms of C. maculatus, Tribolium confusum and Helicoverpa armigera in electrophoretic analysis and solution assays. CONCLUSION: The information obtained in the present investigation could be useful for a genetic engineering approach that would make seeds resistant to storage pest infestations. (C) 2011 Society of Chemical Industry

}, keywords = {Achyranthes aspera, Amylase inhibitors, amylases, Callosobruchus maculatus, Tribolium confusum}, issn = {0022-5142}, doi = {10.1002/jsfa.4380}, author = {Hivrale, Vandana K. and Chougule, Nanasaheb P. and Giri, Ashok P. and Chhabda, Pavan J. and Kachole, Andmanvendra S.} } @article {42767, title = {Bioresponsive mesoporous silica nanoparticles for triggered drug release}, journal = {Journal of the Americal Chemical Society}, volume = {133}, year = {2011}, month = {DEC}, pages = {19582-19585}, doi = {10.1021/ja206998x}, author = {Singh, Neetu and Karambelkar, Amrita and Gu, Luo and Lin, Kevin and Miller, Jordan S. and Chen, Christopher S. and Sailor, Michael J. and Bhatia, Sangeeta N.} } @article {42530, title = {Borazine as a sensor for fluoride ion: a computational and experimental study}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {52}, year = {2011}, month = {MAY}, pages = {3636{\textendash}3639}, abstract = {

The computational and experimental studies have revealed that even simple molecule like borazine can act as a sensor for fluoride ions. This study further reported the various binding modes of analytes using quantum chemical calculations and the nature of such interactions have been examined using electron density surface analysis. Total charge transfer analysis (qCT) correlates well with the binding affinities of analytes with the borazine receptor.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2011.05.018}, author = {Kesharwani, Manoj K. and Suresh, Moorthy and Das, Amitava and Ganguly, Bishwajit} } @article { ISI:000287176600009, title = {Carbon nanotube-modified sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis for molecular weight determination of proteins}, journal = {Analytical Biochemistry}, volume = {409}, number = {2}, year = {2011}, month = {FEB}, pages = {230-235}, publisher = {ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE}, address = {525 B ST, STE 1900, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101-4495 USA}, abstract = {

The effect of incorporating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in the gel matrix on the electrophoretic mobility of proteins based on their molecular weight differences was investigated using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). More specifically, a reduction in standard deviation in the molecular weight calibration plots by 55\% in the case of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and by 34\% in the case of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) compared with that of pristine polyacrylamide gels was achieved after incorporating an insignificant amount of functionalized CNTs into the gel matrix. A mechanism based on a more uniform pore size distribution in CNT modified polyacrylamide gel matrix is proposed. Furthermore, the impact of SWCNTs and MWCNTs on the mobility of proteins in different molecular weight regimes at a given acrylamide concentration offers a tunable gel matrix in terms of the selection of molecular weight ranges of proteins. The robustness and excellent reproducibility of the CNT-PAGE protocol are expected to have a significant impact on the molecular weight determination of newly isolated proteins. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Carbon nanotubes, Gel electrophoresis, Molecular weight determination, Polyacrylamide, Protein separation}, issn = {0003-2697}, doi = {10.1016/j.ab.2010.10.021}, author = {Parthasarathy, Meera and Debgupta, Joyashish and Kakade, Bhalchandra A. and Ansary, Abu Ayoobul and Khan, Mohammad Islam and Pillai, Vijayamohanan K.} } @article { ISI:000291194800039, title = {Characterisation of copolymer, poly (hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHB-co-PHV) produced by halomonas campisalis (MCM B-1027), its biodegradability and potential application}, journal = {Bioresource Technology}, volume = {102}, number = {11}, year = {2011}, month = {JUN}, pages = {6625-6628}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Characterisation of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) film produced by haloalkalitolerant Halomonas campisalis (MCM B-1027) in 14 L SS fermenter revealed it to have composition of monomer units, HB:HV as 96:4 as analysed by (1)H NMR indicating the PHA as a co-polymer of PHB-co-PHV, molecular weight by gel permeation chromatography as 2.08 x 10(6), melting temperature 166.51 degrees C, tensile strength 18.8 MPa; two relaxations namely beta transition corresponding to the glass rubber transition and alpha transition corresponding to crystalline relaxation by Dynamic Mechanical Thermal analysis and only one relaxation corresponding to MWS interfacial polarisation with activation energy of 129 kJ/mol by broadband dielectric spectroscopy. Optical microscopic studies showed typical Maltese-cross pattern of spherulites. The PHA film was found to be biodegradable by standard ASTM method as well as by soil burial method. The leak proof polymer bags prepared from the film could be used as a packaging material. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Biodegradable polymer, Copolymer PHB-co-PHV, Dielectric relaxation spectroscopy, Dynamic mechanical analysis, Halomonas}, issn = {0960-8524}, doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2011.03.054}, author = {Kulkarni, Snehal O. and Kanekar, Pradnya P. and Jog, Jyoti Prakash and Patil, Prashant A. and Nilegaonkar, Smita S. and Sarnaik, Seema S. and Kshirsagar, Pranav R.} } @article { ISI:000284150200042, title = {Classification of Indian power coals using K-means clustering and self organizing map neural network}, journal = {Fuel}, volume = {90}, number = {1}, year = {2011}, month = {JAN}, pages = {339-347}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The present study reports results of the classification of Indian coals used in thermal power stations across India. For classifying these power coals a classical unsupervised clustering technique, namely {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}K-Means Clustering{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} and an artificial intelligence (AI) based nonlinear clustering formalism known as {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}Self-Organizing Map (SOM){\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} have been used for the first time. To conduct the said classification, five coal descriptor variables namely moisture, ash, volatile matter, carbon and gross calorific value (GCV) have been used. The classification results thereof indicate that Indian power coals from different geographical origins can be classified optimally into seven classes. It has also been found that the K-means and SOM based classification results exhibit similarity in close to 75\% coal samples. Further, K-means and SOM based seven coal categories have been compared with as many grades of a commonly employed Useful Heat Value (UHV) based Indian non-coking coal grading system. Here, it was observed that a number of UHV-based grades exhibit similarity with the categories identified by the K-means and SOM methods. The classification of Indian power coals as provided here can be gainfully used in selecting application-specific coals as also in their grading and pricing. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Coal classification, Indian power coals, K-means clustering, Self-Organizing Map}, issn = {0016-2361}, doi = {10.1016/j.fuel.2010.09.012}, author = {Pandit, Yogesh P. and Badhe, Yogesh P. and Sharma, B. K. and Tambe, Sanjeev S. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article { ISI:000297606200009, title = {Comparative and chemical proteomic approaches reveal gatifloxacin deregulates enzymes involved in glucose metabolism}, journal = {Journal of Toxicological Sciences}, volume = {36}, number = {6}, year = {2011}, month = {DEC}, pages = {787-796}, publisher = {JAPANESE SOC TOXICOLOGICAL SCIENCES}, address = {INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL INFORMATION CENTER, SHINANOMACHI RENGAKAN, 35 SHINANO-MACHI, SHINJUKU-KU, TOKYO, 160-0016, JAPAN}, abstract = {

Gatifloxacin has been associated with increased risks of hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic side effects. In order to understand the molecular mechanism of gatifloxacin induced deregulation of glucose metabolism, a Combination of comparative and chemical proteomic approaches were employed using yeast as a model system. Differential protein expression studies using two dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry reveal that gatifloxacin deregulates the expression of key enzymes involved in glucose metabolism. Furthermore, affinity chromatography and LC-MSE analysis led to identification of enolase, as one of the key gatifloxacin binding proteins. Fluorescence spectrometric studies confirmed that the gatifloxacin indeed binds to enolase. Role of enolase in regulation of gatifloxacin induced dysglycemic effect is discussed.

}, keywords = {antibiotics, Differential protein expression, Fluoroquinolone, Glycolysis, Yeast}, issn = {0388-1350}, doi = {10.2131/jts.36.787}, author = {Suresh, Kesavan K. and Bhosale, Santosh D. and Thulasiram, Hirekodathakallu V. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @article {43255, title = {Comparative genomics of the pathogenic ciliate Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, its free-living relatives and a host species provide insights into adoption of a parasitic lifestyle and prospects for disease control}, journal = {Genome Biology}, volume = {12}, year = {2011}, month = {OCT}, pages = {Article Number: R100}, abstract = {Background: Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, commonly known as Ich, is a highly pathogenic ciliate responsible for {\textquoteright}white spot{\textquoteright}, a disease causing significant economic losses to the global aquaculture industry. Options for disease control are extremely limited, and Ich{\textquoteright}s obligate parasitic lifestyle makes experimental studies challenging. Unlike most well-studied protozoan parasites, Ich belongs to a phylum composed primarily of free-living members. Indeed, it is closely related to the model organism Tetrahymena thermophila. Genomic studies represent a promising strategy to reduce the impact of this disease and to understand the evolutionary transition to parasitism. Results: We report the sequencing, assembly and annotation of the Ich macronuclear genome. Compared with its free-living relative T. thermophila, the Ich genome is reduced approximately two-fold in length and gene density and three-fold in gene content. We analyzed in detail several gene classes with diverse functions in behavior, cellular function and host immunogenicity, including protein kinases, membrane transporters, proteases, surface antigens and cytoskeletal components and regulators. We also mapped by orthology Ich{\textquoteright}s metabolic pathways in comparison with other ciliates and a potential host organism, the zebrafish Danio rerio. Conclusions: Knowledge of the complete protein-coding and metabolic potential of Ich opens avenues for rational testing of therapeutic drugs that target functions essential to this parasite but not to its fish hosts. Also, a catalog of surface protein-encoding genes will facilitate development of more effective vaccines. The potential to use T. thermophila as a surrogate model offers promise toward controlling {\textquoteright}white spot{\textquoteright} disease and understanding the adaptation to a parasitic lifestyle.}, doi = {10.1186/gb-2011-12-10-r100}, author = {Coyne, Robert S. and Hannick, Linda and Shanmugam, Dhanasekaran and Hostetler, Jessica B. and Brami, Daniel and Joardar, Vinita S. and Johnson, Justin and Radune, Diana and Singh, Irtisha and Badger, Jonathan H. and Kumar, Ujjwal and Saier, Milton and Wang, Yufeng and Cai, Hong and Gu, Jianying and Mather, Michael W. and Vaidya, Akhil B. and Wilkes, David E. and Rajagopalan, Vidyalakshmi and Asai, David J. and Pearson, Chad G. and Findly, Robert C. and Dickerson, Harry W. and Wu, Martin and Martens, Cindy and Van de Peer, Yves and Roos, David S. and Cassidy-Hanley, Donna M. and Clark, Theodore G.} } @article { ISI:000296738500014, title = {Comparison of racemic epi-inosose and (-)-epi-inosose}, journal = {ACTA Crystallographica Section C-Crystal Structure Communications}, volume = {67}, number = {11}, year = {2011}, month = {NOV}, pages = {O435-O438}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {COMMERCE PLACE, 350 MAIN ST, MALDEN 02148, MA USA}, abstract = {

The conversion of myo-inositol to epi-inositol can be achieved by the hydride reduction of an intermediate epi-inosose derived from myo-inositol. (-)-epi-Inosose, (I), crystallized in the monoclinic space group P2(1), with two independent molecules in the asymmetric unit [Hosomi et al. (2000). Acta Cryst. C56, e584-e585]. On the other hand, (2RS,3SR,5SR,6SR)epi-inosose, C6H10O6, (II), crystallized in the orthorhombic space group Pca2(1). Interestingly, the conformation of the molecules in the two structures is nearly the same, the only difference being the orientation of the C-3 and C-4 hydroxy H atoms. As a result, the molecular organization achieved mainly through strong O-H center dot center dot center dot O hydrogen bonding in the racemic and homochiral lattices is similar. The compound also follows Wallach{\textquoteright}s rule, in that the racemic crystals are denser than the optically active form.

}, issn = {0108-2701}, doi = {10.1107/S0108270111039412}, author = {Krishnaswamy, Shobhana and Patil, Madhuri T. and Shashidhar, Mysore S.} } @article { ISI:000293516200047, title = {Competitive wetting of acetonitrile and dichloromethane in comparison to that of water on functionalized carbon nanotube surfaces}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics}, volume = {13}, number = {32}, year = {2011}, month = {JUL}, pages = {14668-14674}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Differential wetting of pristine and ozonized carbon nanotubes has been studied using solvents like acetonitrile and dichloromethane in comparison to the well-known wetting behavior of water. Based on their unique structural and physical properties, functionalized CNT substrates have been used due to the fact that independent variation in molecular as well as electronic properties could be controlled by understanding the wetting of these liquids on carbon nanotubes (CNTs), both pristine as well as ozone treated. The sensitivity of the wetting behavior with respect to molecular interactions has been investigated using contact angle measurements while Raman and XPS studies unravel the differential wetting behavior. Charge-transfer between adsorbed molecules and CNTs has been identified to play a crucial role in determining the interfacial energies of these two liquids, especially in the case of acetonitrile. Ozone treatment has been observed to affect the surface properties of pristine CNTs along with a concomitant change in the wetting dynamics.

}, issn = {1463-9076}, doi = {10.1039/c1cp21121h}, author = {Debgupta, Joyashish and Kakade, Bhalchandra A. and Pillai, Vijayamohanan K.} } @article { ISI:000288045600024, title = {Composition-structure-property (Zn2+ and Ca2+ ion release) evaluation of Si-Na-Ca-Zn-Ce glasses: potential components for nerve guidance conduits}, journal = {Materials Science \& Engineering C-Materials for Biological Applications}, volume = {31}, number = {3}, year = {2011}, month = {APR}, pages = {669-676}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Bioactive glasses have demonstrated tailored therapeutic ion release, primarily with respect to the augmentation of hard tissues. However, controlled degradation and release of therapeutic ions from biomaterials may also play an important role in soft tissue regeneration such as repair of peripheral nerve discontinuities. In this study, three silica based glasses (0.5SiO(2)-0.2CaO-0.13ZnO-XNa2O-(0.17-X) CeO2) where, (0.04 \< X \< 0.14) were synthesised and characterised. The local environment of the Si-29 isotope was probed for each glass using Si-29 MAS-NMR, whilst the thermal characteristics of each glass were examined using DTA. Following these analyses, ion release profiles for Ca2+ and Zn2+ were evaluated; an equivalent specific surface area of 1 m(2) of each glass powder was incubated (37 degrees C) in 10 ml of citric acid buffer and TRIS-HCl buffer solution (pH 3.0 and pH 7.4 respectively) for incubation periods of up to 30 days. The Zn2+ concentration of each filtrate was analysed using flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (Varian AA240FS Fast Sequential AAS) and the Ca2+ concentration of each filtrate was determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer (Varian 820 ICP-MS). Results obtained from the Si-29 MAS-NMR spectra indicated Q(2) structures pervading the network. An analytical model was proposed to analyse the ion release profiles for each glass, and indicated heterogeneous dissolution of glass networks. The ion release data demonstrates that ion release in the range (19.26-3130 ppm) for Ca2+ and in the range (5.97-4904 ppm) for Zn2+ occurred. Release of such elements, at appropriate levels, from peripheral nerve guidance conduits may be advantageous with respect to the repair of peripheral nerve discontinuities. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Bioglass, Dissolution, Modelling}, issn = {0928-4931}, doi = {10.1016/j.msec.2010.12.016}, author = {Zhang, X. F. and Kehoe, S. and Adhi, S. K. and Ajithkumar, Thalasseril G. and Moane, S. and O{\textquoteright}Shea, H. and Boyd, D.} } @conference { ISI:000299378301476, title = {Computer vision based chemical information extraction from digital images and streaming videos}, booktitle = {242nd National Meeting of the American-Chemical-Society (ACS)}, volume = {242}, year = {2011}, note = {242nd National Meeting of the American-Chemical-Society (ACS), Denver, CO, AUG 28-SEP 01, 2011}, month = {AUG}, publisher = {American-Chemical-Society (ACS)}, organization = {American-Chemical-Society (ACS)}, address = {1155 16th ST, NW, Washington, DC 20036 USA}, issn = {0065-7727}, author = {Karthikeyan, Muthukumarasamy} } @article { ISI:000286862200021, title = {Concise enantioselective synthesis of (+)-goniodiol and (+)-8-methoxygoniodiol via Co-catalyzed HKR of anti-(2SR, 3RS)-3-methoxy-3-phenyl-1, 2-epoxypropane}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {52}, number = {3}, year = {2011}, month = {JAN}, pages = {438-440}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A short, enantioselective synthesis of (+)-goniodiol and (+)-8-methoxygoniodiol, cytotoxic styryllactones, has been achieved in high optical purities (99\% ee). The strategy employs Co-catalyzed HKR of racemic anti-(2SR, 3RS)-3-methoxy-3-phenyl-1,2-epoxypropane and Lewis acid-mediated diastereoselective allylation of aldehyde as chiral inducing key reactions. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Allylation, diastereoselectivity, Hydrolytic kinetic resolution, Racemic anti-epoxide, Styryllactones}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2010.11.085}, author = {Kiran, I. N. Chaithanya and Reddy, R. Santhosh and Suryavanshi, Gurunath and Sudalai, Arumugam} } @article { ISI:000291061500032, title = {Conformational transitions in ariesaema curvatum lectin: characterization of an acid induced active molten globule}, journal = {Journal of Fluorescence}, volume = {21}, number = {2}, year = {2011}, month = {MAR}, pages = {753-763}, publisher = {SPRINGER/PLENUM PUBLISHERS}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Biophysical characterization of a lectin from Ariesaema curvatum (ACL) was carried out using steady state as well as time resolved fluorescence and CD spectroscopy under various denaturing conditions. An intermediate with altered tryptophan microenvironment was detected in the phase diagram, which exibited pronounced secondary structure and hemagglutinating activity in presence of 0.25 M Gdn-HCl. An acid induced molten- globule like structure possessing activity and higher thermostability was detected. Transition to the molten globule state was reversible in nature. The lectin retained hemagglutinating activity even after incubation at 95 A degrees C. Both chemical and thermal unfolding of the lectin were found to consist of multistate processes. Fluorescence quenching of ACL was strong with acrylamide and KI. The single tryptophan was found to be surrounded by high density of the positively charged amino acid residues as shown by a ten fold higher K(sv) for KI compared to that for CsCl. The average lifetime of tryptophan fluorescence increased from 1.24 ns in the native state to 1.72 ns in the denatured state.

}, keywords = {Araceae, Fluorescence lifetime, Hemagglutinin, Molten globule, Secondary structure, Thermostability, Unfolding}, issn = {1053-0509}, doi = {10.1007/s10895-010-0766-2}, author = {Sharma, Urvashi and Gaikwad, Sushama M. and Suresh, C. G. and Dhuna, Vikram and Singh, Jatinder and Kamboj, Sukhdev Singh} } @article { ISI:000285749800008, title = {Conformationally rigid aromatic amino acids as potential building blocks for abiotic foldamers}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {9}, number = {2}, year = {2011}, month = {NOV}, pages = {367-369}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

This communication describes the development of conformationally constrained unnatural aromatic amino acids, constructed on rigid backbone wherein the carboxyl and amino groups project in two dimensions (planes) on the aromatic framework. Such a feature offers the possibility of design and development of conformationally ordered synthetic oligomers with intriguing structural architectures distinct from those classically observed. Furthermore, such amino acids will have the potential to extend the conformational space available for foldamer design with diverse backbone conformation and structural architectures.

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/c0ob00593b}, author = {Ramesh, Veera V. E. and Roy, Arup and Vijayadas, Kuruppanthara N. and Kendhale, Amol M. and Prabhakaran, Panchami and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Sanjayan, Gangadhar J.} } @article { ISI:000291139700014, title = {Convenient formal synthesis of (2S,3S)-3-hydroxy pipecolic acid}, journal = {Tetrahedron-Asymmetry}, volume = {22}, number = {5}, year = {2011}, month = {MAR}, pages = {587-590}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A convenient synthesis of (2S,3S)-3-hydroxy pipecolic acid starting from inexpensive and easily available L-(+)-tartaric acid has been described. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0957-4166}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetasy.2011.02.023}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Harale, Kishor R. and Dumare, Nilesh B. and Kalkote, Uttam R.} } @article {43237, title = {Correction to what drives the redox properties of model green fluorescence protein chromophores?}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters}, volume = {2}, year = {2011}, month = {OCT}, pages = {2695{\textendash}2695}, chapter = {q}, abstract = {

We report the first experimental determination of the oxidation potentials E-ox(0). (relative to the standard hydrogen electrode, SHE) of model green fluorescent protein (GFP) chromophores. Para-, meta, and ortho-hydroxy (4-hydroxybenzylidene-2,3-dimethylimidazolinone, HBDI) and methoxy (MeOBDI) derivatives were studied. E-ox(0) of the three isomers in acetonitrile are -1.31, -1.52, and -1.39 V, respectively. Electronic structure calculations reproduce the observed differences between the isomers and reveal that E-ox(0) follows the ionization energies (IEs), that is, p-MeOBDI has the lowest IE (6.96 eV in the gas phase) due to resonance stabilization of its cation, whereas the resonance is detuned in m-MeOBDL resulting in more-negative E-ox(0). The observed meta and ortho effects in E-ox(0) are similar to the trends in pK(a). The effect of increased solvent polarity on absolute.E-ox(0) (and especially on para-meta-ortho differences) was found to be small. The redox properties of GFP chromophores are driven by their structure and can be correlated with IEs, which can be exploited in predicting the properties of other fluorescent protein chromophores.

}, doi = {10.1021/jz201353v}, author = {Solntsev, Kyril M. and Ghosh, Debashree and Amador, Adrian and Josowicz, Mira and Krylov, Anna I.} } @article { ISI:000288517400019, title = {Correlation of architecture with excimer emission in 100\% pyrene-labeled self-assembled polymers}, journal = {Journal of Polymer Science Part A-Polymer Chemistry}, volume = {49}, number = {7}, year = {2011}, month = {APR}, pages = {1678-1690}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {COMMERCE PLACE, 350 MAIN ST, MALDEN 02148, MA USA}, abstract = {

Pyrene was incorporated as pendant unit to side-chain urethane methacrylate polymers having a short ethyleneoxy or a long polyethyleneoxy spacer segment. The short-spacer pyrene urethane methacrylate was also incorporated either as block or random copolymer (1:9) along with polystyrene. The excimer emission was observed to be different for different polymers with the random copolymer exhibiting the lowest efficiency. But, the total quantum yield was highest (phi = 0.58) for random copolymer due to the high emission coefficient of monomer compared to that of excimer. The polymer dynamics were compared by steady state emission and fluorescence decay in THF or THF/water (9:1) solvent mixture and films. The solid state decay profile showed decay without a rise time indicating presence of ground state aggregates. In THF/water (9:1), the decay profile at the excimer emission (500 nm) showed a rise time indicating dynamic excimers. The evolution of excimeric emission centred similar to 430 or similar to 480 nm as a function of temperature was also studied in THF/water (9:1). The I(E)/I(M) ratio for the lambda(343) nm excitation exhibited steady increase with temperature with the block copolymer PS-b-PIHP exhibiting the highest ratio and highest rate of increase; whereas, the random copolymer PS-r-PIHP had the lowest I(E)/I(M) ratios. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 49: 1678-1690, 2011

}, keywords = {I(E)/I(M) ratio, Morphology, pyrene, Self-assembly, structure-property relations, time-resolved and variable temperature fluorescence}, issn = {0887-624X}, doi = {10.1002/pola.24596}, author = {Kaushlendra, K. and Deepak, V. D. and Asha, S. K.} } @article { ISI:000294701300010, title = {Cosolvent-directed diels-alder reaction in ionic liquids}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry A}, volume = {115}, number = {36}, year = {2011}, month = {SEP}, pages = {10211-10217}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The rate constants of a bimolecular Diels-Alder reaction in binary mixtures of ionic liquids prepared in molecular solvents were analyzed to investigate the effect of viscosity of the medium and solvent effect. In this connection, we have carried out the Diels-Alder reaction of anthracene 9-carbinol with N-ethyl maleimide in binary mixtures of pyridinium-based ionic liquids, 1-butyl-pyridinium tetrafluoroborate, 1-buty1-3-pyridinium tetrafluoroborate, and 1-butyl-4-methyl pyridinium tetrafluoroborate in water, methanol, and chloroform at 298.15 K. The rates of reaction decreased, caused by gradually increasing the volume fraction of ionic liquids in solvents for all three ionic liquids. The kinetic results demonstrate a successful application of the pairwise interaction model built upon the concept of enforced hydrophobic hydration. A temperature-dependent study of kinetics of the Diels-Alder reaction was carried out in the binary mixtures of ionic liquids in water and was explained by the entropy-enthalpy compensation effect based upon activation parameters. Kinetics of the Diels-Alder reaction in highly aqueous medium was noted to be entropically driven.

}, issn = {1089-5639}, doi = {10.1021/jp205181e}, author = {Khupse, Nageshwar D. and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000293403000001, title = {Crucial role of ocean-atmosphere coupling on the Indian monsoon anomalous response during dipole events}, journal = {Climate Dynamics}, volume = {37}, number = {1-2}, year = {2011}, month = {JUL}, pages = {1-17}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

This paper examines an issue concerning the simulation of anomalously wet Indian summer monsoons like 1994 which co-occurred with strong positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) conditions in the tropical Indian Ocean. Contrary to observations it has been noticed that standalone atmospheric general circulation models (AGCM) forced with observed SST boundary condition, consistently depicted a decrease of the summer monsoon rainfall during 1994 over the Indian region. Given the ocean-atmosphere coupling during IOD events, we have examined whether the failure of standalone AGCM simulations in capturing wet Indian monsoons like 1994 can be remedied by including a simple form of coupling that allows the monsoon circulation to dynamically interact with the IOD anomalies. With this view, we have performed a suite of simulations by coupling an AGCM to a slab-ocean model with spatially varying mixed-layer-depth (MLD) specified from observations for the 1994 IOD; as well as four other cases (1983, 1997, 2006, 2007). The specification of spatially varying MLD from observations allows us to constrain the model to observed IOD conditions. It is seen that the inclusion of coupling significantly improves the large-scale circulation response by strengthening the monsoon cross-equatorial flow; leading to precipitation enhancement over the subcontinent and rainfall decrease over south-eastern tropical Indian Ocean-in a manner broadly consistent with observations. A plausible physical mechanism is suggested to explain the monsoonal response in the coupled frame-work. These results warrant the need for improved monsoon simulations with fully coupled models to be able to better capture the observed monsoon interannual variability.

}, keywords = {Anomalous wet Indian monsoons, Indian ocean dipole, Numerical simulation, Ocean-atmosphere coupling}, issn = {0930-7575}, doi = {10.1007/s00382-010-0830-2}, author = {Krishnan, R. and Sundaram, Suchithra and Swapna, P. and Kumar, Vinay and Ayantika, D. C. and Mujumdar, M.} } @article {42714, title = {Cyclodiphosph(III)azane chemistry {\textendash} ylides from the reaction of [(RNH)P-N(t-Bu)]2 [R = t-Bu, i-Pr] with dimethyl maleate and chiral ansa-type derivatives from reaction of [ClP-N(t-Bu)]2 with a substituted BINOL}, journal = {Inorganica Chimica Acta}, volume = {372}, year = {2011}, month = {JUN}, pages = {374{\textendash}382}, abstract = {

Use of a simple inorganic ring system with the cyclodiphosph(III)azane skeleton [e.g. [(RNH)P-N(t-Bu)]2 [R = t-Bu (7), i-Pr (8)] to probe some of the intermediates proposed in phosphine mediated organic reactions is highlighted. Thus the reaction of 7{\textendash}8 with the allenylphosphine oxide Ph2P(O)C(Ph)double bond; length as m-dashCdouble bond; length as m-dashCH2 (9) affords the phosphinimines [(RNH)P(μ-N-t-Bu)2P(double bond; length as m-dashN-R)-C(double bond; length as m-dashCH2)CH(Ph)-P(O)Ph2] [R = t-Bu (10), i-Pr (11)], while a similar reaction of 7{\textendash}8 with dimethyl maleate (or dimethyl fumarate) affords the ylides [(RNH)P(μ-N-t-Bu)2P(NH-R)double bond; length as m-dashC(CO2Me)-CH2(CO2Me) [R = t-Bu (18), i-Pr (19)]. The implication of such reactions on phosphine mediated organic transformations including Morita{\textendash}Baylis{\textendash}Hillman reaction is mentioned. In a rather rare type of situation, an unusually long phosphoryl (Pdouble bond; length as m-dashO) bond [1.538 (5) {\r A}] as revealed the X-ray structure of {(R)-6,6'-(t-Bu)2-1,1'-(C10H5)2-2,2'-O2-}{P(O)(N-t-Bu)2-P(Se)} (27) is rationalized by means of crystallographic disorder in packing after comparing the data with that in the literature and {1,1'-(C10H6)2-2,2'-O2}{P(Se)(N-t-Bu)2-P(Se)} (29). X-ray structures of the new compounds 10{\textendash}11, 18{\textendash}19, 27 and 29 are discussed. Compound 10 crystallizes in the chiral space group Pca2(1) with (S)-chirality at the carbon center [{\textendash}C(double bond; length as m-dashCH2)CH(Ph)-P] suggesting a case of spontaneous resolution through crystallization.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.ica.2010.12.072}, author = {Swamy, K.C. Kumara and Gangadhararao, G. and Srinivas, Venu and Kumar, N. N. Bhuvan and Balaraman, Ekambaram and Chakravarty, Manab} } @article { ISI:000290409100009, title = {Cyclopropyl methyl bromide-mediated gem-diallylation: total synthesis of (+/-)-alpha-cuparenone}, journal = {Synthetic Communications}, volume = {41}, number = {13}, year = {2011}, month = {JAN}, pages = {PII 937139047}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS INC}, address = {325 CHESTNUT ST, SUITE 800, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 USA}, abstract = {

[image omitted] The total synthesis of (+/-){\textendash}cuparenone, an aromatic sesquiterpene, has been described using the radical mediated gem-diallylation of substituted cyclopropyl methylbromide followed by ring-closing metathesis approach.

}, keywords = {Aromatic sesquiterpene, gem-diallylation, Ring-closing metathesis}, issn = {0039-7911}, doi = {10.1080/00397911.2010.494812}, author = {Shivakumar, I. and Salunke, Ganesh B. and Kumar, Suneel} } @article { ISI:000293637800009, title = {Degradation of tannic acid by cold-adapted klebsiella sp NACASA1 and phytotoxicity assessment of tannic acid and its degradation products}, journal = {Environmental Science and Pollution Research}, volume = {18}, number = {7}, year = {2011}, month = {AUG}, pages = {1129-1138}, publisher = {SPRINGER HEIDELBERG}, address = {TIERGARTENSTRASSE 17, D-69121 HEIDELBERG, GERMANY}, abstract = {

The focus of the present study is to know the potential of bacterial isolate for tannic acid degradation at low temperature. Also, we tried to evaluate the suitability of phytotoxicity testing protocol for the determination of tannic acid toxicity. Screening for tannic acid degrading bacterial strains was carried out by using microbial isolation techniques. The 16S rDNA amplicon of the isolate was used to identify the isolate. The effect of different concentrations of tannic acid and its degradation products on germination of Vigna unguiculata was evaluated. The study was carried out to determine total sugar and starch content of the used seeds and even to check the presence of alpha-amylase activity during seed germination. The isolated bacterium was identified as Klebsiella sp NACASA1 and it showed degradation of tannic acid in 40 (+/- 0.85***) h at 15A degrees C and pH 7.0. A gradual decrease in root/shoot length was observed with increasing concentration of tannic acid. There was 95.11 (+/- 0.24**)\% inhibition in alpha-amylase activity at 20,000 ppm tannic acid, as compared to control. No such effects were observed on germination, root-shoot length, and alpha-amylase activity with tannic acid degradation products. The results obtained confirmed that tannic acid may act as a toxic agent in plant cells. The simple biodegradation process presented in this study was found to be effective in reducing toxicity of tannic acid. Also, it reveals the potential of soil bacterium to degrade tannic acid at low temperature.

}, keywords = {Cold-adapted bacterium, Phytotoxicity, Tannic acid degradation}, issn = {0944-1344}, doi = {10.1007/s11356-011-0468-6}, author = {Jadhav, Umesh and Kadu, Sudhir and Thokal, Nilesh and Padul, Manohar and Dawkar, Vishal V. and Chougale, Ashok D. and Salve, Abhay and Patil, Manoj} } @article { ISI:000286639500014, title = {Delineating solute-solvent interactions in binary mixtures of ionic liquids in molecular solvents and preferential solvation approach}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, volume = {115}, number = {4}, year = {2011}, month = {FEB}, pages = {711-718}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The effect of solute-solvent and solvent-solvent interactions on the preferential solvation of solvatochromic indicators in binary mixtures of ionic liquids with molecular solvents has been investigated. The binary mixtures of the pyridinium-based ionic liquids 1-butylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate ([BP][BF4]), 1-butyl-3-methylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate ([3-MBP][BF4]), and 1-butyl-4-methylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate ([4-MBP][BF4]) with molecular solvents like water, methanol, and dichloromethane have been selected for this investigation. The effect of addition of ionic liquids to molecular solvents on the polarity parameters E-T(N), Kamlet-Taft parameters, hydrogen bond donor ability (HBD) (alpha), hydrogen bond acceptor ability (HBA) (beta), and polarizability (pi*) was obtained. The polarity parameters of the mixture display nonideality on addition of ionic liquids to water and dichloromethane. On the other hand, strong synergetic effects were seen in the ionic liquid-methanol binary mixtures. The preferential solvation models have been employed to analyze the collected data in order to achieve information on solute-solvent interactions in these binary mixtures.

}, issn = {1520-6106}, doi = {10.1021/jp110040a}, author = {Khupse, Nageshwar D. and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000290685100004, title = {Diastereoselective synthesis of 1,1,4-trisubstituted-2,3,4,9-tetrahydrospiro-beta-carbolines via glacial acetic acid catalyzed pictet - spengler reaction}, journal = {Arkivoc}, number = {2}, year = {2011}, month = {OCT}, pages = {41-56}, publisher = {ARKAT USA INC}, address = {C/O ALAN R KATRITZKY, UNIV FLORIDA, DEPT CHEMISTRY, PO BOX 117200, GAINESVILLE, FL 32611 USA}, abstract = {

The Pictet-Spengler reaction of substituted tryptamines with cyclic ketones using glacial acetic acid afforded only one diastereomer of unreported 1,1,4-trisubstituted-2,3,4,9-tetrahydrospiro-beta-carbolines. The stereoselectivity in the reaction has been demonstrated using unsymmetrical ketones and single-crystal X-ray analysis of one of the spiro products in the form of base, its sulfate and hydrochloride salts, which indicated the formation of only the R, R diastereomer.

}, keywords = {1, 3, 4, 4-Trisubstituted-2, 9-tetrahydrospiro-beta-carbolines, beta-substituted tryptamine, Diastereoselective Pictet-Spengler reaction, Glacial acetic acid}, issn = {1551-7004}, author = {Shumaila, Abdullah M. A. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Kusurkar, Radhika S.} } @article { ISI:000290602100011, title = {Diastereoselective synthesis of tetrasubstituted-octahydro-3,6-diazacarbazoles and tetrasubstituted-3,6-diazacarbazoles via double Pictet-Spengler reaction}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {52}, number = {21}, year = {2011}, month = {MAY}, pages = {2661-2663}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Pictet-Spengler condensation of 2,5-bis(2-phenyl-1-aminoethyl)pyrrole using glacial acetic acid afforded only one diastereomer of unreported tetrasubstituted-octahydro-3,6-diazacarbazoles. These were readily dehydrogenated to tetrasubstituted-3,6-diazacarbazoles. The stereoselectivity in the Pictet-Spengler reaction has been demonstrated using single crystal X-ray analysis. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {2, 5-Bis(2-phenyl-1-aminoethyl)pyrrole, 6-diazacarbazoles, Diasteroselective Pictet-Spengler reaction, Glacial acetic acid, Tetrasubstituted-3, Tetrasubstituted-octahydro-3}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2011.03.060}, author = {Shumaila, Abdullah M. A. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Kusurkar, Radhika S.} } @article { ISI:000289973100006, title = {Dynamic mechanical and perforation impact behavior of all-PP composites containing beta-nucleated random PP copolymer as matrix and stretched PP homopolymer tape as reinforcement: effect of draw ratio of the tape}, journal = {Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials}, volume = {24}, number = {3}, year = {2011}, month = {MAY}, pages = {377-388}, publisher = {SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD}, address = {1 OLIVERS YARD, 55 CITY ROAD, LONDON EC1Y 1SP, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Cross-ply all-polypropylene (PP) composite laminates were prepared by hot consolidation after tape winding combined with film stacking. Alpha (alpha) PP tapes of different draw ratios (DR = 8 and 12), produced by online extrusion stretching, served as reinforcements. Beta (beta)-nucleated random PP copolymer, introduced in the form of a film, composed the matrix. The E-modulus of the PP tapes increased whereas their density decreased with increasing DR. The volume fraction of the reinforcement and the void content were estimated using optical microscopic images. The all-PP composites were subjected to dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, flexural, and instrumented falling weight impact tests. It was found that with increasing draw ratio of the alpha-PP tapes, the stiffness, strength, and perforation resistance of the composites were improved.

}, keywords = {all-polypropylene composite, draw ratio, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, instrumented falling weight impact, polypropylene}, issn = {0892-7057}, doi = {10.1177/0892705710391402}, author = {Abraham, Thomas N. and Wanjale, S. and Siengchin, S. and Karger-Kocsis, Jozsef} } @article { ISI:000294437300035, title = {Ecofriendly hydrogen production from abundant hydrogen sulfide using solar light-driven hierarchical nanostructured ZnIn2S4 photocatalyst}, journal = {Green Chemistry}, volume = {13}, number = {9}, year = {2011}, month = {JUL}, pages = {2500-2506}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

It is quite well-known that refineries are producing huge amount of H2S which has been used to produce sulphur and water using the well-known Claus process. This process is not an economically viable process, due to the high-cost chemical process and creates further acute environmental problems. Therefore, we have demonstrated the conversion of poisonous H2S into H-2 using an ecofriendly phocatalysis process which is a green unconventional energy source. We have investigated ecofriendly nanostructured ZnIn2S4 photocatalyst to produce hydrogen from H2S using solar light. We also demonstrate the controlled synthesis of hierarchical nanostructured ZnIn2S4 using a facile hydrothermal method. The morphologies obtained have been greatly influenced by the presence of triethylamine (TEA) with various concentrations during the reaction. Surprisingly, a highly crystalline hexagonal layer structured ZnIn2S4 was obtained instead of cubic spinel. The hierarchical nanostructure, i.e. marigold flower-like morphology, was obtained without any surfactant. The thin and transparent petals self-assembled to form the unique nanostructured marigold flower. The highly crystalline puffy marigold flowers and nanoplates/nanostrips were obtained using TEA-assisted hydrothermal synthesis. Optical study shows the band gap in the range of 2.34-2.48 eV. Considering the band gap in the visible region, ZnIn2S4 is used as photocatalyst for hydrogen production from hydrogen sulphide under solar light which is hitherto unattempted. The constant photocatalytic activity of hydrogen evolution, i.e. 5287 mu mol h(-1), was obtained using such hierarchical nanostructured ZnIn2S4 under visible light irradiation. It is noteworthy that the H-2 evolution rate obtained is much higher compared to earlier reported photocatalysts. Considering the significance of morphologies for photocatalytic application, the formation mechanism has also been furnished. The unique hierarchical nanostructured ZnIn2S4 ternary semiconductor having hexagonal layer will have potential applications in solar cells, LEDs, charge storage, electrochemical recording, thermoelectricity and other prospective electronic and optical devices.

}, issn = {1463-9262}, doi = {10.1039/c1gc15515f}, author = {Chaudhari, Nilima S. and Bhirud, Ashwini P. and Sonawane, Ravindra S. and Nikam, Latesh K. and Warule, Sambhaji S. and Rane, Vilas H. and Kale, Bharat B.} } @article { ISI:000289575500018, title = {Effect of composition on chain dimensions of styrene-methylmethacrylate random copolymers under theta condition}, journal = {Journal of Macromolecular Science Part B-Physics}, volume = {50}, number = {5}, year = {2011}, month = {APR}, pages = {996-1005}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS INC}, address = {325 CHESTNUT ST, SUITE 800, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 USA}, abstract = {

Rotational-isomeric-state (RIS)-Metropolis Monte Carlo simulations are performed on poly(styrene-ran-methylmethacrylate) random copolymers to study the intrinsic unperturbed (theta-condition) dimensions. Mean-squared end-to-end distance (\< r(2)\>(o)), mean-squared radius of gyration (\< s(2)\>(o)), and characteristic ratio (C(n)) have been calculated for these copolymers constituted by different overall chemical compositions (styrene fractions 0.29, 0.56, and 0.70). Calculations were carried out with chains of 500 repeating units. With an increase in the styrene content there is an increase in (\< r(2)\>(o)), {\textquoteleft}, and C(n), in agreement with experimental observations. An increase in the fraction of trans conformational states in the backbone torsion angles is found to be responsible for the exhibited chain expansion behavior. The dimensions calculated by the Monte Carlo simulations agree well with experimental values reported in the literature.

}, keywords = {chain dimensions, Monte Carlo, poly(methyl methacrylate), Polystyrene, random copolymer, theta conditions}, issn = {0022-2348}, doi = {10.1080/00222348.2010.497414}, author = {Karyappa, Rahul B. and Natarajan, Upendra} } @article {43240, title = {Effect of solvation on the vertical ionization energy of thymine: from microhydration to bulk}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry A}, volume = {115}, year = {2011}, month = {JUN}, pages = {6028-6038}, abstract = {The effect of hydration on the vertical ionization energy (VIE) of thymine was characterized using equation-of-motion ionization potential coupled-cluster (EOM-IP-CCSD) and effective fragment potential (EFP) methods. We considered several microsolvated clusters as well as thymine solvated in bulk water. The VIE in bulk water was computed by averaging over solvent-solute configurations obtained from equilibrium molecular dynamics trajectories at 300 K. The effect of microsolvation was analyzed and contrasted against the combined effect of the first solvation shell in bulk water. Microsolvation reduces the ionization energy (IE) by about 0.1 eV per water molecule, while the first solvation shell increases the IE by 0.1 eV. The subsequent solvation lowers the IE, and the bulk value of the solvent-induced shift of thymine{\textquoteright}s VIE is approximately -0.9 eV. The combined effect of the first solvation shell was explained in terms of specific solute-solvent interactions, which were investigated using model structures. The convergence of LE to the bulk value requires the hydration sphere of approximately 13.5 angstrom radius. The performance of the EOM-IP-CCSD/EFP scheme was benchmarked against full EOM-IP-CCSD using microhydrated structures. The errors were found to be less than 0.01-0.02 eV. The relative importance of the polarization and higher multipole moments in EFP model was also investigated.}, doi = {10.1021/jp110438c}, author = {Ghosh, Debashree and Isayev, Olexandr and Slipchenko, Lyudmila V. and Krylov, Anna I.} } @article { ISI:000291182100026, title = {Efficiency and recycling capability of montmorillonite supported Fe-Ni bimetallic nanocomposites towards hexavalent chromium remediation}, journal = {Applied Catalysis B-Environmental}, volume = {104}, number = {3-4}, year = {2011}, month = {MAY}, pages = {407-414}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The remediation of Cr(VI) from simulated water streams is investigated using Fe-Ni bimetallic nanoparticles (Fe-Ni NPs) and their nanocomposites prepared with montmorillonite (MMT) clay. These nanocomposites are characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analyses. XRD analysis revealed proper dispersion as well as intercalation of Fe-Ni NPs in the clay matrix. TEM of nanocomposites showed the presence of spherical particles having a size of 20-40 nm. Batch experiments with a 25 mg L(-1) Cr(VI) solution and 2 g L-1 Fe-Ni NPs exhibited complete reduction of Cr(VI) within 10 min that follows first order reaction kinetics. Amongst 25\%, 50\%, 75\% in situ and loaded nanocomposites, 75\% compositions possess better activity with enhanced reduction capacity below pH 4 due to generation of reactive H center dot species. XPS analysis of nanocomposites after Cr(VI) treatment suggested that reduction process occurs through Cr(111) formation followed by its subsequent reduction to Cr(0). Their potentiality towards reusage is established from the recycling experiments that revealed the order of efficiency as 75\% in situ \> Fe-Ni NPs \> 75\% loaded nanocomposites. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Cr(VI) remediation, Iron-nickel bimetallics, Montmorillonite, Nanocomposites, Recycling}, issn = {0926-3373}, doi = {10.1016/j.apcatb.2011.02.011}, author = {Kadu, Brijesh S. and Sathe, Yogesh D. and Ingle, Abhijit B. and Chikate, Rajeev C. and Patil, Kashinath R. and Rode, Chandrashekhar V.} } @article { ISI:000292983400015, title = {Efficient synthesis of benzodiazepinyl phosphonates as clostripain inhibitors via FeCl3 catalyzed four-component reaction}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {9}, number = {15}, year = {2011}, month = {OCT}, pages = {5407-5413}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A novel one-pot route for the synthesis of benzodiazepinyl phosphonates (BDPs) has been achieved. FeCl3 efficiently catalyzed four-component condensation of diamines, acetone and phosphites in the presence of molecular sieves to furnish BDPs as novel chemical entities with good yield. The synthesized BDPs have shown significant protease inhibition activity against clostripain, a disease model for gas gangrene, suggesting that these novel chemical entities could be further explored as cysteine protease inhibitors.

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/c0ob01102a}, author = {Bhattacharya, Asish K. and Rana, Kalpeshkumar C. and Raut, Dnyaneshwar S. and Mhaindarkar, Vaibhav P. and Khan, Mohammad Islam} } @article { ISI:000289376200002, title = {Electrochemical fluorescence switching from a patternable poly(1,3,4-oxadiazole) thin film}, journal = {Macromolecular Rapid Communications}, volume = {32}, number = {8}, year = {2011}, month = {APR}, pages = {637-643}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {COMMERCE PLACE, 350 MAIN ST, MALDEN 02148, MA USA}, abstract = {

A highly soluble poly(1,3,4-oxadiazole) (POD) substituted with long alkyl chains was examined for electrochemical fluorescence switching. The high solubility of the polymers enabled a simple fabrication of an electrochemical cell, which showed reversible fluorescence switching between dark (n-doping) and bright (neutral) states with a maximum on/off ratio of 2.5 and a cyclability longer than 1000 cycles. Photochemical cleavage of the oxadiazole in POD allowed photo-patterning of the POD film upon exposure to UV source. The patterned POD films displayed patterned image reversibly under a step potential of +1.8/-1.8V.

}, keywords = {fluorescence, lithography, Luminescence, photochemistry, switching device}, issn = {1022-1336}, doi = {10.1002/marc.201000791}, author = {Seo, Seogjae and Kim, Yuna and You, Jungmok and Sarwade, Bhimrao D. and Wadgaonkar, Prakash P. and Menon, Shamal K. and More, Arvind S. and Kim, Eunkyoung} } @article { ISI:000291715300005, title = {Electrochemical unzipping of multi-walled carbon nanotubes for facile synthesis of high-quality graphene nanoribbons}, journal = {Journal of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {133}, number = {12}, year = {2011}, month = {MAR}, pages = {4168-4171}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Here we report a remarkable transformation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to nanoribbons composed of a few layers of graphene by a two-step electrochemical approach. This consists of the oxidation of CNTs at controlled potential, followed by reduction to form graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) having smooth edges and fewer defects, as evidenced by multiple characterization techniques, including Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. This type of {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}unzipping{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} of CNTs (single-walled, multi-walled) in the presence of an interfacial electric field provides unique advantages with respect to the orientation of CNTs, which might make possible the production of GNRs with controlled widths and fewer defects.

}, issn = {0002-7863}, doi = {10.1021/ja1101739}, author = {Shinde, Dhanraj B. and Debgupta, Joyashish and Kushwaha, Ajay and Aslam, Mohammed and Pillai, Vijayamohanan K.} } @article { ISI:000297732400016, title = {Enantioselective total syntheses of (-)-isonitramine, (-)-sibirine, and (+)-nitramine by ring-closing metathesis}, journal = {European Journal of Organic Chemistry}, number = {36}, year = {2011}, month = {DEC}, pages = {7372-7377}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {PO BOX 10 11 61, D-69451 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Concise enantioselective total syntheses of naturally occurring 2-azaspiro[5,5]undecan-7-ol (Nitraria) alkaloids viz. ()-isonitramine, ()-sibirine, and (+)-nitramine are accomplished in 42, 38, and 25?\% overall yield, respectively, in six steps starting from enantiomerically pure (S)-methyl 3-allyl-2-oxo-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-3-carboxylate (\>99?\%?ee). The key feature of the syntheses involves diastereoselective HosomiSakurai allylation followed by ring-closing metathesis.

}, keywords = {Alk-aloids, Allylation, Amino alcohols, Metathesis, Total synthesis}, issn = {1434-193X}, doi = {10.1002/ejoc.201101256}, author = {Pandey, Ganesh and Kumara, Prasanna C. and Burugu, Shiva Kumar and Puranik, Vedavati G.} } @article { ISI:000298066300009, title = {Energy optimization in integrated pulp and paper mills with recourse to environmental benefits}, journal = {Journal of Scientific \& Industrial Research}, volume = {70}, number = {12}, year = {2011}, month = {DEC}, pages = {1061-1069}, publisher = {NATL INST SCIENCE COMMUNICATION-NISCAIR}, address = {DR K S KRISHNAN MARG, PUSA CAMPUS, NEW DELHI 110 012, INDIA}, abstract = {

This study focuses on energy optimization in evaporator and digester of integrated pulp and paper mills in India, and recommends application of 7 effects/plates evaporator in place of 5 effects/plates normally used. Steam economy resulting from this modification is definitely more than 7. Pinch technology is found suitable for optimization of controlled parameters in the digester. Using recommendations, total energy savings was observed in West Coast Paper Mill (11.74\%) and Star Paper Mill (12.97\%). Environmental benefits that will accrue in terms of reductions in emissions are: SPM, 46464-48664 TPA; SO(2), 1045 kg/annum; H(2)S, 55,020 kg/annum; and CO(2), 13612 TPA.

}, keywords = {Air emissions, Digester, Evaporator, Pinch technology, Steam economy}, issn = {0022-4456}, author = {Pharande, V. A. and Asthana, S. R. and Saini, D. R. and Kaul, S. N.} } @article { ISI:000286732600010, title = {Enhanced DNA binding of 9-omega-amino alkyl ether analogs from the plant alkaloid berberine}, journal = {DNA and Cell Biology}, volume = {30}, number = {2}, year = {2011}, month = {FEB}, pages = {123-133}, publisher = {MARY ANN LIEBERT, INC}, address = {140 HUGUENOT STREET, 3RD FL, NEW ROCHELLE, NY 10801 USA}, abstract = {

To understand the structure-activity relationship of isoquinoline alkaloids, absorption, fluorescence, circular dichroism, and thermodynamics were employed to study the interaction of five C-9-omega-amino alkyl ether analogs from the plant alkaloid berberine with double-stranded calf thymus DNA. The C-9 derivatization resulted in dramatic enhancements in the fluorescence emission of these compounds. The most remarkable changes in the spectral and binding properties were in the BC4 and BC5 derivatives. Interactions of these analogs, which have an additional recognition motif with DNA, were evaluated through different spectroscopic and calorimetric titration experiments. The analogs remarkably enhanced the DNA binding affinity and the same was directly dependent on the alkyl chain length. The analog with six alkyl chains enhanced the DNA binding affinity by about 33 times compared with berberine. The binding became more entropically driven with increasing chain length. These results may be of potential use in the design of berberine derivatives and understanding of the structure-activity relationship for improved therapeutic applications.

}, issn = {1044-5498}, doi = {10.1089/dna.2010.1109}, author = {Islam, Md Maidul and Basu, Anirban and Hossain, Maidul and Sureshkumar, Gopalsamy and Hotha, Srinivas and Kumar, Gopinatha Suresh} } @article { ISI:000290732000044, title = {Enhanced electrocatalytic performance of functionalized carbon nanotube electrodes for oxygen reduction in proton exchange membrane fuel cells}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics}, volume = {13}, number = {21}, year = {2011}, month = {APR}, pages = {10312-10317}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Although nitrogen doped CNTs (N-CNTs) are considered as a promising alternative to platinized carbon for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), the origin of the enhanced ORR activity with N-CNTs is not clear at present. Among several plausible reasons, the exposure of edge plane and creation of impurity band/surface states near the Fermi level are considered as major causes behind the catalytic activity. However, CNTs without nitrogen doping are not known to catalyze the ORR. In this work, we study the ORR activity of functionalized carbon nanotubes with different functional groups, such as sulfonic acid and phosphonic acid, in order to understand the role of surface functionalities in catalyzing the reaction. Functionalized CNTs show significantly enhanced activity towards the ORR, while CNTs without such surface functional groups do not reveal any such special ORR activity. Linear sweep voltammetry experiments with different rotation rates show diffusion controlled limiting current values for functionalized CNTs, and the {\textquoteleft}n{\textquoteright} values derived from Koutecky-Levich plots are 3.3 and 1.7 for S-MWCNTs and P-MWCNTs, respectively. This work demonstrates the ORR activity of functionalized MWCNTs, which opens up new strategies for electrocatalyst design in PEMFCs.

}, issn = {1463-9076}, doi = {10.1039/c0cp02853c}, author = {Kannan, Ramaiyan and Bipinlal, Unni and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Pillai, Vijayamohanan K.} } @article { ISI:000293516200052, title = {Enthalpic approach to delineate the interactions of cations of imidazolium-based ionic liquids with molecular solvents}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics}, volume = {13}, number = {32}, year = {2011}, month = {JUN}, pages = {14715-14722}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We present a systematic investigation on the enthalpic assessment of the interactions operating between the cation and anion of four imidazolium ionic liquids with aqueous and various nonaqueous solvents. Accurate experimental information gathered with the help of an isothermal titration calorimeter at 298.15 K has been analyzed for excess partial molar enthalpy of the ionic liquid, H(IL)(E), in terms of hydrophobic and solvation effects. The variations in the limiting excess partial molar enthalpy of the ionic liquid, H(IL)(E infinity), have been correlated with solvent properties. We have quantified the enthalpic effects due to dissociation of ionic liquids in very dilute solutions and to clathrate formation with the increasing concentration of ionic liquid. A change in enthalpic behavior from endothermic to exothermic is observed on increasing the carbon chain length attached to the imidazolium ring. The solvent reorganization around the cationic species has been unraveled by employing the ionic liquid interaction parameters called as H(IL-IL)(E) deduced from the H(IL)(E) data. The apparent relative molar enthalpy, phi(L), derived from H(IL)(E) data has been examined in the light of the specific ion interaction theory as advanced by Pitzer with accurate results.

}, issn = {1463-9076}, doi = {10.1039/c1cp20888h}, author = {Rai, Gitanjali and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000293491600007, title = {Esterification of fatty acids with glycerol over Fe-Zn double-metal cyanide catalyst}, journal = {Catalysis Communications}, volume = {12}, number = {14}, year = {2011}, month = {AUG}, pages = {1302-1306}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Solid Fe-Zn double-metal cyanide (DMC) complex exhibits high catalytic activity for esterification of fatty acids (FA) with glycerol. DMC catalysts with varying acidities were prepared by synthesizing the material at four different temperatures (10, 25, 50 and 80 degrees C). The catalyst prepared at 50 degrees C exhibited highest catalytic activity. Catalytic activity of DMC was influenced by both acidity and surface area. Complete conversion of FA was achieved at 140-200 degrees C under atmospheric pressure. Chain length of FA was found to influence the rate of reaction and product selectivity. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Acid-catalyzed reaction, Double-metal cyanide (DMC), Esterification of fatty acid, Fatty acid glycerides, solid acid catalyst}, issn = {1566-7367}, doi = {10.1016/j.catcom.2011.05.008}, author = {Kotwal, Mehejabeen and Deshpande, Suvarna S. and Srinivas, D.} } @article { ISI:000292011000004, title = {Eutectic mixture-directed kinetics of Diels-Alder reaction}, journal = {Indian Journal of Chemistry Section A-Inorganic Bio-Inorganic Physical Theoretical \& Analytical Chemistry}, volume = {50}, number = {6}, year = {2011}, month = {JUN}, pages = {788-792}, publisher = {NATL INST SCIENCE COMMUNICATION-NISCAIR}, address = {DR K S KRISHNAN MARG, PUSA CAMPUS, NEW DELHI 110 012, INDIA}, abstract = {

In the search for environmentally benign solvent media, a new class of solvents composed of mixtures of carbohydrates with urea or methylated urea has been noted to be effective in enhancing the reaction rates of a bimolecular organic reaction like the Diels-Alder reaction of cyclopentadiene with methyl acrylate. The viscosity of these media appears to be an important parameter in controlling the second order kinetics.

}, keywords = {carbohydrates, Cycloaddition, Diels-Alder reaction, Dimethylurea, kinetics, Reaction rates, solvent effects, Urea, viscosity}, issn = {0376-4710}, author = {Nagare, Amit S. and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000290409100007, title = {Exploration of L-proline-catalyzed -aminoxylation of aldehyde to (S)-guaifenesin-related drug molecules}, journal = {Synthetic Communications}, volume = {41}, number = {13}, year = {2011}, month = {MAY}, pages = {PII 937137930}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS INC}, address = {325 CHESTNUT ST, SUITE 800, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 USA}, abstract = {

[image omitted] An efficient enantioselective synthesis of (S)-guaifenesin with 99\% ee using L-proline-catalyzed -aminoxylation of aldehyde as key step is described and explored for asymmetric syntheses of (S)-moprolol and (R)-methocarbamol.

}, keywords = {-Aminoxylation, guaifenesin, methocarbamol, moprolol, Proline}, issn = {0039-7911}, doi = {10.1080/00397911.2010.493631}, author = {Panchgalle, Sharad P. and Kunte, Sunita S. and Chavan, Subhash P. and Kalkote, Uttam R.} } @article { ISI:000287716400004, title = {Expression analysis of cinnamoyl-CoA reductase (CCR) gene in developing seedlings of Leucaena leucocephala: A pulp yielding tree species}, journal = {Plant Physiology and Biochemistry}, volume = {49}, number = {2}, year = {2011}, month = {FEB}, pages = {138-145}, publisher = {ELSEVIER FRANCE-EDITIONS SCIENTIFIQUES MEDICALES ELSEVIER}, address = {23 RUE LINOIS, 75724 PARIS, FRANCE}, abstract = {

Removal of lignin is a major hurdle for obtaining good quality pulp. Leucaena leucocephala (subabul) is extensively used in paper industry in India; therefore, as a first step to generate transgenic plants with low lignin content, cDNA and genomic clones of CCR gene were isolated and characterized. The cDNA encoding CCR (EC 1.2.1.44) was designated as LI-CCR; the sequence analysis revealed an Open Reading Frame (ORF) of 1005 bp. Phylogenetic analysis showed that LI-CCR sequence is highly homologous to CCRs from other dicot plants. The 2992 bp genomic clone of Leucaena CCR consists of 5 exons and 4 introns. The haploid genome of L leucocephala contains two copies as revealed by DNA blot hybridization. LI-CCR gene was over-expressed in Escherichia coli, which showed a molecular mass of approximately 38 kDa. Protein blot analysis revealed that LI-CCR protein is expressed at higher levels in root and in stem, but undetectable in leaf tissues. Expression of CCR gene in Leucaena increased up to 15 d in case of roots and stem as revealed by QRT-PcR studies in 0-15 d old seedlings. ELISA based studies of extractable CCR protein corroborated with QRT-PCR data. CCR protein was immuno-cytolocalized around xylem tissue. Lignin estimation and expression studies of 5,10 and 15 d old stem and root suggest that CCR expression correlates with quantity of lignin produced, which makes it a good target for antisense down regulation for producing designer species for paper industry. (C) 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Cinnamoyl-CoA reductase, Developing seedling, Leucaena leucocephala, Lignin biosynthesis}, issn = {0981-9428}, doi = {10.1016/j.plaphy.2010.11.001}, author = {Srivastava, Sameer and Gupta, Ranadheer K. and Arha, Manish and Vishwakarma, Rishi K. and Rawal, Shuban K. and Kishor, P. B. Kavi and Khan, Bashir Mohammad} } @article { ISI:000288386600076, title = {Ex-situ dispersion of core-shell nanoparticles of Cu-Pt on an in situ modified carbon surface and their enhanced electrocatalytic activities}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {47}, number = {13}, year = {2011}, month = {FEB}, pages = {3951-3953}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Direct dispersion of core-shell nanoparticles on a carbon support (Cu@ Pt/C) has been achieved while retaining the essential core-shell features of the nanoparticles by adopting an in situ surface modification-cum-anchoring strategy.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c0cc05645f}, author = {Dhavale, Vishal M. and Unni, SreeKuttan M. and Kagalwala, Husain N. and Pillai, Vijayamohanan K. and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {42452, title = {Extending nhc-catalysis: reaction of aldehydes with unconventional reaction partners}, journal = {Accounts of Chemical Research}, volume = {44}, year = {2011}, month = {JUL}, pages = {1182{\textendash}1195}, abstract = {

Transition metal catalysis is a powerful means of effecting organic reactions, but it has some inherent drawbacks, such as the cost of the catalyst and the toxicity of the metals. Organocatalysis represents an attractive alternative and, in some cases, offers transformations unparalleled in metal catalysis. Unique transformations are a particular hallmark of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) organocatalysis, a versatile method for which a number of modes of action are known. The NHC-catalyzed umpolung (that is, the inversion of polarity) of electrophilic aldehydes, through formation of the nucleophilic Breslow intermediate, is probably the most important mode of action. In this Account, we discuss the reaction of Breslow intermediates with unconventional reaction partners.

}, doi = {10.1021/ar2000716}, author = {Biju, Akkattu T. and Kuhl, Nadine and Glorius, Frank} } @article { ISI:000291525400022, title = {Fabrication, thermal and electrical properties of polyphenylene sulphide/copper composites}, journal = {Materials Chemistry and Physics}, volume = {128}, number = {1-2}, year = {2011}, month = {JUL}, pages = {114-120}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

The thermal and electrical properties of high performance poly(phenylene sulphide) (PPS) composites reinforced up to 31 vol\% Cu particles were investigated to be used as materials for electronic applications. The thermal stability and char yield of the composites increased significantly. Both pre- and post- glass transition coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of composites decreased significantly. The microhardness was increased by more than 50\% compared to pure PPS matrix. Microhardness and CTE of composites correlated well with the rule of mixtures. A percolation threshold about 6 vol\% Cu was obtained. The electrical conductivity was increased by about eight orders of magnitude for 18 vol\% composite. Dielectric constant and dissipation factor of composites at 1 MHz was increased by about 6-fold and 70-fold compared to matrix, respectively. They decreased gradually with increasing frequency up to 1 MHz and thereafter, there was insignificant change. The scanning electron microscope showed almost uniform distribution of Cu particles in the matrix. Owing to better dimensional stability and good electrical properties, these composites are very promising for electronic applications. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Dielectric property, Electrical conductivity, hardness, Thermal expansion}, issn = {0254-0584}, doi = {10.1016/j.matchemphys.2011.02.065}, author = {Goyal, R. K. and Kambale, K. R. and Nene, S. S. and Selukar, B. S. and Arbuj, Sudhir S. and Mulik, Uttam P.} } @article { ISI:000287530700045, title = {Facile construction of non-precious iron nitride-doped carbon nanofibers as cathode electrocatalysts for proton exchange membrane fuel cells}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {47}, number = {10}, year = {2011}, month = {JAN}, pages = {2910-2912}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We demonstrate a facile construction of iron nitride-doped carbon nanofiber by effectively utilizing the existing slit pores and rough edges along the inner wall of the substrate as originated by virtue of its cup-stack structure for effectively increasing the number of active sites and consequently the oxygen reduction activity.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c0cc04605a}, author = {Palaniselvam, Thangavelu and Kannan, Ramaiyan and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article { ISI:000299031600049, title = {Ferroelectric and electrical characterization of multiferroic BiFeO3 at the single nanoparticle level}, journal = {Applied Physics Letters}, volume = {99}, number = {25}, year = {2011}, month = {DEC}, pages = {Article No. 252905}, publisher = {AMER INST PHYSICS}, type = {Article}, address = {CIRCULATION \& FULFILLMENT DIV, 2 HUNTINGTON QUADRANGLE, STE 1 N O 1, MELVILLE, NY 11747-4501 USA}, abstract = {

Ferroelectric BiFeO3 (BFO) nanoparticles deposited on epitaxial substrates of SrRuO3 (SRO) and La1-xSrxMnO3 (LSMO) were studied using band excitation piezoresponse spectroscopy (BEPS), piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM), and ferromagnetic resonance (FMR). BEPS confirms that the nanoparticles are ferroelectric in nature. Switching behavior of nanoparticle clusters were studied and showed evidence for inhomogeneous switching. The dimensionality of domains within nanoparticles was found to be fractal in nature, with a dimensionality constant of similar to 1.4, on par with ferroelectric BFO thin-films under 100 nm in thickness. Ferromagnetic resonance studies indicate BFO nanoparticles only weakly affect the magnetic response of LSMO. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3671392]

}, issn = {0003-6951}, doi = {10.1063/1.3671392}, author = {Vasudevan, R. K. and Bogle, Kashinath A. and Kumar, A. and Jesse, S. and Magaraggia, R. and Stamps, R. and Ogale, Satishchandra B. and Potdar, H. S. and Nagarajan, V.} } @article { ISI:000294386000007, title = {Finite temperature behavior of gas phase neutral Au-n (3 <= n <= 10) clusters: a first principles investigation}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {115}, number = {35}, year = {2011}, month = {SEP}, pages = {17278-17285}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

{Relativistic density functional theory (DFT) based molecular dynamical simulations are performed on gold clusters with 3-10 atoms (Au-n

}, issn = {1932-7447}, doi = {10.1021/jp2023605}, author = {De, Himadri Sekhar and Krishnamurty, Sailaja and Mishra, Deepti and Pal, Sourav} } @article { ISI:000288576700003, title = {Fluorescence resonance energy transfer from tryptophan to folic acid in micellar media and deionised water}, journal = {Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B-Biology}, volume = {103}, number = {1}, year = {2011}, month = {APR}, pages = {16-21}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

The fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) from tryptophan (Trp) to folic acid (FA) in aqueous sodiumdodecyl sulphate, cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide, and Brij-35 as well as deionised water was investigated using steady state and time resolved fluorescence techniques. The data obtained from steady state fluorescence spectral studies and time resolved measurement indicated that the FRET from Trp to FA occurred most effectively in aqueous sodium dodecyl sulphate micellar solutions. The distance between Trp and FA were evaluated. Binding constant, number of binding sites and thermodynamic parameters were determined for Trp-FA interactions in deionised water. The values of the thermodynamic parameters suggest that the hydrophobic forces and hydrogen bonding are the key interacting forces between Trp-FA interaction. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Fluorescence quenching, Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), Folic acid, Foster theory, Stern-Volmer plot, Tryptophan}, issn = {1011-1344}, doi = {10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2011.01.006}, author = {Mote, U. S. and Patil, S. R. and Bhosale, Siddharth H. and Han, Sung-Hwan and Kolekar, G. B.} } @article {42523, title = {Folding and unfolding movements in a [2]pseudorotaxane}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {76}, year = {2011}, month = {DEC}, pages = {138{\textendash}144}, abstract = {

A new dibenzo[24]crown-8 derivative (1) was synthesized and functionalized with aromatic moieties such as naphthalene and coumarin units. These two fluorophores are known to form an effective FRET (Forster resonance energy transfer) pair, and this formed the basis for the design of this host crown ether derivative. Results of the steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence studies confirmed the resonance energy transfer between the donor naphthalene moiety and acceptor coumarin fragment, while NMR spectra and computational studies support a folded conformation for the uncomplexed crown ether 1. This was found to form an inclusion complex, a [2]pseudorotaxane type with imidazolium ion derivatives as the guest molecules with varying alkyl chain lengths ([C4mim]+ or [C10mim]+). The host crown ether (1) tends to adopt an open conformation on formation of the interwoven inclusion complex (1{\textperiodcentered}[C4mim]+ or 1{\textperiodcentered}[C10mim]+). This change in conformation, from the folded to a open one, was predicted by computational as well as 1H NMR studies and was confirmed by single crystal X-ray structure for one (1{\textperiodcentered}[C4mim]+) of the two inclusion complexes. The increase in the effective distance between the naphthalene and coumarin moieties in the open conformation of these inclusion complexes was also supported by the decrease in the effective FRET process that was operational between naphthalene and coumarin moieties in the free molecule (1). Importantly, this inclusion complex formation was found to be reversible, and in the presence of a stronger base/polar solvent, such as triethyl amine/DMSO, the deprotonation/effective solvation of the cationic imidizolium ions ([C4mim]+ or [C10mim]+) resulted in decomplexation or dethreading with restoration of the original emission spectra for 1, which signifies the subsequent increase in the FRET process. Thus we could demonstrate that a molecular folding-unfolding type of movement in the crown ether derivative could be induced by chemical input as an imidazolium ion.

}, doi = {10.1021/jo101762k}, author = {Suresh, Moorthy and Mandal, Amal Kumar and Kesharwani, Manoj K. and Adarsh, N. N. and Ganguly, Bishwajit and Kanaparthi, Ravi Kumar and Samanta, Anunay and Das, Amitava} } @article { ISI:000291323000062, title = {Fractal impeller for stirred tank reactors}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {50}, number = {12}, year = {2011}, month = {JUN}, pages = {7667-7676}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Stirred tank reactors are used for variety of applications at different scales of operation. The conventional impellers tend to develop regions having nonuniform energy dissipation rates in the stirred reactor. In this work, we propose a novel fractal impeller, which helps in reducing such nonuniformities and help develop a uniform randomness throughout the reactor. The impeller geometry is discussed in detail. Experimental measurements of the power consumption, mixing time, suspension quality, and the ability for gas dispersion were carried out, and the performance is compared with the conventional impellers. The impeller is seen to have a low power number, and it can generate a uniform suspension of particles even at relatively lower impeller speeds and can efficiently disperse gas into liquid to yield relatively higher gas hold-up values. The Fourier analysis of the power consumption time series data indicates that no specific prominent frequency events exist in the reactor, and the spectrum showed several frequency events to exist in the reactor with almost identical prominence.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/ie200301y}, author = {Kulkarni, Amol A. and Jha, Neha and Singh, Abhishek and Bhatnagar, Sumit and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article { ISI:000294701600022, title = {Functionalization of SBA-15 mesoporous materials using {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}thiol-ene click{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} michael addition reaction}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C }, volume = {115}, number = {36}, year = {2011}, month = {SEP}, pages = {17774-17781}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Methacrylate-labeled SBA-15 has been successfully synthesized from calcined SBA-15 and commercially available 3-trichlorosilyl propylmethacrylate. This material undergoes efficient thiol-ene {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}click reaction{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} with a variety of both thiol and disulfide-containing substrates in aqueous and organic media. The products were thoroughly characterized by a variety of analytical techniques including multinuclear (C-13, Si-29) solid-state NMR, TG-DTA, and nitrogen adsorption desorption studies. Disulfide-containing substrates in which the TCEP-mediated reduction of the disulfide bond and its subsequent addition to the methacrylate group anchored in SBA-15 in one-pot were used to synthesize a silica-protein hybrid material composed of biotin-labeled SBA-15 and streptavidin. Electrochemically active material was synthesized from the reaction of ferrocene-containing thiol and the methacrylate-labeled SBA-15. The ease of synthesis for the methacrylate-labeled SBA-15 material together with its ability to undergo efficient chemoselective thiol-ene reaction would make it a very attractive platform for the development of covalently anchored enzymes and sensors.

}, issn = {1932-7447}, doi = {10.1021/jp2056442}, author = {Kumari, Sushma and Malvi, Bharmana and Ganai, Anal Kumar and Pillai, Vijayamohanan K. and Sen Gupta, Sayam} } @article { ISI:000291568100065, title = {Glycerol mediated low temperature synthesis of nickel nanoparticles by solution reduction method}, journal = {Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology}, volume = {11}, number = {6}, year = {2011}, month = {JUN}, pages = {5131-5136}, publisher = {AMER SCIENTIFIC PUBLISHERS}, address = {25650 NORTH LEWIS WAY, STEVENSON RANCH, CA 91381-1439 USA}, abstract = {

Phase pure Nickel nano-particles were synthesized by in-situ generation of nickel hydrazine hydrate complex (Ni-HH) followed by its decomposition in an alkaline glycerol medium. The synthesis can be performed in an open beaker with or without the use of surface protective reagents. By using the present method, Ni nano-particles can be prepared in large scale. The black nano-powders so-obtained were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermal analysis (TGA). XRD and SAED analysis revealed that the synthesized particles were pure crystalline nickel with FCC structure.

}, keywords = {Chemical Reduction, Nano-Particles, synthesis, Transition Metal, XRD}, issn = {1533-4880}, doi = {10.1166/jnn.2011.4142}, author = {Singh, Kalpana and Kate, Kunal H. and Chilukuri, V. V. Satayanarayana and Khanna, P. K.} } @article { ISI:000292852100017, title = {Gold catalyzed glycosidations for the synthesis of sugar acrylate/acrylamide hybrids and their utility}, journal = {Carbohydrate Research}, volume = {346}, number = {12, SI}, year = {2011}, month = {SEP}, pages = {1511-1518}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Propargyl glyco 1,2-orthoesters were exploited for the efficient synthesis of interesting glycomonomers such as glyco-acrylates and acrylamides using gold catalysts. It was observed that propargyl glyco 1,2-orthoesters with hydroxyethyl acrylates gives very good yield of the corresponding glyco-acrylates in a single step in the presence of catalytic amount of gold(III) catalyst; whereas, gold catalyzed glycosidation reaction on hydroxyethyl acrylamides was found to yield the corresponding acrylamidoyl 1,2-orthoester which was then converted to the corresponding glycol-acrylamide in the presence of catalytic amount of TMSOTf. Synthesized glyco-acrylate/acrylamide monomers are shown to undergo thiolate addition as well as free radical polymerization (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {carbohydrates, Glycoacrylamides, Glycoacrylates, Glycopolymers, glycosylation, Gold}, issn = {0008-6215}, doi = {10.1016/j.carres.2011.04.018}, author = {Thadke, Shivaji A. and Kar, Mritunjoy and Sen Gupta, Sayam and Hotha, Srinivas} } @article { ISI:000296393500028, title = {Growth and structural properties of Mg-N (N=10-56) clusters: density functional theory study}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry A}, volume = {115}, number = {44}, year = {2011}, month = {NOV}, pages = {12307-12314}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Using the minima hopping global geometry optimization method on density functional potential energy surface, we have studied the structural and electronic properties of magnesium clusters for a size range of Mg-N where N = 10-56. Our exhaustive search reveals that most of our global minima are nonsymmetric in the size range above N = 20. We elucidate the evolutionary trend of the entire series and present more details about the peculiar growth of the clusters. For N\> 20, it is possible to divide the cluster into two regions: the core region and the surface region. It turns out that the growth follows a peculiar cyclic pattern where the core and surface grow alternatively. The surface energy, as a function of number of atoms shows a clear signature as the number of atoms in the core increases by one. We have also carried out stability analysis and the stable sizes(magic numbers) agree very well with the experimental magic numbers reported by Diederich [J. Chem. Phys. 2011, 134, 124302]. We point out the similarities and differences between our results and sodium clusters.

}, issn = {1089-5639}, doi = {10.1021/jp204442e}, author = {Heidari, Ideh and De, Sandip and Ghazi, S. M. and Goedecker, Stefan and Kanhere, Dilip G.} } @article { ISI:000298910800008, title = {Growth of hydrothermally stable meso-porous silica structure interconnected around micro-porous zeolite crystals}, journal = {Materials Characterization}, volume = {62}, number = {12}, year = {2011}, month = {DEC}, pages = {1166-1172}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC}, address = {360 PARK AVE SOUTH, NEW YORK, NY 10010-1710 USA}, abstract = {

The growth of hydrothermally stable ordered meso-porous silica with M41S type structure interconnected around zeolite crystals was achieved from seeds normally nucleating the crystallization of micro-porous zeolite. The solid state NMR and FT-IR showed species like Si(OSi)(3)OH and Si(OSi)(2)(OH)(2) (or Q(3) and Q(2) sites, respectively) are formed during first hydrothermal treatment with surfactant and NaOH. These species and surface silanol group of zeolite crystal condense to give meso-porous silica structure interconnected around zeolite crystal during re-crystallization at lower pH. Resulting meso-micro-porous hybrid material is found to be highly active, selective and stable in the synthesis of 2-(phenylamino) ethanol from aniline and ethylene carbonate compare to parent ZSM-5 and pure MCM-41. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Hydrothermal stability, Interconnected meso-porous silica, Meso-micro hybrid material, Synthesis of amino alcohol}, issn = {1044-5803}, doi = {10.1016/j.matchar.2011.09.002}, author = {Kinage, Anil K. and Prashar, Atul K. and Berlier, Gloria and Chaturvedi, Rajiv K.} } @article { ISI:000296312200066, title = {Helical water chain mediated proton conductivity in homochiral metal-organic frameworks with unprecedented zeolitic unh-topology}, journal = {Journal of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {133}, number = {44}, year = {2011}, month = {NOV}, pages = {17950-17958}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Four new homochiral metal-organic framework (MOF) isomers, [Zn(l-L-Cl)(Cl)](H2O)(2) (1), [Zn(l-L-Br)(Br)]-(H2O)(2) (2), [Zn(d-L-Cl)(Cl)(H2O)(2) (3), and [Zn(d-L-Br)-(Br)] (H2O)(2) (4) [L = 3-methyl-2-(pyridin-4-ylmethylamino)-butanoic acid], have been synthesized by using a derivative of L-/D-valine and Zn(CH3COO)(2)center dot 2H(2)O. A three-periodic lattice with a parallel ID helical channel was formed along the crystallographic c-axis. Molecular rearrangement results in an unprecedented zeolitic unh-toparigy in 1-4. In each case, two lattice water molecules (one H-bonded. to halogen atoms) form a secondary helical continuous water chain inside the molecular helix. MOFs 1 and 2 shows different water adsorption properties and hence different water affinity. The arrangement of water molecules inside the channel Was monitored by variable temperature single crystal X-ray diffraction, which indicated that MOF 1 has a higher water holding capacity than MOF 2. In MOF 1, water escapes. at 80 degrees C, while in T the same happens at a much lower temperature (similar to 40 degrees C). All the MOFs reported here shows reversible crystallization by readily reabsorbing moisture. In MOFs 1 and 2, the frameworks are stable after solvent removal, which is confirmed by a single-crystal to single crystal transformation. MOFs 1 and 3 show high proton conductivity of 4.45 x 10(-5) and 4.42 x 10(-5) S cm(-1), respectively, while 2 and 4 shows zero proton conductivity. The above result is attributed to the fact that MOF 1 has a higher water holding capacity than MOF 2.

}, issn = {0002-7863}, doi = {10.1021/ja2078637}, author = {Sahoo, Subash Chandra and Kundu, Tanay and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article { ISI:000299066700002, title = {Hierarchical mesoporous bio-polymer/silica composites co-templated by trimethyl chitosan and a surfactant for controlled drug delivery}, journal = {Medchemcomm}, volume = {2}, number = {12}, year = {2011}, month = {DEC}, pages = {1162-1166}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

In this communication, we report the facile synthesis of hierarchical mesoporous bio-polymer/silica composite materials with bimodal mesopores using a dual-template of the cationic N,N,N-trimethyl chitosan (TMCs) and the anionic sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) via one-step synthetic strategy. Tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) was used as a silica source. The nitrogen adsorption/desorption measurements and transmission electron microscopy analysis showed the hierarchical structure of the mesoporous bio-polymer/silica composites with bimodal mesopores having an average pore size of 5-7 nm with the visible voids between the silica nanoparticles, which allow the mesoporous bio-polymer/silica composites to encapsulate a large number of guest drug molecules, Ibuprofen (IBU) or 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), due to their high surface area and pore volume. In addition, the mesoporous chitosan-silica composites also had a long term biocompatibility for the target release of the drug molecules to the CEM cells, MCF cells, etc. as well as a pH sensitive controlled release behavior of the drug molecules.

}, issn = {2040-2503}, doi = {10.1039/c0md00222d}, author = {Rana, Vijay Kumar and Park, Sung Soo and Parambadath, Surendran and Kim, Mi Ju and Kim, Sun-Hee and Mishra, Satyendra and Singh, Raj Pal and Ha, Chang-Sik} } @article { ISI:000294225100030, title = {High level phytase production by aspergillus niger NCIM 563 in solid state culture: response surface optimization, up-scaling, and its partial characterization}, journal = {Journal of Industrial Microbiology \& Biotechnology}, volume = {38}, number = {9}, year = {2011}, month = {SEP}, pages = {1407-1417}, publisher = {SPRINGER HEIDELBERG}, address = {TIERGARTENSTRASSE 17, D-69121 HEIDELBERG, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Phytase production by Aspergillus niger NCIM 563 was optimized by using wheat bran in solid state fermentation (SSF). An integrated statistical optimization approach involving the combination of Placket-Burman design (PBD) and Box-Behnken design (BBD) was employed. PBD was used to evaluate the effect of 11 variables related to phytase production, and five statistically significant variables, namely, glucose, dextrin, NaNO(3), distilled water, and MgSO(4)center dot 7H(2)O, were selected for further optimization studies. The levels of five variables for maximum phytase production were determined by a BBD. Phytase production improved from 50 IU/g dry moldy bran (DMB) to 154 IU/g DMB indicating 3.08-fold increase after optimization. A simultaneous reduction in fermentation time from 7 to 4 days shows a high productivity of 38,500 IU/kg/day. Scaling up the process in trays gave reproducible phytase production overcoming industrial constraints of practicability and economics. The culture extract also had 133.2, 41.58, and 310.34 IU/g DMB of xylanase, cellulase, and amylase activities, respectively. The partially purified phytase was optimally active at 55A degrees C and pH 6.0. The enzyme retained ca. 75\% activity over a wide pH range 2.0-9.5. It also released more inorganic phosphorus from soybean meal in a broad pH range from 2.5 to 6.5 under emulated gastric conditions. Molecular weight of phytase on Sephacryl S-200 was approximately 87 kDa. The K (m) and V (max) observed were 0.156 mM and 220 mu m/min/mg. The SSF phytase from A. niger NCIM 563 offers an economical production capability and its wide pH stability shows its suitability for use in poultry feed.

}, keywords = {Aspergillus niger, Phytase, Response surface optimization, Solid state fermentation, Statistical methods}, issn = {1367-5435}, doi = {10.1007/s10295-010-0926-z}, author = {Bhavsar, Kavita P. and Kumar, V. Ravi and Khire, Jayant Malhar} } @article { ISI:000297265800023, title = {Highly exposed and activity modulated sandwich type Pt thin layer catalyst with enhanced utilization}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry}, volume = {21}, number = {47}, year = {2011}, month = {OCT}, pages = {19039-19048}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A Pt thin layer catalyst supported on an in situ prepared {\textquoteleft}RuO(2)-carbon-RuO(2){\textquoteright} sandwich type hybrid support is presented. This is achieved by the extensive functionalization of a hollow carbon nanofiber support to introduce oxygen containing functional groups (FCNF) with the specific aim to accomplish the exclusive adsorption of Ru ions along its inner cavity and outer surfaces. Preferential adsorption of Ru ions from a mixture of Pt and Ru with sufficient time for adsorption and reorganization of ions on the carbon nanofiber surface leads to the in situ renovation of FCNFs to form a hybrid {\textquoteleft}RuO(2)-carbon-RuO(2){\textquoteright} sandwich type support followed by Pt nanoparticle decoration. While the selective exposure of Pt on the hybrid support surface is confirmed from the HRTEM analysis, the electronic changes effected in the CNF support are evident from the XPS and XRD analysis. Finally, the potential benefit of such a design is also demonstrated using electrochemical studies, where the three-fold increase in the electrochemically active surface area from cyclic voltammetric analysis, a four-fold improvement in the limiting current density coupled with a 80 mV gain in onset potential from rotating disc electrode studies for the oxygen reduction reaction, and a drastic reduction in the CO poisoning for methanol oxidation reaction underlines the superb performance of this material. Such an exceptionally high performance can be attributed to the strong electronic perturbations occurring in the Pt and the FCNF support due to the presence of a continuous RuO(2) layer in between. Such a high aspect ratio core-shell type design with an unusual enhancement in the Pt utilization establishes the roles of both the hybrid support and active catalyst to address the future challenges in the area of utilization improvement.

}, issn = {0959-9428}, doi = {10.1039/c1jm11588j}, author = {Balan, Beena K. and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article { ISI:000293693200004, title = {Hydrogen bond directed honeycomb-like porous network structure of tris (bipyridyl-glycoluril)cobalt(III) chloride}, journal = {Crystengcomm}, volume = {13}, number = {17}, year = {2011}, month = {JUL}, pages = {5289-5291}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The [Co(bpg)3]Cl-3 complex (1), where bpg = 4b, 5, 7, 7a-tetrahydro4b,7a-epiminomethan-oimino-6H-imidazo [4,5-f][1,10]-phenanthroline-6,13-dione has been synthesized and characterized by various spectroscopic techniques and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The combination of bipyridyl-glycoluril (bpg) ligands and cobalt ion self-organise to form a honeycomb-like porous network structure resulting in the formation of zeolite like channels which adsorb gases, is described.

}, issn = {1466-8033}, doi = {10.1039/c1ce05376k}, author = {Kawade, Vitthal A. and Kumbhar, Avinash S. and Erxleben, Andrea and Pachfule, Pradip and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article { ISI:000291559600087, title = {Hyper-production of beta-glucosidase and beta-xylosidase by aspergillus niger NCIM 1207 In Xylan-Containing Media}, journal = {Bioresources}, volume = {6}, number = {2}, year = {2011}, month = {JAN}, pages = {2066-2076}, publisher = {NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIV DEPT WOOD \& PAPER SCI}, address = {CAMPUS BOX 8005, RALEIGH, NC 27695-8005 USA}, abstract = {

Aspergillus niger NCIM 1207 produced significantly high levels of beta-glucosidase and beta-xylosidase activities in submerged fermentation. Cellulose induced only beta-glucosidase, while xylan induced both beta-glucosidase and beta-xylosidase activities. Both the enzymes of this strain were found to undergo catabolite repression in the presence of high concentrations of glucose and glycerol. The sudden drop in pH of the fermentation medium below 3.5 caused the inactivation of enzymes when the fungus was grown in glycerol-containing media at lower temperatures. The growth of the organism at 36 degrees C led to an increase in pH of the fermentation above 6.0 that affected beta-xylosidase activity significantly. Highest levels of beta-glucosidase ((19 IU mL(-1) or 633 IU g(-1) of substrate) and beta-xylosidase (18.7 IU/mL(-1) or 620 IU g(-1) of substrate) activities were detected when A. niger was grown at 30 degrees C for first five days followed by further incubation at 36 degrees C. Such a process of growing the organism at lower temperatures (growth phase) followed by producing the enzymes at higher temperatures (production phase) in case of fungal systems has not been reported so far. The zymogram staining of the beta-glucosidase demonstrated that A. niger produced only single species of beta-glucosidase. We feel that A. niger NCIM 1207 is a potential candidate to produce both beta-glucosidase and beta-xylosidase in high amounts that can be used to supplement commercial cellulase preparations.

}, keywords = {Aspergillus niger NCIM 1207, beta-glucosidase production, beta-xylosidase production}, issn = {1930-2126}, author = {Khisti, Ujwala and Bastawade, Kulbhushan B. and Gokhale, Digambar V.} } @article { ISI:000291709500006, title = {Identification of sublattice damages in swift heavy ion irradiated N-doped 6H-SiC polytype studied by solid state NMR}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, volume = {115}, number = {24}, year = {2011}, month = {JUN}, pages = {7766-7772}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

We have studied N-doped 6H-SiC in its pristine and Swift Heavy Ion (SHI) irradiated (150 MeV Ag12+ ions) forms by solid state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) at 7.01 T using C-13 and Si-29 as probe nuclei under magic angle spinning. We show that increased levels of nitrogen doping, than used before, lead to the observation of Knight shifts emanating from an increase in electron density in the conduction band, which in C-13 far exceed those in Si-29 MAS spectra. We have rationalized the differential effects in the MAS spectra and site-dependent paramagnetic shifts in terms of the nitrogen doping at the A, B, and C lattice sites. N-doping has a profound effect on Si-29 spin-lattice relaxation, and the site-dependent relaxation behavior is attributed to a difference in conduction electron properties at the different lattice sites. Si-29 T-1 measurements serve to identify the sublattice damages in SHI irradiated 6H-SiC. By determining the spin-lattice relaxation rates as a function of the SHI irradiation ion fluences, the change in relaxation behavior is correlated to the damage production mechanism. The sublattice damage leads to discernable changes in the interaction between the mobile unpaired electrons in the conduction band and the nuclear site, which profoundly influence the NMR relaxation properties. Our relaxation studies also provide evidence for site-dependent localized effects and a decrease in carrier spin density in the conduction band for the SHI irradiated 6H-SiC.

}, issn = {1520-6106}, doi = {10.1021/jp201367b}, author = {Viswanathan, E. and Kanjilal, D. and Sivaji, K. and Ganapathy, Subramanian} } @article { ISI:000294242600050, title = {Iminium ion cascade reaction in the total synthesis of (+)-vincadifformine}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {13}, number = {17}, year = {2011}, month = {SEP}, pages = {4672-4675}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

An iminium ion triggered cascade reaction is described in the total synthesis of (+)-vincadifformine by the coupling of 3,3-substituted tetrahydropyridine and indole derivative. The strategy allows simultaneous construction of two new rings, three new sigma bonds, and two new stereogenic centers in one pot with complete stereochemical control.

}, issn = {1523-7060}, doi = {10.1021/ol201892j}, author = {Pandey, Ganesh and Kumara, Prasanna C.} } @article { ISI:000290841300030, title = {Immobilization of 1,5,7-triazabicyclo [4.4.0] dec-5-ene over mesoporous materials: an efficient catalyst for michael-addition reactions under solvent-free condition}, journal = {Applied Catalysis A-General}, volume = {397}, number = {1-2}, year = {2011}, month = {APR}, pages = {250-258}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Immobilization of 1,5,7-triazabicyclo [4.4.0] dec-5-ene (TBD, a bicylic guanidine base) over mesoporous material like SBA-15 has been found to be an excellent catalyst for Michael-addition of beta-nitro styrene with malonate. The reactions were performed under solvent-free condition at 373 K for 9 h. A wide variety of Michael donors and acceptors were investigated. Among them, high yield of Michael product was obtained for the reaction between p-Cl-nitrostyrene with dimethyl malonate. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {1, 5, 7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0] dec-5-ene, beta-nitro styrene and malonate, mesoporous materials, Michael-addition}, issn = {0926-860X}, doi = {10.1016/j.apcata.2011.03.010}, author = {Kalita, Pranjal and Kumar, Rajiv} } @article { ISI:000290167200026, title = {Improved performance of phosphonated carbon nanotube-polybenzimidazole composite membranes in proton exchange membrane fuel cells}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry}, volume = {21}, number = {20}, year = {2011}, month = {APR}, pages = {7223-7231}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Development of thermally stable polymer electrolyte membranes with higher proton conductivity as well as mechanical stability is a key challenge in commercializing PEM fuel cells operating above 100 degrees C. Polybenzimidazole membranes are one of the promising candidates in this category although with limited mechanical stability and moderate proton conductivity. Here the incorporation of functionalized MWCNT is shown to increase both these key parameters of the polybenzimidazole membranes. Further, formation of a domain like structure after the incorporation of phosphonated MWCNTs (P-MWCNTs) in phosphoric acid doped polybenzimidazole membranes is demonstrated. The enhanced performance has been attributed to the formation of proton conducting networks that formed along the sidewalls of P-MWCNTs with a domain size of 17 nm as estimated from the small angle X-ray scattering measurements. Membrane electrode assembly (MEA) impedance measurements further reveal that the activation energy of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) reduced for the composite membranes with enhanced proton conductivity. In addition, the mechanical strength measurements reveal a significant improvement in the yield strength and ultimate strength. Also, the mechanical strength of the composite membrane has been increased significantly as indicated by the improvement in the ultimate strength from 65 MPa to 100 MPa for the pristine and composite membranes, respectively. The optimum loading of P-MWCNTs is found to be 1\% as inferred from the polarization measurements carried out using pure hydrogen and oxygen. Thus, this study provides a unique opportunity to tune the properties of polymer electrolytes to prepare application oriented hybrid membranes using CNTs with tailor-made functional groups.

}, issn = {0959-9428}, doi = {10.1039/c0jm04265j}, author = {Kannan, Ramaiyan and Kagalwala, Husain N. and Chaudhari, Harshal D. and Kharul, Ulhas K. and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Pillai, Vijayamohanan K.} } @article { ISI:000295403700010, title = {Influence of DMDBS on the morphology and mechanical properties of polypropylene cast films}, journal = {Polymer Engineering and Science}, volume = {51}, number = {10, SI}, year = {2011}, month = {OCT}, pages = {2013-2023}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

We investigate extrusion film casting (EFC) of polypropylene (PP) and examine the effects of varying the concentration of nucleating agent, dimethyl dibenzylidene sorbitol (DMDBS); melt temperature at the die exit; and the draw ratio. Addition of DMDBS increases the PP crystallization temperature, and consequently the PP lamellar repeat spacing. For the draw ratios explored, we do not observe any substantial orientation of iPP crystals for films of neat iPP. However, addition of DMDBS results in the formation of oriented PP crystals, with greater orientation for higher draw ratios. On cooling from the melt, a network of DMDBS nanofibers forms in the PP. We believe that flow-alignment of this DMDBS network templates the orientation of PP crystals. We observe that the tensile modulus and yield stress increase with PP crystal orientation. However, at high DMDBS concentrations (0.8\%), films have poor mechanical strength due to formation of voids and defects. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 51:2013-2023, 2011. (C) 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers

}, issn = {0032-3888}, doi = {10.1002/pen.21957}, author = {Sreenivas, K. and Pol, Harshawardhan V. and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy} } @article { ISI:000287685100009, title = {Influence of Mg2+ substitution on the magnetic and electrical properties of Li-Zn ferrite thick films synthesized with PVA matrix}, journal = {Microelectronics International}, volume = {28}, number = {1}, year = {2011}, month = {JAN}, pages = {58-65}, publisher = {EMERALD GROUP PUBLISHING LIMITED}, address = {HOWARD HOUSE, WAGON LANE, BINGLEY BD16 1WA, W YORKSHIRE, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of Mg2+ substitution on the magnetic and electrical properties of Li0.35-x Mg-2x Zn-0.3 Fe2.35-xO4 thick films synthesized with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix. Design/methodology/approach - The nanoferrites Li0.35-x Mg-2x Zn-0.3 Fe2.35-xO4 (x = 0, 0.07, 0.14, 0.21, 0.28 and 0.35) were synthesized by chemical technique using aqueous solution of PVA (the matrix) and thick films were fabricated by screen printing technique. The DC magnetic hysteresis measurements, AC magnetic susceptibility and DC electrical resistivity were measured as a function of temperature. Findings - The lattice parameter of thick film Li0.35-x Mg-2x Zn-0.3 Fe2.35-xO4 (x = 0, 0.07, 0.14, 0.21, 0.28 and 0.35) increases with the substitution of Mg2+ ions for Li1+ and Fe3+. The surface morphology of the thick films showed the grain size increasing with Mg2+ substitution till x = 0.21 and then decreasing for the higher concentrations of magnesium. The magnetic moment n(B) (mu(B)) computed from the M-s obtained by extrapolation of the magnetization curve showed a gradual decrease with the composition till x = 0.21, beyond which a sudden decrease was observed. The resistivity of the films at room temperature had variation with composition x, similar to that of magnetic moment. The activation energies Delta E-F and Delta E-P were found to vary with composition x of the ferrite system. Originality/value - The paper reports, for the first time, the magnetic and electrical properties of fritless Li0.35-xMg2xZn0.3Fe2.35-xO4 thick films using PVA polymer matrix. Up to x = 0.21 (Mg2+), grain size increases and Curie temperature decreases beyond which reverse effect takes place.

}, keywords = {Alternating current, Direct current, Electrical properties, Films (states of matter), Magnetic moments}, issn = {1356-5362}, doi = {10.1108/13565361111097128}, author = {Rendale, M. K. and Kulkarni, S. D. and Kulkarni, D. C. and Puri, Vijaya} } @article { ISI:000289364600022, title = {Intermolecular benzoyl group transfer reactivity in crystals of racemic 2,6-di-O-benzoyl-myo-inositol 1,3,5-orthobenzoate: controlling reactivity by solvate (pseudopolymorph) formation}, journal = {Crystengcomm}, volume = {13}, number = {9}, year = {2011}, month = {MAY}, pages = {3258-3264}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Racemic 2,6-di-O-benzoyl-myo-inositol 1,3,5-orthobenzoate (rac-3), which usually crystallizes in a monoclinic lattice (Form I, P2(1)/c) from common organic solvents, when crystallized from 2-propanol yielded concomitantly, thin whisker like crystals (Form II, triclinic, P (1) over bar) with inclusion of 2-propanol and water molecules, along with the Form I crystals. Thin fibre-like crystals were also obtained on crystallization from toluene, with inclusion of toluene and water in the crystal lattice (Form III). The Form II and Form III crystals could be converted into the Form I crystals thermally via melt crystallization. Form I crystals exhibit a facile transesterification reaction, but the solvated crystals are unreactive under the same conditions until their transformation to the reactive form. The reactivity patterns of the Form I and Form II crystals correlate well with the molecular organization in them. Since reactivity of the crystals of rac-3 depends on the solvent and the method of crystallization, and the thermal transition of one crystal form to the other, these phase changes can be used as a switch to control the benzoyl transfer reactivity of the constituent molecules in crystals.

}, issn = {1466-8033}, doi = {10.1039/c1ce05054k}, author = {Krishnaswamy, Shobhana and Shashidhar, Mysore S. and Bhadbhade, Mohan M.} } @article { ISI:000298639800119, title = {Investigation of poly(o-anisidine)-SnO2 nanocomposites for fabrication of low temperature operative liquefied petroleum gas sensor}, journal = {Journal of Applied Physics}, volume = {110}, number = {12}, year = {2011}, month = {DEC}, pages = {124501}, publisher = {AMER INST PHYSICS}, address = {CIRCULATION \& FULFILLMENT DIV, 2 HUNTINGTON QUADRANGLE, STE 1 N O 1, MELVILLE, NY 11747-4501 USA}, abstract = {

Poly(o-anisidine)-tin oxide (POA-SnO2) nanocomposites has been investigated for the fabrication of low temperature operative (100 degrees C) liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sensor. The POA-SnO2 nanocomposites have been synthesized through an in situ chemical polymerization of o-anisidine in presence of SnO2 nanoparticles. The POA-SnO2 nanocomposite shows better LPG sensing properties than that of pure POA. The nanocomposite with 50 wt. \% SnO2 exhibits an excellent LPG sensing characteristics at the operating temperature of 100 degrees C such as higher relative gas response (similar to 23.47\% to 3.4\% of LPG), extremely rapid response (similar to 6 s), fast recovery (similar to 33 s), good reproducibility, and remarkable selectivity. The application of POA-SnO2 nanocomposites for fabrication of the LPG sensor was demonstrated. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3667107]

}, issn = {0021-8979}, doi = {10.1063/1.3667107}, author = {Patil, Dewyani and Kolhe, Kishor and Potdar, Hari S. and Patil, Pradip} } @article { ISI:000285674000014, title = {Investigations of magnetic and dielectric properties of cupric oxide nanoparticles}, journal = {Solid State Communications}, volume = {151}, number = {1}, year = {2011}, month = {JAN}, pages = {55-60}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Cupric oxide nanoparticles of similar to 8-10 nm width and 40-45 nm length self assembled as large particles similar to 1-1 5 mu m have been investigated in the 10-325 K temperature range using magnetic and dielectric measurements In magnetic measurements a single broad peak at similar to 230 K in a zero field cooled sample has been observed Coercivity in magnetization measurements at 10 K suggests that the nanoparticles are core-shell type particles with an antiferromagnetic core and a ferromagnetic shell Dielectric measurements at various frequencies from 3 7 Hz to 949 kHz exhibit a sharp peak at 284 K followed by weak anomalies around 213 and 230 K (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved

}, keywords = {CuO nanoparticles, Dielectric, Ferroelectric transition, Ferromagnetic}, issn = {0038-1098}, doi = {10.1016/j.ssc.2010.10.024}, author = {Bhalerao-Panajkar, Rohini S. and Shirolkar, Mandar M. and Das, Raja and Maity, Tuhin and Poddar, Pankaj and Kulkarni, S. K.} } @article { ISI:000293196800041, title = {Isobutrin from butea monosperma (flame of the forest): a promising new natural sensitizer belonging to chalcone class}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {3}, number = {7}, year = {2011}, month = {JUL}, pages = {2440-2444}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

In this work, {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}isobutrin{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}, an ecofriendly sensitizer that is extracted from Butea monosperma (commonly known as {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}Flame of the Forest{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}) flowers, is introduced. It is a bright yellow pigment belonging to the chalcone class and is examined as a sensitizer for optoelectronic applications. It is observed that chelation of this dye with Ti ions results into a strong dye-TiO(2) charge transfer (DTCT) band in the visible region. This Ti-Isobutrin chelate is stable, irreversible and its formation is studied using Benesi-Hildebrand plot. The locations of HOMO-LUMO states of the Ti-isobutrin chelate and the corresponding band alignment with TiO(2) are obtained. Also, a thermal stability test revealed that isobutrin is stable above 100 degrees C.

}, keywords = {Butea monosperma, chalcone, dye-sensitized solar cell, isobutrin, sensitizer, TiO(2)}, issn = {1944-8244}, doi = {10.1021/am200341y}, author = {Agarkar, Shruti A. and Kulkarni, Roshan R. and Dhas, Vivek V. and Chinchansure, Ashish A. and Hazra, Partha and Joshi, Swati P. and Ogale, Satishchandra B.} } @article { ISI:000291804900001, title = {Isolation, identification and optimization of a new extracellular lipase producing strain of rhizopus sp.}, journal = {Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology}, volume = {164}, number = {7}, year = {2011}, month = {AUG}, pages = {969-978}, publisher = {HUMANA PRESS INC}, address = {999 RIVERVIEW DRIVE SUITE 208, TOTOWA, NJ 07512 USA}, abstract = {

A lipolytic mesophilic fungus which produces lipase extracellularly was isolated from soil. Based on ITS1-5.8S-ITS4 region sequences of ribosomal RNA, it was concluded that the isolate JK-1 belongs to genus Rhizopus and clades with Rhizopus oryzae. The present paper reports the screening, isolation, identification, and optimization of fermentation conditions for the production of lipase (EC 3.1.1.3). Culture conditions were optimized, and the highest lipase production was observed in basal medium with corn steep liquor as nitrogen source and glucose as carbon source. Maximum lipase production was observed at 72 h, which is about 870 U/ml. Optimization of fermentation conditions resulted in 16-fold enhancement in enzyme production.

}, keywords = {Corn steep liquor, Fermentation, ITS region, Lipase, Medium optimization, Rhizopus}, issn = {0273-2289}, doi = {10.1007/s12010-011-9188-0}, author = {Kantak, Jayshree B. and Bagade, Aditi V. and Mahajan, Siddharth A. and Pawar, Shrikant P. and Shouche, Yogesh S. and Prabhune, Asmita} } @article { ISI:000296937200031, title = {Jack bean alpha-mannosidase (Jb alpha-man): tolerance to alkali, chelating and reducing agents and energetics of catalysis and inhibition}, journal = {International Journal of Biological Macromolecules}, volume = {49}, number = {5}, year = {2011}, month = {DEC}, pages = {1066-1071}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Investigations of the catalytic and structural transitions of jack bean alpha-mannosidase (Jb alpha-man) are described in the present paper. The enzyme was maximally stable at pH 5.0; however, when incubated in the pH range of 11.0-12.0, showed 1.3 times higher activity and also stability for longer time. The free amino group at or near the active site was probably involved in the stability and activation mechanism. The active site is constituted by the association of two unidentical subunits connected by disulfide linkages. The metalloenzyme has Zn(2+) ions tightly bound and chelation reduces the thermal stability of the protein. Energetics of catalysis and thermodynamics of inhibition of the enzyme were also carried out. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Alkali tolerance, alpha-Mannosidase, beta-Mercaptoethanol, Energetics, Inhibition, Metalloenzyme}, issn = {0141-8130}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2011.08.033}, author = {Kumar, Avinash and Gaikwad, Sushama M.} } @article { ISI:000288015800010, title = {Kinetics of hydroformylation of 1-octene in ionic liquid-organic biphasic media using rhodium sulfoxantphos catalyst}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Science}, volume = {66}, number = {8}, year = {2011}, month = {APR}, pages = {1631-1639}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Biphasic hydroformylation of 1-octene was performed using rhodium sulfoxantphos catalyst dissolved in [BuPy][BF(4)] ionic liquid. Preliminary experiments proved this system to retain the catalytic complex within the ionic liquid phase and to maintain a high selectivity towards the linear aldehyde (n:iso ratio of 30) over several cycles. Process parameter investigation showed a first order dependence of the initial rate with respect to the catalyst and 1-octene concentrations, but a more complex behavior with respect to hydrogen (fractional order) and carbon monoxide partial pressures (inhibition at high pressures). Different mathematical models were selected based on the trends observed and evaluated for data fitting. Also, rate models were derived from a proposed mechanism, using Christiansen matrix approach. To calculate concentrations of substrates in the catalytic phase as required by this kinetic modeling, solubility measurements were preformed for the gases (pressure drop technique), as well as for 1-octene and n-nonanal (thermogravimetry analysis). (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Biphasic catalysis, Butylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate, kinetics, Parameter identification, Reaction engineering, solubility}, issn = {0009-2509}, doi = {10.1016/j.ces.2010.12.040}, author = {Deshpande, R. M. and Kelkar, Ashutosh A. and Sharma, A. and Julcour-Lebigue, C. and Delmas, Henri} } @article { ISI:000294374900007, title = {Liquid phase oxidation of p-vanillyl alcohol over synthetic Co-saponite catalyst}, journal = {Applied Clay Science}, volume = {53}, number = {2, SI}, year = {2011}, month = {AUG}, pages = {157-163}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Effect of cobalt loading on porosity of synthetic Co-saponite catalysts and on the air oxidation of p-vanillyl alcohol was studied by varying Co content in the range of 5\% to 30\% using in situ precipitation method. The pore size increased from 1.29 to 3.69 nm indicating a transition from micro to meso porosity, with increase in Co loading from 5\% to 30\%. The distribution ratio of Co(3)O(4)/CoO phases as estimated from TPR studies, also increased from 0.84 to 1.67 with increase in Co loading from 5\% to 13\% and remained almost constant (1.7) with further increase in Co loading up to 30\%. The highest activity (conversion 55\%) and selectivity of 99\% to p-vanillin obtained for 13\% Co-saponite in p-vanillyl alcohol oxidation was due to the highest distribution ratios of Co(3)O(4)/CoO phases. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Co-saponite, Cobalt oxide phase ratio, p-Vanillin, p-Vanillyl alcohol oxidation, Porosity transition, Temperature programmed reduction}, issn = {0169-1317}, doi = {10.1016/j.clay.2010.10.026}, author = {Garade, Ajit C. and Biradar, Narayan S. and Joshi, S. M. and Kshirsagar, V. S. and Jha, Ratnesh Kumar and Rode, Chandrashekhar V.} } @article { ISI:000298210100002, title = {Lithium tetrafluoroborate catalyzed highly efficient inter- and intramolecular aza-Michael addition with aromatic amines}, journal = {Comptes Rendus Chimie}, volume = {14}, number = {12}, year = {2011}, month = {DEC}, pages = {1059-1064}, publisher = {ELSEVIER FRANCE-EDITIONS SCIENTIFIQUES MEDICALES ELSEVIER}, address = {23 RUE LINOIS, 75724 PARIS, FRANCE}, abstract = {

Lithium tetrafluoroborate has been demonstrated for the first time to be an efficient catalyst in intermolecular aza-Michael addition aromatic amines to electron deficient alkenes. Suitability of the same catalyst in intramolecular aza-Michael addition leading 2-aryl-2,3-dihydroquinolin-4(1H) ones has also been described. (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier Masson SAS on behalf of Academie des sciences.

}, keywords = {2-aryl-2, 3-dihydroquinolin-(4H)-1-ones, Anilines, Lithium tetrafluoroborate, Michael addition}, issn = {1631-0748}, doi = {10.1016/j.crci.2011.09.006}, author = {Lad, Uday P. and Kulkarni, M. A. and Desai, Uday V. and Wadgaonkar, P. P.} } @article { ISI:000292518500008, title = {Long-lived monsoon depressions of 2006 and their linkage with the Indian ocean Dipole}, journal = {International Journal of Climatology}, volume = {31}, number = {9}, year = {2011}, month = {JUL}, pages = {1334-1352}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {COMMERCE PLACE, 350 MAIN ST, MALDEN 02148, MA USA}, abstract = {

A highlight of the 2006 boreal summer monsoon season was the enhanced activity of long-lived monsoon depressions and low-pressure systems (LPS) over the Indian region. Another important phenomenon during this period was the evolution of a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (PIOD) event. Although previous studies have investigated the impact of PIOD on the large-scale monsoon response, their influence on monsoon LPS activity is not well understood. Based on detailed diagnostic analyses of monsoon LPS during 2006, as well as those associated with other PIOD events during 1958-2007, the present work addresses two specific issues concerning the roles of (a) PIOD-induced large-scale circulation changes and (b) internal feedbacks between latent heating and dynamics, in sustaining the monsoon LPS activity. The results show that PIOD conditions generally favour increased propensity of long-lived (\>5 days) LPS with long westward tracks extending into northwest India. The average contribution of long-lived monsoon LPS to the total is found to be approximately 12\% higher during PIOD episodes as compared to non-PIOD. The PIOD events showed two important large-scale elements conducive for enhancement of LPS activity: (a) strengthening of cross-equatorial moisture transport from south-eastern tropical Indian Ocean into the Bay of Bengal and (b) enrichment of barotropic instability of monsoon flow. Estimates of latent-heating profiles from TRMM-satellite products during the 2006 LPS showed heating in the mesoscale updrafts above 600 hPa with maximum approximately 400 hPa; while cooling prevailed in lower levels. Stratiform precipitation covered approximately 70-85\% of rain area during the prolonged LPS; and the large-scale monsoon Hadley-type circulation was found to be intensified with strong mid-level inflows entering the stratiform rain region. The overall findings suggest that the PIOD-induced background circulation together with internal feedbacks between mesoscale convective systems and large-scale circulation can effectively enhance the longevity of monsoon LPS. These results should serve as important inputs for numerical weather forecasting of extreme rainfall events associated with the regional monsoon phenomenon. Copyright (C) 2010 Royal Meteorological Society

}, keywords = {Indian ocean dipole, life period, monsoon depressions}, issn = {0899-8418}, doi = {10.1002/joc.2156}, author = {Krishnan, R. and Ayantika, D. C. and Kumar, Vinay and Pokhrel, Samir} } @article { ISI:000293175800026, title = {Maghemite (hematite) core (shell) nanorods via thermolysis of a molecular solid of Fe-complex}, journal = {Dalton Transactions}, volume = {40}, number = {31}, year = {2011}, month = {2011}, pages = {8003-8011}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An Fe-metal complex with 2{\textquoteright}-hydroxy chalcone (2{\textquoteright}-HC) ligands [Fe(III) (2{\textquoteright}-hydroxy chalcone) 3] is synthesized by a chemical route and is subjected to different thermal treatments. Upon thermolysis in air at 450 degrees C for 3 h the complex yields maghemite (gamma-Fe(2)O(3)) nanorods with a thin hematite (alpha-Fe(2)O(3)) shell. X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Mossbauer spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) are used to characterize the samples. The stability of the ligand and the Fe-complex is further examined by using thermogravimmetric/differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA). We suggest a residual ligand controlled mechanism for the formation of an anisotropic nanostructure in a crumbling molecular solid undergoing ligand decomposition. Since the band gap of iron oxide is in the visible range, we explored the use of our core shell nano-rod sample for photocatalytic activity for H(2) generation by H(2)S splitting under solar light. We observed high photocatalytic activity for hydrogen generation (75 ml h(-1)).

}, issn = {1477-9226}, doi = {10.1039/c1dt10319a}, author = {Chaudhari, N. S. and Warule, S. S. and Muduli, Subas and Kale, B. B. and Jouen, Samuel and Lefez, Benoit and Hannoyer, Beatrice and Ogale, Satishchandra B.} } @article { ISI:000288772300011, title = {Magnetic properties of thermal plasma synthesized nanocrystalline nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4)}, journal = {Journal of Alloys and Compounds}, volume = {509}, number = {12}, year = {2011}, month = {MAR}, pages = {4404-4413}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

A rapid synthesis method is reported for magnetic nanoparticles of nickel ferrite involving thermal plasma assisted vapor phase condensation process. The as-synthesized samples were characterized by X-ray Diffraction, Transmission Electron Microscopy, Vibrating Sample Magnetometer and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy techniques. The average particle size was determined from the TEM micrographs and found to be around 30 nm. The effects of reactor parameters on the magnetic and structural properties have been evaluated, to find the optimized parameters so as to achieve the highest values of saturation magnetization and coercivity. Reasonably high saturation magnetization (48 emu/g) has been assigned to the high degree of crystallinity, achieved on account of high temperature during the growth, and the cation redistribution. The high value of coercivity (1150e) is explained on the basis of possible lattice defects arising from the cation redistribution. Detailed analysis of cation distribution using the XRD line intensity data leads to the conclusion that these samples are iron deficit and nickel rich. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {crystal structure, Magnetic measurements, Magnetization, Nanostructured materials, TEM}, issn = {0925-8388}, doi = {10.1016/j.jallcom.2011.01.057}, author = {Nawale, Ashok B. and Kanhe, Nilesh S. and Patil, K. R. and Bhoraskar, S. V. and Mathe, Vikas L. and Das, A. K.} } @article { ISI:000289518000002, title = {Magnetite/CdTe magnetic-fluorescent composite nanosystem for magnetic separation and bio-imaging}, journal = {Nanotechnology}, volume = {22}, number = {22}, year = {2011}, month = {JUN}, pages = {Article No. 225101}, publisher = {IOP PUBLISHING LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {TEMPLE CIRCUS, TEMPLE WAY, BRISTOL BS1 6BE, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A new synthesis protocol is described to obtain a CdTe decorated magnetite bifunctional nanosystem via dodecylamine (DDA) as cross linker. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDAX), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and fluorescence microscopy are used to characterize the constitution, size, composition and physical properties of these superparamagnetic-fluorescent nanoparticles. These CdTe decorated magnetite nanoparticles were then functionalized with anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody to specifically target cells expressing this receptor. The EGFR is a transmembrane glycoprotein and is expressed on tumor cells from different tissue origins including human leukemic cell line Molt-4 cells. The magnetite-CdTe composite nanosystem is shown to perform excellently for specific selection, magnetic separation and fluorescent detection of EGFR positive Molt-4 cells from a mixed population. Flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy results show that this composite nanosystem has great potential in antibody functionalized magnetic separation and imaging of cells using cell surface receptor antibody.

}, issn = {0957-4484}, doi = {10.1088/0957-4484/22/22/225101}, author = {Kale, Anup and Kale, Sonia and Yadav, Prasad and Gholap, Haribhau and Pasricha, Renu and Jog, Jyoti Prakash and Lefez, Benoit and Hannoyer, Beatrice and Shastry, Padma and Ogale, Satishchandra B.} } @article { ISI:000290345300002, title = {Mapping of QTLs governing agronomic and yield traits in chickpea}, journal = {Journal of Applied Genetics}, volume = {52}, number = {1}, year = {2011}, month = {FEB}, pages = {9-21}, publisher = {SPRINGER HEIDELBERG}, address = {TIERGARTENSTRASSE 17, D-69121 HEIDELBERG, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Chickpea is one of the most important leguminous cool season food crops, cultivated prevalently in South Asia and Middle East. The main objective of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with seven agronomic and yield traits in two recombinant inbred line populations of chickpea derived from the crosses JG62xVijay (JV population) and VijayxICC4958 (VI population) from at least three environments. Single locus QTL analysis involved composite interval mapping (CIM) for individual traits and multiple-trait composite interval mapping (MCIM) for correlated traits to detect pleiotropic QTLs. Two-locus analysis was conducted to identify the main effect QTLs (M-QTLs), epistatic QTLs (E-QTLs) and QTL x environment interactions. Through CIM analysis, a total of 106 significant QTLs (41 in JV and 65 in VI populations) were identified for the seven traits, of which one QTL each for plant height and days to maturity was common in both the populations. Six pleiotropic QTLs that were consistent over the environments were also identified. LG2 in JV and LG1a in VI contained at least one QTL for each trait. Hence, concentrating on these LGs in molecular breeding programs is most likely to bring simultaneous improvement in these traits.

}, keywords = {Cicer arietinum, QTL analysis, QTL x environment interaction, Two-locus analysis, Yield traits}, issn = {1234-1983}, doi = {10.1007/s13353-010-0016-y}, author = {Gowda, S. J. M. and Radhika, P. and Mhase, L. B. and Jamadagni, B. M. and Gupta, V. S. and Kadoo, Narendra Y.} } @article { ISI:000234250400007, title = {Microwave-hydrothermal (MH) synthesis of Ba1-xSrxTiO3 (BST)}, journal = {Ferroelectrics}, volume = {327}, year = {2011}, note = {4th Asian Meeting on Ferroelectricity (AMF-4), Indian Inst Sci, Bangalore, INDIA, DEC 12-15, 2003}, month = {MAR}, pages = {39-43}, publisher = {Dept Sci \& Technol; Defense R\& D Org; Council Sci \& Ind Res; Mat Res Soc India; Indian Inst Sci; IEEE UFFC; Taylor \& Francis Sci Publ; Int Journal FERROELECT}, address = {4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The barium-strontium titanate (BST) powders are used in fabrication of various microelectronic devices (because of their field- \& composition dependent dielectric properties), integrated capacitors \& as thin dielectric layer in DRAM (dynamic random access memories). The utility of MH synthesis route in deriving the BST powders was explored in the present studies under strongly alkaline conditions (pH \> 12). Potassium titanyl oxalate (KTO) and nitrates of Ba \& Sr were used as the starting precursors and KOH as a mineralizer. The typical BST composition, namely, BST with Sr = 0.25 was chosen for the experimentation. All the MH experiments were carried out in the MARS-5 microwave accelerated digestion system (CEM Corpn., USA). The stoichiometric BST powders were obtained under the MH conditions of 200 degrees C, 200 psi, and 30 min when the Ba/Sr ratio (greater than or similar to 3.25) was kept slightly in excess. The acetic acid treated and water washed MH derived powders showed formation of exclusively cubic BST phase (a(0) = 3.992 A degrees) as confirmed by XRD. These powders were further processed in the form of disks and sintered at high temperature (1350 degrees C/4 h) in air to obtain dense (rho \>= 92\%) ceramic bodies. Electrical measurements on the lapped and electroded samples (sintered at 1350 degrees C/4h) revealed epsilon(T-c) = 6800, tan delta = 0.1\% and T-c = 32 degrees C. These properties are comparable to the reported standard data in the literature.

}, issn = {0015-0193}, doi = {10.1080/00150190500316226}, author = {Deshpande, S. B. and Khollam, Y. B. and Potdar, H. S.} } @article { ISI:000290357000002, title = {Modeling \& simulation of micro reactor with nitration of 2-methyl-4,6 dihydroxy-pyrimidine}, journal = {Science and Technology of Energetic Materials}, volume = {72}, number = {1-2}, year = {2011}, month = {JAN}, pages = {9-20}, publisher = {JAPAN EXPLOSIVES SOC}, address = {C/O JAPAN EXPLOSIVES INDUSTRY ASSOC, ICHIJOJI BLDG., 2-3-22 AZABUDAI, MINATO-KU, TOKYO, 106-0041, JAPAN}, abstract = {

Nitration of 2-methyl-4,6-dihydroxypyrimidine (MDP) using concentrated sulfuric acid and nitric acid as nitrating mixture is a highly exothermic and hazardous reaction. Conducting such reaction in a batch reactor follow an unsteady state and its trajectory depends on various important parameters such as initial reactor temperature, initial composition of reaction mass, temperature of circulating coolant, etc. However, over all productivity, process control and safety of the batch process is highly restricted due to lower surface to volume ratio. In the present work, an effort has been made to over come the limitations of batch reactor by using the novel micro reactor device. Micro reactor is having extremely high surface to volume ratio, which has been explored to carry out nitration of MDP both numerically as well as experimentally and the results were compared with conventional batch reactor. The micro reaction system has been modeled using two dimensional (2-D) heat flow and mass transfer equations. The kinetic rate equation for nitration of MDP has evaluated experimentally by differential method which is used in modeling of the micro reactor. The numerical results from the 2-D model for conversion and temperature profile along the length and radius of micro reactor have been compared with corresponding results obtained from batch reactor. In order to validate the model, several experiments were conducted in micro reactor set-up with the variation of flow rate, residence time, concentration, temperature, etc. The experimental results from micro reactor revealed that nitration of MDP takes place even at much lower concentration and lower residence time with better control of temperature profile. Also, the reaction takes place in laminar region compared to turbulent region in corresponding batch reactor setup.

}, keywords = {2-D modeling, 2-methyl-4, 6 dihydroxypyrimidine, Batch reactor, micro reactor}, issn = {1347-9466}, author = {Mandal, Alok Kumar and Pandey, Raj Kishore and Asthana, Nandan and Kulkarni, Amol and Kulkarni, Bhaskar Dattatraya} } @conference {43382, title = {Molecular dynamics simulations of ch4 clathrate hydrate dissociation adjacent to hydrated silica surfaces}, booktitle = {7th International Conference on Gas Hydrates}, year = {2011}, month = {JUL}, abstract = {

We use molecular dynamics simulations to study the decomposition of structure I CH4 clathrate hydrate exposed to water. Simulations are performed for a hydrate + water system and two related cases with the hydrate adjacent to hydrate silica layers. The simulations are in the NVE adiabatic ensemble paying careful attention to the non-isothermal nature of the hydrate dissociation process. The effects of mass and energy transfer on the hydrate dissociation rate are studied. The effect of the silica surface on the dissociation rate and mechanism are studied. It is observed that the hydrate layer decomposes more quickly in simulations where it is in contact with silica. The implications on decomposition of the hydrate in hydrate reservoirs adjacent to sand sediments are discussed.

}, author = {Bagherzadeh, A. and Englezos, Peter and Alavi, S. and Kumar, Rajnish and Ripmeester, John A.} } @article { ISI:000292455700027, title = {Money handling and obesity: a test of the exaptation hypothesis}, journal = {Current Science}, volume = {100}, number = {11}, year = {2011}, month = {JUN}, pages = {1695-1700}, publisher = {INDIAN ACAD SCIENCES}, address = {C V RAMAN AVENUE, SADASHIVANAGAR, P B \#8005, BANGALORE 560 080, INDIA}, abstract = {

The food reward centres in the brain play a central role in the regulation of food intake and thereby obesity. In the modern lifestyle, a number of artificial rewards such as money have been introduced and brain areas evolved for handling food rewards appear to be exapted to handle money and other rewards. This implies that the changing behaviour related to these rewards could influence obesity. Considering money as a reward, we conducted a survey of 211 full-time cashiers to test whether ownership over cash, amount of cash handled and duration of cash-handling work correlated with obesity parameters. Body mass index was significantly affected by sex, ownership, amount of money handled and duration of cash-handling service. Waist-to-hip ratio was significantly affected by sex, amount of money handled and marginally by ownership. The results are compatible with the exaptation hypothesis. It is possible that increasing importance of non-food rewards may play a significant role in the obesity epidemic.

}, keywords = {Body weight, economics of obesity, exaptation hypothesis, money handling}, issn = {0011-3891}, author = {Karve, Shraddha and Shurpali, Ketaki and Dahanukar, Neelesh and Paranjape, Sharayu and Jog, Maithili and Belsare, Prajakta and Watve, Milind} } @article { ISI:000292113700065, title = {Novel catalyst-free synthesis of vertically aligned silicon nanowire-carbon nanotube heterojunction arrays for high performance electron field emitters}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {47}, number = {27}, year = {2011}, month = {JUN}, pages = {7785-7787}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A novel, catalyst-free strategy for the direct synthesis of vertically aligned silicon nanowire-carbon nanotube (SiNW-CNT) heterojunction arrays is presented. Such a heterojunction with the junction area in the nanoscale displays enhanced field emission characteristics at low turn-on field, with a nearly three times increase in the field enhancement factor.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c1cc12243f}, author = {Kale, Vinayak S. and Sathe, Bhaskar R. and Kushwaha, Ajay and Aslam, Mohammed and Shelke, Manjusha V.} } @article { ISI:000293168000044, title = {Novel hybrids of fluconazole and furanones: design, synthesis and antifungal activity}, journal = {Bioorganic \& Medicinal Chemistry Letters}, volume = {21}, number = {16}, year = {2011}, month = {AUG}, pages = {4873-4878}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

During our efforts to develop new antifungal agents, a number of hybrid molecules containing furanones and fluconazole pharmacophores were designed and synthesized. The new chemical entities thus synthesized were tested for their potential as antifungal agents against various fungal strains and it was observed that the compounds with general structure 7 were potent inhibitors of Candida albicans ATCC 24433, Candida glabrata ATCC 90030, Candida tropicalis ATCC 750 and Candida neoformans ATCC 34664 while the fluconazole analogues 12 exhibited antifungal activity against Candida albicans ATCC 24433 and Candida glabrata ATCC 90030. The structure-activity relationship for these compounds is discussed. The synthetic strategies used in the present work have potential to prepare a large number of compounds for further refinement of structures to obtain molecules suitable for development as antifungal drugs. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Antifungal activity, Fluconazole, Furanones}, issn = {0960-894X}, doi = {10.1016/j.bmcl.2011.06.022}, author = {Borate, Hanumant B. and Sawargave, Sangmeshwer P. and Chavan, Subhash P. and Chandavarkar, Mohan A. and Iyer, Ramki and Tawte, Amit and Rao, Deepali and Deore, Jaydeep V. and Kudale, Ananada S. and Mahajan, Pankaj S. and Kangire, Gopinath S.} } @article {43203, title = {Novel pyrazole-3-carboxamide derivatives as cannabinoid-1 (CB1) antagonists: journey from non-polar to polar amides}, journal = {Bioorganic \& Medicinal Chemistry Letters}, volume = {21}, year = {2011}, month = {JAN}, pages = {562-568}, abstract = {The synthesis and biological evaluation of novel pyrazole-3-carboxamide derivatives as CB1 antagonists are described. As a part of eastern amide SAR, various chemically diverse motifs were introduced. In general, a range of modifications were well tolerated. Several molecules with high polar surface area were also indentified as potent CB1 receptor antagonists. The in vivo proof of principle for weight loss is exemplified with a lead compound from this series. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.}, doi = {10.1016/j.bmcl.2010.10.055}, author = {Sasmal, Pradip K. and Reddy, D. Srinivasa and Talwar, Rashmi and Venkatesham, B. and Balasubrahmanyam, D. and Kannan, M. and Srinivas, P. and Kumar, K. Shiva and Devi, B. Neelima and Jadhav, Vikram P. and Khan, Sanjoy K. and Mohan, Priya and Chaudhury, Hira and Bhuniya, Debnath and Iqbal, Javed and Chakrabarti, Ranjan} } @article { ISI:000295068300093, title = {Novel route for rapid biosynthesis of lead nanoparticles using aqueous extract of Jatropha curcas L. latex}, journal = {Materials Letters}, volume = {65}, number = {19-20}, year = {2011}, month = {OCT}, pages = {3170-3172}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

We are reporting a novel, low-cost and eco-friendly route for rapid synthesis of lead nanoparticles by using 0.5\% aqueous extract of Jatropha curcas L latex. Lead nanoparticles were characterized initially by UV-vis spectroscopy and shown distinct peak at 218 nm. This peak was highly specific for lead nanoparticles. Formation of Pb (0) was confirmed by X-ray diffraction technique (XRD).Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was performed for estimating the size and shape of nanoparticles. The average size of lead nanoparticles was found to be in the range of 10 to 12.5 nm. Energy dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDAX) showed distinct peaks of lead. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were performed to find the role of cyclic peptides namely curcacycline A (an octapeptide) and curcacycline B (a nonapeptide) as a possible reducing and capping agents present in the latex of Jatropha curcas L. Lead nanoparticles formed by the above method were monodisperse. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {FTIR, Latex, Lead nanoparticles, Nanoparticles}, issn = {0167-577X}, doi = {10.1016/j.matlet.2011.06.075}, author = {Joglekar, Shriram and Kodam, Kisan M. and Dhaygude, Mayur and Hudlikar, Manish} } @article { ISI:000289763700002, title = {Novel solar light driven photocatalyst, zinc indium vanadate for photodegradation of aqueous phenol}, journal = {Materials Research Bulletin}, volume = {46}, number = {5}, year = {2011}, month = {MAY}, pages = {635-638}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

In the present investigation, we have demonstrated the synthesis of novel photocatalyst, zinc indium vanadate (ZIV) by solid solid state route using respective oxides of zinc, indium and vanadium. This novel photocatalyst was characterized using XRD, FESEM, UV-DRS and FTIR in order to investigate its structural, morphological and optical properties. XRD clearly shows the formation of phase pure ZIV of triclinic crystal structure with good crystallinity. FESEM micrographs showed the clustered morphology having particle size between 0.5 and 1 mu m. Since, optical study showed the band gap around 2.8 eV, i.e. in visible region, we have performed the photocatalytic activity of phenol degradation under visible light irradiation. The photodecomposition of phenol by ZIV is studied for the first time and an excellent photocatalytic activity was obtained using this novel photocatalyst. Considering the band gap of zinc indium vanadate in visible region, it will also be the potential candidate for water splitting. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Catalytic properties, Chemical synthesis, Oxides, X-ray diffraction}, issn = {0025-5408}, doi = {10.1016/j.materresbull.2011.02.005}, author = {Mahapure, Sonali A. and Rane, Vilas H. and Ambekar, Jalindar D. and Nikam, Latesh K. and Marimuthu, R. and Kulkarni, Milind V. and Kale, Bharat B.} } @article { ISI:000286902200016, title = {One-pot synthesis of 2,4,5-trisubstituted imidazoles using MoO3/SiO2, an efficient and recyclable catalyst}, journal = {Synthetic Communications}, volume = {41}, number = {5}, year = {2011}, month = {JAN}, pages = {PII 932996516}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS INC}, address = {325 CHESTNUT ST, SUITE 800, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 USA}, abstract = {

[image omitted] A simple one-pot synthesis has been developed for the synthesis of 2,4,5-trisubstituted imidazoles using an efficient and recyclable MoO3/SiO2 solid acid catalyst by condensation of benzil or benzoin, benzaldehyde, and ammonium acetate in acetonitrile as a solvent. Using this solid catalyst, the reactions could be carried out under mild reaction conditions with very good yield of imidazoles, up to 95\%. This catalyst could be recycled very easily, which makes this methodology environmentally benign.

}, keywords = {benzil, benzoin, cyclocondensation, imidazoles, MoO3, One-pot, SiO2, solid acid}, issn = {0039-7911}, doi = {10.1080/00397911003644415}, author = {Bhosale, Sidhanath V. and Kalyankar, Mohan B. and Nalage, Santosh V. and Bhosale, Dattatry S. and Pandhare, Swati L. and Kotbagi, Trupti V. and Shubhangi B. Umbarkar and Dongare, Mohan K.} } @article { ISI:000289600300032, title = {One-step in situ synthesis of NHx-adsorbed rhodium nanocrystals at liquid-liquid interfaces for possible electrocatalytic applications}, journal = {Journal of Colloid and Interface Science}, volume = {358}, number = {1}, year = {2011}, month = {JUN}, pages = {238-244}, publisher = {ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE}, address = {525 B ST, STE 1900, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101-4495 USA}, abstract = {

Nearly monodisperse rhodium nanoparticles with adsorbed NHx were synthesized at the CCl4-water interface. The presence of NHx-adsorbed species was confirmed by energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies. The synthesis of controlled size 2-38 nm rhodium particles was studied as a function of reducing agent concentration by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). HRTEM confirmed the formation of rhodium nanoparticles having fringe spacing consistent with reported Rh (1 1 1) planes. The continuity of these films over an area of 1 x 1 pm was revealed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies. The electrocatalytic application of these nanostructure Rh-NHx), thin films for formaldehyde oxidation in 0.5 M NaOH was investigated by cyclic voltammetry. The Rh nanoparticles formed by the present strategy are expected to be useful for other catalytic applications also. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Hydrazine hydrate, Liquid-liquid interface, Nanoparticles, Rhodium, Thin films}, issn = {0021-9797}, doi = {10.1016/j.jcis.2011.02.065}, author = {Patil, V. S. and Krishna, S. R. and Hawaldar, Ranjit R. and Gaikwad, A. B. and Sathaye, S. D. and Patil, K. R.} } @article { ISI:000294656400011, title = {One-step stereospecific strategy for the construction of the core structure of the 5,11-methanomorphanthridine alkaloids in racemic as well as in optically pure form: synthesis of (+/-)-pancracine and (+/-)-brunsvigine}, journal = {European Journal of Organic Chemistry}, number = {24}, year = {2011}, month = {AUG}, pages = {4571-4587}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {PO BOX 10 11 61, D-69451 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

The unique core structure of the complex pentacyclic 5,11-methanomorphanthridine has been constructed stereospecifically in one step by an intramolecular [3+2] cycloaddition of a non-stabilized azomethine ylide (AMY), generated by the sequential double desilylation of 14 using (AgF)-F-I as a one-electron oxidant. The formation of the single diastereomer in the key step is explained by the preferred transition state produced by endo attack of the AMY on the {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}Re{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} face of the dipolarophile. An asymmetric version of the cycloaddition using a chiral dipolarophile was applied to construct the core structure 68 with 63 \% ee. This strategy was successfully applied to the formal synthesis of (+/-)-pancracine and the total synthesis of (+/-)-brunsvigine. An unprecedented and interesting skeletal rearrangement product 49 was observed during the attempted assembly of the E ring from 46 through Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reactions. Mechanisms involving azetidinium salt formation or the Grob-type fragmentation are advanced to explain the observed rearrangement.

}, keywords = {alkaloids, Azomethine ylides, Cycloaddition, Ring-closing metathesis, synthesis design}, issn = {1434-193X}, doi = {10.1002/ejoc.201100601}, author = {Pandey, Ganesh and Kumar, Ravindra and Banerjee, Prabal and Puranik, Vedavati G.} } @article { ISI:000295552400021, title = {One-step synthesis of 4-alkyl-3-aryl-2,6-dicyanoanilines and their use in the synthesis of highly functionalized 2,3,5,6,7-and 2,3,4,5,7-substituted indoles}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {52}, number = {42}, year = {2011}, month = {OCT}, pages = {5491-5493}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A three-component, one-step method for the synthesis of 4-alkyl-3-aryl-2,6-dicyanoanilines involving reaction of alkyl aldehyde, malononitrile and aryl aldehyde in presence of morpholine is reported. Highly functionalized 2,3,5,6,7- and 2,3,4,5,7-substituted indoles were prepared from these dicyanoanilines by reaction with ethyl bromoacetate. These substituted dicyanoanilines and indoles have a potential to be converted into various other compounds taking advantage of various functional groups present in these molecules. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {aldehydes, Dicyanoanilines, indoles, Malononitrile}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2011.08.064}, author = {Sawargave, Sangmeshwer P. and Kudale, Ananada S. and Deore, Jaydeep V. and Bhosale, Dattatry S. and Divse, Jaisingh M. and Chavan, Subhash P. and Borate, Hanumant B.} } @article { ISI:000291302900019, title = {Organocatalytic enantioselective approach to the synthesis of verbalactone and (R)-massoialactone}, journal = {Synthesis-Stuttgart}, number = {12}, year = {2011}, month = {JUN}, pages = {1954-1959}, publisher = {GEORG THIEME VERLAG KG}, address = {RUDIGERSTR 14, D-70469 STUTTGART, GERMANY}, abstract = {

The organocatalytic enantioselective synthesis of verbalactone and (R)-massoialactone is described. The requisite stereogenic centers of the target molecules were constructed using L-proline-catalyzed alpha-aminoxylation and Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons (HWE) olefination. Yamaguchi macrolactonization and ring-closing metathesis were employed as key steps in the syntheses.

}, keywords = {alpha-aminoxylation, Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons olefination, L-proline, massoialactone, Ring-closing metathesis, verbalactone, Yamaguchi macrolactonization}, issn = {0039-7881}, doi = {10.1055/s-0030-1260051}, author = {Harbindu, Anand and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000298534500008, title = {Organocatalytic route to the synthesis of (6S)-5,6-dihydro-6-[(2R)-2-hydroxy-6-phenylhexyl]-2H-pyran-2-one and ravensara lactones}, journal = {Tetrahedron-Asymmetry}, volume = {22}, number = {18-19}, year = {2011}, month = {OCT}, pages = {1749-1756}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An organocatalytic enantioselective synthesis of the title compounds has been achieved. The stereogenic centers were generated by the iterative use of proline catalyzed alpha-aminoxylations and HWE olefination of aldehydes while the lactone ring was constructed by ring closing metathesis. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0957-4166}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetasy.2011.09.017}, author = {Dwivedi, Namrata and Tripathi, Divya and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000292983400023, title = {[Pd]-mediated omega-alkynone cycloisomerization approach for the central tetrahydropyran unit and the synthesis of C(31)-C(48) fragment of aflastatin A}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {9}, number = {15}, year = {2011}, month = {APR}, pages = {5469-5475}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A concise assembly of the central tetrahydropyran unit of aflastatin A featuring a Pd-mediated alkynone cycloisomerization to provide a glycal and its subsequent stereoselective hydroboration to deliver the requisite stereochemistry at C(33) and C(34) centers is documented.

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/c1ob05251a}, author = {Narute, Sachin B. and Kiran, Neella Chandra and Ramana, Chepuri V.} } @article { ISI:000289028500081, title = {Phase separation of DMDBS from PP: effect of polymer molecular weight and tacticity}, journal = {Macromolecules}, volume = {44}, number = {7}, year = {2011}, month = {APR}, pages = {2358-2364}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

We report an unexpected dependence of DMDBS phase separation temperature on the molecular weight of the matrix isotactic polypropylene (iPP). DMDBS crystallizes out at lower temperatures for iPP with decreasing molecular weight (and correspondingly lower tacticity). All the iPPs in our study are reasonably high molecular weight samples and there is no molecular weight dependence of their solubility parameter. Therefore, the decrease in DMDBS phase separation temperature for lower molecular weights cannot be rationalized using thermodynamic arguments. This molecular weight dependence appears to be unique to isotactic polypropylene and is not observed for either syndiotactic polypropylene or for random copolymers of isotactic polypropylene containing ethylene comonomer.

}, issn = {0024-9297}, doi = {10.1021/ma200035s}, author = {Sreenivas, K. and Basargekar, Rajeev and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy} } @article { ISI:000296195400018, title = {Phosphine-mediated synthesis of 1,4-oxazepine- and 1,5-oxazocine-based sugar hybrids from deoxysugar azides}, journal = {Synthesis-Stuttgart}, volume = {21}, number = {21}, year = {2011}, month = {NOV}, pages = {3523-3529}, publisher = {GEORG THIEME VERLAG KG}, address = {RUDIGERSTR 14, D-70469 STUTTGART, GERMANY}, abstract = {

An efficient and convenient method was developed for the synthesis of novel 1,4-oxazepine- and 1,5-oxazocine-based sugar hybrids from readily available deoxysugar azides by means of tributylphosphine-mediated tandem reactions. The resulting glycoconjugates might be useful in increasing the diversity of sugar backbones, and could find applications as potential glycomimetics and in drug discovery.

}, keywords = {Alkynes, azides, carbohydrates, heterocycles, oxazepines, oxazocines, Tandem reactions}, issn = {0039-7881}, doi = {10.1055/s-0030-1260218}, author = {Kurhade, Suresh E. and Salunkhe, Videsh T. and Siddaiah, V. and Bhuniya, Debnath and Reddy, D. Srinivasa} } @article {42521, title = {Photoactive RuII-polypyridyl complexes that display sequence selectivity and high-affinity binding to duplex DNA through groove binding}, journal = {Chemistry A European Journal}, volume = {17}, year = {2011}, month = {FEB}, pages = {2089{\textendash}2098}, abstract = {

The duplex-DNA binding properties of a nonintercalating polypyridyl ruthenium(II) complex that incorporates a linear extended ligand with a catechol moiety has been probed with a variety of photo- and biophysical techniques. These studies reveal that the complex groove binds to DNA sequences biphasically, and displays binding constants equivalent to those of high-affinity metallointercalators. The complex also displays preferential binding to AT-rich sequences. Changes in the structure of the coordinated catechol ligand and the incorporation of intercalating ancillary ligands into the complex were found to modulate both the optical-binding response and binding parameters of the system, which indicates that the catechol moiety plays a crucial role in the observed enhancement to binding affinities.

}, doi = {10.1002/chem.201002149}, author = {Ghosh, Amrita and Das, Priyadip and Gill, Martin R. and Kar, Prasenjit and Walkar, Michael G. and Thomas, Jim A. and Das, Amitava} } @article {42541, title = {Photophysical properties of ligand localized excited state in ruthenium(ii) polypyridyl complexes: a combined effect of electron donor-acceptor ligand}, journal = {Dalton Trans}, volume = {40}, year = {2011}, month = {AUG}, pages = {9765-9773}, abstract = {

We have synthesized ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes (1) Ru(II)(bpy)2(L1), (2) Ru(II)(bpy)2(L2) and (3) Ru(II)(bpy)(L1)(L2), where bpy = 2,2'-bipyridyl, L1 = 4-[2-(4'-methyl-2,2'-bipyridinyl-4-yl)vinyl]benzene-1,2-diol) and L2 = 4-(N,N-dimethylamino-phenyl)-(2,2'-bipyridine) and investigated the intra-ligand charge transfer (ILCT) and ligand{\textendash}ligand charge transfer (LLCT) states by optical absorption and emission studies. Our studies show that the presence of electron donating {\textendash}NMe2 functionality in L2 and electron withdrawing catechol fragment in L1 ligands of complex 3 introduces low energy LLCT excited states to aboriginal MLCT states. The superimposed LLCT and MLCT state produces redshift and broadening in the optical absorption spectra of complex 3 in comparison to complexes 1 and 2. The emission quantum yield of complex 3 is observed to be extremely low in comparison to that of complex 1 and 2 at room temperature. This is attributed to quenching of the 3MLCT state by the low-emissive 3LLCT state. The emission due to ligand localized CT state (ILCT and LLCT) of complexes 2 and 3 is revealed at 77 K in the form of a new luminescence band which appeared in the 670{\textendash}760 nm region. The LLCT excited state of complex 3 is populated either via direct photoexcitation in the LLCT absorption band (350{\textendash}700 nm) or through internal conversion from the photoexcited 3MLCT (400{\textendash}600 nm) states. The internal conversion rate is determined by quenching of the 3MLCT state in a time resolved emission study. The internal conversion to LLCT and ILCT excited states are observed to be as fast as \~{}200 ps and \~{}700 ps for complexes 3 and 2, respectively. The present study illustrates the photophysical property of the ligand localized excited state of newly synthesized heteroleptic ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes.

}, doi = {10.1039/C1DT10266D}, author = {Verma, Sandeep and Kar, Prasenjit and Das, Amitava and Ghosh, Hirendra Nath} } @article { ISI:000298535800007, title = {Poly(acrylonitrile) based ultrafiltration membranes: optimization of preparation parameters}, journal = {Desalination}, volume = {282}, number = {SI}, year = {2011}, month = {NOV}, pages = {46-53}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Supported ultrafiltration (UF) membranes based on poly(acrylonitrile) were prepared while varying crucial parameters responsible for controlling membrane porosity, viz.; polymer concentration, solvent and additives in the dope solution. Insight into membrane porosity and morphology was obtained by water flux, solute rejection, bubble point, pore size distribution, SEM and AFM analyses. It was found that merely increasing polymer concentration does not necessarily reduce pore size of membranes. Among four solvents used for the dope solution preparation, N-methyl pyrrolidone was found to offer membranes with optimal combination of flux and rejection of various solutes. Some of the PAN(17) (17\% w/w PAN concentration in the dope solution) membranes prepared using organic acid as the additive (citric acid, tartaric acid or maleic acid) offered 1.2-1.7 times higher flux than the membrane prepared using inorganic salt, ZnCl2 as an additive. The porosity of PAN(17) membrane prepared using CA as an additive was larger as compared to membrane prepared using ZnCl2 as an additive. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis of this membrane exhibited higher surface roughness as compared to the ZnCl2 based membrane. Both these membranes exhibited bacteria (E. Coli) log reduction value (LRV) of at least 6; depicting applicability of these membrane for water disinfection. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Additive, Bacteria rejection, Poly(acrylonitrile), Pore size distribution, Ultrafiltration}, issn = {0011-9164}, doi = {10.1016/j.desal.2011.04.009}, author = {Lohokare, Harshada R. and Bhole, Yogesh S. and Taralkar, Suyog and Kharul, Ulhas K.} } @article { ISI:000287058200053, title = {Polybenzimidazoles based on 3,3 {\textquoteleft}-diaminobenzidine and aliphatic dicarboxylic acids: synthesis and evaluation of physicochemical properties toward their applicability as proton exchange and gas separation membrane material}, journal = {Journal of Applied Polymer Science}, volume = {120}, number = {2}, year = {2011}, month = {APR}, pages = {1090-1099}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

A series of aromatic-aliphatic polybenzimidazoles (PBIs) based on 3,3{\textquoteright}-diaminobenzidine (DAB) and aliphatic dicarboxylic acid with incremental -CH2- groups were synthesized. Optimization of synthesis parameters and evaluation of physicochemical properties are requisite for PBI applicability as the proton exchange membrane (PEM) and gas separation membrane materials are reported. It was found that though all these PBIs exhibited high thermal, mechanical, and oxidative stability, effect of added flexibility on physical properties is not monotonous. Membranes were prepared by solution casting as well as phase-inversion method. The later types of membranes exhibited much higher H3PO4 content than its doping achieved in the solution casted membranes. These PBIs possess low hydrogen and helium permeability than that of conventional PBI. This low permeability, along with their excellent oxidative stability indicated that they can be promising PEM materials. Their CO2-sorption analysis revealed that PBI6 based on suberic acid possesses appreciable CO2 sorption. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 120: 1090-1099, 2011

}, keywords = {Gas permeation, mechanical properties, membranes, oxidative stability, polybenzimidazoles}, issn = {0021-8995}, doi = {10.1002/app.33246}, author = {Bhavsar, Rupesh S. and Nahire, Sandip B. and Kale, Mrunali S. and Patil, Shubhangi G. and Aher, Pradnya P. and Bhavsar, Ritesh A. and Kharul, Ulhas K.} } @article { ISI:000293849200017, title = {Poly(ether ether ketone)s and poly(ether ether ketone ketone)s containing cardo decahydronaphthalene groups: synthesis and characterization}, journal = {Journal of Applied Polymer Science}, volume = {122}, number = {3}, year = {2011}, month = {NOV}, pages = {1607-1613}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {COMMERCE PLACE, 350 MAIN ST, MALDEN 02148, MA USA}, abstract = {

New poly(ether ether ketone)s and poly (ether ether ketone ketone) s were synthesized by polycondensation of each of the three bisphenols, viz., 4,4{\textquoteright}-(octahydro-2(1H)-naphthylidene) bisphenol, 4,4{\textquoteright}-(octa-hydro-2(1H)-naphthylidene) bis-3-methylphenol, and 4,4{\textquoteright}(octahydro-2(1H)-naphthylidene) bis-3,5-dimethylphenol with 4,4{\textquoteright}-difluorobenzophenone and 1,3-bis(4-fluorobenzoyl) benzene in a mixture of N,N-dimethylacetamide and toluene [1 : 1 (v/v)] in the presence of anhydrous potassium carbonate. Inherent viscosities of poly(ether ether ketone) s and poly (ether ether ketone ketone) s were in the range 0.32-0.80 dL/g and number-average molecular weights were in the range 16,100-55,900 g/mol. Poly(ether ether ketone) s and poly(ether ether ketone ketone) s were soluble in organic solvents such as dichloromethane, chloroform, tetrahydrofuran, meta-cresol, pyridine, and 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone at room temperature and could be cast into tough, transparent, and flexible films from their chloroform solutions. Wide angle x-ray diffraction measurements revealed the amorphous nature of poly(ether ether ketone) s and poly (ether ether ketone ketone) s. The glass transition temperature poly(ether ether ketone) s and poly(ether ether ketone ketone) s were in the range 185-251 degrees C. The temperature at 10\% weight loss, determined from thermogravimetric analysis, of poly(ether ether ketone) s and poly(ether ether ketone ketone) s in nitrogen atmosphere was in the range 462-493 degrees C indicating their good thermal stability. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 122: 1607-1613, 2011

}, keywords = {bisphenol, cardo decahydronaphthalene, poly(ether ether ketone ketone)s, poly(ether ether ketone)s, Polycondensation, Thermal properties}, issn = {0021-8995}, doi = {10.1002/app.33921}, author = {Honkhambe, Pandurang N. and Pasale, Sharad K. and Bhairamadgi, Nagendra S. and Kumbhar, Kishor P. and Salunkhe, Manikrao M. and Wadgaonkar, Prakash P.} } @article { ISI:000297352000112, title = {Preparation and characterization of magnetic nanoparticles embedded in hydrogels for protein purification and metal extraction}, journal = {Journal of Polymer Research}, volume = {18}, number = {6}, year = {2011}, note = {International Conference on Advances in Polymer Technology, Cochin Univ Sci \& Technol, Cochin, INDIA, FEB 26-27, 2010}, month = {NOV}, pages = {2285-2294}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The present work involves the development of hydrogel magnetic nanocomposites for protein purification and heavy metal extraction applications. The magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were prepared in situ in poly(acrylamide)-gum acacia (PAM-GA) hydrogels. The formation of magnetic nanoparticles in the hydrogel networks was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Scanning electron (SEM) microscopy studies revealed the formation of MNPs throughout the hydrogel networks. The average size of MNPs formed in the hydrogel networks was 3-5 nm as determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The thermal properties of the hydrogel magnetic nanocomposites were evaluated by dynamic scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. The magnetic properties of the developed hydrogel magnetic nanocomposites were determined by a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The swelling properties of the hydrogel and the hydrogel magnetic nanocomposites were studied in detail. The hydrogel magnetic nanocomposites are utilized for the removal of toxic metal ions such as Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) and for protein purification. The results confirm that the hydrogel magnetic nanocomposites exhibit superior extraction properties to hydrogels.

}, keywords = {Bioseparation, Hydrogel, magnetic properties, Metal absorption, Nanocomposite}, issn = {1022-9760}, doi = {10.1007/s10965-011-9642-2}, author = {Nagireddy, Narayana Reddy and Yallapu, Murali Mohan and Kokkarachedu, Varaprasad and Sakey, Ravindra and Kanikireddy, Vimala and Alias, Joy Pattayil and Konduru, Mohana Raju} } @article { ISI:000288386600095, title = {Probing the furanose conformation in the 2 {\textquoteleft}-5 {\textquoteleft} strand of isoDNA:RNA duplexes by freezing the nucleoside conformations}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {47}, number = {13}, year = {2011}, month = {FEB}, pages = {4007-4009}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Sugar conformations in the isoDNA strand of isoDNA : RNA duplexes are preferred S-type locked/frozen in contrast to N-type locked conformations preferred in DNA: RNA duplexes.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c0cc05402j}, author = {Erande, Namrata D. and Gunjal, Anita D. and Fernandes, Moneesha and Kumar, Vaijayanti A.} } @article { ISI:000292472400016, title = {Protecting group directed stereoselective reduction of an epi-inosose: efficient synthesis of epi-inositol}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {52}, number = {29}, year = {2011}, month = {JUL}, pages = {3756-3758}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A facile and high yielding synthesis of epi-inositol via stereoselective reduction of a pentaprotected epi-inosose is reported. Extent of stereoselectivity during the hydride reduction appears to depend on the ability of the substrate to complex with metal ions in the reducing agent. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Cyclitol, Inositol, Polyol, reduction, Stereoselective}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2011.05.051}, author = {Patil, Madhuri T. and Krishnaswamy, Shobhana and Sarmah, Manash P. and Shashidhar, Mysore S.} } @article { ISI:000295128000013, title = {Protic ionic liquid attenuates the deleterious actions of urea on alpha-chymotrypsin}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics}, volume = {13}, number = {38}, year = {2011}, month = {SEP}, pages = {17023-17026}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We present a biocompatible ionic liquid, triethyl ammonium acetate (TEAA), that attenuates the denaturation action of a non-ionic chaotrope, urea, on the industrially relevant proteolytic enzyme alpha-chymotrypsin.

}, issn = {1463-9076}, doi = {10.1039/c1cp22195g}, author = {Attri, Pankaj and Venkatesu, Pannuru and Kumar, Anil and Byrne, Nolene} } @article { ISI:000287277700038, title = {Quantum dot based immunosensor using 3D circular microchannels fabricated in PDMS}, journal = {Biosensors \& Bioelectronics}, volume = {26}, number = {6}, year = {2011}, month = {FEB}, pages = {3050-3053}, publisher = {ELSEVIER ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY}, type = {Article}, address = {OXFORD FULFILLMENT CENTRE THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Microchannel is basic functional component of microfluidic chip and every step-forward of its construction technique has been receiving concern all over the world. The present work describes a novel, rapid and simple fabrication technique for building 3D microchannels in poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) elastomer. These microchannels were used for rapid detection of antigens (E. coli) by quantum dot (QD) based approach. Luminescent QD (CdTe) were synthesized by aqueous method and characterized using high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), fluorescence spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The QDs were functionalized with anti-E. coli antibodies for immuno-detection. The reported process allowed easier and faster method of fabrication of circular 3D micochannels and demonstrated their potential use in an immuno-biosensor device. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Capillary driven flows, Circular microfluidics, Immunosensor, QDs}, issn = {0956-5663}, doi = {10.1016/j.bios.2010.12.017}, author = {Morarka, Amit and Agrawal, Shailaja and Kale, Sonia and Kale, Anup and Ogale, Satishchandra B. and Paknikar, Kishore and Bodas, Dhananjay S.} } @article {42536, title = {Receptor design and extraction of inorganic fluoride ion from aqueous medium}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {47}, year = {2011}, month = {MAY}, pages = {7398-7400}, abstract = {

A receptor with acidic methylene hydrogens is found to act as an efficient binding mode for F-. This reagent could as well be used for selective and quantitative extraction of F- from the aqueous solution of NaF and sea water.

}, doi = {10.1039/C1CC11458A}, author = {Das, Priyadip and Mandal, Amal Kumar and Kesharwani, Manoj K. and Suresh, Eringathodi and Ganguly, Bishwajit and Das, Amitava} } @article { ISI:000290787100020, title = {Regioselective monoalkylation of dimethyl alkylidenesuccinates: simple approach to dialkyl-substituted maleic anhydrides including chaetomellic acid A}, journal = {Synthesis-Stuttgart}, number = {11}, year = {2011}, month = {JUN}, pages = {1804-1808}, publisher = {GEORG THIEME VERLAG KG}, address = {RUDIGERSTR 14, D-70469 STUTTGART, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Natural and nonnatural dialkylmaleic anhydrides were readily prepared from dimethyl alkylidenesuccinates by sodium hexamethyldisilazide-induced selective monoalkylation followed by base-catalyzed hydrolysis.

}, keywords = {alkylations, Esters, furans, heterocycles, maleic anhydrides}, issn = {0039-7881}, doi = {10.1055/s-0030-1260013}, author = {Kshirsagar, Umesh A. and N. P. Argade} } @article { ISI:000291960800006, title = {Regioselective NaBH4 and DIBAL-H reductions of 3,4-dimethoxyhomopiperonylphthalimide: concise and efficient synthesis of nuevamine and isonuevamine}, journal = {Indian Journal of Chemistry Section B-Organic Chemistry Including Medicinal Chemistry}, volume = {50}, number = {6}, year = {2011}, month = {JUN}, pages = {868-871}, publisher = {COUNCIL SCIENTIFIC \& INDUSTRIAL RES}, address = {ANUSANDHAN BHAWAN, 2 RAFI MARG, NEW DELHI, 110001, INDIA}, abstract = {

Facile synthesis of nuevamine and isonuevamine has been reported via the regioselectivc reduction of hindered and unhindered carbonyl groups of 3,4-dimethoxyhomopiperonylphthalimide, respectively using sodium borohydridc and diisobutylaluminum hydride, Mowed by an acid catalyzed intramolecular dehydrative cyclization pathways. The chemistry involved in obtaining the regioselectivity has been discussed in brief.

}, keywords = {6-dimethoxyhomophthalimide, intramolecular dehydrative cyclizations, isonuevamine, N-Homopiperonyl-5, nuevamine, regioselective reductions, synthesis}, issn = {0376-4699}, author = {Wakchaure, Prasad B. and Kunte, Sunita S. and N. P. Argade} } @article { ISI:000291908500016, title = {Reply to the comments of vicente et al. on {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}liquid phase oxidation of p-vanillyl alcohol over synthetic co-saponite catalyst{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} applied clay science (2010), doi:10.1016/j.clay.2010.10.026}, journal = {Applied Clay Science}, volume = {52}, number = {4}, year = {2011}, month = {JUN}, pages = {432}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, issn = {0169-1317}, doi = {10.1016/j.clay.2011.04.008}, author = {Rode, Chandrashekhar V. and Garade, Ajit C. and Biradar, Narayan S. and Kshirsagar, V. S.} } @article { ISI:000293119900005, title = {Robust synthesis of enantiopure cyclohexenyl analogues of 2/3-deoxyribose sugars as carbocyclic nucleoside precursors}, journal = {Tetrahedron}, volume = {67}, number = {32}, year = {2011}, month = {AUG}, pages = {5744-5749}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An expedient synthesis of 2-deoxy (10) and 3-deoxy (11) cyclohexenyl analogues of 2-deoxy and 3-deoxy-D-ribose sugar from commercially available starting materials is reported. Highly efficient enzymatic resolution of the key compound 10 is described using lipase under hydrolytic conditions. The robust methodology applied here will be useful to synthesize cyclohexenyl nucleosides, which possess potent antiviral activity and are capable of gene silencing via RNAi or antisense applications. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Carbocyclic mimics of 2-deoxy-D-ribose and 3-deoxy-D-ribose Enzymatic resolution, CeNA, DA reaction}, issn = {0040-4020}, doi = {10.1016/j.tet.2011.06.003}, author = {Varada, Manojkumar and Kotikam, Venubabu and Kumar, Vaijayanti A.} } @article { ISI:000290940400021, title = {Role of doping-induced photochemical and microstructural properties in the photocatalytic activity of InVO4 for splitting of water}, journal = {Journal of Materials Science}, volume = {46}, number = {16}, year = {2011}, month = {AUG}, pages = {5466-5476}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

We report in this paper on microstructural, optical and photocatalytic properties of single-phase indium orthovanadates, as a function of doping at lattice sites. The UV-visible spectra of these samples exhibited intense UV-region bands at 250 and 350 nm, besides broad absorption band in visible region (350-700 nm). The wavelength at absorption edge and the intensity of visible absorption showed considerable increase on doping of an impurity, particularly at V or O lattice sites. Also, the samples gave rise to blue-green photoluminescence emission, with overriding bands at ca. 420, 450, 460 and 485 nm, on excitation at 240-420 nm wavelengths. The intensity of these fluorescence bands varied with excitation wavelength and impurity content of a sample. In deviation with several earlier studies, only oxygen and no hydrogen were produced during photocatalytic splitting of water, in the experiments conducted under visible light (\> 395 nm) and at a pH of similar to 6.5. The O-2 yield depended on the dispersed metal co-catalyst, impurity content and the addition of methanol as sacrificial reagent. On the other hand, small quantities of hydrogen and no oxygen were evolved on UV-irradiation of pure water using metal/InVO4. These results are ascribed to flat band potentials and the doping-induced inter-band donor and acceptor charge trapping states of InVO4, the presence of which is revealed by XRD, luminescence and XPS studies. Our study also confirms that the onset of absorption edge may not necessarily correspond to band-to-band energy gap of a semiconducting material. This accounts for some anomalous band gap energies reported earlier for InVO4.

}, issn = {0022-2461}, doi = {10.1007/s10853-011-5489-5}, author = {Rakesh, K. and Khaire, S. and Bhange, Deu S. and Dhanasekaran, P. and Deshpande, Suvarna S. and Awate, S. V. and Gupta, N. M.} } @article { ISI:000287268900024, title = {Room temperature ferromagnetism in undoped and Fe doped ZnO nanorods: microwave-assisted synthesis}, journal = {Journal of Solid State Chemistry}, volume = {184}, number = {2}, year = {2011}, month = {FEB}, pages = {391-400}, publisher = {ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE}, address = {525 B ST, STE 1900, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101-4495 USA}, abstract = {

One-dimensional (1D) undoped and Fe doped ZnO nanorods of average length similar to 1 mu m and diameter similar to 50 nm have been obtained using a microwave-assisted synthesis. The magnetization (M) and coercivity (H-c) value obtained for undoped ZnO nanorods at room temperature is similar to 5 X 10(-3) emu/g and similar to 150 Oe, respectively. The Fe doped ZnO samples show significant changes in M -H loop with increasing doping concentration. Both undoped and Fe doped ZnO nanorods exhibit a Curie transition temperature (T-c) above 390 K. Electron spin resonance and Mossbauer spectra indicate the presence of ferric ions. The origin of ferromagnetism in undoped ZnO nanorods is attributed to localized electron spin moments resulting from surface defects/vacancies, where as in Fe doped samples is explained by F center exchange mechanism. (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier Inc.

}, keywords = {Diluted magnetic semiconductors, Nanostructures, ZnO}, issn = {0022-4596}, doi = {10.1016/j.jssc.2010.11.008}, author = {Limaye, Mukta V. and Singh, Shashi B. and Das, Raja and Poddar, Pankaj and Kulkarni, Sulabha K.} } @article { ISI:000287996100027, title = {Selective catalytic oxidation of geraniol to citral with molecular oxygen in supercritical carbon dioxide}, journal = {Applied Catalysis A-General}, volume = {394}, number = {1-2}, year = {2011}, month = {FEB}, pages = {209-214}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Selective catalytic oxidation of geraniol to citral with molecular oxygen in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO(2)) has been investigated. The catalyst used was a chromium containing mesoporous molecular sieve catalyst viz. CrMCM-41. Comparison studies were performed with CoMCM-41. PtMCM-41 and PdMCM-41 catalysts. Among the various catalysts studied. CrMCM-41 showed a high conversion of geraniol and an excellent selectivity for citral. In contrast CoMCM-41, PtMCM-41 and PdMCM-41 catalysts exhibited low conversion of geraniol. However all three catalysts compared showed similar citral selectivity to CrMCM-41. The effect of CO(2) pressure and reaction temperature geraniol oxidation was studied with CrMCM-41. Supercritical CO(2) medium was found to enhance the conversion of geraniol and/or yield of citral. It was noticed that the catalyst can be recycled with negligible loss of conversion. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Citral, Geraniol, heterogeneous catalyst, Molecular oxygen, Selective oxidation, Supercritical carbon dioxide}, issn = {0926-860X}, doi = {10.1016/j.apcata.2011.01.001}, author = {Dapurkar, Sudhir E. and Kawanami, Hajime and Chatterjee, Maya and Rode, Chandrasekhar V. and Yokoyama, Toshirou and Ikushima, Yutaka} } @article { ISI:000287092000033, title = {Self assembled CdLa2S4 hexagon flowers, nanoprisms and nanowires: novel photocatalysts for solar hydrogen production}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry}, volume = {21}, number = {8}, year = {2011}, month = {JAN}, pages = {2624-2631}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We report here a new ternary chalcogenide material, cadmium lanthanum sulfide (CdLa2S4) produced using a facile hydrothermal method at 433 K. The effect of the solvent on the morphology of the CdLa2S4 was demonstrated for the first time. The prima facie observations revealed the formation of highly crystalline hexagonal structures in the form of flowers in aqueous medium. The flowers comprise hexagonal columns similar to 300 nm in diameter and 1-1.2 mu m in length. All the hexagonal structures have a sharp tip with a cavity of 10 nm and are almost equal in size. The nanoprisms have an average base size of 35 nm with 35 nm edges, and the nanowires have a diameter of 10-15 nm; both were obtained in methanol. Crystal and electronic structure calculations were performed using the Vienna ab initio simulation package (VASP) based on density functional theory (DFT). Considering the band gap of pristine CdLa2S4 in the visible region (2.3 eV), we have demonstrated CdLa2S4 as a photocatalyst for the production of H-2 under solar light. Nanostructured CdLa2S4 prisms gave the maximum hydrogen production, i.e. 2552 mu mol h(-1). Being a stable ternary nanostructured metal sulfide (with nanohexagons, nanoprisms, nanowires), CdLa2S4 may have other potential prospective applications in solar cells and optoelectronic devices.

}, issn = {0959-9428}, doi = {10.1039/c0jm02890h}, author = {Kale, Bharat B. and Baeg, Jin-Ook and Kong, Ki-jeong and Moon, Sang-Jin and Nikam, Latesh K. and Patil, Kashinath R.} } @article { ISI:000288291400015, title = {Self-standing three-dimensional networks of nanoparticles with controllable morphology by dynamic templating of surfactant hexagonal domains}, journal = {Chemistry of Materials}, volume = {23}, number = {6}, year = {2011}, month = {APR}, pages = {1448-1455}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Assembly of nanoparticles into free-standing three-dimensional networks has implications for a wide range of applications. We show that dynamic templating of surfactant hexagonal domains is a facile technique to organize nanoparticles into a network of particulate strands. Dispersed particles (\> 10 nm), independent of particle chemistry, assemble into networks, when the surfactant matrix cools into the hexagonal phase. We demonstrate assembly of inorganic, polymeric, and protein nanoparticles into networks. Where particle assembly is reversible, particles are coated with polymers that are subsequently cross-linked to stabilize the networks after surfactant removal. This technique involves near ambient temperatures and a benign water wash for template removal. The network mesh size can be varied from submicrometers to tens of micrometers by controlling the cooling rate. Particle networks can be flow-oriented prior to cross-linking, and interpenetrating networks can also be formed.

}, keywords = {hexagonal, macroporous, nanoparticle, self assembly, surfactant}, issn = {0897-4756}, doi = {10.1021/cm102945x}, author = {Sharma, Kamendra P. and Ganai, Anal Kumar and Sen Gupta, Sayam and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy} } @article { ISI:000296871800013, title = {Sharp cut algorithm for optimization}, journal = {Computers \& Chemical Engineering}, volume = {35}, number = {12}, year = {2011}, month = {DEC}, pages = {2716-2728}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

In this paper, we introduce a new cutting plane algorithm which is computationally less expensive and more efficient than Kelley{\textquoteright}s algorithm. This new cutting plane algorithm uses an intersection cut of three types of cutting planes. We find from numerical results that the global search method formed using successive linear programming and a new intersection set is at least twice as fast as Kelley{\textquoteright}s cutting planes. The necessary mathematical analysis and convergence theorem are provided. The key findings are illustrated via optimization of a cascade of three CSTRs. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Convergence theorem, Cutting plane, Sharp cut, Successive linear programming}, issn = {0098-1354}, doi = {10.1016/j.compchemeng.2010.11.010}, author = {Inamdar, Satish R. and Karimi, I. A. and Parulekar, S. J. and Kulkarni, B. D.} } @article {42770, title = {Silico substrate specificity in bmgt1 and bmgt2 genes of bacopa monniera glycosyltransferases online journal of bioinformatics}, journal = {Bioinformatics}, volume = {12}, year = {2011}, month = {JAN}, pages = {413 - 430}, author = {Sharma, Ranu and Ruby and Khan, Bashir Mohammad and Suresh, C.G.} } @article { ISI:000292776300038, title = {Silver nanoparticle studded porous polyethylene scaffolds: bacteria struggle to grow on them while mammalian cells thrive}, journal = {Nanoscale}, volume = {3}, number = {7}, year = {2011}, month = {JUN}, pages = {2957-2963}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Silver nanoparticle studded scaffolds were prepared by exploiting the Ag+ ion reducing activity of sophorolipids-a class of {\textquoteleft}glycolipids{\textquoteright} that cap the ensuing nanoparticles as well. To achieve this, the porous polyethylene scaffolds are subjected to N-2+H-2 plasma treatment, in the first step. Subsequently the sophorolipids are covalently attached to the amine groups on the polymer surface through simple amide chemistry to yield sophorolipid grafted polymer scaffolds. These are then exposed to Ag+ ions under appropriate conditions leading to the formation of silver nanoparticles immobilized on the polymer scaffolds. It has been found that while bacteria do not survive on these silver studded scaffolds, CHO-K1 cells thrive on them making them good candidates for tissue engineering and bio-implant applications.

}, issn = {2040-3364}, doi = {10.1039/c1nr10154d}, author = {D{\textquoteright}Britto, Virginia and Kapse, Harsha and Babrekar, Harshada A. and Prabhune, Asmita and Bhoraskar, S. V. and Premnath, V. and Bhagavatula L. V. Prasad} } @article { ISI:000293192100022, title = {Size- and shape-sensitive reactivity behavior of Al-n(n=2-5, 13, 30, and 100) clusters toward the N-2 molecule: a first-principles investigation}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {115}, number = {30}, year = {2011}, month = {AUG}, pages = {14615-14623}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Reactivity of aluminum clusters has been found to exhibit size-sensitive variations. N-2 reduction is a hard process, and its dissociation on the Al surface is one of the few chemical methods available under nonhazardous conditions. In this context, we attempt to understand the adsorption behavior of N-2 molecules as a function of varying size and shape of Al clusters using a Density Functional Theory (DFT) based method. During the complex formation, various N-2 adsorption modes are examined. The results clearly demonstrate that, while the interaction energy does not vary with respect to the cluster size, shape of the cluster is highly contributive toward the chemisorption (a prerequisite for the reactivity) of the N-2 molecule. The underlying electronic and structural factors influencing the adsorption of N-2 molecules on the Al clusters are analyzed with the help of the Electron Localization Function (ELF) and Frontier Molecular Orbitals. As an illustration, the activation barrier calculations on various Al-13 conformations are calculated, and results confirm the experimental propositions that high-energy structures (depending upon their geometrical and electronic orientation) are more favorable for N-2 reduction.

}, issn = {1932-7447}, doi = {10.1021/jp203452a}, author = {Kulkarni, Bhakti S. and Krishnamurty, Sailaja and Pal, Sourav} } @article {42576, title = {Solution-processed heterojunction solar cells based on p-type PbS quantum dots and n-type Bi2S3 nanocrystals}, journal = {Advanced Materials}, volume = {23}, year = {2011}, month = {AUG}, pages = {3712{\textendash}3717}, abstract = {

Bi2S3 nanocrystals are employed as an n-type, non-toxic, inorganic, solution-processed semiconductor in thin film solar cells. The first solution processed-inorganic p-n junction based on p-type PbS QDs and n-type Bi2S3 nanocrystals with both phases contributing to photocarrier generation is demonstrated. The reported devices show a power conversion efficiency of 1.6\% for 860 nm PbS QDs and over 1\% for 1300 nm PbS QDs.

}, doi = {10.1002/adma.201101399}, author = {Rath, Arup Kumar and Bernechea, Maria and Martinez, Luis and Konstantatos, Gerasimos} } @article { ISI:000293435400011, title = {Solvent-free mukaiyama-aldol condensation catalyzed by Ce-Al-MCM-41 mesoporous materials}, journal = {Microporous and Mesoporous Materials}, volume = {144}, number = {1-3}, year = {2011}, note = {16th IZC/7th IMMS Conference, Sorrento, ITALY, JUL 04-09, 2010}, month = {OCT}, pages = {82-90}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

MCM-41 samples containing Ce4+ and Al3+ in the network, designated as Ce-x-Al-MCM-41 (x = 0.0-0.04), were synthesized and characterized systematically. These samples exhibited higher catalytic activity for Mukaiyama-aldol condensations to produce beta-hydroxy carbonyl compounds under the solvent free conditions, compared to the samples containing either of the two cations. The product yield was found to depend on the electron donating/withdrawing characteristics of reactant molecules being responsible for the observed trend. Series of solvents were also investigated but considerably high yield of aldol products (similar to 95\%) could be achieved without using any solvents. In all the cases, the selectivity was found to be 100\%, typical of such Mukaiyama-aldol condensations. The higher catalytic activity of Ce-x-Al-MCM-41 is explained on the basis of certain new acid sites generated due to co-incorporation of Ce and Al cations. Published by Elsevier Inc.

}, keywords = {Acid catalyst, Ce-Al-MCM-41, Silyl enol ether and aldehyde, Silyl ketene acetal}, issn = {1387-1811}, doi = {10.1016/j.micromeso.2011.03.027}, author = {Kalita, Pranjal and Gupta, Narendra M. and Kumar, Rajiv} } @article { ISI:000288074100009, title = {Stereoselective synthesis of (-)-galantinic acid}, journal = {Synthesis-Stuttgart}, number = {6}, year = {2011}, month = {MAR}, pages = {901-904}, publisher = {GEORG THIEME VERLAG KG}, address = {RUDIGERSTR 14, D-70469 STUTTGART, GERMANY}, abstract = {

An efficient and highly concise synthesis of (-)-galantinic acid has been achieved using an asymmetric allylation reaction of Garner{\textquoteright}s aldehyde.

}, keywords = {Amino alcohol, Chiral pool, iterative asymmetric allylation, Oxidation, stereoselective synthesis}, issn = {0039-7881}, doi = {10.1055/s-0030-1258431}, author = {Dubey, Abhishek and Harbindu, Anand and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000295113200011, title = {Stereoselective synthesis of ophiocerins A and C}, journal = {Tetrahedron-Asymmetry}, volume = {22}, number = {11}, year = {2011}, month = {JUN}, pages = {1212-1217}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An efficient synthesis of ophiocerins A and C has been achieved via a common intermediate. The stereogenic centers were generated by means of Jacobsen{\textquoteright}s hydrolytic kinetic resolution and Sharpless kinetic resolution. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0957-4166}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetasy.2011.06.015}, author = {Show, Krishanu and Gupta, Priti and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000296659000032, title = {Strong photo-response in a flip-chip nanowire p-Cu2O/n-ZnO junction}, journal = {Nanoscale}, volume = {3}, number = {11}, year = {2011}, month = {OCT}, pages = {4706-4712}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Cu2O nanoneedles are synthesized on a copper substrate by a simple anodization and reducing ambient annealing protocol. ZnO nanorods are grown on ITO coated glass by a low temperature chemical route. The electronic and photo-response properties of the p-Cu2O/n-ZnO flip-chip heterojunction are then studied and analyzed. We show that the I-V characteristic is rectifying and the junction exhibits a good photoresponse (similar to 120\% under 1 V reverse bias) under AM 1.5 (1 Sun) illumination. This nano-heterojunction photo-response is far stronger as compared to that of a pulsed laser deposited thin film p-Cu2O/n-ZnO heterojunction, which can be attributed to higher junction area in the former case.

}, issn = {2040-3364}, doi = {10.1039/c1nr10665a}, author = {Deo, Meenal S. and Mujawar, Sarfraj and Game, Onkar S. and Yengantiwar, Ashish and Banpurkar, Arun G. and Kulkarni, Sneha and Jog, Jyoti Prakash and Ogale, Satishchandra B.} } @article { ISI:000293826800006, title = {Structural, magnetic and mossbauer spectral studies of nanocrystalline Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 ferrite powders}, journal = {Journal of Alloys and Compounds}, volume = {509}, number = {37}, year = {2011}, month = {SEP}, pages = {8999-9004}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Nanocrystalline Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 powders, synthesized by a combustion method are investigated by X-ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometry and Mossbauer spectroscopic techniques. We adopt a strategy to systematically control the particle sizes between 4 and 45 nm simply by changing the elemental stoichiometric coefficient, Phi(e), of the combustion mixture. Curie temperature of the superparamagnetic particles of size 4 nm is higher than that of the bulk particles. Interestingly, bigger particles (45 nm) show a comparable room temperature saturation magnetization and exceptionally very high Curie temperature of 833 K, when compared to that of the bulk Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 material (563 K). (C) 2011 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Chemical synthesis, Magnetisation, Mossbauer spectroscopy, Nanostructured materials}, issn = {0925-8388}, doi = {10.1016/j.jallcom.2011.06.047}, author = {Verma, Seema and Joy, Pattayil Alias and Kurian, Sajith} } @article { ISI:000294982800015, title = {Surfactant tunable hierarchical nanostructures of CdIn2S4 and their photohydrogen production under solar light}, journal = {International Journal of Hydrogen Energy}, volume = {36}, number = {18}, year = {2011}, month = {SEP}, pages = {11628-11639}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The hierarchical nanostructures of CdIn2S4 were selectively prepared through hydrothermal process in the presence of different surfactants. Structural study demonstrated existence of cubic spinel structure and micro structural study shown a pretty marigold flower like morphology without any surfactant. The effect of surfactants on the morphology and microstructure of CdIn2S4 has been studied by using Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and Cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) as a surfactants. The CdIn2S4 bipyramids with length of 0.7-1 mu m have been obtained using PVP. Interestingly, the nanopetals (thin and transparent) of CdIn2S4 are self assembled into hollow spheres in the presence of CTAB. Considering the importance of these unique nanostructures, the growth mechanism has also been proposed. The optical properties demonstrated the band gap in the range of 2.12-2.29 eV which is well within the visible region. In this contest, photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production using the above nanostructures under visible light was also demonstrated. The prima-fascia observations shows that the bipyramidal CdIn2S4 exhibit excellent photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production (3238 mu molh(-1)) than other nanostructures. Being a nanostructured semiconductor chalcogenide with a good stability will also have potential applications in solar cells and LED. Copyright (C) 2011, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Bipyramids, CdIn2S4, Hydrogen generation, hydrothermal, Self-assembled}, issn = {0360-3199}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijhydene.2011.06.061}, author = {Bhirud, Ashwini P. and Chaudhari, Nilima and Nikam, Latesh and Sonawane, Ravindra and Patil, Kashinath and Baeg, Jin-Ook and Kale, Bharat} } @article { ISI:000296674400011, title = {Synthesis and characterization of bifunctional ethenylene bridged mesoporous organoaluminosilicates}, journal = {Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Letters}, volume = {3}, number = {4}, year = {2011}, month = {AUG}, pages = {497-502}, publisher = {AMER SCIENTIFIC PUBLISHERS}, address = {26650 THE OLD RD, STE 208, VALENCIA, CA 91381-0751 USA}, abstract = {

Bifunctional mesoporous organosilicas having -CH=CH- bridges and aluminium in tetrahedral coordination with tailorable pore sizes have been synthesized using a one-step templating method using cationic surfactants of different chain lengths. Unlike the conventional EtOH-HCl template extraction process, EtOH-NH(4)NO(3) was used as the surfactant-extracting medium and chemical analysis results suggest that through this procedure the mesoporous structure can be retained and dealumination can be minimized. The surfactant-extracted mesoporous solids display high surface area, pore volume and the pore size of the material varies in the range 2.6-3.6 nm, with respect to the alkyl chain length of the cationic surfactant. XRD and nitrogen physisorption studies further proved that the organosilicas are hydro thermally stable than the conventional Al-MCM-41 materials and their better stability is attributed to the thick pore walls as well as due to the presence of hydrophobic bridging ethenylene groups in the wall positions. The coupling of Al(4) with -CH=CH- bridges offer new prospects for the application of periodic mesoporous organosilicas in heterogeneous catalysis.

}, keywords = {Aluminium, Cationic Surfactants, Hydrothermal stability, Organosilicas}, issn = {1941-4900}, doi = {10.1166/nnl.2011.1196}, author = {Shylesh, S. and Kapoor, Mahendra P. and Juneja, Lekh R. and Srilakshmi, Ch. and Singh, A. P.} } @article { ISI:000293519600027, title = {Synthesis and characterization of bile acid-based poly beta amino esters for paclitaxel delivery}, journal = {Journal of Applied Polymer Science}, volume = {122}, number = {1}, year = {2011}, month = {OCT}, pages = {220-232}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {COMMERCE PLACE, 350 MAIN ST, MALDEN 02148, MA USA}, abstract = {

New biodegradable poly beta amino esters were synthesized by the polymerization of Deoxycholic acid (DOCA) in all the structural planes by 1, 4 addition of Trimethylene dipiperidine (TMDP) to diacrylates of Deoxycholyl glycol, Methyl deoxycholate and Trimethylolpropane deoxycholate esters. H-1-NMR, C-13-NMR and IR studies confirmed presence of amine and Deoxycholyl units in polymers. XRD and TGA studies indicated that all the polymers were amorphous and thermostable up to 300 degrees C. DSC studies revealed glass transition temperature (T-g) in the range 70-80 degrees C. All the polymers degraded very slowly in the buffers of pH 1.1, 7.4 and 10 because of the hydrophobic nature of Deoxycholate units. These polymers also exhibited pH sensitivity due to the incorporation of amines along with Deoxycholate units in the backbone. P-Nitroaniline (PNA) release followed anomalous release kinetics. Paclitaxel (PTX) loaded nanospheres prepared from these polymers were spherical and uniform in the size range 75-250 nm and 0.4-1 mu depending upon the method of preparation. PTX loading was in the range 60-90\%, while release (up to 20-60\%) was sustained over a period of 100 h. (c) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 122: 220-232, 2011

}, keywords = {bile acid, biodegradable, Nanoparticles, Paclitaxel, poly beta amino esters}, issn = {0021-8995}, doi = {10.1002/app.34144}, author = {Gangwal, Jitendra J. and Kulkarni, Mohan G.} } @article { ISI:000289692500038, title = {Synthesis and characterization of poly-L-lysine grafted SBA-15 using NCA polymerization and click chemistry}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry}, volume = {21}, number = {18}, year = {2011}, month = {APR}, pages = {6690-6697}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Poly-L-lysine (PLL) grafted ordered mesoporous material was prepared by a combination of NCA polymerization and click chemistry. Large pore SBA-15 with a mesopore diameter of similar to 12 nm was synthesized using a previously reported method. The surface of this SBA-15 material was modified with azidopropyl groups. This {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}clickable{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} SBA-15 was then reacted with an alkyne terminated poly-L-lysine synthesized by the ring-opening polymerization of 3-cbz-L-lysine NCA with N-TMS propargylamine as the initiator. This procedure allows grafting of a uniform polymer film with a high polymer loading. No appreciable pore blocking was observed upon grafting of PLL. No change in the periodic structure of the SBA-15 was observed throughout the grafting process. The SBA-15 PLL conjugate was characterized using (13)C and (29)Si NMR, XRD, FT-IR, N(2) adsorption-desorption and thermogravimetry. The results indicate that polypeptides can be easily grafted onto various ordered mesoporous materials by this {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}grafting to{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} methodology with accessible pores and high loadings of the polypeptide.

}, issn = {0959-9428}, doi = {10.1039/c0jm04589f}, author = {Kar, Mrityunjoy and Malvi, Bharmana and Das, Anindita and Panneri, Suyana and Sen Gupta, Sayam} } @article { ISI:000287163600004, title = {Synthesis and drug-delivery behavior of chitosan-functionalized graphene oxide hybrid nanosheets}, journal = {Macromolecular Materials and Engineering}, volume = {296}, number = {2}, year = {2011}, month = {FEB}, pages = {131-140}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Chitosan-functionalized graphene oxides (FGOCs) were successfully synthesized. FGOCs were found to significantly improve the solubility of the GO in aqueous acidic media. The presence of organic groups was confirmed by means of XPS and TGA. Restoration of the sp(2) carbon network and exfoliation of graphene sheets were confirmed by Raman spectroscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy and WAXD. The SEM and AFM investigations of the resultant FGOCs showed that most of the graphene sheets were individual and few were layered. Controlled release behavior of Ibuprofen and 5-fluorouracil was then investigated. We found that FGOCs are a promising new material for biological and medical applications.

}, keywords = {Biocompatibility, Chitosan, drug delivery systems, functionalization of polymers, solution properties}, issn = {1438-7492}, doi = {10.1002/mame.201000307}, author = {Rana, Vijay Kumar and Choi, Myeon-Cheon and Kong, Jin-Yeon and Kim, Gwang Yeon and Kim, Mi Ju and Kim, Sun-Hee and Mishra, Satyendra and Singh, Raj Pal and Ha, Chang-Sik} } @article { ISI:000285956600023, title = {Synthesis, electronic structure, DNA and protein binding, DNA cleavage, and anticancer activity of fluorophore-labeled copper(II) complexes}, journal = {Inorganic Chemistry}, volume = {50}, number = {2}, year = {2011}, month = {JAN}, pages = {545-558}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Two mononuclear fluorophore-labeled copper(II) complexes [Cu(nip)(acac)](+) (2) and [Cu(nip)(2)](2+) (3), where fluorophore is 2-(naphthalen-1-yl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline (nip) (1) and acac is acetylacetone, have been synthesized aid characterized by various techniques. The ligand 1 and complex 2 are structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The coordination geometries around the copper are square planar in solid as well as solution state as evidenced by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The density functional calculations carried out on 1-3 have shown that electron-rich regions in the highest occupied orbital are localized on the naphthalene end partly on the phenanthroline moiety. Both complexes 2 and 3 in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) exhibit near square planar structure around the metal ion in their ground state. Time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations reveal that Cu(II) ion in complex 2 shows tetrahedral coordination around the metal while 3 retains its square planar geometry in the lowest excited state. The interaction of complexes with calf-thymus DNA (CT DNA) has been explored by using absorption, emission, thermal denaturation, and viscosity studies, and the intercalating mode of DNA binding has been proposed. The complexes cleave DNA oxidatively without any exogenous additives. The protein binding ability has been monitored by quenching of tryptophan emission in the presence of complexes using bovine serum albumin (BSA) as model protein. The compounds showed dynamic quenching behavior. Further, the anticancer activity of the complexes on MCF-7 (human breast cancer), HeLa (human cervical cancer), HL-60 (human promyelocytic leukemia), and MCF-12A (normal epithelial) cell lines has been studied. It has been observed that 3 exhibits higher cytotoxicity than 2, and the cells undergo apoptotic cell death.

}, issn = {0020-1669}, doi = {10.1021/ic101534n}, author = {Bhat, Satish S. and Kumbhar, Anupa A. and Heptullah, Hussain and Khan, Ayesha A. and Gobre, Vivekanand V. and Gejji, Shridhar P. and Puranik, Vedavati G.} } @article { ISI:000289330000005, title = {Synthesis of C1- and C8a-epimers of (+)-castanospermine from D-glucose derived gamma,delta-epoxyazide: intramolecular 5-endo epoxide opening approach}, journal = {Tetrahedron}, volume = {67}, number = {15}, year = {2011}, month = {APR}, pages = {2773-2778}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A concise synthesis of two diastereomers of (+)-castanospermine namely 1- and 8a-epi-castanospermine 1b and 1c, respectively, is reported from D-glucose. The methodology involves stereoselective cross metathesis of D-glucose derived alkene 2 with 4-bromo-1-butene followed by azide displacement and m-CPBA oxidation to afford diastereomeric gamma,delta-epoxyazides 5a/5b. The Staudinger reaction of epoxyazide 5a followed by reaction with benzylchloroformate (CbzCl) unexpectedly furnished 1,3-oxazinan-2-one derivative 7 whose stereochemistry was establish by single crystal X-ray. This helps to assign the stereochemistry in the epoxidation reaction. The reduction of 5a/5b was then carried out by transfer hydrogenation to provide gamma,delta-epoxyamine that concomitantly undergoes intramolecular 5-endo-tet cyclization to afford hydroxypyrrolidine ring skeleton with sugar framework-a precursor to castanospermine analogues 1b/1c. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {alkaloids, Cross metathesis, D-Glucose, Epoxide, Oxazinanone, Polyhydroxy indolizidines}, issn = {0040-4020}, doi = {10.1016/j.tet.2011.02.030}, author = {Kalamkar, Navnath B. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Dhavale, Dilip D.} } @article { ISI:000286577400023, title = {Synthesis of molluscicidal agent cyanolide a macrolactone from D-(-)-pantolactone}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {76}, number = {3}, year = {2011}, month = {FEB}, pages = {963-966}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

An efficient synthesis of potent molluscicidal agent cyanolide A, a glycosidic 16-membered macrolide, starting from D-(-)-pantolactone is reported. Highly stereoselective aldol, oxa-Michael addition, and Yamaguchi macrolactonization are the key steps in the present synthesis.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/jo101782q}, author = {Hajare, Atul K. and Ravikumar, Velayutham and Khaleel, Shaik and Bhuniya, Debnath and Reddy, D. Srinivasa} } @article { ISI:000293436100018, title = {Synthesis of novel dihydrooxazine and oxazoline based sugar hybrids from sugar azides}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {52}, number = {33}, year = {2011}, month = {AUG}, pages = {4313-4315}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A convenient one-step method for the synthesis of novel dihydrooxazine and oxazoline based sugar hybrids is reported starting from the readily accessible sugar azides and aldehydes. We have used Aube{\textquoteright}s protocol to achieve this transformation. The resulting glycoconjugates could be used to increase the diversity on the sugar backbone and may find applications as potential glycomimetics and in drug discovery. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Dihydrooxazine, Glycoconjugate, Hydroxy azide, Oxazoline, Sugar azide, Sugar hybrids}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2011.06.035}, author = {Kurhade, Suresh E. and Ravula, Sudhir and Siddaiah, V. and Bhuniya, Debnath and Reddy, D. Srinivasa} } @article { ISI:000295187300051, title = {Synthesis of poly-L-glutamic acid grafted silica nanoparticles and their assembly into macroporous structures}, journal = {Langmuir}, volume = {27}, number = {19}, year = {2011}, month = {OCT}, pages = {12124-12133}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Polypeptide-coated silica nanoparticles represent an interesting class of organic inorganic hybrids since the ordered secondary structure of the polypeptide grafts imparts functional properties to these nanoparticles. The synthesis of a poly-L-glutamic acid (PLGA) silica nanoparticle hybrid by employing N-carboxyanhydride (NCA) polymerization to synthesize the polypeptide chains and Cu catalyzed azide alkyne cycloaddition reaction to graft these chains onto the silica surface is reported. This methodology enables the synthesis of well-defined polypeptide chains that are attached onto the silica surface at high surface densities. The PLGA-silica conjugate particles are well dispersed in water, and have been thoroughly characterized using multinuclear (C-13, Si-29) solid state NMR, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared, dynamic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy. The pH-dependent reversible aggregation of the PLGA-silica particles, driven by the change in PLGA structure, has also been studied. Preliminary results on the use of aqueous dispersions of silica-PLGA for the preparation of three-dimensional macroporous structures with oriented pores by ice templating methodology are also demonstrated. These macroporous materials, comprising a biocompatible polymer shell covalently attached to rigid inorganic cores, adopts an interesting lamellar structure with fishbone-type architecture.

}, issn = {0743-7463}, doi = {10.1021/la202036c}, author = {Kar, Mrityunjoy and Pauline, Minois and Sharma, Kamendra and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy and Sen Gupta, Sayam} } @article { ISI:000288950300006, title = {Synthesis of (R)-selegiline via hydrolytic kinetic resolution}, journal = {Synthetic Communications}, volume = {41}, number = {9}, year = {2011}, month = {MAR}, pages = {PII 935777980}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS INC}, address = {530 WALNUT STREET, STE 850, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 USA}, abstract = {

[image omitted] A short and enantioselective formal synthesis of (R)-selegiline has been achieved using Jacobsen{\textquoteright}s hydrolytic kinetic resolution (HKR) of phenyl propylene oxide.

}, keywords = {Cobalt-based chiral salen complex, Hydrolytic kinetic resolution, MAO inhibitors, phenyl propylene oxide, selegiline}, issn = {0039-7911}, doi = {10.1080/00397911.2010.481751}, author = {Kondekar, Nagendra B. and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000286860900003, title = {Synthesis of silver nanoparticles in an aqueous suspension of graphene oxide sheets and its antimicrobial activity}, journal = {Colloids and Surfaces B-Biointerfaces}, volume = {83}, number = {1}, year = {2011}, month = {MAR}, pages = {16-22}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

A solution-based approach to the synthesis of silver (Ag) nanoparticles by chemical reduction of AgNO3 in a graphene oxide (GrO) suspension is demonstrated. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy indicate that the Ag nanoparticles, of size range 5-25 nm, were decorated on the GrO sheets. The size and shape of the Ag nanoparticles are dependent on the concentration of the AgNO3 solution. Antimicrobial activity of such hybrids materials is investigated against the Gram negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Pseudomonous aeruginosa. The bacterial growth kinetics was monitored in nutrient broth supplemented with the Ag nanoparticle-GrO suspension at different conditions. It was observed that P. aeruginosa is comparatively more sensitive to the Ag nanoparticle-GrO suspension. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Antimicrobial activity, Escherichia coli, graphene oxide, Pseudomonous aeruginosa, Silver nanoparticle}, issn = {0927-7765}, doi = {10.1016/j.colsurfb.2010.10.033}, author = {Das, Manash R. and Sarma, Rupak K. and Saikia, Ratul and Kale, Vinayak S. and Shelke, Manjusha V. and Sengupta, Pinaki} } @article { ISI:000286995800020, title = {Synthesis of tetrahydro-5-azaindoles and 5-azaindoles using pictet-spengler reaction-appreciable difference in products using different acid catalysts}, journal = {Tetrahedron}, volume = {67}, number = {5}, year = {2011}, month = {FEB}, pages = {936-942}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Pictet-Spengler condensation of 2-(aryl)-2-(1H-pyrrol-2-yl)ethanamines using conventional acid catalysts like TMSCl or TFA resulted in the formation of substituted 5-azaindoles involving a tandem one pot four steps reaction sequence. By contrast use of glacial acetic acid furnished the targeted tetrahydro-5-azaindoles in diastereoselective manner. These were readily dehydrogenated to 5-azaindoles. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {2-(Aryl)-2-(1H-pyrrol-2-yl)ethanamines, 4, 7-Disubstituted-5-azaindoles, 7-Disubstituted-tetrahydro-5-azaindoles, Diastereoselective Pictet-Spengler reaction}, issn = {0040-4020}, doi = {10.1016/j.tet.2010.12.003}, author = {Shumaila, Abdullah M. A. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Kusurkar, Radhika S.} } @article { ISI:000294593400012, title = {Thermal epimerization of inositol 1,3-benzylidene acetals in the molten state}, journal = {Tetrahedron}, volume = {67}, number = {38}, year = {2011}, month = {SEP}, pages = {7280-7288}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

1,3-O-Benzylidene-2,4,5,6-tetra-O-substituted-myo-inositol derivatives obtained by the DIBAL-H reduction of the corresponding myo-inositol 1,3,5-orthobenzoate derivatives undergo epimerization at the acetal carbon on heating, in the molten state, just above their melting point. The same epimerization reaction does not proceed either in the crystalline state or in solution. DFT calculations suggest that the epimeric acetal obtained by this thermal process is relatively more stable than the starting acetal. Either of these acetals could not be obtained by the reaction of the corresponding inositol derived diol with benzaldehyde. These observations constitute a novel reaction solely in the molten state, which are rarely encountered in the literature. X-ray crystal structures of the epimeric acetals as well as their radical deoxygenation reaction are also reported. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {cyclitols, Deoxygenation, Epimerization, Melt, Xanthate}, issn = {0040-4020}, doi = {10.1016/j.tet.2011.07.044}, author = {Gurale, Bharat P. and Krishnaswamy, Shobhana and Vanka, Kumar and Shashidhar, Mysore S.} } @article { ISI:000292479300036, title = {Total synthesis of isofregenedadiol}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {13}, number = {14}, year = {2011}, month = {JUL}, pages = {3690-3693}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The first total synthesis of isofregenedadiol, a bicyclic diterpene isolated from H. Viscosum, is reported starting from a D-(-)-pantolactone chiral pool. A one-pot quadruple reaction sequence comprising an enyne ring-closing metathesis/cross-metathesis/Diels-Alder/aromatization for the construction of a target skeleton Is the highlight of the present synthesis.

}, issn = {1523-7060}, doi = {10.1021/ol201336x}, author = {Kurhade, Suresh E. and Sanchawala, Abbas I. and Ravikumar, Velayutham and Bhuniya, Debnath and Reddy, D. Srinivasa} } @article { ISI:000294340300007, title = {Understanding the molecular conformations of Na-dimyristoylphosphatidylglycerol (DMPG) using DFT-based method}, journal = {Molecular Simulation}, volume = {37}, number = {11}, year = {2011}, month = {AUG}, pages = {953-963}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS LTD}, address = {4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The molecular conformations of phospholipids comprising a lipid bilayer determine the physico-chemical properties of the latter. In this study, we attempt to understand the various possible conformations available for an anionic lipid molecule dimyristoylphosphatidylglycerol (DMPG) with Na as its charge-compensating cation. The various possible molecular orientations available for lipid molecule are analysed using a density functional theory-based method. Our study reveals a rich conformational space with two different types of glycerol body orientations, more commonly known as rotamers. Interestingly, this is in agreement with the molecular conformations proposed earlier by NMR studies on lipid monomer solutions. We demonstrate that these conformations are an outcome of delicate balance of electrostatic and van der Waals forces along with intra-molecular hydrogen bonds achieved by a critical combination of torsion angles. Na(+) ions are seen to interact predominantly with the oxygen atoms of the glycerol groups in tail and head along with that of phosphate oxygen atoms leading to a cage-like orientation of lipid molecule around the Na(+). Following the conformational analysis, we attempt to evaluate the electronic properties of few low-lying conformations. This study shows that though the water molecules screen the Na-O(lipid) interactions, they do not dramatically modify the Na-O(lipid) bond distances. The lipid conformation retains the cage-like structure around the Na(+) in the presence of water molecules. Some amount of charge transfer from the water molecules to Na ion is noted. The water molecules modify the phosphate-tail glycerol group interactions leading to a more stable Na-DMPG-H(2)O and Na-DMPG-4H(2)O complexes.

}, keywords = {DFT, DMPG, molecular conformations, rotamer and hydration energy}, issn = {0892-7022}, doi = {10.1080/08927022.2011.582105}, author = {Mishra, Deepti and Pal, Sourav and Krishnamurty, Sailaja} } @article { ISI:000292022700003, title = {Validation and application of auxiliary density perturbation theory and non-iterative approximation to coupled-perturbed Kohn-Sham approach for calculation of dipole-quadrupole polarizability}, journal = {Chemical Physics Letters}, volume = {510}, number = {4-6}, year = {2011}, month = {JUL}, pages = {185-190}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Recently, two non-iterative approaches have been proposed to calculate response properties within density functional theory (DFT). These approaches are auxiliary density perturbation theory (ADPT) and the non-iterative approach to the coupled-perturbed Kohn-Sham (NIA-CPKS) method. Though both methods are non-iterative, they use different techniques to obtain the perturbed Kohn-Sham matrix. In this Letter, for the first time, both of these two independent methods have been used for the calculation of dipole-quadrupole polarizabilities. To validate these methods, three tetrahedral molecules viz., P-4; CH4 and adamantane (C10H16) have been used as examples. The comparison with MP2 and CCSD proves the reliability of the methodology. (C) 2011 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0009-2614}, doi = {10.1016/j.cplett.2011.05.032}, author = {Shedge, Sapana V. and Pal, Sourav and Koester, Andreas M.} } @article {43239, title = {What drives the redox properties of model green fluorescence protein chromophores?}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters}, volume = {2}, year = {2011}, month = {SEP}, abstract = {We report the first experimental determination of the oxidation potentials E-ox(0). (relative to the standard hydrogen electrode, SHE) of model green fluorescent protein (GFP) chromophores. Para-, meta, and ortho-hydroxy (4-hydroxybenzylidene-2,3-dimethylimidazolinone, HBDI) and methoxy (MeOBDI) derivatives were studied. E-ox(0) of the three isomers in acetonitrile are -1.31, -1.52, and -1.39 V, respectively. Electronic structure calculations reproduce the observed differences between the isomers and reveal that E-ox(0) follows the ionization energies (IEs), that is, p-MeOBDI has the lowest IE (6.96 eV in the gas phase) due to resonance stabilization of its cation, whereas the resonance is detuned in m-MeOBDL resulting in more-negative E-ox(0). The observed meta and ortho effects in E-ox(0) are similar to the trends in pK(a). The effect of increased solvent polarity on absolute.E-ox(0) (and especially on para-meta-ortho differences) was found to be small. The redox properties of GFP chromophores are driven by their structure and can be correlated with IEs, which can be exploited in predicting the properties of other fluorescent protein chromophores.}, doi = {10.1021/jz2011397}, author = {Solntsev, Kyril M. and Ghosh, Debashree and Amador, Adrian and Josowicz, Mira and Krylov, Anna I.} } @article {42528, title = {ZnII-2,2?:6?,2?-terpyridine-based complex as fluorescent chemosensor for PPi, AMP and ADP}, journal = {Europian Journal of Inorganic Chemistry}, year = {2011}, month = {JUL}, pages = {3050{\textendash}3058}, abstract = {

A new ZnII{\textendash}2,2':6',2"-terpyridine complex, derivatized with a coumarin moiety (L1Zn), acts as a fluorescent chemosensor for different biologically important phosphates like PPi, AMP and ADP in mixed aqueous media. Depending on the proportion of the aqueous fraction present in the solvent mixture, L1Zn shows a preference for different phosphate moieties at physiological pH. In an aqueous acetonitrile (2:3, v/v) medium this reagent shows a preference for AMP as compared to ADP, ATP and PPi. The binding affinities of L1Zn with different phosphate ions and associated shifts in the electronic spectra were rationalized by DFT calculations. Such an example of a receptor that is selective for AMP under physiological conditions is rare in the literature.

}, doi = {10.1002/ejic.201100125}, author = {Das, Priyadip and Ghosh, Amrita and Kesharwani, Manoj K. and Ramu, Vadde and Ganguly, Bishwajit and Das, Amitava} } @article { ISI:000311056800010, title = {3D Hexaporous carbon assembled from single-layer graphene as high performance supercapacitor}, journal = {Chemsuschem}, volume = {5}, number = {11}, year = {2012}, month = {OCT}, pages = {2159-2164}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, type = {Article}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, keywords = {Electrochemistry, Energy storage, graphene, porous materials, Supercapacitors}, issn = {1864-5631}, doi = {10.1002/cssc.201200421}, author = {Yadav, Prasad and Banerjee, Abhik and Unni, Sreekuttan and Jog, Jyoti Prakash and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Ogale, Satishchandra} } @article { ISI:000310467600030, title = {Achieving molecular stability of racemic 4-O-benzyl-myo-inositol-1,3,5-orthoformate through crystal formation}, journal = {Crystengcomm}, volume = {14}, number = {23}, year = {2012}, month = {AUG}, pages = {8010-8016}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Molecular stability of racemic 4-O-benzyl-myo-inositol-1,3,5-orthoformate, an early intermediate during the synthesis of phosphoinositols, depends on the phase in which it is stored. This orthoformate is stable when stored in the crystalline form or as solution in common organic solvents. The former has eluded chemists since the preparation of this benzyl ether two decades ago. The difficulty in obtaining crystals of this orthoformate is due to the cleavage of the orthoformate moiety during storage in the gummy state. Dimorphs (form I and form II) of crystalline racemic 4-O-benzyl-myo-inositol-1,3,5-orthoformate, were obtained when the gummy sample was stored over extended periods of time. Form I crystals could be obtained consistently, by crystallization of a frozen (-20 degrees C) solid sample, from a solution of dichloromethane- light petroleum. The two crystal forms display dissimilar patterns of hydrogen bonding and molecular assembly in the solid-state.

}, issn = {1466-8033}, doi = {10.1039/c2ce26199e}, author = {Sardessai, Richa and Krishnaswamy, Shobhana and Shashidhar, Mysore S.} } @article { ISI:000306503200003, title = {Activity modulated low platium content oxygen reduction electrocatalysts prepared by inducing nano-order dislocations on carbon nanofiber through N-2-doping}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {116}, number = {28}, year = {2012}, month = {JUL}, pages = {14754-14763}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

We demonstrate how surface unsaturation developed during small order buckling of graphene interlayer upon doping iron nitride (i.e., FeNx) moieties in carbon nanofiber can be utilized as a very efficient mode of surface activation to establish fine distribution of Pt nanoparticles with 10 wt \%. The surface dislocations have been effectively modulating the oxygen reduction characteristics of Pt through synergistic effects of the interacting species. The simultaneous enhancement of dispersion of Pt and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity with a low weight percentage of dispersed Pt has been attained by FeNx doping, which increases the density of the active sites owing to the formation of fine and abundant delaminated regions on the CNF surface. HR-TEM images clearly depict the fine distribution of Pt nanoparticles on the delaminated regions of FeNxCNF. The stable incorporation of Pt on nitrogen doped active sites has been further confirmed by observing the formation of Pt-N peak at 391.5 eV using XPS analysis. The fine distribution of Pt nanoparticles along the abundant nanopockets between the buckled graphene layers helped the system to attain significantly high electrochemically active surface area of Pt as evident from the cyclic voltammetric studies. The mass activity of PtFeNxCNF at 0.9 V vs RHE is 4.9 mA mgPt(-1) which is two times higher than that of E-TEK. The superior catalytic activity (exchange current density (i(0)) at 0.8 V is 2.61X 10(-6)) could be further confirmed by single cell evaluation of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC), where the cathode electrode was fabricated from this new catalyst.

}, issn = {1932-7447}, doi = {10.1021/jp300881p}, author = {Palaniselvam, Thangavelu and Irshad, Ahamed and Unni, Bipinlal and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article { ISI:000303249400022, title = {Alkali earth metal (Ca, Sr, Ba) based thermostable metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for proton conduction}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {48}, number = {41}, year = {2012}, month = {MAR}, pages = {4998-5000}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

{Three new alkaline earth metal based MOFs have been synthesized by using 4,4{\textquoteright}-sulfobisbenzoic acid (SBBA) and alkaline earth metal salts M(NO3)(2)

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c2cc31135f}, author = {Kundu, Tanay and Sahoo, Subash Chandra and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article { ISI:000311473600008, title = {Alternate synthesis of enantiomerically pure levetiracetam (Keppra (R))}, journal = {Tetrahedron-Asymmetry}, volume = {23}, number = {20-21}, year = {2012}, month = {NOV}, pages = {1512-1515}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A simple and efficient synthesis of levetiracetam has been achieved with high enantiopurity (\>99\%) starting from commercially available benzyl glycidyl ether. The method is amenable for industrial scale-up. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0957-4166}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetasy.2012.10.006}, author = {Mujahid, Mohammad and Mujumdar, P. and Sasikumar, M. and Kunte, S. S. and Muthukrishnan, Murugan} } @article {42507, title = {Alternative approach: a highly selective dual responding fluoride sensor having active methylene group as binding site}, journal = {Org Biomol Chem.}, volume = {10}, year = {2012}, month = {JAN}, pages = {2263-2271}, abstract = {

A newly designed phosphonium derivative (L) having active methylene functionality, shows unusual preference towards F- over all other anions. The binding process through C{\textendash}H...F- hydrogen bond formation was probed by monitoring the changes in either electronic or luminescence spectra. Changes in both cases are significant enough to allow visual detection. The loss of molecular flexibility of L on forming L{\textperiodcentered}F- effectively interrupts the non-radiative deactivation pathway and accounts for the observed switch on fluorescence response. The results of the time-resolved emission studies for L and L{\textperiodcentered}F- using a time-correlated single photon counting technique further corroborate this presumption. The excellent preference of L towards F- is attributed to an efficient hydrogen bonding interaction between the strongly polarized methylene protons and F-, which delineates the subtle difference in the affinity among other competing anionic analytes like CN-, H2PO4-, CH3CO2-, etc. The relative affinities of various anions and the preferential binding of F- to reagent L are also rationalized using computational studies.

}, doi = {10.1039/C2OB06815J}, author = {Das, Priyadip and Kesharwani, Manoj K. and Mandal, Amal K. and Suresh, Eringathodi and Ganguly, Bishwajit and Das, Amitava} } @article { ISI:000310257100019, title = {Alumina supported carbon composite material with exceptionally high defluoridation property from eggshell waste}, journal = {Journal of Hazardous Materials}, volume = {237}, year = {2012}, month = {OCT}, pages = {161-169}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

A new alumina supported carbon composite material called {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}Eggshell Composite{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} (EC) was synthesized from eggshell waste as calcium source for selective fluoride adsorption from water. The effect of various synthesis parameters like eggshell (ES): Eggshell membrane (ESM) ratio, aluminium loading, mixing time and calcinations temperature to optimize the synthesis conditions for selective fluoride removal has been studied. It was observed that the synthesis parameters have significant influence on development of EC and in turn on fluoride removal capacity. EC synthesized was characterized for elemental composition, morphology, functionality and textural properties. Results showed that EC obtained from eggshell modified with alumina precursor is more selective and efficient for fluoride removal. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm were used to obtain ultimate fluoride removal capacity. The calcium and alumina species in EC shows synergistic effect in fluoride adsorption process. Fluoride sorption studies were carried out in synthetic, groundwater and wastewater. EC proved to be a potential, indigenous and economic adsorbent for fluoride removal. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Composite material, Eggshell, Eggshell membrane, Fluoride adsorption, Langmuir}, issn = {0304-3894}, doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2012.08.023}, author = {Lunge, Sneha and Thakre, Dilip and Kamble, Sanjay and Labhsetwar, Nitin K. and Rayalu, Sadhana} } @article {42779, title = {Amino functionalized oligo polyimides with enhanced storage stability}, number = {EP 11817412 A 20111228}, year = {2012}, month = {JUL}, abstract = {

The invention relates to an improved process for the preparation of amino functionalized oligomeric monomeric reactant type polyimides having higher stability. More particularly it relates to a process for the preparation of soluble imide prepolymers, used as matrix resins that can be rapidly cured with multi-functional moieties such as diepoxy, dicarboxyl, anhydride, diisocyanates to form crosslinked structures having enhanced thermal stability and mechanical strength.

}, author = {Dwivedi, Mayank and Rao, Locanindi Hari Sarvothama and Mohan, Srinivasulu Reddy Krishna and Dhanasekharan, Janakiraman and Rao, Bevara Madhusudana and Kumar, Sriperambudur Rajesh and Ponrathnam, Surendra and Rajan, Chelanattukizhakkemadath Raman and Tayal, Rajiv Kumar and Shadbar, Qureshi Mohammed and Chavan, Nayaku and Deokar, Sarika Babasaheb and Mulani, Khudbudin Baban and Ghorpade, Ravindra V. and Bhongale, Sunil Sitaram and Nalawade, Archana Chetan and Sontakke, Kalpana Vishwanathrao and Bhosle, Sonali Madhavrao and Mule, Smita Atmaram and Dhoble, Deepa Arun and John, Aruldoss and Shaikh, Wasif Abdul Lateef and Harikrishna, Reghunathan and Punitharasu, Vellimala and Momin, Mohasin Shamshuddin} } @article { ISI:000308836800013, title = {Aminolysis of epoxides catalyzed by three-dimensional, mesoporous titanosilicates, Ti-SBA-12 and Ti-SBA-16}, journal = {Journal of Catalysis}, volume = {293}, year = {2012}, month = {SEP}, pages = {126-140}, publisher = {ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE}, address = {525 B ST, STE 1900, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101-4495 USA}, abstract = {

The application of three-dimensional, mesoporous titanosilicates (Ti-SBA-12 and Ti-SBA-16) as reusable, solid catalysts for the synthesis of a range of beta-amino alcohols in high yields and selectivity through ring-opening of epoxides with amines at ambient and solvent-free conditions is reported, for the first time. These mesoporous titanosilicates (Si/Ti = 20-80) were prepared by a direct hydrothermal synthesis route adjusting the concentration of HCl (0.05-2 M) used in the synthesis. Ti ions in these catalysts were mostly substituted for Si in the framework. Water adsorption and Si-29 magic-angle spin nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed that Ti-SBA-16 is more hydrophobic than Ti-SBA-12. Mesoporosity, three-dimensional architecture, surface hydrophobicity and easy access of Lewis acidic, framework-substituted Ti sites are the factors responsible for the superior activity of Ti-SBA-16 compared to Ti-SBA-12 and the hitherto known solid catalysts for this reaction. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Aminolysis of epoxides, beta-Amino alcohol, Mesoporous titanosilicates, Molecular sieves, Ring opening of epoxides with amines, Ti-SBA-12, Ti-SBA-16}, issn = {0021-9517}, doi = {10.1016/j.jcat.2012.06.012}, author = {Kumar, Anuj and Srinivas, Darbha} } @article { ISI:000309208000024, title = {Ammonia clathrate hydrates as new solid phases for Titan, Enceladus, and other planetary systems}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {109}, number = {37}, year = {2012}, month = {SEP}, pages = {14785-14790}, publisher = {NATL ACAD SCIENCES}, address = {2101 CONSTITUTION AVE NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20418 USA}, abstract = {

There is interest in the role of ammonia on Saturn{\textquoteright}s moons Titan and Enceladus as the presence of water, methane, and ammonia under temperature and pressure conditions of the surface and interior make these moons rich environments for the study of phases formed by these materials. Ammonia is known to form solid hemi-, mono-, and dihydrate crystal phases under conditions consistent with the surface of Titan and Enceladus, but has also been assigned a role as water-ice antifreeze and methane hydrate inhibitor which is thought to contribute to the outgassing of methane clathrate hydrates into these moons{\textquoteright} atmospheres. Here we show, through direct synthesis from solution and vapor deposition experiments under conditions consistent with extraterrestrial planetary atmospheres, that ammonia forms clathrate hydrates and participates synergistically in clathrate hydrate formation in the presence of methane gas at low temperatures. The binary structure II tetrahydrofuran + ammonia, structure I ammonia, and binary structure I ammonia + methane clathrate hydrate phases synthesized have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, molecular dynamics simulation, and Raman spectroscopy methods.

}, keywords = {ethane, hydrate inhibitors, hydrogen bonding, ice, single crystal X-ray diffraction}, issn = {0027-8424}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.1205820109}, author = {Shin, Kyuchul and Kumar, Rajnish and Udachin, Konstantin A. and Alavi, Saman and Ripmeester, John A.} } @article { ISI:000304584000001, title = {Amylase gene expression patterns in Helicoverpa armigera upon feeding on a range of host plants}, journal = {Gene}, volume = {501}, number = {1}, year = {2012}, month = {JUN}, pages = {1-7}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Expression of two amylase genes (HaAmy1 and HaAmy2) was studied in Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner; Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) feeding on different host plants and during larval development. Alignment of HaAmy1 and HaAmy2 with other insect amylases shows similarities with known Lepidopteran amylase transcripts. H. armigera amylase gene expression is influenced by the availability of reducing sugars, sucrose and starch content of host plants and further correlates to the pool of reducing sugars in the gut and haemolymph of larvae. HaAmy1 and HaAmy2 during larval development on two host plants viz., maize (cereal) and marigold (ornamental) showed their relative difference. Results support the view that when host plants differ in their macronutrients, relationships of enzymes and substrates are flexible. The present work highlights the distribution of HaAmy1 and HaAmy2 (i) during various stages of insect development (second, fourth and sixth instar, pupa, adult and egg), (ii) in various tissues viz., head, haemolymph, fat body, integument and whole larval body of H. armigera feeding on artificial diet and (iii) in three gut regions of larvae fed on various diets. Complexity in expression of amylase genes suggests existence of mechanisms involved to detect nutrient balance required for avoiding fitness costs and focus their importance in insect nutrition. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Diets, Digestive amylase, Gene expression, Helicoverpa armigera, Nutrition}, issn = {0378-1119}, doi = {10.1016/j.gene.2012.04.010}, author = {Kotkar, Hemlata M. and Bhide, Amey J. and Gupta, Vidya S. and Giri, Ashok P.} } @article { ISI:000302437100008, title = {Analysis of AGE modified proteins and RAGE expression in HER2/neu negative invasive ductal carcinoma}, journal = {Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications}, volume = {419}, number = {3}, year = {2012}, month = {MAR}, pages = {490-494}, publisher = {ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE}, address = {525 B ST, STE 1900, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101-4495 USA}, abstract = {

Cancer is associated with increased glycolysis and carbonyl stress. In view of this, AGE modified proteins were identified from clinical breast cancer tissue using 2DE-immunoblot and mass-spectrometry. These proteins were identified to be serotransferrin, fibrinogen gamma chain, glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase, annexin II, prohibitin and peroxiredoxin 6, which have established role in cancer. Further, RAGE expression and its downstream signaling proteins NADPH oxidase and NF-kB were studied. Role of these AGE modified proteins and RAGE signaling in breast cancer is discussed. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {advanced glycation end products, Breast cancer, RAGE}, issn = {0006-291X}, doi = {10.1016/j.bbrc.2012.02.039}, author = {Korwar, Arvind M. and Bhonsle, Hemangi S. and Chougale, Ashok D. and Kote, Sachin S. and Gawai, Kachru R. and Ghole, Vikram S. and Koppikar, Chaitanyananda B. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @article { ISI:000307950000006, title = {Andrographolide inhibits osteopontin expression and breast tumor growth through down regulation of PI3 Kinase/Akt signaling pathway}, journal = {Current Molecular Medicine}, volume = {12}, number = {8}, year = {2012}, month = {SEP}, pages = {952-966}, publisher = {BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBL LTD}, address = {EXECUTIVE STE Y-2, PO BOX 7917, SAIF ZONE, 1200 BR SHARJAH, U ARAB EMIRATES}, abstract = {

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in India and around the world. Despite recent advancement in the treatment of breast cancer, the results of chemotherapy to date remain unsatisfactory, prompting a need to identify natural agents that could target cancer efficiently with least side effects. Andrographolide (Andro) is one such molecule which has been shown to possess inhibitory effect on cancer cell growth. In this study, Andro, a natural diterpenoid lactone isolated from Andrographis paniculata has been shown to inhibit breast cancer cell proliferation, migration and arrest cell cycle at G2/M phase and induces apoptosis through caspase independent pathway. Our experimental evidences suggest that Andro attenuates endothelial cell motility and tumor-endothelial cell interaction. Moreover, Andro suppresses breast tumor growth in orthotopic NOD/SCID mice model. The anti-tumor activity of Andro in both in vitro and in vivo model was correlated with down regulation of PI3 kinase/Akt activation and inhibition of pro-angiogenic molecules such as OPN and VEGF expressions. Collectively, these results demonstrate that Andro may act as an effective anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic agent for the treatment of breast cancer.

}, keywords = {Andrographolide, angiogenesis and breast tumor, migration, osteopontin, PI 3 kinase}, issn = {1566-5240}, author = {Kumar, S. and Patil, H. S. and Sharma, P. and Kumar, D. and Dasari, Sreekanth and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Thulasiram, H. V. and Kundu, G. C.} } @article { ISI:000311754600007, title = {Antibacterial properties of linolenic sophorolipid and its chemically esterified methyl ester form}, journal = {Research Journal of Biotechnology}, volume = {7}, number = {3}, year = {2012}, month = {AUG}, pages = {40-45}, publisher = {RESEARCH JOURNAL BIOTECHNOLOGY}, address = {SECTOR A-80, SCHEME NO 54, VIJAY NAGAR, A B ROAD, INDORE, 452 010 MP, INDIA}, abstract = {

The antibacterial activity of Linolenic SL mixture (containing 80\% lactone) and its methyl ester derivative against Gram positive (B. subtilis) and Gram negative (E. coli and P. aeruginosa) bacteria is reported here. Bacterial cultures were treated with increasing concentrations of Linolenic SL mixture and its methyl ester derivative and antibacterial activity was checked at different time-intervals (2, 4 and 6 hrs) using standard dilution micromethod and spread plate method. Decrease in bacterial colonies was observed with increase in concentrations of compounds as well as incubation time but the level of effectiveness varies with the compound and bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of Linolenic SL mixture (LNNSL, containing 80\% lactone) against B. subtilis, E. coli and P. aeruginosa were found to be 20, 10 and 10 mu g ml(-1) respectively. The MIC values of methyl ester form (LNNSLME) against B. subtilis, E. coli and P. aeruginosa were determined to be \>20, 20 and 20 mu g ml(-1) respectively. The results suggest that Linolenic SL mixture (containing 80\% lactone) as compared to its methyl ester derivative showed good antibacterial activity towards both the Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria and were found to be more potent against Gram negative bacteria.

}, keywords = {antibacterial activity, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Linolenic sophorolipid mixture, Minimum inhibitory concentration, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Sophorolipid methyl ester}, issn = {0973-6263}, author = {Reetika, Gupta and Kumar, Uma S. and Asmita, Prabhune} } @article { ISI:000301235200031, title = {Band edge modulated conjugated polymers for oxidation prevention}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics}, volume = {14}, number = {13}, year = {2012}, month = {FEB}, pages = {4577-4583}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The impact of electron transfer (ET) from a series of band edge modulated polymers to atmospheric oxygen is examined in connection with substrate oxidation prevention. Polymers with the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy level below and above the oxygen energy level were tested and the former showed better efficiency. Furthermore, the oxidation prevention efficiency of a polymer with lower HOMO increased by two orders of magnitude, when the pores on the film were filled with spherical molecules, [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester. We found that the polymer surface hydrophobicity has little or no influence on oxidation prevention. It is interesting to note that a polymer with a hole mobility of 8 x 10(-10) cm(2) V-1 s(-1) showed a two-fold increase in oxidation prevention efficiency compared to a polymer with a hole mobility of 6 x 10(-5) cm(2) V-1 s(-1). Over all, from the concerted approach, we conclude that a polymer devoid of pores with the HOMO energy level below oxygen and low charge carrier mobility is a suitable candidate for prevention of substrate oxidation/corrosion.

}, issn = {1463-9076}, doi = {10.1039/c2cp23544g}, author = {Mahale, Rajashree Y. and Arulkashmir, Arulraj and Dutta, Kingshuk and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam} } @article {43072, title = {Bioanalytical method development and validation of levalbuterol a β2-adrenergic agonist by RP-HPLC method}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences}, volume = {4}, year = {2012}, month = {MAR}, pages = {249-253}, author = {Ghemud, A. S. and Santhakumari, B. and Pharne, A. B. and Jadhav, M. M. and Jain, K. S. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @article {43069, title = {Bioanalytical method development and validation of vildagliptin a novel dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor by RP-HPLC method}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences}, volume = {4}, year = {2012}, month = {JUN}, pages = {119-123}, abstract = {

A simple, selective, rapid, precise and economical Reverse-Phase HPLC method has been developed and validated for quantitative determination of vildagliptin in plasma. Vildagliptin is a potent dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor used for treatment of diabetes. Tolbutamide is used as an internal standard. The method was carried out with UV Spectrophotometric detection using a Perkin Elmer Series 200 HPLC system equipped with XBridge Shield C18 column (3.5 μm, 4.6x150mm) and a guard column of the same type, at a flow rate of 1.0mL/min. Detection was carried out at 210 nm. The mobile phase consisted of 50mM ammonium bicarbonate (pH 7.8) (solvent A) and acetonitrile (solvent B). The retention times of vildagliptin and tolbutamide were 11.2 min and 13.4 min respectively. The method was developed and tested for linearity range of 10μg/ml to 120μg/ml. The developed method was validated in terms of selectivity, accuracy, precision, linearity, and stability study. The proposed method uses less biological material and the method is MS compatible also. Method can be applicable for pharmacokinetic studies using HPLC or LC-MS.

}, author = {Pharne, A. B. and Santhakumari, B. and Ghemud, A. S. and Jain, H. K. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @article { ISI:000309370500003, title = {Carbon dioxide capture using amine functionalized silica gel}, journal = {Indian Journal of Chemistry Section A-Inorganic Bio-Inorganic Physical Theoretical \& Analytical Chemistry}, volume = {51}, number = {9-10, SI}, year = {2012}, month = {SEP}, pages = {1214-1222}, publisher = {NATL INST SCIENCE COMMUNICATION-NISCAIR}, address = {DR K S KRISHNAN MARG, PUSA CAMPUS, NEW DELHI 110 012, INDIA}, abstract = {

Commercially available silica gel is chemically modified for carbon dioxide capture. Calcinated silica gel of certain particle size functionalized with amine using two different methods, wet impregnation and grafting via silane chemistry has been employed as a porous media. The prepared material is characterized by Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive analysis of X-rays, thermogravimetry and N-2 physisorption techniques. Gas uptake measurements have been carried out to ascertain the CO2 capture capacity of the amine functionalized material. The experiments have been carried out at moderate pressure and temperature range to ascertain its potential for easy scale up.

}, keywords = {Amine functionalized silica gel, Carbon dioxide capture, grafting, Poly(ethyleneimine), Silane chemistry, Wet impregnation}, issn = {0376-4710}, author = {Sakpal, Tushar and Kumar, Asheesh and Kamble, Sanjay and Kumar, Rajnish} } @article { ISI:000307537300043, title = {Characterization of a new bacillus cereus ATUAVP1846 strain producing penicillin V acylase, and optimization of fermentation parameters}, journal = {Annals of Microbiology}, volume = {62}, number = {3}, year = {2012}, month = {SEP}, pages = {1287-1293}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Penicillin acylases are involved chiefly in the industrial production of semisynthetic penicillins, which remain the most widely used group of antibiotics. We have isolated a new bacterial strain ATUAVP1846 that produces penicillin V acylase (PVA). Phylogenetic analysis using 16S rRNA sequencing showed 99.37\% homology with Bacillus cereus. Maximum PVA production was observed with B. cereus ATUAVP1846 at 30A degrees C, pH 7 after 24 h fermentation time under submerged conditions. Highest enzyme productivity was achieved using sucrose as carbon source, and tryptone and ammonium hydrogen phosphate as nitrogen sources. Minimal medium containing 0.4\% glucose and 0.3\% ammonium hydrogen phosphate was found to be optimal for maximum PVA production from B. cereus ATUAVP1846. The crude enzyme from B. cereus ATUAVP1846 was partially purified using ammonium sulfate fractionation and showed highest enzymatic activity in the hydrolysis of penicillin V at 40A degrees C and pH 6. The crude enzyme preparation also showed unique substrate specificity, preferring ampicillin and cephalexin over penicillin V.

}, keywords = {16S rRNA, Bacillus cereus, isolation, Ntn hydrolase, Optimization, Penicillin acylase}, issn = {1590-4261}, doi = {10.1007/s13213-011-0374-7}, author = {Sunder, Avinash Vellore and Kumar, Atul and Naik, Neha and Pundle, Archana V.} } @article { ISI:000303153800009, title = {Characterization of biocompatible NiCo2O4 nanoparticles for applications in hyperthermia and drug delivery}, journal = {Nanomedicine-Nanotechnology Biology and Medicine}, volume = {8}, number = {4}, year = {2012}, month = {MAY}, pages = {452-459}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Monodispersed, superparamagnetic nickel cobaltite (NCO) nanoparticles were functionalized using mercaptopropionic acid (MPA). MPA conjugates with NCO forming a metal-carboxylate linkage, with the MPA-MPA interaction occurring via formation of disulfide bonds, leaving another carboxyl end free for additional conjugation. The cytotoxicity studies on NCO-MPA show cell viability of similar to 100\% up to a dosage of 40 mu g/mL on SiHa, MCF7, and B16F10 cell lines, and on mouse primary fibroblasts. Time-dependent cell viability studies done for a duration of 72 hours showed the cell lines{\textquoteright} viability up to 80\% for dosages as high as 80 mu g/mL. Negligible leaching (\<5 ppm) of ionic Co or Ni was noted into the delivery medium. Upon subjecting the NCO-MPA dispersion (0.1 mg/mL) to radiofrequency absorption, the nanoparticles were heated to 75 degrees C within 2 minutes, suggesting its promise as a magnetic hyperthermia agent. Furthermore, the amino acid lysine and the drug cephalexin were successfully adducted to the NCO system, suggesting its potential for drug delivery. From the Clinical Editor: NCO-MPA nanopartciles were found to be promising magnetic hyperthermia agents, suggesting potential future clinical applications. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Cytotoxicity, drug delivery, Magnetic hyperthermia, Magnetic nanoparticles}, issn = {1549-9634}, doi = {10.1016/j.nano.2011.07.010}, author = {Kale, Sangeeta N. and Jadhav, Anil D. and Verma, Seema and Koppikar, Soumya J. and Kaul-Ghanekar, Ruchika and Dhole, Sanjay D. and Ogale, Satishchandra B.} } @article { ISI:000302770700013, title = {Characterization of smallest active monomeric lipase from novel rhizopus strain: application in transesterification}, journal = {Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology}, volume = {166}, number = {7}, year = {2012}, month = {APR}, pages = {1769-1780}, publisher = {HUMANA PRESS INC}, address = {999 RIVERVIEW DRIVE SUITE 208, TOTOWA, NJ 07512 USA}, abstract = {

An extracellular lipase-producing fungus was isolated from oil-rich soil. This fungus belongs to the genus Rhizopus and clades with Rhizopus oryzae. Lipase was purified to homogeneity from this novel fungal source using ammonium sulphate precipitation followed by Q-Sepharose chromatography. The extracellular lipase was purified 8.6-fold, and enzymatic properties were studied. The molecular mass of the purified enzyme was estimated to be 17 kD by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and 16.25 kD by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization/time-of-flight analysis. The native molecular mass was estimated to be 17.5 kD by gel filtration, indicating the protein to be monomer. The optimum pH and temperature for the enzyme catalysis were 7.0 A degrees C and 40 A degrees C, respectively. Enzyme was stable in pH range 6.0-7.0 and retains 95-100\% activity when incubated at 50 A degrees C for 1 h. The pI of the purified lipase was 4.2. Enzyme was stable in the organic solvents such as ethanol, hexane and methanol for 2 h. Purified enzyme was used for transesterification of oleic acid in the presence of ethanol for production of oleic acid ethyl ester with a conversion efficiency of 66\% after 24 h at 30 A degrees C.

}, keywords = {Lipase, Low molecular weight, Purification, Rhizopus, transesterification}, issn = {0273-2289}, doi = {10.1007/s12010-012-9584-0}, author = {Kantak, Jayshree B. and Prabhune, Asmita} } @article { ISI:000309072200065, title = {Charge transport in functionalized multi-wall carbon nanotube-Nafion composite}, journal = {Journal of Applied Physics}, volume = {112}, number = {5}, year = {2012}, month = {SEP}, pages = {053706}, publisher = {AMER INST PHYSICS}, address = {CIRCULATION \& FULFILLMENT DIV, 2 HUNTINGTON QUADRANGLE, STE 1 N O 1, MELVILLE, NY 11747-4501 USA}, abstract = {

The charge transport in sulfonated multi-wall carbon nanotube (sMWNT)-Nafion composite is reported. The scanning electron microscope images of the composite, at 1 and 10 wt \% of sMWNT, show that the nanotubes are well dispersed in polymer matrix, with conductivity values of 0.005 and 3.2 S/cm, respectively; and the percolation threshold is nearly 0.42 wt. \%. The exponent (similar to 0.25) of the temperature dependence of conductivity in both samples indicates Mott{\textquoteright}s variable range hopping (VRH) transport. The conductance in 1 wt. \% sample increases by three orders of magnitude at high electric-fields, consistent with VRH model. The negative magnetoresistance in 10 wt. \% sample is attributed to the forward interference scattering mechanism in VRH transport. The ac conductance in 1 wt. \% sample is expressed by sigma(omega) proportional to omega(s), and the temperature dependence of s follows the correlated barrier hopping model. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4749264]

}, issn = {0021-8979}, doi = {10.1063/1.4749264}, author = {Sangeeth, C. S. Suchand and Kannan, Ramaiyan and Pillai, Vijayamohanan K. and Menon, Reghu} } @article { ISI:000306642100056, title = {Cholesterol-tethered platinum II-based supramolecular nanoparticle increases antitumor efficacy and reduces nephrotoxicity}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {109}, number = {28}, year = {2012}, month = {JUL}, pages = {11294-11299}, publisher = {NATL ACAD SCIENCES}, address = {2101 CONSTITUTION AVE NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20418 USA}, abstract = {

Nanoscale drug delivery vehicles have been harnessed extensively as carriers for cancer chemotherapeutics. However, traditional pharmaceutical approaches for nanoformulation have been a challenge with molecules that exhibit incompatible physicochemical properties, such as platinum-based chemotherapeutics. Here we propose a paradigm based on rational design of active molecules that facilitate supramolecular assembly in the nanoscale dimension. Using cisplatin as a template, we describe the synthesis of a unique platinum (II) tethered to a cholesterol backbone via a unique monocarboxylato and O -\> Pt coordination environment that facilitates nanoparticle assembly with a fixed ratio of phosphatidylcholine and 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine- N-[amino (polyethylene glycol)-2000]. The nanoparticles formed exhibit lower IC50 values compared with carboplatin or cisplatin in vitro, and are active in cisplatin-resistant conditions. Additionally, the nanoparticles exhibit significantly enhanced in vivo antitumor efficacy in murine 4T1 breast cancer and in K-Ras(LSL/+/)Pten(fl/fl) ovarian cancer models with decreased systemic- and nephro-toxicity. Our results indicate that integrating rational drug design and supramolecular nanochemistry can emerge as a powerful strategy for drug development. Furthermore, given that platinum-based chemotherapeutics form the frontline therapy for a broad range of cancers, the increased efficacy and toxicity profile indicate the constructed nanostructure could translate into a nextgeneration platinum-based agent in the clinics.

}, keywords = {chemotherapy, nanomedicine}, issn = {0027-8424}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.1203129109}, author = {Sengupta, Poulomi and Basu, Sudipta and Soni, Shivani and Pandey, Ambarish and Roy, Bhaskar and Oh, Michael S. and Chin, Kenneth T. and Paraskar, Abhimanyu S. and Sarangi, Sasmit and Connor, Yamicia and Sabbisetti, Venkata S. and Kopparam, Jawahar and Kulkarni, Ashish and Muto, Katherine and Amarasiriwardena, Chitra and Jayawardene, Innocent and Lupoli, Nicola and Dinulescu, Daniela M. and Bonventre, Joseph V. and Mashelkar, Raghunath Anant and Sengupta, Shiladitya} } @article { ISI:000302573400003, title = {Cloning, characterization and impact of up- and down-regulating subabul cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) gene on plant growth and lignin profiles in transgenic tobacco}, journal = {Plant Growth Regulation}, volume = {66}, number = {3}, year = {2012}, month = {APR}, pages = {239-253}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Both cDNA including 5{\textquoteright}UTR and 3{\textquoteright}UTR and genomic clones of cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) were isolated and characterized from a pulp-yielding leguminous tree Leucaena leucocephala (LlCAD1). The deduced amino acid sequence shared high identity with orthologous sequences of Acacia mangium x Acacia auriculiformis (83\%), Medicago sativa (83\%), Nicotiana tabaccum (83\%) and Aralia cordata (81\%). Full length cDNA contained 78 bases of 5{\textquoteright}UTR and 283 bases of 3{\textquoteright}UTR, while the genomic clone contained 5 exons and 4 introns. Western blot analysis revealed elevated expression of LlCAD1 in seedling roots and shoots compared to leaves. Sense and antisense CAD tobacco transgenics showed increased and reduced CAD activity accompanied by a change in monomeric lignin composition. Histochemical staining of lignin in down-regulated plants suggested an increase in aldehyde units and a decrease in S/G ratio. Down-regulation of CAD resulted in accumulation of syringic, ferulic, p-coumaric and sinapic acids compared to untransformed controls. These observations were validated by anatomical studies of down-regulated transgenic stems which showed thin walled, elongated phloem and xylem fibres, accompanied by a reduction in the density of vessel elements and amount of secondary xylem when compared to untransformed plants. Furthermore, Klason lignin analysis of CAD antisense transgenics showed 7-32\% reduced lignin and normal phenotype as compared to untransformed plants. Such a reduction was not noticed in up-regulated transgenics. These results demonstrate a unique opportunity to explore the significant role that down-regulation of CAD gene plays in reducing lignin content thereby offering potential benefits to the pulp and paper industry.

}, keywords = {Cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase, Lignin down-regulation, Subabul (Leucaena leucocephala), Tobacco}, issn = {0167-6903}, doi = {10.1007/s10725-011-9647-1}, author = {Sirisha, V. L. and Prashant, S. and Kumar, D. Ranadheer and Pramod, S. and Jalaja, N. and Kumari, P. Hima and Rao, P. Maheshwari and Rao, S. Nageswara and Mishra, Preeti and Karumanchi, S. Rao and Khan, Bashir Mohammad and Kishor, P. B. Kavi} } @article { ISI:000302637800012, title = {CN-assisted oxidative cyclization of cyano cinnamates and styrene derivatives: a facile entry to 3-substituted chiral phthalides}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {10}, number = {18}, year = {2012}, month = {MAR}, pages = {3655-3661}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The asymmetric dihydroxylation (AD) of o-cyano cinnamates and styrene derivatives leads to efficient construction of chiral phthalide frameworks in high optical purities. This unique reaction is characterized by unusual synergism between CN and osmate groups resulting in rate enhancement of the AD process. The method is amply demonstrated by the synthesis and the structural/stereochemical assignment of the natural products.

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/c2ob25409c}, author = {Reddy, R. Santhosh and Kiran, I. N. Chaithanya and Sudalai, Arumugam} } @article {43249, title = {Comparative genomics of the apicomplexan parasites toxoplasma gondii and neospora caninum: coccidia differing in host range and transmission strategy}, journal = {Plos Pathogens}, volume = {8}, year = {2012}, month = {MAR}, abstract = {Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic protozoan parasite which infects nearly one third of the human population and is found in an extraordinary range of vertebrate hosts. Its epidemiology depends heavily on horizontal transmission, especially between rodents and its definitive host, the cat. Neospora caninum is a recently discovered close relative of Toxoplasma, whose definitive host is the dog. Both species are tissue-dwelling Coccidia and members of the phylum Apicomplexa; they share many common features, but Neospora neither infects humans nor shares the same wide host range as Toxoplasma, rather it shows a striking preference for highly efficient vertical transmission in cattle. These species therefore provide a remarkable opportunity to investigate mechanisms of host restriction, transmission strategies, virulence and zoonotic potential. We sequenced the genome of N. caninum and transcriptomes of the invasive stage of both species, undertaking an extensive comparative genomics and transcriptomics analysis. We estimate that these organisms diverged from their common ancestor around 28 million years ago and find that both genomes and gene expression are remarkably conserved. However, in N. caninum we identified an unexpected expansion of surface antigen gene families and the divergence of secreted virulence factors, including rhoptry kinases. Specifically we show that the rhoptry kinase ROP18 is pseudogenised in N. caninum and that, as a possible consequence, Neospora is unable to phosphorylate host immunity-related GTPases, as Toxoplasma does. This defense strategy is thought to be key to virulence in Toxoplasma. We conclude that the ecological niches occupied by these species are influenced by a relatively small number of gene products which operate at the host-parasite interface and that the dominance of vertical transmission in N. caninum may be associated with the evolution of reduced virulence in this species.}, doi = {10.1371/journal.ppat.1002567}, author = {Reid, Adam James and Vermont, Sarah J. and Cotton, James A. and Harris, David and Hill-Cawthorne, Grant A. and Koenen-Waisman, Stephanie and Latham, Sophia M. and Mourier, Tobias and Norton, Rebecca and Quail, Michael A. and Sanders, Mandy and Shanmugam, Dhanasekaran and Sohal, Amandeep and Wasmuth, James D. and Brunk, Brian and Grigg, Michael E. and Howard, Jonathan C. and Parkinson, John and Roos, David S. and Trees, Alexander J. and Berriman, Matthew and Pain, Arnab and Wastling, Jonathan M.} } @article { ISI:000310005700032, title = {Comparing the interactions of DNA, polyamide (PNA) and polycarbamate nucleic acid (PCNA) oligomers with graphene oxide (GO)}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics}, volume = {14}, number = {43}, year = {2012}, month = {SEP}, pages = {15003-15006}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The fluorescently labelled short octameric oligothymine sequences of DNA, PNA and PCNA were used in fluorescence quenching studies in conjunction with dispersed graphene oxide. The measurable restoration of their fluorescence by complementary oligodeoxyadenylate was compared. This is the first study aimed at replacing the natural DNA probes with synthetic DNA mimics that show excellent properties in terms of formation of very strong duplexes with cDNA in addition to their stability towards proteases and nucleases.

}, issn = {1463-9076}, doi = {10.1039/c2cp42770b}, author = {Kotikam, Venubabu and Fernandes, Moneesha and Kumar, Vaijayanti Anil} } @article { ISI:000300887700023, title = {Competition between gelation and crystallisation of a peculiar multicomponent liquid system based on ammonium salts}, journal = {Soft Matter}, volume = {8}, number = {12}, year = {2012}, month = {FEB}, pages = {3446-3456}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An exemplar competition between gelation and crystallisation phenomena was examined with an unusual synergistic multicomponent (organo) gelator solution (MGS), which consists of a well-defined methanolic solution of (1R, 2R)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane L-tartrate containing 2.4 equiv. of concentrated hydrochloric acid. The optimal composition of the MGS was determined through meticulous solubility, gelation and structural studies, which support a transient gelation mechanism based on the kinetic self-assembly of the tartrate salt driven by hydrogen-bonding interactions, involving ammonium nitrogen donors and hydroxyl oxygen acceptors, and electrostatic interactions. The hydrochloric acid is involved in the solubilisation of the salt through an ionic dissociation-exchange process, which ends up with the formation-precipitation of (1R, 2R)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane dihydrochloride. As a consequence, an irreversible destruction of the gel takes place, which indicates the metastable nature of this phase that cannot be accessed from the thermodynamically equilibrated state. Gelation of a variety of oxygenated and nitrogenated solvents with moderate polarity occurred efficiently using extremely low MGS concentrations at low temperatures, and the gel phase was confirmed by dynamic rheological measurements. Several features make the described MGS unique: (1) it is a multicomponent solution where each component and its stoichiometry play a key role in the reproducible formation and stabilization of the gels; (2) it is formed by simple, small, and commercially available chiral building blocks (dissolved in a well-defined solvent system), which are easily amenable for further modifications; (3) the gelation phenomenon takes place efficiently at low temperature upon warming up the isotropic solution, conversely to the typical gel preparation protocol; and (4) the formed organogels are not thermoreversible despite the non-covalent interactions that characterize the 3D-network.

}, issn = {1744-683X}, doi = {10.1039/c2sm07183e}, author = {Kapoor, Iti and Schoen, Eva-Maria and Bachl, Jurgen and Kuehbeck, Dennis and Cativiela, Carlos and Saha, Subhadeep and Banerjee, Rahul and Roelens, Stefano and Juan Marrero-Tellado, Jose and Diaz, David Diaz} } @article { ISI:000313298000007, title = {Conducting polyanilline based paints on hot dip galvanized low carbon steel for corrosion protection}, journal = {Bulgarian Chemical Communications}, volume = {44}, number = {4}, year = {2012}, month = {JAN}, pages = {318-323}, publisher = {BULGARIAN ACAD SCIENCE}, type = {Article}, address = {CENTRAL LIBRARY 7 NOEMVRI NO 1, SOFIA, 00000, BULGARIA}, abstract = {

Conducting polyaniline based paints have been applied on hot dip galvanized low carbon steel samples. The corrosion protection performance of these paint coatings was evaluated by using Tafel plots and impedance spectroscopy. It was found that the paint coatings offered significant corrosion protection to hot dip galvanized low carbon steel in aqueous 3.5 wt \% NaCl solution.

}, keywords = {Conducting polyaniline based paints, corrosion prevention, hot dip galvanized low carbon steel}, issn = {0324-1130}, author = {Deshpande, P. and Vagge, S. and Jagtap, Sharmili and Khiarnar, R. and Kelkar, Sarika A. and More, Minal} } @article { ISI:000303281500046, title = {Confinement of zinc oxide nanoparticles in ordered mesoporous silica MCM-41}, journal = {Materials Chemistry and Physics}, volume = {133}, number = {2-3}, year = {2012}, month = {APR}, pages = {850-856}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Mesoporous silica (MS) and zinc loaded MS composites have been synthesized and characterized using high resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, UV-visible spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, N-2 adsorption-desorption isotherms, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Thermal treatment of the zinc loaded MS composite lead to the formation of ZnO-MS composite. The well ordered uniform pore structure of MS (pore size similar to 3.4 nm) is found to remain stable even after 30\% Zn loading albeit decrease in the pore size 1.2 nm indicates the formation of ZnO inside the pores. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Defect, Energy spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA), Mesoporous, Photoluminescence spectroscopy, Surface properties}, issn = {0254-0584}, doi = {10.1016/j.matchemphys.2012.01.106}, author = {Lihitkar, P. B. and Violet, Samuel and Shirolkar, Mandar and Singh, Jai and Srivastava, O. N. and Naik, R. H. and Kulkarni, S. K.} } @article { ISI:000310215400007, title = {Conformational modulation of Ant-Pro oligomers using chirality alteration of proline residues}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {10}, number = {42}, year = {2012}, month = {SEP}, pages = {8426-8433}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Structural modulation of Ant-Pro (anthranilic acid-proline) oligomers has been carried out by chirality alteration of the proline residues. The results suggest that the chirality altered oligomers show well-defined helical conformation featuring nine-membered hydrogen bonding interactions - without compromising conformational rigidity.

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/c2ob26132d}, author = {Kale, Sangram S. and Kotmale, Amol S. and Dutta, Achintya Kumar and Pal, Sourav and Rajamohanan, P. R. and Sanjayan, Gangadhar J.} } @article {Dutta Chowdhury, title = {Conformational transitions of the catalytic domain of heme-regulated eukaryotic initiation factor 2 alpha kinase, a key translational regulatory molecule}, journal = {Journal of Fluorescence}, volume = {22}, number = {1}, year = {2012}, month = {JAN}, pages = {431-441}, publisher = {SPRINGER/PLENUM PUBLISHERS}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

In mammalian cells, the heme-regulated inhibitor (HRI) plays a critical role in the regulation of protein synthesis at the initiation step through phosphorylation of a-subunit of the eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2). In this study we have cloned and performed biophysical characterization of the kinase catalytic domain (KD) of rabbit HRI. The KD described here comprises kinase 1, the kinase insertion domain (KI) and kinase 2. We report here the existence of an active and stable monomer of HRI (KD). The HRI (KD) containing three tryptophan residues was examined for its conformational transitions occurring under various denaturing conditions using steady-state and time-resolved tryptophan fluorescence, circular dichroism (CD) and hydrophobic dye binding. The parameter A and phase diagram analysis revealed multi-state unfolding and existence of three stable intermediates during guanidine hydrochloride (Gdn-HCl) induced unfolding of HRI (KD). The protein treated with 6 M Gdn-HCl showed collisional and static mechanism of acrylamide quenching and the constants (K-sv=3.08 M-1 and K-s=5.62 M-1) were resolved using time resolved fluorescence titration. Based on pH, guanidine hydrochloride and temperature mediated transitions, HRI (KD) appears to exemplify a rigid molten globule-like intermediate with compact secondary structure, altered tertiary structure and exposed hydrophobic patches at pH 3.0. The results indicate the inherent structural stability of HRI (KD), a member of the class of stress response proteins.

}, keywords = {Circular dichroism (CD), eIF2 alpha kinase, Heme-regulated inhibitor, Molten globule, Steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence}, issn = {1053-0509}, doi = {10.1007/s10895-011-0976-2}, author = {Sreejith, R. K. and Suresh, C. G. and Bhosale, Siddharth H. and Bhavnani, Varsha and Kumar, Avinash and Gaikwad, Sushama M. and Pal, Jayanta K.} } @article { ISI:000307187300030, title = {Correlation between coordinated water content and proton conductivity in Ca-BTC-based metal-organic frameworks}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {48}, number = {70}, year = {2012}, month = {JUL}, pages = {8829-8831}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Proton conductivity of five Ca-based MOFs which depends on the amount of water molecules coordinated to the Ca-centres has been reported. These MOFs show high temperature proton conductivity due to the strong hydrogen bonding between the lattice and coordinated water molecules.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c2cc34006b}, author = {Mallick, Arijit and Kundu, Tanay and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article { ISI:000301921300006, title = {Crystallization and X-ray structure analysis of a thermostable penicillin G acylase from alcaligenes faecalis}, journal = {Acta Crystallographica Section F-Structural Biology and Crystallization Communications}, volume = {68}, number = {3}, year = {2012}, month = {MAR}, pages = {273-277}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {COMMERCE PLACE, 350 MAIN ST, MALDEN 02148, MA USA}, abstract = {

{The enzyme penicillin G acylase (EC 3.5.1.11) catalyzes amide-bond cleavage in benzylpenicillin (penicillin G) to yield 6-aminopenicillanic acid, an intermediate chemical used in the production of semisynthetic penicillins. A thermostable penicillin G acylase from Alcaligenes faecalis (AfPGA) has been crystallized using the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method in two different space groups: C2221, with unit-cell parameters a = 72.9

}, keywords = {calcium binding, disulfide bridges, Ntn hydrolases, orthorhombic form, tetragonal form, Thermostability}, issn = {1744-3091}, doi = {10.1107/S1744309111053930}, author = {Varshney, Nishant Kumar and Kumar, R. Suresh and Ignatova, Zoya and Prabhune, Asmita and Pundle, Archana and Dodson, Eleanor J. and Suresh, C. G.} } @article { ISI:000302276700009, title = {Design and synthesis of dephosphono dna analogues containing 1,2,3-triazole linker and their UV-melting studies with DNA/RNA}, journal = {Nucleosides Nucleotides \& Nucleic Acids}, volume = {31}, number = {1-3}, year = {2012}, month = {JAN}, pages = {97-111}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS INC}, address = {530 WALNUT STREET, STE 850, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 USA}, abstract = {

This article describes the synthesis of 3{\textquoteright}/5{\textquoteright} linked 1,2,3-triazolyl dithymidine derivatives, their incorporation into oligonucleotides, and evaluation of their thermal stabilities toward complementary DNA/RNA.

}, keywords = {isostere, Oligonucleotide analogues, Triazole, UV melting}, issn = {1525-7770}, doi = {10.1080/15257770.2011.644100}, author = {Madhuri, Vangala and Kumar, Vaijayanti A.} } @article { ISI:000305295000014, title = {Design, synthesis and evaluation of unique 2,4,5-triaryl imidazole derivatives as novel potent aspartic protease inhibitors}, journal = {Medicinal Chemistry}, volume = {8}, number = {3}, year = {2012}, month = {MAY}, pages = {428-435}, publisher = {BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBL LTD}, address = {EXECUTIVE STE Y-2, PO BOX 7917, SAIF ZONE, 1200 BR SHARJAH, U ARAB EMIRATES}, abstract = {

The 2,4,5-triaryl imidazole derivatives (API) were designed, screened and characterized kinetically \& thermo-dynamically against Pepsin and their activity was also tested on the in silico platform. The docking studies of API with Pepsin show that these are novel and unique inhibitors of Aspartic protease. Drug like properties of these compounds were validated in silico based on Lipinski{\textquoteright}s rule of Five by calculating ClogP, LogS, H-bond acceptors, H-Bond donors, rotational bonds, PSA, PB and BBB values. The Et/Ki and Et/Km values of API show that they follow the Michaelis-Menten kinetics. The binding of inhibitors with proteases was explained by using Van{\textquoteright}t Hoff plot and thermodynamic parameters viz. free energy (Delta G), Entropy (Delta S) and Enthalpy (Delta H). The Van{\textquoteright}t Hoff analysis showed that the value of K-i decreases with increase in temperature and the binding of the inhibitor are entropically driven. API act as new potent aspartic protease inhibitors with K-i, for Pepsin, ranges from 3.7 mu M to 16.7 mu M. Strong hydrophobic groups at C-4 \& C-5 position in API favor binding of inhibitors with Pepsin. Experiments also showed that among C-2 aryl substituted imidazole, a 4-substitution on aryl ring is preferred and less polar substituent makes the molecule more active whereas polar substituents at 2-position on C-2 aryl ring makes the molecule less active. The docking studies of API with Pepsin further intensify and validate our results.

}, keywords = {2, 4, 5-triaryl imidazole derivatives, docking, Lipinski{\textquoteright}s rule of Five, Protease inhibitors, Thermodynamics}, issn = {1573-4064}, author = {Khan, Mohd Sajid and Akhtar, Salman and Siddiqui, S. A. and Siddiqui, M. S. and Srinivasan, K. V. and Arif, J. M.} } @article { ISI:000304646100048, title = {Development of genomic simple sequence repeat markers for linseed using next-generation sequencing technology}, journal = {Molecular Breeding}, volume = {30}, number = {1}, year = {2012}, month = {JUN}, pages = {597-606}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is regarded as a cash crop of tomorrow because of the presence of nutraceutically important alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and lignan. However, only limited breeding progress has been made in this crop, mainly due to the lack of sufficient genetic and genomic resources. Among these, simple sequence repeats (SSR) are useful DNA markers for diversity analysis, genetic mapping and tagging traits because of their co-dominant and highly polymorphic nature. In order to develop SSR markers for linseed, we used three microsatellite isolation methods, viz., PCR Isolation of Microsatellite Arrays (PIMA), 5{\textquoteright}-anchored PCR method, and Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequences COntaining repeats (FIASCO). The amplified products from these methods were pooled and sequenced using the 454 GS-FLX platform. A total of 36,332 reads were obtained, which assembled into 2,183 contigs and 2,509 singlets. The contigs and the singlets contained 1,842 microsatellite motifs, with dinucleotide motifs as the most abundant repeat type (54\%) followed by trinucleotide motifs (44\%). Based on this, 290 SSR markers were designed, 52 of which were evaluated using a panel of 27 diverse linseed genotypes. Among the three enrichment methods, the 5{\textquoteright}-anchored PCR method was most efficient for isolation of microsatellites, while FIASCO was most efficient for developing SSR markers. We show the utility of next-generation sequencing technology for efficiently discovering a large number of microsatellite markers in non-model plants.

}, keywords = {Flax, Microsatellite isolation, Next-generation sequencing, SSR}, issn = {1380-3743}, doi = {10.1007/s11032-011-9648-9}, author = {Kale, Sandip M. and Pardeshi, Varsha C. and Kadoo, Narendra Y. and Ghorpade, Prakash B. and Jana, Murari M. and Gupta, Vidya S.} } @article {UGC-New Delhi}, title = {Developmental and digestive flexibilities in the midgut of a polyphagous pest, the cotton bollworm, helicoverpa armigera}, journal = {Journal of Insect Science}, volume = {12}, number = {3-4}, year = {2012}, month = {MAR}, pages = {42}, publisher = {UNIV ARIZONA}, address = {LIBRARY C327, TUCSON, AZ 85721 USA}, abstract = {

Developmental patterns and survival of the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera Hubner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a polyphagous insect pest, have been studied with reference to the effect of diet on major gut digestive enzymes (amylases, proteases, and lipases). Significant correlations between nutritional quality of the diet and larval and pupal mass were observed when H. armigera larvae were fed on various host plants viz. legumes (chickpea and pigeonpea), vegetables (tomato and okra), flowers (rose and marigold), and cereals (sorghum and maize). Larvae fed on diets rich in proteins and/or carbohydrates (pigeonpea, chickpea, maize, and sorghum) showed higher larval mass and developed more rapidly than larvae fed on diets with low protein and carbohydrate content (rose, marigold, okra, and tomato). Low calorific value diets like rose and marigold resulted in higher mortality (25-35\%) of H. armigera. Even with highly varying development efficiency and larval/pupal survival rates, H. armigera populations feeding on different diets completed their life cycles. Digestive enzymes of H. armigera displayed variable expression levels and were found to be regulated on the basis of macromolecular composition of the diet. Post-ingestive adaptations operating at the gut level, in the form of controlled release of digestive enzymes, might be a key factor contributing to the physiological plasticity in H. armigera.

}, keywords = {amylases, larval performance, Lipases, Proteases}, issn = {1536-2442}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetasy.2012.02.004}, author = {Sarate, P. J. and Tamhane, V. A. and Kotkar, H. M. and Ratnakaran, N. and Susan, N. and Gupta, Vidya S. and Giri, Ashok P.} } @article { ISI:000299742000025, title = {Do anions influence the polarity of protic ionic liquids?}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics}, volume = {14}, number = {8}, year = {2012}, month = {DEC}, pages = {2754-2761}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Polarity studies in two classes of imidazolium-based protic ionic liquids (PILs) possessing [HSO4](-), [HCOO](-),[CH3COO](-) and [CH3CH2COO](-) anions were carried out using a solvatochromic method from 298.15 to 353.15 K. For 1-methylimidazolium class of PILs, ET(30) was found to be independent over the entire range of temperature, while ET(30) was noted to decrease with a rise in temperature in the case of 1-butylimidazolium class of PILs containing [CH3COO](-) and [CH3CH2COO](-) anions. The ET(30) value decreases in both the classes upon varying the anions ([HSO4](-), [HCOO](-), [CH3COO](-) and [CH3CH2COO](-)). The E-T(30) value is controlled by hydrogen bond acceptor basicity, b, and dipolarity/polarizability, pi*. The E-T(30) value for PILs varies inversely to the strength of the coulombic interaction between ions in PILs. Strong interactions between ions lead to lower E-T(30) values. Unlike the poor thermal effect on E-T(30), the Kamlet-Taft parameters i.e. alpha, beta and pi* have pronounced thermal effect in the imidazolium-based PILs. Variation in the Kamlet-Taft parameters is controlled by the stabilization of ions and the degree of proton transfer from Bronsted acid to Bronsted base.

}, issn = {1463-9076}, doi = {10.1039/c2cp23256a}, author = {Shukla, Shashi Kant and Khupse, Nageshwar D. and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000309333600007, title = {Downstream processing of extracellular phytase from aspergillus niger: chromatography process vs. aqueous two phase extraction for its simultaneous partitioning and purification}, journal = {Process Biochemistry}, volume = {47}, number = {7}, year = {2012}, month = {JUL}, pages = {1066-1072}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The application of single step aqueous two-phase extraction (ATPE) for the downstream processing of phytase from Aspergillus niger NCIM 563, produced under solid state fermentation, has been studied and compared with the traditional multi-step procedure involving salt precipitation and column chromatography. High phytase recovery (98.5\%) within a short time (3 h) and improved thermostability was attained by ATPE in comparison to 20\% recovery in 96 h by chromatography process.The ATPE method, therefore, seems to be an interesting alternative for simultaneous partitioning and purification of phytase. The influence of system parameters; such as, phase forming salts, polymer molecular weight and system pH on the partitioning behavior of phytase was evaluated. The ATPE system consisting of combination of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 and 8000(10.5\%) and sodium citrate (20.5\%) resulted in one-sided partitioning of phytase in bottom phase with a purification factor of 2.5. This is the first report on phytase purification using liquid-liquid extraction and the results are likely to be beneficial in the poultry feed industry. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Aspergillus niger, liquid-liquid extraction, Phytase, Polyethylene glycol, Purification}, issn = {1359-5113}, doi = {10.1016/j.procbio.2012.03.012}, author = {Bhavsar, Kavita P. and Kumar, V. Ravi and Khire, Jayant Malhar} } @article { ISI:000302017500007, title = {Dynamic proteome in enigmatic preeclampsia: an account of molecular mechanisms and biomarker discovery}, journal = {Proteomics Clinical Applications}, volume = {6}, number = {1-2}, year = {2012}, month = {JAN}, pages = {79-90}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {POSTFACH 101161, 69451 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

The coevolution of genomics and proteomics has led to advancements in the field of diagnosis and molecular mechanisms of disease. Proteomics is now stepping into the field of obstetrics, where early diagnosis of pregnancy complication such as preeclampsia (PE) is imperative. PE is a multifactorial disease characterized by hypertension with proteinuria, which is a leading cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality occurring in 5-7\% of pregnancies worldwide. This review discusses the probable molecular mechanisms that lead to PE and summarizes the proteomics research carried out in understanding the pathogenicity of PE, and for identifying the candidate biomarker for diagnosis of the disease.

}, keywords = {Hypertension, Oxidative stress, Pregnancy complication, Proteinuria}, issn = {1862-8346}, doi = {10.1002/prca.201100089}, author = {Mary, Sheon and Patil, Gouri V. and Kulkarni, Asmita V. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J. and Joshi, Sadhana R. and Mehendale, Savita S. and Giri, Ashok P.} } @article { ISI:000309139400021, title = {Eco-friendly, highly stable and efficient nanostructured p-type N-doped ZnO photocatalyst for environmentally benign solar hydrogen production}, journal = {Green Chemistry}, volume = {14}, number = {10}, year = {2012}, month = {JUL}, pages = {2790-2798}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We have investigated an economical green route for the synthesis of a p-type N-doped ZnO photocatalyst by a wet chemical method. Significantly, hazardous H2S waste was converted into eco-friendly hydrogen energy using the p-type N-doped ZnO photocatalyst under solar light, which has previously been unattempted. The as-synthesized p-type N-doped ZnO shows a hexagonal wurtzite structure. The optical study shows a drastic shift in the band gap of the doped ZnO in the visible region (3.19-2.3 eV). The doping of nitrogen into the ZnO lattice is conclusively proved from X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis and Raman scattering. The morphological features of the N-doped ZnO are studied from FESEM, TEM and reveal particle sizes to be in the range of similar to 4-5 nm. The N-doped ZnO exhibits enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen generation (similar to 3957 mu mol h(-1)) by photodecomposition of hydrogen sulfide under visible light irradiation, which is much higher as compared to semiconductor metal oxides reported so far. It is noteworthy that a green catalyst is investigated to curtail H2S pollution along with production of hydrogen (green fuel) using solar light, i.e., a renewable energy source. The green process investigated will have the potential to synthesize other N-doped metal oxides.

}, issn = {1463-9262}, doi = {10.1039/c2gc35519a}, author = {Bhirud, Ashwini P. and Sathaye, Shivaram D. and Waichal, Rupali P. and Nikam, Latesh K. and Kale, Bharat B.} } @article { ISI:000311350000043, title = {Effect of preparation parameters of Cu catalysts on their physico-chemical properties and activities for glycerol hydrogenolysis}, journal = {Catalysis Today}, volume = {198}, number = {1, SI}, year = {2012}, month = {DEC}, pages = {321-329}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Cu based catalysts were prepared by co-precipitation, alkali fusion followed by precipitation and direct solid state fusion methods. The changes in the phase formation, morphology, crystallite size, extent of aggregation, strength and nature of acid sites were observed due to variations in precipitating agents and also their order of addition. The catalyst prepared by co-precipitation using Na2CO3 showed the predominant presence of metallic Cu phase with a crystallite size of 5 nm, well segregated spherical morphology and highest acidity in the activated sample. These intrinsic properties contributed to achieve the highest glycerol conversion of 62\% and 1,2-PDO selectivity of 88\% in glycerol hydrogenolysis. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Co-precipitation, Cu catalysts, Glycerol hydrogenolysis, Physico-chemical properties, Solid state fusion}, issn = {0920-5861}, doi = {10.1016/j.cattod.2012.05.051}, author = {Mane, R. B. and Kondawar, S. E. and Niphadkar, P. S. and Joshi, P. N. and Patil, K. R. and Rode, C. V.} } @article { ISI:000300635600002, title = {Effects of arsenite stress on growth and proteome of Klebsiella pneumoniae}, journal = {Journal of Biotechnology}, volume = {158}, number = {1-2}, year = {2012}, month = {MAR}, pages = {8-16}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

In the present study an arsenite, As(III), tolerating bacterium, MR4, was isolated from Mulla River Pune, India, capable of reducing arsenate to arsenite and identified as Klebsiella pneumoniae (HQ857583). Comparative proteomic analysis using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DGE) and matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight-time of flight (MALDI-TOF/ TOF) was used to monitor the proteins undergoing changes in expression levels under 2.5 mM As(III) stress. The 2-DGE proteome map has shown that 60 proteins were differentially expressed under As(III) stress, of which 39 proteins were successfully identified with a MASCOT score greater than 70 (p \< 0.05). Among the identified proteins, membrane transport/ binding proteins, porins, and amino acid metabolism enzymes were down-regulated while stress responsive proteins and antioxidant enzymes were up-regulated. Proteins involved in carbohydrate metabolism, particularly those in pentose phosphate pathway were also up-regulated while those involved in pyruvate metabolism were down-regulated. However, proteins involved in glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid cycle showed a mixed regulation response. These findings provide new insights into the probable mechanisms by which K. pneumoniae (HQ857583) could be adapting to As(III) stress. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {(2-DGE), Arsenite stress, Klebsiella pneumoniae, MALDI-TOF-TOF, Two dimensional gel electrophoresis}, issn = {0168-1656}, doi = {10.1016/j.jbiotec.2011.12.013}, author = {Daware, Vandana and Kesavan, Suresh K. and Patil, Rajendra and Natu, Arvind and Kumar, Ameeta and Kulkarni, Mahesh J. and Gade, Wasudeo N.} } @article {42446, title = {Efficient diels-alder reaction of 1,2-benzoquinones with arynes and its utility in one-pot reactions}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {14}, year = {2012}, month = {DEC}, pages = {6238{\textendash}6241}, abstract = {

A new protocol for the efficient Diels{\textendash}Alder reaction of 1,2-benzoquinones with arynes is reported. The aryne generated by the fluoride-induced 1,2-elimination of 2-(trimethylsilyl)aryl triflates undergoes a facile Diels{\textendash}Alder reaction with 1,2-benzoquinones, affording the dioxobenzobicyclooctadienes in moderate to excellent yields. In addition, this methodology has been applied to the one-pot synthesis of benzoquinoxalinobarrelene and naphthalene derivatives.

}, doi = {10.1021/ol302997q}, author = {Kaicharla, Trinadh and Bhojgude, Sachin Suresh and Biju, Akkattu T.} } @article { ISI:000301810400032, title = {Efficient lipase purification using reverse micellar extraction}, journal = {Bioresource Technology}, volume = {108}, year = {2012}, month = {MAR}, pages = {224-230}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Reverse micellar extraction (RME) of enzyme provides an attractive option for conventional method with the potential to achieve purification and concentration in a single step with high yield. This study presents a methodology for optimization of RME with Pseudomonas lipase as model system. Fold-purification, percent recovery and extraction time were the objective functions while the type and concentration of surfactant, contact time, pH, ionic strength, and the ratio of organic to aqueous phase were the decision variables. Under optimized conditions, the AOT (Aerosol OT (bis 2-ethylhexyl) sodium sulfosuccinate)-isooctane system gave a 15-fold purification, 80\% recovery and 2.5-fold concentration of the Pseudomonas lipase with process time of 45 min. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {(Hexadicetyltrimethylammoniumbromide), AOT, CTAB, Lipase, RME}, issn = {0960-8524}, doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2011.11.126}, author = {Gaikaiwari, Raghavendra P. and Wagh, Shilpa A. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article { ISI:000311522500012, title = {Efficient oxygen reduction electrocatalyst from graphene by simultaneously generating pores and nitrogen doped active sites}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry}, volume = {22}, number = {45}, year = {2012}, month = {DEC}, pages = {23799-23805}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A simple way to simultaneously create pores and nitrogen doped active sites on graphene for the electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is developed. The key aspect of the process is the in-situ generation of Fe2O3 nanoparticles and their concomitant dispersion on graphene by pyrolyzing graphene oxide (GO) with the iron phenanthroline complex. Thus the deposited Fe2O3 nanoparticles act as the seeds for pore generation by etching the carbon layer along the graphene-Fe2O3 interface. Detection of the presence of Fe3C along with Fe2O3 confirms carbon spill-over from graphene as a plausible step involved in the pore engraving process. Since the process offers a good control on the size and dispersion of the Fe2O3 nanoparticles, the pore size and distribution also could be managed very effectively in this process. As the phenanthroline complex decomposes and gives Fe2O3 nanoparticles and subsequently the pores on graphene, the unsaturated carbons along the pore openings simultaneously capture nitrogen of the phenanthroline complex and provide very efficient active sites for ORR under alkaline conditions. The degree of nitrogen doping and hence the ORR activity could be further improved by subjecting the porous material for a second round of nitrogen doping using iron-free phenanthroline. This porous graphene enriched with the N-doped active sites effectively reduces oxygen molecule through a 3e(-) pathway, suggesting a preferential shift towards the more favourable 4e(-) route compared to the 2e(-) reaction as reported for many N-doped carbon nano-morphologies. The 90 mV onset potential difference for oxygen reduction as compared to the state-of-the art 20 wt\% Pt/C catalyst is significantly low compared to the overpotentials in the range of 120-200 mV reported in the literature for few N-doped graphenes.

}, issn = {0959-9428}, doi = {10.1039/c2jm35128e}, author = {Palaniselvam, Thangavelu and Aiyappa, Harshitha Barike and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article { ISI:000304387800025, title = {Efficient total synthesis of calothrixin B}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {53}, number = {23}, year = {2012}, month = {JUN}, pages = {2894-2896}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An efficient synthesis of calothrixin B (2) is demonstrated starting from 9H-carbazol-4-ol, having two one-pot reaction sequences as key steps. As a novel observation, DMF-methanol was shown to be a hydride donor for reduction of aldehyde to alcohol. Unexpectedly, nucleophilic substitution of benzyloxy by methoxy group was observed. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Calothrixin B, CAN, DMF-methanol, Hydride donor}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2012.03.131}, author = {Bhosale, Shrikar M. and Gawade, Rupesh L. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Kusurkar, Radhika S.} } @article { ISI:000307306500021, title = {Enantio- and diastereocontrolled conversion of chiral epoxides to trans-cyclopropane carboxylates: application to the synthesis of cascarillic acid, grenadamide and L-(-)-CCG-II}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {10}, number = {34}, year = {2012}, month = {JUL}, pages = {6987-6994}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An efficient high yielding improved method for the enantio- and diastereoselective cyclopropanation of chiral epoxides using triethylphosphonoacetate and base (Wadsworth-Emmons cyclopropanation) is reported. The utility of this protocol is illustrated by concise and practical synthesis of cascarillic acid, grenadamide and L-(-)-CCG-II, a cyclopropane containing natural products.

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/c2ob25622c}, author = {Kumar, Pradeep and Dubey, Abhishek and Harbindu, Anand} } @article { ISI:000310863400014, title = {Enantioselective synthesis of the essential oil and pheromonal component ar-himachalene by a chiral pool and chirality induction approach}, journal = {Tetrahedron-Asymmetry}, volume = {23}, number = {18-19}, year = {2012}, month = {OCT}, pages = {1410-1415}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The enantioselective synthesis of both isomers of ar-himachalene has been achieved starting from enantiomerically pure citronellal and p-methyl alpha-methyl styrene as an application of a chiral pool and chirality induction approach, respectively. The key reactions involved in the synthesis include the Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation for the induction of chirality at benzylic carbon bearing the methyl group and the use of a hypervalent iodine reagent or trimethylsilyldiazomethane (TMSCHN2) for the six to seven membered ring expansion. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0957-4166}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetasy.2012.09.008}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Khatod, Harshali S.} } @article { ISI:000307207300023, title = {Enhanced permeation, leaf retention, and plant protease inhibitor activity with bicontinuous microemulsions}, journal = {Journal of Colloid and Interface Science}, volume = {383}, year = {2012}, month = {OCT}, pages = {177-183}, publisher = {ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE}, address = {525 B ST, STE 1900, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101-4495 USA}, abstract = {

Bicontinuous microemulsions (BCMEs) have excellent solubulizing properties along with low interfacial tension and aqueous content that can be controlled. In this work, water soluble plant protease inhibitor (PI), well characterized for its activity against insect pests, was incorporated into a BCME system and explored for permeation on hydrophobic leaf surfaces and protease inhibition activity. The bicontinuous nature of the microemulsion containing water:2-propanol:1-butanol (55:35:10 w/w) was characterized using conductivity and self-diffusion coefficient measurements. The PI was soluble in the water-rich bicontinuous domains, stable in the microemulsions, and protease inhibition activity was retained for a prolonged duration. The microemulsions ensured greater wettability and a wider spread of the PI on hydrophobic leaf surfaces as revealed by contact angle measurements. Significantly, trypsin inhibition activity assays of the PI recovered from the leaves after delivery from the microemulsion indicated a significant increase in the PI retention on the leaf. This BCME enabled greater leaf permeation and retention of the PI can be attributed to a temporary disruption of the waxy leaf surface followed by self-repair without causing any long term damage to the plant. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Bicontinuous microemulsion, Biopesticide, Microemulsion pesticide, protease inhibitor, Protein encapsulation, Protein permeation}, issn = {0021-9797}, doi = {10.1016/j.jcis.2012.06.025}, author = {Tamhane, Vaijayanti A. and Dhaware, Deepika G. and Khandelwal, Neha and Giri, Ashok P. and Panchagnula, Venkateswarlu} } @article { ISI:000300185800011, title = {Enhancing the hydrogen storage capacity of Pd-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes}, journal = {Applied Surface Science}, volume = {258}, number = {8}, year = {2012}, month = {FEB}, pages = {3405-3409}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

We demonstrate that the hydrogen storage capacity of multi-walled carbon nanotubes can be enhanced by polyvinylpyrrolidone functionalization. The polyvinylpyrrolidone acts as a stabilizing agent for Pd-nanoparticles, reduces their size and facilitates their uniform and enhanced loading onto multi-walled carbon nanotubes. According to sorption studies, the polyvinylpyrrolidone capping and consequent nanostructural modification enables 2.3 times more hydrogen adsorption than mere Pd-functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Corresponding morphological changes before and after polyvinylpyrrolidone capping, characterized using Raman Spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, TEM and thermal analysis techniques, are also presented. The results contribute towards increasing the efficiency of hydrogen based sustainable energy sources. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Hydrogen based energy sources, Hydrogen storage capacity, Multiwalled carbon nanotubes, Pd functionalization, PVP capping}, issn = {0169-4332}, doi = {10.1016/j.apsusc.2011.11.075}, author = {Singh, Priyanka and Kulkarni, Mukta V. and Gokhale, Suresh P. and Chikkali, Samir H. and Kulkarni, Chandrashekhar V.} } @article {42649, title = {Environmental pollution reduction in cement industry for cocombustion of waste tyre and coal as a fuel}, journal = {International Journal of Modern Engineering Research }, volume = {2}, year = {2012}, month = {DEC}, pages = {4652-4656}, abstract = {

In recent years, there are several problems encountered in waste management system particularly waste tyre as well as coals. The energy generation on incineration provides large amount of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) emissions which is the cause of major environmental threat. Therefore, the combustion of coal and tyre were carried out in cement industry in order to generate heat energy at 1300oC and the only remaining residue (steel powder) to enhance the strength of the cement. At the outset, the particle size of coal and tyre was cut into 63-75 and 180-212 {\textmu}m respectively. Combustion experiments were conducted using Nelson reactor under controlled conditions in presence of air and also in presence of nitrogen gas (INOX) atmosphere. The temperature range was varied from 300-13000C and several fuel mass loading in the furnace, expressed in terms of bulk equivalence ratios in the range of 0.7-2.4. At fixed bulk equivalence ratios, as the furnace gas (Air) temperature increased the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon yields from both fuels decreased drastically, while the CO2 yields increased. At the highest temperature around 13000C, the effluent of combustion of both (coal and tyre) fuels was practically devoid of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) (at a detection limit of 0.3 {\textmu}g of a PAH component/g of fuel burnt). In order to understand the rate of thermal effect and morphology of co combustion material (coal and tyre), the preliminary results are very essential to explore. Therefore, the thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) were carried out and results of coal and tyre mixture at various temperature conditions will be highlighted.

}, author = {Patil, R. K. and Garnaik, Baijayantimala and Khond, M. P. and Nawale, L. G.} } @article { ISI:000301936700004, title = {Environmentally benign synthesis of beta-hydroxy sulfides using cyclic carbonates catalyzed by large-pore zeolites}, journal = {Green Chemistry Letters and Reviews}, volume = {5}, number = {1}, year = {2012}, month = {AUG}, pages = {19-26}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS LTD}, address = {4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An efficient one-pot synthesis of beta-hydroxy sulfides from thiophenol and cyclic carbonates catalyzed by large-pore zeolites has been reported. Reaction of thiophenol with ethylene carbonate in the presence of the Na-X zeolite catalyst gave the highest yield of 2-(phenylthio)ethanol (100\%), while reaction with propylene carbonate a highest yield of regioselective product 1-(phenylthio)propan-2-ol was obtained (97\%). Enantiomerically pure 1,2-propylene carbonate gave highly regioselective and stereospecific phenylthiopropanol, demonstrating that original chirality of propylene carbonate is retained. A plausible mechanism has been proposed for zeolite-catalyzed transformation involving a chemoselective nucleophilic attack of thiophenoloxide ion onto the less-substituted carbon of cyclic carbonate. The Na-X zeolite catalyst is recyclable and provides advantages of green chemistry approach to the synthesis of beta-hydroxy sulfides without the use of any solvent.

}, keywords = {beta-hydroxy sulfide, ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, thiophenol, zeolite}, issn = {1751-8253}, doi = {10.1080/17518253.2011.574295}, author = {Upare, Pravin P. and Kinage, Anil K. and Shingote, Savita K. and Gupte, Sunil P.} } @article {42782, title = {Ethyl oligo-silicates with strong acid heterogeneous polymeric catalysts}, number = {PCT/IB2011/002531}, year = {2012}, month = {MAY}, type = {Application}, abstract = {

The present invention provides a process for the synthesis of ethyl silicate with varying silica concentration, by hydrolysing ethyl silicate in varying water concentration in the presence of sulfonated catalysts having a styrene-divinyl benzene backbone. The present invention further relates to the preparation of beaded crosslinked polymers containing sulfonic acid moieties having an interconnected pore structure and surface area up to 400 m2 /g.

}, author = {Bevara, Madhusudana Rao and Bhongale, Sunil Sitaram and Bhosle, Sonali Madhavrao and Chavan, Nayaku and Chelanattukizhakkemadath, Raman Rajan and Deokar, Sarika Babasaheb and Dhoble, Deepa Arun and Dwivedi, Mayank and Ghorpade, Ravindra V. and Harikrishna, Reghunathan and Dhanasekharan, Janakiraman and John, Aruldoss and Locanindi, Hari Sarvothama Rao and Momin, Mohasin Shamshuddin and Mulani, Khudbudin Baban and Mule, Smita Atmaram and Nalawade, Archana Chetan and Punitharasu, Vellimalai and Qureshi, Mohammed Shadbar and Kumar, Tayal Rajiv and Shaikh, Wasif Abdul Lateef and Sontakke, Kalpana Vishwanathrao and Reddy, Krishna Mohan Srinivasulu and Sriperambudur, Rajesh Kumar and Ponrathnam, Surendra} } @article { ISI:000302832800039, title = {Extraction and purification of tannase by reverse micelle system}, journal = {Separation and Purification Technology}, volume = {89}, year = {2012}, month = {MAR}, pages = {288-296}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Tannin acyl hydrolase commonly called as tannase (EC 3.1.1.20) is a commercially important enzyme. Partially purified and concentrated tannase is required for commercial applications. Typical objectives of purification process comprise high fold-purification, recovery and concentration. These objectives may be potentially conflicting. Conventional methods of purification require multiple steps which are time consuming and may cause higher loss. Reverse micellar extraction (RME) using ionic surfactants provides an attractive option for concentration and purification of tannase which is a highly hydrophilic glycoprotein. This study presents an optimized methodology for RME and purification of Aspergillus allahabadi intracellular tannase. Fold-purification, percent recovery and extraction time were the objective while the type and concentration of surfactant, contact time, pH, ionic strength, and the ratio of organic to aqueous phase were the decision variables. Some of these parameters were also studied for their effect on back-extraction. Among the surfactants tested, CTAB-isooctane system was found to be suitable. Under optimized conditions, 12.7-fold purification, 81.2\% recovery and 3-fold concentration of tannase with a process time of 45 min was obtained. Conventional purification methods provided a higher fold-purification albeit at a much lower enzyme recovery. Further, the conventional method requires a process time of several hours. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {CTAB, Reverse micellar extraction, Tannase}, issn = {1383-5866}, doi = {10.1016/j.seppur.2012.01.043}, author = {Gaikaiwari, Raghavendra P. and Wagh, Shilpa A. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article { ISI:000311350000015, title = {First principle investigation on the thermal stability of a golden fullerene: a case study of Au-32}, journal = {Catalysis Today}, volume = {198}, number = {1, SI}, year = {2012}, month = {DEC}, pages = {106-109}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Structural and electronic properties of Au-32 cluster are analyzed using relativistic density functional theory (DFT) based methods. Further, DFT based molecular dynamical (MD) simulations are performed on Au-32 golden fullerene with an aim of understanding its thermal stability at various working temperatures. Various conformations being populated at different temperatures of a cluster are analyzed. The study shows that the ground state icosahedral conformation is stable only up to 300 K and structure remains in a hollow conformation only up to 400 K. This clearly explains the reasons for failure by experimentalists in trapping the unique fullerene conformation in spite of the theoretical predictions of it being a very stable one. The above MD study also indicates that the bare fullerene Au-32 cluster (without any stabilizing ligands) can be used for potential catalytic applications only around room temperatures. (C) 2012 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Au-32 cluster, Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamics, Density functional theory, Golden fullerenes, Relativistic effects}, issn = {0920-5861}, doi = {10.1016/j.cattod.2012.04.072}, author = {De, Himadri Sekhar and Krishnamurty, Sailaja and Pal, Sourav} } @article { ISI:000312145400009, title = {First total synthesis of seimatopolide B}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {2}, number = {30}, year = {2012}, month = {OCT}, pages = {11231-11234}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The first enantioselective total synthesis of seimatopolide B has been achieved, using ring-closing metathesis and DCC (N,N{\textquoteright}-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide) coupling as key steps. The stereogenic centres were generated by means of iterative hydrolytic kinetic resolution (HKR) of racemic epoxides.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c2ra21838k}, author = {Nookaraju, U. and Harbindu, Anand and Bhise, Ankushkumar D. and Sharma, Brijesh M. and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article {43235, title = {First-principle protocol for calculating ionization energies and redox potentials of solvatedmolecules and ions: theory and application to aqueous phenol and phenolate}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, volume = {116}, year = {2012}, month = {JUN}, pages = {7269-7280}, abstract = {The effect of hydration on the lowest vertical ionization energy (VIE) of phenol and phenolate solvated in bulk water was characterized using the equation-of-motion ionization potential coupled-cluster (EOM-IP-CCSD) and effective fragment potential (EFP) methods (referred to as EOM/EFP) and determined experimentally by valence photoemission measurements using microjets and synchrotron radiation. The computed solvent-induced shifts in VIEs (Delta VIEs) are 0.66 and +5.72 eV for phenol and phenolate, respectively. Our best estimates of the absolute values of VIEs (7.9 and 7.7 eV for phenol and phenolate) agree reasonably well with the respective experimental values (7.8 +/- 0.1 and 7.1 +/- 0.1 eV). The EOM/EFP scheme was benchmarked against full EOM-IP-CCSD using microsolvated phenol and phenolate clusters. A protocol for calculating redox potentials with EOM/EFP was developed based on linear response approximation (LRA) of free energy determination. The oxidation potentials of phenol and phenolate calculated using LRA and EOM/EFP are 1.32 and 0.89 V, respectively; they agree well with experimental values.}, doi = {10.1021/jp301925k}, author = {Ghosh, Debashree and Roy, Anirban and Seidel, Robert and Winter, Bernd and Bradforth, Stephen and Krylov, Anna I.} } @article { ISI:000305276600039, title = {Flow-induced channelization in a porous medium}, journal = {EPL}, volume = {98}, number = {5}, year = {2012}, month = {JUN}, pages = {58003}, publisher = {EPL ASSOCIATION, EUROPEAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY}, address = {6 RUE DES FRERES LUMIERE, MULHOUSE, 68200, FRANCE}, abstract = {

Flow through a saturated, granular, porous medium can lead to internal erosion, preferential flow enhancement, and the formation of channels within the bulk of the medium. We examine this phenomenon using a combination of experimental observations, continuum theory and numerical simulations in a minimal setting. Our experiments are carried out by forcing water through a Hele-Shaw cell packed with bidisperse grains. When the local flow-induced stress exceeds a critical threshold, the smaller grains are dislodged and transported. This changes the porosity of the medium, thence, the local hydraulic conductivity, and leads to the development of erosional channels. Erosion is ultimately arrested due to the drop in the mean pressure gradient, while most of the flow occurs through the channels. We describe this using a minimal multiphase description of erosion where the volume fraction of the fluid, mobile, and immobile, grains change in space and time. Numerical solutions of the resulting initial boundary value problem yield results for the dynamics and morphology that are in qualitative agreement with our experiments. In addition to providing a basis for channelization in porous media, our study highlights how heterogeneity in porous media may arise from flow as a function of the erosion threshold. Copyright (C) EPLA, 2012

}, issn = {0295-5075}, doi = {10.1209/0295-5075/98/58003}, author = {Mahadevan, A. and Orpe, Ashish V. and Kudrolli, A. and Mahadevan, L.} } @article { ISI:000307433600011, title = {Formal synthesis of tetrahydrolipstatin and tetrahydroesterastin}, journal = {Tetrahedron-Asymmetry}, volume = {23}, number = {11-12}, year = {2012}, month = {JUN}, pages = {884-890}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A versatile and efficient approach to (3.5,5R)-methyl 3-(benzyloxy)-5-(methoxymethoxy)hexadecanoate, a key chiral building block and a common polyol fragment of the anti-tumor and anti-obesity agents tetrahydrolipstatin 3 and tetrahydroesterastin 4 using both hydrolytic kinetic resolution (HKR) and proline catalyzed sequential alpha-aminoxylation, followed by HWE-olefination reaction is described. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0957-4166}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetasy.2012.05.025}, author = {Tripathi, Divya and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000306799700029, title = {Functional characterization and differential expression studies of squalene synthase from Withania somnifera}, journal = {Molecular Biology Reports}, volume = {39}, number = {9}, year = {2012}, month = {SEP}, pages = {8803-8812}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Squalene synthase (SQS: EC 2.5.1.21) is a potential branch point regulatory enzyme and represents the first committed step to diverge the carbon flux from the main isoprenoid pathway towards sterol biosynthesis. In the present study, cloning and characterization of Withania somnifera squalene synthase (WsSQS) cDNA was investigated subsequently followed by its heterologous expression and preliminary enzyme activity. Two different types of WsSQS cDNA clones (WsSQS1and WsSQS2) were identified that contained an open reading frames of 1,236 and 1,242 bp encoding polypeptides of 412 and 414 amino acids respectively. Both WsSQS isoforms share 99 \% similarity and identity with each other. WsSQS deduced amino acids sequences, when compared with SQS of other plant species, showed maximum similarity and identity with Capsicum annuum followed by Solanum tuberosum and Nicotiana tabacum. To obtain soluble recombinant enzymes, 24 hydrophobic amino acids were deleted from the carboxy terminus and expressed as 6X His-Tag fusion protein in Escherichia coli. Approximately 43 kDa recombinant protein was purified using Ni-NTA affinity chromatography and checked on SDS-PAGE. Preliminary activity of the purified enzymes was determined and the products were analyzed by gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis showed that WsSQS expresses more in young leaves than mature leaves, stem and root.

}, keywords = {Gas chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS), qRT-PCR, Squalene synthase, Withania somnifera}, issn = {0301-4851}, doi = {10.1007/s11033-012-1743-4}, author = {Gupta, Neha and Sharma, Poonam and Kumar, R. J. Santosh and Vishwakarma, Rishi K. and Khan, Bashir Mohammad} } @article { ISI:000305419900012, title = {Gamma-Al2-xMxO3 +/- y (M = Ti4+ through Ga3+): potential pseudo-3D mesoporous materials with tunable acidity and electronic structure}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry}, volume = {22}, number = {27}, year = {2012}, month = {APR}, pages = {13484-13493}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A simple and highly efficient surfactant-free sol-gel process has been developed to obtain nanocrystalline mesoporous gamma-Al2O3 and metal ion incorporated mesoporous gamma-Al2O3 with general formula gamma-Al2-xMxO3 +/- y (where M = Ti4+ through Ga3+). Any one of the first row transition metal (TM) ions along with Ga3+ could be introduced into the gamma-Al2O3 framework in a direct one-pot synthesis process. The generality of the present synthesis recipe for metal ion incorporation in gamma-Al2O3 was demonstrated by preparation of an Al-Ga-M ternary oxide system with the metal ion composition of general formula Al9GaTM (TM = Ti4+ to Zn2+) and their characterization through various physicochemical and spectroscopic techniques. The mesoporous gamma-Al2-xMxO3 +/- y materials showed a BET surface area in the range of 200-400 m(2) g(-1) with a narrow pore size distribution. Wormhole mesoporosity makes the material pseudo-3D (p3D) with a small pore depth of few nm (\<10 nm). Metal ions in gamma-Al2O3 lead to changes in the acidity and electronic environment. XRD, TEM, and Al-27 MAS NMR studies demonstrate that the sol-gel process and the disordered mesoporous structure allow Ga and TM ions to be highly distributed and integrated in the gamma-Al2O3 framework. The efficacy of these materials in catalysis has been successfully evaluated for steam reforming of dimethylether: Ni, Cu and Zn containing Al9GaTM oxides showed high activity and stability. The smaller mesochannel depth (\<10 nm) and pseudo-3D characteristics that arise due to the wormhole-type disordered mesoporous framework of these alumina materials facilitate mass transport through them without any leaching of metal ions out of the lattice and pore blocking during the reaction, which makes them attractive in catalysis. This preparation method is versatile enough to be used for a reproducible synthesis of metal ion incorporated mesoporous gamma-Al2O3 by varying the metal content and their combinations, and it is expected that many other metal ions could be introduced into the lattice framework for a variety of applications by tuning acidity and electronic structure.

}, issn = {0959-9428}, doi = {10.1039/c2jm31184d}, author = {Mathew, Thomas and Sivaranjani, Kumarsrinivasan and Gnanakumar, Edwin S. and Yamada, Yusuke and Kobayashi, Tetsuhiko and Gopinath, Chinnakonda S.} } @article { ISI:000310589300036, title = {Genome sequence of nitratireductor aquibiodomus strain RA22}, journal = {Journal of Bacteriology}, volume = {194}, number = {22}, year = {2012}, month = {NOV}, pages = {6307}, publisher = {AMER SOC MICROBIOLOGY}, address = {1752 N ST NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036-2904 USA}, abstract = {

The genus Nitratireductor represents nitrate-reducing bacteria from the family Phyllobacteriaceae. Here we report the draft genome sequence of Nitratireductor aquibiodomus strain RA22, which contains 4,592,790 bp, with a G+C content of 61.30\%, and has 4,241 protein coding genes.

}, issn = {0021-9193}, doi = {10.1128/JB.01510-12}, author = {Singh, Ajit and Jangir, Pramod Kumar and Kumari, Chanchal and Sharma, Rakesh} } @article { ISI:000295666100008, title = {Geographic variation in the flavour volatiles of alphonso mango}, journal = {Food Chemistry}, volume = {130}, number = {1}, year = {2012}, month = {JAN}, pages = {58-66}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Alphonso, one of the most popular cultivars of mango in India is known to exhibit geographic variation in the flavour of ripe fruits. To get chemical insight into this difference, volatiles were studied in the ripening fruits of Alphonso mangoes from three cultivation locations in India. Ripe fruits from Deogad had lower content of mono- and sesquiterpenes and higher content of lactones and furanones as compared to the fruits from Dapoli: whereas fruits from Vengurle had average quantities of these chemicals in comparison with Deogad and Dapoli fruits. This variation was clearly reflected as separate clustering of the localities in the Principal Component Analysis. The localities were indistinguishable from each other in terms of raw fruit volatiles. This study exemplifies a case of phenotypic plasticity; since the plants chosen were clonally propagated, such geographic variation in the volatiles can be attributed to varied abiotic conditions at these three localities. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Mango, Phenotypic plasticity, Ripening, Volatiles}, issn = {0308-8146}, doi = {10.1016/j.foodchem.2011.06.053}, author = {Kulkarni, Ram S. and Chidley, Hemangi G. and Pujari, Keshav H. and Giri, Ashok P. and Gupta, Vidya S.} } @article { ISI:000302664900061, title = {Glycolic acid-g-chitosan-gold nanoflower nanocomposite scaffolds for drug delivery and tissue engineering}, journal = {International Journal of Biological Macromolecules}, volume = {50}, number = {3}, year = {2012}, month = {APR}, pages = {878-883}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

This paper reports a simple novel method for the synthesis of flower like gold nanoparticle (three dimensional branched nanoparticle) with \>30 tips, under controlled temperature condition. Formation of flower like Au nanoparticle was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Next step of this paper reveals the potential use of novel hybrids of chitosan-g-glycolic acid and gold nanoflower (AuNF) in controlled drug delivery and tissue engineering applications. The drug loaded novel nanohybrid scaffold is prepared by freeze drying of grafted polymer solution. Grafting of glycolic acid to the chitosan and incorporation of drug were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The nanohybrid scaffolds were found to be stable towards the pH of the medium. The cell viability study shows that prepared nanohybrid scaffolds are biocompatible. Gold nanoflowers were found to control the drug release rate in the buffer solution (pH 7.4). Therefore, for the glycolic acid grafted chitosan based system, gold nanoflowers are the viable additive for drug delivery. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Chitosan, Drug delivery system, Glycolic acid grafting, Gold nanoflower, Nanocomposite}, issn = {0141-8130}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2011.10.014}, author = {Kumari, Sangeeta and Singh, Raj Pal} } @article { ISI:000306038600011, title = {Glycolic acid-g-chitosan-Pt-Fe3O4 nanoparticles nanohybrid scaffold for tissue engineering and drug delivery}, journal = {International Journal of Biological Macromolecules}, volume = {51}, number = {1-2}, year = {2012}, month = {JUL}, pages = {76-82}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

This work presents the potential use of novel nanohybrid based on chitosan-g-glycolic acid and Pt-Fe3O4 composite nanoparticles in drug delivery and tissue engineering applications. The Pt-Fe3O4 hybrid nanoparticles are prepared by thermal decomposition of H2PtCl6 center dot 6H(2)O at high temperature. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and physical property measurement system (PPMS). Next step of this paper reveals the potential use of novel hybrids of chitosan-g-glycolic acid and Pt-Fe3O4 hybrid nanoparticles in controlled drug delivery applications. The drug loaded nanohybrid scaffold is prepared by freeze drying of grafted polymer solution. Drug loading and grafting of chitosan was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The cell proliferation also shows that the prepared nanohybrids are biocompatible. The nanohybrid was found to be stable regardless of pH of the medium. Therefore, Pt-Fe3O4 hybrid nanoparticles are viable additive for sustained drug delivery and it could be applied in the field of biomedical. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Cell viability, Chitosan, drug delivery, Glycolic acid grafting, Pt-Fe3O4 hybrid nanoparticle}, issn = {0141-8130}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2012.01.040}, author = {Kumari, Sangeeta and Singh, Raj Pal} } @article { ISI:000310934400028, title = {Graphene enriched with pyrrolic coordination of the doped nitrogen as an efficient metal-free electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry}, volume = {22}, number = {44}, year = {2012}, month = {NOV}, pages = {23506-23513}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We report an efficient template-free synthetic route for the preparation of mesoporous nitrogen-doped graphene (NGE) containing a high weight percentage of pyrrolic nitrogen, good specific surface area and comparable electrochemical oxygen reduction activity as that of the state-of-the-art 40 wt\% Pt/C catalyst. The desired coordination of nitrogen in the carbon framework of graphene has been conceived by a mutually assisted redox reaction between graphene oxide (GO) and pyrrole, followed by thermal treatment at elevated temperatures. NGE exhibits a high surface area of 528 m(2) g(-1) and a pore diameter of similar to 3 to 7 nm. The heat treatment temperature plays a pivotal role in establishing the desired pyrrolic coordination of nitrogen in graphene for the electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction. The NGE sample obtained after heat treatment at 1000 degrees C (NGE-1000) has 53\% pyrrolic nitrogen content compared to the similar samples prepared by treating at low temperatures. Most importantly, NGE-1000 has displayed a significantly low overpotential for oxygen reduction with the onset potential very closely matching that of the commercial 40 wt\% Pt/C. It is noteworthy that the reaction involves the desired 4 electron transfer as observed in the case of the Pt based electrocatalysts, leading to a significantly high kinetic current density of 6 mA cm(-2) at -0.2 V. Moreover, the fuel tolerance and durability under the electrochemical environment of the NGE catalyst is found to be superior to the Pt/C catalyst.

}, issn = {0959-9428}, doi = {10.1039/c2jm35547g}, author = {Unni, SreeKuttan M. and Devulapally, Saikrishna and Karjule, Neeta and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article { ISI:000300606400030, title = {Green approach towards size controlled synthesis of biocompatible antibacterial metal nanoparticles in aqueous phase using lysozyme}, journal = {Current Nanoscience}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, year = {2012}, month = {FEB}, pages = {130-140}, publisher = {BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBL LTD}, address = {EXECUTIVE STE Y-2, PO BOX 7917, SAIF ZONE, 1200 BR SHARJAH, U ARAB EMIRATES}, abstract = {

Inspired by array of proteins present in nature, we choose lysozyme (hen egg protein) as a model system to synthesize nanoparticles of noble metals to understand the mechanism of interaction as well as to use them for potential applications such as potent antibacterial agents. Lysozyme is a very well studied biomolecule containing aromatic amino acids like tryptophan and tyrosine. Tyrosine has phenoxy group which is considered to be responsible for interacting with the metal ions. Lysozyme can be suitably modified by treatment with N-bromosuccinimide/N-acetylimidazole to obtain tight control over size distribution of nanoparticles. Here we report the direct synthesis of nanocrystals of gold and silver at controlled pH and light conditions without using any known reducing agents. Out of these, synthesis of gold nanoparticles is assisted by the presence of low concentration of Ag+ ions through the galvanic exchange. It is remarkable to note that the structure of protein is not changed drastically as seen by the FTIR studies. As-synthesized lysozyme capped nanoparticles prepared by this method are biocompatible and retain antibacterial property.

}, keywords = {Antibacterial, Biocompatible, Gold, lysozyme, Nanoparticles, Silver}, issn = {1573-4137}, author = {Kumar, Umesh and Ranjan, Amaresh K. and Sharan, Chandrashekhar and Hardikar, Anandwardhan A. and Pundle, Archana and Poddar, Pankaj} } @article { ISI:000303178600058, title = {Green synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles by using aqueous extract of Jatropha curcas L. latex}, journal = {Materials Letters}, volume = {75}, year = {2012}, month = {MAY}, pages = {196-199}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Present study deals with a green synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles by using 0.3\% aqueous extract prepared from latex of Jatropha curcas L. TiO2 nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Energy Dispersive Analysis of X-rays (EDAX) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were performed to find the role of curcain (enzyme), cyclic peptides namely curcacycline A (an octapeptide) and curcacycline B (a nonapeptide) as a possible reducing and capping agents, present in the latex of J. curcas L. The average size of TiO2 nanoparticles was found to be in the range of 25 to 100 nm. Our result shows that there are two broad categories of nanoparticles, first having diameter from 25 to 50 nm which are mostly spherical in shape and second having some larger and uneven shapes. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Biomaterials, Electron microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Nanostructures}, issn = {0167-577X}, doi = {10.1016/j.matlet.2012.02.018}, author = {Hudlikar, Manish and Joglekar, Shriram and Dhaygude, Mayur and Kodam, Kisan M.} } @article { ISI:000302810800004, title = {Green synthetic route to antimalarial and antibacterial agent CJ-15,801 and its isomer cis-CJ-15,801}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {2}, number = {9}, year = {2012}, month = {MAR}, pages = {3596-3598}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An efficient and rapid synthesis of antiplasmodial and antibacterial agent CJ-15,801 and its isomer cis-CJ-15,801 is disclosed. We have made an attempt towards {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}Ideal Synthesis{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} or a step towards {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}Dial-a-Molecule{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} by reducing the number of steps, following atom economy, and a green synthetic route.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c2ra01051h}, author = {Kashinath, K. and Swaroop, Pandrangi Siva and Reddy, D. Srinivasa} } @article { ISI:000307300900016, title = {Helical folding in heterogeneous foldamers without inter-residual backbone hydrogen-bonding}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {48}, number = {71}, year = {2012}, month = {JUL}, pages = {8922-8924}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

This communication describes a set of hybrid foldamers that do not feature inter-residual, but intra-residual backbone hydrogen-bonding, yet adopt a preferentially folded conformation displaying right-handed helical architecture. Conformational ordering is apparently due to the combined conformational restrictions imposed by the conformationally restricted individual amino acid residues with which the oligomers are made of.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c2cc33235c}, author = {Priya, Gowri and Kotmale, Amol S. and Gawade, Rupesh L. and Mishra, Deepti and Pal, Sourav and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Rajamohanan, Pattuparambil R. and Sanjayan, Gangadhar J.} } @article { ISI:000307351500021, title = {High viscosity of ionic liquids causes rate retardation of Diels-Alder reactions}, journal = {Science China-Chemistry}, volume = {55}, number = {8, SI}, year = {2012}, month = {AUG}, pages = {1633-1637}, publisher = {SCIENCE PRESS}, address = {16 DONGHUANGCHENGGEN NORTH ST, BEIJING 100717, PEOPLES R CHINA}, abstract = {

Second order rate constants, k (2) have been determined for three bi-molecular Diels-Alder reactions to demonstrate that the high viscosity of ionic liquids can be a detrimental property in carrying out Diels-Alder reactions, if ionic liquids are employed as solvent media. It is possible to enhance the reaction rates of the reaction if a co-solvent is mixed in pure ionic liquid used as a solvent.

}, keywords = {Diels-Alder reactions, ionic liquids, kinetics, viscosity}, issn = {1674-7291}, doi = {10.1007/s11426-012-4684-9}, author = {Kumar, Anil and Pawar, Sanjay S.} } @article { ISI:000308778100017, title = {Highly diastereoselective total synthesis of (+/-)-heritonin and (+/-)-heritol}, journal = {Tetrahedron}, volume = {68}, number = {40}, year = {2012}, month = {OCT}, pages = {8509-8514}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A highly diastereoselective synthesis of heritol and heritonin by intramolecular cyclization on a preformed sensitive butenolide functionality is described. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Butenolide, cyclization, Dihydroxylation, Friedel-Crafts acylation, Tetralone}, issn = {0040-4020}, doi = {10.1016/j.tet.2012.07.020}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Garai, Sumanta and Kalkote, Uttam R.} } @article { ISI:000303362900001, title = {Highly efficient (R-X-R)-type carbamates as molecular transporters for cellular delivery}, journal = {Journal of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {134}, number = {17}, year = {2012}, month = {MAY}, pages = {7196-7199}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The (R-X-R) motif-containing arginine-rich peptides are among the most effective cell-penetrating peptides. The replacement of amide linkages in the (R-X-R) motif by carbamate linkages as in (r-ahx-r)(4) or (r-ahx-r-r-apr-r)(2) increases the efficacy of such oligomers several-fold. Internalization of these oligomers in mammalian cell lines occurs by an energy-independent process. These oligomers show efficient delivery of biologically active plasmid DNA into CHO-K1 cells.

}, issn = {0002-7863}, doi = {10.1021/ja210026m}, author = {Patil, Kiran M. and Naik, Rangeetha J. and Rajpal and Fernandes, Moneesha and Ganguli, Munia and Kumar, Vaijayanti A.} } @article { ISI:000312434600010, title = {Hydrodynamics of liquid-liquid dispersion in an advanced-flow reactor}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {51}, number = {50}, year = {2012}, month = {DEC}, pages = {16251-16262}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Hydrodynamics and mass transfer of immiscible liquid-liquid flows are explored in an Advanced-Flow Reactor (AFR). These systems are emerging as one of the major commercial systems for small scale continuous flow chemistry, and characterization of the transport phenomena is critical for reaction implementation. With hexane/water as a model system, we use flow visualization techniques to determine drop size distribution, hexane holdup, and specific interfacial areas for a phase flow rate range of 10-80 mL/min. The complex geometry of the AFR with its continuously changing cross section along the flow path and strategically placed obstacles creates pressure changes that cause drop breakup and enhance mass transfer. Observations show that a wide range of average drop size (0.33-1.3 mm) can be achieved in the AFR depending upon the inlet flow rates and inlet composition. Pressure drop measurements are performed to estimate the power consumption and are used to compare the efficiency of AFR with conventional liquid-liquid contactors. The analysis shows that, similar to microreactors, the AFR can provide specific interfacial areas (1000-10 000 m(-1)) and overall mass transfer coefficients (1.9-41 s(-1)) a few orders of magnitude larger than conventional stirred tank reactors and also the static mixers.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/ie301821k}, author = {Nieves-Remacha, Maria Jose and Kulkarni, Amol A. and Jensen, Klavs F.} } @article { ISI:000299292600030, title = {Hydrous RuO2-carbon nanofiber electrodes with high mass and electrode-specific capacitance for efficient energy storage}, journal = {Nanoscale}, volume = {4}, number = {3}, year = {2012}, month = {DEC}, pages = {890-896}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We demonstrate a new strategy for the fabrication of supercapacitor electrodes possessing high mass and area-specific capacitance for efficient charge storage, which can be extremely useful for the development of light, compact and high performance supercapacitors for a variety of high power demanding applications. High mass and electrode area specific capacitances were attained by using Hydrous Ruthenium Oxide (HRO)-Carbon Nanofiber (CNF) hybrid electrodes prepared by the deposition of HRO (similar to 31\% Ru content) on both the outer and inner surfaces of a cylindrical hollow CNF having open tips. Electrochemical studies of the uniformly deposited HRO nanoparticles on the CNF surface showed a mass specific capacitance of 645 F g(-1) and an electrode specific capacitance of 1.29 F cm(-2) with a HRO-CNF material loading of 2 mg cm(-2) in the supercapacitor electrodes. The mass specific capacitance of pure HRO is 301 F g(-1), whereas the mass specific capacitance of HRO in the HRO-CNF electrode is similar to 1300 F g(-1), which is very close to the theoretical capacitance of HRO. This enhanced charge storage ability, high rate capability, better cyclic stability and low ESR of the HRO-CNF will be useful for the development of high performance supercapacitors.

}, issn = {2040-3364}, doi = {10.1039/c2nr11479h}, author = {Vellacheri, Ranjith and Pillai, Vijayamohanan K. and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article { ISI:000303281200026, title = {In vitro enzyme mediated synthesis of metal sulfide nanoparticles: control of particle size of CdS, Ni7S6, PbS, Co3S4 nanoparticles using synthetic peptides}, journal = {Science of Advanced Materials}, volume = {4}, number = {1}, year = {2012}, month = {JAN}, pages = {179-186}, publisher = {AMER SCIENTIFIC PUBLISHERS}, type = {Article}, address = {26650 THE OLD RD, STE 208, VALENCIA, CA 91381-0751 USA}, abstract = {

We report the use of enzyme sulfite reductase for the in vitro synthesis of technologically important metal sulfide quantum dots viz. Co3S4, PbS and Ni7S6. Also we report the use of synthetic peptides to control the particle size of the above metal sulfide quantum dots in addition to CdS, synthesized using enzyme. Sulfite reductase when incubated with aqueous CdCl2, or Co(NO3)(3) or NiCl2 or Pb(NO3)(2), and Na2SO3 in the presence of the appropriate capping peptide resulted in the synthesis of particle size controlled CdS, Co3S4, Ni7S6, or PbS quantum dots respectively. These, enzyme mediated synthesized and size controlled metal sulfide quantum dots, were characterized using Absorbance and photoluminescence spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and High resolution-transmission electron microscopy.

}, keywords = {Capping Peptide, Enzyme, Metal Sulfide Nanoparticles, quantum dots, Size Control, Sulfite Reductase}, issn = {1947-2935}, doi = {10.1166/sam.2012.1270}, author = {Ansary, Abu Ayoobul and Khan, Muhammed I. and Gaikwad, Sushama M.} } @article { ISI:000306670200022, title = {InCl3-mediated addition of indole to isatogens: an expeditious synthesis of 13-deoxy-isatisine A}, journal = {Chemistry-A European Journal}, volume = {18}, number = {31}, year = {2012}, month = {JUL}, pages = {9601-9611}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

A strategy directed towards the total synthesis of isatisine A that involves several late-stage metal-catalyzed transformations that address the key carboncarbon and carbonheteroatom bond formations has been developed. As a part of this strategy, methods for the addition of indoles to isatogens that lead selectively to either 2,2-disubstituted N-hydroxyindolin-3-one or 2,2-disubstituted indolin-3-one compounds have been developed by employing InCl3 as a catalyst or as the reagent. The present methods provide the first examples of the additions of indoles to the isatogen nucleus. To demonstrate its viability, the synthesis of 13-deoxy-isatisine A has been completed in ten steps from a known and easily available lactone.

}, keywords = {indium, indoles, isatogens, Natural products, Total synthesis}, issn = {0947-6539}, doi = {10.1002/chem.201103604}, author = {Kumar, Chepuri V. Suneel and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Ramana, Chepuri V.} } @article { ISI:000305767200035, title = {Intracellular synthesis of gold nanoparticles using alga tetraselmis kochinensis}, journal = {Materials Letters}, volume = {79}, year = {2012}, month = {JUL}, pages = {116-118}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The development of eco-friendly synthesis protocol for the synthesis of nanoscale materials of different compositions, shapes and sizes is an important area of research in the field of nanotechnology. In this paper, we report on the use of alga Tetraselmis kochinensis in the intracellular synthesis of gold nanoparticles of dimensions 5-35 nm. The particles are more concentrated upon the cell wall than on the cytoplasmic membrane, possibly due to reduction of the metal ions by enzymes present in the cell wall and cytoplasmic membrane. These intracellular nanoparticles may have applications in drug delivery, biomedical applications, catalysis, etc. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Algae, Biosynthesis, Nanoparticles, nanotechnology, Tetraselmis kochinensis}, issn = {0167-577X}, doi = {10.1016/j.matlet.2012.04.009}, author = {Senapati, Satyajyoti and Syed, Asad and Moeez, Sana and Kumar, Ashutosh and Ahmad, Absar} } @article { ISI:000309569200044, title = {Kernel morphometric traits in hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) are modulated by intricate QTL x QTL and genotype x environment interactions}, journal = {Journal of Cereal Science}, volume = {56}, number = {2}, year = {2012}, month = {SEP}, pages = {432-439}, publisher = {ACADEMIC PRESS LTD- ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {24-28 OVAL RD, LONDON NW1 7DX, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Wheat kernel size and shape influence its flour yield and market price. A hexaploid wheat population of 185 recombinant inbred lines was evaluated for five kernel morphometric traits namely, 1000-kernel weight, kernel length, width, length width ratio and factor form density in two diverse agro-climatic regions in India in five to eight year location combinations. Additive main effects and multiplicative interaction analysis revealed significant contributions from genotype (G) and genotype x environment (G x E) effects for these traits. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis by composite interval mapping (CIM) was performed using a linkage map of 251 SSR markers and 59 QTLs distributed on 16 chromosomes were identified. The majority of the QTLs were located on the D genome (44.07\%) and the homeologous chromosomes of Group 2 (38.98\%). Stable QTLs detected in three or more year location combinations were identified for four traits. Multi-trait CIM showed 10 chromosomal regions harboring putative pleiotropic loci. Complexity in the genetic effects was further revealed by QTL analysis based on mixed-linear model that indicated 19 QTLs with significant individual effects (main-effect QTLs) and 14 QTL x QTL interactions. Five of these - nineteen main-effect QTLs and one of the fourteen QTL x QTL interactions showed environmental influence. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Epistatic QTLs, Genotype x environment interactions, Kernel size and shape, Stable QTLs}, issn = {0733-5210}, doi = {10.1016/j.jcs.2012.05.010}, author = {Prashant, Ramya and Kadoo, Narendra Y. and Desale, Charushila and Kore, Prajakta and Dhaliwal, Harcharan Singh and Chhuneja, Parveen and Gupta, Vidya} } @article {43378, title = {Kinetic modeling and optimization of operating parameters for transvinylation of lauric acid}, journal = {International Journal of Chemical Kinetics}, volume = {44}, year = {2012}, month = {SEP}, pages = {624-634}, abstract = {The transition metal complex catalyzed transvinylation of carboxylic acid with vinyl acetate monomer is of significant interest to industry. The palladium complex catalyzed transvinylation of lauric acid using vinyl acetate monomer is a reversible reaction. In present article, design of experiments (DOE) statistics is used to study effects of various operating parameters on transvinylation of lauric acid. The kinetic parameters forward and backward rate constants and the thermodynamic parameters such as equilibrium constant and energy of activation of the transvinylation of lauric acid were estimated using the Dynochem model. The optimum operating parameters for the transvinylation of lauric acid were then predicted using the Dynochem model and verified by performing the actual experiments to validate the model. It was found that the experimental results match with the predicted one. (c) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 44: 624634, 2012}, doi = {10.1002/kin.20704}, author = {Kamble, Sanjay P. and Manjarekar, Onkar and Mawale, Ravi and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D. and Chowdary, Naresh and Gupte, Milind Y. and Barve, Prashant P.} } @article { ISI:000309589000026, title = {L. K. Doraiswamy (1927-2012)}, journal = {Current Science}, volume = {103}, number = {5}, year = {2012}, month = {SEP}, pages = {571-572}, publisher = {INDIAN ACAD SCIENCES}, address = {C V RAMAN AVENUE, SADASHIVANAGAR, P B \#8005, BANGALORE 560 080, INDIA}, issn = {0011-3891}, author = {Kulkarni, B. D.} } @article { ISI:000307479100016, title = {Lamellar melting, not crystal motion, results in softening of polyoxymethylene on heating}, journal = {Macromolecules}, volume = {45}, number = {15}, year = {2012}, month = {AUG}, pages = {5967-5978}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

We probe temperature-dependent changes in the semicrystalline microstructure of polyoxymethylene using a combination of modulated DSC, SAXS, and solid-state NMR to characterize macroscopic behavior, lamellar-level structure, and molecular environments, respectively, and correlate these with the change in mechanical properties probed using DMA and AFM. Two model samples are investigated: a melt crystallized sample prepared by injection molding and a sample obtained by crystallization from dilute solution. Our investigations reveal that, for both samples, there is an increase in crystalline motions and in the amorphous content on heating. DMA and AFM measurements reveal that the modulus of the molded sample decreases on heating to about 100 degrees C; however, there is a significant difference in behavior of the solution crystals, where we observe no significant decrease in stiffness (from AFM measurements). Thus, in contrast to previous reports, we demonstrate that the decrease in modulus on heating polyoxymethylene does not correlate with chain motions in the crystalline regions. We use SAXS to probe the semicrystalline morphology for the samples on heating and show that, for the molded sample, there is a distribution of lamellar thickness at room temperature and that the thin lamellae in this distribution melt on heating. In contrast to the behavior of the melt crystallized samples, the solution crystals exhibit no change in the lamellar stacking on heating to 150 degrees C. We also demonstrate that, on heating, the amorphous regions in the solution crystals always appear to have restricted mobility while there are mobile and low mobility amorphous regions in the molded samples. Our results suggest that, contrary to conventional belief, the decrease in modulus on heating polyoxymethylene arises not from motions in the crystalline lamellae but primarily from melting of thin lamellae.

}, issn = {0024-9297}, doi = {10.1021/ma3004423}, author = {Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy and Surve, Nikita S. and Mathew, Renny and Rana, Abhimanyu and Jha, Saroj K. and Bulakh, Neelima N. and Nisal, Anuya and Ajithkumar, Thalasseril G. and Rajamohanan, P. R. and Ratnagiri, Ram} } @article { ISI:000304155900025, title = {Latex-mediated synthesis of ZnS nanoparticles: green synthesis approach}, journal = {Journal of Nanoparticle Research}, volume = {14}, number = {5}, year = {2012}, month = {MAY}, pages = {865}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

A low-cost, green synthesis of ZnS nanoparticles is reported using 0.3 \% latex solution prepared from Jatropha curcas L. ZnS nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, selected area electron diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive analysis of X-rays, UV-vis optical absorption and photoluminescence techniques. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy was performed to find the role of cyclic peptides namely curcacycline A (an octapeptide), curcacycline B (a nonapeptide) and curcain (an enzyme) as a possible reducing and stabilizing agents present in the latex of J. curcas L. The average size of ZnS nanoparticles was found to be 10 nm. Latex of J. curcas L. itself acts as a source of sulphide (S-2) ions that are donated to Zn ions under present experimental conditions. Source of sulphide (S-2) ions is still unclear, but we speculate that cysteine or thiol residues present in enzyme curcain may be donating these sulphide (S-2) ions.

}, keywords = {green synthesis, Latex, ZnS nanoparticles}, issn = {1388-0764}, doi = {10.1007/s11051-012-0865-x}, author = {Hudlikar, Manish and Joglekar, Shriram and Dhaygude, Mayur and Kodam, Kisan M.} } @article { ISI:000309787500006, title = {Ligand promoted and controlled palladium-catalyzed intramolecular Heck reaction of homoallyl alcohols: a facile synthesis of cyclopentaannulated quinolines}, journal = {Tetrahedron}, volume = {68}, number = {45}, year = {2012}, month = {NOV}, pages = {9206-9210}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Bidentate phosphine ligands in palladium-catalyzed intramolecular Heck reactions of 2-chloroquinolin-3-yl-(1-homoallyl)alcohols are described to afford facile synthesis of 3-methylene-2,3-dihydro-1H-cy-clopenta[b]quinolines in improved yields. We further observed using bulky aromatic phosphine ligand in Pd-catalyzed intermolecular Heck coupling reaction at olefinic centers with iodobenzene also favored exclusively Heck products in excellent yield. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Heck cyclization, Homoallyl alcohol, Ligand promoted, Palladium-catalyzed, Quinoline}, issn = {0040-4020}, doi = {10.1016/j.tet.2012.08.088}, author = {Singh, Radhey M. and Chandra, Atish and Sharma, Neha and Singh, Bhawana and Kumar, Ritush} } @article { ISI:000311111300007, title = {Lipase-mediated hydrolysis of flax seed oil for selective enrichment of alpha-linolenic acid}, journal = {European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology}, volume = {114}, number = {11}, year = {2012}, month = {NOV}, pages = {1246-1253}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are important ingredients of human diet because of their prominent role in the function of human brain, eye and kidney. alpha-Linolenic acid (ALA), a C18, n-3 PUFA is a precursor of long chain PUFA in humans. Commercial lipases of Candida rugosa, Pseudomonas cepacea, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Rhizomucor miehei were used for hydrolysis of flax seed oil. Reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography followed by gas chromatography showed that the purified oil contained 12 triacylglycerols (TAGs) with differences in fatty acid compositions. Flax seed oil TAGs contained alpha-linolenic acid (50\%) as a major fatty acid while palmitic, oleic, linoleic made up rest of the portion. Among the four commercial lipases C. rugosa has preference for ALA, and that ALA was enriched in free fatty acids. C. rugosa lipase mediated hydrolysis of the TAGs resulted in a fatty acid mixture that was enriched in alpha-linolenic to about 72\% yield that could be further enriched to 80\% yield by selective removal of saturated fatty acids by urea complexation. Such purified ALA can be used for preparation of ALA-enriched glycerides. Practical applications: This methodology allows purifying ALA from fatty acid mixture obtained from flax seed oil by urea complexation.

}, keywords = {a-Linolenic acid, Flax seed oil, Lipases, PUFA, Urea complexation}, issn = {1438-7697}, doi = {10.1002/ejlt.201100384}, author = {Rupani, Banin and Kodam, Kisan M. and Gadre, Ramchandra V. and Najafpour, Ghasem D.} } @article { ISI:000300458300075, title = {Low plasma albumin levels are associated with increased plasma protein glycation and HbA1c in diabetes}, journal = {Journal of Proteome Research}, volume = {11}, number = {2}, year = {2012}, month = {FEB}, pages = {1391-1396}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Albumin is one of the most abundant plasma proteins and is heavily glycated in diabetes. In this study, we have addressed whether variation in the albumin levels influence glycation of plasma proteins and HbA1c. The study was performed in three systems: (1) streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice plasma, (2) diabetic clinical plasma, and (3) in vitro glycated plasma. Diabetic mice and clinical plasma samples were categorized as diabetic high albumin plasma (DHAP) and diabetic low albumin plasma (DLAP) on the basis of their albumin levels. For the in vitro experiment, two albumin levels, high albumin plasma (HAP) and low albumin plasma (LAP), were created by differential depletion of plasma albumin. Protein glycation was studied by using a combination of two-dimensional electrophoresis (2DE), Western blotting, and LC-MSE. In both mice and clinical experiments, an increased plasma protein glycation was observed in DLAP than in DHAP. Additionally, plasma albumin levels were negatively correlated with HbA1c. The in vitro experiment with differential depletion of albumin mechanistically showed that the low albumin levels are associated with increased plasma protein glycation and that albumin competes for glycation with other plasma proteins.

}, keywords = {advanced glycation end products (AGEs), Albumin, glucose, post translational modification}, issn = {1535-3893}, doi = {10.1021/pr201030m}, author = {Bhonsle, Hemangi S. and Korwar, Arvind M. and Kote, Sachin S. and Golegaonkar, Sandeep B. and Chougale, Ashok D. and Shaik, Mahemud L. and Dhande, Nitin L. and Giri, Ashok P. and Shelgikar, Kishore M. and Boppana, Ramanamurthy and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @article { ISI:000313404400021, title = {Magnetic properties of nanocrystalline CoFe2O4 synthesized by thermal plasma in large scale}, journal = {Materials Chemistry and Physics}, volume = {137}, number = {2}, year = {2012}, month = {DEC}, pages = {586-595}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

The paper reports the large scale synthesis of nanoparticles of CoFe2O4 using thermal plasma reactor by gas phase condensation method. The yield of formation was found to be around 15 g h(-1). The magnetic properties of CoFe2O4, synthesized at different reactor powers, were investigated in view of studying the effect of operating parameters of plasma reactor on the structural reorganization leading to the different cation distribution. The values of saturation magnetization, coercivity and remanent magnetization were found to be influenced by input power in thermal plasma. Although the increase in saturation magnetization was marginal (61 emu g(-1) to 70 emu g(-1)) with increasing plasma power; a significant increase in the coercivity (552 Oe to 849 Oe) and remanent magnetization (16 emu g(-1) to 26 emu g(-1)) were also noticed. The Mossbauer spectra showed mixed spinel structure and canted spin order for the as synthesized nanoparticles. The detailed analysis of cation distribution using the Mossbauer spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy leads to the conclusion that the sample synthesized at an optimized power shows the different site selective states. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Magnetic materials, magnetic properties, Mossbauer spectroscopy, Nanostructures}, issn = {0254-0584}, doi = {10.1016/j.matchemphys.2012.10.007}, author = {Nawale, A. B. and Kanhe, Nilesh S. and Patil, K. R. and Reddy, V. R. and Gupta, A. and Kale, B. B. and Bhoraskar, S. V. and Mathe, Vikas L. and Das, A. K.} } @article { ISI:000311240100021, title = {Metal [Zn(II), Cd(II)], 1,10-phenanthroline containing coordination polymers constructed on the skeleton of polycarboxylates: synthesis, characterization, microstructural, and CO2 gas adsorption studies}, journal = {Crystal Growth \& Design}, volume = {12}, number = {11}, year = {2012}, month = {NOV}, pages = {5311-5319}, abstract = {

{Four new coordination polymers have been obtained by the reaction of metal [Zn(II), Cd(II)], 1,10-phenanthroline separately with two carboxylic acids, [biphenyl-4,4{\textquoteright}-dicarboxylic acid (4,4{\textquoteright}-H(2)BDA),and 4,4{\textquoteright}-azodibenzoic acid (4,4{\textquoteright}-H(2)ADA)]. The crystal structures of the resulting complexes of type {[Zn(4,4{\textquoteright}-BDA)(Phen)(2)center dot HCON(CH3)(2)}(n) (1), {[Cd(4,4{\textquoteright}-BDA)(Phen)](2)center dot H2O\

}, author = {Yadav, Pramod Kumar and Kumari, Niraj and Pachfule, Pradip and Banerjee, Rahul and Mishra, Lallan} } @article { ISI:000308260200006, title = {Microstructural reorganization and cargo release in pyrene urethane methacrylate random copolymer hollow capsules}, journal = {Langmuir}, volume = {28}, number = {35}, year = {2012}, month = {SEP}, pages = {12731-12743}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

We report the synthesis of polymer microcapsules by direct one-pot free radical random copolymerization approach. Urethane methacrylate comb monomers having pendant pyrene (Py) and 3-pentadecyl phenol (PDP) units were copolymerized in a random manner using benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as free radical initiator in dimethylformamide (DMF) as solvent. These copolymers and corresponding homopolymers spontaneously self-organized into microspheres upon drop casting from solvents like DMF and tetrahydrofuran (THF). Stable microspheres were obtained in water by dialyzing THF solution of the polymers against water in dialysis bags with molecular weight cutoff of similar to 2000. The hollow nature of the spheres was confirmed by rhodamine B (RhB) encapsulation followed by Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) based fluorescence emission from RhB upon exciting pyrene. The microenvironment inside the capsule was probed by following the I-1/I-3 ratio of pyrene emission as well as RhB release as a function of temperature. The RhB encapsulated in the pyrene homopolymer PIHP-100Py capsules experienced strong donor-acceptor interaction and did not undergo complete release even at high temperature (85 degrees C). The encapsulated RhB from the copolymers with low pyrene incorporation was released almost fully upon heating beyond 50 degrees C. Pyrene moieties in the PIHP-100Py were shielded from surrounding water and experienced a hydrophobic environment, whereas in the low pyrene incorporated copolymer the PDP units were better shielded from the hydrophilic environment. This work represents a simple approach to produce polymer hollow capsules, and the varying pyrene incorporation was used to trace the microenvironment inside the capsules.

}, issn = {0743-7463}, doi = {10.1021/la302283q}, author = {Kaushlendra, K. and Asha, S. K.} } @article { ISI:000311184500020, title = {Modeling of liquid propellant combustion chamber}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Journal}, volume = {207}, number = {SI}, year = {2012}, note = {22nd International Symposium on Chemical Reaction Engineering (ISCRE), Maastricht, NETHERLANDS, SEP 02-05, 2012}, month = {OCT}, pages = {151-166}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Liquid propellants are fuels which do not require external supply of oxygen for combustion. These fuels are widely used for propulsion applications in oxygen rare environments (underwater, space). We had previously presented a model for solid propellant decomposition in a combustion chamber. In this study we extend the model for the case of combined solid and liquid propellant combustion. Sub-models relating to solid propellant combustion and outlet flow-rate in the present study are borrowed from the previous study. The combustion chamber is assumed to be a {\textquoteleft}well-mixed reactor{\textquoteright}. A model is developed to characterize the liquid propellant spray assuming the spray is a collection of individually burning droplets. A single droplet decomposition model was developed and used along-with the spray model to solve for the liquid propellant burning rate. Appropriate numerical methods and computer programs were developed to solve the model equations. The model predictions were compared with the experimental data obtained in earlier studies. Appropriate methodology for calibrating the model parameters was developed and its usefulness was demonstrated by comparing the simulated pressure profiles with the experimental pressure profiles. The presented model and results will be useful for selecting appropriate liquid propellants for propulsion systems and for the development of a system level model of propulsion systems. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Liquid propellant, Single droplet decomposition, Spray combustion}, issn = {1385-8947}, doi = {10.1016/j.cej.2012.06.033}, author = {Pandit, Ajinkya V. and Kumar, Ashok and Rao, G. Srinivasa and Kedarnath, C. and Srihari, R. and Ranade, Vivek V.} } @article { ISI:000307920400025, title = {MOF with hydroxynaphthoquinone as organic linker: molecular structure of [Zn(Chlorolawsone)(2)(H2O)(2)] and thermogravimetric studies}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Structure}, volume = {1022}, year = {2012}, month = {AUG}, pages = {189-196}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Zinc complexes as MOF with hydroxynaphthoquinone as organic linkers are synthesized and characterized. The complexes Zn-1; [Zn(lawsone)(2)(H2O)(2)]center dot 3H(2)O and Zn-2; [Zn(chlorolawsone)(2)(H2O)(2)]center dot H2O, where lawsone is 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone and chlorolawsone is 3-chloro-2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, serve as hosts for adsorbed water molecules. nu(c=O) shows shift towards lower frequencies similar to 25 cm(-1) in Zn-1 and similar to 35 cm(-1) in Zn-2 in FTIR spectra. (HNMR)-H-1 shows upfield shift in Zn-1 and downfield shift in Zn-2 to the benzenoid ring protons. Bathochromic shift has been observed to the charge transfer band in UV-visible spectra of both complexes. The mass loss of adsorbed water molecules have been observed \<100 degrees C in thermogravimetric (TG) studies. Three adsorbed water molecules are present in Zn-1, while one in Zn-2. X-ray diffraction studies of Zn-2 show, distorted octahedral geometry around Zn(II). The two chlorolawsone ligands are in plane with the metal, while water molecules are trans to this plane. Formation of MOF has been observed in the synthesis of Zn-2 with chlorolawsone as organic linkers. The structure is stabilized by O-H center dot center dot center dot O, C-H center dot center dot center dot O hydrogen bonding H-bonding along with Cl center dot center dot center dot pi interactions to form a beautiful MOF architecture. Zn(II) atoms along with organic ligand form a tetramer via O-H center dot O interactions. The shortest Zn center dot center dot center dot Zn distance is 5.04 angstrom. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {3-Chloro-2-hydroxy-1, 4-naphthoquinone, MOF, Naphthoquinone, O-H center dot center dot center dot O hydrogen bonding, Vapochromic behavior, Zinc complexes}, issn = {0022-2860}, doi = {10.1016/j.molstruc.2012.05.012}, author = {Salunke-Gawali, Sunita and Kathawate, Laxmi and Puranik, Vedavati G.} } @article { ISI:000302350300092, title = {Molecular simulations of the conformational properties of atactic poly(2-ethylbutyl methacrylate)}, journal = {Journal of Applied Polymer Science}, volume = {125}, number = {2}, year = {2012}, month = {JUL}, pages = {1586-1591}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

RIS Metropolis Monte Carlo (RMMC) simulations were used to determine the unperturbed theta-state chain dimensions of atactic stereoconfigurations of poly (2-ethylbutyl methacrylate) [PEBMA]. Root mean-squared end-to-end distance (\< r(2)\>(o)/M)(1/2) and characteristic ratio (Cn) were calculated along with the backbone torsion angle distribution. The simulated properties are in very good agreement with experimental results. The values of the PEBMA chain dimensions are in-between those corresponding ones for poly(n-butyl methacrylate) and poly (n-hexyl methacrylate) thereby showing the effect of branching in the side-chain. (c) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012

}, keywords = {chain dimensions, conformations, Monte Carlo simulation, poly(2-ethylbutyl methacrylate), vinyl polymer}, issn = {0021-8995}, doi = {10.1002/app.35119}, author = {Karyappa, Rahul B. and Natarajan, Upendra} } @article { ISI:000302023500017, title = {Morphology controlled synthesis of LiV(2)0(5)/Ag nanocomposite nanotubes with enhanced electrochemical performance}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {2}, number = {8}, year = {2012}, month = {MAR}, pages = {3231-3233}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Uniformly embedded silver (Ag) nanoparticles in orthorhombic nanotubes (NTs) of lithium vanadium oxide (LVO) synthesized via a facile template-free hydrothermal treatment at low temperature exhibited an excellent morphology with good crystallinity and may act as an exceptional contender for electronic applications.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c2ra01289h}, author = {Diggikar, Rahul S. and Dhavale, Vishal M. and Shinde, Dhanraj B. and Kanbargi, Nihal S. and Kulkarni, Milind V. and Kale, Bharat B.} } @article { ISI:000310068800011, title = {Multifaceted folding in a foldamer featuring highly cooperative folds}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {48}, number = {91}, year = {2012}, month = {SEP}, pages = {11205-11207}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Herein, we report on the folding pattern observed in a synthetic peptide featuring two highly mutually dependent, yet strikingly dissimilar, closed networks of hydrogen-bonded rings that work in a cumulative fashion to stabilize the entire folded architecture of the peptide. Structural studies unequivocally suggest that disruption of any one of these mutually-dependent hydrogen-bonded networks is deleterious to the stability of the fully folded conformation of the peptide.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c2cc35649j}, author = {Ramesh, Veera V. E. and Priya, Gowri and Kotmale, Amol S. and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Rajamohanan, Pattuparambil R. and Sanjayan, Gangadhar J.} } @article { ISI:000321561204290, title = {Multi-Hit action of membrane active peptides: towards understanding bacterial cell killing}, journal = {Biophysical Journal}, volume = {102}, number = {3, 1}, year = {2012}, note = {56th Annual Meeting of the Biophysical-Society, San Diego, CA, FEB 25-29, 2012}, month = {JAN}, pages = {616A}, publisher = {Biophys Soc}, address = {600 TECHNOLOGY SQUARE, 5TH FLOOR, CAMBRIDGE, MA 02139 USA}, issn = {0006-3495}, author = {Moiset, Gemma and Cirac, Anna D. and Mika, Jacek T. and Kocer, Armagan and Stuart, Marc C. A. and Sengupta, Durba and Marrink, Siewert-Jan and Poolman, Bert} } @article {43381, title = {Multiple H2 occupancy of cages of clathrate hydrate under mild condition}, journal = {Journal of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {134}, year = {2012}, month = {MAY}, pages = {9160 - 9162}, abstract = {Experiments were carried out by reacting H(2) gas with N(2) hydrate at a temperature of 243 K and a pressure of 15 MPa. The characterizations of the reaction products indicated that multiple H(2) molecules can be loaded into both large and small cages of structure II clathrate hydrates. The realization of multiple H(2) occupancy of hydrate cages under moderate conditions not only brings new insights into hydrogen clathrates but also refreshes the perspective of clathrate hydrates as hydrogen storage media.}, doi = {10.1021/ja303222u}, author = {Lu, Hailong and Wang, Jianwei and Liu, Changling and Ratcliffe, Christopher I. and Becker, Udo and Kumar, Rajnish and Ripmeester, John A.} } @article { ISI:000303696200040, title = {Multiple topologies from glycopolypeptide-dendron conjugate self-assembly: nanorods, micelles, and organogels}, journal = {Journal of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {134}, number = {18}, year = {2012}, month = {APR}, pages = {7796-7802}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Glycopolypeptides (GPs) were synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of glycosylated N-carboxyanhydride monomer and attached to hydrophobic dendrons at one chain end by {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}click{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} reaction to obtain amphiphilic anisotropic macromolecules. We show that by varying polypeptide chain length and dendron generation, an organogel was obtained in dimethylsulfoxide, while nanorods and micellar aggregates were observed in aqueous solutions. Assemblies in water were characterized by electron microscopy and dye encapsulation. Secondary structure of the GP chain was shown to affect the morphology, whereas the chain length of the poly(ethylene glycol) linker between the GP and dendron did not alter rod-like assemblies. Bioactive surface chemistry of these assemblies displaying carbohydrate groups was demonstrated by interaction of mannose-functionalized nanorods with ConA.

}, issn = {0002-7863}, doi = {10.1021/ja300065f}, author = {Pati, Debasis and Kalva, Nagendra and Das, Soumen and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy and Sen Gupta, Sayam and Ambade, Ashootosh V.} } @article { ISI:000298662500033, title = {MYB8 Controls inducible phenolamide levels by activating three novel hydroxycinnamoyl-coenzyme a:polyamine transferases in nicotiana attenuata}, journal = {Plant Physiology}, volume = {158}, number = {1}, year = {2012}, month = {JAN}, pages = {389-407}, publisher = {AMER SOC PLANT BIOLOGISTS}, address = {15501 MONONA DRIVE, ROCKVILLE, MD 20855 USA}, abstract = {

A large number of plants accumulate N-acylated polyamines (phenolamides [PAs]) in response to biotic and/or abiotic stress conditions. In the native tobacco (Nicotiana attenuata), the accumulation of two major PAs, caffeoylputrescine and dicaffeoylspermidine (DCS), after herbivore attack is known to be controlled by a key transcription factor, MYB8. Using a broadly targeted metabolomics approach, we show that a much larger spectrum of PAs composed of hydroxycinnamic acids and two polyamines, putrescine and spermidine, is regulated by this transcription factor. We cloned several novel MYB8-regulated genes, annotated as putative acyltransferases, and analyzed their function. One of the novel acyltransferases (AT1) is shown to encode a hydroxycinnamoyl-coenzyme A: putrescine acyltransferase responsible for caffeoylputrescine biosynthesis in tobacco. Another gene (acyltransferase DH29), specific for spermidine conjugation, mediates the initial acylation step in DCS formation. Although this enzyme was not able to perform the second acylation toward DCS biosynthesis, another acyltransferase gene, CV86, proposed to act on monoacylated spermidines, was isolated and partially characterized. The activation of MYB8 in response to herbivore attack and associated signals required the activity of LIPOXYGENASE3, a gene involved in jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis in N. attenuata. These new results allow us to reconstruct a complete branch in JA signaling that defends N. attenuata plants against herbivores: JA via MYB8{\textquoteright}s transcriptional control of AT1 and DH29 genes controls the entire branch of PA biosynthesis, which allows N. attenuata to mount a chemically diverse (and likely efficient) defense shield against herbivores.

}, issn = {0032-0889}, doi = {10.1104/pp.111.187229}, author = {Onkokesung, Nawaporn and Gaquerel, Emmanuel and Kotkar, Hemlata and Kaur, Harleen and Baldwin, Ian T. and Galis, Ivan} } @article { ISI:000306766200040, title = {NaIO4-NaN3-mediated diazidation of styrenes, alkenes, benzylic alcohols, and aryl ketones}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {53}, number = {32}, year = {2012}, month = {AUG}, pages = {4195-4198}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Sodium periodate and sodium azide combination has been found to be an excellent reagent system suitable for the direct diazidation of styrenes, alkenes, benzylic alcohols, and aryl ketones to produce the corresponding vicinal and geminal diazides respectively in high yields under mild reaction conditions. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {alkenes, Aryl ketones, Geminal diazides, Sodium periodate, Vicinal diazides}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2012.05.140}, author = {Kamble, Dayanand A. and Karabal, Pratibha U. and Chouthaiwale, Pandurang V. and Sudalai, Arumugam} } @article { ISI:000300859000006, title = {Nanowires of silver-polyaniline nanocomposite synthesized via in situ polymerization and its novel functionality as an antibacterial agent}, journal = {Colloids and Surfaces B-Biointerfaces}, volume = {92}, year = {2012}, month = {APR}, pages = {35-41}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Silver-polyaniline (Ag-PANI) nanocomposite was synthesized by in situ polymerization method using ammonium persulfate CAPS) as an oxidizing agent in the presence of dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid (DBSA) and silver nitrate (AgNO3). The as synthesized Ag-PANI nanocomposite was characterized by using different analytical techniques such as UV-visible (UV-vis) and Fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). UV-visible spectra of the synthesized nanocomposite showed a sharp peak at similar to 420 nm corresponding to the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) embedded in the polymer matrix which is overlapped by the polaronic peak of polyaniline appearing at that wavelength. Nanowires of Ag-PANI nanocomposite with diameter 50-70 nm were observed in FE-SEM and TEM. TGA has indicated an enhanced thermal stability of nanocomposite as compared to that of pure polymer. The Ag-PANI nanocomposite has shown an antibacterial activity against model organisms, a gram positive Bacillus subtilis NCIM 6633 in Mueller-Hinton (MH) medium, which is hitherto unattempted. The Ag-PANI nanocomposite with monodispersed AgNPs is considered to have potential applications in sensors, catalysis, batteries and electronic devices. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {antibacterial activity, Conducting poly(aniline), In situ polymerization, Nanocomposite}, issn = {0927-7765}, doi = {10.1016/j.colsurfb.2011.11.006}, author = {Tamboli, Mohaseen S. and Kulkarni, Milind V. and Patil, Rajendra H. and Gade, Wasudeo N. and Navale, Shalaka C. and Kale, Bharat B.} } @article { ISI:000298058400005, title = {New approximate method for the stochastic simulation of chemical systems: the representative reaction approach}, journal = {Journal of Computational Chemistry}, volume = {33}, number = {3}, year = {2012}, month = {JAN}, pages = {276-285}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {COMMERCE PLACE, 350 MAIN ST, MALDEN 02148, MA USA}, abstract = {

We have developed two new approximate methods for stochastically simulating chemical systems. The methods are based on the idea of representing all the reactions in the chemical system by a single reaction, i.e., by the representative reaction approach (RRA). Discussed in the article are the concepts underlying the new methods along with flowchart with all the steps required for their implementation. It is shown that the two RRA methods {with the reaction \$ 2A \textbackslashrightarrow B \$ as the representative reaction (RR)} perform creditably with regard to accuracy and computational efficiency, in comparison to the exact stochastic simulation algorithm (SSA) developed by Gillespie and are able to successfully reproduce at least the first two moments of the probability distribution of each species in the systems studied. As such, the RRA methods represent a promising new approach for stochastically simulating chemical systems. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2012

}, keywords = {approximate algorithm, Stochastic simulations}, issn = {0192-8651}, doi = {10.1002/jcc.21971}, author = {Kadam, Shantanu and Vanka, Kumar} } @article { ISI:000308628900033, title = {New synthetic route for 1,2-diketo compounds using unexpected C-C bond cleavage by PCC}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {53}, number = {39}, year = {2012}, month = {SEP}, pages = {5327-5330}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An efficient method has been established for the preparation of 1,2-diketones by unexpected C-C bond cleavage in 4-keto-2-hydroxy esters using pyridiniumchlorochromate (PCC). (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {1, 2-Diketones, C-C bond cleavage, PCC}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2012.07.095}, author = {Bhosale, Shrikar M. and Momin, Aadil A. and Gawade, Rupesh L. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Kusurkar, Radhika S.} } @article { ISI:000300864500001, title = {Nitrate reduction pathways in mycobacteria and their implications during latency}, journal = {Microbiology-SGM}, volume = {158}, number = {2}, year = {2012}, month = {FEB}, pages = {301-307}, publisher = {SOC GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY}, address = {MARLBOROUGH HOUSE, BASINGSTOKE RD, SPENCERS WOODS, READING RG7 1AG, BERKS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Mycobacterial persistence has gained a lot of attention with respect to developing novel antitubercular drugs, which could drastically reduce the duration of tuberculosis (TB) therapy. A better understanding of the physiology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and of the metabolic state of the bacillus during the latent period, is a primary need in finding drug targets against persistent TB. Recent biochemical and genetic studies of nitrate reduction in mycobacteria have revealed the roles of distinct proteins and enzymes involved in the pathway. The differential degree of nitrate reduction among pathogenic and non-pathogenic mycobacterial species, and its regulation during oxygen and nutrient limitation, suggest a link between nitrate reduction pathways and latency. The respiratory and assimilatory reduction of nitrate in mycobacteria may be interconnected to facilitate rapid adaptation to changing oxygen and/or nitrogen conditions, increasing metabolic flexibility for survival in the hostile host environment. This review summarizes the nitrate metabolic pathways operative in mycobacteria to provide an insight into the mechanisms that M. tuberculosis has evolved to adapt successfully to the host environment.

}, issn = {1350-0872}, doi = {10.1099/mic.0.054759-0}, author = {Khan, Arshad and Sarkar, Dhiman} } @article { ISI:000306651100077, title = {Novel anti-inflammatory activity of epoxyazadiradione against macrophage migration inhibitory factor inhibition of tautomerase and proinflammatory activities of macrophage migration inhibitory factor}, journal = {Journal of Biological Chemistry}, volume = {287}, number = {29}, year = {2012}, month = {JUL}, pages = {24844-24861}, publisher = {AMER SOC BIOCHEMISTRY MOLECULAR BIOLOGY INC}, address = {9650 ROCKVILLE PIKE, BETHESDA, MD 20814-3996 USA}, abstract = {

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is responsible for proinflammatory reactions in various infectious and noninfectious diseases. We have investigated the mechanism of anti-inflammatory activity of epoxyazadiradione, a limonoid purified from neem (Azadirachta indica) fruits, against MIF. Epoxyazadiradione inhibited the tautomerase activity of MIF of both human (huMIF) and malaria parasites (Plasmodium falciparum (PfMIF) and Plasmodium yoelii (PyMIF)) non-competitively in a reversible fashion (K-i, 2.11-5.23 mu M). Epoxyazadiradione also significantly inhibited MIF (huMIF, PyMIF, and PfMIF)-mediated proinflammatory activities in RAW 264.7 cells. It prevented MIF-induced macrophage chemotactic migration, NF-kappa B translocation to the nucleus, up-regulation of inducible nitric-oxide synthase, and nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 cells. Epoxyazadiradione not only exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in vitro but also in vivo. We tested the anti-inflammatory activity of epoxyazadiradione in vivo after co-administering LPS and MIF in mice to mimic the disease state of sepsis or bacterial infection. Epoxyazadiradione prevented the release of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha when LPS and PyMIF were co-administered to BALB/c mice. The molecular basis of interaction of epoxyazadiradione with MIFs was explored with the help of computational chemistry tools and a biological knowledge base. Docking simulation indicated that the binding was highly specific and allosteric in nature. The well known MIF inhibitor (S, R)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4,5-dihydro-5-isoxazole acetic acid methyl ester (ISO-1) inhibited huMIF but not MIF of parasitic origin. In contrast, epoxyazadiradione inhibited both huMIF and plasmodial MIF, thus bearing an immense therapeutic potential against proinflammatory reactions induced by MIF of both malaria parasites and human.

}, issn = {0021-9258}, doi = {10.1074/jbc.M112.341321}, author = {Alam, Athar and Haldar, Saikat and Thulasiram, Hirekodathakallu V. and Kumar, Rahul and Goyal, Manish and Iqbal, Mohd Shameel and Pal, Chinmay and Dey, Sumanta and Bindu, Samik and Sarkar, Souvik and Pal, Uttam and Maiti, Nakul C. and Bandyopadhyay, Uday} } @article { ISI:000307814000728, title = {Novel mechanism involved in temporal regulation of skin pigmentation homeostasis}, journal = {Journal of Investigative Dermatology}, volume = {132}, number = {2}, year = {2012}, note = {42nd Annual Meeting of the European-Society-for-Dermatological-Research (ESDR), Venice, ITALY, SEP 07-10, 2012}, month = {SEP}, pages = {S128}, publisher = {European Soc Dermatol Res (ESDR)}, address = {75 VARICK ST, 9TH FLR, NEW YORK, NY 10013-1917 USA}, issn = {0022-202X}, author = {Ganju, Parul and Natarajan, V. T. and Singh, A. and Vijayan, V. and Dani, Prachi P. and Kar, H. K. and Natarajan, K. and Gadgil, Chetan J. and Rani, R. and Gokhale, R. S.} } @article { ISI:000305112000030, title = {Novel microwave assisted sol-gel synthesis (MW-SGS) and electrochromic performance of petal like h-WO3 thin films}, journal = {Materials Research Bulletin}, volume = {47}, number = {7}, year = {2012}, month = {JUL}, pages = {1787-1793}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Use of domestic microwave oven is first time employed for chemical deposition of nanocrystalline hexagonal WO3 (h-WO3) thin films. Low cost precursors like sodium tungstate, hydrochloric acid, oxalic acid and potassium sulfate signifies cost effectiveness of this thin film fabrication route. Scanning electron microscopy images reveal formation of petal like nanodisks. A number of analytical techniques were used to characterize the WO3 petal like nanodisks, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, Raman scattering spectroscopy, UV-visible spectrophotometry and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic studies revealed 2.89 O/W atomic ratio. The electrical transport studies on WO3 thin films show semiconducting behavior with n-type semiconductivity. The value of determined coloration efficiency is 57.90 cm(2)/C. The mechanism of Li+ intercalation and deinercalation in h-WO3 matrix is proposed for enhanced electrochromism. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Chemical synthesis, Electrochemical properties, Oxides, photoelectron spectroscopy}, issn = {0025-5408}, doi = {10.1016/j.materresbull.2012.03.025}, author = {Kharade, Rohini R. and Patil, K. R. and Patil, P. S. and Bhosale, Popatrao N.} } @article { ISI:000304686200040, title = {Novel route for rapid biosynthesis of copper nanoparticles using aqueous extract of Calotropis procera L. latex and their cytotoxicity on tumor cells}, journal = {Colloids and Surfaces B-Biointerfaces}, volume = {95}, year = {2012}, month = {JUN}, pages = {284-288}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

This paper accounts for novel, low-cost, eco-friendly route for rapid biosynthesis of copper nanoparticles. Cysteine proteases present in the latex of Calotropis procera L. were used to fabricate copper nanoparticles from copper acetate. Copper nanoparticles were initially characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction technique (XRD). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to estimate the size and shape of nanoparticles. The average size of copper nanoparticles was found to be 15 +/- 1.7 nm. Energy dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDAX) showed distinct peaks of copper. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was performed to confirm capping behavior of the latex proteins that contributed to long term stability of copper nanoparticles (6 months) in aqueous medium. Copper nanoparticles synthesized by above method were monodisperse type. Cytotoxicity studies of latex stabilized copper nanoparticles were carried out on HeLa, A549 and BHK21 cell lines by MTT dye conversion assay. HeLa, A549 and BHK21 cells showed excellent viability even at 120 mu M concentration of copper nanoparticles. This shows that copper nanoparticles synthesized by above method hold excellent biocompatibility. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Biocompatible, Copper nanoparticles, FTIR, Latex, Tumor cells, X-ray diffraction technique (XRD)}, issn = {0927-7765}, doi = {10.1016/j.colsurfb.2012.03.005}, author = {Harne, Shrikant and Sharma, Ashwinikumar and Dhaygude, Mayur and Joglekar, Shriram and Kodam, Kisan M. and Hudlikar, Manish} } @article { ISI:000308631300056, title = {Observation of enhanced dielectric coupling and room-temperature ferromagnetism in chemically synthesized BiFeO3@SiO2 core-shell particles}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {116}, number = {36}, year = {2012}, month = {SEP}, pages = {19503-19511}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

We report the effect of SiO2 coating on the structural, magnetic, and dielectric properties of chemically synthesized high-purity BiFeO3 particles. The assynthesized BiFeO3 particles demonstrate properties comparable with those reported for bulk BiFeO3. On the other hand, the structural measurement on BiFeO3@SiO2 shows that the SiO2 coating has anisotropically compressed the lattice of BiFeO3 particles and stimulates the variation in the electron density. This affects magnetic and dielectric behavior of material. Frequency-dependent dielectric constant study at low temperature (20-325 K) revealed slight reduction (8-10\%) in the dielectric constant of BiFeO3@SiO2 particles compared to uncoated BiFeO3 particles. The study reveals five anomalies at 234, 206, 146, 84, and 25 K located in close proximity to the linear magnetodielectric coupling and spin reorientation transitions. The loss tangent (approximate to 10(-3)) and alternating current (ac) conductivity (approximate to 10(-8) Omega(-1)cm(-1)) of BiFeO3@SiO2 particles are orders of magnitude lower than those observed for the BiFeO3 particles. The magnetic measurement shows the existence of room-temperature ferromagnetism in BiFeO3@SiO2 particles with average value of magnetic moment per Fe atom approximate to 0.030 mu(B) and appreciable coercivity as high as 120 Oe. The canted spin structure in the surface shell of BiFeO3@SiO2 particles show an enhanced magnetic property and shifted hysteresis loop. The magnetic measurement in close proximity to dielectric transitions revealed enhanced magnetization, suggesting the presence of anisotropies. It has been observed that SiO2 coating alters the properties of BiFeO3 particles. Our dielectric and magnetic measurements show enhanced coupling among the electric and magnetic ordered parameters in BiFeO3@SiO2 core-shell particles compared to uncoated BiFeO3 particles. The magnetic and dielectric properties of SiO2-coated BiFeO3 are similar to nanoparticles of BiFeO3 where interface plays a significant role.

}, issn = {1932-7447}, doi = {10.1021/jp3025683}, author = {Shirolkar, Mandar M. and Das, Raja and Maity, Tuhin and Poddar, Pankaj and Kulkarni, Sulabha K.} } @article { ISI:000299290200019, title = {One-dimensional confinement of a nanosized metal organic framework in carbon nanofibers for improved gas adsorption}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {48}, number = {14}, year = {2012}, month = {DEC}, pages = {2009-2011}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The loading of a Zn-terephthalate based MOF in the inner cavity as well as on the outer walls of a hollow carbon nanofiber (CNF) creates MOF@CNF hybrids. This hybrid {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}MOF@CNF{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} displayed improved thermal stability as well as gas adsorption compared to the individual counterparts.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c2cc16877d}, author = {Pachfule, Pradip and Balan, Beena K. and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article { ISI:000311698800036, title = {One-pot sol-gel preparation for efficient cobalt-molybdenum-titania hydrotreating catalysts}, journal = {Chemcatchem}, volume = {4}, number = {12}, year = {2012}, month = {DEC}, pages = {2112-2120}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Titania-based hydrodesulfurization catalysts were prepared by using a one-pot solgel method with the titanium peroxo complex as titanium precursor and molybdenum and cobalt precursors dissolved in the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution used during synthesis. Catalysts with MoO3 loadings varying from 5 to 40 wt?\% and a Co/Mo atomic ratio of 0.5 were prepared. Solids with molybdenum loadings below 20 wt?\% MoO3 demonstrated poor hydrodesulfurization activity for the model compound thiophene. This was attributed to the presence of a large amount of embedded cobalt and molybdenum species in the titania matrix. A significant increase in the catalytic activity was observed for solids containing 20 and 25 wt?\% of MoO3 on which active species appeared to be accessible on the titania surface. Furthermore, the highest conversion obtained on these solgel solids was superior to the highest conversion obtained on reference catalysts prepared through the impregnation of ammonium heptamolybdate and cobalt nitrate on commercial titania.

}, keywords = {cobalt, heterogeneous catalysis, Molybdenum, sol-gel process, titanium}, issn = {1867-3880}, doi = {10.1002/cctc.201200165}, author = {Nguyen, D. L. and Gillot, S. and Souza, D. O. and Blanchard, P. and Lamonier, Carole and Berrier, E. and Kotbagi, T. V. and Dongare, Mohan K. and Shubhangi B. Umbarkar and Cristol, S. and Payen, E. and Lancelot, Christine} } @article { ISI:000302634800023, title = {Organization of cubic CeO2 nanoparticles on the edges of self assembled tapered ZnO nanorods via a template free one-pot synthesis: significant cathodoluminescence and field emission properties}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry}, volume = {22}, number = {18}, year = {2012}, month = {MAR}, pages = {8887-8895}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The present investigation explores the controlled architecture of a CeO2-ZnO nanocomposite via a template-free, low temperature, facile single step solvothermal approach. This complex architecture depicts cubic single crystalline CeO2 nanoparticles (size similar to 15 nm) grown on the edges of tapered ZnO nanorods with definite orientations and alignments. The formation of wurtzite ZnO, cubic CeO2 and the coexistence of Ce3+ and Ce4+ on the surface of the CeO2-ZnO nanocomposites are confirmed using various characterization tools. The finding of such unique nanostructures by a facile method is exemplified by a plausible growth mechanism. Surprisingly, the aqueous mediated ultrasonication reaction conferred the formation of crystalline ZnO nanotubes of diameter similar to 50 nm. Spatially resolved cathodoluminescence spectra are obtained by linearly scanning an individual CeO2-ZnO nanorod along its length, which reveals the size-dependent surface effects. Interestingly, such hybrid CeO2-ZnO nanoarchitecture is observed to exhibit enhanced field emission properties, demonstrating better current stability as compared to other ZnO nanostructures. This is attributed mainly to strong surface interactions between the Ce-ionic species and the ZnO nanorods. Herein, a soft-chemical approach is used for the first time to architect a binary oxide nanostructure, which is otherwise accomplished using high temperature techniques, as reported elsewhere. Also, the present work not only gives insight into understanding the hierarchical growth behaviour of the CeO2-ZnO nanocomposite in a solution phase synthetic system, but also provides an efficient route to enhance the field emission performance of ZnO nanostructures, which could be extended to other potential applications, such as chemical sensors, optoelectronic devices and photocatalysts.

}, issn = {0959-9428}, doi = {10.1039/c2jm30226h}, author = {Warule, Sambhaji S. and Chaudhari, Nilima S. and Kale, Bharat B. and Patil, Kashinath R. and Koinkar, Pankaj M. and More, Mahendra A. and Murakami, Ri-ichi} } @article { ISI:000304129000011, title = {Organocatalytic sequential alpha-amination/corey-chaykovsky reaction of aldehydes: a high yield synthesis of 4-hydroxypyrazolidine derivatives}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {14}, number = {10}, year = {2012}, month = {MAY}, pages = {2468-2471}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

A tandem reaction of in situ generated a-amino aldehydes with dimethyloxosulfonium methylide under Corey-Chaykovsky reaction conditions proceeds efficiently to give 4-hydroxypyrazolidine derivatives in high yields with excellent enantio- and diastereoselectivities. This organocatalytic sequential method provides for the efficient synthesis of anti-1,2-aminoalcohols, structural subunits present in several bioactive molecules as well.

}, issn = {1523-7060}, doi = {10.1021/ol300739b}, author = {Kumar, B. Senthil and Venkataramasubramanian, V. and Sudalai, Arumugam} } @article { ISI:000300047600017, title = {Organocatalytic stereoselective synthesis of passifloricin A}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {10}, number = {9}, year = {2012}, month = {DEC}, pages = {1820-1825}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The enantioselective synthesis of passifloricin A has been achieved in high diastereomeric excess. The 1,3-polyol moiety was constructed by iterative proline-catalyzed sequential alpha-aminoxylation and Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons (HWE) olefination of aldehydes while the synthesis of lactone moiety was achieved by ring-closing metathesis (RCM).

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/c2ob06711k}, author = {Kumar, Pradeep and Pandey, Menaka and Gupta, Priti and Dhavale, Dilip D.} } @article { ISI:000297470800009, title = {pH Sensitive graft copolymers for zero order drug release: a mechanistic analysis}, journal = {Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy}, volume = {38}, number = {1}, year = {2012}, month = {JAN}, pages = {73-83}, publisher = {INFORMA HEALTHCARE}, address = {TELEPHONE HOUSE, 69-77 PAUL STREET, LONDON EC2A 4LQ, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Aliphatic polyesters containing pendent unsaturation were synthesized by the polycondensation of a diol, dicarboxylic acid and glycidyl methacrylate. Grafting methacrylic acid (MAA) resulted in graft copolymers containing polyester backbone and MAA grafts. Depending on composition, the polymers swelled extensively and eroded or dissolved at near neutral pH but remained in collapsed state at acidic pH. Three representative drugs differing in solubility, viz., Diltiazem hydrochloride (DH), Indomethacin (IM) and Verapamil hydrochloride (VH) were released at constant rate from tablets made by compressing spray-dried microparticles. The release of DH at constant rate has been attributed to increase in diffusion coefficient of the drug from the swollen layer of matrix. The release of IM and VH at constant rate was governed by erosion and was enhanced in matrices which undergo dissolution. The release rate was enhanced with increasing MAA content and the frequency of grafts along the polyester backbone. Once a day dosage forms for drugs differing in solubility have been developed using a single polymer matrix which is easy to manufacture.

}, keywords = {Diffusion, erosion, Graft copolymer, matrix tablets, microparticles, spray drying, sustained release}, issn = {0363-9045}, doi = {10.3109/03639045.2011.590991}, author = {Muthusamy, Ramesh and Kulkarni, Mohan Gopalkrishna} } @article { ISI:000303280000009, title = {Photocatalytic degradation of Azo dyes using Au:TiO2, gamma-Fe2O3:TiO2 functional nanosystems}, journal = {Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology}, volume = {12}, number = {2}, year = {2012}, month = {FEB}, pages = {928-936}, publisher = {AMER SCIENTIFIC PUBLISHERS}, address = {26650 THE OLD RD, STE 208, VALENCIA, CA 91381-0751 USA}, abstract = {

We report photocatalytic degradation studies on Navy Blue HE2R (NB) dye on significant details as a representative from the class of azo dyes using functional nanosystems specifically designed to allow a strong photocatalytic activity. A modified sol-gel route was employed to synthesize Au and gamma-Fe2O3 modified TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) at low temperature. The attachment strategy is better because it allows clear surface of TiO2 to remain open for photo-catalysis. X-ray diffraction, Raman and UV-VIS spectroscopy studies showed the presence of gold and iron oxide phases along-with the anatase TiO2 phase. TEM studies showed TiO2 nanocomposite particles of size similar to 10-12 nm. A detailed investigation on heterogeneous photocatalytic performance for Navy Blue HE2R dye was done using the as-synthesized catalysts Au:TiO2 and gamma-Fe2O3:TiO2 in aqueous suspension under 8 W low-pressure mercury vapour lamp irradiation. Also, the photocatalytic degradation of Amranth and Orange G azo dyes were studied. The surface modified TiO2 NPs showed significantly improved photocatalytic activity as compared to pure TiO2. Exposure of the dye to the UV light in the presence of pure and gold NPs attached TiO2 catalysts caused dye degradation of about similar to 20\% and similar to 80\%, respectively, in the first couple of hours. In the presence of gamma-Fe2O3 NPs attached TiO2, a remarkable similar to 95\% degradation of the azo dye was observed only in the first 15 min of UV exposure. The process parameters for the optimum catalytic activity are established which lead to a complete decoloration and substantial dye degradation, supported by the values of the Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) similar to 93\% and Total Organic Carbon (TOC) similar to 65\% of the treated dye solution after 5 hours on the employment of the UV/Au:TiO2/H2O2 photocatalytic process.

}, keywords = {Azo Dye, COD, H2O2, Photocatalysis, TiO2}, issn = {1533-4880}, doi = {10.1166/jnn.2012.5171}, author = {Jagadale, Tushar C. and Kulkarni, Manjusha and Pravarthana, D. and Ramadan, Wegdan and Thakur, Pragati} } @article { ISI:000293570600001, title = {Photocatalytic degradation of phenolics by N-doped mesoporous titania under solar radiation}, journal = {International Journal of Photoenergy}, year = {2012}, month = {MAR}, pages = {Article No. 780562}, publisher = {HINDAWI PUBLISHING CORPORATION}, type = {Article}, address = {410 PARK AVENUE, 15TH FLOOR, \#287 PMB, NEW YORK, NY 10022 USA}, abstract = {

In this study, nitrogen-doped mesoporous titania was synthesized by templating method using chitosan. This biopolymer chitosan plays the dual role of acting as a template (which imparts mesoporosity) and precursor for nitrogen. BET-SA, XRD, UV-DRS, SEM, and FTIR were used to characterize the photocatalyst. The doping of nitrogen into TiO2 lattice and its state was substantiated and measured by XPS. The photocatalytic activity of the prepared N-doped mesoporous titania for phenol and o-chlorophenol degradation was investigated under solar and artificial radiation. The rate of photocatalytic degradation was observed to be higher for o-chlorophenol than that of phenol. The photodegradation of o-chlorophenol was 98.62\% and 72.2\%, while in case of phenol, degradation to the tune of 69.25\% and 30.58\% was achieved in solar and artificial radiation. The effect of various operating parameters, namely, catalyst loading, pH, initial concentration and the effect of coexisting ions on the rate of photocatalytic degradation were studied in detail.

}, issn = {1110-662X}, doi = {10.1155/2012/780562}, author = {Mangrulkar, Priti A. and Kamble, Sanjay P. and Joshi, Meenal M. and Meshram, Jyotsna S. and Labhsetwar, Nitin K. and Rayalu, Sadhana S.} } @article { ISI:000305534600005, title = {Photocatalytic degradation of phosphamidon using Ag-doped ZnO nanorods}, journal = {Toxicological and Environmental Chemistry}, volume = {94}, number = {6}, year = {2012}, month = {JAN}, pages = {1075-1085}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The photocatalytic degradation of the organo-phosphorous pesticide phosphamidon at low concentration in aqueous solution on Ag-doped ZnO nanorods was investigated. Nanosized Ag-doped ZnO rods were synthesized by using a microwave assisted aqueous method. High molecular weight polyvinyl alcohol was used as a stabilizing agent. Composition and structure were investigated using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The XRD pattern reveals that ZnO nanorods are of hexagonal wurtzite structure. The average crystallite size calculated from Scherrer{\textquoteright}s relation was found to be 30 nm. The effects of catalyst loading, pH value, and initial concentration of phosphamidon on the photocatalytic degradation efficiency using Ag-doped ZnO nanorods as a photocatalyst have been discussed. The results revealed that Ag-doped ZnO nanorods with a diameter of 30 nm showed highest photocatalytic activity at a surface density of 1 g dm(-3). The catalyst doped with 0.2 mol\% Ag is effective for the degradation of phosphamidon with visible light. This opens a new possibility to decompose pesticides that are present in wastewater.

}, keywords = {Ag-doped zinc oxide, phosphamidon, Photocatalysis, Photodegradation}, issn = {0277-2248}, doi = {10.1080/02772248.2012.693495}, author = {Korake, Prakash V. and Sridharkrishna, R. and Hankare, P. P. and Garadkar, K. M.} } @article { ISI:000309072800094, title = {Photopatternable nano-composite (SU-8/ZnO) thin films for piezo-electric applications}, journal = {Applied Physics Letters}, volume = {101}, number = {10}, year = {2012}, month = {SEP}, pages = {104102}, publisher = {AMER INST PHYSICS}, address = {CIRCULATION \& FULFILLMENT DIV, 2 HUNTINGTON QUADRANGLE, STE 1 N O 1, MELVILLE, NY 11747-4501 USA}, abstract = {

Photo-curable nanocomposite material was formulated by embedding ZnO nanoparticles into a SU-8 matrix and studied for its piezoelectric properties for low cost fabrication of self-powered nanodevices. The piezoelectric coefficient of ZnO nanoparticles was observed to be ranging between 15 and 23 pm/V, which is the highest reported. These experimental studies support the recent theoretical predictions where the piezoelectric coefficients in ZnO nanoparticles were found to be higher compared to the thin films because of the surface relaxation induced volume reductions in the nanometer scale. The photo-curable property of these polymer composite films is exploited to demonstrate fabrication of a micro-cantilever test structure. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4748575]

}, issn = {0003-6951}, doi = {10.1063/1.4748575}, author = {Kandpal, Manoj and Sharan, Chandrashekhar and Poddar, Pankaj and Prashanthi, K. and Apte, Prakash R. and Rao, V. Ramgopal} } @article {42516, title = {Photosensitization of nanoparticulate TiO2 using a Re(I)-polypyridyl complex: studies on interfacial electron transfer in the ultrafast time domain}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics}, volume = {14}, year = {2012}, month = {APR}, pages = {8192-8198}, abstract = {

We have synthesized a new photoactive rhenium(I)-complex having a pendant catechol functionality [Re(CO)3Cl(L)] (1) (L is 4-[2-(4'-methyl-2,2'-bipyridinyl-4-yl)vinyl]benzene-1,2-diol) for studying the dynamics of the interfacial electron transfer between nanoparticulate TiO2 and the photoexcited states of this Re(I)-complex using femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy. Our steady state absorption studies revealed that complex 1 can bind strongly to TiO2 surfaces through the catechol functionality with the formation of a charge transfer (CT) complex, which has been confirmed by the appearance of a new red-shifted CT band. The longer wavelength absorption band for 1, bound to TiO2 through the proposed catecholate functionality, could also be explained based on the DFT calculations. Dynamics of the interfacial electron transfer between 1 and TiO2 nanoparticles was investigated by studying kinetics at various wavelengths in the visible and near infrared regions. Electron injection into the conduction band of the nanoparticulate TiO2 was confirmed by detection of the conduction band electron in TiO2 (Image ID:c2cp24105f-t1.gif) and the cation radical of the adsorbed dye (1˙+) in real time as monitored by transient absorption spectroscopy. A single exponential and pulse-width limited (\<100 fs) electron injection was observed. Back electron transfer dynamics was determined by monitoring the decay kinetics of 1˙+ and Image ID:c2cp24105f-t2.gif.

}, doi = {10.1039/C2CP24105F}, author = {Kar, Prasenjit and Banerjee, Tanmay and Verma, Sandeep and Sen, Anik and Das, Amitava and Ganguly, Bishwajit and Ghosh, Hirendra N.} } @article { ISI:000311783800011, title = {Phyllocladane diterpenes from anisomeles heyneana}, journal = {Journal of Asian Natural Products Research}, volume = {14}, number = {12}, year = {2012}, month = {NOV}, pages = {1162-1168}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

New phyllocladane diterpene, phyllocladan-16 alpha,17-dihydroxy-19-oic acid (1), together with known phyllocladane diterpene, phyllocladan-16 alpha,19-diol (2), cembrane diterpene ovatodiolide (3), sitosteryl-3-O-beta-D-glucoside (4), and verbascoside (5), were isolated from aerial parts of Anisomeles heyneana. The structure of compound 1 was elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR analyses which included HSQC, HMBC, and nuclear overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY) experiments as well as X-ray crystallography. This is the first report of phyllocladane diterpenes from genus Anisomeles. Compounds 1, 3, 4, and 5 were evaluated for inhibition of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and 3 was found to exhibit anti-mycobacterial activity with IC90 6.53 mu g/ml. Compounds 1, 3, and 5, at 100 mu g/ml, were also evaluated for inhibition of Thp-1 cell lines, and compounds 1 and 3 showed 59.02\% and 96.4\% inhibitions, respectively.

}, keywords = {Anisomeles heyneana, Lamiaceae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, phyllocladane diterpenes}, issn = {1028-6020}, doi = {10.1080/10286020.2012.738672}, author = {Kulkarni, Roshan R. and Shurpali, Ketaki and Gawade, Rupesh L. and Sarkar, Dhiman and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Joshi, Swati P.} } @article { ISI:000307184100001, title = {Phylogenomic analysis of UDP glycosyltransferase 1 multigene family in Linum usitatissimum identified genes with varied expression patterns}, journal = {BMC Genomics}, volume = {13}, year = {2012}, month = {MAY}, pages = {175}, publisher = {BIOMED CENTRAL LTD}, address = {236 GRAYS INN RD, FLOOR 6, LONDON WC1X 8HL, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Background: The glycosylation process, catalyzed by ubiquitous glycosyltransferase (GT) family enzymes, is a prevalent modification of plant secondary metabolites that regulates various functions such as hormone homeostasis, detoxification of xenobiotics and biosynthesis and storage of secondary metabolites. Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is a commercially grown oilseed crop, important because of its essential fatty acids and health promoting lignans. Identification and characterization of UDP glycosyltransferase (UGT) genes from flax could provide valuable basic information about this important gene family and help to explain the seed specific glycosylated metabolite accumulation and other processes in plants. Plant genome sequencing projects are useful to discover complexity within this gene family and also pave way for the development of functional genomics approaches. Results: Taking advantage of the newly assembled draft genome sequence of flax, we identified 137 UDP glycosyltransferase (UGT) genes from flax using a conserved signature motif. Phylogenetic analysis of these protein sequences clustered them into 14 major groups (A-N). Expression patterns of these genes were investigated using publicly available expressed sequence tag (EST), microarray data and reverse transcription quantitative real time PCR (RT-qPCR). Seventy-three per cent of these genes (100 out of 137) showed expression evidence in 15 tissues examined and indicated varied expression profiles. The RT-qPCR results of 10 selected genes were also coherent with the digital expression analysis. Interestingly, five duplicated UGT genes were identified, which showed differential expression in various tissues. Of the seven intron loss/gain positions detected, two intron positions were conserved among most of the UGTs, although a clear relationship about the evolution of these genes could not be established. Comparison of the flax UGTs with orthologs from four other sequenced dicot genomes indicated that seven UGTs were flax diverged. Conclusions: Flax has a large number of UGT genes including few flax diverged ones. Phylogenetic analysis and expression profiles of these genes identified tissue and condition specific repertoire of UGT genes from this crop. This study would facilitate precise selection of candidate genes and their further characterization of substrate specificities and in planta functions.

}, issn = {1471-2164}, doi = {10.1186/1471-2164-13-175}, author = {Barvkar, Vitthal T. and Pardeshi, Varsha C. and Kale, Sandip M. and Kadoo, Narendra Y. and Gupta, Vidya S.} } @article { ISI:000310934400049, title = {Polybenzimidazole mediated N-doping along the inner and outer surfaces of a carbon nanofiber and its oxygen reduction properties}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry}, volume = {22}, number = {44}, year = {2012}, month = {NOV}, pages = {23668-23679}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Nitrogen-doped (N-doped) hollow carbon nanofiber (CNF) was synthesized by incorporating a nitrogen containing polymer precursor, polybenzimidazole (PBI-BuI), in the inner cavity as well as on the outer walls of the CNF, followed by a high temperature treatment. PBI-BuI incorporation along the inner and outer surface of the CNF was accomplished by synthesizing a low molecular weight polymer by tuning the synthetic parameters. The solution concentration of the PBI-BuI is also varied to facilitate its entry into the CNF by capillary action. The high temperature treatment (700-1000 degrees C) of the resulting CNF-PBI material decomposes the polymer and induces N-doping along the inner and outer surfaces of the CNF. The initial PBI-BuI content and the annealing temperature are also systematically varied to choose the right combination of starting precursors and heat-treatment conditions. Detailed X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of the samples shows that pyridinic-type nitrogen is the major component in all the samples. Electrochemical characterizations of this material using cyclic voltammetry, rotating disc electrode studies and durability analysis demonstrated that this material can act as a metal-free oxygen reduction electrocatalyst with improved oxygen reduction kinetics and stability. It is also revealed that the onset potential, limiting current density, number of transferred electrons, etc. have a strong dependence on the annealing temperature.

}, issn = {0959-9428}, doi = {10.1039/c2jm35033e}, author = {Balan, Beena K. and Manissery, Aiswarya Padinhare and Chaudhari, Harshal D. and Kharul, Ulhas K. and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article { ISI:000300529100034, title = {Polymeric ionic liquids (PILs): effect of anion variation on their CO2 sorption}, journal = {Journal of Membrane Science}, volume = {389}, year = {2012}, month = {FEB}, pages = {305-315}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

A series of polymeric ionic liquids (PILs) based on poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride), P[DADMA][Cl] as a precursor was investigated by varying anions categorized into carboxylates, sulphonates and inorganic type. For the exchange of chloride from P[DADMA][Cl] by another anion, silver salt of the corresponding anion was preferred. Obtained PILs were investigated for physical properties which are anticipated to affect gas sorption. PILs possessing carboxylate (especially acetate) anion exhibited attractive CO2 sorption capacity as well as sorption selectivity over H-2 and N-2, in Comparison to Other two Categories. PIL with acetate anion, P[DADMA][Ac] possessed appreciable CO2 sorption coupled with high selectivity (S-CO2/S-N2 = 114.3). This crucial finding from this series of PILs was further substantiated by making PIL based on poly(vinylbenzyltrimethylammonium chloride), P[VBTMA][Cl] as a precursor. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Anion exchange, CO2 sorption, Polymeric ionic liquid}, issn = {0376-7388}, doi = {10.1016/j.memsci.2011.10.042}, author = {Bhavsar, Rupesh S. and Kumbharkar, Santosh C. and Kharul, Ulhas K.} } @article { ISI:000303366000001, title = {Polymorphs, salts, and cocrystals: what{\textquoteright}s in a name?}, journal = {Crystal Growth \& Design}, volume = {12}, number = {5}, year = {2012}, month = {MAY}, pages = {2147-2152}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The December 2011 release of a draft United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance concerning regulatory classification of pharmaceutical cocrystals of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) addressed two matters of topical interest to the crystal engineering and pharmaceutical science communities: (1) a proposed definition of cocrystals; (2) a proposed classification of pharmaceutical cocrystals as dissociable {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}API-excipient{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} molecular complexes. The Indo U.S. Bilateral Meeting sponsored by the Indo-U.S. Science and Technology Forum titled The Evolving Role of Solid State Chemistry in Pharmaceutical Science was held in Manesar near Delhi, India, from February 2-4, 2012. A session of the meeting was devoted to discussion of the FDA guidance draft. The debate generated strong consensus on the need to define cocrystals more broadly and to classify them like salts. It was also concluded that the diversity of API crystal forms makes it difficult to classify solid forms into three categories that are mutually exclusive. This perspective summarizes the discussion in the Indo-U.S. Bilateral Meeting and includes contributions from researchers who were not participants in the meeting.

}, issn = {1528-7483}, doi = {10.1021/cg3002948}, author = {Aitipamula, Srinivasulu and Banerjee, Rahul and Bansal, Arvind K. and Biradha, Kumar and Cheney, Miranda L. and Choudhury, Angshuman Roy and Desiraju, Gautam R. and Dikundwar, Amol G. and Dubey, Ritesh and Duggirala, Nagakiran and Ghogale, Preetam P. and Ghosh, Soumyajit and Goswami, Pramod Kumar and Goud, N. Rajesh and Jetti, Ram R. K. R. and Karpinski, Piotr and Kaushik, Poonam and Kumar, Dinesh and Kumar, Vineet and Moulton, Brian and Mukherjee, Arijit and Mukherjee, Gargi and Myerson, Allan S. and Puri, Vibha and Ramanan, Arunachalam and Rajamannar, T. and Reddy, C. Malla and Rodriguez-Hornedo, Nair and Rogers, Robin D. and Row, T. N. Guru and Sanphui, Palash and Shan, Ning and Shete, Ganesh and Singh, Amit and Sun, Changquan C. and Swift, Jennifer A. and Thaimattam, Ram and Thakur, Tejender S. and Thaper, Rajesh Kumar and Thomas, Sajesh P. and Tothadi, Srinu and Vangala, Venu R. and Variankaval, Narayan and Vishweshwar, Peddy and Weyna, David R. and Zaworotko, Michael J.} } @article { ISI:000306942300059, title = {Polymorphs, salts and cocrystals: what{\textquoteright}s in a name? (vol 12, pg 2147, 2012)}, journal = {Crystal Growth \& Design}, volume = {12}, number = {8}, year = {2012}, month = {AUG}, pages = {4290-4291}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, issn = {1528-7483}, doi = {10.1021/cg300704b}, author = {Aitipamula, Srinivasulu and Banerjee, Rahul and Bansal, Arvind K. and Biradha, Kumar and Cheney, Miranda L. and Choudhury, Angshuman Roy and Desiraju, Gautam R. and Dikundwar, Amol G. and Dubey, Ritesh and Duggirala, Nagakiran and Ghogale, Preetam P. and Ghosh, Soumyajit and Goswami, Pramod Kumar and Goud, N. Rajesh and Jetti, Ram R. K. R. and Karpinski, Piotr and Kaushik, Poonam and Kumar, Dinesh and Kumar, Vineet and Moulton, Brian and Mukherjee, Arijit and Mukherjee, Gargi and Myerson, Allan S. and Puri, Vibha and Ramanan, Arunachalam and Rajamannar, T. and Reddy, C. Malla and Rodriguez-Hornedo, Nair and Rogers, Robin D. and Row, T. N. Guru and Sanphui, Palash and Shan, Ning and Shete, Ganesh and Singh, Amit and Sun, Changquan C. and Swift, Jennifer A. and Thaimattam, Ram and Thakur, Tejender S. and Thaper, Rajesh Kumar and Thomas, Sajesh P. and Tothadi, Srinu and Vangala, Venu R. and Vishweshwar, Peddy and Weyna, David R. and Zaworotko, Michael J.} } @article { ISI:000311522500055, title = {Porous ZnO nanorod for targeted delivery of doxorubicin: in vitro and in vivo response for therapeutic applications}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry}, volume = {22}, number = {45}, year = {2012}, month = {DEC}, pages = {24145-24154}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Cancer cell specific targeted delivery (TDD) by porous nanocarrier is on a high role. Here in a simple route for the synthesis of porous ZnO nanorods (ZnO) has been demonstrated. ZnO expressed very high surface area of 305.14 m(2) g(-1) (S-BET) and uniformly distributed pores of 5 nm. In continuation ZnO has been fabricated with 3-aminophosphonic acid followed by folic acid to yield folate conjugated porous ZnO nanorod (ZnO-FA). High surface area, uniformly distributed pores on its surface make the nanocarrier suitable for high drug loading (88\%) of the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX). A pH triggered drug release was observed with minimum release in pathophysical conditions. In vitro efficacy of DOX loaded ZnO-FA (ZnO-FA-DOX) has been evaluated against breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231, which is not possible alone by DOX or ZnO-FA. Targeted scaffold with pendant -NH2 group has been covalently bonded with fluorescent dye (RITC) for cellular uptake and imaging studies in MDA-MB-231 cells; the possible pathway for cancer regression has also been evaluated. Even in vivo acute and intravenous toxicological evaluation on murine model system complemented biocompatibility of ZnO-FA in TDD. All together we have collaged a template free synthesis of porous ZnO nanorod, successful targeting on to cancer cells, high drug loading, pH triggered drug release, in vitro efficacy of ZnO-FA-DOX against MDA-MB-231 cells and in vivo compatibility as well. We envisioned the future prospect of porous ZnO nanostructures in TDD.

}, issn = {0959-9428}, doi = {10.1039/c2jm35013k}, author = {Mitra, Shouvik and Subia, B. and Patra, Prasun and Chandra, Sourov and Debnath, Nitai and Das, Sumistha and Banerjee, Rahul and Kundu, Subhas C. and Pramanik, Panchanan and Goswami, Arunava} } @article {42447, title = {Practical and general diels-alder reaction of pentafulvenes with arynes}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {14}, year = {2012}, month = {AUG}, pages = {4098{\textendash}4101}, abstract = {

A high-yielding, versatile and practical Diels{\textendash}Alder reaction of pentafulvenes with arynes under mild reaction conditions is reported. The aryne generated by the fluoride induced 1,2-elimination of 2-(trimethylsilyl)aryl triflates undergoes efficient cycloaddition with 6-substituted and 6,6-disubstituted pentafulvenes leading to the formation of benzonorbornadiene derivatives.

}, doi = {10.1021/ol301742k}, author = {Bhojgude, Sachin Suresh and Kaicharla, Trinadh and Bhunia, Anup and Biju, Akkattu T.} } @article { ISI:000309634900001, title = {Practical and highly efficient protocol for multicomponent synthesis of beta-phosphonomalononitriles and 2-amino-4H-chromen-4-yl phosphonates using diethylamine as a novel organocatalyst}, journal = {Comptes Rendus Chimie}, volume = {15}, number = {9}, year = {2012}, month = {SEP}, pages = {745-752}, publisher = {ELSEVIER FRANCE-EDITIONS SCIENTIFIQUES MEDICALES ELSEVIER}, address = {23 RUE LINOIS, 75724 PARIS, FRANCE}, abstract = {

Diethylamine has been demonstrated for the first time to be a highly efficient organocatalyst in the solvent-free synthesis of beta-phosphonomalononitriles by a three component condensation of aldehyde, malononitrile and dialkyl phosphite at ambient temperature. The applicability of the same catalyst in the synthesis of diethyl (2-amino-3-cyano-chromene-4-yl) phosphonic acid esters has also been described. (c) 2012 Published by Elsevier Masson SAS on behalf of Academie des sciences.

}, keywords = {2-amino-4H-chromenes, beta-phosphonomalononitriles, diethylamine, multicomponent reactions, organocatalyst, Phospha-Michael reaction}, issn = {1631-0748}, doi = {10.1016/j.crci.2012.07.001}, author = {Kulkarni, M. A. and Pandurangi, V. R. and Desai, Uday V. and Wadgaonkar, P. P.} } @article { ISI:000314801600002, title = {Preparation and characterization of calcium silicate for CO2 sorption}, journal = {Adsorption Science \& Technology}, volume = {30}, number = {10}, year = {2012}, month = {DEC}, pages = {817-830}, publisher = {MULTI-SCIENCE PUBL CO LTD}, address = {5 WATES WAY, BRENTWOOD CM15 9TB, ESSEX, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An attempt has been made to develop different samples of calcium silicate and to screen these samples for CO2 sorption and alkalinity in order to achieve maximum CO2 sorption. The CO2 sorption capacity of these samples was examined at different temperatures. Various methods such as solid-solid fusion, sol-gel, molten salt and templates (CTAB, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide or Aliquat 336, tricaprylmethylammonium chloride) were used to prepare the calcium silicate samples. The solid mass of calcium silicate samples were obtained by calcining the solid product obtained in an atmosphere of air or helium at 900 degrees C for 3 hours. The calcium silicate samples were characterized for surface area, alkalinity, scanning electron microscopic images and X-ray diffraction patterns. The temperature profile of CO2 sorption by calcium silicate was studied in the temperature range of 40-850 degrees C. Our results showed that the alkalinity and surface area of calcium silicate were in the range from 2.35 to 20 mmol g(-1) and 1.4 to 10 m(2) g(-1), respectively. The sorption of CO2 at 500 degrees C over calcium silicate for the different Ca/Si mol ratio (range: 1-6) was found to be in the range from 3.12 to 29.96 wt\%. Addition of a promoter such as sodium, potassium, caesium and lanthanum was found to enhance the sorption of CO2 by calcium silicate. Several samples of different mol ratios of Ca/Si prepared by different methods were tested for the sorption of CO2 at 500 degrees C.

}, issn = {0263-6174}, doi = {10.1260/0263-6174.30.10.817}, author = {Kale, Kishor B. and Raskar, Reshma Y. and Rane, Vilash H. and Gaikwad, Abaji G.} } @article { ISI:000300036000006, title = {Preparation of cross-linked enzyme aggregates of L-aminoacylase via co-aggregation with polyethyleneimine}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Catalysis B-Enzymatic}, volume = {74}, number = {3-4}, year = {2012}, month = {FEB}, pages = {184-191}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

L-Aminoacylase from Aspergillus melleus was co-aggregated with polyethyleneimine and subsequently cross-linked with glutaraldehyde to obtain aminoacylase-polyethyleneimine cross-linked enzyme aggregates (termed as AP-CLEA). Under the optimum conditions, AP-CLEA expressed 74.9\% activity recovery and 81.2\% aggregation yield. The said method of co-aggregation and cross-linking significantly improved the catalytic stability of L-aminoacylase with respect to temperature and storage. AP-CLEA were employed for enantioselective synthesis of three unnatural amino acids (namely: phenylglycine, homophenylalanine and 2-naphthylalanine) via chiral resolution of their ester-. amide- and N-acetyl derivatives. The enantioselectivity of AP-CLEA was the highest for hydrolysis of amino acid amides; was moderate for hydrolysis of N-acetyl amino acids and was the least for hydrolysis of amino acid esters. Furthermore, AP-CLEA were found to retain more than 92\% of the initial activity after five consecutive batches of (RS)-homophenylalanine hydrolysis suggesting an adequate operational stability of the biocatalyst. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {chiral resolution, Cross-linked enzyme aggregates, L-Aminoacylase, Polyethyleneimine, Unnatural amino acids}, issn = {1381-1177}, doi = {10.1016/j.molcatb.2011.10.003}, author = {Vaidya, Bhalchandra K. and Kuwar, Suyog S. and Golegaonkar, Sandeep B. and Nene, Sanjay N.} } @article { ISI:000300467100007, title = {Preparation of pure methyl esters from corresponding alkali metal salts of carboxylic acids using carbon dioxide and methanol}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {51}, number = {4}, year = {2012}, month = {FEB}, pages = {1498-1505}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

In the present article, for the first time, we report the synthesis of alkyl esters by direct esterification of alkali metal salts of carboxylic acids using carbon dioxide and alcohol. Methyl acetate, methyl benzoate, methyl salicylate, and methyl lactate have been synthesized by esterification of sodium acetate, sodium benzoate, sodium salicylate, and calcium lactate, respectively. The esterification reaction was carried out in a batch as well as in a semicontinuous mode of operation. A detailed study on the esterification of calcium lactate using methanol and carbon dioxide was carried out to record the effects of various operating parameters (like CO2 pressure, reaction temperature, moisture content in the calcium lactate, and initial concentrations of calcium lactate) on the esterification reaction. This synthesis route produces highly pure methyl lactate by direct esterification of calcium lactate with calcium carbonate as byproduct. The byproduct calcium carbonate was characterized for its crystallinity, surface area, and pore volume. The process route has the advantage that the synthesized byproduct can be recycled into the fermenter to make corresponding alkali metal lactate or the finely precipitated calcium carbonate can be used for various other applications. Thus, the recovery and recycle of alkali metal is possible providing a pollution free process for synthesis of pure methyl lactate.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/ie200632v}, author = {Barve, Prashant P. and Kamble, Sanjay P. and Joshi, Jyeshtharaj B. and Gupte, Milind Y. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article { ISI:000311072800004, title = {Preparation of spherical particles of 1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethene (FOX-7) using a micellar nanoreactor}, journal = {Organic Process Research \& Development}, volume = {16}, number = {11}, year = {2012}, month = {NOV}, pages = {1711-1716}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The need and preparation of spherical 1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethene (FOX-7) particles to meet certain special applications in high explosives and propellant formulation have been illustrated. Preparation of spherical FOX-7 particles by using a microemulsion technique has not been reported in the literature. In the present study, the preparation of spherical FOX-7 particles has been described using the novel concept of a micelle-based nanoreactor. Micelle-based nanoreactors have been prepared using a microemulsion of Triton X-100, cyclohexane, and water. Formation of spherical FOX-7 particles in the reverse micelle reactors have been described in the subsequent sections of this article. It is observed that spherical particles of FOX-7 are formed within 2 h in the microemulsion media. Analysis of the experimental results revealed that the particle size and shape of FOX-7 can be varied by changing the water/surfactant molar ratio in the microemulsion. Spherical particles synthesized by this method have diameters that are generally in the submicrometer to nanometer range. Impact sensitivity (h(50)) of the spherical particles obtained by the fall-hammer method is around 45 cm compared to regular synthesized FOX-7 (i.e., 50 +/- 5 cm) without any change in friction sensitivity, i.e. 36 kg. Loadability of the explosive charges can be enhanced by using these spherical particles of FOX-7.

}, issn = {1083-6160}, doi = {10.1021/op200386u}, author = {Mandal, Alok Kumar and Thanigaivelan, U. and Pandey, Raj Kishore and Asthana, Srinandan and Khomane, Ramdas B. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar Dattatraya} } @article { ISI:000313767800044, title = {Probing the mechanism of baylis-hillman reaction in ionic liquids}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {77}, number = {19}, year = {2012}, month = {OCT}, pages = {8775-8779}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The kinetic data for a Baylis-Hillman reaction in certain ionic liquids possessing ethylsulfate anion [EtSO4](-) demonstrate that the rate determining step (RIDS) is second order in aldehyde, but first order in acrylate and DABCO. This observation is similar to the one made by McQuade et al., who carried out this reaction in an aprotic polar solvent like DMSO. However, this is in contrast to the general observation that ADS is first order in aldehyde, acrylate, and DABCO in organic solvents.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/jo301348k}, author = {Singh, Anshu and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000303921600036, title = {Probing thermal interactions of ionic liquids with dimethyl sulfoxide}, journal = {Chemphyschem}, volume = {13}, number = {7, SI}, year = {2012}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1927-1933}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Interactions between ionic liquids and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) are probed by isothermal titration calorimetry. The excess partial molar enthalpies of ionic liquids H-IL(E) in DMSO are discussed in terms of solutesolvent interactions. The specific interaction theory originally developed by Pitzer is used to analyze the apparent molar enthalpy phi(L) of ionic liquids in DMSO with the help of ion-interaction parameters. Furthermore, quantitative information on solvent reorganization and clathrate formation is obtained and interpreted.

}, keywords = {calorimetry, dimethyl sulfoxide, ionic liquids, solvent effects, thermochemistry}, issn = {1439-4235}, doi = {10.1002/cphc.201100821}, author = {Rai, Gitanjali and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000311925900060, title = {Proteome profiling of flax (linum usitatissimum) seed: characterization of functional metabolic pathways operating during seed development}, journal = {Journal of Proteome Research}, volume = {11}, number = {12}, year = {2012}, month = {DEC}, pages = {6264-6276}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) seeds are an important source of food and feed due to the presence of various health promoting compounds, making it a nutritionally and economically important plant. An in-depth analysis of the proteome of developing flax seed is expected to provide significant information with respect to the regulation and accumulation of such storage compounds. Therefore, a proteomic analysis of seven seed developmental stages (4, 8, 12, 16, 22, 30, and 48 days after anthesis) in a flax variety, NL-97 was carried out using a combination of ID-SDS-PAGE and LC-MSE methods. A total 1716 proteins were identified and their functional annotation revealed that a majority of them were involved in primary metabolism, protein destination, storage and energy. Three carbon assimilatory pathways appeared to operate in flax seeds. Reverse transcription quantitative PCR of selected 19 genes was carried out to understand their roles during seed development. Besides storage proteins, methionine synthase, RuBisCO and S-adenosylmethionine synthetase were highly expressed transcripts, highlighting their importance in flax seed development. Further, the identified proteins were mapped onto developmental seed specific expressed sequence tag (EST) libraries of flax to obtain transcriptional evidence and 81\% of them had detectable expression at the mRNA level. This study provides new insights into the complex seed developmental processes operating in flax.

}, keywords = {alpha-linolenic acid, carbon flux, Digital expression analysis, flax seed development, MSE, secoisolariciresinol diglucoside}, issn = {1535-3893}, doi = {10.1021/pr300984r}, author = {Barvkar, Vitthal T. and Pardeshi, Varsha C. and Kale, Sandip M. and Kadoo, Narendra Y. and Giri, Ashok P. and Gupta, Vidya S.} } @article { ISI:000298860100004, title = {Proteomic analysis of glycated proteins from streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat kidney}, journal = {Molecular Biotechnology}, volume = {50}, number = {1}, year = {2012}, month = {JAN}, pages = {28-38}, publisher = {HUMANA PRESS INC}, address = {999 RIVERVIEW DRIVE SUITE 208, TOTOWA, NJ 07512 USA}, abstract = {

Glycation of proteins leading to formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) has been considered as one of the important causes of diabetic nephropathy. Therefore, in this study, glycated proteins were detected by anti-AGE antibodies from kidney of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat showing nephropathic symptoms, by using two dimensional electrophoresis and western blot analysis. These glycated proteins were identified and characterized by using combination of peptide mass finger printing and tandem mass spectrometric approaches. Glycated proteins identified included proteins from metabolic pathways, oxidative stress, cell signaling, and transport. Several of the proteins modified by glycation were involved in glucose metabolism. The extent of glycation was higher in diabetes compared to control, in the glycated proteins that were common to both control and diabetic kidney. Two dimensional electrophoresis proteins profiling of glycated proteins suggest that four of the glycated proteins were significantly up regulated in diabetes.

}, keywords = {AGE, Diabetes, Glucose toxicity, Nephropathy, Post-translation modification}, issn = {1073-6085}, doi = {10.1007/s12033-011-9409-3}, author = {Chougale, Ashok D. and Bhat, Shweta P. and Bhujbal, Swapnil V. and Zambare, Mandar R. and Puntambekar, Shraddha and Somani, Rahul S. and Boppana, Ramanamurthy and Giri, Ashok P. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @article {Poddar, title = {Purification and characterization of an antioxidant protein (similar to 16 kDa) from Terminalia chebula fruit}, journal = {Food Chemistry}, volume = {131}, number = {1}, year = {2012}, month = {MAR}, pages = {141-148}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Terminalia chebula fruit is used as folk medicine in India and Southeast Asia. An antioxidant protein was isolated by bioassay guided fractionation of T. chebula fruit by homogenizing in the citrate phosphate buffer. The isolated protein (TCP-III) obtained from fruit was purified by gel chromatography and preparative HPLC, showed apparent molecular weight of 16 kDa by SDS-PAGE and MALDI-TOF/MS analyses. Amino acid sequence obtained by LC-MSE analysis showed homology with the predicted protein fragments of Populus trichocarpa, putative uncharacterized protein fragments from Oryza sativa and with fragments of 17 kDa thylakoid lumenal protein from Spinacia oleracea. TCP-III exhibited significant radical scavenging in DPPH, NO, H2O2 and ABTS assays. In addition, TCP-III inhibited oxidation of linoleic acid in beta-carotene bleaching assay, reduced ferric ions and chelated ferrous ions. The present finding demonstrates uniquely, for the first time, characterization of an antioxidant protein from T. chebula fruit. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {16 kDa protein molecule of T. chebula, Antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity, Characterization, Purification, Terminalia chebula fruit}, issn = {0308-8146}, doi = {10.1016/j.foodchem.2011.08.048}, author = {Srivastava, Pratibha and Raut, Hema N. and Wagh, Renuka S. and Puntambekar, Hemalata M. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @article { ISI:000300467100008, title = {Purification of lactic acid via esterification of lactic acid using a packed column, followed by hydrolysis of methyl lactate using three continuously stirred tank reactors (CSTRs) in series: a continuous pilot plant study}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {51}, number = {4}, year = {2012}, month = {FEB}, pages = {1506-1514}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The world market of lactic acid is growing every year, mainly as a solvent and precursor to poly(lactic acid) (PLA). The cost of renewable biomass-derived PLA will have to compete with other synthetic polymers, if it is to grab a significant and sustainable fraction of the market share. It is thus necessary to have efficient and cost-effective technology for the production of pure-grade lactic acid (LA). In this article, a novel cost-effective, eco-friendly continuous process for the production of high-quality lactic acid at pilot plant scale has been demonstrated. The novelty of this process is that, for the first time, we report and use the concept of inverse reactive distillation for the esterification of crude concentrated LA in a continuous countercurrent packed column mode. This allows us to operate the column at higher temperatures, improving the kinetic rate process and leading to shorter columns. This is followed by the hydrolysis of methyl lactate (MLA) in a series of three continuously stirred tank reactors (CSTRs), where LA itself acts as a catalyst. The LA obtained in the pilot plant process shows 99.81\% purity (by weight) on water-free basis and has an optical purity of 99.9\%. The pilot scale experimental results pertaining to the autocatalytic esterification of LA and hydrolysis of MLA have been compared and validated, with respect to simulated results. The innovations reported here can make the process economically viable for commercial use.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/ie200642j}, author = {Kamble, Sanjay P. and Barve, Prashant P. and Joshi, Jyeshtharaj B. and Rahman, Imran and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article { ISI:000302639600011, title = {Quantum dot bio-conjugate: as a western blot probe for highly sensitive detection of cellular proteins}, journal = {Journal of Nanoparticle Research}, volume = {14}, number = {3}, year = {2012}, month = {MAR}, pages = {732}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

In the present study, we report a quantum dot (QD)-tailored western blot analysis for a sensitive, rapid and flexible detection of the nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins. Highly luminescent CdTe and (CdTe) ZnS QDs are synthesized by aqueous method. High resolution transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction are used to characterize the properties of the quantum dots. The QDs are functionalized with antibodies of prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4), poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases and beta actin to specifically bind with the proteins localized in the nucleus and cytoplasm of the cells, respectively. The QD-conjugated antibodies are used to overcome the limitations of conventional western blot technique. The sensitivity and rapidity of protein detection in QD-based approach is very high, with detection limits up to 10 pg of protein. In addition, these labels provide the capability of enhanced identification and localization of marker proteins in intact cells by confocal laser scanning microscopy.

}, keywords = {Detection, Imaging, nanomedicine, quantum dot, Rapid, sensors, Western blot}, issn = {1388-0764}, doi = {10.1007/s11051-012-0732-9}, author = {Kale, Sonia and Kale, Anup and Gholap, Haribhau and Rana, Abhimanyu and Desai, Rama and Banpurkar, Arun G. and Ogale, Satishchandra and Shastry, Padma} } @article { ISI:000312148500013, title = {Rapid microwave synthesis of fluorescent hydrophobic carbon dots}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {2}, number = {32}, year = {2012}, month = {OCT}, pages = {12129-12131}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Fluorescent hydrophobic carbon dots (HCDs) have been fabricated from a poloxamer by a simple microwave assisted process within a few minutes for the first time. Small and distinct spherical HCDs emitted bright blue and green fluorescent light depending upon the excitation wavelength and were dispersed easily in a wide variety of organic solvents. HCDs exhibited excellent water resistant behavior with a contact angle of similar to 122 degrees enforcing good hydrophobic character which will be quite useful in potential surface applications.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c2ra21048g}, author = {Mitra, Shouvik and Chandra, Sourov and Kundu, Tanay and Banerjee, Rahul and Pramanik, Panchanan and Goswami, Arunava} } @article {42504, title = {Ratiometric detection of Cr3+ and Hg2+ by a naphthalimide-rhodamine based fluorescent probe}, journal = {Inorganic Chemistry}, volume = {51}, year = {2012}, month = {JAN}, pages = {1769{\textendash}1777}, abstract = {

Newly synthesized rhodamine derivatives, L1 and L2, are found to bind specifically to Hg2+ or Cr3+ in presence of large excess of other competing ions with associated changes in their optical and fluorescence spectral behavior. These spectral changes are significant enough in the visible region of the spectrum and thus, allow the visual detection. For L1, the detection limit is even lower than the permissible [Cr3+] or [Hg2+] in drinking water as per standard U.S. EPA norms; while the receptor, L2 could be used as a ratiometric sensor for detection of Cr3+ and Hg2+ based on the resonance energy transfer (RET) process involving the donor naphthalimide and the acceptor Cr3+/Hg2+-bound xanthene fragment. Studies reveal that these two reagents could be used for recognition and sensing of Hg2+/Cr3+. Further, confocal laser microscopic studies confirmed that the reagent L2 could also be used as an imaging probe for detection of uptake of these ions in A431 cells.

}, doi = {10.1021/ic202073q}, author = {Mahato, Prasenjit and Saha, Sukdeb and Suresh, E. and Liddo, Rosa Di and Parnigotto, Pier Paolo and Conconi, Maria Teresa and Kesharwani, Manoj K. and Ganguly, Bishwajit and Das, Amitava} } @article { ISI:000302540600008, title = {Regio- and stereoselective synthesis of new substituted tetrahydrocarbazoles and carbazoles using diels-alder reactions}, journal = {Synthetic Communications}, volume = {42}, number = {12}, year = {2012}, month = {NOV}, pages = {1786-1795}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS INC}, type = {Article}, address = {325 CHESTNUT ST, SUITE 800, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 USA}, abstract = {

Diels-Alder reactions of 3-vinylindoles were carried out with methyl acrylate and N-phenylmaleimide as dienophiles under microwave conditions to furnish unreported tetrahydrocarbazoles regio- and stereoselectively in good yields. Further dehydrogenation resulted in new substituted carbazoles.

}, keywords = {Carbazoles, regio- and stereoselective Diels-Alder reactions, tetrahydrocarbazoles}, issn = {0039-7911}, doi = {10.1080/00397911.2010.544440}, author = {Hingane, Dattatray G. and Goswami, Shailesh K. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Kusurkar, Radhika S.} } @article {43314, title = {Reversible assembly and disassembly of micelles by a polymer that switches betweenhydrophilic and hydrophobic wettings}, journal = {Langmuir}, volume = {28}, year = {2012}, month = {JUN}, pages = {10097-10104}, abstract = {Supramolecular complexes involving nanoscopic amphiphilic assemblies (AAs) and polyelectrolytes have been used to prepare a variety of materials, wherein the dynamic AAs retain the structural features, but the polyelectrolytes undergo conformational changes. Here we show that a charge bearing rigid conjugated polymer can alter the structural features and disassemble AAs. We also demonstrate reversible assembly and disassembly of AAs by controlling the number of charges on the rigid polymer. During the disassembly, the guest molecules sequestered in the AAs are released. The rate of release has been modulated by changing the morphology of the charge bearing polymer. Concomitant to the AAs disassembly, the polymer surface becomes hydrophobic due to the binding of the amphiphiles on the charges of the polymer backbone. By controlling the charges on the polymer, the surface wettability was varied gradually from hydrophilic to hydrophobic.}, doi = {10.1021/la301760a}, author = {Dutta, Kingshuk and Mahale, Rajashree Y. and Arulkashmir, Arulraj and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam} } @article { ISI:000297559200027, title = {Reversible phase transformation in proton conducting strandberg-type POM based metal organic material}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {48}, number = {2}, year = {2012}, month = {NOV}, pages = {266-268}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A Cu(II)-phenanthroline connected Strandberg-type polyoxometalate based proton conducting MOF, Cu3Mo5P2, that contains one dimensional parallel water channels has been reported. Cu3Mo5P2 shows proton conduction at room temperature as well as elevated temperature.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c1cc15162b}, author = {Dey, Chandan and Kundu, Tanay and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article { ISI:000306933400046, title = {Segmented flow synthesis of Ag nanoparticles in spiral microreactor: role of continuous and disperzsed phase}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Journal}, volume = {192}, year = {2012}, month = {JUN}, pages = {357-368}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

This work focuses on understanding the effect of segmented flow on the nanoparticle size distribution in a unidirectionally expanding spiral microreactor, where secondary flows are prevalent in the absence of segmentation. Stearic acid sophorolipid reduced/capped Ag NPs were synthesized in the aqueous phase and air or kerosene was used as inert phases for creating the gas-liquid and liquid-liquid segmented flow, respectively. While, in one case the reactant phase is in the form of dispersed phase slugs, in the other case it is in the form of continuous phase, each exhibiting a different behavior. The slug sizes and the slip velocity, both of which govern the nature of internal mixing in the reactant phase slug controlled the nanoparticle size distribution. This observation was consistent for both, gas-liquid and liquid-liquid segmented flows. The micromixer having smaller orifice diameter yielded smaller slugs and also a narrow particle size distribution. In general, the particle sizes were much smaller for gas-liquid flow rather than for liquid-liquid flow. Because of the unidirectionally expanding spiral geometry of the channel, at any given condition, unsteady behavior of slugs due to continuously varying radius of curvature results in variation in the slip velocity along the length of microchannel. This effect was seen to further narrow the particle size distribution than alone by the segmented flow. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Ag nanoparticles, Segmented flow synthesis, Sophorolipid, Spiral microreactor}, issn = {1385-8947}, doi = {10.1016/j.cej.2012.02.084}, author = {Kumar, D. V. Ravi and Bhagavatula L. V. Prasad and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article { ISI:000311350000009, title = {Selective oxidation of cyclic olefins over framework Ti-substituted, three-dimensional, mesoporous Ti-SBA-12 and Ti-SBA-16 molecular sieves}, journal = {Catalysis Today}, volume = {198}, number = {1, SI}, year = {2012}, month = {DEC}, pages = {59-68}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Framework Ti-substituted, three-dimensional, mesoporous titanosilicates, Ti-SBA-12 and Ti-SBA-16, were prepared by direct hydrothermal synthesis method. These catalysts showed catalytic activity higher than the hitherto known titanosilicates for the oxidation of cyclic olefins (cyclohexene and cyclooctene) with tert.-butyl hydroperoxide. An epoxide selectivity of 100\% and olefin conversion greater than 92\% were obtained. Cubic Ti-SBA-16 with interconnected cage-like mesopore structure was more active than hexagonal Ti-SBA-12. X-ray diffraction and diffuse reflectance UV-vis, Fourier transform infrared, Raman and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopies provided evidence for the substitution of Ti4+ (for Si4+) in the framework locations. The catalytic activity correlated with the concentration of framework-substituted, tetrahedral Ti4+ ions. Easy accessibility of the active sites and the three-dimensional mesoporous structure are the possible causes for the superior activity of these titanosilicate catalysts. (C) 2012 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Epoxidation of cyclic olefins, mesoporous materials, Molecular sieves, Selective oxidation, Ti-SBA-12, Ti-SBA-16, Titanosilicates}, issn = {0920-5861}, doi = {10.1016/j.cattod.2012.01.035}, author = {Kumar, Anuj and Srinivas, Darbha} } @article { ISI:000310744400011, title = {Selective oxidation of nonrefractory and refractory sulfides by cyclopentadienyl molybdenum acetylide complexes as efficient catalysts}, journal = {Catalysis Letters}, volume = {142}, number = {11}, year = {2012}, month = {NOV}, pages = {1352-1360}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

{The synthesis and catalytic properties of molybdenum acetylide complexes CpMo(CO)(3)(-C CR)

}, keywords = {Homogeneous catalysis, Molybdenum acetylide, Oxo-peroxo species, Refractory sulfide oxidation}, issn = {1011-372X}, doi = {10.1007/s10562-012-0898-x}, author = {Chandgude, Macchindra G. and Biradar, Ankush V. and Kotbagi, Trupti V. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Dongare, Mohan K. and Shubhangi B. Umbarkar} } @article { ISI:000301955900026, title = {Selective recognition of fluoride and acetate by a newly designed ruthenium framework: experimental and theoretical investigations}, journal = {Dalton Transactions}, volume = {41}, number = {15}, year = {2012}, month = {FEB}, pages = {4484-4496}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

{An effective anion sensor, [Ru-II(bpy)(2)(H2L-)](+) (1(+)), based on a redox and photoactive {Ru-II(bpy)(2)} moiety and a new ligand (H3L = 5-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)-1H-imidazole-4-carboxylic acid), has been developed for selective recognition of fluoride (F-) and acetate (OAc-) ions. Crystal structures of the free ligand, H3L and [1](ClO4) reveal the existence of strong intramolecular and intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions. The structure of [1](ClO4) shows that the benzimidazole N-H of H2L- is hydrogen bonded with the pendant carboxylate oxygen while the imidazole N-H remains free for possible hydrogen bonding interaction with the anions. The potential anion sensing features of 1(+) have been studied by different experimental and theoretical (DFT) investigations using a wide variety of anions, such as F-, Cl-, Br-, I-, HSO4-, H2PO4-, OAc- and SCN-. Cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry established that 1(+) is an excellent electrochemical sensor for the selective recognition kof F- and OAc- anions. 1(+) is also found to be a selective colorimetric sensor for F- or OAc- anions where the MLCT band of the receptor at 498 nm is red shifted to 538 nm in the presence of one equivalent of F- or OAc- with a distinct change in colour from reddish-orange to pink. The binding constant between 1(+) and F- or OAc- has been determined to be logK = 7.61 or 7.88, respectively, based on spectrophotometric titration in CH3CN. The quenching of the emission band of 1(+) at 716 nm (lambda(ex) = 440 nm

}, doi = {10.1039/c2dt12126c}, author = {Kundu, Tanaya and Chowdhury, Abhishek Dutta and De, Dipanwita and Mobin, Shaikh M. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Datta, Anindya and Lahiri, Goutam Kumar} } @article { ISI:000312148500036, title = {Self photostabilizing UV-durable MWCNT/polymer nanocomposites}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {2}, number = {32}, year = {2012}, month = {OCT}, pages = {12255-12262}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A potentially active hindered amine light stabilizer (HALS) was successfully anchored onto multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and used as a light-stabilizing yet reinforcing multifunctional nanofiller to obtain UV-durable polymer nanocomposites. The influence of such light stabilizing MWCNTs on the photo-oxidation behaviour and structure-properties of polypropylene (PP) was studied. The composites were prepared by solution mixing of MWCNTs followed by melt compounding with polypropylene (PP). The resulting composite exhibits excellent UV-durability showing an almost 20 fold increase in the induction period of photo-oxidation. Moreover, the hydrophobic HALS was found to be compatibilizing enough to achieve homogeneous dispersion of exfoliated nanotubes into a polymer matrix. The rheological characterizations predict the formation of a percolated network structure. The obtained nanocomposites present markedly improved mechanical properties which underline the reinforcing ability of functionalized MWCNTs. Overall combination of HALS and MWCNTs offers an attractive route to combine multifunctionality into new hybrid UV-durable polymer nanocomposites. Such materials may possess great potential for outdoors high performance applications.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c2ra21583g}, author = {Lonkar, Sunil P. and Kushwaha, Omkar S. and Leuteritz, Andreas and Heinrich, Gert and Singh, R. P.} } @article { ISI:000303774000020, title = {Self-assembled one dimensional functionalized metal-organic nanotubes (MONTs) for proton conduction}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {48}, number = {44}, year = {2012}, month = {APR}, pages = {5464-5466}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Two self-assembled isostructural functionalized metal-organic nanotubes have been synthesized using 5-triazole isophthalic acid (5-TIA) with In(III) and Cd(II). In-and Cd-5TIA possess one-dimensional (1D) nanotubular architecture and show proton conductivity along regular 1D channels, measured as 5.35 x 10(-5) and 3.61 x 10(-3) S cm(-1) respectively.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c2cc31527k}, author = {Panda, Tamas and Kundu, Tanay and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article {42510, title = {Sequential energy and electron transfer in polynuclear complex sensitized TiO2 nanoparticles}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters}, volume = {3}, year = {2012}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1543{\textendash}1548}, abstract = {

Polynuclear{\textendash}polypyridyl complexes exhibit a directional energy-transfer property that can improve their photosensitization activity. In the present work, the energy-transfer process is explored in a trinuclear Ru2∧Os1 complex using transient absorption spectroscopy. This study reveals an efficient excitation energy transfer from the terminal (RuII complex) to the core (OsII complex) region in the ultrafast time domain (400 fs{\textendash}40 ps). The excitation energy funnel is useful in improving the functionalized core activity. This is evidenced in an interfacial electron-transfer study of Ru2∧Os1, Ru2∧Ru1, and Os1 complex sensitized TiO2 nanoparticle (TiO2 NP) systems. The intramolecular energy transfer causes sequential excitation of the core part of the Ru2∧Os1 complex, which leads to multiexponential electron injection into TiO2 NP. Besides this, the electronic coupling between the metal ion centers stabilizes the positive charge within the trinuclear complex, which results in a slow charge recombination reaction. This study shows that polynuclear complexes can be very useful for their panchromatic effects, unidirectional energy- and electron-transfer properties.

}, doi = {10.1021/jz3005305}, author = {Verma, Sandeep and Kar, Prasenjit and Banerjee, Tanmay and Das, Amitava and Ghosh, Hirendra N.} } @article { ISI:000309462100003, title = {SHI irradiation induced effects in functionalized MWCNTs}, journal = {Radiation Effects and Defects in Solids}, volume = {167}, number = {8, SI}, year = {2012}, month = {FEB}, pages = {569-576}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS LTD}, address = {4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have attracted extensive attention globally due to their applications in modern nanotechnology. It is very important to study the effects on these MWCNTs under swift heavy ion (SHI) irradiation since ion irradiation has been recognized as one of the best tools for nanostructuring of materials, in general. Here, we present the effects of 80MeV Ni ions with a fluence ranging from 3 x 10(12) to 3 x 10(13) ions/cm(2) on functionalized MWCNT mats. The properties of pristine and irradiated samples were studied using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The effects of SHI irradiation on these samples are discussed in detail.

}, keywords = {CNT, Raman, SHI, TEM}, issn = {1042-0150}, doi = {10.1080/10420150.2012.660939}, author = {Saikiran, V. and Pathak, A. P. and Rao, N. Srinivasa and Devaraju, G. and Debgupta, Joyashish and Kyriakou, I. and Emfietzoglou, D.} } @article {UGC-New Delhi}, title = {Single crystal X-ray structure of lawsone anion: evidence for coordination of alkali metal ions and formation of naphthosemiquinone radical in basic media}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Structure}, volume = {1010}, number = {3-4}, year = {2012}, month = {FEB}, pages = {38-45}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone; Lawsone (Lw) is a natural compound found in henna leaves. The reaction of lawsone with {\textquoteleft}Na{\textquoteright} metal (Lw-1), CH3COONa (Lw-2), NaOH (Lw-3), KOH (Lw-4), K2CO3 (Lw-5) and Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (Lw-6) were studied. Red orange solids obtained for Lw-1 to Lw-6 are characterized by Elemental Analysis, FTIR, (HNMR)-H-1 and EPR studies. The results reveal the coordination of alkali metals {\textquoteleft}Na{\textquoteright} and {\textquoteleft}K{\textquoteright} to lawsone anion. The single crystal X-ray structure of Lw-6 was solved and it crystallizes in triclinic space group P-1 with extensive hydrogen bonding network of C-H center dot center dot center dot O, N-H center dot center dot center dot O and O-H center dot center dot center dot O between cations and anions. Polycrystalline powder X-band EPR spectra of Lw-1 to Lw-5 shows signals similar to 2.004 at 133 K, while Lw-6 is EPR silent. The naphthosemiquinone (NSQ) radical formed in Lw-2 to Lw-5, is due to disproportion reaction of catechol and naphthoquinone. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {2-Hydroxy-1, 4-naphthoquione, EPR, hydrogen bonding, Lawsone, Naphthosemiquinone radicals}, issn = {0022-2860}, doi = {10.1016/j.molstruc.2011.11.015}, author = {Salunke-Gawali, Sunita and Kathawate, Laxmi and Shinde, Yogesh and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Weyhermueller, Thomas} } @article {42551, title = {Size-controlled flow synthesis of gold nanoparticles using a segmented flow microfluidic platform}, journal = {Langmuir}, volume = {28}, year = {2012}, month = {MAY}, pages = {7007-7013}, abstract = {

Segmented flow is often used in the synthesis of nanomaterials to achieve narrow particle size distribution. The narrowness of the distribution is commonly attributed to the reduced dispersion associated with segmented flows. On the basis of the analysis of flow fields and the resulting particle size distribution, we demonstrate that it is the slip velocity between the two fluids and internal mixing in the continuous-phase slugs that govern the nature of the particle size distribution. The reduction in the axial dispersion has less impact on particle growth and hence on the particle size distribution. Synthesis of gold nanoparticles from HAuCl4 with rapid reduction by NaBH4 serves as a model system. Rapid reduction yields gold nuclei, which grow by agglomeration, and it is controlled by the interaction of the nuclei with local flow. Thus, the difference in the physical properties of the two phases and the inlet flow rates ultimately control the particle growth. Hence, a careful choice of continuous and dispersed phases is necessary to control the nanoparticle size and size distribution.

}, doi = {10.1021/la205131e}, author = {Cabeza, Victor Sebastian and Kuhn, Simon and Kulkarni, Amol A. and Jensen, Klavs F.} } @article { ISI:000299332500004, title = {Sodium-doped lithium zirconate nano squares: synthesis, characterization and applications for CO2 sequestration}, journal = {Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology}, volume = {61}, number = {2}, year = {2012}, month = {FEB}, pages = {316-320}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Nano squares of sodium-doped lithium zirconate have been synthesized by a simple citrate based sol-gel method at room temperature in the presence of cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as a surfactant. The structural and morphological properties were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) respectively. XRD analysis of sample calcined at 900 A degrees C for 4 h shows the formation of monoclinic lithium zirconate phase. The TEM shows the interesting morphology of formation of nano squares of sodium doped lithium zirconate sample. The carbon dioxide sorption capacity was carried out by TGA analysis at different high temperatures. It is observed that the sample shows similar to 20 wt\% carbon dioxide sorption at higher temperature (650 A degrees C) within 20 min which are better than the known reports.

}, keywords = {Carbon dioxide, CTAB, Lithium zirconate, Sodium doped lithium zirconate, sol-gel, TEM, XRD}, issn = {0928-0707}, doi = {10.1007/s10971-011-2629-y}, author = {Khokhani, Mrinal and Khomane, Ramdas B. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article { ISI:000303366000056, title = {Solid-state thermolysis of anion induced metal-organic frameworks to ZnO microparticles with predefined morphologies: facile synthesis and solar cell studies}, journal = {Crystal Growth \& Design}, volume = {12}, number = {5}, year = {2012}, month = {MAY}, pages = {2572-2578}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Simple one-step solid state thermolysis of two Zn-based homochiral metal organic frameworks (MOFs) leads to a dramatic difference in morphologies which depends on the anion (-Cl and -Br) and calcination environment (air and N-2). Rod-shaped (aspect ratio similar to 20), hexagonal column shaped (aspect ratio similar to 3), and elliptical aggregation of ZnO morphologies (aspect ratio similar to 3) are obtained and characterized. Although these two MOFs possess similar rod-shaped morphology, they produce dramatic change in resulting ZnO microparticle morphologies (from rod-shaped ZnO microparticles in the case of thermolysis of MOP 1 to hexagonal column shaped ZnO microparticles in the case of MOF 2 thermolysis) when calcined in N-2 at 800 degrees C. However, when we calcined both MOF 1 and 2 in air, we encountered similar elliptical aggregation of ZnO microparticles. These ZnO microparticles show permanent porosity, visible light emission centered at 605 or 510 nm. Moreover, they show 0.15\% and 0.14\% dye sensitized solar cell activity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of dye sensitized solar cell activity of ZnO microparticles obtained from one-step thermolysis of porous homochiral MOFs.

}, issn = {1528-7483}, doi = {10.1021/cg300174f}, author = {Kundu, Tanay and Sahoo, Subash Chandra and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article {42575, title = {Solution-processed inorganic bulk nano-heterojunctions and their application to solar cells}, journal = {Nature Photonics}, volume = {6}, year = {2012}, month = {JUL}, pages = {529{\textendash}534}, abstract = {

In the last decade, solution-processed quantum dot/nanocrystal solar cells have emerged as a very promising technology for third-generation thin-film photovoltaics because of their low cost and high energy-harnessing potential. Quantum dot solar cell architectures developed to date have relied on the use of bulk-like thin films of colloidal quantum dots. Here, we introduce the bulk nano-heterojunction concept for inorganic solution-processed semiconductors. This platform can be readily implemented by mixing different semiconductor nanocrystals in solution and allows for the development of optoelectronic nanocomposite materials with tailored optoelectronic properties. We present bulk nano-heterojunction solar cells based on n-type Bi2S3 nanocrystals and p-type PbS quantum dots, which demonstrate a more than a threefold improvement in device performance compared to their bilayer analogue, as a result of suppressed recombination.

}, doi = {10.1038/nphoton.2012.139}, author = {Rath, Arup Kumar and Bernechea, Maria and Martinez, Luis and Pelayo Garcia de Arquer, F. and Osmond, Johann and Konstantatos, Gerasimos} } @article { ISI:000296933200001, title = {Solvent-free coumarin synthesis via pechmann reaction using solid catalysts}, journal = {Microporous and Mesoporous Materials}, volume = {149}, number = {1}, year = {2012}, month = {FEB}, pages = {1-9}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

A solvent-free versatile and efficient methodology, reported here, allows the synthesis of coumarin by hydroxyalkylation of phenols with ethyl or methyl acetoacetate (via Pechmann reaction) using trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (trifle acid) functionalised Zr-TMS (Zr-TMS, zirconia based transition metal oxide mesoporous molecular sieves) catalysts with different loadings of triflic acid over Zr-TMS (5-25 wt.\%) where the total acid strength of acid functionalised Zr-TMS material is increased as increasing loading of triflic acid from 5 to 25 wt.\% leading to correspond increased higher catalytic activity. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Coumarin, Ethyl acetoacetate, Functionalization, Pechmann reaction, Resorcinol, Zr-TMS}, issn = {1387-1811}, doi = {10.1016/j.micromeso.2011.08.004}, author = {Kalita, Pranjal and Kumar, Rajiv} } @article { ISI:000305039700151, title = {Sono-chemical synthesis of ZnO nano-particles and their application in hydrogen sulphide gas sensing}, journal = {Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology}, volume = {12}, number = {3}, year = {2012}, month = {MAR}, pages = {2791-2796}, publisher = {AMER SCIENTIFIC PUBLISHERS}, address = {26650 THE OLD RD, STE 208, VALENCIA, CA 91381-0751 USA}, abstract = {

Herein we describe synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles by using alkaline solution of ZnX2 (X = NO3, Cl) under ultrasound energy of 20 KHz. The reaction can be completed in about 1-2 hours. As prepared powders were analyzed by XRD measurement to find that the product is hexagonal phase pure ZnO. UV-Visible measurement of aq. solution showed absorption band at similar to 365 nm and photoluminescence (PL) indicated multiple bands in visible region due to deep traps owing to high temperature sintering. The hydrophilicity can be imparted by use of a suitable polyelectrolyte. Freshly prepared samples showed good dispersion in aqueous and alcoholic medium. The thick films derived from the ZnO nano-particles showed excellent sensing for hydrogen sulphide gas.

}, keywords = {Gas-Sensing, Sono-Chemical, synthesis, ZnO Nano-Particles}, issn = {1533-4880}, doi = {10.1166/jnn.2012.5732}, author = {Khanna, P. K. and Kate, Kunal and Dhanabalan, K. and Banerjee, Shaibal and Reji, Nedunnkandathil and Shinde, S. D. and Jain, G. H.} } @article { ISI:000311804700002, title = {Stress inducible proteinase inhibitor diversity in capsicum annuum}, journal = {BMC Plant Biology}, volume = {12}, year = {2012}, month = {NOV}, pages = {217}, publisher = {BIOMED CENTRAL LTD}, address = {236 GRAYS INN RD, FLOOR 6, LONDON WC1X 8HL, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Background: Wound-inducible Pin-II Proteinase inhibitors (PIs) are one of the important plant serine PIs which have been studied extensively for their structural and functional diversity and relevance in plant defense against insect pests. To explore the functional specialization of an array of Capsicum annuum (L.) proteinase inhibitor (CanPIs) genes, we studied their expression, processing and tissue-specific distribution under steady-state and induced conditions. Inductions were performed by subjecting C. annuum leaves to various treatments, namely aphid infestation or mechanical wounding followed by treatment with either oral secretion (OS) of Helicoverpa armigera or water. Results: The elicitation treatments regulated the accumulation of CanPIs corresponding to 4-, 3-, and 2-inhibitory repeat domains (IRDs). Fourty seven different CanPI genes composed of 28 unique IRDs were identified in total along with those reported earlier. The CanPI gene pool either from uninduced or induced leaves was dominated by 3-IRD PIs and trypsin inhibitory domains. Also a major contribution by 4-IRD CanPI genes possessing trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitor domains was specifically revealed in wounded leaves treated with OS. Wounding displayed the highest number of unique CanPIs while wounding with OS treatment resulted in the high accumulation of specifically CanPI-4, -7 and -10. Characterization of the PI protein activity through two dimensional gel electrophoresis revealed tissue and induction specific patterns. Consistent with transcript abundance, wound plus OS or water treated C. annuum leaves exhibited significantly higher PI activity and isoform diversity contributed by 3- and 4-IRD CanPIs. CanPI accumulation and activity was weakly elicited by aphid infestation yet resulted in the higher expression of CanPI-26, -41 and -43. Conclusions: Plants can differentially perceive various kinds of insect attacks and respond appropriately through activating plant defenses including regulation of PIs at transcriptional and post-translational levels. Based on the differentially elicited CanPI accumulation patterns, it is intriguing to speculate that generating sequence diversity in the form of multi-IRD PIs is a part of elaborative plant defense strategy to obtain a diverse pool of functional units to confine insect attack.

}, keywords = {CanPI, Herbivory, Oral secretions, Pin-II type proteinase inhibitors, Plant-insect interaction}, issn = {1471-2229}, doi = {10.1186/1471-2229-12-217}, author = {Mishra, Manasi and Mahajan, Neha S. and Tamhane, Vaijayanti A. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J. and Baldwin, Ian T. and Gupta, Vidya S. and Giri, Ashok P.} } @article { ISI:000309885500028, title = {Strong metal-metal coupling in mixed-valent intermediates [Cl(L)Ru(mu-tppz)Ru(L)Cl](+), L = beta-diketonato ligands, tppz=2,3,5,6-tetrakis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine}, journal = {Dalton Transactions}, volume = {41}, number = {43}, year = {2012}, month = {SEP}, pages = {13429-13440}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Five diruthenium(II) complexes [Cl(L)Ru(mu-tppz)Ru(L)Cl](1-5) containing differently substituted beta-diketonato derivatives (1: L = 2,4-pentanedionato; 2: L = 3,5-heptanedionato; 3: L = 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedionato; 4: L = 3-methyl-2,4-pentanedionato; 5: L = 3-ethyl-2,4-pentanedionato) as ancillary ligands (L) were synthesized and studied by spectroelectrochemistry (UV-Vis-NIR, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR)). X-ray structural characterisation revealed anti (1, 2, 5) or syn (3) configuration as well as non-planarity of the bis-tridentate tppz bridge and strong d pi(Ru-II) -\> pi*(pyrazine, tppz) back-bonding. The widely separated one-electron oxidation steps, (RuRuII)-Ru-II/(RuRuIII)-Ru-II and (RuRuIII)-Ru-II/(RuRuIII)-Ru-III, result in large comproportionation constants (K-c) of \>= 10(10) for the mixed-valent intermediates. The syn-configurated 3(n) exhibits a particularly high K-c of 10(12) for n = 1+, accompanied by density functional theory (DFT)-calculated minimum Ru-N bond lengths for this (RuRuIII)-Ru-II intermediate. The electrogenerated mixed-valent states 1(+)-5(+) exhibit anisotropic EPR spectra at 110 K with average values \< g \> of 2.304-2.234 and g anisotropies Delta g = g(1)-g(3) of 0.82-0.99. Metal-to-metal charge transfer (MMCT) absorptions occur for 1(+)-5(+) in the NIR region at 1660 nm-1750 nm (epsilon approximate to 2700 dm(3) mol(-1) cm(-1), Delta nu(1/2) approximate to 1800 cm(-1)). DFT calculations of 1(+) and 3(+) yield comparable Mulliken spin densities of about 0.60 for the metal ions, corresponding to valence-delocalised situations (Ru-2.5)(2). Rather large spin densities of about -0.4 were calculated for the tppz bridges in 1(+) and 3(+). The calculated electronic interaction values (V-AB) for 1(+)-5(+) are about 3000 cm(-1), comparable to that for the Creutz-Taube ion at 3185 cm(-1). The DFT calculations predict that the (RuRuIII)-Ru-III forms in 12(+)-52(+) prefer a triplet (S = 1) ground state with Delta E (S = 0 - S = 1) similar to 5000 cm(-1). One-electron reduction takes place at the tppz bridge which results in species [Cl(L)Ru-II(mu-tppz(.-)) Ru-II(L)Cl](-) (1(.-)-3(.-), 5(.-)) which exhibit free radical-type EPR signals and NIR transitions typical of the tppz radical anion. The system 4(n) is distinguished by lability of the Ru-Cl bonds.

}, issn = {1477-9226}, doi = {10.1039/c2dt31763j}, author = {Kundu, Tanaya and Schweinfurth, David and Sarkar, Biprajit and Mondal, Tapan Kumar and Fiedler, Jan and Mobin, Shaikh M. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Kaim, Wolfgang and Lahiri, Goutam Kumar} } @article { ISI:000306215900061, title = {Structure engineering of naphthalene diimides for improved charge carrier mobility: self-assembly by hydrogen bonding, good or bad?}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry}, volume = {22}, number = {30}, year = {2012}, month = {MAY}, pages = {15235-15246}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Two families of naphthalene diimide (NDI) derivatives were compared and contrasted for the effect of self-assembly on charge carrier transport. One series of NDI derivatives had a terminal phenyl ring attached to a hexyl spacer substituted naphthalene core either through an ester or an amide linkage (NDI-E and NDI-A, respectively), while the other series had a 3,4,5-tridodecyloxy phenyl unit (NDI-E3, NDI-A3) instead of the terminal phenyl unit. Solution processed thin films of these molecules exhibited n-type charge transport characteristics in a bottom gate top contact organic field effect transistor (OFET) geometry. The amide derivatives showed evidence of self-organization with observation of red shifted aggregate emission in solution as well as solid state. Variable temperature FTIR studies in the solid state confirmed the existence of strong hydrogen bonding which could be broken only at very high temperature. However, contrary to expectations, the NDI ester derivatives showed better device efficiency with electron mobilities in the range 8.5 x 10(-3) to 2 x 10(-2) cm(2) V-1 s(-1) and on/off ratio similar to 10(4). The thin film crystallinity and morphology of NDI-E and NDI-A were examined through X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The correlation of crystallinity, hydrogen bonding and charge carrier mobility was studied using energy minimized structures from density functional theory (DFT). The higher electron mobility of ester linked NDI derivatives over the amide linked ones was attributed to the freedom in charge transport pathways offered by a three dimensional crystalline organization in the ester compared to the restricted directional hydrogen bonding interaction in the amide derivatives.

}, issn = {0959-9428}, doi = {10.1039/c2jm32554c}, author = {Kolhe, Nagesh B. and Devi, R. Nandini and Senanayak, Satyaprasad P. and Jancy, B. and Narayan, K. S. and Asha, S. K.} } @article { ISI:000312564500027, title = {Studies toward the synthesis of potent anti-inflammatory peptides solomonamides A and B: synthesis of a macrocyclic skeleton and key fragment 4-amino-6-(2 {\textquoteleft}-amino-4 {\textquoteleft}-hydroxyphenyl)-3-hydroxy-2-methyl-6-oxohexanoic acid (AHMOA)}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {14}, number = {24}, year = {2012}, month = {DEC}, pages = {6222-6225}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

A first synthetic effort toward total synthesis of highly potent solomonamides is disclosed. An efficient strategy to synthesize this class of compounds, along with the synthesis of a core macrocycle (shown in red) and the key fragment AHMOA, is described.

}, issn = {1523-7060}, doi = {10.1021/ol303149k}, author = {Kashinath, K. and Vasudevan, N. and Reddy, D. Srinivasa} } @article {43315, title = {Supramolecular interaction facilitated small molecule films for organic field effect transistors}, journal = {Polymer Chemistry}, volume = {3}, year = {2012}, month = {APR}, pages = {1641-1646}, abstract = {Metalloporphyrins and metal free porphyrins have been explored as active materials in field effect transistors. Amorphous forms of these porphyrins are preferred over their crystalline analogue due to the ease of solution processability. To achieve solution processability, a metalloporphyrin was anchored on a vinyl polymer by taking advantage of the supramolecular interaction between the metal and the pyridine moiety of the polymer. Non covalent bonding was preferred because it provides an opportunity to better manipulate the polymer{\textquoteright}s properties compared to its covalent bonding analogue. The binding between the porphyrin and the polymer was optimised in solution and the supramolecular complex was spun on various substrates to form thin films. The porphyrin was found to be uniformly distributed throughout the polymer films contrary to the existing approaches, wherein small molecule phase segregates in the polymer film. Field effect transistors were fabricated using the porphyrin-polymer complex and the device parameters were measured at atmospheric condition. The devices annealed at 80 degrees C showed hole carrier mobility of 2.0 x 10(-4) cm(2) V-1 s(-1) with charge trapping at the dielectric semiconductor interface. Furthermore, the high carrier mobility observed at low temperature annealing makes this supramolecular complex an attractive candidate to explore in flexible substrates.}, doi = {10.1039/c2py20146a}, author = {Arulkashmir, Arulraj and Mahale, Rajashree Y. and Dharmapurikar, Satej S. and Jangid, Manoj K. and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam} } @article { ISI:000303086200012, title = {Synthesis and antifungal activity of 1,5-disubstituted-1,2,3-triazole containing fluconazole analogues}, journal = {Medchemcomm}, volume = {3}, number = {4}, year = {2012}, month = {APR}, pages = {484-488}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Fluconazole based novel mimics containing 1,5-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles were synthesized by using Ru catalysed 1,3 dipolar cycloaddition. All the newly synthesized compounds and pure enantiomers were more potent than fluconazole against Candida albicans. Docking of 9A and 9B showed different conformation in the active site of Cyp51 of Candida albicans. The more active compounds 2 and 2A did not exhibit any toxicity up to 3.12 mu g mL(-1) against mammalian cell line L929.

}, issn = {2040-2503}, doi = {10.1039/c2md00205a}, author = {Pore, Vandana S. and Jagtap, Manisha A. and Agalave, Sandip G. and Pandey, Atindra K. and Siddiqi, Mohammad I. and Kumar, Vikash and Shukla, Praveen K.} } @article { ISI:000303442500017, title = {Synthesis of functional hybrid silica scaffolds with controllable hierarchical porosity by dynamic templating}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {48}, number = {43}, year = {2012}, month = {MAR}, pages = {5292-5294}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We report a facile one-pot synthesis of hierarchically porous scaffolds, with independent control over nanoparticle mesoporosity and scaffold macroporosity. Our technique combines the chemistry of mesoporous silica nanoparticles with the control afforded by dynamic templating of surfactant mesophases. These materials are readily functionalizable and allow controllable spatial variation in macroporosity.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c2cc30885a}, author = {Ganai, Anal Kumar and Kumari, Sushma and Sharma, Kamendra P. and Panda, Chakadola and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy and Sen Gupta, Sayam} } @article { ISI:000309382100040, title = {Synthesis of glycidol from glycerol and dimethyl carbonate using ionic liquid as a catalyst}, journal = {Catalysis Communications}, volume = {27}, year = {2012}, month = {OCT}, pages = {184-188}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Transesterification of dimethyl carbonate with glycerol has been investigated using various ionic liquids as catalysts. Synthesis of glycidol with high selectivity (78\%) has been achieved using tetramethylammonium hydroxide ([TMA][OH]) as a catalyst at 80 degrees C. Effect of various reaction conditions on the activity and selectivity was investigated and catalyst concentration had a significant influence on conversion as well as selectivity to glycidol. Activity as well as selectivity of the catalyst decreased significantly with increase in moisture content. Recycle experiment indicated slight drop in glycerol conversion and selectivity to glycidol because of dilution of reaction mixture and also the presence of products from the initial experiment. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Glycerol carbonate, Glycidol, Ionic liquid, Transesterification of glycerol}, issn = {1566-7367}, doi = {10.1016/j.catcom.2012.07.003}, author = {Gade, Swapna M. and Munshi, Mudassir K. and Chherawalla, Batul M. and Rane, Vilas H. and Kelkar, Ashutosh A.} } @article { ISI:000315212500001, title = {Synthesis of substituted 2,6-dicyanoanilines and related compounds. a review}, journal = {Organic Preparations and Procedures International}, volume = {44}, number = {6}, year = {2012}, month = {JAN}, pages = {467-521}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS INC}, address = {325 CHESTNUT ST, SUITE 800, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 USA}, issn = {0030-4948}, doi = {10.1080/00304948.2012.715055}, author = {Borate, Hanumant B. and Kudale, Ananada S. and Agalave, Sandip G.} } @article { ISI:000310567800027, title = {Theoretical study of frequency and temperature dependence of dipole-quadrupole polarizability of P-4 and adamantane}, journal = {Chemical Physics Letters}, volume = {552}, year = {2012}, month = {NOV}, pages = {146-150}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The frequency and temperature dependence of dipole-quadrupole polarizability of tetrahedral P-4 and adamantane molecules have been studied using first-principle all-electron density functional theory calculation. The recently developed time-dependent auxiliary density functional theory is extended for the calculation of dynamic dipole-quadrupole polarizabilities. Temperature effects are incorporated by Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamics (BOMD) simulations recorded up to 100 ps. The dynamic dipole-quadrupole polarizabilities are calculated along these trajectories. The frequency and temperature effects can be significant for the accurate calculation of dipole-quadrupole polarizability. We have also identified the main reason for the observed discrepancy between experiment and theory in the case of adamantane. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0009-2614}, doi = {10.1016/j.cplett.2012.09.045}, author = {Shedge, Sapana V. and Pal, Sourav and Koester, Andreas M.} } @article { ISI:000298712000050, title = {Theoretical study of metal-metal cooperativity in the homogeneous water gas shift reaction}, journal = {Inorganic Chemistry}, volume = {51}, number = {1}, year = {2012}, month = {JAN}, pages = {377-385}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The possibility of metal-metal cooperativity in improving the yield of the homogeneous water gas shift reaction (WGSR) has been investigated through full quantum mechanical density functional theory calculations. The calculations indicate that bimetallic catalysts would be likely to be more highly active than mononuclear metal-based catalysts for the WGSR. The results have implications for the design of improved WGSR catalysts in the future.

}, issn = {0020-1669}, doi = {10.1021/ic201788t}, author = {Kuriakose, Nishamol and Kadam, Shantanu and Vanka, Kumar} } @article {43236, title = {Toward understanding the redox properties of model chromophores from the greenfluorescent protein family: an interplay between conjugation, resonance stabilization, and solvent effects}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, volume = {116}, year = {2012}, month = {OCT}, pages = {12398-12405}, abstract = {The redox properties of model chromophores from the green fluorescent protein family are characterized computationally using density functional theory with a long-range corrected functional, the equation-of-motion coupled-cluster method, and implicit solvation models. The analysis of electron-donating abilities of the chromophores reveals an intricate interplay between the size of the chromophore, conjugation, resonance stabilization, presence of heteroatoms, and solvent effects. Our best estimates of the gas-phase vertical/adiabatic detachment energies of the deprotonated (i.e., anionic) model red, green, and blue chromophores are 3.27/3.15, 2.79/2.67, and 2.75/2.35 eV, respectively. Vertical/adiabatic ionization energies of the respective protonated (i.e., neutral) species are 7.64/7.35, 7.38/7.15, and 7.70/7.32 eV, respectively. The standard reduction potentials (E-red(0)) of the anionic (Chr(center dot)/Chr(-)) and neutral (Chr(+center dot)/Chr) model chromophores in acetonitrile are 0.34/1.40 V (red), 0.22/1.24 V (green), and -0.12/1.02 V (blue), suggesting, counterintuitively, that the red chromophore is more difficult to oxidize than the green and blue ones (in both neutral and deprotonated forms). The respective redox potentials in water follow a similar trend but are more positive than the acetonitrile values.}, doi = {10.1021/jp305022t}, author = {Ghosh, Debashree and Acharya, Atanu and Tiwari, Subodh C. and Krylov, Anna I.} } @article { ISI:000307308000020, title = {Transesterification of diethyl oxalate with phenol over sol-gel MoO3/TiO2 catalysts}, journal = {Chemsuschem}, volume = {5}, number = {8}, year = {2012}, month = {JUL}, pages = {1467-1473}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, type = {Article}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

The transesterification of diethyl oxalate (DEO) with phenol to form diphenyl oxalate (DPO) has been carried out in the liquid phase over very efficient MoO3/TiO2 solid-acid solgel catalysts. A selectivity of 100?\% with a remarkable maximum yield of 88?\% were obtained, which opens the route to downstream phosgene-free processes for the synthesis of polycarbonates. Interpretation of the results of various acidity measurements (NH3 and pyridine desorption, methanol oxidation as a probe reaction) allowed us to identify the catalytic sites as Lewis acid sites.

}, keywords = {heterogeneous catalysis, Lewis acids, Oxidation, sol-gel processes, transesterification}, issn = {1864-5631}, doi = {10.1002/cssc.201100802}, author = {Kotbagi, Trupti and Duy Luan Nguyen and Lancelot, Christine and Lamonier, Carole and Thavornprasert, Kaew-Arpha and Zhu Wenli and Capron, Mickael and Jalowiecki-Duhamel, Louise and Shubhangi B. Umbarkar and Dongare, Mohan K. and Dumeignil, Franck} } @article { ISI:000305379000012, title = {Transformation of (+/-)-lavandulol and (+/-)-tetrahydrolavandulol by a fungal strain Rhizopus oryzae}, journal = {Bioresource Technology}, volume = {115}, year = {2012}, month = {JUL}, pages = {70-74}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Biotransformation of an irregular monoterpene alcohol, (+/-)-lavandulol [(+/-)-5-methyl-2-(1-methylethenyl)-4-hexen-1-ol] (I) and its tetrahydro derivative, (+/-)-tetrahydrolavandulol [(+/-)-2-isopropyl-5-methylhexan-1-ol] (II) were studied using a soil isolated fungal strain Rhizopus oryzae. Five metabolites, 2-((3,3-dimethyloxiran-2-yl)methyl)-3-methylbut-3-en-1-ol (Ia), 2-methyl-5-(prop-1-en-2-yl)hex-2ene-1,6-diol (Ib), 2-methyl-5-(prop-1-en-2-yl)hexane-1,6-diol (Ic), 2-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-3-methylenebutane-1,4-diol (Id), 5-methyl-2-(2-methyloxiran-2-yl)hex-4-en-1-01 (Ie) have been isolated from the fermentation medium and characterized with lavandulol as a substrate. When tetrahydrolavandulol used as a substrate, two metabolites 2-isopropyl-5-methylhexane-1,5-diol (IIa) and 2-isopentyl-3-methylbutane-1,3-diol (lib) have been isolated from the fermentation medium. Biotransformation studies with R. oryzae clearly indicate that the organism initiates the transformation either by hydroxylation at allylic methyl groups or epoxidation of double bond. GC and GCMS analyses indicated that both (R)and (S)-enantiomers of I and II have been transformed into corresponding hydroxylated or epoxy derivatives, when racemic I and II were used as substrates. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Biotransformation, Fungus, Lavandulol, Rhizopus oryzae, Tetrahydrolavandulol}, issn = {0960-8524}, doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2011.11.038}, author = {Daramwar, Pankaj P. and Rincy, Raju and Niloferjahan, Siddiqui and Krithika, Ramakrishnan and Gulati, Arvind and Yadav, Amit and Sharma, Rakesh and Thulasiram, Hirekodathakallu V.} } @article { ISI:000300911400014, title = {Transport of inorganic acids through polybenzimidazole (PBI) based membranes by chemo-dialysis}, journal = {Desalination and Water Treatment}, volume = {38}, number = {1-3}, year = {2012}, month = {JAN}, pages = {96-103}, publisher = {DESALINATION PUBL}, address = {36 WALCOTT VALLEY DRIVE,, HOPKINTON, MA 01748 USA}, abstract = {

A process of chemo-dialysis involving poly(benzimidazole) (PBI) as a chemically active membrane material is proposed for the transport of inorganic acids. These membranes possessing basic nature selectively bind acid molecules present in the feed solution due to acid-base interactions. They are transported across the membrane by concentration gradient as the driving force. The transported acid molecules are stripped away from other side of the membrane surface by a suitable stripping agent or water. Effects of nature of feed acid (pK(a), molecular size), its concentration in the feed solution and the nature of stripping agent (base or water) on acid transport properties are presented. Membranes showed appreciable transport rates for three acids, viz., H2SO4, HCl and HNO3. The fluxes for different acids varied from 16.1 to 140.7 g/m(2) h under different operating conditions. Most significantly, there was no transport of non-acidic solutes such as NaCl or glucose. This could be made possible since these solutes neither get sorbed in the membrane matrix, nor does the membrane exhibit any porosity for the transport to occur through pores. This resulted in practically infinite selectivity of transported acid over the non-acidic solutes. Use of water as the stripping agent allows recycling of the acid, making the process economically attractive. Moreover, possible recovery of acid and its reuse eliminated the requirement of acid neutralization and disposal; which is a routine practice followed today. Thus, this process of chemo-dialysis is economically attractive and environmentally benign.

}, keywords = {Acid transport, Chemical interaction, Chemo-dialysis, Inorganic acids, Membrane, Polybenzimidazole}, issn = {1944-3994}, doi = {10.5004/dwt.2012.2318}, author = {Chendake, Yogesh J. and Kharul, Ulhas K.} } @article { ISI:000308778000025, title = {Tuning the functionality of a carbon nanofiber-Pt-RuO2 system from charge storage to electrocatalysis}, journal = {Inorganic Chemistry}, volume = {51}, number = {18}, year = {2012}, month = {SEP}, pages = {9766-9774}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Chemical-functionalization-induced switching in the property of a hybrid system composed of a hollow carbon nanofiber (CNF) and Pt and RuO2 nanoparticles from charge storage to electrocatalysis is presented. The results of this study show how important it is to have a clear understanding of the nature of surface functionalities in the processes involving dispersion of more than one component on various substrates including carbon nanomorphologies. When pristine CNF is used to decorate Pt and RuO2 nanoparticles, random dispersion occurs on the CNF surface (C-PtRuO2). This results in mainly phase-separated nanoparticles rich in RuO2 characteristics. In contrast to this, upon moving from the pristine CNF to those activated by a simple H2O2 treatment to create oxygen-containing surface functional groups, a material rich in Pt features on the surface is obtained (F-PtRuO2). This is achieved because of the preferential adsorption of RuO2 by the functionalized surface of CNF. A better affinity of the oxygen-containing functional groups on CNF toward RuO2 mobilizes relatively faster adsorption of this moiety, leading to a well-controlled segregation of Pt nanoparticles toward the surface. Further reorganization of Pt nanoparticles leads to the formation of a Pt nanosheet structure on the surface. The electrochemical properties of these materials are initially evaluated using cyclic voltammetric analysis. The cyclic voltammetric results indicate that C-PtRuO2 shows a charge storage property, a typical characteristic of hydrous RuO2, whereas F-PtRuO2 shows an oxygen reduction property, which is the characteristic feature of Pt. This clear switch in the behavior from charge storage to electrocatalysis is further confirmed by galvanostatic charge discharge and rotating-disk-electrode studies.

}, issn = {0020-1669}, doi = {10.1021/ic301147s}, author = {Balan, Beena K. and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article { ISI:000302336700011, title = {Tuning the performance of low-Pt polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell electrodes derived from Fe2O3@Pt/C core-shell catalyst prepared by an in situ anchoring strategy}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {116}, number = {13}, year = {2012}, month = {APR}, pages = {7318-7326}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

A low-Pt electrode with high performance and durability characteristic has been realized for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell applications from a carbon-supported Fe2O3@Pt core-shell catalyst prepared by a process involving in situ surface modification-cum-anchoring strategy. The process is based on an in-house-developed methodology for generating and interlocking the core-shell nanoparticles on the surface of the carbon substrate, which undergoes functionalization in the reaction medium itself by the intervention of the reducing agent employed in the reaction. Ascorbic acid, which was used as the reducing agent in the process, played a crucial role by making use of its multifunctional activities as reducing agent, stabilizing agent, as well as capping agent in addition to its efficiency in functionalizing the carbon surface during the course of the reaction. The formation of core-shell nanostructures could be confirmed by XRD, HR-TEM, and cyclic voltammetric analysis. The oxygen reduction property and the performance during the single cell evaluations were found to be strongly influenced by the thickness of the catalyst layer owing to the ohmic contribution from the higher mass fraction of the less conductive Fe2O3 core. However, when the thickness of the catalyst layer was kept within the threshold level, Fe2O3@Pt catalyst clearly outperforms the commercial Pt/C catalyst. This benefit of the core-shell catalyst enabled it to display a maximum power density of 900 mW/cm(2) with a significantly low cathode Pt loading of 0.05 mg/cm(2). An accelerated durability assessment of the membrane electrode assembly for 10 h gave consistent performance characteristics. The study gave convincing evidence on the feasibility of using the electrodes derived from the core-shell catalyst prepared by the in situ anchoring strategy for developing cost competitive systems and miniature cells for niche applications.

}, issn = {1932-7447}, doi = {10.1021/jp300628j}, author = {Dhavale, Vishal M. and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article { ISI:000300466900006, title = {Understanding the growth of micro and nano-crystalline AlN by thermal plasma process}, journal = {Journal of Crystal Growth}, volume = {339}, number = {1}, year = {2012}, month = {JAN}, pages = {36-45}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

We report the studies related to the growth of crystalline AlN in a DC thermal plasma reactor, operated by a transferred arc plasma torch. The reactor is capable of producing the nanoparticles of Al and AlN depending on the composition of the reacting gas. Al and AlN micro crystals are formed at the anode placed on the graphite and nano crystalline Al and AlN gets deposited on the inner surface of the plasma reactor. X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy analysis, single crystal X-ray diffraction and TGA-DTA techniques are used to infer the purity of post process crystals as a hexagonal AlN. The average particle size using SEM was found to be around 30 mu m. The morphology of nanoparticles of Al and AlN, nucleated by gas phase condensation in a homogeneous medium were studied by transmission electron microscopy analysis. The particle ranged in size between 15 and 80 nm in diameter. The possible growth mechanism of crystalline AlN at the anode has been explained on the basis of non-equilibrium processes in the core of the plasma and steep temperature gradient near its periphery. The gas phase species of AlN and various constituent were computed using Murphy code based on minimization of free energy. The process provides 50\% yield of microcrystalline AlN and remaining of Al at anode and that of nanocrystalline h-AlN and c-Al collected from the walls of the chamber is about 33\% and 67\%, respectively. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Crystal morphology, Growth from high temperature solutions, Nitride, Semiconducting aluminum compound}, issn = {0022-0248}, doi = {10.1016/j.jcrysgro.2011.11.011}, author = {Kanhe, Nilesh S. and Nawale, Ashok B. and Gawade, Rupesh L. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Bhoraskar, S. V. and Das, Asoka K. and Mathe, Vikas L.} } @article { ISI:000308414500020, title = {Unusual conformational similarity of two peptide folds featuring sulfonamide and carboxamide on the backbone}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {48}, number = {78}, year = {2012}, month = {AUG}, pages = {9747-9749}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Two folded peptides featuring carboxamide and sulfonamide at the core of the peptide fold have been shown to possess almost similar conformational features, despite the well-known fact that carboxamides and sulfonamides have strikingly different hydrogen-bonding and geometrical preferences.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c2cc34533a}, author = {Vijayadas, Kuruppanthara N. and Davis, Hilda C. and Kotmale, Amol S. and Gawade, Rupesh L. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Rajamohanan, Pattuparambil R. and Sanjayan, Gangadhar J.} } @article {Das, title = {Variable water adsorption in amino acid derivative based homochiral metal organic frameworks}, journal = {Crystal Growth \& Design}, volume = {12}, number = {9}, year = {2012}, month = {SEP}, pages = {4633-4640}, abstract = {

{Six new Cd-containing homochiral metal organic framework materials [

}, author = {Kundu, Tanay and Sahoo, Subash Chandra and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article { ISI:000300462600010, title = {Viscosity dependence of intra- and intermolecular diels-alder reactions}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry A}, volume = {116}, number = {4}, year = {2012}, month = {FEB}, pages = {1191-1198}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The kinetics of the bimolecular Die Is Alder reaction between anthracene-9-carbinol and N-ethyl maleimide have been studied in a series of pyridinium-based ionic liquids with the tetrafluoroborate ([BF4](-)) and the bis(trifluorosulfonimide) ([NTf2](-)) anions and the viscosity dependence of the rate constants have been compared with the results for the intramolecular Diels Alder reaction of (E)-1-phenyl-4-[2-(3-methyl-2-butenyloxy)benzylidene]-5-pyrazolone. The comparison leads to the surprising observation that the intermolecular reaction is less susceptible to viscosity variations of the ionic liquids as compared to the intramolecular reaction. The observed similarities and differences emphasize the complicated nature of solvent friction on the kinetics of cycloaddition reactions. The results are explained by considering the bimolecular and intramolecular processes as cases of translational and rotational diffusion, respectively. Plausible indicators of microviscosity consistent with the kinetic data for the Diels-Alder reactions are briefly discussed along with the constraints involved in designing a general microviscosity scale.

}, issn = {1089-5639}, doi = {10.1021/jp208989z}, author = {Tiwari, Shraeddha and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000300458200002, title = {Visible light photoredox catalysis: generation and addition of N-aryltetrahydroisoquinoline-derived alpha-amino radicals to michael acceptors}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {14}, number = {3}, year = {2012}, month = {FEB}, pages = {672-675}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The photoredox-catalyzed coupling of N-aryltetrahydroisoquinoline and Michael acceptors was achieved using Ru(bpy)(3)Cl-2 or [Ir(ppy)(2)-(dtb-bpy)]PF6 in combination with irradiation at 455 nm generated by a blue LED, demonstrating the trapping of visible light generated alpha-amino radicals. While intermolecular reactions lead to products formed by a conjugate addition, in intramolecular variants further dehydrogenation occurs, leading directly to 5,6-dihydroindolo[2,1-a]tetrahydroisoquinolines, which are relevant as potential immunosuppressive agents.

}, issn = {1523-7060}, doi = {10.1021/ol202857t}, author = {Kohls, Paul and Jadhav, Deepak and Pandey, Ganesh and Reiser, Oliver} } @article {43234, title = {VUV Photoionization and Ab initio determination of the ionization energy of a gas-phasesugar (deoxyribose)}, journal = {Journal of Physical }, volume = {3}, year = {2012}, month = {JAN}, pages = { 97-101}, abstract = {The ionization energy of gas-phase deoxyribose was determined using tunable vacuum ultraviolet synchrotron radiation coupled to an effusive thermal source. Adiabatic and vertical ionization energies of the ground and first four excited states of alpha-pyranose, the structure that dominates in the gas phase, were calculated using high-level electronic structure methods. An appearance energy of 9.1(+/- 0.05) eV was recorded, which agrees reasonably well with a theoretical value of 8.8 eV for the adiabatic ionization energy. A clear picture of the dissociative photoionization dynamics of deoxyribose emerges from the fragmentation pattern recorded using mass spectrometry and from ab initio molecular dynamics calculations. The experimental threshold 9.4 (+/- 0.05) eV for neutral water elimination upon ionization is captured well in the calculations, and qualitative insights are provided by molecular orbital analysis and molecular dynamics snapshots along the reaction coordinate.}, doi = {10.1021/jz201446r}, author = {Ghosh, Debashree and Golan, Amir and Takahashi, Lynelle K. and Krylov, Anna I. and Ahmed, Musahid} } @article { ISI:000308089500003, title = {Water and a protic ionic liquid acted as refolding additives for chemically denatured enzymes}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {10}, number = {37}, year = {2012}, month = {JUN}, pages = {7475-7478}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

In this communication, we present the ability of water and a protic ionic liquid, triethyl ammonium phosphate (TEAP) to act as refolding additives for the urea-induced chemical denaturated state of the two enzymes, alpha-chymotrypsin and succinylated Con A. We show that the enzymatic activity is regained and in certain circumstances enhanced.

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/c2ob26001h}, author = {Attri, Pankaj and Venkatesu, P. and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000315745600001, title = {Zoom-in - a targeted database search for identification of glycation modifications analyzed by untargeted tandem mass spectrometry}, journal = {European Journal of Mass Spectrometry}, volume = {18}, number = {6}, year = {2012}, month = {JAN}, pages = {475-481}, publisher = {IM PUBLICATIONS}, type = {Article}, address = {6 CHARLTON MILL, CHARLTON, CHICHESTER,, W SUSSEX PO18 0HY, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are very important to biological function, however their identification and characterization is technically challenging. In this study, we have identified glycation modifications by nano LC-MSE, a data independent acquisition work flow, followed by database search using the Protein Lynx Global Server (PLGS). PLGS search with a complete human protein database hardly identified glycation modifications in a glycated human serum albumin (HSA), which was detected to be glycated by western blotting with advanced glycation end products (AGE) antibody and fluorescence spectroscopy. To overcome this difficulty, {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}Zoom-In{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} approach, a targeted database search was used to identify glycation modifications in a glycated HSA, which were further manually validated. This approach was useful for identification of glycation modifications from untargeted tandem mass spectrometry workflow such as MSE, but may require the development of a new algorithm or an upgrade of the existing software.

}, keywords = {advanced glycation end products (AGEs), data independent acquisition, Diabetes, post-translational modifications}, issn = {1469-0667}, doi = {10.1255/ejms.1203}, author = {Bhonsle, Hemangi S. and Korwar, Arvind M. and Kesavan, Suresh K. and Bhosale, Santosh D. and Bansode, Sneha B. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @article { ISI:000321203900073, title = {1-Dimensional confinement of porous polyethylenedioxythiophene using carbon nanofibers as a solid template: an efficient charge storage material with improved capacitance retention and cycle stability}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {3}, number = {29}, year = {2013}, month = {APR}, pages = {11877-11887}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Here, we report a highly conducting porous 1-dimensionally (1-D) confined nano hybrid of polyethylenedioxythiophene (PEDOT) using a cup-stacked hollow carbon nanofiber (CNF) as a solid template for potential charge storage applications. The unique features of the nano confinement involve significantly high porosity and conductivity with the establishment of the 1-D architecture. Since the tubular morphology of the CNF with its open tips provides facile routes for the electrolyte, the overall utilization of the active surface and conductivity increases the charge storage properties of PEDOT in the hybrid. The approach helped in achieving a high specific capacitance of 177 F g(-1) for 40\% PEDOT-CNF at a scan rate of 50 mV s(-1) and in retaining 130 F g(-1) even at 3000 mV s(-1) compared to 76 and 30 F g(-1) respectively given by pure PEDOT in 0.5 M H2SO4. The hybrid CP-40 shows a very high power density of 51 kW kg(-1) with an energy density of 4.7 Wh kg(-1). High capacitance retention is supported by the low charge transfer resistance and very low time constant (less than 0.5 s) values for the hybrid using impedance analysis. Phase angle calculations from a Bode plot also show an ideal capacitive nature with -90 degrees phase difference at 0.1 Hz for the hybrids. Apart from all these, the solid CNF backbone helps the hybrid material to display excellent cycle stability with \>98\% retention in capacitance over 4500 charge-discharge cycles compared to pristine PEDOT at a current density of 2 A g(-1).

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c3ra40853a}, author = {Anothumakkool, Bihag and Bhange, Siddheshwar N. and Unni, SreeKuttan M. and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article { ISI:000317929800033, title = {3-Dimensionally self-assembled single crystalline platinum nanostructures on few-layer graphene as an efficient oxygen reduction electrocatalyst}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {3}, number = {19}, year = {2013}, month = {FEB}, pages = {6913-6921}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Here, we report for the first time the synthesis of a 3-D self-assembled single crystalline platinum nanostructure directly on the graphene surface (PtNAGE) without using any harmful structural directing agents. A slow reduction method is used to prepare the desired platinum morphology. Initial formation of platinum nanoparticles and their homogenous dispersion on the surface of graphene have been observed 10 h after the commencement of the reduction using formic acid as the reducing agent. From these initially deposited seed particles, the growth starts on the {111} facets along the \< 111 \> direction and the nanostructure formation is completed within 72 h of the commencement of the reaction. The individual assembly has a diameter of similar to 80 nm. PtNAGE shows superior electrocatalytic activity towards oxygen reduction compared to graphene supported platinum (PtGE) and commercial carbon supported platinum (PtC) catalysts. PtNAGE is less vulnerable to strong hydroxyl adsorption compared to PtC and PtGE. Specific activity and mass activity of the catalyst are high compared to PtC by a factor of 6.50 and 1.80, respectively, and 4.00 and 3.05, respectively, compared to PtGE. The limiting current density of PtNAGE is 1.28 and 1.20 times higher than PtGE and PtC, respectively. Kinetic analysis of PtNAGE shows that the oxygen reduction reaction follows first order kinetics involving a four electron transfer mechanism with the direct formation of water. In addition to this, it has been observed that PtNAGE also prevents surface area degradation better than the commercial platinised carbon under potential induced conditions.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c3ra23112g}, author = {Unni, SreeKuttan M. and Pillai, Vijayamohanan K. and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article { ISI:000323497900010, title = {Alishewanella solinquinati sp nov., isolated from soil contaminated with textile dyes}, journal = {Current Microbiology}, volume = {67}, number = {4}, year = {2013}, month = {OCT}, pages = {454-459}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

A novel Gram-negative, motile, rod-shaped, facultative anaerobic bacterial strain, KMK6(T), was isolated from soil contaminated with textile dyes from an industrial estate located at Ichalkaranji, Maharashtra, India, and its taxonomical position was established by using a polyphasic approach. The major cellular fatty acids included C-17:1 omega 8c, summed feature 3 (C-16:1 omega 7c and/or iso-C-15:0 2-OH), C-17:0, C-16:0,C- and C-18:1 omega 7c. The DNA G+C content of strain KMK6(T) was 48.8 mol \%. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis confirmed its placement in the genus Alishewanella, and exhibited sequence similarity levels of below 97 \% to the type strains of validly published Alishewanella species. On the basis of genotypic and phenotypic evidence, strains KMK6(T) is considered to be a novel species of the genus Alishewanella, for which we propose that strain KMK6(T) (=NCIM 5295(T) =BCRC 17848(T)) is assigned to a novel species, Alishewanella solinquinati sp. nov.

}, issn = {0343-8651}, doi = {10.1007/s00284-013-0385-7}, author = {Kolekar, Yogesh M. and Pawar, Shrikant P. and Adav, Sunil S. and Zheng, Liu-Qiang and Li, Wen-Jun and Shouche, Yogesh S. and Dastager, Syed Gulam and Kodam, Kisan M.} } @article { ISI:000326319700002, title = {Antimycobacterial labdane diterpenes from leucas stelligera}, journal = {Journal of Natural Products}, volume = {76}, number = {10}, year = {2013}, month = {OCT}, pages = {1836-1841}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Phytochemical investigation of the acetone extract of the aerial parts of Leucas stelligera afforded four new compounds (1-4) belonging to the labdane diterpene series as well as two known flavones, velutin (5) and chrysoeriol (6). Structure elucidation of the new compounds was carried out using ID and 2D NMR spectroscopic data and single-crystal X-ray crystallography of compound 1. Compounds 1-4 exhibited selective antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis with IC50 values in the range 5.02-9.80 mu g/mL.

}, issn = {0163-3864}, doi = {10.1021/np400002p}, author = {Kulkarni, Roshan R. and Shurpali, Ketaki and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Sarkar, Dhiman and Joshi, Swati P.} } @article { ISI:000320036300013, title = {Ant-pro reverse-turn motif. structural features and conformational characteristics}, journal = {European Journal of Organic Chemistry}, number = {17, SI}, year = {2013}, month = {JUN}, pages = {3529-3542}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

This article details the characteristic conformational features of the Ant-Pro reverse turn ? a folded pseudo -turn motif that displays a closed nine-membered-ring hydrogen-bonded network involving just two amino acid residues, namely anthranilic acid (Ant; a constrained -amino acid), and proline (Pro; a constrained -amino acid). The results from the extensive investigation of ten crystal structures and their NMR conformations in the solution state provide a clear idea about the conformational characteristics of the Ant-Pro reverse turn. The Ant and Pro residues, which form the turn segment, maintain a perfect antiperiplanar orientation throughout, leaving little possibility for the formation of the otherwise possible six-membered hydrogen-bonding that requires a coplanar disposition of the two amino acid residues, as clearly evident from investigation of several crystal structures. The closed hydrogen-bonded network observed in the Ant-Pro reverse turn motif, formed in the forward direction of the sequence (12 amino acid interactions) involving only two amino acid residues, is in stark contrast to the native -turns that involve four residues to form hydrogen-bonded network featuring backward 14 amino acid interactions. The readily available two-residue Ant-Pro motif raises the possibility of a practical utility, particularly in the application of rigidifying flexible peptide backbones by inserting the robust Ant-Pro reverse turn motifs into their backbone.

}, keywords = {Peptides, Peptidomimetics, Protein folding, Protein structures}, issn = {1434-193X}, doi = {10.1002/ejoc.201201739}, author = {Thorat, Vijaykumar H. and Ingole, Tukaram S. and Vijayadas, Kuruppanthara N. and Nair, Roshna V. and Kale, Sangram S. and Ramesh, Veera V. E. and Davis, Hilda C. and Prabhakaran, Panchami and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Gawade, Rupesh L. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Rajamohanan, Pattuparambil R. and Sanjayan, Gangadhar J.} } @article { ISI:000319942700023, title = {Arsenomics of exiguobacterium sp PS (NCIM 5463)}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {3}, number = {25}, year = {2013}, month = {APR}, pages = {9705-9713}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

In the present study, arsenate [As(V)] tolerant organisms were isolated from a metal contaminated site, and identified by 16S rDNA sequencing as Exiguobacterium sp. Arsenomics (omics of arsenic response) in Exiguobacterium sp. PS via two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DGE) coupled with identification of proteins using MALDI-TOF MS, MALDI-TOF MS/MS and LC/MSE are studied vide this paper. Out of 2460 Coomassie stained proteins, 270 were differentially expressed (p \< 0.05). Considering the resolution and abundance level, 45 spots (proteins) were subjected to MALDI-TOF MS/MS, MALDI-TOF/TOF and LC/MSE. Out of these, 33 were identified and categorized into several functional categories (including both known and novel/putative stress responsive proteins) viz., carbohydrate and energy metabolism, stress response, motility, amino acid, and purine and protein synthesis. The identifications of unique proteins, phosphate ABC transporter ATPase subunit and pyridine nucleotide disulfide oxidoreductase, are the significant findings of the present study which may be used as markers of As(V) stress in Exiguobacterium sp. PS. The absence of As(V) reductase activity and non-amplification of the arsC gene of the ars operon suggests that the classical mechanism of As(V) resistance may not be operating in Exiguobacterium sp. PS. Lastly, considering the fact that proteomic studies under As(V) stress were performed only in Gram negative organisms, this study is the first comprehensive endeavour to explore the mechanism of As(V) response in Gram positive organisms, Exiguobacterium sp. PS at the proteomic level.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c3ra40897c}, author = {Sacheti, Poonam and Bhonsle, Hemangi S. and Patil, Rajendra and Kulkarni, Mahesh J. and Srikanth, Rapole and Gade, Wasudeo N.} } @article { ISI:000326049600005, title = {Ascertaining universal features of yielding of soft materials}, journal = {Rheologica Acta}, volume = {52}, number = {10-12}, year = {2013}, month = {NOV}, pages = {859-865}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Many metastable complex fluids, when subjected to oscillatory shear flow of increasing strain amplitude at constant frequency, are known to show a characteristic nonlinear rheological response which consists of a monotonic decrease in the elastic modulus and a nonmonotonic change in the loss modulus. In particular, the loss modulus increases from its low strain value, crosses the elastic modulus, and then decreases with further increase in the strain amplitude. Miyazaki et al. (Europhys Lett 75:915-921, 2006) proposed a qualitative argument to explain the origin of the nonmonotonic nature of the loss modulus and suggested that in fact this response could be universal to all complex fluids if they are probed in a certain frequency window in which the fluid is dominantly elastic in the small strain limit. In this letter, we confirm their hypothesis by showing that a wide variety of complex fluids, irrespective of their thermodynamic state under quiescent conditions, indeed show the aforementioned characteristic nonlinear response. We also show that the maximum relative dissipation during yielding occurs when the imposed frequency resonates with the characteristic beta relaxation frequency of the fluid.

}, keywords = {Colloidal suspensions, Entangled melts, Gels, Glasses, Microgels, Rheology, Yielding}, issn = {0035-4511}, doi = {10.1007/s00397-013-0724-4}, author = {Kamble, Samruddhi and Pandey, Anurag and Rastogi, Sanjay and Lele, Ashish K.} } @article { ISI:000326121700015, title = {Asymmetric N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalyzed annulation of modified enals with enolizable aldehydes}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {15}, number = {20}, year = {2013}, month = {OCT}, pages = {5202-5205}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

N-Heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalyzed highly enantioselective lactonization of modified enals with enolizable aldehydes, proceeding via the alpha,beta-unsaturated acylazolium intermediates, is reported. The reaction results in the asymmetric synthesis of synthetically important 4,5-disubstituted dihydropyranones.

}, issn = {1523-7060}, doi = {10.1021/ol4026155}, author = {Yetra, Santhivardhana Reddy and Kaicharla, Trinadh and Kunte, Sunita S. and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Biju, Akkattu T.} } @article { ISI:000316843000010, title = {Asymmetric routes to pentadec-1-en-4-ol: application to the syntheses of aculeatins F and epi-F, (R)- and (S)-5-hexadecanolide and a formal synthesis of solenopsin}, journal = {Tetrahedron-Asymmetry}, volume = {24}, number = {5-6}, year = {2013}, month = {MAR}, pages = {305-314}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A short and simple route to the synthesis of pentadec-1-en-4-ol, an important synthetic building block for the aculeatins F and epi-F, insect pheromone 5-hexadecanolide, solenopsin and various other natural products has been developed via proline-catalyzed alpha-aminoxylation of an aldehyde and hydrolytic kinetic resolution of a terminal epoxide. While the synthesis of aculeatins F and epi-F has been accomplished using a FIFA promoted oxidative spirocyclization/dithiane deprotection reaction sequence and linchpin coupling as key steps, the synthesis of hexadecanolide and a formal synthesis of solenopsin was performed using ring-closing metathesis (RCM) as key step. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0957-4166}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetasy.2013.02.005}, author = {Harbindu, Anand and Sharma, Brijesh M. and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000318296700031, title = {Biocatalysis: fungi mediated novel and selective 12 beta- or 17 beta-hydroxylation on the basic limonoid skeleton}, journal = {Green Chemistry}, volume = {15}, number = {5}, year = {2013}, month = {MAR}, pages = {1311-1317}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Basic limonoids carrying a 4,4,8-trimethyl-17-furanylsteroid skeleton are a class of triterpenoids and well-known for their insecticidal as well as a vast array of pharmacological activities. Rare and synthetically challenging 12 beta- and 17 beta-hydroxylation was achieved on the basic limonoid skeleton to produce a novel series of hydroxylated limonoids using fungi-mediated biocatalysis. The fungal system belonging to the genera of Mucor efficiently converted azadiradione, epoxyazadiradione, gedunin and their derivatives into corresponding 12 beta- and/or 17 beta-hydroxy derivatives. The position and stereochemistry of hydroxylation was determined by rigorous spectroscopic and crystallographic studies. This fungi-mediated stereo- and regio-selective hydroxylation process was highly efficient and mild enough to sustain chemically sensitive functional groups around the basic limonoid skeleton. Modifications of specific functional groups and variation in biocatalyst were shown to bring selectivity among 12 beta- or 17 beta-hydroxylation.

}, issn = {1463-9262}, doi = {10.1039/c3gc40193f}, author = {Haldar, Saikat and Kolet, Swati P. and Thulasiram, Hirekodathakallu V.} } @article { ISI:000326008500015, title = {Biocatalyst mediated production of 6 beta,11 alpha-dihydroxy derivatives of 4-ene-3-one steroids}, journal = {Steroids}, volume = {78}, number = {11}, year = {2013}, month = {NOV}, pages = {1152-1158}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC}, address = {360 PARK AVE SOUTH, NEW YORK, NY 10010-1710 USA}, abstract = {

Biotransformation of steroids with 4-ene-3-one functionality such as progesterone (I), testosterone (II), 17 alpha-methyltestosterone (III), 4-androstene-3,17-dione (IV) and 19-nortestosterone (V) were studied by using a fungal system belonging to the genera of Mucor (M881). The fungal system efficiently and quantitatively converted these steroids in regio- and stereo-selective manner into corresponding 6 beta,11 alpha-dihydroxy compounds. Time course experiments suggested that the transformation was initiated by hydroxylation at 6 beta- or 11 alpha-(10 beta-hydroxy in case of V) to form monohydroxy derivatives which upon prolonged incubation were converted into corresponding 613,11oc-dihydroxy derivatives. The fermentation studies carried out using 5 L table-top fermentor with substrates (I and II) clearly indicates that 6 beta,11 alpha-dihydroxy derivatives of steroids with 4-ene-3-one functionality can be produced in large scale by using M881. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

}, keywords = {4-Ene-3-one steroids, Biotransformation, Mucor sp.}, issn = {0039-128X}, doi = {10.1016/j.steroids.2013.08.004}, author = {Kolet, Swati P. and Niloferjahan, Siddiqui and Haldar, Saikat and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Thulasiram, Hirekodathakallu V.} } @article { ISI:000320746200022, title = {Biochemical characterization of recombinant cinnamoyl CoA reductase 1 (Ll-CCRH1) from Leucaena leucocephala}, journal = {International Journal of Biological Macromolecules}, volume = {58}, year = {2013}, month = {JUL}, pages = {154-159}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Recombinant cinnamoyl CoA reductase 1 (Ll-CCRH1) protein from Leucaena leucocephala was overexpressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) strain and purified to apparent homogeneity. Optimum pH for forward and reverse reaction was found to be 6.5 and 7.8 respectively. The enzyme was most stable around pH 6.5 at 25 degrees C for 90 min. The enzyme showed k(cat)/k(m) for feruloyl, caffeoyl, sinapoyl, coumaroyl CoA, coniferaldehyde and sinapaldehyde as 4.6, 2.4, 2.3, 1.7, 1.9 and 1.2 (x10(6) M-1 s(-1)), respectively, indicating affinity of enzyme for feruloyl CoA over other substrates and preference of reduction reaction over oxidation. Activation energy, E-a for various substrates was found to be in the range of 20-50 kJ/mol. Involvement of probable carboxylate ion, histidine, lysine or tyrosine at the active site of enzyme was predicted by pH activity profile. SAXS studies of protein showed radius 3.04 nm and volume 49.25 nm(3) with oblate ellipsoid shape. Finally, metal ion inhibition studies revealed that Ll-CCRH1 is a metal independent enzyme. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Activation energy, Cinnamoyl CoA esters, Cinnamoyl CoA reductase 1, SAXS, stability}, issn = {0141-8130}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2013.03.050}, author = {Sonawane, Prashant and Vishwakarma, Rishi Kishore and Khan, Bashir Mohammad} } @article { ISI:000319992200002, title = {Biochemical correlate of dimorphism in a zygomycete benjaminiella poitrasii: characterization of purified NAD-dependent glutamate dehydrogenase, a target for antifungal agents}, journal = {Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek International Journal of General and Molecular Microbiology}, volume = {104}, number = {1}, year = {2013}, month = {JUL}, pages = {25-36}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The fungal organisms, especially pathogens, change their vegetative (Y, unicellular yeast and H, hypha) morphology reversibly for survival and proliferation in the host environment. NAD-dependent glutamate dehydrogenase (NAD-GDH, EC 1.4.1.2) from a non-pathogenic dimorphic zygomycete Benjaminiella poitrasii was previously reported to be an important biochemical correlate of the transition process. The enzyme was purified to homogeneity and characterized. It is a 371 kDa native molecular weight protein made up of four identical subunits. Kinetic studies showed that unlike other NAD-GDHs, it may act as an anabolic enzyme and has more affinity towards 2-oxoglutarate than l-glutamate. Chemical modifications revealed the involvement of single histidine and lysine residues in the catalytic activity of the enzyme. The phosphorylation and dephosphorylation study showed that the NAD-GDH is present in active phosphorylated form in hyphal cells of B. poitrasii. Two of the 1,2,3 triazole linked beta-lactam-bile acid conjugates synthesized in the laboratory (B18, B20) were found to be potent inhibitors of purified NAD-GDH which also significantly affected Y-H transition in B. poitrasii. Furthermore, the compound B20 inhibited germ tube formation during Y-H transition in Candida albicans strains and Yarrowia lipolytica. The possible use of NAD-GDH as a target for antifungal agents is discussed.

}, keywords = {Antifungal agent, Benjaminiella poitrasii, Biochemical correlate of dimorphism, Candida albicans, NAD-GDH activity regulation, Yarrowia lipolytica, Yeast-hypha reversible transition}, issn = {0003-6072}, doi = {10.1007/s10482-013-9921-5}, author = {Joshi, C. V. and Pathan, E. K. and Punekar, N. S. and Tupe, S. G. and Kapadnis, B. P. and Deshpande, Mukund V.} } @article { ISI:000323396800020, title = {Biological synthesis of silver nanoparticles using the fungus humicola sp and evaluation of their cytoxicity using normal and cancer cell lines}, journal = {Spectrochimica Acta Part A-Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy}, volume = {114}, year = {2013}, month = {OCT}, pages = {144-147}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Nanoscience is a new born science of the modern era and taps into the potential of particles at nanoscale. Bulk materials reduced to nanoscale dimensions thus obtain unique properties such as electronic, optical, magnetic and chemical. As far as synthesis of nanoparticles is concerned, biological synthesis has recently sparked a great interest as compared to other available chemical and physical methods on account of its eco-friendliness and cost-effectiveness. Here we report, for the first time, the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles by the thermophilic fungus Humicola sp. The fungus when reacted with Ag+ ions reduces the precursor solution and leads to the formation of extracellular nanoparticles as monitored by ultra violet visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis). The morphology of nanoparticles is found to be spherical with good dispersity as revealed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Cell viability assays were carried out to assess the cytotoxicity of silver nanoparticles on NIH3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblast cell line and MDA-MB-231 human breast carcinoma cell line. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Cell viability, Fungus, Humicola sp., Nanoparticles, Silver}, issn = {1386-1425}, doi = {10.1016/j.saa.2013.05.030}, author = {Syed, Asad and Saraswati, Supriya and Kundu, Gopal C. and Ahmad, Absar} } @article { ISI:000317939100003, title = {Biotransformation of vinblastine to vincristine by the endophytic fungus fusarium oxysporum isolated from catharanthus roseus}, journal = {Biocatalysis and Biotransformation}, volume = {31}, number = {2}, year = {2013}, month = {APR}, pages = {89-93}, publisher = {INFORMA HEALTHCARE}, address = {TELEPHONE HOUSE, 69-77 PAUL STREET, LONDON EC2A 4LQ, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A fungal transformation method for the production of the less abundant but more valuable anticancer drug vincristine using the more abundant anticancer drug vinblastine by an endophytic fungus Fusarium oxysporum isolated from the plant Catharanthus roseus is described. Vinblastine dissolved in sterile water when incubated with the fungal mycelial mass was transformed into vincristine at room temperature. The biotransformation process was monitored by periodic sampling of aliquots that were extracted with ethyl acetate. The crude transformed compounds were analysed using TLC where the Rf value of the spot obtained on the 8th day was found to be similar to that of standard vincristine (Rf 0.74). Purification by HPLC using a C 18 symmetry column showed a peak with RT (34.9 min) similar to that of standard vincristine. Further characterization with the help of ESI-MS showed a peak at m/z 825 attributed to the (M + H)(+) ion. This indicated that the fungus Fusarium oxysporum had converted vinblastine to vincristine.

}, keywords = {Biotransformation, endophytes, fusarium oxysporum, Vinblastine, vincristine}, issn = {1024-2422}, doi = {10.3109/10242422.2013.776544}, author = {Kumar, Ashutosh and Ahmad, Absar} } @article { ISI:000320838200014, title = {C-3 {\textquoteleft}-endo-puckered pyrrolidine containing PNA has favorable geometry for RNA binding: novel ethano locked PNA (ethano-PNA)}, journal = {Bioorganic \& Medicinal Chemistry}, volume = {21}, number = {14}, year = {2013}, month = {JUL}, pages = {4092-4101}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A novel peptide nucleic acid (PNA) analogue is designed with a constraint in the aminoethyl segment of the aegPNA backbone so that the dihedral angle beta is restricted within 60-80 degrees, compatible to form PNA:RNA duplexes. The designed monomer is further functionalized with positively charged amino-/guanidino-groups. The appropriately protected monomers were synthesized and incorporated into aegPNA oligomers at predetermined positions and their binding abilities with cDNA and RNA were investigated. A single incorporation of the modified PNA monomer into a 12-mer PNA sequence resulted in stronger binding with complementary RNA over cDNA. No significant changes in the CD signatures of the derived duplexes of modified PNA with complementary RNA were observed. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Antisense therapeutics, Conformationally constrained PNA, Diagnostics, Peptide nucleic acid (PNA)}, issn = {0968-0896}, doi = {10.1016/j.bmc.2013.05.015}, author = {Banerjee, Anjan and Kumar, Vaijayanti A.} } @article { ISI:000317712000021, title = {Can molecular cages be effective at small molecule activation? a computational investigation}, journal = {Inorganic Chemistry}, volume = {52}, number = {8}, year = {2013}, month = {APR}, pages = {4238-4243}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Several approaches have been investigated in recent years in the area of small molecule activation. The current work introduces a new concept in this field: that of molecular cages, containing only main group elements, serving to activate small molecules. Full quantum mechanical calculations employing DFT/SCS-MP2 methods indicate that recently synthesized Ga-N cage compounds would be excellent candidates for mediating in important reactions such as the catalysis of ammonia borane dehydrogenation. The current work therefore opens up exciting new possibilities in small molecule activation research.

}, issn = {0020-1669}, doi = {10.1021/ic3019887}, author = {Kuriakose, Nishamol and Vanka, Kumar} } @article { ISI:000325400600023, title = {CAP/EOM-CCSD method for the study of potential curves of resonant states}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics}, volume = {15}, number = {41}, year = {2013}, month = {SEP}, pages = {17915-17921}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The equation-of-motion coupled-cluster (EOM-CC) method along with the complex absorbing potential (CAP) is used for the study of resonance in e(-)-N-2 and e(-)-CO. Resonance position and width are studied as a function of bond length. We report the potential curves (PC) of the resonance states.

}, issn = {1463-9076}, doi = {10.1039/c3cp52552j}, author = {Ghosh, Aryya and Karne, Anagha S. and Pal, Sourav and Vaval, Nayana} } @article { ISI:000313812400048, title = {Carbon nanofiber-RuO2-poly(benzimidazole) ternary hybrids for improved supercapacitor performance}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {3}, number = {7}, year = {2013}, month = {DEC}, pages = {2428-2436}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Carbon nanofiber-RuO2-poly(benzimidazole) ternary hybrid electrode material which integrates dual wall decoration and interfacial area tuning for supercapacitor applications has been devised based on a simple approach. This is achieved by decorating RuO2 nanoparticles of size ca. 2-3 nm along the inner and outer walls of a hollow carbon nanofiber (CNF) support (F-20RuO(2)). In the next step, a proton conducting polymer, phosphoric acid doped polybenzimidazole (PBI-BuI), interface is created along the inner and outer surfaces of this material. A 103\% increase in the specific capacitance is obtained for RuO2-PBI hybrid material as compared to that of F-20RuO(2) at the optimum level of the polymer wrapping. Apart from the high specific capacitance, the RuO2-PBI hybrid materials exhibit enhanced rate capability and excellent electrochemical stability of 98\% retention in the capacitance. Such a remarkably high activity can be primarily attributed to the efficient dispersion of active sites achieved by properly utilizing inner and outer surfaces of CNF. Apart from this, the facile routes for ion transport created as a result of PBI incorporation coupled with excellent interfacial contact between the RuO2 and the electrolyte resulting in the improved utilization of the active material also contribute to the improved activity. In addition to this, the synergistic effects of pseudocapacitive contribution from both the PBI-BuI and RuO2 also contribute to the redefined performance characteristics.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c2ra22776b}, author = {Balan, Beena K. and Chaudhari, Harshal D. and Kharul, Ulhas K. and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article { ISI:000317327900022, title = {Carboxamide versus sulfonamide in peptide backbone folding: a case study with a hetero foldamer}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {15}, number = {7}, year = {2013}, month = {APR}, pages = {1504-1507}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Strikingly dissimilar hydrogen-bonding patterns have been observed for two sets of closely similar hetero foldamers containing carboxamide and sulfonamides at regular intervals. Although both foldamers maintain conformational ordering, the hydrogen-bonding pattern and backbone helical handedness differ diametrically.

}, issn = {1523-7060}, doi = {10.1021/ol4002762}, author = {Ramesh, Veera V. E. and Kale, Sangram S. and Kotmale, Amol S. and Gawade, Rupesh L. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Rajamohanan, P. R. and Sanjayan, Gangadhar J.} } @article {42705, title = {Catalytic transformation of alcohols to carboxylic acid salts and H2 using water as the oxygen atom source}, journal = {Nature Chemistry}, volume = {5}, year = {2013}, month = {FEB}, pages = {122{\textendash}125}, abstract = {

The oxidation of alcohols to carboxylic acids is an important industrial reaction used in the synthesis of bulk and fine chemicals. Most current processes are performed by making use of either stoichiometric amounts of toxic oxidizing agents or the use of pressurized dioxygen. Here, we describe an alternative dehydrogenative pathway effected by water and base with the concomitant generation of hydrogen gas. A homogeneous ruthenium complex catalyses the transformation of primary alcohols to carboxylic acid salts at low catalyst loadings (0.2 mol\%) in basic aqueous solution. A consequence of this finding could be a safer and cleaner process for the synthesis of carboxylic acids and their derivatives at both laboratory and industrial scales.

}, doi = {10.1038/nchem.1536}, author = {Balaraman, Ekambaram and Khaskin, Eugene and Leitus, Gregory and Milstein, David} } @article { ISI:000320024400001, title = {C-C Bond formation catalyzed by natural gelatin and collagen proteins}, journal = {Beilstein Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {9}, year = {2013}, month = {JUN}, pages = {1111-1118}, publisher = {BEILSTEIN-INSTITUT}, address = {TRAKEHNER STRASSE 7-9, FRANKFURT AM MAIN, 60487, GERMANY}, abstract = {

The activity of gelatin and collagen proteins towards C-C bond formation via Henry (nitroaldol) reaction between aldehydes and nitroalkanes is demonstrated for the first time. Among other variables, protein source, physical state and chemical modification influence product yield and kinetics, affording the nitroaldol products in both aqueous and organic media under mild conditions. Significantly, the scale-up of the process between 4-nitrobenzaldehyde and nitromethane is successfully achieved at 1 g scale and in good yield. A comparative kinetic study with other biocatalysts shows an increase of the first-order rate constant in the order chitosan \< gelatin \< bovine serum albumin (BSA) \< collagen. The results of this study indicate that simple edible gelatin can promote C-C bond forming reactions under physiological conditions, which may have important implications from a metabolic perspective.

}, keywords = {biocatalysis, carbon-carbon bond formation, gelatin, Henry reaction, protein}, issn = {1860-5397}, doi = {10.3762/bjoc.9.123}, author = {Kuehbeck, Dennis and Dhar, Basab Bijayi and Schoen, Eva-Maria and Cativiela, Carlos and Gotor-Fernandez, Vicente and Diaz, David Diaz} } @article { ISI:000326122800047, title = {Characterization of conformation and interaction of gene delivery vector polyethylenimine with phospholipid bilayer at different protonation state}, journal = {Biomacromolecules}, volume = {14}, number = {10}, year = {2013}, month = {OCT}, pages = {3759-3768}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Polyethylenimine (PEI) is a pH sensitive polymer possessing stretched and coiled conformation at low and high pH, respectively. It is an efficient gene delivery agent. Thus, the interaction of PEI with the biomembrane is very crucial to understand the gene delivery mechanism. In this report, we have investigated the structural properties of PEI and bilayer due to the interaction of PEI with lipid molecules. PEI has coil structure at high pH while at low pH it is elongated. The neutral PEI chain predominately settles itself at the bilayer water interface. We do not find any disruption or pore formation on the bilayer due to interaction of neutral PEI chain. PEI at low pH gets elongated due to electrostatic interaction between charges of the protonated sites. This protonated PEI chain interacts with bilayer membrane, which leads to formation of water/ion channel through the membrane. We have analyzed the structure of the channel and water dynamics along the channel.

}, issn = {1525-7797}, doi = {10.1021/bm4011408}, author = {Choudhury, Chandan Kumar and Kumar, Abhinaw and Roy, Sudip} } @article { ISI:000325836600014, title = {Characterization of three novel isoprenyl diphosphate synthases from the terpenoid rich mango fruit}, journal = {Plant Physiology and Biochemistry}, volume = {71}, year = {2013}, month = {OCT}, pages = {121-131}, publisher = {ELSEVIER FRANCE-EDITIONS SCIENTIFIQUES MEDICALES ELSEVIER}, address = {23 RUE LINOIS, 75724 PARIS, FRANCE}, abstract = {

Mango (cv. Alphonso) is popular due to its highly attractive, terpenoid-rich flavor. Although Alphonso is clonally propagated, its fruit-flavor composition varies when plants are grown in different geo-climatic zones. Isoprenyl diphosphate synthases catalyze important branch-point reactions in terpenoid biosynthesis, providing precursors for common terpenoids such as volatile terpenes, sterols and carotenoids. Two geranyl diphosphate synthases and a farnesyl diphosphate synthase were isolated from Alphonso fruits, cloned for recombinant expression and found to produce the respective products. Although, one of the geranyl diphosphate synthases showed high sequence similarity to the geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthases, it did not exhibit geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthesizing activity. When modeled, this geranyl diphosphate synthase and farnesyl diphosphate synthase structures were found to be homologous with the reference structures, having all the catalytic side chains appropriately oriented. The optimum temperature for both the geranyl diphosphate synthases was 40 degrees C and that for farnesyl diphosphate synthase was 25 degrees C. This finding correlated well with the dominance of monoterpenes in comparison to sesquiterpenes in the fruits of Alphonso mango in which the mesocarp temperature is higher during ripening than development. The absence of activity of these enzymes with the divalent metal ion other than Mg2+ indicated their adaptation to the Mg2+ rich mesocarp. The typical expression pattern of these genes through the ripening stages of fruits from different cultivation localities depicting the highest transcript levels of these genes in the stage preceding the maximum terpene accumulation indicated the involvement of these genes in the biosynthesis of volatile terpenes. (C) 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Alphonso, Flavor variation, Fruit, Isoprenyl diphosphate synthase, Mangifera indica, Terpene volatiles}, issn = {0981-9428}, doi = {10.1016/j.plaphy.2013.07.006}, author = {Kulkarni, Ram and Pandit, Sagar and Chidley, Hemangi G. and Nagel, Raimund and Schmidt, Axel and Gershenzon, Jonathan and Pujari, Keshav and Giri, Ashok P. and Gupta, Vidya} } @article { ISI:000318042800015, title = {Chemical looping reforming of ethanol for syngas generation: a theoretical investigation}, journal = {International Journal of Energy Research}, volume = {37}, number = {6}, year = {2013}, month = {MAY}, pages = {645-656}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

Chemical looping reforming (CLR) is a novel technology that can be used for reforming of cheaply available abundant biofuel like ethanol for the production of hydrogen/syngas for fuel cells. A systematic thermodynamic study for the CLR process using selected oxygen carriers was done to analyze the products and energy requirements of the CLR process in the temperature range of 5001200 degrees C at 1bar pressure for ethanol. The results showed favorable conditions for syngas manufacture from this process. Fe2O3 was found to be the best performing oxygen carrier followed by calcium and sodium sulfates, while Mn oxides were the least preferred oxygen carriers for CLR of ethanol process. The optimum process temperature was found to be 1000 degrees C. The actual CLR-ethanol process shows exothermicity against the theoretical endothermic partial oxidation of ethanol. The results obtained in this theoretical study can pave the way for experimental programs for syngas generation for SOFC-type fuel cells. Similar studies can be undertaken for other fuels for fuel processor development by CLR process. Copyright (c) 2012 John Wiley \& Sons, Ltd.

}, keywords = {chemical looping reforming, ethanol to syngas, Fuel Processor, Gibbs minimization, oxygen carriers}, issn = {0363-907X}, doi = {10.1002/er.1958}, author = {Kale, Ganesh R. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D. and Bharadwaj, K. V.} } @article { ISI:000328099400036, title = {Chemically stable multilayered covalent organic nanosheets from covalent organic frameworks via mechanical delamination}, journal = {Journal of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {135}, number = {47}, year = {2013}, month = {NOV}, pages = {17853-17861}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

A series of five thermally and chemically stable functionalized covalent organic frameworks (COFs), namely, TpPa-NO2, TpPa-F-4, TpBD-(NO2)(2), TpBD-Me-2, and TpBD-(OMe)(2) were synthesized by employing the solvothermal aldehyde-amine Schiff base condensation reaction. In order to complete the series, previously reported TpPa-1, TpPa-2, and TpBD have also been synthesized, and altogether, eight COFs were fully characterized through powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform IR (FT-IR) spectroscopy, C-13 solid-state NMR spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. These COFs are crystalline, permanently porous, and stable in boiling water, acid (9 N HCl), and base (3 N NaOH). The. synthesized COFs (all eight) were successfully delaminated using a simple, safe, and environmentally friendly mechanical grinding route to transform into covalent organic nanosheets (CONs) and were well characterized via transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Further PXRD and FT-IR analyses confirm that these CONs retain their structural integrity throughout the delamination process and also remain stable in aqueous, acidic, and basic media like the parent COFs. These exfoliated CONs have graphene-like layered morphology (delaminated layers), unlike the COFs from which they were synthesized.

}, issn = {0002-7863}, doi = {10.1021/ja408121p}, author = {Chandra, Suman and Kandambeth, Sharath and Biswal, Bishnu P. and Lukose, Binit and Kunjir, Shrikant M. and Chaudhary, Minakshi V. and BabaRao, Ravichandar and Heine, Thomas and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article { ISI:000313165500057, title = {Cinnamate 4-hydroxylase (C4H) genes from leucaena leucocephala: a pulp yielding leguminous tree}, journal = {Molecular Biology Reports}, volume = {40}, number = {2}, year = {2013}, month = {FEB}, pages = {1265-1274}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Leucaena leucocephala is a leguminous tree species accounting for one-fourth of raw material supplied to paper and pulp industry in India. Cinnamate 4-Hydroxylase (C4H, EC 1.14.13.11) is the second gene of phenylpropanoid pathway and a member of cytochrome P450 family. There is currently intense interest to alter or modify lignin content of L. leucocephala. Three highly similar C4H alleles of LlC4H1 gene were isolated and characterized. The alleles shared more than 98 \% sequence identity at amino acid level to each other. Binding of partial promoter of another C4H gene LlC4H2, to varying amounts of crude nuclear proteins isolated from leaf and stem tissues of L. leucocephala formed two loose and one strong complex, respectively, suggesting that the abundance of proteins that bind with the partial C4H promoter is higher in stem tissue than in leaf tissue. Quantitative Real Time PCR study suggested that among tissues of same age, root tissues had highest level of C4H transcripts. Maximum transcript level was observed in 30 day old root tissue. Among the tissues investigated, C4H activity was highest in 60 day old root tissues. Tissue specific quantitative comparison of lignin from developing seedling stage to 1 year old tree stage indicated that Klason lignin increased in tissues with age.

}, keywords = {Cinnamate 4-Hydroxylase (C4H), Leucaena leucocephala, lignin, Phenylpropanoid}, issn = {0301-4851}, doi = {10.1007/s11033-012-2169-8}, author = {Kumar, Santosh and Omer, Sumita and Patel, Krunal and Khan, Bashir Mohammad} } @article {43313, title = {Cleavable and removable polymer thermosets for organic field effect transistor packaging}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {3}, year = {2013}, month = {SEP}, pages = {22591-22596}, abstract = {Recent years have witnessed tremendous progress in the design and synthesis of electroactive materials for the fabrication of organic electronic devices. However, very little research effort has been devoted to developing organic packaging materials, which are crucial for the efficient functioning of the devices. Polymer thermosets (PTs) are extensively used for the packaging of microelectronic and optoelectronic devices. Although PTs are effective in providing mechanical stability and environmental protection to devices, the removal of PTs without destroying the underlying surface is cumbersome. Facile removal of PTs is essential to reuse the expensive substrates. Herein, we report the preparation of a thermoset using an aliphatic disulfide containing cross-linker, cystamine. By varying the cross-linker concentration, the mechanical property of the thermoset was varied from ductile to brittle. The ductile thermoset was coated on metal, semiconductor and flexible substrates. The thermosets were then cleaved using a biomolecule in neutral pH. We have demonstrated that the cleavage and removal of thermosets don{\textquoteright}t affect the surface properties of the underlying substrates. Furthermore, the thermosets were coated on top of organic field effect transistors to provide environmental protection. The thermoset coated devices showed a charge carrier mobility of 5.3 x 10(-3) cm(2) V-1 s(-1). Then, the thermoset was cleaved and removed, and the substrate was reused for the fabrication of organic field effect transistors with unchanged device efficiencies.}, doi = {10.1039/c3ra43320j}, author = {Arulkashmir, Arulraj and Bhosale, Manik E. and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam} } @article { ISI:000324265700009, title = {Cloning and sequence analysis of three variants of the gene encoding alkaline xylanase C from the alkaliphilic bacillus sp (NCL 87-6-10)}, journal = {Biochemical Genetics}, volume = {51}, number = {9-10}, year = {2013}, month = {OCT}, pages = {737-749}, publisher = {SPRINGER/PLENUM PUBLISHERS}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Alkaline xylanase C from the alkaliphilic Bacillus sp. (NCL 87-6-10) has a low molecular weight and alkaline pI and is cellulase-free, properties compatible with its use in the prebleaching of pulp. We report here the cloning and sequence analysis of three variants of the gene encoding xylanase C; xyl C1, xyl C2, and xyl C3. In phylogenetic analysis, the three xylanase C variants clustered into a single group along with other reported alkaline xylanases. Residues contributing to the alkaline pH were present in all three variants. DNA and protein sequence comparison of these variants with other reported alkaline xylanases revealed silent mutations, some of which are due to codon preference in the respective organisms. The recombinant Xyl C1 that was successfully expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) had properties similar to the native enzyme.

}, keywords = {Alkaline xylanase C, Alkaliphilic Bacillus sp (NCL 87-6-10), Cloning, E. coli BL21 (DE3) expression, Sequence analysis}, issn = {0006-2928}, doi = {10.1007/s10528-013-9603-z}, author = {Sharma, Poonam and Rele, Meenakshi V. and Kumar, Lalitha Sunil} } @article { ISI:000313651700018, title = {Combinatorial approach of statistical optimization and mutagenesis for improved production of acidic phytase by Aspergillus niger NCIM 563 under submerged fermentation condition}, journal = {Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology}, volume = {97}, number = {2}, year = {2013}, month = {JAN}, pages = {673-679}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Combination of statistical optimization and mutagenesis to isolate hypersecretory strains is studied to maximize phytase production from Aspergillus niger NCIM 563 under submerged fermentation. The overall results obtained show a remarkable 5.98-fold improvement in phytase production rates when compared to that using basal medium. Optimization of culture conditions from parent strain is studied first by the Plackett-Burman technique to evaluate the effects of 11 variables for phytase production. The results showed that glucose, MgSO4, KCl, incubation period, and MnSO4 are the most significant variables affecting enzyme production. Further optimization in these variables, using a central composite design technique, resulted in 3.74-fold increase in the yield of phytase production to 254,500 U/l when compared with the activity observed with basal media (68,000 U/l) in shake flask. Our experiments show that the phytase from A. niger NCIM 563 exhibits desirable activity in simulated gastric fluid conditions with low pH and also improved thermostability when compared to commercial phytase. The improved yield demonstrates the potential applicability of phytase enzyme as a source of phytase supplement for phosphorus nutrition and environmental protection in animal feed industry. Physical and chemical mutagenesis experiments were carried out in parallel to isolate hypersecretory mutants that could possibly further enhance the enzyme production. Using optimized media conditions of the parent strain, our results show that mutant strain A. niger NCIM 1359 increased the phytase activity by another 1.6-fold to 407,200 U/l.

}, keywords = {Animal feed, Aspergillus niger, Mutagenesis, Phytase, Statistical optimization}, issn = {0175-7598}, doi = {10.1007/s00253-012-3965-8}, author = {Bhavsar, Kavita P. and Gujar, P. and Shah, P. and Kumar, V. Ravi and Khire, Jayant Malhar} } @article { ISI:000319229900002, title = {Compensatory proteolytic responses to dietary proteinase inhibitors from Albizia lebbeck seeds in the helicoverpa armigera larvae}, journal = {Arthropod-Plant Interactions}, volume = {7}, number = {3}, year = {2013}, month = {JUN}, pages = {259-266}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Plant proteinase inhibitors (PIs) have been shown to reduce the growth rates in larvae of numerous insect species. On the other hand, insects can also regulate their proteinases against plant PIs. In the present study, we report the compensatory activities of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) gut proteinases against the PIs of Albizia lebbeck seeds. Total of ten proteinase inhibitor bands were detected in the seed extract of A. lebbeck. Bioassays were conducted by feeding H. armigera larvae on diet containing partially purified PIs from A. lebbeck seeds. Results show that larval growth and survival was significantly reduced by A. lebbeck PIs. We found that higher activity H. armigera gut proteinase (HGP) isoforms observed in the midgut of control larvae were inhibited in the midgut of larvae fed on test diet. Some HGP isoforms were induced in the larvae fed on PI containing test diet; however, these isoforms showed lower activity in the larvae fed on control diet. Aminopeptidase activities were significantly increased in the midgut of larvae fed on test diet. A population of susceptible and resistant enzymes was observed in the midgut of H. armigera, when fed on diet containing PIs from A. lebbeck seeds. Our initial observations indicate that H. armigera can regulate its digestive proteinase activity against non-host plant PIs, too. It is important to study the exact biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon in order to develop PI-based insect control strategies.

}, keywords = {Albizia lebbeck, Helicoverpa armigera, Midgut proteinases, Proteinase inhibitors, regulation}, issn = {1872-8855}, doi = {10.1007/s11829-012-9240-1}, author = {Hivrale, Vandana K. and Lomate, Purushottam R. and Basaiyye, Shriniwas S. and Kalve, Neeta D.} } @article { ISI:000324460900018, title = {Concise synthesis of (5R,6S)-tert-butyl 5-acetoxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)-5,6-dihydropyridine-1(2H)-carboxylate}, journal = {Arkivoc}, number = {2}, year = {2013}, month = {OCT}, pages = {220-227}, publisher = {ARKAT USA INC}, address = {C/O ALAN R KATRITZKY, UNIV FLORIDA, DEPT CHEMISTRY, PO BOX 117200, GAINESVILLE, FL 32611 USA}, abstract = {

An efficient synthesis of (5R,6S)-tert-butyl 5-acetoxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)-5,6-dihydropyridine-1(2H)-carboxylate 1, a common intermediate for various polyhydroxylated piperidines is reported in six steps with 32\% overall yield starting from Garner{\textquoteright}s aldehyde. The key steps include the diastereoselective nucleophilic addition and intramolecular cyclization. (5R,6S)-tert-butyl 5-acetoxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)-5,6-dihydropyridine-1(2H)-carboxylate is a common precursor for the synthesis of 1-deoxy-L-mannojirimycin, 1-deoxy-L-idonojirimycin, L-fagomycin and related analogues.

}, keywords = {cyclization, Garner{\textquoteright}s aldehyde, nucleophilic addition, polyhydroxy piperidines}, issn = {1551-7004}, author = {Ramalingam, S. and Bhise, Ankushkumar D. and Show, Krishanu and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000326121800014, title = {Continuous flow multipoint dosing approach for selectivity engineering in sulfoxidation}, journal = {Organic Process Research \& Development}, volume = {17}, number = {10}, year = {2013}, month = {OCT}, pages = {1293-1299}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

A continuous synthesis approach with multipoint dosing of one of the reagents is demonstrated for the synthesis of sulfoxide compounds such as proton pump inhibitors. Use of multipoint dosing of the oxidizing agent helped to minimize the possibility of over-oxidation leading to sulfone. Different oxidizing agents were used, and the effect of various parameters (viz. mole ratio of sulfide to oxidizing agent, temperature, residence time, concentration of oxidizing agent, etc.) on the yield of the desired sulfoxide compound was studied. Single-point and multipoint dosing approaches of the oxidizing agent were used for the most promising set of parameters. The performance was compared in terms of conversion of sulfide and the selectivity of the desired sulfoxide. Numbering up approach was used to produce the sulfoxide in a relatively large quantity at laboratory scale with complete conversion and over 99\% selectivity for the sulfoxide.

}, issn = {1083-6160}, doi = {10.1021/op400138v}, author = {Kulkarni, A. A. and Nivangune, N. T. and Joshi, Rohini R. and Joshi, Ramesh A.} } @article { ISI:000312944900011, title = {Controlled synthesis of aligned Bi2S3 nanowires, sharp apex nanowires and nanobelts with its morphology dependent field emission investigations}, journal = {Crystengcomm}, volume = {15}, number = {5}, year = {2013}, month = {NOV}, pages = {890-896}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Well-aligned ultra-long Bi2S3 nanowire arrays with three kinds of apex morphology - abruptly sharpened apex, thin belt and flat - have been systematically fabricated on tungsten (W) foil by a facile hydrothermal method. The structural and morphological studies reveal formation of distinct tip morphologies, possessing high aspect ratio, single crystalline nature and growth along the orthorhombic [001] axis. A plausible growth mechanism has been proposed on the basis of observed experimental results. The field emission properties of Bi2S3 nanowires and sharp apex Bi2S3 nanowires are investigated. From the field emission studies, the values of the turn-on field, required to draw emission current density of similar to 0.1 mu A cm(-2), are observed to be similar to 2.01 and 1.21 V mu m(-1) for nanowires and sharp apex nanowires, respectively. Furthermore, ultra-long Bi2S3 nanowires are also grown on the W microtip (brush-like) from which very high emission current density similar to 11 mA cm(-2) has been drawn. These results are helpful for the design, fabrication and optimization of integrated field emitters using 1D nanostructures as cold cathode material.

}, issn = {1466-8033}, doi = {10.1039/c2ce26588e}, author = {Warule, Sambhaji S. and Chaudhari, Nilima S. and Kale, Bharat B. and Pandiraj, S. and Khare, Ruchita T. and More, Mahendra A.} } @article { ISI:000313330000017, title = {Correlation between the variation in observed melting temperatures and structural motifs of the global minima of gallium clusters: an ab initio study}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Physics}, volume = {138}, number = {1}, year = {2013}, month = {JAN}, pages = {014303}, publisher = {AMER INST PHYSICS}, address = {CIRCULATION \& FULFILLMENT DIV, 2 HUNTINGTON QUADRANGLE, STE 1 N O 1, MELVILLE, NY 11747-4501 USA}, abstract = {

We have investigated the correlation between the variation in the melting temperature and the growth pattern of small positively charged gallium clusters. Significant shift in the melting temperatures was observed for a change of only few atoms in the size of the cluster. Clusters with size between 31-42 atoms melt between 500-600 K whereas those with 46-48 atoms melt around 800 K. Density functional theory based first principles simulations have been carried out on Ga-n(+) clusters with n = 31, ... , 48. At least 150 geometry optimizations have been performed towards the search for the global minima for each size resulting in about 3000 geometry optimizations. For gallium clusters in this size range, the emergence of spherical structures as the ground state leads to higher melting temperature. The well-separated core and surface shells in these clusters delay isomerization, which results in the enhanced stability of these clusters at elevated temperatures. The observed variation in the melting temperature of these clusters therefore has a structural origin. (C) 2013 American Institute of Physics. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4772470]

}, issn = {0021-9606}, doi = {10.1063/1.4772470}, author = {Susan, Anju and Kibey, Aniruddha and Kaware, Vaibhav and Joshi, Kavita} } @article { ISI:000319610100005, title = {Cyanate ester resins containing pentadecyl-substituted cyclohexyl moiety: synthesis, curing and structure-property relationship}, journal = {High Performance Polymers}, volume = {25}, number = {3}, year = {2013}, month = {MAY}, pages = {278-286}, publisher = {SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD}, address = {1 OLIVERS YARD, 55 CITY ROAD, LONDON EC1Y 1SP, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Cyanate ester (CE) monomers containing pentadecyl-substituted cyclohexyl moieties such as 1,1-bis(4-cyanatophenyl) 3-pentadecylcyclohexane and 1,1-bis(4-cyanatophenyl) cyclohexane were synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform infrared, proton-nuclear magnetic resonance (H-1-NMR) and carbon-nuclear magnetic resonance (C-13-NMR) spectroscopies as well as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Both 1,1-bis(4-cyanatophenyl) 3-pentadecylcyclohexane and 1,1-bis(4-cyanatophenyl) cyclohexane exhibited better processability coupled with lower melting points, lower cure onset with broad cure exotherm than the commercially available CE monomer, namely, 2,2-bis(4-cyanatophenyl) propane. Glass transition temperatures of cured 2,2-bis(4-cyanatophenyl) propane, 1,1-bis(4-cyanatophenyl) cyclohexane and 1,1-bis(4-cyanatophenyl) 3-pentadecylcyclohexane were observed to be 288 degrees C, 302 degrees C and 160 degrees C, respectively. Cured 1,1-bis(4-cyanatophenyl) cyclohexane displayed higher storage modulus (1.59 x 10(9) Pa) than 1,1-bis(4-cyanatophenyl) 3-pentadecylcyclohexane (1.07 x 10(9) Pa) and 2,2-bis(4-cyanatophenyl) propane (1.39 x 10(9) Pa). The order of thermal stability of cured polycyanurates was found to be 2,2-bis(4-cyanatophenyl) propane \> 1,1-bis(4-cyanatophenyl) cyclohexane \> 1,1-bis(4-cyanato phenyl) 3-pentadecylcyclohexane. The moisture absorption of cured resins derived from 1,1-bis(4-cyanatophenyl) 3-pentadecyl cyclohexane and 1,1-bis(4-cynatophenyl) cyclohexane was found to be lower than that of 2,2-bis(4-cynatophenyl) propane implying the role of pentadecyl substituent and/or cyclohexyl moiety in imparting hydrophobicity to the polycyanurates.

}, keywords = {(pentadecyl substituted) cyclohexyl, curing, cyanate ester resin, thermosets}, issn = {0954-0083}, doi = {10.1177/0954008312463738}, author = {Kulkarni, Arun D. and Tawade, Bhausaheb V. and Wadgaonkar, Prakash P.} } @article { ISI:000323644600046, title = {Defluoridation of drinking water using pural (R) MG-20 mixed hydroxide adsorbent}, journal = {Water Air and Soil Pollution}, volume = {224}, number = {9}, year = {2013}, month = {SEP}, pages = {1727}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The potential ofmixed alumina-magnesia hydroxide adsorbent (PURAL (R) MG-20) for defluoridation of drinking water using batch and continuous mode of operations has been reported in the present article. Systematic adsorption experiments were carried out to elucidate the effects of different process parameters such as adsorbent dose, initial fluoride concentration, pH of the solution and effect of other ions (usually present in groundwater). These studies were aimed to understand the adsorption behaviour of the PURAL (R) MG-20 adsorbents. Fluoride adsorption by PURAL (R) MG-20 sorbent was found pH dependent. Maximum fluoride removal efficiency was observed in the range of pH 5-7. Langmuir isotherm described the data better than Freundlich and Temkin isotherm models and the adsorption capacity was found to be 5.62 mg g(-1) at initial fluoride concentration of 5.13 mg L-1, pH 7 and contact time 24 h. The kinetic result shows that the fluoride sorption follows pseudo-second-order kinetics. Column breakthrough studies were performed to test the performance of the adsorbent media at continuous mode of operation. Thus, it can be concluded that PURAL (R) MG-20 adsorbent can be used directly for field applications since it shows high fluoride uptake capacity under simulated drinking water conditions and it is also commercially available.

}, keywords = {Breakthrough studies, Defluoridation of drinking water, Kinetic modelling, Mixed hydroxide adsorbent}, issn = {0049-6979}, doi = {10.1007/s11270-013-1727-6}, author = {Patankar, Gaurang V. and Tambe, Amruta S. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D. and Malyshew, Alexander and Kamble, Sanjay P.} } @article { ISI:000325676500006, title = {Dehydration of fructose to 5-hydroxymethyl furfural over ordered AlSBA-15 catalysts}, journal = {Microporous and Mesoporous Materials}, volume = {181}, year = {2013}, month = {NOV}, pages = {38-46}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

5-Hydroxymethyl furfural is an important platform chemical. It is successfully synthesized from renewable carbohydrates using mesoporous AlSBA-15 catalysts under biphasic conditions. Fine tuning of the catalyst acidity is important to drive the reaction to give good yields of furan compound. Al-SBA-15 catalysts with different Si/Al ratios were prepared and characterized by XRD, Al-27 MASNMR, SEM, TEM, N-2 sorption, ICP-OES and TPD of ammonia. Results show that part of aluminium is substituted into tetrahedral positions. The catalyst with lower acid site density but medium to strong acid strength favours selective formation of HMF. Under the optimized conditions, HMF selectivity was as high as 88\% at 59 mol\% conversion of fructose. Leaching of part of aluminium occurs under hydrothermal conditions, if solvent mixtures containing water are used, while activity can be retained if DMSO is used as solvent. (c) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Acidity, AlSBA-15, dehydration, fructose, Hydroxymethyl furfural}, issn = {1387-1811}, doi = {10.1016/j.micromeso.2013.07.015}, author = {Lucas, Nishita and Kokate, Ganesh and Nagpure, Atul and Chilukuri, Satyanarayana V.} } @article { ISI:000329137400081, title = {Design of a high performance thin all-solid-state supercapacitor mimicking the active interface of its liquid-state counterpart}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {5}, number = {24}, year = {2013}, month = {DEC}, pages = {13397-13404}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Here we report an all-solid-state supercapacitor (ASSP) which closely mimics the electrode-electrolyte interface of its liquid-state counterpart by impregnating polyaniline (PANO-coated carbon paper with polyvinyl alcohol-H2SO4 (PVA-H2SO4) gel/plasticized polymer electrolyte. The well penetrated PVA-H2SO4 network along the porous carbon matrix essentially enhanced the electrode-electrolyte interface of the resulting device with a very low equivalent series resistance (ESR) of 1 Omega/cm(2) and established an interfacial structure very similar to a liquid electrolyte. The designed interface of the device was confirmed by cross-sectional elemental mapping and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. The PANI in the device displayed a specific capacitance of 647 F/g with an areal capacitance of 1 F/cm(2) at 0.5 A/g and a capacitance retention of 62\% at 20 A/g. The above values are the highest among those reported for any solid-state-supercapacitor. The whole device, including the electrolyte, shows a capacitance of 12 F/g with a significantly low leakage current of 16 mu A(2). Apart from this, the device showed excellent stability for 10000 cycles with a coulombic efficiency of 100\%. Energy density of the PANI in the device is 14.3 Wh/kg.

}, keywords = {all-solid-state, cyclic voltametry, impedance analysis, polyaniline, polyvinyl alcohol, supercapacitor}, issn = {1944-8244}, doi = {10.1021/am404320e}, author = {Anothumakkool, Bihag and Torris, Arun A. T. and Bhange, Siddheshwar N. and Unni, SreeKuttan M. and Badiger, Manohar V. and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article { ISI:000324465000030, title = {Design, synthesis, evaluation and thermodynamics of 1-substituted pyridylimidazo[1,5-a]pyridine derivatives as cysteine protease inhibitors}, journal = {Plos One}, volume = {8}, number = {8}, year = {2013}, month = {AUG}, pages = {e69982}, publisher = {PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE}, address = {1160 BATTERY STREET, STE 100, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111 USA}, abstract = {

Targeting papain family cysteine proteases is one of the novel strategies in the development of chemotherapy for a number of diseases. Novel cysteine protease inhibitors derived from 1-pyridylimidazo[1,5-a]pyridine representing pharmacologically important class of compounds are being reported here for the first time. The derivatives were initially designed and screened in silico by molecular docking studies against papain to explore the possible mode of action. The molecular interaction between the compounds and cysteine protease (papain) was found to be very similar to the interactions observed with the respective epoxide inhibitor (E-64c) of papain. Subsequently, compounds were synthesized to validate their efficacy in wet lab experiments. When characterized kinetically, these compounds show their K-i and IC50 values in the range of 13.75 to 99.30 mu M and 13.40 to 96.50 mu M, respectively. The thermodynamics studies suggest their binding with papain hydrophobically and entropically driven. These inhibitors also inhibit the growth of clinically important different types of Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria having MIC50 values in the range of 0.6-1.4 mu g/ml. Based on Lipinski{\textquoteright}s rule of Five, we also propose these compounds as potent antibacterial prodrugs. The most active antibacterial compound was found to be 1-(2-pyridyl)-3-(2-hydroxyphenyl)imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine (3a).

}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0069982}, author = {Khan, Mohd Sajid and Baig, Mohd Hassan and Ahmad, Saheem and Siddiqui, Shapi Ahmad and Srivastava, Ashwini Kumar and Srinivasan, Kumar Venkatraman and Ansari, Irfan A.} } @article { ISI:000319417100005, title = {Design, synthesis, structural characterization by IR, 1H, 13C, 15N, 2D-NMR, X-ray diffraction and evaluation of a new class of phenylaminoacetic acid benzylidene hydrazines as pfENR inhibitors}, journal = {Chemical Biology \& Drug Design}, volume = {81}, number = {6}, year = {2013}, month = {JUN}, pages = {715-729}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

Recent studies have revealed that plasmodial enoyl-ACP reductase (pfENR, FabI), one of the crucial enzymes in the plasmodial type II fatty acid synthesis II (FAS II) pathway, is a promising target for liver stage malaria infections. Hence, pfENR inhibitors have the potential to be used as causal malarial prophylactic agents. In this study, we report the design, synthesis, structural characterization and evaluation of a new class of pfENR inhibitors. The search for inhibitors began with a virtual screen of the iResearch database by molecular docking. Hits obtained from the virtual screen were ranked according to their Glide score. One hit was selected as a lead and modified to improve its binding to pfENR; from this, a series of phenylamino acetic acid benzylidene hydrazides were designed and synthesized. These molecules were thoroughly characterized by IR, 1H, 13C, 15N, 2D-NMR (COSY, NOESY, 1H-13C, 1H-15N HSQC and HMBC), and X-ray diffraction. NMR studies revealed the existence of conformational/configurational isomers around the amide and imine functionalities. The major species in DMSO solution is the E, E form, which is in dynamic equilibrium with the Z, E isomer. In the solid state, the molecule has a completely extended conformation and forms helical structures that are stabilized by strong hydrogen bond interactions, forming a helical structure stabilized by N-H...O interactions, a feature unique to this class of compounds. Furthermore, detailed investigation of the NMR spectra indicated the presence of a minor impurity in most compounds. The structure of this impurity was deduced as an imidazoline-4-one derivative based on 1H-13C and 1H-15H HMBC spectra and was confirmed from the NOESY spectra. The molecules were screened for in vitro activity against recombinant pfENR enzyme by a spectrophotometric assay. Four molecules, viz. 17, 7, 10, and 12 were found to be active at 7, 8, 10, and 12m concentration, respectively, showing promising pfENR inhibitory potential. A classification model was derived based on a binary QSAR approach termed recursive partitioning (RP) to highlight structural characteristics that could be tuned to improve activity.

}, keywords = {ADMET, docking, enoyl-ACP reductase, FabI, hydrogen bonding, NMR, phenylaminoacetic acid benzylidene hydrazine, Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium falciparum enoyl-ACP reductase, QSAR, recursive partitioning, X-ray diffraction}, issn = {1747-0277}, doi = {10.1111/cbdd.12118}, author = {Samal, Ramanuj P. and Khedkar, Vijay M. and Pissurlenkar, Raghuvir R. S. and Bwalya, Angela Gono and Tasdemir, Deniz and Joshi, Ramesh A. and Rajamohanan, P. R. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Coutinho, Evans C.} } @article { ISI:000320275600007, title = {Desymmetrization approach to the enantiopure syn/anti-1,5-diols via hydrolytic kinetic resolution (hkr) of functionalized meso-bis-epoxides: further elaboration to syn/syn-1,3,5-triols and application to the formal synthesis of cryptocarya diacetate}, journal = {Advanced Synthesis \& Catalysis}, volume = {355}, number = {9}, year = {2013}, month = {JUN}, pages = {1719-1723}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

A new approach has been developed for the synthesis of enantiopure syn/anti-1,5-diols by desymmetrization of functionalized meso-bis-epoxides using hydrolytic kinetic resolution (HKR). The usage of this protocol was demonstrated by converting syn-1,5-diols into syn/syn-1,3,5-triols and its subseqent application to the formal synthesis of cryptocarya diacetate.

}, keywords = {bis-epoxides, cryptocarya diacetate, desymmetrization, stereoselective reduction, synthetic methods}, issn = {1615-4150}, doi = {10.1002/adsc.201300098}, author = {Kumar, Pradeep and Chowdhury, Partha Sarathi and Pandey, Menaka} } @article { ISI:000319335700004, title = {Detection and knockdown of MicroRNA-34a using thioacetamido nucleic acid}, journal = {Nucleic Acid Therapeutics}, volume = {23}, number = {3}, year = {2013}, month = {JUN}, pages = {195-202}, publisher = {MARY ANN LIEBERT INC}, address = {140 HUGUENOT STREET, 3RD FL, NEW ROCHELLE, NY 10801 USA}, abstract = {

Thioacetamido nucleic acids (TANA) contain a backbone modification of dinucleotides consisting of a 5-atom amide linker N3{\textquoteright}-COCH2-S-CH2 at thymidine or thymidine-cytidine dimer blocks. Here, the chemical synthesis of the TANA linked 5-methyl-cytidine-cytidine ((Me)cc) dimer block and its incorporation into the DNA sequence, complementary to human microRNA 34 (miR-34) is described. Further, for the first time, we demonstrate the biological applications of TANA modified oligonucleotides in detection and intracellular knockdown of a cancer related microRNA in comparison with DNA containing locked nucleic acid (LNA) and 2{\textquoteright}-O-methyl modifications. The human microRNA miR-34 is a pro-apoptotic microRNA under the transcriptional control of protein 53 (p53). It gets expressed in response to DNA damage and regulates several cell cycle and apoptosis related targets. Here, we show that the TANA modified antisense oligonucleotide binds specifically to miR-34a, allowing its detection using primer extension. We also show that, using the TANA modified antisense oligonucleotide against miR-34a, intracellular levels of miR-34 can be reduced, and consequently, the expression of its target oncogene V-myc myelocytomatosis viral related oncogene, neuroblastoma derived (MYCN) is enhanced. Further, we assessed the toxicity and serum stability of the oligonucleotide to conclude that it is suitable for detection and modulation of the vital biomarker and tumor suppressor microRNA.

}, issn = {2159-3337}, doi = {10.1089/nat.2012.0411}, author = {Soni, Kartik and Gupta, Shivani and Gokhale, Sachin S. and Dey, Rakesh and Gunjal, Anita D. and Kumar, Vaijayanti A. and Pillai, Beena} } @article {43074, title = {Development and validation of a sensitive bioanalytical method for the determination of sumatriptan in rat plasma by UPLC-MS}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences}, volume = {5}, year = {2013}, month = {AUG}, pages = {78-82}, author = {Kumbhar, Amruta B. and Galgatte, Upendra C. and Warkad, Shrikant D. and Santhakumari, B.} } @article { ISI:000322943000001, title = {Diethylamine: a smart organocatalyst in eco-safe and diastereoselective synthesis of medicinally privileged 2-amino-4H-chromenes at ambient temperature}, journal = {Comptes Rendus Chimie}, volume = {16}, number = {8}, year = {2013}, month = {AUG}, pages = {689-695}, publisher = {ELSEVIER FRANCE-EDITIONS SCIENTIFIQUES MEDICALES ELSEVIER}, address = {23 RUE LINOIS, 75724 PARIS, FRANCE}, abstract = {

Diethylamine has been demonstrated to be an efficient organocatalyst in the diastereoselective synthesis of Bcl-2 protein antagonist (HA-14-1) and of its structural analogues by one-pot condensation between salicylaldehyde and three different C-H acids, viz, ethyl cyanoacetate, phenylsulfonyl acetonitrile, and malononitrile. Easy commercial availability of the catalyst at extremely low cost and avoidance of conventional work-up as well as purification procedures qualifies this scalable protocol for a {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}near-ideal synthesis{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}. (c) 2013 Academie des sciences. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {2-amino-4H-chromenes, Active methylene compounds (C-H acids), diethylamine, multicomponent reactions, organocatalyst}, issn = {1631-0748}, doi = {10.1016/j.crci.2013.02.016}, author = {Kulkarni, Makarand A. and Pandit, Kapil S. and Desai, Uday V. and Lad, Uday P. and Wadgaonkar, Prakash P.} } @article { ISI:000321965700043, title = {Direct contact heat transfer via injecting volatile liquid in a hot liquid pool: generation and motion of bubbles}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Science}, volume = {100}, year = {2013}, note = {11th International Conference on Gas-Liquid and Gas-Liquid-Solid Reactor Engineering (GLS) Held in Conjunction with 9th World Congress on Chemical Engineering (WCCE) / Asian Pacific Conference on Chemical Engineering (APCChE), Seoul, SOUTH KOREA, AUG 19-22, 2013}, month = {AUG}, pages = {421-432}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Direct contact heat transfer via injection of volatile liquid is an effective strategy for removing heat from a viscous liquid pool. The rapid evaporation effectively removes heat and the generated bubbles move quickly to the top surface. In this paper, we present an experimental and phenomenological analysis of the evaporation of a drop in a slightly miscible liquid. The phenomenon was visualized using a two-dimensional transparent experimental set-up with a single inlet at the bottom. The videos were used to estimate bubble dimensions, its rise velocity, distance from the detachment point, and fraction of vapor and the liquid phases in the evaporating drop. The initial drop size, temperature difference between the hot fluid and the low boiling solvent and the nucleation rate governed the rate of change of the drobble (combined entity of drop and bubble) diameter and its rise velocity. A phenomenological model describing transient behavior of drobble (motion and heat transfer) is developed. The transient variation in the interfacial areas for heat transfer and the projected area were found to have effect on the predictions. The model and results will also provide useful basis for extending the work towards better understanding of direct contact heat transfer in viscous systems like polymerization reactors. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Bubble, Direct contact HT, Drobble, Drop, Evaporation, Slightly miscible liquids}, issn = {0009-2509}, doi = {10.1016/j.ces.2013.02.057}, author = {Kulkarni, Amol A. and Ranade, Vivek V.} } @article { ISI:000319645000009, title = {Direct synthesis of amides from amines using mesoporous Mn-SBA-12 and Mn-SBA-16 catalysts}, journal = {Catalysis Communications}, volume = {37}, year = {2013}, month = {JUL}, pages = {36-40}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Manganese incorporated SBA-12 and SBA-16 catalyze the tandem reaction of aliphatic primary amine, aerial oxygen and ammonia solution at moderate conditions producing amide in yields as high as 50 mol\%. The Mn-SBA-12 and Mn-SBA-16 catalysts with Si/Mn output molar ratio in the range 230 to 748 were prepared by the direct hydrothermal synthesis method and characterized. Weak acidity and Mn in +3 oxidation state are the key factors enable the synthesis of product amide in high yields. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Aerial oxidation, Amide synthesis, Benzyl amine, Manganese incorporated SBA-12 and SBA-16, Mesoporous Mn-silica catalyst}, issn = {1566-7367}, doi = {10.1016/j.catcom.2013.03.020}, author = {Kumar, Anuj and Nepak, Devadutta and Srinivas, Darbha} } @article { ISI:000317349300004, title = {Do protic ionic liquids and water display analogous behavior in terms of hammett acidity function?}, journal = {Chemical Physics Letters}, volume = {566}, year = {2013}, month = {APR}, pages = {12-16}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

We address an issue whether the strength of carboxylic acids in water is linear with respect to that in ionic liquids. Strength of carboxylic acids in water and different PILs using Hammett function (Ho) has revealed interesting linear correlation between the Ho function for all acids in PILs and PIL-water in spite of large structural and electronic differences. These observations suggest that different structural and electronic features of PILs and water behave analogously towards Ho. This linearity in Ho functions between PILs and PIL-water systems can be used to develop predictive method to calculate Ho values. (c) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0009-2614}, doi = {10.1016/j.cplett.2013.02.029}, author = {Shukla, Shashi Kant and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000318901000001, title = {Draft genome of ochrobactrum intermedium strain M86 isolated from non-ulcer dyspeptic individual from India}, journal = {GUT Pathogens}, volume = {5}, year = {2013}, month = {APR}, pages = {7}, publisher = {BIOMED CENTRAL LTD}, address = {236 GRAYS INN RD, FLOOR 6, LONDON WC1X 8HL, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Background: Ochrobactrum intermedium is an emerging opportunistic pathogen of humans that is closely related to members of the genus Brucella. Earlier, we reported the case of an Indian subject with non-ulcer dyspeptic symptoms whose urease positive gastric biopsy revealed the presence of Helicobacter pylori along with non-Helicobacter like bacteria, eventually cultured and identified as O. intermedium strain M86. Results: Here, we describe the unclosed draft genome of the strain M86 with a length of 5,188,688 bp and mean G+C content of 57.9\%. We have also identified many putative gene clusters that might be responsible for its persistence in the gastric mucosa. Comparative analysis of genomic features of Ochrobactrum intermedium strain M86 and Ochrobactrum intermedium LMG 3301(T) was also done. Conclusions: This paper attempts to gain whole-genome based insights into the putative gene determinants of O. intermedium for survival in the highly acidic stomach lumen environment. Identification of genes putatively involved in the various metabolic pathways may lead to a better understanding of the survival of O. intermdedium in acidic condition.

}, issn = {1757-4749}, doi = {10.1186/1757-4749-5-7}, author = {Kulkarni, Girish and Dhotre, Dhiraj and Dharne, Mahesh S. and Shetty, Sudarshan and Chowdhury, Somak and Misra, Vatsala and Misra, Sriprakash and Patole, Milind and Shouche, Yogesh} } @article { ISI:000311219900028, title = {Effect of cation distribution on structural and magnetic properties of Dy substituted magnesium ferrite}, journal = {Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials}, volume = {327}, year = {2013}, month = {FEB}, pages = {159-166}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Magnesium ferrite and dysprosium (Dy3+) substituted with composition MgDyxFe2-xO4 (x = 0.00-0.07) was prepared by solid state reaction technique. Spinel phase formation was identified using x-ray diffraction technique, thus establishing the cubic spinel symmetry. The morphology was seen through scanning electron microscopic technique, from where the grain size was calculated using average intercept line method. The elemental composition of pure and dysprosium substituted magnesium ferrite was calculated from energy dispersive x-ray analysis spectrum which is then correlated with the experimentally obtained values. Magnetic hysteresis loop of the various compositions establishes it to be soft ferrimagnetic material. The magnetic parameters such as saturation magnetization, coercivity, and retentivity were also calculated. Temperature dependence of saturation magnetization was done to find the Curie temperature of different compositions. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Cation distribution, Curie temperature, Electron microscopy, Magnetization, Spinel ferrite}, issn = {0304-8853}, doi = {10.1016/j.jmmm.2012.09.013}, author = {Bamzai, K. K. and Kour, Gurbinder and Kaur, Balwinder and Kulkarni, S. D.} } @article { ISI:000320836600009, title = {Effect of different arginine methylations on the thermodynamics of tat peptide binding to HIV-1 TAR RNA}, journal = {Biochimie}, volume = {95}, number = {7}, year = {2013}, month = {JUL}, pages = {1422-1431}, publisher = {ELSEVIER FRANCE-EDITIONS SCIENTIFIQUES MEDICALES ELSEVIER}, address = {23 RUE LINOIS, 75724 PARIS, FRANCE}, abstract = {

RNA-binding proteins are an important class of mediators that regulate cell function and differentiation. Methylation of arginine, a post-translational modification (PTM) found in these proteins, can modulate their function. Arginine can be monomethylated or dimethylated, depending on the type of methyl transferases involved. This paper describes a comparative study of the thermodynamics of unmodified and modified Tat peptide interaction with TAR RNA, where the peptide is methylated at epsilon (epsilon) and eta (eta) nitrogen atoms of guanidinium group of arginine side chain at position 52 or 53. The results indicate that monomethylation of arginine at epsilon (epsilon) nitrogen atom enhances binding affinity, owing to a more favourable enthalpy component which overrides the less favourable entropy change. In contrast, monomethylation of arginine residue at eta nitrogen results in reduced binding affinity originating exclusively from a less favourable enthalpy change leaving entropic component unaffected. However, in case of simultaneous methylation at epsilon and eta positions, the binding parameters remain almost unaffected, when compared to the unmodified peptide. In case of symmetric dimethylation at eta position the observed enthalpy change of the binding was found to be smaller than the values obtained for the unmodified peptide. Asymmetric dimethylation at eta position showed the most reduced binding affinities owing to less favourable enthalpy changes. These results provide insights that enable elucidation of the biological outcome of arginine methylation as PTMs that regulate protein function, and will contribute to our understanding of how these PTMs are established in vitro and in vivo. (C) 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {HIV-1, Post-translational modification, Protein methylation, RNA-protein interaction, Thermodynamics}, issn = {0300-9084}, doi = {10.1016/j.biochi.2013.03.008}, author = {Kumar, Santosh and Maiti, Souvik} } @article { ISI:000315548100030, title = {Effect of foulants on arsenic rejection via polyacrylonitrile ultrafiltration (UF) membrane}, journal = {Desalination}, volume = {309}, year = {2013}, month = {JAN}, pages = {243-246}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Arsenic rejection via modified polyacrylonitrile ultrafiltration (UF) membrane was found to be very high, however, the presence of commonly found foulants in arsenic solution affected membrane performance. The effect of commonly found foulants, such as ovalbumin, humic acid and egg white on arsenic rejection were studied. Experiments indicated that the As(V) rejection was affected by the total quantity of proteins and not the variety of proteins present in a solution. As(V) rejection was found to decrease with increasing proteins while fouling was found to increase from 25\% for 0.1 mg/ml to 33\% for 0.5 mg/ml egg white. The As(V) rejection was found to decrease with increasing concentration of humic acid for PAN membranes. Fouling studies showed that humic acid was a lesser foulant in comparison to egg white. However a combination of the two foulants led to a decrease in the overall fouling. pH was also found to be a very important factor for egg white dissolution and As(V) rejection. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Arsenic rejection, Egg white, Humic acid, Ovalbumin, Polyacrylonitrile, Ultrafiltration}, issn = {0011-9164}, doi = {10.1016/j.desal.2012.10.023}, author = {Agarwal, Gopal P. and Karan, Raj and Bharti, Sachin and Kumar, Hemant and Jhunjhunwala, Sumit and Sreekrishnan, T. R. and Kharul, Ulhas K.} } @article { ISI:000326022200050, title = {Effect of N-acetylation and N-methylation of lysine residue of tat peptide on its interaction with HIV-1 TAR RNA}, journal = {Plos One}, volume = {8}, number = {10}, year = {2013}, month = {OCT}, pages = {UNSP e77595}, publisher = {PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE}, address = {1160 BATTERY STREET, STE 100, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111 USA}, abstract = {

Post-translational modification (PTM) of RNA binding proteins (RBPs) play a very important role in determining their binding to cognate RNAs and therefore regulate the downstream effects. Lysine can undergo various PTMs and thereby contribute to the regulation of different cellular processes. It can be reversibly acetylated and methylated using a pool of respective enzymes, to act as a switch for controlling the binding efficiency of RBPs. Here we have delineated the thermodynamic and kinetic effects of N-acetylation and N-monomethylation of lysine on interaction between HIV-1 TAR RNA and its cognate binder Tat peptide (a model system). Our results indicate that acetylation of lysine 50 (K50), leads to eight-fold reduction in binding affinity, originating exclusively from entropy changes whereas, lysine 51 (K51) acetylation resulted only in three fold decrease with large enthalpy-entropy compensation. The measurement of kinetic parameters indicated major change (4.5 fold) in dissociation rate in case of K50 acetylation however, K51 acetylation showed similar effect on both association and dissociation rates. In contrast, lysine methylation did not affect the binding affinity of Tat peptide to TAR RNA at K50, nonetheless three fold enhancement in binding affinity was observed at K51 position. In spite of large enthalpy-entropy compensation, lysine methylation seems to have more pronounced position specific effect on the kinetic parameters. In case of K50 methylation, simultaneous increase was observed in the rate of association and dissociation leaving binding affinity unaffected. The increased binding affinity for methylated Tat at K51 stems from faster association rate with slightly slower dissociation rate.

}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0077595}, author = {Kumar, Santosh and Maiti, Souvik} } @article { ISI:000319875500022, title = {Effect of phytase from aspergillus niger on plant growth and mineral assimilation in wheat (Triticum aestivum Linn.) and its potential for use as a soil amendment}, journal = {Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture}, volume = {93}, number = {9}, year = {2013}, month = {JUL}, pages = {2242-2247}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

Background Extensive use of non-replenishable phosphate reserves as phosphate supplements in agriculture and animal feed poses a threat for environmental pollution and necessitated a search for alternative phosphate sources. Unlocking the phytate phosphorus using microbial phytase can provide an ecofriendly solution in agriculture. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the effect of phytase from Aspergillus niger NCIM 563 in degradation of phytate phosphorus to benefit plant nutrition and soil amendment in comparison with chemical fertilizers. Results An enzyme dose of 12 IU was sufficient to hydrolyze phytate and increase assimilation of phosphorus by about 74\%. Phytase supplementation leads to increase in shoot:total length ratio by about 200\%, indicating its growth-promoting effect. Consistency in phytase-induced growth was reflected at pot and tray levels, wherein shoot:total length ratio was observed to be 2.01 and 2.12 respectively. Mineral assimilation due to phytase was more efficient as compared to chemical fertilizers, thus overcoming the constraints of practicability and economics in the agriculture industry. Phytase was efficient in reducing the phytic acid content of soil by about 30\% while simultaneously increasing the phytate phosphate availability by 1.18-fold. Conclusion Phytase from A. niger showed improvement in phytate phosphorus and mineral availability. Besides a plant growth-promoting effect, reduction in use of chemical fertilizers and soil improvement could be achieved simultaneously for maintaining the sustainability of agriculture. (c) 2012 Society of Chemical Industry

}, keywords = {mineral assimilation, Phytase, phytate degradation, plant growth promotion, soil amendment}, issn = {0022-5142}, doi = {10.1002/jsfa.6032}, author = {Gujar, Pradnya D. and Bhavsar, Kavita P. and Khire, Jayant Malhar} } @article { ISI:000315720000020, title = {Effect of the viscosity of poly(benzimidazole) on the performance of a multifunctional electrocatalyst with an ideal interfacial structure}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry A}, volume = {1}, number = {13}, year = {2013}, month = {JAN}, pages = {4265-4276}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A novel electrocatalyst system with unique multifunctional characteristics, originated by the presence of a proton conducting polybenzimidazole (PBI-BuI) bound layer and electron conducting hollow carbon nanofibers (CNF) with catalytically active Pt nanoparticles, has been devised based on a simple strategy. This was achieved by decorating Pt nanoparticles along the inner cavity, as well as on the outer walls of the hollow CNF support (F-Pt). In a further extension, a low molecular weight PBI, synthesized by optimizing the experimental parameters, was incorporated into the inner cavity and along the outer surfaces of F-Pt. Excellent dispersion of the Pt nanoparticles was achieved by properly utilizing the available carbon surface results in improved electrocatalytic activity, while the CNF backbone ensures high electron conductivity as well. The polymer binder coverage formed along the inner and outer wall surfaces provides an efficient triple phase boundary (TPB) around the Pt nanoparticles to facilitate the electrode reactions. The amount and the viscosity of the PBI-BuI in the electrode material were systematically varied to study the influence on the electrochemical performance. Transmission electron microscopy analysis confirms PBI insertion into the tubular cavity of CNF. Pore size distribution analysis implies that both the viscosity and the amount of PBI-BuI have a pivotal role in defining the microstructure of the electrode. Electrochemical studies using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and rotating disc electrode (RDE) reveal the exceptionally high activity of this hybrid material with an improved electrochemically active area. The significant improvement for the oxygen reduction reaction is further confirmed by the single cell analysis also. The high power density displayed by the PBI-BuI based system, as compared to the Nafion based system, validates the conceptualization of the well controlled triple-phase boundary in the system. These results demonstrate that PBI-BuI has a constructive effect in tuning the electrochemical activity at an optimum amount and at a favourable viscosity of the proton conducting polymer.

}, issn = {2050-7488}, doi = {10.1039/c3ta00165b}, author = {Balan, Beena K. and Unni, Bipinlal and Chaudhari, Harshal D. and Kharul, Ulhas K. and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article { ISI:000317082100007, title = {Effective fragment potential method in Q-CHEM: a guide for users and developers}, journal = {Journal of Computational Chemistry}, volume = {34}, number = {12}, year = {2013}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1060-1070}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

A detailed description of the implementation of the effective fragment potential (EFP) method in the Q-CHEM electronic structure package is presented. The Q-CHEM implementation interfaces EFP with standard quantum mechanical (QM) methods such as HartreeFock, density functional theory, perturbation theory, and coupled-cluster methods, as well as with methods for electronically excited and open-shell species, for example, configuration interaction, time-dependent density functional theory, and equation-of-motion coupled-cluster models. In addition to the QM/EFP functionality, a fragment-only feature is also available (when the system is described by effective fragments only). To aid further developments of the EFP methodology, a detailed description of the C++ classes and EFP module{\textquoteright}s workflow is presented. The EFP input structure and EFP job options are described. To assist setting up and performing EFP calculations, a collection of Perl service scripts is provided. The precomputed EFP parameters for standard fragments such as common solvents are stored in Q-CHEM{\textquoteright}s auxiliary library; they can be easily invoked, similar to specifying standard basis sets. The instructions for generating user-defined EFP parameters are given. Fragments positions can be specified by their center of mass coordinates and Euler angles. The interface with the IQMOL and WEBMO software is also described. (c) 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

}, keywords = {effective fragment potential, EFP library, hybrid QM, IQMOL, MM, modular code, nonempirical force field, Q-CHEM, WEBMO}, issn = {0192-8651}, doi = {10.1002/jcc.23223}, author = {Ghosh, Debashree and Kosenkov, Dmytro and Vanovschi, Vitalii and Flick, Joanna and Kaliman, Ilya and Shao, Yihan and Gilbert, Andrew T. B. and Krylov, Anna I. and Slipchenko, Lyudmila V.} } @article { ISI:000325642400017, title = {Electrophile induced branching cascade: a powerful approach to access various molecular scaffolds and their exploration as novel anti-mycobacterial agents}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {49}, number = {86}, year = {2013}, month = {SEP}, pages = {10109-10111}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Herein we report on the Electrophile Induced Branching Cascade (EIBC), a new technique to produce a variety of biologically important molecular scaffolds. Some compounds exhibit excellent activities against Mycobacterium smegmatis.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c3cc45289a}, author = {Patil, Nitin T. and Konala, Ashok and Sravanti, Sudha and Singh, Ashita and Ummanni, Ramesh and Sridhar, Balasubramanian} } @article { ISI:000326615100015, title = {Employing arynes in transition-metal-free monoarylation of aromatic tertiary amines}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {15}, number = {21}, year = {2013}, month = {NOV}, pages = {5452-5455}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The highly monoselective N-arylation of aromatic tertiary amines using a transition-metal-free approach using arynes has been developed. The reaction afforded functionalized diaryl amines in moderate to excellent yield. High levels of functional group compatibility especially with halogen containing substrates, dyes and donor-acceptor systems, and high yields of products are the notable features of the present reaction.

}, issn = {1523-7060}, doi = {10.1021/ol4029258}, author = {Bhojgude, Sachin Suresh and Kaicharla, Trinadh and Biju, Akkattu T.} } @article { ISI:000325950600096, title = {Enantiodivergent routes to (+) and (-)-novioses from (-)-pantolactone}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {3}, number = {43}, year = {2013}, month = {AUG}, pages = {20291-20297}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Noviose, a rare sugar moiety present in many biologically interesting molecules such as novobiocin and tiacumicin was obtained through formal synthesis in (+)- and (-)-forms starting from commercially available (-)-pantolactone in an enantiodivergent manner.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c3ra42891e}, author = {Rajesh, B. M. and Shinde, Madhuri V. and Kannan, M. and Srinivas, Gujjary and Iqbal, Javed and Reddy, D. Srinivasa} } @article { ISI:000319405900025, title = {Engaging isatins in solvent-free, sterically congested passerini reaction}, journal = {Green Chemistry}, volume = {15}, number = {6}, year = {2013}, month = {APR}, pages = {1608-1614}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A facile, atom-economic and environmentally-benign protocol for the synthesis of biologically important oxindole derivatives in high yields has been demonstrated by employing isatins as carbonyl compound surrogates in a Passerini reaction carried out under solvent-free conditions. Moreover, electron-deficient phenols can also be used as the acid component in this reaction. In addition, the synthetic utility of the present methodology was examined by the one-pot synthesis of oxindoles with a free -OH group at the benzylic position.

}, issn = {1463-9262}, doi = {10.1039/c3gc40454d}, author = {Kaicharla, Trinadh and Yetra, Santhivardhana Reddy and Roy, Tony and Biju, Akkattu T.} } @article { ISI:000321481300045, title = {Enhanced electrochromic coloration in Ag nanoparticle decorated WO3 thin films}, journal = {Electrochimica Acta}, volume = {102}, year = {2013}, month = {JUL}, pages = {358-368}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

WO3/Ag composite thin films were prepared by microwave assisted sol-gel synthesis (MW-SGS) of WO3 followed by vacuum evaporation of Ag nanoparticles and their enhanced electrochromic coloration was investigated. The composition and morphology of WO3 thin films with different thickness of Ag layer obtained by vacuum evaporation were investigated. Distinct plasmon absorption bands of Ag nanoparticle thin films were obtained. The optical band gap energy of WO3/Ag films decreased with increasing the Ag layer thickness. The surface of these films has been examined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to gain information about the chemical states of species present at surfaces. Experimental results indicated that the conductivity of the films increased after surface modification by Ag layer. To investigate the origin of enhanced electrochromic absorption in optical properties, working electrode consisting of WO3/Ag thin film was used and observed the optical properties during electrochemical reaction. It was found that composite electrode shows enhancement in electrochromic properties in terms of optical modulation (Delta OD) and coloration efficiency (eta). (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Ag2WO4, CIE coordinates, Electrochromism, SPR, WO3/Ag composite thin films}, issn = {0013-4686}, doi = {10.1016/j.electacta.2013.03.123}, author = {Kharade, Rohini R. and Mali, Sawanta S. and Patil, Satish P. and Patil, Kashinath R. and Gang, Myong G. and Patil, Pramod S. and Kim, Jin H. and Bhosale, Popatrao N.} } @article {43230, title = {Enhanced field-emission behavior of layered MoS2 sheets}, journal = {Small}, volume = {9}, year = {2013}, month = {AUG}, pages = {2730-2734}, abstract = {Field emission studies are reported for the first time on layered MoS2 sheets at the base pressure of approximate to 1 x 10(-8) mbar. The turn-on field required to draw a field emission current density of 10 A/cm(2) is found to be 3.5 V/m for MoS2 sheets. The turn-on values are found to be significantly lower than the reported MoS2 nanoflowers, graphene, and carbon nanotube-based field emitters due to the high field enhancement factor (approximate to 1138) associated with nanometric sharp edges of MoS2 sheet emitter surface. The emission current-time plots show good stability over a period of 3 h. Owing to the low turn-on field and planar (sheetlike) structure, the MoS2 could be utilized for future vacuum microelectronics/nanoelectronic and flat panel display applications.}, doi = {10.1002/smll.201300002}, author = {Kashid, Ranjit V. and Late, Dattatray J. and Chou, Stanley S. and Huang, Yi-Kai and De, Mrinmoy and Joag, Dilip S. and More, Mahendra A. and Dravid, Vinayak P.} } @article { ISI:000323241100045, title = {Enhanced hole carrier transport due to increased intermolecular contacts in small molecule based field effect transistors}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {5}, number = {15}, year = {2013}, month = {AUG}, pages = {7086-7093}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Small molecules and oligomers can be synthesized with very high purity and precise molecular weights, but they often do not form uniform thin films while processed from solution. Decreased intermolecular contacts between the small molecules are another disadvantage. To increase the intermolecular contacts in small molecules, we have chosen i-indigo, as one of the conjugated molecular units. The electron poor i-indigo has been connected with electron rich triphenylamine to synthesize a donor-acceptor-donor type small molecule. The propeller shaped triphenylamine helps to increase the solubility of the small molecule as well as isotropic charge transport. The intermolecular spacing between the molecules has been found to be low and did not vary as a function of thermal annealing. This implies that the intermolecular contacts between the small molecules are enhanced, and they do not vary as a function of thermal annealing. Organic field effect transistors (OFET) fabricated using a small molecule exhibited a hole carrier mobility (mu) of 0.3 cm(2)/(V s) before thermal annealing. A marginal increase in mu was observed upon thermal annealing at 150 degrees C, which has been attributed to changes in thin film morphology. The morphology of the thin films plays an important role in charge transport in addition to the intermolecular spacing that can be modulated with a judicious choice of the conjugated molecular unit.

}, keywords = {hole mobility, i-indigo, organic field effect transistor, quadrupole interaction, small molecules, triphenylamine}, issn = {1944-8244}, doi = {10.1021/am401379a}, author = {Dharmapurikar, Satej S. and Arulkashmir, Arulraj and Das, Chayanika and Muddellu, Pooja and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam} } @article { ISI:000327410300055, title = {Enhancement of chemical stability and crystallinity in porphyrin-containing covalent organic frameworks by intramolecular hydrogen bonds}, journal = {Angewandte Chemie-International Edition}, volume = {52}, number = {49}, year = {2013}, month = {DEC}, pages = {13052-13056}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, keywords = {covalent organic frameworks, hydrogen bonds, mesoporous materials, porphyrinoids, tautomerism}, issn = {1433-7851}, doi = {10.1002/anie.201306775}, author = {Kandambeth, Sharath and Shinde, Digambar Balaji and Panda, Manas K. and Lukose, Binit and Heine, Thomas and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article { ISI:000327459400021, title = {Environmentally benign enhanced H-2 production from abundant copious waste H2S using size tuneable cubic bismuth (Bi-0) quantum dots-GeO2 glass photocatalyst under solar light}, journal = {Green Chemistry}, volume = {15}, number = {12}, year = {2013}, month = {OCT}, pages = {3459-3467}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Hydrogen sulfide is a copious gas produced in refineries (15-20\%) as well as billions of tons produced as a by-product in alkali industries. Selectively, only 5\% has been utilised for the Claus process to produce liquid sulfur and it is also well known for its uneconomical and environmental problems. Here, we have demonstrated a significant green approach for conversion of poisonous H2S into H-2 by stable cubic bismuth (Bi-0) quantum dot-glass nanosystems using solar light as the energy source. Previously, metal oxides and sulfides have been demonstrated as solar light photocatalysts. However, a unique bismuth quantum dot-glass nanosystem has been designed where cubic phase bismuth quantum dots of size 1-2 nm are grown in the germanate glass matrix successfully. The presence of bismuth (Bi-0) was confirmed by XRD, Raman, TEM and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The glass nanosystem shows quantum confinement with variation of the band gap from 2.95-1.51 eV. Considering the broad absorption from visible to near IR, we used this glass nanosystem as a solar light active photocatalyst and hydrogen production with respect to the quantum confinement of bismuth (Bi-0) quantum dots has been demonstrated for the first time. The photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production using glass nano-systems having bismuth quantum dot sizes of 1-2 nm and 3-6 nm was measured under solar light and prima fascia observations revealed that the glass nanosystems with very small quantum dots (1-2 nm) showed enhanced hydrogen evolution (11 541 mu mol h(-1) g(-1)) from H2S. The hydrogen evolution obtained is much higher than for previously reported visible light active nanostructured sulfide/oxide or embedded glass nanosystems. The glass nanosystems were also used for water splitting and show evolution of hydrogen without any co-catalyst. It is noteworthy that the quantum dot-glass photocatalyst is highly stable and catalyst regeneration is quite easy and fast. Hence, the QD-bismuth-glass nanocomposites have significant advantages over normal nanosized powder catalysts. Such unique glass nanosystems will also have great potential in photonics and optoelectronic applications.

}, issn = {1463-9262}, doi = {10.1039/c3gc41940a}, author = {Apte, Sanjay K. and Garaje, Sunil N. and Naik, Sonali D. and Waichal, Rupali P. and Kale, Bharat B.} } @article { ISI:000320099400002, title = {Enzymatic degumming of silk with microbial proteases}, journal = {Journal of Natural Fibers}, volume = {10}, number = {2}, year = {2013}, month = {JAN}, pages = {98-111}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS INC}, address = {325 CHESTNUT ST, SUITE 800, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 USA}, abstract = {

Degumming of Chinese bivoltine silk with alkaline proteases from various microbial sources was investigated and compared with commercial enzymes. Among the proteases tested, two fungal and two actinomycete proteases were promising, which showed weight loss similar to conventional method (19.58\% to 21.78\%). Conidiobolus brefeldianus and BOA-2 proteases were best enzymes, which showed weight loss similar to conventional method with low enzyme concentrations and in shorter time. No significant differences were found in tensile strength or elongation at break by enzymatic degumming indicating that there was no damage to the fiber. Scanning electron micrographs showed the sericin deposits were removed and the fibers were separated.

}, keywords = {Alkaline Protease, bivoltine, degumming, microbial, Silk, weight loss}, issn = {1544-0478}, doi = {10.1080/15440478.2012.761114}, author = {More, Shivaji V. and Khandelwal, Harish B. and Joseph, M. A. and Laxman, Ryali Seeta} } @article { ISI:000328182900006, title = {Ester vs. amide on folding: a case study with a 2-residue synthetic peptide}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {11}, number = {48}, year = {2013}, month = {DEC}, pages = {8348-8356}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Although known for their inferiority as hydrogen-bonding acceptors when compared to amides, esters are often found at the C-terminus of peptides and synthetic oligomers (foldamers), presumably due to the synthetic readiness with which they are obtained using protected peptide coupling, deploying amino acid esters at the C-terminus. When the H-bonding interactions deviate from regularity at the termini, peptide chains tend to {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}fray apart{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}. However, the individual contributions of C-terminal esters in causing peptide chain end-fraying goes often unnoticed, particularly due to diverse competing effects emanating from large peptide chains. Herein, we describe a striking case of a comparison of the individual contributions of C-terminal ester vs. amide carbonyl as a H-bonding acceptor in the folding of a peptide. A simple two-residue peptide fold has been used as a testing case to demonstrate that amide carbonyl is far superior to ester carbonyl in promoting peptide folding, alienating end-fraying. This finding would have a bearing on the fundamental understanding of the individual contributions of stabilizing/destabilizing non-covalent interactions in peptide folding.

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/c3ob41967c}, author = {Vijayadas, Kuruppanthara N. and Nair, Roshna V. and Gawade, Rupesh L. and Kotmale, Amol S. and Prabhakaran, Panchami and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Rajamohanan, Pattuparambil R. and Sanjayan, Gangadhar J.} } @article {42806, title = {Evaluation of viability of halogen{\textbullet}{\textbullet}{\textbullet}O2N interactions: insight form crystal packing in a series of isomeric halo and nitro substituted triaryl compounds with modular positioning of halogen and NO2 groups}, journal = {CrystEngComm}, volume = {15}, year = {2013}, month = {APR}, pages = {5283-5300}, abstract = {

A series of isomeric triaryl compounds with a modular positioning of the halogen and NO2 groups have been synthesized by the azide{\textendash}alkyne {\textquotedblleft}click reaction{\textquotedblright} and have been characterized by single crystal X-ray structure analysis. This isomeric series has provided an opportunity for understanding the efficiency of the bifurcated halogen...NO2 synthon in the organization of the molecules in the crystalline lattice. The changes in molecular conformation, crystal packing and supramolecular aggregation due to the change in the relative positioning of the complementary groups, halogen atom and the NO2 group on ring A and ring C respectively, have been discussed. All the isomers synthesized are crystalline and establish the triazole as a reliable linker for crystal engineering oriented molecular synthesis. The 2-NO2 derivatives display in general, a helical architecture and 3-NO2 derivatives exhibit a centrosymmetric dimeric assembly via the complementary C{\textendash}H...O interactions leading to either a helical or a 2-dimensional sheet pattern. The molecular organization in 4-NO2 derivatives revealed in general a 2D sheet pattern.

}, doi = {10.1039/C3CE40192H}, author = {Ramana, Chepuri V. and Goriya, Yogesh and Durugkar, Kulbhushan A. and Chatterjee, Soumitra and Krishnaswamy, Shobhana and Gonnade, Rajesh G.} } @article { ISI:000326126000033, title = {Exclusion from hexagonal mesophase surfactant domains drives end-to-end enchainment of rod-like particles}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, volume = {117}, number = {41}, year = {2013}, month = {OCT}, pages = {12661-12668}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Anisotropic rod-like particles assemble end-to-end when the surfactant/water matrix in which they are dispersed is cooled from the isotropic to the lyotropic hexagonal phase. We demonstrate the formation of such end-to-end assemblies for gold nanorods, which are tens of nanometers in size, as well as for micrometer-sized ellipsoidal polystyrene particles. In both cases, the particles are well-dispersed in the low-viscosity surfactant/water phase above the isotropic-H-1 transition temperature. On cooling into the H-1 phase, mesophase domains form and the particles are expelled to the isotropic phase. As the H-1 domains grow and finally impinge, the particles are localized at the domain boundaries where they reorient and assemble end-to-end. Remarkably, we observe the formation of end-to-end assemblies of gold nanorods even for volume fractions as low as 2 x 10(-6) in the initially dispersed state. The extent of particle {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}enchainment{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} increases with the particle concentration and with the aspect ratio of the particles.

}, issn = {1520-6106}, doi = {10.1021/jp407403a}, author = {Sharma, Kamendra P. and Ganai, Anal Kumar and Sen, Debasis and Bhagavatula L. V. Prasad and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy} } @article { ISI:000324927300004, title = {Expedient preparative isolation, quantification and characterization of limonoids from neem fruits}, journal = {Analytical Methods}, volume = {5}, number = {20}, year = {2013}, month = {AUG}, pages = {5386-5391}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Major basic limonoids from Neem fruits such as azadirone, epoxyazadiradione and azadiradione were isolated in preparative scale using an automated and rapid medium pressure liquid chromatography (MPLC)-based protocol. They were individually quantified using HPLC. An LC-ESI-MS/MS-based rapid identification technique was developed for the high-throughput screening of these limonoids in phytochemical extracts.

}, issn = {1759-9660}, doi = {10.1039/c3ay41136b}, author = {Haldar, Saikat and Phapale, Prasad B. and Kolet, Swati P. and Thulasiram, Hirekodathakallu V.} } @article { ISI:000316812800023, title = {Facile strategy for synthesis of ,-heterobifunctionalized poly (epsilon-caprolactones) and poly (methyl methacrylate)s containing {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}clickable{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} aldehyde and allyloxy functional groups using initiator approach}, journal = {Journal of Polymer Science Part A-Polymer Chemistry}, volume = {51}, number = {9}, year = {2013}, month = {MAY}, pages = {2091-2103}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

Two new initiators, namely, 4-(4-(2-(4-(allyloxy) phenyl)-5-hydroxypentane 2-yl) phenoxy)benzaldehyde and 4-(4-(allyloxy) phenyl)-4-(4-(4-formylphenoxy) phenyl) pentyl 2-bromo-2-methyl propanoate containing clickable hetero-functionalities namely aldehyde and allyloxy were synthesized starting from commercially available 4,4-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) pentanoic acid. These initiators were utilized, respectively, for ring opening polymerization of epsilon-caprolactone and atom transfer radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate. Well-defined -aldehyde, -allyloxy heterobifunctionalized poly(epsilon-caprolactones) (Mn,GPC: 590029,000, PDI: 1.261.43) and poly(methyl methacrylate)s (Mn,GPC: 530028800, PDI: 1.191.25) were synthesized. The kinetic study of methyl methacrylate polymerization demonstrated controlled polymerization behavior. The presence of aldehyde and allyloxy functionality on polymers was confirmed by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Aldehyde-aminooxy and thiol-ene metal-free double click strategy was used to demonstrate reactivity of functional groups on polymers. (c) 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013, 51, 2091-2103

}, keywords = {atom transfer radical polymerization, Click chemistry, functional polymers, ring opening polymerization}, issn = {0887-624X}, doi = {10.1002/pola.26598}, author = {Sane, Prakash S. and Tawade, Bhausaheb V. and Parmar, Indravadan and Kumari, Savita and Nagane, Samadhan and Wadgaonkar, Prakash P.} } @article { ISI:000317469700034, title = {Flow and heat transfer in serpentine channels}, journal = {Aiche Journal}, volume = {59}, number = {5}, year = {2013}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1814-1827}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

Serpentine channels are often used in microchannel reactors and heat exchangers. These channels offer better mixing, higher heat and mass-transfer coefficients than straight channels. In the present work, flow and heat transfer experiments were carried out with a serpentine channel plate comprising of 10 units (single unit dimensions: 1 x 1.5 mm(2) in cross section, length 46.28 mm, D-h 1.2 mm) in series. Pressure drop and heat-transfer coefficients were experimentally measured. Flow and heat transfer in the experimental set-up were simulated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models to understand the mechanisms responsible for performance enhancement. The CFD methodology, thus, developed was applied to understand the effect of various geometrical parameters on heat transfer enhancement. A criterion was defined for evaluation of heat transfer performance (heat transfer per unit pumping power), thus, ensuring due considerations to required pumping power. The effect of geometrical parameters and the corresponding mechanisms contributing for enhancement are discussed briefly. Based on the results, a design map comprising different serpentine channels showing heat transfer enhancement with pumping power was developed for Reynolds number of 200 which will be useful for further work on flow and heat transfer in serpentine channels. (C) 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 1814-1827, 2013

}, keywords = {computational fluid dynamics, heat transfer, pressure drop, serpentine}, issn = {0001-1541}, doi = {10.1002/aic.13954}, author = {Karale, Chaitanya M. and Bhagwat, Sunil S. and Ranade, Vivek V.} } @article { ISI:000313165500067, title = {Functional characterization, homology modeling and docking studies of beta-glucosidase responsible for bioactivation of cyanogenic hydroxynitrile glucosides from Leucaena leucocephala (subabul)}, journal = {Molecular Biology Reports}, volume = {40}, number = {2}, year = {2013}, month = {FEB}, pages = {1351-1363}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Glycosyl hydrolase family 1 beta-glucosidases are important enzymes that serve many diverse functions in plants including defense, whereby hydrolyzing the defensive compounds such as hydroxynitrile glucosides. A hydroxynitrile glucoside cleaving beta-glucosidase gene (Llbglu1) was isolated from Leucaena leucocephala, cloned into pET-28a (+) and expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) cells. The recombinant enzyme was purified by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. The optimal temperature and pH for this beta-glucosidase were found to be 45 A degrees C and 4.8, respectively. The purified Llbglu1 enzyme hydrolyzed the synthetic glycosides, pNPGlucoside (pNPGlc) and pNPGalactoside (pNPGal). Also, the enzyme hydrolyzed amygdalin, a hydroxynitrile glycoside and a few of the tested flavonoid and isoflavonoid glucosides. The kinetic parameters K (m) and V (max) were found to be 38.59 mu M and 0.8237 mu M/mg/min for pNPGlc, whereas for pNPGal the values were observed as 1845 mu M and 0.1037 mu M/mg/min. In the present study, a three dimensional (3D) model of the Llbglu1 was built by MODELLER software to find out the substrate binding sites and the quality of the model was examined using the program PROCHEK. Docking studies indicated that conserved active site residues are Glu 199, Glu 413, His 153, Asn 198, Val 270, Asn 340, and Trp 462. Docking of rhodiocyanoside A with the modeled Llbglu1 resulted in a binding with free energy change (Delta G) of -5.52 kcal/mol on which basis rhodiocyanoside A could be considered as a potential substrate.

}, keywords = {Glycosyl hydrolase family 1, homology modeling, Leucaena leucocephala, Molecular docking}, issn = {0301-4851}, doi = {10.1007/s11033-012-2179-6}, author = {Shaik, Noor M. and Misra, Anurag and Singh, Somesh and Fatangare, Amol B. and Ramakumar, Suryanarayanarao and Rawal, Shuban K. and Khan, Bashir Mohammad} } @article { ISI:000319134800020, title = {Functional characterization of a flavonoid glycosyltransferase gene from withania somnifera (Ashwagandha)}, journal = {Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology}, volume = {170}, number = {3}, year = {2013}, month = {JUN}, pages = {729-741}, publisher = {HUMANA PRESS INC}, address = {999 RIVERVIEW DRIVE SUITE 208, TOTOWA, NJ 07512 USA}, abstract = {

Glycosylation of flavonoids is mediated by family 1 uridine diphosphate (UDP)-dependent glycosyltransferases (UGTs). Until date, there are few reports on functionally characterized flavonoid glycosyltransferases from Withania somnifera. In this study, we cloned the glycosyltransferase gene from W. somnifera (UGT73A16) showing 85-92 \% homology with UGTs from other plants. UGT73A16 was expressed as a His(6)-tagged fusion protein in Escherichia coli. Several compounds, including flavonoids, were screened as potential substrates for UGT73A16. HPLC analysis and hypsochromic shift indicated that UGT73A16 transfers a glucose molecule to several different flavonoids. Based on kinetic parameters, UGT73A16 shows more catalytic efficiency towards naringenin. Here, we explored UGT73A16 of W. somnifera as whole cell catalyst in E. coli. We used flavonoids (genistein, apigenin, kaempferol, naringenin, biochanin A, and daidzein) as substrates for this study. More than 95 \% of the glucoside products were released into the medium, facilitating their isolation. Glycosylation of substrates occurred on the 7- and 3-hydroxyl group of the aglycone. UGT73A16 also displayed regiospecific glucosyl transfer activity towards 3-hydroxy flavone compound, which is the backbone of all flavonols and also for a chemically synthesized compound, not found naturally. The present study generates essential knowledge and molecular as well as biochemical tools that allow the verification of UGT73A16 in glycosylation.

}, keywords = {Flavonoid, glycosylation, Glycosyltransferase, Hypsochromic shift, Plant secondary product glycosyltransferase (PSPG), Withania somnifera}, issn = {0273-2289}, doi = {10.1007/s12010-013-0230-2}, author = {Singh, Somesh and Vishwakarma, Rishi. K. and Kumar, R. J. Santosh and Sonawane, Prashant D. and Ruby and Khan, Bashir Mohammad} } @article { ISI:000323669900005, title = {Functional characterization of a glucosyltransferase specific to flavonoid 7-O-glucosides from withania somnifera}, journal = {Plant Molecular Biology Reporter}, volume = {31}, number = {5}, year = {2013}, month = {OCT}, pages = {1100-1108}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Flavonoids are a large class of phenylpropanoid-derived secondary metabolites, which are usually glycosylated by UDP-glycosyltransferases with one or more sugar groups. Here, we report the cloning and biochemical characterization of a flavonoid glycosyltransferase gene from Withania somnifera (WsGT), which is an important medicinal plant used in Ayurvedic formulations. Using PCR primers, designed for a highly conserved region of previously reported glycosyltransferases, we were able to isolate the corresponding fragment of the WsGT gene. Rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) was then employed to isolate full-length cDNA, which had an open reading frame of 1,371 bp that encode for 456 amino acids. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that WsGT was similar to that of family 1 GT-B glycosyltransferase. Biochemical analysis revealed that WsGT interacts with UDP-glucose and was capable of regiospecifically glycosylating flavonoid-7-ols, such as apigenin, naringenin, luteolin, diadzein and genistein. Expression profiling studies showed that WsGT was highly expressed in young and mature leaves of W. somnifera. Furthermore, exposure to salicylic acid enhanced the expression of WsGT in the leaves and heat shock treatment resulted in decreased expression of WsGT after an initial increase. This may suggest the role of WsGT in response to abiotic/biotic stresses.

}, keywords = {Diadzein, Flavonoids, Glycosyltransferase, Withania somnifera}, issn = {0735-9640}, doi = {10.1007/s11105-013-0573-4}, author = {Kumar, R. J. Santosh and Ruby and Singh, Somesh and Sonawane, Prashant D. and Vishwakarma, R. K. and Khan, Bashir Mohammad} } @article { ISI:000324077700076, title = {Fungus mediated synthesis of biomedically important cerium oxide nanoparticles}, journal = {Materials Research Bulletin}, volume = {48}, number = {10}, year = {2013}, month = {OCT}, pages = {4134-4138}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Nanomaterials can be synthesized by chemical, physical and the more recently discovered biological routes. The biological routes are advantageous over the chemical and physical ones as unlike these, the biological synthesis protocols occur at ambient conditions, are cheap, non-toxic and eco-friendly. Although purely biological and bioinspired methods for the synthesis of nanomaterials are environmentally benign and energy conserving processes, their true potential has not been explored yet and attempts are being made to extend the formation of technologically important nanoparticles using microorganisms like fungi. Though there have been reports on the biosynthesis of oxide nanoparticles by our group in the past, no attempts have been made to employ fungi for the synthesis of nanoparticles of rare earth metals or lanthanides. Here we report for the first time, the bin-inspired synthesis of biomedically important cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles using the thermophilic fungus Humicola sp. The fungus Humicola sp. when exposed to aqueous solutions of oxide precursor cerium (III) nitrate hexahydrate (CeN3O9 center dot 6H(2)O) results in the extracellular formation of CeO2 nanoparticles containing Ce (III) and Ce (IV) mixed oxidation states, confirmed by X-ray Photoemission Spectroscopy (XPS). The formed nanoparticles are naturally capped by proteins secreted by the fungus and thus do not agglomerate, are highly stable, water dispersible and are highly fluorescent as well. The biosynthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, Photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and X-ray Photoemission Spectroscopy (XPS). (c) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Electron microscopy, Nanostuctures, Optical properties, Oxides, X-ray diffraction}, issn = {0025-5408}, doi = {10.1016/j.materresbull.2013.06.038}, author = {Khan, Shadab Ali and Ahmad, Absar} } @article { ISI:000321541600039, title = {Gas-liquid flow and mass transfer in an advanced-flow reactor}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {52}, number = {26}, year = {2013}, month = {JUL}, pages = {8996-9010}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Hydrodynamics and mass transfer of gas-liquid flow are explored under ambient conditions in an Advanced-Flow Reactor (AFR), an emerging commercial system designed for continuous manufacture. Carbon dioxide/water is the model system used in this study for a range of flow rates for gas and liquid of 5.6-103 mL/min and 10-80 mL/min, respectively. Bubble size distribution, gas holdup, specific interfacial area, pressure drop, and mass transfer coefficients are determined from flow visualization experiments and compared with conventional gas-liquid contactors. These variables are mainly influenced by the inlet flow rates and inlet composition. Average bubble sizes ((d) over bar (B)) of 0.9-3.8 mm, gas holdup (epsilon(G)) of 0.04-0.68, specific interfacial areas ((a) under bar) of 160-1300 m(2)/m(3), and overall mass transfer coefficients (k(L)(a) under bar) of 0.2-3 s(-1) were obtained for the vertical orientation of the AFR. Although effect of gravity is present for this system, no significant effect on the hydrodynamic properties was observed. The measured pressure drop for vertical orientation (3.6-53.4 kPa) was used to estimate power consumption, which is used as a metric to compare mass transfer efficiency among different gas-liquid contactors. A power law relationship was obtained for the overall mass transfer coefficients in terms of power input and gas holdup, given by kL (a) under bar = 0.101P(w)(0.443)epsilon(0.459)(G). The design of the AFR with a series of heart-shaped confined sections with obstacles enhances continuous breakup and coalescence of bubbles providing interfacial areas and mass transfer coefficients 1 order of magnitude larger than other gas-liquid contactors, such as bubble columns (50-600 m(2)/m(3); 0.005-0.24 s(-1)) and spray columns (75-170 m(2)/m(3); 0.015-0.022 s(-1)), and 1 order of magnitude smaller than gas-liquid microchannels (3400-9000 m(2)/m(3); 0.3-21 s(-1)) or falling film reactors (20,000 m(2)/m(3)).

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/ie4011707}, author = {Nieves-Remacha, Maria Jose and Kulkarni, Amol A. and Jensen, Klavs F.} } @article { ISI:000316759800020, title = {Genome-wide identification and characterization of microRNA genes and their targets in flax (Linum usitatissimum)}, journal = {Planta}, volume = {237}, number = {4}, year = {2013}, month = {APR}, pages = {1149-1161}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small (20-24 nucleotide long) endogenous regulatory RNAs that play important roles in plant growth and development. They regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level by translational repression or target degradation and gene silencing. In this study, we identified 116 conserved miRNAs belonging to 23 families from the flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) genome using a computational approach. The precursor miRNAs varied in length; while most of the mature miRNAs were 21 nucleotide long, intergenic and showed conserved signatures of RNA polymerase II transcripts in their upstream regions. Promoter region analysis of the flax miRNA genes indicated prevalence of MYB transcription factor binding sites. Four miRNA gene clusters containing members of three phylogenetic groups were identified. Further, 142 target genes were predicted for these miRNAs and most of these represent transcriptional regulators. The miRNA encoding genes were expressed in diverse tissues as determined by digital expression analysis as well as real-time PCR. The expression of fourteen miRNAs and nine target genes was independently validated using the quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). This study suggests that a large number of conserved plant miRNAs are also found in flax and these may play important roles in growth and development of flax.

}, keywords = {Digital expression analysis, Gene cluster, Linseed, miRNA, MiRNA target transcript, Promoter analysis}, issn = {0032-0935}, doi = {10.1007/s00425-012-1833-5}, author = {Barvkar, Vitthal T. and Pardeshi, Varsha C. and Kale, Sandip M. and Qiu, Shuqing and Rollins, Meaghen and Datla, Raju and Gupta, Vidya S. and Kadoo, Narendra Y.} } @article { ISI:000316557400002, title = {Genome-wide identification and characterization of nucleotide binding site leucine-rich repeat genes in linseed reveal distinct patterns of gene structure}, journal = {Genome}, volume = {56}, number = {2}, year = {2013}, month = {FEB}, pages = {91-99}, publisher = {CANADIAN SCIENCE PUBLISHING, NRC RESEARCH PRESS}, address = {1200 MONTREAL ROAD, BUILDING M-55, OTTAWA, ON K1A 0R6, CANADA}, abstract = {

Plants employ different disease-resistance genes to detect pathogens and to induce defense responses. The largest class of these genes encodes proteins with nucleotide binding site (NBS) and leucine-rich repeat (LRR) domains. To identify the putative NBS-LRR encoding genes from linseed, we analyzed the recently published linseed genome sequence and identified 147 NBS-LRR genes. The NBS domain was used for phylogeny construction and these genes were classified into two well-known families, non-TIR (CNL) and TIR related (TNL), and formed eight clades in the neighbor-joining bootstrap tree. Eight different gene structures were observed among these genes. An unusual domain arrangement was observed in the TNL family members, predominantly in the TNL-5 clade members belonging to class D. About 12\% of the genes observed were linseed specific. The study indicated that the linseed genes probably have an ancient origin with few progenitor genes. Quantitative expression analysis of five genes showed inducible expression. The in silico expression evidence was obtained for a few of these genes, and the expression was not correlated with the presence of any particular regulatory element or with unusual domain arrangement in those genes. This study will help in understanding the evolution of these genes, the development of disease resistant varieties, and the mechanism of disease resistance in linseed.

}, keywords = {Flax, in silico gene expression, motif analysis, NBS-LRR, Phylogenetic analysis, Promoter analysis}, issn = {0831-2796}, doi = {10.1139/gen-2012-0135}, author = {Kale, Sandip M. and Pardeshi, Varsha C. and Barvkar, Vitthal T. and Gupta, Vidya S. and Kadoo, Narendra Y.} } @article { ISI:000313903700015, title = {Glycated proteome: from reaction to intervention}, journal = {Proteomics Clinical Applications}, volume = {7}, number = {1-2, SI}, year = {2013}, month = {JAN}, pages = {155-170}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {POSTFACH 101161, 69451 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Glycation, a nonenzymatic reaction between reducing sugars and proteins, is a proteome wide phenomenon, predominantly observed in diabetes due to hyperglycemia. Glycated proteome of plasma, kidney, lens, and brain are implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including diabetic complications, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and aging. This review discusses the strategies to characterize protein glycation, its functional implications in different diseases, and intervention strategies to protect the deleterious effects of protein glycation.

}, keywords = {aging, Diabetes, Glycation, RAGE}, issn = {1862-8346}, doi = {10.1002/prca.201200101}, author = {Kulkarni, Mahesh J. and Korwar, Arvind M. and Mary, Sheon and Bhonsle, Hemangi S. and Giri, Ashok P.} } @article { ISI:000315746400035, title = {Glycolic acid functionalized chitosan-Au-Fe3O4 hybrid nanoparticle based nanohybrid scaffold for drug delivery}, journal = {International Journal of Biological Macromolecules}, volume = {54}, year = {2013}, month = {MAR}, pages = {244-249}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The research on biomedical applications of nanoparticles has seen an upsurge in recent years due to their unique capabilities in treatment of ailments. The present paper reports the synthesis of Au-Fe3O4 hybrid nanoparticles. The formation of these nanoparticles was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and physical property measurement system (PPMS). Next step of this paper reveals potential use of novel hybrid of chitosan-g-glycolic acid and Au-Fe3O4 hybrid nanoparticles in controlled drug delivery and tissue engineering applications. Grafting of glycolic acid and drug loading in porous scaffold was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The nanohybrid scaffolds were found to be stable regardless of pH of the medium and play a key role in cell adhesion, proliferation and migration. Au-Fe3O4 hybrid nanoparticles reinforcement was found to control the drug (cyclophosphamide) release rate in phosphate buffer saline solution (pH 7.4). Therefore, Au-Fe3O4 hybrid nanoparticles are viable additive for formulating sustained drug delivery systems based on glycolic acid grafted chitosan. The cell proliferation profile also shows that prepared nanohybrid is biocompatible providing suitable substrates for tissue engineering. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Au-Fe3O4 hybrid nanoparticles, Chitosan Glycolic acid grafting, Drug delivery system, Physical property measurement system}, issn = {0141-8130}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2012.12.001}, author = {Kumari, Sangeeta and Singh, Raj Pal} } @article { ISI:000312906000014, title = {Glycolic acid-functionalized chitosan-Co3O4-Fe3O4 hybrid magnetic nanoparticles-based nanohybrid scaffolds for drug-delivery and tissue engineering}, journal = {Journal of Materials Science}, volume = {48}, number = {4}, year = {2013}, month = {FEB}, pages = {1524-1532}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

In the present work, Co3O4 was prepared by hydrothermal process, which is further used for the synthesis of Co3O4-Fe3O4 hybrid nanoparticles. The formation of Co3O4-Fe3O4 nanoparticles was investigated by transmission electron microscopy and physical property measurement system. In the next step, the drug-loaded novel nanohybrid porous scaffold based on chitosan-g-glycolic acid and Co3O4-Fe3O4 nanoparticle was prepared by freeze drying technique. The grafting of glycolic acid on chitosan drug loading in porous scaffold was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The nanohybrid scaffolds were found to be stable regardless of the pH of the medium and play an important role in cell adhesion, proliferation, and migration. Co3O4-Fe3O4 hybrid nanoparticles{\textquoteright} reinforcement was found to control the drug (cyclophosphamide) release rate in phosphate buffer saline solution (pH 7.4). Therefore, Co3O4-Fe3O4 hybrid nanoparticles are viable additives for formulating sustained drug delivery systems and could be applied in the field of biomaterials.

}, issn = {0022-2461}, doi = {10.1007/s10853-012-6907-z}, author = {Kumari, Sangeeta and Singh, Raj Pal} } @article { ISI:000317799700001, title = {Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using sunlight}, journal = {Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A-Chemistry}, volume = {258}, year = {2013}, month = {APR}, pages = {1-9}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are currently among the most widely used man-made nanomaterials, present in a huge range of consumer products. Here we report a simple {\textquoteleft}green{\textquoteright} method of AgNP synthesis of using an anionic surfactant without use of any additional reducing agents. It was observed that synthesis of AgNPs at room temperature (25-35 degrees C) using sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and sunlight. The nanoparticles have been characterised using high-resolution transmission electron spectroscopy (HRTEM), UV-vis spectrophotometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and are found to have an average diameter of 30 nm. The nanoparticles are water soluble and the nature of the process is amenable to scaling up. (c) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {photochemistry, silver nanoparticles, Sodium dodecyl sulphate, XPS}, issn = {1010-6030}, doi = {10.1016/j.jphotochem.2013.02.015}, author = {Bhaduri, Gaurav A. and Little, Ross and Khomane, Ramdas B. and Lokhande, Suhas U. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D. and Mendis, Budhika G. and Siller, Lidija} } @article { ISI:000329552500027, title = {HBGS (hydrate based gas separation) process for carbon dioxide capture employing an unstirred reactor with cyclopentane}, journal = {Energy}, volume = {63}, year = {2013}, month = {DEC}, pages = {252-259}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The effect of CP (cyclopentane) as a promoter/additive, in the HBGS (hydrate based gas separation) process for pre-combustion gas mixture was investigated by employing an unstirred reactor configuration. Gas uptake measurements were performed at two different temperatures (275.7 K and 285.7 K) and at an experimental pressure of 6.0 MPa to determine the kinetics of hydrate formation. Experiments were conducted with three different volumes (7.5, 15 and 22 ml) of CP and based on induction time and the rate of hydrate growth, 15 ml of CP was determined to be the optimal volume for carbon dioxide capture at 6.0 MPa and 275.7 K. In addition, the effect of a kinetic promoter, SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate), was investigated. Surprisingly, no improvement in kinetic performance was observed at 6.0 MPa and 275.7 K in the presence of SDS and CP. From the study, it was found that at the optimal 15 ml CP (CP layer thickness of 1.8 mm), the average composition of carbon dioxide in the hydrate phase was 90.36 mol\% with a separation factor of 17.82. Furthermore, the unstirred reactor also yielded better kinetic performance over the stirred tank reactor with the unstirred reactor having a 2.28 times higher average gas uptake. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Carbon dioxide capture, Cyclopentane, Gas hydrates, Gas separation, Pre-combustion, Unstirred reactor}, issn = {0360-5442}, doi = {10.1016/j.energy.2013.10.031}, author = {Ho, Leong Chuan and Babu, Ponnivalavan and Kumar, Rajnish and Linga, Praveen} } @article { ISI:000320640500033, title = {Heat transfer calculations for decomposition of structure i methane hydrates by molecular dynamics simulation}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {117}, number = {23}, year = {2013}, month = {JUN}, pages = {12172-12182}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Microcanonical ensemble molecular dynamics simulations of structure I methane hydrate is presented in this work to study the endothermic decomposition process. The mechanism of decomposition of methane hydrate as a function of time was explained at the molecular level. The initial temperature and pressure of the simulation were chosen so as to depict the natural gas hydrate in conditions of oceanic sediments. A more realistic strategy was developed to perform the microcanonical ensemble simulation of solid liquid interface of hydrate and amorphous water. Two water models, SPC/E and TIP4P, were used for the simulations, and the results of the simulations were compared. Heat transfer calculations were performed on the adiabatic system, and an attempt has been made to fit the MD simulation results to the heat balance equations derived from the heat transfer calculations. Estimates of the properties at the macroscopic scale, like the equilibrium temperature of methane hydrate and rate of supply of hot water for sustained release of methane from solid hydrate phase, were determined. The equilibrium temperature obtained by the above method was found to be in agreement with the experimentally observed value. Both the SPC/E and TIP4P water models gave similar results.

}, issn = {1932-7447}, doi = {10.1021/jp4023772}, author = {Baghel, Vikesh Singh and Kumar, Rajnish and Roy, Sudip} } @article {42573, title = {Heterovalent cation substitutional doping for quantum dot homojunctions}, journal = {Nature Communications}, volume = {4}, year = {2013}, month = {DEC}, pages = {Article number: 2981}, abstract = {

Colloidal quantum dots have emerged as a material platform for low-cost high-performance optoelectronics. At the heart of optoelectronic devices lies the formation of a junction, which requires the intimate contact of n-type and p-type semiconductors. Doping in bulk semiconductors has been largely deployed for many decades, yet electronically active doping in quantum dots has remained a challenge and the demonstration of robust functional optoelectronic devices had thus far been elusive. Here we report an optoelectronic device, a quantum dot homojunction solar cell, based on heterovalent cation substitution. We used PbS quantum dots as a reference material, which is a p-type semiconductor, and we employed Bi-doping to transform it into an n-type semiconductor. We then combined the two layers into a homojunction device operating as a solar cell robustly under ambient air conditions with power conversion efficiency of 2.7\%.

}, doi = {10.1038/ncomms3981}, author = {Stavrinadis, Alexandros and Rath, Arup Kumar and Pelayo Garcia de Arquer, F. and Diedenhofen, Silke L. and Magen, Cesar and Martinez, Luis and So, David and Konstantatos, Gerasimos} } @article { ISI:000322587800006, title = {High efficiency electron field emission from protruded graphene oxide nanosheets supported on sharp silicon nanowires}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry C}, volume = {1}, number = {33}, year = {2013}, month = {JUN}, pages = {5040-5046}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Graphene oxide (GO) potentially has applications in vacuum microelectronic devices for realization of field emission displays. Graphene and its derivatives are expected to be efficient field emitters due to their unique electrical properties. However, the flat sheet structure of graphene or GO allows electron field emission only from the edges of graphene and GO nanosheets. In order to extract maximum field emission current density at lower applied voltage from the GO nanosheets, we supported and stretched them on sharp tips of silicon nanowires (SiNWs). Highly efficient and stable field emission with low turn-on field was observed for these SiNW-GO heterostructures. The sharp protrusions created by stretching of the GO nanosheets on SiNWs locally enhance the electric field and thus enhance the field emission characteristics. The dominant use of silicon in electronic devices makes this approach robust for the development of field emission devices using graphene based field emitters.

}, issn = {2050-7526}, doi = {10.1039/c3tc30904e}, author = {Devarapalli, Rami Reddy and Kashid, Ranjit V. and Deshmukh, Ashvini B. and Sharma, Ponchami and Das, Manash R. and More, Mahendra A. and Shelke, Manjusha V.} } @article { ISI:000323132100073, title = {Highly concise and practical route to clavaminols, sphinganine and (+)-spisulosine via indium mediated allylation of alpha-hydrazino aldehyde and a theoretical insight into the stereochemical aspects of the reaction}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {3}, number = {35}, year = {2013}, month = {JUL}, pages = {15442-15448}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A conceptually different approach has been employed for the synthesis of 1,2-amino alcohols by proline-catalyzed alpha-amination of aldehyde and one-pot indium mediated allylation of the crude alpha-hydrazino aldehydes. DFT based quantum chemical calculations have been performed to obtain a quantitative explanation of the stereoselectivity of the reaction.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c3ra43048k}, author = {Pandey, Menaka and Chowdhury, Partha Sarathi and Dutta, Achintya Kumar and Kumar, Pradeep and Pal, Sourav} } @article { ISI:000326900600016, title = {Highly efficient povidone-phosphotungstic acid catalyst for the tandem acetalization of aldehydes to bis- and tris(indolyl)methanes}, journal = {ChemPlusChem}, volume = {78}, number = {11}, year = {2013}, month = {NOV}, pages = {1393-1399}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

A novel, nonleachable hybrid of heteropoly acid and polyvinylpyrrolidone (or povidone) catalyzes the acetalization of aldehydes in methanol at room temperature followed by reaction with indole to give bis(indolyl)methanes (BIMs) and tris(indolyl)methanes (TIMs) in quantitative yields (90-97\%). The catalyst was shown by pyridine FTIR spectroscopy to possess BrOnsted acidity, and the hybrid formation was confirmed by XRD and (PNMR)-P-31 studies. Friedel-Crafts alkylation of indole as well as the tandem synthesis of BIMs and TIMs were established with several types of carbonyl and indole substrates to give the corresponding products quantitatively. The catalyst was recycled efficiently for three successive runs without losing its original activity.

}, keywords = {acetals, Acidity, aldehydes, heterogeneous catalysis, heteropoly acids}, issn = {2192-6506}, doi = {10.1002/cplu.201300248}, author = {Kamble, Sumit B. and Swami, Rameshwar K. and Sakate, Sachin S. and Rode, Chandrashekhar V.} } @article { ISI:000327071100001, title = {Hollow nanogold/meso-magnetite composite: pulsed laser synthesis, properties, and biosensing application}, journal = {Journal of Nanoparticle Research}, volume = {15}, number = {12}, year = {2013}, month = {NOV}, pages = {Article No. UNSP 2081}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, type = {Article}, address = {VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

A facile and template-free UV (Excimer) laser photolysis process is demonstrated to transform a Fe-complex into unique hollow Fe3O4 nanosphere morphology with each sphere having nanometric pores and an opening. Depending on the Fe-complex concentration and processing time interesting configurations are seen to evolve. When an identical process is applied to a mixture of Fe-complex and chloroauric acid an enthrallingly decorated Au-Fe3O4 nanostructure evolves, with Au nanoparticles surface-loaded on mesospheric Fe3O4. This room temperature process implemented under normal laboratory conditions is clearly versatile and applicable to heterojunction nanomaterials synthesis in a single-step process. The potential application of these gold-decorated magnetic nanostructures was also investigated for immuno-magnetic capture of E. coli in biosensing and these were found to be sensitive even below 1,000 cfu/ml. The test results demonstrate linear sensing response in the range of 10(3)-10(5) cfu/ml. We also show that these nanostructures can be used for simple electrical conductivity-based biosensing since they show dramatic conductivity change in a simple drop-cast test. A new laser-based approach to the synthesis of unique hollow sphere morphology of magnetite (Fe3O4) without and with Au nanoparticle decoration is presented. The potential application of these gold-decorated magnetic nanostructures was also investigated for immuno-magnetic capture of E. coli in biosensing and these were found to be sensitive even below 1,000 cfu/ml.

}, keywords = {E. coli cells, Fe-complex, Meso-magnetite, Nanobiotechnology, Nanocomposite, Pulse laser irradiation}, issn = {1388-0764}, doi = {10.1007/s11051-013-2081-8}, author = {Chaudhari, Nilima and Warule, Sambhaji and Agrawal, Shailaja and Thakare, Vishal and Jouen, Samuel and Hannoyer, Beatrice and Kale, Bharat and Paknikar, Kishore and Ogale, Satishchandra B.} } @article { ISI:000317352000009, title = {Hydrate phase equilibrium of ternary gas mixtures containing carbon dioxide, hydrogen and propane}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Thermodynamics}, volume = {61}, year = {2013}, month = {JUN}, pages = {58-63}, publisher = {ACADEMIC PRESS LTD- ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {24-28 OVAL RD, LONDON NW1 7DX, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Hydrate phase equilibrium of the ternary guest mixtures containing carbon dioxide, hydrogen and propane at two different compositions were determined. Addition of mole composition of 2.5\% propane to the fuel gas (CO2 (40\%)/H-2 (60\%)) mixture reduces the hydrate formation conditions by 66\% at the temperature of 278.4 K. A Clausius-Clapeyron plot for the experimental results was plotted and from the slope, the enthalpy of hydrate dissociation was calculated. The enthalpy of dissociation of the mixed hydrate formed from a ternary gas mixture containing mole composition 38.1\% CO2, 59.4\% H-2 and 2.5\% C3H8 was found to be 110 kJ.mol(-1) and hence it was concluded that the mixed hydrate formed structure II (sII) hydrates. Whereas for the ternary gas mixture containing mole composition 80.0\% CO2, 18.8\% H-2, and 1.2\% C3H8, the enthalpy of dissociation of the mixed hydrate was found to be 78 kJ.mol(-1) and hence we believe the mixed hydrate formed structure I (sI) hydrate. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Carbon dioxide capture, Gas hydrates, Global warming, Phase equilibrium, Pre-combustion, Thermodynamics}, issn = {0021-9614}, doi = {10.1016/j.jct.2013.02.003}, author = {Babu, Ponnivalavan and Yang, Ting and Veluswamy, Hari Prakash and Kumar, Rajnish and Linga, Praveen} } @article { ISI:000315616400005, title = {Hydrogen generation with CO2 utilization: a solvay cluster study}, journal = {International Journal of Hydrogen Energy}, volume = {38}, number = {6}, year = {2013}, month = {FEB}, pages = {2624-2633}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The fuel cell economy is yet to start research programs in hydrogen generation with CO2 utilization for hydrocarbon reforming processes used in fuel processor applications. A simple thermodynamic study using solvay clusters was done to investigate the feasibility of using the carbon species produced in the steam methane reforming process to produce value added chemicals. The results of this study are highly encouraging to start process development of closed systems of hydrogen generation with CO2 conversion to acetic acid/acrylic acid making easier the commercialization of fuel cells and hydrogen energy. Such studies can be specifically carried out for different fuel processor systems. Copyright (C) 2012, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {CO2 utilization, Fuel processing, Gibbs energy, Solvay clusters, Steam reforming}, issn = {0360-3199}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijhydene.2012.11.129}, author = {Kale, Ganesh R. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article { ISI:000317399600014, title = {Hydrophobic and hydrophilic balance and its effect on mesophase behaviour in hydroxyalkyl ethers of methyl glucopyranoside}, journal = {Chemistry-A European Journal}, volume = {19}, number = {16}, year = {2013}, month = {APR}, pages = {5041-5049}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Four series of monosubstituted methyl -D-glucopyranoside hydroxyalkyl ethers were prepared and their thermotropic and lyotropic self-organising properties were investigated in terms of the hydrophobichydrophilic balance with respect to their molecular structures. The results obtained lead us to a new understanding of the forces that drive the formation of condensed soft-matter phases.

}, keywords = {carbohydrates, liquid crystals, mesophases, Self-assembly, soft matter}, issn = {0947-6539}, doi = {10.1002/chem.201202933}, author = {Singh, Madan K. and Xu, Rui and Moebs, Sylvie and Kumar, Anil and Queneau, Yves and Cowling, Stephen J. and Goodby, John W.} } @article { ISI:000315176600016, title = {Hydroxylation of phenol with hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by Ti-SBA-12 and Ti-SBA-16}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Catalysis A-Chemical}, volume = {368}, year = {2013}, month = {MAR}, pages = {112-118}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

We report here, for the first time, the application of ordered, three-dimensional, mesoporous titanosilicates, Ti-SBA-12 and Ti-SBA-16, as reusable solid catalysts, for hydroxylation of phenol, an industrially important organic transformation. The reactions were conducted using 30\% aqueous H2O2 as oxidant. The catalysts of this work are more efficient than the hitherto known mesoporous Ti-silicates. They are more para-product selective than TS-1 and other titanosilicates. Ti-SBA-12 exhibited higher activity and hydroquinone/catechol selectivity (by nearly two times) than Ti-SBA-16. H2O2 efficiency of similar to 90 mol\% was obtained. Our study reveals that framework substituted Ti with pseudo-tetrahedral geometry, three-dimensional mesoporosity as well as surface structure are the unique features responsible for the high catalytic activity and selectivity of these titanosilicate catalysts. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Catalytic liquid-phase hydroxylation of phenol, Molecular sieves, Ordered mesoporous titanosilicates, Oxidation with hydrogen peroxide, Ti-SBA-12, Ti-SBA-16}, issn = {1381-1169}, doi = {10.1016/j.molcata.2012.11.026}, author = {Kumar, Anuj and Srinivas, Darbha} } @article { ISI:000318268800072, title = {Hysteresis and charge trapping in graphene quantum dots}, journal = {Applied Physics Letters}, volume = {102}, number = {14}, year = {2013}, month = {APR}, pages = {143104}, publisher = {AMER INST PHYSICS}, address = {CIRCULATION \& FULFILLMENT DIV, 2 HUNTINGTON QUADRANGLE, STE 1 N O 1, MELVILLE, NY 11747-4501 USA}, abstract = {

We report current hysteresis in response to applied voltage in graphene quantum dots of average diameter 4.5 +/- 0.55 nm, synthesized electrochemically using multiwalled carbon nanotubes. In response to step voltages, transient current decay, characteristic of deep and shallow level charge traps with time constants 186 ms and 6 s, is observed. Discharging current transients indicate charge storage of the order of 100 mu C. Trap states are believed to arise due to the fast physisorption of external adsorbates, which are found to have a significant effect on charge transport and changes the resistance of the prepared device by an order of 3. (C) 2013 American Institute of Physics.

}, issn = {0003-6951}, doi = {10.1063/1.4800236}, author = {Kalita, Hemen and Harikrishnan, V and Shinde, Dhanraj B. and Pillai, Vijayamohanan K. and Aslam, Mohammed} } @article { ISI:000324316300042, title = {Identification of molecular crystals capable of undergoing an acyl-transfer reaction based on intermolecular interactions in the crystal lattice}, journal = {Chemistry-A European Journal}, volume = {19}, number = {38}, year = {2013}, month = {SEP}, pages = {12867-12874}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Investigation of the intermolecular acyl-transfer reactivity in molecular crystals of myo-inositol orthoester derivatives and its correlation with crystal structures enabled us to identify the essential parameters to support efficient acyl-transfer reactions in crystals: 1)the favorable geometry of the nucleophile (OH) and the electrophile (CO) and 2)the molecular assembly, reinforced by CH interactions, which supports a domino-type reaction in crystals. These parameters were used to identify another reactive crystal through a data-mining study of the Cambridge Structural Database. A 2:1 co-crystal of 2,3-naphthalene diol and its di-p-methylbenzoate was selected as a potentially reactive crystal and its reactivity was tested by heating the co-crystals in the presence of solid sodium carbonate. A facile intermolecular p-toluoyl group transfer was observed as predicted. The successful identification of reactive crystals opens up a new method for the detection of molecular crystals capable of exhibiting acyl-transfer reactivity.

}, keywords = {Acylation, domino reactions, intermolecular interactions, solid-state reactions, X-ray diffraction}, issn = {0947-6539}, doi = {10.1002/chem.201301058}, author = {Tamboli, Majid I. and Krishnaswamy, Shobhana and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Shashidhar, Mysore S.} } @article { ISI:000328438800007, title = {Impinging jet micromixer for flow synthesis of nanocrystalline MgO: role of mixing/impingement zone}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {52}, number = {49}, year = {2013}, month = {DEC}, pages = {17376-17382}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Continuous flow synthesis of nanomaterials via sol-gel process using microreactors has not received much attention. For the synthesis of gels where the reaction time is of the order of few seconds to few tens of seconds, microchannel reactors are an excellent processing option. However since a {\textquoteleft}gel{\textquoteright} does not {\textquoteleft}flow{\textquoteright} easily, making it in a microchannel usually clogs the microchannel. We envisaged that by using an impinging jet micromixer, where the two reactants impinge and collide to form a mixing zone outside the micromixer, this problem could be circumvented. Here we report a successful implementation of continuous flow synthesis of metal oxides formed by the rapid sol-gel process taking the nanocrystalline MgO (NC-MgO) as a specific example. Furthermore, we clearly demonstrate that the nature of the mixing zone formed by the impinging jets governs the surface area of the product. Specific flow rate and impingement angle are identified that yield high surface area materials.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/ie402012x}, author = {Kumar, D. V. Ravi and Bhagavatula L. V. Prasad and Kulkarni, A. A.} } @article {42574, title = {Imprinted electrodes for enhanced light trapping in solution processed solar cells}, journal = {Advanced Materials}, volume = {26}, year = {2013}, month = {OCT}, pages = {443{\textendash}448}, doi = {10.1002/adma.201303674}, author = {Mihi, Agustin and Beck, Fiona J. and Lasanta, Tania and Rath, Arup Kumar and Konstantatos, Gerasimos} } @article { ISI:000321864300019, title = {In situ growth of metal-organic frameworks on a porous ultrafiltration membrane for gas separation}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry A}, volume = {1}, number = {31}, year = {2013}, month = {MAY}, pages = {8828-8835}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We demonstrate the synthesis of CuBTC and ZIF-8 on a polysulfone based porous asymmetric ultrafiltration (UF) membrane by in situ growth followed by the LBL deposition of crystals without any need for preseeding or surface modification of the membrane. In this way, the top surface of the UF membrane pores is completely covered by MOFs; while the remaining part of the membrane offers a flexible support to the MOFs. The pore apertures of the MOF nanoparticles located at the pore opening of the UF membrane act as channels for the entry of penetrants. The remaining porous sublayer of the membrane carries penetrants on the permeate side without significant resistance. These composite membranes were characterized by PXRD and SEM. The gas permeation study was performed using pure gases of industrial significance (H-2, C3H6 and CO2). The performance of CuBTC@PSF showed enhanced selectivity, of 7.2 and 5.7 for H-2/CO2 and H-2/C3H6 respectively, to that of the pristine PSF membrane.

}, issn = {2050-7488}, doi = {10.1039/c3ta10438a}, author = {Nagaraju, Divya and Bhagat, Deepti G. and Banerjee, Rahul and Kharul, Ulhas K.} } @article { ISI:000314931900026, title = {In situ synthesis and surface functionalization of gold nanoparticles with curcumin and their antioxidant properties: an experimental and density functional theory investigation}, journal = {Nanoscale}, volume = {5}, number = {5}, year = {2013}, month = {DEC}, pages = {1882-1893}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Curcumin ((1E,6E)-1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione) is an active component of turmeric; it is responsible for its characteristic yellow color and therapeutic potential, but its poor bioavailability remains a major challenge. In order to improve the bioavailability of curcumin, various approaches have been used. One of the possible approaches to increase the bioavailability of curcumin is its conjugation on the surface of metal nanoparticles. Therefore, in the present study, we report the binding of curcumin on the surface of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The AuNPs were synthesized by the direct reduction of HAuCl4 using curcumin in the aqueous phase, without the use of any other reducing agents. We found that curcumin acts both as a reducing and capping agent, stabilizing the gold sol for many months. Moreover, these curcumin-capped AuNPs also show good antioxidant activity which was confirmed by the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl) radical test. Thus, the surface functionalization of AuNPs with curcumin may pave a new way of using the curcuminoids towards possible drug delivery and therapeutics. Apart from the experimental study, a detailed quantum chemical calculation using density functional theory (DFT) has been performed, in order to investigate the formation of a complex of curcumin with Au3+ ions in different possible conformational isomeric forms. Our theoretical calculations indicate the evidence of electron transfer from curcumin into the Au center and essentially indicate that as a consequence of complexation, Au3+ ions are reduced to Au-0. Our theoretical results also propose that it is the breakage of intramolecular H-bonding that probably leads to the increased availability of curcumin in the presence of gold ions and water molecules.

}, issn = {2040-3364}, doi = {10.1039/c2nr33776b}, author = {Singh, Dheeraj K. and Jagannathan, Ramya and Khandelwal, Puneet and Abraham, Priya Mary and Poddar, Pankaj} } @article { ISI:000326366800071, title = {Influence of charge and ligand on the finite temperature behavior of gold clusters: a BOMD study on Au-6 cluster}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {117}, number = {40}, year = {2013}, month = {OCT}, pages = {20982-20990}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Conformation and electronic charge on a gold cluster are known to determine its catalytic property. However, little is known on the finite temperature behavior of various gold cluster conformations. Much less is known on the role of charge or a ligand in stabilizing a conformation at finite temperatures. In this work, we have carried out relativistic density functional theory (DFT) based molecular dynamical simulations on neutral and charged Au-6 clusters with an aim of understanding the stability of ground state conformations as a function of charge on the cluster. Our simulations reveal that cationic and anionic Au-6 clusters undergo conformational transitions at 500 K where as neutral Au-6 cluster retains its ground state conformation up to a temperature of 1100 K. In order to look into the factors leading to the stabilization of neutral Au-6 cluster (or destabilization of cationic and anionic Au-6 clusters), structural and electronic properties are analyzed. Factors such as charge redistribution within the atoms and composition of molecular orbitals are seen to contribute towards stronger Au-Au bonds in Au-6(0) thereby stabilizing it considerably. Following the analysis, simulations are also extended to neutral, cationic, and anionic Au-6-COn (n = 1,2) complexes. In the case of CO chemisorbed Au-6 clusters, neutral and negatively charged ground state conformations are stable up to nearly 800 K, while the positively charged Au-6 ground state conformation collapses at room temperature. This work, in short demonstrates how charge or even a ligand can be used to moderate the physical properties of a gold cluster.

}, issn = {1932-7447}, doi = {10.1021/jp407081m}, author = {Manzoor, Dar and Pal, Sourav and Krishnamurty, Sailaja} } @article { ISI:000311935400073, title = {Influence of contact medium and surfactants on carbon dioxide clathrate hydrate kinetics}, journal = {Fuel}, volume = {105}, year = {2013}, month = {MAR}, pages = {664-671}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Carbon dioxide (CO2) hydrate formation kinetic was investigated in a fixed bed crystallizer at constant pressure (3.55 MPa) and temperature (274 K). Porous media of three different silica gels were used, with a mesh size of 60-120, 100-200 and 230-400 having different surface area. The observed trends indicate that silica gel with larger surface area leads to higher gas consumption as well as reduces the induction time. The effect of pore diameter and particle size distribution has already been reported in a previous study [1]. In this study the effect of additives on hydrate formation kinetics were also investigated. The additives studied were nonionic surfactant Tween-80 (T-80), cationic dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride (DTACl) and anionic Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate (SDS). Out of the three surfactants used in this study, SDS was found to be most effective in enhancing the rate of hydrate formation as well as reducing the induction time. The current result shows significant improvement in water to hydrate conversion in silica gel media compared to quiescent water or surfactant-water system under similar conditions. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Carbon dioxide capture, Clathrate hydrate, kinetics, Silica gel, Surfactants}, issn = {0016-2361}, doi = {10.1016/j.fuel.2012.10.031}, author = {Kumar, Asheesh and Sakpal, Tushar and Linga, Praveen and Kumar, Rajnish} } @article { ISI:000318565500012, title = {Interesting thermal variations owing to cationic ring structural features in protic ionic liquids}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics}, volume = {15}, number = {21}, year = {2013}, month = {APR}, pages = {8050-8053}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The present communication divulges interesting thermal behavior of different protic ionic liquids arising due to the hydrophobicity modifications in their parent cationic ring structures. This work assists us in differentiating between protic ionic liquids, their aprotic counterparts and common electrolytes in water. The thermal signatures produced by protic ionic liquids, aprotic ionic liquids and electrolytes emerge as individual fingerprints for them.

}, issn = {1463-9076}, doi = {10.1039/c3cp50314c}, author = {Rai, Gitanjali and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000319680800041, title = {Isolation, characterization, and identification of catalytically active species in the MoO3/SiO2 catalyst during solid acid catalyzed reactions}, journal = {Chemcatchem}, volume = {5}, number = {6}, year = {2013}, month = {JUN}, pages = {1531-1537}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

We report the isolation, characterization, and identification of the catalytically active species formed during various acid-catalyzed reactions if silica-supported MoO3 was used as a catalyst. We have reported previously the synthesis and extensive characterization of the silica-supported MoO3 catalyst prepared by the sol-gel process with ammonium heptamolybdate and ethyl silicate-40 as molybdenum and silica precursors, respectively. The TEM images showed uniformly distributed MoO3 nanoparticles on the high-surface area mesoporous silica support and high acidity (0.9mmolg-1) by using temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia (NH3-TPD) analysis. This catalyst has already shown high activity for various acid-catalyzed reactions. To understand the nature of catalytically active species formed during the reaction, the liquid-phase esterification of acetic acid and ethanol was studied as a probe reaction with very high acid conversion (83\%) in 8h. During esterification, the reaction mixture turned blue, which indicated a change in the nature of the catalyst under reaction conditions. These catalytically active species formed in the reaction mixture were isolated and extensively characterized by using FTIR, Raman, powder XRD, BET surface area, NH3-TPD, energy dispersive X-ray, and TEM analysis. The characterization results revealed the insitu formation of silicomolybdic acid on the silica surface in the presence of water, which acts as catalytically active species responsible for the acid-catalyzed reactions.

}, keywords = {esterification reactions, heterogeneous catalysis, Molybdenum, silicon, sol-gel processes}, issn = {1867-3880}, doi = {10.1002/cctc.201200662}, author = {Kotbagi, Trupti V. and Biradar, Ankush V. and Shubhangi B. Umbarkar and Dongare, Mohan K.} } @article { ISI:000324494000004, title = {Isolation, purification and characterization of vinblastine and vincristine from endophytic fungus fusarium oxysporum isolated from catharanthus roseus}, journal = {Plos One}, volume = {8}, number = {9}, year = {2013}, month = {SEP}, pages = {UNSP e71805}, publisher = {PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE}, address = {1160 BATTERY STREET, STE 100, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111 USA}, abstract = {

Endophytic fungi reside in a symbiotic fashion inside their host plants, mimic their chemistry and interestingly, produce the same natural products as their hosts and are thus being screened for the production of valuable compounds like taxol, camptothecin, podophyllotoxin, etc. Vinblastine and vincristine are excellent anti-cancer drugs but their current production using plants is non-abundant and expensive. In order to make these drugs readily available to the patients at affordable prices, we isolated the endophytic fungi from Catharanthus roseus plant and found a fungus AA-CRL-6 which produces vinblastine and vincristine in appreciable amounts. These drugs were purified by TLC and HPLC and characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, ESI-MS, MS/MS and H-1 NMR. One liter of culture filtrate yielded 76 mu g and 67 mu g of vinblastine and vincristine respectively. This endophytic fungal strain was identified as Fusarium oxysporum based upon its cultural and morphological characteristics and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence analysis.

}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0071805}, author = {Kumar, Ashutosh and Patil, Deepak and Rajamohanan, Pattuparambil Ramanpillai and Ahmad, Absar} } @article { ISI:000325949600005, title = {Kinetics and thermodynamics of glycans and glycoproteins binding to holothuria scabra lectin: a fluorescence and surface plasmon resonance spectroscopic study}, journal = {Journal of Fluorescence}, volume = {23}, number = {6}, year = {2013}, month = {NOV}, pages = {1147-1155}, publisher = {SPRINGER/PLENUM PUBLISHERS}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Holothuria scabra produces a monomeric lectin (HSL) of 182 kDa. HSL showed strong antibacterial activity and induced bacterial agglutination under in vitro conditions, indicating its role in animals{\textquoteright} innate immune responses. Very few lectins have been reported from echinoderms and none of these lectins have been explored in detail for their sugar-binding kinetics. Affinity, kinetics and thermodynamic analysis of glycans and glycoproteins binding to HSL were studied by fluorescence and surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy. Lectin binds with higher affinity to O-linked than N-linked asialo glycans, and the affinities were relatively higher than that for sialated glycans and glycoproteins. T-antigen alpha-methyl glycoside was the most potent ligand having the highest affinity (Ka 8.32 x10(7) M-1). Thermodynamic and kinetic analysis indicated that the binding of galactosyl Tn-antigen and asialo glycans is accompanied by an enthalpic contribution in addition to higher association rate coupled by low activation energy for the association process. Presence of sialic acid or protein matrix inhibits binding. Higher affinity of HSL for O-glycans than N-glycans had biological implications; since HSL specifically recognizes bacteria, which have mucin or O-glycan cognate on their cell surfaces and play a major role in animal innate immunity. Since, HSL had higher affinity to T-antigen, makes it a useful tool for cancer diagnostic purpose.

}, keywords = {Holothuria scabra, Kinetic analysis, Lectin, Surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy, Thermodynamic properties}, issn = {1053-0509}, doi = {10.1007/s10895-013-1244-4}, author = {Gowda, Nagaraj M. and Gaikwad, Sushama M. and Khan, Mohammad Islam} } @article { ISI:000328437300022, title = {Large centimeter-sized macroporous ferritin gels as versatile nanoreactors}, journal = {Chemistry of Materials}, volume = {25}, number = {23}, year = {2013}, month = {DEC}, pages = {4813-4819}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Organized assemblies of bionanoparticles such as ferritin provides templates that can be exploited for nanotechnological applications. Organization of ferritin into well-defined three-dimensional assemblies is challenging and has attracted considerable attention recently. We have synthesized, for the first time, large (centimeter-sized) self-standing macroporous scaffold monoliths from ferritin bionanoparticles, using dynamic templating of surfactant H-1 domains. These scaffolds comprise three-dimensionally connected strands of ferritin, organized as a porous gel with porosity similar to 55 mu m. The iron oxide inside the ferritin scaffold can be easily replaced with catalytically active monodisperse zerovalent transition metal nanoparticles using a very simple protocol. Since the ferritin is cross-linked in the scaffold, it is significantly robust with enhanced thermal stability and better tolerance toward several organic solvents in Comparison to the native ferritin bionanoparticle. In addition, the scaffold macropores facilitate substrate and reagent transport and hence the monoliths containing active Pd or iron oxide nanoparticles inside apo-ferritin bionanoparticles were used as a recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for the oxidation of 2,3,6-trimethyl phenol to 2,3,6-trimethyl-1,4-benzoquinone (precursor for Vitamin E synthesis) and for Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction in both aqueous and organic solvents. The protein shell around the nanoparticles protects them from agglomeration, a phenomenon that otherwise plagues nanoparticles-based catalysis. The presence of macropores allow the ferritin scaffold to act as catalytic monolith for continuous flow reactions having rapid reaction rates, while offering a low pressure drop. Finally, the Pd@apo-ferritin scaffold was immobilized inside a steel cartridge and used for the continuous flow hydrogenation of alkenes to their corresponding alkanes for 15 cycles without any loss of activity.

}, keywords = {catalysis, continuous flow, ferritin, gel, macroporous materials, Self-assembly}, issn = {0897-4756}, doi = {10.1021/cm403240j}, author = {Kumari, Sushma and Kulkarni, Amol and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy and Sen Gupta, Sayam} } @article { ISI:000327090400009, title = {Lavandula gibsoni and plectranthus mollis essential oils: chemical analysis and insect control activities against aedes aegypti, anopheles sfttephensi and culex quinquefasciatus}, journal = {Journal of Pest Science}, volume = {86}, number = {4}, year = {2013}, month = {DEC}, pages = {713-718}, publisher = {SPRINGER HEIDELBERG}, address = {TIERGARTENSTRASSE 17, D-69121 HEIDELBERG, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Essential oils and acetone extracts from Lavandula gibsoni and Plectranthus mollis, family Lamiaceae, were investigated for their mosquito larvicidal activity against 4th instar larvae of Aedes aegypti, Anopheles stephensi and Culex quinquefasciatus. LC50 values against these three species were 48.3, 62.8 and 54.7 mg/L for L. gibsoni essential oil and 118.5, 137.2 and 128.1 mg/L, respectively, for its acetone extract, while LC50 values for P. mollis essential oil were 25.4, 33.5 and 29.5 mg/L and 195.0, 213.8 and 209.0 mg/L, respectively, for its acetone extract. Repellence of the essential oils was assessed against A. aegypti adults. L. gibsoni essential oil provided 100 \% protection for more than 7 h at a concentration of 2.0 mg/cm(2). Under the same conditions, the standard repellent N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, at 0.25 mg/cm(2), provided 100 \% protection for more than 8 h, while P. mollis essential oil was only weakly repellent. The major components from both essential oils were identified based on GC-MS analysis and linear retention indices. Our results demonstrated promising larvicidal activities of both essential oils against these mosquito species. L. gibsoni essential oil also showed promising repellent activity.

}, keywords = {Essential oil, Lavandula gibsoni, Mosquito larvicidal activity, Mosquito repellent, Plectranthus mollis}, issn = {1612-4758}, doi = {10.1007/s10340-013-0502-1}, author = {Kulkarni, Roshan R. and Pawar, Pushpa V. and Joseph, Mary P. and Akulwad, Ambadas K. and Sen, Avalokiteswar and Joshi, Swati P.} } @article { ISI:000318577600145, title = {Liquefied petroleum gas sensing performance of cerium doped copper ferrite}, journal = {Ceramics International}, volume = {39}, number = {5}, year = {2013}, month = {JUL}, pages = {5901-5907}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Undoped and cerium (Ce) doped nanocrystalline copper ferrite (CuFe2O4) materials were synthesized via the molten-salt (M-S) method. Effects of Ce doping on the structural, morphological and gas sensing properties of the CuFe2O4 ferrite have been investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the formation of spinel CuFe2O4. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigations showed that the synthesized ferrite is made up of very fine spherical nanoparticles. Moreover, the gas sensing properties of sintered samples were studied towards different reducing gases such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), acetone, ethanol and ammonia. The sample with 4\% cerium doped CuFe2O4 (Ce4) showed the maximum gas sensitivity (86\%) towards LPG with fast response time of 5 s and good recovery time of 68 s. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Ferrite, Gas sensor, Molten-salt method, TEM}, issn = {0272-8842}, doi = {10.1016/j.ceramint.2013.01.010}, author = {Khandekar, M. S. and Tarwal, N. L. and Patil, J. Y. and Shaikh, F. I. and Mulla, Imtiaz S. and Suryavanshi, S. S.} } @article { ISI:000313913300036, title = {Low-pressure synthesis and characterization of hydrogen-filled ice ic}, journal = {Angewandte Chemie-International Edition}, volume = {52}, number = {5}, year = {2013}, month = {DEC}, pages = {1531-1534}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, keywords = {Clathrates, cubic ice, hydrates, Hydrogen}, issn = {1433-7851}, doi = {10.1002/anie.201208367}, author = {Kumar, Rajnish and Klug, Dennis D. and Ratcliffe, Christopher I. and Tulk, Christopher A. and Ripmeester, John A.} } @article { ISI:000317255200008, title = {Mechanistic approach for expeditious and solvent-free synthesis of alpha-hydroxy phosphonates using potassium phosphate as catalyst}, journal = {Comptes Rendus Chimie}, volume = {16}, number = {2}, year = {2013}, month = {FEB}, pages = {148-152}, publisher = {ELSEVIER FRANCE-EDITIONS SCIENTIFIQUES MEDICALES ELSEVIER}, address = {23 RUE LINOIS, 75724 PARIS, FRANCE}, abstract = {

An extremely simple, high yielding, highly rapid and solvent-free protocol has been described for hydrophosphylation of aldehydes using potassium phosphate as catalyst. Easy commercial availability of the reusable catalyst, operational simplicity at ambient temperature and avoidance of conventional work-up as well as purification procedure makes this solvent-free protocol a near-ideal synthesis. (C) 2012 Academie des sciences. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {alpha-hydroxy phosphonates, Hydrophosphylation, Potassium phosphate, Solvent-free}, issn = {1631-0748}, doi = {10.1016/j.crci.2012.10.009}, author = {Kulkarni, Makarand A. and Lad, Uday P. and Desai, Uday V. and Mitragotri, Satish D. and Wadgaonkar, Prakash P.} } @article { ISI:000317548400026, title = {Mechanochemical synthesis of chemically stable isoreticular covalent organic frameworks}, journal = {Journal of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {135}, number = {14}, year = {2013}, month = {APR}, pages = {5328-5331}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Three thermally and chemically stable isoreticular covalent organic frameworks (COFs) were synthesized via room-temperature solvent-free mechanochemical grinding. These COFs were successfully compared with their solvothermally synthesized counterparts in all aspects. These solvent-free mechanochemically synthesized COFs have moderate crystallinity with remarkable stability in boiling water, acid (9 N HCl), and base [TpBD (MC) in 3 N NaOH and TpPa-2 (MC) in 9 N NaOH]. Exfoliation of COF layers was simultaneously observed with COF formation during mechanochemical synthesis. The structures thus obtained seemed to have a graphene-like layered morphology (exfoliated layers), unlike the parent COFs synthesized solvothermally.

}, issn = {0002-7863}, doi = {10.1021/ja4017842}, author = {Biswal, Bishnu P. and Chandra, Suman and Kandambeth, Sharath and Lukose, Binit and Heine, Thomas and Banerjeet, Rahul} } @article { ISI:000324153700020, title = {Medium pressure hydrate based gas separation (HBGS) process for pre-combustion capture of carbon dioxide employing a novel fixed bed reactor}, journal = {International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control}, volume = {17}, year = {2013}, month = {SEP}, pages = {206-214}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

This work presents an effective medium pressure hydrate based gas separation (HBGS) process for pre-combustion carbon dioxide capture in a novel fixed bed column. 2.5 mol\% propane was added to the fuel gas mixture as an additive to decrease the operating pressure of the HBGS process. Hydrate formation kinetics was investigated at three different pressures (4.5, 5.5 and 6.0 MPa respectively) and at 274.15 K. The performance of silica sand and silica gel as a medium was evaluated. In silica sand bed, multiple nucleation events were observed. In silica gel bed, the gas uptake and water conversion to hydrates was significantly low at any given driving force than that obtained in silica sand bed. Experiments at different water saturation levels (50, 75 and 100\%) in silica sand bed were investigated at 6.0 MPa and 274.15 K. It was found that at 50\% water saturation, gas consumed for hydrate formation and water conversion to hydrates was almost three times that at 100\% saturation. Water to hydrate conversions of up to 64.3\% was achieved after 4 h of hydrate formation for the 50\% water saturated silica sand bed. Our study presents an opportunity to scale up the HBGS process for CO2 capture with enhanced kinetics by employing a fixed bed reactor configuration. Decomposition experiments at a driving force of Delta T of 10 K and 23K were carried out to recover the gas consumed for hydrate formation and it was found that Delta T of 23 K was sufficient to recover the hydrated gas. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Carbon dioxide capture, Gas hydrates, Global warming, Pre-combustion, Separation}, issn = {1750-5836}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijggc.2013.05.010}, author = {Babu, Ponnivalavan and Kumar, Rajnish and Linga, Praveen} } @article { ISI:000315707700003, title = {MgCl2 center dot 6CH(3)OH: a simple molecular adduct and its influence as a porous support for olefin polymerization}, journal = {ACS Catalysis}, volume = {3}, number = {3}, year = {2013}, month = {MAR}, pages = {303-311}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

A single phase molecular adduct, MgCl2 center dot 6CH(3)OH has been synthesized using MgCl2 and the simplest alcohol, methanol. Structural, spectroscopic, and morphological studies have been carried out for a better understanding of the single phase MgCl2 center dot 6CH(3)OH adduct. C-13 CPMAS solid state NMR studies show all six methanol molecules are magnetically equivalent and present in a single environment around the Mg2+ center. Raman spectral analysis of the characteristic peak at 708 cm(-1) substantiates octahedral coordination of six CH3OH molecules around Mg2+. Solid state C-13 NMR measurements, made after heat treatment at different temperatures, have been utilized to understand the variations in CH3OH stoichiometry and coordination around Mg2+ with temperature. A titanated active catalyst, TiCl4 on MgCl2 center dot 6CH(3)OH, has also been synthesized and subjected to detailed characterizations. The active catalyst shows high surface area (102 m(2)/g) and mesoporosity. The titanated catalyst has been screened for ethylene polymerization reactions using different cocatalysts (R3Al; R= -CH3, -CH2CH3, and -CH2CH(CH3)(2)). A total of 7.25 kg of polyethylene per gram of catalyst has been obtained with Me3Al cocatalyst, which is six times higher in activity compared with commercial Me3Al/TiCl4/MgCl2 center dot 6EtOH-supported orted catalystAlthough porosity influences the catalytic activity, other factors also seem to contribute to the total catalytic activity.

}, keywords = {heterogeneous catalysis, MgCl2, Molecular adduct, olefin polymerization, Ziegler-Natta catalyst}, issn = {2155-5435}, doi = {10.1021/cs300730j}, author = {Gnanakumar, Edwin S. and Gowda, Ravikumar R. and Kunjir, Shrikant and Ajithkumar, Thalasseril G. and Rajamohanan, P. R. and Chakraborty, Debashis and Gopinath, Chinnakonda S.} } @article { ISI:000319458900005, title = {Modified zeolite immobilized palladium for ligand-free suzuki-miyaura cross-coupling reaction}, journal = {Journal of Organometallic Chemistry}, volume = {738}, year = {2013}, month = {AUG}, pages = {29-34}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

A palladium-based catalyst supported on modified ZSM-5 was successfully prepared by a facile procedure. The prepared heterogeneous catalyst Pd@desilicated ZSM-5 showed an excellent catalytic activity at very low Pd loading (0.02 mol\%) for the ligand-free Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reactions of various aryl bromides affording excellent yields of the products. The prepared catalyst presents good recyclability, over four catalytic cycles. (C) 2013 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {heterogeneous catalysis, Suzuki-Miyaura reaction, zeolite}, issn = {0022-328X}, doi = {10.1016/j.jorganchem.2013.03.031}, author = {Kumbhar, Arjun and Kamble, Santosh and Mane, Anand and Jha, Ratnesh Kumar and Salunkhe, Rajashri} } @article { ISI:000324794900010, title = {Molecular characterization and differential expression studies of an oxidosqualene cyclase (OSC) gene of Brahmi (Bacopa monniera)}, journal = {Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants}, volume = {19}, number = {4}, year = {2013}, month = {OCT}, pages = {547-553}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Triterpenoid saponins are the class of secondary metabolites, synthesized via isoprenoid pathway. Oxidosqualene cyclases (OSCs) catalyzes the cyclization of 2, 3-oxidosqualene to various triterpene skeletons, the first committed step in triterpenoid biosynthesis. A full-length oxidosqualene cyclase cDNA from Bacopa monniera (BmOSC) was isolated and characterized. The open reading frame (ORF) of BmOSC consists of 2,292 bp, encoding 764 amino acid residues with an apparent molecular mass of 87.62 kDa and theoretical pI 6.21. It contained four QxxxxxW motifs, one Asp-Cys-Thr-Ala-Glu (DCTAE) motif which is highly conserved among the triterpene synthases and another MWCYCR motif involved in the formation of triterpenoid skeletons. The deduced amino acid sequence of BmOSC shares 80.5 \% \& 71.8 \% identity and 89.7 \% \& 83.5 \% similarity with Olea europaea mixed amyrin synthase and Panax notoginseng dammarenediol synthase respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that BmOSC is closely related with other plant OSCs. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) data showed that BmOSC is expressed in all tissues examined with higher expression in stem and leaves as compared to roots and floral parts.

}, issn = {0971-5894}, doi = {10.1007/s12298-013-0195-1}, author = {Vishwakarma, Rishi K. and Sonawane, Prashant and Singh, Somesh and Kumari, Uma and Ruby and Khan, Bashir Mohammad} } @article { ISI:000319073500006, title = {Molecular cloning, biochemical characterization, and differential expression of an acetyl-CoA C-acetyltransferase gene (AACT) of brahmi (Bacopa monniera)}, journal = {Plant Molecular Biology Reporter}, volume = {31}, number = {3}, year = {2013}, month = {JUN}, pages = {547-557}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) is an important Indian medicinal herb found in wet damp and marshy places. It produces medicinally important compounds known as bacosides along with alkaloids like brahmine and herpestine. Bacosides are triterpenoid saponins and their biosynthesis takes place via the isoprenoid pathway starting with acetyl-CoA. Acetyl-CoA C-acetyltransferase (AACT; EC 2.3.1.9), also known as acetoacetyl-CoA thiolase (Thiolase II), catalyzes the condensation of two acetyl-CoA to form 4-C compound acetoacetyl-CoA. Acetoacetyl-CoA is an important starting molecule for biosynthesis of various metabolites. Here, we report the cDNA cloning and characterization of acetyl-CoA C-acetyltransferase gene from B. monniera. The full-length gene was isolated using a RACE PCR protocol. The cDNA encoding AACT was designated as BmAACT (FJ947159) revealed an ORF of 1,218 bp and 405 amino acids, and shares 80 \% similarity with other plant AACTs. Phylogenetic analysis showed that BmAACT is related closely to other dicot plants AACTs. The BmAACT gene was over-expressed in Escherichia coli as a 6X His-tag fusion protein and purified to homogeneity by Ni-NTA and gel filtration chromatography. Activity of recombinant protein was confirmed by thiolytic cleavage of acetoacetyl-CoA in the presence of 5 mM Mg2+, showing K (m) and V (max) of 20.67 mu M and 96.21 mu mol/min, respectively, with high catalytic efficiency (k (cat) = 2.30 x 10(5) min(-1)). Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that the expression of BmAACT is tissue-specific, and accumulation of transcripts is greater in roots and petals, followed by sepals, stem, leaf and pedicel.

}, keywords = {Acetyl-CoA C-acetyltransferase, Bacopa monniera, Isoprenoid pathway, Triterpenoid saponin}, issn = {0735-9640}, doi = {10.1007/s11105-012-0523-6}, author = {Vishwakarma, Rishi K. and Ruby and Singh, Somesh and Sonawane, Prashant D. and Srivastava, Sameer and Kumari, Uma and Kumar, R. J. Santosh and Khan, Bashir Mohammad} } @article { ISI:000330159500007, title = {Molecular interactions, proton exchange, and photoinduced processes prompted by an inclusion process and a [2]pseudorotaxane formation}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {78}, number = {18}, year = {2013}, month = {AUG}, pages = {9004-9012}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Appropriate design of the host and guest components allows formation of a novel [2]pseudorotaxane complex with an interrupted photoinduced electron transfer (PET)-coupled fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) response. This is the first example of an inclusion complex with NO6-based azacrown ether as the host unit (H). Different guest molecules (G1, G2, G3, and G4) with varying stopper size are used for the studies. Unlike G1, G2, and G3, G4 with a relatively bulkier stopper fails to form a [2]pseudorotaxane complex. Isothermal titration microcaloiimetry measurements reveal a systematic increase in the association constant for H.G1, H.G2, and H.G3 with a change in the stopper size. Thermodynamic data suggest that the formation of H.G1/H.G2/H.G3 is exclusively driven by a large positive entropic gain (T Delta S = 19.69/26.80/21.81 kJ.mol(-1)), while the enthalpy change is slightly negative for H.G1/H.G3 (-2.61/-1.97 kJ.mol(-1)) and slightly positive for H.G2 (Delta H = 5.98 kJ.mol(-1)). For these three inclusion complexes, an interrupted PET-coupled FRET response is observed with varying efficiency, which is attributed to the subtle differences in acidity of the NH2+ unit of the guest molecules and thus the proton exchange ability between the host and respective guest. This is substantiated by the results of the computational studies.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/jo400752d}, author = {Mandal, Amal Kumar and Suresh, Moorthy and Kesharwani, Manoj K. and Gangopadhyay, Monalisa and Agrawal, Manoj and Boricha, Vinod P. and Ganguly, Bishwajit and Das, Amitava} } @article { ISI:000315516400021, title = {Molecular mapping of leaf rust resistance gene Lr15 in hexaploid wheat}, journal = {Molecular Breeding}, volume = {31}, number = {3}, year = {2013}, month = {MAR}, pages = {743-747}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Leaf rust is a widespread and commonly occurring rust disease of wheat. Genetic resistance is the most economical method of reducing losses due to leaf rust. Lr15 has been shown to be present on wheat chromosome 2D and is reported to be a seedling resistance gene. However, tightly linked markers associated with Lr15 have not been reported to date. To identify molecular markers linked to Lr15, an F-2 mapping population of Thatcher x Thatcher-Lr15 was generated. Available wheat simple sequence repeat markers were utilized in parental screening and polymorphic markers were used to analyze the entire population of 221 plants. Phenotypic evaluations of the F-2-derived F-3 progenies with Puccinia triticina Eriks. pathotype 162A (93R15) confirmed the monogenic inheritance of Lr15. The linkage group representing chromosome 2DS was constructed at LOD 4.0 which revealed the closest flanking markers Xgwm4562 and Xgwm102 at a distance of 3.1 and 9.3 cM, respectively. Furthermore, utilization of these flanking markers in combination has successfully identified wheat lines with or without Lr15. These markers could potentially be useful in gene pyramiding with other genes to enhance rust resistance in wheat.

}, keywords = {Disease resistance, Leaf rust, Marker-assisted selection, Simple sequence repeat, Wheat}, issn = {1380-3743}, doi = {10.1007/s11032-012-9813-9}, author = {Dholakia, Bhushan B. and Rajwade, A. V. and Hosmani, P. and Khan, R. R. and Chavan, S. and Reddy, D. M. R. and Lagu, Meena D. and Bansal, Urmil K. and Saini, R. G. and Gupta, V. S.} } @article { ISI:000319720700012, title = {Molecular-beacon-based screen for small molecule inhibitors of miRNA maturation}, journal = {ACS Chemical Biology}, volume = {8}, number = {5}, year = {2013}, month = {MAY}, pages = {930-938}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

miRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that regulate about 60\% of mammalian genes by modulating their transcript levels. Network scale studies of miRNA-mediated regulatory circuits demonstrate the central importance of this class of small RNA in the maintenance of biological robustness. More recently, several reports have described the deregulation of numerous miRNA to be causally associated with many diseases, including cancer. These studies have highlighted the potential for development of therapeutic modalities against miRNA. Previous screening protocols, for small molecules targeting miRNA function, are either costly or technically too complex to be applied in a high-throughput manner in standard chemical laboratories. We describe a simple in vitro screening method using a DNA-based molecular beacon that overcomes the limitations associated with earlier screens. We used this method to identify inhibitors of miR-27a function from a library of 14 aminoglycosides as a pilot study. Inhibitory molecules identified were further scrutinized to identify the validity of screen. With this proof of concept we illustrate the utility of a scalable molecular-beacon-based screening strategy for miRNA inhibitors.

}, issn = {1554-8929}, doi = {10.1021/cb300650y}, author = {Bose, Debojit and Jayaraj, Gopal Gunanathan and Kumar, Santosh and Maiti, Souvik} } @article { ISI:000318468400029, title = {Morphology of carbon dioxide-hydrogen-cyclopentane hydrates with or without sodium dodecyl sulfate}, journal = {Crystal Growth \& Design}, volume = {13}, number = {5}, year = {2013}, month = {MAY}, pages = {2047-2059}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

In this study, effects of cyclopentane (CP) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) on the hydrate formation morphology were investigated. A gas mixture of 40.0 mol \% carbon dioxide and 60.0 mol \% hydrogen was used in an unstirred system with subcooling as the driving force. Experimental pressure is at 6.0 MPa and experimental temperatures used are at 275.65 and 277.65 K (Delta T = 15.15 and 13.15 K). Formation of hydrates started at the cyclopentane-liquid water interface. Cloud-like, equiaxed skewed dendritic, equiaxed orthogonal dendritic, long dendritic, and cactus-like crystals could be observed for the experiments in the absence of surfactants. Rapid hydrate formation was observed for the experiments with 0.9 mL CP with or without the presence of surfactants compared to the experiments with 0.45 mL CP system at the same experimental conditions. The addition of SDS had led to a change in the hydrate crystal morphology, forming fiber-like crystals from the hydrate layer. Hydrates had also shown affinity to metal surfaces and tend to grow rapidly because of better heat transfer capacity. Gas uptake measurements were found to correlate well with the morphological observations. On the basis of the morphological observations, the mechanism of the CO2-H-2-CP system in an unstirred system is presented.

}, issn = {1528-7483}, doi = {10.1021/cg400118p}, author = {Lim, Yu-An and Babu, Ponnivalavan and Kumar, Rajnish and Linga, Praveen} } @article { ISI:000323014200005, title = {Nanoparticle size controls aggregation in lamellar nonionic surfactant mesophase}, journal = {Langmuir}, volume = {29}, number = {31}, year = {2013}, month = {AUG}, pages = {9643-9650}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

We show that the size of silica nanoparticles influences the nature of their aggregation in an aqueous solution of a relatively hydrophobic nonionic surfactant, C12E4. We present results for dispersions of silica nanopartides with sizes varying from 8 to 26 nm, in a 75: 25 C12E4/water system, that forms a lamellar phase, L-alpha, at room temperature. Addition of silica particles does not affect the formation of the L-alpha phase. Nanoparticles smaller than about 11 nm aggregate irreversibly in the C12E4/water system. However, nanoparticles larger than about 15 nm aggregate in the L-alpha phase, but are dispersed at temperatures above the L-alpha order-disorder temperature. Thus, in contrast to the smaller particles, aggregation of silica nanopartides larger than about 15 nm is reversible with temperature. We use small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) demonstrate that these results can be explained by the size-dependent wrapping of nanoparticles by surfactant bilayers. Larger particles, above 15 nm in size, are sterically stabilized by the formation of an adsorbed surfactant bilayer. The cost of bilayer bending inhibits adsorption onto the highly curved surfaces of smaller particles, and these {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}bare{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} particles aggregate irreversibly.

}, issn = {0743-7463}, doi = {10.1021/la4021977}, author = {Venugopal, Edakkal and Aswal, Vinod K. and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy} } @article { ISI:000318315100006, title = {Nanostructured crystalline comb polymer of perylenebisimide by directed self-assembly: poly(4-vinylpyridine)-pentadecylphenol perylenebisimide}, journal = {Advanced Functional Materials}, volume = {23}, number = {16}, year = {2013}, month = {APR}, pages = {2033-2043}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Well defined nanostructured polymeric supramolecular assemblies are formed when an asymmetric perylenebisimide substituted with ethylhexyl chains on one end and functionalized with 3-pentadecylphenol at the other termini (PDP-UPBI) is complexed with poly(4-vinylpyridine) (P4VP) via a non-covalent specific interaction such as hydrogen-bonding. The resulting P4VP(PDP-UPBI)(n) complexes are fully solution processable. The bulk structure and morphologies of the supramolecular film studied using small angle and wide angle X-ray scattering reveals highly crystalline nature of the complex. Thin film morphology of the 1:1 complex analyzed using transmission electron microscopy shows uniform lamellar structures in the domain range of 5-10 nm. A clear trend of improved electrical parameters in P4VP(PDP-UPBI) system compared to pristine (PDP-UPBI) is observed from space charge limited current measurements. In short, a simple and facile method to obtain spatially defined organization of n-type semiconductor perylenebisimide molecules using hydrogen bonding interactions with P4VP as the structural motif is showcased herein.

}, issn = {1616-301X}, doi = {10.1002/adfm.201202366}, author = {Narayan, Rekha and Kumar, Prashant and Narayan, K. S. and Asha, S. K.} } @article { ISI:000323475400001, title = {New 2,2-diphenylpropane and ethoxylated aromatic monoterpenes from Lavandula gibsoni (Lamiaceae)}, journal = {Natural Product Research}, volume = {27}, number = {15}, year = {2013}, month = {AUG}, pages = {1323-1329}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS LTD}, address = {4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A new substituted 2,2-diphenylpropane (1) and two new ethoxylated aromatic monoterpene alcohols (2 and 4) have been isolated from the acetone extract of the aerial parts of Lavandula gibsoni, along with the known compounds 8-hydroxycarvacrol (3), 8-hydroxythymol (5), coumarin (6), 4-methylresorcinol (7), 7,4-dimethylapigenin (8), salvigenin (9), -sitosteryl-3-O{\textendash}D-glucopyranosyl-6-O-palmitate (10) and euscaphic acid D (11). The structures of the isolated compounds were assigned on the basis of their H-1- and C-13-NMR spectra and two-dimensional NMR techniques, which included COSY, HSQC, HMBC and NOESY experiments and comparison with the reported literature.

}, keywords = {2, 2-diphenylpropane, aromatic monoterpene alcohols, Lamiaceae, Lavandula gibsoni}, issn = {1478-6419}, doi = {10.1080/14786419.2012.738203}, author = {Kulkarni, Roshan R. and Joshi, Swati P.} } @article { ISI:000326465600015, title = {New dipyranocoumarin from the leaves of calophyllum apetalum willd}, journal = {Natural Product Research}, volume = {27}, number = {20}, year = {2013}, month = {OCT}, pages = {1896-1901}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS LTD}, address = {4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A new dipyranocoumarin, -hydroxytomentolide A (1) was isolated from the leaves of Calophyllum apetalum together with the known compounds friedelin (2), apetalactone (3), inophyllum C (4) and canophyllol (5). The structure of the new compound was established by spectroscopic studies which include H-1 NMR, C-13 NMR, NOESY, HetCOSY, COLOC experiments and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.

}, keywords = {-hydroxytomentolide A, Calophyllum apetalum, dipyranocoumarins, Guttiferae, Triterpenoids}, issn = {1478-6419}, doi = {10.1080/14786419.2013.784869}, author = {Joshi, Swati P. and Kulkarni, Smita R. and Phalgune, Usha D. and Puranik, Vedavati G.} } @article { ISI:000327360600071, title = {New porous material to enhance the kinetics of clathrate process: application to precombustion carbon dioxide capture}, journal = {Environmental Science \& Technology}, volume = {47}, number = {22}, year = {2013}, month = {NOV}, pages = {13191-13198}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

In this work, the performance of a new porous medium, polyurethane (PU) foam in a fixed bed reactor for carbon dioxide separation from fuel gas mixture using the hydrate based gas separation process is evaluated. The kinetics of hydrate formation in the presence of 2.5 mol \% propane as thermodynamic promoter was investigated at 4.5, 5.5, and 6.0 MPa and 274.2 K. Significantly higher gas consumption and water conversion to hydrate was achieved when PU foam was employed. PU foam as a porous medium can help convert 54\% of water to hydrate in two hours of hydrate formation. In addition the induction times were very low (\<3.67 min at 6.0 MPa). A normalized rate of hydrate formation of 64.48 (+/- 3.82) mol.min(-1).m(-3) was obtained at 6.0 MPa and 274.2 K. Based on a morphological study, the mechanism of hydrate formation from water dispersed in interstitial pore space of the porous medium is presented. Finally, we propose a four step operation of the hydrate based gas separation process to scale up.

}, issn = {0013-936X}, doi = {10.1021/es403516f}, author = {Babu, Ponnivalavan and Kumar, Rajnish and Linga, Praveen} } @article {42491, title = {Newly designed resorcinolate binding for Ru(II)- and Re(I)- polypyridyl complexes on oleic acid capped tio2 in non-aqueous solvent: prolonged charge separation and substantial thermalized 3MLCT injection}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {117}, year = {2013}, month = {JAN}, pages = {3084{\textendash}3092}, abstract = {

Femtosecond pump{\textendash}probe spectroscopic studies on a series of newly synthesized resorcinol-based Ru(II) and Re(I) complexes on oleic acid capped TiO2 nanoparticles have been carried out in chloroform, and the results are compared with those of the catechol analogues. The ruthenium complex shows biexponential injection; the second component arises due to injection from the thermally equilibrated 3MLCT states as a result of a weaker strength of the resorcinolate binding. Also, in comparison with catechol binding, as a result of a greater diffusion of the injected electrons into TiO2, the back electron transfer (BET) is slowed down significantly for the ruthenium complex. These are distinctive observations for any mononuclear ruthenium{\textendash}polypyridyl{\textendash}enediol complex reported thus far. However, the rhenium complex educes single exponential ultrafast injection (\<120 fs) because of apparent injection in a high density of states and shows the most prominent results with \~{}50\% slowdown in the charge recombination rate as compared to the analogous catechol bound system. These results exemplify the probable development of highly capable sensitizer dyes with resorcinol as the anchoring group for the development of efficient dye-sensitized solar cells.

}, doi = {10.1021/jp310570n}, author = {Banerjee, Tanmay and Kaniyankandy, Sreejith and Das, Amitava and Ghosh, Hirendra Nath} } @article { ISI:000313513400013, title = {N-Heterocyclic carbene catalyzed esterification of aromatic aldehydes with alcohols under aerobic conditions}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {3}, number = {6}, year = {2013}, month = {DEC}, pages = {1695-1698}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A simple, organocatalytic procedure for the direct oxidative esterification of a variety of aromatic aldehydes with alcohols has been described that affords the corresponding aromatic esters in high yields. The method employs N-heterocyclic carbenes as catalysts and molecular O-2 as an oxidant under ambient conditions.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c2ra22718e}, author = {Kiran, I. N. Chaithanya and Lalwani, Komal G. and Sudalai, Arumugam} } @article { ISI:000324909200005, title = {Nitrite reductase NirBD is induced and plays an important role during in vitro dormancy of mycobacterium tuberculosis}, journal = {Journal of Bacteriology}, volume = {195}, number = {20}, year = {2013}, month = {OCT}, pages = {4592-4599}, publisher = {AMER SOC MICROBIOLOGY}, address = {1752 N ST NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036-2904 USA}, abstract = {

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is one of the strongest reducers of nitrate among all mycobacteria. Reduction of nitrate to nitrite, mediated by nitrate reductase (NarGHJI) of M. tuberculosis, is induced during the dormant stage, and the enzyme has a respiratory function in the absence of oxygen. Nitrite reductase (NirBD) is also functional during aerobic growth when nitrite is the sole nitrogen source. However, the role of NirBD-mediated nitrite reduction during the dormancy is not yet characterized. Here, we analyzed nitrite reduction during aerobic growth as well as in a hypoxic dormancy model of M. tuberculosis in vitro. When nitrite was used as the sole nitrogen source in the medium, the organism grew and the reduction of nitrite was evident in both hypoxic and aerobic cultures of M. tuberculosis. Remarkably, the hypoxic culture of M. tuberculosis, compared to the aerobic culture, showed 32- and 4-fold-increased expression of nitrite reductase (NirBD) at the transcription and protein levels, respectively. More importantly, a nirBD mutant of M. tuberculosis was unable to reduce nitrite and compared to the wild-type (WT) strain had a \>2-log reduction in viability after 240 h in the Wayne model of hypoxic dormancy. Dependence of M. tuberculosis on nitrite reductase (NirBD) was also seen in a human macrophage-based dormancy model where the nirBD mutant was impaired for survival compared to the WT strain. Overall, the increased expression and essentiality of nitrite reductase in the in vitro dormancy models suggested that NirBD-mediated nitrite reduction could be critical during the persistent stage of M. tuberculosis.

}, issn = {0021-9193}, doi = {10.1128/JB.00698-13}, author = {Akhtar, Shamim and Khan, Arshad and Sohaskey, Charles D. and Jagannath, Chinnaswamy and Sarkar, Dhiman} } @article { ISI:000327481200002, title = {Noble metal promoted CeO2-ZrO2-supported ni catalysts for liquid-phase hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde}, journal = {Catalysis Letters}, volume = {143}, number = {12}, year = {2013}, month = {DEC}, pages = {1266-1276}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Pd or Pt promoted CeO2-ZrO2-supported Ni catalysts exhibited superior catalytic activity to the hitherto known Ni catalysts for liquid-phase hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde at moderate conditions. Under similar experimental conditions, the unpromoted catalyst was selective for hydrocinnamaldehyde product (C=C hydrogenation) whereas the promoted catalyst yielded 3-phenyl propanol (C=C and C=O hydrogenation product). Enhanced dispersion of Ni was the cause for higher activity of the promoted Ni catalysts.

}, keywords = {Ceria-zirconia, Cinnamaldehyde, Noble metal promoted catalyst, Selective hydrogenation, Supported Ni catalyst}, issn = {1011-372X}, doi = {10.1007/s10562-013-1064-9}, author = {Bhogeswararao, Seemala and Kumar, V. Pavan and Chary, K. V. R. and Srinivas, D.} } @article { ISI:000323761100009, title = {Novel mechanism for antiglycative action of limonene through stabilization of protein conformation}, journal = {Molecular Biosystems}, volume = {9}, number = {10}, year = {2013}, month = {JUN}, pages = {2463-2472}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Inhibition of protein glycation is known to ameliorate secondary complications in diabetes. In the present study antiglycative properties of limonene, a natural product, were evaluated using BSA as a model protein. AMG (aminoguanidine) was used as a positive control. Measurement of total AGEs (Advanced Glycation End-products) and specific AGEs revealed that limonene could inhibit protein glycation to the extent of 56.3\% and 75.1\% respectively at 50 mu M concentration as against 54.4\% and 82.2\% by AMG at 1 mM. Congo red binding and CD (Circular Dichroism) analysis revealed inhibition of alpha-helix to beta-sheet transition wherein 18.5\% beta-sheet structures were observed in glycated BSA (bovine serum albumin) as against 4.9\% with limonene. Glycation of protein in the presence of urea was enhanced by 18\%, while in the presence of limonene it was reduced by 23\% revealing the stabilizing effect of limonene. Electrophoretic mobility was similar to the normal control and a zeta potential value of -12.1 mV as against -15.1 mV in diabetic control was observed. Inhibition of glycation in limonene treated samples was confirmed through LC-MS analysis wherein AGEs such as pentosidine, CML (N-epsilon-(carboxymethyl)lysine), CEL (N-epsilon-(carboxyethyl) lysine), MOLD (methylglyoxal-lysine dimer) and imidazolone observed in glycated samples were absent in limonene treated samples. PatchDock studies revealed that limonene could bind to the major glycation sites IB, IIA and IIB sub domains and AMG to the IIIA sub domain. Thus limonene is a potent protein glycation inhibitor that prevents protein glycation through a novel mechanism of stabilization of protein structure through hydrophobic interactions.

}, issn = {1742-206X}, doi = {10.1039/c3mb00020f}, author = {Joglekar, Madhav M. and Panaskar, Shrimant N. and Chougale, Ashok D. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J. and Arvindekar, Akalpita U.} } @article { ISI:000315818200024, title = {One pot room temperature synthesis of robust gold nanochains}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {3}, number = {13}, year = {2013}, month = {JAN}, pages = {4261-4270}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We report a room temperature reduction and stabilization of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) from auric chloride in the presence of 1.5 and 3 mM linear poly(amidoamine) (PAmAm), which leads to 1D assembly of AuNPs. At higher concentrations, isolated AuNPs are formed. Detailed investigations show that the morphology is governed primarily by pH rather than concentration. This is the first report to demonstrate the stability of nanochains against pH switching. The nanochains are robust as revealed by stability at higher temperature, salt concentration, thiol exchange, and would be useful in developing electronic devices for biological applications.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c3ra22803g}, author = {Biradar, Satish C. and Kulkarni, Mohan G.} } @article { ISI:000313694200024, title = {One pot solvent free synthesis and in vitro antitubercular screening of 3-aracylphthalides against mycobacterium tuberculosis}, journal = {Bioorganic \& Medicinal Chemistry Letters}, volume = {23}, number = {3}, year = {2013}, month = {FEB}, pages = {711-714}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

One pot synthesis of 3-Aracylphthalide was accomplished in good yield by reacting 2-carboxy benzaldehyde with various aromatic methyl ketones in presence of methane sulphonic acid. Various phthalides thus obtained were characterized with spectral techniques. These phthalides were subjected to in vitro antitubercular screening against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra (MTB) by using XRMA protocol. Among the phthalides screened, four exhibited half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) in the range of 0.81-1.24 mu g/ml thereby providing potential lead compounds for future drug discovery studies. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {3-Aracylphthalide, Antitubercular activity, Methane sulphonic acid, One pot synthesis}, issn = {0960-894X}, doi = {10.1016/j.bmcl.2012.11.097}, author = {Limaye, Rohan A. and Kumbhar, Virendra B. and Natu, Arun D. and Paradkar, Madhusudan V. and Honmore, Varsha S. and Chauhan, Rubia R. and Gample, Suvarna P. and Sarkar, Dhiman} } @article { ISI:000326122200015, title = {One-pot fluorescent labeling protocol for complex hydroxylated bioactive natural products}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {78}, number = {20}, year = {2013}, month = {OCT}, pages = {10192-10202}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Tagging of small bioactive molecules with a fluorophore is a highly sensitive method to trace their cellular activities through real-time visual information. Here we disclose a 7-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole (NBD)-based, high-yielding, one-pot labeling protocol for hydroxylated molecules using Yamaguchi coupling as the key reaction. This methodology was successfully applied on several sensitive and complex hydroxylated bioactive compounds including 7-deacetylazadiradione, simvastatin, camptothecin, andrographolide, cinchonine, beta-dihydroartemisinin, and azadirachtin A. Further, utility of this protocol was illustrated on the cytotoxic activity of azadiradione derivatives against several cancer cell lines through cell imaging of two qualified fluorescent probes.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/jo401559t}, author = {Haldar, Saikat and Kumar, Santosh and Kolet, Swati P. and Patil, Harshal S. and Kumar, Dhiraj and Kundu, Gopal C. and Thulasiram, Hirekodathakallu V.} } @article { ISI:000315540200007, title = {One-step method for the synthesis of aryl olefins from aryl aldehydes and aliphatic aldehydes}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {54}, number = {12}, year = {2013}, month = {MAR}, pages = {1528-1530}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A conceptually new one-step reaction affording unexpected aryl olefinic product from aromatic aldehyde, aliphatic aldehyde and malononitrile in the presence of acetic acid-ammonium acetate under mild reaction conditions without using any metal catalyst is reported. This novel reaction was used to prepare a number of substituted aryl olefins including new molecules. (c) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Aliphatic aldehyde, Aromatic aldehyde, Aryl olefin, Dicyanoaniline, Malononitrile}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2013.01.008}, author = {Borate, Hanumant B. and Gaikwad, Supriya H. and Kudale, Ananada S. and Chavan, Subhash P. and Pharande, Shrikant G. and Wagh, Vitthal D. and Sawant, Vikram S.} } @article { ISI:000314368200002, title = {Optically pure gamma-butyrolactones and epoxy esters via two stereocentered HKR of 3-substituted epoxy esters: a formal synthesis of (-)-paroxetine, Ro 67-8867 and (+)-eldanolide}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {11}, number = {8}, year = {2013}, month = {JAN}, pages = {1280-1285}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The HKR of racemic anti- or syn-3-substituted epoxy esters catalyzed by a Co(III)salen complex provides ready access to the corresponding enantioenriched 3,4-disubstituted gamma-butyrolactones and 3-substituted epoxy esters. This strategy has been successfully employed in the formal synthesis of biologically active 3,4-disubstituted piperidine derivatives, (-)-paroxetine and Ro 67-8867 and a natural product, (+)-eldanolide.

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/c3ob27321k}, author = {Devalankar, Dattatray A. and Karabal, Pratibha U. and Sudalai, Arumugam} } @article { ISI:000312999200020, title = {Optimization of the production of a maltooligosaccharides producing amylase from the alkalophilic streptomyces lonarensis strain NCL 716 using SVR modeling}, journal = {Starch-Starke}, volume = {65}, number = {1-2}, year = {2013}, month = {JAN}, pages = {179-185}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

The Streptomyces lonarensis strain NCL 716 hydrolyses starch to produce a mixture of maltotriose (G3) and maltotetraose (G4) along with maltose (G2). The objective of the present work was to determine an optimum cost effective media composition for the production of a-amylase from this strain. The most influential factor was found to be starch while the least influential factor found was peptone by PlackettBurman method. Peptone amount was kept constant throughout the fermentation. Peptone, which is one of the expensive media components was used at a concentration of 1?g/L, which made the optimum media composition cost effective. A support vector regression-based process model was developed for approximating the non-linear relationship between the fermentation operating variables and the a-amylase yield. Multicanonical Jump Walk Annealing, a stochastic optimization technique is used to obtain optimal operating variables to maximize amylase yield. The maximum amylase activity thus obtained was in good agreement with the experimental values at the optimized levels. The optimum media composition obtained by this method was: yeast extract: 4.53?g/L, starch: 20.246?g/L, K2HPO4: 0.0827\%, MgSO4: 0.15\%, peptone: 1?g/L. A maximum enzyme activity of 297?U/mL, which was achieved using the above approaches compares well with the activity of reported amylases producing maltooligosaccharides.

}, keywords = {Alkaline a-amylase, Optimization, Streptomyces, Support vector regression analysis}, issn = {0038-9056}, doi = {10.1002/star.201200094}, author = {Sharma, Trupti K. and Bhadane, Vaibhav A. and Kumar, Lalitha S. and Rele, Meenakshi V. and Bhawar, Gajanan and Rahman, Imran} } @article { ISI:000315968900025, title = {Organophotocatalysis in nanostructured soft gel materials as tunable reaction vessels: comparison with homogeneous and micellar solutions}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry A}, volume = {1}, number = {14}, year = {2013}, month = {FEB}, pages = {4577-4588}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Riboflavin tetraacetate-catalyzed aerobic photooxidation of 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethanol was investigated as a model reaction under blue visible light in different soft gel materials, aiming to establish their potential as reaction vessels for photochemical transformations. Three strategies involving different degrees of organization of the catalyst within the gel network were explored, and the results compared to those obtained in homogeneous and micellar solutions. In general, physical entrapment of both the catalyst and the substrate under optimized concentrations into several hydrogel matrices (including low-molecular-weight and biopolymer-based gels) allowed the photooxidation with conversions between 55 and 100\% within 120 min (TOF similar to 0.045-0.08 min(-1); k(obs) similar to 0.011-0.028 min(-1)), albeit with first-order rates ca. 1-3-fold lower than in solution under comparable non-stirred conditions. Remarkably, the organogel made of a cyclohexane-based bisamide gelator in CH3CN not only prevented the photodegradation of the catalyst but also afforded full conversion in less than 60 min (TOF similar to 0.167 min(-1); k(obs) similar to 0.073 min(-1)) without the need of additional proton transfer mediators (e. g., thiourea) as it occurs in CH3CN solutions. In general, the gelators could be recycled without detriment to their gelation ability and reaction rates. Moreover, kinetics could be fine-tuned according to the characteristics of the gel media. For instance, entangled fibrillar networks with relatively high mechanical strength were usually associated with lower reaction rates, whereas wrinkled laminated morphologies seemed to favor the reaction. In addition, the kinetics results showed in most cases a good correlation with the aeration efficiency of the gel media.

}, issn = {2050-7488}, doi = {10.1039/c3ta01109g}, author = {Bachl, Jurgen and Hohenleutner, Andreas and Dhar, Basab Bijayi and Cativiela, Carlos and Maitra, Uday and Koenig, Burkhard and Diaz, David Diaz} } @article { ISI:000319647600012, title = {Orientation of the beta-hydroxyl group controls the diastereoselectivity during the hydride reduction and grignard reaction of inososes}, journal = {Tetrahedron}, volume = {69}, number = {25}, year = {2013}, month = {JUN}, pages = {5144-5151}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A comparison of the results of the Grignard reaction and the hydride reduction of the carbonyl group of epi- and scyllo-inososes reveals that the extent of diastereoselectivity of these reactions is decided by the orientation of the beta-hydroxyl group (or its derivative). Presence of an axial beta-hydroxyl group generally results in the formation of relatively larger amount of the axial alcohol as a result of the reduction of the carbonyl group. The possible reasons for the observed differences in diastereoselectivity between the reactions of these isomeric epi- and scyllo-inososes have been discussed. The sequence of reactions reported here provides convenient access to C-allcylated inositols, such as iso-laminitol and iso-mytilitol as well as 2-O-methyl epi-inositol, an epimer of the naturally occurring ononitol. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Cyclitol, diastereoselectivity, Grignard, Inositol, Nucleophile, reduction}, issn = {0040-4020}, doi = {10.1016/j.tet.2013.04.081}, author = {Jagdhane, Rajendra C. and Patil, Madhuri T. and Krishnaswamy, Shobhana and Shashidhar, Mysore S.} } @article { ISI:000315168800015, title = {Orthanilic acid-promoted reverse turn formation in peptides}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {49}, number = {22}, year = {2013}, month = {JAN}, pages = {2222-2224}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Orthanilic acid (2-aminobenzenesulfonic acid, (S)Ant), an aromatic beta-amino acid, has been shown to be highly useful in inducing a folded conformation in peptides. When incorporated into peptide sequences (Xaa-(S)Ant-Yaa), this rigid aromatic beta-amino acid strongly imparts a reverse-turn conformation to the peptide backbone, featuring robust 11-membered-ring hydrogen-bonding.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c3cc40522b}, author = {Kale, Sangram S. and Priya, Gowri and Kotmale, Amol S. and Gawade, Rupesh L. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Rajamohanan, P. R. and Sanjayan, Gangadhar J.} } @article { ISI:000313009000014, title = {Over-expression of a subgroup 4 R2R3 type MYB transcription factor gene from Leucaena leucocephala reduces lignin content in transgenic tobacco}, journal = {Plant Cell Reports}, volume = {32}, number = {1}, year = {2013}, month = {JAN}, pages = {161-171}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

LlMYB1 , a subgroup 4 R2R3-type MYB transcription factor gene from Leucaena leucocephala appears to be a repressor of lignin biosynthesis pathway by regulating the transcription of general phenylpropanoid pathway genes. R2R3MYB transcription factors are known to play a wide role in regulating the phenylpropanoid pathway in plants. In this study, we report isolation, cloning and characterization of an R2R3MYB transcription factor gene (LlMYB1) from an economically important tree species, Leucaena leucocephala. LlMYB1 consists of 705 bp coding sequence corresponding to 235 amino acids. Sequence alignment revealed that the N-terminal (MYB) domain of the gene shares up to 95 \% similarity with subgroup 4 (Sg4) members of R2R3Myb gene family functionally known to be lignin repressors. Highly divergent C-terminal region of the gene carried an ERF-associated amphiphilic repression (EAR) motif, another characteristic of the Sg4. The gene was phylogenetically grouped closest with AmMYB308, a known repressor of monolignol biosynthetic pathway genes. Spatio-temporal expression studies at different ages of seedlings using quantitative real-time PCR (QRT-PCR) showed highest transcript level of the gene in 10 day old stem tissues. Over-expression of the gene in transgenic tobacco showed statistically significant decline in the transcript levels of the general phenylpropanoid pathway genes and reduction in lignin content. Our study suggests that LlMYB1 might be playing the role of a repressor of lignin biosynthesis in L. leucocephala.

}, keywords = {Leucaena leucocephala, lignin, R2R3MYB, Repressor, Transcript level}, issn = {0721-7714}, doi = {10.1007/s00299-012-1350-9}, author = {Omer, Sumita and Kumar, Santosh and Khan, Bashir Mohammad} } @article { ISI:000327052700035, title = {Oxidative dehydrogenation of ethyl benzene to styrene over hydrotalcite derived cerium containing mixed metal oxides}, journal = {Green Chemistry}, volume = {15}, number = {11}, year = {2013}, month = {SEP}, pages = {3259-3267}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Cerium containing mixed oxides derived from hydrotalcites was prepared and its catalytic activity was studied for oxidative dehydrogenation of ethyl benzene to styrene. Structural, spectroscopic and morphological features of the catalyst have been thoroughly examined with various physico-chemical characterization methods. Raman spectroscopy studies show evidence for oxygen vacancies in lower loadings of cerium which enhanced the oxygen migration. The transmission electron microscopy image showed good dispersion of ceria clusters on the mixed metal oxide. The catalytic activity results suggested that the conversion of ethyl benzene and styrene yield is stable for at least 12 hours without any significant catalyst deactivation. The styrene selectivity and ethyl benzene conversion were higher in a catalyst containing 0.03 mole percentage of cerium. Structural features of the spent catalysts have also been examined to demonstrate the stability of the catalyst during the reaction.

}, issn = {1463-9262}, doi = {10.1039/c3gc41321g}, author = {Venugopal, Ashok Kumar and Venugopalan, Aswathy Thareparambil and Kaliyappan, Periyasamy and Raja, Thirumalaiswamy} } @article { ISI:000209465100066, title = {Oxidoreductase from {\textquoteleft}Alphonso{\textquoteright} mango catalyzing biosynthesis of furaneol and reduction of reactive carbonyls}, journal = {SpringerPlus}, volume = {2}, year = {2013}, month = {OCT}, pages = {494}, publisher = {SPRINGER INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHING AG}, type = {Article}, address = {GEWERBESTRASSE 11, CHAM, CH-6330, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Two furanones, furaneol (4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone) and mesifuran (2,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-3(2H)-furanone), are important constituents of flavor of the Alphonso cultivar of mango (Mangifera indica). To get insights into the biosynthesis of these furanones, we isolated an enone oxidoreductase gene from the Alphonso mango. It has high sequence similarity to an alkenal/one oxidoreductase from cucumber (79\% identity) and enone oxidoreductases from tomato (73\% identity) and strawberry (72\% identity). The complete open reading frame was expressed in E. coli and the (his) 6-tagged recombinant protein was purified by affinity chromatography. The purified protein assayed with NADH as a reducing agent converted D-fructose-1,6-diphosphate into furaneol, the immediate precursor of mesifuran. The enzyme was also able to convert two highly reactive carbonyls, 3-buten-2-one and 1-penten-3-one, produced by lipid peroxidation in plants, into their saturated derivatives. Expression profiling in various ripening stages of Alphonso fruits depicted an expression maxima at 10 days after harvest stage, shortly before the appearance of the maximum amount of furanones (completely ripe stage, 15 days after harvest). Although no furanones were detected at the 0 day after harvest stage, significant expression of this gene was detected in the fruits at this stage. Overall, the results suggest that this oxidoreductase plays important roles in Alphonso mango fruits.

}, keywords = {Detoxification, Enone oxidoreductase, Flavor, Mangifera indica, Ripening}, issn = {2193-1801}, doi = {10.1186/2193-1801-2-494}, author = {Kulkarni, Ram and Chidley, Hemangi G. and Deshpande, Ashish and Schmidt, Axel and Pujari, Keshav and Giri, Ashok P. and Gershenzon, Jonathan and Gupta, Vidya} } @article { ISI:000313764100016, title = {PEEK/SiO2 composites with high thermal stability for electronic applications}, journal = {Electronic Materials Letters}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, year = {2013}, month = {JAN}, pages = {95-100}, publisher = {KOREAN INST METALS MATERIALS}, address = {POSCO CENTER, 4TH FL (EAST WING), 892 DAECHI-4-DONG, KANGNAM-KU, SEOUL 135-777, SOUTH KOREA}, abstract = {

Thermal and mechanical properties of new high performance polymer matrix composites based on poly(etheretherketone) (PEEK) as matrix and crystalline-silica (SiO2) as reinforcement were discussed for application in electronic packaging substrates or printed circuit boards. The content of SiO2 was varied between 0 and 50 wt. \%. Scanning electron microscopy showed uniform dispersion of SiO2 particles in the matrix. Thermogravimetry analysis showed significant increase in thermal stability and char yield with increase in SiO2 content in the matrix. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that SiO2 had a heterogeneous nucleating effect on PEEK, leading to an increase in peak temperature of crystallization and onset crystallization temperature of the composites compared to a pure matrix. The microhardness increased approximately 42\%. A modified rule of mixtures with a strengthening efficiency factor equal to 0.06 fit the data nicely. The results show that the prepared PEEK/SiO2 composites may have potential applications in electronics.

}, keywords = {hardness, PEEK, polymer matrix composites, Thermal properties}, issn = {1738-8090}, doi = {10.1007/s13391-012-2107-x}, author = {Goyal, R. K. and Rokade, K. A. and Kapadia, A. S. and Selukar, B. S. and Garnaik, Baijayantimala} } @article { ISI:000324663100044, title = {Phase, size and shape transformation by fungal biotransformation of bulk TiO2}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Journal}, volume = {230}, year = {2013}, month = {AUG}, pages = {367-371}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Nanosynthesis is an ever expanding frontier in recent years in view of its implications to many future technologies covering diverse fields. Considerable progress has been made realizing high quality synthesis of elemental nanomaterials as well as compounds as chemical, biological and physical routes. The issue of technologically viable large scale synthesis still continues to be a challenge. Here we demonstrate a novel environmentally friendly top down approach to nanosynthesis which exploits the strength and peculiarities of fungus based bioleaching in extracting radicals from compounds and then providing them with a reactive as well as capping environment. Thus protein capped nanoparticles of TiO2 (5-28 nm, circular and brookite phase) are formed directly from micron size (150-250 nm, disc shape, anatase phase) powder by exposing them to a medium of fungus Humicola sp. at just 50 degrees C. The fungus Humicola sp. is not only useful for the synthesis of nanoparticles but also for the transformation of shape, phase and size of TiO2. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Anatase, Biotransformation, Brookite, humicola sp, TiO2}, issn = {1385-8947}, doi = {10.1016/j.cej.2013.06.091}, author = {Khan, Shadab Ali and Ahmad, Absar} } @article { ISI:000327920600003, title = {Phytase isozymes from aspergillus niger NCIM 563 under solid state fermentation: biochemical characterization and their correlation with submerged phytases}, journal = {Process Biochemistry}, volume = {48}, number = {11}, year = {2013}, month = {NOV}, pages = {1618-1625}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Aspergillus niger NCIM 563 produces dissimilar phytase isozymes under solid state and submerged fermentation conditions. Biochemical characterization and applications of phytase Phy III and Phy IV in SSF and their comparison with submerged fermentation Phy I and Phy III were studied. SSF phytases have a higher metabolic potential as compared to SmF. Phy I is tetramer and Phy II, III and IV are monomers. Phy I and IV have pH optima of 2.5 and Phy II and III have pH optima of 5.0 and 5.6, respectively. Phy I, III and IV exhibited very broad substrate specificity while Phy II was more specific for sodium phytate. SSF phytase is less thermostable as compared to SmF phytase. Phy land II show homology with other known phytases while Phy III and IV show no homology with SmF phytases and any other known phytases from the literature suggesting their unique nature. This is the first report about differences among phytase produced under SSF and SmF by A. niger and this study provides basis for explanation of the stability and catalytic differences observed for these enzymes. Exclusive biochemical characteristics and multilevel application of SSF native phytases determine their efficacy and is exceptional. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {A. niger, Isozymes, Phytase, Solid state fermentation, Submerged fermentation}, issn = {1359-5113}, doi = {10.1016/j.procbio.2013.08.001}, author = {Bhavsar, Kavita P. and Buddhiwant, Priyanka and Soni, Sarvesh K. and Depan, Dilip and Sarkar, Sampa and Khire, Jayant Malhar} } @article { ISI:000313012200051, title = {Polarizability of few electron quantum dots: extended coupled-cluster response approach}, journal = {Chemical Physics Letters}, volume = {555}, year = {2013}, month = {JAN}, pages = {263-267}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The dipole polarizability is studied for few electron quantum dots using extended coupled cluster linear response method (ECCLR). The polarizability of pure parabolic quantum dots depends only on the number of electrons and the parabolic confinement strength. We added impurity in a GAUSSIAN form to the external parabolic potential and used ECCLR to calculate polarizability. To examine the effect of external potential, we changed the parabolic confinement to square-well and repeated all calculations. We mainly looked at eigenvalue spectrum and charge density specially when the system shifts towards lower density regions. (C) 2012 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0009-2614}, doi = {10.1016/j.cplett.2012.10.071}, author = {Heidari, Ideh and Vaval, Nayana and Pal, Sourav and Kanhere, Dilip G.} } @article { ISI:000315360400007, title = {Poly-L-arginine grafted silica mesoporous nanoparticles for enhanced cellular uptake and their application in DNA delivery and controlled drug release}, journal = {Particle \& Particle Systems Characterization}, volume = {30}, number = {2}, year = {2013}, month = {FEB}, pages = {166-179}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), that are capable of delivering gene and drugs to organisms in an effective and selective way have attracted much attention lately for its potential in the treatment of cancer. However, the successful application of MSNs for delivery of plasmid DNA or drugs requires surface modification of the silica with positively charged functional groups so that it binds to the negatively charged nucleic acids and also helps it penetrate through the cell membrane. We report for the first time the synthesis of a hybrid MSN where the cell penetrating cationic polypeptide poly-L-arginine synthesized by NCA polymerization is grafted onto the external surface of MSN using click chemistry. These poly-L-arginine grafted MSNs show low cytotoxity (85\% cell viability at 100 g/mL MSN concentration) and high cellular uptake by both HeLa and A549 (\>90\%). The poly-L-arginine grafted MSNs were used effectively to deliver mCherry DNA plasmid into cells leading to expression of the protein mCherry inside the cells (transfection efficiency 60\%). In contrast, poly-L-arginine grafted non-porous silica nanoparticles were unable to express the protein mCherry inside the cells although their uptake into the cells was as efficient as with poly-L-arginine grafted MSNs. We also show preliminary results to demonstrate that these hybrid MSNs can be used as a delivery vehicle for the anticancer drug Doxorubicin towards cancerous cells HeLa and A549. The biocompatibility of poly-L-arginine and its cell penetrating ability are expected to make these MSN conjugates very useful carriers for the delivery of genes and drugs into cancer cells.

}, issn = {0934-0866}, doi = {10.1002/ppsc.201200089}, author = {Kar, Mrityunjoy and Tiwari, Neha and Tiwari, Mitali and Lahiri, Mayurika and Sen Gupta, Sayam} } @article { ISI:000326481200003, title = {Polymer solar cells}, journal = {Journal of Materials Education}, volume = {35}, number = {3-4}, year = {2013}, month = {SEP}, pages = {79-119}, publisher = {INT COUNCIL MATERIALS EDUCATION}, address = {UNIV N TEXAS, 1155 UNION CIRCLE \#30510, DENTON, TX 76203-5017 USA}, abstract = {

It is a well known fact that the amount of solar energy impinging on the earth{\textquoteright}s surface in one hour is higher than the worldwide energy demand per year. Solar energy is the ultimate renewable zero emission energy source. Solar energy technology which is dominated by the crystalline silicon has not found widespread acceptance due to size, weight, aesthetics, cost and installation of solar panels. On the other hand, polymer solar cells being light weight, inexpensive, colorful and capable to be fabricated into large area flexible devices by roll to roll processes, portend potential for large scale non-grid and grid power generation applications. Polymer solar cells would reduce the need for petroleum and natural gas for power generation; therefore, the use of cells would slow down the disappearance of non-renewable resources and promote sustainability. In spite of these facts, polymer solar cells are not covered in current curricula and textbooks of Materials Science and Engineering. The present article intends to provide the remedy to this situation and exhaustively discusses materials, mechanisms and applications in the development of highly efficient polymer solar cells (PSCs).

}, keywords = {Bulk heterojunction polymer solar cells, Electron acceptors, Electron donors, Inverted and Tandem solar cells, Roll to roll processing, Solar cell efficiency}, issn = {0738-7989}, author = {Singh, Ram Prakash and Kushwaha, Omkar Singh} } @article { ISI:000335399700017, title = {Polymer solar cells: an overview}, journal = {Macromolecular Symposia}, volume = {327}, number = {1}, year = {2013}, note = {Kathmandu Symposia on Advanced Materials (KaSAM), Nepal Polymer Inst, Kathmandu, NEPAL, MAY 09-12, 2012}, month = {MAY}, pages = {128-149}, publisher = {Tribhuvan Univ; Kathmandu Univ; Univ Rouen; Int Union Pure \& Appl Chem}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Polymer Solar cells being flexible, light weight, inexpensive, colorful and large area devices, portend potential for large scale grid power generation. The first major breakthrough in organic solar cell performance came in 1986 when Tang discovered that much higher efficiencies about 1\% can be attained when electron donor (D) and electron acceptor (A) are brought together in one cell. With the discovery of photo induced electron transfer from a conjugated polymer to fullerene molecules in 1992, the bulk heterojunction (BHJ) polymer solar cell has become the most successful device structure developed in the field till date. Poly(3-hexyl thiophene) (P3HT) has been the subject of intensive investigations upto 2008 yielding power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) around 5-6\%. OPV technology has grown during the past decade with cell efficiencies quadrupling. As alternative route of higher performance, two or more single cells can be combined in tandem structure. The most efficient tandem organic solar cell reported by Yang Yang{\textquoteright}s group has 8.62\% power conversion efficiency (PCE) which has been further improved with an NREL - certified PCE of 10.6\%. An overview of the above will be presented in this paper.

}, keywords = {bulk heterojunction, electron acceptor, electron donor, fullerenes, polymer solar cells}, issn = {1022-1360}, doi = {10.1002/masy.201350516}, author = {Singh, Ram Prakash and Kushwaha, Omkar Singh} } @article { ISI:000326300200011, title = {Porous carbons from nonporous MOFs: influence of ligand characteristics on intrinsic properties of end carbon}, journal = {Crystal Growth \& Design}, volume = {13}, number = {10}, year = {2013}, month = {OCT}, pages = {4195-4199}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Synthesis of porous carbons on direct carbonization of nonporous Zn-based MOFs has been achieved without using any additional carbon precursor. The effect of ligand nature on the resulting carbon porosity has been studied systematically using the MOFs synthesized from rigid and flexible ligands. The linear relations between Zn/C ratio of the MOF versus surface area of the resulting carbon, micro-porosity versus H-2 uptake achieved in these carbons, and surface area versus specific capacitance of the end carbons have been verified from the gas adsorption, molecular composition, and electrochemical studies, respectively. Cyclic voltammetry and charge-discharge cycling have been carried out to study the capacitive behavior of the carbons. The interdependence of capacitive behavior on the surface area has been analyzed using data derived from N-2 adsorption isotherms and charge-discharge curves. Among the carbons synthesized, C-MOF-2 shows maximal surface area of 1378 m(2)/g with a specific capacitance of 170 F/g at 1 A/g.

}, issn = {1528-7483}, doi = {10.1021/cg401122u}, author = {Aiyappa, Harshitha Barike and Pachfule, Pradip and Banerjee, Rahul and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article { ISI:000324098200003, title = {Porous Co3O4 nanorods as superior electrode material for supercapacitors and rechargeable Li-ion batteries}, journal = {Journal of Applied Electrochemistry}, volume = {43}, number = {10}, year = {2013}, month = {OCT}, pages = {995-1003}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Porous aggregated nanorods of Co3O4 with a surface area of similar to 100 m(2) g(-1) synthesized without using any templates or surfactants give very high specific capacitance of similar to 780 F g(-1) when used as electrode in a faradaic supercapacitor, with a cycle life of more than 1,000 cycles. Further, in Li-ion batteries when used as an anode, the Co3O4 nanorods achieved a capacity of 1155 mA h g(-1) in the first cycle and upon further cycling it is stabilized at 820 mA h g(-1) for more than 25 cycles. Detailed characterization indicated the stability of the material and the improved performance is attributed to the shorter Li-insertion/desertion pathways offered by the highly porous nanostructures. The environmentally benign and easily scalable method of synthesis of the porous Co3O4 nanorods coupled with the superior electrode characteristics in supercapacitors and Li-ion batteries provide efficient energy storage capabilities with promising applications.

}, keywords = {Cobalt oxide, Electrode materials, Li-ion battery, Porous nanostructures, supercapacitor}, issn = {0021-891X}, doi = {10.1007/s10800-013-0593-7}, author = {Vijayanand, S. and Kannan, Ramaiyan and Potdar, H. S. and Pillai, V. K. and Joy, Pattayil Alias} } @article { ISI:000313263300022, title = {Porous-organic-framework-templated nitrogen-rich porous carbon as a more proficient electrocatalyst than Pt/C for the electrochemical reduction of oxygen}, journal = {Chemistry-A European Journal}, volume = {19}, number = {3}, year = {2013}, month = {JAN}, pages = {974-980}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Porous nitrogen-rich carbon (POF-C-1000) that was synthesized by using a porous organic framework (POF) as a self-sacrificing host template in a nanocasting process possessed a high degree of graphitization in an ordered structural arrangement with large domains and well-ordered arrays of carbon sheets. POF-C-1000 exhibits favorable electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen-reduction reaction (ORR) with a clear positive shift of about 40 mV in the onset potential compared to that of a traditional, commercially available Pt/C catalyst. In addition, irrespective of its moderate surface area (785 m2?g-1), POF-C-1000 showed a reasonable H2 adsorption of 1.6 wt?\% (77 K) and a CO2 uptake of 3.5 mmol?g-1 (273 K).

}, keywords = {Adsorption, Electrochemistry, fuel cells, oxygen-reduction reaction, porous organic frameworks}, issn = {0947-6539}, doi = {10.1002/chem.201202940}, author = {Pachfule, Pradip and Dhavale, Vishal M. and Kandambeth, Sharath and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article { ISI:000316432700037, title = {Pre-combustion capture of carbon dioxide in a fixed bed reactor using the clathrate hydrate process}, journal = {Energy}, volume = {50}, year = {2013}, month = {FEB}, pages = {364-373}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Hydrate based gas separation (HBGS) process with silica sand and silica gel as contact medium was employed to capture CO2 from fuel gas mixture. Gas uptake measurement at three different pressures (7.5, 8.5 and 9.0 MPa) and 274.15 K were conducted for hydrate formation kinetics and overall conversion of water to hydrate, rate of hydrate formation were determined. Water conversion of up to 36\% was achieved with silica sand bed compared to 13\% conversion in the silica gel bed. Effect of driving force on the rate of hydrate formation and gas consumption was significant in silica sand bed whereas it was found to be insignificant in silica gel bed. Hydrate dissociation experiments by thermal stimulation (at constant pressure) alone and a combination of depressurization and thermal stimulation were carried out for complete recovery of the hydrated gas. A driving force of 23 K was found to be sufficient to recover all the hydrated gas within 1 h. This study indicates that silica sand can be an effective porous media for separation of CO2 from fuel gas when compared to silica gel. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Carbon dioxide capture, Clathrate hydrates, Gas separation, Global warming, Pre-combustion}, issn = {0360-5442}, doi = {10.1016/j.energy.2012.10.046}, author = {Babu, Ponnivalavan and Kumar, Rajnish and Linga, Praveen} } @article { ISI:000323842900082, title = {Preparation-method-dependent morphological, band structural, microstructural, and photocatalytic properties of noble metal-GaNbO4 nanocomposites}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {3}, number = {37}, year = {2013}, month = {JUL}, pages = {16817-16828}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We report the distinct physicochemical and photophysical properties of gallium niobate photocatalysts (bandgap: similar to 3.1 eV), prepared by a solid-state (SS) reaction and sol-gel (SG) method and dispersed with a noble metal (similar to 0.5\% of Pt, Au, or RuOx) cocatalyst. SG-GaNbO4 comprised smaller size particles (similar to 20-50 nm) and a larger surface area (similar to 160 m(2) g(-1)) compared to SS-GaNbO4 (particle size similar to 30-150 nm, surface area similar to 27 m(2) g(-1)). XRD patterns revealed a preparation-dependent variation in the relative intensity of prominent reflections. In TEM examination, SG samples exhibited small-range grain boundaries and heterogeneous metal/substrate interfacial contacts, while SS-GaNbO4 had long-range ordering. Laser-Raman and thermoluminescence investigations revealed that lattice distortion, defect-induced inter-bandgap charge trapping states, and the local environment around the metal/semiconductor interfaces may also depend on the preparation method. Metal-GaNbO4 nanocomposites showed no activity for the dissociation of pure water under UV (\>250 nm) irradiation, despite the favourable conduction and valence band potentials. This was attributed to the sharp Ga and Nb d-levels in the narrow conduction band of GaNbO4, as confirmed by ab initio electronic structure calculation. These photocatalysts, however, showed good activity for semiconductor-mediated photo-dissociation of aqueous methanol to produce H-2; a cocatalyst-dependent activity trend, Pt \> RuOx \> Au, was observed. Doping of S at similar to 5\% of the oxygen sites led to decreased photoactivity, ascribed to the presence of localized S 3p states just above the O 2p valence level. In conclusion, besides band characteristics, certain morphological and microstructural properties play a crucial role in the photoactivity of the metal/oxide nanocomposites.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c3ra43477j}, author = {Devi, Suman and Kelkar, Sarika A. and Kashid, Vikas and Salunke, Hemant G. and Gupta, Narendra M.} } @article { ISI:000315707900026, title = {Probing the acidity of carboxylic acids in protic ionic liquids, water, and their binary mixtures: activation energy of proton transfer}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, volume = {117}, number = {8}, year = {2013}, month = {FEB}, pages = {2456-2465}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Acidity functions were used to express the ability of a solvent/solution to donate/accept a proton to a solute. The present work accounts for the acidity determination of HCOOH, CH3COOH, and CH3CH2COOH in the alkylimidazolium-based protic ionic liquids (PILs), incorporated with carboxylate anion, water, and in a binary mixture of PIL and water using the Hammett acidity function, H-0. A reversal in the acidity trend was observed, when organic acids were transferred from water to PIL. It was emphasized that an increased stabilization offered by PIL cation toward the more basic conjugate anion of organic acid was responsible for this anomalous change in acidity order in PILs, which was absent in water. The greater stabilization of a basic organic anion by PIL cation is discussed in terms of the stable hard-soft acid base (HSAB) pairing. A change in the H-0 values of these acids was observed with a change in temperature, and a linear correlation between the ln H-0 and 1/T was noted. This relationship points toward the activation energy of proton transfer (E-a,E-H+), a barrier provided by the medium during the proton transfer from Bronsted acid to indicator. The H-0 function in binary mixtures points to the involvement of pseudosolvent, the behavior of which changes with the nature and concentration of acid. The presence of the maxima/minima in the H-0 function is discussed in terms of the synergetic behavior of the pseudosolvent composed of the mixtures of aqueous PILs.

}, issn = {1520-6106}, doi = {10.1021/jp310927w}, author = {Shukla, Shashi Kant and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000324842900004, title = {Probing the active site of cinnamoyl CoA reductase 1 (Ll-CCRH1) from Leucaena leucocephala}, journal = {International Journal of Biological Macromolecules}, volume = {60}, year = {2013}, month = {SEP}, pages = {33-38}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Lack of three dimensional crystal structure of cinnamoyl CoA reductase (CCR) limits its detailed active site characterization studies. Putative active site residues involved in the substrate/NADPH binding and catalysis for Leucaena leucocephala CCR (Ll-CCRH1; GenBank: DQ986907) were identified by amino acid sequence alignment and homology modeling. Putative active site residues and proximal H215 were subjected for site directed mutagenesis, and mutated enzymes were expressed, purified and assayed to confirm their functional roles. Mutagenesis of S136, Y170 and K174 showed complete loss of activity, indicating their pivotal roles in catalysis. Mutant S212G exhibited the catalytic efficiencies less than 10\% of wild type, showing its indirect involvement in substrate binding or catalysis. R51G, D77G, F30V and I31N double mutants showed significant changes in K-m values, specifying their roles in substrate binding. Finally, chemical modification and substrate protection studies corroborated the presence Ser, Tyr, Lys, Arg and carboxylate group at the active site of Ll-CCRH1. (c) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Chemical modification, Cinnamoyl CoA reductase 1, Docking simulations, homology modeling, Site directed mutagenesis, Substrate protection}, issn = {0141-8130}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2013.05.005}, author = {Sonawane, Prashant and Patel, Krunal and Vishwakarma, Rishi Kishore and Srivastava, Sameer and Singh, Somesh and Gaikwad, Sushama M. and Khan, Bashir Mohammad} } @article { ISI:000315478700010, title = {Proline catalyzed alpha-aminoxylation reaction in the synthesis of biologically active compounds}, journal = {Accounts of Chemical Research}, volume = {46}, number = {2}, year = {2013}, month = {FEB}, pages = {289-299}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The search for new and efficient ways to synthesize optically pure compounds is an active area of research in organic synthesis. Asymmetric catalysis provides a practical, cost-effective, and efficient method to create a variety of complex natural products containing multiple stereocenters. In recent years, chemists have become more interested in using small organic molecules to catalyze organic reactions. As a result, organocatalysis has emerged both as a promising strategy and as an alternative to catalysis with expensive proteins or toxic metals. One of the most successful and widely studied secondary amine-based organocatalysts is proline. This small molecule can catalyze numerous reactions such as the aldol, Mannich, Michael addition, Robinson annulation, Diels-Alder, alpha-functionalization, alpha-amination, and alpha-aminoxylation reactions. Catalytic and enantioselective alpha-oxygenation of carbonyl compounds is an important reaction to access a variety of useful building blocks for bioactive molecules. Proline catalyzed alpha-aminoxylation using nitrosobenzene as oxygen source, followed by in situ reduction, gives enantiomerically pure 1,2-diol. This molecule can then undergo a variety of organic reactions. In addition, proline organocatalysis provides access to an assortment of biologically active natural products including mevinoline (a cholesterol lowering drug), tetrahydrolipstatin (an antiobesity drug), R(+)-alpha-lipoic acid, and bovidic acid. In this Account, we present an iterative organocatalytic approach to synthesize both syn- and anti-1,3-polyols, both enantio- and stereoselectively. This method is primarily based on proline-catalyzed sequential alpha-aminoxylation and Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons (HWE) olefination of aldehyde to give a gamma-hydroxy ester. In addition, we briefly illustrate the broad application of our recently developed strategy for 1,3-polyols, which serve as valuable, enantiopure building blocks for polyketides and other structurally diverse and complex natural products. Other research groups have also applied similar strategies to prepare such bioactive molecules as littoralisone, brasoside and (+)-cytotrienin A. Among the various synthetic approaches reported for 1,3-polyols, our organocatalytic iterative approach appears to be very promising and robust. This method combines the merit of organocatalytic reaction with an easy access to both enantiomerically pure forms of proline, mild reaction conditions, and tolerance to both air and moisture. In this Account, we present the latest applications of organocatalysis and how organic chemists can use this new tool for the total synthesis of complex natural products

}, issn = {0001-4842}, doi = {10.1021/ar300135u}, author = {Kumar, Pradeep and Dwivedi, Namrata} } @article { ISI:000318917000003, title = {Proline catalyzed sequential alpha-aminooxylation or -amination/reductive cyclization of o-nitrohydrocinnamaldehydes: a high yield synthesis of chiral 3-substituted tetrahydroquinolines}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {11}, number = {22}, year = {2013}, month = {APR}, pages = {3608-3611}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A new sequential organocatalytic method for the synthesis of chiral 3-substituted (X = OH, NH2) tetrahydroquinoline derivatives (THQs) [ee up to 99\%, yield up to 87\%] based on alpha-aminooxylation or -amination followed by reductive cyclization of o-nitrohydrocinnamaldehydes has been described. This methodology has been efficiently demonstrated in the synthesis of two important bioactive molecules namely (-)-sumanirole (96\% ee) and 1-[(S)-3-(dimethylamino)-3,4-dihydro-6,7-dimethoxy-quinolin-1(2H)-yl]- propanone (92\% ee).

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/c3ob40320c}, author = {Rawat, Varun and Kumar, B. Senthil and Sudalai, Arumugam} } @article { ISI:000328231600014, title = {Proline-catalyzed asymmetric synthesis of syn- and anti-1,3-diamines}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {78}, number = {23}, year = {2013}, month = {DEC}, pages = {11756-11764}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

A general organocatalytic strategy for asymmetric synthesis of both syn/anti-1,3-diamines has been developed. The strategy employs proline-catalyzed sequential alpha-amination and Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons (HWE) olefination of aldehydes as the key step where syn-1,3-diamine was obtained as the most favorable product.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/jo401722e}, author = {Kumar, Pradeep and Jha, Vishwajeet and Gonnade, Rajesh G.} } @article { ISI:000325608800002, title = {Proteome wide reduction in AGE modification in streptozotocin induced diabetic mice by hydralazine mediated transglycation}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {3}, year = {2013}, month = {OCT}, pages = {2941}, publisher = {NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP}, address = {MACMILLAN BUILDING, 4 CRINAN ST, LONDON N1 9XW, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The non-enzymatic reaction between glucose and protein can be chemically reversed by transglycation. Here we report the transglycation activity of hydralazine using a newly developed MALDI-TOF-MS based assay. Hydralazine mediated transglycation of HbA1c, plasma proteins and kidney proteins was demonstrated in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic mice, as evidenced by decrease in protein glycation, as well as presence of hydralazine-glucose conjugate in urine of diabetic mice treated with hydralazine. Hydralazine down regulated the expression of Receptor for Advanced Glycation End products (RAGE), NADPH oxidase (NOX), and super oxide dismutase (SOD). These findings will provide a new dimension for developing intervention strategies for the treatment of glycation associated diseases such as diabetes complications, atherosclerosis, and aging.

}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/srep02941}, author = {Kesavan, Suresh K. and Bhat, Shweta and Golegaonkar, Sandeep B. and Jagadeeshaprasad, Mashanipalya G. and Deshmukh, Arati B. and Patil, Harshal S. and Bhosale, Santosh D. and Shaikh, Mahemud L. and Thulasiram, Hirekodathakallu V. and Boppana, Ramanamurthy and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @article { ISI:000313557600018, title = {Proteomic analysis of protease resistant proteins in the diabetic rat kidney}, journal = {Molecular \& Cellular Proteomics}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, year = {2013}, month = {JAN}, pages = {228-236}, publisher = {AMER SOC BIOCHEMISTRY MOLECULAR BIOLOGY INC}, address = {9650 ROCKVILLE PIKE, BETHESDA, MD 20814-3996 USA}, abstract = {

Glycation induced protein aggregation has been implicated in the development of diabetic complications and neurodegenerative diseases. These aggregates are known to be resistant to proteolytic digestion. Here we report the identification of protease resistant proteins from the streptozotocin induced diabetic rat kidney, which included enzymes in glucose metabolism and stress response proteins. These protease resistant proteins were characterized to be advanced glycation end products modified and ubiquitinated by immunological and mass spectrometry analysis. Further, diabetic rat kidney exhibited significantly impaired proteasomal activity. The functional analysis of identified physiologically important enzymes showed that their activity was reduced in diabetic condition. Loss of functional activity of these proteins was compensated by enhanced gene expression. Aggregation prone regions were predicted by in silico analysis and compared with advanced glycation end products modification sites. These findings suggested that the accumulation of protein aggregates is an inevitable consequence of impaired proteasomal activity and protease resistance due to advanced glycation end products modification. Molecular \& Cellular Proteomics 12: 10.1074/mcp.M112.020651, 228-236, 2013.

}, issn = {1535-9476}, doi = {10.1074/mcp.M112.020651}, author = {Bansode, Sneha B. and Chougale, Ashok D. and Joshi, Rakesh S. and Giri, Ashok P. and Bodhankar, Subhash L. and Harsulkar, Abhay M. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @article { ISI:000313557300004, title = {Proteomic profiling and interactome analysis of ER-positive/HER2/neu negative invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast: towards proteomics biomarkers}, journal = {OMICS-A Journal of Integrative Biology}, volume = {17}, number = {1}, year = {2013}, month = {JAN}, pages = {27-40}, publisher = {MARY ANN LIEBERT, INC}, address = {140 HUGUENOT STREET, 3RD FL, NEW ROCHELLE, NY 10801 USA}, abstract = {

Breast cancer, especially ER positive/HER2/neu negative IDC, is the predominant subtype of invasive ductal carcinoma. Although proteomic approaches have been used towards biomarker discovery in clinical breast cancer, ER positive/HER2/neu negative IDC is the least studied subtype. To discover biomarkers, as well as to understand the molecular events associated with disease progression of estrogen receptor positive/HER2/neu negative subtype of invasive ductal carcinoma, differential protein expression profiling was performed by using LC-MSE (MS at elevated energy). A total of 118 proteins were identified, of which 26 were differentially expressed. These identified proteins were functionally classified and their interactions and coexpression were analyzed by using bioinformatic tools PANTHER (Protein Analysis THrough Evolutionary Relationships) and STRING (Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes). These proteins were found to be upregulated and were involved in cytoskeletal organization, calcium binding, and stress response. Interactions of annexin A5, actin, S100 A10, glyceraldehyde 3 phosphate dehydrogenase, superoxide dismutase 1, apolipoprotein, fibrinogen, and heat shock proteins were prominent. Differential expression of these proteins was validated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and Western blot analysis. The cluster of these proteins may serve as a signature profile for estrogen receptor positive/ HER2/neu negative subtype.

}, issn = {1536-2310}, doi = {10.1089/omi.2012.0054}, author = {Korwar, Arvind M. and Bhonsle, Hemangi S. and Ghole, Vikram S. and Gawai, Kachru R. and Koppikar, Chaitanyananda B. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @article { ISI:000313764300025, title = {Proteomic study reveals downregulation of apolipoprotein A1 in plasma of poorly controlled diabetes: a pilot study}, journal = {Molecular Medicine Reports}, volume = {7}, number = {2}, year = {2013}, month = {FEB}, pages = {495-498}, publisher = {SPANDIDOS PUBL LTD}, address = {POB 18179, ATHENS, 116 10, GREECE}, abstract = {

Proteomic approaches aid in gaining a better understanding of the pathophysiology of diabetic complications. In view of this, differential protein expression in diabetic plasma samples was studied by a combination of proteomic and western blot analyses. Diabetic plasma samples were categorized based on glycated haemoglobin levels as controlled diabetes (CD; 7-8\%), poorly controlled diabetes (PCD; \>8\%) and non-diabetic control (ND;\<6.4\%). Two-dimensional electrophoresis and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed differential expression of proteins including upregulation of fibrinogen and haptoglobin and downregulation of vitamin D binding protein, alpha-1-antitrypsin, transthyretin and apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A1) in diabetic compared with non-diabetic plasma samples. Amongst these proteins, Apo A1 downregulation was prominent in PCD. Downregulation of Apo A1 may serve as an early predictive marker of diabetic complications.

}, keywords = {biomarker, HbA1c, proteomics}, issn = {1791-2997}, doi = {10.3892/mmr.2012.1223}, author = {Bhonsle, Hemangi S. and Korwar, Arvind M. and Chougale, Ashok D. and Kote, Sachin S. and Dhande, Nitin L. and Shelgikar, Kishore M. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @article { ISI:000320305100009, title = {Purification and characterization of a thermolysin like protease from thermoactinomyces thalpophilus MCMB-380}, journal = {Protein and Peptide Letters}, volume = {20}, number = {8}, year = {2013}, month = {AUG}, pages = {918-925}, publisher = {BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBL LTD}, address = {EXECUTIVE STE Y-2, PO BOX 7917, SAIF ZONE, 1200 BR SHARJAH, U ARAB EMIRATES}, abstract = {

The extracellular thermolysin like protease (TLP) was purified and characterized from Thermoactinomyces thalpophilus MCMB-380 (Genbank Accession No. EF397000). The enzyme was purified to homogeneity by successive ultra filtration steps using 50 kDa and 10 kDa membrane filters followed by anion exchange chromatography. The molecular mass and isoelectric point of the enzyme were found to be 34.4 kDa and 9.5, respectively. The proteolytic activity was inhibited by EDTA and the enzyme required Ca2+ to show the full activity as well as thermostability. The T-50 of the enzyme at 80 degrees C was 1 h and the activation energy was estimated to be 11.02 Kcal / mol. Atomic absorption spectrophotometric analysis revealed the presence of Zn2+ ion in the protein core indicating that it is a metalloprotease. This protease has commercial potential in catalyzing the condensation reaction of two amino acids for production of the dipeptide aspartame, an artificial sweetener. The one hour time-frame is significantly faster than that of the enzyme thermolysin from Bacillus thermoproteolyticus. Moreover the TLP was stable at 80 degrees C for one hour which makes it industrially robust. The Zn2+ ion in the T. thalpophilus protease appears to be necessary for maintaining the active conformation of the enzyme molecule.

}, keywords = {Metalloprotease, Thermostability, TLP}, issn = {0929-8665}, author = {Majumder, Devipriya R. and Kanekar, Pradnya P. and Gaikwad, Sushama M.} } @article { ISI:000318447100001, title = {Reactivity of thiophenes, oligothiophenes and benzothiophenes}, journal = {Advances in Heterocyclic Chemistry}, volume = {108}, year = {2013}, month = {DEC}, pages = {1-161}, publisher = {ELSEVIER ACADEMIC PRESS INC}, address = {525 B STREET, SUITE 1900, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101-4495 USA}, abstract = {

This article surveys the literature on the reactivity of thiophenes and benzothiophenes published since the appearance of the third edition of Comprehensive Heterocyclic Chemistry. Two areas that have received maximum attention are: (1) homo- and cross-coupling reactions leading to C C bond formation with high site selectivity and under mild reaction conditions, as well as the regioselective introduction of heteroatom substituents and (2) dithienylethenes and their symmetry-allowed photocyclized isomers, with special reference to the use of this photochromic system as photoswitching units.

}, keywords = {Benzothiophenes and oligothiophenes, Newer results on the reactivity of thiophenes, Pericyclic reactions, Transition metal-catalyzed bond formation}, isbn = {978-0-12-404598-9}, issn = {0065-2725}, doi = {10.1016/B978-0-12-404598-9.00001-8}, author = {Rajappa, Srinivasachari and Gumaste, Vikas K.}, editor = {Katritzky, A. R.} } @article { ISI:000325548600016, title = {Redox-mediated synthesis of functionalised graphene: a strategy towards 2D multifunctional electrocatalysts for energy conversion applications}, journal = {ChemPlusChem}, volume = {78}, number = {10}, year = {2013}, month = {OCT}, pages = {1296-1303}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

A simple, one-step synthetic route for developing a two-dimensional multifunctional electrocatalyst is reported, by the functionalisation of graphene using oxidised ethylenedioxythiophene (O-EDOT). The mutually assisted redox reaction between graphene oxide (GO) and EDOT facilitates the reduction of GO to graphene with a concomitant deposition of O-EDOT on the surface of the graphene. The oxidised surface of GO catalyses the reaction without using an added reducing agent, so a controlled and uniform deposition of O-EDOT is ensured on the surface of graphene, which essentially prevents the restacking of the layers. UV/Visible, IR, Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy give valid evidence for the reduction and functionalisation of graphene sheets. The functional groups present on the surface of graphene are found to tune the physical and chemical properties of graphene. Consequently, the functionalised material displays enhanced electrocatalytic activity for the reduction of oxygen to water and I3- to I- relative to pristine graphene. These distinct property characteristics make the material a versatile cathode electrocatalyst for both alkaline anion-exchange membrane fuel cells and dye-sensitised solar cells.

}, keywords = {electrocatalysts, fuel cells, graphene, redox chemistry, solar cells}, issn = {2192-6506}, doi = {10.1002/cplu.201300153}, author = {Unni, SreeKuttan M. and Bhange, Siddheshwar N. and Anothumakkool, Bihag and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article { ISI:000326495000058, title = {Relating pore hydrophilicity with vapour adsorption capacity in a series of amino acid based metal organic frameworks}, journal = {CrystEngComm}, volume = {15}, number = {45}, year = {2013}, month = {AUG}, pages = {9634-9640}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A new Zn based porous homochiral metal-organic framework, ThrZnOAc, belonging to unh topology, has been synthesized using pyridyl functionalized threonine and Zn(OAc)(2) as the metal precursor. Stepwise substitution of the homochiral MOF backbone by simply changing the sidearm of the amino acids (isopropyl in the case of valine, methyl in alanine and hydroxyethyl in threonine) resulted in increased water adsorption in ThrZnOAc compared to the previously reported ValZnOAc/AlaZnOAc. Extensive solvent sorption isotherms (water, methanol, isopropanol and toluene) have been carried out, which revealed high solvophilic interaction with polar solvents in ThrZnOAc due to the polar pore [2-hydroxyethyl {-CH(OH)CH3} sidearm of the amino acid], which is not prominent in the corresponding valine/alanine counterparts. The aforementioned functionalization in a series of isostructural amino acid based MOFs with the only difference being in the sidearm and their emergence as enhanced solvophilic materials is unprecedented in the MOF literature.

}, issn = {1466-8033}, doi = {10.1039/c3ce41083h}, author = {Kundu, Tanay and Sahoo, Subash Chandra and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article { ISI:000326049600003, title = {Rheology and microstructural studies of regenerated silk fibroin solutions}, journal = {Rheologica Acta}, volume = {52}, number = {10-12}, year = {2013}, month = {NOV}, pages = {833-840}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Regenerated silk fibroin solutions (RSF) are produced by dissolving degummed silk fibers in water. We have observed that RSF solutions at a concentration less than 15 \% by weight exhibit an unusual gel-like response in conventional shear rheology measurements. At higher concentrations, the response is predominantly viscous (or liquid-like). We have probed this counterintuitive behavior of silk fibroin solutions by using microrheology, and interfacial rheometry. Scattering techniques were also used to understand the microstructure of RSF solutions as a function of the concentration. Our studies suggest that the gel-like response of the RSF solution may result from the formation of an interfacial film at the air-solution interface, which dominates the bulk rheological response.

}, keywords = {Interfacial rheology, Microrheology, Rheology, Silk}, issn = {0035-4511}, doi = {10.1007/s00397-013-0723-5}, author = {Nisal, Anuya and Kalelkar, Chirag and Bellare, Jayesh R. and Lele, Ashish K.} } @article { ISI:000326296800033, title = {Role of substituents on the reactivity and electron density profile of diimine ligands: a density functional theory based study}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Sciences}, volume = {125}, number = {5}, year = {2013}, month = {SEP}, pages = {1247-1258}, publisher = {INDIAN ACAD SCIENCES}, address = {C V RAMAN AVENUE, SADASHIVANAGAR, P B \#8005, BANGALORE 560 080, INDIA}, abstract = {

In this paper, we study the reactivity of diimines like 2, 2({\textquoteright})-bipyridine, 1, l0-phenanthroline and 1, 2, 4-triazines using density-based reactivity descriptors. We discuss the enhancement or diminution in the reactivity of these ligands as a function of two substituent groups, namely methyl (-CH3) group and phenyl (-C6H5) group. The global reactivity descriptors explain the global affinity and philicity of these ligands, whereas the local softness depicts the particular site selectivity. The inter-molecular reactivity trends for the same systems are analysed through the philicity and group philicity indices. The sigma-donor character of these ligands is quantified with the help of electron density profile. In addition, the possible strength of interaction of these ligands with metal ions is supported with actual reaction energies of Ru-L complexes.

}, keywords = {2, 2 {\textquoteleft}-bipyridine, DFT, diimine, Reactivity descriptors, Ru-ligand interaction, substituent effects}, issn = {0974-3626}, doi = {10.1007/s12039-013-0469-8}, author = {Kulkarni, Bhakti S. and Mishra, Deepti and Pal, Sourav} } @article { ISI:000318917900005, title = {Salt metathesis in three dimensional metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with unprecedented hydrolytic regenerability}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {49}, number = {46}, year = {2013}, month = {APR}, pages = {5262-5264}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

{Eight Zn-based porous (1.2 nm) homochiral MOFs (ValZnX, AlaZnX

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c3cc41842a}, author = {Kundu, Tanay and Sahoo, Subash Chandra and Saha, Subhadeep and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article { ISI:000319330200007, title = {Silencing an N-acyltransferase-like involved in lignin biosynthesis in nicotiana attenuata dramatically alters herbivory-induced phenolamide metabolism}, journal = {Plos One}, volume = {8}, number = {5}, year = {2013}, month = {MAY}, pages = {e62336}, publisher = {PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE}, address = {1160 BATTERY STREET, STE 100, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111 USA}, abstract = {

In a transcriptomic screen of Manduca sexta-induced N-acyltransferases in leaves of Nicotiana attenuata, we identified an N-acyltransferase gene sharing a high similarity with the tobacco lignin-biosynthetic hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA: shikimate/quinate hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (HCT) gene whose expression is controlled by MYB8, a transcription factor that regulates the production of phenylpropanoid polyamine conjugates (phenolamides, PAs). To evaluate the involvement of this HCT-like gene in lignin production as well as the resulting crosstalk with PA metabolism during insect herbivory, we transiently silenced (by VIGs) the expression of this gene and performed non-targeted (UHPLC-ESI/TOF-MS) metabolomics analyses. In agreement with a conserved function of N. attenuata HCT-like in lignin biogenesis, HCT-silenced plants developed weak, soft stems with greatly reduced lignin contents. Metabolic profiling demonstrated large shifts (up to 12\% deregulation in total extracted ions in insect-attacked leaves) due to a large diversion of activated coumaric acid units into the production of developmentally and herbivory-induced coumaroyl-containing PAs (N{\textquoteright}, N {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteright}-dicoumaroylspermidine, N{\textquoteright}, N {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteright}-coumaroylputrescine, etc) and to minor increases in the most abundant free phenolics (chlorogenic and cryptochlorogenic acids), all without altering the production of well characterized herbivory-responsive caffeoyl-and feruloyl-based putrescine and spermidine PAs. These data are consistent with a strong metabolic tension, exacerbated during herbivory, over the allocation of coumaroyl-CoA units among lignin and unusual coumaroyl-containing PAs, and rule out a role for HCT-LIKE in tuning the herbivory-induced accumulation of other PAs. Additionally, these results are consistent with a role for lignification as an induced anti-herbivore defense.

}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0062336}, author = {Gaquerel, Emmanuel and Kotkar, Hemlata and Onkokesung, Nawaporn and Galis, Ivan and Baldwin, Ian T.} } @article { ISI:000323179000029, title = {Single pot conversion of furfuryl alcohol to levulinic esters and gamma-valerolactone in the presence of sulfonic acid functionalized ILs and metal catalysts}, journal = {Green Chemistry}, volume = {15}, number = {9}, year = {2013}, month = {JUL}, pages = {2540-2547}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Ionic liquids functionalized with acidic anions, HSO4, ClSO3H, PTSA, TFA (MIm), HSO4 and TFA (NMP) were found to efficiently (99\% conversion) catalyze the alcoholysis of furfuryl alcohol (FAL) in the presence of methanol, ethanol, n-butanol and isopropyl alcohol (IPA) to the corresponding levulinic acid esters under mild temperature (90-130 degrees C) conditions. The extended alkyl chain length of [MIm] using 1,4-butane sultone enhanced the Bronsted acidity of [BMIm-SH][HSO4] catalyst resulting into the highest selectivity of \>95\% to Me-LA. An increase in both temperature and catalyst concentration increased the furfuryl alcohol conversion and selectivity to levulinate esters. In contrast, an increase in the substrate concentration from 5 to 15\% caused a decrease in Me-LA selectivity due to accumulation of intermediate ethers of furfuryl alcohol. Using a combination of [BMIm-SH][HSO4] and 5\% Ru/C catalyst, direct conversion of FAL to gamma-valerolactone (GVL) is shown for the first time. A complete conversion of FAL with the highest selectivity of 68\% to GVL could be achieved under optimum conditions while higher Ru loading enhanced the GVL selectivity to 94\% in the hydrogenation step of this tandem approach. Our catalyst system could be efficiently recycled five times retaining the original activity and selectivity levels.

}, issn = {1463-9262}, doi = {10.1039/c3gc41098f}, author = {Hengne, Amol M. and Kamble, Sumit B. and Rode, Chandrashekhar V.} } @article { ISI:000318142300022, title = {Solution and in silico studies on the recombinant lectin from Cicer arietinum seeds}, journal = {International Journal of Biological Macromolecules}, volume = {56}, year = {2013}, month = {MAY}, pages = {149-155}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The Cicer arietinum seed lectin was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli and purified in active form. Conformational characterization of the recombinant lectin (rCAL) was performed using biophysical and bioinformatics tools. Thermal denaturation of rCAL caused rapid secondary structural rearrangements above 50 degrees C and transient exposure of hydrophobic residues at 55 degrees C, leading to aggregation. Treatment of rCAL with GdnHCl resulted in unfolding followed by dissociation of the dimer. The single tryptophan in rCAL present on the surface of the protein is surrounded by hydrophobic and acidic amino acids and exists as different conformers. The experimental observations correlated well with the structural information revealed from the homology model of rCAL. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Aggregation, BL21-CodonPlus (DE3)-RIL cells, Cicer lectin, Homology model, Steady-state and time resolved fluorescence, Unfolding}, issn = {0141-8130}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2013.02.015}, author = {Wakankar, Madhurima S. and Krishnasastry, Musti V. and Jaokar, Tulika M. and Patel, Krunal A. and Gaikwad, Sushama M.} } @article { ISI:000313985200009, title = {Solving the problem of negative populations in approximate accelerated stochastic simulations using the representative reaction approach}, journal = {Journal of Computational Chemistry}, volume = {34}, number = {5}, year = {2013}, month = {FEB}, pages = {394-404}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

Methods based on the stochastic formulation of chemical kinetics have the potential to accurately reproduce the dynamical behavior of various biochemical systems of interest. However, the computational expense makes them impractical for the study of real systems. Attempts to render these methods practical have led to the development of accelerated methods, where the reaction numbers are modeled by Poisson random numbers. However, for certain systems, such methods give rise to physically unrealistic negative numbers for species populations. The methods which make use of binomial variables, in place of Poisson random numbers, have since become popular, and have been partially successful in addressing this problem. In this manuscript, the development of two new computational methods, based on the representative reaction approach (RRA), has been discussed. The new methods endeavor to solve the problem of negative numbers, by making use of tools like the stochastic simulation algorithm and the binomial method, in conjunction with the RRA. It is found that these newly developed methods perform better than other binomial methods used for stochastic simulations, in resolving the problem of negative populations. (C) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

}, keywords = {approximate methods, binomial distributions, Gillespie algorithm, Kinetic Monte Carlo, Poisson distributions, representative reaction approach, Stochastic simulations}, issn = {0192-8651}, doi = {10.1002/jcc.23158}, author = {Kadam, Shantanu and Vanka, Kumar} } @article { ISI:000314193500042, title = {Spatial and temporal changes in the volatile profile of alphonso mango upon exogenous ethylene treatment}, journal = {Food Chemistry}, volume = {136}, number = {2}, year = {2013}, month = {JAN}, pages = {585-594}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Alphonso is a highly favoured and exported mango cultivar among the vast mango germplasm of India. Being a climacteric fruit, ethylene plays an important role in ripening of mango. For deeper understanding of effect of pre-climacteric ethylene treatment on volatile profiles of Alphonso mango, 26 volatiles were tracked through six ripening stages of pulp and skin of ethylene-treated and control Alphonso fruits. The study revealed accelerated ripening in terms of early appearance of ripening-specific compounds, lactones and mesifuran, upon ethylene treatment. While the level of lactones remained unaffected, the mesifuran level vastly increased upon ethylene treatment. Skin showed high terpene content while pulp had higher amount of lactones compared to skin. This work points towards involvement of ethylene as a natural hormone in the biosynthesis of lactones and furanones in naturally ripened fruits; whereas, an increase in the terpene level during ripening appears to be independent of ethylene. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Ethylene, Flavour, Mango, Pre-climacteric, Ripening, Volatiles}, issn = {0308-8146}, doi = {10.1016/j.foodchem.2012.08.029}, author = {Chidley, Hemangi G. and Kulkarni, Ram S. and Pujari, Keshav H. and Giri, Ashok P. and Gupta, Vidya S.} } @article { ISI:000329331300031, title = {Spin transport and magnetic correlation parameters for graphene-like nanocarbon sheets doped with nitrogen}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {117}, number = {51}, year = {2013}, month = {DEC}, pages = {27105-27113}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Globally, graphene magnetism has captivated the attention of researchers in recent years. To obtain magnetic ordering, irregularities in the carbon network, like defects, adatoms, etc., are essential. Herein, we report on spin transport and magnetic correlations in graphene-like nanocarbon sheets (GNCs) that were doped with nitrogen by use of tetrakis(dimethylamino)ethylene (TDAE). The spin transport measurements, performed by electron spin resonance technique, showed that both spin-spin and spin-lattice relaxation times are increased by nitrogen doping. The magnetic correlations, measured on a vibrating sample magnetometer, showed that ordering parameters are reduced for nitrogen-loaded GNCs. Chemical analysis, carried out via electron spectroscopy, revealed that nitrogen atoms exchange couples electron-to-hole with the carbon network Analysis of I-V measurements showed that higher-order resistance is appreciably decreased for nitrogen-doped GNCs. The observed decrease is due to an increase in nonbonding states baying small local density. After doping, states in this region may be localized pi spin populated around the doped region. By and large, the approximately 20\% magnetization that exists in GNCs is found to be reduced to 5\% by introduction of nitrogen.

}, issn = {1932-7447}, doi = {10.1021/jp407262w}, author = {Alegaonkar, Ashwini P. and Kumar, Arvind and Patil, Sagar H. and Patil, Kashinath R. and Pardeshi, Satish K. and Alegaonkar, Prashant S.} } @article { ISI:000320332500027, title = {Structural isomerism leading to variable proton conductivity in indium(III) isophthalic acid based frameworks}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {49}, number = {55}, year = {2013}, month = {MAY}, pages = {6197-6199}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Proton conductivity has been studied thoroughly in two isomeric In(III)-isophthalate based MOFs. In-IA-2D-1 is capable of showing proton conductivity (3.4 x 10(-3) S cm(-1)) under humidified conditions (98\% RH), whereas In-IA-2D-2 can conduct protons (2.6 x 10(-5) S cm(-1)) under humidified as well as anhydrous conditions.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c3cc41939h}, author = {Panda, Tamas and Kundu, Tanay and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article { ISI:000327521300003, title = {Superior field emission properties of layered WS2-RGO nanocomposites}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {3}, year = {2013}, month = {NOV}, pages = {3282}, publisher = {NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP}, address = {MACMILLAN BUILDING, 4 CRINAN ST, LONDON N1 9XW, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We report here the field emission studies of a layered WS2-RGO composite at the base pressure of similar to 1 x 10(-8) mbar. The turn on field required to draw a field emission current density of 1 mu A/cm(2) is found to be 3.5, 2.3 and 2 V/mu m for WS2, RGO and the WS2-RGO composite respectively. The enhanced field emission behavior observed for the WS2-RGO nanocomposite is attributed to a high field enhancement factor of 2978, which is associated with the surface protrusions of the single-to-few layer thick sheets of the nanocomposite. The highest current density of similar to 800 mu A/cm(2) is drawn at an applied field of 4.1 V/mu m from a few layers of the WS2-RGO nanocomposite. Furthermore, first-principles density functional calculations suggest that the enhanced field emission may also be due to an overalp of the electronic structures of WS2 and RGO, where graphene-like states are dumped in the region of the WS2 fundamental gap.

}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/srep03282}, author = {Rout, Chandra Sekhar and Joshi, Padmashree D. and Kashid, Ranjit V. and Joag, Dilip S. and More, Mahendra A. and Simbeck, Adam J. and Washington, Morris and Nayak, Saroj K. and Late, Dattatray J.} } @article { ISI:000328941200014, title = {Supramolecular nanoparticles that target phosphoinositide-3-kinase overcome insulin resistance and exert pronounced antitumor efficacy}, journal = {Cancer Research}, volume = {73}, number = {23}, year = {2013}, month = {DEC}, pages = {6987-6997}, publisher = {AMER ASSOC CANCER RESEARCH}, address = {615 CHESTNUT ST, 17TH FLOOR, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106-4404 USA}, abstract = {

The centrality of phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) in cancer etiology is well established, but clinical translation of PI3K inhibitors has been limited by feedback signaling, suboptimal intratumoral concentration, and an insulin resistance {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}class effect.{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} This study was designed to explore the use of supramolecular nanochemistry for targeting PI3K to enhance antitumor efficacy and potentially overcome these limitations. PI3K inhibitor structures were rationally modified using a cholesterol-based derivative, facilitating supramolecular nanoassembly with L-alpha-phosphatidylcholine and DSPE-PEG [1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[amino(polythylen e glycol)]. The supramolecular nanoparticles (SNP) that were assembled were physicochemically characterized and functionally evaluated in vitro. Antitumor efficacy was quantified in vivo using 4T1 breast cancer and K-Ras(LSL/+)/Pten(fl/fl) ovarian cancer models, with effects on glucose homeostasis evaluated using an insulin sensitivity test. The use of PI103 and PI828 as surrogate molecules to engineer the SNPs highlighted the need to keep design principles in perspective; specifically, potency of the active molecule and the linker chemistry were critical principles for efficacy, similar to antibody-drug conjugates. We found that the SNPs exerted a temporally sustained inhibition of phosphorylation of Akt, mTOR, S6K, and 4EBP in vivo. These effects were associated with increased antitumor efficacy and survival as compared with PI103 and PI828. Efficacy was further increased by decorating the nanoparticle surface with tumor-homing peptides. Notably, the use of SNPs abrogated the insulin resistance that has been associated widely with other PI3K inhibitors. This study provides a preclinical foundation for the use of supramolecular nanochemistry to overcome current challenges associated with PI3K inhibitors, offering a paradigm for extension to other molecularly targeted therapeutics being explored for cancer treatment. (C)2013 AACR.

}, issn = {0008-5472}, doi = {10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-12-4477}, author = {Kulkarni, Ashish A. and Roy, Bhaskar and Rao, Poornima S. and Wyant, Gregory A. and Mahmoud, Ayaat and Ramachandran, Madhumitha and Sengupta, Poulomi and Goldman, Aaron and Kotamraju, Venkata Ramana and Basu, Sudipta and Mashelkar, Raghunath Anant and Ruoslahti, Erkki and Dinulescu, Daniela M. and Sengupta, Shiladitya} } @article { ISI:000326056600079, title = {Surfactant-free synthesis of anisotropic gold nanostructures: can dicarboxylic acids alone act as shape directing agents?}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {3}, number = {44}, year = {2013}, month = {AUG}, pages = {21641-21647}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The present study describes the synthesis of gold nanostructures using different dicarboxylic (viz. oxalic, malonic, succinic, glutaric and adipic) acids as reducing agents in the absence of any other additives or surfactants. Various anisotropic structures such as kites, tadpoles, triangular/hexagonal plates, and twinned particles were seen to evolve depending on the molar ratio of dicarboxylic acid to HAuCl4 used. It was also demonstrated that gold nanostructure formation is hampered as the chain length/distance between two carboxylic acid groups increases. Among the various structures obtained the kite like structures displayed the largest surface enhanced Raman enhancement factors.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c3ra43974g}, author = {Kumar, D. V. Ravi and Kumavat, S. R. and Chamundeswari, V. N. and Patra, Partha Pratim and Kulkarni, A. A. and Bhagavatula L. V. Prasad} } @article { ISI:000314475700026, title = {Synergistic action of flavin containing NADH dependant azoreductase and cytochrome P450 monooxygenase in azoaromatic mineralization}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {3}, number = {9}, year = {2013}, month = {DEC}, pages = {3062-3070}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An alkaliphilic strain Bacillus lentus Bl377 was isolated from contaminated soil of the textile area of Solapur, India. The strain was able to degrade almost 98\% of recalcitrant azoic compounds by a mutually regulated process of azoreductase and a monooxygenase system. An enzyme activity study and a periodical carbon monoxide (CO) binding spectra study on a UV-visible spectrophotometer revealed that the intermediate amines formed by typical azoreduction (N=N cleavage), subsequently underwent hydroxylation by the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (CYP450) system. Azoreductase was purified by chromatographic techniques and characterization by MALDI-TOF substantiated its identity as FMN containing NADH dependent azoreductase of 32 kDa in size. Surprisingly, purified azoreductase showed the highest activity at 80 degrees C and pH 8.0. An increase in the activity of superoxide dismutase after decolorization confirmed the signature of oxidative stress and its involvement in the dismutation of reactive metabolites. Intermediate metabolite analysis by HPLC, GC-MS and FTIR and the removal of total organic carbon (TOC) suggested the azoaromatics{\textquoteright} degradation leads to mineralization via a TCA cycle.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c2ra21389c}, author = {Oturkar, Chetan C. and Othman, Munif A. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J. and Madamwar, Datta and Gawai, Kachru R.} } @article { ISI:000323468500032, title = {Synthesis and molecular structure of a zinc complex of the vitamin K-3 analogue phthiocol}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Structure}, volume = {1048}, year = {2013}, month = {SEP}, pages = {223-229}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The complex [Zn(phthiocol)(2)(H2O)(2)]; 1, where phthiocol is 2-hydroxy-3-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone, has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, H-1 NMR, UV-vis spectroscopy, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, electrochemical and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The v(C=O) stretch shifts to lower frequencies upon complexation of phthiocol to Zn2+. H-1 NMR spectra show an upfield shift of the benzenoid ring protons in 1. There is a bathochromic shift of the LMCT band in the UV-vis spectra of 1. Single crystal X-ray structure of 1 show distorted octahedral geometry around Zn2+. Two phthiocol ligands are in plane with the metal, while water molecules are trans to this plane. Coordination of deprotonated phthiocol ligands is {\textquoteleft}trans, trans{\textquoteright} to Zn2+. Intra as well as intermolecular interactions are observed in 1. Molecules of 1 show three dimensional network through C-H center dot center dot center dot O and O-H center dot center dot center dot O interactions. Additional anodic peaks are observed in cyclic voltammogram of phthiocol ligand due to oxidation of reduced species formed during reduction. One-electron reduction of 1 is shown to be reversible and DFT studies define this redox event as ligand-centered. (c) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {hydrogen bonding, Naphthoquinone, Phthiocol, Trans coordination, Vitamin K-3, Zinc complex}, issn = {0022-2860}, doi = {10.1016/j.molstruc.2013.05.057}, author = {Kathawate, Laxmi and Sproules, Stephen and Pawar, Omkar and Markad, Ganesh and Haram, Santosh K. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Salunke-Gawali, Sunita} } @article { ISI:000321231700008, title = {Synthesis and properties of 2 {\textquoteleft}-O-[R- and S-(2-amino-3-methoxy)propyl] (R-AMP and S-AMP) nucleic acids}, journal = {Tetrahedron}, volume = {69}, number = {31}, year = {2013}, month = {AUG}, pages = {6404-6408}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Substitution at 2{\textquoteright}-position by either amino- or methoxy-pendant groups of the antisense oligonucleotides (AONs) is known to enhance their therapeutic value. A simple modification is described here in which we introduce both these groups in the form of enantiospecific tethers at 2{\textquoteright}-position. Practical synthesis of modified nucleosides using natural L-serine, en route to R-AMP- and S-AMP-AONs is presented. Such tethered ONs formed stable DNA:RNA duplexes and the stability was found to be marginally better than the methoxyethyl/methoxypropyl-substituted MOE/MOP-AONs. The stereochemistry of the tether effectively differentiated the hydrolytic cleavage of AONs and the R-AMP-AON was three times more stable than the S-AMP-AONs after 4 h. In comparison, the MOE- or MOP-AONs were almost completely digested by SVPD after 1 h. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Antisense therapeutics, MOE-AONs, Positively charged ON analogues}, issn = {0040-4020}, doi = {10.1016/j.tet.2013.05.104}, author = {Kotikam, Venubabu and Kumar, Vaijayanti A.} } @article { ISI:000319185100004, title = {Synthesis and self-assembly of amphiphilic homoglycopolypeptide}, journal = {Langmuir}, volume = {29}, number = {19}, year = {2013}, month = {MAY}, pages = {5659-5667}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The synthesis of the amphiphilic homoglycopolypeptide was carried out by a combination of NCA polymerization and click chemistry to yield a well-defined Polypeptide having an amphiphilic carbohydrate on its side chain. The amphiphilicity of the carbohydrate was achieved by incorporation of an alkyl chain, at the C-6 position of the carbohydrate thus also rendering the homoglycopolypeptide amphiphilic. The homoglycopolypeptide formed multimicellar aggregates in water above a critical concentration of 0.9 mu M due to phase separation. The multimicellar aggregates were characterized by DLS, TEM, and AFM. It is proposed that hydrophobic interactions of the aliphatic chains at the 6-position of the sugar moieties drives the assembly of these rod-like homoglycopolypeptide into large;spherical aggregates. These multimicellar aggregates encapsulate both hydrophilic as well as hydrophobic dye as was confirmed by confocal microscopy. finally, amphiphilic random polypeptides containing 10\% and 20\% alpha-D-mannose in addition to glucose containing a, hydrophobic alkyl chain at its 6 position were synthesized by our methodology, and these polymers Were also found to assemble into spherical nanostructures. The spherical assemblies Of amphiphilic random glycopolypeptides containing 10\% and 20\% mannose were found to be surface bioactive and were found, to interact with the lectin Con-A.

}, issn = {0743-7463}, doi = {10.1021/la400144t}, author = {Dhaware, Vinita and Shaikh, Ashif Y. and Kar, Mrityunjoy and Hotha, Srinivas and Sen Gupta, Sayam} } @article { ISI:000312946200007, title = {Synthesis and structural studies of S-type/N-type-locked/frozen nucleoside analogues and their incorporation in RNA-selective, nuclease resistant 2 {\textquoteleft}-5 {\textquoteleft} linked oligonucleotides}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {11}, number = {5}, year = {2013}, month = {NOV}, pages = {746-757}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

2{\textquoteright}-endo locked or frozen (S-type)/3{\textquoteright}-endo locked or frozen (N-type) nucleoside analogues were synthesized. Conformational analysis based on (3)J(HH) and NOE measurements is presented which is further confirmed by X-ray crystal structural studies. 2{\textquoteright}-5{\textquoteright} isoDNA oligonucleotides (ON) were synthesized using these modified nucleoside analogues and UV-T-m studies of the resultant 2{\textquoteright}-5{\textquoteright} isoDNA : RNA duplexes reflect the site-and sequence-dependent effects and confirm that the S-type sugar conformations were preferred over the N-type sugar geometry in such duplexes.

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/c2ob26762d}, author = {Erande, Namrata D. and Gunjal, Anita D. and Fernandes, Moneesha and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Kumar, Vaijayanti A.} } @article { ISI:000321490900014, title = {Synthesis of a sex pheromone of the longtailed mealybug, pseudococcus longispinus}, journal = {Synthesis-Stuttgart}, volume = {45}, number = {12}, year = {2013}, month = {JUN}, pages = {1689-1692}, publisher = {GEORG THIEME VERLAG KG}, address = {RUDIGERSTR 14, D-70469 STUTTGART, GERMANY}, abstract = {

The synthesis of a recently identified and highly active sex pheromone of the longtailed mealybug, Pseudococcus longispinus is reported. A concise synthetic route, use of the under explored Meyer-Schuster rearrangement, Claisen rearrangement, and ring-closing metathesis are the highlights of this work.

}, keywords = {Acylation, Metathesis, pheromones, rearrangement, Total synthesis}, issn = {0039-7881}, doi = {10.1055/s-0033-1338450}, author = {Kurhade, Suresh E. and Siddaiah, V. and Bhuniya, Debnath and Reddy, D. Srinivasa} } @article { ISI:000315060600030, title = {Synthesis of all four nucleoside-based beta-amino acids as protected precursors for the synthesis of polyamide-DNA with alternating alpha-amino acid and nucleoside-beta-amino acids}, journal = {Tetrahedron}, volume = {69}, number = {3}, year = {2013}, month = {JAN}, pages = {1210-1216}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A simple approach is described for the synthesis of all four orthogonally protected nucleoside-beta-amino acids from commercially available starting materials. Synthesis of a model tetrameric DNA sequence in 5{\textquoteright}-3{\textquoteright}direction employing trityl strategy and glycine as alpha-amino acid alternating with nucleoside-beta amino acids is described. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Antisense therapeutics, Neutral DNA analogues, Nucleoside-beta amino acids}, issn = {0040-4020}, doi = {10.1016/j.tet.2012.11.028}, author = {Seema Bagmare and Varada, Manojkumar and Banerjee, Anjan and Kumar, Vaijayanti A.} } @article { ISI:000321858300002, title = {Synthesis of end-functionalized phosphate and phosphonate-polypeptides by ring-opening polymerization of their corresponding N-carboxyanhydride}, journal = {Polymer Chemistry}, volume = {4}, number = {15}, year = {2013}, month = {AUG}, pages = {4087-4091}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Phosphopolypeptides provide an interesting biomimetic analog for phosphorylated proteins that are involved in biomineralization. We have developed a high yielding synthesis of cysteine-based phosphate and phosphonate N-carboxyanhydride (NCA) by using the thiol-ene coupling reaction. These phosphate and phosphonate NCA monomers underwent polymerization using simple primary amine initiators to form well defined homophosphopolypeptides. Using a bifunctional initiator we were able to install a {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}clickable{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} alkyne or azide group at the end of the polypeptide chain. We were also able to successfully synthesize fully water-soluble phosphonate based polypeptides by hydrolysis of the corresponding phosphonate ester groups in the polypeptide. These water-soluble phosphopolypeptides adopt a random coil conformation at physiological pH.

}, issn = {1759-9954}, doi = {10.1039/c3py00409k}, author = {Das, Soumen and Kar, Mrityunjoy and Sen Gupta, Sayam} } @article { ISI:000325006600012, title = {Synthesis of indolizidine, pyrrolizidine and quinolizidine ring systems by proline-catalyzed sequential alpha-amination and HWE olefination of an aldehyde}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {3}, number = {40}, year = {2013}, month = {AUG}, pages = {18288-18291}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A general procedure for the synthesis of azabicyclic ring systems viz. indolizidine, pyrrolizidine and quinolizidine has been developed utilizing proline-catalyzed sequential alpha-amination and Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons (HWE) olefination of an aldehyde as the key step. This method can be further extended to the synthesis of various biologically active natural products containing azabicyclic ring systems.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c3ra42001a}, author = {Kauloorkar, Shruti Vandana and Jha, Vishwajeet and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000317151900024, title = {Synthesis of triangular gold nanoplates: role of bromide ion and temperature}, journal = {Colloids and Surfaces A-Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects}, volume = {422}, year = {2013}, month = {APR}, pages = {181-190}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Synthesis of noble metal triangular nanoplates is a kinetically controlled process in which temperature and packing defects play a major role. Nucleation and growth process of kinetically controlled reaction can be greatly influenced by temperature affecting the yield and edge length of the triangles. Through a conventional batch mode process, here we study the effect of temperature on nucleation and growth of gold triangular nanoplates and obtain some insight of the temperature effects on the final yield and edge length of triangles. The role of Br- ions in the synthesis of triangular nanoplates is studied by varying the amount of CAB and by replacing the CTAB with HBr. The results show that, while CTAB controls the edge length and yield of triangles, its use is not mandatory to attain plate like morphology. Finally we show that, while the initial temperature of the reaction mixture governs the nucleation rate and the rate of temperature rise governs the growth rate of particles, they along with the concentration of Br- ions control the edge length and yield. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Au nanotriangles, Halide ion effect, heat transfer, Kinetically controlled, Nature of gold precursor complex, Nucleation and growth, Optical properties}, issn = {0927-7757}, doi = {10.1016/j.colsurfa.2013.01.044}, author = {Kumar, D. V. Ravi and Kulkarni, Amol A. and Bhagavatula L. V. Prasad} } @article {42488, title = {Synthesis, steady-state, and femtosecond transient absorption studies of resorcinol bound ruthenium(ii)- and osmium(ii)-polypyridyl complexes on nano-TiO2 surface in water}, journal = {Inorganic Chemistry}, volume = {52}, year = {2013}, month = {APR}, pages = {5366{\textendash}5377}, abstract = {

The synthesis of two new ruthenium(II)- and osmium(II)-polypyridyl complexes 3 and 4, respectively, with resorcinol as the enediol anchoring moiety, is described. Steady-state photochemical and electrochemical studies of the two sensitizer dyes confirm strong binding of the dyes to TiO2 in water. Femtosecond transient absorption studies have been carried out on the dye{\textendash}TiO2 systems in water to reveal \<120 fs and 1.5 ps electron injection times along with 30\% slower back electron transfer time for the ruthenium complex 3. However, the corresponding osmium complex 4 shows strikingly different behavior for which only a \<120 fs ultrafast injection is observed. Most remarkably, the back electron transfer is faster as compared to the corresponding catechol analogue of the dye. The origin and the consequences of such profound effects on the ultrafast interfacial dynamics are discussed. This Article on the electron transfer dynamics of the aforesaid systems reinforces the possibility of resorcinol being explored and developed as an extremely efficient binding moiety for use in dye-sensitized solar cells.

}, doi = {10.1021/ic4003548}, author = {Banerjee, Tanmay and Kaniyankandy, Sreejith and Das, Amitava and Ghosh, Hirendra Nath} } @article {42704, title = {Synthesis, structures, and dearomatization by deprotonation of iron complexes featuring bipyridine-based PNN pincer ligands}, journal = {Inorganic Chemistry}, volume = {52}, year = {2013}, month = {JUL}, pages = {9636{\textendash}9649}, abstract = {

The synthesis and characterization of new iron pincer complexes bearing bipyridine-based PNN ligands is reported. Three phosphine-substituted pincer ligands, namely, the known tBu-PNN (6-((di-tert-butylphosphino)methyl)-2,2'-bipyridine) and the two new iPr-PNN (6-((di-iso-propylphosphino)methyl)-2,2'-bipyridine) and Ph-PNN (6-((diphenylphosphino)methyl)-2,2'-bipyridine) ligands were synthesized and studied in ligation reactions with iron(II) chloride and bromide. These reactions lead to the formation of two types of complexes: mono-chelated neutral complexes of the type [(R-PNN)Fe(X)2] and bis-chelated dicationic complexes of the type [(R-PNN)2Fe]2+. The complexes [(R-PNN)Fe(X)2] (1: R = tBu, X = Cl, 2: R = tBu, X = Br, 3: R = iPr, X = Cl, and 4: R = iPr, X = Br) are readily prepared from reactions of FeX2 with the free R-PNN ligand in a 1:1 ratio. Magnetic susceptibility measurements show that these complexes have a high-spin ground state (S = 2) at room temperature. Employing a 2-fold or higher excess of iPr-PNN, diamagnetic hexacoordinated dicationic complexes of the type [(iPr-PNN)2Fe](X)2 (5: X = Cl, and 6: X = Br) are formed. The reactions of Ph-PNN with FeX2 in a 1:1 ratio lead to similar complexes of the type [(Ph-PNN)2Fe](FeX4) (7: X = Cl, and 8: X = Br). Single crystal X-ray studies of 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 do not indicate electron transfer from the FeII centers to the neutral bipyridine unit based on the determined bond lengths. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to compare the relative energies of the mono- and bis-chelated complexes. The doubly deprotonated complexes [(R-PNN*)2Fe] (9: R = iPr, and 10: R = Ph) were synthesized by reactions of the dicationic complexes 6 and 8 with KOtBu. The dearomatized nature of the central pyridine of the pincer ligand was established by X-ray diffraction analysis of single crystals of 10. Reactivity studies show that 9 and 10 have a slightly different behavior in protonation reactions.

}, doi = {10.1021/ic401432m}, author = {Zell, Thomas and Langer, Robert and Iron, Mark A. and Konstantinovski, Leonid and Shimon, Linda J. W. and Diskin-Posner, Yael and Leitus, Gregory and Balaraman, Ekambaram and Ben-David, Yehoshoa and Milstein, David} } @article { ISI:000323019400017, title = {Synthetic zipper peptide motif orchestrated via co-operative interplay of hydrogen bonding, aromatic stacking, and backbone chirality}, journal = {Journal of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {135}, number = {31}, year = {2013}, month = {AUG}, pages = {11477-11480}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Here, we report on a new class of synthetic zipper peptide which assumes its three-dimensional zipper-like structure via a co-operative interplay of hydrogen bonding, aromatic stacking, and backbone chirality. Structural studies carried out in both solid- and solution-state confirmed the zipper-like structural architecture assumed by the synthetic peptide which makes use of unusually remote inter-residual hydrogen-bonding and aromatic stacking interactions to attain its shape. The effect of chirality modulation and the extent of noncovalent forces in the structure stabilization have also been comprehensively explored via single-crystal X-ray diffraction and solution-state NMR studies. The results highlight the utility of noncovalent forces in engineering complex synthetic molecules with intriguing structural architectures.

}, issn = {0002-7863}, doi = {10.1021/ja405455g}, author = {Nair, Roshna V. and Kheria, Sanjeev and Rayavarapu, Suresh and Kotmale, Amol S. and Jagadeesh, Bharatam and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Rajamohanan, Pattuparambil R. and Sanjayan, Gangadhar J.} } @article { ISI:000316095000011, title = {Target cum flexibility: simple access to benzofuran conjugated sugar and nucleoside derivatives}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {54}, number = {14}, year = {2013}, month = {APR}, pages = {1824-1827}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The [Pd]-catalyzed domino process comprising of the coupling of alkynes and o-iodophenol and the subsequent cyclization leading to benzofurans has been successfully applied on the sugar and nucleoside derived alkynes. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Benzofuran, carbohydrates, cyclization, Nucleoside, Palladium}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2013.01.089}, author = {Kommagalla, Yadagiri and Srinivas, Kolluru and Ramana, C. V.} } @article { ISI:000311822100011, title = {Thermodynamics and solvation dynamics of BIV TAR RNA-Tat peptide interaction}, journal = {Molecular Biosystems}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, year = {2013}, month = {OCT}, pages = {88-98}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The interaction of the trans-activation responsive (TAR) region of bovine immunodeficiency virus (BIV) RNA with the Tat peptide is known to play important role in viral replication. Despite being thoroughly studied through a structural point of view, the nature of binding between BIV TAR RNA and the BIV Tat peptide requires information related to its thermodynamics and the nature of hydration around the TAR-Tat complex. In this context, we carried out the thermodynamic study of binding of the Tat peptide to the BIV TAR RNA hairpin through different calorimetric and spectroscopic measurements. Fluorescence titration of 2-aminopurine tagged BIV TAR RNA with the Tat peptide gives their binding affinity. The isothermal titration calorimetric experiment reveals the enthalpy of binding between BIV TAR RNA and the Tat peptide to be largely exothermic with the value of -11.7 (SEM 0.2) kcal mol(-1). Solvation dynamics measurements of BIV TAR RNA having 2-AP located at the bulge region have been carried out in the absence and presence of the BIV Tat peptide using the time correlated single photon counting technique. The solvent cage around the Tat binding site of RNA appears to be more rigid in the presence of the Tat peptide as compared to the free RNA. The displacement of solvent and ions on RNA due to peptide binding influences the entropic contributions to the total binding energy.

}, issn = {1742-206X}, doi = {10.1039/c2mb25357g}, author = {Goel, Teena and Kumar, Santosh and Maiti, Souvik} } @article { ISI:000328336300003, title = {Thermoneutral design aspects of gasoline chemical looping reformer}, journal = {Fuel Cells}, volume = {13}, number = {6}, year = {2013}, month = {DEC}, pages = {971-986}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Chemical looping reforming (CLR) is a new technology for syngas generation. The theoretical process design aspects of syngas generation using CLR of isooctane (gasoline) are studied in this paper to assess its ability for fuel processor development for solid oxide fuel cells. The fuel processor operating conditions for maximum syngas generation at thermoneutral conditions are determined in this study using nickel oxide as oxygen carrier for different inputs of oxygen carrier within the temperature range of 600-1,000 degrees C at 1bar pressure. The thermoneutral temperatures for the dual reactor fuel processor were calculated using the hot product gas stream and exothermic CLR process enthalpy to completely balance the endothermic process requirements. The thermoneutral point of 879.5 degrees C (NiO input of 7moles) delivered maximum syngas (13.92moles) using lowest amount of air (26.13moles) in the process was found to be the most suitable thermoneutral temperature for the fuel processor operation. The novel fuel processor design can also be used for other fuels and oxygen carriers.

}, keywords = {Chemical Looping Reformer, Fuel Processor, Isooctane to Syngas, Oxygen Carrier, Thermoneutral Temperature}, issn = {1615-6846}, doi = {10.1002/fuce.201300023}, author = {Kale, G. R. and Kulkarni, B. D.} } @article { ISI:000323361600008, title = {Three-dimensional, mesoporous titanosilicates as catalysts for producing biodiesel and biolubricants}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Catalysis A-Chemical}, volume = {377}, year = {2013}, month = {OCT}, pages = {65-73}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The application of three-dimensional, mesoporous titanosilicates, Ti-SBA-12 and Ti-SBA-16, as reusable solid acid catalysts for producing biodiesel and biolubricants is reported for the first time. Biodiesel was prepared by esterification of oleic acid with monohydric methanol and biolubricants by esterification with polyhydric alcohols (glycerol, trimethylolpropane, neopentyl glycol and pentaerythritol). High catalytic activity of these catalysts is attributed to the presence of dispersed Lewis acidic Ti sites and mesoporosity in the structure. Biodiesel yields as high as 90 mol\% were obtained at 443 K. Surface hydrophobicity of the catalyst has also a predominant role, especially, in reactions involving polyhydric alcohols. In those reactions, Ti-SBA-16 showed higher catalytic activity than Ti-SBA-12. (c) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Biodiesel, Esterification of fatty acid, Lubricant basestocks, mesoporous materials, Ti-SBA-12, Ti-SBA-16, Titanosilicates}, issn = {1381-1169}, doi = {10.1016/j.molcata.2013.04.029}, author = {Kotwal, Mehejabeen and Kumar, Anuj and Darbha, Srinivas} } @article { ISI:000321573300021, title = {Total synthesis of umuravumbolide and hyptolide through silicon-tethered ring-closing metathesis}, journal = {European Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {2013}, number = {21}, year = {2013}, month = {JUL}, pages = {4586-4593}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

The total synthesis of umuravumbolide and hyptolide has been achieved in a efficient manner by using temporary silicon-tethered ring-closing metathesis and cross-coupling reactions as key steps. The stereogenic centres were generated by means of proline-catalysed -aminoxylation of aldehydes and Brown{\textquoteright}s asymmetric allylation method.

}, keywords = {lactones, Metathesis, Silanes, synthetic methods, Total synthesis, Wittig reactions}, issn = {1434-193X}, doi = {10.1002/ejoc.201300302}, author = {Chowdhury, Partha Sarathi and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000322288600009, title = {T-regulatory cell-mediated immune tolerance as a potential immunotherapeutic strategy to facilitate graft survival}, journal = {Blood Transfusion}, volume = {11}, number = {3}, year = {2013}, month = {JUL}, pages = {357-363}, publisher = {SIMITI SERVIZI SRL}, address = {VIA DESIDERIO 21, MILAN, 20131, ITALY}, keywords = {organ transplantation, tolerance induction, tregs}, issn = {1723-2007}, doi = {10.2450/2013.0258-12}, author = {Khan, Mohammad A. and Moeez, Sana and Akhtar, Suhail} } @article { ISI:000325389000001, title = {Understanding the orientation of water molecules around the phosphate and attached functional groups in a phospholipid molecule: a DFT-based study}, journal = {Molecular Simulation}, volume = {39}, number = {12}, year = {2013}, month = {OCT}, pages = {937-955}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS LTD}, address = {4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The adsorption of water molecules around a polar region (in particular around the phosphate moiety) in the phospholipid molecules is studied in this work. Phospholipid molecules with different functional groups are known to respond differently to the water molecules. Hence, we attempt to study the adsorption of water molecules around the phosphate group as a consequence of the change of functional group attached to the phosphate group, viz. phosphatidyl ethanolamine (PE), phosphatidyl choline (PC) and phosphatidyl glycerol (PG). As the latter is anionic in nature, the charge is compensated by Na+ counterion. Up to seven water molecules are adsorbed around the phosphate groups in model systems mimicking phospholipid molecule. The corresponding changes in the structural and electronic aspects are analysed. The significant difference between the PE and PC model systems is the formation of clathrate-like structure in the latter. Itisnoticed that as the number of water molecules increases to seven, both the hydrogen atoms in the water molecule participate in hydrogen bonding. However, in the PG model system, the charge-compensating counterion prevents the water molecule to form clathrate-like structures. The adsorption sites for water molecules are validated by density functional theory-based reactivity descriptors, viz. Fukui functions in the PE model system.

}, keywords = {cHelpG, DMPC, DMPE, DMPG, Fukui functions, Hydration}, issn = {0892-7022}, doi = {10.1080/08927022.2013.783701}, author = {Mishra, Deepti and Das, Susanta and Krishnamurthy, Sailaja and Pal, Sourav} } @article { ISI:000330145400022, title = {Understanding the site selectivity in small-sized neutral and charged AI(n) (4 <= n <= 7) clusters using density functional theory based reactivity descriptors: a validation study on water molecule adsorption}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry A}, volume = {117}, number = {36, SI}, year = {2013}, month = {SEP}, pages = {8691-8702}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Aluminum clusters are now technologically important due to their high catalytic activity. Our present study on the small-sized aluminum clusters applies density functional theory (DFT)-based reactivity descriptors to identify potential sites for adsorption and eventual chemical reaction. Depending on symmetry, susceptibility of various type of reactive sites within a cluster toward an impending electrophilic and/or nucleophilic attack is predicted using the reactivity descriptors. In addition, the study devises general rules as to how the size, shape, and charge of the cluster influences the number of available sites for an electrophilic and/or nucleophilic attack. The predictions by reactivity descriptors are validated by performing an explicit adsorption of water molecule on Al clusters with four atoms. The adsorption studies demonstrate that the most stable water-luster complex is obtained when the molecule is adsorbed through an oxygen atom on the site with the highest relative electrophilicity.

}, issn = {1089-5639}, doi = {10.1021/jp403109s}, author = {Das, Susanta and Pal, Sourav and Krishnamurty, Sailaja} } @article { ISI:000327418000001, title = {Unusual salting effects in ionic liquid solutions}, journal = {Indian Journal of Chemistry Section A-Inorganic Bio-Inorganic Physical Theoretical \& Analytical Chemistry}, volume = {52}, number = {11}, year = {2013}, month = {NOV}, pages = {1377-1382}, publisher = {NATL INST SCIENCE COMMUNICATION-NISCAIR}, address = {DR K S KRISHNAN MARG, PUSA CAMPUS, NEW DELHI 110 012, INDIA}, abstract = {

Unusual salting effects of salting-out agents like LiCl and NaCl and salting-in agents like LiClO4 and NaClO4 in ionic liquid solutions are reported. It is observed that the salting behavior in water can be altered in the presence of ionic liquids. It is demonstrated that the salting-in agents in the presence of the ionic liquids with higher alkyl chain can display unusual fall and rise in the viscosity of the systems. On the other hand, no change in the behavior of the salting-out agents is noted in these ionic liquids. A tentative explanation is proposed for the observed viscosity data in these systems.

}, keywords = {Cationic ring, ionic liquids, Salting effects, viscosity}, issn = {0376-4710}, author = {Nanda, Raju and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000326301000047, title = {Variable-temperature time-resolved emission spectra studies of random pyrene urethane methacrylate copolymers with high pyrene incorporation}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, volume = {117}, number = {39}, year = {2013}, month = {OCT}, pages = {11863-11876}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

A series of random co-polyurethane methacrylate comb polymers with pyrene (Py) and 3-pentadecylphenol (PDP) as pendant units Were prepared by free radical polymerization. The pyrene labeling was varied from 1 to 100 mol \%. The excimer emission of these copolymers were studied as a function of both time and temperature using time-resolved emission spectra (TRES) experiments and variable-temperature steady-state fluorescence measurements. Variable-temperature steady-state as well as decay experiments showed that the contribution from excimers via diffusional encounters increased at the cost of pyrene monomer as the temperature increased until similar to 50 degrees C; beyond which nonradiative losses predominated. TRES collected at 25 and 70 degrees C were compared to study the nature and origin of emitting species as a function of pyrene loading. TRES at 25 degrees C dearly indicated the presence of ground state pyrene dimers with emission centered at similar to 435 nm which soon gave way to emission centered around 465 and 485 nm in the time gated spectra collected at higher time intervals. In TRES collected at 70 degrees C, excimer emission centered at 465 and 485 nm was very high even at short time scales. The lowest pyrene loaded polymer PIHPDP-1Py did not exhibit excimer emission in the TRES collected at 25 degrees C as well as 70 degrees C.

}, issn = {1520-6106}, doi = {10.1021/jp406885f}, author = {Kaushlendra, K. and Asha, S. K.} } @article { ISI:000317032400005, title = {Why does water accelerate organic reactions under heterogeneous condition?}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry A}, volume = {117}, number = {12}, year = {2013}, month = {MAR}, pages = {2446-2454}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

An exhaustive kinetic analysis has been carried out to offer the convincing evidence of the involvement of the oil water interface in guiding {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}on water organic reaction{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} mechanism. We have tuned the interface to prove its indispensable efficacy to make on water reaction a unique type among water mediated organic reactions. Sensitive techniques have established the preferential salvation of polarizable ions at the water surface. The experimental methods have been developed to control the molecular structure of oil water interface in situ. Temperature-dependent analyses have also been presented to understand the enthalpic and entropic modifications of the interfacial water molecules during a heterogeneous reaction. Both of our kinetic and thermodynamic outcomes have univocally established that the hydrogen-bonding ability of the surface water molecules plays a critical role in deciding the on water organic reaction mechanism. The results have important implications on understanding the role of small water molecules adjacent to the reactants during the reactions discussed in this investigation.

}, issn = {1089-5639}, doi = {10.1021/jp4002934}, author = {Manna, Arpan and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000326939800010, title = {Xylitol production by cyberlindnera (Williopsis) saturnus, a tropical mangrove yeast from xylose and corn cob hydrolysate}, journal = {Journal of Applied Microbiology}, volume = {115}, number = {6}, year = {2013}, month = {DEC}, pages = {1357-1367}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

AimPotential for xylitol production from xylose and corn cob hydrolysate by a tropical mangrove yeast. Methods and ResultsIn the present study, 21 fungi were isolated from detritus-based mangrove wetlands along the Indian west coast. Of these, one yeast isolate had the ability to grow and assimilate xylose producing significant amounts of xylitol (3863gl(-1)). A maximum yield of 054gg(-1) was obtained after 144h of growth on xylose (150gl(-1)) and corn cob hydrolysate (CCH, containing 65gl(-1) xylose). Using biochemical and molecular methods, the yeast was identified as Cyberlindnera (Williopsis) saturnus. Preliminary characterization of enzymes in the cell-free extract revealed that while xylose reductase (XR) preferred NADPH to NADH as cofactor, xylitol dehydrogenase (XDH) was NAD specific. ConclusionsSignificant amounts of xylitol could be produced on CCH using C.saturnus isolated from tropical mangrove wetlands. The yeast has the potential to assimilate rather than ferment xylose as its XR has a preference for NADPH. Significance and Impact of the StudyMicrobes offer an economically viable and green approach for production of xylitol, an industrially important compound. A mangrove ecosystem with its battery of lignocellulolytic enzymes is an ideal location for isolating fungi capable of producing xylitol from agroindustrial waste such as CCH.

}, keywords = {corn cob hydrolysate, Cyberlindnera, mangrove, Williopsis, xylitol, Xylose, Yeast}, issn = {1364-5072}, doi = {10.1111/jam.12327}, author = {Kamat, S. and Gaikwad, S. and Kumar, A. Ravi and Gade, Wasudeo N.} } @article { ISI:000325849000034, title = {Zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)-derived, hollow-core, nitrogen-doped carbon nanostructures for oxygen-reduction reactions in PEFCs}, journal = {Chemistry-A European Journal}, volume = {19}, number = {28}, year = {2013}, month = {JUL}, pages = {9335-9342}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

The facile synthesis of a porous carbon material that is doped with iron-coordinated nitrogen active sites (FeNC-70) is demonstrated by following an inexpensive synthetic pathway with a zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-70) as a template. To emphasize the possibility of tuning the porosity and surface area of the resulting carbon materials based on the structure of the parent ZIF, two other ZIFs, that is, ZIF-68 and ZIF-69, are also synthesized. The resulting active carbon material that is derived from ZIF-70, that is, FeNC-70, exhibits the highest BET surface area of 262m2g-1 compared to the active carbon materials that are derived from ZIF-68 and ZIF-69. The HR-TEM images of FeNC-70 show that the carbon particles have a bimodal structure that is composed of a spherical macroscopic pore (about 200nm) and a mesoporous shell. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) reveals the presence of Fe-N-C moieties, which are the primary active sites for the oxygen-reduction reaction (ORR). Quantitative estimation by using EDAX analysis reveals a nitrogen content of 14.5wt.\%, along with trace amounts of iron (0.1wt.\%), in the active FeNC-70 catalyst. This active porous carbon material, which is enriched with Fe-N-C moieties, reduces the oxygen molecule with an onset potential at 0.80V versus NHE through a pathway that involves 3.3-3.8e- under acidic conditions, which is much closer to the favored 4e- pathway for the ORR. The onset potential of FeNC-70 is significantly higher than those of its counterparts (FeNC-68 and FeNC-69) and of other reported systems. The FeNC-based systems also exhibit much-higher tolerance towards MeOH oxidation and electrochemical stability during an accelerated durability test (ADT). Electrochemical analysis and structural characterizations predict that the active sites for the ORR are most likely to be the insitu generated NFeN2+2/C moieties, which are distributed along the carbon framework.

}, keywords = {Doping, Electrochemistry, metal-organic frameworks, Nanostructures, oxygen-reduction reaction}, issn = {0947-6539}, doi = {10.1002/chem.201300145}, author = {Palaniselvam, Thangavelu and Biswal, Bishnu P. and Banerjee, Rahul and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article { ISI:000323018700017, title = {Zirconium phenyl phosphonate phosphite as a highly active, reusable, solid acid catalyst for producing fatty acid polyol esters}, journal = {Applied Catalysis A-General}, volume = {462}, year = {2013}, month = {JUL}, pages = {129-136}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The application of zirconium phenyl phosphonate phosphite (ZrPP) as a solid acid catalyst for producing polyol esters by esterification of glycerol or trimethylolpropane with a fatty acid (C-8-C-18.1) is reported for the first time. ZrPP exhibits high catalytic activity and in particular, (di + tri) esters selectivity (92.3 mol\%). These esters of polyols are known for their application as biolubricants. The catalyst prepared using phosphorous acid to phenyl phosphonic acid molar ratio of 3:1 was found superior. The influence of process parameters on activity and selectivity of the catalyst was investigated. ZrPP was reusable in at least three recycling experiments. Hydrophobicity due to exposed phenyl groups on the surface is the possible cause for superior esterification activity of this novel, solid catalyst. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Biolubricants, Esterification of fatty acid, Fatty acid glycerides, Hydrophobic solid acid catalyst, Polyol esters, Zirconium phenyl phosphonate phosphite}, issn = {0926-860X}, doi = {10.1016/j.apcata.2013.04.043}, author = {Varhadi, Poonam and Kotwal, Mehejabeen and Srinivas, D.} } @article { ISI:000338486300020, title = {1,8-Diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU): a highly efficient catalyst in glycerol carbonate synthesis}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Catalysis A-Chemical}, volume = {391}, year = {2014}, month = {SEP}, pages = {144-149}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Transesterification of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) with glycerol (GLY) was investigated using various amines as catalysts. Amidines like 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) and 1,5-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-5-ene (DBN) were found to be the best catalysts for this reaction. Best results: 98\% conversion of GLY with 96\% selectivity to GC (TON: 9408), were obtained with DBU as a catalyst. Effect of various reaction conditions on activity and selectivity were investigated using DBU as catalyst. The mechanism of the reaction was investigated with the help of H-1, C-13 and N-15 NMR analysis and OFT calculations. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {DBU, Glycerol, Glycerol carbonate, transesterification}, issn = {1381-1169}, doi = {10.1016/j.molcata.2014.04.016}, author = {Munshi, Mudassir K. and Gade, Swapna M. and Mane, Manoj V. and Mishra, Deepti and Pal, Sourav and Vanka, Kumar and Rane, Vilas H. and Kelkar, Ashutosh A.} } @article { ISI:000337238300025, title = {2,4,6-Trichlorobenzoyl chloride (Yamaguchi Reagent)}, journal = {Synlett}, volume = {25}, number = {9}, year = {2014}, month = {JUN}, pages = {1335-1336}, publisher = {GEORG THIEME VERLAG KG}, type = {Editorial Material}, address = {RUDIGERSTR 14, D-70469 STUTTGART, GERMANY}, issn = {0936-5214}, doi = {10.1055/s-0033-1341245}, author = {Kotammagari, Tharun Kumar} } @article { ISI:000331014900022, title = {3D flow reactors: flow, hydrodynamics, and performance}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {53}, number = {5}, year = {2014}, month = {FEB}, pages = {1916-1923}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

A device comprised of a sequence of converging or diverging units aligned either in an axisymmetric or nonaxisymmetric manner can be used as a continuous flow reactor. Here we report the analysis of flow and hydrodynamics (pressure drop, residence time distribution, and mass transfer) for an axisymmetric geometry of a 3D flow reactor for single phase and two-phase flows. CFD simulations of the single phase flow have been used for identification of the precise geometrical configuration. The sequence of converging units as a flow reactor has been found to always be better than the sequence of diverging units. The residence time distribution analysis also favored the choice of converging flow as a better option. The performance of the device was verified by successfully carrying out a highly exothermic two-phase aromatic nitration of benzaldehyde (Delta H-r approximate to -172 kg/mol) with fuming nitric acid.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/ie402311y}, author = {Sharma, Mrityunjay and Reddy, Venkateswara S. and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article { ISI:000336840900022, title = {9-Fluorenemethanol: an internal electron donor to fine tune olefin polymerization activity}, journal = {Dalton Transactions}, volume = {43}, number = {24}, year = {2014}, month = {MAR}, pages = {9143-9151}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A new MgCl2 based molecular adduct has been synthesized with 9-fluorenemethanol (9FM) as a novel internal electron donor (IED), along with ethanol (EtOH) (MgCl2 center dot n9FM center dot xEtOH). The above molecular adduct has been subjected to a variety of structural, spectroscopic and morphological characterization techniques. The results of the solid state C-13 CPMAS NMR technique suggests the coordination of 9FM to MgCl2. Observation of a low angle diffraction peak at 2 theta = 5.7 degrees (d = 15.5 angstrom) underscores the coordination of 9FM along the z-axis, and ethanol in the molecular adduct. Active Ziegler-Natta catalysts were prepared by two different synthesis methods; the conventional method to obtain a high surface area active catalyst, and other one with 9FM as an integral part of the active catalyst in order to study the influence of 9FM as an IED over the active sites. The active catalysts were also characterized thoroughly with different analytical tools. The XRD results show (003) facets of delta-MgCl2 (alpha-MgCl2) for the conventional (non-conventional) titanated catalyst. Results of the ethylene polymerization activity study reveals that the conventionally prepared highly porous active catalyst shows 1.7-2.5 times higher activity than the non-conventional prepared catalyst; however, the latter shows a low molecular weight distribution and confirms the role of the Lewis base as an IED.

}, issn = {1477-9226}, doi = {10.1039/c4dt00793j}, author = {Gnanakumar, Edwin S. and Chokkapu, Eswara Rao and Kunjir, Shrikant and Ajithkumar, Thalasseril G. and Rajamohanan, P. R. and Chakraborty, Debashis and Gopinath, Chinnakonda S.} } @article { ISI:000345460800001, title = {Accounting of noise to solve the problem of negative populations in approximate accelerated stochastic simulations}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {4}, number = {102}, year = {2014}, month = {OCT}, pages = {58127-58136}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The advent of different approximate accelerated stochastic simulation methods has helped considerably in reducing the computational load of the exact simulation algorithms. However, along with the reduction in the computational load comes the risk of driving the molecular numbers to the regime of negative numbers during the simulations. Over the years, various methods have been developed in order to solve the problem by using different strategies. Some methods have employed binomial numbers to model the reactions, while others have tried the partitioning of the reaction network. In this manuscript, we have proposed a new approach where the noise inherent in the choice of the number of firings of a given reaction during a time step is taken into account. This idea of noise accounting is used in conjunction with the accelerated stochastic method: the Representative Reaction Approach (RRA). It is found that the new method is successful at solving the problem of negative numbers, and compares very favorably with other state-of-the-art stochastic simulation methods.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c4ra05865h}, author = {Kadam, Shantanu and Vanka, Kumar} } @article {43369, title = {Acidic ionic liquids catalyzed depolymerization of lignin}, number = {PCT/IN2014/000320}, year = {2014}, month = {NOV}, abstract = {The present invention discloses a process for depolymerization of lignin to yield substituted phenolic monomers using Br{\"o}nsted ionic liquid as catalyst under mild reaction conditions to obtain an overall yield of monomers up to 97\%.}, author = {Dhepe, Paresh Laxmikant and Kelkar, Ashutosh Anant and Matsagar, Babasaheb Mansub and Singh, Sandip Kumar} } @article { ISI:000328955200029, title = {Activated nitrogen doped graphene shell towards electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction by its encapsulation on Au nanoparticle (Au@N-Gr) in water-in-oil {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}nanoreactors{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry A}, volume = {2}, number = {5}, year = {2014}, month = {NOV}, pages = {1383-1390}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Encapsulation of nitrogen doped graphene on Au nanoparticle (Au@N-Gr) could be accomplished through a water-in-oil emulsion technique, where the emulsion droplets act as {\textquoteleft}nanoreactors{\textquoteright} and the redox reaction inside the droplets results in the formation of core-shell nanoparticles. The encapsulation of N-Gr on a small quantity of Au (N-Gr : Au wt ratio of 90 : 10) made the N-Gr layer more conductive and active towards electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The enhanced conductivity helped the system narrow down the ohmic overpotential, and direct electronic interactions between the Au and Gr layers brought in a favourable positive shift to the onset potential for ORR. Encapsulation has helped N-Gr reduce the overpotential by similar to 121 mV as compared to N-Gr alone. Apart from this, the oxygen reduction kinetics of Au@N-Gr also appeared to be superior to N-Gr and Au nanoparticles as separate entities due to greater involvement of the preferred 4-electron reduction pathway. At -0.3 V (vs. Hg/HgO), the percentage of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) (a product formed from the undesirable 2-electron reduction pathway) was found to be 16.5\% for Au@Gr, where Au was covered with undoped Gr, which gets reduced to a significantly low level of 6.5\% for Au@N-Gr. Au and N-Gr as separate entities give yield of H2O2 as 52.2 and 47.7\%, respectively. From these, it can be concluded that the coverage of N-Gr on Au helps decrease the yield of H2O2 drastically apart from the benefits of synergistic interactions in reducing both ohmic and activation overpotentials.

}, issn = {2050-7488}, doi = {10.1039/c3ta14005a}, author = {Dhavale, Vishal M. and Gaikwad, Sachin S. and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article { ISI:000350032000042, title = {Advanced cell-based high-throughput screening assays targeting active and latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis}, journal = {Journal of Biotechnology}, volume = {185}, number = {S}, year = {2014}, note = {European Biotechnology Congress, Lecce, ITALY, MAY 15-18, 2014}, month = {SEP}, pages = {S18}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Meeting Abstract}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, issn = {0168-1656}, doi = {10.1016/j.jbiotec.2014.07.061}, author = {Shurpali, Ketaki Dilip and Singh, Upasana and Sarkar, Shamim Akhtar Sampa and Mishra, Abhishek and Kulkarni, Roshan and Joshi, Swati P. and Sarkar, Dhiman} } @article {43040, title = {All-solid-state-supercapacitor and a process for the fabrication thereof}, number = {PCT/IN2014/000233}, year = {2014}, month = {OCT}, abstract = {

The present invention discloses. all-solid-state supercapacitor (ASSP) with enhanced electrode-electrolyte interface which gives highest very high specific capacitance, areal capacitance and shows very low internal resistance (ESR). The invention particularly discloses the fabrication of all-solid-state supercapacitor by intercalation of solid state polymer electrolyte inside the conducting porous substrate coated with a charge storage electrode material to achieve the desired effect.

}, author = {Kurungot, Sreekumar and Badiger, Manohar V. and Anothumakkool, Bihag and Torris, Arun} } @article { ISI:000332027100007, title = {Amino acid-based multiresponsive low-molecular weight metallohydrogels with load-bearing and rapid self-healing abilities}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {50}, number = {23}, year = {2014}, month = {FEB}, pages = {3004-3006}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A multiresponsive metallohydrogel based on an amino acid-derived low molecular weight (LMW) ligand and a Zn(II) salt was prepared. This hydrogel showed remarkable shape-persistent, self-standing, load-bearing and self-healing properties, which is uncommon in LMW hydrogels.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, author = {Saha, Subhadeep and Bachl, Jurgen and Kundu, Tanay and Diaz, David Diaz and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article {46388, title = {Anion-induced transition from supramolecular metallogel to metal organic frameworks}, journal = {Acta Crystallographica A-Foundation and Advances}, volume = {70}, year = {2014}, month = {MAY}, pages = {C462}, type = {Meeting Abstract}, keywords = {metallohydrogel}, issn = {2053-2733}, author = {Kumar, Sushil} } @article { ISI:000333939500005, title = {Antifungal dimeric chalcone derivative kamalachalcone E from Mallotus philippinensis}, journal = {Natural Product Research}, volume = {28}, number = {4}, year = {2014}, month = {FEB}, pages = {245-250}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

From the red coloured extract (Kamala) prepared through acetone extraction of the fresh whole uncrushed fruits of Mallotus philippinensis, one new dimeric chalcone (1) along with three known compounds 1-(5,7-dihydroxy-2,2,6-trimethyl-2H-1-benzopyran-8-yl)-3-phenyl-2-propen -1-one (2), rottlerin (3) and 4 {\textquoteleft}-hydroxyrottlerin (4) were isolated. The structure of compound 1 was elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR analyses that included HSQC, HMBC, COSY and ROESY experiments along with the literature comparison. Compounds 1-4 were evaluated for antifungal activity against different human pathogenic yeasts and filamentous fungi. The antiproliferative activity of the compounds was evaluated against Thp-1 cell lines. Compounds 1 and 2 both exhibited IC50 of 8, 4 and 16 mu g/mL against Cryptococcus neoformans PRL518, C. neoformans ATCC32045 and Aspergillus fumigatus, respectively. Compound 4, at 100 mu g/mL, showed 54\% growth inhibition of Thp-1 cell lines.

}, keywords = {4 {\textquoteleft}-hydroxyrottlerin, antifungal, dimeric chalcone, kamalachalcone E, Mallotus philippinensis, rottlerin}, issn = {1478-6419}, doi = {10.1080/14786419.2013.843178}, author = {Kulkarni, Roshan R. and Tupe, Santosh G. and Gample, Suvarna P. and Chandgude, Macchindra G. and Sarkar, Dhiman and Deshpande, Mukund V. and Joshi, Swati P.} } @article { ISI:000344866500012, title = {Antiplasmodial activity-aided isolation and identification of quercetin-4 {\textquoteleft}-methyl ether in chromolaena odorata leaf fraction with high activity against chloroquine-resistant plasmodium falciparum}, journal = {Parasitology Research }, volume = {113}, number = {12}, year = {2014}, month = {DEC}, pages = {4415-4422}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, type = {Article}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the antiplasmodial activity of Chromolaena odorata leaf extract and gradient fractions through in vivo and in vitro tests, aimed at identifying its antiplasmodial constituents. Sub-fractions obtained from the most active gradient fraction were further tested for cytotoxicity against THP-1 cells, chloroquine-sensitive (HB3) and chloroquine-resistant (FCM29) Plasmodium falciparum. Our results showed the dichloromethane gradient fraction was most effective, significantly (P\<0.05) suppressing infection by 99.46 \% at 100 mg/kg body weight. Amongst its 13 sub-fractions (DF1-DF13), DF11 was highly active, with IC50 of 4.8 and 6.74 mu g/ml against P. falciparum HB3 and FCM29, respectively. Cytotoxicity of DF11 was estimated to be above 50 mu g/ml, and its separation by column chromatography yielded a flavonoid which was characterized as 3, 5, 7, 3{\textquoteright} tetrahydroxy-4{\textquoteright}-methoxyflavone from its spectroscopic data. It significantly suppressed infection (65.43-81.48 \%) in mice at 2.5-5 mg/kg doses and compared favourably with the effects of chloroquine and artemisinin. It may therefore serve as a useful phytochemical and antiplasmodial activity marker of C. odorata leaves, which exhibit potential for development as medicine against malaria.

}, keywords = {malaria, Medicinal plant, Plasmodium falciparum, Toxicity}, issn = {0932-0113}, doi = {10.1007/s00436-014-4119-y}, author = {Ezenyi, I. C. and Salawu, O. A. and Kulkarni, R. and Emeje, Martins} } @article { ISI:000343905600003, title = {Arthrobacter enclensis sp. nov., isolated from sediment sample}, journal = {Archives of Microbiology}, volume = {196}, number = {11}, year = {2014}, month = {NOV}, pages = {775-782}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, type = {Article}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

A novel bacterial strain designated as NIO-1008(T) was isolated from marine sediments sample in Chorao Island India. Cells of the strains were gram positive and non-motile, displayed a rod-coccus life cycle and formed cream to light grey colonies on nutrient agar. Strain NIO-1008(T) had the chemotaxonomic markers that were consistent for classification in the genus Arthrobacter, i.e. MK-9(H-2) (50.3 \%), as the major menaquinone, and the minor amount of MK-7 (H-2-27.5 \%), MK-8 (H-4-11.6 \%) and MK-8 (H-2-10.4 \%). anteiso-C-15:0, iso-C-15:0, iso-C-16:0 and C-15:0 were the predominant fatty acids. Galactose, glucose and rhamnose are the cell-wall sugars, and DNA G+C content was 61.3 mol\%. Phylogenetic analysis, based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, showed that the strains were most similar to Arthrobacter equi IMMIB L-1606(T), Arthrobacter chlorophenolicus DSM 12829(T), Arthrobacter defluvii KCTC 19209(T) and Arthrobacter niigatensis CCTCC AB 206012(T) with 98.5, 98.4, 98.0 and 97.8 \%, respectively, and formed a separate lineage. Combined phenotypic data and DNA-DNA hybridization data supported the conclusion that strains NIO-1008(T) represent a novel species within the genus Arthrobacter, for which the name Arthrobacter enclensis sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is NIO-1008(T) = (NCIM 5488(T) = DSM 25279(T)).

}, keywords = {Arthrobacter, Chorao Island, Marine sediment, Polyphasic}, issn = {0302-8933}, doi = {10.1007/s00203-014-1016-9}, author = {Dastager, Syed Gulam and Qin, Liu and Tang, Shan-Kun and Krishnamurthi, Srinivasan and Lee, Jae-Chan and Li, Wen-Jun} } @article { ISI:000343905600004, title = {Arthrobacter enclensis sp. nov., isolated from sediment sample (vol 196, pg 775, 2014)}, journal = {Archives of Microbiology}, volume = {196}, number = {11}, year = {2014}, month = {NOV}, pages = {783}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, type = {Correction}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, issn = {0302-8933}, doi = {10.1007/s00203-014-1041-8}, author = {Dastager, Syed Gulam and Liu, Qing and Tang, Shan-Kun and Krishnamurthi, Srinivasan and Lee, Jae-Chan and Li, Wen-Jun} } @article { ISI:000346322200010, title = {Artificial intelligence-based modeling of high ash coal gasification in a pilot plant scale fluidized bed gasifier}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research }, volume = {53}, number = {49}, year = {2014}, month = {DEC}, pages = {18678-18689}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The quality of coalespecially its high ash contentsignificantly affects the performance of coal-based processes. Coal gasification is a cleaner and an efficient alternative to the coal combustion for producing the syngas. The high-ash coals are found in a number of countries, and they form an important source for the gasification. Accordingly, in this study, extensive gasification experiments were conducted in a pilot-plant scale fluidized-bed coal gasifier (FBCG) using high-ash coals from India. Specifically, the effects of eight coal and gasifier process related parameters on the four gasification performance variables, namely CO+H-2 generation rate, syngas production rate, carbon conversion, and heating value of the syngas, were rigorously studied. The data collected from these experiments were used in the FBCG modeling, which was conducted by utilizing two artificial intelligence (AI) strategies namely genetic programming (GP) and artificial neural networks (ANNs). The novelty of the GP formalism is that it searches and optimizes both the form and parameters of an appropriate linear/nonlinear function that best fits the given process data. The original eight-dimensional input space of the FBCG models was reduced to three-dimensional space using the principal component analysis (PCA) and the PCA-transformed three variables were used in the AI-based FBCG modeling. A comparison of the GP and ANN-based models reveals that their output prediction accuracies and the generalization performance vary from good to excellent as indicated by the high training and test set correlation coefficient magnitudes lying between 0.92 and 0.996. This study also presents results of the sensitivity analysis performed to identify those coal and process related parameters, which significantly affect the FBCG process performance.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/ie500593j}, author = {Patil-Shinde, Veena and Kukarni, Tejas and Kulkarni, Rahul and Chavan, Prakash D. and Sharma, Tripurari and Sharma, Bijay Kumar and Tambe, Sanjeey S. and Kulkarni, B. D.} } @article { ISI:000342761600095, title = {Asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of imines in water/methanol co-solvent system and mechanistic investigation by DFT study}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {4}, number = {86}, year = {2014}, month = {SEP}, pages = {46351-46356}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of various cyclic imines proceeded efficiently with water/methanol co-solvent media in 20 min with excellent yields and enantioselectivities by employing Rh-TsDPEN catalyst and sodium formate as a hydrogen donor. The role of the co-solvent in enhanced productivity of the reaction was investigated by DFT. The mechanism for ATH of the imines has been discussed on the basis of the DFT study.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c4ra07964g}, author = {Shende, Vaishali S. and Shingote, Savita K. and Deshpande, Sudhindra H. and Kuriakose, Nishamol and Vanka, Kumar and Kelkar, Ashutosh A.} } @article { ISI:000332756200019, title = {Atypical energetic and kinetic course of excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) in room-temperature protic ionic liquids}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, volume = {118}, number = {9}, year = {2014}, month = {MAR}, pages = {2487-2498}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The excited-state intramolecular proton-transfer (ESIPT) process in 1,8-dihydroxyanthraquinone (18DHAQ) dye has been investigated in protic ionic liquid (PIL) solvents using photochemical measurements. The results demonstrate noteworthy modulations in both steady-state and time-resolved emission characteristics of excited normal (N*) and tautomeric (T*) forms of the dye. That the emission of T* increases unexpectedly upon increasing solvent viscosity indicates that subsequent to the initial forward ESIPT, there is also a relatively slower back ESIPT process involved for the excited dye. It is inferred that the propensity of this back ESIPT process is determined by the dynamics of the diffusive solvent relaxation, a process that is known to be strongly viscosity-dependent in ionic liquids. Evidence of both forward and back ESIPT for the dye has been obtained from femtosecond fluorescence up-conversion measurements. While an unusually fast forward ESIPT is clearly observed in all of the PILs studied, the uncommon back ESIPT process is distinctly indicated in PIL solvents having lower viscosities, certainly due to reasonably fast diffusive solvent relaxation in these solvents that causes a temporal modulation in the energies of the normal and tautomeric forms within a reasonably short time and thereby brings down the energy of N* compared to that of T*, triggering the back ESIPT process. Observation of solvent-viscosity-dependent back ESIPT is an intriguing finding for the present study as to the best of our knowledge, such a behavior has so far not been reported in the literature for the ESIPT reaction.

}, issn = {1520-6106}, doi = {10.1021/jp500281z}, author = {Manna, Arpan and Sayed, Mhejabeen and Kumar, Anil and Pal, Haridas} } @article { ISI:000339012400004, title = {Biocatalyst mediated functionalization of salannin, an insecticidal limonoid}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {4}, number = {53}, year = {2014}, month = {JUN}, pages = {27661-27664}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Transformation of salannin, an insecticidal C-seco limonoid was investigated using a fungal system, Cunninghamella echinulata. Salannin was efficiently converted into two metabolites, where the C-17 furan moiety was transformed into gamma-hydroxybutenolide (salanninolide) and N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-alpha,beta-unsaturated-gamma-lactam (salanninactam) analogues. Present studies have indicated salanninolide to be a metabolite in the C-seco limonoid biosynthetic pathway.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c4ra04652h}, author = {Haldar, Saikat and Kolet, Swati P. and Dandekar, Devdutta S. and Kale, Balaji S. and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Thulasiram, Hirekodathakallu V.} } @article { ISI:000330790100004, title = {Biocatalyst mediated regio- and stereo-selective hydroxylation and epoxidation of (Z)-alpha-santalol}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {12}, number = {7}, year = {2014}, month = {JAN}, pages = {1048-1051}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Biocatalyst mediated regio- and stereo-selective hydroxylation and epoxidation on (Z)-alpha-santalol were achieved for the first time, using a fungal strain Mucor piriformis. Four novel metabolites were characterized as 10,11-cis-beta-epoxy-alpha-santalol, 5 alpha-hydroxy-(Z)-alpha-santalol, 10,11-dihydroxy-alpha-santalol and 5 alpha-hydroxy-10,11-cis-beta-epoxy-alpha-santalol. Using Amano PS lipase from Burkholderia cepacia, alpha- and beta-isomers of 10,11-cis-epoxy-alpha-santalol were resolved efficiently.

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/c3ob42174k}, author = {Daramwar, Pankaj P. and Srivastava, Prabhakar Lal and Kolet, Swati P. and Thulasiram, Hirekodathakallu V.} } @article { ISI:000337885300011, title = {Biodegradable iron chelate for H2S abatement: modeling and optimization using artificial intelligence strategies}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Research \& Design}, volume = {92}, number = {6}, year = {2014}, month = {JUN}, pages = {1119-1132}, publisher = {INST CHEMICAL ENGINEERS}, type = {Article}, address = {165-189 RAILWAY TERRACE, DAVIS BLDG, RUGBY CV21 3HQ, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A batch reactor process for the abatement of a common pollutant, namely, H2S using Fe3+-malic acid chelate (Fe3+-MA) catalyst has been developed. Further, process modeling and optimization was conducted in the three stages with a view to maximize the H2S conversion: (i) sensitivity analysis of process inputs was performed to select the most influential process operating variables and parameters, (ii) an artificial neural network (ANN)-based data-driven process model was developed using the influential process variables and parameters as model inputs, and H2S conversion (\%) as the model output, and (iii) the input space of the ANN model was optimized using the artificial immune systems (AIS) formalism. The AIS is a recently proposed stochastic nonlinear search and optimization method based on the human biological immune system and has been introduced in this study for chemical process optimization. The AIS-based optimum process conditions have been compared with those obtained using the genetic algorithms (GA) formalism. The AIS-optimized process conditions leading to high (approximate to 97\%) H2S conversion, were tested experimentally and the results obtained thereby show an excellent match with the AIS-maximized H2S conversion. It was also observed that the AIS required lesser number of generations and function evaluations to reach the convergence when compared with the GA. (C) 2013 The Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Artificial immune systems, Artificial neural networks, Batch reactor, Genetic algorithms, Sensitivity analysis}, issn = {0263-8762}, doi = {10.1016/j.cherd.2013.10.017}, author = {Hamid, Aashti and Deshpande, Aniruddha S. and Badhe, Yogesh P. and Barve, Prashant P. and Tambe, Sanjeev S. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article { ISI:000338818800044, title = {Biological synthesis of cationic gold nanoparticles and binding of plasmid DNA}, journal = {Materials Letters}, volume = {129}, year = {2014}, month = {AUG}, pages = {159-161}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Nanobiotechnology is the development of eco-friendly experimental processes for the synthesis of nanomaterials. The present work focuses on synthesis of cationic gold nanoparticles (C-GNPs) for biological applications, especially in gene and drug delivery studies. A biosynthesis methodology has been developed for the functionalization of gold nanoparticles to cationic nature. The synthesis of C-GNPs was done by using peanut leaf extract in the presence of cysteamine. The formed C-GNPs were characterized by using UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), the particles sizes and shapes were confirmed by a Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and crystallinity of C-GNPs was characterized by diffraction. The binding of plasmid DNA on the C-GNPs was confirmed by agarose gel electrophoresis. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Biomaterials, Cationic, Nanoparticles, Plasmid DNA, synthesis, TEM}, issn = {0167-577X}, doi = {10.1016/j.matlet.2014.05.021}, author = {Raju, D. and Vishwakarma, Rishi K. and Khan, Bashir Mohammad and Mehta, Urmil J. and Ahmad, Absar} } @article { ISI:000345075400006, title = {Calorimetric elucidation of ionic interactions in room temperature ionic liquid solutions}, journal = {Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy }, volume = {16}, number = {8, SI}, year = {2014}, month = {DEC}, pages = {1529-1536}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, type = {Review}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Knowledge of thermal properties of room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) solutions is essential in chemical process designing in addition to their application in understanding ionic interactions at molecular level. RTILs are considered to be substitutes for volatile organic compounds. While some experimental thermal data on these systems are available in a random manner, the modeling efforts to correlate enthalpy-concentration profiles of RTIL solutions are very scanty. In this review, an effort has been made to compare and discuss the experimental data of these RTIL solutions available in the literature. The readers are also made aware of the disappointing situation regarding the availability of any type of correlative models for the enthalpy-concentration data of the RTIL systems. An accurate knowledge of activity coefficients at infinite dilutions, Iyen (i) (a) acquired from thermal data will serve as inputs for the newer less polluting process designing and thus open opportunity for a cleaner environment.

}, keywords = {Calorimeters, Correlative models, Excess partial molar enthalpy, Room temperature ionic liquids}, issn = {1618-954X}, doi = {10.1007/s10098-013-0644-0}, author = {Rai, Gitanjali and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000330143000008, title = {CdS nanowires: ultra-long growth and enhanced field emission properties}, journal = {Vaccum}, volume = {101}, number = {SI}, year = {2014}, month = {MAR}, pages = {38-45}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Here, we report the synthesis of ultra-long CdS nanowires with aspect ratio similar to 8 x 10(4) by simple route of thermal evaporation technique. A change in the vertical arrangement of quartz boats leads in to the synthesis of ultra-long CdS nanovvires via high degree of condensation. This technique is seen to be cost effective and easy. The growth of the nanowires is found to be increased very rapidly from few micrometers to few millimeters. The possible reason for the growth of the ultra-long CdS nanowires is discussed in detail. The turn-on field defined for the current density of similar to 0.1 mu A/cm(2) has been found to be similar to 1.4, 1.45, 1 and 0.17 V/mu m for specimen A, B, C and D (specimens A-D, synthesized by variation in synthesis parameters) respectively. The turn-on field of the specimen D (similar to 0.17 V/mu m) is found to be quite superior than the value reported for other CdS nanoforms which is very remarkable. Simple way of bulk fabrication leads to the low turn-on value which indicates a possible use of the present emitter in the micro/nanoelectronics devices. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Current stability, field emission, synthesis}, issn = {0042-207X}, doi = {10.1016/j.vacuum.2013.07.019}, author = {Chavan, Padmakar G. and Kashid, Ranjit V. and Badhade, Satish S. and Mulla, Imtiaz S. and More, Mahendra A. and Joag, Dilip S.} } @article { ISI:000342161600057, title = {Cellulose supported cuprous iodide nanoparticles (Cell-CuI NPs): a new heterogeneous and recyclable catalyst for the one pot synthesis of 1,4-disubstituted-1,2,3-triazoles in water}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {4}, number = {79}, year = {2014}, month = {SEP}, pages = {42137-42146}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Cellulose supported cuprous iodide nanoparticles (Cell-CuI NPs) have been demonstrated for the first time as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst in the click synthesis of 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles by a one-pot three component reaction between aralkyl/alkyl bromides, alkynes and sodium azide in water. The catalyst has been characterized by XRD, HRTEM, SEM, ICP-AES, EDS as well as IR spectroscopy. It was found to be reusable for five consecutive runs without significant loss of activity.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c4ra05080k}, author = {Chavan, Pramod V. and Pandit, Kapil S. and Desai, Uday V. and Kulkarni, Makarand A. and Wadgaonkar, Prakash P.} } @article {46387, title = {Chemically delaminated free standing covalent organic nanosheets (CONs)}, journal = {Acta Crystallographica A-Foundation and Advances}, volume = {70}, year = {2014}, month = {MAY}, pages = {C457}, type = {Meeting Abstract}, keywords = {Covalent organic framework, porous polymers, ultra thin nano sheets}, issn = {2053-2733}, author = {Khayum, Abdul M. and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article { ISI:000328283800016, title = {Chemically doped perylene diimide lamellae based field effect transistor with low operating voltage and high charge carrier mobility}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {50}, number = {3}, year = {2014}, month = {OCT}, pages = {326-328}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Chemical doping of an electron transporter results in the formation of a radical anion containing semiconductor which showed high electron mobility (13 cm(2) V-1 s(-1)) at low operating voltage (1 V).

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c3cc45391j}, author = {Arulkashmir, Arulraj and Jain, Bhanprakash and John, Jino C. and Roy, Kanak and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam} } @proceedings { ISI:000349165103353, title = {ChemInfoCloud: opensource based cloud compatible chemical textmining tools for harvesting largescale medical literature}, volume = {248}, year = {2014}, note = {248th National Meeting of the American-Chemical-Society (ACS), San Francisco, CA, AUG 10-14, 2014}, month = {AUG}, pages = {Meeting Abstract: 69-CINF}, publisher = {American Chemical Society}, type = {Meeting Abstract}, address = {1155 16th ST, NW, Washington, DC 20036 USA}, issn = {0065-7727}, author = {Karthikeyan, Muthukumarasamy} } @inbook {43325, title = {Chemoinformatics approach for the design and screening of focused virtual libraries}, booktitle = {Practical Chemoinformatics}, year = {2014}, pages = {93-131}, publisher = {Springer}, organization = {Springer}, chapter = {Chemoinformatics Approach for the Design and Screening of focused virtual libraries}, address = {India}, abstract = {

It is challenging to handle a large volume of molecular data without appropriate tools. Here, we describe the need and the approaches for the development of focussed virtual libraries to design efficient molecules and optimize them for lead generation. The experimental chemists and biologists are more interested in properties of chemicals and their response to biological system in both beneficial and adverse effects context rather than just their structures. In this chapter, the focus is to relate newly designed chemical structures to their predicted activity, property or toxicity. Property prediction tools save time, money and lives of experimental animals. They come in handy while taking informed decisions especially in certain cases involving pharmacodynamic studies of drug molecules in humans where there are inevitable ethical and safety concerns. Property prediction is an important component in virtual screening which is at the heart of drug design and the most important step where chemoinformatics plays a major role. The other fields where structure{\textendash}activity relation-based principles hold good for virtual screening are agrochemicals and environmental science, specifically the toxicity and biodegradability prediction of pollutant molecules. In this chapter, we will show how to design software tools to handle generation of focussed virtual libraries from a given set of molecules with common features, fragments or bioactivity spectrum.

}, doi = {10.1007/978-81-322-1780-0_2 }, author = {Karthikeyan, Muthukumarasamy and Vyas, Renu} } @article { ISI:000347602400004, title = {Chemoselective deprotection of N-allylic amines using DDQ}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {55}, number = {52}, year = {2014}, month = {DEC}, pages = {7172-7176}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A highly chemoselective and simple method for the deprotection of N-allylic amines using DDQ has been developed. The use of DDQ in dichloromethane-water provides a mild and efficient one-step deallylation of a wide variety of orthogonally protected tertiary amine derivatives. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Chemoselective deprotection, DDQ, N-Allylic amines, Orthogonally protected tertiary amines}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2014.10.136}, author = {Kumar, Pradeep and Cherian, Shijo K. and Jain, Ruchi and Show, Krishanu} } @article { ISI:000344825300009, title = {Chiron approach to formal synthesis of both antipodes of cis 3-hydroxypipecolic acid}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {55}, number = {47}, year = {2014}, month = {NOV}, pages = {6423-6426}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The efficient and practical formal syntheses of both enantiomers of cis 3-hydroxypipecolic acid were accomplished from cis aziridine-2-carboxylate as the common synthetic precursor. The key steps involved are stereo and regioselective aziridine ring opening, reductive cyclization and selective N-debenzylation over O-debenzylation reactions. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {3-Hydroxypipecolic acid, Aziridine ring opening, Aziridine-2-carboxylate, Piperidine alkaloids, Selective debenzylation}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2014.09.118}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Khairnar, Lalit B. and Chavan, Prakash N. and Dumare, Nilesh B. and Kalbhor, Dinesh B. and Gonnade, Rajesh G.} } @article { ISI:000342018100001, title = {Cholesterol depletion by methyl-beta-cyclodextrin augments tamoxifen induced cell death by enhancing its uptake in melanoma}, journal = {Molecular Cancer}, volume = {13}, year = {2014}, month = {SEP}, pages = {Article No. 204}, publisher = {BIOMED CENTRAL LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {236 GRAYS INN RD, FLOOR 6, LONDON WC1X 8HL, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Background: Despite modern advances in treatment, skin cancer is still one of the most common causes of death in the western countries. Chemotherapy plays an important role in melanoma management. Tamoxifen has been used either alone or in-combination with other chemotherapeutic agents to treat melanoma. However, response rate of tamoxifen as a single agent has been comparatively low. In the present study, we investigated whether treatment with methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MCD), a cholesterol depleting agent, increases the efficacy of tamoxifen in melanoma cells. Methods: This was a two-part study that incorporated in vitro effects of tamoxifen and MCD combination by analyzing cell survival, apoptosis and cell cycle analysis and in vivo antitumor efficacy on tumor isografts in C57BL/6J mice. Results: MCD potentiated tamoxifen induced anticancer effects by causing cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis. Sensitization to tamoxifen was associated with down regulation of antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2, up-regulation of proapoptotic protein Bax, reduced caveolin-1 (Cav-1) and decreased pAkt/pERK levels. Co-administration of tamoxifen and MCD caused significant reduction in tumor volume and tumor weight in mice due to enhancement of drug uptake in the tumor. Supplementation with cholesterol abrogated combined effect of tamoxifen and MCD. Conclusion: Our results emphasize a potential synergistic effect of tamoxifen with MCD, and therefore, may provide a unique therapeutic window for improvement in melanoma treatment.

}, keywords = {Caveolin-1, Cholesterol, Methyl beta-cyclodextrin, Tamoxifen}, issn = {1476-4598}, doi = {10.1186/1476-4598-13-204}, author = {Mohammad, Naoshad and Malvi, Parmanand and Meena, Avtar Singh and Singh, Shivendra Vikram and Chaube, Balkrishna and Vannuruswamy, Garikapati and Kulkarni, Mahesh J. and Bhat, Manoj Kumar} } @article { ISI:000340872300007, title = {Clay-supported copper nitrate (Claycop): a mild reagent for the selective nitration of aromatic olefins}, journal = {Synlett}, volume = {25}, number = {14}, year = {2014}, month = {SEP}, pages = {1997-2000}, publisher = {GEORG THIEME VERLAG KG}, type = {Article}, address = {RUDIGERSTR 14, D-70469 STUTTGART, GERMANY}, abstract = {

A straightforward and highly selective method has been developed for the nitration of a wide variety of aromatic and aliphatic olefins by using a clay-supported copper nitrate (Claycop) and a catalytic amount of (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)oxyl, an inexpensive and mild reagent system. High conversions and exclusive E-selectivity, together with the environmentally benign nature of the Claycop reagent, make this a green method and an attractive alternative to established methods.

}, keywords = {alkenes, nitrations}, issn = {0936-5214}, doi = {10.1055/s-0034-1378513}, author = {Begari, Eeshwaraiah and Singh, Chandani and Nookaraju, U. and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000333089400003, title = {Co(III)(salen)-catalyzed phenolic kinetic resolution of two stereocentered benzyloxy and azido epoxides: its application in the synthesis of ICI-118,551, an anti-hypertensive agent}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {12}, number = {15}, year = {2014}, month = {FEB}, pages = {2349-2355}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The salen Co(III)-catalyzed phenolic kinetic resolution of racemic anti- or syn-azido and benzyloxy epoxides provides a practical route to a range of enantioenriched anti-or syn-1-aryloxy-3-azido or benzyloxy-2-alcohols in excellent yields and ees. The synthetic potential of this protocol is illustrated with an enantioselective synthesis of ICI-118,551, a beta-blocker, in a highly optically pure form (99\% ee).

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/c3ob42501k}, author = {Karabal, Pratibha U. and Kamble, Dayanand A. and Sudalai, Arumugam} } @article { ISI:000333724000022, title = {Combined gasification of lignite coal: thermodynamic and application study}, journal = {Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers}, volume = {45}, number = {1}, year = {2014}, month = {JAN}, pages = {163-173}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Combined gasification (a combination of steam gasification and CO2 gasification) without air is an important process for research in coal gasification to reduce the steam generation energy in the gasification system and also to enhance the slow CO2 gasification reaction. A thermodynamic study involving the effect of temperature, pressure and feed CO2 and steam ratios in gasification of lignite coal was studied in this paper. The product generation trends of syngas and methane with carbon (in coal) conversion were studied in detail. The carbon (in lignite coal) was converted completely at a lower temperature than pure carbon in the combined gasification. Some applications of the gasifier product gas were also studied. Combined gasification offers great advantages to produce syngas of exact ratio in one step for use in petrochemical manufacture and fuel cell systems. The complete carbon (in coal) conversion occurred beyond the thermoneutral gasification temperature in the study. The combined gasification process was a useful way for CO2 utilization reducing the net CO2 emission to the atmosphere. (C) 2013 Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {CO2 utilization, Coal gasification, Coal to syngas, Combined gasification, Thermodynamic study}, issn = {1876-1070}, doi = {10.1016/j.jtice.2013.04.015}, author = {Kale, Ganesh R. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D. and Chavan, Rank N.} } @article { ISI:000329299200005, title = {Comparison of sodium zirconium phosphate and calcium zirconium phosphate structures for the retention of fluoride}, journal = {Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry}, volume = {299}, number = {1}, year = {2014}, month = {JAN}, pages = {19-24}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, type = {Article}, address = {VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Fluoride anion interaction has been explored for the first time to investigate how the structure of sodium zirconium phosphate (NZP) and calcium zirconium phosphate (CZP) can be altered in its presence. Different compositions were made by adding NaF and CaF2 in CZP and NZP matrices respectively. Fluoride interaction differs with NZP and CZP structure as suggested by F-NMR data. The addition of fluoride to the NZP or CZP structure enables to stabilize the structure at a low temperature of 600-700 A degrees C under microwave conditions.

}, keywords = {F-NMR, Fluoride characterization, Microwave, NZP, PIGE}, issn = {0236-5731}, doi = {10.1007/s10967-013-2741-2}, author = {Dey, Ambarish and Das Gupta, Amit and Basu, Debrata and Ambashta, Ritu D. and Wattal, P. K. and Kumar, Sanjiv and Body, Monique and Rajamohanan, P. R.} } @article { ISI:000349902200001, title = {Computational investigation on the catalytic activity of Rh-6 and Rh4Ru2 clusters towards methanol activation}, journal = {Theoretical Chemistry Accounts }, volume = {134}, number = {1}, year = {2014}, month = {DEC}, pages = {1597}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, type = {Article}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Catalysis of molecular activation of small molecules through scission of strong chemical bonds is one of the major challenges faced by chemists. More specifically, activation of the strong C-H and O-H bonds of various alcohols, especially methanol, is one of the various important intermediate steps of key organic reactions. Our present work explores a suitable metal cluster catalyst towards methanol dissociation. In particular, we have examined the effect of ruthenium doping (Rh:Ru = 2:1) on the catalytic activity of Rh-6 cluster towards methanol dissociation. Density functional theory-based calculations illustrate two competitive pathways for methanol dissociation, which are via O-H and C-H bond breaking. Both the pathways are found to be energetically favourable in the presence of bimetallic and mono-metallic clusters. Importantly, energy barrier for O-H bond dissociation reduces considerably in doped cluster as compared to pure Rh-6 cluster and is smaller than the values reported for a number of other small metallic clusters.

}, keywords = {Bimetallic Clusters, Density Functional Theory (DFT), Doping, Methanol Activation, Rhodium Clusters}, issn = {1432-881X}, doi = {10.1007/s00214-014-1597-z}, author = {Ghatak, Kamalika and Sengupta, Turbasu and Krishnamurty, Sailaja and Pal, Sourav} } @article {45960, title = {Concise synthetic approach toward tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate): cis-aziridine as the key synthon and RCM}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {4}, year = {2014}, month = {FEB}, pages = {11417-11419}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A synthesis of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) was achieved starting from D-mannitol. A unique feature of the synthetic route is that an acyclic precursor was constructed, which was then cyclized in an intramolecular aldol reaction to form the Tamiflu skeleton. Throughout the synthesis, well-established, highly efficient reactions were employed, and no protection/deprotection sequence was needed.}, issn = { 2046-2069}, doi = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/C3RA47210H}, author = {Chavan, S. P. and Chavan, P. N. and Khairnar, L. B.} } @article { ISI:000331895900018, title = {Conformational modulation of peptide secondary structures using beta-aminobenzenesulfonic acid}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {50}, number = {22}, year = {2014}, month = {JAN}, pages = {2886-2888}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

This communication describes the influence of beta-aminobenzenesulfonic acid ((S)Ant) on the conformational preferences of hetero foldamers. The designed (Aib-(S)Ant-Aib)(n) and (Aib-(S)Ant-Pro)(n) oligomers display a well-defined folded conformation featuring intramolecular mixed hydrogen bonding (7/11) and intra-residual (6/5) H-bonding interactions, respectively.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c3cc48850k}, author = {Kale, Sangram S. and Kunjir, Shrikant M. and Gawade, Rupesh L. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Rajamohanan, P. R. and Sanjayan, Gangadhar J.} } @article { ISI:000334147300006, title = {Conformational transitions of cinnamoyl CoA reductase 1 from leucaena leucocephala}, journal = {International Journal of Biological Macromolecules }, volume = {64}, year = {2014}, month = {MAR}, pages = {30-35}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Conformational transitions of cinnamoyl CoA reductase, a key regulatory enzyme in lignin biosynthesis, from Leucaena leucocephala (L1-CCRH1) were studied using fluorescence and circular dichroism spectroscopy. The native protein possesses four trp residues exposed on the surface and 66\% of helical structure, undergoes rapid structural transitions at and above 45 C and starts forming aggregates at 55 C. LI-CCRH1 was transformed into acid induced (pH 2.0) molten globule like structure, exhibiting altered secondary structure, diminished tertiary structure and exposed hydrophobic residues. The molten globule like structure was examined for the thermal and chemical stability. The altered secondary structure of Ll -CCRH1 at pH 2.0 was stable up to 90 C. Also, in presence of 0.25 M guanidine hydrochloride (GdnHCI), it got transformed into different structure which was stable in the vicinity of 2 M GdnHCI (as compared to drastic loss of native structure in 2 M GdnHC1) as seen in far UV-CD spectra. The structural transition of LI-CCRH1 at pH 2.0 followed another transition after readjusting the pH to 8.0, forming a structure with hardly any similarity to that of native protein. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Aggregation Cinnamoyl CoA reductase, Conformation, Molten globule, Thermostability, Unfolding}, issn = {0141-8130}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2013.11.024}, author = {Sonawane, Prashant D. and Khan, Bashir Mohammad and Gaikwad, Sushama M.} } @article {46386, title = {Construction of highly crystalline ultraporous covalent organic frameworks in seconds}, journal = {Acta Crystallographica A-Foundation and Advances}, volume = {70}, year = {2014}, month = {APR}, pages = {C456}, type = {Meeting Abstract}, keywords = {COFs, Crystalline, Ultraporous}, issn = {2053-2733}, author = {Karak, Suvendu and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article { ISI:000332804700003, title = {Contemporary avenues in catalytic P-H bond addition reaction: a case study of hydrophosphination}, journal = {Coordination Chemistry Reviews}, volume = {265}, year = {2014}, month = {APR}, pages = {52-73}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, type = {Review}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Remarkable advances and current state-of-the-art developments in catalytic hydrophosphination of alkenes and alkynes are reviewed. The challenges in constructing a C P bond with a special emphasis on metal catalysed (asymmetric) hydrophosphination are highlighted. Only those systems that unambiguously proceed via P H bond addition across a C-C/X (X = O, N, S) multiple bond have been covered in this overview. Reviewed examples support the assumption that either strongly chelating ligands or reaction products that act as ligands, enhance the rate of hydrophosphination. The asymmetric variant of this transformation allows installation of p-chiral [enantiomeric excess (ee) up to 82\%] as well as C-chiral (ee up to 99\%) centres. The limited spectroscopic, mechanistic data and OFT calculations point at two distinctly different mechanisms. In case of hydrophosphination, the metal undergoes oxidative addition and reductive elimination steps (in general), thus changing the oxidation state from M(0) to M(II) and back to M(0). Whereas in asymmetric hydrophosphination it is proposed that the oxidation state of the metal remains unaltered throughout the catalytic cycle. The examples described in this overview showcase the real power of catalytic hydrophosphination in constructing various phosphorus compounds, which may initiate a new era in organo-phosphorus chemistry. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Alkynes, Asymmetric hydrophosphination, Hydrophosphination, Metal catalyzed hydrophosphination, Olefins, P-H bond addition}, issn = {0010-8545}, doi = {10.1016/j.ccr.2014.01.006}, author = {Koshti, Vijay and Gaikwad, Shahaji R. and Chikkali, Samir H.} } @article { ISI:000332784900001, title = {Continuous flow nitration in miniaturized devices}, journal = {Beilstein Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {10}, year = {2014}, month = {FEB}, pages = {405-424}, publisher = {BEILSTEIN-INSTITUT}, type = {Review}, address = {TRAKEHNER STRASSE 7-9, FRANKFURT AM MAIN, 60487, GERMANY}, abstract = {

This review highlights the state of the art in the field of continuous flow nitration with miniaturized devices. Although nitration has been one of the oldest and most important unit reactions, the advent of miniaturized devices has paved the way for new opportunities to reconsider the conventional approach for exothermic and selectivity sensitive nitration reactions. Four different approaches to flow nitration with microreactors are presented herein and discussed in view of their advantages, limitations and applicability of the information towards scale-up. Selected recent patents that disclose scale-up methodologies for continuous flow nitration are also briefly reviewed.

}, keywords = {continuous flow, flow chemistry, microreactors, nitration, nitric acid, Tubular reactor}, issn = {1860-5397}, doi = {10.3762/bjoc.10.38}, author = {Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article { ISI:000346134300012, title = {Continuous-flow meerwein arylation}, journal = {Journal of Flow Chemistry}, volume = {4}, number = {4}, year = {2014}, month = {DEC}, pages = {211-216}, publisher = {AKADEMIAI KIADO RT}, type = {Article}, address = {PRIELLE K U 19, PO BOX 245,, H-1117 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY}, abstract = {

The continuous-flow Meerwein arylation is demonstrated for a set of few aryl donors (anilines and m-aminoacetophenone) and specific radical acceptors. Homogeneous catalyst (CuBr in HBr and CuCl in HCl) was used to facilitate the reaction. The effect of parameters, viz., temperature, catalyst concentration, residence time, and concentration of the radical acceptor on the yield of the arylated product, was studied. The yield of the aryl derivative obtained by continuous-flow syntheses was always better than the respective experiments in batch mode. Flow synthesis allows easy variation in these parameters and thus allows going close to the maximum possible yields in a system where the relative rates of different reactions create a complex situation. Temperature plays a crucial role by affecting the rates as well as by governing the system homogeneity. The nitrogen bubbles generated in the reaction helped to avoid any channel blockage.

}, keywords = {diazonium salt, flow chemistry, homogeneous catalyst, Meerwein arylation, micromixer, multistep synthesis}, issn = {2062-249X}, doi = {10.1556/JFC-D-14-00023}, author = {Bhaya, Vinay G. and Joshi, Ramesh A. and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article { ISI:000330489500002, title = {Controlled release of antimicrobial Cephalexin drug from silica microparticles}, journal = {Materials Science \& Engineering C-Materials for Biological Applications}, volume = {34}, year = {2014}, month = {JAN}, pages = {9-14}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Release of antimicrobial drugs in a controlled fashion for extended duration of time has been investigated for long. Such controlled-drug-releasing materials show promising applications in medicinal bandages. Along with antimicrobial agents, one could also incorporate other therapeutic drugs, to make such bandages more versatile. In this context, silica micro particles were synthesized using direct reduction method, in which the synthesis was done in the presence of Cephalexin. Cephalexin was chosen as an antimicrobial candidate. The morphological characterization shows formation of monodispersed, silica microparticles of similar to 200 nm in size. The FTIR spectroscopy shows weak interaction of the drug molecule at its hydroxide (OH) site with oxygen ions on the silica surface. Upon conjugation, the UV-vis spectroscopy shows persistence of the Cephalexin signature, especially its R group, confirming its antimicrobial activity even after conjugation. Loading studies reveal 12\% Cephalexin loading on silica. The antimicrobial studies were done on three micro-organisms, namely, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli. Using zone-of-inhibition studies, it was found that E. coli, did not respond to the delivery of Cephalexin either directly or via microparticles. However, for both S. aureus and B. subtilis, the particles showed controlled release of Cephalexin for the duration of 48 h and continued maintenance and even increase in the zone of inhibition. This work demonstrates an effective protocol to prepare antimicrobial patches for controlled drug delivery. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Antimicrobial, Medicinal bandage, Silica microparticles, sustained drug release}, issn = {0928-4931}, doi = {10.1016/j.msec.2013.10.002}, author = {Rao, B. V. Bhaskara and Mukherji, Ruchira and Shitre, G. and Alam, F. and Prabhune, Asmita and Kale, Sangeeta N.} } @article { ISI:000345234900039, title = {Covalent organic framework-cadmium sulfide hybrid as a prototype photocatalyst for visible-light-driven hydrogen production}, journal = {Chemistry A-European Journal}, volume = {20}, number = {48}, year = {2014}, month = {NOV}, pages = {15961-15965}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, type = {Article}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

CdS nanoparticles were deposited on a highly stable, two-dimensional (2D) covalent organic framework (COF) matrix and the hybrid was tested for photocatalytic hydrogen production. The efficiency of CdS-COF hybrid was investigated by varying the COF content. On the introduction of just 1 wt\% of COF, a dramatic tenfold increase in the overall photocatalytic activity of the hybrid was observed. Among the various hybrids synthesized, that with 10 wt\% COF, named CdS-COF (90: 10), was found to exhibit a steep H2 production amounting to 3678 mmolh(-1) g(-1), which is significantly higher than that of bulk CdS particles (124 mmolh(-1)g(-1)). The presence of a p-conjugated backbone, high surface area, and occurrence of abundant 2D hetero-interface highlight the usage of COF as an effective support for stabilizing the generated photoelectrons, thereby resulting in an efficient and high photocatalytic activity.

}, keywords = {charge transfer, covalent organic frameworks, hybrid materials, hydrogen production, Photocatalysis}, issn = {0947-6539}, doi = {10.1002/chem.201403800}, author = {Thote, Jayshri and Aiyappa, Harshitha Barike and Deshpande, Aparna and Diaz, David Diaz and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article { ISI:000335152300007, title = {Croncise organocatalytic route to protected (2S, 4R)-4-hydroxyornithine and(+)-pseudohygroline}, journal = {Synlett}, volume = {25}, number = {8}, year = {2014}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1089-1092}, publisher = {GEORG THIEME VERLAG KG}, address = {RUDIGERSTR 14, D-70469 STUTTGART, GERMANY}, abstract = {

A practical, efficient, and organocatalytic approach to the synthesis of (2S,4R)-4-hydroxyornithine and (+)-pseudohygroline is reported using proline-catalyzed sequential alpha-aminoxylation/alpha-amination reaction and Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons olefination reaction of an aldehyde as the key step.

}, keywords = {aldehydes, Amination, Amino alcohols, cyclization, Enantioselectivity, Wittig reaction}, issn = {0936-5214}, doi = {10.1055/s-0033-1340977}, author = {Jha, Vishwajeet and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000330340200002, title = {Crystalline metal-organic frameworks (MOFs): synthesis, structure and function}, journal = {Acta Crystallographica Section B-Structural Science}, volume = {70}, number = {1, SI}, year = {2014}, month = {FEB}, pages = {3-10}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, type = {Article}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a class of hybrid network supramolecular solid materials comprised of organized organic linkers and metal cations. They can display enormously high surface areas with tunable pore size and functionality, and can be used as hosts for a range of guest molecules. Since their discovery, MOFs have experienced widespread exploration for their applications in gas storage, drug delivery and sensing. This article covers general and modern synthetic strategies to prepare MOFs, and discusses their structural diversity and properties with respect to application perspectives.

}, issn = {0108-7681}, doi = {10.1107/S2052520613029557}, author = {Dey, Chandan and Kundu, Tanay and Biswal, Bishnu P. and Mallick, Arijit and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article { ISI:000342609300017, title = {Crystal-to-crystal thermal phase transformation of polymorphs of isomeric 2,3-naphthalene diol ditoluates: mechanism and implications for molecular crystal formation and melting}, journal = {Crystal Growth \& Design}, volume = {14}, number = {10}, year = {2014}, month = {OCT}, pages = {4985-4996}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Isomeric para- (1) and meta- (2) ditoluate derivatives of naphthalene 2,3-diol exhibited polymorphism producing three (Forms 1I, 1II, 1III) and two (Forms 2I, 2II) polymorphs each, respectively, depending on the solvent and conditions of crystallization. Crystal forms 1I, 1II, and 2I could be obtained repeatedly, whereas crystal forms 1III and 2II were obtained (separately) in one of the crystallization experiments, each. All the crystal forms were stable at ambient conditions, except for Form 2II, which disintegrated to a powder over 45 days. In contrast, the ortho-ditoluate (3) of naphthalene 2,3-diol did not exhibit polymorphism; it yielded fibrous chiral crystals from different solvents/conditions. Crystal structure analysis of all these polymorphs revealed dominance of energetically similar weak intermolecular interactions such as CH center dot center dot center dot O, CH center dot center dot center dot pi, pi center dot center dot center dot pi, and their interplay in molecular aggregation resulting in polymorphic modifications. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), hot stage microscopy, single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction measurements revealed crystal-to-crystal thermal transformation of Forms 1I and 1II crystals to Form 1III crystals and Form 2II crystals to Form 2I crystals. The transformation of Form 1I and Form 1II crystals to Form 1III crystals can be viewed as progressive destabilization of the crystal lattice during heating and converting to metastable phase, whereas the conversion of Form 2II to Form 2I crystals can be considered as reorganization of an unstable crystalline phase to a stable crystalline phase. Hence comparative studies of the structure of stable, metastable, or transient crystals and crystal-to-crystal transformations involving these forms could aid in unraveling the process of crystallization.

}, issn = {1528-7483}, doi = {10.1021/cg5005227}, author = {Tamboli, Majid I. and Krishnaswamy, Shobhana and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Shashidhar, Mysore S.} } @article { ISI:000329886900036, title = {Cu(II) conjugation along the transformation of a vitamin K-3 derivative to a dinaphthoquinone methide radical}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {38}, number = {1}, year = {2014}, month = {JAN}, pages = {277-284}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

1,1{\textquoteright}-Methide-bi-vitamin K-3 (B) has been isolated as a dinaphthoquinone methide radical (DNQM) by the transformation of 1-imino(acetylhydrazino)-vitamin K-3 (A). The transformation follows a biomimetic activation pathway mediated via Cu(II) ion catalyzed oxidative coupling. Single crystal X-ray and electron spin resonance (ESR) experiments combined with density functional calculations elucidate the {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}resonance structure{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} of the DNQM radical (B). Fluorescence investigations reveal that DNQM facilitates interaction with the cysteine residue. As compared to the parent substrate, B shows a depletion in the level of GSH, triggering apoptosis in HeLa cells.

}, issn = {1144-0546}, doi = {10.1039/c3nj00783a}, author = {Badave, Kirti D. and Patil, Shalaka S. and Khan, Ayesha A. and Srinivas, Darbha and Butcher, Raymond J. and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Pinjari, Rahul V. and Gejji, Shridhar P. and Rane, Sandhya Y.} } @article { ISI:000338640200014, title = {Current research and future perspectives of phytase bioprocessing}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {4}, number = {51}, year = {2014}, month = {MAY}, pages = {26677-26691}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Phosphorus is one of nature{\textquoteright}s paradoxes as it is life{\textquoteright}s bottleneck for subsistence on earth but at same time is detrimental in surplus quantities in an aquatic environment. Phosphorus cannot be manufactured, though fortunately it can be recovered and reused. The only way to avert a supply crisis is to implement the {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}3R{\textquoteright}s{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} of sustainability, {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} Phytase is likely to play a critical role in the dephosphorylation of antinutritional and indigestible phytate, a phosphorus locking molecule, to digestible phosphorus, calcium and other mineral nutrients in the coming years. Hence, efforts are required to produce cost effective phytase with fast upstream and economic downstream processing because the current available process is expensive and time consuming. This review summarizes the present state of methods studied for phytase bioprocessing. Production, extraction and purification incur a large cost in product development. In addition, the process has several limitations such as dilute concentration of enzyme, extensive downstream procedures and treatment of generated effluents. However, these methods are currently employed due to lack of alternative methods. Thus, there is a clear need for an efficient, scalable and economical process for phytase production and bioseparation, and improvements are especially required with regard to yield, purity, and energy consumption. Perspectives for an improved bioprocess development for phytase are discussed based on our own experience and recent studies. It is argued that the optimization of production techniques, strain improvement and liquid-liquid extraction deserves more attention in the future.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c4ra03445g}, author = {Bhavsar, Kavita P. and Khire, Jayant Malhar} } @article { ISI:000343958900048, title = {Design and development of POCN-pincer palladium catalysts for C-H bond arylation of azoles with aryl iodides}, journal = {Dalton Transactions}, volume = {43}, number = {42}, year = {2014}, month = {NOV}, pages = {16084-16096}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

{Well-defined and efficient POCN-ligated palladium complexes have been developed for the direct C H bond arylation of azoles with aryl iodides. The phosphinite-amine pincer ligands 1-(R2PO)-C6H4-3-((CH2NPr2)-Pr-i) 1R2POCNIPr2-H; R = {\textquoteleft}Pr (1a)

}, issn = {1477-9226}, doi = {10.1039/c4dt01547a}, author = {Khake, Shrikant M. and Soni, Vineeta and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Punji, Benudhar} } @proceedings {43316, title = {Design and engineering of organic molecules for customizable terahertz tags}, volume = {8985}, year = {2014}, month = {FEB}, pages = {Article Number: UNSP 89850P}, publisher = {SPIE-Int Soc Optical Engineering, 1000 20th ST, PO Box 10, Bellingham, WA 98227-0010 USA}, address = {San Francisco, CA}, abstract = {

Terahertz (THz) frequency band lies between the microwave and infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Molecules having strong resonances in this frequency range are ideal for realizing "Terahertz tags" which can be easily incorporated into various materials. THz spectroscopy of molecules, especially at frequencies below 10 THz, provides valuable information on the low frequency vibrational modes, viz. intermolecular vibrational modes, hydrogen bond stretching, torsional vibrations in several chemical and biological compounds. So far there have been very few attempts to engineer molecules which can demonstrate customizable resonances in the THz frequency region. In this paper, Diamidopyridine (DAP) based molecules are used as a model system to demonstrate engineering of THz resonances (\< 10 THz) by fine-tuning the molecular mass and bond strengths. Density Functional Theory (DFT) simulations have been carried out to explain the origin of THz resonances and factors contributing to the shift in resonances due to the addition of various functional groups. The design approach presented here can be easily extended to engineer various organic molecules suitable for THz tags application.

}, doi = {10.1117/12.2041194}, author = {Ray, Shaumik and Dash, Jyotirmayee and Nallappan, Kathirvel and Kaware, Vaibhav and Basutkar, Nitin and Ambade, Ashootosh and Joshi, Kavita and Pesala, Bala} } @article { ISI:000337149900033, title = {Design, synthesis and cytotoxicity of novel N-benzylpiperidin-4-one oximes on human cervical cancer cells}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Sciences}, volume = {126}, number = {3}, year = {2014}, month = {MAY}, pages = {861-873}, publisher = {INDIAN ACAD SCIENCES}, type = {Article}, address = {C V RAMAN AVENUE, SADASHIVANAGAR, P B \#8005, BANGALORE 560 080, INDIA}, abstract = {

A series of fifteen diversified N-benzylpiperidin-4-one oximes were synthesized and characterized by their NMR spectral data. Additionally, single-crystal XRD analysis was performed for the representative symmetrically and unsymmetrically substituted molecules. All the synthesized oximes from unsymmetrical ketones existed as E-isomer as witnessed by their NMR and XRD data. Among the synthesized target compounds that evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxicity against human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cells, five compounds were potent with IC50 \< 17 mu M. 1-Benzyl-2,6-bis(4-isopropylphenyl)-3-methylpiperidin-4-one oxime 3c with an IC50 of 13.88 mu M was found to be the best active compound as depicted by the microscopic analysis.

}, keywords = {Cytotoxicity, HeLa cells, N-benzylpiperidin-4-one oximes, single-crystal XRD}, issn = {0974-3626}, doi = {10.1007/s12039-014-0622-z}, author = {Dindulkar, Someshwar D. and Bhatnagar, Ira and Gawade, Rupesh L. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Kim, Se-Kwon and Anh, Dong Hyun and Parthiban, Paramasivam and Jeong, Yeon Tae} } @article { ISI:000331803800085, title = {Determination of carrier lifetime and mobility in colloidal quantum dot films via impedance spectroscopy}, journal = {Applied Physics Letters}, volume = {104}, number = {6}, year = {2014}, month = {FEB}, pages = {063504}, publisher = {AMER INST PHYSICS}, address = {CIRCULATION \& FULFILLMENT DIV, 2 HUNTINGTON QUADRANGLE, STE 1 N O 1, MELVILLE, NY 11747-4501 USA}, abstract = {

Impedance Spectroscopy (IS) proves to be a powerful tool for the determination of carrier lifetime and majority carrier mobility in colloidal quantum dot films. We employ IS to determine the carrier lifetime in PbS quantum dot Schottky solar cells with Al and we verify the validity of the technique via transient photovoltage. We also present a simple approach based on an RC model that allows the determination of carrier mobility in PbS quantum dot films and we corroborate the results via comparison with space charge limited measurements. In summary, we demonstrate the potential of IS to characterize key-to-photovoltaics optoelectronic properties, carrier lifetime, and mobility, in a facile way. (C) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.

}, issn = {0003-6951}, doi = {10.1063/1.4865089}, author = {Rath, Arup Kumar and Lasanta, Tania and Bernechea, Maria and Diedenhofen, Silke L. and Konstantatos, Gerasimos} } @article { ISI:000331020000004, title = {Differential transcriptional activity of SAD, FAD2 and FAD3 desaturase genes in developing seeds of linseed contributes to varietal variation in alpha-linolenic acid content}, journal = {Phytochemistry}, volume = {98}, year = {2014}, month = {FEB}, pages = {41-53}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Linseed or flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) varieties differ markedly in their seed a-linolenic acid (ALA) levels. Fatty acid desaturases play a key role in accumulating ALA in seed. We performed fatty acid (FA) profiling of various seed developmental stages of ten Indian linseed varieties including one mutant variety. Depending on their ALA contents, these varieties were grouped under high ALA and low ALA groups. Transcript profiling of six microsomal desaturase genes (SAD1, SAD2, FAD2, FAD2-2, FAD3A and FAD3B), which act sequentially in the fatty acid desaturation pathway, was performed using real-time PCR. We observed gene specific as well as temporal expression pattern for all the desaturases and their differential expression profiles corresponded well with the variation in FA accumulation in the two groups. Our study points to efficient conversion of intermediate FAs [stearic (SA), oleic (OA) and linoleic acids (LA)] to the final product, ALA, due to efficient action of all the desaturases in high ALA group. While in the low ALA group, even though the initial conversion up to OA was efficient, later conversions up to ALA seemed to be inefficient, leading to higher accumulation of OA and LA instead of ALA. We sequenced the six desaturase genes from the ten varieties and observed that variation in the amino acid (AA) sequences of desaturases was not responsible for differential ALA accumulation, except in the mutant variety TL23 with very low (\<2\%) ALA content. In TL23, a point mutation in the FAD3A gene resulted into a premature stop codon generating a truncated protein with 291 AA. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {ALA, Fatty acid desaturases, Fatty acids, Flax, Gene expression, Linseed}, issn = {0031-9422}, doi = {10.1016/j.phytochem.2013.12.002}, author = {Rajwade, Ashwini V. and Kadoo, Narendra Y. and Borikar, Sanjay P. and Harsulkar, Abhay M. and Ghorpade, Prakash B. and Gupta, Vidya S.} } @article { ISI:000339727800002, title = {Dimorphism and hydrocarbon metabolism in Yarrowia lipolytica var. indica}, journal = {Archives of Microbiology}, volume = {196}, number = {8}, year = {2014}, month = {AUG}, pages = {545-556}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, type = {Article}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Yarrowia lipolytica is able to metabolize high Mr hydrophobic natural compounds such as fatty acids and hydrocarbons. Characteristically, strains of Y. lipolytica can grow as populations with variable proportions of yeast and filamentous forms. In the present study, we describe the dimorphic characteristics of a variant designated as Y. lipolytica var. indica isolated from petroleum contaminated sea water and the effect of cell morphology on hydrocarbon metabolism. The variant behaved as a yeast monomorphic strain, under conditions at which terrestrial Y. lipolytica strain W29 and its derived strains, grow as almost uniform populations of mycelial cells. Using organic nitrogen sources and N-acetylglucosamine as carbon source, var. indica was able to form mycelial cells, the proportion of which increased when incubated under semi-anaerobic conditions. The cell surface characteristics of var. indica and W29 were found to be different with respect to contact angle and percent hydrophobicity. For instance, percent hydrophobicity of var. indica was 89.93 +/- A 1.95 while that of W29 was 70.78 +/- A 1.1. Furthermore, while all tested strains metabolize hydrocarbons, only var. indica was able to use it as a carbon source. Yeast cells of var. indica metabolized hexadecane with higher efficiency than the mycelial form, whereas the mycelial form of the terrestrial strain metabolized the hydrocarbon more efficiently, as occurred with the mycelial monomorphic mutant AC11, compared to the yeast monomorphic mutant AC1.

}, keywords = {Hexadecane metabolism, Yarrowia lipolytica, Yeast-mycelium transition}, issn = {0302-8933}, doi = {10.1007/s00203-014-0990-2}, author = {Palande, A. S. and Kulkarni, S. V. and Leon-Ramirez, C. and Campos-Gongora, E. and Ruiz-Herrera, J. and Deshpande, Mukund V.} } @article { ISI:000341122200039, title = {Dinitrogen activation by silicon and phosphorus doped aluminum clusters}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {118}, number = {34}, year = {2014}, month = {AUG}, pages = {19869-19878}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

N-2 reduction is crucial for life, and very few catalysts are currently available to carry out this process at ambient temperature and pressure. In the present work, density functional theory based calculations reveal doped aluminum clusters to be highly reactive toward molecular nitrogen and hence are prospective materials for its activation at low temperatures. Calculations on silicon and phosphorus doped aluminum clusters with 5-8 atoms demonstrate an enhanced N-2 activation with respect to their pristine ground state and high energy counterparts. This increased efficiency of N-2 activation by doped ground state Al clusters is corroborated by an increment of the N N bond length, a red shift in N N bond stretching frequency, and adsorption energy (E-ad). Ab initio molecular-dynamics simulations demonstrate consequential efficiency of doped clusters toward dinitrogen activation at finite temperature. The ability of doped clusters toward activation of molecular nitrogen is site and shape sensitive. In short, this theoretical study highlights the critical role of doping foreign impurities for future endeavors in the design of cost-effective and efficient catalysts for N-2 activation at ambient temperatures. This observation may spur further studies in the field of aluminum nanocatalysis by doping silicon and phosphorus atom in aluminum clusters.

}, issn = {1932-7447}, doi = {10.1021/jp505700a}, author = {Das, Susanta and Pal, Sourav and Krishnamurty, Sailaja} } @article { ISI:000335947900023, title = {Disassembly of micelles in nanoscopic space to prepare concentric nanotubes with variable hydrophobic interiors}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {50}, number = {44}, year = {2014}, month = {APR}, pages = {5905-5908}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Nanotubes with variable hydrophobic interiors were prepared by disassembling anionic micelles in the inner walls of positive charge bearing conjugated polymer nanotubes.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c4cc00841c}, author = {Das, Chayanika and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam} } @article { ISI:000342087400004, title = {Discontinuous two step flow synthesis of m-aminoacetophenone}, journal = {Green Processing and Synthesis}, volume = {3}, number = {4}, year = {2014}, month = {AUG}, pages = {279-285}, publisher = {WALTER DE GRUYTER GMBH}, type = {Article}, address = {GENTHINER STRASSE 13, D-10785 BERLIN, GERMANY}, abstract = {

The continuous flow nitration of acetophenone followed by reduction of the meta isomer has been demonstrated using simple tubular reactors. Because of ease of separation of the desired isomer from the first step, both steps are made continuous, but separately. The continuous flow nitration was carried out in a safe manner in a shorter reaction time than the conventional approach. The choice of micromixer was seen to affect the performance of the nitration reaction. The effect of different parameters on the yield of the desired product was studied. The reduction step with sodium sulfide was found to be economical and could be carried out efficiently at 70 degrees C using sodium sulfide in ethanol, using a silicone tube. Both steps were demonstrated for several hours, yielding a sufficiently large quantity (similar to 100 g) of m-aminoacetophenone at lab scale in a single day using simple tubular reactors.

}, keywords = {acetophenone, continuous flow synthesis, microreactor, nitration, reduction}, issn = {2191-9542}, doi = {10.1515/gps-2014-0043}, author = {Tibhe, Jagdish and Sharma, Yachita and Joshi, Ramesh A. and Joshi, Rohini R. and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article { ISI:000337101800021, title = {Dissolvable metallohydrogels for controlled release: evidence of a kinetic supramolecular gel phase intermediate}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {50}, number = {53}, year = {2014}, month = {MAY}, pages = {7032-7035}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Two metallohydrogels based on an amino acid-based ligand and Zn(II) salts were synthesized. These hydrogels show an uncommon, reversible, time-dependent transformation from the opaque to transparent state. These hydrogels also exhibit gradual dissolution in water (pH \<= 7) over time. A water-soluble stimulant, caffeine, could be in situ loaded into the hydrogels and slowly released during dissolution.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c4cc02771j}, author = {Saha, Subhadeep and Bachl, Jurgen and Kundu, Tanay and Diaz, David Diaz and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article { ISI:000339090400033, title = {Distinctive PdCl2-mediated transformation of Fe-based metallogels into metal-organic frameworks}, journal = {Crystal Growth \& Design}, volume = {14}, number = {7}, year = {2014}, month = {JUL}, pages = {3434-3437}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Simple, efficient conversion of viable Fe3+-based metallogels into Fe-metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) has been achieved by PdCl2-mediated gel degradation. The metallogels and the resulting MOFs have been characterized, and a probable mechanism for the event has been elucidated.

}, issn = {1528-7483}, doi = {10.1021/cg500368q}, author = {Aiyappa, Harshitha Barike and Saha, Subhadeep and Garai, Bikash and Thote, Jayshri and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Banerjee, Rahul} } @inbook {43323, title = {Docking and pharmacophore modelling for virtual screening}, booktitle = { Practical Chemoinformatics}, year = {2014}, pages = {195 - 269}, publisher = {Springer}, organization = {Springer}, chapter = {Docking and pharmacophore modeling for virtual screening}, abstract = {

Protein and ligand molecules as two separate entities appear and behave differently, but what happens when they come together and interact with each other is one of the interesting facts in modern molecular biology and molecular recognition. This interaction can be well explained with the concept of docking which in a simple way can be described as the study of how a molecule can bind to another molecule to result in a stable entity. The two binding molecules can be either a protein and a ligand or a protein and a protein. Irrespective of which two molecules are interacting, a docking process invariably includes two steps{\textemdash}conformational search through various algorithms and scoring or ranking. Even though prolific research has been carried out in this field, yet it is still a topic of current interest as there is a scope for improvement to rationalize binding interactions with biological function using docking program. This chapter focuses on how to set up and perform docking runs using freeware and commercial software. Most of the known docking protocols like induced fit docking, protein{\textendash}protein docking, and pharmacophore-based docking have been discussed. The use of pharmacophore queries as filters in virtual screening is also demonstrated using suitable examples.

}, doi = {10.1007/978-81-322-1780-0_4}, author = {Karthikeyan, Muthukumarasamy} } @article { ISI:000348622000027, title = {Domibacillus enclensis sp nov., isolated from marine sediment, and emended description of the genus domibacillus}, journal = {International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology}, volume = {64}, number = {12}, year = {2014}, month = {DEC}, pages = {4098-4102}, publisher = {SOC GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY}, type = {Article}, address = {MARLBOROUGH HOUSE, BASINGSTOKE RD, SPENCERS WOODS, READING RG7 1AG, BERKS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A novel red-pigmented bacterial strain, designated NIO-1016(T), was isolated from a sediment sample from Chorao Island, India and was investigated by a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The strain was Gram-reaction-positive, strictly aerobic, motile and catalase-positive and produced spherical to slightly ellipsoidal endospores with subterminal position on swollen sporangia. The genomic DNA G+C content was 46.9 molok. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C-15:0, anteiso-C-17:0, iSO-C-15:0 and C-16:0. The predominant quinones were MK-6 (89.3 \%) and MK-7 (8.7 \%). The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, and an unidentified phospholipid. meso-Diaminopimelic acid (type My) was present in the cell-wall peptidoglycan and the major whole-cell sugars were glucose and ribose. The closest phylogenetic neighbours were identified as Domibacillus robiginosus DSM 25058(T) (98.0\% similarity) and Domibacillus indicus DSM 28032(T) (97.2\% similarity), other species of the genus Bacillus displayed below 96\% similarity. Phylogenetic, physiological, biochemical and morphological differences between strain NI0-1016(T) and its closest neighbours indicate that this strain represents a novel species in the genus Domibacillus in the family Bacillaceae for which the name Domibacillus enclensis sp. nov. is proposed with the type species N10-1016(T) (=DSM 25145(T)=NCIM 5462(T)=CCTCC AB 2011121(T)).

}, issn = {1466-5026}, doi = {10.1099/s.0.068924-0}, author = {Sonalkar, Vidya V. and Mawlankar, Rahul R. and Krishnamurthi, Srinivasan and Tang, Shan-Kun and Dastager, Syed Gulam} } @article { ISI:000341409900005, title = {Donor decomposition by lewis acids in Ziegler-Natta catalyst systems: a computational investigation}, journal = {Organometallics}, volume = {33}, number = {17}, year = {2014}, month = {SEP}, pages = {4357-4367}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The development of new donors (Lewis bases, usually containing oxygen atoms) is one of the chief areas of research in Ziegler-Natta (ZN) olefin polymerization systems. The addition of such donors has led to improvement in the activity and selectivity of ZN systems. However, in order for the donor to be effective, it has to be chemically stable and resistant to decomposition by Lewis acidic species such as AlEt3. Discussed in the current work is the chemical stability of different ester donors, including aromatic benzoate donors and the silyl ester-a promising new donor class in ZN systems. Full quantum chemical calculations with density functional theory (DFT) indicate that esters can undergo decomposition through different pathways upon interaction with species such as the AlEt3 dimer: Al2Et6. Moreover, the studies show that the active, supported titanium catalyst species can cause donor decomposition and, in fact, is likely to be the greater threat to donor decomposition than Al2Et6. This explains why the addition of excess donors can lead to the poisoning of the active site in ZN systems. We have also computationally investigated means of improving the silyl ester donors in order to make them more robust and resilient to donor decomposition by Al2Et6 and the supported active titanium species.

}, issn = {0276-7333}, doi = {10.1021/om5001259}, author = {Kumawat, Jugal and Gupta, Virendra Kumar and Vanka, Kumar} } @article { ISI:000334895800014, title = {Effect of method of preparation on hydrodesulphurization activity of Co- or Ni-promoted MoS2/SBA-15 catalysts}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Sciences}, volume = {126}, number = {2, SI}, year = {2014}, note = {21st National Symposium on Catalysis (CATSYMP), CSIR Indian Inst Chem Technol, Hyderabad, INDIA, FEB 11-13, 2013}, month = {MAR}, pages = {437-444}, publisher = {Catalysis Soc India}, type = {Article}, address = {C V RAMAN AVENUE, SADASHIVANAGAR, P B \#8005, BANGALORE 560 080, INDIA}, abstract = {

Ordered mesoporous material SBA-15 was synthesized and used as a support for the preparation of molybdenum sulphide catalysts through precipitation from homogeneous solution (PFHS) technique with the Mo content varying from 2-12 wt\%. The prepared catalysts were evaluated for thiophene hydrodesulphurizadon catalytic activities at 400 degrees C. Catalysts prepared through PFHS method resulted in highly dispersed MoS2 catalysts, which were inferred from powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), low temperature oxygen chemisorptions (LTOC) and BET surface area analysis. The relationship between XPS intensity ratio, oxygen chemisorption and catalytic activities is discussed in terms of highly dispersed nano particles of MoS2 and its consequence in accommodating more promoted atoms at the edge sites.

}, keywords = {HDS, MoS2, PFHS method, promotional effects, SBA-15}, issn = {0974-3626}, author = {Garg, Shelu and Soni, Kapil and Prasad, V. V. D. N. and Kumar, Manoj and Bhaskar, Thallada and Gupta, J. K. and Dhar, G. Murali and Gopinath, Chinnakonda S.} } @article {46365, title = {Effect of silicon doping on the reactivity and catalytic activity of gold clusters}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {118}, year = {2014}, month = {APR }, pages = {7501-7507}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Doping is known to be an excellent and simple way of catalyst design. Although notable progress has been made in understanding the reactivity and catalytic activity of gas-phase and supported gold clusters, very few studies have been carried out on the doped gold clusters. In the present work, we have carried out density functional theory calculations to investigate the effect of silicon doping on the reactivity and catalytic activity of gold nanoclusters. The present work particularly focuses on the adsorption and activation of molecular oxygen on the pristine and silicon-doped gold clusters. The results confirm that the silicon-doped Au7Si cluster shows considerable binding and activation of the O-2 molecule in comparison to the pristine Au-8 cluster as reflected in the relevant geometrical parameters (O-O and Au-O bond lengths) and O-O stretching frequency. However, silicon doping has no contrasting effect on the reactivity and catalytic activity of the Au-7 cluster. In addition to the stronger binding and activation of the O-2 molecule, the doped Au7Si cluster leads to a significant reduction in the activation barrier (0.57 eV) for the environmentally important CO oxidation reaction in contrast to the catalytically inactive pristine Au-8 cluster (1.22 eV). Thus, our results highlight the critical role of doping foreign impurities for future endeavors in the field of gold nanocatalysis.

}, issn = {1932-7447}, doi = {10.1021/jp501611t}, author = {Manzoor, Dar and Krishnamurty, Sailaja and Pal, Sourav} } @article { ISI:000340414900005, title = {Effect of the branching pattern of hydrophobic dendrons on the core structure of linear-dendritic copolymer micelles}, journal = {Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics}, volume = {215}, number = {15}, year = {2014}, month = {AUG}, pages = {1456-1465}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, type = {Article}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Hydrophobic dendrons based on different branching patterns, viz. 3,5-di- and 3,4,5-trisubstituted phenyl rings, consist of the same backbone but exhibit different sizes, shapes, and hydrophobic densities. These dendrons are attached to poly(ethylene glycol) and the core properties of the copolymer micelles are investigated in tetrahydrofuran (THF)/water mixtures by neutron scattering. Two polymers with intermediate hydrophobicity are studied further with variations in the solvent composition and the temperature. The aggregation numbers for 3,4,5-based dendron copolymers are lower, with more THF molecules of solvation compared with the 3,5-based dendron copolymer, the difference being greater at higher generations due to different molecular shapes. The micellar core size increases in small steps with dendron size so that dye encapsulation is tuned.

}, keywords = {diblock copolymers, linear-dendritic copolymers, micelles, neutron scattering, structure-property relations}, issn = {1022-1352}, doi = {10.1002/macp.201400150}, author = {Kalva, Nagendra and Aswal, Vinod K. and Ambade, Ashootosh V.} } @article { ISI:000343624300007, title = {Efficient and mild method for preparation of allylic amines from aziridine-2-alcohols using PPh3/I-2/imidazole}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {55}, number = {43}, year = {2014}, month = {OCT}, pages = {5905-5907}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Allylic amines are synthesized in good to excellent yields by treatment of aziridine-2-alcohols with PPh3/I-2/imidazole in THF as solvent under mild conditions. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Chiral allylic amine, Chiral aziridine-2-alcohols, PPh3/iodine/imidazole, Reductive elimination}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2014.08.078}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Khairnar, Lalit B. and Chavan, Prakash N.} } @article { ISI:000346322200021, title = {Efficient conversion of cellulose to levulinic acid by hydrothermal treatment using zirconium dioxide as a recyclable solid acid catalyst}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {53}, number = {49}, year = {2014}, month = {DEC}, pages = {18796-18805}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Conversion of cellulose into platform chemicals is essential for sustainable development of the chemical industry. With this aim, single step hydrothermal conversion of cellulose to industrially important levulinic acid using zirconium dioxide as a catalyst has been investigated. A remarkably high yield (53.9 mol \%) of levulinic acid with excellent accountability and total conversion of cellulose has been achieved at 180 degrees C reaction temperature and reaction time of 3 h with 2 wt \% of catalyst and 2 g of cellulose. The major products identified were levulinic acid (LA), formic acid (FA), 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), furfural, and humins. Formation of humins during cellulose hydrolysis and dehydration was observed and is also confirmed by NMR and FTIR analysis. The effect of various reaction parameters such as temperature, time, substrate concentration, and catalyst loading on conversion and selectivity has been studied. The catalyst has been regenerated and recycled several times without any loss of activity and selectivity.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/ie5011838}, author = {Joshi, Sunil S. and Zodge, Amit D. and Pandare, Kiran V. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article { ISI:000335226700033, title = {Efficient synthesis of glycerol carbonate/glycidol using 1,8-diazabicyclo [5.4.0] undec-7-ene (DBU) based ionic liquids as catalyst}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {4}, number = {33}, year = {2014}, month = {FEB}, pages = {17124-17128}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Transesterification of dimethyl carbonate with glycerol to glycerol carbonate has been catalyzed efficiently using basic ionic liquids as catalysts. Activity of all the ILs tested is very high and the best result (96\% conversion with 82\% selectivity to glycerol carbonate and 18\% selectivity to glycidol) was obtained using IL1 as catalyst. The effect of catalyst loading has significant influence on the selectivity pattern. The higher activity of the ionic liquid is explained with a plausible mechanism based on the co-operative effect of both cation and anion.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c3ra47433j}, author = {Munshi, Mudassir K. and Biradar, Pradeep S. and Gade, Swapna M. and Rane, Vilas H. and Kelkar, Ashutosh A.} } @article { ISI:000337134500027, title = {Electrochemically grown nanoporous MnO2 nanowalls on a porous carbon substrate with enhanced capacitance through faster ionic and electrical mobility}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {50}, number = {54}, year = {2014}, month = {APR}, pages = {7188-7190}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We report the deposition of uniform porous MnO2 nanowalls on a conducting carbon fiber substrate using a simple electrochemical method, which produces ordered nano-channels demarcated by the MnO2 walls for easy ion transport and a continuous electron path created by the carbon backbone. The system achieves a specific capacitance of 1149 F g(-1) and retains 565 F g(-1) even at dragging conditions as high as 100 A g(-1).

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c4cc00927d}, author = {Anothumakkool, Bihag and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article { ISI:000336883000054, title = {Electrodeposited polyethylenedioxythiophene with infiltrated gel electrolyte interface: a close contest of an all-solid-state supercapacitor with its liquid-state counterpart}, journal = {Nanoscale}, volume = {6}, number = {11}, year = {2014}, month = {JUN}, pages = {5944-5952}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We report the design of an all-solid-state supercapacitor, which has charge storage characteristics closely matching that of its liquid-state counterpart even under extreme temperature and humidity conditions. The prototype is made by electro-depositing polyethylenedioxythiophene (PEDOT) onto the individual carbon fibers of a porous carbon substrate followed by intercalating the matrix with polyvinyl alcohol-sulphuric acid (PVA-H2SO4) gel electrolyte. The electrodeposited layer of PEDOT maintained a flower-like growth pattern along the threads of each carbon fiber. This morphology and the alignment of PEDOT led to an enhanced surface area and electrical conductivity, and the pores in the system enabled effective intercalation of the polymer-gel electrolyte. Thus, the established electrode-electrolyte interface nearly mimics that of its counterpart based on the liquid electrolyte. Consequently, the solid device attained very low internal resistance (1.1 Omega cm(-2)) and a high specific capacitance (181 F g(-1)) for PEDOT at a discharge current density of 0.5 A g(-1). Even with a high areal capacitance of 836 mF cm(-2) and volumetric capacitance of 28 F cm(-3), the solid device retained a mass-specific capacitance of 111 F g(-1) for PEDOT. This is in close agreement with the value displayed by the corresponding liquid-state system (112 F g(-1)), which was fabricated by replacing the gel electrolyte with 0.5 M H2SO4. The device also showed excellent charge-discharge stability for 12 000 cycles at 5 A g(-1). The performance of the device was consistent even under wide-ranging humidity (30-80\%) and temperature (-10 to 80 degrees C) conditions. Finally, a device fabricated by increasing the electrode area four times was used to light an LED, which validated the scalability of the process.

}, issn = {2040-3364}, doi = {10.1039/c4nr00659c}, author = {Anothumakkool, Bihag and Torris, Arun A. T. and Bhange, Siddheshwar N. and Badiger, Manohar V. and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @conference {46368, title = {Electrokinetic properties of PMAA functionalized NiFe2O4 nanoparticles synthesized by thermal plasma route}, booktitle = {Solid State Physics: Proceedings of the 58th Dae Solid State Physics Symposium 2013, PTS A \& B}, year = {2014}, month = {DEC}, publisher = {Board Res Nucl Sci; Dept Atom Energy; Govt India}, organization = {Board Res Nucl Sci; Dept Atom Energy; Govt India}, address = {2 HUNTINGTON QUADRANGLE, STE 1NO1, MELVILLE, NY 11747-4501 USA}, abstract = {

The magnetic nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) nanoparticles with an average size of 30nm were synthesised by Transferred arc DC Thermal Plasma route. The synthesized nickel ferrite nanoparticles were characterized by TEM and FTIR techniques. The synthesized nickel ferrite nanoparticles were further functionalized with PMAA (polymethacrylic acid) by self emulsion polymerization method and subsequently were characterized by FTIR and Zeta Analyzer. The variation of zeta potential with pH was systematically studied for both PMAA functionalized (PNFO) and uncoated nickel ferrite nanoparticles (NFO). The IEP (isoelectric points) for PNFO and NFO was determined from the graph of zeta potential vs pH. It was observed that the IEP for NFO was at 7.20 and for PNFO it was 2.52. The decrease in IEP of PNFO was attributed to the COOH functional group of PMAA.

}, keywords = {IEP, NiFe2O4, PMAA, Thermal plasma, Zeta potential}, isbn = {978-0-7354-1225-5}, doi = {10.1063/14873080}, author = {Bhosale, Shivaji V. and Mhaske, Pravin and Kanhe, N. and Navale, A. B. and Bhoraskar, S. V. and Mathe, V. L. and Bhatt, S. K.}, editor = {Murli, C and Bhattacharyya, D and Gadkari, SC} } @article { ISI:000334731300013, title = {Elucidation of ionic interactions in the protic ionic liquid solutions by isothermal titration calorimetry}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, volume = {118}, number = {15}, year = {2014}, month = {APR}, pages = {4160-4168}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The strong hydrogen-bonded network noted in protic ionic liquids (PILs) may lead to stronger interactions of the ionic entities of PILs with solvents (water, methanol, ethylene glycol, climethylsulfoxide (DMSO), N,N{\textquoteright}-dimethylformamide (DMF)) as compared with those of aprotic ionic liquids (APILs). The PILs used in this work are 1-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, 2-methylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate, and N-methylpyrrolodinium tetrafluoroborate in comparison to 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, which is classified as an APIL. In this work, the excess partial molar enthalpy, H-IL(E) obtained from isothermal calorimetric titrations at 298.15 K is used to probe the nature of interactions of the PIL cations with solvent molecules against those present in APIL solvent systems. This work also reports interesting flip-flopping in the thermal behavior of these PIL-solvent systems depending upon the structure of the cationic ring of a PIL. In some cases, these flip-flops are the specific fingerprints for specific PILs in a common solvent environment. The excess partial molar enthalpy at infinite dilution, H-IL(E,infinity), of these PILs bears a critical dependence on the solvent properties. An analysis of relative apparent molar enthalpies, phi(L), of the PIL solutions by the ion interaction model of Pitzer yields important information on ionic interactions of these systems.

}, issn = {1520-6106}, doi = {10.1021/jp5019179}, author = {Rai, Gitanjali and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000344389000066, title = {Emulsion ionic liquid membranes (EILMs) for removal of Pb(II) from aqueous solutions}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {4}, number = {94}, year = {2014}, month = {OCT}, pages = {52316-52323}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Ionic liquids (ILs) are playing increasingly important roles in the membrane separation processes. The present manuscript discusses the removal of Pb(II) ions from aqueous solution using an emulsion ionic liquid membrane (EILM) process. Initially, the emulsion liquid membrane (ELM) was prepared by stirring strip phase (sulphuric acid) and organic phase (surfactant: span 80, extractant: D2EHPA, diluent: hexane) together under high speed agitation. Note that, the parameters of the ELM process such as emulsification speed, pH of the feed phase, treat ratio, extractant and surfactant concentrations were studied for the maximum removal of Pb(II) ions. The role of IL was explored by adding hydrophobic IL, octylmethylimidazole hexafluorophosphine ([OMIM][PF6]), in the organic phase. The performance of ELM with and without IL was compared on the basis of stability, enrichment factor and the removal efficiency for Pb(II). The results showed that the percentage of Pb(II) extraction was complete by the emulsion membrane with IL (EILM) in comparison to the 97\% achieved by neat ELM. Further, the stability and the enrichment factor of the EILM were found to be 2-3 times greater than that of the ELM. The FT-IR spectroscopic analysis revealed that bond interactions between IL and membrane phase components avoided the coalescence of internal phase droplets and enhanced the emulsion stability. The results obtained in this work support the use of the IL [OMIM][PF6] as both a stabilizer and carrier for the overall improvement of the ELM process.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c4ra06485b}, author = {Lende, Avinash B. and Dinker, Manish K. and Bhosale, Vikas K. and Kamble, Sanjay P. and Meshram, Pawan D. and Kulkarni, Prashant S.} } @article { ISI:000340520500055, title = {Enhanced catalytic activity of polyethylenedioxythiophene towards tri-iodide reduction in DSSCs via 1-dimensional alignment using hollow carbon nanofibers}, journal = {Nanoscale}, volume = {6}, number = {17}, year = {2014}, month = {JUL}, pages = {10332-10339}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Here, we report a highly conducting 1-dimensionally (1-D) aligned polyethylenedioxythiophene (PEDOT) along the inner and outer surfaces of a hollow carbon nanofiber (CNF) and its application as a counter electrode in a dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC). The hybrid material (CP-25) displays a conversion efficiency of 7.16\% compared to 7.30\% for the standard Pt counter electrode, 4.48\% for bulk PEDOT and 5.56\% for CNF. The enhanced conversion efficiency of CP-25 is attributed to the accomplishment of high conductivity and surface area of PEDOT through the 1-D alignment compared to its bulk counterpart. Reduced charge transfer resistance and high conductivity of CP-25 could be proven by cyclic voltammetry, impedance analysis and Tafel experiments. Further, through a long-term stability test involving efficiency profiling for 20 days, it is observed that CP-25 possesses excellent durability compared to the bulk PEDOT.

}, issn = {2040-3364}, doi = {10.1039/c4nr00717d}, author = {Anothumakkool, Bihag and Game, Onkar S. and Bhange, Siddheshwar N. and Kumari, Tanya and Ogale, Satishchandra B. and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article { ISI:000341152600073, title = {Enhanced field emission properties of doped graphene nanosheets with layered SnS2}, journal = {Applied Physics Letters}, volume = {105}, number = {4}, year = {2014}, month = {JUL}, pages = {043109}, publisher = {AMER INST PHYSICS}, address = {CIRCULATION \& FULFILLMENT DIV, 2 HUNTINGTON QUADRANGLE, STE 1 N O 1, MELVILLE, NY 11747-4501 USA}, abstract = {

We report here our experimental investigations on p-doped graphene using tin sulfide (SnS2), which shows enhanced field emission properties. The turn on field required to draw an emission current density of 1 mu A/cm(2) is significantly low (almost half the value) for the SnS2/reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanocomposite (2.65 V/mu m) compared to pristine SnS2 (4.8 V/mu m) nanosheets. The field enhancement factor beta (similar to 3200 for the SnS2 and similar to 3700 for SnS2/RGO composite) was calculated from Fowler-Nordheim (F-N) plots, which indicates that the emission is from the nanometric geometry of the emitter. The field emission current versus time plot shows overall good emission stability for the SnS2/RGO emitter. The magnitude of work function of SnS2 and a SnS2/graphene composite has been calculated from first principles density functional theory (DFT) and is found to be 6.89 eV and 5.42 eV, respectively. The DFT calculations clearly reveal that the enhanced field emission properties of SnS2/RGO are due to a substantial lowering of the work function of SnS2 when supported by graphene, which is in response to p-type doping of graphene. (C) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.

}, issn = {0003-6951}, doi = {10.1063/1.4892001}, author = {Rout, Chandra Sekhar and Joshi, Padmashree D. and Kashid, Ranjit V. and Joag, Dilip S. and More, Mahendra A. and Simbeck, Adam J. and Washington, Morris and Nayak, Saroj K. and Late, Dattatray J.} } @article { ISI:000338806600067, title = {Enhanced kinetics for the clathrate process in a fixed bed reactor in the presence of liquid promoters for pre-combustion carbon dioxide capture}, journal = {Energy}, volume = {70}, year = {2014}, month = {JUN}, pages = {664-673}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

In this work, we present enhanced kinetics of hydrate formation for the clathrate process in the presence of two liquid promoters namely THF (tetrahydrofuran) and TBAB (tetra-n-butyl ammonium bromide) in a FBR (fixed bed reactor) for pre-combustion capture of CO2. Silica sand was used as a medium to capture CO2 from CO2/H-2 gas mixture by hydrate crystallisation. Experiments were performed at different temperatures (274.2 K and 279.2 K) and 6.0 MPa to determine the total gas uptake, induction time and rate of hydrate formation. The observed trends indicated that higher driving force resulted in higher gas consumption and significantly reduced induction time. For the same driving force, higher gas consumption and shorter induction time was achieved by THF as compared to TBAB. 5.53 mol\% THF attained higher gas consumption than 1.0 mol\% THF whereas 3.0 mol\% TBAB attained lower gas consumption than 0.3 mol\% TBAB. A highest gas uptake of 51.95 (+/- 5.183) mmol of gas/mol of water and a highest rate of 51.21(+/- 8.91) mol.min(-1).m(-3) were obtained for 5.53 mol\% THF at 6.0 MPa and 279.2 K. Overall, this study indicated better hydrate formation kinetics with the use of THF in an FBR configuration for CO2 capture from a fuel gas mixture. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Carbon dioxide capture, Clathrate process, Fixed bed reactor, Gas hydrates, Pre-combustion capture, Promoters}, issn = {0360-5442}, doi = {10.1016/j.energy.2014.04.053}, author = {Babu, Ponnivalavan and Ho, Chie Yin and Kumar, Rajnish and Linga, Praveen} } @article { ISI:000331828400019, title = {Enhanced mineralization of gaseous organic pollutant by photo-oxidation using Au-Doped TiO2/MCM-41}, journal = {Water Air and Soil Pollution}, volume = {225}, number = {2}, year = {2014}, month = {FEB}, pages = {1847}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, type = {Article}, address = {VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The synthesis, characterization, and photocatalytic evaluation of titania-loaded MCM-41 with and without Au doping are reported in the present study. The samples were characterized by powder XRD, TEM, low temperature N-2 adsorption/desorption, UV-Vis, and FTIR. UV-induced vapor-phase photo-oxidation of acetone was used as a probe reaction to study the role of Au in mineralization of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), viz. acetone at different concentrations. The doping of Au in titania-loaded MCM-41 resulted in the decrease of BET surface area, total pore volume, and average pore size. UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra of Au-doped titania-loaded MCM-41 showed the red shift in their absorption bands compared to titania-loaded MCM-41. The activity of mineralization of acetone by photocatalysis for 2 \% Au-doped titania-loaded MCM-41 was found to be similar to 1.6 times higher than titania-loaded MCM-41. The presence of cocatalytic nanosized gold might be responsible for their enhanced activity on account of the delayed recombination of electron/hole pair. Although, almost complete mineralization of acetone was observed irrespective of the initial concentration of acetone in air (up to 3.72 mol\%) by all the catalysts, 2 wt.\% Au-doped titania-loaded MCM-41 has shown the most enhanced activity.

}, keywords = {Acetone, Doping, Gold, Mineralization of VOCs, Photo-oxidation, TiO2/MCM-41}, issn = {0049-6979}, doi = {10.1007/s11270-013-1847-z}, author = {Tangale, Nilesh P. and Belhekar, Anuja A. and Kale, Kishor B. and Awate, Shobhana V.} } @conference { ISI:000352795700066, title = {Enhancement in the field emission behavior of graphene in N-2/O-2 high vacuum ambience}, booktitle = {2014 27th International Vacuum Nanoelectronics Conference (IVNC) }, series = {International Vacuum Nanoelectronics Conference}, year = {2014}, note = {27th International Vacuum Nanoelectronics Conference (IVNC), Engelberg, SWITZERLAND, JUL 06-10, 2014}, month = {JUL}, publisher = {IEEE, 345 E 47th ST, New York, NY 10017 USA}, organization = {IEEE, 345 E 47th ST, New York, NY 10017 USA}, address = {Engelberg, Switzerland}, abstract = {

Herein we report, pressure dependent field emission (FE) behaviour of a few-layer graphene emitter. Gas dependent FE properties have been investigated in ultra high vacuum (UHV), as well as in N-2 and O-2 ambience at base pressure similar to 1x10(-6) torr. Interestingly, the graphene emitter when operated in N-2/O-2 ambience exhibits lower turn-on field and higher emission current density, as compared to the UHV conditions. The emission current stability investigated at preset value of similar to 1 mu A over the period of more than 2 hrs is found better in the N2 ambience and is characterized by fewer fluctuations, in contrast to the behaviour in the O-2 ambience. The observed enhanced electron emission behavior in N-2/O-2 ambience is attributed to modulation of the work function of graphene emitter.

}, keywords = {graphene, Pressure Dependent Field Emission}, isbn = {978-1-4799-5306-6}, issn = {2164-2370}, doi = {10.1109/IVNC.2014.6894791}, author = {Suryawanshi, S. R. and Kolhe, Pankaj S. and Gavhane, D. S. and Patil, S. S. and Chavan, P. G. and More, Mahendra A. and Late, Dattatray J.}, editor = {Tsujino, S. and Gobrecht, J. and Paraliev, M. and Braun, H. H. and Groening, O. and Feurer, T.} } @article { ISI:000343018200079, title = {Enhancing cubosome functionality by coating with a single layer of poly-epsilon-lysine}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {6}, number = {19}, year = {2014}, month = {OCT}, pages = {17126-17133}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

We report the preparation and characterization of monoolein cubosomes that can be easily surface modified through adsorption of a single layer of cationic poly-epsilon-lysine. Poly-epsilon-lysine coated cubosomes show remarkable stability in serum solution, are nontoxic and, are readily internalized by HeLa cells. The poly-epsilon-lysine coating provides chemical handles for further bioconjugation of the cubosome surface. We also demonstrate that the initial release rate of a hydrophilic drug, Naproxen sodium, from the cubosomes is retarded with just a single layer of polymer. Interestingly, cubosomes loaded with Naproxen sodium, recently shown to have anticancer properties, cause more apoptosis in HeLa cells when compared to free unencapsulated drug.

}, keywords = {bioconjugation, cubosomes, drug delivery vehicle, dual loading, theranostics}, issn = {1944-8244}, doi = {10.1021/am5047872}, author = {Deshpande, Sonal and Venugopal, Edakkal and Ramagiri, Shobha and Bellare, Jayesh R. and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy and Singh, Neetu} } @article { ISI:000330241000054, title = {Enzyme mediated synthesis of water-dispersible, naturally protein capped, monodispersed gold nanoparticles; their characterization and mechanistic aspects}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {4}, number = {15}, year = {2014}, month = {JUL}, pages = {7729-7734}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Inorganic nanomaterials are conventionally synthesized under harsh environments like extremes of temperature, pressure and pH. These methods are eco-unfriendly, expensive, toxic, cumbersome, yield bigger particles which agglomerate due to not being capped by capping agents. In contrast, biological synthesis of inorganic nanomaterials occurs under ambient conditions viz. room temperature, atmospheric pressure, physiological pH and is reliable, eco-friendly and cheap. We have already reported the extracellular biosynthesis of monodispersed gold nanoparticles from the whole cells of novel extremophilic actinomycete Thermomonospora sp. In order to know the exact mechanism of synthesis, we decided to investigating it further. Here we describe the simple protocol for purification of the temperature and SDS resistant sulfite reductase enzyme and organic capping molecule, which are required for the synthesis and stabilization of gold nanoparticles respectively. This purified enzyme was then employed for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles along with the capping molecule, which render gold nanoparticles monodispersed in solution.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c3ra43888k}, author = {Khan, Shadab Ali and Ahmad, Absar} } @article { ISI:000346371700012, title = {Evaluation of genetic variability in Symplocos laurina Wall. from two biodiversity hotspots of India}, journal = {Plant Systematics and Evolution}, volume = {300}, number = {10}, year = {2014}, month = {DEC}, pages = {2239-2247}, publisher = {SPRINGER WIEN}, address = {SACHSENPLATZ 4-6, PO BOX 89, A-1201 WIEN, AUSTRIA}, abstract = {

Symplocos laurina Wall., an important medicinal tree species, is one of the pioneering plants for establishment of shola forest ecosystem. We analyzed 208 accessions of S. laurina from 13 populations belonging to three ecoregions in India namely, Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats and Northeast India, to comment on the genetic diversity and population structure of the species. Of the 100 inter simple sequence repeat primers screened, eight were selected based on their clear and reproducible polymorphic patterns. These eight ISSR primers produced on an average 1,014 bands from 208 accessions, of which 6.58 \% were rare bands, 55.96 \% were shared bands and 37.46 \% were similar bands. The primers, UBC835 and UBC880, amplified the highest number of polymorphic loci (16), while the primer UBC852 amplified the least number of amplicons (9). The values for total genetic diversity (H-T) and the average heterozygosity (H-S) were 0.3407 and 0.2263, respectively; while the coefficient of genetic differentiation (G(ST)) was 0.3358. Within-population variance was higher (68 \%) than among-population variance (17 \%), indicating high intra-population genetic diversity. These populations were grouped according to their geographical location in cluster analysis. Mantel test also showed significant positive correlation between genetic and geographical distances. The present study revealed the importance of the Palghat gap in South India in shaping the distribution of genetic diversity in S. laurina.

}, keywords = {Biodiversity hotspots, Genetic diversity, ISSR, Palghat gap, Symplocos laurina}, issn = {0378-2697}, doi = {10.1007/s00606-014-1046-4}, author = {Bhagwat, Rasika M. and Banu, Sofia and Dholakia, Bhushan B. and Kadoo, Narendra Y. and Lagu, Meena D. and Gupta, Vidya S.} } @article { ISI:000337539000009, title = {Evaluation of multipoint dosing strategy in a miniaturized tubular reactor: nitration of salicylic acid}, journal = {Chemical Engineering \& Technology}, volume = {37}, number = {6}, year = {2014}, month = {JUN}, pages = {927-937}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

A 2D non-isothermal reaction engineering model for a tubular reactor was developed for a complex reaction network of salicylic acid nitration. The influence of different operating and design parameters was studied to minimize the amount of secondary nitration products and limit the maximum temperature inside the reactor. Critical temperature effects were observed for larger reaction tubes, whereas close to isothermal conditions were perceived in smaller tubes. With single-point dosing of both reactants, complete conversion can be achieved but formation of secondary nitration products cannot be avoided. For a given number of dosing points, a suitable combination of the operating parameters allowed to achieve complete conversion and better yield of the desired product.

}, keywords = {Multipoint injection, nitration, Plug-flow reactor, Salicylic acid, Tubular reactor}, issn = {0930-7516}, doi = {10.1002/ceat.201300427}, author = {Debnath, Soujoy and Kienle, Achim and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article { ISI:000343067700009, title = {Experimental determination of the electrostatic nature of carbonyl hydrogen-bonding interactions using IR-NMR correlations}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemical Letters}, volume = {5}, number = {18}, year = {2014}, month = {AUG}, pages = {3211-3215}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Hydrogen-bonding plays a fundamental role in the structure, function, and dynamics of various chemical and biological systems. Understanding the physical nature of interactions and the role of electrostatics in hydrogen-bonding has been the focus of several theoretical and computational research. We present an experimental approach involving IR-C-13 NMR correlations to determine the electrostatic nature of carbonyl hydrogen-bonding interactions. This report provides a direct experimental evidence of the classical nature of hydrogen-bonding interaction in carbonyls, independent of any theoretical approximation. These results have important implications in chemistry and biology and can be applied to probe the reaction mechanisms involving carbonyl activation/stabilization by hydrogen bonds using spectroscopic techniques.

}, issn = {1948-7185}, doi = {10.1021/jz501613p}, author = {Kashid, Somnath M. and Bagchi, Sayan} } @article { ISI:000332782600001, title = {Extracellular biosynthesis of gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) nanoparticles, their biodistribution and bioconjugation with the chemically modified anticancer drug taxol}, journal = {Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology}, volume = {5}, year = {2014}, month = {MAR}, pages = {249-257}, publisher = {BEILSTEIN-INSTITUT}, type = {Article}, address = {TRAKEHNER STRASSE 7-9, FRANKFURT AM MAIN, 60487, GERMANY}, abstract = {

As a part of our programme to develop nanobioconjugates for the treatment of cancer, we first synthesized extracellular, protein-capped, highly stable and well-dispersed gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) nanoparticles by using thermophilic fungus Humicola sp. The biodistribution of the nanoparticles in rats was checked by radiolabelling with Tc-99m. Finally, these nanoparticles were bioconjugated with the chemically modified anticancer drug taxol with the aim of characterizing the role of this bioconjugate in the treatment of cancer. The biosynthesized Gd2O3 nanoparticles were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS). The Gd2O3-taxol bioconjugate was confirmed by UV-vis spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy and was purified by using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

}, keywords = {bioconjugation, biodistribution, gadolinium oxide, humicola sp, transmission electron microscopy}, issn = {2190-4286}, doi = {10.3762/bjnano.5.27}, author = {Khan, Shadab Ali and Gambhir, Sanjay and Ahmad, Absar} } @article { ISI:000340292800014, title = {Extracellular biosynthesis of metal sulfide nanoparticles using the fungus fusarium oxysporum}, journal = {Current Nanoscience}, volume = {10}, number = {4}, year = {2014}, month = {JUL}, pages = {588-595}, publisher = {BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBL LTD}, address = {EXECUTIVE STE Y-2, PO BOX 7917, SAIF ZONE, 1200 BR SHARJAH, U ARAB EMIRATES}, abstract = {

The development of reliable, eco-friendly processes for the synthesis of nanomaterials is an important aspect of nanotechnology. One approach that shows immense potential is based on the biosynthesis of nanoparticles using microorganisms such as bacteria. In this report, we demonstrate the extracellular biosynthesis and complete characterization of metal sulfide (PbS, ZnS, MnS and NiS) nanoparticles using fungus, Fusarium oxysporum. We observed that the exposure of aqueous solution of 1 mM metal sulfate to fungus Fusarium oxysporum resulted in the formation of highly stable technologically important metal sulfide semiconductor nanoparticles. Fusarium oxysporum synthesizes lead sulfide and zinc sulfide nanoparticles of fractal type structure whereas manganese sulfide and nickel sulfide nanoparticles are of variable polydispersed morphology. The variable morphology may be due to the dissimilar interaction of metal sulfide nanoparticles with capping proteins secreted by the fungus in solution. The nanoparticles solution is found to be extremely stable with little evidence of aggregation even after a month of storage. The long term stability of the nanoparticles is due to the proteins secreted by fungus in the nanoparticle solution which bind to the surface of the nanoparticles and thus prevent aggregation.

}, keywords = {Biosynthesis, enzymes, fungi, metal sulfide, Nanoparticles}, issn = {1573-4137}, author = {Senapati, Satyajyoti and Syed, Asad and Khan, Shadab and Pasricha, Renu and Khan, Mohammad Islam and Kumar, Rajiv and Ahmad, Absar} } @article { ISI:000345902500007, title = {Facile and convenient synthesis of (+/-)-Biotin via MgCl2/Et3N-mediated C-C coupling and mitsunobu reaction}, journal = {Synlett}, volume = {25}, number = {20}, year = {2014}, month = {DEC}, pages = {2879-2882}, publisher = {GEORG THIEME VERLAG KG}, type = {Article}, address = {RUDIGERSTR 14, D-70469 STUTTGART, GERMANY}, abstract = {

A synthesis of (+/-)-biotin is described starting from simple starting materials viz. cyclohexanone and amino malonic acid ester. The key steps involved are MgCl2/Et3N coupling of amino malonic acid ester derivative and acid chloride, Mitsunobu reaction, ozonolysis, Staudinger reduction, novel urea formation, and subsequent dibenzylation. This approach is economical and involves high-yielding steps and simple reaction conditions.

}, keywords = {Appel reaction, biotin, Mitsunobu reaction, Ozonolysis, Staudinger reduction}, issn = {0936-5214}, doi = {10.1055/s-0034-1379365}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Chavan, Prakash N. and Lasonkar, Pradeep B. and Khairnar, Lalit B. and Kadam, Appasaheb L.} } @article {46390, title = {Ferromagnetic tetranuclear Cu(II) complex: catecholase and phenoxazinone synthase activities}, journal = {Acta Crystallographica A-Foundation and Advances}, volume = {70}, year = {2014}, month = {MAY}, pages = {C926}, type = {Meeting Abstract}, keywords = {catalysis, Ferromagnetic, Tetranuclear copper}, issn = {2053-2733}, author = {Mitra, Merry and Kundu, Tanay and Kaur, Gurpreet and Sharma, Gyaneswar and Choudhury, Angshuman Roy and Singh, Yogesh and Ghosh, Rajarshi} } @article { ISI:000341122000068, title = {Fe-TAML encapsulated inside mesoporous silica nanoparticles as peroxidase mimic: femtomolar protein detection}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {6}, number = {16}, year = {2014}, month = {AUG}, pages = {13866-13873}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Peroxidase, such as horseradish peroxidase (HRP), conjugated to antibodies are routinely used for the detection of proteins via an ELISA type assay in which a critical step is the catalytic signal amplification by the enzyme to generate a detectable signal. Synthesis of functional mimics of peroxidase enzyme that display catalytic activity which far exceeds the native enzyme is extremely important for the precise and accurate determination of very low quantities of proteins (fM and lower) that is necessary for early clinical diagnosis. Despite great advancements, analyzing proteins of very low abundance colorimetrically, a method that is most sought after since it requires no equipment for the analysis, still faces great challenges. Most reported HRP mimics that show catalytic activity greater than native enzyme (similar to 40-fold) are based on metal/metal-oxide nanoparticles such as Fe3O4. In this paper, we describe a second generation hybrid material developed by us in which approximately 25 000 alkyne tagged biuret modified Fetetraamido macrocyclic ligand (Fe-TAML), a very powerful small molecule synthetic HRP mimic, was covalently attached inside a 40 nm mesoporous silica nanopartide (MSN). Biuret-modified Fe-TAMLs represent one of the best small molecule functional mimics of the enzyme HRP with reaction rates in water close to the native enzyme and operational stability (pH, ionic strength) far exceeding the natural enzyme. The catalytic activity of this hybrid material is around 1000-fold higher than that of natural HRP and 100-fold higher than that of most metal/metal oxide nanoparticle based HRP mimics reported to date. We also show that using antibody conjugates of this hybrid material it is possible to detect and, most importantly, quantify femtomolar quantities of proteins colorimetrically in an ELISA type assay. This represents at least 10-fold higher sensitivity than other colorimetric protein assays that have been reported using metal/metal oxide nanoparticles as HRP mimic. Using a human IgG expressing cell line, we were able to demonstrate that the protein of interest human IgG could be detected from a mixture of interfering proteins in our assay.

}, keywords = {colorimetrically, immuno assay, MSN, peroxidase mimic, signal amplification}, issn = {1944-8244}, doi = {10.1021/am503275g}, author = {Kumari, Sushma and Dhar, Basab B. and Panda, Chakadola and Meena, Abhishek and Sen Gupta, Sayam} } @article { ISI:000346266000074, title = {Field emission properties of ZnO nanosheet arrays}, journal = {Applied Physics Letters}, volume = {105}, number = {23}, year = {2014}, month = {DEC}, pages = {233101}, publisher = {AMER INST PHYSICS}, address = {1305 WALT WHITMAN RD, STE 300, MELVILLE, NY 11747-4501 USA}, abstract = {

{Electron emission properties of electrodeposited ZnO nanosheet arrays grown on Indium tin oxide coated glass substrates have been studied. Influence of oxygen vacancies on electronic structures and field emission properties of ZnO nanosheets are investigated using density functional theory. The oxygen vacancies produce unshared d electrons which form an impurity energy state; this causes shifting of Fermi level towards the vacuum, and so the barrier energy for electron extraction reduces. The ZnO nanosheet arrays exhibit a low turn-on field of 2.4 V/mu m at 0.1 mu A/cm(2) and current density of 50.1 mu A/cm(2) at an applied field of 6.4 V/mu m with field enhancement factor

}, issn = {0003-6951}, doi = {10.1063/1.4903271}, author = {Naik, Kusha Kumar and Khare, Ruchita T. and Chakravarty, Disha and More, Mahendra A. and Thapa, Ranjit and Late, Dattatray J. and Rout, Chandra Sekhar} } @article { ISI:000328956700038, title = {Film forming polymeric ionic liquids (PILs) based on polybenzimidazoles for CO2 separation}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {4}, number = {9}, year = {2014}, month = {JAN}, pages = {4500-4503}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

PILs are emerging as promising materials for CO2 capture. Film formation, which is a requisite for membrane formation, is induced in a family of PILs by N-substituting a rigid thermo-mechanically stable polybenzimidazole, followed by metathesis. This provided two IL groups per repeat unit of the PIL and enhanced the CO2 separation characteristics.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c3ra44632h}, author = {Kumbharkar, Santosh C. and Bhavsar, Rupesh S. and Kharul, Ulhas K.} } @article { ISI:000343624300030, title = {First iodocyclization reaction of allene-thioureas: an efficient approach to bicyclic beta-lactams}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {55}, number = {43}, year = {2014}, month = {OCT}, pages = {5998-6000}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The regioselective iodocyclization reaction of allene-thioureas is described, for the first time, for the synthesis of bicyclic beta-lactams. The substitution at the allenyl part heavily influenced the iodocyclization reaction. The iodocyclization reaction of the unsubstituted allene-thioureas afforded six-membered 3-thia-1-dethiacephems whereas, the substituted allene-thiourea afforded seven-membered thiazepines along with five-membered isopenams. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Allene, beta-Lactams, Iodocyclization, Regioselective, thiourea}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2014.09.004}, author = {Garud, Dinesh R. and Jadhav, Amol R. and Lahore, Santosh V. and Kahar, Nilesh M. and Joshi, Rohini R. and Joshi, Ramesh A. and Koketsu, Mamoru} } @article { ISI:000340267600082, title = {Flexible microwave absorbers based on barium hexaferrite, carbon black, and nitrile rubber for 2-12 GHz applications}, journal = {Journal of Applied Physics}, volume = {116}, number = {2}, year = {2014}, month = {JUL}, pages = {024902}, publisher = {AMER INST PHYSICS}, address = {CIRCULATION \& FULFILLMENT DIV, 2 HUNTINGTON QUADRANGLE, STE 1 N O 1, MELVILLE, NY 11747-4501 USA}, abstract = {

Flexile single layer electromagnetic wave absorbers were designed by incorporating appropriate amounts of carbon black in a nitrile butadiene rubber matrix along with an optimized amount of magnetic counterpart, namely, barium hexaferrite for applications in S, C, and X-bands. Effective dielectric permittivity and magnetic permeability were measured using cavity perturbation method in the frequency range of 2-12 GHz. The microwave absorbing characteristics of the composites were studied in the S, C, and X-bands employing a model in which an electromagnetic wave is incident normally on a metal terminated single layer. Reflection loss exceeding -20 dB is obtained for all the samples in a wide frequency range of 2-12 GHz when an appropriate absorber thickness between 5 and 9 mm is chosen. The impact of carbon black is clearly observed in the optimized composites on the mechanical strength, thickness, band width of absorption, dielectric properties, and absorptivity. (C) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.

}, issn = {0021-8979}, doi = {10.1063/1.4886382}, author = {Vinayasree, S. and Soloman, M. A. and Sunny, Vijutha and Mohanan, P. and Kurian, Philip and Joy, Pattayil Alias and Anantharaman, Maliemadom R.} } @article { ISI:000341883700033, title = {Flexible, polymer-supported synthesis of sphingosine derivatives provides ceramides with enhanced biological activity}, journal = {Bioorganic \& Medicinal Chemistry}, volume = {22}, number = {19}, year = {2014}, month = {OCT}, pages = {5506-5512}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A polymer-supported route for the synthesis of sphingosine derivatives is presented based on the C-acylation of polymeric phosphoranylidene acetates with an Fmoc-protected amino acid. The approach enables the flexible variation of the sphingosine tail through a deprotection-decarboxylation sequence followed by E-selective Wittig olefination cleavage. D-Erythro-sphingosine analogs have been synthesized by diastereoselective reduction of the keto group employing LiAlH(O-tBu)(3) as reducing agent. The effect of ceramides and keto-ceramides on the proliferation of three cancer cell lines HEP G-2, PC-12 and HL-60 was investigated and a ceramide containing an aromatic sphingosine tail was identified as being most active. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Apoptosis, Ceramide, Lipid rafts, Lipids, Sphingosine}, issn = {0968-0896}, doi = {10.1016/j.bmc.2014.07.024}, author = {El-Dahshan, Adeeb and Al-Gharabli, Samer I. and Radetzki, Silke and Al-Tel, Taleb H. and Kumar, Pradeep and Rademann, Joerg} } @article { ISI:000346833500005, title = {Flow of granular matter in a silo with multiple exit orifices: jamming to mixing}, journal = {Physical Review E}, volume = {90}, number = {6}, year = {2014}, month = {DEC}, pages = {062206}, publisher = {AMER PHYSICAL SOC}, address = {ONE PHYSICS ELLIPSE, COLLEGE PK, MD 20740-3844 USA}, abstract = {

We investigate the mixing characteristics of dry granular material while draining down a silo with multiple exit orifices. The mixing in the silo, which otherwise consists of noninteracting stagnant and flowing regions, is observed to improve significantly when the flow through specific orifices is stopped intermittently. This momentary stoppage of flow through the orifice is either controlled manually or is chosen by the system itself when the orifice width is small enough to cause spontaneous jamming and unjamming. We observe that the overall mixing behavior shows a systematic dependence on the frequency of closing and opening of specific orifices. In particular, the silo configuration employing random jamming and unjamming of any of the orifices shows early evidence of chaotic mixing. When operated in a multipass mode, the system exhibits a practical and efficient way of mixing particles.

}, issn = {1539-3755}, doi = {10.1103/PhysRevE.90.062206}, author = {Kamath, Sandesh and Kunte, Amit and Doshi, Pankaj and Orpe, Ashish V.} } @article { ISI:000340591000030, title = {Fluorescent polymeric ionic liquids for the detection of nitroaromatic explosives}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry A}, volume = {2}, number = {34}, year = {2014}, month = {JUL}, pages = {13983-13989}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We report, for the first time, applicability of film forming polymeric ionic liquids (PILs) possessing pyrene and anthracene fluorophores for the detection of nitroaromatics (NACs). These functionalized PILs were synthesized via post modification of thermo-chemically and mechanically stable polybenzimidazole (PBI). Formed PILs were evaluated for their ability to detect NACs through quenching of fluorescence intensity. Quenching of fluorescence intensity in solution state for NACs, such as nitrobenzene (NB), 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and picric acid (PA), was found to be rapid in both the PILs possessing pyrene and anthracene. The solution-phase Stern-Volmer quenching constants for PA were higher than for other NACs. After these promising results, self-standing films (similar to 12 mm thick) were also evaluated for fluorescence quenching by NACs as well as possible interferents of different nature. These films also exhibited rapid and selective fluorescence quenching when exposed to the saturated vapors of NACs at ambient temperature and pressure. Fluorescence emission of PIL films was affected little by the presence of commonly found interferents. Furthermore, fluorescence intensity could be recovered after the quenching, enabling the reuse of these PIL films for detection of NACs. Smart performance of these films and ease of preparation qualify them as attractive candidates in developing sensor devices for sensitive NACs detection in presence of possible interferents.

}, issn = {2050-7488}, doi = {10.1039/c4ta02766c}, author = {Shaligram, Sayali and Wadgaonkar, Prakash P. and Kharul, Ulhas K.} } @article { ISI:000330083100010, title = {Formation of a pseudo-beta-hairpin motif utilizing the Ant-Pro reverse turn: consequences of stereochemical reordering}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {12}, number = {5}, year = {2014}, month = {FEB}, pages = {774-782}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Herein, we report a special case of pseudo-beta-hairpin formation by tetrapetide sequences featuring a two-membered Ant Pro dipeptide motif (Ant = anthranilic acid and Pro = proline) at the loop region. These folded structures uniquely feature the presence of C9- and C17-H-bonding patterns at reverse turn and interstrand regions, respectively. Their hairpin nucleation and folding propensities have been expounded using solution and solid state studies of distinct stereochemically altered sequences.

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/c3ob42016g}, author = {Nair, Roshna V. and Kotmale, Amol S. and Dhokale, Snehal A. and Gawade, Rupesh L. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Rajamohanan, Pattuparambil R. and Sanjayan, Gangadhar J.} } @article { ISI:000345654000087, title = {From micron to nano-curcumin by sophorolipid co-processing: highly enhanced bioavailability, fluorescence, and anti-cancer efficacy}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {4}, number = {104}, year = {2014}, month = {NOV}, pages = {60334-60341}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Co-sonication of curcumin and acidic sophorolipid in aqueous solution is shown to lead to a dramatic enhancement of curcumin bioavailability through size reduction and encapsulation. The interaction between the two is studied and discussed based on optical absorption, photoluminescence, dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, FE-SEM, TEM, Infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction measurements. The cytotoxicity effects of curcumin on breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, are shown to be significantly enhanced by the formation of its complex with sophorolipid. The relative cytotoxicity of curcumin with its SL(A) complex is more due to the presence of the glucose moiety. The results further suggest that sophorolipid based formulations, which solubilize and nano-encapsulate curcumin after lipid digestion, show great potential for curcumin cell entry.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c4ra07300b}, author = {Singh, Pradeep Kumar and Wani, Kirtee and Kaul-Ghanekar, Ruchika and Prabhune, Asmita and Ogale, Satishchandra} } @article {46360, title = {From waste paper basket to solid state and Li-HEC ultracapacitor electrodes: a value added journey for shredded office paper}, journal = {Small}, volume = {10}, year = {2014}, month = {NOV}, pages = {4395-4402}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Hydrothermal processing followed by controlled pyrolysis of used white office paper (a globally collectable shredded paper waste) are performed to obtain high surface area carbon with hierarchical pore size distribution. The BET specific surface area of such carbon is 2341 m 2 g(-1). The interconnected macroporous structure along with the concurrent presence of mesopores and micropores makes the material ideal for ultracapacitor application. Such waste paper derived carbon (WPC) shows remarkable performance in all solid-state supercapacitor fabricated with ionic liquid-polymer gel electrolyte. At room temperature, the material exhibits a power density of 19 000 W kg(-1) with an energy capability of 31 Wh kg(-1). The Li-ion electrochemical capacitor constructed using WPC as cathode also shows an excellent energy storage capacity of 61 Wh kg(-1)

}, issn = {1613-6810}, doi = {10.1002/smll.201401041}, author = {Puthusseri, Dhanya and Aravindan, Vanchiappan and Anothumakkool, Bihag and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Madhavi, Srinivasan and Ogale, Satishchandra} } @article { ISI:000328650000032, title = {Functional isoDNA aptamers: modified thrombin binding aptamers with a 2{\textquoteright}-5{\textquoteright}-linked sugarphosphate backbone (isoTBA)}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {50}, number = {5}, year = {2014}, month = {NOV}, pages = {605-607}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The regioisomeric 3{\textquoteright}-deoxy-2{\textquoteright}-5{\textquoteright}-linked thrombin binding DNA aptamers (isoTBAs) were chemically synthesized and their ability to form unimolecular anti-parallel G-quadruplexes in the presence of K+ ions was evaluated. These modified sequences retain the function of the native thrombin binding aptamer (TBA), exhibit better stability against exonuclease and are capable of slowing down the process of blood clotting.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c3cc47569g}, author = {Gunjal, Anita D. and Fernandes, Moneesha and Erande, Namrata D. and Rajamohanan, P. R. and Kumar, Vaijayanti A.} } @article { ISI:000345734800010, title = {Functionally engineered egg albumen gel for quasi-solid dye sensitized solar cells}, journal = {ACS Sustainable Chemistry \& Engineering}, volume = {2}, number = {12}, year = {2014}, month = {DEC}, pages = {2707-2714}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

In this report, we demonstrated an interesting application of a bioderived material for the dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Egg white, the clear liquid in a hen{\textquoteright}s egg, which possesses a remarkable gelling/cross-linking ability, was applied in the form of a gel electrolyte in a DSSC architecture to enhance its durability. A hybrid gel composed of poly(acrylic acid), polyaniline and egg albumen was synthesized, and the cell efficiency, stability and durability of the corresponding DSSC device were studied in detail. The dye sensitized solar cell with the egg albumen based electrolyte demonstrated a conversion energy efficiency of 4.6\%. Further, a chemically modified egg albumen with ethylenediaminetetraacetic dianhydride showed improved cross-linking, microstructural and conductivity properties of the gel, and yielded a remarkable 5.75\% conversion efficiency. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data showed favorable characteristics for charge transport through the modified gel and supported the efficiency observations very well.

}, keywords = {dye sensitized solar cells, Egg albumen, gel electrolyte}, issn = {2168-0485}, doi = {10.1021/sc5004488}, author = {Kelkar, Sarika A. and Pandey, Komal and Agarkar, Shruti A. and Saikhedkar, Nidhi and Tathavadekar, Mukta and Agrawal, Ishita and Gundloori, Rathna V. N. and Ogale, Satishchandra} } @article { ISI:000343624300009, title = {Fungi mediated production and practical purification of (R)-(-)-3-quinuclidinol}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {55}, number = {43}, year = {2014}, month = {OCT}, pages = {5911-5914}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A fungal system belonging to Mucoraceae family (Mucor piriformis) was explored for the asymmetric reduction of a prochiral ketone, 3-quinuclidinone (I) in an efficient manner to produce an important pharmaceutical precursor (R)-(-)-3-quinuclidinol (II) with similar to 96\% enantiomeric excess. The efficiency of the process was improved by developing a cation exchange resin (Amberlite IR-120) which assisted the purification of water soluble metabolite II from fermentation media. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {(R)-(-)-3-Quinuclidinol, Amberlite IR-120, Biotransformation, Ion exchange resin, Mucor pinformis}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2014.09.015}, author = {Kolet, Swati P. and Jadhav, Dipesh D. and Priyadarshini, Balaraman and Swarge, Bhagyashree N. and Thulasiram, Hirekodathakallu V.} } @article {46361, title = {Fungus-mediated preferential bioleaching of waste material such as fly - ash as a means of producing extracellular, protein capped, fluorescent and water soluble silica nanoparticles}, journal = {PLoS One}, volume = {9}, year = {2014}, month = {SEP }, pages = {e107597}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In this paper, we for the first time show the ability of the mesophilic fungus Fusarium oxysporum in the bioleaching of waste material such as Fly-ash for the extracellular production of highly crystalline and highly stable, protein capped, fluorescent and water soluble silica nanoparticles at ambient conditions. When the fungus Fusarium oxysporum is exposed to Fly-ash, it is capable of selectively leaching out silica nanoparticles of quasi-spherical morphology within 24 h of reaction. These silica nanoparticles have been completely characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, Photoluminescence (PL), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Energy dispersive analysis of Xrays (EDAX).

}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0107597}, author = {Khan, Shadab Ali and Uddin, Imran and Moeez, Sana and Ahmad, Absar} } @article { ISI:000339493400008, title = {General approach to N-heterocyclic carbenes with a fused tetracyclic core: ligands for suzuki-miyaura cross-coupling reaction}, journal = {European Journal of Organic Chemistry}, number = {21}, year = {2014}, month = {JUL}, pages = {4482-4486}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

The synthesis of an N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) based on a tetracyclic scaffold by using simple, general, and scalable chemistry is disclosed. The developed route is suitable for introducing multiple substitutions on the tetracyclic scaffold. The utility of the present NHC as a ligand in the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction is demonstrated with a low catalyst loading.

}, keywords = {C-C coupling, carbenes, Homogeneous catalysis, N ligands, synthetic methods}, issn = {1434-193X}, doi = {10.1002/ejoc.201402378}, author = {Sutar, Revannath L. and Kumar, Vinod and Shingare, Rahul D. and Thorat, Shridhar and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Reddy, D. Srinivasa} } @article { ISI:000345192300003, title = {Genesis of enhanced photoactivity of CdS/Ni-x nanocomposites for visible-light-driven splitting of water}, journal = {International Journal of Hydrogen Energy}, volume = {39}, number = {34}, year = {2014}, month = {NOV}, pages = {19424-19433}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A series of CdS/Ni-x nanocomposite photocatalysts, containing ca. 0.6-15 wt\% Ni, were synthesized using a one-step hydrothermal method and characterized for their crystallographic, morphological, interfacial, and optical properties. Rietveld refinement of powder XRD data revealed the coexistence of wurtzite (hexagonal) and zinc blende (cubic) phases of CdS in ratios dependent on Ni content. Only a fraction of Ni existed as a secondary phase of NiS while the majority occupied the lattice positions of hexagonal CdS. Whereas up to 10-fold enhancement in H-2 evolution compared with pure CdS was observed for samples containing similar to 1.5-4.5 wt\% Ni, samples with smaller or larger Ni content displayed poor activity for visible-light-induced splitting of water in presence of sulfide-sulphite ions as sacrificial electron donors. In contrary to recent findings, our study reveals that the enhanced CdS photoactivity is not a result of charge transfer between p-type NiS and n-type CdS, Ni-induced visible-region absorbance, or the coating of CdS particles by non-photoactive NiS. Instead, the preparation-dependent hexagonal/cubic CdS phase boundaries and particle morphology may play a crucial role. Additionally, certain Ni-doping-induced sub-bandgap shallow energy levels contribute to charge carrier separation. Copyright (C) 2014, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {CdS/Ni-x nanocomposites, Dominant hexagonal facets, Enhanced photoactivity, Hydrogen evolution, Phase boundary effects, water splitting}, issn = {0360-3199}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijhydene.2014.09.087}, author = {Devi, Suman and Korake, Prakash V. and Achary, Srungarpu N. and Gupta, Narencira M.} } @article { ISI:000342896700002, title = {Genome sequencing analysis reveals virulence-related gene content of Ochrobactrum intermedium strain 229E, a urease-positive strain isolated from the human gastric niche}, journal = {Fems Microbiology Letters}, volume = {359}, number = {1}, year = {2014}, month = {OCT}, pages = {12-15}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

We report draft genome sequence of Ochrobactrum intermedium strain 229E concurrent with Helicobacter pylori in urease positive gastric biopsy of non-ulcer dyspeptic individual from Southern part of India. Since the role of Ochrobactrum in human gastric environment is poorly understood, comprehensive pathological, microbiological, and genome level understanding are necessary to evaluate its association with H. pylori in the gastric niche. Comparative analysis of O. intermedium 299E strain revealed functional similarities with virulence related gene clusters present in H. pylori genomes, which probably might aid in its ability to persist in the human gastric mucosa. However, H. pylori specific vacuolating cytotoxin (vacA) involved in vacuolization, cytotoxicity, and T-cell inhibition was absent in the O. intermedium 229E genome. Taken together, O. intermedium 229E shared numerous features like secretion system, urease, and flagella with H. pylori genome sequence that might aid concurrence in the gastric niche.

}, keywords = {Helicobacter pylori, Ochrobactrum intermedium strain 229E, virulence related gene clusters}, issn = {0378-1097}, doi = {10.1111/1574-6968.12549}, author = {Kulkarni, Girish J. and Shetty, Sudarshan and Dharne, Mahesh S. and Shouche, Yogesh S.} } @article { ISI:000330775500021, title = {Gold(I)-catalysed [1,3] O -> C rearrangement of allenyl ethers}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {50}, number = {17}, year = {2014}, month = {JAN}, pages = {2152-2154}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A simple and rapid access to the alpha-substituted acryl aldehydes has been provided by developing a gold-catalysed [1,3] rearrangement of the allenyl ethers importantly with a record turnover frequency of 4600 h(-1) (at 0.05 mol\% of the catalyst concentration) in homogeneous gold(I) catalysis.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c3cc49629e}, author = {Kona, Chandrababu Naidu and Ramana, Chepuri V.} } @article { ISI:000338042500011, title = {Green synthesis of polysaccharide stabilized gold nanoparticles: chemo catalytic and room temperature operable vapor sensing application}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {4}, number = {46}, year = {2014}, month = {MAY}, pages = {24014-24019}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A facile, one pot, completely green, and cheap route for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) has been developed by using locust bean gum (LBG), both as a reducing and a stabilizing agent. Synthesized AuNPs were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, TEM, XRD, dynamic light scattering analysis (DLS) and EDAX. A characteristic surface plasmon peak at 537 nm confirmed the formation of AuNPs. Synthesized AuNPs were found to be an efficient catalyst for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP). The reaction follows pseudo-first order kinetics with a rate constant of 14.46 X 10(-2) min(-1). Furthermore, the catalytic efficiency of AuNPs for ethanol vapor sensing was investigated by doping AuNPs in a tin oxide (SnO2) matrix synthesized by a single step thermal decomposition method. The AuNPs doped SnO2 sensor showed a fast response (similar to 5 seconds) and excellent ethanol sensing behavior in the range of 10 to 120 ppm at room temperature. A two fold increase in ethanol vapor sensing response was observed with AuNPs doped SnO2 as compared with the pure SnO2 sensor.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c4ra02972k}, author = {Tagad, Chandrakant K. and Rajdeo, Kishor S. and Kulkarni, Atul and More, Pooja and Aiyer, Rohini C. and Sabharwal, Sushma G.} } @article {42588, title = {H-bonding vs non-h bonding in 100\% pyrene methacrylate comb polymers:self assembly probed by tres and temperature dependent fluorescence}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, volume = {118}, year = {2014}, month = {APR}, pages = {4951{\textendash}4962}, abstract = {

The differences in self-organization behavior in novel 100\% pyrene labeled comb methacrylate polymers probed as a function of their varied origins of excimer formation are presented. The different structural variations in the polymers included the presence or absence of hydrogen bonding interactions in the form of urethane linkages, short or long alkyl spacer segments separating the pyrene units from the polymer backbone and linear versus kinked urethane linkage. The effect of variable concentration and temperature on the chemical shift of the NH proton of the urethane linkage was probed using 1H NMR experiments conducted at temperatures varying from 25 to 70 {\textdegree}C at two different concentrations (2.5 and 25 mmol) in DMSO-d6 as solvent. The photophysical properties of the polymers in dilute DMF solutions were investigated by steady state emission, fluorescence decay studies, time-resolved emission spectra (TRES), and variable temperature emission studies. It was observed that the polymer poly(PBH) having a non-hydrogen-bondable ester linkage in the pendant chains formed an excimer completely via a static mechanism and the ground state aggregate species were not broken even at higher temperatures. The polymer poly(PIC) having a short hydrogen-bondable urethane linkage formed an excimer via a static as well as dynamic mechanism. The other hydrogen-bondable urethane methacrylate polymers having a linear linker poly(PHH) and kinked linker (PIHP) formed excimer mostly via a dynamic mechanism with a very small contribution from the static route. The TRES studies carried out for the polymers provided significant insight into the excimer formation mechanism in these polymers. The variable temperature fluorescence studies highlighted the differences in the H-bonded vs non-H-bonded polymer as a function of their excimer recovery upon cooling.

}, doi = {10.1021/jp501346b}, author = {Kaushlendra, K. and Asha, S. K.} } @article { ISI:000340469800024, title = {Highly efficient chiral resolution of DL-arginine by cocrystal formation followed by recrystallization under preferential-enrichment conditions}, journal = {Chemistry-A European Journal}, volume = {20}, number = {33}, year = {2014}, month = {AUG}, pages = {10343-10350}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

An excellent chiral symmetry-breaking spontaneous enantiomeric resolution phenomenon, denoted preferential enrichment, was observed on recrystallization of the 1:1 cocrystal of dl-arginine and fumaric acid, which is classified as a racemic compound crystal with a high eutectic ee value (\>95\%), under non-equilibrium crystallization conditions. On the basis of temperature-controlled video microscopy and in situ time-resolved solid-state (CNMR)-C-13 spectroscopic studies on the crystallization process, a new mechanism of phase transition that can induce preferential enrichment is proposed.

}, keywords = {Amino acids, chiral resolution, cocrystals, Crystal growth, phase transitions}, issn = {0947-6539}, doi = {10.1002/chem.201402446}, author = {Iwama, Sekai and Kuyama, Kazunori and Mori, Yuko and Manoj, Kochunnoonny and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Suzuki, Katsuaki and Hughes, Colan E. and Williams, P. Andrew and Harris, Kenneth D. M. and Veesler, Stephane and Takahashi, Hiroki and Tsue, Hirohito and Tamura, Rui} } @article { ISI:000339128700053, title = {Highly regioselective C4-hydrazinylation of 2,4-dichloroquinolines: expedient synthesis of aminoquinoline substituted pyrrolidin-2,5-diones via hydrazinylquinolines}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {55}, number = {30}, year = {2014}, month = {JUL}, pages = {4240-4244}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A new class of hydrazinylquinoline regio-isomers has been synthesized through SNAr reaction of 2,4-dichloroquinolines with hydrazine hydrate. The reaction stops at the mono-substitution product with high regioselectivity at the C-4 rather than C-2 position of dichloroquinolines. The hydrazinylquinolines were subsequently converted into aminoquinoline substituted pyrrolidin-2,5-diones in the presence of Eaton{\textquoteright}s reagent. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {5-diones, Eaton{\textquoteright}s reagent, Hydrazinylquinolines, Pyrrolidin-2, Regioisomers, SNAr reaction}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2014.05.132}, author = {Kumar, Gopal Senthil and Zeller, Matthias and Gonnade, Rajesh Ghanshyam and Prasad, Kamam Jayarampillai Rajendra} } @article {PACHFULE, title = {Highly stable covalent organic framework-Au nanoparticles hybrids for enhanced activity for nitrophenol reduction}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {50}, number = {24}, year = {2014}, month = {JAN}, pages = {3169-3172}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

{Gold [

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c3cc49176e}, author = {Pachfule, Pradip and Kandambeth, Sharath and Diaz, David Diaz and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article { ISI:000341455400031, title = {Humidity-sensing studies of cerium oxide nanoparticles synthesizedby non-isothermal precipitation}, journal = {Sensors and Actuators B-Chemical}, volume = {203}, year = {2014}, month = {NOV}, pages = {229-238}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

We report the fabrication of a highly sensitive and fast humidity sensor based on cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles, which were prepared at low cost via a simple non-isothermal precipitation method. The asprepared CeO2 nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and transmission electron microscopy( TEM) and the results indicated the formation of face centered cubic phase of CeO2 with average crystallite size of approximately 10-12 nm. Humidity sensors based on CeO2 nanoparticles exhibit high and linear response within the whole relative humidity (RH) range of 11-97\% at an operating frequency of 60 Hz. The corresponding impedance changes by approximately three orders of magnitude within the entire humidity range from 11\% to 97\% RH. The response and recovery times are about 2-3 and 9-10 s, respectively, when RH was switched between 11\% and 97\%. Furthermore, the sensors also show relatively small hysteresis, excellent reproducibility, long term stability and broad range of operation (11-97\% RH). The complex impedance spectra of the sensor at different RHs and the equivalent circuit were analyzed to explore the humidity-sensing mechanism. This study demonstrates that the CeO2 nanoparticles prepared by non-precipitation method can be used as the humidity-sensing material for the fabrication of humidity sensors. (C) 2014 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {CeO2 nanoparticles, Complex impedance spectra, humidity sensor, Non-isothermal precipitation, TEM}, issn = {0925-4005}, doi = {10.1016/j.snb.2014.06.107}, author = {Khadse, V. R. and Thakur, Sharada and Patil, K. R. and Patil, Pradip} } @article {42484, title = {Hydrogen bonding interaction between active methylene hydrogen atoms and an anion as a binding motif for anion recognition: experimental studies and theoretical rationalization}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry A}, volume = {118}, year = {2014}, month = {MAR}, pages = {2656{\textendash}2666}, abstract = {

Two new reagents, having similar spatial arrangements for hydrogen atoms of the active methylene functionalities, were synthesized and interactions of such reagents with different anionic analytes were studied using electronic spectroscopy as well as by using 1H and 31P NMR spectroscopic methods. Experimental studies revealed that these two reagents showed preference for binding to F{\textendash} and OAc{\textendash}. Detailed theoretical studies along with the above-mentioned spectroscopic studies were carried out to understand the contribution of the positively charged phosphonium ion, along with methylene functionality, in achieving the observed preference of these two receptors for binding to F{\textendash} and OAc{\textendash}. Observed differences in the binding affinities of these two reagents toward fluoride and acetate ions also reflected the role of acidity of such methylene hydrogen atoms in controlling the efficiencies of the hydrogen bonding in anion{\textendash}Hmethylene interactions. Hydrogen bonding interactions at lower concentrations of these two anionic analytes and deprotonation equilibrium at higher concentration were observed with associated electronic spectral changes as well as visually detectable change in solution color, an observation that is generally common for other strong hydrogen bond donor functionalities like urea and thiourea. DFT calculations performed with the M06/6-31+G**//M05-2X/6-31G* level of theory showed that F{\textendash} binds more strongly than OAc{\textendash} with the reagent molecules. The deprotonation of methylene hydrogen atom of receptors with F{\textendash} ion was observed computationally. The metal complex as reagent showed even stronger binding energies with these analytes, which corroborated the experimental results.

}, doi = {10.1021/jp501769y}, author = {Agarwalla, Hridesh and Jana, Kalyanashis and Maity, Arunava and Kesharwani, Manoj K. and Ganguly, Bishwajit and Das, Amitava} } @article { ISI:000335273100012, title = {Hydrogen storage in clathrate hydrates: Current state of the art and future directions}, journal = {Applied Energy}, volume = {122}, year = {2014}, month = {JUN}, pages = {112-132}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Hydrogen is looked upon as the next generation clean energy carrier, search for an efficient material and method for storing hydrogen has been pursued relentlessly. Improving hydrogen storage capacity to meet DOE targets has been challenging and research efforts are continuously put forth to achieve the set targets and to make hydrogen storage a commercially realizable process. This review comprehensively summarizes the state of the art experimental work conducted on the storage of hydrogen as hydrogen clathrates both at the molecular level and macroscopic level. It identifies future directions and challenges for this exciting area of research. Hydrogen storage capacities of different clathrate structures - sI, sII, sH, sVI and semi clathrates have been compiled and presented. In addition, promising new approaches for increasing hydrogen storage capacity have been described. Future directions for achieving increased hydrogen storage and process scale up have been outlined. Despite few limitations in storing hydrogen in the form of clathrates, this domain receives prominent attention due to more environmental-friendly method of synthesis, easy recovery of molecular hydrogen with minimum energy requirement, and improved safety of the process. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Clathrates, Gas hydrates, Hydrogen hydrates, Hydrogen storage, Promoters, Storage capacity}, issn = {0306-2619}, doi = {10.1016/j.apenergy.2014.01.063}, author = {Veluswamy, Hari Prakash and Kumar, Rajnish and Linga, Praveen} } @article { ISI:000344440500015, title = {Identification and expression profiling of helicoverpa armigera microRNAs and their possible role in the regulation of digestive protease genes}, journal = {Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology}, volume = {54}, year = {2014}, month = {NOV}, pages = {129-137}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The present investigation is an effort to determine the possible roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the regulation of protease gene expression in Helicoverpa armigera upon exposure to plant protease inhibitors (PIs). Using Illumina platform, deep sequencing of 12 small RNA libraries was performed from H. armigera larvae fed on artificial diet (AD) or recombinant Capsicum annuum PI-7 (rCanPI-7) incorporated diet, at various time intervals (0.5, 2, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h). Sequencing data were analyzed with miRDeep2 software; a total of 186 unique miRNAs were identified from all the 12 libraries, out of which 96 were conserved while 90 were novel. These miRNAs showed all the conserved characteristics of insect miRNAs. Homology analysis revealed that most of the identified miRNAs were insect-specific, and more than 50 miRNAs were Lepidoptera-specific. Several candidate miRNAs (conserved and novel) were differentially expressed in rCanPI-7 fed larvae as compared to the larvae fed on AD. H. armigera miRNAs were found to have target sites in several protease genes as well as in protease regulation related genes such as serine PI and immune reactive PI. As expected, negative correlation in the relative abundance miRNAs and their target mRNAs was evident from qualitative real time polymerase chain reaction analysis. The investigation revealed potential roles of miRNAs in H. armigera protease gene regulation. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Deep sequencing, Helicoverpa armigera, miRNAs, Protease gene regulation, Protease inhibitors}, issn = {0965-1748}, doi = {10.1016/j.ibmb.2014.09.008}, author = {Lomate, Purushottam R. and Mahajan, Neha S. and Kale, Sandip M. and Gupta, Vidya S. and Giri, Ashok P.} } @article { ISI:000330999600057, title = {IFN-gamma signaling maintains skin pigmentation homeostasis through regulation of melanosome maturation}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {111}, number = {6}, year = {2014}, month = {FEB}, pages = {2301-2306}, publisher = {NATL ACAD SCIENCES}, address = {2101 CONSTITUTION AVE NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20418 USA}, abstract = {

Cellular homeostasis is an outcome of complex interacting processes with nonlinear feedbacks that can span distinct spatial and temporal dimensions. Skin tanning is one such dynamic response that maintains genome integrity of epidermal cells. Although pathways underlying hyperpigmentation cascade are recognized, negative feedback regulatory loops that can dampen the activated melanogenesis process are not completely understood. In this study, we delineate a regulatory role of IFN-gamma in skin pigmentation biology. We show that IFN-gamma signaling impedes maturation of the key organelle melanosome by concerted regulation of several pigmentation genes. Withdrawal of IFN-gamma signal spontaneously restores normal cellular programming. This effect in melanocytes is mediated by IFN regulatory factor-1 and is not dependent on the central regulator microphthalmia-associated transcription factor. Chronic IFN-gamma signaling shows a clear hypopigmentation phenotype in both mouse and human skin. Interestingly, IFN-gamma KO mice display a delayed recovery response to restore basal state of epidermal pigmentation after UV-induced tanning. Together, our studies delineate a new spatiotemporal role of the IFN-gamma signaling network in skin pigmentation homeostasis, which could have implications in various cutaneous depigmentary and malignant disorders.

}, keywords = {detanning, gene regulation, interferon, melanin}, issn = {0027-8424}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.1304988111}, author = {Natarajan, Vivek T. and Ganju, Parul and Singh, Archana and Vijayan, Vinaya and Kirty, Kritika and Yadav, Shalini and Puntambekar, Shraddha and Bajaj, Sonali and Dani, Prachi P. and Kar, Hemanta K. and Gadgil, Chetan J. and Natarajan, Krishnamurthy and Rani, Rajni and Gokhale, Rajesh S.} } @article { ISI:000331953400004, title = {Immune response to chemically modified proteome}, journal = {Proteomics Clinical Applications}, volume = {8}, number = {1-2, SI}, year = {2014}, month = {FEB}, pages = {19-34}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Both enzymatic and nonenzymatic PTMs of proteins involve chemical modifications. Some of these modifications are prerequisite for the normal functioning of cell, while other chemical modifications render the proteins as neo-self antigens, which are recognized as non-self leading to aberrant cellular and humoral immune responses. However, these modifications could be a secondary effect of autoimmune diseases, as in the case of type I diabetes, hyperglycemia leads to protein glycation. The enigma of chemical modifications and immune response is akin to the chick-and-egg paradox. Nevertheless, chemical modifications regulate immune response. In some of the well-known autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and multiple sclerosis, chemically modified proteins act as autoantigens forming immune complexes. In some instances, chemical modifications are also involved in regulating immune response during pathogen infection. Further, the usefulness of proteomic analysis of immune complexes is briefly discussed.

}, keywords = {Autoantibody, Autoimmune diseases, Immune complex, Immunoproteomics, PTMs}, issn = {1862-8346}, doi = {10.1002/prca.201300068}, author = {Bhat, Shweta and Mary, Sheon and Banarjee, Reema and Giri, Ashok P. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @article { ISI:000347579200048, title = {Impact of experimental pressure and temperature on semiclathrate hydrate formation for pre-combustion capture of CO2 using tetra-n-butyl ammonium nitrate}, journal = {Energy}, volume = {78}, number = {SI}, year = {2014}, month = {DEC}, pages = {458-464}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

TBANO(3) (tetra-n-butyl ammonium nitrate) is a promising liquid phase promoter for capturing CO2 via HBGS (hydrate based gas separation) technology. In this study, the impact of experimental pressure and temperature on formation of mixed CO2-H-2-TBANO(3) semiclathrate hydrate for the optimum 1.0 mol\% TBANO(3) reported by Babu et al. [1] was investigated. Experimental pressures of 3.0, 4.5 and 6.0 MPa and temperatures of 274.2, 276.2 and 278.2 K were employed. Irrespective of the experimental pressure, shorter induction time was observed for experiments conducted at 274.2 K when compared to the experiments at other temperatures. At a given pressure, the total gas uptake increased with increase in experimental temperature. Similarly at a given temperature, the total gas uptake increases with an increase in pressure. Higher rate of hydrate formation was observed at experimental pressure of 6.0 MPa than at 3.0 and 4.5 MPa irrespective of the experimental temperature. The CO2 composition in hydrate was between 87.5 and 93.2 mol\%. Finally, the gas consumption for 1.0 mol\% TBANO(3) as promoter was much higher than other promoters of quaternary salts like tetra-n-butyl ammonium bromide and tetra-n-butyl ammonium fluoride at comparable concentration and driving force. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Carbon dioxide capture, Clathrate process, Gas hydrates, Semi-clathrates}, issn = {0360-5442}, doi = {10.1016/j.energy.2014.10.033}, author = {Babu, Ponnivalavan and Datta, Stuti and Kumar, Rajnish and Linga, Praveen} } @article { ISI:000337337000035, title = {Impact of fly ash impurity on the hydrate-based gas separation process for carbon dioxide capture from a flue gas mixture}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {53}, number = {23}, year = {2014}, month = {JUN}, pages = {9849-9859}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The hydrate-based gas separation (HBGS) process for gas mixtures of CO2 + N-2 (flue gas) and CO2 + H-2 (fuel gas) has proven to be very efficient and highly selective for CO2 capture. In addition to CO2 and N-2, flue gas from coal-based thermal power stations can contain impurities such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), and fly ash. In this work, the impact of fly ash on the HBGS process efficiency was investigated. Tetrahydrofuran (THF, 1 mol \%) was used as a thermodynamic promoter, and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate (SDBS) (anionic surfactants) were used as kinetic promoters. Whereas the use of THF in the HBGS process reduces the operating pressure significantly, both SDS and SDBS were found to enhance the rate of hydrate formation. It was observed that the hydrate equilibrium conditions did not change in the presence of fly ash. However, the presence of fly ash enhanced the separation efficiency of the HBGS process by reducing the induction time and increasing the kinetics of hydrate formation. Therefore, the presence of fly ash in a flue gas mixture is not detrimental to the HBGS process, which is a positive factor for the capture and geological sequestration of CO2 in the form of gas hydrates.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/ie5001955}, author = {Kumar, Asheesh and Sakpal, Tushar and Linga, Praveen and Kumar, Rajnish} } @conference { ISI:000375936100396, title = {Impact of pressure and temperature on tetra-n-butyl ammonium bromide semi-clathrate process for carbon dioxide capture}, booktitle = {International Conference on Applied Energy, ICAE2014}, series = {Energy Procedia}, volume = {61}, year = {2014}, note = {6th International Conference on Applied Energy (ICAE), Taipei, TAIWAN, MAY 30-JUN 02, 2014}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1780-1783}, publisher = {Elsevier Science BV}, organization = {Elsevier Science BV}, address = {Sara Burgerhartstraat 25, Po Box 211, 1000 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands}, abstract = {

The pre-combustion capture of CO2 in an IGCC power plant employing the hydrate based gas separation (HBGS) process is a novel method currently receiving attention around the world. Tetra-n-butyl ammonium bromide (TBAB) is a promoter that has been shown to improve the efficiency of hydrate formation. In this study, the effect of temperature and pressure on 0.3 mol\% TBAB solution is investigated. The induction time for the experiments conducted at 6.0 MPa and 274.8 K was found to be lower, while nucleation became increasingly random as temperature is increased and pressure is reduced. Total gas uptake and normalized rate of hydrate formation (NR5) is also the highest for the experiments conducted at 6.0 MPa and 274.8 K. However, it was found that the hydrate phase CO2 composition remains relatively constant at both reduced temperatures and pressures. (C) 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

}, keywords = {Carbon dioxide capture, Clathrate process, Gas hydrates, Gas separation, Promoters, tetra-n-butyl ammonium bromide}, issn = {1876-6102}, doi = {10.1016/j.egypro.2014.12.211}, author = {Babu, Ponnivalavan and Chin, Weng Inn and Kumar, Rajnish and Linga, Praveen}, editor = {Yan, J. and Lee, D. J. and Chou, S. K. and Desideri, U. and Li, H.} } @article { ISI:000337645600001, title = {In the sense of transcription regulation by G-quadruplexes: asymmetric effects in sense and antisense strands}, journal = {Biochemistry}, volume = {53}, number = {23}, year = {2014}, month = {JUN}, pages = {3711-3718}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

G-Quadruplexes occupy important regulatory regions in the genome. DNA G-quadruplexes in the promoter regions and RNA quadruplexes in the UTRs (untranslated regions) have been individually studied and variously implicated at different regulatory levels of gene expression. However, the formation of G-quadruplexes in the sense and antisense strands and their corresponding roles in gene regulation have not been studied in much detail. In the present study, we have elucidated the effect of strand asymmetry in this context. Using biophysical methods, we have demonstrated the formation of stable G-quadruplex structure in vitro using CD and UV melting. Additionally, ITC was employed to demonstrate that a previously reported selective G-quadruplex ligand was able to bind and stabilize the G-quadruplex in the present sequence. Further, we have shown using reporter constructs that although the DNA G-quadruplex in either strand can reduce translation efficiency, transcriptional regulation differs when G-quadruplex is present in the sense or antisense strand. We demonstrate that the G-quadruplex motif in the antisense strand substantially inhibits transcription, while when in the sense strand, it does not affect transcription, although it does ultimately reduce translation. Further, it is also shown that the G-quadruplex stabilizing ligand can enhance this asymmetric transcription regulation as a result of the increased stabilization of the G-quadruplex.

}, issn = {0006-2960}, doi = {10.1021/bi401451q}, author = {Agarwal, Tani and Roy, Saumya and Kumar, Santosh and Chakraborty, Tushar Kanti and Maiti, Souvik} } @article { ISI:000339995100067, title = {Insecticidal potential of defense metabolites from ocimum kilimandscharicum against helicoverpa armigera}, journal = {Plos One}, volume = {9}, number = {8}, year = {2014}, month = {AUG}, pages = {e104377}, publisher = {PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE}, address = {1160 BATTERY STREET, STE 100, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111 USA}, abstract = {

Genus Ocimum contains a reservoir of diverse secondary metabolites, which are known for their defense and medicinal value. However, the defense-related metabolites from this genus have not been studied in depth. To gain deeper insight into inducible defense metabolites, we examined the overall biochemical and metabolic changes in Ocimum kilimandscharicum that occurred in response to the feeding of Helicoverpa armigera larvae. Metabolic analysis revealed that the primary and secondary metabolism of local and systemic tissues in O. kilimandscharicum was severely affected following larval infestation. Moreover, levels of specific secondary metabolites like camphor, limonene and beta-caryophyllene (known to be involved in defense) significantly increased in leaves upon insect attack. Choice assays conducted by exposing H. armigera larvae on O. kilimandscharicum and tomato leaves, demonstrated that O. kilimandscharicum significantly deters larval feeding. Further, when larvae were fed on O. kilimandscharicum leaves, average body weight decreased and mortality the larvae increased. Larvae fed on artificial diet supplemented with O. kilimandscharicum leaf extract, camphor, limonene and beta-caryophyllene showed growth retardation, increased mortality rates and pupal deformities. Digestive enzymes of H. armigera - namely, amylase, protease and lipase- showed variable patterns after feeding on O. kilimandscharicum, which implies striving of the larvae to attain required nutrition for growth, development and metamorphosis. Evidently, selected metabolites from O. kilimandscharicum possess significant insecticidal activity.

}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0104377}, author = {Singh, Priyanka and Jayaramaiah, Ramesha H. and Sarate, Priya and Thulasiram, Hirekodathakallu V. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J. and Giri, Ashok P.} } @article { ISI:000336942100020, title = {Investigation of C-C bond formation mediated by bombyx mori silk fibroin materials}, journal = {ACS Sustainable Chemistry \& Engineering}, volume = {2}, number = {6}, year = {2014}, month = {JUN}, pages = {1510-1517}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The formation of C-C bonds is a prerequisite for all life on earth. Understanding the role of proteins in mediating the formation of these bonds is important for understanding biological mechanisms in evolution, as well as for designing {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}green catalysts{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}. In this work, the ability of silk fibroin (SF) proteins to mediate selective C-C bond formation under mild conditions was comprehensively evaluated and compared between different SF-based materials and other proteins. Aqueous SF solution (ASFS), freeze-dried SF (FDSF), mesoporous SF (MPSF), and SF hydrogel (SFHG) materials were prepared and characterized by a variety of techniques including, among others, FE-SEM, ICP-OES, FT-IR, and TGA. The nitroaldol (Henry) reaction, Knoevenagel condensation, and direct aldol reaction were used as models for this study, in which the recovery and reusability of the protein was also evaluated.

}, keywords = {Aldol-like reactions, C-C Bond formation, Knoevenagel condensation, Proteins, Silk fibroin}, issn = {2168-0485}, doi = {10.1021/sc500184r}, author = {Kuehbeck, Dennis and Ghosh, Munmun and Sen Gupta, Sayam and Diaz, David Diaz} } @article { ISI:000341141800050, title = {Investigation of gas permeation properties of film forming polymeric ionic liquids (PILs) based on polybenzimidazoles}, journal = {Journal of Membrane Science}, volume = {470}, year = {2014}, month = {NOV}, pages = {494-503}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Polymeric ionic liquids (PILs) are emerging as new generation membrane materials for CO2 separation. Gas permeation properties of a recently developed PIL family based on three structurally different polybenzimidazoles (PBIs) possessing excellent film forming characteristics are reported. Effects of cationic backbone and anions on gas permeation properties of PILs using pure gases (He, H-2, N-2, CH4, and CO2) were examined at 20 atm upstream pressure and correlated with their physical properties. In comparison to the parent PBIs, PILs exhibited generally higher CO2 permeability, without largely affecting CO2 based selectivity. Some of these PILs exhibiting high PCO2/PCH4, selectivity and P-H2/P-CO2, approaching similar to 1 indicated dominance of CO2 sorption over diffusion. The CO2 sorption specificity of these PILs was distinctly observed based on their improved S-CO2/S-N2, S-CO2/S-CH4 and S-CO2/S-H2 selectivity than their parent PBIs. A large variation in permeation properties of PILs based on a common polycation but different anions indicated that anions play a crucial role on governing gas permeation properties of these PILs. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

}, keywords = {Gas permeation, Membranes for CO2 separation, Polybenzimidazole, Polymeric ionic liquid}, issn = {0376-7388}, doi = {10.1016/j.memsci.2014.07.076}, author = {Bhavsar, Rupesh S. and Kumbharkar, Santosh C. and Kharul, Ulhas K.} } @article { ISI:000342770500024, title = {Invoking pairwise interactions in water-promoted diels-alder reactions by using ionic liquids as cosolvents}, journal = {Chemphyschem}, volume = {15}, number = {14}, year = {2014}, month = {OCT}, pages = {3067-3077}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Rate constants and derived activation parameters of organic reactions in aqueous media, in particular Diels-Alder reactions, are sensitive to the presence of cosolvents in water. To enhance the solubility window of water, we introduced ionic liquids as cosolvents in the aqueous Diels-Alder reaction between anthracene-9-carbinol and N-ethylmaleimide. The reactive potentials of the organic compounds are parameterized by using semi-empirical quantum chemical methods. The principle of Savage-Wood additivity of group interactions is used to quantify the pairwise group interactions among chemically inert ionic liquids and organic reactants, both at initial and transition states of the reaction. The present approach shows promise, as the use of simple calculations from easily available kinetic data can help researchers to understand the versatility of green ionic-liquid alternatives to volatile organic solvents.

}, issn = {1439-4235}, doi = {10.1002/cphc.201402338}, author = {Manna, Arpan and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000330204700002, title = {Large amplitude oscillatory shear induces crystal chain orientation in velocity gradient direction}, journal = {ACS Macro Letters}, volume = {3}, number = {1}, year = {2014}, month = {JAN}, pages = {6-9}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Imposition of large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) on crystallizing polymer melts results in lamellar orientation in the shear gradient direction, in contrast to the flow-orientation observed for steady shear. LAOS enhances the formation of plate-like nuclei and orients their normals in the gradient direction. An Arrhenius temperature dependence (with activation energy approximate to 226 kJ/mol) characterizes the relaxation of crystal orientation with annealing.

}, issn = {2161-1653}, doi = {10.1021/mz4005716}, author = {Sreenivas, K. and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy} } @article { ISI:000343988200032, title = {Layer-separated distribution of nitrogen doped graphene by wrapping on carbon nitride tetrapods for enhanced oxygen reduction reactions in acidic medium}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {50}, number = {89}, year = {2014}, month = {SEP}, pages = {13769-13772}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Layer-separated 3D nitrogen doped graphene (NG) with an accessible interstitial surface and modulated activity characteristics for oxygen reduction in acidic medium could be prepared by wrapping NG sheets on in situ generated carbon nitride (CNx) tetrapods.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c4cc06180b}, author = {Unni, SreeKuttan M. and Illathvalappil, Rajith and Gangadharan, Pranav K. and Bhange, Siddheshwar N. and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article { ISI:000330603800038, title = {Leucaena sp recombinant cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase: purification and physicochemical characterization}, journal = {International Journal of Biological Macromolecules}, volume = {63}, year = {2014}, month = {FEB}, pages = {254-260}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase is a broad substrate specificity enzyme catalyzing the final step in monolignol biosynthesis, leading to lignin formation in plants. Here, we report characterization of a recombinant CAD homologue (LICAD2) isolated from Leucaena leucocephala. LICAD2 is 80 kDa homodimer associated with non-covalent interactions, having substrate preference toward sinapaldehyde with K-cat/K-m of 11.6 x 10(6) (M-1 s(-1)), and a possible involvement of histidine at the active site. The enzyme remains stable up to 40 C, with the deactivation rate constant (K-d*) and half-life (t(1/2)) of 0.002 and 5 h, respectively. LICAD2 showed optimal activity at pH 6.5 and 9 for reduction and oxidation reactions, respectively, and was stable between pH 7 and 9, with the deactivation rate constant (K-d*) and half-life (t(1/2)) of 7.5 x 10(-4) and 15 h, respectively. It is a Zn-metalloenzyme with 4 Zn2+ per dimer, however, was inhibited in presence of externally supplemented Zn2+ ions. The enzyme was resistant to osmolytes, reducing agents and non-ionic detergents. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD), Metalloenzyme, Substrate specificity}, issn = {0141-8130}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2013.09.005}, author = {Patel, Parth and Gupta, Neha and Gaikwad, Sushama M. and Agrawal, Dinesh C. and Khan, Bashir Mohammad} } @article { ISI:000336115000029, title = {Lipase mediated separation of triterpene structural isomers, alpha- and beta-amyrin}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {55}, number = {19}, year = {2014}, month = {MAY}, pages = {3122-3125}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Pentacyclic triterpenoids alpha- and beta-amyrin possess a wide range of biological and pharmacological activities. High structural similarity between these two structural isomers makes their chromatographic separation an ineffective and tedious choice. In this study, Candida rugosa lipase catalyzed separation protocol for the isolation of individual isomers has been developed. In the presence of vinyl acetate as the acyl donor, Candida rugosa lipase carried out acetylation of beta-amyrin more efficiently as compared to alpha-amyrin leading to a kinetic separation. The conditions of transesterification reaction were optimized systematically, which was utilized to separate alpha- and beta-amyrin from a mixture obtained from the latex of Plumeria obtusa. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Amyrin, Candida rugosa, Kinetic separation, Lipase, Structural isomer}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2014.04.015}, author = {Haldar, Saikat and Kale, Balaji S. and Jadhav, Dipesh D. and Thulasiram, Hirekodathakallu V.} } @article {46402, title = {Low temperature grown CuBi2O4 with flower morphology and its composite with CuO nanosheets for photoelectrochemical water splitting}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry A}, volume = {2}, year = {2014}, month = {MAR}, pages = {3661-3668}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In this work we highlight a peculiar synthesis protocol for the p-type ternary metal oxide system of copper bismuth oxide (CuBi2O4), which yields a highly crystalline spherulitic morphology at a low temperature of 78 degrees C. We associate this growth with the hydrogen bonding effects imparted by the ethanol-water co-solvent system used for the synthesis. We present a detailed growth mechanism by evaluating different synthesis conditions systematically. Furthermore we show that upon the use of the non-stoichiometric (excess copper) precursor mixture under the same experimental conditions the growth of spherulitic CuBi2O4 changes the size and type of the spherulites. Interestingly, careful optimization of the nonstoichiometric synthesis presents a complete impediment to the spherulitic growth and produces a composite of nanorods of CuBi2O4 and nanosheets of CuO. This anisotropic nanocomposite shows an order of magnitude higher surface area as compared to spherulitic CuBi2O4. Since both CuBi2O4 and CuO are visible light absorbing p-type semiconductors, when the synthesized nanocomposite materials are examined as photoelectrochemical (PEC) photocathodes for water splitting, they show a remarkable dependence on the morphology and phase constitution. Almost 13-fold stronger PEC response is observed as the morphology changes from spherulites to nanorods.

}, issn = {2050-7488}, doi = {10.1039/c3ta14906d}, author = {Patil, Rupali and Kelkar, Sarika and Naphadeab, Rounak and Ogale, Satishchandra} } @inbook {43324, title = {Machine learning methods in chemoinformatics for drug discovery}, booktitle = {Practical Chemoinformatics}, year = {2014}, pages = {133-194}, publisher = {Springer}, organization = {Springer}, chapter = {Machine Learning Methods in Chemoinformatics for Drug Discovery}, abstract = {It is well known that the structure of a molecule is responsible for its biological activity or physicochemical property. Here, we describe the role of machine learning (ML)/statistical methods for building reliable, predictive models in chemoinformatics. The ML methods are broadly divided into clustering, classification and regression techniques. However, the statistical/mathematical techniques which are part of the ML tools, such as artificial neural networks, hidden Markov models, support vector machine, decision tree learning, Random Forest and Naive Bayes and belief networks, are best suited for drug discovery and play an important role in lead identification and lead optimization steps. This chapter provides stepwise procedures for building ML-based classification and regression models using state-of-art open-source and proprietary tools. A few case studies using benchmark data sets have been carried out to demonstrate the efficacy of the ML-based classification for drug designing}, doi = {10.1007/978-81-322-1780-0_3}, author = {Karthikeyan, Muthukumarasamy and Vyas, Renu} } @article { ISI:000327686200049, title = {Magnesia doped Ag/Al2O3 - sulfur tolerant catalyst for low temperature HC-SCR of NOx}, journal = {Applied Catalysis B-Environmental}, volume = {144}, year = {2014}, month = {JAN}, pages = {408-415}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

A series of magnesia doped Ag/Al2O3 catalysts were prepared by modified impregnation method using boehmite as alumina precursor. The prepared catalysts were characterized and tested for the SCR of NOx using propene as reductant under lean condition. Doping of magnesia improved the low temperature catalytic activity for HC-SCR of NOx as well as sulfur tolerance. Maximum 98\% NO conversion with 100\% selectivity for N-2 was obtained at 350 degrees C with 7\% Mg doping to Ag/Al2O3. The improvement in low temperature activity and the sulfur tolerance has been correlated to decreased acidity after addition of magnesia to alumina support. In situ FTIR study showed that the deactivation in the presence of SO2 was due to the sulfation of silver and aluminum sites in Ag/Al2O3 catalyst, however its formation was suppressed in case of magnesia doped Ag/Al2O3 improving its sulfur tolerance. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {HC-SCR, Low temperature activity, NOx, Sulfur tolerance}, issn = {0926-3373}, doi = {10.1016/j.apcatb.2013.07.044}, author = {More, Pavan M. and Jagtap, Neelam and Kulal, Atul B. and Dongare, Mohan K. and Shubhangi B. Umbarkar} } @article { ISI:000339830200050, title = {Mapping of copper oxidation state using high pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy}, journal = {Acta Physica Polonica A}, volume = {125}, number = {4}, year = {2014}, month = {APR}, pages = {1065-1066}, publisher = {POLISH ACAD SCIENCES INST PHYSICS}, address = {AL LOTNIKOW 32-46, PL-02-668 WARSAW, POLAND}, abstract = {

The interaction of O-2 with polycrystalline foil of Cu, from ultra high vacuum to 1 mbar and up to 773 K has been investigated. The study were performed by using the high pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis) ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy system. In this work the results of mapping copper oxidation states as a function of temperature at 1 mbar O-2 have been presented.

}, issn = {0587-4246}, author = {Kowalska, J. and Gopinath, Chinnakonda S.} } @article { ISI:000340469800044, title = {Mechanical downsizing of a gadolinium(iii)-based metal-organic framework for anticancer drug delivery}, journal = {Chemistry-A European Journal}, volume = {20}, number = {33}, year = {2014}, month = {AUG}, pages = {10514-10518}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

A Gd-III-based porous metal-organic framework (MOF), Gd-pDBI, has been synthesized using fluorescent linker pDBI (pDBI=(1,4-bis(5-carboxy-1H-benzimidazole-2-yl)benzene)), resulting in a three-dimensional interpenetrated structure with a one-dimensional open channel (1.9x1.2nm) filled with hydrogen-bonded water assemblies. Gd-pDBI exhibits high thermal stability, porosity, excellent water stability, along with organic-solvent and mild acid and base stability with retention of crystallinity. Gd-pDBI was transformed to the nanoscale regime (ca. 140nm) by mechanical grinding to yield MG-Gd-pDBI with excellent water dispersibility (\>90min), maintaining its porosity and crystallinity. In vitro and in vivo studies on MG-Gd-pDBI revealed its low blood toxicity and highest drug loading (12wt\%) of anticancer drug doxorubicin in MOFs reported to date with pH-responsive cancer-cell-specific drug release.

}, keywords = {ball-milling, doxorubicin, drug delivery, metal-organic frameworks, nanocarriers}, issn = {0947-6539}, doi = {10.1002/chem.201402244}, author = {Kundu, Tanay and Mitra, Shouvik and Patra, Prasun and Goswami, Arunava and Diaz, David Diaz and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article { ISI:000342990400003, title = {Mechanosynthesis of imine, beta-ketoenamine, and hydrogen-bonded imine-linked covalent organic frameworks using liquid-assisted grinding}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {50}, number = {84}, year = {2014}, month = {JUL}, pages = {12615-12618}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A variety of aromatic amines/hydrazides and aldehydes have been utilized for the construction of crystalline COFs at a faster rate and in high yield, irrespective of their reactivity and solubility using the Liquid-Assisted Grinding (LAG) method.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c4cc03389b}, author = {Das, Gobinda and Shinde, Digambar Balaji and Kandambeth, Sharath and Biswal, Bishnu P. and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article { ISI:000344791100009, title = {Metallic few-layer flowerlike VS2 nanosheets as field emitters}, journal = {European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry}, number = {31}, year = {2014}, month = {NOV}, pages = {5331-5336}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

We report first-principles DFT calculations of the single-layer VS2 work function, the experimental synthesis of flower-like few-layer-thick VS2 nanosheets by a simple one-step hydrothermal method, and the investigation of their field emission properties. The turn-on field required to draw emission current densities of 1 and 10 mu A/cm(2) were 4 and 5.01 V/mu m, respectively. The observed turn-on field values are attributed to the high field enhancement factor (ca. 2500), which is due to presence of sharp protrusions in the VS2 nanosheets. Furthermore, the field-emission current stability of the VS2 emitter shows stable behavior over a period of 12 h. Further, DFT calculations show that the work function (f) of the single-layer VS2 emitter is 6.01 eV.

}, keywords = {Density functional calculations, field emission, Layered compounds, Nanostructures, Sulfur, Vanadium}, issn = {1434-1948}, doi = {10.1002/ejic.201402448}, author = {Rout, Chandra Sekhar and Khare, Ruchita T. and Kashid, Ranjit V. and Joag, Dilip S. and More, Mahendra A. and Lanzillo, Nicholas A. and Washington, Morris and Nayak, Saroj K. and Late, Dattatray J.} } @article { ISI:000342501300021, title = {Microfluidic platform for continuous flow synthesis of triangular gold nanoplates}, journal = {Colloids and Surfaces A-Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects}, volume = {443}, year = {2014}, month = {FEB}, pages = {149-155}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

A microfluidic platform for the continuous flow synthesis of triangular gold nanoplates with and without surfactants is developed. The temperature profile in the microchannel, residence time and composition have been studied to understand effect of these parameters on the yield of the triangular nanoplates and were optimized for obtaining maximum yield of triangles. The flow synthesis approach has been demonstrated where the Br- ions can be supplied to the reaction mixture either from the surfactant viz. Cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) or even from HBr. Apart from the Br- ions, the temperature gradient at the inlet of the continuous flow reactor is one of the key parameter that affects the yield of the triangular nanoplates. Finally we establish that with a right combination of the controlling parameters abetter yield of the Au nanotriangles by flow methods can be achieved even in the absence of surfactant. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Au nanotriangles, Flow synthesis, microreactor, Nucleation kinetics, Surfactants}, issn = {0927-7757}, doi = {10.1016/j.colsurfa.2013.10.047}, author = {Kumar, D. V. Ravi and Kulkarni, A. A. and Bhagavatula L. V. Prasad} } @article { ISI:000343016000001, title = {Microscopic hydration properties of the a beta(1-42) peptide monomer and the globular protein ubiquitin: a comparative molecular dynamics study}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, volume = {118}, number = {40}, year = {2014}, month = {OCT}, pages = {11591-11604}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Atomistic molecular dynamics simulations of eight selected conformations of a disordered protein amyloid beta (1-42) (A beta), and a globular protein, ubiquitin(UBQ), have been carried out in aqueous media at 310 K. Detailed analyses were carried out to compare the microscopic properties of water molecules present in the hydration layers of these systems. It is notices that irrespective of the conformational heterogeneity among the A beta monomers, water molecules hydrating UBQ. Importantly, the conformational heterogeneity of the A beta monomers has been found to affect the translational and rotational motions of hydration water molecules in a nonuniform manner. Detailed investigation of the timescale of hydrogen bond relaxations at the surface and their energetics revealed the possibility of heterogeneous confinement around different A beta conformations. The distribution of water density fluctuation around A beta conformations are broader compared density fluctuation among the A beta monomers suggests that the structural propensities could affect the peptides effective surface hydrophobicity.

}, issn = {1520-6106}, doi = {10.1021/jp505629q}, author = {Jose, Jaya C. and Khatua, Prabir and Bansal, Nupur and Sengupta, Neelanjana and Bandyopadhyay, Sanjoy} } @article { ISI:000339807200033, title = {Modeling gating charge and voltage changes in response to charge separation in membrane proteins}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {111}, number = {31}, year = {2014}, month = {AUG}, pages = {11353-11358}, publisher = {NATL ACAD SCIENCES}, address = {2101 CONSTITUTION AVE NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20418 USA}, abstract = {

Measurements of voltage changes in response to charge separation within membrane proteins can offer fundamental information on mechanisms of charge transport and displacement processes. A recent example is provided by studies of cytochrome c oxidase. However, the interpretation of the observed voltage changes in terms of the number of charge equivalents and transfer distances is far from being trivial or unique. Using continuum approaches to describe the voltage generation may involve significant uncertainties and reliable microscopic simulations are not yet available. Here, we attempt to solve this problem by using a coarse-grained model of membrane proteins, which includes an explicit description of the membrane, the electrolytes, and the electrodes. The model evaluates the gating charges and the electrode potentials (c.f. measured voltage) upon charge transfer within the protein. The accuracy of the model is evaluated by a comparison of measured voltage changes associated with electron and proton transfer in bacterial photosynthetic reaction centers to those calculated using our coarse-grained model. The calculations reproduce the experimental observations and thus indicate that the method is of general use. Interestingly, it is found that charge-separation processes with different spatial directions (but the same distance perpendicular to the membrane) can give similar observed voltage changes, which indicates that caution should be exercised when using simplified interpretation of the relationship between charge displacement and voltage changes.

}, keywords = {bacterial reaction center, electrogenicity, membrane potential, proton/electron transfer}, issn = {0027-8424}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.1411573111}, author = {Kim, Ilsoo and Chakrabarty, Suman and Brzezinski, Peter and Warshel, Arieh} } @article { ISI:000337974900017, title = {Modulation of reaction kinetics for the tuneable synthesis of gold nanoparticles and quantum clusters: application of gold quantum clusters as {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}turn-off{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} sensing probe for Sn4+ ions}, journal = {ChemPlusChem}, volume = {79}, number = {1}, year = {2014}, month = {JAN}, pages = {134-142}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

The syntheses of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) and gold quantum clusters (Au QCs) that employ cefadroxil (CFX; an antibiotic) as both reducing and capping agents are reported. The HAuCl4/CFX concentration, temperature, and pH are crucial factors in the modulation of the nucleation and growth kinetics of the reaction, and consequently, in guiding the size and morphology of as-synthesized Au NPs. Interesting results are observed if the reaction is performed under different pH conditions. TEM analysis of the Au NPs synthesized at pH 6 shows an average particle size of approximately 2 nm along with a relatively smaller population of bigger NPs (up to 6 nm). The Au QCs were isolated by high-speed centrifugation and showed fluorescence at lambda approximate to 460 nm. Furthermore, the as-synthesized Au QCs were applied as sensor for Sn4+ ions on the basis of an aggregation-induced fluorescence quenching mechanism. These Au QCs offer acceptable sensitivity, high selectivity, and a limit of detection of approximately 10 mm for the determination of Sn4+ ions.

}, issn = {2192-6506}, doi = {10.1002/cplu.201300319}, author = {Khandelwal, Puneet and Singh, Dheeraj K. and Sadhu, Subha and Poddar, Pankaj} } @article { ISI:000338283000052, title = {Molecular cloning and characterization of genistein 4{\textquoteright}-O-glucoside specific glycosyltransferase from Bacopa monniera}, journal = {Molecular Biology Reports}, volume = {41}, number = {7}, year = {2014}, month = {JUL}, pages = {4675-4688}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Health related benefits of isoflavones such as genistein are well known. Glycosylation of genistein yields different glycosides like genistein 7-O-glycoside (genistin) and genistein 4{\textquoteright}-O-glycoside (sophoricoside). This is the first report on isolation, cloning and functional characterization of a glycosyltransferase specific for genistein 4{\textquoteright}-O-glucoside from Bacopa monniera, an important Indian medicinal herb. The glycosyltransferase from B. monniera (UGT74W1) showed 49 \% identity at amino acid level with the glycosyltransferases from Lycium barbarum. The UGT74W1 sequence contained all the conserved motifs present in plant glycosyltransferases. UGT74W1 was cloned in pET-30b (+) expression vector and transformed into E. coli. The molecular mass of over expressed protein was found to be around 52 kDa. Functional characterization of the enzyme was performed using different substrates. Product analysis was done using LC-MS and HPLC, which confirmed its specificity for genistein 4{\textquoteright}-O-glucoside. Immuno-localization studies of the UGT74W1 showed its localization in the vascular bundle. Spatio-temporal expression studies under normal and stressed conditions were also performed. The control B. monniera plant showed maximum expression of UGT74W1 in leaves followed by roots and stem. Salicylic acid treatment causes almost tenfold increase in UGT74W1 expression in roots, while leaves and stem showed decrease in expression. Since salicylic acid is generated at the time of injury or wound caused by pathogens, this increase in UGT74W1 expression under salicylic acid stress might point towards its role in defense mechanism.

}, keywords = {Bacopa monniera, Expression analysis, Glycosyltransferase, Immuno-localization, Plant secondary product glycosyltransferase motif}, issn = {0301-4851}, doi = {10.1007/s11033-014-3338-8}, author = {Ruby and Kumar, R. J. Santosh and Vishwakarma, Rishi K. and Singh, Somesh and Khan, Bashir Mohammad} } @article { ISI:000342687200060, title = {Molecular investigations of protriptyline as a multi-target directed ligand in alzheimer{\textquoteright}s disease}, journal = {Plos One}, volume = {9}, number = {8}, year = {2014}, month = {AUG}, pages = {e105196}, publisher = {PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE}, address = {1160 BATTERY STREET, STE 100, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111 USA}, abstract = {

Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder involving multiple cellular and molecular processes. The discovery of drug molecules capable of targeting multiple factors involved in AD pathogenesis would greatly facilitate in improving therapeutic strategies. The repositioning of existing non-toxic drugs could dramatically reduce the time and costs involved in developmental and clinical trial stages. In this study, preliminary screening of 140 FDA approved nervous system drugs by docking suggested the viability of the tricyclic group of antidepressants against three major AD targets, viz. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), beta-secretase (BACE-1), and amyloid beta (A beta) aggregation, with one member, protriptyline, showing highest inhibitory activity. Detailed biophysical assays, together with isothermal calorimetry, fluorescence quenching experiments, kinetic studies and atomic force microscopy established the strong inhibitory activity of protriptyline against all three major targets. The molecular basis of inhibition was supported with comprehensive molecular dynamics simulations. Further, the drug inhibited glycation induced amyloid aggregation, another important causal factor in AD progression. This study has led to the discovery of protriptyline as a potent multi target directed ligand and established its viability as a promising candidate for AD treatment.

}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0105196}, author = {Bansode, Sneha B. and Jana, Asis K. and Batkulwar, Kedar B. and Warkad, Shrikant D. and Joshi, Rakesh S. and Sengupta, Neelanjana and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @article { ISI:000331157500011, title = {Molecular structures and biological evaluation of 2-chloro-3-(n-alkylamino)-1,4-napthoquinone derivatives as potent antifungal agents}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Structure}, volume = {1059}, year = {2014}, month = {FEB}, pages = {68-74}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Derivatives of 2-chloro-3-(n-alkylamino)-1,4-naphthoquinone (1-alkyl: methyl; L-1, ethyl; L-2, propyl; L-3 and butyl; L-4) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, H-1 NMR, UV-visible spectroscopy, LC-MS and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Antifungal activity of L-1 to L-4 has been evaluated against Candida tropicalis, Candida albicans and Cladosporium herbarum. The intramolecular hydrogen bonding affects the N-H vibrational frequency in L-2 (3273 cm(-1)). The single crystal X-ray structure reveal that L-1 and L-3 crystallizes in triclinic P-1, whereas L-2 crystallizes in orthorhombic Pca2(1), space group. An extensive intra and intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions were observed in L-1 to L-3 which leads to molecular association. Intramolecular N-H center dot center dot center dot O hydrogen bonding were observed in L-1 to L-3. Moreover pi-pi stacking interactions were observed between the quinonoid rings of L-1 and L-3, however no such interactions were observed in L-2. An electrochemical study showed molecular association of L-1 to L-4 in DMSO solution. Compounds L-1 to L-4 were found to be potent antifungal agents against all the three strains, especially against C. tropicalis. Amongst these promising antifungal candidates, L-1 showed better activity compared to the clinically administered antifungal drug Amphotericin B and Nitrofurantoin with MIC = 1.25 mu g ml(-1) and MIC = 0.025 mu g ml(-1) respectively against C. albicans. Structure and activity relationship (SAR) study suggest a LogP value of similar to 2.0 and the cyclic voltammetry studies reveals additional chemical processes for L-1, which exhibits maximum activity against all fungal strains. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Aminonaphthoquinone, Antifungal activity, LogP, Naphthosemiquinone, pi-pi stacking}, issn = {0022-2860}, doi = {10.1016/j.molstruc.2013.11.029}, author = {Pawar, Omkar and Patekar, Ashwini and Khan, Ayesha A. and Kathawate, Laxmi and Haram, Santosh K. and Markad, Ganesh and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Salunke-Gawali, Sunita} } @article { ISI:000330018400013, title = {Monitoring cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of copper(II) complex using a fluorescent anthracene thiosemicarbazone ligand}, journal = {Bioconjugate Chemistry}, volume = {25}, number = {1}, year = {2014}, month = {JAN}, pages = {102-114}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The thiosemicarbazone derivative of anthracene (ATSC, anthracene thiosemicarbazone I) and its copper(II) complex (CuATSC, 2) were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic, electrochemical, and crystallographic techniques. Interaction of 1 and 2 with calf thymus (CT) DNA was explored using absorption and emission spectral methods, and viscosity measurements reveal a partial-intercalation binding mode. Their protein binding ability was monitored by the quenching of tryptophan emission using bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model protein. Furthermore, their cellular uptake, in vitro cytotoxicity testing on the HeLa cell line, and flow cytometric analysis were carried out to ascertain the mode of cell death. Cell cycle analysis indicated that 1 and 2 cause cell cycle arrest in sub-G1 phase.

}, issn = {1043-1802}, doi = {10.1021/bc400385d}, author = {Kate, Anup N. and Kumbhar, Anupa A. and Khan, Ayesha A. and Joshi, Pranaya V. and Puranik, Vedavati G.} } @article { ISI:000332059600003, title = {Morphological effects of G-quadruplex stabilization using a small molecule in zebrafish}, journal = {Biochemistry}, volume = {53}, number = {7}, year = {2014}, month = {FEB}, pages = {1117-1124}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos are transparent and advantageous for studying early developmental changes due to ex utero development, making them an appropriate model for studying gene expression changes as a result of molecular targeting. Zebrafish embryos were injected with a previously reported G-quadruplex selective ligand, and the phenotypic changes were recorded. We report marked discrepancies in the development of intersegmental vessels. In silico analysis determined that the putative G-quadruplex motif occur in the upstream promoter region of the Cdh5 (N-cadherin) gene. A real-time polymerase chain reaction-based investigation indicated that in zebrafish, CDH-2 (ZN-cad) was significantly downregulated in the ligand-treated embryos. Biophysical characterization of the interaction of the ligand with the G-quadruplex motif found in this promoter yielded strong binding and stabilization of the G-quadruplex with this ligand. Hence, we report for the first time the phenotypic impact of G-quadruplex targeting with a ligand in a vertebrate organism. This study has unveiled not only G-quadruplex targeting in non-human animal species but also the potential that G-quadruplexes can provide a ready tool for understanding the phenotypic effects of targeting certain important genes involved in differentiation and developmental processes in a living eukaryotic organism.

}, issn = {0006-2960}, doi = {10.1021/bi4009352}, author = {Agarwal, Tani and Lalwani, Mukesh Kumar and Kumar, Santosh and Roy, Saumya and Chakraborty, Tushar Kanti and Sivasubbu, Sridhar and Maiti, Souvik} } @article { ISI:000337652700002, title = {Mucor hiemalis mediated 14 alpha-hydroxylation on steroids: In vivo and in vitro investigations of 14 alpha-hydroxylase activity}, journal = {Steroids}, volume = {85}, year = {2014}, month = {JUL}, pages = {6-12}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC}, address = {360 PARK AVE SOUTH, NEW YORK, NY 10010-1710 USA}, abstract = {

Transformation of testosterone and progesterone into synthetically challenging 14 alpha-hydroxy derivatives was achieved by using fungal strain Mucor hiemalis. Prolonged incubation led to the formation of corresponding 6 beta/7 alpha,14 alpha-dihydroxy metabolites. The position and stereochemistry of newly introduced hydroxyl group was determined by detailed spectroscopic analyses. The time course experiment indicated that fungal strain initiated transformation by hydroxylation at 14 alpha-position followed by at 6 beta- or 7 alpha-positions. Studies using cell-free extracts suggest that the 14 alpha-hydroxylase activity is NADPH dependent and belongs to the cytochrome P450 family. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {14 alpha-Hydroxylase, Biotransformation, Mucor hiemalis, Progesterone, Testosterone}, issn = {0039-128X}, doi = {10.1016/j.steroids.2014.04.002}, author = {Kolet, Swati P. and Haldar, Saikat and Niloferjahan, Siddiqui and Thulasiram, Hirekodathakallu V.} } @article { ISI:000341359000029, title = {Multicomponent reactions involving phosphines, arynes and aldehydes}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {50}, number = {77}, year = {2014}, month = {AUG}, pages = {11389-11392}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Although nucleophilic phosphine-catalysis is a powerful tool for the construction of various carbocycles and heterocycles, the reactions in which phosphines are incorporated into the final product are rare, and the reports on phosphine addition to highly electrophilic arynes are scarce. Herein, we report the phosphine triggered multicomponent reaction of arynes and aldehydes, which takes place via the formal [3+2] cycloaddition of an initially generated 1,3-phosphonium zwitterion from phosphines and arynes with aldehydes. The reaction resulted in the formation of a diverse range of stable pentacovalent phosphoranes in good yields based on the benzooxaphosphole system.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c4cc05420b}, author = {Bhunia, Anup and Kaicharla, Trinadh and Porwal, Digvijay and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Biju, Akkattu T.} } @article { ISI:000335924100043, title = {Multifunctional and robust covalent organic framework-nanoparticle hybrids}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry A}, volume = {2}, number = {21}, year = {2014}, month = {MAR}, pages = {7944-7952}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Highly dispersed Pd(0) nanoparticles were successfully immobilized into a stable, crystalline and porous covalent organic framework (COF), TpPa-1, by a solution infiltration method using NABH(4) as a reducing agent. High resolution and dark field TEM images confirmed the uniform loading of the Pd(0) nanoparticles into the TpPa-1 matrix without aggregation. This hybrid material exhibited excellent catalytic activity towards the Cu free Sonogashira, Heck and sequential one pot Heck-Sonogashira cross-coupling reactions under basic conditions, and with superior performance compared to commercially available Pd supported on activated charcoal (i.e., 1, 5 and 10 wt\%). Additionally, the precursor Pd(II)-doped COF also displayed competitive catalytic activity for the intramolecular oxidative biaryl synthesis under acidic conditions. Both catalysts were found to be highly stable under the reaction conditions showing negligible metal leaching, non-sintering behavior, and good recyclability. To the best of our knowledge, the organic support used in this work, TpPa-1, constitutes the first COF matrix that can hold both Pd(0) nanoparticles and Pd(II) complex without aggregation for catalytic purposes under both highly acidic and basic conditions.

}, issn = {2050-7488}, doi = {10.1039/c4ta00284a}, author = {Pachfule, Pradip and Panda, Manas K. and Kandambeth, Sharath and Shivaprasad, S. M. and Diaz, David Diaz and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article { ISI:000328260200011, title = {Multi-walled CNT-induced phase behaviour of poly(vinylidene fluoride) and its electro-mechanical properties}, journal = {Journal of Materials Science}, volume = {49}, number = {1}, year = {2014}, month = {JAN}, pages = {103-113}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

A simple two-step process was used to disperse acid functionalizedmulti-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF). While the neat solvent-cast PVDF showed coexistence of alpha- and beta-phases; the composite films exhibited only beta-phase crystals. Further studies on the crystalline behaviour, using differential scanning calorimetry and small-angle X-ray scattering techniques showed an increase in the percentage of crystalline phase with CNT. The network formed by CNTs in the matrix reduced the macroscopic electrical resistivity of composite films. The dielectric constant increased with CNT loading. Further, these composites were investigated for its electromagnetic wave absorbance (EWA) and strain sensing properties. The EWA properties were studied in the X-band (6-12 GHz) region. A maximum of similar to 37 dB reflectivity loss at similar to 9.0 GHz was obtained in a similar to 25 mu m thick PVDF film containing only 0.25 wt\% of functionalized CNT. Preliminary studies showed a systematic change in electrical resistance by the application of dynamic bending strain in nanocomposite film. The film also showed a significant improvement in mechanical stiffness owing to efficient stress transfer from matrix to filler, the property desirable for a good strain sensor. In view of the unique combination of EWA and electro-mechanical properties, the nanocomposite films are expected to serve as a multifunctional material for strain sensing in health monitoring as well as in radar absorption.

}, issn = {0022-2461}, doi = {10.1007/s10853-013-7681-2}, author = {Rath, Sangram K. and Dubey, Sachin and Kumar, G. Sudheer and Kumar, Sanjay and Patra, A. K. and Bahadur, Jitendra and Singh, A. K. and Harikrishnan, G. and Patro, T. Umasankar} } @article { ISI:000330820500057, title = {Nanocrystalline Ce doped CoFe2O4 as an acetone gas sensor}, journal = {Ceramics International}, volume = {40}, number = {1, A}, year = {2014}, month = {JAN}, pages = {447-452}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Nanocrystalline CoFe2-xCexO4 ferrites (x=0, 0.04, 0.08) were synthesized by using the inexpensive, simple and eco-friendly molten-salt (M-S) method. Effects of Ce doping on the structural, morphological and gas sensing properties of the CoFe2O4 ferrite were investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the formation of spinel CoFe2O4. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigations showed that the synthesized ferrite is made up of very fine spherical nanoparticles. Furthermore, the gas response of nanocrystalline ferrite materials was investigated in the temperature range of 200-450 degrees C toward the reducing gases like liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), acetone, ethanol and ammonia. The sensor response was found to be sensitive and selective toward acetone as compared to other reducing gases. It is observed that the addition of Ce (4 wt\%) strongly influenced the response and the operating temperature of the sensor material and thus can serve as acetone-sensing sensors. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {CoFe2O4, Ferrite, Gas sensor, Molten-salt method, TEM}, issn = {0272-8842}, doi = {10.1016/j.ceramint.2013.06.021}, author = {Khandekar, M. S. and Tarwal, N. L. and Mulla, Imtiaz S. and Suryavanshi, S. S.} } @article { ISI:000333203900024, title = {Nanoporous graphene by quantum dots removal from graphene and its conversion to a potential oxygen reduction electrocatalyst via nitrogen doping}, journal = {Energy \& Environmental Science}, volume = {7}, number = {3}, year = {2014}, month = {MAR}, pages = {1059-1067}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A simple way to produce an efficient metal-free oxygen reduction electrocatalyst from graphene by generating nanopores in the matrix and subsequently establishing nitrogen-doped active sites along the pore openings is demonstrated. Well-structured nanoporous graphene (pGr) and photoluminescent graphene quantum dots (GQDs) could be simultaneously generated by a chemically assisted oxidative treatment of graphene. The process helped to knock out small pieces of Gr through epoxide formation, which subsequently resulted in the generation of GQD and pGr simultaneously. A longer oxidation time increased the quantity of GQDs and also resulted in a higher photoluminescent (PL) quantum yield. The PL quantum yield of GQD formed after 72 h of the oxidative treatment (GQD-72) was 15.8\%, which is greater than the previous reported values. The TEM images showed matching sizes for GQDs and the pores present in pGr, implying that the pores are generated by the removal of GQDs from graphene during the oxidative treatment. Since pore openings are expected to give higher levels of unsaturation and defect sites in the system and are thus being treated as fertile regions for heteroatom doping, pGr-72 was further subjected to nitrogen (NpGr-72). NpGr-72 displayed excellent activity towards the electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) compared to nitrogen-doped non-porous graphene (NGr) and many other reported nitrogen-doped carbon materials. A distinct 50 mV gain in the overpotential and 2.5 times increment in the kinetic current density (j(k)) have been achieved in the case of NpGr-72 compared to NGr. Interestingly, unlike NGr, NpGr-72 effectively reduced the oxygen molecule with a greater involvement of the preferred four-electron pathway. Additionally, the overpotential difference of NpGr-72 with respect to 20 wt\% Pt/C is only 60 mV. Additionally, in a single cell evaluation under anion exchange membrane fuel cell (AEMFC) conditions, NpGr-72 exhibited a maximum power density of 27 mW cm(-2), which is significantly higher than the corresponding value of 10 mW cm(-2) obtained for NGr. Thus, the overall enhancement in the performance characteristics of NpGr-72 is attributed to the higher content of nitrogen (7.8 wt\%) and its large proportion of desired chemical environment, which could be established by utilizing the high level of carbon unsaturation around the pore openings.

}, issn = {1754-5692}, doi = {10.1039/c3ee43648a}, author = {Palaniselvam, Thangavelu and Valappil, Manila Ozhukil and Illathvalappil, Rajith and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {42587, title = {Naphthalene diimide copolymers with oligo(p-phenylenevinylene) and benzobisoxazole for balanced ambipolar charge transport}, journal = {Macromolecules}, volume = {47}, year = {2014}, month = {MAR}, pages = {2296{\textendash}2305}, abstract = {

A series of alternating and random donor (D){\textendash}acceptor (A) copolymers based on naphthalene diimide (NDI) as the acceptor and oligo(p-phenylenevinylene) (OPV) or benzobisoxazole (BBO) as the strong and weak donor, respectively, were designed and synthesized by Suzuki coupling and Horner{\textendash}Wadsworth{\textendash}Emmons polymerization. The effect of the varying donor strength of OPV and BBO on the photophysical, electrochemical, and semiconducting properties of the polymers was investigated. Absorption and emission spectra recorded for dilute chloroform solution and thin film showed increased intramolecular charge transfer for NDI-alt-OPV polymer compared to NDI-alt-BBO polymer. Cyclic voltammetry studies along with DFT (density functional theory) studies at the B3LYP/6-31g* level gave insight into the energy level (HOMO/LUMO) and molecular orientation of donor and acceptor along the polymer backbone. NDI-alt-OPV polymer exhibited rigid coplanar structure with extended π-conjugation which induced backbone planarity and crystallinity to the polymer. The inherent poor solubility of the NDI-alt-BBO prevented further device characterization of this polymer. Random copolymer having maximum 30\% incorporation of BBO comonomer in NDI-r-OPV/BBO was found to be soluble for further characterization. Compared to NDI-alt-OPV, lowering of both energy levels LUMO (\~{}0.2 eV) and HOMO (\~{}0.5 eV) was observed for both NDI-alt-BBO and the NDI-r-OPV/BBO. Bottom gate{\textendash}top contact organic field effect transistors (OFETs) of NDI-alt-OPV exhibited balanced ambipolar charge transport with average electron and hole mobility of 3.09 {\texttimes} 10{\textendash}3 cm2 V{\textendash}1 s{\textendash}1 and 2.1 {\texttimes} 10{\textendash}3 cm2 V{\textendash}1 s{\textendash}1, respectively, whereas the random copolymer incorporating both OPV and BBO units NDI-r-OPV/BBO showed dominant n-type charge transport with moderate 4 {\texttimes} 10{\textendash}4 cm2 V{\textendash}1 s{\textendash}1 average electron mobility. The present work thus highlights the structure{\textendash}property relationship and the electronic tunability required in this class of NDI-based polymers to produce ambipolar transistors.

}, doi = {10.1021/ma5001145}, author = {Kolhe, Nagesh B. and Ashar, A. Z. and Narayan, K. S. and Asha, S. K.} } @article { ISI:000343819200016, title = {Nature of the active site in ziegler-natta olefin polymerization catalysis systems - a computational investigation}, journal = {European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry}, number = {29}, year = {2014}, month = {OCT}, pages = {5063-5076}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Pull quantum chemical calculations with density functional theory (DET) show that a principal role of donors in Ziegler-Nana (ZN) oh-din polymerization catalysts is to coordinate to the metal center at the active sites on the MgCl2 surface. Thereby, the behavior of the catalyst is modulated to favor insertion over termination and, thus, polymerization occurs. This is shown to be true for a range of different donors. The calculations indicate that active sites that feature anionic chloride ligands at the titanium center (the conventional model for the active site) would lead to lower-molecular-weight riolymers. If an -OC2H5 group were present instead of a chloride ligand, the active site would much more effectively produce long chain polymers. Therefore, the current work provides important new insights into the nature of the ZN polymerization process.

}, keywords = {Alkene polymerization, Density functional calculations, heterogeneous catalysis, Insertion, Polymers}, issn = {1434-1948}, doi = {10.1002/ejic.201402180}, author = {Kumawat, Jugal and Gupta, Virendra Kumar and Vanka, Kumar} } @article { ISI:000340768000019, title = {New approach of blending polymeric ionic liquid with polybenzimidazole (PBI) for enhancing physical and electrochemical properties}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry A}, volume = {2}, number = {35}, year = {2014}, month = {JUN}, pages = {14449-14458}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Although the use of ionic liquids (IL) in polymeric membranes is known to elevate the electrochemical performance for proton exchange membrane-based fuel cells (PEMFC), they suffer from drawbacks such as IL drain and lowering in mechanical properties that lead to deterioration in PEMFC performance. To mitigate these issues, we report, for the first time, the use of polymeric ionic liquid (PIL), namely, poly(diallyl dimethyl ammonium trifluoride methane sulphonate) (P[DADMA][TFMS]) to be blended with polybenzimidazole (PBI-I) as a membrane material for PEMFC. PBI-I and (P[DADMA][TFMS]) were chosen because they form miscible blends and are suitable for acid doping as a matrix, which can eventually be used as proton conductor. The structure, miscibility and inter-polymer interactions were studied by infrared (IR) spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The increase in proton conduction in comparison to the PBI membranes was observed due to the presence of ionic groups of PILs in blend membranes. With the increase in PIL content, the proton conductivity of the composite membranes gradually increased from 0.04 S cm(-1) for PBI to 0.07 S cm(-1) for the blend membrane at 150 degrees C. The MEAs were fabricated with PBI-I, PBI-PIL15, PBI-PIL25 and PBI-PIL35. Corresponding single cells were successfully tested at temperatures of 160 degrees C. The maximum power density and current density obtained were 515 mW cm(-2) and 1632 mA cm(-2), respectively, for PBI-PIL25-based MEA.

}, issn = {2050-7488}, doi = {10.1039/c4ta02184c}, author = {Rewar, Anita S. and Chaudhari, Harshal D. and Illathvalappil, Rajith and Sreekumar, K. and Kharul, Ulhas K.} } @article { ISI:000336700700003, title = {New enantioselective synthesis of (S)-2-ethoxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)Propanoic acid esters (EEHP and IEHP), useful pharmaceutical intermediates of PPAR agonists}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {55}, number = {21}, year = {2014}, month = {MAY}, pages = {3223-3226}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A new enantioselective synthetic route to the title compounds has been developed in a simple and practical way with high enantiopurity using commercially available starting material. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {EEHP, Epoxide, IEHP, PPAR agonists}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2014.04.021}, author = {Mujahid, Mohammad and Kunte, S. S. and Muthukrishnan, Murugan} } @article { ISI:000328952500034, title = {New insights into small molecule activation by acyclic silylenes: a computational investigation}, journal = {Dalton Transactions}, volume = {43}, number = {5}, year = {2014}, month = {NOV}, pages = {2194-2201}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Recently synthesized acyclic silylenes have the potential to rival transition metal complexes in performing single site small molecule activation, which is significant because of the need to find cheap and green alternatives to transition metal complexes for this important class of reactions. However, the current computational study, a full quantum chemical investigation with density functional theory, demonstrates that undesired side reactions would be competitive in these systems during small molecule activation. The current investigation, in addition to shedding light on this problem, also provides solutions on how the undesired side reactions during small molecule activation can be avoided.

}, issn = {1477-9226}, doi = {10.1039/c3dt52817k}, author = {Kuriakose, Nishamol and Vanka, Kumar} } @article { ISI:000343847700007, title = {New organocatalyst derived from abietic acid and 4-hydroxy-L-proline for direct asymmetric aldol reactions in aqueous media}, journal = {Tetrahedron-Asymmetry}, volume = {25}, number = {18-19}, year = {2014}, month = {OCT}, pages = {1292-1297}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Enantioselective direct aldol reactions were carried out in aqueous media with a new organocatalyst that was derived from 4-hydroxy-L-proline and abietic acid via a simple and convenient synthetic protocol with a high overall yield (75\%). The new organocatalyst was used for aldol reactions between substituted aromatic aldehydes and various ketones in the presence of several acid additives in aqueous media. The corresponding aldol products were obtained in high isolated yields (up to 99\%) and with high anti-diastereoselectivities (up to 94\%) and enantioselectivities (\>99.9\%). The catalyst loading can be efficiently reduced to only 1 mol \%. The aldol reactions were found to be extremely fast which is very unusual in organocatalyzed reactions in water. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0957-4166}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetasy.2014.07.012}, author = {Bhowmick, Sudipto and Kunte, Sunita S. and Bhowmick, Kartick C.} } @article { ISI:000344459400014, title = {N-Heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed enantioselective synthesis of functionalized cyclopentenes via alpha,beta-unsaturated acyl azoliums}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {50}, number = {93}, year = {2014}, month = {OCT}, pages = {14539-14542}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Highly enantioselective NHC-organocatalyzed synthesis of functionalized cyclopentenes proceeding via alpha,beta-unsaturated acyl azolium intermediates is reported. The organocascade reaction of modified enals with malonic ester derivatives having a gamma-benzoyl group involves the Michael-intramolecular aldol-beta-lactonization-decarboxylation sequence to deliver cyclopentenes in good yields and excellent ee values.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c4cc07433e}, author = {Mondal, Santigopal and Yetra, Santhivardhana Reddy and Patra, Atanu and Kunte, Sunita S. and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Biju, Akkattu T.} } @article { ISI:000341363200040, title = {Nickel ferrite nanoparticles-hydrogen peroxide: a green catalyst-oxidant combination in chemoselective oxidation of thiols to disulfides and sulfides to sulfoxides}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {4}, number = {69}, year = {2014}, month = {JUL}, pages = {36702-36707}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Nickel ferrite nanoparticles-hydrogen peroxide has been demonstrated for the first time as a green and efficient catalyst-oxidant combination in the chemoselective oxidation of thiols to disulfides and sulfides to sulfoxides. This magnetically separable catalyst was found to be reusable for five consecutive runs without appreciable change in the activity, as well as composition of the catalyst. The mechanism for the oxidation of thiols and sulfides has also been proposed.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c4ra04095c}, author = {Kulkarni, Aparna M. and Desai, Uday V. and Pandit, Kapil S. and Kulkarni, Makarand A. and Wadgaonkar, Prakash P.} } @article { ISI:000344997500118, title = {Nitrogen-doped graphene interpenetrated 3D Ni-nanocages: efficient and stable water-to-dioxygen electrocatalysts}, journal = {Nanoscale}, volume = {6}, number = {21}, year = {2014}, month = {SEP}, pages = {13179-13187}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Herein, we report the synthesis of a nitrogen-doped graphene (NGr) interpenetrated 3D Ni-nanocage (Ni-NGr) electrocatalyst by a simple water-in-oil (w/o) emulsion technique for oxidation of water to dioxygen. Correlation of adsorption of NGr and subsequent interpenetration through the specific surface plane of nickel particles as well as the concomitant interaction of N and C with Ni in the nano-regime has been investigated. Apart from the benefits of the synergistic interactions between Ni, N, and C, the overall integrity of the structure and its intra-molecular connectivity within the framework help in achieving better oxygen evolution characteristics at a significantly reduced overpotential. The engineered Ni-NGr nanocage displays a substantially low overpotential of similar to 290 mV at a practical current density of 20 mA cm(-2) in 0.1 M KOH. In comparison, NGr and Ni-particles as separate entities give overpotentials of similar to 570 and similar to 370 mV under similar conditions. Moreover, the long term stability of Ni-NGr was investigated by anodic potential cycling for 500 cycles and an 8.5\% increment in the overpotential at 20 mA cm(-2) was observed. Additionally, a chronoamperometric test was performed for 15 h at 20 mA cm(-2), which highlights the better sustainability of Ni-NGr under the actual operating conditions. Finally, the quantitative estimation of evolved oxygen was monitored by gas chromatography and was found to be 70 mmol h(-1) g(-1) of oxygen, which is constant in the second cycle as well.

}, issn = {2040-3364}, doi = {10.1039/c4nr03578j}, author = {Dhavale, Vishal M. and Gaikwad, Sachin S. and George, Leena and Devi, R. Nandini and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article { ISI:000334895800011, title = {Novel catalysts for valorization of biomass to value-added chemicals and fuels}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Sciences}, volume = {126}, number = {2, SI}, year = {2014}, note = {21st National Symposium on Catalysis (CATSYMP), CSIR Indian Inst Chem Technol, Hyderabad, INDIA, FEB 11-13, 2013}, month = {MAR}, pages = {403-413}, publisher = {Catalysis Soc India}, address = {C V RAMAN AVENUE, SADASHIVANAGAR, P B \#8005, BANGALORE 560 080, INDIA}, abstract = {

Key furan compounds such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) and 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF) were synthesized from renewable feedstocks. Dehydration of fructose was carried out in biphasic conditions employing several solid acid catalysts by targeting selective formation of HMF. Its selectivity is linearly dependent on total acidity clearly revealing that lower acidity favours selective formation of HMF. Oxidation and hydrogenolysis of HMF has been explored using 2 wt\% Ru-K-OMS-2. The catalysts used for each transformation were subjected to detailed characterization using XRD, BET surface area, temperature-programmed desorption and transmission electron microscopy. The effect of various reaction parameters was also investigated for obtaining high yields of desired chemical intermediates. High FDCA yields of 93.4 mol\% and 66 mol\% were achieved in alkaline and base-free conditions, respectively. The 2 wt\% Ru-K-OMS-2 is a versatile catalyst as it also catalyses HMF hydrogenolysis giving 33 mol\% of DMF. Thus, utility of various novel materials as catalysts has been demonstrated in the multistep transformations of hexoses to furan-based fuels and chemicals.

}, keywords = {2, 5-dimethylfuran, 5-furan dicarboxylic acid, 5-hydroxymethyl furfural, dehydration, fructose}, issn = {0974-3626}, author = {Lucas, Nishita and Kanna, Narasimha Rao and Nagpure, Atul S. and Kokate, Ganesh and Chilukuri, Satyanarayana V.} } @article { ISI:000340975900102, title = {Novel precursors for anatase nanorods and their application in DSSCs}, journal = {Materials Chemistry and Physics}, volume = {147}, number = {3}, year = {2014}, month = {OCT}, pages = {1110-1116}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Syntheses for the formation of two new precursors for TiO2 nanorods: titanium propanediolate and titanium erythritolate, have been detailed. These precursors have a rod like morphology and have been found to have higher thermal stability than commercially available precursors. The conversion of the precursors to anatase phase of TiO2 involves a simple heating protocol and importantly the morphology is conserved. The resulting anatase nanorods have been characterised and evaluated as photoanodes in dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Overall device efficiencies of 3.2\% and 2.3\% were achieved when anatase rods (obtained from titanium propanediolate and titanium erythritolate respectively) were used. These values are higher than the 1.1\% efficiency obtained from the control device (made with spherical anatase nanoparticles). It is found that forming ordered 1-D rods leads to enhanced charge transport and charge collection at the electrode along with a commensurate decrease in charge recombination. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Inorganic compounds, Nanostructures, Non-crystalline materials, Sol-gel growth}, issn = {0254-0584}, doi = {10.1016/j.matchemphys.2014.06.065}, author = {Mishra, Biswajit and Agarkar, Shruti A. and Khushalani, Deepa} } @article { ISI:000341619600016, title = {Observation of the marcus inverted region for bimolecular photoinduced electron-transfer reactions in viscous media}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, volume = {118}, number = {36}, year = {2014}, month = {SEP}, pages = {10704-10715}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The general observation of Marcus inverted region (MIR) for bimolecular electron-transfer (ET) reactions in different viscous media, e.g., micelles, reverse micelles, vesicles, ionic liquids, DNA scaffold, etc. has been doubted in some recent publications arguing limitations in SternVolmer (SV) analysis to account for the static and transient stages of quenching in these slow diffusing media. Thus, following a theoretical treatment based on a spherically symmetric diffusion equation coupled with conventional Marcus ET description, it has been suggested that the MIR observed in viscous media arises due to the inadequate consideration of different quenching regimes and also due to the differential excited-state lifetimes of the fluorophores used than a genuine one (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2012, 134, 11396). However, the overall treatment in this study is severely compromised by setting the minimum solvent reorganization energy (?s) to (lambda) to similar to 0.96 eV while fitting the experimental data, which unambiguously suggests that the inversion in ET rate will never appear in the exergonicity (-Delta G(0)) range of 0.16 to 0.71 eV, as is the case for the studied ET systems. Besides, the applicability of the conventional Marcus ET model (instead of Sumi-Marcus two-dimensional ET model) in such extremely viscous media with exceptionally slow solvent response is highly debatable and perhaps is the main cause of the failure in fitting the experimental data quite satisfactorily. In the present study involving ultrafast ET quenching for coumarin derivatives by dimethylaniline donor in viscous ionic liquid media, we demonstrate clear MIR for the intrinsic ET rates, directly obtained from the ultrafast decay components of 110 ps, a time scale in which diffusion of reactants is negligible and the ET rates are either faster than or, at the most, competitive with the solvent reorganization. The appearance of MIR at ?Delta G(0) similar to-0.5 eV, significantly lower than expected from the lambda(s) value, further substantiate the nonapplicability of conventional ET description but certainly advocate for the applicability of the SumiMarcus two-dimensional ET model in such media. Moreover, no obvious correlation has experimentally been observed between the excited-state lifetimes of the coumarin derivatives and the ET rates for a large number of dyes used in the present study. On the basis of the present results and drawing inferences from reported literatures in viscous media, we conclude that not only is the appearance of MIR very genuine but also the mechanistic model necessary to account the observed facts for the bimolecular ET reactions in a viscous medium is the two-dimensional ET description, which deals with an extremely slow relaxing solvent coordinate and a fast relaxing intramolecular coordinate to describe the ET reactions.

}, issn = {1520-6106}, doi = {10.1021/jp506885r}, author = {Kumbhakar, Manoj and Manna, Arpan and Sayed, Mhejabeen and Kumar, Anil and Pal, Haridas} } @article { ISI:000339540700077, title = {Off-stoichiometric nickel cobaltite nanoparticles: thermal stability, magnetization, and neutron diffraction studies}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {118}, number = {29}, year = {2014}, month = {JUL}, pages = {16246-16254}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

In the present investigation, we report a detailed examination of the effect of off-stoichiometry introduced in NiCo2O4 by adding excess cobalt. Thus, we compare and analyze the structural and magnetic properties of the Ni075Co2.25O4 and NiCo2O4 cubic systems. A low temperature combustion method was utilized to synthesize stoichiometric (NiCo2O4) and off-stoichiometric (Ni0.75Co2.25O4) nanoparticles on a large scale. The X-ray diffraction pattern for the sample annealed at high temperature (773 K) shows the presence of a much less intense NiO phase (similar to 2-5\%) in Ni0.75Co2.25O4 as compared to that in the case of NiCo2O4 sample (similar to 15-20\%). The Ni 2p and Co 2p XPS spectra reveal the coexistence of Ni2+, Ni3+, Co2+, and Co3+ species on the surface of both the NiCo2O4 and Ni0.75Co2.23O4 samples in differing proportions. In addition to the basic magnetic characterizations using PPMS, these were also analyzed by neutron diffraction. The off-stoichiometric Ni0.75Co2.25O4 sample shows an interesting magnetic phase conversion from frustrated dipolar system to an enhanced magnetic ordering upon annealing. Local moments on the lattice sites of NiCo2O4 and Ni0.75Co2.25O4 samples are further compared by neutron diffraction confirming stronger ordered moments and enhanced structural and thermal stability for the Ni0.75Co2.25O4 sample.

}, issn = {1932-7447}, doi = {10.1021/jp504538y}, author = {Verma, Seema and Kumar, Amit and Pravarthana, D. and Deshpande, Aparna and Ogale, Satishchandra B. and Yusuf, S. M.} } @article { ISI:000328606500014, title = {One-pot synthesis of cyclic carbonates from aldehydes, sulfur ylide, and CO2}, journal = {Synlett}, volume = {25}, number = {1}, year = {2014}, month = {JAN}, pages = {97-101}, publisher = {GEORG THIEME VERLAG KG}, address = {RUDIGERSTR 14, D-70469 STUTTGART, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Treatment of aldehydes with sulfur ylide (CH2=SOMe2 or CH2=SMe2), in the presence of CO2 (1 atm) bubbled sequentially under mild conditions, produces cyclic carbonates in preparative yields. Sodium iodide formed in situ promotes the reaction between epoxide as intermediate and CO2 at ambient conditions, thus constituting a powerful metal-free synthesis of organic cyclic carbonates directly from aldehydes.

}, keywords = {Carbon dioxide, cyclic carbonates, cyclization, epoxides, Insertion}, issn = {0936-5214}, doi = {10.1055/s-0033-1340072}, author = {Aher, Ravindra D. and Kumar, B. Senthil and Sudalai, Arumugam} } @inbook {43326, title = {Open-source tools, techniques, and data in chemoinformatics}, booktitle = {Practical Chemoinformatics}, year = {2014}, pages = {1-92}, publisher = {Springer}, organization = {Springer}, chapter = {Open-Source Tools, Techniques, and Data in Chemoinformatics}, abstract = {

Chemicals are everywhere and they are essentially composed of atoms and bonds that support life and provide comfort. The numerous combinations of these entities lead to the complexity and diversity in the universe. Chemistry is a subject which analyzes and tries to explain this complexity at the atomic level. Advancement in this subject led to more data generation and information explosion. Over a period of time, the observations were recorded in chemical documents that include journals, patents, and research reports. The vast amount of chemical literature covering more than two centuries demands the extensive use of information technology to manage it. Today, the chemoinformatics tools and methods have grown powerful enough to handle and discover unexplored knowledge from this huge resource of chemical information. The role of chemoinformatics is to add value to every bit of chemical data. The underlying theme of this domain is how to develop efficient chemical with predicted physico-chemical and biological properties for economic, social, health, safety, and environment. In this chapter, we begin with a brief definition and role of open-source tools in chemoinformatics and extend the discussion on the need for basic computer knowledge required to understand this specialized and interdisciplinary subject. This is followed by an in-depth analysis of traditional and advanced methods for handling chemical structures in computers which is an elementary but essential precursor for performing any chemoinformatics task. Practical guidance on step-by-step use of open-source, free, academic, and commercial structure representation tools is also provided. To gain a better understanding, it is highly recommended that the reader attempts the practice tutorials, Do it yourself exercises, and questions given in each chapter. The scope of this chapter is designed for experimental chemists, biologists, mathematicians, physicists, computer scientists, etc. to understand the subject in a practical way with relevant and easy-to-understand examples and also to encourage the readers to proceed further with advanced topics in the subsequent chapters.

}, doi = {10.1007/978-81-322-1780-0_1 }, author = {Karthikeyan, Muthukumarasamy} } @article { ISI:000341017700012, title = {Optimization of the anti-cancer activity of the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase pathway inhibitor PITENIN-1: switching thiourea with 1,2,3-triazole}, journal = {Medchemcomm}, volume = {5}, number = {9}, year = {2014}, month = {SEP}, pages = {1359-1363}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We previously reported encouraging in vitro and in vivo anti-cancer activity of N-((3-chloro-2-hydroxy-5-nitrophenyl)carbamothioyl) benzamide (termed PITENIN-1). In the current work, we describe the structure-activity relationship study of the PIT-1 series, based on the replacement of a central thiourea unit with 1,2,3-triazole, which leads to increased liver microsomal stability, drug likeness and toxicity towards cancer cells.

}, issn = {2040-2503}, doi = {10.1039/c4md00109e}, author = {Kommagalla, Yadagiri and Cornea, Sinziana and Riehle, Robert and Torchilin, Vladimir and Degterev, Alexei and Ramana, Chepuri V.} } @article { ISI:000337785400041, title = {Organic soluble and uniform film forming oligoethylene glycol substituted BODIPY small molecules with improved hole mobility}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics}, volume = {16}, number = {26}, year = {2014}, month = {MAY}, pages = {13376-13382}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Judiciously chosen side chains of conjugated molecules have a positive impact on charge transport properties when used as the active material in organic electronic devices. Amongst the side chains, oligoethylene glycols (OEGs) have been relatively unexplored due to their hydrophilic nature. OEGs also affect the smooth film formation of conjugated molecules, which preclude device fabrication. However, X-ray diffraction studies have shown that OEGs facilitate intermolecular contact, which is a desirable property for the fabrication of organic electronic devices. Thus the challenge is to design and synthesize organic solvent soluble and uniform film forming conjugated molecules with OEG side chains. We have designed and synthesized conjugated small molecules (CSMs) comprising BODIPY as acceptor and triphenylamine as donor with an OEG side chain. This molecule forms smooth films when processed from organic solvents. In order to understand the impact of the OEG side chain, we have also synthesized alkyl chain analogs. All the molecules exhibit exactly the same HOMO and LUMO energy levels, but the packing in the solid state is different. CSM with methyl side chains exhibit an inter planar distance of 4.15 A. Contrary to this, the OEG side chain containing CSM showed an inter planar spacing of 4.30 A, which is 0.2 A less than the alkyl side chain comprising CSMs. Please note that the length of the hydrophobic and hydrophilic side chains is the same. Interestingly, the OEG side chain comprising CSM showed two orders of higher hole carrier mobilities compared to all the other derivatives. The same molecule also showed an extremely low threshold voltage of -0.27 V indicating the OEG side chains{\textquoteright} favourable interaction between substrate as well as between molecules.

}, issn = {1463-9076}, doi = {10.1039/c4cp01098a}, author = {Singh, Saumya and Venugopalan, Vijay and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam} } @article { ISI:000329039000021, title = {Organocatalytic stereoselective approach to the total synthesis of (-)-halosaline}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {4}, number = {7}, year = {2014}, month = {NOV}, pages = {3238-3244}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A practical and efficient organocatalytic approach to the synthesis of substituted piperidine alkaloids in high enantio- and diastereomeric excess was achieved using proline-catalyzed sequential alpha-aminoxylation/alpha-amination reaction and HWE olefination reaction of an aldehyde.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c3ra44700f}, author = {Jha, Vishwajeet and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000327845900029, title = {Orthorhombic/cubic Cd2SnO4 nanojunctions: enhancing solar water splitting efficiency by the suppression of charge recombination}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry A}, volume = {2}, number = {2}, year = {2014}, month = {NOV}, pages = {492-499}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The low practical efficiency of binary metal oxide semiconductor-based photo-electrochemical (PEC) water splitting has prompted researchers to examine ternary and quaternary oxides, which provide more leverage for engineering the desired PEC properties via stoichiometry (valence) and phase control. One ternary system of interest in this context is cadmium tin oxide (Cd2SnO4), which supports the cubic and orthorhombic phases with optical, electronic and catalytic properties that are favourable for PEC water splitting. However, its practical PEC performance is limited by high surface recombination of the photogenerated charge carriers. In this work we circumvent this problem by engineering the constitution of Cd2SnO4 nanoparticles to a biphasic nanojunction form, comprising of a nanocomposite of cubic and orthorhombic phases. The favourable conduction band alignment between the cubic and orthorhombic phases leads to a dramatic reduction in the recombination of the photogenerated charges, leading to a 10-fold increase (from 250 mu A cm(2) to over 2 mA cm(2)) in the photocurrent vis-a-vis the single cubic or orthorhombic phase performance. We discuss the underlying mechanism for the observed dramatic enhancement in the water splitting efficiency.

}, issn = {2050-7488}, doi = {10.1039/c3ta13851h}, author = {Deshpande, Aparna and Kelkar, Sarika A. and Rayalu, Sadhana and Ogale, Satishchandra} } @article {45975, title = {Palladium nanoparticles supported on magnesium hydroxide fluorides: a selective catalyst for olefin hydrogenation}, journal = {ChemCatChem}, volume = {6}, year = {2014}, month = {NOV}, pages = {3182-3191}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A one-pot synthesis of palladium nanoparticles supported on magnesium hydroxide fluoride has been performed with the fluorolytic sol-gel method. The prepared catalysts were characterized by using various physicochemical techniques. The sol-gel method led to high surface area (\>135 m(2)g(-1)), mesoporous catalysts (pore volume=0.19-0.23 cm(3)g(-1), pore diameter=3-5 nm) with uniformly dispersed palladium nanoparticles approximately 2 nm in diameter on the surface. The catalysts synthesized by using different concentrations of aqueous hydrofluoric acid exhibited changing surface and acidic properties. Very high dispersion of palladium on magnesium fluoride (47\%) was obtained with 1 wt\% palladium loading. The catalysts were used for hydrogenation of various olefins in the presence of other organic functionalities at room temperature and atmospheric hydrogen pressure. Various substituted olefins were hydrogenated with almost 100\% conversion and selectivity. The catalysts were recycled efficiently over five cycles without appreciable loss in catalytic activity. There was no palladium leaching under the reaction conditions, which was confirmed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy analysis. Activation of olefin on the catalyst surface could not be observed by in situ FTIR studies, indicating facile activation of hydrogen on the palladium supported on magnesium hydroxide fluoride.

}, keywords = {alkenes, heterogeneous catalysis, Hydrogenation, magnesium fluorides, Palladium}, issn = {1867-3880}, doi = {10.1002/cctc.201402469}, author = {Acham, Vaibhav R. and Biradar, Ankush V. and Dongare, Mohan K. and Kemnitz, Erhard and Umbarkar, Shubhangi B.} } @article { ISI:000330489600005, title = {PBI-BuI and PAN-PSSALi based UF membranes: effects of solute and membrane surface interactions on rejection and flux}, journal = {Desalination}, volume = {333}, number = {1}, year = {2014}, month = {JAN}, pages = {45-51}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Ultrafiltration membrane using tert-butylpolybenzimidazole (PBI-BuI) was prepared and characterized for flux and rejection performance using Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC). Polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) with different molecular weights were used as the solutes. While using feed solution containing mixture of PEGs, higher rejection was observed than using individual PEG. The water flux of PBI-BuI membrane after passing individual PEG solutions showed considerable (similar to 36\%) reduction, which could be attributable to the PEG adsorption on the membrane pore surface. PEG adsorption was further substantiated by SEM, IR and TGA. The amphoteric nature of PBI-BuI could cause H-bonding between membrane surface and PEG molecules, leading to PEG adsorption on the membrane and pore surface. To ascertain this postulation, a study with PAN-PSSALi (which does not contain H-bonding) based UF membrane containing negatively charged -SO3- group was done. It was found that PEG adsorption in this case is not as predominant as in earlier case. This membrane showed marginal reduction in water flux of 8\%, vis-a-vis 36\% reduction shown by PBI-BuI based membrane. This indicated that H-bonding present in PBI-BuI is mainly responsible for the PEG adsorption on its membrane and pore surface, in spite of PEG being a neutral molecule. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Gel permeation chromatography, Polybenzimidazole, Rejection, Solute adsorption, Ultrafiltration}, issn = {0011-9164}, doi = {10.1016/j.desal.2013.11.036}, author = {Bhagat, Deepti G. and Mule, Bhavana and Mandlekar, Neeraj and Pandare, Kiran and Kharul, Ulhas K.} } @article { ISI:000341643300008, title = {Pharmacokinetic modeling of caco-2 cell permeability using genetic programming (GP) method}, journal = {Letters in Drug Design \& Discovery}, volume = {11}, number = {9}, year = {2014}, month = {NOV}, pages = {1112-1118}, publisher = {BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBL LTD}, address = {EXECUTIVE STE Y-2, PO BOX 7917, SAIF ZONE, 1200 BR SHARJAH, U ARAB EMIRATES}, abstract = {

An accurate prediction of the pharmacokinetic properties of orally administered drugs is of paramount importance in pharmaceutical industry. Caco-2 cell permeability is a well established parameter for assessing the drug absorption profiles of lead molecules. Due to the restrictions on animal testing, prohibitive in situ models and ethical issues, the development of predictive models is essential. Genetic programming (GP) is an artificial intelligence (AI)-based exclusively data driven modeling paradigm. Given an example input-output data, it searches and optimizes, both the structure and parameters of a well fitting linear/non-linear input-output model. Despite this novelty, GP has not been widely exploited in drug design. Accordingly, in this study we propose a GP based approach for the in silico prediction of Caco-2 cell permeability using a diverse set of molecules. The predictions yielded a high magnitude for the training and test set correlation coefficient with low RMSE, indicating accurate Caco-2 permeability prediction and generalization performance by the GP model. The predictions were better or comparable to artificial neural networks (ANN) and support vector regression (SVR) methods. The GP based modeling approach illustrated will find diverse applications in (QSAR, QSPR and QSTR) modeling for the virtual screening of large libraries.

}, keywords = {ADME modeling, Caco-2 cell permeability, genetic programming, MLP, SVR}, issn = {1570-1808}, author = {Vyas, Renu and Goel, Purva and Karthikeyan, Muthukumarasamy and Tambe, S. S. and Kulkarni, B. D.} } @article { ISI:000341226500016, title = {pH-Dependent single-step rapid synthesis of cuo and cu2o nanoparticles from the same precursor}, journal = {Crystal Growth \& Design}, volume = {14}, number = {9}, year = {2014}, month = {SEP}, pages = {4329-4334}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

A single-step protocol to prepare Cu2O and CuO nanocrystalline particles from the same precursor by microwave irradiation has been developed using the pH of the solution as the only variable parameter. The utility of different bivalent Cu-precursors for synthesis of CuO and Cu2O nanoparticles was also investigated. The morphology, phase purity, and optical properties of these nanoparticles were analyzed using TEM, SEM, XRD, and optical spectroscopy. The band edges were determined using cyclic voltammetry. Field effect transistors based on CuO nanoparticles showed a hole mobility of 3.5 x 10(-2) cm(2) V-1 s(-1), making them a suitable candidate for energy-related applications. The effect of hydrazine vapor exposure on the IV-characteristics of CuO nanoparticles was also investigated. This revealed a decrease in source current with respect to time.

}, issn = {1528-7483}, doi = {10.1021/cg500394p}, author = {Nikam, Arun V. and Arulkashmir, Arulraj and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam and Kulkarni, Amol A. and Bhagavatula L. V. Prasad} } @article { ISI:000335720200011, title = {Phosphoric acid loaded azo (-N=N-) based covalent organic framework for proton conduction}, journal = {Journal of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {136}, number = {18}, year = {2014}, month = {MAY}, pages = {6570-6573}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Two new chemically stable functional crystalline covalent organic frameworkds (COFs) (Tp-Azo and Tp-Stb) were synthesized using the Schiff base reaction between triformylphloroglucinol (Tp) and 4,4{\textquoteright}-azodianiline (Azo) or 4,4{\textquoteright}-diaminostilbene (Stb), respectively. Both COFs show the expected keto-enamine form, and high stability toward boiling water, strong acidic, and basic media. H3PO4 doping in Tp-Azo leads to immobilization of the acid within the porous framework, which facilitates proton conduction in both the hydrous (sigma = 9.9 X 10(-4) S cm(-1)) and anhydrous state (sigma = 6.7 X 10(-5) S cm-1). This report constitutes the first emergence of COFs as proton conducting materials.

}, issn = {0002-7863}, doi = {10.1021/ja502212v}, author = {Chandra, Suman and Kundu, Tanay and Kandambeth, Sharath and BabaRao, Ravichandar and Marathe, Yogesh N. and Kunjir, Shrikant M. and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article { ISI:000333205200008, title = {Photophysical and photoconductivity properties of thiol-functionalized graphene-CdSe QD composites}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {4}, number = {27}, year = {2014}, month = {JAN}, pages = {13788-13795}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Graphene-semiconductor QD hybrid nanostructure materials have recently emerged as a new class of functional materials because of their potential applications in solar energy conversion, optoelectronic devices, sensing etc. Here, oleic acid-capped CdSe QDs are attached to -PhSH functionalized graphene by ligand exchange via bonding with the -SH group. The shifting of the G-band and D-band due to structural changes for the attachment of QD with graphene has been evaluated by using Raman spectroscopy. Steady state photoluminescence (PL) and time resolved fluorescence measurements have been employed to understand the electronic interactions between graphene and CdSe QDs. A time resolved fluorescence spectroscopic study has been used to understand the fluorescence dynamics of the photoexcitated CdSe QDs in the presence of graphene. It is evident that the electron transfer occurs from photoexcited QDs to graphene and the electron transfer rate is found to be 12.8 x 10(8) s(-1) for 3.8 nm CdSe QDs. Photoconductivity properties of the graphene-QD device under illumination have been examined and it is to be noted that 2-3 fold increase in the photocurrent is found in this composite device in presence of 1.5 AM solar simulated light. The enhancement of the photocurrent in this hybrid device is found to be suitable for potential applications in optoelectronic and solar cell systems.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c3ra47420h}, author = {Debgupta, Joyashish and Mandal, Sadananda and Kalita, Hemen and Aslam, Mohammed and Patra, Amitava and Pillai, Vijayamohanan} } @article { ISI:000341287200041, title = {Photophysical, bandstructural, and textural properties of o-FeNbO4 in relation to its cocatalyst-assisted photoactivity for water oxidation}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {4}, number = {63}, year = {2014}, month = {JUL}, pages = {33435-33445}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

In this study, a relationship between physicochemical, photophysical and photocatalytic properties of hydrothermally synthesized orthorhombic iron niobate (FeNbO4) is investigated. o-FeNbO4 displayed a multi-regime optical absorbance, which was ascribed to at least two distinct phenomena: (i) bandgap (similar to 3.4 eV) excitation giving rise to UV absorbance and (ii) energy transitions involving disorder-induced sub-bandgap donor or acceptor states leading to visible light absorbance. The preparation-dependent distortion in the crystal lattice and the existence of closely spaced inter-bandgap energy states were corroborated by powder X-ray diffraction, photoluminescence, thermoluminescence, and Raman spectroscopy studies. The first principles electronic structure elucidation and photoelectrochemical measurements supported a wide bandgap for FeNbO4, in contrast to the narrow bandgap reported previously. Correspondingly, a small photocurrent density was observed for FeNbO4 (similar to 2 to 3 mu A cm(-2)) under 1 sun illumination, suggesting the availability of a smaller cross section of photogenerated charge pairs. Following these band characteristics, while no H-2 evolution was observed, FeNbO4 gave rise to particle size-dependent O-2 evolution during visible light irradiation of water in the presence of electron scavengers, the samples loaded with NiO as cocatalyst showing better activity. Further, the transmission electron microscopy examination revealed the dominant exposure of (011) facets of FeNbO4, besides a significant heterogeneity of inter-domain boundaries. Overall, our results confirm that the photoactivity of metal/oxide nanocomposites is governed by a combination of factors, such as: grain morphology, microstructure, surface adsorption states, and the localized inter-bandgap energy states. Our study also reveals that, in contrast to prevalent assumptions, the wavelength at the absorption edge may not represent the true band-to-band energy gap of metal oxide semiconductors, which is relevant to their photocatalytic activity.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c4ra06059h}, author = {Babu, Robin and Kelkar, Sarika A. and Kashid, Vikas and Achary, Srungarpu N. and Salunke, Hemant G. and Gupta, Narendra M.} } @article {46364, title = {Polarization switching characteristics of 0.5BaTi(0.8)Zr(0.2)O(3)-0.5Ba(0.7)Ca(0.3)TiO(3) lead free ferroelectric thin films by pulsed laser deposition}, journal = {JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS}, volume = {115}, year = {2014}, month = {APR }, pages = {154102}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We report on the ferroelectricity for morphotropic-phase-boundary lead (Pb) free 0.5BaTi(0.8)Zr(0.2)O(3)-0.5Ba(0.7)Ca(0.3)TiO(3) (0.5BZT-0.5BCT) thin films. Thin films were grown on Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrate using pulsed laser deposition. Raman spectroscopic data combined with the X-ray diffraction analyses confirm body centered tetragonal crystallographic structure 0.5BZT-0.5 BCT thin films on Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si. Polarization studies demonstrate that these 0.5BZT-0.5BCT films exhibit a large remnant and saturation polarization of 37 mu C/cm(2) and 40 mu C/cm(2), respectively, with a coercive field of 140 kV/cm. A correlation between polarization dynamics, structural distortion, and phonon vibration is established. The splitting of X-ray diffraction peak of the thin film in the 2 theta range of 44.5 degrees to 46.5 degrees represents high degree of tetragonality. The tetragonality factor calculated by Rietveld analysis was found to be 0.006 and can be a major cause for the increased remnant polarization value. It is established from Raman spectra that the non-centrosymmetricity due to the displacement of Ti/Zr ions from its octahedral position is related to the peak position as well as the broadening of the A(1) (LO) optical phonon mode. This increase of broadness in the thin film causes an increase in the dipole moment of the unit cell and, hence, the net increase in polarization values. (C) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.

}, issn = {0021-8979}, doi = {10.1063/1.4871673}, author = {Kolekar, Y. D. and Bhaumik, A. and Shaikh, P. A. and Ramana, C. V. and Ghosh, K.} } @article { ISI:000340975900071, title = {Poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-few walled carbon nanotube (PEDOT-FWCNT) nanocomposite based thin films for Schottky diode application}, journal = {Materials Chemistry and Physics}, volume = {147}, number = {3}, year = {2014}, month = {OCT}, pages = {867-877}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Transparent, conductive films of poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-few walled carbon nanotube (PEDOT-FWCNT) nanocomposite were synthesized by in-situ oxidative polymerization and investigated for their Schottky diode property. The prepared films were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), surface resistivity, cyclic voltametery, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). SEM reveals the formation of homogeneous and adhesive polymer films while HRTEM confirms the uniform wrapping of polymer chains around the nanotube walls for PEDOT-FWCNT film. Improved thermal stability, conductivity and charge storage property of PEDOT in the presence of FWCNT is observed. Among different compositions, 5 wt. \% of FWCNT is found to be optimum with sheet resistance and transmittance of 500 Omega sq(-1) and 77\%, respectively. Moreover, the electronic and junction properties of polymer films were studied and compared by fabricating sandwich type devices with a configuration of Al/PEDOT or PEDOT-FWCNT nanocomposite/indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass. The measured current density-voltage characteristics show typical rectifying behavior for both configurations. However, enhanced rectification ratio and higher forward current density is observed in case of PEDOT-FWCNT based Schottky diode. Furthermore, reliability test depicts smaller hysteresis effect and better performance of PEDOT-FWCNT based diodes. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Composite materials, Electrical properties, Polymer, Thin films}, issn = {0254-0584}, doi = {10.1016/j.matchemphys.2014.06.032}, author = {Gupta, Bhavana and Mehta, Minisha and Melvin, Ambrose A. and Kamalakannan, R. and Dash, Sitaram and Kamruddin, M. and Tyagi, A. K.} } @article { ISI:000337097500019, title = {Polybenzimidazole based film forming polymeric ionic liquids: synthesis and effects of cation-anion variation on their physical properties}, journal = {Polymer Chemistry}, volume = {5}, number = {13}, year = {2014}, month = {FEB}, pages = {4083-4096}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Polymeric ionic liquids (PILs) are gaining wide attention due to their tunable properties and applicability in various upcoming areas, including membranes for CO2 separation. The known methodologies yield PILs that are difficult to convert into film form. The present work investigates a synthetic approach for obtaining PILs based on a strong film forming with a fully aromatic rigid backbone while incorporating ionic liquid character in it. Three structurally different polybenzimidazoles (PBI-I, PBI-BuI and ABPBI) were N-quaternized by a methyl group, followed by iodide exchange with various promising anions. The extent of iodide exchange by another anion was high enough (\>94\% in most cases). Most of the resulting PILs with various anions offer mechanically strong films, with the exception of those based on acetate and benzoate as an anion. Although the base PBI has excellent film forming ability, this result conveyed the role of anion in governing the film forming ability of the PIL. Salient features of this methodology include a fully aromatic polycation backbone, wide structural tunability (by virtue of variation not only of the anion/cation, but also with N-substituent) and introducing two IL characters per repeat unit of a PIL (except for PILs based on ABPBI). Attempted PIL structural variations showed diverse property variations in bulk and surface properties (solvent solubility, contact angle, water sorption, thermal stability, polyelectrolyte behaviour, CO2 sorption and ionic conductivity). Mechanical properties of film forming PILs exhibited high enough tensile strength, conveying their applicability as membrane materials.

}, issn = {1759-9954}, doi = {10.1039/c3py01709e}, author = {Bhavsar, Rupesh S. and Kumbharkar, Santosh C. and Rewar, Anita S. and Kharul, Ulhas K.} } @article { ISI:000332124800027, title = {Post modification of MOF derived carbon via g-C3N4 entrapment for an efficient metal-free oxygen reduction reaction}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {50}, number = {25}, year = {2014}, month = {FEB}, pages = {3363-3366}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

High surface area carbon with a nitrogen content of 7.0\% is derived from MOF via in situ g-C3N4 formation. The material shows excellent ORR activity with an onset potential of 0.035 V (vs. Hg/HgO) in alkaline medium apart from high durability and strong disinclination towards methanol crossover.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c3cc47620k}, author = {Pandiaraj, Sekar and Aiyappa, Harshitha Barike and Banerjee, Rahul and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {46395, title = {Post-synthetically modified porous covalent framework (PCF) for high proton conduction}, journal = {Acta Crystallographica A-Foundation and Advances}, volume = {70}, year = {2014}, month = {MAY}, pages = {C1156}, type = {Meeting Abstract}, keywords = {Porous Covalent Framework, Post-synthetic Modification, proton conduction}, issn = {2053-2733}, author = {Samanta, Partha and Desai, Aamod and Anothumakkool, Bihag and Shirolkar, Mandar and Karmakar, Avishek and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Ghosh, Sujit} } @article {42443, title = {Practical synthesis of phthalimides and benzamides by a multicomponent reaction involving arynes, isocyanides, and CO2/H2O}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {16}, year = {2014}, month = {MAR}, pages = {1728{\textendash}1731}, abstract = {

Transition-metal-free multicomponent reactions involving arynes and isocyanides with either CO2 or H2O have been reported. With CO2 as the third component, the reactions resulted in the formation of N-substituted phthalimides. The utility of water as the third component furnished benzamide derivatives in moderate to good yields. These reactions took place under mild conditions with broad scope.

}, doi = {10.1021/ol500403x}, author = {Kaicharla, Trinadh and Thangaraj, Manikandan and Biju, Akkattu T.} } @article { ISI:000335757800015, title = {Preparation and characterization of silver particulate films on softened polystyrene and poly(4-vinylpyridine) blends}, journal = {Journal of Materials Science-Materials In Electronics}, volume = {25}, number = {6}, year = {2014}, month = {JUN}, pages = {2501-2506}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Results of the investigations carried out on the optical properties of silver particulate films deposited at a rate of 0.4 nm/s on softened polystyrene and poly(4-vinylpyridine) (P4VP) blends held at 455 K are reported. Under the conditions of deposition, a sub-surface particulate structure is expected. It had been shown earlier that the morphology of the sub-surface particulate structure is dependent on polymer-metal interaction. In the present studies, an inert polymer like polystyrene (PS) is blended with an interacting polymer P4VP. The optical studies on the silver particulate films deposited on softened blends of PS/P4VP have been carried out. The results show a shift in plasmon resonance to higher wavelength with increasing P4VP concentration of the blends in comparison to that of the films deposited on pure PS. An X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study at two different electron take off angles indicates the formation of subsurface particulate structures for films deposited on blends.

}, issn = {0957-4522}, doi = {10.1007/s10854-014-1902-6}, author = {Gurumurthy, S. C. and Pattabi, Manjunatha and Krishna, Shreedhar and Gaikwad, A. B.} } @article { ISI:000332485000048, title = {Probing the folding induction ability of orthanilic acid in peptides: some observations}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {4}, number = {25}, year = {2014}, month = {JAN}, pages = {13018-13025}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

This paper describes the ability of orthanilic acid (2-aminobenzenesulfonic acid, (S)Ant) to promote folding when introduced in a peptide sequence. Three peptide sequences, containing orthanilic acid (SAnt) with a sulfonamide moiety in the turn segment, have been synthesized in the solution phase using suitable coupling agents, and their structural aspects investigated using NMR and X-ray crystallographic studies. Solid- and solution-state conformational analyses reveal that the peptide sequences containing orthanilic acid in their backbone exist in a folded conformation featuring long-range 15-membered ring H-bonding.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c3ra47039c}, author = {Roy, Arup and Kotmale, Amol S. and Gawade, Rupesh L. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Rajamohanan, P. R. and Sanjayan, Gangadhar J.} } @article { ISI:000334421100007, title = {Protein-coated polymer as a matrix for enzyme immobilization: immobilization of trypsin on bovine serum albumin-coated allyl glycidyl ether-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate copolymer}, journal = {Biotechnology Progress}, volume = {30}, number = {2}, year = {2014}, month = {MAR}, pages = {317-323}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

Allyl glycidyl ether (AGE)-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDM) copolymer with 25\% crosslink density (AGE-25) shows excellent bovine serum albumin (BSA) adsorption (up to 16\% (w/w)) at pH 8.0 and the adsorbed BSA is strongly bound. This protein-coated polymer provides a novel matrix with naturally existing functional groups such as thiol, amino, and carboxylic acid that are available for covalent immobilization of functional enzymes. Employing appropriate strategies, trypsin as a model protein was covalently bound to BSA-coated matrix both independently, and in a stepwise manner on the same matrix, with less than 5\% loss of enzyme activity during immobilization. Glutaraldehyde crosslinking after immobilization provide stable enzyme preparation with activity of 510 units/g recycled up to six times without loss of enzyme activity. AFM studies reveal that the polymer surface has protein peaks and valleys rather than a uniform monolayer distribution of the protein and the immobilized enzyme preparation can best be described as polymer supported cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEAs). (c) 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 30:317-323, 2014

}, keywords = {allyl glycidyl ether, Bovine serum albumin, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, Immobilization, Trypsin}, issn = {8756-7938}, doi = {10.1002/btpr.1871}, author = {Jasti, Lakshmi Swarnalatha and Dola, Sandhya Rani and Kumaraguru, Thenkrishnan and Bajja, Sreedhar and Fadnavis, Nitin W. and Addepally, Uma and Rajdeo, Kishor and Ponrathnam, Surendra and Deokar, Sarika Babasaheb} } @article {43330, title = {Proteomic analysis of human plasma in chronic rheumatic mitral stenosis reveals proteins involved in the complement and coagulation cascade}, journal = {Clinical Proteomics}, volume = {11}, year = {2014}, month = {SEP}, pages = {Article Number: 35}, abstract = {Background: Rheumatic fever in childhood is the most common cause of Mitral Stenosis in developing countries. The disease is characterized by damaged and deformed mitral valves predisposing them to scarring and narrowing (stenosis) that results in left atrial hypertrophy followed by heart failure. Presently, echocardiography is the main imaging technique used to diagnose Mitral Stenosis. Despite the high prevalence and increased morbidity, no biochemical indicators are available for prediction, diagnosis and management of the disease. Adopting a proteomic approach to study Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis may therefore throw some light in this direction. In our study, we undertook plasma proteomics of human subjects suffering from Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis (n = 6) and Control subjects (n = 6). Six plasma samples, three each from the control and patient groups were pooled and subjected to low abundance protein enrichment. Pooled plasma samples (crude and equalized) were then subjected to in-solution trypsin digestion separately. Digests were analyzed using nano LC-MSE. Data was acquired with the Protein Lynx Global Server v2.5.2 software and searches made against reviewed Homo sapiens database (UniProtKB) for protein identification. Label-free protein quantification was performed in crude plasma only. }, doi = {10.1186/1559-0275-11-35}, author = {Mukherjee, Somaditya and Jagadeeshaprasad, Mashanipalya G. and Banerjee, Tanima and Ghosh, Sudip K. and Biswas, Monodeep and Dutta, Santanu and Kulkarni, Mahesh J. and Pattari, Sanjib and Bandyopadhyay, Arun} } @article { ISI:000339880300021, title = {Proteomics of arsenic stress in the gram-positive organism Exiguobacterium sp PS NCIM 5463}, journal = {Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology}, volume = {98}, number = {15}, year = {2014}, month = {AUG}, pages = {6761-6773}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

The general responses of microorganisms to environmental onslaughts are modulated by altering the gene expression pattern to reduce damage in the cell and produce compensating stress responses. The present study attempts to unravel the response of the Gram-positive Exiguobacterium sp. PS NCIM 5463 in the presence of [As(III)] and arsenate [As(V)] using comparative proteomics via two-dimension gel electrophoresis (2-DE) coupled with identification of proteins using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation (MALDI-TOF/MALDI-TOF/TOF). Out of 926 Coomassie-stained proteins, 45 were differentially expressed (p \< 0.05). Considering the resolution and abundance level, 24 spots (peptides) were subjected to MALDI analysis, identified and categorised into several functional categories, viz., nitrogen metabolism, energy and stress regulators, carbohydrate metabolism, protein synthesis components and others. A functional role of each protein is discussed in Exiguobacterium sp. PS 5463 under arsenic stress and validated at their transcript level using a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Unlike previous reports that unravel the responses toward arsenic stress in Gram-negative organisms, the present study identified new proteins under arsenic stress in a Gram-positive organism, Exiguobacterium sp. PS NCIM 5463, which could elucidate the physiology of organisms under arsenic stress.

}, keywords = {Arsenic, Exiguobacterium, proteomics, Stress, Transcriptomics}, issn = {0175-7598}, doi = {10.1007/s00253-014-5873-6}, author = {Sacheti, Poonam and Patil, Rajendra and Dube, Ankita and Bhonsle, Hemangi S. and Thombre, Dipalee and Marathe, Sayali and Vidhate, Ravindra and Wagh, Priyanka and Kulkarni, Mahesh J. and Rapole, Srikanth and Gade, Wasudeo N.} } @article { ISI:000342328300031, title = {Pulsed laser-deposited MoS2 thin films on W and Si: field emission and photoresponse studies}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {6}, number = {18}, year = {2014}, month = {SEP}, pages = {15881-15888}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

We report field electron emission investigations on pulsed laser-deposited molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) thin films on W-tip and Si substrates. In both cases, under the chosen growth conditions, the dry process of pulsed laser deposition (PLD) is seen to render a dense nanostructured morphology of MoS2, which is important for local electric field enhancement in field emission application. In the case of the MoS2 film on silicon (Si), the turn-on field required to draw an emission current density of 10 mu A/cm(2) is found to be 2.8 V/mu m. Interestingly, the MoS2 film on a tungsten (W) tip emitter delivers a large emission current density of similar to 30 mA/cm(2) at a relatively lower applied voltage of similar to 3.8 kV. Thus, the PLD-MoS2 can be utilized for various field emission-based applications. We also report our results of photodiode-like behavior in (n- and p- type) Si/PLDMoS2 heterostructures. Finally we show that MoS2 films deposited on flexible kapton substrate show a good photoresponse and recovery. Our investigations thus hold great promise for the development of PLD MoS2 films in application domains such as field emitters and heterostructures for novel nanoelectronic devices.

}, keywords = {field emission, MoS2, photodiode heterostructures, pulsed laser deposition, thin film}, issn = {1944-8244}, doi = {10.1021/am503464h}, author = {Late, Dattatray J. and Shaikh, Parvez A. and Khare, Ruchita T. and Kashid, Ranjit V. and Chaudhary, Minakshi V. and More, Mahendra A. and Ogale, Satishchandra B.} } @article { ISI:000339628400010, title = {Quantitative evaluation of the ability of ionic liquids to offset the cold-induced unfolding of proteins}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics}, volume = {16}, number = {30}, year = {2014}, month = {JUN}, pages = {15806-15810}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Significant non-reversible two-state denaturation was observed for proteins such as myoglobin (Mb) and alpha-chymotrypsin (CT) with decreasing temperature in the presence of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium-based ([C(4)mim]X-+(-)) ionic liquids (ILs) with various anions (X-). Interestingly, for the first time, ILs having acetate and bromide anions were proven to counteract the cold-induced unfolding of proteins.

}, issn = {1463-9076}, doi = {10.1039/c4cp01001a}, author = {Kumar, Awanish and Rani, Anjeeta and Venkatesu, Pannuru and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000328892300038, title = {Quantum confinement controlled solar hydrogen production from hydrogen sulfide using a highly stable CdS0.5Se0.5/CdSe quantum dot-glass nanosystem}, journal = {Nanoscale}, volume = {6}, number = {2}, year = {2014}, month = {OCT}, pages = {908-915}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We have demonstrated unique CdS0.5Se0.5 and CdSe quantum dot-glass nanosystems with quantum confinement effect. The stable, monodispersed CdS0.5Se0.5 and CdSe quantum dots (QDs) of size 2 to 12 nm have been grown in a germanate glass matrix by a simple melt quench technique at moderate temperature. XRD and Raman studies show formation of hexagonal CdS0.5Se0.5 and CdSe in the glass matrix. The quantum confinement of CdS0.5Se0.5 and CdSe was studied using TEM and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The band gap of the glass nanosystem was tuned from 3.6 to 1.8 eV by controlling the CdS0.5Se0.5 quantum dot size in the glass matrix. It can be further tuned to 1.68 eV using growth of CdSe quantum dots in the glass matrix. Considering the tuneable band gap of the CdS0.5Se0.5 and CdSe quantum dot-glass nanosystem for the visible light absorption, a study of size tuneable photocatalytic activity for hydrogen generation from hydrogen sulfide splitting was performed under visible light irradiation for the first time. The utmost hydrogen evolution, i.e. 8164.53 and 7257.36 mu mol h(-1) g(-1) was obtained for the CdS0.5Se0.5 and CdSe quantum dot-glass nanosystems, respectively. The apparent quantum yield (AQY) was observed to be 26\% and 21\% for the CdS0.5Se0.5 and CdSe quantum dot-glass nanosystems, respectively. It is noteworthy that the present glass nanosystem as a photocatalyst was found to be very stable as compared to naked powder photocatalysts.

}, issn = {2040-3364}, doi = {10.1039/c3nr04898e}, author = {Apte, Sanjay K. and Garaje, Sunil N. and Naik, Sonali D. and Waichal, Rupali P. and Baeg, Jin-Ook and Kale, Bharat B.} } @article { ISI:000340514500021, title = {Quantum dot-decorated silicon nanowires as efficient photoelectrodes for photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry A}, volume = {2}, number = {33}, year = {2014}, month = {SEP}, pages = {13352-13358}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Quantum dot-decorated wide band gap semiconductors, such as TiO2, ZnO, SnO2, etc., which have electron mobilities of less than 200 cm(2) V-1 S-1 have been well studied as the photoelectrodes for photovoltaics and photoelectrochemical water splitting. Herein, we report CdSe quantum dot decorated-silicon nanowires (SiNWs) as photoelectrodes for photoelectrochemical water splitting. SiNWs have a comparatively higher electron mobility than metal oxides. A photocurrent density of around 6.1 mA cm(-2) was obtained for the CdSe/SiNWs photoelectrode, which is nearly five times higher than that for SiNWs alone and which also shows a good transient photocurrent response. The band energy level alignment was also studied between Si and CdSe by observing the corresponding flat band potentials from a Mott-Schottky analysis.

}, issn = {2050-7488}, doi = {10.1039/c4ta02775b}, author = {Devarapalli, Rami Reddy and Kamaja, Chaitanya Krishna and Shelke, Manjusha V.} } @article { ISI:000336442600003, title = {Rapid efficient synthesis and characterization of silver, gold, and bimetallic nanoparticles from the medicinal plant plumbago zeylanica and their application in biofilm control}, journal = {International Journal of Nanomedicine}, volume = {9}, year = {2014}, month = {MAY}, pages = {2635-2653}, publisher = {DOVE MEDICAL PRESS LTD}, address = {PO BOX 300-008, ALBANY, AUCKLAND 0752, NEW ZEALAND}, abstract = {

Background: Nanoparticles (NPs) have gained significance in medical fields due to their high surface-area-to-volume ratio. In this study, we synthesized NPs from a medicinally important plant - Plumbago zeylanica. Materials and methods: Aqueous root extract of P. zeylanica (PZRE) was analyzed for the presence of flavonoids, sugars, and organic acids using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), gas chromatography-time of flight-mass spectrometry (GC-TOF-MS), and biochemical methods. The silver NPs (AgNPs), gold NPs (AuNPs), and bimetallic NPs (AgAuNPs) were synthesized from root extract and characterized using ultraviolet-visible spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The effects of these NPs on Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli biofilms were studied using quantitative biofilm inhibition and disruption assays, as well as using fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Results: PZRE showed the presence of phenolics, such as plumbagin, and flavonoids, in addition to citric acid, sucrose, glucose, fructose, and starch, using HPTLC, GC-TOF-MS, and quantitative analysis. Bioreduction of silver nitrate (AgNO3) and chloroauric acid (HAuCl4) were confirmed at absorbances of 440 nm (AgNPs), 570 nm (AuNPs), and 540 nm (AgAuNPs), respectively. The maximum rate of synthesis at 50 degrees C was achieved with 5 mM AgNO3 within 4.5 hours for AgNPs; and with 0.7 mM HAuCl4 within 5 hours for AuNPs. The synthesis of AgAuNPs, which completed within 90 minutes with 0.7 mM AgNO3 and HAuCl4, was found to be the fastest. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed bioreduction, while EDS and XRD patterns confirmed purity and the crystalline nature of the NPs, respectively. TEM micrographs and DLS showed about 60 nm monodispersed Ag nanospheres, 20-30 nm Au nanospheres adhering to form Au nanotriangles, and about 90 nm hexagonal blunt-ended AgAuNPs. These NPs also showed antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against E. coli, A. baumannii, S. aureus, and a mixed culture of A. baumannii and S. aureus. AgNPs inhibited biofilm in the range of 96\%-99\% and AgAuNPs from 93\% to 98\% in single-culture biofilms. AuNPs also showed biofilm inhibition, with the highest of 98\% in S. aureus. AgNPs also showed good biofilm disruption, with the highest of 88\% in A. baumannii. Conclusion: This is the first report on rapid and efficient synthesis of AgNPs, AuNPs and AgAuNPs from P. zeylanica and their effect on quantitative inhibition and disruption of bacterial biofilms.

}, keywords = {AgAuNPs, AgNPs, AuNPs, biofilm inhibition and disruption, GC-TOF-MS, P. zeylanica}, issn = {1178-2013}, doi = {10.2147/IJN.S59834}, author = {Salunke, Gayatri R. and Ghosh, Sougata and Kumar, R. J. Santosh and Khade, Samiksha and Vashisth, Priya and Kale, Trupti S. and Chopade, Snehal and Pruthi, Vikas and Kundu, Gopal and Bellare, Jayesh R. and Chopade, Balu Ananda} } @article { ISI:000342254500047, title = {Reaction between lawsone and aminophenol derivatives: synthesis, characterization, molecular structures and antiproliferative activity}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Structure}, volume = {1075}, year = {2014}, month = {OCT}, pages = {397-405}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Reaction between two bioreductive reactants lawsone (2-hydroxy-1,4-napthoquinone) and derivatives 2-aminophenol without catalyst is reported. The reaction between lawsone and 4-chloro-2-aminophenol leads to formation of red colored major product 1A:[2-[(5-chloro-hydroxyphenyl)amino]naphthalene-1,4-dione] and fluorescent orange colored minor compound 1B:[10-chloro-benzo[alpha]phenoxazine-5-one]. Molecular structure of 1A and 1B were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Two mechanisms were proposed to the formation of red 1A and 1B. {\textquoteleft}Ortho-para{\textquoteright} tautomeric equilibrium was observed in DMSO-d(6) solution in 1A, which was revealed by H-1, C-13 NMR and LC-MS studies. Molecules of 1A formed dimers via N-H center dot center dot center dot O interaction and polymeric chain of dimers was formed by OH center dot center dot center dot O interactions. Cl center dot center dot center dot Cl interactions were observed between the polymeric chains of dimers in 1A. Molecules of 1B show Cl center dot center dot center dot N interaction. Antiproliferative properties is studied for 1A-5A compounds (obtained by the reaction of lawsone with 2-amino-4-methylpheno1;2A, 2-aminopheno1;3A, 3-aminophenol;4A and 4-aminophenol;5A) and evaluated against two cancer cell lines, THP1 (human monocytic leukemia cells) and COLO205 (colorectal adenocarcinoma) and one normal cell line, HEK293T (human embryonic kidney). The values of 50\% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of compounds 1A-5A was determined using XTT assay. The cytotoxic effects of compounds 2A and 3A were observed against COLO205 and compounds 4A and 5A on THP1 were observed to be higher in comparison to their effect on HEK293T cell lines. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Aminonaphthoquinone, Aminophenol, Benzo[alpha]phenoxazine, Cl center dot center dot center dot N interactions, Lawsone, pi-pi stacking interaction}, issn = {0022-2860}, doi = {10.1016/j.molstruc.2014.07.007}, author = {Kathawate, Laxmi and Joshi, Pranya V. and Dash, Tapan Kumar and Pal, Sanjima and Nikalje, Milind and Weyhermueller, Thomas and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Konkimalla, V. Badireenath and Salunke-Gawali, Sunita} } @article { ISI:000344439400007, title = {Regioselective acylation of 2-methoxy naphthalene catalyzed by supported 12-phosphotungstic acid}, journal = {Applied Catalysis A-General}, volume = {486}, year = {2014}, month = {SEP}, pages = {55-61}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

12-Phosphotungstic acid supported on silica gel, zirconium sulfate, and a combination of silica gel and zirconium sulfate (50\% w/w) were employed as solid acid catalysts for regioselective acylation of 2-methoxynaphtalene with acetic anhydride. 1-(6-Methoxynaphthalen-2-yl)ethanone (2,6-AMN), a commercially important intermediate for production of Naproxen, was obtained with excellent selectivity (\>98\%) at 67-68\% conversion using 12-phosphotungstic acid supported on silica gel 20\% (w/w) in refluxing tetrachloroethane. The unreacted starting material can be easily separated from the product by a simple crystallization from nonane. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Acylation, Naproxen, Phosphotungstic acid, Silica gel, Supported, Zirconium sulfate}, issn = {0926-860X}, doi = {10.1016/j.apcata.2014.08.026}, author = {Kumaraguru, Thenkrishnan and Devi, Ayala Vedamayee and Siddaiah, Vidavalur and Rajdeo, Kishor and Fadnavis, Nitin W.} } @article { ISI:000339661100021, title = {Remote trap passivation in colloidal quantum dot bulk nano-heterojunctions and its effect in solution-processed solar cells}, journal = {Advanced Materials}, volume = {26}, number = {27}, year = {2014}, month = {JUL}, pages = {4741+}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

More-efficient charge collection and suppressed trap recombination in colloidal quantum dot (CQD) solar cells is achieved by means of a bulk nano-heterojunction (BNH) structure, in which p-type and n-type materials are blended on the nanometer scale. The improved performance of the BNH devices, compared with that of bilayer devices, is displayed in higher photocurrents and higher open-circuit voltages (resulting from a trap passivation mechanism).

}, issn = {0935-9648}, doi = {10.1002/adma.201400297}, author = {Rath, Arup Kumar and Pelayo Garcia de Arquer, F. and Stavrinadis, Alexandros and Lasanta, Tania and Bernechea, Maria and Diedenhofen, Silke L. and Konstantatos, Gerasimos} } @article { ISI:000342883100029, title = {Rhodococcus enclensis sp nov., a novel member of the genus rhodococcus}, journal = {International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology}, volume = {64}, number = {8}, year = {2014}, month = {AUG}, pages = {2693-2699}, publisher = {SOC GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY}, address = {MARLBOROUGH HOUSE, BASINGSTOKE RD, SPENCERS WOODS, READING RG7 1AG, BERKS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A novel actinobacterial strain, designated, NIO-1009(T), was isolated from a marine sediment sample collected from Chorao Island, Goa, India. Phylogenetic analysis comparisons based on 16S rRNA gene sequences between strain MO-1009(T) and other members of the genus Rhodococcus revealed that strain NI0-1009(T) had the closest sequence similarity to Rhodococcus kroppenstedtii DSM 44908(T) and Rhodococcus corynebacterioides DSM 20151(T) with 99.2 and 99.1\%, respectively. Furthermore, DNA-DNA hybridization results showed that R. kroppenstedtii DSM 44908(T) and R. corynebacterioides DSM 20151(T) were 39.5 (3.0\%) and 41.7 (2.0\%) with strain NIO-1009(T), respectively, which were well below the 70\% limit for any novel species proposal. Phylogenetically strain NIO-1009(T) forms a stable clade with and R. kroppenstedtii DSM 44908(T) and R. corynebacterioides DSM 201511 with 100\% bootstrap values. Strain NI-1009(T) contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid and galactose and arabinose as the cell wall sugars. The major fatty acids were C-16:0, C-18:1 omega 9c, C-16:1(omega 6C and/or omega 7c) and 10-methyl C-18:0. The only menaquinone detected was MK-8(H-2), while the major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannoside and one unknown phospholipid. The G + C content of the genomic DNA was 66.9 molok. The phenotypic and genotypic data showed that strain NIO-1009(T) warrants recognition as a novel species of the genus Rhodococcus for which the name Rhodococcus enclensis sp. nov., is proposed; the type strain is NIO-1009(T) (=NCIM 5452(T)=DSM 45688(T)).

}, issn = {1466-5026}, doi = {10.1099/ijs.0.061390-0}, author = {Dastager, Syed Gulam and Mawlankar, Rahul R. and Tang, Shan-Kun and Krishnamurthi, Srinivasan and Ramana, V. Venkata and Joseph, Neeta and Shouche, Yogesh S.} } @article { ISI:000340427600012, title = {Role of cation-anion cooperation in the selective synthesis of glycidol from glycerol using DABCO-DMC ionic liquid as catalyst}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {4}, number = {61}, year = {2014}, month = {JUL}, pages = {32127-32133}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Transesterification of dimethyl carbonate with glycerol has been investigated using 1,4-diazabicyclo [2.2.2] octane (DABCO) based ionic liquid as a catalyst. DABCO reacted with dimethyl carbonate to form ionic liquid as the reaction progressed. Though the basicity of DABCO based ionic liquid was lower than that of DABCO, the catalytic activity and selectivity to glycidol was higher with DABCO based ionic liquid as a catalyst, indicating that basicity may not be the only criterion in deciding activity and selectivity of the reaction. The cooperative effect of the cation and anion of the ionic liquid is responsible for the observed results. The best results (97\% glycerol conversion with 83\% selectivity to glycidol and 17\% selectivity to glycerol carbonate) were obtained using DABCO based ionic liquid as a catalyst. A plausible mechanism involving the role of both the cation and anion of the ionic liquid has been proposed.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c4ra04290e}, author = {Munshi, Mudassir K. and Gade, Swapna M. and Rane, Vilas H. and Kelkar, Ashutosh A.} } @article { ISI:000330953700014, title = {Roseovarius azorensis sp nov., isolated from seawater at espalamaca, azores}, journal = {Antonie van Leeuwenhoek International Journal of General and Molecular Microbiology}, volume = {105}, number = {3}, year = {2014}, month = {MAR}, pages = {571-578}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

A Gram-negative, motile, non-spore forming, rod shaped aerobic bacterium, designated strain SSW084(T), was isolated from a surface seawater sample collected at Espalamaca (38A degrees 33{\textquoteright}N; 28A degrees 39{\textquoteright}W), Azores. Growth was found to occur from 15 to 40 A degrees C (optimum 30 A degrees C), at pH 7.0-9.0 (optimum pH 7.0) and with 25-100 \% seawater or 0.5-7.0 \% NaCl in the presence of Mg2+ and Ca2+; no growth was found with NaCl alone. Colonies on seawater nutrient agar were observed to be punctiform, white, convex, circular, smooth, and translucent. Strain SSW084(T) did not grow on Zobell marine agar and tryptic soy agar even when seawater supplemented. The major respiratory quinone was found to be Q-10 and the G + C content was determined to be 61.9 mol\%. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain SSW084(T) belongs to the genus Roseovarius and that its closest neighbours are Roseovarius tolerans EL-172(T), Roseovarius mucosus DFL-24(T) and Roseovarius lutimaris 112(T) with 95.7, 95.4 and 95.3 \% sequence similarity respectively. The remaining species of Roseovarius showed \< 95 \% similarity. The polar lipids of strain SSW084(T) were determined to be phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, an unidentified lipid and one unidentified aminolipid. The major fatty acids identified were identified as C-18:1 omega 7c (52.5 \%) and C-16:0 (13.8 \%). On the basis of phenotypic, molecular and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain SSW084(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Roseovarius, for which Roseovarius azorensis sp. nov is proposed. The type strain is SSW084(T) (=KCTC 32421(T) = MTCC 11812(T)).

}, keywords = {Espalamaca, Polyphasic taxonomy, Roseovarius azorensis sp nov, Seawater}, issn = {0003-6072}, doi = {10.1007/s10482-013-0109-9}, author = {Rajasabapathy, Raju and Mohandass, Chellandi and Dastager, Syed Gulam and Liu, Qing and Thi-Nhan Khieu and Chu Ky Son and Li, Wen-Jun and Colaco, Ana} } @article { ISI:000337742600003, title = {Ru-catalyzed branched versus linear selective C3-alkylation of 2-aroylbenzofurans with acrylates via C-H activation}, journal = {Chemistry-A European Journal}, volume = {20}, number = {26}, year = {2014}, month = {JUN}, pages = {7884-7889}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

The carbonyl-directed C3-H activation and alkylation of 2-aroylbenzo[b]furans with acrylates occurs selectively either in a linear or branched fashion, depending on the catalyst employed; [Ru(p-cymene)Cl-2](2) or Ru(PPh3)(3)Cl-2, respectively. Two alternate pathways-funded upon the differences in steric and electronic preferences of these two complexes-is proposed for the selectivity of linear versus branched products.

}, keywords = {acrylate, benzo[b]furan, branched-selective alkylation, C-H activation, ruthenium}, issn = {0947-6539}, doi = {10.1002/chem.201400401}, author = {Kommagalla, Yadagiri and Srinivas, Kolluru and Ramana, Chepuri V.} } @article { ISI:000340713100031, title = {Scaling up the shape: a novel growth pattern of gallium clusters}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Physics}, volume = {141}, number = {5}, year = {2014}, month = {AUG}, pages = {Article No. 054308}, publisher = {AMER INST PHYSICS}, type = {Article}, address = {CIRCULATION \& FULFILLMENT DIV, 2 HUNTINGTON QUADRANGLE, STE 1 N O 1, MELVILLE, NY 11747-4501 USA}, abstract = {

Putative global minima for Ga+N clusters with size {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}N{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} ranging from 49 to 70 are found by employing the Kohn-Sham formulation of the density functional theory, and their evolution is described and discussed in detail. We have discovered a unique growth pattern in these clusters, all of which are hollow core-shell structures. They evolve with size from one spherical core-shell to the next spherical core-shell structure mediated by prolate geometries, with an increase in overall diameter of the core, as well as the shell, without putting on new layers of atoms. We also present a complete picture of bonding in gallium clusters by critically analyzing the molecular orbitals, the electron localization function, and Bader charges. Bonding in these clusters is a mixture of metallic and covalent type that leans towards covalency, accompanied by marginal charge transfer from the surface to the core. Most molecular orbitals of Ga clusters are non-jellium type. Covalency of bonding is supported by a wide localization window of electron localization function, and joining of its basins along the bonds. (C) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.

}, issn = {0021-9606}, doi = {10.1063/1.4891867}, author = {Kaware, Vaibhav and Joshi, Kavita} } @article { ISI:000341339300024, title = {Second generation, arginine-rich (R-X {\textquoteleft}-R)(4)-type cell-penetrating alpha-omega-alpha-peptides with constrained, chiral omega-amino acids (X {\textquoteleft}) for enhanced cargo delivery into cells}, journal = {Bioorganic \& Medicinal Chemistry Letters}, volume = {24}, number = {17}, year = {2014}, month = {SEP}, pages = {4198-4202}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The syntheses of novel N-aminoalkyl proline-derived spacers (X{\textquoteright}) in polycationic (R-X{\textquoteright}-R)-motif cell-penetrating alpha-omega-alpha-peptides are described as improved molecular transporters and their structural features studied by CD. FACS analysis shows enhanced cellular uptake and confocal microscopy indicates predominantly cytoplasmic localization. The oligomers are efficient at transporting pDNA into cells. The chirality together with the hydrophobicity and flexibility derived from the spacer chain are found to have marked influence on the cell-penetrating and cargo delivery properties of the cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs). The peptides containing N-(3-aminopropyl)-D-proline spacers are found to be the best at cell penetration and cargo delivery in the present study. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {(R-X-R)-motif, alpha-omega-alpha-Peptide, Cell-penetrating peptide, Constrained chiral amino acid, Peptidomimetics}, issn = {0960-894X}, doi = {10.1016/j.bmcl.2014.07.040}, author = {Patil, Kiran M. and Naik, Rangeetha J. and Vij, Manika and Yadav, Amit K. and Kumar, Vaijayanti A. and Ganguli, Munia and Fernandes, Moneesha} } @article { ISI:000330901700003, title = {Selection of phytase producing yeast strains for improved mineral mobilization and dephytinization of chickpea flour}, journal = {Journal of Food Biochemistry}, volume = {38}, number = {1}, year = {2014}, month = {FEB}, pages = {18-27}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

Among 600 yeast isolates screened for phytase production, five (Zygosaccharomyces bisporusNCIM 3265 and 3296, Williopsis saturnusNCIM 3298, Zygosaccharomyces priorionusNCIM 3299 and Schizosaccharomyces octosporusNCIM 3297) were selected as potential phytase producers. Phytase activity was found to be cell wall associated with temperature and pH optima of 50C and 4.0, respectively. Highest phytase production was attained in cane juice medium as compared with other media used. Addition of phytase to chickpea flour significantly enhanced mineral mobilization by approximately 20-28\%, 26-37\% and 24-42\% for Zn2+, Fe2+ and Ca2+, respectively, and decreased phytic acid content by about 75-88\%.

}, issn = {0145-8884}, doi = {10.1111/jfbc.12020}, author = {Pable, A. and Gujar, P. and Khire, Jayant Malhar} } @article { ISI:000342873800010, title = {Short enantioselective total synthesis of (R)- and (S)-pipecolic acid}, journal = {Tetrahedron-Asymmetry}, volume = {25}, number = {16-17}, year = {2014}, month = {SEP}, pages = {1246-1251}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A convenient and practical total synthesis of (R)- and (S)-pipecolic acid has been achieved by utilizing chiral cis-aziridine-2-carboxylate as the common synthetic precursor. The synthesis involves regioselective reductive cleavage of the aziridine ring and Wittig olefination as key reactions. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0957-4166}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetasy.2014.08.001}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Khairnar, Lalit B. and Chavan, Prakash N. and Kalbhor, Dinesh B.} } @article { ISI:000340208400016, title = {Silica and zirconia supported tungsten, molybdenum and gallium oxide catalysts for the synthesis of furfural}, journal = {Catalysis Science \& Technology}, volume = {4}, number = {9}, year = {2014}, month = {JUN}, pages = {2904-2907}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

SiO2 and ZrO2 supported W, Mo and Ga oxide catalysts were prepared by a sol-gel and wet-impregnation method. The 10 wt\% WO3/SiO2 (sol-gel) catalyst showed 61 +/- 2\% furfural yield from hemicellulose in a one-pot fashion for at least 8 cycles. Based on XRD, TPD and Hammett acidity characterizations, the catalyst structure-activity correlation was drawn.

}, issn = {2044-4753}, doi = {10.1039/c4cy00530a}, author = {Bhaumik, Prasenjit and Kane, Tanushree and Dhepe, Paresh Laxmikant} } @article { ISI:000341004800003, title = {Simple, economical, and environmentally benign protocol for the synthesis of 2-amino-3,5-dicarbonitrile-6-sulfanylpyridines at ambient temperature}, journal = {Green Chemistry Letters and Reviews}, volume = {7}, number = {3}, year = {2014}, month = {JUN}, pages = {228-235}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS LTD}, address = {4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A simple, economical, and environmentally benign protocol has been described for one-pot synthesis of medicinally privileged 2-amino-3,5-dicarbonitrile-6-sulfanylpyridines by three-component condensation between aldehyde, malononitrile, and thiol using diethylamine as a catalyst. Ambient temperature and avoidance of conventional work-up as well as purification procedure qualify this cost-effective protocol for {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}green synthesis.{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}

}, keywords = {5-dicarbonitriles, diethylamine, green chemistry, multicomponent reactions, organocatalyst, pyridine-3}, issn = {1751-8253}, doi = {10.1080/17518253.2014.925144}, author = {Desai, Uday V. and Kulkarni, Makarand A. and Pandit, Kapil S. and Kulkarni, Aparna M. and Wadgaonkar, Prakash P.} } @article { ISI:000344471800052, title = {Simple molecular engineering of glycol nucleic acid: progression from self-pairing to cross-pairing with cDNA and RNA}, journal = {Bioorganic \& Medicinal Chemistry}, volume = {22}, number = {21}, year = {2014}, month = {NOV}, pages = {6227-6232}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The acyclic chiral nucleic acid analogue, Glycol Nucleic Acid (GNA), displayed exceptional structural simplicity and atom economy while forming self-paired duplexes, using canonical Watson-Crick base pairing. We disclose here that the replacement of phosphodiester linker in GNA with somewhat rigid and shorter carbamate linker in Glycol Carbamate Nucleic Acid (GCNA) backbone allows unprecedented stability to the antiparallel self-paired duplexes. The R-GCNA oligomers were further found to form cross-paired antiparallel duplexes with cDNA and RNA following Watson-Crick base pairing. The stability of cross-paired GCNA: DNA and GCNA: RNA duplexes was higher than the corresponding DNA: DNA and DNA: RNA duplexes. The chiral (R) and (S) precursors were easily accessible from naturally occurring L-serine. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Acyclic chiral nucleic acid, Cross-pairing, GCNA, GNA, Self-pairing}, issn = {0968-0896}, doi = {10.1016/j.bmc.2014.08.022}, author = {Bose, Tanaya and Kumar, Vaijayanti A.} } @article { ISI:000338042500053, title = {Smallest organocatalyst in highly enantioselective direct aldol reaction in wet solvent-free conditions}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {4}, number = {46}, year = {2014}, month = {MAY}, pages = {24311-24315}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The catalytic efficacy of the smallest organocatalyst, L-proline hydrazide, prepared from a cheaply available natural amino acid, such as L-proline, was studied for the direct asymmetric aldol reaction of various ketones with aromatic aldehydes at room temperature in the presence of several acid additives. A loading of 10 mol\% of catalyst 1 and p-toluenesulphonic acid as an additive was employed in this reaction, and good yields (up to 99\%) with high anti/syn diastereoselectivities (up to 95 : 5) and enantioselectivities (up to \>99.9\%) were achieved in aqueous media.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c4ra02690j}, author = {Bhowmick, Sudipto and Kunte, Sunita S. and Bhowmick, Kartick C.} } @article { ISI:000341543200034, title = {Soft colloidal scaffolds capable of elastic recovery after large compressive strains}, journal = {Chemistry of Materials}, volume = {26}, number = {17}, year = {2014}, month = {SEP}, pages = {5161-5168}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Assemblies of inorganic or glassy particles are typically brittle and cannot sustain even moderate deformations. This restricts the use of such materials to applications where they do not experience significant loading or deformation. Here, we demonstrate a general strategy to create centimeter-size macroporous monoliths, composed primarily (\>90 wt \%) of colloidal particles, that recover elastically after compression to about one-tenth their original size. We employ ice templating of an aqueous dispersion of particles, polymer, and cross-linker such that cross-linking happens in the frozen state. This method yields elastic composite scaffolds for starting materials ranging from nanoparticles to micron-sized dispersions of inorganics or glassy lattices. The mechanical response of the monoliths is also qualitatively independent of polymer type, molecular weight, and even cross-linking chemistry. Our results suggest that the monolith mechanical properties arise from the formation of a unique hybrid microstructure, generated by cross-linking the polymer during ice templating. Particles that comprise the scaffold walls are connected by a cross-linked polymeric mesh. This microstructure results in soft monoliths, with moduli similar to O (10(4) Pa), despite the very high particle content in their walls. A remarkable consequence of this microstructure is that the monolith mechanical response is entropic in origin: the modulus of these scaffolds increases with temperature over a range of 140 K. We show that interparticle connections formed by cross-linking during ice templating determine the monolith modulus and also allow relative motion between connected particles, resulting in entropic elasticity.

}, issn = {0897-4756}, doi = {10.1021/cm502643a}, author = {Rajamanickam, Raja and Kumar, Sushma and Kumar, Deepak and Ghosh, Shankar and Kim, Jong Chul and Tae, Giyoong and Sen Gupta, Sayam and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy} } @article { ISI:000337551800010, title = {Solid base supported metal catalysts for the oxidation and hydrogenation of sugars}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Catalysis A-Chemical}, volume = {388}, number = {SI}, year = {2014}, month = {JUL}, pages = {90-99}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Pt impregnated on gamma-Al2O3 (acidic support) and hydrotalcite (basic support) catalysts were synthesized, characterized and used in the oxidation and hydrogenation reactions of C5 and C6 sugars. In the absence of homogeneous base, 83\% yield for gluconic acid; an oxidation product of glucose can be achieved over Pt/hydrotalcite (HT) catalyst at 50 degrees C under atmospheric oxygen pressure. Similarly, 57\% yield for xylonic acid, an oxidation product of xylose is also possible over Pt/HT catalyst. Hydrogenation of glucose conducted using Pt/gamma-Al2O3 + HT catalytic system showed 68\% sugar alcohols (sorbitol + mannitol) formation. The 82\% yield for C5 sugar alcohols (xylitol + arabitol) was obtained by subjecting xylose to hydrogenation over Pt/gamma-Al2O3 + HT at 60 degrees C. UV analysis helped to establish the fact that under alkaline conditions sugars prefer to remain in open chain form in the solution and thus exposes -CHO group which further undergoes oxidation and hydrogenation reactions to yield acids and alcohols. (c) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Hydrogenation, Oxidation, Solid base, Sugars, Supported metal catalysts}, issn = {1381-1169}, doi = {10.1016/j.molcata.2013.09.014}, author = {Tathod, Anup and Kane, Tanushree and Sanil, E. S. and Dhepe, Paresh Laxmikant} } @article { ISI:000345295000001, title = {Special issue section commemorating Prof. J. B. Joshi}, journal = {Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering}, volume = {92}, number = {12}, year = {2014}, month = {DEC}, pages = {2011-2012}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, issn = {0008-4034}, doi = {10.1002/cjce.22069}, author = {Nandakumar, K. and Kulkarni, A.} } @article { ISI:000336013600030, title = {Spectroscopic and antibacterial studies of new octaazamacrocyclic complexes derived from carbohydrazide and isatin}, journal = {Spectrochimica Acta Part A-Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy}, volume = {128}, year = {2014}, month = {JUL}, pages = {243-247}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A novel series of the macrocyclic complexes of the type: [M(C18H14N10O2)X-2], where M = Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II); X = Cl-, NO3- and CH3COO-, has been synthesized by template condensation of carbohydrazide and isatin in methanolic medium. The complexes were characterized by various physico-chemical techniques, such as elemental analyses, molar conductance measurements, magnetic measurements, and electronic, NMR, IR and EPR spectral studies. The low value of molar conductance indicates them to be non-electrolytes. Based on various studies, a distorted octahedral geometry was proposed for all the metal complexes. Metal complexes were tested for their in vitro antibacterial activities against some pathogenic bacterial strains and compared with standard antibiotic, Ciprofloxacin. Some of the tested complexes was found effective against Gram-positive bacterial strains. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Carbohydrazide, Isatin, Macrocyclic complexes, MIC, Template condensation}, issn = {1386-1425}, doi = {10.1016/j.saa.2014.02.128}, author = {Kumar, Krishan and Kamboj, Monika and Jain, Kiran and Singh, D. P.} } @article { ISI:000348532300001, title = {Spontaneous jamming and unjamming in a hopper with multiple exit orifices}, journal = {Physical Review E}, volume = {90}, number = {2}, year = {2014}, month = {AUG}, pages = {020201}, publisher = {AMER PHYSICAL SOC}, address = {ONE PHYSICS ELLIPSE, COLLEGE PK, MD 20740-3844 USA}, abstract = {

We show that the flow of granular material inside a two-dimensional flat bottomed hopper is altered significantly by having more than one exit orifice. For hoppers with small orifice widths, intermittent flow through one orifice enables the resumption of flow through the adjacent jammed orifice, thus displaying a sequence of jamming and unjamming events. Using discrete element simulations, we show that the total amount of granular material (i.e., avalanche size) emanating from all the orifices combined can be enhanced by about an order of magnitude difference by simply adjusting the interorifice distance. The unjamming is driven primarily by fluctuations alone when the interorifice distance is large, but when the orifices are brought close enough, the fluctuations along with the mean flow cause the flow to unjam.

}, issn = {1539-3755}, doi = {10.1103/PhysRevE.90.020201}, author = {Kunte, Amit and Doshi, Pankaj and Orpe, Ashish V.} } @article { ISI:000336733100003, title = {Steady state fluorescence studies of wild type recombinant cinnamoyl CoA reductase (Ll-CCRH1) and its active site mutants}, journal = {Journal of Fluorescence}, volume = {24}, number = {3}, year = {2014}, month = {MAY}, pages = {665-673}, publisher = {SPRINGER/PLENUM PUBLISHERS}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Fluorescence quenching and time resolved fluorescence studies of wild type recombinant cinnamoyl CoA reductase (Ll-CCRH1), a multitryptophan protein from Leucaena leucocephala and 10 different active site mutants were carried out to investigate tryptophan environment. The enzyme showed highest affinity for feruloyl CoA (K (a) = 3.72 x 10(5) M-1) over other CoA esters and cinnamaldehydes, as determined by fluorescence spectroscopy. Quenching of the fluorescence by acrylamide for wild type and active site mutants was collisional with almost 100 \% of the tryptophan fluorescence accessible under native condition and remained same after denaturation of protein with 6 M GdnHCl. In wild type Ll-CCRH1, the extent of quenching achieved with iodide (f (a) = 1.0) was significantly higher than cesium ions (f (a) = 0.33) suggesting more density of positive charge around surface of trp conformers under native conditions. Denaturation of wild type protein with 6 M GdnHCl led to significant increase in the quenching with cesium (f (a) = 0.54), whereas quenching with iodide ion was decreased (f (a) = 0.78), indicating reorientation of charge density around trp from positive to negative and heterogeneity in trp environment. The Stern-Volmer plots for wild type and mutants Ll-CCRH1 under native and denatured conditions, with cesium ion yielded biphasic quenching profiles. The extent of quenching for cesium and iodide ions under native and denatured conditions observed in active site mutants was significantly different from wild type Ll-CCRH1 under the same conditions. Thus, single substitution type mutations of active site residues showed heterogeneity in tryptophan microenvironment and differential degree of conformation of protein under native or denatured conditions.

}, keywords = {Active site mutants, Cinnamoyl CoA reductase, fluorescence, Ligand binding, Solute quenching}, issn = {1053-0509}, doi = {10.1007/s10895-013-1343-2}, author = {Sonawane, Prashant and Vishwakarma, Rishi Kishore and Singh, Somesh and Gaikwad, Sushama M. and Khan, Bashir Mohammad} } @article { ISI:000339494600024, title = {Stereoselective approach to 2,6-disubstituted piperidin-3-ol: synthesis of (-)-deoxoprosopinine and (+)-deoxoprosophylline}, journal = {European Journal of Organic Chemistry}, number = {22}, year = {2014}, month = {AUG}, pages = {4897-4902}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

A simple and highly efficient approach to an enantioenriched 2,6-disubstituted piperidin-3-ol skeleton is developed from an aldehyde as a starting material by using organocatalytic and asymmetric dihydroxylation as the key steps. Its application to the total synthesis of (-)-deoxoprosopinine and (+)-deoxoprosophylline is also reported.

}, keywords = {alkaloids, Amination, Amino alcohols, synthetic methods, Wittig reactions}, issn = {1434-193X}, doi = {10.1002/ejoc.201402363}, author = {Jha, Vishwajeet and Kauloorkar, Shruti Vandana and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000337129000023, title = {Stereoselective approach to indolizidine and pyrrolizidine alkaloids: total synthesis of (-)-lentiginosine, (-)-epi-lentiginosine and (-)-dihydroxypyrrolizidine}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {12}, number = {25}, year = {2014}, month = {MAY}, pages = {4454-4460}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A simple and highly efficient approach to hydroxylated pyrrolizidine and indolizidine is developed from an aldehyde as a starting material using organocatalytic and asymmetric dihydroxylation reactions as key steps. Its application to the total synthesis of (-)-lentiginosine, (-)-epi-1,2-lentiginosine and (-)-dihydroxypyrrolizidine is also reported.

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/c4ob00461b}, author = {Kauloorkar, Shruti Vandana and Jha, Vishwajeet and Jogdand, Ganesh F. and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article {46396, title = {Structural basis of Iridoid synthase mediated cyclization of 10-oxogeranial}, journal = {Acta Crystallographica A-Foundation and Advances}, volume = {70}, year = {2014}, month = {MAY}, pages = {C270}, type = {Meeting Abstract}, keywords = {Cryo-EM, iridoid synthase, Single Particle reconstruction}, issn = {2053-2733}, author = {Sandholu, Anandsukeerthi and H. V. Thulasiram and Sengupta, Jayati and Kulkarni, Kiran} } @article { ISI:000345082000021, title = {Structural diversity in serine derived homochiral metal organic frameworks}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Sciences}, volume = {126}, number = {5, SI}, year = {2014}, month = {SEP}, pages = {1399-1408}, publisher = {INDIAN ACAD SCIENCES}, address = {C V RAMAN AVENUE, SADASHIVANAGAR, P B \#8005, BANGALORE 560 080, INDIA}, abstract = {

Two new Zn(II) and Cd(II) based homochiral metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) [SerCdOAc and Zn(Ser)(2)] have been synthesized using pyridyl functionalized amino acid, viz., serine, as an organic linker. The SerCdOAc structure is three dimensional, while that of the Zn(Ser)(2) is two dimensional. The polar voids of the corresponding MOFs are filled with solvent molecules (water in the case of SerCdOAc and methanol in the case of Zn(Ser)(2)). In both cases, metal centres, i.e., Zn(II) and Cd(II), are hexacoordinated. However, with a change in the solvent for synthesis, ligand coordination mode and incorporation of additional coordinated anion resulted in a great change in the final MOF architecture. Herein, for the first time, we could achieve structural variety and synthesize MOFs composed of only metal ion and pyridyl functionalized amino acid linker.

}, keywords = {Amino acid, crystal engineering, hydrogen bonding, metal organic framework}, issn = {0974-3626}, doi = {10.1007/s12039-014-0714-9}, author = {Kundu, Tanay and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article {46391, title = {Structural studies on an atypical Rho GTPase RhoH}, journal = {Acta Crystallographica A-Foundation and Advances}, volume = {70}, year = {2014}, month = {MAY}, pages = {C389}, type = {Meeting Abstract}, keywords = {lymphoma, RhoH, TCR signalling}, issn = {2053-2733}, author = {Motiwala, Zenia and Kulkarni, Kiran} } @article { ISI:000331861500013, title = {Structure and dynamics of benzyl-NX3 (X = Me, Et) trifluoromethanesulfonate ionic liquids}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, volume = {118}, number = {7}, year = {2014}, month = {FEB}, pages = {1831-1838}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Ammonium-based benzyl-NX3 (X = methyl, ethyl) trifluoromethanesulfonate (TFA) ionic liquids (ILs) are low cost, nontoxic, thermally stable ion-conducting electrolytes in fuel cells and batteries. In the present study, we have characterized the structure and dynamics of these ILs using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and ionic conductivity using electro-chemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) at varying temperature and relative humidity (RH). Results from MD simulations predict that cation-cation and cation-anion interactions are stronger in benzyltrimethylammonium (BzTMA) compared to benzyltriethylammonium (BzTEA) that diminish with increase in RH. Further, the BzTMA cations show both C-H/Ph (center of mass of phenyl ring) and cation-Ph interactions whereas BzTEA cations show only strong cation-Ph interactions. The C-H/Ph interactions (psi \>= 90 degrees, d(H-Ph) \<= 4 angstrom, theta \< 50 degrees and d(C.Ph) \<= 4.3 angstrom) in BzTMA cations increase with RH and are highest at RH = 90\%. The cumulative impact of electrostatic, cation/Ph, and C-H/Ph interactions results in lower conductivity of BzTMA-TFA IL compared to BzTEA-TFA IL. The EIS measurements show that the trends in ionic conductivity of ILs at RH = 30 and 90\% are qualitatively similar to the Nernst-Einstein conductivity from MD simulations. The ionic conductivity of BzTEA-TFA IL is similar to 3 times higher than BzTMA-TFA IL at 353 K and RH = 90\%.

}, issn = {1520-6106}, doi = {10.1021/jp410487a}, author = {Sunda, Anurag Prakash and Dhavale, Vishal M. and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Venkatnathan, Arun} } @article { ISI:000344998700012, title = {Structure-property relationship in charge transporting behaviour of room temperature liquid crystalline perylenebisimides}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry C}, volume = {2}, number = {46}, year = {2014}, month = {OCT}, pages = {9882-9891}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A homologous series of pentadecyl phenol functionalized perylenebisimide (PBI) terminated with trialkoxy gallate esters was synthesized, where the terminal alkyl chain length was varied from n = 4 to 12 (PBI-En). The thermotropic liquid crystalline (LC) characteristics of the molecules were analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarized light microscopy (PLM) combined with variable temperature wide angle X-ray diffraction (WXRD) techniques. A clear odd-even oscillation was observed in the melting as well as isotropization enthalpies as a function of alkyl spacer length in the terminal gallate unit, with the even spacers exhibiting higher values. The higher members of the series with n \> 8 exhibited thermotropic liquid crystalline textures in the PLM, which remained stable until room temperature. The nature of the LC phase was identified to be columnar rectangular and columnar hexagonal based on detailed analysis of the WXRD pattern recorded in the LC phase. The WXRD pattern of the room temperature LC frozen samples indicated a nearly constant intra columnar stack distance of similar to 3.7 angstrom for all the members. The space-charge-limited current (SCLC) values of the LC frozen sample films were analyzed for dependence of the bulk mobility estimate on the nature of the LC phase. The columnar hexagonal phase exhibited a mobility value one order (10(-3) cm(2) V-1 s(-1)) higher than that of crystalline (10(-4) cm(2) V-1 s(-1)) and two orders higher than that of columnar rectangular phase (10(-5) cm(2) V-1 s(-1)), indicating a strong dependence of packing on bulk mobility.

}, issn = {2050-7526}, doi = {10.1039/c4tc01806k}, author = {Prajitha, K. P. and Chithiravel, Sundaresan and Krishnamoorthy, K. and Asha, S. K.} } @article { ISI:000340216300010, title = {Supramolecular P4VP-pentadecylphenol naphthatenebisimide comb-polymer: mesoscopic organization and charge transport properties}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry C}, volume = {2}, number = {32}, year = {2014}, month = {AUG}, pages = {6511-6519}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A supramolecular comb polymer of pentadecyl phenol (PDP) substituted naphthalenebisimide (PDP-UNBI) with poly(4-vinylpyridine) (P4VP) is reported. The mesoscopic organization within the P4VP(PDP-UNBI), complexes was studied using wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WXRD) technicjues. The packing diagram obtained from the single-crystal XRD analysis of the PDP-UNBI crystals gave a clear picture of the initial arrangement present in self-associated PDP-UNBI alone. Correlating this with the XRD data of the hydrogen-bonded polymer complex provided insight into the probable packing of the P4VP chains within the crystalline lattice of PDP-UNBI leading to a highly ordered lamellar packing. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed the uniform mesomorphic lamellar structures in the domain range of similar to 5-10 nm. Furthermore, the charge carrier mobility measurements observed from space-charge-limited current (SCLC) measurements demonstrated that transport behaviour of the hydrogen-bonded P4VP(PDP-UNBI) complex (2 x 10(-2) cm(2) V-1 s(-1)) was comparable to that of the crystalline naphthalenebisimide molecule itself (9 x 10(-3) cm(2) V-1 s(-1)), which is a great achievement, since the complex now offers a package of solution-processable n-type semiconductor polymer with mobility equivalent to that of a small crystalline molecule.

}, issn = {2050-7526}, doi = {10.1039/c4tc00611a}, author = {Narayan, Rekha and Kumar, Prashant and Narayan, K. S. and Asha, S. K.} } @article { ISI:000341464100041, title = {Surface studies on benzophenone doped PDMS microstructures fabricated using KrF excimer laser direct write lithography}, journal = {Applied Surface Science}, volume = {314}, year = {2014}, month = {SEP}, pages = {292-300}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

his paper discusses microfabrication process for benzophenone doped polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) using laser lithography. KrF excimer laser of 248 nm with 20 ns pulse width at repetition rate of 1 Hz was used for microfabrication of undoped and benzophenone doped PDMS. The doped-PDMS shows sensitivity below 365 nm, permitting processing under ambient light. The analysis of etch depth revealed that doped PDMS shows self developable sensitivity at lower fluence of similar to 250 mJ/cm(2). The unexposed and exposed surface was studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Spectrocopic analysis indicated increase in C-O, C=O, Si-O-3 and Si-O-4 bonding at the expense of Si-C and Si-O-2 bonds of PDMS. In case of laser exposed doped-PDMS, removal of benzophenone from probe depth of spectroscopy was observed. Whereas the surface morphology of exposed and unexposed doped-PDMS was observed to be same, indicating clean development of PDMS micropattems. The present study indicates that addition of 3.0 wt.\% benzophenone in PDMS enhance self development sensitivity of PDMS. The self developable results on doped-PDMS are quite encouraging for its potential use in point of care Lab-On-Chip applications, for fabricating micropattems using direct write laser lithography technology.\ 

}, keywords = {Direct write laser lithography, Microfabrication, micropatterning, Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)}, issn = {0169-4332}, doi = {10.1016/j.apsusc.2014.06.054}, author = {Kant, Madhushree Bute and Shinde, Shashikant D. and Bodas, Dhananjay S. and Patil, K. R. and Sathe, V. G. and Adhi, K. P. and Gosavi, S. W.} } @article { ISI:000340149800003, title = {Synthesis, characterization, and crystal structure determination of palladacycles of para-substituted 2-thiobenzylazobenzenes}, journal = {Journal of Coordination Chemistry}, volume = {67}, number = {10}, year = {2014}, month = {JUN}, pages = {1702-1714}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS LTD}, address = {4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Bichelated neutral palladacycles (1-3), [Pd(L)Cl], were synthesized from reaction of the new potential tridentate (C,N,S) ligands, 2-thiobenzylazobenzene (L-1), 4{\textquoteright}-methyl-2-thiobenzylazobenzene (L-2), and 4{\textquoteright}-chloro-2-thiobenzylazobenzene (L-3) with sodium tetrachloropalladate(II), Na-2[PdCl4], in ethanol. The compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, H-1 NMR, UV-visible, and thermogravimetric analysis. The crystal structures of L-2 and 1-3 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In 1-3, the geometry around palladium remains almost square planar, coordinated to carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur of the ligand forming a bichelated cyclopalladate complex. The C-H center dot center dot center dot Cl type intermolecular hydrogen bonds, weak pi center dot center dot center dot pi, C-H center dot center dot center dot pi, and van der Waals interactions are believed to be the stabilizing forces for the crystal packing of these palladacycles.

}, keywords = {2-Thiobenzylazobenzene, CNS-donor ligand, crystal structure, Palladacycles, Thermogravimetric analysis}, issn = {0095-8972}, doi = {10.1080/00958972.2014.922683}, author = {Bhattacharjee, Tirtha and Kalita, Mukul and Chakravarty, Debamitra K. and Barman, Pranjit and Puranik, Vedavati G.} } @article { ISI:000343671700036, title = {Synthesis, characterization and in vitro study of biocompatible cinnamaldehyde functionalized magnetite nanoparticles (CPGF Nps) for hyperthermia and drug delivery applications in breast cancer}, journal = {Plos One}, volume = {9}, number = {9}, year = {2014}, month = {SEP}, pages = {e107315}, publisher = {PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE}, address = {1160 BATTERY STREET, STE 100, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111 USA}, abstract = {

Cinnamaldehyde, the bioactive component of the spice cinnamon, and its derivatives have been shown to possess anticancer activity against various cancer cell lines. However, its hydrophobic nature invites attention for efficient drug delivery systems that would enhance the bioavailability of cinnamaldehyde without affecting its bioactivity. Here, we report the synthesis of stable aqueous suspension of cinnamaldehyde tagged Fe3O4 nanoparticles capped with glycine and pluronic polymer (CPGF NPs) for their potential application in drug delivery and hyperthermia in breast cancer. The monodispersed superparamagnetic NPs had an average particulate size of similar to 20 nm. TGA data revealed the drug payload of similar to 18\%. Compared to the free cinnamaldehyde, CPGF NPs reduced the viability of breast cancer cell lines, MCF7 and MDAMB231, at lower doses of cinnamaldehyde suggesting its increased bioavailability and in turn its therapeutic efficacy in the cells. Interestingly, the NPs were non-toxic to the non-cancerous HEK293 and MCF10A cell lines compared to the free cinnamaldehyde. The novelty of CPGF nanoparticulate system was that it could induce cytotoxicity in both ER/PRpositive/Her2 negative (MCF7) and ER/PRnegative/Her2 negative (MDAMB231) breast cancer cells, the latter being insensitive to most of the chemotherapeutic drugs. The NPs decreased the growth of the breast cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner and altered their migration through reduction in MMP-2 expression. CPGF NPs also decreased the expression of VEGF, an important oncomarker of tumor angiogenesis. They induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells through loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and activation of caspase-3. Interestingly, upon exposure to the radiofrequency waves, the NPs heated up to 41.6 degrees C within 1 min, suggesting their promise as a magnetic hyperthermia agent. All these findings indicate that CPGF NPs prove to be potential nano-chemotherapeutic agents in breast cancer.

}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0107315}, author = {Wani, Kirtee D. and Kadu, Brijesh S. and Mansara, Prakash and Gupta, Preeti and Deore, Avinash V. and Chikate, Rajeev C. and Poddar, Pankaj and Dhole, Sanjay D. and Kaul-Ghanekar, Ruchika} } @article { ISI:000330147900013, title = {Synthesis, characterization and molecular structures of homologated analogs of 2-bromo-3-(n-alkylamino)-1,4-napthoquinone}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Structure}, volume = {1056}, year = {2014}, month = {JAN}, pages = {97-103}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Four analogues of 2-bromo-3-(n-alkylamino)-1,4-napthoquinone (where n-alkyl is methyl in L-1Br, ethyl in L-2Br, propyl in L-3Br and butyl in L-4Br) are synthesized and characterized. A reaction mechanism is proposed for the formation of L-1 Br to L-4Br from the starting material 2,3-dibromo-1,4-naphthoquinone. The v(N-H) frequency in the FT-IR spectra is affected by the intramolecular hydrogen bonding in L-1Br to L-4Br and is observed similar to 3267 cm(-1) in L-2Br. A shift of similar to 25 cm(-1) is observed in the v(C-Br) frequency in all the compounds as compared to 2,3-dibromo-1,4-naphthoquinone (627 cm(-1)). A broad charge transfer band is observed between 400 and 600 nm in the UV-Vis spectra, which imparts red colour to all the compounds. Molecular structures of L-2Br and L-3Br were studied by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Molecules of L-2Br crystallize in Pca2(1), whereas the molecule L-3Br crystallizes in the P-1 space group. Molecules of L-2Br forms a polymeric chain through N-H...O interaction and forms beautiful butterfly like arrangement of molecules when viewed down the {\textquoteleft}a{\textquoteright} axis. Ladder like polymeric chain of molecules is observed in L-3Br via C-H...O and N-H...O interactions. Every alternating neighbouring chains of L-3Br, show pi-pi stacking interactions between the quinonoid rings of the molecules, however this interaction is not observed in L-2Br. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {2, 3-Dibromo-1, 4-naphthoquinone, Aminonaphthoquinone, hydrogen bonding, Michael addition, pi-pi stacking}, issn = {0022-2860}, doi = {10.1016/j.molstruc.2013.10.016}, author = {Salunke-Gawali, Sunita and Pawar, Omkar and Nikalje, Milind and Patil, Rishikesh and Weyhermueller, Thomas and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Konkimalla, V. Badireenath} } @article { ISI:000340525300012, title = {Synthesis of alpha,beta-unsaturated delta-lactones by vinyl acetate mediated asymmetric cross-aldol reaction of acetaldehyde: mechanistic insights}, journal = {European Journal of Organic Chemistry}, number = {24}, year = {2014}, month = {AUG}, pages = {5247-5255}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, type = {Article}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

A tandem asymmetric cross-aldol reaction involving the in situ generation of acetaldehyde from vinyl acetate has been developed that may resolve the challenges associated with the handling of acetaldehyde. The simple protocol, mild reaction conditions and unique harmony of an organocatalyst with a biocatalyst make this method a valuable tool for the synthesis of asymmetric beta-hydroxy aldehydes. By using this methodology we have accessed alpha,beta-unstaurated delta-lactones as well as isochromenones with high enantioselectivities from both asymmetric beta-hydroxy aldehydes and ketones. Systemic density functional theory (DFT) studies were also performed to gain mechanistic insights into the role of hydrogen bonding in the asymmetric cross-aldol reaction of acetaldehyde and in the key cis/trans isomerisation step in the synthesis of d-lactones.

}, keywords = {Aldol reactions, asymmetric catalysis, lactones, reaction mechanisms}, issn = {1434-193X}, doi = {10.1002/ejoc.201402551}, author = {Kumar, Manjeet and Kumar, Arvind and Rizvi, Masood and Mane, Manoj and Vanka, Kumar and Taneja, Subhash C. and Shah, Bhahwal Ali} } @article { ISI:000330779900044, title = {Synthesis of an efficient heteroatom-doped carbon electro-catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction by pyrolysis of protein-rich pulse flour cooked with SiO2 nanoparticles}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics}, volume = {16}, number = {9}, year = {2014}, month = {JAN}, pages = {4251-4259}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Development of a highly durable, fuel-tolerant, metal-free electro-catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is essential for robust and cost-effective Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (AEMFCs). Herein, we report the development of a nitrogen-doped (N-doped) hierarchically porous carbon-based efficient ORR electrocatalyst from protein-rich pulses. The process involves 3D silica nanoparticle templating of the pulse flour(s) followed by their double pyrolysis. The detailed experiments are performed on gram flour (derived from chickpeas) without any in situ/ex situ addition of dopants. The N-doped porous carbon thus generated shows remarkable electrocatalytic activity towards ORR in the alkaline medium. The oxygen reduction on this material follows the desired 4-electron transfer mechanism involving the direct reduction pathway. Additionally, the synthesized carbon catalyst also exhibits good electrochemical stability and fuel tolerance. The results are also obtained and compared with the case of soybean flour having higher nitrogen content to highlight the significance of different parameters in the ORR catalyst performance.

}, issn = {1463-9076}, doi = {10.1039/c3cp55396e}, author = {Gokhale, Rohan and Unni, SreeKuttan M. and Puthusseri, Dhanya and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Ogale, Satishchandra} } @article { ISI:000209665000005, title = {Synthetic precursor to vertical TiO2 nanowires}, journal = {Materials Research Express}, volume = {1}, number = {2}, year = {2014}, month = {JUN}, pages = {025005}, publisher = {IOP PUBLISHING LTD}, address = {TEMPLE CIRCUS, TEMPLE WAY, BRISTOL BS1 6BE, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An easy protocol for improvement in formation of the photoanode in a dye sensitized solar cell is addressed. Specifically, a novel synthesis for the formation of a TiO2 precursor: titanium butanediolate, is detailed. This precursor is found to have higher thermal and temporal stability than commercially available TiO2 precursors and it has successfully been employed in the one-pot synthesis of rutile nanowires grown directly on a conducting substrate: fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO). This synthesis has been further extended to directly form a mixed phase TiO2 film consisting of rutile nanowires along with anatase spherical particles on FTO and this assembly has been used as the photoanode in a dye-sensitized solar cell. The synergistic effect of the two phases has provided a net DSSC efficiency of 4.61\% with FF = 61\%.

}, keywords = {Nanomaterials, Nanowires, TiO2}, issn = {2053-1591}, doi = {10.1088/2053-1591/1/2/025005}, author = {Mishra, Biswajit and Ghildiyal, P. and Agarkar, Shruti A. and Khushalani, Deepa} } @article { ISI:000333551200039, title = {Systematic evaluation of tetra-n-butyl ammonium bromide (TBAB) for carbon dioxide capture employing the clathrate process}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {53}, number = {12}, year = {2014}, month = {MAR}, pages = {4878-4887}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Hydrate based gas separation (HBGS) process for the precombustion capture of CO2 from a fuel gas mixture is a novel method being investigated among the carbon capture and sequestration techniques to reduce CO2 emissions. The efficiency of the HGBS process can be improved by using promoters that reduce the formation pressure of mixed gas hydrates. In this study the effect of tetra-n-butyl ammonium bromide (TBAB) was systematically investigated at a constant temperature of 279.2 K and pressure of 6.0 MPa for different TBAB concentrations of 0.3, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 3.0 mol \%, respectively. The 0.3 mol \% solutions had a relatively longer average induction time of 20.1 min but exhibited the highest total normalized gas uptake of 0.0104 (+/- 0.0004) mol of gas/mol of water and highest separation factor of 41.51 (+/- 6.391). On the other hand, the 1.0 mol \% solution had very short average induction time (\<0.5 min) and it had the highest hydrate growth rate of 60.8 (+/- 9.89) mol of gas. min(-1).m(-3), with the separation factor of 13.78 (+/- 3.30). Gas solubility measurements and microscopic images of the hydrate formation were also presented to provide greater insights into the effect of TBAB concentration on the gas uptake.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/ie4043714}, author = {Babu, Ponnivalavan and Chin, Weng Inn and Kumar, Rajnish and Linga, Praveen} } @article { ISI:000332619100046, title = {Temperature dependent Raman spectroscopy of chemically derived few layer MoS2 and WS2 nanosheets}, journal = {Applied Physics Letters}, volume = {104}, number = {8}, year = {2014}, month = {FEB}, pages = {081911}, publisher = {AMER INST PHYSICS}, address = {1305 WALT WHITMAN RD, STE 300, MELVILLE, NY 11747-4501 USA}, abstract = {We have systematically investigated the temperature dependent Raman spectroscopy behavior of a few layered MoS2 and WS2 nanosheets synthesized using simple hydrothermal method. Our result reveals A(1g) and E-2g(1) modes soften as temperature increases from 77 K to 623 K. This behavior can be explained in terms of a double resonance process which is active in single-and few layer thick nanosheets. The frequency shifts and peak broadening can provide unambiguous, nondestructive, and accurate information of a few layered MoS2 and WS2. This mechanism can also be applicable in characterizing the structural, optical, electronic, and vibrational properties of other emerging layered materials. (c) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.}, issn = {0003-6951}, doi = {10.1063/1.4866782}, author = {Thripuranthaka, M. and Kashid, Ranjit V. and Rout, Chandra Sekhar and Late, Dattatray J.} } @article { ISI:000334078500086, title = {Temperature dependent Raman spectroscopy of chemically derived few layer MoS2 and WS2 nanosheets (vol 104, 081911, 2014)}, journal = {Applied Physics Letters}, volume = {104}, number = {12}, year = {2014}, month = {MAR}, pages = {129901}, publisher = {AMER INST PHYSICS}, address = {CIRCULATION \& FULFILLMENT DIV, 2 HUNTINGTON QUADRANGLE, STE 1 N O 1, MELVILLE, NY 11747-4501 USA}, issn = {0003-6951}, doi = {10.1063/1.4869463}, author = {Thripuranthaka, M. and Kashid, Ranjit V. and Rout, Chandra Sekhar and Late, Dattatray J.} } @article { ISI:000333776000055, title = {Thermodynamic and kinetic verification of tetra-n-butyl ammonium nitrate (TBANO(3)) as a promoter for the clathrate process applicable to precombustion carbon dioxide capture}, journal = {Environmental Science \& Technology}, volume = {48}, number = {6}, year = {2014}, month = {MAR}, pages = {3550-3558}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

In this study, tetra-n-butyl ammonium nitrate (TBANO(3)) is evaluated as a promoter for precombustion capture of CO2 via hydrate formation. New hydrate phase equilibrium data for fuel gas (CO2/H-2) mixture in presence of TBANO(3) of various concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 3.7 mol \% was determined and presented. Heat of hydrate dissociation was calculated using Clausius-Clapeyron equation and as the concentration of TBANO(3) increases, the heat of hydrate dissociation also increases. Kinetic performance of TBANO(3) as a promoter at different concentrations was evaluated at 6.0 MPa and 274.2 K. Based on induction time, gas uptake, separation factor, hydrate phase CO2 composition, and rate of hydrate growth, 1.0 mol \% TBANO(3) solution was found to be the optimum concentration at the experimental conditions of 6.0 MPa and 274.2 K for gas hydrate formation. A 93.0 mol \% CO2 rich stream can be produced with a gas uptake of 0.0132 mol of gas/mol of water after one stage of hydrate formation in the presence of 1.0 mol \% TBANO(3) solution. Solubility measurements and microscopic images of kinetic measurements provide further insights to understand the reason for 1.0 mol \% TBANO(3) to be the optimum concentration.

}, issn = {0013-936X}, doi = {10.1021/es4044819}, author = {Babu, Ponnivalavan and Yao, Minghuang and Datta, Stuti and Kumar, Rajnish and Linga, Praveen} } @article { ISI:000334306500004, title = {Thermoneutral conditions in dry reforming of ethanol}, journal = {Asia-Pacific Journal of Chemical Engineering}, volume = {9}, number = {2}, year = {2014}, month = {MAR}, pages = {196-204}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

The reaction enthalpy (Delta H) of reforming processes like steam and dry (CO2) reforming is of great importance for scale-up and process development. Generally, the reforming processes are considered endothermic in nature. However, a detailed study of the reaction enthalpy of reforming process, taking the example of dry reforming of ethanol considered in this study, reveals the existence of exothermic reaction enthalpy at low temperatures. A study of reaction enthalpy of ethanol dry reforming within pressure (1-10 bar), temperature range (300-900 degrees C), and CO2 to carbon in ethanol ratio (CCER 1-5) was initiated to determine the existence of thermoneutral temperatures for the overall reaction. The variation of thermoneutral conditions and product yields at the thermoneutral temperatures was studied. The utilization potential of the products generated at thermoneutral conditions was also evaluated. The low-pressure thermoneutral operation favored higher hydrogen production, lower methane and water formation, whereas the high-pressure thermoneutral operation favored product gas of lower syngas ratio with higher CO2 conversion (utilization) in the process. The study can be extended to steam and dry reforming of other fuels to generate valuable products at thermoneutral conditions avoiding use of air in the process and subsequent N-2 dilution of the product gas. (c) 2013 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley \& Sons, Ltd.

}, keywords = {carbon nanofilaments, CO2 utilization, Dry reforming, ethanol to syngas, thermoneutral process}, issn = {1932-2135}, doi = {10.1002/apj.1759}, author = {Kale, Ganesh R. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article { ISI:000336844400011, title = {Total synthesis of an anticancer norsesquiterpene alkaloid isolated from the fungus flammulina velutipes}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {12}, number = {24}, year = {2014}, month = {APR}, pages = {4098-4103}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The first total synthesis of a norsesquiterpene alkaloid (R)-8-hydroxy-4,7,7-trimethyl-7,8-dihydrocyclo-penta[e]isoindole-1,3(2 H,6H)-dione, isolated from the mushroom-forming fungus Flammulina velutipes, in both racemic and enantiomeric pure forms, is reported. The (-)-enantiomer of the natural product has been synthesized from the D-(-)-pantolactone chiral pool. The synthesis features a one-pot, three-step reaction sequence comprising an enyne RCM/Diels-Alder/aromatization to construct the desired indane skeleton present in the natural product. Our synthesis further confirms the assigned structure and absolute configuration of the natural product.

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/c4ob00300d}, author = {Kashinath, K. and Jadhav, Prakash D. and Reddy, D. Srinivasa} } @article { ISI:000346037500028, title = {Total synthesis of deoxy-solomonamide B by mimicking biogenesis}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {16}, number = {23}, year = {2014}, month = {DEC}, pages = {6148-6151}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

A total synthesis of Deoxy-solomonamide B was accomplished starting from tryptophan in an efficient manner by mimicking the proposed biogenetic route. The present synthesis utilizes a crotylation, oxidative cleavage of the indole moiety, and macrolactamization as key steps. The use of the indole nucleus as a masked anthranilic acid unit paves the way for the easy synthesis of related macrocycles and natural products where the ortho-acyl aniline moiety is embedded into them, which otherwise is difficult to synthesize.

}, issn = {1523-7060}, doi = {10.1021/ol503011g}, author = {Vasudevan, N. and Kashinath, K. and Reddy, D. Srinivasa} } @article { ISI:000336191600002, title = {Total synthesis of naturally occurring cephalosporolides E/F}, journal = {Tetrahedron}, volume = {70}, number = {23}, year = {2014}, month = {JUN}, pages = {3653-3656}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A modular total synthesis of cephalosporolides E/F featuring sequential epoxide-alkyne coupling and subsequent highly regioselective gold catalyzed alkynolcycloisomerizatio of the resulting alkynetetrol to construct the central spiroketal core has been documented. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Alkynetetrol, Cephalosporolide, Epoxide-alkyne coupling, Gold catalysis, Spiroketalization}, issn = {0040-4020}, doi = {10.1016/j.tet.2014.04.026}, author = {Kona, Chandrababu Naidu and Ramana, C. V.} } @article { ISI:000342117600019, title = {Tuning the regioselectivity of gold-catalyzed internal nitroalkyne redox: a cycloisomerization and [3+2]-cycloaddition cascade for the construction of spiro-pseudoindoxyl skeleton}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {16}, number = {18}, year = {2014}, month = {SEP}, pages = {4766-4769}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

A simple domino process for the construction of the tricyclic core present in the spiro-pseudoindoxyl natural products has been developed. This involves two intramolecular events: the Au-catalyzed nitroalkyne redox leading to isatogen and its subsequent [3 + 2]-cycloaddition with a suitably positioned olefin. The option to modulate the size of the spiro-annulated ring, which is an important variable in this class of natural products, has been explored. Overall, this process molds a linear precursor into a tricyclic system with complete step, atom, and redox economy.

}, issn = {1523-7060}, doi = {10.1021/ol502213w}, author = {Kumar, Chepuri V. Suneel and Ramana, Chepuri V.} } @article { ISI:000331774700017, title = {Two-in-one: inherent anhydrous and water-assisted high proton conduction in a 3D metal-organic framework}, journal = {Angewandte Chemie-International Edition}, volume = {53}, number = {10}, year = {2014}, month = {MAR}, pages = {2638-2642}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

The development of solid-state proton-conducting materials with high conductivity that operate under both anhydrous and humidified conditions is currently of great interest in fuel-cell technology. A 3Dmetal-organic framework (MOF) with acid-base pairs in its coordination space that efficiently conducts protons under both anhydrous and humid conditions has now been developed. The anhydrous proton conductivity for this MOF is among the highest values that have been reported for MOF materials, whereas its water-assisted proton conductivity is comparable to that of the organic polymer Nafion, which is currently used for practical applications. Unlike other MOFs, which conduct protons either under anhydrous or humid conditions, this compound should represent a considerable advance in the development of efficient solid-state proton-conducting materials that work under both anhydrous and humid conditions.

}, keywords = {conducting materials, fuel cells, metal-organic frameworks, porous materials, proton conduction}, issn = {1433-7851}, doi = {10.1002/anie.201309077}, author = {Nagarkar, Sanjog S. and Unni, SreeKuttan M. and Sharma, Amitosh and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Ghosh, Sujit K.} } @article { ISI:000345295000016, title = {Two-phase flow in metal monoliths: hydrodynamics and liquid-liquid extraction}, journal = {Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering}, volume = {92}, number = {12}, year = {2014}, month = {DEC}, pages = {2166-2175}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

This work aims to explore the application of metal monoliths as a scale-up option for efficient liquid-liquid extraction. The pressure drop, mass transfer and residence time distribution are measured for low Ca (approximate to 10(-5)) with monoliths having three different cell densities. The cross-over section between two monoliths was seen to enhance mixing in the column. However, the RTD of two-phase liquid-liquid up-flow was inferior to the single phase RTD. For higher cell density substrates, the cross-over zones seem to cause trapping of slugs due to non-superimposing channel ends. Relatively high shear rates through the film of continuous phase helped enhance the mass transfer rates, thereby helping to achieve the desired extraction in a short column. The entrance sections and cross-over zones between the monoliths adversely affected the extraction for higher cell density monoliths. The analysis of data supports use of low cell density monolith for better performance and scale up.

}, keywords = {capillary, hydrodynamics, liquid-liquid extraction, monolith, slug flow}, issn = {0008-4034}, doi = {10.1002/cjce.22081}, author = {Deshpande, Jaydeep B. and Gosavi, Abha and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article {42675, title = {Ultrathin sheets of metal or metal sulfide from molecularly thin sheets of metal thiolates in solution}, journal = {Chemistry of Materials}, volume = {26}, year = {2014}, month = {MAY}, pages = {3436-3442}, abstract = {

Materials that exist as single molecule thick twodimensional sheets are in great demand because they hold promise as precursors for synthesis of layered functional materials. We demonstrate that metal thiolates, that exist as lamellar assemblies in the neat state, can be disassembled into individual molecular sheets simply by dilution in apolar organic solvents and that these can form ultrathin metallic layers on substrates upon heat treatment. We establish the pathway to the disassembly of metal thiolates in solution using a combination of techniques, including X-ray diffraction, light scattering, FTIR, and TEM. Our results indicate that the lamellar structure of Pd-thiolates is preserved in toluene up to a concentration of 300\% w/v and the average intersheet distance is unchanged. Interestingly, the dynamics of the Pd-thiolate sheets remain correlated even on diluting them up to 30\% w/v, though the disorder within the lamellar stacks increases with a decrease in their coherence length. Finally, at dilutions less than about 5\% w/v, individual sheets of these structures can be accessed that are isolated and directly observed using TEM. Heat treatment of the ultrathin films of metal thiolates deposited on appropriate substrates resulted in the formation of metal or metal sulfides with retention of sheetlike morphologies.

}, doi = {10.1021/cm5006949}, author = {Busupalli, Balanagulu and Kummara, Sreenivas and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy and Bhagavatula L. V. Prasad} } @article { ISI:000333235600009, title = {Understanding the effect of locked nucleic acid and 2 {\textquoteleft}-O-methyl modification on the hybridization thermodynamics of a miRNA-mRNA pair in the presence and absence of AfPiwi protein}, journal = {Biochemistry}, volume = {53}, number = {10}, year = {2014}, month = {MAR}, pages = {1607-1615}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

miRNAs are some of the key epigenetic regulators of gene expression. They act through hybridization with their target mRNA and modulate the level of respective proteins via different mechanisms. Various cancer conditions are known to be associated with up- and downregulation of the oncogenic and tumor suppressor miRNAs, respectively. The levels of aberrantly expressed oncogenic miRNAs can be downregulated in different ways. Similarly, restoration of tumor suppressor miRNAs to their normal levels can be achieved using miRNA mimics. However, the use of miRNA mimics is limited by their reduced biostability and function. We have studied the hybridization thermodynamics of the miRNA 26a (11-mer, including the seed sequence) guide strand with the mRNA (11-mer) target strand in the absence and presence of AfPiwi protein. We have also inserted locked nucleic acids (LNAs) and 2{\textquoteright}-O-methyl-modified nucleotides into the guide strand, in a walk-through manner, to assess their effect on the binding efficiency between guide and target RNA. Insertion of LNA and 2{\textquoteright}-O-methyl-modified nucleotides into the guide strand helped to strengthen the binding affinity irrespective of the position of insertion. However, in the presence of AfPiwi protein, these modifications reduced the binding affinity to different extents depending on the position of insertion. Insertion of a modification leads to an increase in the enthalpic contribution with an increased unfavorable entropic contribution, which negatively compensates for the higher favorable enthalpy.

}, issn = {0006-2960}, doi = {10.1021/bi401677d}, author = {Kumar, Santosh and Mapa, Koyeli and Maiti, Souvik} } @article { ISI:000329960500033, title = {Unexpected observations during the total synthesis of calothrixin B-sodium methoxide as a source of hydride}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {55}, number = {1}, year = {2014}, month = {JAN}, pages = {155-162}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

During the total synthesis of calothrixin B, various novel and unexpected results were noticed such as cleavage of C-N bond in imine using sodium cyanoborohydride, sodium methoxide as a hydride source for reduction, deformylation in the presence of bromine, and deacylation using ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN). A detailed mechanism has been proposed for the unexpected results and a few of them are generalized. Temperature dependent NMR studies have been carried out for confirmation of the structure of one of the intermediates in the synthetic sequence. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Azoxybenzene, Calothrixin B, reduction, Sodium cyanoborohydride, Sodium methoxide}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2013.10.140}, author = {Bhosale, Shrikar M. and Momin, Aadil A. and Kunjir, Shrikant and Rajamohanan, P. R. and Kusurkar, Radhika S.} } @article { ISI:000340931800032, title = {Unusual behavior of propane as a co-guest during hydrate formation in silica sand: potential application to seawater desalination and carbon dioxide capture}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Science}, volume = {117}, year = {2014}, month = {SEP}, pages = {342-351}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We report an unusual behavior of hydrate formation in silica sand with gas mixtures containing propane as a co-guest. Based on morphology study we observed that propane as a co-guest has the ability to draw water dispersed in silica sand to the hydrate formation region and showed a tendency to result in drastic hydrate growth due to the migration of water molecules to the gas phase region. Hydrate nucleation occurred in the interstitial pore space between the silica sand particles and hydrate growth occurred in the gas phase above the silica sand bed and to sustain the hydrate growth, dispersed water was drawn towards the hydrate growth front. In addition, we elucidated the effect of sand bed height to maximize the growth rates utilizing this behavior that results in enhanced kinetics. We propose conceptual designs for utilizing this behavior of propane as a co-guest in sand for seawater desalination and an innovative approach to simultaneously capture carbon dioxide and desalinate seawater. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Carbon dioxide capture, Desalination, Enhanced kinetics, Gas hydrates, Propane hydrate: pre-combusuon capture}, issn = {0009-2509}, doi = {10.1016/j.ces.2014.06.044}, author = {Babu, Ponnivalavan and Kumar, Rajnish and Linga, Praveen} } @article { ISI:000337124900036, title = {Unusual morphologies of reduced graphene oxide and polyaniline nanofibers-reduced graphene oxide composites for high performance supercapacitor applications}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {4}, number = {43}, year = {2014}, month = {APR}, pages = {22551-22560}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Herein, we have demonstrated the nanostructured rose flowers, sheets, rods and ferns of reduced graphene oxide by using oxalic acid as a reducing agent. The various morphologies of reduced graphene oxide were obtained by time dependent reduction of graphene oxide. The composites of reduced graphene oxide based polyaniline nanofibers, flower bouquet, and honeycombs were grown at a moderate temperature (60 degrees C) by in situ polymerization of aniline. The structural characterization of composites was performed by using X-ray diffraction, and the existence of reduced graphene oxide in different size, shape and thickness was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy study. The electrochemical study of reduced graphene oxides and their composites with polyaniline nanostructures was performed. The composite of honeycomb reduced graphene oxide-polyaniline nanofibers showed enhancement in the electrochemical performance (specific capacitance: 470 F g(-1)) compared to earlier reports. Such type of composites will be a potential contender for super capacitors.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c3ra47834c}, author = {Diggikar, Rahul S. and Late, Dattatray J. and Kale, Bharat B.} } @article { ISI:000330812400027, title = {Uptake of Azo dyes into silk glands for production of colored silk cocoons using a green feeding approach}, journal = {ACS Sustainable Chemistry \& Engineering}, volume = {2}, number = {2}, year = {2014}, month = {FEB}, pages = {312-317}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Dyeing of textile fabrics is considered to be one of the most polluting industries today, and there is a need to develop green processes that can reduce this pollution. A promising technology that can potentially cleanup the dyeing of silk fibers that are widely used for textile applications would involve the generation of intrinsically colored silk cocoons. This can be achieved by feeding of Bombyx mori silkworm larvae with a modified feed of mulberry leaves containing a sprayed dye solution. This process significantly reduces the need for treating toxic dye effluents that are generated in traditional dyeing processes. In this report, we have evaluated a set of seven different azo dyes that are used in the textile industry for dyeing to produce intrinsically dyed silk. The dyes used in the study had similar chemical structures with systematically varying partition coefficients. The results suggest that while some dyes produced intrinsically colored silk other did not. Careful evaluation of the physical properties of these related azo dyes suggest that the balance of hydrophobic and hydrophilic character is necessary for diffusion of the dye from the alimentary canal of the silkworm larva into the hemolymph and later into the silk glands. The partition coefficient of the dye also determines the preferential association of the dye with either sericin or fibroin protein in the silkworm gland and finally into the cocoon. These insights are extremely important in development of novel dye molecules that can be successfully fed to Bombyx mori silkworm larvae for producing intrinsically colored silk of various colors and shades.

}, keywords = {Azo dyes, Biochemical pathways, Color silk, Dye uptake, {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteright} Green {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteright} silk}, issn = {2168-0485}, doi = {10.1021/sc400355k}, author = {Nisal, Anuya and Trivedy, Kanika and Mohammad, Hasan and Panneri, Suyana and Sen Gupta, Sayam and Lele, Ashish K. and Manchala, Ramesh and Kumar, Nirmal S. and Gadgil, Mugdha and Khandelwal, Harish B. and More, Snehal and Laxman, Ryali Seeta} } @article { ISI:000334895800008, title = {Value addition to lignocellulosics and biomass-derived sugars: an insight into solid acid-based catalytic methods}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Sciences}, volume = {126}, number = {2, SI}, year = {2014}, note = {21st National Symposium on Catalysis (CATSYMP), CSIR Indian Inst Chem Technol, Hyderabad, INDIA, FEB 11-13, 2013}, month = {MAR}, pages = {373-385}, publisher = {Catalysis Soc India}, type = {Article, Proceedings Paper}, address = {C V RAMAN AVENUE, SADASHIVANAGAR, P B \#8005, BANGALORE 560 080, INDIA}, abstract = {

For the synthesis of important platform chemicals such as sugars (xylose and arabinose) and furans (furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF)) from carbohydrates (hemicellulose and fructose) solid acid catalysts are employed. Similarly, over solid acid catalysts, conversion of lignin into aromatic monomers is performed. It is observed that in the dehydration of fructose, because of higher hydrothermal stability, silicoaluminophosphate (SAPO) catalysts give better activity (78\% HMF yield) compared with other solid acid catalysts (\<63\% HMF yield) at 175 degrees C. Particularly, SAPO-44 catalyst can be reused at least 5 times with marginal decrease in the activity. Zeolite, BUSY (Si/Al = 15) is active in the conversion of isolated (pure) hemicellulose to produce 41\% C-5 sugars in water. The catalyst is also active in the selective conversion of hemicellulose from bagasse to yield 59\% C-5 sugars. It is possible to obtain high yields of furfural (54\%) directly from bagasse if instead of water, Water+toluene solvent system is used. Depolymerization of lignin using HUSY catalyst produced aromatic monomers with 60\% yield at 250 degrees C. A detailed catalyst characterization study is performed to understand the correlation between catalyst activity and morphology. To understand the effect of impurities present in the substrate over solid acid catalysts, metal-exchange study is carried out.

}, keywords = {aromatic monomers, Biomass, furans, Hemicellulose, lignin, solid acid catalyst}, issn = {0974-3626}, author = {Bhaumik, Prasenjit and Deepa, Ayillath K. and Kane, Tanushree and Dhepe, Paresh Laxmikant} } @article {46366, title = {Water electrolysis with a conducting carbon cloth: subthreshold hydrogen generation and superthreshold carbon quantum dot formation}, journal = {ChemSusChem}, volume = {7}, year = {2014}, month = {MAR}, pages = {883-889}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A conducting carbon cloth, which has an interesting turbostratic microstructure and functional groups that are distinctly different from other ordered forms of carbon, such as graphite, graphene, and carbon nanotubes, was synthesized by a simple one-step pyrolysis of cellulose fabric. This turbostratic disorder and surface chemical functionalities had interesting consequences for water splitting and hydrogen generation when such a cloth was used as an electrode in the alkaline electrolysis process. Importantly, this work also gives a new twist to carbon-assisted electrolysis. During electrolysis, the active sites in the carbon cloth allow slow oxidation of its surface to transform the surface groups from COH to COOH and so forth at a voltage as low as 0.2V in a two-electrode system, along with platinum as the cathode, instead of 1.23V (plus overpotential), which is required for platinum, steel, or even graphite anodes. The quantity of subthreshold hydrogen evolved was 24mLcm(-2)h(-1) at 1V. Interestingly, at a superthreshold potential (\>1.23V+overpotential), another remarkable phenomenon was found. At such voltages, along with the high rate and quantity of hydrogen evolution, rapid exfoliation of the tiny nanoscale (5-7nm) units of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are found in copious amounts due to an enhanced oxidation rate. These CQDs show bright-blue fluorescence under UV light.

}, keywords = {Carbon, electrolysis, Hydrogen, photoluminescence, quantum dots}, issn = {1864-5631}, doi = {10.1002/cssc.201300827}, author = {Biswal, Mandakini and Deshpande, Aparna and Kelkar, Sarika and Ogale, Satishchandra} } @article { ISI:000344997100001, title = {When gold meets chiral bronsted acid catalysts: extending the boundaries of enantioselective gold catalysis}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {50}, number = {96}, year = {2014}, month = {AUG}, pages = {15124-15135}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

This review describes the development in the use of Au(I)/Bronsted acid binary catalytic systems to enable an enantioselective transformation in one-pot that cannot be achieved by gold catalysts alone. The examples discussed herein are promising since apart from using chiral ligands there exists a possibility of using chiral Bronsted acids. Clearly, the horizon for enantioselective gold catalysis has been expanded as more options to make the gold-catalyzed reactions enantioselective have become available.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c4cc04633a}, author = {Inamdar, Suleman M. and Konala, Ashok and Patil, Nitin T.} } @article { ISI:000340347700042, title = {ZIF-8@PBI-Bul composite membranes: elegant effects of PBI structural variations on gas permeation performance}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry A}, volume = {2}, number = {32}, year = {2014}, month = {AUG}, pages = {12962-12967}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The composites of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) and polymers look promising as membrane materials for gas separation, provided benefits of both the components can be shown successfully. This work shows that the structural architecture of polybenzimidazole (PBI) is highly advantageous in offering attractive gas permeation properties of its composites with MOFs. PBI-Bul and its N-substituted (methyl and 4-tert-butylbenzyl) derivatives were blended with ZIF-8. In general, homogeneous blend formation of ZIF-8 was achieved with all three polymers, as supported by SEM. Wide angle X-ray diffraction, mechanical property analysis and density measurements of the composite membranes were performed in order to understand the effects of physical blending of MOFs and polymers. Gas permeability analysis of the composite membranes revealed that the properties of MOFs as well as those of polymers arising from their structural architecture are responsible for governing the permeability and selectivity of the resulting composites.

}, issn = {2050-7488}, doi = {10.1039/c4ta00611a}, author = {Bhaskar, Anand and Banerjee, Rahul and Kharul, Ulhas K.} } @article {46403, title = {ZnO(N)-Spiro-MeOTAD hybrid photodiode: an efficient self-powered fast-response UV (visible) photosensor}, journal = {Nanoscale}, volume = {6}, year = {2014}, month = {FEB}, pages = {503-513}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Organic-inorganic hybrid photo-detectors with a self-sufficient mode of operation represent a research area of great current interest. In most efficient photodetectors and optoelectronic devices compound semiconductors containing toxic elements such as Cd, As, Te, S, Se etc. are used and these are also expensive. Hence there is also a rapidly growing interest in replacing these with environmentally friendly and earth-abundant materials. Herein, we report a facile solution-processed fabrication of a self-powered organic-inorganic hybrid photodetector using n-type oriented ZnO nanorods and p-type Spiro-MeOTAD semiconductor. ZnO is eco-friendly and earth-abundant, and Spiro-MeOTAD is nonhazardous. We show that the latter has far less toxicity than the toxic elements stated above. This visible blind UV photodetector shows high sensitivity (10(2)) and a UV/visible rejection ratio of 300. It also exhibits fast response times of tau(rise) similar to 200 mu s and tau(fall) similar to 950 mu s. Importantly, with a small modification of nitrogen incorporation in ZnO one can also realize a highly-sensitive self-powered visible light photodetector with at least 1000\% (or higher) improvements in quality factors (photocurrent/sensitivity/response time) as compared to previously reported organic-inorganic hybrid photo-detectors based on metal-chalcogenides (CdS-PANI or CuInSe2-P3HT). Interestingly, the broadband sensitivity of such N:ZnO-Spiro-MeOTAD photodiode enables sensing of low intensity (similar to 28 mu W cm(-2)) ambient white light with a high photocurrent density of 120 nA cm(-2) making it an efficient ambient white light detector.

}, issn = {2040-3364}, doi = {10.1039/c3nr04727j}, author = {Game, Onkar and Singh, Upendra and Kumari, Tanya and Banpurkar, Arun and Ogale, Satishchandra} } @article { ISI:000355985500014, title = {1,2,3-Triazole derivatives as antitubercular agents: synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular docking study}, journal = {MedChemComm}, volume = {6}, number = {6}, year = {2015}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1104-1116}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Searching for new active molecules against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) H37Ra, a small focused library of 1,2,3-triazoles has been efficiently prepared via a click chemistry approach. The newly synthesized compounds were tested against drug-sensitive MTB. Several derivatives were found to be promising inhibitors of MTB characterized by lower MIC values (5.8-29.9 mu g mL(-1)). Among all the synthesized 31 compounds, 15e was the most active compound against MTB. Based on the results from the antitubercular activity, SAR for the synthesized series has been developed. The active compounds from the anti-tubercular study were further tested for anti-proliferative activity against THP-1, A549 and PANC-1 cell lines using MTT assay and showed no significant cytotoxic activity against these three cell lines except THP-1 at the maximum concentration evaluated. Further, the synthesized compounds were found to have potential antioxidant activities with an IC50 range of 10.1-37.3 mu g mL(-1). The molecular docking study of the synthesized compounds was performed against the DprE1 enzyme of MTB to understand the binding interactions. Moreover, the synthesized compounds were also analysed for ADME properties and all the experimental results promote us to consider this series as a starting point for the development of novel and more potent anti-tubercular agents in the future.

}, issn = {2040-2503}, doi = {10.1039/c5md00057b}, author = {Shaikh, Mubarak H. and Subhedar, Dnyaneshwar D. and Nawale, Laxman and Sarkar, Dhiman and Khan, Firoz A. Kalam and Sangshetti, Jaiprakash N. and Shingate, Bapurao B.} } @article { ISI:000353177000029, title = {3D polyaniline porous layer anchored pillared graphene sheets: enhanced interface joined with high conductivity for better charge storage applications}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {7}, number = {14}, year = {2015}, month = {APR}, pages = {7661-7669}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Here, we report synthesis of a 3-dimensional (3D) porous polyaniline (PANI) anchored on pillared graphene (G-PANI-PA) as an efficient charge storage material for supercapacitor applications. Benzoic acid (BA) anchored graphene, having spatially separated graphene layers (G-Bz-COOH), was used as a structure controlling support whereas 3D PANI growth has been achieved by a simple chemical oxidation of aniline in the presence of phytic acid (PA). The BA groups on G-Bz-COOH play a critical role in preventing the restacking of graphene to achieve a high surface area of 472 m(2)/g compared to reduced graphene oxide (RGO, 290 m(2)/g). The carboxylic acid (-COOH) group controls the rate of polymerization to achieve a compact polymer structure with micropores whereas the chelating nature of PA plays a crucial role to achieve the 3D growth pattern of PANI. This type of controlled interplay helps G-PANI-PA to achieve a high conductivity of 3.74 S/cm all the while maintaining a high surface area of 330 m(2)/g compared to PANI-PA (0.4 S/cm and 60 m(2)/g). G-PANI-PA thus conceives the characteristics required for facile charge mobility during fast charge-discharge cycles, which results in a high specific capacitance of 652 F/g for the composite. Owing to the high surface area along with high conductivity, G-PANI-PA displays a stable specific capacitance of 547 F/g even with a high mass loading of 3 mg/cm(2), an enhanced areal capacitance of 1.52 F/cm(2), and a volumetric capacitance of 122 F/cm(3). The reduced charge-transfer resistance (RCT) of 0.67 O displayed by G-PANI-PA compared to pure PANI (0.79 O) stands out as valid evidence of the improved charge mobility achieved by the system by growing the 3D PANI layer along the spatially separated layers of the graphene sheets. The low RCT helps the system to display capacitance retention as high as 65\% even under a high current dragging condition of 10 A/g. High charge/discharge rates and good cycling stability are the other highlights of the supercapacitor system derived from this composite material.

}, keywords = {durability, ionic accessibility, phytic acid, pillaring, polyaniline, restacking}, issn = {1944-8244}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.5b00504}, author = {Sekar, Pandiaraj and Anothumakkool, Bihag and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article { ISI:000357587500004, title = {Abiotic stress induces change in cinnamoyl CoA reductase (CCR) protein abundance and lignin deposition in developing seedlings of Leucaena leucocephala}, journal = {Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants}, volume = {21}, number = {2}, year = {2015}, month = {APR}, pages = {197-205}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Aboitic stress such as drought and salinity are class of major threats, which plants undergo through their lifetime. Lignin deposition is one of the responses to such abiotic stresses. The gene encoding Cinnamoyl CoA Reductase (CCR) is a key gene for lignin biosynthesis, which has been shown to be over-expressed under stress conditions. In the present study, developing seedlings of Leucaena leucocephala (Vernacular name: Subabul, White popinac) were treated with 1 \% mannitol and 200 mM NaCl to mimic drought and salinity stress conditions, respectively. Enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) based expression pattern of CCR protein was monitored coupled with Phlorogucinol/HCl activity staining of lignin in transverse sections of developing L. leucocephala seedlings under stress. Our result suggests a differential lignification pattern in developing root and stem under stress conditions. Increase in lignification was observed in mannitol treated stems and corresponding CCR protein accumulation was also higher than control and salt stress treated samples. On the contrary CCR protein was lower in NaCl treated stems and corresponding lignin deposition was also low. Developing root tissue showed a high level of CCR content and lignin deposition than stem samples under all conditions tested. Overall result suggested that lignin accumulation was not affected much in case of developing root however developing stems were significantly affected under drought and salinity stress condition.

}, issn = {0971-5894}, doi = {10.1007/s12298-015-0289-z}, author = {Srivastava, Sameer and Vishwakarma, Rishi K. and Arafat, Yasir Ali and Gupta, Sushim K. and Khan, Bashir Mohammad} } @article {42933, title = {Advances in molecular quantum chemistry contained in the Q-Chem 4 program package}, journal = {Molecular Physics}, volume = {113}, year = {2015}, month = {JAN}, pages = {184-215}, abstract = {

A summary of the technical advances that are incorporated in the fourth major release of the Q-Chem quantum chemistry program is provided, covering approximately the last seven years. These include developments in density functional theory methods and algorithms, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) property evaluation, coupled cluster and perturbation theories, methods for electronically excited and open-shell species, tools for treating extended environments, algorithms for walking on potential surfaces, analysis tools, energy and electron transfer modelling, parallel computing capabilities, and graphical user interfaces. In addition, a selection of example case studies that illustrate these capabilities is given. These include extensive benchmarks of the comparative accuracy of modern density functionals for bonded and non-bonded interactions, tests of attenuated second order Moller-Plesset (MP2) methods for intermolecular interactions, a variety of parallel performance benchmarks, and tests of the accuracy of implicit solvation models. Some specific chemical examples include calculations on the strongly correlated Cr-2 dimer, exploring zeolite-catalysed ethane dehydrogenation, energy decomposition analysis of a charged ter-molecular complex arising from glycerol photoionisation, and natural transition orbitals for a Frenkel exciton state in a nine-unit model of a self-assembling nanotube.

}, author = {Shao, Yihan and Gan, Zhengting and Epifanovsky, Evgeny and Gilbert, Andrew T. B. and Wormit, Michael and Kussmann, Joerg and Lange, Adrian W. and Behn, Andrew and Deng, Jia and Feng, Xintian and Ghosh, Debashree} } @article {42558, title = {Analysis of genetic variability in Aquilaria malaccensis from Bramhaputra valley, Assam, India using ISSR markers}, journal = {Flora}, volume = {217}, year = {2015}, month = {NOV}, pages = {24-32}, doi = {10.1016/j.flora.2015.09.007}, author = {Banu, Sofia and Baruah, Darshana and Bhagwat, Rasika M. and Sarkar, Purabi and Bhowmick, Ananya and Kadoo, Narendra Y.} } @article {42978, title = {Analyzing different acetyl co-a metabolizing enzymes as potential drug targets against mycobacterium tuberculosis}, journal = {British Microbiology Research Journal}, volume = {10}, year = {2015}, month = {SEP}, pages = {1-15}, abstract = {

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis, is responsible for the deaths of million people around the globe. The scenario is worse than ever due to the emergence of drug resistant strains which are widely spread throughout the globe in much faster ways. To control this worst situation, we need to speed up the search for novel drugs which can specifically kill drug resistant bacteria in collaborative ways amongst academic, clinician and industry. Among different metabolic pathways, fatty acid synthesis pathway has always been a very attractive area for the drug target because of its crucial role during the infection and further in long term survival of pathogen inside the human host. In this review article, we analyzed the role of important and crucial enzymes, which are responsible for the influx and efflux of acetyl co-A substrate, a central hub of metabolites, as potential drug targets against M. tuberculosis.

}, doi = {10.9734/BMRJ/2015/19032}, author = {Akhtar, Shamim and Singh, Sheetal and Kumar, Santosh and Sarkar, Dhiman} } @article { ISI:000355856200035, title = {Antibacterial non-woven nanofibers of curcumin acrylate oligomers}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {39}, number = {6}, year = {2015}, month = {MAR}, pages = {4464-4470}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Two new (meth) acrylate monomers, namely, 4-((1E,6E)-7-(4{\textquoteright}-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-3,5-dioxohepta-1,6-dienyl)-2-m ethoxyphenyl acrylate or curcumin monoacrylate (CmA) and 4-((1E, 6E)-7-(4{\textquoteright}-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)- 3,5-dioxohepta-1,6-dienyl)-2-methoxyphenyl methacrylate or curcumin monomethacrylate (CmMA), are synthesized by reacting (1E, 6E)-1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)hepta-1,6-diene-3,5-dione (curcumin) with acryloyl chloride and methacryloyl chloride, respectively. The respective derivatives are polymerized by free radical polymerization using an initiator, 2,2-azobisisobutyrontrile (AIBN), to obtain the oligomer of curcumin monoacrylate (OCM) and the oligomer of curcumin monomethacrylate (OCMA). The oligomers are characterized by FTIR, H-1 NMR and UV-vis spectroscopy. The molecular weights of the oligomers are determined by GPC to range between 2000 and 5500 Da. The melting temperature (T-m) and degradation temperature of the respective oligomers are evaluated by thermal analysis. The melting temperature of the oligomers ranged from 195 to 197 degrees C. Antibacterial studies are evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus, in which the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of OCA1 is 27 mg mL(-1). The blends of the individual oligomers with poly(lactic acid) are electrospun to obtain the respective non-woven nanofiber mats. Nanofibers are formed, with the diameter ranging from 400 to 750 nm, and the nanofiber mats are porous. Because the nanofiber mats are antibacterial and highly porous, they may have potential application as a wound dressing material for tissue regeneration.

}, issn = {1144-0546}, doi = {10.1039/c4nj01936a}, author = {Killi, Naresh and Paul, Vejendla Luke and Gundloori, Rathna Venkata Naga} } @article { ISI:000359850300008, title = {Antimicrobial activity of plant extracts against sexually transmitted pathogens}, journal = {Natural Product Research}, volume = {29}, number = {16}, year = {2015}, month = {AUG}, pages = {1562-1566}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS LTD}, address = {4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Comprehensive management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) using vaginal or rectal microbicide-based intervention is one of the strategies for prevention of HIV infection. Herbal products have been used for treating STIs traditionally. Herein, we present in vitro activity of 10 plant extracts and their 34 fractions against three sexually transmitted/reproductive tract pathogens - Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Haemophilus ducreyi and Candida albicans. The plant parts were selected; the extracts/fractions were prepared and screened by disc diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory and minimum cidal concentrations were determined. The qualitative phytochemical analysis of selected extracts/fractions showing activity was performed. Of the extracts/fractions tested, three inhibited C. albicans, ten inhibited N. gonorrhoeae and five inhibited H. ducreyi growth. Our study demonstrated that Terminalia paniculata Roth. extracts/fractions inhibited growth of all three organisms. The ethyl acetate fraction of Syzygium cumini Linn. and Bridelia retusa (L.) Spreng. extracts was found to inhibit N. gonorrhoeae at lowest concentrations.

}, keywords = {anti-STI activity, Candida albicans, fractions, Haemophilus ducreyi, microbicide, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, plant extracts}, issn = {1478-6419}, doi = {10.1080/14786419.2014.983919}, author = {Jadhav, Nutan and Kulkarni, Sangeeta and Mane, Arati and Kulkarni, Roshan and Palshetker, Aparna and Singh, Kamalinder and Joshi, Swati P. and Risbud, Arun and Kulkarni, Smita} } @article { ISI:000363168200012, title = {Assessing the effect of different shapes of glyco-gold nanoparticles on bacterial adhesion and infections}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {51}, number = {86}, year = {2015}, month = {AUG}, pages = {15669-15672}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Achieving selective and sensitive carbohydrate-protein interactions (CPIs) using nanotechnology is an intriguing area of research. Here we demonstrate that the different shapes of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) functionalized with monosaccharides tune the bacterial aggregations. The mechanism of aggregation revealed that the large number of surface interactions of rod shaped mannose-AuNPs with E. coli ORN 178 compared with spherical and star-shaped AuNPs exhibited higher avidity and sensitivity. Moreover, such sensitive binding can be used for effective inhibition of bacterial infection of cells.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c5cc05238f}, author = {Chaudhary, Preeti Madhukar and Sangabathuni, Sivakoti and Murthy, Raghavendra Vasudeva and Paul, Ajay and Thulasiram, Hirekodathakallu V. and Kikkeri, Raghavendra} } @article {43029, title = {Association between serum albumin and glycated hemoglobin in Asian Indian subjects}, journal = {Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism}, volume = {19}, year = {2015}, month = {JAN}, abstract = {

Protein glycation plays a significant role in diabetic complications. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a known predictor of diabetes and its complications. Albumin, found to be profoundly glycated in diabetes, and its level could regulate plasma protein as well as hemoglobin glycation. We aimed to evaluate the association between variations in albumin level with HbA1c in the Asian Indian population. We screened data of 929 subjects who have had a simultaneous measurement of fasting plasma glucose (FPG), HbA1c and albumin levels via the same blood collection. Data were analyzed by SPSS for 610 subjects who met the study criteria. There was a significant negative correlation between HbA1c and albumin concentration (r = -0.284; P \< 0.001). Univariate analysis showed the statistically significant decrease of average HbA1c but not for fasting plasma glucose (FPG) across increasing tertiles of albumin. Stepwise multiple regression model showed a significant correlation between HbA1c and serum albumin (P \< 0.05), FPG (P \< 0.001), hemoglobin (Hb) (P \< 0.001) and serum globulin (P \< 0.05). FPG was the strongest predictor (63.4\%) of variation of HbA1c. The albumin concentration (r = -0.114) accounted for 0.3\% (P \< 0.05) of the total variance in HbA1c independent of age, body mass index, FPG, Hb, creatinine, total protein and globulin. It was also observed that HbA1c decreases with increasing albumin concentration in those having FPG between 100 to \<126 mg/dl. Serum albumin negatively correlates with HbA1c in Asian Indians independent of other variables. This study suggests that predicting diabetes and its complication based on the HbA1c needs to be further investigated in Indian subjects.

}, doi = {10.4103/2230-8210.144631}, author = {Tiwari, Shalbha and Botahle, Manish and Hasan, Imtiaz and Kulkarni, Mahesh J. and Sayyad, Mehmood G. and Basu, Rita and Basu, Ananda and Unnikrishnan A. G.} } @article { ISI:000356845000004, title = {Asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of imines in water by varying the ratio of formic acid to triethylamine}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {17}, number = {12}, year = {2015}, month = {JUN}, pages = {2878-2881}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) of imines has been performed with variation in formic acid (F) and triethylamine (T) molar ratios in water. The F/T ratio is shown to affect both the reduction rate and enantioselectivity, with the optimum ratio being 1.1 in the ATH of imines with the Rh-(1S,2S)-TsDPEN catalyst. Use of methanol as a cosolvent enhanced reduction activity. A variety of imine substrates have been reduced, affording high yields (94-98\%) and good to excellent enantioselectivities (89-98\%). In comparison with the common azeotropic F-T system, the reduction with 1.1/1 F/T is faster.

}, issn = {1523-7060}, doi = {10.1021/acs.orglett.5b00889}, author = {Shende, Vaishali S. and Deshpande, Sudhindra H. and Shingote, Savita K. and Joseph, Anu and Kelkar, Ashutosh A.} } @article { ISI:000362611300009, title = {Atomic-resolution structures of the APC/C subunits Apc4 and the Apc5 N-terminal domain}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Biology}, volume = {427}, number = {20}, year = {2015}, month = {OCT}, pages = {3300-3315}, publisher = {ACADEMIC PRESS LTD- ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {24-28 OVAL RD, LONDON NW1 7DX, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Many essential biological processes are mediated by complex molecular machines comprising multiple subunits. Knowledge on the architecture of individual subunits and their positions within the overall multimeric complex is key to understanding the molecular mechanisms of macromolecular assemblies. The anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) is a large multisubunit complex that regulates cell cycle progression by ubiquitinating cell cycle proteins for proteolysis by the proteasome. The holo-complex is composed of 15 different proteins that assemble to generate a complex of 20 subunits. Here, we describe the crystal structures of Apc4 and the N-terminal domain of Apc5 (Apc5(N)). Apc4 comprises a WD40 domain split by a long alpha-helical domain, whereas Apc5(N) has an alpha-helical fold. In a separate study, we had fitted these atomic models to a 3.6-angstrom-resolution cryo-electron microscopy map of the APC/C. We describe how, in the context of the APC/C, regions of Apc4 disordered in the crystal assume order through contacts to Apc5, whereas Apc5(N) shows small conformational changes relative to its crystal structure. We discuss the complementary approaches of high-resolution electron microscopy and protein crystallography to the structure determination of subunits of multimeric complexes. (c) 2015 MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

}, keywords = {anaphase-promoting complex, cell cycle, multisubunit structure, protein crystallography, ubiquitin}, issn = {0022-2836}, doi = {10.1016/j.jmb.2015.08.023}, author = {Cronin, Nora B. and Yang, Jing and Zhang, Ziguo and Kulkarni, Kiran and Chang, Leifu and Yamano, Hiroyuki and Barford, David} } @article { ISI:000361075900005, title = {Bacillus encimensis sp nov isolated from marine sediment}, journal = {International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology}, volume = {65}, number = {5}, year = {2015}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1421-1425}, publisher = {SOC GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY}, address = {MARLBOROUGH HOUSE, BASINGSTOKE RD, SPENCERS WOODS, READING RG7 1AG, BERKS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped, endospore-forming, aerobic bacterium designated SGD-V-25(T) was isolated from Veraval sediment sample, India. Strain SGD-V-25(T) was capable of growing at 25-50 degrees C (optimum 37 degrees C), pH 6-12 (optimum pH 7.0) and with 0-5 \% (w/v) NaCl. The taxonomic position of this strain was deduced using a polyphasic approach and the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the isolate belongs to the phylum Firmicutes, forming the cluster with Bacillus badius MTCC 1548(T), with which it shares highest similarity of 99.1 \% with 13 nt differences. Other type strains of the genus Bacillus showed less than 96\% similarity. The cell wall contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid. The polar lipid profile of strain SGD-V-25(T) showed the presence of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phsophoglycolipid and two aminophospholipids. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was MK-7. The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C-15:0, anteiso-C-15:0, anteiso-C-17:0 iso-C-16:0, C-16:1 omega 11c and C-16:0. The genomic DNA G + C content of strain SGD-V-25(T) was 37.6 molok. On the basis of phenotypic characteristics, phylogenetic analysis and DNA-DNA hybridization, strain SGD-V-25(T) could be clearly distinguished from closely related members of the genus Bacillus, and the name Bacillus encimensis sp. nov., is proposed to accommodate this strain. The type strain is SGD-V-25(T) (= NCIM 5513(T)=DSM 28241(T)).

}, issn = {1466-5026}, doi = {10.1099/ijs.0.000114}, author = {Dastager, Syed Gulam and Mawlankar, Rahul R. and Mual, Poonam and Verma, Ashish and Krishnamurthi, Srinivasan and Joseph, Neeta and Shouche, Yogesh S.} } @article { ISI:000359166300084, title = {Bacopa monniera recombinant mevalonate diphosphate decarboxylase: biochemical characterization}, journal = {International Journal of Biological Macromolecules}, volume = {79}, year = {2015}, month = {AUG}, pages = {661-668}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Mevalonate diphosphate decarboxylase (MDD; EC 4.1.1.33) is an important enzyme in the mevalonic acid pathway catalyzing the Mg2+-ATP dependant decarboxylation of mevalonate 5-diphosphate (MVAPP) to isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP). Bacopa monniera recombinant MDD (BmMDD) protein was overexpressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) strain and purified to apparent homogeneity. K-m and V-max for MVAPP were 144 mu M and 52 U mg(-1) respectively. The values of turnover (k(cat)) and k(cat)/K-m, for mevalonate 5-diphosphate were determined to be 40 s(-1) and 2.77 x 10(5) M-1 s(-1) and k(cat) and k(cat)/K-m values for ATP were found to be 30 s(-1) and 2.20 x 10(4) M-1 s(-1), respectively. pH activity profile indicated the involvement of carboxylate ion, lysine and arginine for the activity of enzyme. The apparent activation energy for the BmMDD catalyzed reaction was 12.7 kJ mol(-1). Optimum pH and temperature for the forward reaction was found to be 8.0 and 45 degrees C. The enzyme was most stable at pH 7 at 20 degrees C with the deactivation rate constant (K-d(*)) of 1.69 x 10(-4) and half life (t(1/2)) of 68 h. The cation studies suggested that BmMDD is a cation dependant enzyme and optimum activity was achieved in the presence of Mg2+. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Mevalonate diphosphate decarboxylase, pH activity profile, Phylogenetic analysis, stability}, issn = {0141-8130}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2015.05.041}, author = {Shakeel Abbassi and Vishwakarma, Rishi K. and Patel, Parth and Kumari, Uma and Khan, Bashir Mohammad} } @article { ISI:000353218700026, title = {Beta, gamma-Bis-substituted PNA with configurational and conformational switch: preferred binding to cDNA/RNA and cell-uptake studies}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {51}, number = {36}, year = {2015}, month = {MAR}, pages = {7693-7696}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

(S,S)- and (R,R)-beta,gamma-Bis-substituted PNAs were synthesized from the C-2 symmetric vicinal diamine system embedded in 1,4 dihydroxybutane and 1,4-dimethoxybutane scaffolds. (R,R)-beta,gamma-Bis-methoxymethyl-PNA derived from D-tartaric acid was found to be in the right configuration and conformation to be an excellent mimic of PNA, endowed with superior ability to enter into cells.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c5cc00891c}, author = {Bose, Tanaya and Banerjee, Anjan and Nahar, Smita and Maiti, Souvik and Kumar, Vaijayanti A.} } @article { ISI:000345975000014, title = {Bifunctional covalent organic frameworks with two dimensional organocatalytic micropores}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {51}, number = {2}, year = {2015}, month = {NOV}, pages = {310-313}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We report the successful incorporation of bifunctional (acid/base) catalytic sites in the crystalline organocatalytic porous COF (2,3-DhaTph). Due to the presence of acidic (catachol) and basic (porphyrin) sites, 2,3-DhaTph shows significant selectivity, reusability, and excellent ability to perform the cascade reaction.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c4cc07104b}, author = {Shinde, Digambar Balaji and Kandambeth, Sharath and Pachfule, Pradip and Kumar, Raya Rahul and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article { ISI:000348331900056, title = {Bile acid hydrazides: gelation, structural, physical and spectroscopic properties}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {39}, number = {1}, year = {2015}, month = {JAN}, pages = {453-460}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Synthesis and gelation properties of a series of novel bile acid hydrazides are presented. These compounds are found to undergo self-assembly leading to organogelation in certain organic solvents. Compound 1 was found to be the most {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}effective{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} gelator in this series. The properties of this gel have been thoroughly investigated by conventional methods typical for molecular gel studies. Sol gel transition temperature (T-g) of chloroform gels of compounds 1 and 3 was found to increase with increase in the chain length. Sol-gel transition was probed using the isothermal time test and results show that there is instantaneous increase in both the moduli after shear melting, which suggests that the kinetics of formation of the network was very fast. IR and NMR studies revealed hydrogen bonding between amidic carbonyl in the side chain and hydroxyl groups of cholic acid.

}, issn = {1144-0546}, doi = {10.1039/c4nj01352b}, author = {Pore, Vandana S. and Agalave, Sandip G. and Pharande, Shrikant G. and Patil, Prashant A. and Kotmale, Amol S.} } @article {45888, title = {Bioactive thermoresponsive polyblend nanofiber formulations for wound healing}, journal = {Materials Science \& Engineering C-Materials for Biological Applications}, volume = {48}, year = {2015}, month = {MAR }, pages = {126-137}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The rationale of this work is to develop new bioactive thermoresponsive polyblend nanofiber formulations for wound healing (topical). Various polymer compositions of thermoresponsive, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), egg albumen and poly(epsilon-caprolactone) blend solutions with and without a drug [gatifloxacin hydrochloride, Gati] were prepared. Non-woven nanofibers of various compositions were fabricated using an electrospinning technique. The morphology of the nanofibers was analyzed by an environmental scanning electron microscope. The morphology was influenced by the concentration of polymer, drug, and polymer blend composition. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis showed the shift in bands due to hydrogen ion interactions between polymers and drug. Thermogram of PNIPAM/PCL/EA with Gati recorded a shift in lower critical solution temperature (LCST) and glass transition temperature (T-g) of PNIPAM. Similarly T-g and melting temperature (T-m) of PCL were shifted. X-ray diffraction patterns recorded a decrease in the crystalline state of PCL nanofibers and transformed crystalline drug to an amorphous state. In vitro release study of nanofibers with Gati showed initial rapid release up to 10 h, followed by slow and controlled release for 696 h (29 days). Nanofiber mats with Gati exhibited antibacterial properties to Staphylococcus aureus, supported suitable controlled drug release with in vitro cell viability and in vivo wound healing. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Antibacterial, Cell viability, drug release, nanofibers, thermoresponsive, wound Healing}, issn = {0928-4931}, doi = {10.1016/j.msec.2014.11.037}, author = {Pawar, Mahesh D. and Rathna, G. V. N. and Agrawal, Shubhang and Kuchekar, Bhanudas S.} } @article { ISI:000347577900102, title = {Biochemical characterization of recombinant mevalonate kinase from Bacopa monniera}, journal = {International Journal of Biological Macromolecules}, volume = {72}, year = {2015}, month = {JAN}, pages = {776-783}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Mevalonate kinase (MK; ATP: mevalonate 5-phosphotransferase; EC 2.7.1.36) plays a key role in isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway in plants. MK catalyzes the phosphorylation of mevalonate to form mevalonate-5-phosphate. The recombinant BmMK was cloned and over-expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3), and purified to homogeneity by affinity chromatography followed by gel filtration. Optimum pH and temperature for forward reaction was found to be 7.0 and 30 degrees C, respectively. The enzyme was most stable at pH 8 at 25 degrees C with deactivation rate constant (Kd*) 1.398 x 10(-4) and half life (t(1/2)) 49 h. pH activity profile of BmMK indicates the involvement of carboxylate ion, histidine, lysine, arginine or aspartic acid at the active site of enzyme. Activity of recombinant BmMK was confirmed by phosphorylation of RS-mevalonate in the presence of Mg2+, having K-m and V-max 331.9 mu M and 719.1 pKat mu g(-1), respectively. The values of k(cat) and k(cat)/K-m for RS-mevalonate were determined to be 143.82 s(-1) and 0.43332 M-1 s(-1) and k(cat) and k(cat)/K-m values for ATP were found 150.9 s(-1) and 1.023 M-1 s(-1). The metal ion studies suggested that BmMK is a metal dependent enzyme and highly active in the presence of MgCl2. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Bacopa monniera, Enzyme kinetics, Mevalonate kinase, stability}, issn = {0141-8130}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2014.09.030}, author = {Kumari, Uma and Vishwakarma, Rishi K. and Sonawane, Prashant and Shakeel Abbassi and Khan, Bashir Mohammad} } @article { ISI:000346189100034, title = {Biomilling of rod-shaped ZnO nanoparticles: a potential role of saccharomyces cerevisiae extracellular proteins}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {5}, number = {3}, year = {2015}, month = {NOV}, pages = {1883-1889}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

There is a tremendous interest in newly-discovered, green, room-temperature, biological routes for the fabrication of biologically-benign functional nanostructures. The bottom-up biogenic synthesis, where the precursor molecules form crystalline solids at the nanoscale by a redox process, has been validated over the years and gained its popularity. However, a new top-down technique has recently been developed by our group, in which small isotropic nanoparticles (NPs) are formed by the break-down of chemically-synthesized anisotropic rod or plate-shaped NPs using microbes (termed as biomilling). This technique, which holds great promise, is still in its infancy. Here, an improved process with an easy isolation of NPs from the biomass and better control of the technique is reported. This novel technique is demonstrated to break-down the chemically synthesized ZnO nanorods (NRs), similar to 250 nm in length, to small quasi-spherical ZnO NPs (similar to 10 nm in diameter) possibly due to the proteins secreted by the yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), which also led to the formation of {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft} corona{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} around the NPs. The UV-vis, PL and FTIR results show the dynamic nature of the protein corona, which is further supported by the SDS-PAGE study of the extracellular proteins. The SDS-PAGE study of the intracellular proteins shows the over-expression of a single protein which is supposed to have a role in zinc transport in the cells. The ICP-OES results show the accumulation of a higher amount of zinc in the yeast cells as biomilling progresses, while the extracellular zinc contents were almost same. Therefore, we believe that the yeast cells play an important role in the biomilling process by secreting the proteins and maintaining the zinc content in the extracellular fluid. The biomilled NPs exhibit a uniform dispersity and better aqueous stability than chemically synthesized ZnO NRs.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c4ra10077h}, author = {Sharan, Chandrashekhar and Khandelwal, Puneet and Poddar, Pankaj} } @article { ISI:000350841100024, title = {Biophysical characterization and molecular docking studies of imidazolium based polyelectrolytes-DNA complexes: role of hydrophobicity}, journal = {Biomacromolecules}, volume = {16}, number = {3}, year = {2015}, month = {MAR}, pages = {894-903}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Nonviral gene delivery vectors are acquiring greater attention in the field of gene therapy by replacing the biological viral vectors. DNA-cationic polymer complexes are one of the most promising systems to find application in gene therapy. Hence, a complete insight of their biophysical characterization and binding energy profile is important in understanding the mechanism involved in nonviral gene therapy. In this investigation, the interaction between calf thymus DNA (ctDNA) and imidazolium-based poly(ionic liquids) (PILs) also known as polyelectrolytes with three different alkyl side chains (ethyl, butyl, and hexyl) in physiological conditions using various spectroscopic experiments with constant DNA concentration and varying polyelectrolyte concentrations is reported. UV-visible absorption, fluorescence quenching studies, gel electrophoresis, circular dichroism (CD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) have confirmed the binding of polyelectrolytes with DNA. UV-vis absorption measurements and fluorescence quenching revealed that the binding between DNA and the polyelectrolyte is dominated by electrostatic interactions. Additionally, CD and FTIR results indicated that the DNA retained its B-form with minor perturbation in the phosphate backbone without significant change in the conformation of its base pairs. Preference for alkyl side chains (KPIL-Ethyl Br \< KPIL-Butyl Br \< KPIL-Hexyl Br) toward efficient binding between the polyelectrolyte and DNA was inferred from the binding and quenching constants calculated from the absorption and emission spectra, respectively. Further, in silico molecular docking studies not only validated the observed binding trend but also provided insight into the binding mode of the polyelectrolyte-DNA complex.

}, issn = {1525-7797}, doi = {10.1021/bm5018029}, author = {Manojkumar, Kasina and Charan, K. T. Prabhu and Sivaramakrishna, Akella and Jha, Prakash C. and Khedkar, Vijay M. and Siva, Ramamoorthy and Jayaraman, Gurunathan and Vijayakrishna, Kari} } @article { ISI:000356735300012, title = {Bio-physical evaluation and in vivo delivery of plant proteinase inhibitor immobilized on silica nanospheres}, journal = {Colloids and Surfaces B-Biointerfaces}, volume = {130}, year = {2015}, month = {JUN}, pages = {84-92}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Recombinant expression of Capsicum annuum proteinase inhibitors (CanPI-13) and its application via synthetic carrier for the crop protection is the prime objective of our study. Herein, we explored proteinase inhibitor peptide immobilization on silica based nanospheres and rods followed by its pH mediated release in vitro and in vivo. Initial studies suggested silica nanospheres to be a suitable candidate for peptide immobilization. Furthermore, the interactions were characterized biophysically to ascertain their conformational stability and biological activity. Interestingly, bioactive peptide loading at acidic pH on nanospheres was found to be 62\% and showed 56\% of peptide release at pH 10, simulating gut milieu of the target pest Helicoverpa armigera. Additionally, in vivo study demonstrated significant reduction in insect body mass (158 mg) as compared to the control insects (265 mg) on 8th day after feeding with CanPI-13 based silica nanospheres. The study confirms that peptide immobilized silica nanosphere is capable of affecting overall growth and development of the feeding insects, which is known to hamper fecundity and fertility of the insects. Our study illustrates the utility and development of peptide-nanocarrier based platform in delivering diverse biologically active complexes specific to gut pH of H. armigera. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Biodelivery, Helicovera armigera, Protein {\textquoteleft}corona{\textquoteright}, Proteinase inhibitor, Silica nanospheres}, issn = {0927-7765}, doi = {10.1016/j.colsurfb.2015.03.060}, author = {Khandelwal, Neha and Doke, Dhananjay S. and Khandare, Jayant J. and Jawale, Priyanka V. and Biradar, Ankush V. and Giri, Ashok P.} } @article { ISI:000352315600048, title = {Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles by using ganoderma-mushroom extract}, journal = {Modern Physics Letters B}, volume = {29}, number = {6-7, SI}, year = {2015}, month = {MAR}, pages = {1540047}, publisher = {WORLD SCIENTIFIC PUBL CO PTE LTD}, address = {5 TOH TUCK LINK, SINGAPORE 596224, SINGAPORE}, abstract = {

Present study reports the biochemical synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) from aqueous medium by using the extract of medicinal mushroom Ganoderma, as a reducing and stabilizing agents. The Ag-NPs are prepared at room temperature by the reduction of Ag+ to Ag in aqueous solution of AgNO3. The resultant particles are characterized by using UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurement techniques. The formation of Ag-NPs is confirmed by recording the UV-visible absorption spectra for surface plasmon resonance (SPR) where peak around 427 nm. The prominent changes observed in FTIR spectra supported the reduction of Ag+ to Ag. The morphological features of Ag-NPs are evaluated from HRTEM. The spherical Ag-NPs are observed in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies. The particle size distribution is found to be nearly uniform with average particle size of 2 nm. The Ag-NPs aged for 15, 30, 60 and 120 days showed no profound effect on the position of SPR peak in UV-visible studies, indicating the protecting/capping ability of medicinal mushroom Ganoderma in the synthesis of AgNPs.

}, keywords = {Biosynthesis, Ganoderma, medicinal mushroom, silver nanoparticles, UV-visible spectroscopy}, issn = {0217-9849}, doi = {10.1142/S0217984915400473}, author = {Ekar, S. U. and Khollam, Y. B. and Koinkar, Pankaj M. and Mirji, S. A. and Mane, R. S. and Naushad, M. and Jadhav, S. S.} } @article { ISI:000354004400014, title = {Breaking and making of olefins simultaneously using ozonolysis: application to the synthesis of useful building blocks and macrocyclic core of solomonamides}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {17}, number = {9}, year = {2015}, month = {MAY}, pages = {2090-2093}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

A simple and practical one-pot) two-directional approach to access olefinic esters through simultaneous breaking and making of olefins using ozonolysis of alkenyl aryl selenides is disclosed The scope of the method with a variety of example{\textquoteright}s is demonstrated, and the end products obtained here are useful building blocks. As a direct application of the present method,the macrocyclic cote of potent anti-inflammatory natural cyclic peptides, solomonamides, is synthesized.

}, issn = {1523-7060}, doi = {10.1021/acs.orglett.5b00637}, author = {Kashinath, K. and Dhara, Santu and Reddy, D. Srinivasa} } @article { ISI:000367464000006, title = {c Squalene synthase gene from medicinal herb bacopa monniera: molecular characterization, differential expression, comparative modeling, and docking studies}, journal = {Plant Molecular Biology Reporter}, volume = {33}, number = {6}, year = {2015}, month = {DEC}, pages = {1675-1685}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

The widespread pharmaceutically important triterpenoid saponins are synthesized via isoprenoid pathway. The formation of squalene is the key regulatory point in triterpene biosynthesis, catalyzed by squalene synthase (SQS). The present study deals with the detailed characterization of SQS by molecular, biochemical, and computational means from Bacopa monniera, an immensely important medicinal plant rich in triterpenoid saponin, bacosides. A full-length SQS gene was isolated from B. monniera, characterized as B. monniera squalene synthase (BmSQS) (1242 bp) encoding 414 amino acids. Deduced amino acid sequence of BmSQS showed highly conserved consensus aspartate-rich motifs (DXXXD) and catalytic site residues. Phylogenetic analysis showed that BmSQS belongs to dicot group having closest relationship with Salvia miltiorrhiza. Semiquantitative and real-time PCR studies showed that the BmSQS messenger RNA (mRNA) expression level was higher in vegetative parts (roots) as compared to floral parts. Methyl jasmonate induces the BmSQS mRNA expression in all tissues tested, while salicylic acid, cold, and salt induce much higher expression in roots. Homology modeling and docking simulations of BmSQS showed the pivotal roles of Asp77, Asp81, Asp213, Asp217, and Tyr168 in catalysis.

}, keywords = {Abiotic stress, Bacopa monniera, Comparative modeling and docking, Differential expression, Isoprenoid pathway, Squalene synthase}, issn = {0735-9640}, doi = {10.1007/s11105-015-0864-z}, author = {Vishwakarma, Rishi K. and Patel, Krunal and Sonawane, Prashant and Kumari, Uma and Singh, Somesh and Ruby and Shakeel Abbassi and Agrawal, Dinesh C. and Tsay, Hsin-Sheng and Khan, Bashir Mohammad} } @article { ISI:000354208900004, title = {Calcium phosphate nanocapsule crowned multiwalled carbon nanotubes for pH triggered intracellular anticancer drug release}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry B}, volume = {3}, number = {19}, year = {2015}, month = {APR}, pages = {3931-3939}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We report calcium phosphate (CaP) nanocapsule crowned multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNT-GSH-G4-CaP) as a novel platform for intracellular delivery of an anticancer drug. As a proof-of-concept, CNT-GSH-G4-CaP demonstrates release of anticancer drug doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) within intracellular lysosomes from the interior cavity of CNT upon pH triggered CaP dissolution. Importantly, we found that the CNT with a CaP nanolid can efficiently prevent untimely drug release at physiological pH but promotes DOX release at increased acidic milieu as observed in subcellular compartments such as lysosomes (similar to 5.0). This {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}zero premature release{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} characteristic is of clinical significance in delivering cytotoxic drugs, by reducing systemic toxicity and thus beneficial for the effective anticancer treatment. We envision that this pH triggered CaP crowned CNT nanosystem would lead to a new generation of self-regulated platforms for intracellular delivery of a variety of anticancer drugs.

}, issn = {2050-750X}, doi = {10.1039/c5tb00534e}, author = {Banerjee, Shashwat S. and Todkar, Kiran J. and Khutale, Ganesh V. and Chate, Govind P. and Biradar, Ankush V. and Gawande, Manoj B. and Zboril, Radek and Khandare, Jayant J.} } @article { ISI:000364323300003, title = {Can enantiomer ligands produce structurally distinct homochiral MOFs?}, journal = {CrystEngComm}, volume = {17}, number = {43}, year = {2015}, month = {SEP}, pages = {8202-8206}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Here, we report a self-assembled homochiral metal-organic framework [Cu-1.5(H2LL-leu)(Ac)H2O](n)center dot 3H(2)O (1) obtained from an L-leucine-derived ligand (H4L(L-leu)) and Cu(Ac)(2)center dot H2O in a 1 : 1 ratio. Coordination-induced conformational change in the ligand has been monitored by circular dichroism which has been further attested by synthesizing a D-leucine-containing enantiomer H4L D-leu and its Cu(II) complex [Cu-1.5(H2LD-leu)H2O](n)center dot 10H(2)O (2). Structure determination revealed entirely different structures for the homochiral MOFs (1 and 2) obtained from the L/D-leucine-derived enantiomer ligands under analogous reaction conditions. Further, structural dissimilarity in these MOFs has been judicially supported by proton conductance studies. MOF 1 shows higher proton (10(-5) S cm(-1)) conductance in comparison to 2 (10(-6) S cm(-1)) due to dissimilar alignment of the hydrogen-bonded water molecules in the hydrophilic pocket as well as crystal packing.

}, issn = {1466-8033}, doi = {10.1039/c5ce01180a}, author = {Dubey, Mrigendra and Kumar, Ashish and Dhavale, Vishal M. and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Pandey, Daya Shankar} } @article { ISI:000351849100002, title = {Can substituted allenes be highly efficient leaving groups in catalytic processes? a computational investigation}, journal = {Journal of Computational Chemistry}, volume = {36}, number = {11}, year = {2015}, month = {APR}, pages = {795-804}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

There is considerable interest presently in the chemistry of allenes. The current computational investigation looks into the possibility of using allenes and their derivatives as leaving groups. As it is well known, leaving groups are significant in catalytic processes for generating the active site. A full quantum mechanical study using density functional theory shows that allenes and their derivatives can function as excellent leaving groups. Indeed, the calculations show that they can be several orders of magnitude more effective than existing ligands for this purpose. The modification of second generation Grubbs{\textquoteright} catalysts with these ligands suggests that the allene ligand cases that would be most effective are those having electron withdrawing groups, especially those that have the potential for supramolecular interactions between the substituent groups in the free state. (c) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

}, keywords = {allenes, carbones, Density functional theory, olefin metathesis, supramolecular interactions}, issn = {0192-8651}, doi = {10.1002/jcc.23855}, author = {Kuriakose, Nishamol and Vanka, Kumar} } @article { ISI:000355645000021, title = {Carbon dioxide sequestration: influence of porous media on hydrate formation kinetics}, journal = {ACS Sustainable Chemistry \& Engineering}, volume = {3}, number = {6}, year = {2015}, month = {JUN}, pages = {1205-1214}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

In the present study, CO, sequestration by hydrate formation in porous sediments has been discussed. Two siliceous materials with high porosities, pumice and fire hardened red clay (FHRC), have been used as packing materials in a fixed bed setup to study hydrate formation kinetics. The results obtained using the aforementioned materials were compared with those obtained using silica sand and quartz. Carbon dioxide hydrate formation kinetics was studied at 3.0 MPa pressure and 274 K temperature. Two different types of experiments were conducted: (a) using a constant volume of water and (b) maintaining a constant bed height. These experiments were conducted using the different porous media individually as packing materials. It was observed that pumice as the porous medium showed better hydrate formation kinetics resulting in 46 mol \% water to hydrate conversion in 5 h. Moreover, kinetics was enhanced with decrease in the bed height of pumice; this suggests that at field scale adaptation of CO, sequestration in geological formations, mass transfer limitations would be significant. The effects of particle size on hydrate formation kinetics were also investigated. It was observed that hydrate formation kinetics was enhanced with decrease in the particle size fraction.

}, keywords = {Bed height, Gas hydrate, gas uptake, Geological sequestration, Particle size}, issn = {2168-0485}, doi = {10.1021/acssuschemeng.5b00171}, author = {Bhattacharjee, Gaurav and Kumar, Asheesh and Sakpal, Tushar and Kumar, Rajnish} } @article { ISI:000364355500053, title = {Carbon nanohorn-derived graphene nanotubes as a platinum-free fuel cell cathode}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {7}, number = {43}, year = {2015}, month = {NOV}, pages = {24256-24264}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Current low-temperature fuel cell research mainly focuses on the development of efficient nonprecious electrocatalysts for the reduction of dioxygen molecule due to the reasons like exorbitant cost and scarcity of the current state-of-the-art Pt-based catalysts. As a potential alternative to such costly electrocatalysts, we report here the preparation of an efficient graphene nanotube based oxygen reduction electrocatalyst which has been derived from single walled nanohorns, comprising a thin layer of graphene nanotubes and encapsulated iron oxide nanopartides (FeGNT). FeGNT shows a surface area of 750 m(2)/g, which is the highest ever reported among the metal encapsulated nanotubes. Moreover, the graphene protected iron oxide nanoparticles assist the system to attain efficient distribution of Fe-N-x and quaternary nitrogen based active reaction centers, which provides better activity and stability toward the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in acidic as well as alkaline conditions. Single cell performance of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell by using FeGNT as the cathode catalyst delivered a maximum power density of 200 mW cm(-2) with Nafion as the proton exchange membrane at 60 degrees C. The facile synthesis strategy with iron oxide encapsulated graphitic carbon morphology opens up a new horizon of hope toward developing Pt-free fuel cells and metal-air batteries along with its applicability in other energy conversion and storage devices.

}, keywords = {carbon nanohorns, carbon nanotube, electrocatalyst, fuel cell, oxygen reduction reaction}, issn = {1944-8244}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.5b07802}, author = {Unni, SreeKuttan M. and Illathvalappil, Rajith and Bhange, Siddheshwar N. and Puthenpediakkal, Hasna and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article { ISI:000359885900003, title = {Carbon-carbon bond forming reactions: application of covalently anchored 2,4,6-triallyloxy-1,3,5-triazine (TAT) Pd(II) complex over modified surface of SBA-15 to Heck, Suzuki, Sonogashira and Hiyama cross coupling reactions}, journal = {Catalysis Communications}, volume = {69}, year = {2015}, month = {SEP}, pages = {11-15}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

A highly active SBA-15-TAT-Pd(II) catalyst was synthesized from organofunctionalized SBA-15 and 2,4,6-triallyloxy-1,3,5-triazine. The catalyst was employed in carrying out Heck, {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}copper-free{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} Sonogashira, Suzuki and Hiyama cross coupling reactions. Under the optimized conditions the catalyst displays excellent catalytic activity in delivering the desired products in good to excellent yields. The catalytic system exhibited superior activity regarding the time taken for the completion of reaction, isolation, Pd loading (0.62 mmol\%) and yields of products as compared to the earlier reported heterogeneous SBA-15 anchored Pd catalysts. The catalyst could be recycled and reused for five times without any appreciable loss of catalytic activity. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Heck, Hiyama, SBA-15-TAT-Pd(II) catalyst, Sonogashira, Suzuki}, issn = {1566-7367}, doi = {10.1016/j.catcom.2015.05.013}, author = {Singh, Chandani and Jawade, Kiran and Sharma, Priti and Singh, Anand P. and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000348510400004, title = {Catalyst-dependent selectivity in the relay catalytic branching cascade}, journal = {Chemistry-A European Journal}, volume = {21}, number = {6}, year = {2015}, month = {FEB}, pages = {2319-2323}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

The synthesis of small organic molecules as probes for discovering new therapeutic agents has been an important aspect of chemical biology. One of the best ways to access collections of small molecules is to use various techniques in diversity-oriented synthesis (DOS). Recently, a new form of DOS, namely relay catalytic branching cascades (RCBCs), has been introduced, wherein a common type of starting material reacts with several scaffold-building agents (SBAs) to obtain structurally diverse molecular scaffolds under the influence of catalysts. Herein, the RCBC reaction of a common type of substrate with SBAs is reported to give two different types of molecular scaffolds and their formation is essentially dependent on the type of catalyst used.

}, keywords = {alkynols, cascade synthesis, chemoselectivity, diversity-oriented synthesis, Homogeneous catalysis}, issn = {0947-6539}, doi = {10.1002/chem.201405736}, author = {Bansode, Avinash H. and Shaikh, Aslam C. and Kavthe, Rahul D. and Thorat, Shridhar and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Patil, Nitin T.} } @article { ISI:000358022300001, title = {Cations and dications of heavier group 14 elements in low oxidation states}, journal = {Dalton Transactions}, volume = {44}, number = {29}, year = {2015}, month = {JUN}, pages = {12903-12923}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Cations and dications of heavier group 14 elements in their low oxidation state have received widespread attention in recent years. The journey started with the isolation of a series of cations of the composition [(C5Me5)E:](+) [E = Si-Pb], followed by the more recent isolation of a Ge(II) dication encapsulated within a cryptand, a carbodiphosphorane stabilized [GeCl](+) monocation with a two coordinate Ge atom, Si(II) cations and dications stabilized by N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs), which highlights the ongoing growth and interest in the chemistry of tetrel(II) cations. This is presumably because the central atom (E) in these compounds contains two or three unoccupied valence orbitals as well as holds a lone pair of electrons. Such an electronic description represents ambiphilicity, which is of great interest for catalysis. The successful synthesis of divalent group 14 cations requires new synthetic strategies based on the sterically demanding neutral or monoanionic ligands, utilization of counter anions, and solvents with low nucleophilicity in order to minimize the degree of interactions with the cations. An alternative approach for the realization of divalent cations of group 14 elements is their coordination to the transition metals. This synthetic approach was successfully applied for the isolation of a range of transition metal coordinated divalent cations of group 14 elements. Apart from arousing academic interest some of these cations have found application as activators in the Ziegler-Natta polymerization of alkenes.

}, issn = {1477-9226}, doi = {10.1039/c5dt01912e}, author = {Swamy, V. S. V. S. N. and Pal, Shiv and Khan, Shabana and Sen, Sakya S.} } @article { ISI:000348833400001, title = {Characterization of 10-hydroxygeraniol dehydrogenase from catharanthus roseus reveals cascaded enzymatic activity in iridoid biosynthesis}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {5}, year = {2015}, month = {FEB}, pages = {Article Number: 8258}, publisher = {NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP}, address = {MACMILLAN BUILDING, 4 CRINAN ST, LONDON N1 9XW, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Catharanthus roseus [L.] is a major source of the monoterpene indole alkaloids (MIAs), which are of significant interest due to their therapeutic value. These molecules are formed through an intermediate, cis-trans-nepetalactol, a cyclized product of 10-oxogeranial. One of the key enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of MIAs is an NAD(P)(+) dependent oxidoreductase system, 10-hydroxygeraniol dehydrogenase (Cr10HGO), which catalyses the formation of 10-oxogeranial from 10-hydroxygeraniol via 10-oxogeraniol or 10-hydroxygeranial. This work describes the cloning and functional characterization of Cr10HGO from C. roseus and its role in the iridoid biosynthesis. Substrate specificity studies indicated that, Cr10HGO has good activity on substrates such as 10-hydroxygeraniol, 10-oxogeraniol or 10-hydroxygeranial over monohydroxy linear terpene derivatives. Further it was observed that incubation of 10-hydroxygeraniol with Cr10HGO and iridoid synthase (CrIDS) in the presence of NADP(+) yielded a major metabolite, which was characterized as (1R, 4aS, 7S, 7aR)-nepetalactol by comparing its retention time, mass fragmentation pattern, and co-injection studies with that of the synthesized compound. These results indicate that there is concerted activity of Cr10HGO with iridoid synthase in the formation of (1R, 4aS, 7S, 7aR)-nepetalactol, an important intermediate in iridoid biosynthesis.

}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/srep08258}, author = {Krithika, Ramakrishnan and Srivastava, Prabhakar Lal and Rani, Bajaj and Kolet, Swati P. and Chopade, Manojkumar and Soniya, Mantri and Thulasiram, Hirekodathakallu V.} } @article { ISI:000359596600058, title = {Charge-switchable gold nanoparticles for enhanced enzymatic thermostability}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics}, volume = {17}, number = {33}, year = {2015}, month = {JUL}, pages = {21517-21524}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

This study illustrates a facile strategy for efficient immobilization of enzymes on a metal nanoparticle surface. The strategy proposed here enables the enzymatic activity to be retained while increasing the enzyme thermostability. It is demonstrated that the use of a zwitterionic amino acid tyrosine as a reducing and capping agent to synthesise gold nanoparticles allows efficient immobilization of phytase enzyme through charge-switchable electrostatic interactions. The detailed kinetic and thermodynamic studies reveal that the proposed enzyme immobilization strategy improves the overall quality of phytase by reducing the activation energy required for substrate hydrolysis and broadening the temperature window in which immobilized enzyme is able to operate. The outcomes of this study indicate that the underlying zwitterionic nature of 20 natural amino acids along with significant variability in their isoelectric points and hydropathy indices as well the ability of some of the amino acids to reduce metal ions is likely to offer significant opportunities for tailoring nano-bio interfaces in a rational manner for a range of biological applications.

}, issn = {1463-9076}, doi = {10.1039/c5cp03021h}, author = {Shankar, Shiv and Soni, Sarvesh K. and Daima, Hemant K. and Selvakannan, P. R. and Khire, Jayant Malhar and Bhargava, Suresh Kumar and Bansal, Vipul} } @article { ISI:000356176200034, title = {Chemical sensing in two dimensional porous covalent organic nanosheets}, journal = {Chemical Science}, volume = {6}, number = {7}, year = {2015}, month = {APR}, pages = {3931-3939}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Two new imide-based crystalline, porous, and chemically stable covalent organic frameworks (COFs) (TpBDH and TfpBDH) have been successfully synthesized employing solvothermal crystallization route. Furthermore, thin layered covalent organic nanosheets (CONs) were derived from these bulk COFs by the simple liquid phase exfoliation method. These 2D CONs showcase increased luminescence intensity compared to their bulk counterparts (COFs). Notably, TfpBDH-CONs showcase good selectivity and prominent, direct visual detection towards different nitroaromatic analytes over TpBDH-CONs. Quite interestingly, TfpBDH-CONs exhibit a superior {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}turn-on{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} detection capability for 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP) in the solid state, but conversely, they also show a {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}turn-off{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} detection in the dispersion state. These findings describe a new approach towards developing an efficient, promising fluorescence chemosensor material for both visual and spectroscopic detection of nitroaromatic compounds with very low [10(-5) (M)] analyte concentrations.

}, issn = {2041-6520}, doi = {10.1039/c5sc00512d}, author = {Das, Gobinda and Biswal, Bishnu P. and Kandambeth, Sharath and Venkatesh, V. and Kaur, Gagandeep and Addicoat, Matthew A. and Heine, Thomas and Verma, Sandeep and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article {45931, title = {Chemically chargeable photo battery}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {119}, year = {2015}, month = {JUN }, pages = {14010-14016}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Here we show a surrogate strategy for power production, wherein light is used to actuate a discharge Chemistry in the cathode of an aqueous rechargeable battery (ARB). The proposed photo battery consists of a titaninm nitride photoanode, promising. cathode:material iron(III) hexacyanoferrate(II) as the battery active species, and Na2S2O8 as the chemical charging agent The photo battery delivered negligible capacity in the dark and the capacity shot up to 77.8 mAh/g when artificially shined light, confirming that the battery chemistry is light driven. In the ambient light, the device retained 72\% of its artificial light discharge capacity with a stable cycling for more than 100 cycles. Further, an unprecedented means for charging the battery rapidly is presented using Na2S2O8 and it revitalized the battery in 30 s without any external bias. This methodology of expending a photoanode extends to a battery that is free from dissolution of active materials, irreversible structural changes, spontaneous deinsertion reactions, and safety concerns commonly encountered in the state of the art anode materials in ARBs. Apart from bringing out a sustainable way for power production, this device opens up avenues for charging the battery in the likely events of electrical input unavailability, while solving the critcial issues of longer charging time and higher charging voltage.

}, issn = {1932-7447}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpcc.5b02871}, author = {Thimmappa, Ravikumar and Paswan, Bhuneshwar and Gaikwad, Pramod and Devendrachari, Mruthyunjayachari Chattanahalli and Kotresh, Harish Makri Nimbegondi and Mohan, Ramsundar Rani and Alias, Joy Pattayil and Thotiyl, Musthafa Ottakam} } @article { ISI:000356801300073, title = {Chemically grafted graphite nanosheets dispersed in poly(ethylene-glycol) by gamma-radiolysis for enhanced lubrication}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {5}, number = {66}, year = {2015}, month = {JUN}, pages = {53766-53775}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Graphite nanosheets (Gr-NS) dispersed in poly(ethylene-glycol) (PEG200) medium were subjected to various doses of gamma-irradiation. Hydroxyl functional groups present in PEG are chemically grafted through hydrogen bonding with hydroxyl, carbonyl and carboxylic groups of Gr-NS. The grafting process is driven by the generation of active radicals from solvent radiolysis. Chemical grafting was investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy. The results of spectroscopic studies revealed reduction in oxygen functionality of PEG-Gr-NS at higher doses of gamma-irradiation. The gamma-irradiation not only bridges the functionalities between PEG and PEG-Gr-NS but edge and basal plane defects in Gr-NS are further reduced as is evident from Raman analysis. The inter-planar sheet distance in Gr-NS is increased due to intercalated chemical grafting with PEG molecules. The chemical grafting between PEG and Gr-NS and reduction in defects enhance the tribological properties with a decrease of 26\% and 32\% for the friction coefficient and wear, respectively as compared to PEG alone. The lubrication mechanism is mediated through inter-planar weak forces when PEG is chemically grafted with Gr-NS. The electrostatic interaction of PEG with Gr-NS acts as a molecular bridge thus enhancing the sustainability of tribo-stress. Additionally, in the presence of functionalized PEG-Gr-NS tribo-contact conditions, evidence of deposited graphitic tribo-film was observed from micro-Raman spectroscopy inside the steel wear track. This film further enhanced lubrication mediated through low shear strength interlayer graphite sheets and therefore, antiwear properties were synergistically improved.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c5ra07528a}, author = {Gupta, Bhavana and Panda, Kalpataru and Kumar, Niranjan and Melvin, Ambrose A. and Dash, Sitaram and Tyagi, Ashok Kumar} } @article { ISI:000351971600028, title = {Chemically reduced organic small-molecule-based lithium battery with improved efficiency}, journal = {Chemistry of Materials}, volume = {27}, number = {6}, year = {2015}, month = {MAR}, pages = {2121-2126}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Organic lithium batteries are attractive because of the possibility of fabricating lightweight and flexible devices. However, the organic lithium batteries have a few drawbacks. The specific capacity is usually lower than the theoretical capacity, which further decreases upon cycling. Often, the specific capacity is very low compared to theoretical capacity while discharging the battery at moderate and high C rates. To circumvent this issue, we chemically reduced carboxylic acid functionality substituted perylene diimide (benzoic-PDI) with hydrazine. Indeed, we found that the rate of redox reaction as well as the conductivity of the benzoic-PDI increased upon chemical reduction. The battery comprising reduced benzoic-PDI exhibits 100\% Coulombic efficiency and specific capacity while discharging at 20C. The battery also exhibits very high specific energy (213 Wh/kg) and specific power (8548 W/kg). The control experiments confirm our hypothesis of using chemical reduction to improve the performance of organic lithium battery.

}, issn = {0897-4756}, doi = {10.1021/cm5046786}, author = {Bhosale, Manik E. and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam} } @article { ISI:000360934800005, title = {Chemoinformatics approach for building molecular networks from marine organisms}, journal = {Combinatorial Chemistry \& High Throughput Screening}, volume = {18}, number = {7}, year = {2015}, month = {JAN}, pages = {673-684}, publisher = {BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBL LTD}, address = {EXECUTIVE STE Y-2, PO BOX 7917, SAIF ZONE, 1200 BR SHARJAH, U ARAB EMIRATES}, abstract = {

Natural products obtained from marine sources are considered to be a rich and diverse source of potential drugs. In the present work we demonstrate the use of chemoinformatics approach for the design of new molecules inspired by molecules from marine organisms. Accordingly we have assimilated information from two major scientific domains namely chemoinformatics and biodiversity informatics to develop an interactive marine database named MIMMO (Medicinally Important Molecules from Marine Organisms). The database can be queried for species, molecules, scaffolds, drugs, diseases and associated cumulative biological activity spectrum along with links to the literature resources. Molecular informatics analysis of the molecules obtained from MIMMO was performed to study their chemical space. The distinct skeletal features of the biologically active compounds isolated from marine species were identified. Scaffold molecules and species networks were created to identify common scaffolds from marine source and drug space. An analysis of the entire molecular data revealed a unique list of around 2000 molecules from which ten most frequently occurring distinct scaffolds were obtained.

}, keywords = {Chemoinformatics, Drug design, marine, virtual library}, issn = {1386-2073}, doi = {10.2174/1386207318666150703112950}, author = {Karthikeyan, Muthukumarasamy and Nimje, Deepika and Pahujani, Rakhi and Tyagi, Kushal and Bapat, Sanket and Vyas, Renu and Padmakumar, Krishna Pillai} } @article { ISI:000360934400003, title = {ChemScreener: a distributed computing tool for scaffold based virtual screening}, journal = {Combinatorial Chemistry \& High Throughput Screening}, volume = {18}, number = {6}, year = {2015}, month = {JAN}, pages = {544-561}, publisher = {BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBL LTD}, address = {EXECUTIVE STE Y-2, PO BOX 7917, SAIF ZONE, 1200 BR SHARJAH, U ARAB EMIRATES}, abstract = {

In this work we present ChemScreener, a Java-based application to perform virtual library generation combined with virtual screening in a platform-independent distributed computing environment. ChemScreener comprises a scaffold identifier, a distinct scaffold extractor, an interactive virtual library generator as well as a virtual screening module for subsequently selecting putative bioactive molecules. The virtual libraries are annotated with chemophore-, pharmacophore- and toxicophore-based information for compound prioritization. The hits selected can then be further processed using QSAR, docking and other in silico approaches which can all be interfaced within the ChemScreener framework. As a sample application, in this work scaffold selectivity, diversity, connectivity and promiscuity towards six important therapeutic classes have been studied. In order to illustrate the computational power of the application, 55 scaffolds extracted from 161 anti-psychotic compounds were enumerated to produce a virtual library comprising 118 million compounds (17 GB) and annotated with chemophore, pharmacophore and toxicophore based features in a single step which would be non-trivial to perform with many standard software tools today on libraries of this size.

}, keywords = {Scaffold extraction, therapeutic category, virtual library generation, virtual screening}, issn = {1386-2073}, doi = {10.2174/1386207318666150703112242}, author = {Karthikeyan, Muthukumarasamy and Pandit, Deepak and Vyas, Renu} } @article { ISI:000358250800001, title = {Chromerid genomes reveal the evolutionary path from photosynthetic algae to obligate intracellular parasites}, journal = {Elife}, volume = {4}, year = {2015}, month = {JUL}, pages = {Article Number: e06974}, publisher = {ELIFE SCIENCES PUBLICATIONS LTD}, address = {SHERATON HOUSE, CASTLE PARK, CAMBRIDGE, CB3 0AX, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The eukaryotic phylum Apicomplexa encompasses thousands of obligate intracellular parasites of humans and animals with immense socio-economic and health impacts. We sequenced nuclear genomes of Chromera velia and Vitrella brassicaformis, free-living non-parasitic photosynthetic algae closely related to apicomplexans. Proteins from key metabolic pathways and from the endomembrane trafficking systems associated with a free-living lifestyle have been progressively and non-randomly lost during adaptation to parasitism. The free-living ancestor contained a broad repertoire of genes many of which were repurposed for parasitic processes, such as extracellular proteins, components of a motility apparatus, and DNA-and RNA-binding protein families. Based on transcriptome analyses across 36 environmental conditions, Chromera orthologs of apicomplexan invasion-related motility genes were co-regulated with genes encoding the flagellar apparatus, supporting the functional contribution of flagella to the evolution of invasion machinery. This study provides insights into how obligate parasites with diverse life strategies arose from a once free-living phototrophic marine alga.

}, issn = {2050-084X}, doi = {10.7554/eLife.06974}, author = {Woo, Yong H. and Ansari, Hifzur and Otto, Thomas D. and Klinger, Christen M. and Kolisko, Martin and Michalek, Jan and Saxena, Alka and Shanmugam, Dhanasekaran and Tayyrov, Annageldi and Veluchamy, Alaguraj and Ali, Shahjahan and Bernal, Axel and del Campo, Javier and Cihlar, Jaromir and Flegontov, Pavel and Gornik, Sebastian G. and Hajduskova, Eva and Horak, Ales and Janouskovec, Jan and Katris, Nicholas J. and Mast, Fred D. and Miranda-Saavedra, Diego and Mourier, Tobias and Naeem, Raeece and Nair, Mridul and Panigrahi, Aswini K. and Rawlings, Neil D. and Padron-Regalado, Eriko and Ramaprasad, Abhinay and Samad, Nadira and Tomcala, Ales and Wilkes, Jon and Neafsey, Daniel E. and Doerig, Christian and Bowler, Chris and Keeling, Patrick J. and Roos, David S. and Dacks, Joel B. and Templeton, Thomas J. and Waller, Ross F. and Lukes, Julius and Obornik, Miroslav and Pain, Arnab} } @article { ISI:000360404400089, title = {Cobalt ferrite nanoparticles: a magnetically separable and reusable catalyst for Petasis-Borono-Mannich reaction}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {5}, number = {86}, year = {2015}, month = {AUG}, pages = {70586-70594}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Magnetically separable cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (CoFe2O4, NPS) have been demonstrated for the first time as an efficient catalyst in Petasis-Borono-Mannich (PBM) reaction between salicylaldehydes, sec. amines and aryl boronic acids to furnish alkylaminophenols in high yields. Relatively shorter reaction times, easy purification of the products and reusability of the catalyst for five consecutive runs without appreciable loss in it{\textquoteright}s activity are the noteworthy features of the developed protocol.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c5ra10693a}, author = {Kulkarni, Aparna M. and Pandit, Kapil S. and Chavan, Pramod V. and Desai, Uday V. and Wadgaonkar, Prakash P.} } @article { ISI:000355638100042, title = {Coherent fusion of water array and protonated amine in a metal-sulfate-based coordination polymer for proton conduction}, journal = {Inorganic Chemistry}, volume = {54}, number = {11}, year = {2015}, month = {JUN}, pages = {5366-5371}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

A new function of metal-sulfate-based co-ordination polymer (CP) for proton,conduction Was investigated through rational integration of a continuous water array and protonated amine in the coordination space of the CP. The H-bonded arrays of watet molecules along with nitrogen-rich aromatic cation (protonated melamine) facilitate proton conduction in the compound under humid conditions. Although several reports of metal-oxalate/phosphate-based CPs showing proton conduction are known, this is the first designed synthesis of a metal sulfate-based CP bearing-Water arrays functioning as a solid-state proton conductor:

}, issn = {0020-1669}, doi = {10.1021/acs.inorgchem.5b00416}, author = {Manna, Biplab and Anothumakkool, Bihag and Desai, Aamod V. and Samanta, Partha and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Ghosh, Sujit K.} } @article { ISI:000357192200003, title = {Compact polar moieties induce lipid-water systems to form discontinuous reverse micellar phase}, journal = {Soft Matter}, volume = {11}, number = {27}, year = {2015}, month = {MAY}, pages = {5417-5424}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The role of molecular interactions in governing lipid mesophase organization is of fundamental interest and has technological implications. Herein, we describe an unusual pathway for monoolein/water reorganization from a bicontinuous mesophase to a discontinuous reverse micellar assembly, directed by the inclusion of polar macromolecules. This pathway is very different from those reported earlier, wherein the Fd3m phase formed only upon addition of apolar oils. Experiments and molecular dynamics simulations indicate that hydrophilic ternary additives capable of inducing discontinuous phase formation must (i) interact strongly with the monoolein head group and (ii) have a compact molecular architecture. We present a detailed investigation that contrasts a monoolein-water system containing polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrons with one containing their linear analogs. The Fd3m phase forms only on the addition of PAMAM dendrons but not their linear analogs. Thus, the dendritic architecture of PAMAM plays an important role in determining lipid mesophase behavior. Both dendrons and their linear analogs interact strongly with monoolein through their amine groups. However, while linear polymers adsorb and spread on monoolein, dendrons form aggregates that interact with the lipid. Dendrons induce formation of an intermediate reverse hexagonal phase, which subsequently restructures into the Fd3m phase. Finally, we demonstrate that other additives with compact structures that are known to interact with monoolein, such as branched polyethylenimine and polyhedral silsesquioxane cages, also induce the formation of the Fd3m phase.

}, issn = {1744-683X}, doi = {10.1039/c5sm00854a}, author = {Kumar, Manoj and Patil, Naganath G. and Choudhury, Chandan Kumar and Roy, Sudip and Ambade, Ashootosh V. and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy} } @article { ISI:000348245000002, title = {Comprehensive study on the effect of acid additives in 1(R),2(R)-Bis[(S)-prolinamido]cyclohexane catalyzed direct asymmetric aldol reactions in aqueous media}, journal = {Indian Journal of Chemistry Section B-Organic Chemistry Including Medicinal Chemistry}, volume = {54}, number = {1}, year = {2015}, month = {JAN}, pages = {84-92}, publisher = {COUNCIL SCIENTIFIC \& INDUSTRIAL RES}, address = {ANUSANDHAN BHAWAN, 2 RAFI MARG, NEW DELHI, 110001, INDIA}, abstract = {

The catalytic efficacy of (1R,2R)-bis[(S)-prolinamido]cyclohexane 1, prepared from the readily available natural amino acid L-proline has been studied for the direct asymmetric aldol reaction of cyclohexanone with substituted benzaldehydes at room temperature in presence of various acid additives. A wide variety of acids e.g. aliphatic fatty acid, chiral acid, sulphonic acid, aromatic acid, etc. have been used as additive for the aldol reaction in aqueous media. A loading of 10 mol\% of catalyst 1 is employed in this reaction, and good yields (up to 98\% yield), diastereoselectivity (up to 96\% de) and enantioselectivities (up to 87\% ee) can be achieved in aqueous media within very short reaction time (1-4 hours).

}, keywords = {acid additives, aqueous media, Asymmetric synthesis, direct aldol reaction, organocatalysis}, issn = {0376-4699}, author = {Bhowmick, Sudipto and Kunte, Sunita S. and Bhowmick, Kartick C.} } @article { ISI:000356520400003, title = {Computational strategies for understanding the nature of interaction in dioxin imprinted nanoporous trappers}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Recognition}, volume = {28}, number = {7}, year = {2015}, month = {JUL}, pages = {427-437}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

A new computational model capable of understanding the nature of interactions in signature complexes formed between the template(2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p dioxin (TCDD)) and the functional monomers (methacrylic acid (MAA)) using density functional theory (DFT) has been designed. The polymer precursors were optimized for geometries in polymerization media, computing the interaction energies between template molecules and functional monomers of transient pre-polymerized complexes (PPC), and structural and vibrational properties reference to theoretical infrared spectra were computed using DFT of B3LYP/6 311+G(d,p) hybrid functional method. Atom in molecule theory was used to analyze the hydrogen-bonding characteristics of PPC of MAA-TCDD. Considering the theoretical titrations conducted in a virtual solvent box, it was found that the 1:4 molar ratio was required to form the most stable PPC in a given solvent system. The electron density plots indicate strong hydrogen bonding as shown by the 2pz dominant highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) character that could be the preferable sites of binding for target molecule, TCDD. Considering HOMO approach, the active adsorption sites in molecularly imprinted polymer was modeled to get insight on molecular recognition property for targeted molecule, TCDD. The proposed computational protocol is simple, accurate, and novel to design the polymer and is useful to predict the properties of polymer systems than the conventional theoretical analysis of template-monomer interactions. Copyright (c) 2015 John Wiley \& Sons, Ltd.

}, keywords = {carcinogenic pollutants, computer simulations, Density Functional Theory (DFT), intermolecular interactions, Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIP)}, issn = {0952-3499}, doi = {10.1002/jmr.2459}, author = {Khan, Muntazir S. and Pal, Sourav and Krupadam, Reddithota J.} } @article { ISI:000354982900007, title = {Concise enantioselective synthesis of naturally active (S)-3-hydroxypiperidine}, journal = {Synthetic Communications}, volume = {45}, number = {13}, year = {2015}, month = {APR}, pages = {1559-1565}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS INC}, address = {530 WALNUT STREET, STE 850, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 USA}, abstract = {

A short and efficient enantioselective synthesis of natural product (S)-3-hydroxypiperidine has been achieved starting from commercially available raw materials employing two catalytic routes: (i) cocatalyzed hydrolytic kinetic resolution (HKR) of racemic methyl-3-(oxiran-2-yl)propanoate; (ii) proline-catalyzed -aminooxylation followed by Horner-Wardsworth-Emmons olefination in high enantiomeric purity (97\% ee) and high overall yield (38\%).

}, keywords = {Asymmetric synthesis, bioactivity, Enantioselectivity, Natural products, organocatalysis}, issn = {0039-7911}, doi = {10.1080/00397911.2015.1033428}, author = {Dey, Soumen and Karabal, Pratibha U. and Sudalai, Arumugam} } @article { ISI:000349401300020, title = {Conformational modulation of peptides using beta-amino benzenesulfonic acid ((S)Ant)}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {13}, number = {7}, year = {2015}, month = {DEC}, pages = {2087-2091}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

This communication describes the utility of a conformationally restricted aromatic beta-amino acid (2-aminobenzenesulfonic acid, (S)Ant) inducing various folding interactions in short peptides. Sandwiching (S)Ant between diverse amino acid residues was shown to form robust folded architectures featuring a variety of H-bonded networks, suggesting its utility in inducing peptide folding.

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/c4ob02421d}, author = {Priya, Gowri and Kotmale, Amol S. and Chakravarty, Debamitra K. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Rajamohanan, Pattuparambil R. and Sanjayan, Gangadhar J.} } @article { ISI:000361085800009, title = {Construction of polynuclear lanthanide (Ln = Dy-III, Tb-III, and Nd-III) cage complexes using pyridine-pyrazole-based ligands: versatile molecular topologies and smm behavior}, journal = {Inorganic Chemistry}, volume = {54}, number = {17}, year = {2015}, month = {SEP}, pages = {8197-8206}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Employment of two different pyridyl pyrazolyl-based ligands afforded three octanudear lanthanide(III) (Ln = Dy, Tb) cage compounds and one hexanudear neodymium(III) coordination cage, exhibiting versatile molecular architectures including a butterfly core. Relatively less common semirigid pyridyl pyrazolyl-based asymmetric ligand systems show an interesting trend of forming polynuclear lanthanide cage complexes with different coordination environments around the metal centers. It is noteworthy here that construction of lanthanide complex itself is a challenging task in a ligand system as soft N-donor rich as pyridyl pyrazol. We report herein some lanthanide complexes using ligand containing only one or two O-donors compare to five N-coordinating sites. The resultant multinuclear lanthanide complexes show interesting magnetic and spectroscopic features originating from different spatial arrangements of the metal ions. Alternating current (ac) susceptibility measurements of the two dysprosium complexes display frequency- and temperature-dependent out-of-phase signals in zero and 0.5 T direct current field, a typical characteristic feature of single-molecule magnet (SMM) behavior, indicating different energy reversal barriers due to different molecular topologies. Another aspect of this work is the occurrence of the not-so-common SMM behavior of the terbium complex, further confirmed by ac susceptibility measurement.

}, issn = {0020-1669}, doi = {10.1021/acs.inorgchem.5b00334}, author = {Bala, Sukhen and Sen Bishwas, Mousumi and Pramanik, Bhaskar and Khanra, Sumit and Fromrn, Katharina M. and Poddar, Pankaj and Mondal, Raju} } @article { ISI:000361866400009, title = {Continuous-flow nitration of o-xylene: effect of nitrating agent and feasibility of tubular reactors for scale-up}, journal = {Organic Process Research \& Development}, volume = {19}, number = {9, SI}, year = {2015}, month = {SEP}, pages = {1138-1147}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Continuous-flow nitration of o-xylene has been studied with different nitrating agents over a wide range of conditions for different parameters such as temperature, residence time, and concentrations. A nitrating mixture comprising sulfuric acid and fuming nitric acid was seen to yield higher selectivity for the isomer 1,2-dimethyl-3-nitrobenzene over the isomer 1,2-dimethyl-4-nitrobenzene and also a non-negligible quantity of dinitro derivatives of o-xylene. With only fuming nitric acid as the nitrating agent, the reaction was selective for 1,2-dimethyl-4-nitrobenzene over 1,2-dimethyl-3-nitrobenzene. Impurities mainly come from nitration of mononitro derivatives, and this occurs more from nitration of the 3-nitro isomer because of its higher reactivity with nitric acid. An economic analysis of the continuous-flow reactor for the production of 1,2-dimethyl-4-nitrobenzene at 100 and 500 kg/h in a jacketed tubular reactor showed that numbering-up is a more economical approach for higher production capacity. A combination of large- and small-sized tubes depending upon the relative rates of heat generation during a reaction will achieve more profit and a shorter payback period than having the entire reactor made of a single tube size.

}, issn = {1083-6160}, doi = {10.1021/acs.oprd.5b00064}, author = {Sharma, Y. and Joshi, Ramesh A. and Kulkarni, A. A.} } @article { ISI:000361677200008, title = {Controlled micellar disassembly of photo- and pH-cleavable linear-dendritic block copolymers}, journal = {Polymer Chemistry}, volume = {6}, number = {38}, year = {2015}, month = {AUG}, pages = {6826-6835}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A linear-dendritic block copolymer with both photo-and pH-cleavable linkages at the junction between the hydrophobic dendron and hydrophilic linear polymer was synthesised. The photocleavable o-nitrobenzyl group attached to alkyne was introduced at the focal point of polyester dendron and acid-degradable acetal linkage with terminal azide was introduced at one end of linear polyethylene glycol. The two segments were connected using click chemistry. The copolymer was found to self-assemble into micelle-like aggregates in dilute aqueous solution. Stimuli-responsive disassembly of the aggregates was studied by monitoring fluorescence emission of the encapsulated hydrophobic dye and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Products of acetal cleavage at acidic pH were analyzed by gel permeation chromatography and NMR spectroscopy. The photo and pH stimuli were applied separately as well as simultaneously to study the rate of dye release. The synergistic effect of the two stimuli on dye release was demonstrated and the non-cytotoxic nature of the polymer was shown using the MTT assay. Cell uptake of DOX-loaded micelles and photo-induced release of the drug resulting in significantly higher cytotoxicity than by free DOX was demonstrated using MDA-MB-231 cells.

}, issn = {1759-9954}, doi = {10.1039/c5py00792e}, author = {Kalva, Nagendra and Parekh, Nimisha and Ambade, Ashootosh V.} } @article { ISI:000365217600004, title = {Conversion of concentrated sugar solutions into 5-hydroxymethyl furfural and furfural using Bronsted acidic ionic liquids}, journal = {Catalysis Science \& Technology}, volume = {5}, number = {12}, year = {2015}, month = {SEP}, pages = {5086-5090}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Catalytic amounts of recyclable Bronsted acidic ionic liquids (BAILs) yielded HMF (73\%) and furfural (81\%) with high selectivity from highly concentrated solutions of D-fructose (40 wt\%) and D-xylose (3 wt\%), respectively. With a 6 wt\% D-xylose solution, 73\% yield was observed. An activity-property correlation of BAIL is established.

}, issn = {2044-4753}, doi = {10.1039/c5cy00858a}, author = {Matsagar, Babasaheb M. and Munshi, Mudassir K. and Kelkar, Ashutosh A. and Dhepe, Paresh Laxmikant} } @article { ISI:000361828000068, title = {Conversion of dried aspergillus candidus mycelia grown on waste whey to biodiesel by in situ acid transesterification}, journal = {Bioresource Technology}, volume = {197}, year = {2015}, month = {DEC}, pages = {502-507}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

This study reports optimization of the transesterification reaction step on dried biomass of an oleaginous fungus Aspergillus candidus grown on agro-dairy waste, whey. Acid catalyzed transesterification was performed and variables affecting esterification, viz., catalyst methanol and chloroform concentrations, temperature, time, and biomass were investigated. Statistical optimization of the transesterification reaction using Plackett-Burman Design showed biomass to be the predominant factor with a 12.5-fold increase in total FAME from 25.6 to 320 mg. Studies indicate that the transesterification efficiency in terms of conversion is favored by employing lower biomass loadings. A. candidus exhibited FAME profiles containing desirable saturated (30.2\%), monounsaturated (31.5\%) and polyunsaturated methyl esters (38.3\%). The predicted and experimentally determined biodiesel properties (density, kinematic viscosity, iodine value, cetane number, TAN, water content, total and free glycerol) were in accordance with international (ASTM D6751, EN 14214) and national (IS 15607) standards. (C) 2015 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

}, keywords = {Aspergillus candidus, Biodiesel, In situ acid transesterification, Plackett-Burman Design, Whey}, issn = {0960-8524}, doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2015.07.118}, author = {Kakkad, Hardik and Khot, Mahesh and Smita S. Zinjarde and RaviKumar, Ameeta and Kumar, V. Ravi and Kulkarni, B. D.} } @article { ISI:000362819600016, title = {CoSe2 supported on nitrogen-doped carbon nanohorns as a methanol-tolerant cathode for air-breathing microlaminar flow fuel cells}, journal = {Chemelectrochem}, volume = {2}, number = {9}, year = {2015}, month = {SEP}, pages = {1339-1345}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {POSTFACH 101161, 69451 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

The synthesis of CoSe2 nanoparticles supported on nitrogendoped carbon nanohorns (CoSe2/NCNH) and the influence of the interaction of the metal centre with the NCNH on the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are reported. CoSe2/NCNH shows a 50 mV lower onset overpotential and a 150 mV positive shift in the half-wave potential compared to CoSe2 supported on carbon and carbon nanohorns. This suggests that the intrinsic activity and the density of active reaction centres of CoSe2 are modified by NCNHs. An air-breathing direct meth-anol microlaminar flow fuel cell (mLFFC) is constructed using CoSe2/NCNH as a methanol-tolerant cathode catalyst. A maximum power density of 10.05 mWcm(-2) and a maximum current density of 124.20 mAcm(-2) are achieved with CoSe2/NCNH compared to the non-doped catalyst, CoSe2/C and Pt/C with 5m methanol as the fuel. The improved activity of CoSe2/ NCNH is attributed to the peculiar morphology and the nitrogen doping of the carbon nanohorns. This catalyst could be a suitable alternative to Pt.

}, keywords = {carbon nanohorns, chalcogenides, fuel cells, oxygen reduction reaction, platinum}, issn = {2196-0216}, doi = {10.1002/celc.201500154}, author = {Unni, SreeKuttan M. and Mora-Hernandez, Juan M. and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Alonso-Vante, Nicolas} } @article { ISI:000366339700024, title = {Cosolvent effects on solute-solvent hydrogen-bond dynamics: ultrafast 2D IR investigations}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, volume = {119}, number = {49}, year = {2015}, month = {DEC}, pages = {15334-15343}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Cosolvents strongly influence the solute-solvent interactions of biomolecules in aqueous environments and have profound effects on the stability and activity of several proteins and enzymes. Experimental studies have previously reported on the hydrogen-bond dynamics of water molecules in the presence of a cosolvent, but understanding the effects from a solute{\textquoteright}s perspective could provide greater insight into protein stability. Because carbonyl groups are abundant in biomolecules, the current study used 2D IR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations to compare the hydrogen-bond dynamics of the solute{\textquoteright}s carbonyl group in aqueous solution, with and without the presence of DMSO as a cosolvent. 2D IR spectroscopy was used to quantitatively estimate the time scales of the hydrogen-bond dynamics of the carbonyl group in neat water and 1:1 DMSO/water solution. The 2D IR results show spectral signatures of a chemical exchange process: The presence of the cosolvent was found to lower the hydrogen-bond exchange rate by a factor of 5. The measured exchange rates were 7.50 X 10(11) and 1.48 X 10(11) s(-1) in neat water and 1:1 DMSO/water, respectively. Molecular dynamics simulations predict a significantly shorter carbonyl hydrogen-bond lifetime in neat water than in 1:1 DMSO/water and provide molecular insights into the exchange mechanism. The binding of the cosolvent to the solute was found to be accompanied by the release of hydrogen-bonded water molecules to the bulk. The widely different hydrogen-bond lifetimes and exchange rates with and without DMSO indicate a significant change in the ultrafast hydrogen-bond dynamics in the presence of a cosolvent, which, in turn, might play an important role in the stability and activity of biomolecules.

}, issn = {1520-6106}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpcb.5b08643}, author = {Kashid, Somnath M. and Jin, Geun Young and Bagchi, Sayan and Kim, Yung Sam} } @article { ISI:000357907800052, title = {CRE for magic(modular, agile, intensified \& continuous) processes}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Journal}, volume = {278}, number = {SI}, year = {2015}, note = {23rd International Symposium on Chemical Reaction Engineering (ISCRE), Bangkok, THAILAND, SEP 07-10, 2014}, month = {OCT}, pages = {454-468}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Fine and specialty chemical industry caters to several key applications required for maintaining and enhancing quality of life. Most of these fine and specialty chemicals are still manufactured in stirred tank reactors operated in batch or semi-batch modes. A paradigm shift is necessary to transform these into new age, efficient and continuous processes and plants. In this paper, recent attempts of our group on developing MAGIC (modular, agile, intensified and continuous) devices, processes and plants for fine and specialty chemicals industry are discussed. The focus is on key chemical reaction engineering aspects of developing MAGIC processes. An attempt is made to evolve guidelines for designing MAGIC devices and reactors. The discussion will be useful to researchers as well as to industry practitioners. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Agile, Continuous, CRE, Intensified, Modular}, issn = {1385-8947}, doi = {10.1016/j.cej.2014.12.050}, author = {Ranade, Vivek V. and Sharma, Mrityunjay K. and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article { ISI:000353218500003, title = {Crystal structure of a plant albumin from cicer arietinum (chickpea) possessing hemopexin fold and hemagglutination activity}, journal = {Planta}, volume = {241}, number = {5}, year = {2015}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1061-1073}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Crystal structure of a reported PA2 albumin from Cicer arietinum shows that it belongs to hemopexin fold family, has four beta-propeller motifs and possesses hemagglutination activity, making it different from known legume lectins. A plant albumin (PA2) from Cicer arietinum, presumably a lectin (CAL) owing to its hemagglutination activity which is inhibited by complex sugars as well as glycoproteins such as fetuin, desialylated fetuin and fibrinogen. The three-dimensional structure of this homodimeric protein has been determined using X-ray crystallography at 2.2 in two crystal forms: orthorhombic (P2(1)2(1)2) and trigonal (P3). The structure determined using molecular replacement method and refined in orthorhombic crystal form reached R-factors R (free) 22.6 \% and R (work) 18.2 \% and in trigonal form had 22.3 and 17.9 \% in the resolution range of 20.0-2.2 and 35.3-2.2 , respectively. Interestingly, unlike the known legume lectin fold, the structure of this homodimeric hemagglutinin belonged to hemopexin fold that consisted of four-bladed beta-propeller architecture. Each subunit has a central cavity forming a channel, inside of which is lined with hydrophobic residues. The channel also bears binding sites for ligands such as calcium, sodium and chloride ions, iodine atom in the case of iodine derivative and water molecules. However, none of these ligands seem important for the sugar recognition. No monosaccharide sugar specificity could be detected using hemagglutination inhibition. Chemical modification studies identified a potential sugar-binding site per subunit molecule. Comparison of C-alpha atom positions in subunit structures showed that the deviations between the two crystal forms were more with respect to blades I and IV. Differences also existed between subunits in two forms in terms of type and site of ligand binding.

}, keywords = {Beta-propeller fold, Chemical modification, Chickpea lectin, Complex sugars, PA2 albumin, Sugar binding}, issn = {0032-0935}, doi = {10.1007/s00425-014-2236-6}, author = {Sharma, Urvashi and Katre, Uma V. and Suresh, C. G.} } @article { ISI:000350843500006, title = {Cu-Pt nanocage with 3-D electrocatalytic surface as an efficient oxygen reduction electrocatalyst for a primary Zn-air battery}, journal = {ACS Catalysis}, volume = {5}, number = {3}, year = {2015}, month = {MAR}, pages = {1445-1452}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Cu-Pt nanocage (CuPt-NC) intermetallic structures have been prepared by an in situ galvanic displacement reaction. The structures are found to be well organized within the framework demarcated with distinguishing arms, having clear edges and corners with a size of similar to 20 nm. The unique nanocage structure possessing large specific surface area and better structural integrity helps to achieve improved electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction activity and stability in alkaline solution in comparison to the commercially available 20 wt \% Pt/C. CuPt-NC shows 50 mV positive onset potential shift with significantly higher limiting current in comparison to Pt/C. Interestingly, CuPt-NC has shown 2.9- and 2.5-fold improved mass activity and specific activity, respectively, for ORR at 0.9 V vs RHE in comparison to Pt/C. Moreover, the stability of CuPt-NC has been tested by an accelerated durability test under alkaline conditions. CuPt-NC has been subsequently utilized as the air electrode in a primary Zn-air battery and is found to possess 1.30- and 1.34-fold improved power density and current density at 1 V, respectively, in comparison to the state-of-the-art Pt/C catalyst. In addition, CuPt-NC has shown several hours of constant discharge stability at 20 mA cm(-2) with a specific capacity of 560 mAh gZn(-1) and energy density of 728 Wh kgZn(-1) in the primary Zn-air battery system.

}, keywords = {3-D electrocatalytic surface, Cu-Pt nanocage, electrocatalyst, galvanic displacement, oxygen reduction reaction, solvothermal method, Zn-air battery}, issn = {2155-5435}, doi = {10.1021/cs501571e}, author = {Dhavale, Vishal M. and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article { ISI:000346006700016, title = {Decoration of CdS nanoparticles on 3D self-assembled ZnO nanorods: a single-step process with enhanced field emission behaviour}, journal = {CrystEngComm}, volume = {17}, number = {1}, year = {2015}, month = {NOV}, pages = {140-148}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A well-defined CdS-ZnO heteroarchitecture has been synthesized via a facile single-step hydrothermal approach. The morphological and structural studies reveal the formation of 3D nano-architectures, in which self-assembled ZnO nanorods (diameter similar to 50 nm) are well decorated with single crystalline CdS nanoparticles (size similar to 10 nm). The CdS-ZnO heteroarchitecture exhibits a remarkable change in the optical absorption due to the surface modification of ZnO nanorods by CdS. Surprisingly, under identical reaction conditions, the global ZnS nanoparticles are selectively grown at the apex of ZnO nanorods on the Zn substrate. Furthermore, a plausible growth mechanism has been presented on the basis of experimental results. Interestingly, the CdS-ZnO heteroarchitecture shows enhanced field emission properties such as low turn-on field, high emission current density and better current stability in comparison to other ZnO-based nanostructures. The present CdS-ZnO heteroarchitecture could be extended to other potential applications, such as chemical sensors, photodetectors, optoelectronic devices, and photocatalysts.

}, issn = {1466-8033}, doi = {10.1039/c4ce01738b}, author = {Warule, Sambhaji S. and Chaudhari, Nilima S. and Shisode, Raju T. and Desa, Keith V. and Kale, Bharat B. and More, Mahendra A.} } @article { ISI:000360934400007, title = {Design and development of cheminfocloud: an integrated cloud enabled platform for virtual screening}, journal = {Combinatorial Chemistry \& High Throughput Screening}, volume = {18}, number = {6}, year = {2015}, month = {JAN}, pages = {604-619}, publisher = {BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBL LTD}, address = {EXECUTIVE STE Y-2, PO BOX 7917, SAIF ZONE, 1200 BR SHARJAH, U ARAB EMIRATES}, abstract = {

The power of cloud computing and distributed computing has been harnessed to handle vast and heterogeneous data required to be processed in any virtual screening protocol. A cloud computing platorm ChemInfoCloud was built and integrated with several chemoinformatics and bioinformatics tools. The robust engine performs the core chemoinformatics tasks of lead generation, lead optimisation and property prediction in a fast and efficient manner. It has also been provided with some of the bioinformatics functionalities including sequence alignment, active site pose prediction and protein ligand docking. Text mining, NMR chemical shift (1H, 13C) prediction and reaction fingerprint generation modules for efficient lead discovery are also implemented in this platform. We have developed an integrated problem solving cloud environment for virtual screening studies that also provides workflow management, better usability and interaction with end users using container based virtualization, OpenVz.

}, keywords = {Chemoinformatics, cloud computing, machine learning, Molecular docking, OpenVz, sequence alignment, spectra prediction, text mining, virtual screening}, issn = {1386-2073}, doi = {10.2174/1386207318666150703113656}, author = {Karthikeyan, Muthukumarasamy and Pandit, Deepak and Bhavasar, Arvind and Vyas, Renu} } @article { ISI:000360934400001, title = {Design and development of new chemoinformatics tools for virtual screening}, journal = {Combinatorial Chemistry \& High Throughput Screening}, volume = {18}, number = {6}, year = {2015}, month = {JAN}, pages = {526-527}, publisher = {BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBL LTD}, address = {EXECUTIVE STE Y-2, PO BOX 7917, SAIF ZONE, 1200 BR SHARJAH, U ARAB EMIRATES}, issn = {1386-2073}, doi = {10.2174/138620731806150902190608}, author = {Karthikeyan, Muthukumarasamy and Vyas, Renu} } @article { ISI:000361004700026, title = {Design and synthesis of 11 alpha-substituted bile acid derivatives as potential anti-tuberculosis agents}, journal = {Bioorganic \& Medicinal Chemistry Letters}, volume = {25}, number = {19}, year = {2015}, month = {OCT}, pages = {4185-4190}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We have synthesized a series of novel 11 alpha-triazoyl bile acid derivatives. In addition, we also have synthesized N-alkyl and N-acyl derivatives of C-11 amino bile acid esters. All the compounds were evaluated for the inhibitory activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra (MTB) at 30 mu g/mL level. Four lead compounds (2b, 3, 7 and 8) were further confirmed from their dose dependent effect against MTB. These compounds were found to be active against Dormant and active stage MTB under both in vitro as well as within THP1 host macrophages. The most promising compound 2b showed strong antitubercular activities against MTB under in vitro and ex vivo (IC90 value of similar to 3 mu g/mL) conditions and almost insignificant cytotoxicity up to 100 mu g/mL against THP-1, A549 and PANC-1 human cancer cell lines. Inactivity of all these compounds against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria indicates their specificity. Molecular docking studies of these compounds into the active site of DprE1 enzyme revealed a similar binding mode to native ligands in the crystal structure thereby helping to establish a structural basis of inhibition of MTB. The synthesized compounds were analyzed for ADME properties and showed potential to develop good oral drug candidates. Our results clearly indicate the identification of some novel, selective and specific inhibitors against MTB that can be explored further for potential antitubercular drug. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Antituberculosis, Bile acids, Cycloaddition, Docking study, In silico ADME}, issn = {0960-894X}, doi = {10.1016/j.bmcl.2015.08.006}, author = {Pore, Vandana S. and Divse, Jaisingh M. and Charolkar, Chaitanya R. and Nawale, Laxman U. and Khedkar, Vijay M. and Sarkar, Dhiman} } @article { ISI:000364803200011, title = {Design and synthesis of a focused library of diamino triazines as potential mycobacterium tuberculosis DHFR inhibitors}, journal = {ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters}, volume = {6}, number = {11}, year = {2015}, month = {NOV}, pages = {1140-1144}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

We report design of a series of 2,4-diamino triazines as Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors. The synthesized compounds were evaluated against Mtb (H(37)Rv and Dormant stage H37Ra), their cytotoxicity was assessed (HepG2 and A549 cell lines), and selectivity toward Mtb was evaluated by testing against other bacterial strains. Some derivatives showed promising activity along with low cytotoxicity. The most potent compound in the whole cell assay (MIC 0.325 mu M against H(37)Rv) showed selectivity in the enzyme assay and exhibited synergy with second line anti-TB agent p-amino salicylic acid. This study therefore provides promising molecules for further development as antituberculosis DHFR inhibitors.

}, keywords = {Diamino triazine, dihydrofolate reductase, enzyme assay, molecular modeling, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, selectivity, synergy}, issn = {1948-5875}, doi = {10.1021/acsmedchemlett.5b00367}, author = {Lele, Arundhati C. and Raju, Archana and Khambete, Mihir P. and Ray, M. K. and Rajan, M. G. R. and Arkile, Manisha A. and Jadhav, Nandadeep J. and Sarkar, Dhiman and Degani, Mariam S.} } @article { ISI:000355859600015, title = {Design and synthesis of new fluconazole analogues}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {13}, number = {23}, year = {2015}, month = {MAY}, pages = {6551-6561}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We have synthesized new fluconazole analogues containing two different 1,2,3-triazole units in the side chain. The synthesis of new amide analogues using a variety of acids is also described. All the compounds showed very good antifungal activity. A hemolysis study of the most active compounds 6e and 13j showed that both compounds did not cause any hemolysis at the dilutions tested. These compounds did not exhibit any toxicity to L929 cells at MIC and lower concentrations. In the docking study, the overall binding mode of 6e and 13j appeared to be reasonable and provided a good insight into the structural basis of inhibition of Candida albicans Cyp51 by these compounds.

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/c5ob00590f}, author = {Pore, Vandana S. and Agalave, Sandip G. and Singh, Pratiksha and Shukla, Praveen K. and Kumar, Vikash and Siddiqi, Mohammad I.} } @article { ISI:000364803200005, title = {Design, synthesis, and identification of silicon incorporated oxazolidinone antibiotics with improved brain exposure}, journal = {ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters}, volume = {6}, number = {11}, year = {2015}, month = {NOV}, pages = {1105-1110}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Therapeutic options for brain infections caused by pathogens with a reduced sensitivity to drugs are limited. Recent reports on the potential use of linezolid in treating brain infections prompted us to design novel compounds around this scaffold. Herein, we describe the design and synthesis of various oxazolidinone antibiotics with the incorporation of silicon. Our findings in preclinical species suggest that silicon incorporation is highly useful in improving brain exposures. Interestingly, three compounds from this series demonstrated up to a 30-fold higher brain/plasma ratio when compared to linezolid thereby indicating their therapeutic potential in brain associated disorders.

}, keywords = {Antibacterial, brain exposure, linezolid, oxazolidinone, sila analogue}, issn = {1948-5875}, doi = {10.1021/acsmedchemlett.5b00213}, author = {Seetharamsingh, B. and Ramesh, Remya and Dange, Santoshkumar S. and Khairnar, Pankaj V. and Singhal, Smita and Upadhyay, Dilip and Veeraraghavan, Sridhar and Viswanadha, Srikant and Vakkalanka, Swaroop and Reddy, D. Srinivasa} } @article { ISI:000364906600041, title = {Detailed study on the thermal, photo-physical and electrochemical properties and OFET applications of D-pi-A-pi-D structured unsymmetrical diketopyrrolopyrrole materials}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {5}, number = {115}, year = {2015}, month = {OCT}, pages = {94859-94865}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A series of seven unsymmetrical diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) derivatives with donor-pi-acceptor-pi-donor (D-pi-A-pi-D) architecture have been designed, synthesized and well characterised. The effect of the electron donating capacity and extent of electronic conjugation of the end-capping units on the thermal, photo-physical and electrochemical properties of the synthesized materials was thoroughly investigated using various experimental techniques and theoretical calculations. Organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) were fabricated using these materials to obtain their hole/electron transporting characteristics. All these materials showed moderate to good hole transporting ability, and the OFET fabricated using the DPP-derivative with benzofuran and pyrene end groups exhibited a hole mobility of 6.7 x 10(-4) cm(2) V-1 s(-1) with VT of similar to 9 V. The observed photo-physical, electrochemical, thermal, and charge carrier properties of the synthesized DPP-derivatives indicated their applicability in various areas like organic photovoltaics, disposable electronics and biomedical devices.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c5ra16653e}, author = {Bharath, D. and Chithiravel, Sundaresan and Sasikumar, M. and Chereddy, Narendra Reddy and Shanigaram, Balaiah and Bhanuprakash, K. and Krishnamoorthy, K. and Rao, V. Jayathirtha} } @article { ISI:000358837400009, title = {Development of diagnostic fragment ion library for glycated peptides of human serum albumin: targeted quantification in prediabetic, diabetic, and microalbuminuria plasma by parallel reaction monitoring, SWATH, and MSE}, journal = {Molecular \& Cellular Proteomics}, volume = {14}, number = {8}, year = {2015}, month = {AUG}, pages = {2150-2159}, publisher = {AMER SOC BIOCHEMISTRY MOLECULAR BIOLOGY INC}, address = {9650 ROCKVILLE PIKE, BETHESDA, MD 20814-3996 USA}, abstract = {

Human serum albumin is one of the most abundant plasma proteins that readily undergoes glycation, thus glycated albumin has been suggested as an additional marker for monitoring glycemic status. Hitherto, only Amadori-modified peptides of albumin were quantified. In this study, we report the construction of fragment ion library for Amadori-modified lysine (AML), N(epsilon)-(carboxymethyl) lysine (CML)-, and N(epsilon)-(carboxyethyl) lysine (CEL)-modified peptides of the corresponding synthetically modified albumin using high resolution accurate mass spectrometry (HR/AM). The glycated peptides were manually inspected and validated for their modification. Further, the fragment ion library was used for quantification of glycated peptides of albumin in the context of diabetes. Targeted Sequential Window Acquisition of all THeoretical Mass Spectra (SWATH) analysis in pooled plasma samples of control, prediabetes, diabetes, and microalbuminuria, has led to identification and quantification of 13 glycated peptides comprised of four AML, seven CML, and two CEL modifications, representing nine lysine sites of albumin. Five lysine sites namely K549, K438, K490, K88, and K375, were observed to be highly sensitive for glycation modification as their respective m/z showed maximum fold change and had both AML and CML modifications. Thus, peptides involving these lysine sites could be potential novel markers to assess the degree of glycation in diabetes.

}, issn = {1535-9476}, doi = {10.1074/mcp.M115.050518}, author = {Korwar, Arvind M. and Vannuruswamy, Garikapati and Jagadeeshaprasad, Mashanipalya G. and Jayaramaiah, Ramesha H. and Bhat, Shweta and Regin, Bhaskaran S. and Ramaswamy, Sureshkumar and Giri, Ashok P. and Mohan, Viswanathan and Balasubramanyam, Muthuswamy and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @article { ISI:000365410100025, title = {Deviation of polarity from linearity in liquid mixtures containing an ionic liquid}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics}, volume = {17}, number = {47}, year = {2015}, month = {NOV}, pages = {31613-31617}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The physico-chemical properties of liquid mixtures, in general, exhibit deviations from linear behaviour with respect to their composition, arising out of different types of cross-intermolecular interactions (both specific and non-specific). These specific and non-specific interactions can however be monitored to obtain the linear mixing in liquid mixtures using the pseudo-solvent methodology in such a manner that the interactions causing deviations from linearity are cancelled out and mixtures display linear behaviour.

}, issn = {1463-9076}, doi = {10.1039/c5cp05921f}, author = {Beniwal, Vijay and Shukla, Shashi K. and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000362438300008, title = {Dinuclear salen cobalt complex incorporating Y(OTf)(3): enhanced enantioselectivity in the hydrolytic kinetic resolution of epoxides}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {5}, number = {101}, year = {2015}, month = {SEP}, pages = {82699-82703}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The activation of inactive Jacobsen{\textquoteright}s chiral salen Co(II) (salen = N,N{\textquoteright}-bis(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylidene)-1,2-cyclohexanediamine) compound is attained by dinuclear chiral salen Co(III)-OTf complex formation with yttrium triflate. The yttrium metal not only displays a promoting effect on electron transfer, but also assists in forming two stereocentres of a Lewis acid complex with Co(III)-OTf. We found that the binuclear Co-complex significantly enhanced reactivity and enantioselectivity in the hydrolytic kinetic resolution of terminal epoxides compared to its analogous monomer and kinetic data are also consistent with these results.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c5ra12408e}, author = {Patel, Deepak and Kurrey, Ganesh Ram and Shinde, Sandip S. and Kumar, Pradeep and Kim, Geon-Joong and Thakur, Santosh Singh} } @article { ISI:000355093500003, title = {Direct glycosylation of unprotected and unactivated sugars using bismuth nitrate pentahydrate}, journal = {Journal of Carbohydrate Chemistry}, volume = {34}, number = {4}, year = {2015}, month = {MAY}, pages = {196-205}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS INC}, address = {530 WALNUT STREET, STE 850, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 USA}, abstract = {

Bi(NO3)(3), a low-cost, mild, and environmentally green catalyst, has been successfully utilized for Fischer glycosylation for the synthesis of alkyl/aryl glycopyranosides by reacting unprotected sugars, namely, D-glucose, L-rhamnose, D-galactose, D-arabinose, and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine with various alcohols in good to excellent yields. The glycosides were formed with high alpha-selectivity. Further, an expedient separation of alpha- and beta-glycosides using silver nitrate-impregnated silica gel flash liquid chromatography has been developed.

}, keywords = {Bismuth nitrate, carbohydrates, Fischer glycosylation, Flash chromatography, Separation}, issn = {0732-8303}, doi = {10.1080/07328303.2015.1028585}, author = {Polanki, Innaiah K. and Kurma, Siva H. and Bhattacharya, Asish K.} } @article { ISI:000357468200016, title = {Discovery of rimonabant and its potential analogues as anti-TB drug candidates}, journal = {Medicinal Chemistry Research}, volume = {24}, number = {7}, year = {2015}, month = {JUL}, pages = {2960-2971}, publisher = {SPRINGER BIRKHAUSER}, address = {233 SPRING STREET, 6TH FLOOR, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Rimonabant and its analogues have been synthesized in moderate to good yields using a simple synthetic route. All the newly synthesized compounds were subjected to in vitro screening against M. tuberculosis and M. smegmatis. The most potent analogue JMG-14 exhibits MIC value of 3.13 compared to 3.25 and 50 A mu g/ml for ethambutol and pyrazinamide, respectively. The molecular docking reveals that pyrazole ring, number and position of halogen atoms play a crucial role in deciding interactions with MTCYP-121. These findings open up a new avenue in the search of potent anti-TB drugs with rimonabant and its novel analogue JMG-14 as lead molecules.

}, keywords = {Diaryl pyrazoles, H37Rv, MTCYP-121, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Rimonabant, tuberculosis}, issn = {1054-2523}, doi = {10.1007/s00044-015-1346-4}, author = {Gajbhiye, J. M. and More, Namita A. and Patil, Manoj D. and Ummanni, R. and Kotapalli, S. S. and Yogeeswari, P. and Sriram, D. and Masand, Vijay H.} } @article { ISI:000353931000022, title = {Dissociation of equimolar mixtures of aqueous carboxylic acids in ionic liquids: role of specific interactions}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, volume = {119}, number = {17}, year = {2015}, month = {APR}, pages = {5537-5545}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Hammett acidity function observes the effect of protonation/deprotonation on the optical density/absorbance of spectrophotometric indicator. In this work, the Hammett acidity, H-0, of equirriolar mixtures of aqueous HCOQH, CH3COOH, and CH3CH2COOH was measured in 1-methylimidazolium-, 1-methylpyrrolidinium-, and 1-methylpiperidinium-based protic ionic liquids (PILs) and 1-buty1-3-methylimidazolium-based aprotic ionic liquid (AIL), with formate (HCOO-) anion. Higher H-0 values were observed for the equimolar mixtures of aqueous carboxylic acids in protic ionic liquids compared with those of the aprotic ionic liquid because of the involvement of the stronger specific interactions between the conjugate acid of ionic liquid and conjugate base of carboxylic acids as suggested by the hard soft acid base (HSAB) theory. The different Ho values for the equimolar mixtures of aqueous carboxylic acids in protic and aprotic ionic liquids were noted to depend on the activation energy of proton transfer (E-a,H(+)). The higher activation energy of proton transfer was obtained in AIL indicating lower ability to form specific interactions with solute than that of PILs. Thermodynamic parameters determined by the {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}indicator overlapping method{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} further confirmed the involvement of the secondary interactions in the dissociation of carboxylic acids. On the basis of the thermodynamic parameter values, the potential of different ionic liquids in the dissociation of carboxylic acids was observed to depend on the hydrogen bond donor acidity (alpha) and hydrogen bond acceptor basicity (beta), characteristics of specific interactions.

}, issn = {1520-6106}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpcb.5b00056}, author = {Shukla, Shashi Kant and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000349853500010, title = {Eco-friendly enzymatic dehairing of skins and hides by C-brefeldianus protease}, journal = {Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy}, volume = {17}, number = {2}, year = {2015}, month = {FEB}, pages = {393-405}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Alkaline protease from Conidiobolus brefeldianus was efficient in unhairing various types of skins and hides. The crude protease preparation was active toward keratin-azure, elastin-orcin, azocasein, and azocoll, but did not show true collagenase activity. In addition, the crude enzyme exhibited other enzyme activities such as chondroitinase, laminarase, and chitinase. Complete hair removal of skin/hide by the protease achieved in 16-18 h. The dehaired pelt showed smooth and white appearance due to hair removal along with epidermal layer. In addition, the grain was clean and without damage in enzymatically dehaired pelts. The microscopic observation of the cross-section of dehaired goat skin and cow hide showed absence of epidermis, hair shaft with empty follicles. Enzymatic dehairing resulted in complete and uniform fiber opening in the dermis and corium region. Physical properties viz. tensile strength, elongation, and tear strength of dyed crust of enzymatically and conventionally dehaired pelts were comparable. Results were also validated on large scale with goat skins and cow hides.

}, keywords = {Alkaline Protease, Conidiobolus brefeldianus, Cow hides, Dehaired pelts, Enzymatic dehairing, Sheep skins}, issn = {1618-954X}, doi = {10.1007/s10098-014-0791-y}, author = {Khandelwal, Harish B. and More, Snehal V. and Kalal, K. M. and Laxman, Ryali Seeta} } @article { ISI:000349580800008, title = {Effect of b site coordination environment in the ORR activity in disordered brownmillerites Ba2In2-xCexO5+delta}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {7}, number = {5}, year = {2015}, month = {FEB}, pages = {3041-3049}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Ba2In2O5 brownmillerites in which the In site is progressively doped with Ce exhibit excellent oxygen reduction activity under alkaline conditions. Ce doping leads to structural changes advantageous for the reaction. Twenty-five percent doping retains the ordered structure of brownmillerite with alternate layers of tetrahedra and octahedra, whereas further increase in Ce concentration creates disorder. Structures with disordered oxygen atoms/vacancies are found to be better oxygen reduction reaction catalysts probably aided by isotropic ionic conduction, and Ba2In0.5Ce1.5O5+delta is the most active. This enhanced activity is correlated to the more symmetric Ce site coordination environment in this compound. Stoichiometric perovskite BaCeO3 with the highest concentration of Ce shows very poor activity emphasizing the importance of oxygen vacancies, which facilitate O-2 adsorption, in tandem with catalytic sites in oxygen reduction reactions.

}, keywords = {brownmillerite, fuel cell, oxygen disorder, oxygen reduction reaction, Rietveld refinement}, issn = {1944-8244}, doi = {10.1021/am5087837}, author = {Jijil, Chamundi P. and Bhange, Siddheshwar N. and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Devi, R. Nandini} } @article { ISI:000363775800020, title = {Effect of interfacial mass transfer on the dispersion in segmented flow in straight capillaries}, journal = {AICHE Journal}, volume = {61}, number = {12}, year = {2015}, month = {DEC}, pages = {4294-4308}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

The effect of interfacial mass transfer on the extent of dispersion in liquid-liquid segmented flow in straight capillaries is studied. In the absence of interfacial mass transfer, dispersion coefficient was seen to go through a minimum with increasing flow rates. In the presence of mass transfer, physicochemical properties of both the phases and slug lengths were seen to vary along the capillary length. The extent of dispersion was always higher in the presence of interfacial mass transfer. The predictions using axial dispersion model deviated noticeably for larger capillaries as the model does not account for varying buoyancy, dynamic contacting, and Marangoni convection. Simulations of a first-order interfacial reaction considering varying slug lengths showed a significant change in optimum operating parameters than the conventional approach. A special case of drop-on-demand type of controlled two-phase flow in capillaries was also studied. (c) 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

}, keywords = {capillary, dispersion, interfacial mass transfer, segmented flow, slugs}, issn = {0001-1541}, doi = {10.1002/aic.14945}, author = {Deshpande, Jaydeep B. and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article { ISI:000346405200060, title = {Efficient robust fluorite CeZrO4-delta oxide catalyst for the eco-benign synthesis of styrene}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {5}, number = {5}, year = {2015}, month = {DEC}, pages = {3619-3626}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

In this work, we have reported CeO2, ZrO2, physically mixed (PH)-CeO2/ZrO2 and fluorite CeZrO4-delta oxides and their catalytic activities for the oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of ethyl benzene (EB) to styrene (ST) using molecular oxygen, air and carbon dioxide as oxidants. The catalysts were prepared by a gel-combustion method followed by calcination at 600 degrees C for 6 h and subjected to catalytic activity measurements. All the catalysts were characterized and studied by various physicochemical methods. The reaction parameters were varied systematically such as different catalysts, oxidants, temperatures, EB flow and oxidant flow. CeZrO4-delta accounted for a 47\% styrene yield for 72 h without any significant deactivation under optimized reaction conditions. A thorough analysis of the spent catalysts demonstrated the robustness of the catalyst for this reaction under different oxidants and reaction conditions. Pristine CeO2 deactivated easily and the activity decreased with time on stream of the reaction.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c4ra12355g}, author = {Periyasamy, Kaliyappan and Aswathy, Venugopalan T. and Kumar, Venugopal Ashok and Manikandan, Marimuthu and Shukla, Rakesh and Tyagi, Avesh K. and Raja, Thirumalaiswamy} } @article { ISI:000357587500011, title = {Efficient shoots regeneration and genetic transformation of bacopa monniera}, journal = {Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants}, volume = {21}, number = {2}, year = {2015}, month = {APR}, pages = {261-267}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, type = {Article}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Bacopa monniera is an important source of metabolites with pharmaceutical value. It has been regarded as a valuable medicinal plant and its entire commercial requirement is met from wild natural population. Recently, metabolic engineering has emerged as an important solution for sustained supply of assured and quality raw material for the production of active principles. Present report describes efficient in vitro multiplication and transformation method for geneticmanipulation of this species. MS medium supplemented with 2 mgl(-1) BA and 0.2 mgl(-1) IAA was found optimum for maximum shoot regeneration (98.33 \%) from in vitro leaves with 2-3 longitudinal cuts. Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation method was used for generating transgenic B. monniera plants. Putative transformants were confirmed by GUS assay and PCR based confirmation of hptII gene. DNA blot analysis showed single copy insertion of transgene cassette. An average of 87.5 \% of the regenerated shoots were found PCR positive for hptII gene and GUS activity was detected in leaves of transgenic shoots at a frequency of 82.5 \% The efficient multiple shoots regeneration system described herein may help in mass production of B. monniera plant. Also, the high frequency transformation protocol described here can be used for genetic engineering of B. monniera for enhancement of its pharmaceutically important metabolites.

}, issn = {0971-5894}, doi = {10.1007/s12298-015-0290-6}, author = {Kumari, Uma and Vishwakarma, Rishi K. and Gupta, Neha and Ruby and Shirgurkar, M. V. and Khan, Bashir Mohammad} } @article { ISI:000353831200020, title = {Electrochemical preparation of nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots and their size-dependent electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction}, journal = {Bulletin of Materials Science}, volume = {38}, number = {2}, year = {2015}, month = {APR}, pages = {435-442}, publisher = {INDIAN ACAD SCIENCES}, address = {C V RAMAN AVENUE, SADASHIVANAGAR, P B \#8005, BANGALORE 560 080, INDIA}, abstract = {

Here we report a remarkable transformation of nitrogen-doped multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to size selective nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (N-GQDs) by a two-step electrochemical method. The sizes of the N-GQDs strongly depend on the applied anodic potential, moreover increasing potential resulted in a smaller size of N-GQDs. These N-GQDs display many unusual size-dependant optoelectronic (blue emission) and electrocatalytic (oxygen reduction) properties. The presence of N dopants in the carbon framework not only causes faster unzipping of MWCNTs but also provides more low activation energy site for enhancing the electrocatalytic activity for technologically daunting reactions like oxygen reduction. The smaller size of N-GQDs has shown better performance as compared to the large N-GQDs. Interestingly, N-GQDs-3 (size = 2.5 +/- 0.3 nm, onset potential = 0.75 V) show a 30-mV higher positive onset potential shift compared to that of N-GQDs-2 (size = 4.7 +/- 0.3 nm, onset potential = 0.72 V) and 70 mV than that of N-GQDs-1 (size = 7.2 +/- 0.3, onset potential = 0.68 V) for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in a liquid phase. These result in the size-dependent electrocatalytic activity of N-GQDs for ORR as illustrated by the smaller sized N-GQDs (2.5 +/- 0.3 nm) undoubtedly promising metal-free electrocatalysts for fuel cell applications.

}, keywords = {fuel cells, MWCNTs, N-GQDs, oxygen reduction reaction, unzipping}, issn = {0250-4707}, doi = {10.1007/s12034-014-0834-3}, author = {Shinde, Dhanraj B. and Dhavale, Vishal M. and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Pillai, Vijayamohanan K.} } @article {45940, title = {Embedded multiple shooting methodology in a genetic algorithm framework for parameter estimation and state identification of complex systems}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Science}, volume = {134}, year = {2015}, month = {SEP }, pages = {605-618}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A novel parameter estimation and state identification algorithm for nonlinear dynamical systems from data by embedding a multiple shooting methodology in the framework of a genetic algorithm (EMSGA) is described. The advantages of EMSGA are brought out by studies with two highly nonlinear examples, viz., the chaotic dynamics of a non-isothermal CSTR and the glycolysis regulation in Lactococcus lactis for production of lactic acid. For the chaotic dynamics with extremely high sensitivity to parameter values and initial conditions, EMSGA accurately estimates all process parameters while at the same time recovering the true dynamics of monitored and unmonitored variables from limited extents of noisy dynamic data. The superiority in accuracy and computational time of EMSGA over standalone genetic or multiple shooting algorithms for parameter estimation is shown for comparison purposes. In fact, EMSGA adapts well to the use of generalized canonical models, e.g., the S-system, where use of the fundamental Taylor series method of any order for integration becomes possible. This makes EMSGA highly efficient and exemplified here by estimating all the parameters of the derived higher dimensional 5-system model for the CSTR. Comparative studies with a well-known global-local enhanced scatter search method corroborate the suitability and advantages of the EMSGA methodology. For the glycolysis regulation example the numerical robustness of EMSGA is brought out by estimating a large number of model parameters when a majority of them are raised to the power of the state variables. Interestingly, we show that from noisy in vivo dynamic data it becomes possible to completely recover the noise-free dynamical behavior of unmonitored species concentrations using EMSGA. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Canonical models, Chaotic dynamics, Genetic algorithm, Multiple shooting, Noise reduction, parameter estimation}, issn = {0009-2509}, doi = {10.1016/j.ces.2015.05.040}, author = {Sarode, Ketan Dinkar and Kumar, V. Ravi and Kulkarni, B. D.} } @article { ISI:000355987900093, title = {Enantioselective syntheses of (R)-pipecolic acid, (2R,3R)-3-hydroxypipecolic acid, beta-(+)-conhydrine and (-)-swainsonine using an aziridine derived common chiral synthon}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {5}, number = {62}, year = {2015}, month = {MAY}, pages = {50580-50590}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Concise total syntheses of (R)-pipecolic acid, (R)-ethyl-6-oxopipecolate, (2R, 3R)-3-hydroxypipecolic acid and formal syntheses of beta-(+)-conhydrine, (-)-lentiginosine, (-)-swainsonine and 1,2-di-epi-swainsonine have been accomplished starting from a common chiral synthon. The present strategy employs regioselective aziridine ring opening, Wittig olefination and RCM as the key chemical transformations.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c5ra06429e}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Khairnar, Lalit B. and Pawar, Kailash P. and Chavan, Prakash N. and Kawale, Sanket A.} } @article { ISI:000355354100007, title = {Enantioselective synthesis of guggultetrol and D-ribo-phytosphingosine tetraacetate via L-proline catalyzed sequential alpha-aminooxylation/Horner-Wardsworth-Emmons olefination-Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation strategy}, journal = {Tetrahedron-Asymmetry}, volume = {26}, number = {10-11}, year = {2015}, month = {MAY}, pages = {571-576}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An efficient enantioselective synthesis of two bioactive molecules, that is, guggultetrol and D-ribo-phytosphingosine, is described with high enantioselectivity (\>98\% ee) starting from commercially available 1-hexadecanol. The synthesis comprises organocatalyzed sequential alpha-aminooxylation of an aldehyde followed by Horner-Wardsworth-Emmons olefination and Sharp less asymmetric dihydroxylation as the key chiral inducing steps. For both syntheses, gamma-hydroxy-alpha,beta-unsaturated ester serves as the common intermediate obtained from proline catalysis. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0957-4166}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetasy.2015.04.004}, author = {Venkataramasubramanian, V. and Kumar, B. Senthil and Sudalai, Arumugam} } @article { ISI:000358099300015, title = {Enantioselective synthesis of (+)-hygroline and (+)-pseudohygroline via Keck allylation and CBS reduction}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {56}, number = {32}, year = {2015}, month = {AUG}, pages = {4704-4705}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An enantioselective synthesis of (+)-hygroline and (+)-pseudohygroline has been achieved in high optical purity (98\% ee) from readily available 1,4-butanediol. The synthesis strategy employs a Keck allylation, CBS reduction, and Wacker oxidation. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {CBS reduction, Keck allylation, Pyrrolidines, Wacker oxidation}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2015.06.012}, author = {Bhoite, Shubhangi P. and Kamble, Rohit B. and Suryavanshi, Gurunath M.} } @article { ISI:000365220100089, title = {Ene-nucleic acids: a different paradigm to DNA chemistry}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {5}, number = {118}, year = {2015}, month = {NOV}, pages = {97824-97830}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Acyclic prochiral nucleic acids such as FNA, UNA, GNA and cyclic chiral TNA are all considered as precursors of DNA and RNA in the chemical etiology of nucleic acids. The chemical reasoning would suggest that unsaturated precursors with constrained flexibility and selectivity based on cis/trans isomers could be the missing link between the prochiral-acyclic and chiral-cyclic structures mentioned above. We find that ene-nucleic acids derived from an isoprenoid skeleton possess requisite flexibility and rigidity while forming stable duplex structures with complementary DNA and RNA.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c5ra15673d}, author = {Varada, Manojkumar and Erande, Namrata D. and Kumar, Vaijayanti A.} } @article {43037, title = {Enhanced carbon dioxide hydrate formation kinetics in a fixed bed reactor filled with metallic packing}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Science}, volume = {122}, year = {2015}, month = {JAN}, pages = {78-85}, doi = {10.1016/j.ces.2014.09.019}, author = {Kumar, Asheesh and Sakpal, Tushar and Linga, Praveen and Kumar, Rajnish} } @article { ISI:000370057200011, title = {Enhanced electron field emission from NiCo2O4 nanosheet arrays}, journal = {Materials Research Express}, volume = {2}, number = {9}, year = {2015}, month = {SEP}, pages = {095011}, publisher = {IOP PUBLISHING LTD}, address = {TEMPLE CIRCUS, TEMPLE WAY, BRISTOL BS1 6BE, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Electron emission properties of electrodeposited spinel NiCo2O4 nanosheet arrays grown on Ni foam have been studied. The work function of NiCo2O4 was calculated by density functional theory using the plane-wave basis set and used to estimate the field enhancement factor. The NiCo2O4 nanosheet arrays exhibited a low turn-on field of 1.86 V mu m(-1) at 1 mu A cm(-2) and current density of 686 mu A cm(-2) at 3.2 V mu m(-1), with field enhancement factor beta = 1460 and good field emission current stability. The field emission properties of the NiCo2O4 nanosheet arrays showed enhanced performance compared to chemically prepared NiCo2O4 nanosheets. Hence, the nanosheet arrays have great potential as robust high performance vertical structure electron emitters for future flat panel displays and vacuum electronic device applications.

}, keywords = {Density functional theory, field emission, nanosheets, NiCo2O4, spinel}, issn = {2053-1591}, doi = {10.1088/2053-1591/2/9/095011}, author = {Naik, Kusha Kumar and Khare, Ruchita T. and Gelamo, Rogerio V. and More, Mahendra A. and Thapa, Ranjit and Late, Dattatray J. and Rout, Chandra Sekhar} } @article { ISI:000361832600067, title = {Enhanced field emission of plasma treated multilayer graphene}, journal = {Applied Physics Letters}, volume = {107}, number = {12}, year = {2015}, month = {SEP}, pages = {123503}, publisher = {AMER INST PHYSICS}, address = {1305 WALT WHITMAN RD, STE 300, MELVILLE, NY 11747-4501 USA}, abstract = {

Electron emission properties of multilayer graphene (MLG) prepared by a facile exfoliation technique have been studied. Effect of CO2 Ar, N-2, plasma treatment was studied using Raman spectroscopy and investigated for field emission based application. The CO2 plasma treated multilayer graphene shows an enhanced field emission behavior with a low turn on field of 0.18 V/mu m and high emission current density of 1.89 mA/cm(2) at an applied field of 0.35 V/mu m. Further the plasma treated MLG exhibits excellent current stability at a lower and higher emission current value. (C) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC.

}, issn = {0003-6951}, doi = {10.1063/1.4931626}, author = {Khare, Ruchita T. and Gelamo, Rogerio V. and More, Mahendra A. and Late, Dattatray J. and Rout, Chandra Sekhar} } @article { ISI:000350191000002, title = {Enhancing efficiency of perovskite solar cell via surface microstructuring: superior grain growth and light harvesting effect}, journal = {Solar Energy}, volume = {112}, year = {2015}, month = {FEB}, pages = {12-19}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We have introduced a novel approach to enhance the perovskite solar cell efficiency by controlling the grain growth and light harvesting properties of perovskite crystallites. Instead of using a mesoporous TiO2 layer, we have modified the surface microstructuring of the TiO2 film by dispensing nano assembled TiO2 submicron structures (nanobeads, NBs) on TiO2 compact layer. With this new approach solar cell efficiency was improved significantly through an increase in both J(sc) and V-oc. This high efficiency is attributed to crystallite size of the perovskite phase. These also act as light scattering centers giving higher current density and reduced recombination effects giving higher open circuit voltage. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Grain growth, Light harvesting, Perovskite solar cells, TiO2 nanobeads}, issn = {0038-092X}, doi = {10.1016/j.solener.2014.11.016}, author = {Tathavadekar, Mukta C. and Agarkar, Shruti A. and Game, Onkar S. and Bansode, Umesh P. and Kulkarni, Sneha A. and Mhaisalkar, Subodh G. and Ogale, Satishchandra B.} } @article { ISI:000354199900072, title = {Environmentally friendly route for grafting of molybdenum carbonyl onto a diaminosilane-modified SBA-15 molecular sieve and its catalytic behaviour in olefin epoxidation}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {39}, number = {5}, year = {2015}, month = {FEB}, pages = {3758-3764}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A simple route has been established for grafting molybdenum carbonyl onto the surface of a diaminosilane-modified SBA-15 molecular sieve. The successful grafting of the molybdenum carbonyl species onto diamine-functionalized SBA-15 was evident from FT-IR studies. The resultant molybdenum-carbonyl-complex-grafted SBA-15 (SBA-DA-Mo) materials show promising activity for the epoxidation of various olefins with good conversion (90-95\%) and the formation of epoxide as the major product. The catalytic activity remains constant over several runs.

}, issn = {1144-0546}, doi = {10.1039/c4nj02402h}, author = {Baskaran, Thangaraj and Kumaravel, Raju and Christopher, Jayaraj and Ajithkumar, Thalasseril G. and Sakthivel, Ayyamperumal} } @article { ISI:000361120000056, title = {Evaluation of imidazolium-based ionic liquids towards vermicidal activity: in vitro \& in silico studies}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {5}, number = {92}, year = {2015}, month = {AUG}, pages = {75415-75424}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A series of six different ionic liquids (ILs) of the kind 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide/hydroxide (IL-Br and IL-OH) tailored with different N-alkyl side chains (ethyl, butyl, octyl) were synthesized and evaluated for their vermicidal activity against the Indian earthworm, Pheretima posthuma. The percentage of paralysis and mortality of earthworms against ILs were recorded in a dose dependent (at different concentrations 2, 4, 8 and 16 mM) and time dependent manner. The ILs with hydroxide as the counter anion (IL-OH) showed higher vermicidal activity compared to their bromide counterparts (IL-Br). Moreover, the ILs with the longest alkyl chain (octyl) were observed to have significant vermicidal activity compared to the rest (ethyl and butyl) as well as the standard drug, Albendazole. Furthermore, theoretical modeling was carried out to visualize the preferential docking positions of these ILs into the active site of beta-tubulin. Fascinatingly, it was found that the ILs with longest alkyl side chain showed remarkable vermicidal activity compared to the rest, and the molecular docking studies not only validated the experimental results, but also showed per-residue interaction analysis between the ILs and the different components of beta-tubulin.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c5ra13469b}, author = {Charan, K. T. Prabhu and Ranjan, Prabodh and Manojkumar, Kasina and Pothanagandhi, Nellepalli and Jha, Prakash C. and Khedkar, Vijay M. and Sivaramakrishna, Akella and Vijayakrishna, Kari} } @article { ISI:000361075900038, title = {Exiguobacterium enclense sp nov., isolated from sediment}, journal = {International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology}, volume = {65}, number = {5}, year = {2015}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1611-1616}, publisher = {SOC GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY}, address = {MARLBOROUGH HOUSE, BASINGSTOKE RD, SPENCERS WOODS, READING RG7 1AG, BERKS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A Gram-stain-positive bacterium, designated strain NIO-1109(T), was isolated from a marine sediment sample from Chorao Island, Goa, India. Phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics and data from phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain NIO-1109(T) was related to the genus Exiguobacterium. Strain NIO-1109(T) exhibited \>98.0\% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with respect to Exiguobacterium indicum HHS 31(T) (99.5\%) and Exiguobacterium acetylicum NCIMB 9889(T) (99.1 \%); the type strains of other species showed \<98\% similarity. Levels of DNA DNA relatedness between strain NIO-1109(T) and E. acetylicum DSM 20416(T) and E indicum LMG 23471(T) were less than 70\% (33.0 +/- 2.0 and 37 +/- 32\%, respectively). Strain NIO-1109(T) also differed from these two closely related species in a number of phenotypic traits. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain NIO-1109(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Exiguobacterium, for which the name Exiguobacterium enclense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NIO-1109(T) (=NCIM 5457(T)= DSM 25128(T)=CCTCC AB 2011124(T)).

}, issn = {1466-5026}, doi = {10.1099/ijs.0.000149}, author = {Dastager, Syed Gulam and Mawlankar, Rahul R. and Sonalkar, Vidya V. and Thorat, Meghana N. and Mual, Poonam and Verma, Ashish and Krishnamurthi, Srinivasan and Tang, Shan-Kun and Li, Wen-Jun} } @article { ISI:000362834600003, title = {Experimental signature of microheterogeneity in ionic liquid-H2O systems and their perturbation by adding Li+ salts: a pulsed gradient spin-echo NMR approach}, journal = {Chemphyschem}, volume = {16}, number = {14}, year = {2015}, month = {OCT}, pages = {2936-2941}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {POSTFACH 101161, 69451 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Distinct microheterogeneity has been observed in the [OMIM]Br-H2O system, which is interestingly perturbed by the addition of Li+ salts, indicating unusual diffusivity of [OMIM]Br and H2O molecules. However, the diffusional dynamics of water clusters show contrasting salting behavior at higher concentrations of Li+ salts, following the classical salting phenomenon in lower amounts. In contrast, the existing microheterogeneity in the [BMIM]Br-H2O system is weak enough to show any perturbation caused by the Li+ salts on the NMR time scale.

}, keywords = {ionic liquids, lithium, microheterogeneity, salt effect, viscosity}, issn = {1439-4235}, doi = {10.1002/cphc.201500503}, author = {Nanda, Raju and Rajamohanan, P. R. and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000358761200004, title = {Expression of stable reference genes and SPINDLY gene in response to gibberellic acid application at different stages of grapevine development}, journal = {Biologia Plantarum}, volume = {59}, number = {3}, year = {2015}, month = {SEP}, pages = {436-444}, publisher = {ACAD SCIENCES CZECH REPUBLIC, INST EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY}, address = {ROZVOJOVA 263, PRAHA 6, CZ-165 02, CZECH REPUBLIC}, abstract = {

Gibberellic acid (GA(3)) is widely used at different stages of berry development, and to understand the molecular mechanism of its action requires identification of stable reference genes. We sprayed grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cv. Thompson Seedless with GA(3) at rachis stage for rachis elongation, at flower cluster stage for flower thinning, and at 3 - 4 mm berry stage for berry elongation. Tissue samples were collected at different time points after GA(3) application. The expression of 10 candidate reference genes was analyzed using 4 different algorithms to assess their suitability for real time-PCR data normalization. Based on the overall ranking, PP2A, Sutra, and SAND were identified as the most stably expressed genes across all samples. With regard to different stages, tubulin, EF1 alpha, and UBC were the most stable genes during rachis elongation; PP2A, SAND, and Sutra were the most suitable at the flower cluster and berry stages. The expression of GA signaling gene SPINDLY (VvSpy) was analyzed to validate the stable reference genes. After the GA(3) application, the expression of VvSpy was reduced at the rachis stage but did not change at the flower cluster and berry stages. The expression profile of VvSpy was comparable when two or three reference genes were used for data normalization.

}, keywords = {developmental stages, Vitis vinifera}, issn = {0006-3134}, doi = {10.1007/s10535-015-0521-2}, author = {Upadhyay, A. and Jogaiah, S. and Maske, S. R. and Kadoo, Narendra Y. and Gupta, V. S.} } @article { ISI:000359867300004, title = {Extrusion film casting of long chain branched polypropylene}, journal = {Polymer Engineering and Science}, volume = {55}, number = {9}, year = {2015}, month = {SEP}, pages = {1977-1987}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

Extrusion film casting (EFC) is an important melt processing operation which is extensively used to make polypropylene (PP) films. Linear PP shows significant amount of necking and draw resonance during EFC. One of the ways to reduce necking is to introduce long chain branches (LCB) on the polymer backbone. The long branches impart extensional strain hardening behavior thereby stabilizing the melt flow. In this work, we investigate the influence of long chain branching in polypropylene on the extent of necking in the EFC process. Laboratory scale EFC experiments were performed on homopolymer PP of linear and long chain branched architectures. Simulations of the EFC process were carried out using the one-dimensional flow model of Silagy et al., Polym. Eng. Sci.,36, 2614 (1996) into which we incorporate two different multi-mode molecular constitutive equations namely, the eXtended Pom-Pom{\textquoteright} equation (XPP, for long chain branched PP) and the Rolie-Poly{\textquoteright} equation (RP-S, for linear PP). Our experimental data confirm that presence of long chain branching in PP reduces the extent of necking and our numerical predictions show qualitative agreement with experimental data, thereby elucidating the role of chain architecture on the extent of necking. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:1977-1987, 2015. (c) 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers

}, issn = {0032-3888}, doi = {10.1002/pen.24039}, author = {Chikhalikar, Kalyani and Banik, Sourya and Azad, Lal Busher and Jadhav, Kishor and Mahajan, Sunil and Ahmad, Zubair and Kulkarni, Surendra and Gupta, Surendra and Doshi, Pankaj and Pol, Harshawardhan and Lele, Ashish K.} } @article { ISI:000345901600070, title = {Fe(III) phytate metallogel as a prototype anhydrous, intermediate temperature proton conductor}, journal = {Chemical Science}, volume = {6}, number = {1}, year = {2015}, month = {OCT}, pages = {603-607}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A proton conducting metallogel [FNPA; ferric nitrate (FN)-phytic acid (PA)] is synthesized by immobilizing a protogenic ligand (phytic acid) using iron(III) nitrate in DMF. The xerogel shows high proton conductivity of 2.4 x 10(-2) S cm(-1) at 120 degrees C, the best value known among all metal organic materials (MOMs). Marking the first such attempt in MOMs, an electrode made using the xerogel showed a power density of 0.94 mW cm(-2) at 0.6 V under dry fuel cell conditions.

}, issn = {2041-6520}, doi = {10.1039/c4sc02294g}, author = {Aiyappa, Harshitha Barike and Saha, Subhadeep and Wadge, Pritish and Banerjee, Rahul and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article { ISI:000346733500087, title = {Field emission properties of spinel ZnCo2O4 microflowers}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {5}, number = {7}, year = {2015}, month = {DEC}, pages = {5372-5378}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

ZnCo2O4 microflowers were synthesized by a simple low temperature hydrothermal route. A single three-dimensional microflower consists of hundreds of self-assembled petals, with a thickness of several nanometers. These microflowers have exceptionally thin edges with a few petal layers. The ZnCo2O4 microflowers appeared to be stable and good field emitters.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c4ra10246k}, author = {Ratha, Satyajit and Khare, Ruchita T. and More, Mahendra A. and Thapa, Ranjit and Late, Dattatray J. and Rout, Chandra Sekhar} } @article { ISI:000351969900008, title = {First naphthosemiquinone complex of K+ with vitamin K3 analog: experiment and density functional theory}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Structure}, volume = {1088}, year = {2015}, month = {MAY}, pages = {56-63}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Synthesis and characterization of potassium complex of 2-hydroxy-3-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone (phthiocol), the vitamin K3 analog, has been carried out using FT-IR, UV-Vis, H-1 and C-13 NMR, EPR, cyclic voltammetry and single crystal X-ray diffraction experiments combined with the density functional theory. It has been observed that naphthosemiquinone binds to two K+ ions extending the polymeric chain through bridging oxygens O(2) and O(3). The crystal network possesses hydrogen bonding interactions from coordinated water molecules showing water channels along the c-axis. C-13 NMR spectra revealed that the complexation of phthiocol with potassium ion engenders deshielding of C(2) signals, which appear at delta = similar to 14.6 ppm whereas those of C(3) exhibit up-field signals near delta similar to 6.9 ppm. These inferences are supported by the M06-2x based density functional theory. Electrochemical experiments further suggest that reduction of naphthosemiquinone results in only a cathodic peak from catechol. A triplet state arising from interactions between neighboring phthiocol anion lead to a half field signal at g = 4.1 in the polycrystalline X-band EPR spectra at 133 K. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {C-13 NMR, DFT, hydrogen bonding, Naphthosemiquinone, Phthiocol, Vitamin K3}, issn = {0022-2860}, doi = {10.1016/j.molstruc.2015.01.053}, author = {Kathawate, Laxmi and Gejji, Shridhar P. and Yeole, Sachin D. and Verma, Prakash L. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Salunke-Gawali, Sunita} } @article {45934, title = {Fluorescent cadmium telluride quantum dots embedded chitosan nanoparticles: a stable, biocompatible preparation for bio-imaging}, journal = {Journal of Biomaterials Science-Polymer Edition}, volume = {26}, year = {2015}, month = {JAN }, pages = {42-56}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Fluorescent cadmium telluride quantum dots (CdTe QDs) are an optically attractive option for bioimaging, but are known to display high cytotoxicity. Nanoparticles synthesized from chitosan, a natural biopolymer of beta 1-4 linked glucosamine, display good biocompatibility and cellular uptake. A facile, green synthetic strategy has been developed to embed green fluorescent cadmium telluride quantum dots (CdTe QDs) in biocompatible CNPs to obtain a safer preparation than {\textquoteleft}as is{\textquoteright} QDs. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy showed the crystal lattice corresponding to CdTe QDs embedded in CNPs while thermogravimetry confirmed their polymeric composition. Electrostatic interactions between thiol-capped QDs (4nm, -57mV) and CNPs (\~300nm, +38mV) generated CdTe QDs-embedded CNPs that were stable up to three months. Further, viability of NIH3T3 mouse fibroblast cells in vitro increased in presence of QDs-embedded CNPs as compared to bare QDs. At the highest concentration (10 mu g/ml), the former shows 34 and 39\% increase in viability at 24 and 48h, respectively, as compared to the latter. This shows that chitosan nanoparticles do not release the QDs up to 48h and do not cause extended toxicity. Furthermore, hydrolytic enzymes such as lysozyme and chitinase did not degrade chitosan nanoparticles. Moreover, QDs-embedded CNPs show enhanced internalization in NIH3T3 cells as compared to bare QDs. This method offers ease of synthesis and handling of stable, luminescent, biocompatible CdTe QDs-embedded CNPs with a favorable toxicity profile and better cellular uptake with potential for bioimaging and targeted detection of cellular components.

}, keywords = {Biocompatible, bioimaging, CdTe quantum dots, chitosan nanoparticles, Toxicity}, issn = {0920-5063}, doi = {10.1080/09205063.2014.982240}, author = {Ghormade, Vandana and Gholap, Haribhau and Kale, Sonia and Kulkarni, Vaishnavi and Bhat, Suresh and Paknikar, Kishore} } @article { ISI:000350528300022, title = {Formal asymmetric synthesis of (2S,4R)-4-hydroxypipecolic acid via Co(III)(salen)-catalyzed two stereocentered HKR of racemic azido epoxide}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {56}, number = {10}, year = {2015}, month = {MAR}, pages = {1263-1265}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An efficient formal synthesis of (2S,4R)-4-hydroxypipecolic acid has been achieved in high optical purity (99\% ee) from readily available benzaldehyde. The strategy employs an iodine-induced intramolecular cyclization of a carbonate and Co-catalyzed Hydrolytic Kinetic Resolution (HKR) of two stereocentered racemic azido epoxide as the key reactions to construct chiral 1,3-amino alcohol functionality. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Azido epoxide, Hydrolytic kinetic resolution, lodocyclization, Piperidine}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2015.01.113}, author = {Kamble, Rohit B. and Gadre, Shubhankar Haribhau and Suryavanshi, Gurunath M.} } @article { ISI:000361697400005, title = {Fractional photo-current dependence of graphene quantum dots prepared from carbon nanotubes}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics}, volume = {17}, number = {38}, year = {2015}, month = {AUG}, pages = {24566-24569}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We report on the photo-conductivity studies of chemically synthesized graphene quantum dots (GQDs) of average size 12 nm obtained by the oxidative acid treatment of MWCNTs. The dependence of photocurrent I-ph (I-ph = I-ill - I-dark) on the laser intensity P under a wide range of laser intensities (5 mW \<= P \<= 60 mW) shows a fractional power dependence of I-ph on light intensity. The temperature dependence (300 K \< T \< 50 K) of I-ph observed in thin films of these GQDs indicates that in the higher temperature region (T \> similar to 100 K), as the temperature increases, the number of thermally generated carriers increase resulting in increased I-ph. At sufficiently low temperatures (T \<= 100 K), a constant I-ph is observed, indicating a constant photocarrier density. Such a behavior is typically observed in many photoactive disordered semiconductors, which are often used in a variety of applications. We believe that the investigations presented here will enhance our understanding of the photocurrent generation phenomenon in chemically obtained GQDs.

}, issn = {1463-9076}, doi = {10.1039/c5cp03306c}, author = {Kundu, Sumana and Ghosh, Sujoy and Fralaide, Michael and Narayanan, T. N. and Pillai, Vijayamohanan K. and Talapatra, Saikat} } @article { ISI:000354964900096, title = {Freezing tendency towards 4-coordinated amorphous networks causes an increase in the heat capacity of supercooled Stillinger-Weber silicon}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {5}, number = {55}, year = {2015}, month = {MAY}, pages = {44679-44686}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Supercooled liquid silicon (Si), modeled by the Stillinger-Weber (SW) potential, has been shown to undergo transition to low density amorphous phases at 1060 K in previous studies. Furthermore, the constant pressure heat capacity C-p has been found to exhibit a large increase as the liquid is cooled to 1060 K. In this work, we examine the nature of the equilibrium and the relaxation process of supercooled SW Si in the temperature range of 1060 K to 1070 K at zero pressure. We find that the relaxation of the supercooled liquid leads to a sharp irreversible decrease in the fluctuation of the two body energy of the largest connected network of 4-coordinated particles. Such a process implies a tightening of the bonds (i.e. freezing or jamming) of the network, and is accompanied by a sharp increase in the fraction of the 4-coordinated particles in the system. We find that the jamming (or freezing) process shows a sudden acceleration across a dynamical instability point that occurs at a unique potential energy state of the network. Further, we find that the occurrence of the dynamical instability is associated with the appearance of a straight line region in the cumulative potential energy distributions with a configurational temperature close to 1060 K. We conclude that the supercooled liquid state must be regarded as a constrained equilibrium state, since the accessible microstates are constrained by the inherent tendency of the system to approach the dynamical instability point. Thus all properties of supercooled liquid SW-Si, including the rise in C-p at 1060 K, can be attributed to the freezing tendency of the 4-coordinated particle network.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c5ra04892c}, author = {Apte, Pankaj A. and Pingua, Nandlal and Gautam, Arvind Kumar and Kumar, Uday and Willow, Soohaeng Yoo and Zeng, Xiao Cheng and Kulkarni, B. D.} } @article { ISI:000350222400077, title = {From micron to nano-curcumin by sophorolipid co-processing: highly enhanced bioavailability, fluorescence, and anti-cancer efficacy (vol 4, pg 60334, 2014)}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {5}, number = {28}, year = {2015}, month = {FEB}, pages = {22075}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c5ra90018b}, author = {Singh, Pradeep Kumar and Wani, Kirtee and Kaul-Ghanekar, Ruchika and Prabhune, Asmita and Ogale, Satishchandra} } @article { ISI:000358610200004, title = {Fruit peel waste as a novel low-cost bio adsorbent}, journal = {Reviews in Chemical Engineering}, volume = {31}, number = {4}, year = {2015}, month = {AUG}, pages = {361-381}, publisher = {WALTER DE GRUYTER GMBH}, address = {GENTHINER STRASSE 13, D-10785 BERLIN, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Fruit peel waste (FPW) is abundantly available from the agricultural and food processing industry and has been studied in recent past as an adsorbent. This paper critically reviews the reported work and investigates various FPW-pollutant systems. The study includes statistics of FPW generation, modification, characterization, adsorption ability, recovery/regeneration, and modeling (isotherms, kinetics, and thermodynamics) of batch adsorption. It is found that orange and banana peels are the most extensively studied adsorbents, whereas Pb2+ and methylene blue are the most efficiently removed pollutants, the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms provide the best fit in most of the cases, and in general, pseudo-second-order kinetics is followed. There are very limited column studies and no report on commercial plant. Though the reproducibility of the results is poor, FPW has a great potential in the wastewater treatment due to its abundant and cheap availability. FPW can be used for removal of heavy metals and dyes; however, removal of organic and gaseous impurities needs further investigation.

}, keywords = {adsorbent, Adsorption, fruit peel waste, organic and inorganic pollutants, wastewater}, issn = {0167-8299}, doi = {10.1515/revce-2014-0041}, author = {Pathak, Pranav D. and Mandavgane, Sachin A. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article { ISI:000355247900001, title = {Functional characterization of novel sesquiterpene synthases from Indian sandalwood, santalum album}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {5}, year = {2015}, month = {MAY}, pages = {Article Number: 10095}, publisher = {NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP}, address = {MACMILLAN BUILDING, 4 CRINAN ST, LONDON N1 9XW, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Indian Sandalwood, Santalum album L. is highly valued for its fragrant heartwood oil and is dominated by a blend of sesquiterpenes. Sesquiterpenes are formed through cyclization of farnesyl diphosphate (FPP), catalyzed by metal dependent terpene cyclases. This report describes the cloning and functional characterization of five genes, which encode two sesquisabinene synthases (SaSQS1, SaSQS2), bisabolene synthase (SaBS), santalene synthase (SaSS) and farnesyl diphosphate synthase (SaFDS) using the transcriptome sequencing of S. album. Using Illumina next generation sequencing, 33.32 million high quality raw reads were generated, which were assembled into 84,094 unigenes with an average length of 494.17 bp. Based on the transcriptome sequencing, five sesquiterpene synthases SaFDS, SaSQS1, SaSQS2, SaBS and SaSS involved in the biosynthesis of FPP, sesquisabinene, beta-bisabolene and santalenes, respectively, were cloned and functionally characterized. Novel sesquiterpene synthases (SaSQS1 and SaSQS2) were characterized as isoforms of sesquisabinene synthase with varying kinetic parameters and expression levels. Furthermore, the feasibility of microbial production of sesquisabinene from both the unigenes, SaSQS1 and SaSQS2 in non-optimized bacterial cell for the preparative scale production of sesquisabinene has been demonstrated. These results may pave the way for in vivo production of sandalwood sesquiterpenes in genetically tractable heterologous systems.

}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/srep10095}, author = {Srivastava, Prabhakar Lal and Daramwar, Pankaj P. and Krithika, Ramakrishnan and Pandreka, Avinash and Shankar, S. Shiva and Thulasiram, Hirekodathakallu V.} } @article { ISI:000358630800013, title = {Genotype x environment interactions and QTL clusters underlying dough rheology traits in triticum aestivum L.}, journal = {Journal of Cereal Science}, volume = {64}, year = {2015}, month = {JUL}, pages = {82-91}, publisher = {ACADEMIC PRESS LTD- ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {24-28 OVAL RD, LONDON NW1 7DX, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Genetic dissection of dough rheology traits (DRT) in hexaploid wheat was carried out using nine mixograph characters evaluated in two consecutive years in three agro-climatic zones in India in an RIL population (HI977 x HD2329). Pearson correlations determined in each year-location indicated 15 stable trait inter-relationships among them but inconsistent correlations with loaf volume (LV) were observed. Using AMMI analysis we derived patterns in G x E interactions (GEI) indicating 6-47\% contribution for the DRT. Composite interval mapping using a linkage map of 202 SSR markers identified 144 DRT QTLs of which, 96 were detected in single- and the rest in two to five year-locations. Sixteen QTL clusters located on ten chromosomes were identified and only three of them on chromosomes 1B, 5B and 6D involved LV QTLs. For each trait, majority of the DRT QTLs detected in single as well as multiple environments showed location-specificity and suggested that owing to GEI, breeding for wheat dough quality might need careful selection of QTLs targeted for individual agro-climatic zones. The inconsistent correlations of DRT and LV and differential locations of their QTLs in this population corroborated that using dough rheological traits alone to predict LV might pose challenges during wheat improvement. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {AMMI analysis, Dough rheology, Mixograph, QTL}, issn = {0733-5210}, doi = {10.1016/j.jcs.2015.05.002}, author = {Prashant, Ramya and Mani, Elangovan and Rai, Richa and Gupta, R. K. and Tiwari, Ratan and Dholakia, Bhushan B. and Oak, Manoj and Roeder, Marion and Kadoo, Narendra Y. and Gupta, Vidya} } @article { ISI:000359962900040, title = {Glycine-linked nucleoside-beta-amino acids: polyamide analogues of nucleic acids}, journal = {Bioconjugate Chemistry}, volume = {26}, number = {8}, year = {2015}, month = {AUG}, pages = {1737-1742}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

3{\textquoteright}-5{\textquoteright}-Deoxyribose-sugar-phoshate backbone in DNA is completely replaced by 2{\textquoteright}-deoxyribonucleoside-based beta-amino acids interlinked by glycine to create uncharged polyamide DNA with 3{\textquoteright}-5{\textquoteright}-directionality. These oligomers as conjugates of alpha-amino acids and nucleoside-beta-amino acids bind strongly and sequence-specifically only to the antiparallel complementary RNA and DNA.

}, issn = {1043-1802}, doi = {10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.5b00296}, author = {Banerjee, Anjan and Seema Bagmare and Varada, Manojkumar and Kumar, Vaijayanti A.} } @article { ISI:000354205600005, title = {Gold(I)-catalyzed hydroindolylation of allenyl ethers}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {13}, number = {19}, year = {2015}, month = {APR}, pages = {5358-5362}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The gold(I)-catalyzed reaction/rearrangement of allenyl ethers has been investigated in the presence of indoles. Either hydroindolylation or alkylation of an indole with the pendant group of allenyl ether has been observed. The reaction outcome seems to be decided mainly by the nature of the pendant group of the allenyl ether. Control experiments are indicative of an inner sphere mechanism for the hydroindolylation reaction.

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/c5ob00635j}, author = {Kona, Chandrababu Naidu and Shinde, Mahesh H. and Ramana, Chepuri V.} } @article {42919, title = {Graphene nanoribbons as prospective field emitter}, journal = {Applied Physics Letters}, volume = {106}, year = {2015}, month = {JAN}, pages = {Article Number: 023111}, abstract = {

Field emission characteristics of graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) synthesized by unzipping of multiwall carbon nanotubes using a facile hydrothermal route have been investigated at a base pressure of 1 x 10(-8) mbar. The values of turn-on field, required to draw an emission current densities of 1 and 10 mu A/cm(2), are found to be 2.8 and 5.8 V/mu m, respectively, and a maximum emission current density of 500 mu A/cm(2) has been drawn at an applied field of 9.8 V/mu m. The emission current stability of the GNRs emitter was studied at preset values of 1 and 10 mu A over a period of 3 h, and is found to be excellent. The field emission results demonstrated herein suggest that GNRs based field emitters can open up many opportunities for their potential utilization as large area field emitters in various vacuum micro-nanoelectronic devices such as flexible field emission displays, portable X-ray, and microwave tubes. (C) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC.

}, doi = {10.1063/1.4905473}, author = {Khare, Ruchita T. and Shinde, Dhanraj B. and Bansode, Sanjeewani and More, Mahendra A. and Majumder, Mainak and Pillai, Vijayamohanan K. and Late, Dattatray J.} } @article { ISI:000349434300057, title = {Hierarchical CdS nanostructure by Lawesson{\textquoteright}s reagent and its enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {5}, number = {18}, year = {2015}, month = {JAN}, pages = {13715-13721}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Lawesson{\textquoteright}s reagent (LR) has been effectively exploited for the synthesis of hierarchical architectures of cadmium sulphide (CdS) nanostructures for the first time. The X-ray diffractograms of the as synthesised CdS nanostructures confirm the formation of hexagonal CdS. The broadness of the XRD peaks clearly indicates the nanocrystalline nature of CdS with average crystallite size of 4 nm. A FESEM study revealed the formation of hierarchical nanostructures, whereas a TEM study showed that the hierarchical arrangement is composed of nanosized CdS particles. A band-gap i.e. 2.4 eV was derived from diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photoluminescence spectrum showed an emission peak at 535 and 568 nm which can be attributed to band-edge emission and surface emissions or possible metal vacancies, respectively. Considering the band-gap within the visible region, the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance of these CdS nanostructures was performed under visible light irradiation from hydrogen sulphide and water, respectively. Utmost hydrogen evolution i.e. 14 136 mu mol h(-1) g(-1) and 2065 mu mol h(-1) g(-1) was observed over a naked CdS nanostructure via H2S and water decomposition, respectively. The amount of hydrogen obtained by H2S splitting is much higher as compared to earlier reports.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c4ra15138k}, author = {Pandit, Vikram U. and Arbuj, Sudhir S. and Hawaldar, Ranjit R. and Kshirsagar, Pradnya V. and Deshmukh, Amarsinh J. and Ambekar, Jalindar D. and Mulik, Uttam P. and Gosavi, Suresh W. and Kale, Bharat B.} } @article { ISI:000358237400020, title = {Highly efficient triphenyl(3-sulfopropyl)phosphonium functionalized phosphotungstic acid on silica as a solid acid catalyst for selective mono-allylation of acetals}, journal = {Catalysis Science \& Technology}, volume = {5}, number = {8}, year = {2015}, month = {MAY}, pages = {4039-4047}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Silica supported phosphotungstic acid functionalized with triphenyl(3-sulfopropyl)phosphonium (PW-Si/TPSP) was developed as a solid acid catalyst for C-C bond formation via Hosomi-Sakurai allylation of acetals. Functionalization of PW as well as its binding to silica was confirmed by solid state P-31-NMR and Si-29-NMR, respectively. Among the various catalysts prepared, the 30\% PW loaded (30PW-Si/TPSP) catalyst gave an excellent yield of homoallyl ethers (HAEs) via selective mono-allylation of acetals with allyltrimethylsilane. A plausible reaction pathway has also been proposed in which the strong Bronsted acid sites of 30PW-Si/TPSP play an important role in activating the acetals to form the corresponding oxonium cations. The versatility of our catalyst was demonstrated for the allylation of a wide variety of acetals while its stability was established in five successful recycling runs.

}, issn = {2044-4753}, doi = {10.1039/c5cy00531k}, author = {Kamble, Sumit B. and Shinde, Suhas H. and Rode, Chandrashekhar V.} } @article { ISI:000363666000023, title = {Highly emissive organic solids with remarkably broad color tunability based on N,C-chelate, four-coordinate organoborons}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {51}, number = {89}, year = {2015}, month = {SEP}, pages = {16115-16118}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Molecular fluorophores based on N,C-chelate, four-coordinate organo-borons exhibit tunable solid-state emission colors that cover the whole visible region from blue to red. The emission color can be tuned through the substituents on either quinolines or the boron center.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c5cc06351e}, author = {Shaikh, Aslam C. and Ranade, Dnyanesh S. and Thorat, Shridhar and Maity, Arunava and Kulkarni, Prasad P. and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Munshi, Parthapratim and Patil, Nitin T.} } @article { ISI:000363996300005, title = {Highly enantioselective Pd-catalyzed synthesis of P-stereogenic supramolecular phosphines, self-assembly, and implication}, journal = {Organometallics}, volume = {34}, number = {20}, year = {2015}, month = {OCT}, pages = {4802-4805}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Metal-catalyzed asymmetric addition of a secondary phosphine to an aryl halide is one of the most efficient and reliable approaches for the construction of enantiopure carbon phosphorus bonds. An isolated Pd(II) complex (5) catalyzes the carbon phosphorus coupling reaction between tolylphenylphosphine (la) and 3-iodophenylurea (2b), which proceeds with an unprecedented enantiomeric excess (ee) of 97\%. The generality of the strategy has been demonstrated by preparing a small library of a new class of P-stereogenic phosphines with an in-built hydrogen bonding motif for the first time. The P-stereogenic phosphines self-assemble on a metal template via deliberately installed hydrogen-bonding motifs and mimic the bidentate ligand coordination. Interestingly, when it was employed in asymmetric hydrogenation, the supramolecular phosphine {1-(3-(phenyl(o-toly)phosphanyl)pheny)ureal} (6b) produced the corresponding hydrogenated product with the highest enantiomeric excess of 99\% along with excellent conversion, demonstrating the potential of these enantioenriched P-chirogenic supramolecular phosphines in asymmetric catalysis.

}, issn = {0276-7333}, doi = {10.1021/acs.organomet.5b00664}, author = {Koshti, Vijay S. and Mote, Nilesh R. and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Chikkali, Samir H.} } @article { ISI:000357618200043, title = {Hollow tubular porous covalent organic framework (COF) nanostructures}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {51}, number = {58}, year = {2015}, month = {JUN}, pages = {11717-11720}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Hollow and tubular TpPa-COF structures have been synthesized by template-assisted replication of nanometer sized ZnO-nanorods. The hollow structures composed of microporous TpPa shells have high periodicity, moderate porosity, chemical stability and capsule shaped morphology as revealed by X-ray diffraction, porosity measurements, and SEM and TEM analyses.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c5cc04130a}, author = {Pachfule, Pradip and Kandmabeth, Sharath and Mallick, Arijit and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article { ISI:000352329300007, title = {Human telomeric RNA G-quadruplex response to point mutation in the G-quartets}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, volume = {119}, number = {13}, year = {2015}, month = {APR}, pages = {4617-4627}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Many putative G-quadruplex forming sequences have been predicted to exist in the human genome and transcriptome. As these sequences are subject to point mutations or SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) during the course of evolution, we attempt to understand impact of these mutations in context of RNA G-quadruplex formation using human telomeric RNA (TERRA) as a model sequence. Our studies suggest that G-quadruplex stability is sensitive to substitution of the guanines comprising G-quartets. While central G-quartet plays a crucial role in maintaining the DNA G-quadruplex stability as evident in literature, there is equal importance of three G-quartets in the stability of RNA quadruplex structure. The work here highlights the alterations in the G-quartet are detrimental to the integrity of overall RNA G-quadruplex structure. Furthermore, TmPyP4 molecules are shown to exhibit similar binding behavior toward telomeric RNA G-quadruplex harboring base substitutions employing CD titrations and isothermal titration calorimetry; well indicating that mutation does not influence TmPyP4 recognition ability as it affects the stability of RNA G-quadruplex. Thus, our study implicates that mutation in G-quartets causes destabilization of RNA G-quadruplex without affecting its trans factor binding ability.

}, issn = {1520-6106}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpcb.5b00619}, author = {Agarwala, Prachi and Kumar, Santosh and Pandey, Satyaprakash and Maiti, Souvik} } @article { ISI:000363270000040, title = {Hydrothermal synthesis of WS2/RGO sheet and their application in UV photodetector}, journal = {Journal of Alloys and Compounds}, volume = {653}, year = {2015}, month = {DEC}, pages = {298-303}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Two-dimensional (2D) semiconductor nanomaterials hold great promises for future electronics and optics. In this paper, we report UV photocurrent response of 2D hybrid materials consisting of layered WS2 nanosheets and reduced graphene oxide prepared by using one step hydrothermal method. Few-layer WS2 and WS2/RGO nanosheets are characterized by Raman spectroscopy and HRTEM. The electric and optoelectronic properties of WS2 and WS2/RGO based UV photodetector shows a fast response of 48s and 85s and high photosensitivity (80 mu AW(-1) and 3.21 mAW(-1)) indicating that the two-dimensional composite nanostructure WS2/RGO is an important material for high performance photodetectors. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {nanosheets, UV photodetector, WS2, WS2/RGO}, issn = {0925-8388}, doi = {10.1016/j.jallcom.2015.08.255}, author = {Shelke, Nitin T. and Karche, B. R.} } @article { ISI:000357458400018, title = {In silico ligand binding studies of cyanogenic beta-glucosidase, dhurrinase-2 from Sorghum bicolor}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Modeling}, volume = {21}, number = {7}, year = {2015}, month = {JUL}, pages = {184}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Dhurrinase, a cyanogenic beta-glucosidase from Sorghum bicolor is the key enzyme responsible for the hydrolysis of dhurrin to produce toxic hydrogen cyanide, as a part of plant defence mechanism. Dhurrinase 1 (SbDhr1) and dhurrinase 2 (SbDhr2), two isozymes have been isolated and characterized from S. bicolor. However, there is no information in the literature about the three dimensional (3D) structure of SbDhr2 and molecular interactions involved between the protein and ligand. In this study, the three dimensional structure of SbDhr2 was built based on homology modeling by using the X-ray crystallographic structure of its close homologue SbDhr1 as the template. The generated 3D model was energy minimized and the quality was validated by Ramachndran plot, various bioinformatic tools and their relevant parameters. Stability, folding-unfolding and flexibility of the modeled SbDhr2 was evaluated on the basis of RMSD, radius of gyration (R-g) and RMSF values respectively, obtained through molecular dynamic (MD) simulation. Further, molecular docking was performed with its natural substrate dhurrin, one substrate analogue, three un-natural substrates, and one inhibitor. Analysis of molecular interactions in the SbDhr2-ligand complexes revealed the key amino acid residues responsible to stabilize the ligands within the binding pocket through non-bonded interactions and some of them were found to be conserved (Glu239, Tyr381, Trp426, Glu454, Trp511). Reasonably broader substrate specificity of SbDhr2 was explained through the wider entrance passage observed in comparison to SbDhr1.

}, keywords = {beta-Glucosidase, Dhurrinase, Molecular docking, Molecular dynamic simulation, Sorghum bicolor}, issn = {1610-2940}, doi = {10.1007/s00894-015-2730-1}, author = {Mahajan, Chavi and Patel, Krunal and Khan, Bashir Mohammad and Rawal, Shuban S.} } @article { ISI:000354472900015, title = {Influence of cultivar, ripeness, blanching, drying, irradiation, and pectin recovery on alk(en)ylresorcinols in mango peels}, journal = {European Food Research and Technology}, volume = {240}, number = {6}, year = {2015}, month = {JUN}, pages = {1235-1245}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

The influence of different technological treatments on alk(en)ylresorcinol (AR) contents and pattern in mango peels was evaluated using peels from six different mango cultivars. AR concentrations were shown to highly depend on the cultivar. While high AR concentrations were observed in the analyzed monoembryonic cultivars, AR contents in the polyembryonic cultivar Nam Dokmai were significantly lower. Furthermore, for monoembryonic cultivars, AR levels in the peels of ripe fruits were found to be higher than in unripe ones, while AR levels in cv. Nam Dokmai were independent of the ripeness degree. Convective oven drying resulted in a significant reduction in AR contents when compared to lyophilization. Blanching prior to drying diminished AR yields, thus being unsuitable for satisfactory AR recovery. Gamma irradiation did not significantly affect the AR contents. Since depectinization of mango peels significantly concentrated AR amounts in the depectinized pomace, the consecutive extraction of pectin and ARs allows the dual valorization of mango peels. Considering the treatments investigated, the retention of ARs carrying saturated and unsaturated side chains did not differ under acidic conditions, heating, and irradiation, respectively. Consequently, the 1,3-dihydroxybenzene structure was concluded to be the most labile moiety of the AR molecule.

}, keywords = {Alkylresorcinol, By-products, Monoembryonic, Polyembryonic, Pomace, Ultrasound}, issn = {1438-2377}, doi = {10.1007/s00217-015-2426-x}, author = {Geerkens, Christian Hubert and Miller-Rostek, Petra and Matejka, Anna Elisabeth and Nene, Sanjay and Kammerer, Dietmar Rolf and Carle, Reinhold and Schweiggert, Ralf Martin} } @article { ISI:000357869100005, title = {Influence of low-dosage hydrate inhibitors on methane clathrate hydrate formation and dissociation kinetics}, journal = {Energy Technology}, volume = {3}, number = {7, SI}, year = {2015}, month = {JUL}, pages = {717-725}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

This work investigates the effect of low-dosage hydrate inhibitors (LDHIs) on methane hydrate formation and dissociation. The hydrate inhibitors used in this study were the sodium salt of polyacrylic acid, a polysaccharide chitosan, and the linear sulfated polysaccharide i-carrageenan; the inhibiting behavior of these additives were compared with that of the commonly used hydrate inhibitor polyvinylpyrrolidone for methane hydrate formation. A LDHI concentration of 1wt\% was found to increase the induction time relative to that at a LDHI concentration of 0.1wt\%. Chitosan was found to be better than the others in reducing nucleation and the growth rate of the hydrate at a concentration of 1wt\%. At a lower concentration of 0.1wt\%, nucleation inhibition was minimal, however, growth inhibition was significant. The effect of these inhibitors on the decomposition rate of the hydrate was also studied, and the decomposition kinetics at a constant driving force in excess of three-phase equilibrium is reported.

}, keywords = {gas uptake, hydrates, inhibitors, kinetics, thermal stimulation}, issn = {2194-4288}, doi = {10.1002/ente.201500004}, author = {Kumar, Asheesh and Sakpal, Tushar and Kumar, Rajnish} } @article { ISI:000355953200012, title = {Insights into the unfolding pathway and identification of thermally sensitive regions of phytase from aspergillus niger by molecular dynamics simulations}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Modeling}, volume = {21}, number = {6}, year = {2015}, month = {JUN}, pages = {UNSP 163}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Thermal stability is of great importance in the application of commercial phytases. Phytase A (PhyA) is a monomeric protein comprising twelve alpha-helices and ten beta-sheets. Comparative molecular dynamics (MD) simulations (at 310, 350, 400, and 500 K) revealed that the thermal stability of PhyA from Aspergillus niger (A. niger) is associated with its conformational rigidity. The most thermally sensitive regions were identified as loops 8 (residues 83-106), 10 (161174), 14 (224-230), 17 (306-331), and 24 (442-444), which are present on the surface of the protein. It was observed that solvent-exposed loops denature before or show higher flexibility than buried residues. We observed that PhyA begins to unfold at loops 8 and 14, which further extends to loop 24 at the C-terminus. The intense movement of loop 8 causes the helix H2 and beta-sheet B3 to fluctuate at high temperature. The high flexibility of the H2, H10, and H12 helices at high temperature resulted in complete denaturation. The high mobility of loop 14 easily transfers to the adjacent helices H7, H8, and H9, which fluctuate and partially unfold at high temperature (500 K). It was also observed that the salt bridges Asp110-Lys149, Asp205-Lys277, Asp335-Arg136, Asp416-Arg420, and Glu387-Arg400 are important influences on the structural stability but not the thermostability, as the lengths of these salt bridges did not increase with rising temperature. The salt bridges Glu125-Arg163, Asp299-Arg136, Asp266-Arg219, Asp339-Lys278, Asp335-Arg136, and Asp424-Arg428 are all important for thermostability, as the lengths of these bridges increased dramatically with increasing temperature. Here, for the first time, we have computationally identified the thermolabile regions of PhyA, and this information could be used to engineer novel thermostable phytases. Numerous homologous phytases of fungal as well as bacterial origin are known, and these homologs show high sequence similarity. Our findings could prove useful in attempts to increase the thermostability of homologous phytases via protein engineering.

}, keywords = {Conformational dynamics, Molecular dynamics simulations, PhytaseA, Structurally weak regions, Thermostability}, issn = {1610-2940}, doi = {10.1007/s00894-015-2696-z}, author = {Kumar, Kapil and Patel, Krunal and Agrawal, Dinesh C. and Khire, Jayant Malhar} } @article { ISI:000353289100023, title = {Interesting viscosity changes in the aqueous urea-ionic liquid system: effect of alkyl chain length attached to the cationic ring of an ionic liquid}, journal = {Journal of Solution Chemistry}, volume = {44}, number = {3-4, SI}, year = {2015}, month = {APR}, pages = {742-753}, publisher = {SPRINGER/PLENUM PUBLISHERS}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

In the present article, we demonstrate the effect of urea on the structure of the ionic liquids in their aqueous solutions through viscometric methods. We unravel the structure altering effect of urea in its aqueous solutions of ionic liquids possessing higher alkyl chains. The finding is an attempt to discern the anomalous behavior of urea as shown in the past with the help of many techniques. Interestingly, in the aqueous solutions of the imidazolium based ionic liquids having substitution of -C4H9 and -C6H13 groups on the imidazolium ring, urea exhibits kosmotropic behavior. Further increase in the substituted alkyl group such as -C8H17 alters the urea behavior to be chaotropic.

}, keywords = {Alkyl chain length, ionic liquids, Structure-breaker, Structure-maker, Urea, viscosity}, issn = {0095-9782}, doi = {10.1007/s10953-015-0320-6}, author = {Nanda, Raju and Rai, Gitanjali and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000361190200026, title = {Intramolecular cyclization of carbonate and thiocarbonate derivatives of myo-inositol in the solid state: implications for acyl group transfer reactions in molecular crystals}, journal = {Chemistry-A European Journal}, volume = {21}, number = {39}, year = {2015}, month = {SEP}, pages = {13676-13682}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {POSTFACH 101161, 69451 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Racemic 4-O-phenoxycarbonyl and 4-O-phenoxythiocarbonyl derivatives of myo-inositol orthoformate undergo thermal intramolecular cyclization in the solid state to yield the corresponding 4,6-bridged carbonates and thiocarbonates, respectively. The thermal cyclization also occurs in the solution and molten states, but less efficiently, suggesting that these cyclization reactions are aided by molecular pre-organization, although not strictly topochemically controlled. Crystal structures of two carbonates and a thiocarbonate clearly revealed that the relative orientation of the electrophile and the nucleophile in the crystal lattice facilitates the intramolecular cyclization reaction and forbids the intermolecular reaction. The correlation observed between the chemical reactivity and the non-covalent interactions in the crystal of the reactants provides a way to estimate the chemical stability of analogous molecules in the solid state.

}, keywords = {crystal engineering, cyclitols, inositols, nucleophilic substitution, solid-phase synthesis}, issn = {0947-6539}, doi = {10.1002/chem.201501480}, author = {Tamboli, Majid I. and Shashidhar, Mysore S. and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Krishnaswamy, Shobhana} } @article { ISI:000351354000028, title = {Investigation of antiglycation activity of isoprenaline}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {5}, number = {32}, year = {2015}, month = {MAR}, pages = {25051-25058}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are implicated in pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications. In this study, we report the ability of isoprenaline to inhibit the AGE modification of protein by fluorescence spectroscopy and western blotting. Isoprenaline was more effective in inhibiting AGE modification than aminoguanidine, a well known glycation inhibitor. Further, we show that isoprenaline inhibits at Amadori product formation during glycation reaction by various techniques such as MALDI-TOF-MS, LC-MS/MS, and fructosamine assay. Mass spectrometric analysis of the glycation reaction mixture incubated with isoprenaline suggested that it forms adducts with glucose and thus inhibits glycation. The finding of the additional property of isoprenaline of inhibiting glycation suggests that it is a potential candidate for drug repositioning for the treatment of diabetes and its complications, as it is an FDA approved drug.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c5ra01723h}, author = {Kolekar, Yogesh M. and Vannuruswamy, Garikapati and Bansode, Sneha B. and Santhakumari, B. and Thulasiram, Hirekodathakallu V. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @article { ISI:000347895500008, title = {Investigation of phosphoproteome in RAGE signaling}, journal = {Proteomics}, volume = {15}, number = {2-3, SI}, year = {2015}, month = {JAN}, pages = {245-259}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is one of the most important proteins implicated in diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. It is a pattern recognition receptor by virtue of its ability to interact with multiple ligands, RAGE activates several signal transduction pathways through involvement of various kinases that phosphorylate their respective substrates. Only few substrates have been known to be phosphorylated in response to activation by RAGE (e.g., nuclear factor kappa B); however, it is possible that these kinases can phosphorylate multiple substrates depending upon their expression and localization, leading to altered cellular responses in different cell types and conditions. One such example is, glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta which is known to phosphorylate glycogen synthase, acts downstream to RAGE, and hyperphosphorylates microtubule-associated protein tau causing neuronal damage. Thus, it is important to understand the role of various RAGE-activated kinases and their substrates. Therefore, we have reviewed here the details of RAGE-activated kinases in response to different ligands and their respective phosphoproteome. Furthermore, we discuss the analysis of the data mined for known substrates of these kinases from the PhosphoSitePlus (http://www.phosphosite.org) database, and the role of some of the important substrates involved in cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. In summary, this review provides information on RAGE-activated kinases and their phosphoproteome, which will be helpful in understanding the possible role of RAGE and its ligands in progression of diseases.

}, keywords = {Cell biology, Disease, Glycation, Kinase, Phosphoproteome, RAGE}, issn = {1615-9853}, doi = {10.1002/pmic.201400169}, author = {Batkulwar, Kedar B. and Bansode, Sneha B. and Patil, Gouri V. and Godbole, Rashmi K. and Kazi, Rubina S. and Chinnathambi, Subashchandrabose and Shanmugam, Dhanasekaran and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @article { ISI:000352668900015, title = {Investigation of the effect of amino acid chirality in the internucleoside linker on DNA:DNA and DNA : RNA duplex stability}, journal = {Tetrahedron}, volume = {71}, number = {16}, year = {2015}, month = {APR}, pages = {2442-2449}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Enzymatically and chemically stable amide-linked di/oligonucleosides are highly desired synthetic targets in which the phosphodiester linkages in native DNA are replaced by amide linkers of appropriate length and stereochemistry. The five-atom amide-linked dimers, synthesized from 3{\textquoteright}-amino-3{\textquoteright}-deoxy thymidine, (alpha-(L/D) proline/prochiral glycine and thymidine/uridine-4{\textquoteright}carboxylic acid derivatives, were incorporated into the DNA backbone to achieve partial replacement of selected phosphodiester linkages. The results stressed the importance of the chirality of linker amino acid. D-Proline was found to be the most compatible as an internucleoside linker in the DNA backbone to stabilize the complexes with DNA or RNA as compared to L-proline and glycine. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {alpha-Amino acid, Chiral amide linkage, DNA, Five-atom amide linkage, L/D-Proline}, issn = {0040-4020}, doi = {10.1016/j.tet.2015.02.042}, author = {Seema Bagmare and Gunjal, Anita D. and Kumar, Vaijayanti A.} } @article { ISI:000357723600001, title = {Isolation, characterization and antifungal docking studies of wortmannin isolated from penicillium radicum}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {5}, year = {2015}, month = {JUL}, pages = {Article Number: 11948}, publisher = {NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP}, address = {MACMILLAN BUILDING, 4 CRINAN ST, LONDON N1 9XW, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

During the search for a potent antifungal drug, a cell-permeable metabolite was isolated from a soil isolate taxonomically identified as Penicillium radicum. The strain was found to be a potent antifungal agent. Production conditions of the active compound were optimized and the active compound was isolated, purified, characterized and identified as a phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor, commonly known as wortmannin (Wtmn). This is very first time we are reporting the production of Wtmn from P. radicum. In addition to its previously discovered anticancer properties, the broad spectrum antifungal property of Wtmn was re-confirmed using various fungal strains. Virtual screening was performed through molecular docking studies against potential antifungal targets, and it was found that Wtmn was predicted to impede the actions of these targets more efficiently than known antifungal compounds such as voriconazole and nikkomycin i.e. 1) mevalonate-5-diphosphate decarboxylase (1FI4), responsible for sterol/isoprenoid biosynthesis; 2) exocyst complex component SEC3 (3A58) where Rho-and phosphoinositide-dependent localization is present and 3) Kre2p/Mnt1p a Golgi alpha1,2-mannosyltransferase (1S4N) involved in the biosynthesis of yeast cell wall glycoproteins). We conclude that Wtmn produced from P. radicum is a promising lead compound which could be potentially used as an efficient antifungal drug in the near future after appropriate structural modifications to reduce toxicity and improve stability.

}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/srep11948}, author = {Singh, Vineeta and Praveen, Vandana and Tripathi, Divya and Haque, Shafiul and Somvanshi, Pallavi and Katti, S. B. and Tripathi, C. K. M.} } @article { ISI:000346188400085, title = {Kinetic and mechanistic investigations of the Baylis-Hillman reaction in ionic liquids}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {5}, number = {4}, year = {2015}, month = {NOV}, pages = {2994-3004}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We report here a quantitative study of the kinetics and mechanism of the Baylis-Hillman reaction in the presence of ionic liquids as solvent media. Apparently, a simple Baylis-Hillman reaction can occur by two different exclusive mechanisms in ionic liquids. The delicate balance of these mechanisms is maintained by the ionic environment employed. The main features of the possible mechanism have been described here along with interesting kinetic consequences. The measurement of rate constants and activation energy parameters demonstrate that as the medium becomes basic, the order of the reaction changes from 1 to 2. An unexpected change in the mechanism of the reaction is observed with a change in the nature of the ionic liquid. The Linear Solvation Energy Relationship has also been used as an investigating tool to delineate the respective contributions of the cation and anion of the ionic liquid. The observation strongly dictates the dependency of the mechanism of the Baylis-Hillman reaction on the nature of the anion of the ionic liquids undertaken for this study.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c4ra14764b}, author = {Singh, Anshu and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000362662100024, title = {Layer-separated MoS2 bearing reduced graphene oxide formed by an in situ intercalation-cum-anchoring route mediated by Co(OH)(2) as a Pt-free electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction}, journal = {Nanoscale}, volume = {7}, number = {40}, year = {2015}, month = {SEP}, pages = {16729-16736}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A significant improvement in the electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity of molybdenum sulphide (MoS2) could be accomplished by its layer separated dispersion on graphene mediated by cobalt hydroxide (Co(OH)(2)) through a hydrothermal process (Co(OH)(2)-MoS2/rGO). The activity make-over in this case is found to be originated from a controlled interplay of the favourable modulations achieved in terms of electrical conductivity, more exposure of the edge planes of MoS2 and a promotional role played by the coexistence of Co(OH)(2) in the proximity of MoS2. Co(OH)(2)-MoS2/rGO displays an oxygen reduction onset potential of 0.855 V and a half wave potential (E-1/2) of 0.731 V vs. RHE in 0.1 M KOH solution, which are much higher than those of the corresponding values (0.708 and 0.349 V, respectively) displayed by the as synthesized pristine MoS2 (P-MoS2) under identical experimental conditions. The Tafel slope corresponding to oxygen reduction for Co(OH)(2)-MoS2/rGO is estimated to be 63 mV dec(-1) compared to 68 mV dec(-1) displayed by the state-of-the-art Pt/C catalyst. The estimated number of electrons transferred during oxygen reduction for Co(OH)(2)-MoS2/rGO is in the range of 3.2-3.6 in the potential range of 0.77 V to 0.07 V, which again stands out as valid evidence on the much favourable mode of oxygen reduction accomplished by the system compared to its pristine counterpart. Overall, the present study, thus, demonstrates a viable strategy of tackling the inherent limitations, such as low electrical conductivity and limited access to the active sites, faced by the layered structures like MoS2 to position them among the group of potential Pt-free electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction.

}, issn = {2040-3364}, doi = {10.1039/c5nr04415d}, author = {Illathvalappil, Rajith and Unni, SreeKuttan M. and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article { ISI:000368224600009, title = {Lithium-assisted proton conduction at 150 degrees C in a microporous triazine-phenol polymer}, journal = {Advanced Materials Interfaces}, volume = {2}, number = {16}, year = {2015}, month = {NOV}, pages = {1500301}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, keywords = {conduction, hydrophobic polar frameworks, lithiated polymers, proton conduction, triazine-phenol polymers}, issn = {2196-7350}, doi = {10.1002/admi.201500301}, author = {Nandi, Shyamapada and Dhavale, Vishal M. and Shalini, Sorout and Werner-Zwanziger, Ulrike and Singh, Harpreet and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Vaidhyanathan, Ramanathan} } @article { ISI:000356515600001, title = {Long chain branched impact copolymer of polypropylene: microstructure and rheology}, journal = {Polymer Engineering and Science}, volume = {55}, number = {7}, year = {2015}, month = {JUL}, pages = {1463-1474}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

A biphasic impact copolymer of polypropylene (ICP) was modified with peroxide by reactive extrusion process resulting in reduced melt flow index, improved melt strength, and higher die swell. The polymers were for the first time subjected to systematic rheological and microstructural characterization in an effort to understand their structure-property relations. In shear rheological tests, the modified ICP displayed higher flow activation energy, reduced values of loss tangent and nearly equal frequency dependence of storage and loss modulli. The modified ICP also showed strain hardening behaviour in uniaxial extensional rheology and higher crystallization temperature in differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). All these are definitive indications of the presence of long chain branches (LCB). Fitting the rheological data of modified ICPs with the eXtended Pom Pom (XPP) model indicated the presence of LCB on the higher molecular weight fraction in the polymer, a result which was corroborated with multi-detector high temperature gel permeation chromatography (HT-GPC). More importantly, the matrix and rubber phases of the ICP were separately characterized for presence of long chain branching by rheology, DSC and HT-GPC. The results indicate that while LCB existed in the matrix phase, microgels were present in both phases indicating that the reaction with peroxide occurred in both phases. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:1463-1474, 2015. (c) 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers

}, issn = {0032-3888}, doi = {10.1002/pen.23993}, author = {Chikhalikar, Kalyani and Deshpande, Anushree and Pol, Harshawardhan and Dhoble, Deepa Arun and Jha, Saroj and Jadhav, Kishor and Mahajan, Sunil and Ahmad, Zubair and Kulkarni, Surendra and Gupta, Surendra and Lele, Ashish K.} } @article {45879, title = {Low surface energy plane exposed co3o4 nanocubes supported on nitrogen-doped graphene as an electrocatalyst for efficient water oxidation}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {7}, year = {2015}, month = {JAN }, pages = {442-451}, type = {Article}, issn = {1944-8244}, doi = {10.1021/am506450c}, author = {Singh, Santosh K. and Dhavale, Vishal M. and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article { ISI:000351137600009, title = {Male biased gene flow in banana pseudostem weevil (Odoiporus longicollis Oliver) as revealed by analysis of the COI-tRNA(Leu) COII region}, journal = {Genetica}, volume = {143}, number = {1}, year = {2015}, month = {FEB}, pages = {85-92}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The genetic diversity amongst thirty weevils representing six Indian populations of banana pseudostem weevil i.e. Odoiporus longicollis (Oliver) was estimated by sequence analysis of the partial COI-tRNA(Leu)-COII region. The sequences exhibited AT bias typical of insect mitochondrial DNA which was highest in the first codon position of COI and in the third codon position of COII. There was no phylogeographic distribution of the populations. The Fu and Li{\textquoteright}s D and F tests were non-significant for this mitochondrial region. No Wolbachia infection was detected in any of the populations. The genetic differentiation amongst the populations was highly significant (p \< 0.001; chi(2) = 123.333; df = 75), suggesting restricted gene flow between the populations. This result did not correlate with that obtained with nuclear rDNA markers i.e. ITS1 and ITS2, suggesting a male biased gene flow between the populations.

}, keywords = {Banana pseudostem weevil, COI-tRNA(Leu) -COII, Genetic differentiation, Male biased gene flow, Odoiporus longicollis (Oliver)}, issn = {0016-6707}, doi = {10.1007/s10709-015-9817-6}, author = {Shankar, Pallavi and Kulkarni, Vishvas M. and Kumar, Lalitha Sunil} } @article { ISI:000364057000083, title = {Mechanistic insight into the biomilling of goethite (alpha-FeO(OH)) nanorods using the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {5}, number = {111}, year = {2015}, month = {OCT}, pages = {91785-91794}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Since the last decade, eco-friendly routes for the synthesis of nanostructured materials of various types and functionalities have been a topic of enormous interest in the field of nanotechnology. The primary work in this field started with the {\textquoteleft}bottom-up{\textquoteright} microbial synthesis of nanoparticles, however, the bioleaching potential of microbes was initially overlooked in this research. The bioleaching process is useful especially where the synthesis of particles with size \< 10 nm is challenging. In the present work, the mechanistic insight of biomilling for a gradual transformation of anisotropic alpha-FeO(OH) rod-shaped particles into isotropic nanoparticles below 10 nm size has been explored using detailed UV-vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic studies which suggest that the aquo group present at the alpha-FeO(OH) surface may provide the site for interaction with carboxyl ions of protein molecules which results in the formation of a stable coordination compound with Fe3+ ions. This will create a new Fe3+ ion on the surface of the lattice which leads to the repetition of the process of protein complexation with Fe3+ ions and dissociation of the complex from the lattice that causes the fragmentation of bigger nanoparticles into protein functionalized smaller nanoparticles.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c5ra16951h}, author = {Sharan, Chandrashekhar and Khandelwal, Puneet and Poddar, Pankaj} } @article { ISI:000360934400006, title = {MegaMiner: a tool for lead identification through text mining using chemoinformatics tools and cloud computing environment}, journal = {Combinatorial Chemistry \& High Throughput Screening}, volume = {18}, number = {6}, year = {2015}, month = {JAN}, pages = {591-603}, publisher = {BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBL LTD}, address = {EXECUTIVE STE Y-2, PO BOX 7917, SAIF ZONE, 1200 BR SHARJAH, U ARAB EMIRATES}, abstract = {

Virtual screening is an indispensable tool to cope with the massive amount of data being tossed by the high throughput omics technologies. With the objective of enhancing the automation capability of virtual screening process a robust portal termed MegaMiner has been built using the cloud computing platform wherein the user submits a text query and directly accesses the proposed lead molecules along with their drug-like, lead-like and docking scores. Textual chemical structural data representation is fraught with ambiguity in the absence of a global identifier. We have used a combination of statistical models, chemical dictionary and regular expression for building a disease specific dictionary. To demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach, a case study on malaria has been carried out in the present work. MegaMiner offered superior results compared to other text mining search engines, as established by F score analysis. A single query term {\textquoteleft}malaria{\textquoteright} in the portlet led to retrieval of related PubMed records, protein classes, drug classes and 8000 scaffolds which were internally processed and filtered to suggest new molecules as potential anti-malarials. The results obtained were validated by docking the virtual molecules into relevant protein targets. It is hoped that MegaMiner will serve as an indispensable tool for not only identifying hidden relationships between various biological and chemical entities but also for building better corpus and ontologies.

}, keywords = {Chemoinformatics, cloud computing, malaria, text mining, virtual screening}, issn = {1386-2073}, doi = {10.2174/1386207318666150703113525}, author = {Karthikeyan, Muthukumarasamy and Pandit, Yogesh and Pandit, Deepak and Vyas, Renu} } @article { ISI:000355702900052, title = {Mesoporous TUD-1 supported indium oxide nanoparticles for epoxidation of styrene using molecular O-2}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {5}, number = {58}, year = {2015}, month = {MAY}, pages = {46850-46860}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Activation of molecular O-2 by metal or metal oxide nanoparticles is an area of recent research interest. In this work, for the first time, we report that indium oxide nanoparticles of \<3 nm size dispersed on mesoporous silica (TUD-1) can activate molecular O-2 and produce styrene epoxide with a selectivity of 60\% and styrene conversion around 25\% under mild conditions. It is found that neither indium oxide nor TUD-1 themselves respond to the styrene epoxidation reaction. The computational studies provide evidence that an oxygen molecule is highly polarized when it is located near the interface of both surfaces. The kinetic study shows that the reaction is of pseudo-first order and that the activation energy for styrene conversion is 12.138 kJ mol(-1). The catalysts are recyclable for up to four regeneration steps, with the styrene conversion and styrene epoxide selectivity almost unchanged.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c5ra03400k}, author = {Rahman, Sumbul and Farooqui, Saleem A. and Rai, Aditya and Kumar, Rawesh and Santra, Chiranjit and Prabhakaran, Vinod C. and Bhadu, Gopala Ram and Sen, Debasis and Mazumder, S. and Maity, Sudip and Sinha, Anil K. and Chowdhury, Biswajit} } @article { ISI:000357438200013, title = {Metabolic profiling of chickpea-Fusarium interaction identifies differential modulation of disease resistance pathways}, journal = {Phytochemistry}, volume = {116}, year = {2015}, month = {AUG}, pages = {120-129}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Chickpea is the third most widely grown legume in the world and mainly used as a vegetarian source of human dietary protein. Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri (Foc), is one of the major threats to global chickpea production. Host resistance is the best way to protect crops from diseases; however, in spite of using various approaches, the mechanism of Foc resistance in chickpea remains largely obscure. In the present study, non-targeted metabolic profiling at several time points of resistant and susceptible chickpea cultivars using high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was applied to better understand the mechanistic basis of wilt resistance or susceptibility. Multivariate analysis of the data (OPLS-DA) revealed discriminating metabolites in chickpea root tissue after Foc inoculation such as flavonoids, isoflavonoids, alkaloids, amino acids and sugars. Foc inoculated resistant plants had more flavonoids and isoflavonoids along with their malonyl conjugates. Many antifungal metabolites that were induced after Foc infection viz, aurantion-obstine beta-glucosides and querecitin were elevated in resistant cultivar. Overall, diverse genetic and biochemical mechanisms were operational in the resistant cultivar for Foc defense as compared to the susceptible plant. The resistant chickpea plants employed the above-mentioned metabolic pathways as potential defense strategy against Foc. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Chickpea, Fusarium wilt, LC-MS, Metabolomics, OPLS-DA, Phytoalexin}, issn = {0031-9422}, doi = {10.1016/j.phytochem.2015.04.001}, author = {Kumar, Yashwant and Dholakia, Bhushan B. and Panigrahi, Priyabrata and Kadoo, Narendra Y. and Giri, Ashok P. and Gupta, Vidya S.} } @article { ISI:000359067400013, title = {Methane hydrate formation in a test sediment of sand and clay at various levels of water saturation}, journal = {Canadian Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {93}, number = {8, 1, SI}, year = {2015}, month = {AUG}, pages = {874-881}, publisher = {CANADIAN SCIENCE PUBLISHING, NRC RESEARCH PRESS}, address = {65 AURIGA DR, SUITE 203, OTTAWA, ON K2E 7W6, CANADA}, abstract = {

Kinetics of methane hydrate formation with different ratios of silica sand and clay and different water saturations were studied. At suitable temperature and methane gas pressure, water in the void spaces of silica sand packing and intercalated area of clay were converted into hydrate. It was observed that the rate of hydrate formation increases with higher void space in the packing, and addition of clay in test sediment decreases water to hydrate conversion as well as rate of hydrate formation. Maximum water to hydrate conversion of 60.0\% was achieved in pure silica sand bed at 75\% water saturation. Presence of fine clay particles is expected to reduce the void spaces and thus may hinder effective mass transfer of hydrate forming gases in the bed. However, it is also possible that the bentonite clay used in this work may actually inhibit hydrate growth. Additional experiments in stirred tank reactor were carried out to understand the inhibiting effect of bentonite clay for hydrate formation.

}, keywords = {clay, formation kinetics, methane hydrate, Silica sand, water saturation}, issn = {0008-4042}, doi = {10.1139/cjc-2014-0537}, author = {Kumar, Asheesh and Sakpal, Tushar and Roy, Sudip and Kumar, Rajnish} } @article { ISI:000364521100015, title = {Microbial selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) and their application as a sensitive hydrogen peroxide biosensor}, journal = {Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology}, volume = {177}, number = {6}, year = {2015}, month = {NOV}, pages = {1386-1393}, publisher = {HUMANA PRESS INC}, address = {999 RIVERVIEW DRIVE SUITE 208, TOTOWA, NJ 07512 USA}, abstract = {

The cell-free extract, a crude enzyme (cytosolic and membrane fraction) obtained from an environmental isolate, Bacillus pumilus sp. BAB-3706 worked as excellent in reducing as well as stabilizing agent and facilitated the formation of stable colloidal selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs). Resulting nanoparticles were characterized using UV-vis spectrophotometer, TEM, EDAX, FT-IR and XRD, respectively. A working electrode was modified by coating the surface of indium tin oxide (ITO) with colloidal SeNPs. Successive additions of H2O2 (100 to 600 mu M) in conventional three electrodes system, cyclic voltammeter with potential scan rate 25.0 mV/s, in 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution (PBS) yielded increase in current. A perpetual amperometric response at fixed potential (-1.0 V) and at selected time interval of 100 s showed different magnitude of current at every addition of H2O2. The linear range of detection of H2O2 was from 5 to 600 mM (R (2) = 0.9965), while the calculated limit of detection was found to be 3.00 mu M. The current study suggested that microbial SeNPs can be used for fabrication of low cost, sensitive H2O2 biosensor.

}, keywords = {Biosensor, EDAX, Hydrogen peroxide, Selenium nanoparticles, TEM, UV-vis spectroscopy}, issn = {0273-2289}, doi = {10.1007/s12010-015-1814-9}, author = {Prasad, Kumar Suranjit and Vaghasiya, Jayraj V. and Soni, Saurabh S. and Patel, Jitesh and Patel, Rinkesh and Kumari, Madhu and Jasmani, Falguni and Selvaraj, Kaliaperumal} } @article { ISI:000361312700001, title = {Micro-structural analysis of NiFe2O4 nanoparticles synthesized by thermal plasma route and its suitability for BSA adsorption}, journal = {Journal of Materials Science-Materials in Medicine}, volume = {26}, number = {8}, year = {2015}, month = {AUG}, pages = {216}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The paper presents the experimental studies pertaining to the adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) on the nanoparticles of nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) with a view of correlating the adsorption properties to their microstructure and zeta potentials. Physical properties of two kinds of nickel ferrites, one synthesized by thermal plasma route and the other by chemical co-precipitation method, are compared. Maximum adsorption (231.57 lg/mg) of BSA onto nickel ferrite nanoparticles, at body temperature (37 degrees C) was observed at pH-value of 5.58 for the thermal plasma synthesized particles showing its higher adsorption capacity than those synthesized by wet chemical means (178.71 mu g/mg). Under the same physical conditions the value of zeta potential, obtained for the former, was higher than that of the latter over a wide range of pH values (3.64-9.66). This is attributed to the differences in the specific surface energies of the two kinds of nanoparticles arising from the degree of crystallinity. The paper presents the experimental evidence for the single crystalline nature of the individual nanoparticles, with mean size of 32 nm, for the thermal plasma synthesized particles as evidenced from the high resolution transmission electron microscopy and electron diffraction analysis. The measurements also reveal the poor crystalline morphology in the chemically prepared particles (mean size of 28 nm) although the X-ray diffraction patterns are not much different. The atomic force microscopy images confirm that the surfaces of plasma synthesized nanoparticles possesses higher surface roughness than that of chemically synthesized one. Presence of adsorbed protein was confirmed by vibrational spectroscopy. The Langmuir adsorption model is found to fit into the experimental data better than the Freundlich adsorption model.

}, issn = {0957-4530}, doi = {10.1007/s10856-015-5547-7}, author = {Bhosale, Shivaji V. and Kanhe, Nilesh S. and Bhoraskar, S. V. and Bhat, Suresh K. and Bulakhe, Ravindra N. and Shim, Jae-Jin and Mathe, Vikas L.} } @article { ISI:000351435100014, title = {Microwave-assisted synthesis of few-layered TaTe2 and its application as supercapacitor}, journal = {European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry}, number = {9}, year = {2015}, month = {MAR}, pages = {1598-1603}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

We report a simple and rapid microwave-assisted synthesis of tantalum telluride (TaTe2) nanosheets. The ratio of tantalum pentachloride (TaCl5) and elemental tellurium (Te) powder were adjusted in the presence of NaBH4 in such a way as to obtain the TaTe2 nanosheet. The samples were characterized by various techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), UV/Vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, and XRD. Our SEM, TEM, and AFM results show the formation of sheet-like morphology, while the XRD data confirms the high crystalline quality and stable phase of the TaTe2 formed. The supercapacitor cells were fabricated by using TaTe2 nanosheets as anode material, platinum metal wire as a counterelectrode, and Ag/AgCl as reference electrode. The calculated coulombic efficiency is more than 95\%, while the cycle-to-cycle decrease in capacity is less than 5\%. The maximum discharge or charging capacity is below 2.4 Wh/kg, which is an ideal characteristic for achieving supercapacitor behavior.

}, keywords = {Microwave chemistry, Nanostructures, Supercapacitors, Tantalum, Tellurium}, issn = {1434-1948}, doi = {10.1002/ejic.201403220}, author = {Chakravarty, Disha and Kumar, Praveen and Ugale, Vaishali S. and Late, Dattatray J.} } @article { ISI:000362919100021, title = {Mild regiospecific alcoholysis and aminolysis of epoxides catalyzed by zirconium(IV) oxynitrate}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {56}, number = {43}, year = {2015}, month = {OCT}, pages = {5916-5919}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A regiospecific method for the ring-opening reaction of epoxides by the primary, secondary, tertiary alcohols, and aryl, aliphatic amines has been developed using non-toxic metal nitrate salt as a catalyst. The best results were obtained using zirconium(IV) oxynitrate among the various screened metal nitrate salts. The reported protocol works efficiently for styrene epoxide and aliphatic as well. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Alcoholysis, Aminolysis, Epoxide, Lewis acid, Zirconia}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2015.09.031}, author = {Shinde, Sandip S. and Said, Madhukar S. and Surwase, Trupti B. and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000362749100016, title = {Modular synthesis of biaryl-substituted phosphine ligands: application in microwave-assisted palladium-catalyzed C-N cross-coupling reactions}, journal = {European Journal of Organic Chemistry}, number = {29}, year = {2015}, month = {OCT}, pages = {6515-6525}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {POSTFACH 101161, 69451 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Biaryl-substituted monophosphine-based ligands have been synthesized by transition-metal-free ARYNE cross-coupling reaction of aryllithiums with 1,2-dibromobenzene and subsequent regioselective functionalization through bromine-lithium interconversion. These ligands were employed in palladium-catalyzed C-N bond-forming reactions. The reaction was found to be general with wide substrate applicability. A wide variety of both primary and secondary amines were successfully coupled with an array of differently substituted halobenzenes under microwave irradiation to give the expected products in good to excellent yields. A number of biaryl-substituted phosphine ligands screened for the coupling reaction showed that steric bulk and the electronic properties of substituents on phosphorus play a crucial role in governing the catalytic activity of C-N cross-coupling reactions.

}, keywords = {Biaryls, Cross-coupling, Homogeneous catalysis, Microwave chemistry, Palladium, Phosphines, synthetic methods}, issn = {1434-193X}, doi = {10.1002/ejoc.201500962}, author = {Singh, Chandani and Rathod, Jayant and Jha, Vishwajeet and Panossian, Armen and Kumar, Pradeep and Leroux, Frederic R.} } @article { ISI:000351933600106, title = {Molecular dynamics study of model SI clathrate hydrates: the effect of guest size and guest-water interaction on decomposition kinetics}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics}, volume = {17}, number = {14}, year = {2015}, month = {FEB}, pages = {9509-9518}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

One of the options suggested for methane recovery from natural gas hydrates is molecular replacement of methane by suitable guests like CO2 and N-2. This approach has been found to be feasible through many experimental and molecular dynamics simulation studies. However, the long term stability of the resultant hydrate needs to be evaluated; the decomposition rate of these hydrates is expected to depend on the interaction between these guest and water molecules. In this work, molecular dynamics simulation has been performed to illustrate the effect of guest molecules with different sizes and interaction strengths with water on structure I (SI) hydrate decomposition and hence the stability. The van der Waals interaction between water of hydrate cages and guest molecules is defined by Lennard Jones potential parameters. A wide range of parameter spaces has been scanned by changing the guest molecules in the SI hydrate, which acts as a model gas for occupying the small and large cages of the SI hydrate. All atomistic simulation results show that the stability of the hydrate is sensitive to the size and interaction of the guest molecules with hydrate water. The increase in the interaction of guest molecules with water stabilizes the hydrate, which in turn shows a slower rate of hydrate decomposition. Similarly guest molecules with a reasonably small (similar to Helium) or large size increase the decomposition rate. The results were also analyzed by calculating the structural order parameter to understand the dynamics of crystal structure and correlated with the release rate of guest molecules from the solid hydrate phase. The results have been explained based on the calculation of potential energies felt by guest molecules in amorphous water, hydrate bulk and hydrate-water interface regions.

}, issn = {1463-9076}, doi = {10.1039/c5cp00678c}, author = {Das, Subhadip and Baghel, Vikesh Singh and Roy, Sudip and Kumar, Rajnish} } @article { ISI:000363167000007, title = {Molecular Fe-complex as a catalyst probe for in-gel visual detection of proteins via signal amplification}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {51}, number = {83}, year = {2015}, month = {JUL}, pages = {15257-15260}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We report the use of a molecular peroxidase mimic biuret-Fe-TAML for chemoselective labeling of proteins and the subsequent visual detection (\<0.1 pmoles) of the conjugate in a polyacrylamide gel by catalytic signal amplification. Use of this probe in activity based protein profiling (ABPP) of serine proteases is also demonstrated.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c5cc04399a}, author = {Kumari, Sushma and Panda, Chakadola and Mazumdar, Shyamalava and Sen Gupta, Sayam} } @article { ISI:000362436800075, title = {Mono- and binuclear palladacycles via regioselective C-H bond activation: syntheses, mechanistic insights and catalytic activity in direct arylation of azoles}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {5}, number = {99}, year = {2015}, month = {SEP}, pages = {81502-81514}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

{Regioselective C-H bond palladation of the hybrid pincer-type ligands, 3-R2PO-C6H4-1-(CH2NPr2)-Pr-i [(POCNiPr2)-P-R2-H; R = Ph (1a)

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c5ra18289a}, author = {Pandey, Dilip K. and Khake, Shrikant M. and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Punji, Benudhar} } @article { ISI:000363068400047, title = {Multifaceted thermodynamics of Pb-n (n=16-24) clusters: a case study}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {119}, number = {41}, year = {2015}, month = {OCT}, pages = {23698-23707}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Thermodynamic response of small clusters is a challenging area of exploration, both experimentally and theoretically. In this article, we study the thermodynamic behavior of small Pb clusters (size 16-24) using Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamics. A new ground state structure is reported for Pb-20. Except for Pb-21, all clusters fragment at temperatures above T-m[bulk] and show no signs of melting. Characteristic behavior like restricted diffusion and solid solid transition is discussed in detail. Variation in the isomerization temperature of these clusters is explained using the bond length analysis. Root mean square bond length fluctuations (delta(rms)) along with distribution of atoms about center of mass of the cluster as a function of time and distance-energy (DE) plots are used to bring out the essential features of Pb cluster thermodynamics. Analysis carried out using these parameters, and their interpretation regarding state of the system, are discussed in detail. We highlight that it is not possible to define {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}liquid state{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} for these small clusters, in the conventional frame of understanding.

}, issn = {1932-7447}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpcc.5b05250}, author = {Susan, Anju and Kaware, Vaibhav and Joshi, Kavita} } @article { ISI:000344474900030, title = {Multifunctional polyaniline-tin oxide (PANI-SnO2) nanocomposite: synthesis, electrochemical, and field emission investigations}, journal = {Journal of Applied Polymer Science}, volume = {132}, number = {5}, year = {2015}, month = {FEB}, pages = {Article Number: 41401}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

Synthesis of PANI-SnO2 nanocomposite has been performed using a simple two step chemical oxidative polymerization route. The structural, morphological and chemical properties of the as-synthesized PANI-SnO2 nanocomposite have been revealed by various characterization techniques such as SEM, TEM, XRD, FTIR, and XPS. Interestingly the as-synthesized PANI-SnO2 nanocomposite exhibits supercapacitance value of 721 F g(-1) with energy density 64 Wh kg(-1), which is noticed to be higher than that of pristine SnO2 and PANI nanostructures. Furthermore, the galvanostatic charge-discharge characteristics revealed pseudocapacitive nature of the PANI-SnO2 nanocomposite. The estimated values of charge transfer resistance and series resistance estimated from the Nyquist plot are found to be lower. Along with the supercapacitive nature, PANI-SnO2 nanocomposite showed promising field emission behavior. The threshold field, required to draw emission current density of 1 A/cm(2), is observed to be 0.90 V/m and emission current density of 1.2 mA/cm(2) has been drawn at applied field of approximate to 2.6 V/m. The emission current stability investigated at preset values of 0.02 and 0.1 mA/cm(2) is observed to be fairly stable over duration of more than 3 h. The enhanced supercapacitance values, as well as, the promising field emission characteristics are attributed to the synergic effect of SnO2 nanoparticles and PANI nanotubes. (c) 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41401.

}, keywords = {conducting polymers, Electrochemistry, nanostructured polymers, surfaces and interfaces}, issn = {0021-8995}, doi = {10.1002/app.41401}, author = {Patil, Sandip S. and Harpale, Kashmira V. and Koiry, Shankar P. and Patil, Kashinath R. and Aswal, Dinesh K. and More, Mahendra A.} } @article { ISI:000369637800040, title = {Myroides indicus sp nov., isolated from garden soil}, journal = {International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology}, volume = {65}, number = {11}, year = {2015}, month = {NOV}, pages = {4008-4012}, publisher = {SOC GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY}, address = {MARLBOROUGH HOUSE, BASINGSTOKE RD, SPENCERS WOODS, READING RG7 1AG, BERKS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A novel aerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped, catalase-and oxidase-positive bacterial strain, designated UKS3(T), was isolated from garden soil, and subjected to polyphasic taxonomic analysis. Strain UKS3(T) formed whitish, viscous colonies on nutrient agar and was Gram-staining negative. Phylogenetic analysis, based on 16S rRNA gene sequence, showed that maximum pairwise similarity occurs with representatives of the genus Myroides. The most closely related species include Myroides marinus JS-08(T) (92.7 \% sequence similarity), Myroides phaeus MY15(T) (92.7 \%), Myroides odoratus DSM 2801(T) (91.5 \%) and Myroides odoratimimus CCUG 39352(T) (91.4 \%). Strain UKS3(T) contained menaquinone-6 (MK-6) as the major respiratory quinone and iso-C-15 : 0 (40.2 \%), anteiso-C-15 : 0 (9.4 \%) and iso-C-17 : 0 3-OH (8.5 \%) as major fatty acids. Phosphatidylethanolamine, phospholipids and three aminolipids were the major polar lipids. The DNA G + C content of strain UKS3(T) was 36.8 +/- 2.0 mol\%. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular analysis, strain UKS3(T) represents a novel species of the genus Myroides, for which the name Myroides indicus sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is UKS3(T) (= DSM 28213(T) = NCIM 5555(T)).

}, issn = {1466-5026}, doi = {10.1099/ijsem.0.000530}, author = {Ram, Hari and Kumar, Alok and Thomas, Lebin and Dastager, Syed Gulam and Mawlankar, Rahul R. and Singh, Ved Pal} } @article { ISI:000361559700081, title = {N-(3-Aminoalkyl)proline derivatives with potent antigycation activity}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {5}, number = {94}, year = {2015}, month = {SEP}, pages = {77332-77340}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The importance of amino acids in the therapy of conditions such as renal failure, neurological disorders and congenital defects has been documented. Some amino acids such as lysine and glycine have also been reported to have antiglycating activity. Herein we report the synthesis of a new series of N-(3-aminoalkyl)proline derivatives which are non-natural in nature. The compounds were unambiguously characterized by NMR, mass and IR spectroscopy. Their in vitro antiglycation activity was studied by circular dichroism and fluorescence spectrometry. The mechanism of action was also studied and found to take place by inhibition of Amadori product formation. The inhibition of AGE formation was further confirmed by western blot and LC-MS/MS analyses and the IC50 values of the potent compounds were determined. Compounds containing hydroxyl substituents at C4 were found to have superior antiglycation properties than those containing azide substituents at the same position. The compounds were additionally found to possess good anti-oxidant properties, which could lead to further reduction in AGE formation. Moreover, the title compounds were found to have low cytotoxicity in mammalian cells, another important attribute. Thus, the title compounds represent a novel promising class of antiglycating agents.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c5ra12148e}, author = {Chilukuri, Harsha and Kolekar, Yogesh M. and Bhosle, Govind S. and Godbole, Rashmi K. and Kazi, Rubina S. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J. and Fernandes, Moneesha} } @article { ISI:000365530700031, title = {Nanocrystalline Fe-Fe2O3 particle-deposited N-doped graphene as an activity-modulated Pt-free electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction}, journal = {Nanoscale}, volume = {7}, number = {47}, year = {2015}, month = {OCT}, pages = {20117-20125}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The size-controlled growth of nanocrystalline Fe-Fe2O3 particles (2-3 nm) and their concomitant dispersion on N-doped graphene (Fe-Fe2O3/NGr) could be attained when the mutually assisted redox reaction between NGr and Fe3+ ions could be controlled within the aqueous droplets of a water-in-oil emulsion. The synergistic interaction existing between Fe-Fe2O3 and NGr helped the system to narrow down the overpotential for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) by bringing a significant positive shift to the reduction onset potential, which is just 15 mV higher than its Pt-counterpart. In addition, the half-wave potential (E-1/2) of Fe-Fe2O3/NGr is found to be improved by a considerable amount of 135 mV in comparison to the system formed by dispersing Fe-Fe2O3 nanoparticles on reduced graphene oxide (Fe-Fe2O3/RGO), which indicates the presence of a higher number of active sites in Fe-Fe2O3/NGr. Despite this, the ORR kinetics of Fe-Fe2O3/NGr are found to be shifted significantly to the preferred 4-electron-transfer pathway compared to NGr and Fe-Fe2O3/RGO. Consequently, the H2O2\% was found to be reduced by 78.3\% for Fe-Fe2O3/NGr (13.0\%) in comparison to Fe-Fe2O3/RGO (51.2\%) and NGr (41.0\%) at -0.30 V (vs. Hg/HgO). This difference in the yield of H2O2 formed between the systems along with the improvements observed in terms of the oxygen reduction onset and E-1/2 in the case of Fe-Fe2O3/NGr reveals the activity modulation achieved for the latter is due to the coexistence of factors such as the presence of the mixed valancies of iron nanoparticles, small size and homogeneous distribution of Fe-Fe2O3 nanoparticles and the electronic modifications induced by the doped nitrogen in NGr. A controlled interplay of these factors looks like worked favorably in the case of Fe-Fe2O3/NGr. As a realistic system level validation, Fe-Fe2O3/NGr was employed as the cathode electrode of a single cell in a solid alkaline electrolyte membrane fuel cell (AEMFC). The system could display an open circuit voltage (OCV) of 0.73 V and maximum power and current densities of 54.40 mW cm(-2) and 200 mA cm(-2), respectively, which are comparable to the performance characteristics of a similar system derived by using 40 wt\% Pt/C as the cathode electrode.

}, issn = {2040-3364}, doi = {10.1039/c5nr04929f}, author = {Dhavale, Vishal M. and Singh, Santosh K. and Nadeema, Ayasha and Gaikwad, Sachin S. and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article { ISI:000363163200048, title = {Nanostructured 2D MoS2 honeycomb and hierarchical 3D CdMoS4 marigold nanoflowers for hydrogen production under solar light}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry A}, volume = {3}, number = {42}, year = {2015}, month = {SEP}, pages = {21233-21243}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Unique two dimensional (2D) honeycomb layered MoS2 nanostructures and hierarchical 3D marigold nanoflowers of CdMoS4 were designed using a template free and facile solvothermal method. The MoS2 structure is depicted with a sheet like morphology with lateral dimensions of 5-10 mu m and a thickness of similar to 200 nm and a honeycomb nanostructure architecture produced via the self-assembling of vertically grown thin hexagonal nanosheets with a thickness of 2-3 nm. The 3D CdMoS4 marigold nanoflower architecture comprised thin nanopetals with lateral dimensions of 1-2 mu m and a thickness of a few nm. The CdMoS4 and MoS2 structures displayed hydrogen ( H-2) production rates of 25 445 and 12 555 mu mol h(-1) g(-1), respectively. The apparent quantum yields of hydrogen production were observed to be 35.34\% and 17.18\% for CdMoS4 and MoS2, respectively. The 3D nanostructured marigold flowers of CdMoS4 and honeycomb like 2D nanostructure of MoS2 were responsible for higher photocatalytic activity due to inhibition of the charge carrier recombination. The prima facie observation of H-2 production showed that the ternary semiconductor confers enhanced photocatalytic activity for H-2 generation due to its unique structure. Such structures can be designed and implemented in other transition metal dichalcogenide based ternary materials for enhanced photocatalytic and other applications.

}, issn = {2050-7488}, doi = {10.1039/c5ta04617c}, author = {Kadam, Sunil R. and Late, Dattatray J. and Panmand, Rajendra P. and Kulkarni, Milind V. and Nikam, Latesh K. and Gosavi, Suresh W. and Park, Chan J. and Kale, Bharat B.} } @article { ISI:000361532500003, title = {New butenolide cinnamate and other biological active chemical constituents from Polygonum glabrum}, journal = {Natural Product Research}, volume = {29}, number = {22}, year = {2015}, month = {NOV}, pages = {2080-2086}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS LTD}, address = {4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Phytochemical investigation of the methanol extract of the aerial parts of Polygonum glabrum afforded one new natural product (-)-2-methoxy-2-butenolide-3-cinnamate (1) along with six known compounds, -hydroxyfriedalanol (2), 3-hydroxy-5-methoxystilbene (3), (-) pinocembrin (4), sitosterol-(6-O-palmitoyl)-3-O{\textendash}d-glucopyranoside (5), (-) pinocembrin-5-methyl ether (6) and sitosterol-3-O{\textendash}d-glucopyranoside (7). Compound 1 showed promising in vitro anti-HIV-1 activity against primary isolates HIV-1(UG070) (X4, subtype D) and HIV-1(VB59) (R5, subtype C) assayed using TZM-bl cell line with IC50 in the range of 15.68-22.43g/mL. The extract showed TI in the range of 19.19-27.37 with IC50 in the range of 10.90-15.55g/mL. Compounds 1, 3 and 4 exhibited in vitro anti-mycobacterium activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra with IC50 values of 1.43, 3.33 and 1.11g/mL in dormant phase and 2.27, 3.33 and 1.21g/mL in active phase, respectively. Compound 4 was found to be the most active antiproliferative with IC50 values of 1.88-11.00g/mL against THP-1, A549, Panc-1, HeLa and MCF7 cell lines.

}, keywords = {anti-HIV-1, anti-mycobacterium, antiproliferative, phytochemicals, Polygonaceae, Polygonum glabrum}, issn = {1478-6419}, doi = {10.1080/14786419.2015.1004674}, author = {Said, Madhukar S. and Chinchansure, Ashish A. and Nawale, Laxman and Durge, Ankita and Wadhwani, Ashish and Kulkarni, Smita S. and Sarkar, Dhiman and Joshi, Swati P.} } @article { ISI:000367232900032, title = {New insights into in vitro amyloidogenic properties of human serum albumin suggest considerations for therapeutic precautions}, journal = {Febs Letters}, volume = {589}, number = {24, B}, year = {2015}, month = {DEC}, pages = {4033-4038}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Amyloid aggregates display striking features of detergent stability and self-seeding. Human serum albumin (HSA), a preferred drug-carrier molecule, can also aggregate in vitro. So far, key amyloid properties of stability against ionic detergents and self-seeding, are unclear for HSA aggregates. Precautions against amyloid contamination would be required if HSA aggregates were self-seeding. Here, we show that HSA aggregates display detergent sarkosyl stability and have self-seeding potential. HSA dimer is preferable for clinical applications due to its longer retention in circulation and lesser oedema owing to its larger molecular size. Here, HSA was homodimerized via free cysteine-34, without any potentially immunogenic cross-linkers that are usually pre-requisite for homodimerization. Alike the monomer, HSA dimers also aggregated as amyloid, necessitating precautions while using for therapeutics. (C) 2015 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Drug carrier, HSA amyloid, Plasma expander, Sarkosyl, Self-seeding}, issn = {0014-5793}, doi = {10.1016/j.febslet.2015.11.004}, author = {Sharma, Neetu and Sivalingam, Vishwanath and Maurya, Sonalika and Prasad, Archana and Khandelwal, Puneet and Yadav, Subhash Chandra and Patel, Basant K.} } @article { ISI:000362603800044, title = {New poly(ether urethane)s based on lignin derived aromatic chemicals via A-B monomer approach: synthesis and characterization}, journal = {European Polymer Journal}, volume = {71}, year = {2015}, month = {OCT}, pages = {547-557}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

{omega-Hydroxyalkyleneoxy benzoyl azides were synthesized starting from lignin-derived phenolic acids (vanillic acid and syringic acid) and omega-haloalkanols (6-chlorohexanol and 11-bromoundecanol). These bio-derived A-B monomers were self-polycondensed to afford poly(ether urethane)s which exhibited reasonably high molecular weights (eta(inh) = 0.41-0.69 dL g(-1), and M-n

}, keywords = {A-B type monomer, Poly(ether urethane)s, Renewable resources, Self-polycondensation}, issn = {0014-3057}, doi = {10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2015.08.021}, author = {Kuhire, Sachin S. and Avadhani, C. V. and Wadgaonkar, Prakash P.} } @article {45937, title = {Nioella nitratireducens gen. nov., sp nov., a novel member of the family Rhodobacteraceae isolated from Azorean Island}, journal = {Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek International Journal of General and Molecular Microbiology}, volume = {107}, year = {2015}, month = {FEB}, pages = {589-595}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A novel Gram-negative, non-spore forming, rod-shaped aerobic bacterium, designated SSW136(T), was isolated from a surface seawater sample collected at Espalamaca (in Faial Island), Azores. Growth was found to occur from 10 to 37 A degrees C, pH 6.0-8.0, and with 2-11 \% of NaCl. 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that the strain SSW136(T) belongs to the family Rhodobacteraceae. Strain SSW136(T) exhibited 96.3, 95.9, 95.7 and 95.5 sequence similarity to the type strains Oceanicola litoreus M-M22(T), Roseovarius aestuarii SMK-122(T), Marivita geojedonensis DPG-138(T), and Pseudoruegeria aquimaris SW-255(T) respectively. Neighbour-joining and maximum-parsimony phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain SSW136(T) was affiliated to the family Rhodobacteraceae and formed a separate branch. The G+C content was 63.5 mol\%. The major respiratory quinone was found to be Q-10. The polar lipids of strain SSW136(T) consisted of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, two unidentified aminolipids and three unidentified phospholipids. The major fatty acids were C-18:1 omega 7c (46.5 \%), Cyclo-C-19:0 omega 8c (16.0 \%) and C-16:0 (12.8 \%). On the basis of the morphological, genotypic, chemotaxonomic characteristics and low DNA-DNA relatedness, strain SSW136(T) is proposed to represent a novel genus and novel species, Nioella nitratireducens gen. nov., sp. nov., in the family Rhodobacteraceae. The type strain is SSW136(T) (=KCTC 32417(T) = NCIM 5499(T)).

}, keywords = {Espalamaca, Nioella nitratireducens, Novel genus and species, Polyphasic taxonomy, Seawater}, issn = {0003-6072}, doi = {10.1007/s10482-014-0355-5}, author = {Rajasabapathy, Raju and Mohandass, Chellandi and Yoon, Jung-Hoon and Dastager, Syed Gulam and Liu, Qing and Khieu, Thi-Nhan and Son, Chu Ky and Li, Wen-Jun and Colaco, Ana} } @article { ISI:000361501700023, title = {NiS1.97: a new efficient water oxidation catalyst for photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {7}, number = {36}, year = {2015}, month = {SEP}, pages = {20053-20060}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

NiS1.97, a sulfur-deficient dichalcogenide, in nanoscale form, is shown to be a unique and efficient photoelectrochemical (PEC) catalyst for H-2 generation by water splitting. Phase pure NiS1.97 nanomaterial is obtained by converting nickel oxide into sulfide by controlled sulfurization method, which is otherwise difficult to establish. The defect states (sulfur vacancies) in this material increase the carrier density and in turn lead to favorable band line-up with respect to redox potential of water, rendering it to be an effective photoelectrochemical catalyst. The material exhibits a remarkable PEC performance of 1.25 mA/cm(2) vs NHE at 0.68 V in neutral pH, which is almost 1000 times superior as compared with that of the stoichiometric phase of NiS2. The latter is well-known to be a cocatalyst but not as a primary PEC catalyst.

}, keywords = {dichlacogenide, Faradaic efficiency, Hydrogen generation, NiS1.97, nonstoichiometric, photoelectrochemical catalyst, sulfurization}, issn = {1944-8244}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.5b05077}, author = {Bhosale, Reshma and Kelkar, Sarika A. and Parte, Golu and Fernandes, Rohan and Kothari, Dushyant and Ogale, Satishchandra} } @article {45881, title = {Nitrogen-induced surface area and conductivity modulation of carbon nanohorn and its function as an efficient metal-free oxygen reduction electrocatalyst for anion-exchange membrane fuel cells}, journal = {SMALL}, volume = {11}, year = {2015}, month = {JAN }, pages = {352-360}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Nitrogen-doped carbon morphologies have been proven to be better alternatives to Pt in polymer-electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells. However, efficient modulation of the active sites by the simultaneous escalation of the porosity and nitrogen doping, without affecting the intrinsic electrical conductivity, still remains to be solved. Here, a simple strategy is reported to solve this issue by treating single-walled carbon nanohorn (SWCNH) with urea at 800 degrees C. The resulting nitrogen-doped carbon nanohorn shows a high surface area of 1836 m(2) g(-1) along with an increased electron conductivity, which are the pre-requisites of an electro catalyst. The nitrogen-doped nanohorn annealed at 800 degrees C (N-800) also shows a high oxygen reduction activity (ORR). Because of the high weight percentage of pyridinic nitrogen coordination in N-800, the present catalyst shows a clear 4-electron reduction pathway at only 50 mV overpotential and 16 mV negative shift in the half-wave potential for ORR compared to Pt/C along with a high fuel selectivity and electrochemical stability. More importantly, a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) based on N-800 provides a maximum power density of 30 mW cm(-2) under anion-exchange membrane fuel cell (AEMFC) testing conditions. Thus, with its remarkable set of physical and electrochemical properties, this material has the potential to perform as an efficient Pt-free electrode for AEMFCs.

}, issn = {1613-6810}, doi = {10.1002/smll.201303892}, author = {Unni, SreeKuttan M. and Bhange, Siddheshwar N. and Illathvalappil, Rajith and Mutneja, Nisha and Patil, Kasinath R. and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article { ISI:000353205000033, title = {Novel hybrid nocodazole analogues as tubulin polymerization inhibitors and their antiproliferative activity}, journal = {Bioorganic \& Medicinal Chemistry Letters}, volume = {25}, number = {9}, year = {2015}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1982-1985}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We describe the design, synthesis and SAR profiling of a series of novel combretastatin-nocodazole conjugates as potential anticancer agents. The thiophene ring in the nocodazole moiety was replaced by a substituted phenyl ring from the combretastatin moiety to design novel hybrid analogues. The hydroxyl group at the ortho position in compounds 2, 3 and 4 was used as the conformationally locking tool by anticipated six-membered hydrogen bonding. The bioactivity profiles of all compounds as tubulin polymerization inhibitors and as antiproliferative agents against the A-549 human lung cancer cell line were investigated Compounds 1 and 4 showed mu M IC50 values in both assays. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Anticancer, Colchicine, Nocodazole, Tubulin binding}, issn = {0960-894X}, doi = {10.1016/j.bmcl.2015.03.019}, author = {Kale, Sangram S. and Jedhe, Ganesh S. and Meshram, Sachin N. and Santra, Manas K. and Hamel, Ernest and Sanjayan, Gangadhar J.} } @article {43056, title = {Nucleophilic fluorination using imidazolium based ionic liquid bearing tert-alcohol moiety}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {39}, year = {2015}, month = {MAR}, pages = {4368-4374}, doi = {10.1039/C5NJ00481K}, author = {Shinde, Sandip S. and Patil, Sunil N. and Ghatge, Amruta and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000356021900003, title = {One-dimensional water cages with repeat units of (H2O)(24) resembling pagodane trapped in a 3D coordination polymer: proton conduction and tunable luminescence emission by adsorption of anionic dyes}, journal = {Crystengcomm}, volume = {17}, number = {24}, year = {2015}, month = {MAY}, pages = {4439-4443}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A 3D-coordination polymer was shown to trap one-dimensional polyhedral water cages consisting of repeat units of (H2O)(24), the geometry of which resembles the exotic organic molecule pagodane. Further, this material exhibited proton conduction ability and tunable luminescence emission by adsorption of anionic dyes such as the fluorescein dianion.

}, issn = {1466-8033}, doi = {10.1039/c5ce00969c}, author = {Maity, Kartik and Kundu, Tanay and Banerjee, Rahul and Biradha, Kumar} } @article { ISI:000347229500001, title = {One-pot quadruple/triple reaction sequence: a useful tool for the synthesis of natural products}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {13}, number = {4}, year = {2015}, month = {OCT}, pages = {970-973}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Multiple reactions in one pot has always been a useful technique for synthetic organic chemists, as it can minimizes solvent usage, time and the number of purification steps when compared to individual multi-step syntheses. In line with this, here in this perspective we discuss a one-pot quadruple/triple reaction sequence comprising an enyne ring-closing metathesis/cross-metathesis/Diels-Alder/aromatization for the synthesis of natural products setting.

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/c4ob02143f}, author = {Kashinath, K. and Reddy, D. Srinivasa} } @proceedings {42926, title = {One-pot thermal evaporation synthesis of CdS-RGO hetrostructure and its field emission study}, year = {2015}, month = {JUL}, pages = {82-83}, publisher = {IEEE, 345 E 47th ST, New York, NY 10017 USA}, address = {Guangzhou, Peoples R China}, abstract = {

CdS-RGO heterostructure was synthesized by thermal evaporation method. The as-synthesized CdS-RGO heterostructure was characterized using X-ray Diffraction, SEM, and EADX, before field emission (FE) studies. The FE characteristics of a planar emitter made up of as-synthesized CdS-RGO heterostructures were measured at the base pressure 1x10(-8) mbar. The synthesized CdS-RGO heterostructure emitter is found to deliver a current density similar to 70 mu A/cm(2) at an applied electric field of similar to 4.7 V/mu m. Moreover, the nanocomposite shows excellent emission stability without significant current degradation making CdS-RGO heterostructure as a promising electron source for practical applications in various vacuum nano-microelectronic devices.

}, author = {Bansode, Sanjeewani R. and Khare, Ruchita T. and More, Mahendra A. and Late, Dattatray J.} } @article { ISI:000359279100022, title = {OpenFOAM computational fluid dynamic simulations of single-phase flows in an advanced-flow reactor}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {54}, number = {30}, year = {2015}, month = {AUG}, pages = {7543-7553}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations are carried out for single-Phase flow in an, advanced-flow reactor (AFR) using the open source software OpenFOAM. Excellent agreement of Simulations with experimental pressure drop and residence time distribution (RTD) is obtained. Streamlines, stagnant zones, Velocity profiles, and pressure fields are,obtained at different flow rates ranging from 5 to 100 mL/min. A change in the flow behavior with the presence of recirculation zones is observed with a 40 mL/min flow rate. The extent of the recirculation zones increases with increasing flow rate from 40 to 60 mL/min and is limited further by the presence of a second cylindrical post inside the heart cell, remaining almost constant in the flow rate range of 60-100 mL/min. The RTD is also determined for all flow rates, and a. comparison between different reactor designs (two-post, single-post, and low-flow-reactor-like single-post) is presented. The APR Shows a plug-flow behavior with a small degree of dispersion, which broadens the RTD. Symmetric RTD curves are obtained for the single-post designs, whereas the Gen 1 APR design experiences asymmetry in the RTD at flow rates in the range between 20 and 60 mL/min.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/acs.iecr.5b00232}, author = {Nieves-Remacha, Maria Jose and Kukarni, Amok A. and Jensen, Klavs F.} } @article { ISI:000358167700015, title = {Overexpression of squalene synthase in withania somnifera leads to enhanced withanolide biosynthesis}, journal = {Plant Cell Tissue and Organ Culture}, volume = {122}, number = {2}, year = {2015}, month = {AUG}, pages = {409-420}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Genetic engineering of secondary metabolic pathways is an emerging area of research for production and improvement of natural products in plant biotechnology. Here, we describe a systematic approach to manipulate a key regulatory step of isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway in Withania somnifera to study its effect on withanolide production. We generated T-0 W. somnifera plants overexpressing squalene synthase (WsSQS) by Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated transformation, which were analyzed by Gus biochemical assay and PCR of hygromycin phosphotransferase (hptII) and WsSQS. qRT-PCR analyses of various transformed tissues indicated 2-5 fold increase in WsSQS transcripts in both T-0 and T-1 generations. The tissue specific protein expression studies revealed 2-3 fold increase in WsSQS, which was further confirmed by enzyme activity. These observations were corroborated with the 1.5-2 fold increase in total withanolide content of the transformed tissues. However, in leaf tissue, the levels of Withaferin A and Withanolide A increased significantly up to 4-4.5 fold. These findings demonstrate genetic engineering of isoprenoid pathway in W. somnifera resulting in enhanced production of withanolides, and also provide insights into such metabolic pathways for their manipulation to improve the pharmacological content of different medicinally important plants.

}, keywords = {Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Solanaceae, Squalene synthase, Withania somnifera, Withanolides}, issn = {0167-6857}, doi = {10.1007/s11240-015-0778-3}, author = {Patel, Neha and Patel, Parth and Kendurkar, Shuchishweta V. and Thulasiram, Hirekodathakallu V. and Khan, Bashir Mohammad} } @article {43010, title = {Partial ionic bonding in homogeneous sodium clusters}, journal = {Condensed~Matter~Physics}, year = {2015}, month = {APR}, abstract = {

In this work, we report an interesting observation of partial ionic bonding due to charge transfer in homogeneous sodium clusters. The charge transfer causes the electronic charge to accumulate on the surface, and the resulting charges on atoms range between +0.4 to -1.0 |e^-|. We also demonstrate that this disparity among effective charges on atoms is geometry dependent, such that atoms experiencing similar surrounding, have equal effective charge. It is speculated that this phenomenon will occur among other homogeneous clusters as well, and its extent will be defined by the valence electron delocalization.

}, author = {Kaware, Vaibhav and Joshi, Kavita} } @article { ISI:000360934800002, title = {Pharmacophore and docking based virtual screening of validated mycobacterium tuberculosis targets}, journal = {Combinatorial Chemistry \& High Throughput Screening}, volume = {18}, number = {7}, year = {2015}, month = {AUG}, pages = {624-637}, publisher = {BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBL LTD}, address = {EXECUTIVE STE Y-2, PO BOX 7917, SAIF ZONE, 1200 BR SHARJAH, U ARAB EMIRATES}, abstract = {

Target based virtual screening has surpassed ligand based virtual screening methods in the recent past mainly as it provides more clues regarding intermolecular interactions and takes into consideration the flexible receptor as well. The current methodology describes a computational strategy of predicting Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) binders for five well studied targets representing M. tuberculosis proteome encompassing most of the known mechanisms of action. The diversity of the targets was affirmed by their active site analysis and structural studies. The current approach employed pharmacophore searching, docking and clustering techniques in tandem and was validated by enrichment studies using the available Schrodinger data set consisting of 1000 decoys. The application of this methodology was demonstrated by predicting potential molecular targets for fifty newly synthesized compounds. Cross docking studies on the targets were carried out with 4512 known inhibitors utilizing a high performance computing platform to reveal underlying affinity and promiscuity patterns. Optimum binding energy range for all targets as determined by high throughput docking was found to be -3 to -13 kcal/mol.

}, keywords = {Binding energy, docking, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, open source drug discovery (OSDD), pharmacophore, structure based drug design (SBDD)}, issn = {1386-2073}, doi = {10.2174/1386207318666150703112759}, author = {Vyas, Renu and Karthikeyan, Muthukumarasamy and Nainaru, Ganesh and Muthukrishnan, Murugan} } @article { ISI:000348753600040, title = {Phase behavior, diffusion, structural characteristics, and pH of aqueous hydrophobic ionic liquid confined media: insights into microviscosity and microporsity in the [C(4)C(4)im][NTf2] + water system}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, volume = {119}, number = {4}, year = {2015}, month = {JAN}, pages = {1641-1653}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

We present our studies on the physicochemical properties of water confined in Dibutylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonylimide) ([C(4)C(4)im][NTf2]) reverse micelles through the NMR relaxation measurements that provide us an understanding of microviscosity and pH in the confined condition. We present experimental results on phase behavior, diffusion, structural characteristics and pH in aqueous ionic liquid-confined media. The ternary phase diagram was constructed by the cloud point measurements and the microheterogeneous regions were detected by the measurement of bulk viscosity and diffusion coefficients of K-4[Fe(CN)(6)] inside the homogeneous microemulsion systems through the cyclic voltammetric (CV) measurements. The size of the microemulsion systems was characterized by the dynamic light scattering (DLS) method. The H-1 NMR spectra of homogeneous microemulsion systems were taken which indicates the presence of bound and free water molecules inside the microemulsion system. The NMR spinlattice relaxation time (T-1) of water molecules in its homogeneous microemulsion systems were measured and the reorientational correlation time (t(c)) of water molecules obtained from it indicates that the fluidity of homogeneous confined media decreases with the decrease in the composition of water. Microviscosity of the aqueous confined media was calculated from the measured T-1 relaxation time values by applying the DebyeStokes equation and correlated with the bulk viscosity of the samples. It was observed that both the microviscosity and bulk viscosity show inverse relationship. The fraction of bound and free water molecules were calculated from the measured T-1 values. NMR spinspin relaxation time (T-2) of water molecules in its homogeneous microemulsion systems were measured with the varying pH of the aqueous core. A change in the T-2 relaxation time of the water proton was observed proposing an exchange of proton between the H2O and -OH group of the TX-100 molecules. Finally, methyl orange (MO) was used as a UVvis spectrophotometric molecular probe and the measured lambda(max) values of the probe were used for the detection of micropolarity of the homogeneous aqueous confined media and was found to be increase with the increase in the size of the confined media.

}, issn = {1520-6106}, doi = {10.1021/jp511318t}, author = {Nanda, Raju and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000357788700014, title = {Phase behaviour of the ternary system: monoolein-water-branched polyethylenimine}, journal = {Soft Matter}, volume = {11}, number = {28}, year = {2015}, month = {JUN}, pages = {5705-5711}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Addition of a branched polymer, polyethyleneimine, significantly alters the organization of a glycerol monooleate (GMO) lipid-water system. We present detailed data over a wide range of compositions (water content from 10 to 40\%, relative to GMO and PEI fractions from 0 to 4\%) and temperatures (25-80 degrees C). The PEI molecular weight effects are examined using polymers over a range from 0.8 to 25 kDa. Addition of PEI induces the formation of higher curvature reverse phases. In particular, PEI induces the formation of the Fd3m phase: a discontinuous phase comprising reverse micelles of two different sizes stacked in a cubic AB(2) crystal. The formation of the Fd3m phase at room temperature, upon addition of polar, water soluble PEI is unusual, since such phases typically are formed only upon addition of apolar oils. The largest stability window for the Fd3m phase is observed for PEI with a molecular weight = 2 kDa. We discuss how PEI influences the formation and stability of high curvature phases.

}, issn = {1744-683X}, doi = {10.1039/c5sm01082a}, author = {Kumar, Manoj and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy} } @article { ISI:000357618200029, title = {Phenols from green tea as a dual functional coating to prepare devices for energy storage and molecular separation}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {51}, number = {58}, year = {2015}, month = {JUN}, pages = {11662-11664}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Polyphenols from green tea were used to electrolessly deposit gold on silk cocoons (SCs) and nanoporous aluminum oxide (AAO) templates. The gold coated cocoons were used as electrodes in supercapacitors and showed a capacitance as high as 254 F g(-1) and a specific power of 2287 W kg(-1). A metal coated AAO template was used for molecular separation.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c5cc03108g}, author = {Das, Chayanika and Jain, Bhanprakash and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam} } @article { ISI:000346189100095, title = {Phosphate enriched polyoxometalate based ionic salts for proton conduction}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {5}, number = {3}, year = {2015}, month = {DEC}, pages = {2333-2337}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A series of [NiMo12O30(PO4)(8)](n-) POM anion and organic cation based ionic composites have been prepared in hydrothermal conditions. The ionic composites with protonated ethylene diamine molecules have been tested for proton conductivity.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c4ra07598f}, author = {Dey, Chandan and Kundu, Tanay and Aiyappa, Harshitha Barike and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article { ISI:000353058700025, title = {Polarity issues in room temperature ionic liquids}, journal = {Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy}, volume = {17}, number = {4}, year = {2015}, month = {APR}, pages = {1111-1116}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

The study on ionic liquids has occupied an important place in chemical processes because of several beneficial properties. In order to use these ionic liquids as solvent media in chemical processes, it is essential to know their solvent properties. In this review, an attempt has been made to critically evaluate and discuss the polarity parameters of ionic liquids. The experimental polarity data on ionic liquids are not yet available for numerous ionic liquids. This review will serve as a guideline to investigate polarity issues of these materials and emerge with a simple, but still sound theoretical or semi-empirical models to account for the variation in polarity in the ionic liquid solutions.

}, issn = {1618-954X}, doi = {10.1007/s10098-014-0864-y}, author = {Shukla, Shashi Kant and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000350856400003, title = {Polybenzimidazole based polymeric ionic liquids (PILs): effects of controlled degree of N-quaternization on physical and gas permeation properties}, journal = {Journal of Membrane Science}, volume = {481}, year = {2015}, month = {MAY}, pages = {19-27}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Polymeric ionic liquids (PILs) are gaining increasing attention as potential membrane materials to be employed for CO2 separation. With a goal to improve gas permeability, this work presents a series of film forming PlLs obtained by controlled degree of N-quaternization (DQ) of PBI-BuI using a bulky 4-tertbutylbenzyl group. Concurrent effects of variation in ionic content and bulky group substitution were analyzed for physical and gas permeation properties of the resulting PILs. Attempted structural variations leading to simultaneous increments in ionic content and bulky groups offered amorphous polymers with acceptable thermal stability and non-monotonous chain packing density. Enhancement in pure gas permeability coupled with appreciable selectivity for various gas pairs was in accordance with the packing density variations in the series. Gas permeability showed maxima at DQ of just 13\%. This conveyed that effects of bulky group substitution in retarding chain packing are overcome by attractive ionic interactions at much lower DQ in these PILs ionic interactions are thus more predominant in governing chain packing and gas permeation properties. These PILs possessed 3.3-20 times higher CO2 permeability in comparison to their parent PBI-BuI, without a significant loss in selectivity. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Degree of quaternization, Gas permeation, Polybenzimidazole, Polymeric ionic liquid}, issn = {0376-7388}, doi = {10.1016/j.memsci.2015.02.004}, author = {Rewar, Anita S. and Bhavsar, Rupesh S. and Sreekumar, K. and Kharul, Ulhas K.} } @article {45933, title = {Polybenzimidazole-based polymeric ionic liquids (PILs): effects of {\textquoteleft}substitution asymmetry{\textquoteright} on CO2 permeation properties}, journal = {Journal of Membrane Science}, volume = {493}, year = {2015}, month = {NOV }, pages = {403-413}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Polymeric Ionic Liquids (PILs) are being considered as promising membrane materials for CO2 separation. Present work aims at investigating effects substitution asymmetry on imidazole moiety of two structurally different polybenzimidazoles (PBI-BuI and PBI-HFA) on physical, gas sorption and transport properties of the resulting film forming PILs possessing symmetric substitution, while keeping one of the N-substituent as methyl group. PILs were obtained with high degree of substitution. The halide anion of these PILs was exchanged with BF4-, Tf-2(N) over bar and HF (B) over bar anions. Effects of substituents, cationic backbone and type of anions on gas permeation properties of PILs using pure gases (He, H-2, N-2 and CO2) were examined at 20 atm upstream pressure and correlated with their physical properties. Combination of typical ionic liquid character (effective towards enhancing CO2 sorption) and looser chain packing (ease in gas diffusion) offered improved CO2 permeation characteristics. As an outcome, some of the PILs exhibited higher CO2 permeation than that of hydrogen, typically known as {\textquoteleft}reverse selectivity{\textquoteright}. These asymmetrically substituted PILs enhanced not only the gas permeability, but also selectivity than their symmetrically substituted counterparts. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0376-7388}, doi = {10.1016/j.memsci.2015.07.020}, author = {Shaligram, Sayali V. and Wadgaonkar, Prakash P. and Kharul, Ulhas K.} } @article { ISI:000365205000004, title = {Pore surface engineering in porous, chemically stable covalent organic frameworks for water adsorption}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry A}, volume = {3}, number = {47}, year = {2015}, month = {NOV}, pages = {23664-23669}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Herein, we have explored the possibility of a class of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) as water adsorbing materials. We have selected, synthesized 12 chemically stable functionalized Schiff base COFs and thoroughly studied their water uptake behaviour. Further, a deep understanding was developed with these COFs towards the effects of condensation pressure of water and hydrophilic/hydrophobic groups present in the COF pores on water absorption capacity and ultimately, their recyclability. Among all reported COFs, TpPa-1 shows the highest water uptake of 30 wt\% (368 cm(3) g(-1); 17 mmol g(-1)) at P/P-0 = 0.3, which is also comparable with the recently reported carbon materials and few well known MOFs. This study also reveals that the overall water uptake of COFs can be tuned systematically based on chemical functionality and pore size in a wider window of relative pressures.

}, issn = {2050-7488}, doi = {10.1039/c5ta07998e}, author = {Biswal, Bishnu P. and Kandambeth, Sharath and Chandra, Suman and Shinde, Digambar Balaji and Bera, Saibal and Karak, Suvendu and Garai, Bikash and Kharul, Ulhas K. and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article { ISI:000346339500005, title = {Possible mechanism of antifungal phenazine-1-carboxamide from pseudomonas sp against dimorphic fungi Benjaminiella poitrasii and human pathogen Candida albicans}, journal = {Journal of Applied Microbiology}, volume = {118}, number = {1}, year = {2015}, month = {JAN}, pages = {39-48}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

AimInvestigation of antifungal mechanism of phenazine 1-carboxamide (PC) produced by a Pseudomonas strain MCC2142. Methods and ResultsAn antifungal metabolite produced by a Pseudomonas was purified and identified as PC. Human pathogenic fungi such as Candida albicans, Candidaglabrata, Cryptococcus neoformans, Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus niger were found to be inhibited by PC (MIC90 32-64gml(-1)). Addition of PC (20gml(-1)) during yeast (Y)-hypha (H) transitions inhibited germ tube formation by \>90\% and \>99\% in C.albicans National Collection of Industrial Microorganisms (NCIM) 3471 and nonpathogenic model Benjaminiella poitrasii, respectively. After exposure to PC (20gml(-1)), 75-80\% yeast cells of B.poitrasii and C.albicans NCIM 3471 showed rhodamine 123 fluorescence indicating high intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. ROS further led to hyperpolarization of mitochondrial membrane, subsequently induction of apoptosis as evident by externalization of phosphatidylserine, DNA fragmentation, chromatin condensation and finally death in B.poitrasii. In C.albicans NCIM 3471, PC (20gml(-1)) induced apoptosis. ConclusionsThe antifungal effect of PC in B.poitrasii and C.albicans may be due to ROS-mediated apoptotic death. Significance and Impact of the StudyInhibition of Y-H transition of B.poitrasii and C.albicans by PC indicates that it may prove useful in the control of dimorphic human pathogens.

}, keywords = {Apoptosis, Candida albicans, dimorphism, phenazines, Pseudomonas sp, reactive oxygen species}, issn = {1364-5072}, doi = {10.1111/jam.12675}, author = {Tupe, S. G. and Kulkarni, R. R. and Shirazi, F. and Sant, D. G. and Joshi, Swati P. and Deshpande, Mukund V.} } @article { ISI:000360934400004, title = {Prediction of bioactive compounds using computed NMR chemical shifts}, journal = {Combinatorial Chemistry \& High Throughput Screening}, volume = {18}, number = {6}, year = {2015}, month = {JAN}, pages = {562-576}, publisher = {BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBL LTD}, address = {EXECUTIVE STE Y-2, PO BOX 7917, SAIF ZONE, 1200 BR SHARJAH, U ARAB EMIRATES}, abstract = {

NMR based chemical shifts are an important diagnostic parameter for structure elucidation as they capture rich information related to conformational, electronic and stereochemical arrangement of functional groups in a molecule which is responsible for its activity towards any biological target. The present work discusses the importance of computing NMR chemical shifts from molecular structures. The NMR chemical shift data (experimental or computed) was used to generate fingerprints in binary formats for mapping molecular fragments (as descriptors) and correlating with the bioactivity classes. For this study, chemical shift data derived binary fingerprints were computed for 149 classes and 4800 bioactive molecules. The sensitivity and selectivity of fingerprints in discriminating molecules belonging to different therapeutic categories was assessed using a LibSVM based classifier. An accuracy of 82\% for proton and 94\% for carbon NMR fingerprints were obtained for anti-psoriatic and anti-psychotic molecules demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach for virtual screening.

}, keywords = {Chemical shift, fingerprints, NMR, similarity searching, virtual screening}, issn = {1386-2073}, doi = {10.2174/1386207318666150703113312}, author = {Karthikeyan, Muthukumarasamy and Rajamohanan, Pattuparambil Ramanpillai and Vyas, Renu} } @article { ISI:000361402600005, title = {Preparation and characterization of flexible ferromagnetic nanocomposites for microwave applications}, journal = {Materials Science and Engineering B-Advanced Functional Solid-State Materials}, volume = {200}, year = {2015}, month = {OCT}, pages = {40-49}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles (similar to 20 nm) were synthesized using the chemical co-precipitation method with a view of developing flexible and easily processable ferromagnetic materials with high mouldability to be used as microwave absorbers. The nanoparticles prepared were incorporated into natural rubber through latex stage processing. This novel processing method gives better dispersion of particles in the rubber matrix. The composites were characterized using XRD, SEM, vibrating sample magnetometer, dynamic mechanical analyzer, cavity perturbation, thermogravimetry (TGA), and Fourier transform infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy (FTIR-PAS). A notable improvement in the mechanical properties of composites was observed upon adding Fe3O4 particles. Magnetic and microwave characteristics of the composites indicate the formation of a flexible ferromagnetic material with good microwave absorption characteristics. (C) 2015 Published by Elsevier B.V.

}, keywords = {Fe3O4, Ferromagnetic, FTIR-PAS, Microwave absorption, Natural rubber, SEM, XRD}, issn = {0921-5107}, doi = {10.1016/j.mseb.2015.04.014}, author = {Thomas, Teena and Kanoth, Bipinbal P. and Nijas, C. M. and Joy, Pattayil Alias and Joseph, Joseph M. and Kuthirummal, Narayanan and Thachil, Eby T.} } @article { ISI:000353754000021, title = {Preparation and characterization of self-photostabilizing UV-durable bionanocomposite membranes for outdoor applications}, journal = {Carbohydrate Polymers}, volume = {123}, year = {2015}, month = {JUN}, pages = {164-173}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Here, we report a durable and ultraviolet (UV) resistant nanocomposite membrane of chitosan (CS) with effective photostabilization ascribed to Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles. Zinc oxide nanoparticles were successfully dispersed in the solution of chitosan polymer. The nanocomposite films with the homogenous dispersion of ZnO nanoparticles in the chitosan matrix were obtained by solution casting method and the influence of ZnO nanoparticles as a photostabilizer was studied. The nanocomposite membranes were photoirradiated by polychromatic radiations with lambda \> 300 nm using mercury vapour lamps in SEPAP instrument. The resulting nanocomposite material exhibited excellent UV-resistance in very low percentages of ZnO nanoparticles. The chitosan membranes showed fast degradation attributes than the nanocomposite membranes. ZnO nanoparticles effectively absorbed UV radiations, thus protecting polymer from radiation degradation. The neat and irradiated nanocomposites of chitosan and ZnO nanoparticles (CS/ZnO) were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectroscopy for the chemical changes/degradation taking place. Chitosan nanocomposites were further characterized for tensile properties, contact angle measurements and surface morphology. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Bionanocomposite membrane, Chitosan, Contact angle measurement, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Photostabilization, Zinc oxide nanoparticles}, issn = {0144-8617}, doi = {10.1016/j.carbpol.2014.12.062}, author = {Kushwaha, Omkar S. and Avadhani, C. V. and Singh, R. P.} } @article { ISI:000350056800015, title = {Proline-catalyzed alpha-aminooxylation of beta-amino aldehydes: access to enantiomerically pure syn- and anti-3-amino-3-aryl-1,2-alkanediols}, journal = {Synlett}, volume = {26}, number = {3}, year = {2015}, month = {FEB}, pages = {355-358}, publisher = {GEORG THIEME VERLAG KG}, address = {RUDIGERSTR 14, D-70469 STUTTGART, GERMANY}, abstract = {

A new synthetic method for enantioselective synthesis of syn 3-amino-3-aryl-1,2-alkanediols via praline catalyzed alpha-aminaoxn y ylation of beta-amino aldehydes des are described. This methodology is successfully applied to a concise and protecting group-free asymmetric synthesis of (-)-cytoxazone (+)-epi-cytoxazone and formal synthesis of N-thiolated 2-oxazolidinone.

}, keywords = {amino aldehydes, Asymmetric synthesis, catalysis, diastereoselectivity, Enantioselectivity, Natural product}, issn = {0936-5214}, doi = {10.1055/s-0034-1379735}, author = {Venkataramasubramanian, V. and Kiran, I. N. Chaithanya and Sudalai, Arumugam} } @article { ISI:000349934600083, title = {Proline-catalyzed sequential syn-mannich and [4+1]-annulation cascade reactions to form densely functionalized pyrrolidines}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {80}, number = {3}, year = {2015}, month = {FEB}, pages = {2024-2031}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

A highly efficient one-pot [4 + 1]-annulation process for the asymmetric synthesis of densely functionalized pyrrolidine derivatives is described. The in situ generated syn-Mannich adduct obtained via proline catalysis acts as a four-atom component, and Coreys sulfur ylide or ethyl bromoacetate acts as a one-atom carbon source to construct pyrrolidine units in a highly enantio- and diastereoselective manner.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/jo5028886}, author = {Aher, Ravindra D. and Kumar, B. Senthil and Sudalai, Arumugam} } @article { ISI:000360934400005, title = {Protein ligand complex guided approach for virtual screening}, journal = {Combinatorial Chemistry \& High Throughput Screening}, volume = {18}, number = {6}, year = {2015}, month = {JAN}, pages = {577-590}, publisher = {BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBL LTD}, address = {EXECUTIVE STE Y-2, PO BOX 7917, SAIF ZONE, 1200 BR SHARJAH, U ARAB EMIRATES}, abstract = {

The target ligand association data is a rich source of information which is not exploited enough for drug design efforts in virtual screening. A java based open-source toolkit for Protein Ligand Network Extraction (J-ProLiNE) focused on protein-ligand complex analysis with several features integrated in a distributed computing network has been developed. Sequence alignment and similarity search components have been automated to yield local, global alignment scores along with similarity and distance scores. 10000 proteins with co-crystallized ligands from pdb and MOAD databases were extracted and analyzed for revealing relationships between targets, ligands and scaffolds. Through this analysis, we could generate a protein ligand network to identify the promiscuous and selective scaffolds for multiple classes of proteins targets. Using J-ProLiNE we created a 507 x 507 matrix of protein targets and native ligands belonging to six enzyme classes and analyzed the results to elucidate the protein-protein, protein-ligand and ligand-ligand interactions. In yet another application of the J-ProLiNE software, we were able to process kinase related information stored in US patents to construct disease-gene-ligand-scaffold networks. It is hoped that the studies presented here will enable target ligand knowledge based virtual screening for inhibitor design.

}, keywords = {Complexes, ligand, protein, scaffolds, sequences, similarity score, virtual screening}, issn = {1386-2073}, doi = {10.2174/1386207318666150703112620}, author = {Karthikeyan, Muthukumarasamy and Pandit, Deepak and Vyas, Renu} } @article { ISI:000362436800013, title = {Pt-nanoparticle functionalized carbon nano-onions for ultra-high energy supercapacitors and enhanced field emission behaviour}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {5}, number = {99}, year = {2015}, month = {SEP}, pages = {80990-80997}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

In the present work, we have investigated the charge storage capacitive response and field emission behaviour of platinum (Pt) nanoparticles decorated on carbon nano onions (CNOs) and compared them with those of pristine carbon nano onions. The specific capacitance observed for Pt-CNOs is 342.5 F g(-1), about six times higher than that of pristine CNOs, at a scan rate of 100 mV s(-1). The decoration with Pt nanoparticles, without any binder or polymer separator on the CNO, leading to enhanced supercapacitance is due to easy accessibility of Na2SO4 electrolyte in the active material. The Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations of these systems reveal enhancement in the Density of States (DOS) near the Fermi energy (E-F) on account of platinum decoration on the CNOs. Furthermore, the field emission current density of similar to 0.63 mA cm(-2) has been achieved from the Pt-CNOs emitter at an applied electric field of similar to 4.5 V mu m(-1) and from the pristine CNOs sample current density of similar to 0.4 mA cm(-2) has been achieved at an applied electric field of similar to 6.6 V mu m(-1). The observed enhanced field emission behavior has been attributed to the improved electrical conductivity and increased emitting sites of the Pt-CNO emitter. The field emission current stability of the Pt-CNO emitter over a longer duration is found to be good. The observed results imply multifunctional potential of Pt-CNOs, as supercapacitor material in various next generation hybrid energy storage devices, and field emitters for next generation vacuum nano/microelectronic devices.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c5ra12364j}, author = {Suryawanshi, Sachin R. and Kaware, Vaibhav and Chakravarty, Disha and Walke, Pravin S. and More, Mahendra A. and Joshi, Kavita and Rout, Chandra Sekhar and Late, Dattatray J.} } @article { ISI:000352791300086, title = {Recent development of plant products with anti-glycation activity: a review}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {5}, number = {39}, year = {2015}, month = {MAR}, pages = {31113-31138}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an endocrine disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, which results from an absolute or a relative deficiency of insulin or resistance to insulin. Hyperglycemia is increasingly linked to the pathogenesis of diabetic complications in individuals with long-duration diabetes. One of the inevitable consequences of hyperglycemia is the enhanced accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), which are implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Various natural products and their active constituents have reportedly been used for the treatment of diabetes and its complications. Some of these molecules are known to have anti-glycation activity. The search for novel anti-glycation agents from various sources is gaining a lot of importance. Attention has especially been focused on plants with an ethnopharmacological background and also on plants rich in triterpenoids and phenolics, which generally exhibit antioxidant and anti-glycation effects. Plant extracts or compounds obtained from them that possess both antioxidant and anti-glycation activities might have great therapeutic potential for treating diabetic complications. This review highlights the anti-glycation activities of phytochemicals, which will aid in the identification of lead molecules for the development of new anti-glycation drugs.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c4ra14211j}, author = {Chinchansure, Ashish A. and Korwar, Arvind M. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J. and Joshi, Swati P.} } @article { ISI:000359234100003, title = {Recent developments in 2D layered inorganic nanomaterials for sensing}, journal = {Nanoscale}, volume = {7}, number = {32}, year = {2015}, month = {JUN}, pages = {13293-13312}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Two dimensional layered inorganic nanomaterials (2D-LINs) have recently attracted huge interest because of their unique thickness dependent physical and chemical properties and potential technological applications. The properties of these layered materials can be tuned via both physical and chemical processes. Some 2D layered inorganic nanomaterials like MoS2, WS2 and SnS2 have been recently developed and employed in various applications, including new sensors because of their layer-dependent electrical properties. This article presents a comprehensive overview of recent developments in the application of 2D layered inorganic nanomaterials as sensors. Some of the salient features of 2D materials for different sensing applications are discussed, including gas sensing, electrochemical sensing, SERS and biosensing, SERS sensing and photodetection. The working principles of the sensors are also discussed together with examples.

}, issn = {2040-3364}, doi = {10.1039/c5nr03633j}, author = {Kannan, Padmanathan Karthick and Late, Dattatray J. and Morgan, Hywel and Rout, Chandra Sekhar} } @article { ISI:000360025100006, title = {Reduction of graphene oxide by 100 MeV Au ion irradiation and its application as H2O2 sensor}, journal = {Journal of Physics D-Applied Physics}, volume = {48}, number = {36}, year = {2015}, month = {SEP}, pages = {365105}, publisher = {IOP PUBLISHING LTD}, address = {TEMPLE CIRCUS, TEMPLE WAY, BRISTOL BS1 6BE, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Graphene oxide (GO) synthesized from a modified Hummer{\textquoteright}s method was reduced (referred, rGO) by using 100 MeV Au ion species and its response to the sense H2O2 was investigated. The changes in the atomic composition and structural properties of rGO after irradiation were studied using x-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. These results suggested that the removal of the oxygen-containing functional groups and the improvement of the electrochemical performance of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) after ion irradiation. Raman spectroscopic results revealed the increase in the disorder parameter (I-D/I-G) after Au ion irradiation and also the formation of a large number of small sp(2) domains due to the electronic energy loss of ion beam. The resultant rGO was investigated for H2O2 sensing using electrochemical techniques and it showed a good response.

}, keywords = {electronic energy loss, GO, ion beam irradiation, reduction}, issn = {0022-3727}, doi = {10.1088/0022-3727/48/36/365105}, author = {Hareesh, K. and Joshi, R. P. and Shateesh, B. and Asokan, K. and Kanjilal, D. and Late, Dattatray J. and Dahiwale, S. S. and Bhoraskar, Vasant N. and Haram, Santosh K. and Dhole, Sanjay D.} } @article { ISI:000350674400031, title = {Reversal of H-bonding direction by N-sulfonation in a synthetic reverse-turn peptide motif}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {13}, number = {10}, year = {2015}, month = {MAR}, pages = {3064-3069}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

This communication depicts an intriguing example of hydrogen-bonding reversal upon introduction of a sulfonamide linkage at the N-terminus of a synthetic reverse-turn peptide motif. The ready availability of two sulfonyl oxygen atoms, as hydrogen-bonding acceptors, combined with the inherent twisted conformation of sulfonamides are seen to act as switches that engage/disengage the hydrogen-bond at the sticky ends/termini.

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/c4ob02438a}, author = {Vijayadas, Kuruppanthara N. and Kotmale, Amol S. and Thorat, Shridhar H. and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Nair, Roshna V. and Rajamohanan, Pattuparambil R. and Sanjayan, Gangadhar J.} } @article { ISI:000355889800021, title = {Review of the hydrate based gas separation (HBGS) process for carbon dioxide pre-combustion capture}, journal = {Energy}, volume = {85}, year = {2015}, month = {JUN}, pages = {261-279}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

In this work, a systematic review of the literature work done so far on the use of hydrate crystallization as a basis to develop data for the hydrate based gas separation (HBGS) process for the capture of CO2 from fuel gas mixtures is presented. Such a gas mixture may arise in integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power plants. A thorough assessment of the thermodynamic, kinetic factors and economic aspects of the HBGS process and critical comments are presented. Compared with competing technologies, high CO2 capacity and the use of water as a solvent are key advantages for the HBGS process for CO2 capture. Furthermore, in this review, a snapshot of the current state-of-the-art is presented and further research and development opportunities and pathways for commercializing the HBGS process for pre-combustion capture of CO2 from IGCC power plants are discussed. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Carbon dioxide capture, Clathrate process, Gas hydrates, Gas separation, IGCC plants, Pre-combustion capture}, issn = {0360-5442}, doi = {10.1016/j.energy.2015.03.103}, author = {Babu, Ponnivalavan and Linga, Praveen and Kumar, Rajnish and Englezos, Peter} } @article { ISI:000356305300034, title = {Rhodium complex with unsymmetrical vicinal diamine ligand: excellent catalyst for asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of ketones}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {5}, number = {64}, year = {2015}, month = {JUN}, pages = {51722-51729}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

New unsymmetrical vicinal diamine ligands with systematic variation in the regio and stereo positions in the amine and sulphonamide groups were synthesized from cheap starting material such as norephedrine. Catalytic Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation (ATH) of aromatic alkyl ketones has been investigated using transition metal complexes and new derivatives of monotosylated unsymmetrical vicinal diamine ligands using sodium formate as the hydrogen source, in water and methanol. Chiral secondary alcohols were obtained with excellent enantioselectivity (\>95\% ee) and conversion of ketones (\>95\%) with [Rh(Cp*)Cl-2](2) and ligand 4 as a catalyst. Enantioselectivity was found to be slightly higher with the use of methanol as a solvent for ATH of ketones with sodium formate as the hydrogen source compared to water as a solvent and was found to be consistent with all the ketones investigated. The reaction mixture is homogeneous in methanol unlike in water, where substrate and product are insoluble in water and form separate phase, sodium formate being soluble in water. The activity and enantioselectivity obtained for ATH of ketones using [Rh(Cp*)Cl-2](2) and unsymmetrical vicinal diamine ligand as catalyst was comparable with the C2 symmetric benchmark ligands like TsDPEN ((1R, 2R)-N-(p-tolylsulfonyl)-1,2-diphenylethylene- diamine), and TsCYDN ((1R, 2R)-N-(p-tolylsulfonyl)-1,2-cyclohexyl, diamine) under similar reaction conditions. To the best of our knowledge, this is first example of the ATH of ketones with good activity and high enantioselectivity with [Rh(Cp*)Cl-2](2) and unsymmetrical vicinal diamine ligands as catalyst systems.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c5ra08220j}, author = {Deshpande, Sudhindra H. and Shende, Vaishali S. and Shingote, Savita K. and Chakravarty, Debamitra K. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Chaudhari, Raghunath V. and Kelkar, Ashutosh A.} } @article { ISI:000353689400017, title = {Rifampicin reduces advanced glycation end products and activates DAF-16 to increase lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans}, journal = {Aging Cell}, volume = {14}, number = {3}, year = {2015}, month = {JUN}, pages = {463-473}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are formed when glucose reacts nonenzymatically with proteins; these modifications are implicated in aging and pathogenesis of many age-related diseases including type II diabetes, atherosclerosis, and neurodegenerative disorders. Thus, pharmaceutical interventions that can reduce AGEs may delay age-onset diseases and extend lifespan. Using LC-MSE, we show that rifampicin (RIF) reduces glycation of important cellular proteins in vivo and consequently increases lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans by up to 60\%. RIF analog rifamycin SV (RSV) possesses similar properties, while rifaximin (RMN) lacks antiglycation activity and therefore fails to affect lifespan positively. The efficacy of RIF and RSV as potent antiglycating agents may be attributed to the presence of a p-dihydroxyl moiety that can potentially undergo spontaneous oxidation to yield highly reactive p-quinone structures, a feature absent in RMN. We also show that supplementing rifampicin late in adulthood is sufficient to increase lifespan. For its effect on longevity, rifampicin requires DAF-18 (nematode PTEN) as well as JNK-1 and activates DAF-16, the FOXO homolog. Interestingly, the drug treatment modulates transcription of a different subset of DAF-16 target genes, those not controlled by the conserved Insulin-IGF-1-like signaling pathway. RIF failed to increase the lifespan of daf-16 null mutant despite reducing glycation, showing thereby that DAF-16 may not directly affect AGE formation. Together, our data suggest that the dual ability to reduce glycation in vivo and activate prolongevity processes through DAF-16 makes RIF and RSV effective lifespan-extending interventions.

}, keywords = {advanced glycation end products, aging, Caenorhabditis elegans, DAF-16, Glycation, lifespan, rifampicin}, issn = {1474-9718}, doi = {10.1111/acel.12327}, author = {Golegaonkar, Sandeep and Tabrez, Syed S. and Pandit, Awadhesh and Sethurathinam, Shalini and Jagadeeshaprasad, Mashanipalya G. and Bansode, Sneha B. and Sampathkumar, Srinivasa-Gopalan and Kulkarni, Mahesh J. and Mukhopadhyay, Arnab} } @article {45930, title = {Role of aliovalent cation doping in the activity of nanocrystalline CdS for visible-light-driven H-2 production from water}, journal = {International Journal of Hydrogen Energy}, volume = {40}, year = {2015}, month = {JUL }, pages = {8695-8705}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

This study was aimed at discerning the enhancement in the visible-light-driven water splitting activity of nanocrystalline CdS photocatalysts because of their doping with a small amount of an aliovalent cation (Ag+ or Cr3+). The CdS/Cr-x (x = 0-2.3 wt\%) and CdS/Ag-x (x = 0-1.5 wt\%) samples, which were synthesized using a one-step hydrothermal method, were characterized systematically for their crystallographic, morphological, interfacial, and photo-physical properties. The Rietveld refinement of the powder X-ray diffraction data enabled us to quantify the doping-effect on the phase composition and lattice parameters. As compared to pure CdS, the samples containing similar to 0.2 wt\% of Cr or Ag showed two or tenfold enhancement in the rate of H-2 evolution from water, respectively, when sulfide-sulfite ions were used as sacrificial electron donors. This pyramidal trend, i.e. maximum activity for a specific impurity content, which decreased on decreasing as well as increasing the amount of doping, did not occur owing to the presence of a secondary-phase metal sulfide or a dispersed metal cocatalyst. Our study revealed that instead of the widely advocated mechanism involving inter-semiconductor or semiconductor-to-metal electron transfer steps, the doping-modified photoactivity of CdS was governed by certain bulk and surface properties such as the cation-dependent particle nucleation, dominance of hex-CdS facets, and structural defects. Additionally, impurity-induced sub-bandgap charge-trapping states also contributed to the overall quantum efficiency. Copyright (C) 2015, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0360-3199}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijhydene.2015.05.019}, author = {Korake, Prakash V. and Achary, Srungarpu N. and Gupta, Narendra M.} } @article { ISI:000360934800003, title = {Role of chemical reactivity and transition state modeling for virtual screening}, journal = {Combinatorial Chemistry \& High Throughput Screening}, volume = {18}, number = {7}, year = {2015}, month = {JAN}, pages = {638-657}, publisher = {BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBL LTD}, address = {EXECUTIVE STE Y-2, PO BOX 7917, SAIF ZONE, 1200 BR SHARJAH, U ARAB EMIRATES}, abstract = {

Every drug discovery research program involves synthesis of a novel and potential drug molecule utilizing atom efficient, economical and environment friendly synthetic strategies. The current work focuses on the role of the reactivity based fingerprints of compounds as filters for virtual screening using a tool ChemScore. A reactant-like (RLS) and a product-like (PLS) score can be predicted for a given compound using the binary fingerprints derived from the numerous known organic reactions which capture the molecule-molecule interactions in the form of addition, substitution, rearrangement, elimination and isomerization reactions. The reaction fingerprints were applied to large databases in biology and chemistry, namely ChEMBL, KEGG, HMDB, DSSTox, and the Drug Bank database. A large network of 1113 synthetic reactions was constructed to visualize and ascertain the reactant product mappings in the chemical reaction space. The cumulative reaction fingerprints were computed for 4000 molecules belonging to 29 therapeutic classes of compounds, and these were found capable of discriminating between the cognition disorder related and anti-allergy compounds with reasonable accuracy of 75\% and AUC 0.8. In this study, the transition state based fingerprints were also developed and used effectively for virtual screening in drug related databases. The methodology presented here provides an efficient handle for the rapid scoring of molecular libraries for virtual screening.

}, keywords = {fingerprints, intermediates, metabolic pathways, product-like score, reactant-like score, reaction, screening, synthesis, virtual screening}, issn = {1386-2073}, doi = {10.2174/1386207318666150703113135}, author = {Karthikeyan, Muthukumarasamy and Vyas, Renu and Tambe, Sanjeev S. and Radhamohan, Deepthi and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article { ISI:000360934800001, title = {Role of data and methods in chemoinformatics for virtual screening}, journal = {Combinatorial Chemistry \& High Throughput Screening}, volume = {18}, number = {7}, year = {2015}, month = {JAN}, pages = {622-623}, publisher = {BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBL LTD}, address = {EXECUTIVE STE Y-2, PO BOX 7917, SAIF ZONE, 1200 BR SHARJAH, U ARAB EMIRATES}, issn = {1386-2073}, doi = {10.2174/138620731807150903101821}, author = {Karthikeyan, Muthukumarasamy and Vyas, Renu} } @article { ISI:000360026900051, title = {Role of metallic packing and kinetic promoter in designing a hydrate-based gas separation process}, journal = {Energy \& Fuels}, volume = {29}, number = {7}, year = {2015}, note = {2nd International Conference Biogas Science, Vienna, AUSTRIA, 2014}, month = {JUL}, pages = {4463-4471}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

In the present work, kinetics of the hydrate-based gas separation (HBGS) process has been studied employing an unstirred reactor configuration. Gas uptake measurements were carried out for studying hydrate formation kinetics and final water to hydrate conversion using fuel gas mixtures (mixture 1, 40.4\% CO2 + 59.6\% H-2; mixture 2, 40.9\% CO2 + 58.05\% H-2 + 1.05\% H2S). Silica sand and stainless-steel-structured packing (SSP) were used as contact media in the presence of an anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as a kinetic promoter. Experiments were conducted with three different concentrations of SDS in water to enhance hydrate formation kinetics. On the basis of induction time and rate of hydrate growth, 1 wt \% SDS was determined to be the best concentration for carbon dioxide capture at 7.0 MPa and 273.65 K from the CO2 + H-2 gas mixture. In comparison to silica sand packing, use of SSP was found to improve the final water to hydrate conversion (71.0 +/- 4.1\%). The addition of H2S impurity in the fuel gas mixture was also found to enhance the rate of hydrate formation in the presence of SDS at 7.8 MPa and 274.5 K. On the basis of the experimental results and our previous studies on separation efficiency, a continuous HBGS process is proposed to separate CO2 and produce CO2- and H2S-free H-2 stream from a fuel gas mixture.

}, issn = {0887-0624}, doi = {10.1021/acs.energyfuels.5b00664}, author = {Kumar, Asheesh and Kumar, Rajnish} } @article { ISI:000368436000017, title = {Role of methyl jasmonate in the expression of mycorrhizal induced resistance against Fusarium oxysporum in tomato plants}, journal = {Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology}, volume = {92}, year = {2015}, month = {OCT}, pages = {139-145}, publisher = {ACADEMIC PRESS LTD- ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {24-28 OVAL RD, LONDON NW1 7DX, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) colonization led to a decrease in the severity of fusarium wilt disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici in tomato plants. The involvement of two plant defense hormones, namely methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and salicylic acid (SA), in the expression of mycorrhiza induced resistance (MIR) against this vascular pathogen was studied in the AM colonized and non-colonized (controls) plants. Activity of lipoxygenase (LOX), which plays a role in jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis, as well as levels of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) increased in AM colonized plants as compared to controls, but did not show any further changes in response to F. oxysporum inoculation. On the other hand, activity of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), which is an enzyme from salicylic acid (SA) biosynthetic pathway, as well as SA levels, increased in both controls and AM colonized plants in response to application of F. oxysporum spores. Hence the JA and not the SA signalling pathway appeared to play a role in the expression of MIR against this vascular pathogen. The resistance observed in AM colonized plants was completely compromised when plants were treated with the JA biosynthesis inhibitor salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM). This confirmed that the AM-induced increase in JA levels was involved in the expression of resistance toward F. oxysporum. The SA response gene pathogenesis-related 1 (PR1) showed an increased expression in response to F. oxysporum infection in SHAM treated AM colonized plants as compared to plants that were not treated with this JA inhibitor. This suggested the possibility that JA inhibited SA responses, at least in the roots. AM colonization therefore appeared to prime plants for improved tolerance against the vascular pathogen F. oxysporum, which was mediated through the JA signalling pathway. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Fusarium wilt, Glomus fasciculatum, Methyl jasmonate, Mycorrhiza induced resistance, Salicylic acid, Tomato}, issn = {0885-5765}, doi = {10.1016/j.pmpp.2015.10.002}, author = {Nair, Aswathy and Kolet, Swati P. and Thulasiram, Hirekodathakallu V. and Bhargava, Sujata} } @article { ISI:000354199900018, title = {Role of N-terminal proline in stabilizing the Ant-Pro zipper motif}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {39}, number = {5}, year = {2015}, month = {MAR}, pages = {3327-3332}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Hetero-chiral hybrid peptides of the general sequence (L)alpha beta(D)(n)alpha beta(n) featuring proline (Pro, a constrained alpha-amino acid) and anthranilic acid (Ant, a constrained beta-amino acid) as building blocks, where n = 2, 4 etc., form a three-dimensional zipper-like architecture. These zipper peptides attain stable conformation by balancing the co-operative contribution of two competing non-covalent forces, namely hydrogen bonding and aromatic stacking. However, the selection of the N-terminal residue also stands to be one of the key contributors in stabilising the unusually long-range intramolecular hydrogen bond, featuring 26 atoms in the H-bonded ring observed at the termini. This article deals with the substitution alterations at the N-terminus of the zipper motif and their consequent influences on its structure and stability. In this study, the N-terminal Pro residue of the zipper motif was substituted with a flexible amino acid, alanine, and a constrained acyclic amino acid, 2-aminoisobutyric acid, to investigate the role of N-terminal proline in stabilizing the Ant-Pro zipper motif, and its stabilities were assessed by employing solution-state NMR and restrained MD simulation studies.

}, issn = {1144-0546}, doi = {10.1039/c4nj02151g}, author = {Kheria, Sanjeev and Nair, Roshna V. and Kotmale, Amol S. and Rajamohanan, Pattuparambil R. and Sanjayan, Gangadhar J.} } @article { ISI:000360934400002, title = {Role of open source tools and resources in virtual screening for drug discovery}, journal = {Combinatorial Chemistry \& High Throughput Screening}, volume = {18}, number = {6}, year = {2015}, month = {JUL}, pages = {528-543}, publisher = {BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBL LTD}, address = {EXECUTIVE STE Y-2, PO BOX 7917, SAIF ZONE, 1200 BR SHARJAH, U ARAB EMIRATES}, abstract = {

Advancement in chemoinformatics research in parallel with availability of high performance computing platform has made handling of large scale multi-dimensional scientific data for high throughput drug discovery easier. In this study we have explored publicly available molecular databases with the help of open-source based integrated in-house molecular informatics tools for virtual screening. The virtual screening literature for past decade has been extensively investigated and thoroughly analyzed to reveal interesting patterns with respect to the drug, target, scaffold and disease space. The review also focuses on the integrated chemoinformatics tools that are capable of harvesting chemical data from textual literature information and transform them into truly computable chemical structures, identification of unique fragments and scaffolds from a class of compounds, automatic generation of focused virtual libraries, computation of molecular descriptors for structure-activity relationship studies, application of conventional filters used in lead discovery along with in-house developed exhaustive PTC (Pharmacophore, Toxicophores and Chemophores) filters and machine learning tools for the design of potential disease specific inhibitors. A case study on kinase inhibitors is provided as an example.

}, keywords = {Chemoinformatics, kinases, open source, scaffold, virtual screening}, issn = {1386-2073}, doi = {10.2174/1386207318666150703111911}, author = {Karthikeyan, Muthukumarasamy and Vyas, Renu} } @article { ISI:000366878100001, title = {Role of surfactants in promoting gas hydrate formation}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {54}, number = {49}, year = {2015}, month = {DEC}, pages = {12217-12232}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Gas hydrates have been proposed as a potential technology for a number of applications, such as separation of gas mixtures, CO2 capture, transportation, and sequestration, methane storage and transport, and seawater desalination. Most of these applications will benefit from reduced induction time of hydrate nucleation, enhanced hydrate growth rate, and maximum water-to-hydrate conversion. The addition of surfactants to the gas-water system serves this purpose in a very effective manner. This review focuses on different surfactants that were utilized for gas hydrate formation studies; insights have been provided on the possible mechanisms of action through which these surfactants affect hydrate formation kinetics. A thorough analysis of the existing literature on surfactants suggests that enhanced rate of hydrate nucleation and growth kinetics may not be directly linked to micelle formation. Conversely, reduced surface tension in the presence of surfactants not only enhances the mass transfer but also changes the morphology of hydrate formation, which in turn enhances gas-water interactions for faster hydrate growth rate.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/acs.iecr.5b03476}, author = {Kumar, Asheesh and Bhattacharjee, Gaurav and Kulkarni, B. D. and Kumar, Rajnish} } @article { ISI:000359654100006, title = {Role of tumor cell surface lysosome-associated membrane protein-1 (LAMP1) and its associated carbohydrates in lung metastasis}, journal = {Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology}, volume = {141}, number = {9}, year = {2015}, month = {SEP}, pages = {1563-1574}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Expression of lysosome-associated membrane protein-1 (LAMP1) on the surface correlates with metastatic potential of B16 melanoma cells. Downregulation of their expression in high metastatic (B16F10) cells reduced their surface expression and metastatic potential. Present investigations explore if overexpression of LAMP1 on the surface of low metastatic (B16F1) cells augment their metastatic ability, and if so, how? B16F1 cells were transduced with lentiviral vector carrying mutant-LAMP1 (Y386A) (mutLAMP1). Surface expression of LAMP1 and carbohydrates was analyzed by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence and/or immunoprecipitation and Western blotting. Cell spreading and motility were assessed on components of extracellular matrix (ECM) (fibronectin) and basement membrane (BM) (matrigel), and galectin-3-coated coverslips/plates. Metastatic potential was assessed using experimental metastasis assay. Pre-incubation with anti-LAMP1 antibodies significantly reduced lung metastasis of B16F10 cells. Overexpression of mutLAMP1 significantly increased its surface expression on B16F1 cells, resulting in increased cellular spreading and motility on fibronectin and matrigel. LAMP1 is the major carrier of poly-N-acetyllactosamine (polyLacNAc) on B16F10 cells. However, significantly higher expression of mutLAMP1 had no effect on galectin-3 binding on cell surface or on spreading or motility of cells on galectin-3-coated coverslips/plates. These cells also failed to show any gain in metastatic ability. This could be because LAMP1 from these cells carried significantly lower levels of polyLacNAc in comparison with B16F10 cells. PolyLacNAc on B16F10 cells and galectin-3 on lungs are the major participants in melanoma metastasis. Although surface LAMP1 promotes interactions with organ ECM and BM, carbohydrates on LAMP1 play a decisive role in dictating lung metastasis.

}, keywords = {6 branched N-oligosaccharides, beta 1, Cell surface LAMP1, Galectin-3, Motility, Organ-specific metastasis, Poly-N-acetyllactosamine}, issn = {0171-5216}, doi = {10.1007/s00432-015-1917-2}, author = {Agarwal, Akhil Kumar and Srinivasan, Nithya and Godbole, Rashmi K. and More, Shyam K. and Budnar, Srikanth and Gude, Rajiv P. and Kalraiya, Rajiv D.} } @article {42984, title = {Rottlerin derivatives and other compounds from mallotus philippinensis fruits and their potential antimycobactrial activity}, journal = {Planta Medica Letters}, volume = {2}, year = {2015}, month = {JUN}, pages = {e28-e30}, abstract = {

The methanolic extract of the fruits of Mallotus philippinensis afforded 13 compounds, 7,11-diketo-lanost-3-ol (1, as acetate), lanosta-8-ene-3β-ol (2, as acetate), pregnenolone (3, as acetate), trans-chalcone (4), kamalachalcone E (5), oleanolic acid (6), gallic acid (7), kaempferol (8), myricetin (9), 1-(5,7-dihydroxy-2,2,6-trimethyl-2 H-1-benzopyran-8-yl)-3-phenyl-2-propen-1-one (10), 4'-hydroxyisorottlerin (11), rottlerin (12), and shikimic acid (13). Compound 1 was isolated as a new natural product and its structure was elucidated by 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance analyses including heteronuclear single quantum correlation, heteronuclear multiple-bond correlation, correlation spectroscopy, and nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy experiments. All of the isolated compounds were evaluated for their antimycobacterium activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra. Compounds 11 and 12 exhibited promising inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 0.89 {\textpm} 0.33 {\textmu}g/mL (MIC 2.06 {\textpm} 0.41 {\textmu}g/mL) and 7.59 {\textpm} 0.42 {\textmu}g/mL (MIC 11.56 {\textpm} 0.35 {\textmu}g/mL), respectively.

}, doi = {10.1055/s-0035-1557793}, author = {Bhardwaj, Rima and Chinchansure, Ashish A. and Kulkarni, Roshan R. and Arkile, Manisha A. and Sarkar, Dhiman and Joshi, Swati P.} } @article { ISI:000356845000002, title = {Ru-catalyzed redox-neutral cleavage of the N-O bond in isoxazolidines: isatogens to pseudoindoxyls via a one-pot [3+2]-cycloaddition/N-O cleavage}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {17}, number = {12}, year = {2015}, month = {JUN}, pages = {2870-2873}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

A novel metal-catalyzed oxygen atom transfer reaction onto olefins is reported. By taking isatogens as substrates, a one-pot [3 + 2]-cycloaddition of nitrone with olefins followed by the Ru-catalyzed redox-neutral N-O bond cleavage of intermediate isoxazolidine has been executed as a simple method for the synthesis of 2,2-disubstituted pseudoindoxyls.

}, issn = {1523-7060}, doi = {10.1021/acs.orglett.5b00837}, author = {Kumar, Chepuri V. Suneel and Ramana, Chepuri V.} } @article { ISI:000348358200011, title = {Ruthenium(II)-catalyzed switchable C3-alkylation versus alkenylation with acrylates of 2-pyridylbenzofurans via C-H bond activation}, journal = {Catalysis Science \& Technology}, volume = {5}, number = {1}, year = {2015}, month = {OCT}, pages = {114-117}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We documented an interesting observation of ruthenium (II)-catalyzed benzofuran C-H activation and subsequent functionalization with acrylates that reveals that a simple base can switch the process from alkylation to alkenylation.

}, issn = {2044-4753}, doi = {10.1039/c4cy01268b}, author = {Kommagalla, Yadagiri and Mullapudi, Venkanna Babu and Francis, Fredi and Ramana, Chepuri V.} } @article { ISI:000359951700161, title = {RXR-carbamate - a novel molecular transporter for skin}, journal = {Molecular Therapy}, volume = {23}, number = {1}, year = {2015}, note = {18th Annual Meeting of the American-Society-of-Gene-and-Cell-Therapy (ASGCT), New Orleans, LA, MAY 13-16, 2015}, month = {MAY}, pages = {S64-S64}, publisher = {Amer Soc Gene \& Cell Therapy}, address = {75 VARICK ST, 9TH FLR, NEW YORK, NY 10013-1917 USA}, issn = {1525-0016}, author = {Natarajan, Poornemaa and Patil, Kiran M. and Vij, Manika and Yadav, Amit K. and Kumar, Vaijayanti A. and Ganguli, Munia and Fernandes, Moneesha} } @article {45936, title = {Seeded on-surface supramolecular growth for large area conductive donor-acceptor assembly}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {51}, year = {2015}, month = {MAY}, pages = {10439-10442}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Charge transport features of organic semiconductor assemblies are of paramount importance. However, large-area extended supramolecular structures of donor-acceptor combinations with controlled self-assembly pathways are hardly accessible. In this context, as a representative example, seeded on-surface supramolecular growth of tetrathiafulvalene and tetracyano-p-quinodimethane (TTF-TCNQ) using active termini of solution-formed sheaves has been introduced to form an extended assembly. We demonstrate for the first time, the creation of a large-area donor-acceptor assembly on the surface, which is practically very tedious, using a seeded, evaporation-assisted growth process. The excellent molecular ordering in this assembly is substantiated by its good electrical conductivity (similar to 10(-2) S cm(-1)). The on-surface assembly via both internally formed and externally added sheaf-like seeds open new pathways in supramolecular chemistry and device applications.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c5cc03091a}, author = {Goudappagouda and Chithiravel, Sundaresan and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam and Gosavi, Suresh W. and Babu, Sukumaran Santhosh} } @article { ISI:000352905700046, title = {Selective interfacial synthesis of metal-organic frameworks on a polybenzimidazole hollow fiber membrane for gas separation}, journal = {Nanoscale}, volume = {7}, number = {16}, year = {2015}, month = {MAR}, pages = {7291-7298}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have gained immense attention as new age materials due to their tuneable properties and diverse applicability. However, efforts on developing promising materials for membrane based gas separation, and control over the crystal growth positions on polymeric hollow fiber membranes still remain key challenges. In this investigation, a new, convenient and scalable room temperature interfacial method for growing MOFs (ZIF-8 and CuBTC) on either the outer or inner side of a polybenzimidazole based hollow fiber (PBI-BuI-HF) membrane surface has been achieved in a controlled manner. This was made possible by the appropriate selection of an immiscible solvent pair and the synthetic conditions. The growth of MOFs on the PBI-BuI-HF membrane by the interfacial method was continuous and showed an appreciable gas separation performance, conveying promise for their applicability.

}, issn = {2040-3364}, doi = {10.1039/c5nr00299k}, author = {Biswal, Bishnu P. and Bhaskar, Anand and Banerjee, Rahul and Kharul, Ulhas K.} } @article { ISI:000352448800019, title = {Self-assembled vertically aligned gold nanorod super-lattices for ultra-high sensitive detection of molecules}, journal = {Nano Research}, volume = {8}, number = {3}, year = {2015}, month = {MAR}, pages = {907-919}, publisher = {TSINGHUA UNIV PRESS}, address = {TSINGHUA UNIV, RM A703, XUEYAN BLDG, BEIJING, 10084, PEOPLES R CHINA}, abstract = {

We show that self-assembled vertically aligned gold nanorod (VA-GNRs) superlattices can serve as probes or substrates for ultra-high sensitive detection of various molecules. D-glucose and 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) have been chosen as model systems due to their very low Raman cross-sections (5.6 x 10(-30) cm(2).molecule(-1).sr(-1) for D-glucose and 4.9 x 10(-31) cm(2). molecule(-1).sr(-1) for TNT) to show that the VA-GNR superlattice assembly offers as low as yoctomole sensitivity. Our experiment on mixed samples of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and D-glucose solutions demonstrate sensitivity for the latter, and the possible extension to real samples. Self-assembled superlattices of VA-GNRs were achieved on a silicon wafer by depositing a drop of solvent containing the GNRs and subsequent solvent evaporation in ambient conditions. An additional advantage of the VA-GNR monolayers is their extremely high reproducible morphology accompanied by ultrahigh sensitivity which will be useful in many fields where a very small amount of analyte is available. Moreover the assembly can be reused a number of times after removing the already present molecules. The method of obtaining VA-GNRs is simple, inexpensive and reproducible. With the help of simulations of monolayers and multilayers it has been shown that superlattices can achieve better sensitivity than monolayer assembly of VA-GNRs.

}, keywords = {Nanostructures, Raman spectroscopy, self-assemblies, sensors, superlattices}, issn = {1998-0124}, doi = {10.1007/s12274-014-0572-2}, author = {Apte, Amey and Bhaskar, Prashant and Das, Raja and Chaturvedi, Smita and Poddar, Pankaj and Kulkarni, Sulabha} } @article { ISI:000353702500026, title = {Self-templated chemically stable hollow spherical covalent organic framework}, journal = {Nature Communications}, volume = {6}, year = {2015}, month = {APR}, pages = {6786}, publisher = {NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP}, address = {MACMILLAN BUILDING, 4 CRINAN ST, LONDON N1 9XW, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Covalent organic frameworks are a family of crystalline porous materials with promising applications. Although active research on the design and synthesis of covalent organic frameworks has been ongoing for almost a decade, the mechanisms of formation of covalent organic frameworks crystallites remain poorly understood. Here we report the synthesis of a hollow spherical covalent organic framework with mesoporous walls in a single-step template-free method. A detailed time-dependent study of hollow sphere formation reveals that an inside-out Ostwald ripening process is responsible for the hollow sphere formation. The synthesized covalent organic framework hollow spheres are highly porous (surface area similar to 1,500m(2) g(-1)), crystalline and chemically stable, due to the presence of strong intramolecular hydrogen bonding. These mesoporous hollow sphere covalent organic frameworks are used for a trypsin immobilization study, which shows an uptake of 15.5 mu mol g(-1) of trypsin.

}, issn = {2041-1723}, doi = {10.1038/ncomms7786}, author = {Kandambeth, Sharath and Venkatesh, V. and Shinde, Digambar B. and Kumari, Sushma and Halder, Arjun and Verma, Sandeep and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article { ISI:000353931300023, title = {Shape-selective oriented cerium oxide nanocrystals permit assessment of the effect of the exposed facets on catalytic activity and oxygen storage capacity}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {7}, number = {16}, year = {2015}, month = {APR}, pages = {8545-8555}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The catalytic performance of a range of nanocrystalline CeO2 samples, prepared to have different morphologies, was measured using two accepted indicators; oxygen storage and diesel soot combustion. The same powders were characterized hi detail by HR-TEM, XRD, XPS, and Raman methods. The study demonstrates that activity is determined by the relative fraction of the active crystallographic planes, not by the specific surface area of the powders. The physical study is a step toward quantitative evaluation of the relative contribution to activity of the different facets. The synthetic protocol permits fabrication of CeO2 nanostructures with preferentially grown active planes, and therefore has potential in developing catalytic applications and in nanocompositing.

}, keywords = {ceria, chemical activities, crystal facets, nanocrystals, texture coefficient}, issn = {1944-8244}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.5b00298}, author = {Sreeremya, Thadathil S. and Krishnan, Asha and Remani, Kottayilpadi C. and Patil, Kashinath R. and Brougham, Dermot F. and Ghosh, Swapankumar} } @article { ISI:000347373500003, title = {Simple method for the preparation of ultra-small palladium nanoparticles and their utilization for the hydrogenation of terminal alkyne groups to alkanes}, journal = {Nanoscale}, volume = {7}, number = {3}, year = {2015}, month = {NOV}, pages = {872-876}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A simple and convenient method for the preparation of ultra-small palladium nanoparticles (Pd-NPs) by a modified digestive ripening method is described. These nanoparticles catalyse the hydrogenation of the terminal alkyne groups to alkanes selectively, and show no effect on other labile protecting and internal alkyne or internal/external alkene groups present in the molecule.

}, issn = {2040-3364}, doi = {10.1039/c4nr04239e}, author = {Seth, Jhumur and Kona, Chandrababu Naidu and Das, Shyamsundar and Bhagavatula L. V. Prasad} } @article { ISI:000357808500016, title = {Single-layer graphene-assembled 3D porous carbon composites with PVA and Fe3O4 nano-fillers: an interface-mediated superior dielectric and EMI shielding performance}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics}, volume = {17}, number = {28}, year = {2015}, month = {JUN}, pages = {18353-18363}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

In this study, a novel composite of Fe3O4 nanofiller-decorated single-layer graphene-assembled porous carbon (SLGAPC) with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) having flexibility and a density of 0.75 g cm(-3) is explored for its dielectric and electromagnetic interference (EMI) response properties. The composite is prepared by the solution casting method and its constituents are optimized as 15 wt\% SLGAPC and 20 wt\% Fe3O4 through a novel solvent relaxation nuclear magnetic resonance experiment. The PVA-SLGAPC-Fe3O4 composite shows high dielectric permittivity in the range of 1 Hz-10 MHz, enhanced by a factor of 4 as compared to that of the PVA-SLGAPC composite, with a reduced loss by a factor of 2. The temperature dependent dielectric properties reveal the activation energy behaviour with reference to the glass transition temperature (80 degrees C) of PVA. The dielectric hysteresis with the temperature cycle reveals a remnant polarization. The enhanced dielectric properties are suggested to be the result of improvement in the localized polarization of the integrated interface system (Maxwell-Wagner-Sillars (MWS) polarization) formed by the uniform adsorption of Fe3O4 on the surface of SLGAPC conjugated with PVA. The EMI shielding property of the composite with a low thickness of 0.3 mm in the X-band (8.2-12.4 GHz) shows a very impressive shielding efficiency of similar to 15 dB and a specific shielding effectiveness of 20 dB (g cm(-3))(-1), indicating the promising character of this material for flexible EMI shielding applications.

}, issn = {1463-9076}, doi = {10.1039/c5cp02476e}, author = {Rao, B. V. Bhaskara and Yadav, Prasad and Aepuru, Radhamanohar and Panda, H. S. and Ogale, Satishchandra and Kale, S. N.} } @article { ISI:000351061700025, title = {Situ preparation of N-TiO2/graphene nanocomposite and its enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production by H2S splitting under solar light}, journal = {Nanoscale}, volume = {7}, number = {11}, year = {2015}, month = {FEB}, pages = {5023-5034}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Highly monodispersed nitrogen doped TiO2 nanoparticles were successfully deposited on graphene (N-TiO2/Gr) by a facile in-situ wet chemical method for the first time. N-TiO2/Gr has been further used for photocatalytic hydrogen production using a naturally occurring abundant source of energy i.e. solar light. The N-TiO2/Gr nanocomposite composition was optimized by varying the concentrations of dopant nitrogen and graphene (using various concentrations of graphene) for utmost hydrogen production. The structural, optical and morphological aspects of nanocomposites were studied using XRD, UV-DRS, Raman, XPS, FESEM, and TEM. The structural study of the nanocomposite shows existence of anatase N-TiO2. Further, the details of the components present in the composition were confirmed with Raman and XPS. The morphological study shows that very tiny, 7-10 nm sized, N-TiO2 nanoparticles are deposited on the graphene sheet. The optical study reveals a drastic change in absorption edge and consequent total absorption due to nitrogen doping and presence of graphene. Considering the extended absorption edge to the visible region, these nanocomposites were further used as a photocatalyst to transform hazardous H2S waste into eco-friendly hydrogen using solar light. The N-TiO2/Gr nanocomposite with 2\% graphene exhibits enhanced photocatalytic stable hydrogen production i.e. similar to 5941 mu mol h(-1) under solar light irradiation using just 0.2 gm nanocomposite, which is much higher as compared to P25, undoped TiO2 and TiO2/Gr nanocomposite. The enhancement in the photocatalytic activity is attributed to {\textquoteleft}N{\textquoteright} doping as well as high specific surface area and charge carrier ability of graphene. The recycling of the photocatalyst shows a good stability of the nanocomposites. This work may provide new insights to design other semiconductor deposited graphene novel nanocomposites as a visible light active photocatalyst.

}, issn = {2040-3364}, doi = {10.1039/c4nr06435f}, author = {Bhirud, Ashwini P. and Sathaye, Shivaram D. and Waichal, Rupali P. and Ambekar, Jalindar D. and Park, Chan-J. and Kale, Bharat B.} } @article { ISI:000359459900017, title = {Situ preparation of N-ZnO/graphene nanocomposites: excellent candidate as a photocatalyst for enhanced solar hydrogen generation and high performance supercapacitor electrode}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry A}, volume = {3}, number = {33}, year = {2015}, month = {JUL}, pages = {17050-17063}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We have demonstrated a facile in situ wet chemical method to synthesize nanostructured nitrogen doped ZnO/Graphene (N-ZnO/GR) nanocomposites for the first time. Nitrogen doped ZnO over graphene (N-ZnO/GR) was studied using various concentrations of graphene. During the synthesis of N-ZnO/GR nanocomposites, in situ formation of graphene via GO reduction and formation of 4-9 nm N-ZnO have been demonstrated. The composite N-ZnO/GR absorbs in the visible region and this property is used for the photocatalytic reaction to transform hazardous H2S waste into eco-friendly hydrogen using solar light. The N-ZnO/GR nanocomposite with 0.3\% graphene exhibits an enhanced photocatalytic stable hydrogen production rate i.e. similar to 5072 mu mol h(-1) under visible light irradiation. It is noteworthy that the N-ZnO/GR electrode exhibits a high specific capacitance of 555 F g(-1) and excellent cyclic performance with nearly 96.20\% capacity retention after 2000 cycles at a current density of 10 A g(-1). These results indicate great potential applications of N-ZnO/GR in developing high hydrogen production and supercapacitors with high energy and power densities.

}, issn = {2050-7488}, doi = {10.1039/c5ta03955j}, author = {Bhirud, Ashwini P. and Sathaye, Shivaram and Waichal, Rupali and Park, Chan-Jin and Kale, Bharat} } @article { ISI:000352546100002, title = {Sodium periodate mediated oxidative transformations in organic synthesis}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {13}, number = {15}, year = {2015}, month = {FEB}, pages = {4374-4394}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The investigation of new oxidative transformations for the synthesis of carbon-heteroatom and heteroatom-heteroatom bonds is of fundamental importance in the synthesis of numerous bioactive molecules and fine chemicals. In this context, NaIO4, an exciting reagent, has attracted increasing attention enabling the development of these unprecedented oxidative transformations that are difficult to achieve otherwise. Thus, NaIO4 has been successfully explored as a versatile oxidant for a variety of fundamental organic transformations such as C-H activation, oxidative functionalization of alkenes and other interesting oxidative transformations and its application in the synthesis of bioactive natural products. This review summarizes recent developments in this area with NaIO4 as a versatile oxidant and brings out many challenges that still remain elusive for the future.

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/c5ob00238a}, author = {Sudalai, Arumugam and Khenkin, Alexander and Neumann, Ronny} } @article {45929, title = {Solvent-free carbonylation of glycerol with urea using metal loaded MCM-41 catalysts}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {5}, year = {2015}, month = {JAN}, pages = {16452-16460}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Reacting glycerol with urea is the most attractive option for the production of glycerol carbonate (GC) as it utilizes two inexpensive chemicals readily available in the chemical cycle. The overall result is the chemical fixation of carbon dioxide. A Zn/MCM-41(im) catalyst prepared by a wet impregnation method exhibited excellent activity for the reaction of glycerol and urea with 75\% glycerol conversion and 98\% selectivity to GC. Such excellent activity of the catalyst is explained based on the presence of both basic and acidic sites on the same catalyst which activates the glycerol and urea molecules, respectively.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c4ra11590b}, author = {Kondawar, S. E. and Potdar, A. S. and Rode, C. V.} } @article { ISI:000346235600051, title = {Solvent-mediated molar conductivity of protic ionic liquids}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics}, volume = {17}, number = {1}, year = {2015}, month = {NOV}, pages = {475-482}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The molar conductivity, A(m), of protic ionic liquids (PILs) in molecular solvents is measured at 298.15 K. The decrease in the A(m) values of PILs is observed with an increase in the concentration of PILs. The limiting molar conductivities, A(m)(0), were obtained for each PIL in different molecular solvents using a least squares method. The A(m)(0) data for PILs were correlated with the structural aspects of PILs and solvent properties. The polar protic solvents show poor ionic association as compared to the polar aprotic solvents, which is discussed on the basis of the hydrogen bond donating (HBD) ability of solvents and PILs. The alkyl chain substitution of anions plays a significant role in the ionic association of the PILs. The diffusion coefficient D-0 and the transport number t were determined, which were consistent with the A(m)(0) values of PILs in water. The A(m)(0) and D-0 values are dependent on the hydrodynamic radius of anions of these ionic liquids. The extent of ionic association for each PIL was discussed using temperature dependent A(m) data for aqueous PIL systems in terms of the Walden plot.

}, issn = {1463-9076}, doi = {10.1039/c4cp04591b}, author = {Thawarkar, Sachin and Khupse, Nageshwar D. and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000348455100007, title = {Spectral analysis of the emission current noise exhibited by few layer WS2 nanosheets emitter}, journal = {Ultramicroscopy}, volume = {149}, year = {2015}, month = {FEB}, pages = {51-57}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Spectral analysis of the field emission (FE) current fluctuations has been carried out at the base pressure similar to 1 x 10(-8) mbar. The emission current stability investigated at preset value of 2 mu A is characterized by {\textquoteleft}step like fluctuation. The spectral analysis performed on a FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) analyzer revealed that the observed noise is of 1/f(alpha) type, with the value of alpha as similar to 1.05. The estimated value of alpha implies that the current fluctuations are mainly due the various processes occurring on atomic scale like adsorption, migration, and/or desorption of the residual gas species on the emitter surface. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Current fluctuations, field emission, Noise, WS2 nanosheets}, issn = {0304-3991}, doi = {10.1016/j.ultramic.2014.10.004}, author = {Suryawanshi, Sachin R. and Kolhe, Pankaj S. and Rout, Chandra S. and Late, Dattatray J. and More, Mahendra A.} } @article { ISI:000363179900069, title = {Spin-coatable, photopatternable magnetic nanocomposite thin films for MEMS device applications}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {5}, number = {104}, year = {2015}, month = {OCT}, pages = {85741-85747}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Magnetic nanomaterials{\textquoteright} (especially metals) air stability and compatibility with standard micro-fabrication technologies are often a concern for development of MEMS-based magnetic devices. In this paper, we report an air-stable, photo-patternable and spin-coatable magnetic thin film preparation process for MEMS applications. This magnetic nanocomposite thin film was prepared by incorporating carbon capped ferromagnetic cobalt nanoparticles of dimension 20-80 nm into the SU-8 matrix. TEM, XRD and EDAX analyses were done, to investigate the crystal structure, dispersion and phase stability of the films. The SQUID magnetometry and MFM measurements of the film confirmed its magnetic response at room temperature and the retention of its magnetic properties over a period of time. The material compatibility for MEMS device applications was demonstrated through fabrication of a suspended circular membrane of radius similar to 250 mu m, having four U-shaped beams, of dimension similar to 270 x 50 mu m each. Three conventional lithography steps and a sacrificial release layer of similar to 1 mm thick oxide was used for the fabrication. The membrane was characterized by evaluating its spring constant and resonant frequency. The spring constant and resonant frequencies were estimated to be similar to 4.2 N m(-1) and similar to 29 kHz respectively. Finally, we demonstrated the actuation of the magnetic membrane by an off-chip generated magnetic field, for its possible use as a MEMS device.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c5ra15706d}, author = {Kandpal, Manoj and Sharan, C. and Palaparthy, V. and Tiwary, N. and Poddar, P. and Rao, V. Ramgopal} } @article {43027, title = {Spirochromone-chalcone conjugates as antitubercular agents: synthesis, bio evaluation and molecular modeling studies}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {5}, year = {2015}, month = {DEC}, abstract = {

A new series of spirochromone annulated chalcone conjugates were synthesized and evaluated for their antitubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv strain. These compounds were subjected to molecular modeling studies using docking and chemoinformatics based approaches. The docking simulations were performed against a range of known receptors for chalcone derived compounds to reveal MTB phosphotyrosine phosphatase B [MtbPtpB] protein as the most probable target based on the high binding affinity scores. Five compounds exhibit significant inhibition, showing minimum inhibitory concentration values i.e. MIC values ranging from 3.13{\textendash}12.5 μg mL-1. Further analysis of the synthesized compounds with known and in-house developed chemoinformatics tools unequivocally established their potential as anti-tubercular compounds. QSAR modeling revealed a quantitative relationship between biological activities and frontier molecular orbital energies of synthesized compounds. The predictive model can be employed further for virtual screening of new compounds in this series.

}, doi = {10.1039/C5RA21737G}, author = {Mujahid, Mohammad and Perumal, Yogeeswari and Sriram, D. and Basavanag, U. M. V. and D{\i}az-Cervantes, Erik and Cordoba-Bahena, Luis and Robles, Juvencio and Gonnade, Rajesh Ghanshyam and Karthikeyan, Muthukumarasamy and Vyas, Renu and Krishnan, M. Muthu} } @article { ISI:000354067400001, title = {Stable field emission from layered MoS2 nanosheets in high vacuum and observation of 1/f noise}, journal = {Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology}, volume = {5}, year = {2015}, month = {APR}, pages = {10}, publisher = {INTECH EUROPE}, address = {JANEZA TRDINE 9, RIJEKA, 51000, CROATIA}, abstract = {

Field emission and current noise of hydrothermally synthesized MoS2 nanosheets are investigated in ultra-high-vacuum and industrially suited high-vacuum conditions. The study reveals that the emission turn-on field is pressure dependent. Moreover, the MoS2 nanosheets exhibit more stable field-electron emission in high-vacuum than in ultra-high-vacuum conditions. The investigations on field-emission current fluctuations show features of 1/f-type noise in ultra-high-vacuum and high-vacuum conditions, attributed to adsorption and desorption processes. The post-field-emission results indicate the MoS2 nanosheets are a robust field emitter in high-vacuum conditions.

}, keywords = {Electron emission, layered materials, MoS2, Noise measurement, Raman spectroscopy}, issn = {1847-9804}, doi = {10.5772/60071}, author = {Kashid, Ranjit V. and Joag, Pracheetee D. and Thripuranthaka, M. and Rout, Chandra S. and Late, Dattatray J. and More, Mahendra A.} } @article { ISI:000361935600025, title = {Star telechelic poly(L-lactide) ionomers}, journal = {Macromolecules}, volume = {48}, number = {18}, year = {2015}, month = {SEP}, pages = {6580-6588}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Poly(L-lactide) (PLA), a biodegradable and biorenewable polymer, has many excellent properties that are equivalent to those of petroleum-derived plastics such as polystyrene, aromatic polyesters, etc. However, a major disadvantage of PLA which limits its processability is its poor melt elasticity. In this work we explore the possibility of improving the viscoelastic properties of PLA melt by incorporating ionic groups on the polymer. Specifically, we demonstrate the synthesis of star telechelic PLA anionomers by a three-step procedure involving synthesis of Star PIA, converting the hydroxyl end groups into carboxylic acid end groups, and finally converting these into ionic groups. Rheology data showed a dramatic increase in the elasticity of the star telechelic ionomer melts relative to the Star PLA melts. The viscoelasticity of star telechelic ionomers melts could be modulated by varying the number of ionic groups per molecule.

}, issn = {0024-9297}, doi = {10.1021/acs.macromol.5b01854}, author = {Kulkarni, Amruta and Lele, Ashish K. and Sivaram, Swaminathan and Rajamohanan, P. R. and Velankar, Sachin and Chatterji, Apratim} } @article { ISI:000350573400013, title = {Starch (Tapioca) to carbon dots: an efficient green approach to an on-off-on photoluminescence probe for fluoride ion sensing}, journal = {Analyst}, volume = {140}, number = {6}, year = {2015}, month = {FEB}, pages = {1837-1841}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Photoluminescent carbon dots of 4-5 nm size were prepared from starch (Tapioca Sago) through a solution method under mild conditions. The as-prepared carbon dots were used as photoluminescence probes for highly anion selective fluoride ion detection in aqueous solutions. A ready-to-use device is also demonstrated.

}, issn = {0003-2654}, doi = {10.1039/c4an02340d}, author = {Basu, Aniruddha and Suryawanshi, Anil and Kumawat, Begraj and Dandia, Anshu and Guin, Debanjan and Ogale, Satishchandra B.} } @article { ISI:000358229500042, title = {Stereocontrolled synthesis of Hagen{\textquoteright}s gland lactones via iterative proline catalyzed alpha-aminoxylation and oxa-Michael addition reactions}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {5}, number = {75}, year = {2015}, month = {JUL}, pages = {61000-61005}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A simple and efficient synthesis of Hagen{\textquoteright}s gland lactones was achieved using a sequential alpha-aminoxylation/oxa-Michael approach in a highly diastereoselective manner with assignment of relative configurations. This method was found to be applicable to the synthesis of various other isomers of Hagen{\textquoteright}s gland lactones.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c5ra10082h}, author = {Kauloorkar, Shruti Vandana and Jha, Vishwajeet and Jogdand, Ganesh F. and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000360934800004, title = {Study of applications of machine learning based classification methods for virtual screening of lead molecules}, journal = {Combinatorial Chemistry \& High Throughput Screening}, volume = {18}, number = {7}, year = {2015}, month = {AUG}, pages = {658-672}, publisher = {BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBL LTD}, address = {EXECUTIVE STE Y-2, PO BOX 7917, SAIF ZONE, 1200 BR SHARJAH, U ARAB EMIRATES}, abstract = {

The ligand-based virtual screening of combinatorial libraries employs a number of statistical modeling and machine learning methods. A comprehensive analysis of the application of these methods for the diversity oriented virtual screening of biological targets/drug classes is presented here. A number of classification models have been built using three types of inputs namely structure based descriptors, molecular fingerprints and therapeutic category for performing virtual screening. The activity and affinity descriptors of a set of inhibitors of four target classes DHFR, COX, LOX and NMDA have been utilized to train a total of six classifiers viz. Artificial Neural Network (ANN), k nearest neighbor (k-NN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Naive Bayes (NB), Decision Tree - (DT) and Random Forest - (RF). Among these classifiers, the ANN was found as the best classifier with an AUC of 0.9 irrespective of the target. New molecular fingerprints based on pharmacophore, toxicophore and chemophore (PTC), were used to build the ANN models for each dataset. A good accuracy of 87.27\% was obtained using 296 chemophoric binary fingerprints for the COX-LOX inhibitors compared to pharmacophoric (67.82 \%) and toxicophoric (70.64 \%). The methodology was validated on the classical Ames mutagenecity dataset of 4337 molecules. To evaluate it further, selectivity and promiscuity of molecules from five drug classes viz. anti-anginal, anti-convulsant, anti-depressant, anti-arrhythmic and anti-diabetic were studied. The TPC fingerprints computed for each category were able to capture the drug-class specific features using the k-NN classifier. These models can be useful for selecting optimal molecules for drug design.

}, keywords = {Anti-anginal, anti-arrythmic, anti-bacterial, anti-convulsant, anti-depressant anti-diabetic, binary QSAR, chemophore, machine learning, pharmacophore, toxicophore}, issn = {1386-2073}, doi = {10.2174/1386207318666150703112447}, author = {Vyas, Renu and Bapat, Sanket and Jain, Esha and Tambe, Sanjeev S. and Karthikeyan, Muthukumarasamy and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article { ISI:000365530700017, title = {Study of the nucleation and growth of antibiotic labeled Au NPs and blue luminescent Au-8 quantum clusters for Hg2+ ion sensing, cellular imaging and antibacterial applications}, journal = {Nanoscale}, volume = {7}, number = {47}, year = {2015}, month = {OCT}, pages = {19985-20002}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Herein, we report a detailed experimental study supported by DFT calculations to understand the mechanism behind the synthesis of cefradine (CFD - an antibiotic) labeled gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) by employing CFD as both a mild reducing and capping agent. The analysis of the effect of growth conditions reveals that a higher concentration of HAuCl4 results in the formation of an increasing fraction of anisotropic structures, higher temperature leads to the formation of quasi-spherical particles instead of anisotropic ones, and larger pH leads to the formation of much smaller particles. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) results show that when the pH of the reaction medium increases from 4 to 6, the reduction potential of CFD increases which leads to the synthesis of nanoparticles (in a pH 4 reaction) to quantum clusters (in a pH 6 reaction). The MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry results of supernatant of the pH 6 reaction indicate the formation of [Au-8(CFD)(2)S-6] QCs which show fluorescence at ca. 432 nm with a Stokes shift of ca. 95 nm. The blue luminescence from Au-8 QCs was applied for sensing of Hg2+ ions on the basis of an aggregation-induced fluorescence quenching mechanism and offers good selectivity and a high sensitivity with a limit of detection ca. 2 nM which is lower than the detection requirement of 10 nM by the U.S. EPA and 30 nM by WHO for drinking water. We have also applied the sensing probe to detect Hg2+ ions in bacterial samples. Further, we have investigated the antibacterial property of as-synthesized Au NPs using MIC, growth curve and cell survival assay. The results show that Au NPs could reduce the cell survival very efficiently rather than the cell growth in comparison to the antibiotic itself. The scanning electron microscopy study shows the degradation and blebbing of the bacterial cell wall upon exposure with Au NPs which was further supported by fluorescence microscopy results. These Au NPs did not show reactive oxygen species generation. We believe that the bacterial cytotoxicity is due to the direct contact of the Au NPs with bacterial cells.

}, issn = {2040-3364}, doi = {10.1039/c5nr05619e}, author = {Khandelwal, Puneet and Singh, Dheeraj K. and Sadhu, Subha and Poddar, Pankaj} } @article { ISI:000365602800014, title = {Study on fused/cast AZS refractories for deployment in vitrification of radioactive waste effluents}, journal = {Journal of Nuclear Materials}, volume = {467}, number = {1}, year = {2015}, month = {DEC}, pages = {144-154}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Fused/cast Al2O3-ZrO2-SiO2 (FC-AZS){\textquoteright} is being considered as {\textquoteleft}glass contact refractory{\textquoteright} within ceramic melters, to be used for nuclear waste immobilization. Microstructural analyses reveal random distributions of baddeleyite (ZrO2) within aluminosilicate (Al2SiO5) matrix. Al-27 and Si-29 NMR data suggest that within aluminosilicate matrix Al occurs in both 4- and 6-fold co-ordinations whereas Si prefers a 4-fold environment. Polydispersity of pores has been studied with small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) technique. Corrosion rates of FC-AZS within 6 M HNO3, simulated wastes (500 h exposure), and borosilicate melt (975 degrees C, 800 h exposure) are found to be 0.38 x 10(3) mu my(-1), 0.13 x 10(3) mu my(-1) and 4.75 x 10(3) mu my(-1) respectively. A comparison of chemical interaction data clearly suggests that FC-AZS exhibits better chemical durability than AZC refractory (Al2O3-ZrO2-Cr2O3, also used for similar purpose). Thermal cycling studies indicate that FC-AZS retains structural integrity (including compressive strength and density) even up to 20 cycles. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Interaction between refractory material and hazardous liquid, Nuclear waste immobilization, Vitrification melter}, issn = {0022-3115}, doi = {10.1016/j.jnucmat.2015.09.019}, author = {Sengupta, Pranesh and Mishra, Raman K. and Soudamini, N. and Sen, D. and Mazumder, S. and Kaushik, Chetan P. and Ajithkumar, Thalasseril G. and Banerjee, K.} } @article { ISI:000351843500020, title = {Supramolecular scaffolds on glass slides as sugar based rewritable sensors for bacteria}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {51}, number = {29}, year = {2015}, month = {MAR}, pages = {6346-6349}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We describe here the sugar functionalized beta-cyclodextrin-ferrocene glass slides as fully reversible bacterial biosensors under the influence of external adamantane carboxylic acid. The prototype D-mannose - E. coli ORN 178 and L-fucose - P. aeruginosa interactions serve as a model to illustrate the new approach.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c5cc01019e}, author = {Gade, Madhuri and Paul, Ajay and Alex, Catherine and Choudhury, Devika and Thulasiram, Hirekodathakallu V. and Kikkeri, Raghavendra} } @article { ISI:000349667700031, title = {Surface-modified single wall carbon nanohorn as an effective electrocatalyst for platinum-free fuel cell cathodes}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry A}, volume = {3}, number = {8}, year = {2015}, month = {JAN}, pages = {4361-4367}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Platinum (Pt) and its alloys are routinely used in the cathodes of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) due to their high electrocatalytic activity in oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs). A variety of alternative materials have been examined as alternatives to Pt, but most of these had low activity and their performance deteriorated even further in use. In the present study an alternate electrocatalyst has been examined, obtained by a simple surface modification of single-walled carbon nanohorns by simultaneous doping with Fe and N at 900 degrees C (FeNCNH-900). This had an ORR activity superior to that of 40 wt\% Pt on carbon (Pt/C). Compared to Pt/C, FeNCNH-900 gave a 30 mV improvement in onset potential and a 20 mV gain in half-wave potential in an ORR. Its high activity is the result of the simultaneous modulation achieved by the high surface area and the microporosity of carbon nanohorns, together with the establishment of the desired nitrogen-iron coordinated pyrrolic active centres. The catalyst showed excellent electrochemical stability and, most notably, its ORR activity was still increasing after 1000 cycles. Single-cell fuel cell performance using FeNCNH-900 as cathode catalyst showed a maximum power density of 35 mW cm(-2) under alkaline conditions.

}, issn = {2050-7488}, doi = {10.1039/c4ta05092d}, author = {Unni, SreeKuttan M. and Ramadas, Sarath and Illathvalappil, Rajith and Bhange, Siddheshwar N. and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article { ISI:000362243500018, title = {Surface-tuned Co3O4 nanoparticles dispersed on nitrogen-doped graphene as an efficient cathode electrocatalyst for mechanical rechargeable zinc-air battery application}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {7}, number = {38}, year = {2015}, month = {SEP}, pages = {21138-21149}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The most vital component of the fuel cells and metal air batteries is the electrocatalyst, which can facilitate the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at a significantly reduced overpotential. The present work deals with the development of surface-tuned cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanoparticles dispersed on nitrogen-doped graphene as a potential ORR electrocatalyst possessing some unique advantages. The thermally reduced nitrogen-doped graphene (NGr) was decorated with three different morphologies of Co3O4 nanoparticles, viz., cubic, blunt edged cubic, and spherical, by using a simple hydrothermal method. We found that the spherical Co3O4 nanoparticle supported NGr catalyst (Co3O4-SP/NGr-24h) has acquired a significant activity makeover to display the ORR activity closely matching with the state-of-the-art Pt supported carbon (PtC) catalyst in alkaline medium. Subsequently, the Co3O4-SP/NGr-24h catalyst has been utilized as the air electrode in a Zn-air battery, which was found to show comparable performance to the system derived from PtC. Co3O4-SP/NGr-24h catalyst has shown several hours of flat discharge profile at the discharge rates of 10, 20, and 50 mA/cm(2) with a specific capacity and energy density of similar to 590 mAh/g(-zn) and,840 Wh/kg(-zn), respectively, in the primary Zn-air battery system. In conjunction, Co3O4-SP/NGr-24h has outperformed as an air electrode in mechanical rechargeable Zn-air battery as well, which has shown consistent flat discharge profile with minimal voltage loss at a discharge rate of 50 mA/cm(2). The present results, thus demonstrate that the proper combination of the tuned morphology of Co3O4 with NGr will be a promising and inexpensive material for efficient and ecofriendly cathodes for Zn-air batteries.

}, keywords = {electrocatalyst, mixed facets, oxygen reduction reaction, rechargeable zinc-air battery, surface morphology}, issn = {1944-8244}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.5b04865}, author = {Singh, Santosh K. and Dhavale, Vishal M. and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {43034, title = {Swarm and swim motilities of salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium and role of osmoregulated periplasmic glucans}, journal = {Microbiol Discov}, volume = {3}, year = {2015}, month = {JAN}, pages = {3-6}, doi = {10.7243/2052-6180-3-3}, author = {Dharne, Mahesh S. and Kannan, Porteen and Murphy, Charles and Smith, Allen and Bhagwat, Arvind A.} } @article { ISI:000354910500021, title = {Switching closed-shell to open-shell phenalenyl: toward designing electroactive materials}, journal = {Journal of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {137}, number = {18}, year = {2015}, month = {MAY}, pages = {5955-5960}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Open-shell phenalenyl chemistry started more than half a century back, and the first solid-state phenalenyl radical was realized only 15 years ago highlighting the synthetic challenges associated in stabilizing carbon-based radical chemistry, though it has great promise as building blocks for molecular electronics and multifunctional materials. Alternatively; stable closed-shell phenalenyl has tremendous potential as it can be utilized, to create an in situ open-shell state by external spin injection. In the present study, we have designed a closed-shell phenalenyl-based iron(III) complex, Fe-III(PLY)(3) (PLY-H = 9-hydroxyphenalenone) displaying an excellent electrocatalytic property as cathode material for one compartment membraneless H2O2 fuel cell. The power density output Of Fe-III(PLY)(3) is nearly 15-fold higher than the structurally related model compound Fe-III(acac)(3) (acac = acetylacetonate) and nearly 140-fold higher than an earlier reported mononuclear Fe(III) complex; Fe-III(Pc)Cl (Pc = pthalocyaninate), highlighting the role of switchable closed-shell phenalenyl moiety for electron-transfer process in designing electroactive materials.

}, issn = {0002-7863}, doi = {10.1021/jacs.5b00272}, author = {Pariyar, Anand and Vijaykumar, Gonela and Bhunia, Mrinal and Dey, Suman Kr. and Singh, Santosh K. and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Mandal, Swadhin K.} } @article { ISI:000351833100018, title = {Synergistic effects and correlating polarity parameters in binary mixtures of ionic liquids}, journal = {Chemphyschem}, volume = {16}, number = {5}, year = {2015}, month = {APR}, pages = {1026-1034}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Understanding how a chemical reaction proceeds in solution requires precise knowledge of solute-solvent interactions. Certain issues involved in ionic liquid binary mixtures are still not clearly understood, including: 1) the effects of hydrogen-bond-acceptor basicity () of solvents on the synergistic effects found in ionic liquid-alcohol mixtures, 2) the interrelation between the polarity parameters in binary mixtures, and 3) the application of a model for the description of normalised electronic transition energy for all the binary mixtures. Here, a detailed analysis of polarity parameters in both hydrophilic and hydrophobic ionic liquids has been carried out. A three-parameter model developed by Roses et al. [J. Chem. Soc. Perkin Trans. 2 1997, 13411348] was found to be applicable to all the binary mixtures, and synergistic effects are generated as a result of high values of alcohols compared with those of the ionic liquids. A strong correlation was observed in the values and hydrophobicities of pure ionic liquids, suggesting that values can play a role in describing synergism.

}, keywords = {green chemistry, ionic liquids, liquids, noncovalent interactions, solvent effects}, issn = {1439-4235}, doi = {10.1002/cphc.201402825}, author = {Beniwal, Vijay and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000363466600014, title = {Synthesis and characterization of polyetherimides containing multiple ether linkages and pendent pentadecyl chains}, journal = {Polymer International}, volume = {64}, number = {12}, year = {2015}, month = {DEC}, pages = {1770-1778}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

4-(4-(4-(4-Aminophenoxy)-2-pentadecylphenoxy)phenoxy)aniline (APPPA) was synthesized starting from cashew nut shell liquid-derived bisphenol, i.e. 4-(4-hydroxyphenoxy)-3-pentadecylphenol, by nucleophilic substitution reaction with 4-chloronitrobenzene followed by reduction of the formed 4-(4-nitrophenoxy)-1-(4-(4-nitrophenoxy)phenoxy)-2-pentadecylbenzene. Three new polyetherimides containing multiple ether linkages and pendent pentadecyl chains were synthesized by one-step high-temperature solution polycondensation of APPPA in m-cresol with three aromatic dianhydrides, i.e. 3,3,4,4-oxydiphthalic anhydride, 4,4-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride and 3,3,4,4-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride. Inherent viscosities and number-average molecular weights of the polyetherimides were in the ranges 0.66-0.70 dLg(-1) and 17100-29700gmol(-1) (gel permeation chromatography, polystyrene standards), respectively, indicating the formation of reasonably high molecular weight polymers. The polyetherimides were soluble in organic solvents such as chloroform, dichloromethane, tetrahydrofuran, pyridine, m-cresol, N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide, N-methylpyrrolidone and dimethylsulfoxide, and could be cast into transparent, flexible and tough films from their solutions in chloroform. The polyetherimides exhibited glass transition temperatures (T-g) in the range 113-131 degrees C. The lowering of T-g could be attributed to the combined influence of flexibilizing ether linkages and pentadecyl chains which act as packing-disruptive{\textquoteright} groups. The temperature at 10\% weight loss (T-10), determined from thermogravimetric analysis in nitrogen atmosphere, was in the range 460-470 degrees C demonstrating good thermal stability. The virtues of solubility and large gap between T-g and T-10 mean that the polyetherimides containing pendent pentadecyl chains have possibilities for both solution as well as melt processability. (c) 2015 Society of Chemical Industry

}, keywords = {CNSL, ether linkage, pentadecyl, polyetherimide, processability}, issn = {0959-8103}, doi = {10.1002/pi.4978}, author = {Tawade, Bhausaheb V. and Kulkarni, Arun D. and Wadgaonkar, Prakash P.} } @article { ISI:000367546300012, title = {Synthesis, crystal structure and in vitro DNA binding studies of combretastatin A-4 analogue}, journal = {Croatica Chemica Acta}, volume = {88}, number = {3}, year = {2015}, month = {DEC}, pages = {289-296}, publisher = {CROATIAN CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {MARULICEV TRG 19/II, 41001 ZAGREB, CROATIA}, abstract = {

Synthesis of a novel Combretastatin A-4 analogue using Schiff{\textquoteright}s reaction of benzil and 4-aminoantipyrine has been achieved under solvent free conditions. The structure of compound was examined spectroscopically and confirmed from single crystal diffraction studies. The synthesized Combretastatin A-4 analogue was investigated for its DNA binding ability as the plausible mechanism for its antitumor activity. The binding propensity of the synthesized compound with calf-thymus (CT) DNA was monitored with absorption and emission spectrophotometric titrations. The calculations predict a binding constant of 7.24 x 10(4) for the complex of the synthesized compound with CT DNA which is comparable in magnitude to that of DNA binding of bactericidal drug enoxacin and typical intercalation indicator ethidium bromide (EB). Competitive binding studies of the synthesized compound with EB using fluorescence titration reveal that it displaces the DNA-bound EB and binds in intercalative mode which was further supported by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. The probable site and binding energy of the compound with DNA was further theoretically investigated by molecular docking studies. The significant DNA binding ability of the synthesized Combretastatin A4 analogue as revealed from this study could be related to the anticancer activity of the Combretastatin A4.

}, keywords = {benzil, bio-physical, combretastatin A-4, crystal structure, DNA binding, ethidium bromide, fluorescence, phenazones}, issn = {0011-1643}, doi = {10.5562/cca2662}, author = {Rizvi, Masood Ahmad and Dangat, Yuvraj B. and Yaseen, Zahid and Gupta, Vivek and Khan, Khaliquz Zaman} } @article { ISI:000355856200084, title = {Synthesis, DNA interaction and anticancer activity of 2-anthryl substituted benzimidazole derivatives}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {39}, number = {6}, year = {2015}, month = {APR}, pages = {4882-4890}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

2-Anthryl benzimidazole derivatives (5-7) with hydrogen, carboxyl and benzoyl substituents at the 5th position have been synthesized using a silica supported periodic acid catalyst. The DNA cleavage activity of 5-7 was studied in the presence of light using pBR322 plasmid DNA and was shown to vary with substitution at the 5th position of benzimidazole derivatives. DNA binding studies using ethidium bromide displacement assay demonstrated the non-intercalative binding mode of 5-7. The anticancer activity of these target molecules was tested against MCF-7 and HL-60 cell lines, and they exhibited remarkable activity in the micromolar range. Cellular uptake and morphological changes were confirmed by fluorescence and confocal microscopy. A molecular docking study was carried out to explore the DNA binding mechanism of 5-7.

}, issn = {1144-0546}, doi = {10.1039/c4nj02415j}, author = {Sontakke, Vyankat A. and Kate, Anup N. and Ghosh, Sougata and More, Piyush and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Kumbhar, Navanath M. and Kumbhar, Anupa A. and Chopade, Balu Ananda and Shinde, Vaishali S.} } @article { ISI:000366209800015, title = {Synthesis of 3-Thia-1-dethiacephems via Regioselective Iodocyclization Reaction}, journal = {Synthesis-Stuttgart}, volume = {47}, number = {24}, year = {2015}, month = {DEC}, pages = {3956-3962}, publisher = {GEORG THIEME VERLAG KG}, address = {RUDIGERSTR 14, D-70469 STUTTGART, GERMANY}, abstract = {

The key N-homopropargylthiourea intermediates, N-substituted 2-oxo-4-propargylazetidine-1-carbothioamides, were prepared by the reaction of a 4-propargylazetidin-2-one with isothiocyanates. Bicyclic -lactams, i.e. 3-thia-1-dethiacephems, were prepared via highly regioselective iodocyclization reaction of N-substituted 2-oxo-4-propargylazetidine-1-carbothioamides with molecular iodine at room temperature in moderate to excellent yields. A variety of functional groups were well tolerated under the reaction conditions.

}, keywords = {-lactams, 3-thia-1-dethiacephems, Iodocyclization, Regioselective, thiourea}, issn = {0039-7881}, doi = {10.1055/s-0035-1560350}, author = {Garud, Dinesh R. and Rode, Navnath D. and Bathe, Sagar R. and Ranpise, Vinod S. and Joshi, Ramesh A. and Joshi, Rohini R. and Koketsu, Mamoru} } @article {43035, title = {Synthesis of N, F and S co-doped graphene quantum dots}, journal = {Nanoscale}, volume = {7}, year = {2015}, month = {MAY}, pages = {11515-11519}, abstract = {

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are a promising category of materials with remarkable size dependent properties like tunable bandgap and photoluminescence along with the possibility of effective chemical functionalization. Doping of GQDs with heteroatoms is an interesting way of regulating their properties. Herein, we report a facile and scalable one-step synthesis of luminescent GQDs, substitutionally co-doped with N, F and S, of similar to 2 nm average size by a microwave treatment of multi-walled carbon nanotubes in a customized ionic liquid medium. The use of an ionic liquid coupled with the use of a microwave technique enables not only an ultrafast process for the synthesis of co-doped GQDs, but also provides excellent photoluminescence quantum yield (70\%), perhaps due to the interaction of defect clusters and dopants.

}, author = {Kundu, Sumana and Yadav, Ram Manohar and Narayanan, T. N. and Shelke, Manjusha V. and Vajtai, Robert and Ajayan, Pulickel M. and Pillai, Vijayamohanan K.} } @article { ISI:000355036400034, title = {Synthesis of naturally occurring (+)-osmundalactone and 4-epi-(+)-osmundalactone from triacetyl-O-D-glucal}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {56}, number = {21}, year = {2015}, month = {MAY}, pages = {2783-2786}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An efficient total synthesis of (+)-osmundalactone 1 has been achieved starting from readily available triacetyl-O-D-glucal 6 employing Ferrier rearrangement and Jones oxidation as key steps. Also, synthesis of 4-epi-(+)-osmundalactone 2 was accomplished from the common key intermediate 9. The absolute stereochemistry of (+)-osmundalactone 1 and a precursor of 4-epi-(+)-osmundalactone 2 have been established by single crystal X-ray analysis. The overall yield of compound 1 and 2 from triacetyl-O-D-glucal 6 is 13\% and 8\%, respectively. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Bioactive molecules, carbohydrates, D-glucal, Ferrier rearrangement, Pyrones}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2015.04.038}, author = {Kotammagari, Tharun K. and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Bhattacharya, Asish K.} } @article { ISI:000358337700009, title = {Synthesis, optoelectronic, and transistor properties of BODIPY- and cyclopenta[c]thiophene-containing pi-conjugated copolymers}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {119}, number = {28}, year = {2015}, month = {JUL}, pages = {15859-15867}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Three new low-band-gap copolymers were synthesized by fusing dipyrromethene difluoroborane (BODIPY) as the acceptor (A) and thiophene-capped 5,5-bis(hexyloxymethyl)-5,6-dihydro-4H-cyclopenta[c]-thiophene (CPT) as the donor (D). The BODIPY unit was copolymerized through the {\textquoteleft}alpha{\textquoteright} positions (1 and 7 positions) in P1 and through the {\textquoteleft}beta{\textquoteright} positions (2 and 6 positions) in P2 and P3. The additional acetylene unit between D and A in P3 enhanced the conjugation by minimizing the possible steric hindrance compared to that in P2, whereas P1 exhibited a more red-shifted absorption than P2 and P3 because of the more effective conjugaion through the {\textquoteleft}alpha{\textquoteright} positions of BODIPY. Importantly, the optical band gaps (E-g(opt)) obtained from the onset of the absorption spectra are 1.28, 1.71, and 1.57 eV for P1, P2, and P3, respectively. P1 has the lowest band gap for any CPT-containing polymer. In the best transistor devices, a mobility improvement by 4 orders of magnitude from 3.22 x 10(-6) cm(2) V-1 s(-1) for P2 to 0.01 cm(2) V-1 s(-1) for P1 was achieved. DFT calculations alongside measured charge-transport properties indicated that appreciable alterations in the optoelectronic properties of the polymers were achieved through minor changes in their structural features. The polymers were further characterized by thin-film X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, and spectroelectrochemistry to investigate their material and electrochemical properties.

}, issn = {1932-7447}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpcc.5b02743}, author = {Debnath, Sashi and Singh, Saumya and Bedi, Anjan and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam and Zade, Sanjio S.} } @article { ISI:000362239300030, title = {Systematic comparison of DFT and CCSD dipole moments, polarizabilities and hyperpolarizabilities}, journal = {Chemical Physics Letters}, volume = {635}, year = {2015}, month = {AUG}, pages = {168-173}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

A comparative study of dipole moments, polarizabilities and hyperpolarizabilities of 16 different molecules is performed employing two completely different theoretical approaches namely, density functional theory (DFT) and coupled cluster singles and doubles (CCSD). Both methods include electron correlation. The CCSD method is more accurate but highly expensive. DFT with auxiliary density allows non-iterative solutions which is computational advantage and useful for large molecules. Dipole moments and polarizability calculations from DFT are in very good agreement with CCSD calculations. However, negative hyperpolarizability values from DFT differ significantly from their CCSD counterparts, whereas positive hyperpolarizabilities show reasonable agreement between these methodologies. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0009-2614}, doi = {10.1016/j.cplett.2015.06.046}, author = {Karne, Anagha S. and Vaval, Nayana and Pal, Sourav and Vasquez-Perez, Jose M. and Koester, Andreas M. and Calaminici, Patrizia} } @article { ISI:000361649900037, title = {Systematic comparison of DFT and CCSD dipole moments, polarizabilities and hyperpolarizabilities (vol 635, pg 168, 2015)}, journal = {Chemical Physics Letters}, volume = {636}, year = {2015}, month = {SEP}, pages = {228-229}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, issn = {0009-2614}, doi = {10.1016/j.cplett.2015.08.034}, author = {Karne, Anagha S. and Vaval, Nayana and Pal, Sourav and Vasquez-Perez, Jose M. and Koester, Andreas M. and Calaminici, Patrizia} } @article { ISI:000353057300005, title = {Systemic jasmonic acid modulation in mycorrhizal tomato plants and its role in induced resistance against alternaria alternata}, journal = {Plant Biology}, volume = {17}, number = {3}, year = {2015}, month = {MAY}, pages = {625-631}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

Tomato plants colonised with the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus Glomus fasciculatum show systemic induced resistance to the foliar pathogen Alternaria alternata, as observed in interactions of other AM-colonised plants with a range of pathogens. The role of jasmonic (JA) and salicylic (SA) acid in expression of this mycorrhiza-induced resistance (MIR) against A.alternata was studied by measuring: (i) activity of enzymes reported to be involved in their biosynthesis, namely lipoxygenase (LOX) and phenylammonia lyase (PAL); and (ii) levels of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and SA. Transcript abundance of some defence genes associated with JA and SA response pathways were also studied. Both LOX and PAL activity increased twofold in response to pathogen application to control plants. AM-colonised plants had three-fold higher LOX activity compared to control plants, but unlike controls, this did not increase further in response to pathogen application. Higher LOX activity in AM-colonised plants correlated with four-fold higher MeJA in leaves of AM-colonised plants compared to controls. Treatment of plants with the JA biosynthesis inhibitor salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM) led to 50\% lower MeJA in both control and AM-colonised plants and correlated with increased susceptibility to A.alternata, suggesting a causal role for JA in expression of MIR against the pathogen. Genes involved in JA biosynthesis (OPR3) and response (COI1) showed six- and 42-fold higher expression, respectively, in leaves of AM-colonised plants compared to controls. AM-colonised plants also showed increased expression of the SA response gene PR1 and that of the wound-inducible polypeptide prosystemin. Our results suggest that the systemic increase in JA in response to AM colonisation plays a key role in expression of MIR against A. alternata.

}, keywords = {Alternaria alternata, AM colonisation, induced resistance, Methyl jasmonate, salicylhydroxamic acid, Salicylic acid, Solanum lycopersicum}, issn = {1435-8603}, doi = {10.1111/plb.12277}, author = {Nair, A. and Kolet, Swati P. and Thulasiram, H. V. and Bhargava, S.} } @article { ISI:000362437900092, title = {Targeting a chemorefractory COLO205 (BRAF V600E) cell line using substituted benzo[alpha]phenoxazines}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {5}, number = {100}, year = {2015}, month = {SEP}, pages = {82549-82563}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Mutational activations of the oncogene BRAF (especially BRAF V600E) result in a poor prognosis for colon cancer patients and are associated with chemoresistance rendering them refractory to treatment. The development of novel bioactive compounds with specific targeting abilities under such conditions is an urgent need in drug discovery. In this report we synthesize and characterize three fluorescent benzo[alpha]phenoxazine compounds (10R-benzo[alpha]phenoxazine-5-one, 1B; R = Cl, 2B; R = CH3, 3B; R = H) and their anticancer activities are evaluated in a COLO205 cell line. All three compounds with a log P value around 2 were cell permeable. However, 2B and 3B showed specific cytotoxicity in a malignant COLO205 cell line with a BRAF mutation (V600E) in comparison to a non-malignant wild-type BRAF HEK293T cell line. From further cell-based assays (cell cycle analysis, DNA fragmentation and caspase activation), we conclude that 2B and 3B treatment-induced selective cell death by inducing cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase and caspase-mediated apoptosis (activation of the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways) are present only in BRAF V600E COLO205 cells. Further studies in the drug discovery pipeline might help develop these benzo[alpha]phenoxazines as promising chemotherapeutics for such refractory mutated cancers.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c5ra14949e}, author = {Pal, Sanjima and Konkimalla, V. Badireenath and Kathawate, Laxmi and Rao, Soniya S. and Gejji, Shridhar P. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Weyhermueller, Thomas and Salunke-Gawali, Sunita} } @article { ISI:000347890900011, title = {Targeting dormant tuberculosis bacilli: results for molecules with a novel pyrimidone scaffold}, journal = {Chemical Biology \& Drug Design}, volume = {85}, number = {2}, year = {2015}, month = {FEB}, pages = {201-207}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

Our inability to completely control TB has been due in part to the presence of dormant mycobacteria. This also renders drug regimens ineffective and is the prime cause of the appearance of drug-resistant strains. In continuation of our efforts to develop novel antitubercular agents that especially target dormant mycobacteria, a set of 55 new compounds belonging to the pyrimidone class were designed on the basis of CoMFA and CoMSIA studies, and these were synthesized and subsequently tested against both the dormant and virulent BCG strain of M.tuberculosis. Some novel compounds have been identified which selectively inhibit the dormant tuberculosis bacilli with significantly low IC50 values. This study reports the second molecule after TMC-207, having the ability to inhibit tuberculosis bacilli exclusively in its dormant phase. The synthesis was accomplished by a modified multicomponent Biginelli reaction. A classification model was generated using the binary QSAR approach - recursive partitioning (RP) to identify structural characteristics related to the activity. Physicochemical, structural, topological, connectivity indices, and E-state key descriptors were used for generation of the decision tree. The decision tree could provide insights into structure-activity relationships that will guide the design of more potent inhibitors.

}, keywords = {Antitubercular activity, dormant tuberculosis bacilli, pyrimidones, recursive partitioning}, issn = {1747-0277}, doi = {10.1111/cbdd.12373}, author = {Joshi, Rohit R. and Barchha, Avinash and Khedkar, Vijay M. and Pissurlenkar, Raghuvir R. S. and Sarkar, Sampa and Sarkar, Dhiman and Joshi, Rohini R. and Joshi, Ramesh A. and Shah, Anamik K. and Coutinho, Evans C.} } @article { ISI:000358624200005, title = {Terahertz spectroscopy and solid-state density functional theory calculations of cyanobenzaldehyde isomers}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry A}, volume = {119}, number = {29}, year = {2015}, month = {JUL}, pages = {7991-7999}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Spectral signatures in the terahertz (THz) frequency region are mainly due to bulk vibrations of the molecules. These resonances are highly sensitive to the relative position of atoms in a molecule as well as the crystal packing arrangement. To understand the variation of THz resonances, THz spectra (2-10 THz) of three structural isomers: 2-, 3-, and 4-cyanobenzaldehyde have been studied. THz spectra obtained from Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry of these isomers show that the resonances are distinctly different especially below 5 THz. For understanding the intermolecular interactions due to hydrogen bonds, four molecule cluster simulations of each of the isomers have been carried out using the B3LYP density functional with the 6-31G(d,p) basis set in Gaussian09 software and the compliance constants are obtained. However, to understand the exact reason behind the observed resonances, simulation of each isomer considering the full crystal structure is essential. The crystal structure of each isomer has been determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis for carrying out crystal structure simulations. Density functional theory (DFT) simulations using CRYSTAL14 software, utilizing the hybrid density functional B3LYP, have been carried out to understand the vibrational modes. The bond lengths and bond angles from the optimized structures are compared with the XRD results in terms of root-mean-square-deviation (RMSD) values. Very low RMSD values confirm the overall accuracy of the results. The simulations are able to predict most of the spectral features exhibited by the isomers. The results show that low frequency modes (\<3 THz) are mediated through hydrogen bonds and are dominated by intermolecular vibrations.

}, issn = {1089-5639}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpca.5b01942}, author = {Dash, Jyotirmayee and Ray, Shaurnik and Nallappan, Kathirvel and Kaware, Vaibhav and Basutkar, Nitin B. and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Ambade, Ashootosh V. and Joshi, Kavita and Pesala, Bala} } @article { ISI:000362679300001, title = {Themed issue on {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}Organic field-effect transistors: interfacial phenomena and electronic properties{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics}, volume = {17}, number = {40}, year = {2015}, month = {SEP}, pages = {26509-26511}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, issn = {1463-9076}, doi = {10.1039/c5cp90162f}, author = {Krishnamoorthy, K. and Facchetti, Antonio F. and Hu, Wenping and Bao, Zhenan} } @article { ISI:000354211100055, title = {Tolbutamide induces conformational change and promotes albumin glycation}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {5}, number = {50}, year = {2015}, month = {APR}, pages = {40070-40075}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Tolbutamide is a first generation sulfonylurea drug used for the treatment of type II diabetes. In the present study, the effect of tolbutamide on albumin conformation was investigated using BSA as a model protein. The binding of tolbutamide induced a conformational change in albumin, which was confirmed by thioflavin T assay, ANS assay, and CD spectroscopy. Computer simulations suggested that the binding of tolbutamide increases the solvent accessibility of lysine residues, the hotspots of glycation. Furthermore, the change in conformation of albumin facilitates increased glycation, which was observed by AGE specific fluorescence and the results were corroborated by mass spectrometric analysis. This study suggested that tolbutamide enhances albumin glycation by inducing conformational change in BSA and hence could be a potential risk factor if used for a prolonged period.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c5ra03839a}, author = {Bansode, Sneha B. and Batkulwar, Kedar B. and Warkad, Shrikant D. and Jana, Asis K. and Sengupta, Neelanjana and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @article { ISI:000350763600017, title = {Total and semi-syntheses of antimicrobial thuggacin derivatives}, journal = {Chemistry-A European Journal}, volume = {21}, number = {11}, year = {2015}, month = {MAR}, pages = {4272-4284}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

The total and semi-synthesis of 13 new macrolactones derived from thuggacin, which is a secondary metabolite from the myxobacterium Sorangium cellulosum, are reported. The thuggacins have attracted much attention due to their strong antibacterial activity, particularly towards Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This study focuses on 1) thuggacin derivatives that cannot equilibrate by transacylation between the three natural thuggacins A-C, 2) the roles of the thiazole ring, and 3) the hexyl side chain at C2. Semi-synthetic O-methylation at C17 suppressed the transacylations without a substantial loss of antibacterial activity. Exchanging the C17-C25 side chain for simplified hydrophobic chains led to complete loss of antibacterial activity. Exchange of the thiazole by an oxazole ring or removal of the hexyl side chain at C2 had no substantial effect on the biological properties.

}, keywords = {antibiotics, lactones, Natural products, synthesis design, Total synthesis}, issn = {0947-6539}, doi = {10.1002/chem.201405874}, author = {Franke, Jana and Bock, Martin and Dehn, Richard and Fohrer, Joerg and Mhaske, Santosh B. and Migliorini, Antonella and Kanakis, Argyrios A. and Jansen, Rolf and Herrmann, Jennifer and Mueller, Rolf and Kirschning, Andreas} } @article { ISI:000358734800021, title = {Total synthesis of (+)-petromyroxol via tandem alpha-aminoxylation-allylation and asymmetric dihydroxylation-S(N)2 cyclization approach}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {5}, number = {78}, year = {2015}, month = {JUL}, pages = {63311-63317}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The total synthesis of (+)-petromyroxol, a tetrahydrofuran (THF)-diol fatty acid, isolated from sea lamprey larvae (Petromyzon marinus) is reported. The present synthesis employs a tandem alpha-aminoxylationallylation, cross metathesis and tandem asymmetric dihydroxylation-S(N)2 cyclization as key steps.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c5ra10405j}, author = {Nookaraju, U. and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000352671600006, title = {Total synthesis of (R)-lipoic acid and (S)-lipoic acid via an Mn (III)-salen-catalyzed oxidative kinetic resolution}, journal = {Tetrahedron-Asymmetry}, volume = {26}, number = {5-6}, year = {2015}, month = {MAR}, pages = {281-287}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The asymmetric synthesis of both the antipodes of alpha-lipoic acid is described. The total synthesis of racemic and asymmetric lipoic acid is achieved from propane 1,3-diol. This work reports the use of Mn (III)-salen-catalyzed oxidative kinetic resolution as the key step to obtain enantiomerically pure (R)- and (S)-lipoic acid. The undesired product formed during the resolution can be recycled to achieve the desired isomer. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0957-4166}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetasy.2015.02.001}, author = {Purude, Abhijeet N. and Pawar, Kailash P. and Patil, Niteen B. and Kalkote, Uttam R. and Chavan, Subhash P.} } @article {45946, title = {Towards comprehension of complex chemical evolution and diversification of terpene and phenylpropanoid pathways in Ocimum species}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {5}, year = {2015}, month = {NOV}, pages = {106886-106904}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Ocimum species present a wide array of diverse secondary metabolites possessing immense medicinal and economic value. The importance of this genus is undisputable and exemplified in the ancient science of Chinese and Indian (Ayurveda) traditional medicine. Unlike several other plant species of Artemisia, Salvia, Catharanthus, Taxus, Mentha, etc. that are largely exploited, detailed characterization and identification of important metabolites from Ocimum species remained unexplored. Till date, most of the analyzed Ocimum species are predominantly rich in either phenylpropanoids or terpenoids. Metabolite data suggests domination of a unique set of signature compounds in all species. However, molecular pathways leading to the production, accumulation and metabolism of these compounds are poorly understood. The past few years have witnessed an upsurge in our understanding of the complex and intricately woven secondary metabolic pathways. Such information is generated through systematic analysis and correlation of metabolite profiling with transcriptomics data sets from different Ocimum species. The present review is aimed at integrating our current knowledge to understand the active secondary metabolic pathways, the key players in flux regulation including external stimuli, differential gene expression, transcription factors, microRNAs, enzyme promiscuity, etc. Extensive analysis of available data identifies events that may have contributed to evolve Ocimum species rich with a specific set of metabolites, thus, shedding light on pathway diversification. We believe that a better understanding of the multi-level regulation of intermediates and metabolites will help us harness the inherent diversity of Ocimum species optimally.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c5ra16637c}, author = {Singh, Priyanka and Kalunke, Raviraj M. and Giri, Ashok P.} } @proceedings {42928, title = {Transition metal di-chalcogenides and their nanocomposite prospective field emitters}, year = {2015}, month = {JUL}, pages = {98-99}, publisher = {IEEE, 345 E 47th ST, New York, NY 10017 USA}, address = {Guangzhou, Peoples R China}, abstract = {

Layered structured transition metal di-chalcogenides has attracted researchers as a substitute of graphene and its forms for various applications. In an attempt to explore field emission properties of these graphene analogues, synthesis and field emission behaviour of a few layered transition metal di-chalcogenides (TMDs) VS2, MoS2, MoO3 have been investigated at a base pressure of 1x 10(-8) mbar. Furthermore, to improve the field emission properties, composites with RGO and respective oxides were synthesized and compared with the pristine ones. The TMDs and their composites is synthesized employing hydrothermal synthesis route. The preliminary results show that these TMD{\textquoteright}s and their composites, when synthesized in a controlled manner, can serve as potential field emitters for future field emission based devices.

}, author = {Khare, Ruchita T. and More, Mahendra A. and Late, Dattatray J.} } @article { ISI:000355856200034, title = {Tris-hydroxymethylaminomethane (THAM): a novel organocatalyst for a environmentally benign synthesis of medicinally important tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyrans and pyran-annulated heterocycles}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {39}, number = {6}, year = {2015}, month = {MAR}, pages = {4452-4463}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

simple, efficient and environmentally benign protocol has been developed for the one-pot, multicomponent synthesis of medicinally important tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyrans and pyran-annulated heterocycles using a commercially available, inexpensive, non-toxic, and biodegradable tris-hydroxymethylaminomethane (THAM) as a novel organocatalyst. Ambient reaction conditions, wide scope, avoidance of conventional isolation as well as purification techniques and the reusability of the catalyst for five consecutive runs have improved the practical utility of this multicomponent reaction protocol manifold.

}, issn = {1144-0546}, doi = {10.1039/c4nj02346c}, author = {Pandit, Kapil S. and Chavan, Pramod V. and Desai, Uday V. and Kulkarni, Makarand A. and Wadgaonkar, Prakash P.} } @article { ISI:000351235800053, title = {Tunable band gap and coercivity of bismuth ferrite-polyaniline core-shell nanoparticles: the role of shell thickness}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {5}, number = {30}, year = {2015}, month = {MAR}, pages = {23563-23568}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We report a tunable band gap of bismuth ferrite-polyaniline core-shell nanoparticles from 2.24 to 1.98 eV and the variation of coercivity from 118 to 100 Oe, by varying the thickness of the polyaniline shell. Bismuth ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized via a chemical route and coating of polyaniline was achieved by a double surfactant layer technique. Coating of polyaniline introduced oxygen vacancies, local distortions and microstrains in the bismuth ferrite lattice which resulted in a change in the Fe-O-Fe bond angle of the bismuth ferrite lattice. This is confirmed with structural analysis tools i.e. X-ray Diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Moreover, the absorption of light around 600 nm is increased and photoluminescence emission around 430 nm is decreased, as the thickness of shell is increased, which also indicates the changes in optical properties due to variation in shell thickness. Thus tunability of the band gap and coercivity is achieved as a function of shell thickness in bismuth ferrite-polyaniline core-shell nanoparticles.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c5ra00933b}, author = {Chaturvedi, Smita and Das, Raja and Poddar, Pankaj and Kulkarni, Sulabha} } @article { ISI:000365070700106, title = {Two new potential barcodes to discriminate dalbergia species}, journal = {Plos One}, volume = {10}, number = {11}, year = {2015}, month = {NOV}, pages = {Article Number: e0142965}, publisher = {PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE}, address = {1160 BATTERY STREET, STE 100, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111 USA}, abstract = {

DNA barcoding enables precise identification of species from analysis of unique DNA sequence of a target gene. The present study was undertaken to develop barcodes for different species of the genus Dalbergia, an economically important timber plant and is widely distributed in the tropics. Ten Dalbergia species selected from the Western Ghats of India were evaluated using three regions in the plastid genome (matK, rbcL, trnH-psbA), a nuclear transcribed spacer (nrITS) and their combinations, in order to discriminate them at species level. Five criteria: (i) inter and intraspecific distances, (ii) Neighbor Joining (NJ) trees, (iii) Best Match (BM) and Best Close Match (BCM), (iv) character based rank test and (v) Wilcoxon signed rank test were used for species discrimination. Among the evaluated loci, rbcL had the highest success rate for amplification and sequencing (97.6\%), followed by matK (97.0\%), trnH-psbA (94.7\%) and nrITS (80.5\%). The inter and intraspecific distances, along with Wilcoxon signed rank test, indicated a higher divergence for nrITS. The BM and BCM approaches revealed the highest rate of correct species identification (100\%) with matK, matK+rbcL and matK+trnH-psb loci. These three loci, along with nrITS, were further supported by character based identification method. Considering the overall performance of these loci and their ranking with different approaches, we suggest matK and matK+rbcL as the most suitable barcodes to unambiguously differentiate Dalbergia species. These findings will potentially be helpful in delineating the various species of Dalbergia genus, as well as other related genera.

}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0142965}, author = {Bhagwat, Rasika M. and Dholakia, Bhushan B. and Kadoo, Narendra Y. and Balasundaran, M. and Gupta, Vidya S.} } @article {42435, title = {Unimolecular antiparallel G-quadruplex folding topology of 2{\textquoteright}-5{\textquoteright}-isoTBA sequences remains unaltered by loop composition}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {13}, year = {2015}, month = {OCT}, pages = {11696-11703}, type = {Journal Article}, abstract = {

A 2{\textquoteright}-5{\textquoteright}-linked isoTBA 15 mer sequence with (232) loop composition formed stable antiparallel quadruplex structures similar to the SELEX derived 15 mer TBA sequence with (232) loop composition. A parallel versus antiparallel topology of 3{\textquoteright}-5{\textquoteright}-G-quadruplexes is largely dictated by the loop length, and it is known that the truncated loops favour parallel quadruplexes. In contrast to TBA, systematic reduction of the loop length in isoTBA from (232) to (222), (131) or even (111) did not alter the antiparallel topology of the resulting 14 mer, 13 mer and 11 mer G-rich modified isoTBA-like sequences.

}, doi = {10.1039/c5ob01923k}, author = {Aher, Manisha N.}, editor = {Erande, Namrata D.} } @article { ISI:000347302000013, title = {Vanadium in borosilicate glass}, journal = {Journal of the American Ceramic Society}, volume = {98}, number = {1}, year = {2015}, month = {JAN}, pages = {88-96}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

Understanding the role of V2O5 within borosilicate glass matrices is important for the development of novel matrices toward immobilization of sulfate containing high-level nuclear wastes. Present investigation shows, within sodium barium borosilicate glass matrix V2O5 can be homogeneously added up to 5mol\% and beyond which it separates out into three phases, for example, (i) silica (ii) Barium (Ba) - Vanadium (V) oxide, and (iii) glass matrix. Si-29 MAS NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) studies of the samples show that below 5mol\% V2O5 addition, silicate network is dominantly constituted of Q(2) and Q(3) structural units, whereas above this, the network gets more polymerized through formation of Q(3) and Q(4) units. In case of borate network, B-11 MAS NMR investigations revealed that the concentration of BO4 [(0B, 4Si)] unit increases gradually up to 5mol\% and then it decreases at the cost of BO4 [(1B, 3Si)], BO3 (symmetric) and BO3 (asymmetric) units. Micro-Raman analyses of the samples showed that with additions of V2O5 in diluted concentrations, amorphous silicate network remained unaltered, whereas some amplification in signals corresponding to ring-type metaborate and VO5 units exists. It is therefore apparent from both MAS-NMR and micro-Raman studies that with V2O5 additions within the solubility limit (5mol\%), borate network gets depolymerized leading to decrease in hardness from an average value of 5.0-4.2GPa.

}, issn = {0002-7820}, doi = {10.1111/jace.13303}, author = {Sengupta, Pranesh and Dey, Krishna K. and Halder, Rumu and Ajithkumar, Thalasseril G. and Abraham, Geogy and Mishra, Raman K. and Kaushik, Chetan P. and Dey, Goutam K.} } @article { ISI:000355360200058, title = {Vitellibacter nionensis sp nov., isolated from a shallow water hydrothermal vent}, journal = {International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology}, volume = {65}, number = {2}, year = {2015}, month = {FEB}, pages = {692-697}, publisher = {SOC GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY}, address = {MARLBOROUGH HOUSE, BASINGSTOKE RD, SPENCERS WOODS, READING RG7 1AG, BERKS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A novel, Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, rod-shaped yellow bacterium, designated VBW088(T) was isolated from a shallow water hydrothermal vent in Espalamaca in the Azores. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain VBW088(T) clustered with three type strains of species of the genus Vitellibacter and exhibited a sequence similarity of 97.3\% with Vitellibacter soesokkakensis RSSK-12(T). However, strain VBW088(T) and V. soesokkakensis RSSK-12(T) exhibited low DNA-DNA relatedness (12.7 +/- 3.5 \%). Strain VBW088(T) was positive for catalase and oxidase. Growth occurred at 10-37 degrees C, with the optimum at 80 degrees C, and at pH 6.0-8.0 (optimum pH 6.0) and in up to 5\% (w/v) NaCl with optimum growth at 1-2\% (w/v) NaCl. The major fatty acids (\>10\%) were iso-C-15:0 (33.5\%) and iso-C-17:0 3-OH (32.0\%). The polar lipids detected in strain VBW088(T) consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified aminolipid and three unidentified phospholipids. The DNA G+C content of strain VBW088(T) was 36.7 mol\%. On the basis of phylogenetic inference, DNA-DNA relatedness, chemotaxonomic analysis and physiological data, the isolate represents a novel species of the genus Vitellibacter, for which the name Vitellibacter nionensis sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain as VBW088(T). (=KCTC 32420(T)=MCC 2354(T)).

}, issn = {1466-5026}, doi = {10.1099/ijs.0.070805-0}, author = {Rajasabapathy, Raju and Mohandass, Chellandi and Yoon, Jung-Hoon and Dastager, Syed Gulam and Liu, Qing and Thi-Nhan Khieu and Chu Ky Son and Li, Wen-Jun and Colaco, Ana} } @article { ISI:000365445500001, title = {Water-promoted diels-alder reaction in quaternary ammonium salts}, journal = {Journal of Physical Organic Chemistry}, volume = {28}, number = {11}, year = {2015}, month = {NOV}, pages = {665-673}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

{Prevailing classification of salts based on their effect in solubility and stability of proteins in aqueous solution predicts that tetraalkylammonium salts, guanidinium chloride (GnCl), LiClO4 act as salting-in (S/I) and LiCl, NaCl act as salting-out (S/O) in aqueous conditions. In the same context the behaviour of GnCl, LiClO4 and LiCl are contradictory in polar solvents like ethylene glycol and formamide. In these solvents, expected salt effect shows just opposite nature from their usual expectation. However, in the aqueous solution salts like tetraalkylammonium halide (R4NX

}, keywords = {Delta G(solvation), Diels-Alder reaction, k(s), kinetic study, solubility, tetraalkylammonium salts, viscosity}, issn = {0894-3230}, doi = {10.1002/poc.3469}, author = {Nagare, Amit S. and Manna, Arpan and Sonawane, Pramod D. and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000359166300077, title = {Zinc inhibits glycation induced structural, functional modifications in albumin and protects erythrocytes from glycated albumin toxicity}, journal = {International Journal of Biological Macromolecules}, volume = {79}, year = {2015}, month = {AUG}, pages = {601-610}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The present work aims to investigate the concentration and time dependant effect of zinc on the in vitro non enzymatic modifications of albumin by diabetic levels of glucose. Further, preventive and curative effect of zinc was studied by adding zinc before and after initiation of glycation respectively. Glycation of albumin was done at different concentrations of zinc (125, 250 and 500 mu M) at different time intervals (21,28 and 35 days) with appropriate controls. The antiglycation potential of zinc was assessed by estimating different markers of albumin glycation (fructosamines, carbonyls, bound sugar, AGEs), structural modifications (free amino, thiol group, beta amyloid, native PAGE, ANS binding, fluorescence lifetime decay and CD analysis) and functional properties (antioxidant activity, hemolysis). Zinc at highest concentration (500 mu M) significantly reduced modifications of albumin which was comparable to aminoguanidine and also protected secondary and tertiary structure of albumin after 28 days of incubation. Zinc exhibited significant protective effect on erythrocytes by inhibiting hemolysis. Thus the present study indicate preventive mode of albumin glycation inhibition by zinc. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Albumin, Erythrocytes, Glycation}, issn = {0141-8130}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2015.05.028}, author = {Tupe, Rashmi and Kulkarni, Amruta and Adeshara, Krishna and Sankhe, Neena and Shaikh, Shamim and Dalai, Sayli and Bhosale, Siddharth H. and Gaikwad, Sushama M.} } @article { ISI:000382246400001, title = {1000-fold enhancement in proton conductivity of a MOF using post-synthetically anchored proton transporters}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {6}, year = {2016}, month = {AUG}, pages = {32489}, publisher = {NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP}, address = {MACMILLAN BUILDING, 4 CRINAN ST, LONDON N1 9XW, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Pyridinol, a coordinating zwitter-ionic species serves as stoichiometrically loadable and non-leachable proton carrier. The partial replacement of the pyridinol by stronger hydrogen bonding, coordinating guest, ethylene glycol (EG), offers 1000-fold enhancement in conductivity (10(-6) to 10(-3) Scm(-1)) with record low activation energy (0.11 eV). Atomic modeling coupled with C-13-SSNMR provides insights into the potential proton conduction pathway functionalized with post-synthetically anchored dynamic proton transporting EG moieties.

}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/srep32489}, author = {Shalini, Sorout and Dhavale, Vishal M. and Eldho, Kavalakal Mathai and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Ajithkumar, Thalasseril G. and Vaidhyanathan, Ramanathan} } @article {45650, title = {1D alignment of PEDOT in a buckypaper for high-performance solid supercapacitors}, journal = {Chemelectrochem}, volume = {3}, year = {2016}, month = {SEP}, pages = {1329-1336}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A flexible solid-state supercapacitor is prepared from carbon nanotube (CNT)-based buckypaper after forming a thin layer of polyethylenedioxythiophene (PEDOT) on the surface of the CNTs in the paper. A highly conducting PEDOT phase is obtained by interfacial polymerization, in which polymerization is confined at the interface of two immiscible liquids. The hydrophilic interaction between the functionalized CNTs and the oxidizing agent (iron perchlorate, Fe(ClO4)(3)), which is located in the aqueous phase, and the restricted interaction of the oxidizing agent with the EDOT monomer in the organic layer at the immiscible interface play a vital role in establishing a uniform and aggregate-free growth pattern of PEDOT on CNT. By carefully optimizing the amount of polymer in the paper, an electrode with a sheet resistance of 3.4(-1) and equivalent series resistance of 0.95 can be prepared. A thin and flexible solid-state supercapacitor device with an overall thickness of 210m is made by using this paper as the electrodes and poly(vinyl alcohol)/lithium chloride as the gel electrolyte. The power density and energy density of the electrode are 9.94Wcm(-3) and 8.85mWhcm(-3), respectively. The device also delivers a high volumetric capacitance of 18Fcm(-3) and areal capacitance of 354mFcm(-2). The demonstrated strategy is scalable and hence the process can be conveniently applied to prepare large-area PEDOT-modified buckypapers in a short time.

}, keywords = {Carbon, Energy storage, nanotubes, polymerization, Supercapacitors}, issn = {2196-0216}, doi = {10.1002/celc.201600229}, author = {Soni, Roby and Anothumakkool, Bihag and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {43630, title = {3-Aminothiophenecarboxylic acid (3-Atc)-induced folding in peptides}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {40}, year = {2016}, month = {SEP}, pages = {9205-9210}, abstract = {This paper describes the consequences of incorporating a constrained heterocyclic aromatic b-amino acid 3-aminothiophenecarboxylic acid (3-Atc) into peptides containing beta-turn forming elements such as Pro-Gly motif and the effect on the secondary structural architecture of the entire peptide backbone. Conformational investigations of oligomers comprising an alpha,beta,alpha peptide sequence were carried out by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, solution-state NMR, nOe-restrained MD simulation and circular dichroism studies. The results suggested that these peptide sequences assume helical architecture. The helical folding in the oligomers was found to be devoid of inter-residual H-bonding, instead found to be stabilized by a co-operative effect of 6-membered H-bonding within the 3-Atc unit and conformational restrictions of individual amino acids in the peptide backbone.}, doi = {10.1039/c6nj01667g}, author = {Ingole, Tukaram S. and Kotmale, Amol S. and Gawade, Rupesh L. and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Rajamohanan, Pattuparambil R. and Sanjayan, Gangadhar J.} } @article {45819, title = {4 {\textquoteleft}-Epi-DNA: A DNA Mimic Containing 4 {\textquoteleft}-hydroxymethyl-alpha-l-Xylo-thymidine with compact backbone like RNA}, journal = {Nucleosides Nucleotides \& Nucleic Acids}, volume = {35}, year = {2016}, month = {APR}, pages = {445-458}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Synthesis of C4-epi-DNA containing 3 5 linkages is reported for the first time. Crystal structure study of the monomer indicated that though the dihedral angle O3-C3-C4-C5 in this case would be like in RNA, the sugar conformation would remain like that in DNA. The study of the effect of this backbone configuration in DNA with respect to its binding to cDNA and RNA is reported in this note.

}, keywords = {4 {\textquoteleft}-hydroxymethyl nucleosides C4 {\textquoteleft}-epi-DNA, Antisense Oligonucleotide}, issn = {1525-7770}, doi = {10.1080/15257770.2016.1202963}, author = {Bagmare, Seema and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Fernandes, Moneesha and Kumar, Vaijayanti A.} } @article { ISI:000373747700077, title = {Additive mediated syn-anti conformational tuning at nucleation to capture elusive polymorphs: remarkable role of extended pi-stacking interactions in driving the self-assembly}, journal = {Crystal Growth \& Design}, volume = {16}, number = {4}, year = {2016}, month = {APR}, pages = {2416-2428}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Understanding the process of prenucleation clustering at supersaturating stage is of significant importance to envisage the polymorphism in crystalline materials. Preferential formation of a thermodynamically stable crystal form suggests energetically favored patterns of interactions which control molecular aggregation during nucleation. Introduction of additives during crystallization is sometimes used as a suitable strategy to obtain metastable polymorphs in cases where it is not easy to capture the same by conventional crystallization methods. Comparative analysis of energy relationships and intermolecular interactions between thermodynamically stable and metastable crystal forms provides valuable clues about the nature of growth synthons at prenucleation clustering and preferential crystallization of the thermodynamic form. Conformationally flexible sulfonamide/sulfoester derivatives constituting electron rich and electron deficient aromatic rings were synthesized to study the interplay between pi-stacking and hydrogen bonding synthons. We have identified and characterized the thermodynamically stable and metastable elusive polymorphs of aromatic sulfonamides 1 and 2 and sulfoesters 3 and 4. However, these compounds eluded polymorphism during crystallisation from various common solvents/conditions and only produced thermodynamically stable crystals forms (form I crystals). Surprisingly, exploitation of pyrazinamide as an additive in different stoichiometric ratios during crystallization gave elusive polymorphs [three for 1 (form 1II, form 1III, and form 1IV) and one each for 2 (form 2II), 3 (form 3II), and 4 (form 4II)]. Molecules in stable crystal forms of these compounds are linked via extended chains of parallel displaced pi...pi stacking interactions that seem to play a vital role in driving the self-assembly of molecules and subsequently governing the nucleation process. In contrast, molecules in metastable polymorphs are devoid of such extended pi-stacking assemblies. Interestingly, differential scanning calorimetry, hot stage microscopy, and X-ray crystallographic studies confirmed the thermal crystal-to-crystal transition of all three metastable polymorphs of 1 (form 1II, form 1III, and form 1IV) to its thermodynamically stable crystal form (form 1I). Conformational analysis of molecule 1 using density functional theory calculations also validated higher stability for syn conformation (observed in Form 1I crystals) over anti and midway conformations (seen in metastable polymorphs). Melt crystallization of form 1I crystals of 1 on the larger face (001) of delta-pyrazinamide and lattice matching analysis (GRACE) revealed that the layered arrangement of molecules of delta-pyrazinamide (on 001 face) during heterogeneous nucleation acts as a template (heteroepitaxy) to provide a preferential site for the nucleation of new metastable polymorphs by selectively inhibiting the most preferred crystal form from growing into the nucleus. Solution state one- and two-dimensional (NOESY) H-1 NMR, scanning electron microscopy, and a Cambridge Structural Database survey were conducted to substantiate the role of additives during crystallization.

}, issn = {1528-7483}, doi = {10.1021/acs.cgd.6b00204}, author = {Gawade, Rupesh L. and Chakravarty, Debamitra K. and Kotmale, Amol and Sangtani, Ekta and Joshi, Pranaya V. and Ahmed, Awais and Mane, Manoj V. and Das, Susanta and Vanka, Kumar and Rajamohanan, Pattuparambil R. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Gonnade, Rajesh G.} } @article {43606, title = {Adsorptive removal of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid from aqueous solution using bagasse fly ash as adsorbent in batch and packed-bed techniques}, journal = {Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy}, volume = {18}, year = {2016}, month = {AUG}, pages = {1971-1983}, abstract = {Among the several synthetic herbicides available currently, 2,4-D is a commonly used herbicide to control broadleaf weeds in agriculture and forestry. However, its increasing use in agricultural and nonagricultural activities has resulted in increasing concentrations of 2,4-D being detected in water bodies. Thus, there is a need to identify methods to remove 2,4-D to protect the environment. Among the various methods used for 2,4-D removal, adsorption is found to be effective, and several adsorbents have been studied to remove 2,4-D from aqueous solutions. In this study, we used bagasse fly ash (BFA), a common industrial waste generated in large amount worldwide, for 2,4-D removal from aqueous solution using batch and continuous packed-bed adsorption. In the batch adsorption process, the effects of initial concentration, contact time, temperature, pH, and particle size of BFA were studied. The packed-bed performance of BFA was investigated by varying the influent concentration (50-150 mg/L), flow rate (1.2-4 mL/min), and bed height (4.5-9 cm). Isotherm and thermodynamic parameters are determined for batch adsorption, whereas the performance of continuous adsorption is evaluated by different packed-bed models. The particle-size effect indicated the higher removal of 2,4-D on the bigger particles of BFA due to greater BET surface area and carbon-to-silica ratio than smaller particles. The maximum percentage removal (37.04) is achieved for an influent concentration of 50 mg/L, flow rate of 1.2 mL/min, and bed height of 6.5 cm. For the first time ever, the deactivation kinetic model was applied for the solid-liquid adsorption system and it showed the best fit among the selected models. The bed capacity (m(2)/g) of BFA is three times greater than synthetic activated carbon for adsorption of 2,4-D. This informs that the BFA can be used as an adsorbent for 2,4-D removal from aqueous solution.}, doi = {10.1007/s10098-016-1124-0}, author = {Deokar, Sunil K. and Mandavgane, Sachin A. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article {43639, title = {Adsorptive removal of diuron on biomass ashes: a comparative study using rice husk ash and bagasse fly ash as adsorbents}, journal = {Desalination and Water Treatment}, volume = {57}, year = {2016}, month = {JAN}, pages = {22378-22391}, abstract = {This study describes the use of two types of biomass ashes (BMAs) as adsorbents for diuron removal. Two BMAs, namely rice husk ash (RHA) and bagasse fly ash (BFA), were used in this study, and their adsorption behavior and adsorption mechanism were compared based on various characteristics, such as surface area, pore diameter, and volume. It was found that the particle size and the composition of these BMAs, especially the content of carbon and silica, primarily affect the adsorption kinetics and capacity. Compared with RHA, BFA has more carbon content (47.37\%), and therefore shows higher adsorption capacity (43.48mol/g). In addition, BFA has larger external surface area and exhibited faster kinetics at the initial adsorption stage; by contrast, RHA due to its larger pore diameter allows for faster pore adsorption and surpasses the initial kinetic rate of BFA. For the same particle size (0.354-0.251mm), the equilibrium capacity of BFA was found to be four times greater than that of RHA; in addition, the surface area of BFA is two times more than that of RHA, suggesting that BFA has more active sites than RHA. It was found that solution pH influences adsorption mechanism of diuron molecule on BMA. The uptake capacity of BFA and RHA is 10 times greater than natural adsorbents such as soil and is comparable with synthetic adsorbents such as activated carbon and multiwalled carbon nanotubes. To our knowledge, removal of diuron using ashes has not been reported previously.}, doi = {10.1080/19443994.2015.1132394}, author = {Deokar, Sunil K. and Singh, Diksha and Modak, Sweta and Mandavgane, Sachin A. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article {43607, title = {Agro-industrial waste: a low cost adsorbent for effective removal of 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid herbicide in batch and packed bed modes}, journal = {Environmental Science and Pollution Research}, volume = {23}, year = {2016}, month = {AUG}, pages = {16164-16175}, abstract = {The present work describes the aqueous phase removal of 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid herbicide by rice husk ash (RHA) using batch and packed bed adsorption techniques. The effects of dosage, initial concentration, time, pH, temperature, and particle size of adsorbent in batch compared with effects of influent concentration, flow rate, and bed height in packed bed were studied. The particle size effect reveals that the removal is dependent on chemical composition (silica and carbon content) together with BET surface area of RHA. The aptness of Langmuir isotherm to batch data indicates the favorable adsorption whereas that of Temkin isotherm informs the heterogeneous nature of RHA. The kinetics of adsorption follows the pseudo-second order and Elovich models while thermodynamics of process indicates the exothermic adsorption. Among the models applied in packed bed study, the deactivation kinetic, Yoon-Nelson and bed depth service time (BDST) models are suitable to explain the packed bed adsorption. The adsorption capacity of RHA in packed bed study is found greater than that in batch. The adsorption capacity of RHA determined by the BDST model is 3019 mg/L for 90 \% saturation of bed. The adsorption capacity of RHA based on weight is similar to 2.3 times and that based on surface area is similar to 55.55 times greater than that of granular activated carbon.}, doi = {10.1007/s11356-016-6769-z}, author = {Deokar, Sunil K. and Mandavgane, Sachin A. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article {43569, title = {Alkyl-chain-separated triphenybenzene - carbazole conjugates and their derived polymers: candidates for sensory, electrical and optical materials}, journal = {Chemistry Select}, volume = {1}, year = {2016}, month = {DEC}, pages = {6649-6657}, abstract = {Four new triphenylbenzene based carbazoles (THPBCz4, THPBCz6, THPBCz8 and THPBCz10) and polycarbazoles (polyTHPBCz4, polyTHPBCz6, polyTHPBCz8 and polyTHPBCz10), have been synthesized. Photoluminescence spectra of the monomers in dichloromethane exhibit two intense bands at 353 and 369 nm. Two additional bands (410 and 435 nm) are also observed due to intermolecular interactions. These bands are more intense in the case of thin films, indicating stronger pp stacking interactions in the solid state. Due to the extended p-conjugation, the polycarbazoles display two main emission bands (495 and 520 nm) which are red shifted as compared to the monocarbazoles. Due to the presence of emissive platforms such as triarylbenzene and carbazole, both monomers and polymers, function as efficient sensors for the detection of polynitroaromatic analytes (PA, DNT, rho-DNB and m-DNB). The electrochemically polymerized carbazole derivatives showed maximum capacitance of 41 F/g for polyTHPBCz6. The SCLC measurement reveals a maximum mobility of 6 x 10(-6) cm(2)/Vs for polyTHPBCz4 that showed better packing due to flexible alkyl chains that connect the conjugated moieties.}, doi = {10.1002/slct.201601428}, author = {Kaleeswaran, D. and Vishnoi, Pratap and Kumar, Subramani and Chithiravel, Sundaresan and Walawalkar, Mrinalini G. and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam and Murugavel, Ramaswamy} } @article { ISI:000370307800008, title = {Alternate synthesis of appetite suppressant (R)-2-benzylmorpholine employing Sharpless asymmetric epoxidation strategy}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {57}, number = {8}, year = {2016}, month = {FEB}, pages = {861-863}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An alternate synthesis of (R)-2-benzylmorpholine 1, an appetite suppressant agent has been accomplished starting from readily available trans-cinnamyl alcohol employing Sharpless asymmetric epoxidation strategy as a key step, with an overall yield of 24\%. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {(R)-2-Benzylmorpholine, Appetite suppressant, Sharpless asymmetric epoxidation}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2016.01.032}, author = {Viswanadh, N. and Mujumdar, P. and Sasikumar, M. and Kunte, S. S. and Muthukrishnan, Murugan} } @article { ISI:000372759100036, title = {Amelioration of excision wounds by topical application of green synthesized, formulated silver and gold nanoparticles in albino Wistar rats}, journal = {Materials Science \& Engineering C-Materials for Biological Applications}, volume = {62}, year = {2016}, month = {MAY}, pages = {293-300}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Wound healing, a complex biological process, has attained a lot of attention as dermatologists are primarily interested in stimulated wound closure without formation of scar or a faint scar. The recent upsurgence of nanotechnology has provided novel therapeutic materials in the form of silver and gold nanoparticles which accelerate the wound healing process. The effect of formulated nanoparticles using Coleus forskohlii root extract (green synthesized) has been tried out for ameliorating full thickness excision wounds in albino Wistar male rats. The evaluation of in vivo activity of nanoparticles in wound healing was carried out on open wounds made by excision on the dorsal sides of albino Wistar rats under anesthesia, and the healing of the wounds was assessed. Histological aspects of the healing process were studied by a HE (Hematoxylin and Eosin) staining method to assess various degrees of re-epithelialization and the linear alignment of the granulation tissue whereas Van Gieson{\textquoteright}s histochemical staining was performed to observe collagen fibers. The healing action shown by the formulated nanoparticles was remarkable during the early stages of wound healing, which resulted in the substantial reduction of the whole healing period. Topical application of formulated gold nanoparticles was found to be more effective in suppressing inflammation and stimulating re-epithelialization compared to silver nanoparticles during the healing process. The results throw light on the amelioration of excision wounds using nanoparticles which could be a novel therapeutic way of improving wound healing in clinical practice. The mechanism of advanced healing action of both types of nanoparticles could be due to their antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {collagen, Gold, green synthesis, Nanopraticles, wound Healing}, issn = {0928-4931}, doi = {10.1016/j.msec.2016.01.069}, author = {Naraginti, Saraschandra and Kumari, P. Lakshmi and Das, Raunak Kumar and Sivakumar, A. and Patil, Sagar Hindurao and Andhalkar, Vaibhav Vilas} } @article { ISI:000369572000024, title = {Angiotensin II analogs comprised of pro-amb (gamma-turn scaffold) as angiotensin II type 2 (AT(2)) receptor agonists}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {52}, number = {8}, year = {2016}, month = {NOV}, pages = {1645-1648}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We describe herein the design, synthesis and conformational investigation of Pro-Amb (proline-3-amino-2-methoxybenzoic acid) incorporated Angiotensin II and its truncated analogues. Solution-state NMR and CD studies suggest gamma-turn-like conformation in Pro-Amb analogs in aqueous solution. Furthermore, Pro-Amb analogs have been shown to act as AT(2) receptor agonists.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c5cc09687a}, author = {Jedhe, Ganesh S. and Kotmale, Amol S. and Rajamohanan, Pattuparambil R. and Pasha, Santosh and Sanjayan, Gangadhar J.} } @article { ISI:000378790600010, title = {Anti-oxidant properties of ficus religiosa L. Bark extract on human keratinocytes}, journal = {Science of Advanced Materials}, volume = {8}, number = {6}, year = {2016}, month = {JUN}, pages = {1221-1226}, publisher = {AMER SCIENTIFIC PUBLISHERS}, address = {26650 THE OLD RD, STE 208, VALENCIA, CA 91381-0751 USA}, abstract = {

Ficus religiosa (Sacred Fig) is a medicinally important tree, native to the Indian subcontinent. It has been extensively pharmacologically researched species having wide spectrum of medicinal properties. All parts of F. religiosa tree are known to possess important medicinal properties such as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound healing and skin diseases etc. However, effects of F. religiosa on skin cells line HaCaT was not studied for its antioxidant properties. In this report we have investigated F. religiosa bark aqueous extract for its antioxidant properties on human keratinocytes (HaCaT) cell line using DPPH, superoxide dismutase 1, superoxide dismutase 2 and catalase assay. We observed that F. religiosa bark aqueous extract efficiently scavenged (80\%) DPPH radicals. Superoxide dismutase1 assay of F. religiosa bark aqueous extract effectively scavenged superoxide radicals (O-2(-)) and showed dose dependent activity. Reactive oxygen species were trapped by superoxide dismutase 2 assay of F. religiosa bark aqueous extract and form hydrogen peroxide. Catalase assay results revelled that hydrogen peroxide was further decomposed to give water and oxygen. Thus various anti-oxidant assays of F. religiosa bark aqueous extract indicate that it efficiently reduced the reactive oxygen species in skin cells.

}, keywords = {Anti-Oxidant, Catalase Assay, DPPH Assay, Ficus religiosa, Keratinocyte HaCaT Cell Line, Moraceae, SOD Assay}, issn = {1947-2935}, doi = {10.1166/sam.2016.2740}, author = {Dixit, Shailesh S. and Kulkarni, Atul and Seo, Hyo Hyun and Gadgil, Jayant and Dingre, Medini and Umar, Ahmad and Moh, Sang Hyun and Parasharami, Varsha A.} } @article { ISI:000377464900011, title = {Antioxidative metabolites synthesized by marine pigmented vibrio sp and its protection on oxidative deterioration of membrane lipids}, journal = {Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology}, volume = {179}, number = {1}, year = {2016}, month = {APR}, pages = {155-167}, publisher = {HUMANA PRESS INC}, address = {999 RIVERVIEW DRIVE SUITE 208, TOTOWA, NJ 07512 USA}, abstract = {

Bacterial strain Vibrio sp. (PIGB 184) isolated from water samples of the Arabian Sea and identified through 16S rRNA demonstrated the production of pigmentary antioxidants with higher ABTS activities 90.9 +/- 0.42 \% in comparison with the standard commercial pigmented antioxidant, quercetin 88.8 +/- 1.4 \%. Antioxidative metabolites of this strain substantially inhibit the lipid peroxidation (LPO) reactions tested in sheep liver and brain. The antioxidant compounds produced by the Vibrio sp. (PIGB 184), analysed by GC-MS, reveals that it is composed mostly of phenol, 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl) and pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine-1,4-dione,hexahydro-3-(2-methylpropyl). The interrelationship assessed between LPO and the phenolic compounds showed significant correlation with anti-LPO properties (R (2) = 0.9698 to 0.9861). These compounds are responsible for obstruction of harmful radical associated biochemical reactions in biological systems. Pigmented metabolites also tested for attributive biological properties against pathogenic bacteria showed prominent inhibition towards Gram-positive organisms (31.25 to 62.5 mu g ml(-1)). From this study, it may be suggested that the marine bacterium PIGB 184 could be used as a potential bio-resource for antioxidants and needs to be worked out for mass production.

}, keywords = {Antioxidants, Lipid peroxidation, Marine pigmented bacteria, Pathogen inhibition, Phenolics}, issn = {0273-2289}, doi = {10.1007/s12010-016-1985-z}, author = {Pawar, Ravindra and Mohandass, Chellandi and Dastager, Syed Gulam and Kolekar, Yogesh M. and Malwankar, Rahul} } @article { ISI:000373421700065, title = {Architecture of 2D MoS2 nanosheets and 3D CdMoS4 marigold flowers: consequence of annealing on field emission performance}, journal = {Microporous and Mesoporous Materials}, volume = {225}, year = {2016}, month = {MAY}, pages = {573-579}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Herein, we report the field electron emission investigations on template free solvothermally synthesized layered MoS2 nanosheets as well as novel phase of CdMoS4 nanoflowers at the base pressure of similar to 1 x 10(-8) mbar. The turn-on field, threshold field and maximum emission current densities for both MoS2 and CdMoS4 are strongly influenced by thermal annealing in inert atmosphere. The turn on field, required to draw emission current density of 1 mu A/cm(2) is found to be 5.8 and 3.2 V/mu m for pristine and annealed MoS2 at 400 degrees C. In case of as prepared and annealed CdMoS4 sample the turn on field values are found to be similar to 6.2 and 5.0 V/mu m, respectively. The emission current versus time (I-t) plot measured at the preset current values of similar to 1 mu A for pristine and annealed sample indicates stable operation of the emitter. The emission current fluctuations for annealed sample are observed to be less as compared with the pristine sample due to conditioning of the emitter, thereby showing highly stable nature of emitter. Thus, the present result demonstrates the potential of annealed MoS2 nanosheets and CdMoS4 nanoflowers as an emerging materials for micro/nanoelectronics and flat panel field emission display applications. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {field emission, MoS2 and CdMoS4, Nanoflowers, nanosheets}, issn = {1387-1811}, doi = {10.1016/j.micromeso.2016.01.033}, author = {Kadam, Sunil R. and Suryawanshi, Sachin R. and Panmand, Rajendra P. and Mate, Vivek R. and More, Mahendra A. and Late, Dattatray J. and Kale, Bharat B.} } @article {42417, title = {Aryne [2,3] stevens rearrangement}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {18}, year = {2016}, month = {OCT}, pages = {5428-5431}, abstract = {

Arynes are employed in the transition-metal-free and mild [2,3] Stevens rearrangement of tertiary allylic amines for the synthesis of functionalized homoallylic amines in moderate to good yield with a broad substrate scope. The key nitrogen ylide intermediate was generated by the N-arylation of allyl amines using arynes. Moreover, the reaction of chiral allyl amines with arynes resulted in the enantiospecific synthesis of homoallylic amines. In addition, preliminary studies on the [1,2] Stevens rearrangement is also presented.

}, doi = {10.1021/acs.orglett.6b02809}, author = {Roy, Tony and Thangaraj, Manikandan and Kaicharla, Trinadh and Kamath, Rupa V. and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Biju, Akkattu T.} } @article { ISI:000377612300010, title = {Asymmetric total synthesis of L-allo-1-deoxynojirimycin}, journal = {Arkivoc}, number = {2}, year = {2016}, month = {OCT}, pages = {137-147}, publisher = {ARKAT USA INC}, address = {C/O ALAN R KATRITZKY, UNIV FLORIDA, DEPT CHEMISTRY, PO BOX 117200, GAINESVILLE, FL 32611 USA}, abstract = {

Asymmetric total synthesis of L-allo-1-deoxynojirimycin (L-allo-DNJ) was achieved from cis-butene-1,4-diol by employing Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation, stereoselective flash dihydroxylation and ring enlargement reactions as key steps.

}, keywords = {diastereoselective flash dihydroxylation, ring-enlargement reaction, sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation}, issn = {1551-7004}, doi = {10.3998/ark.5550190.p009.295}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Dumare, Nilesh B. and Pawar, Kailash P. and Chavan, Prakash N. and Khairnar, Lalit B.} } @article {43611, title = {Asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of cyclic imines in water with a versatile hydrogen donorformic acid/N-methylpiperidine: rapid access to highly enantioselective amines}, journal = {Chemistryselect}, volume = {1}, year = {2016}, month = {JUL}, pages = {2221-2224}, abstract = {Asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) of cyclic imines in water has been investigated for the first time by using HCOOH in combination with bases other than triethylamine as H donor. Effect of FA/Base ratio has shown significant impact on activity and enantioselectivity for ATH reaction in water. Use of methanol as a co-solvent improved the reduction performance. FA/N-methylpiperidine was found to be excellent, versatile hydrogen donor for ATH of imine 6,7-dimethoxy-1-methyl-3,4-dihy-droisoquinoline (1a) giving by far the highest noted TOF value of 5940 h(-1). ATH of-different imines derivatives including 3, 4-dihydoisoquinolines, beta-carbolines and cyclic sulfonyl imines have been performed with excellent activity (91-99\% yield) and enantioselectivity (88-97\%) in very short time (1-2 min). This is very simple protocol for rapid access to enantioselective amines with very new and versatile hydrogen donor 1.1 FA/Nmethylpiperidine.}, doi = {10.1002/slct.201600497}, author = {Shende, Vaishali S. and Shingote, Savita K. and Deshpande, Sudhindra H. and Kelkar, Ashutosh. A.} } @article {45836, title = {Atomically thin WS2 nanosheets based gas sensor}, journal = {Sensor Letters}, volume = {14}, year = {2016}, month = {DEC}, pages = {1249-1254}, type = {Article}, abstract = {We report here the UV light and NO2 gas sensing properties of atomically thin few-layered WS2 nanosheets synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method. For the UV sensor, the response time was observed to be <15 s whereas the recovery time was <56 s. The Few layered WS2 nanosheets sensor devices were also tested for different concentration of NO2 gas at room temperature and 100 {\textdegree}C. The response time was observed to be <60 s whereas recovery time was >10 min. Further, the response and recovery time can be shortened by UV illumination or by removing the absorbed gas by heating the device at higher temperature. Our results open up the new avenues for gas sensors based on two-dimensional inorganic layered materials. }, doi = {10.1166/sl.2016.3764}, author = {Late, D. J. and Kanawade, R. V. and Kannan, P. K. and Rout, C. S.} } @article {42830, title = {Attempt to correlate surface physics and chemical properties : molecular beam and Kelvin probe investigations of Ce 1-x Zr x O 2 thin films}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics}, volume = {18}, year = {2016}, month = {SEP}, pages = {27594-27602}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

What is the correlation between physical properties of the surfaces (such as surface potential, electronic nature of the surface), and chemical and catalysis properties (such as chemisorption, sticking probability of surface)? An attempt has been made to explore any correlation that might exist between the physical and chemical properties of thin film surfaces. Kelvin probe microscopy (KPM) and the molecular beam (MB) methods were employed to carry out the surface potential, and oxygen adsorption and oxygen storage capacity (OSC) measurements on Ce1-xZrxO2 thin films. A sol{\textendash}gel synthesis procedure and spin-coating deposition method have been applied to make continuous nanocrystalline Ce1-xZrxO2 (x = 0{\textendash}1) (CZ) thin films with uniform thickness (35{\textendash}50 nm); however, surface roughness and porosity inherently changes with CZ composition. MB studies of O2 adsorption on CZ reveal high OSC for Ce0.9Zr0.1O2, which also exhibits highly porous and significantly rough surface characteristics. The surface potential observed from KPM studies varied between 30 and 80 mV, with Ce-rich compositions exhibiting the highest surface potential. Surface potential shows large changes after reduction or oxidation of the CZ film demonstrating the influence of Ce3+/Ce4+ on surface potential, which is also a key to catalytic activity for ceria-based catalysts. The surface potential measured from KPM and the OSC measured from MB vary linearly and they depend on the Ce3+/Ce4+ ratio. More and detailed studies are suggested to arrive at a correlation between the physical and chemical properties of the surfaces.

}, issn = {1463-9076}, doi = {10.1039/C6CP04700A}, author = {Kolekar, Sadhu K. and Dubey, Anjani and Date, Kalyani S. and Datar, Suwarna and Gopinath, Chinnakonda S.} } @article { ISI:000380574100066, title = {Azadirachta indica triterpenoids promote osteoblast differentiation and mineralization in vitro and in vivo}, journal = {Bioorganic \& Medicinal Chemistry Letters}, volume = {26}, number = {15}, year = {2016}, month = {AUG}, pages = {3719-3724}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Terpenoids were isolated using chromatographic purification through solvent purification technique and identified as Azadirone (1), Epoxyazadiradione (2) Azadiradione (3) Gedunin (4) Nimbin (5) Salannin (6) Azadirachtin A (7) and Azadirachtin B (8) from Azadirachta indica. Out of eight compounds, only three compounds had osteogenic activity and enhanced osteoblast proliferation, differentiation and mineralization in osteoblast cells. Active compounds stimulated osteogenic genes ALP, RunX-2 and OCN expressions in vitro, but Azadirachtin A had a maximum ability to stimulate osteoblast differentiation and mineralization compared to other two active compounds. For in vivo study, Azadirachtin A injected subcutaneously in pups, which enhanced osteogenic gene expressions and promoted bone formation rate significantly. Here, we conclude that active compounds of Azadirachta indica have osteogenic activity and Azadirachtin A has a beneficial effects on bone. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {ALP and mineralization assay, Balb/c mice pups, Calvarial osteoblast cells, Gene expressions}, issn = {0960-894X}, doi = {10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.05.076}, author = {Kushwaha, Priyanka and Khedgikar, Vikram and Haldar, Saikat and Gautam, Jyoti and Mulani, Fayaj A. and Thulasiram, Hirekodathakallu V. and Trivedi, Ritu} } @article {43440, title = {Azadirachtin a interacts with er alpha domain and regulates bone formation}, journal = {Osteoporosis International}, volume = {27}, year = {2016}, month = {NOV}, pages = {S778-S778}, type = {Meeting Abstract}, author = {Kushwaha, P. and Khedgikar, V. and Gautam, J. and Kumar, A. and Thulasiram, Hirekodathakallu V. and Mishra, P. R. and Trivedi, P. K. and Trivedi, R.} } @article { ISI:000370650200008, title = {Bacillus cellulasensis sp nov., isolated from marine sediment}, journal = {Archives of Microbiology}, volume = {198}, number = {1}, year = {2016}, month = {JAN}, pages = {83-89}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

A novel bacterial strain NIO-1130(T) was isolated from sediment sample taken from Chorao Island, Goa Province, India, and subjected to a taxonomic investigation. The strain was Gram-positive, aerobic, and motile. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences placed the isolate within the genus Bacillus and strain NIO-1130(T) showed highest sequence similarity with Bacillus halosaccharovorans DSM 25387(T) (98.4 \%) and Bacillus niabensis CIP 109816(T) (98.1 \%), whereas other Bacillus species showed \< 97.0 \% similarity. Tree based on gyrB gene sequence revealed that strain bacillus group. The major menaquinone was MK-7 and the predominant cellular fatty acids were iso-C-15:0, anteiso-C-15:0, iso-C-17:0, and anteiso-C-17:0. The strain showed a DNA G+C content of 39.9 mol\%. DNA-DNA hybridization studies revealed that strain NIO-1130(T) exhibits 70 \% similarity with Bacillus halosaccharovorans DSM 25387(T) and Bacillus niabensis CIP 109816T. On the basis of physiological, biochemical, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic analyses, we consider the isolate to represent a novel species of the genus Bacillus, for which the name Bacillus cellulasensis sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is NIO-1130(T) (=NCIM 5461(T) = CCTCC AB 2011126(T)).

}, keywords = {Bacillus sp, Cellulase, Marine sediment, Polyphasic taxonomy}, issn = {0302-8933}, doi = {10.1007/s00203-015-1155-7}, author = {Mawlankar, Rahul R. and Thorat, Meghana N. and Krishnamurthi, Srinivasan and Dastager, Syed Gulam} } @inbook {45837, title = {Balancing omega-6: Omega-3 ratios in oilseeds}, booktitle = {Omega-3 fatty acids: keys to nutritional health}, year = {2016}, pages = {203-220}, publisher = {Springer International Publishing}, organization = {Springer International Publishing}, abstract = {Fats and oils are the essential constituents of human diet, and nearly 80 \% of these are obtained from plants. The predominant fatty acids present in plant oils are saturated and unsaturated compounds with straight aliphatic chains of carbon atoms and a single carboxyl group. Depending on the position of the first double bond from the methyl end in the fatty acyl chain, the mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids can be denoted as -9, -6, or -3. Excess consumption of -6 fatty acids has greatly and unfavorably increased the -6: -3 ratio up to 25:1, which is associated with prevalence of many negative health effects, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, osteoporosis, and inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Because the -3 fatty acids (FAs) are the precursors for synthesis of anti-inflammatory eicosanoids, balancing the -6: -3 ratio is vital. The easiest approach to achieve this would be consumption of oils rich in -3 FAs, such as linseed oil. Alternatively, the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway in plants producing high -6 FAs can be altered by biotechnological means, so that they produce higher proportion of -3 FAs. This chapter describes the current knowledge of the fatty acid biosynthesis pathway in plants, including the genes involved, their temporal and spatial expression patterns, and various fluxes that they drive. The choice of oilseeds, genes, and promoters for modulating the fatty acid biosynthesis flux from -6 to -3 fatty acids is also dealt with. The potential hurdles in achieving these and possible solutions have also been described.}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-319-40458-5_15}, author = {Chirmade, T. P. and Sanghi, S. and Rajwade, A .V. and Gupta, V. S. and Kadoo, N. Y.} } @article { ISI:000379306400014, title = {Band edge modulated polymer layer to decrease back electron transfer and increase efficiency in sensitized solar cells}, journal = {Advanced Energy Materials}, volume = {6}, number = {9}, year = {2016}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1502334}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {POSTFACH 101161, 69451 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Recombination of charges residing in the TiO2 and redox electrolyte is one of the factors affecting the efficiency of dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). To circumvent this recombination, inorganic oxide barrier layers and organic silanes have been coated on TiO2/dyes. Due to the insulating nature of these layers, the efficiency increase is not very impressive. Conducting polymers with different band edges are used to suppress the charge recombination. Amongst the four polymers that are used as barrier layers, a polymer with a highest occupied molecular orbital energy at -5.8 eV and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital at -3.1 eV is found to increase the electron life time at TiO2 and decrease the charge recombination. The electron life time is found to be 88 ms. In addition to the long electron life time, the recombination resistance of this polymer is also high (91 Omega). This resistance is 18\% higher than that measured for DSSCs without polymer barrier layer. These factors impact the efficiency of DSSCs. DSSCs fabricated with this polymer as barrier layer exhibit an efficiency of 9.2\%, which is 22\% higher than that of DSSCs without polymer barrier layer.

}, issn = {1614-6832}, doi = {10.1002/aenm.201502334}, author = {Arulkashmir, Arulraj and Sudhakar, Vediappan and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam} } @article { ISI:000369482900019, title = {Behaviour of biomass multicomponent ashes as adsorbents}, journal = {Current Science}, volume = {110}, number = {2}, year = {2016}, month = {JAN}, pages = {180-186}, publisher = {INDIAN ACAD SCIENCES}, address = {C V RAMAN AVENUE, SADASHIVANAGAR, P B \#8005, BANGALORE 560 080, INDIA}, abstract = {

Physico-chemical characteristics of rice husk ash and baggase fly ash, commonly referred to as biomass ashes enable their use as adsorbents. Contrary to normal expectations, it is observed that larger particles have more number, narrower and deeper pores than smaller particles. As a consequence they have higher pore volume, total surface area and hence adsorption capacity. Also, the uptake rate of adsorption depends on the silica to carbon ratio, which is seen to be smaller for larger particles and hence they take a longer time to reach equilibrium. The extent of carbon content determines the capacity, whereas silica to carbon ratio determines the kinetics of adsorption. Removal of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, from aqueous solution was chosen as a representative case for study and the results obtained are compared with earlier reported results.

}, keywords = {Adsorption capacity, bagasse, biomass ash, rice husk, silica to carbon ratio}, issn = {0011-3891}, author = {Deokar, Sunil K. and Mandavgane, Sachin A. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article {43614, title = {Bilayer cryogel wound dressing and skin regeneration grafts for the treatment of acute skinwounds}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {8}, year = {2016}, month = {JUN}, pages = {15145-15159}, abstract = {In this study, the potential of cryogel bilayer wound dressing and skin regenerating graft for the treatment of surgically created full thickness wounds was evaluated. The top layer was composed of polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine (PVP-I) and served as the antiseptic layer, while the bottom regenerative layer was made using gelatin cryogel. Both components of the bilayer showed typical features of a cryogel interconnected macropore network, rapid swelling, high water uptake capacity of about 90\%. Both PVP and gelatin cryogel showed high tensile strength of 45 and 10 kPa, respectively. Gelatin cryogel sheets were essentially elastic and could be stretched without any visible deformation. The antiseptic PVP-I layer cryogel sheet showed sustained iodine release and suppressed microbial growth when tested with skin pathogens (zone of inhibition cm for sheet of 0.9 cm diameter). The gelatin cryogel sheet degraded in vitro in weeks. The gelatin cryogel sheet supported cell infiltration, attachment, and proliferation of fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Microparticles loaded with bioactive molecules (mannose-6-phosphate and human fibrinogen) were also incorporated in the gelatin cryogel sheets for their role in enhancing skin regeneration and scar free wound healing. In vivo evaluation of healing capacity of the bilayer cryogel was checked in rabbits by creating full thickness wound, defect (diameter 2 cm). Macroscopic and microscopic observation at regular time intervals for 4 weeks demonstrated better and faster skin regeneration in the wound treated with cryogel bilayer as compared to untreated defect and the repair was comparable to commercial skin regeneration scaffold Neuskin-F. Complete skin regeneration was observed after 4 weeks{\textquoteright} of implantation with no sign of inflammatory response. Defects implanted with cryogel having mannose-6-phosphate showed no scar formation,, while the wound treated with bilayer incorporated with human fibrinogen microparticles showed early signs of skin regeneration; epidermis formation occurred at 2 weeks after implantation.}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.6b04711}, author = {Priya, S. Geetha and Gupta, Ankur and Jain, Era and Sarkar, Joyita and Damania, Apeksha and Jagdale, Pankaj R. and Chaudhari, Bhushan P. and Gupta, Kailash C. and Kumar, Ashok} } @article { ISI:000380072400017, title = {Biogenic terbium oxide nanoparticles as the vanguard against osteosarcoma}, journal = {Spectrochimica Acta Part A-Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy}, volume = {168}, year = {2016}, month = {NOV}, pages = {123-131}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The synthesis of inner transition metal nanoparticles via an ecofriendly route is quite difficult. This study, for the first time, reports synthesis of terbium oxide nanoparticles using fungus, Fusarium oxysporum. The biocompatible terbium oxide nanoparticles (Tb2O3 NPs) were synthesized by incubating Tb4O7 with the biomass of fungus F. oxysporum. Multiple physical characterization techniques, such as UV-visible and photoluminescence spectroscopy, TEM, SAED, and zeta-potential were used to confirm the synthesis, purity, optical and surface characteristics, crystallinity, size, shape, distribution, and stability of the nanoemulsion of Tb2O3 NPs. The Tb2O3 NPs were found to inhibit the propagation of MG-63 and Saos-2 cell-lines (IC50 value of 0.102 mu g/mL) and remained non-toxic up to a concentration of 0373 gg/mL toward primary osteoblasts. Cell viability decreased in a concentration-dependent manner upon exposure to 10 nmTb(2)O(3) NPs in the concentration range 0.023-0373 mu g/mL Cell toxicity was evaluated by observing changes in cell morphology, cell viability, oxidative stress parameters, and FACS analysis. Morphological examinations of cells revealed cell shrinkage, nuclear condensation, and formation of apoptotic bodies. The level of ROS within the cells an indicator of oxidative stress was significantly increased. The induction of apoptosis at concentrations \<= IC50 was corroborated by 4{\textquoteright},6-diamidino-2-phenylindole dihydrochloride (DAPI) staining (DNA damage and nuclear fragmentation). Flow-cytometric studies indicated that the response was dose dependent with a threshold effect. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Biosynthesis, Cytotoxicity, fusarium oxysporum, Osteosarcoma, Tb2O3 nanoparticles}, issn = {1386-1425}, doi = {10.1016/j.saa.2016.05.053}, author = {Iram, Sana and Khan, Salman and Ansary, Abu Ayoobul and Arshad, Mohd and Siddiqui, Sahabjada and Ahmad, Ejaz and Khan, Rizwan H. and Khan, Mohd Sajid} } @article { ISI:000369937200001, title = {Biosurfactant as a promoter of methane hydrate formation: thermodynamic and kinetic studies}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {6}, year = {2016}, month = {FEB}, pages = {20893}, publisher = {NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP}, address = {MACMILLAN BUILDING, 4 CRINAN ST, LONDON N1 9XW, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Natural gas hydrates (NGHs) are solid non-stoichiometric compounds often regarded as a next generation energy source. Successful commercialization of NGH is curtailed by lack of efficient and safe technology for generation, dissociation, storage and transportation. The present work studied the influence of environment compatible biosurfactant on gas hydrate formation. Biosurfactant was produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain A11 and was characterized as rhamnolipids. Purified rhamnolipids reduced the surface tension of water from 72 mN/m to 36 mN/m with Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) of 70 mg/l. Use of 1000 ppm rhamnolipids solution in C type silica gel bed system increased methane hydrate formation rate by 42.97\% and reduced the induction time of hydrate formation by 22.63\% as compared to water saturated C type silica gel. Presence of rhamnolipids also shifted methane hydrate formation temperature to higher values relative to the system without biosurfactant. Results from thermodynamic and kinetic studies suggest that rhamnolipids can be applied as environment friendly methane hydrate promoter.

}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/srep20893}, author = {Arora, Amit and Cameotra, Swaranjit Singh and Kumar, Rajnish and Balomajumder, Chandrajit and Singh, Anil Kumar and Santhakumari, B. and Kumar, Pushpendra and Laik, Sukumar} } @article {42555, title = {Biosynthesis of anti-proliferative gold using endophytic fusarium oxysporum strain isolated from neem (A-indica) leaves}, journal = {Current topics in medicinal chemistry}, volume = {16}, year = {2016}, month = {JAN}, pages = {2036-2042}, abstract = {

Here we report a simple, rapid, environment friendly approach for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles using neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) fungal endophyte, which based upon morphological and cultural characteristics was eventually identified as Fusarium oxysporum. The aqueous precursor (HAuCl4) solution when reacted with endophytic fungus resulted in the biosynthesis of abundant amounts of well dispersed gold nanoparticles of 10-40 nm with an average size of 22nm. These biosynthesized gold nanoparticles were then characterized by standard analytical techniques such as UV-Visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Transmission Electron Microscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Cytotoxic activity of these nanoparticles was checked against three different cell types including breast cancer (ZR-75-1), Daudi (Human Burkitt{\textquoteright}s lymphoma cancer) and normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), where it was found that our gold nanoparticles are anti-proliferative against cancer cells but completely safe toward normal cells. In addition to this, assessment of toxicity toward human RBC revealed less than 0.1 \% hemolysis as compared to Triton X-100 suggesting safe nature of our biosynthesized gold nanoparticles on human cells. Also, our nanoparticles exhibited no anti-fungal (against Aspergillus niger) or anti-bacterial [against Gram positive (Bacillus subtilis \& Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram negative (Escherichia coli \& Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria] activity thus suggesting their non-toxic, biocompatible nature. The present investigation opens up avenues for eco-friendly, biocompatible nanomaterials to be used in a wide variety of application such as drug delivery, therapeutics, theranostics and so on.

}, doi = {10.2174/1568026616666160215160644}, author = {Siddiqui, Ejaz Ahmad and Ahmad, Absar and Julius, Anju and Syed, Asad and Khan, Shadab and Kharat, Mahesh and Pai, Kalpana and Kadoo, Narendra Y. and Gupta, Vidya} } @article { ISI:000380138100025, title = {Bronsted-acid-mediated divergent reactions of betti bases with indoles: an approach to chromeno[2,3-b]indoles through intramolecular dehydrogenative C2-alkoxylation of indole}, journal = {European Journal of Organic Chemistry}, number = {20}, year = {2016}, month = {JUL}, pages = {3441-3448}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {POSTFACH 101161, 69451 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Divergent reactions of various 1-(aminoalkyl) naphthols and 2-(aminoalkyl) phenols (commonly known as Betti bases) with indoles under Bronsted acid catalysis is reported. With the reaction strategies, one can efficiently synthesize important indole derivatives such as 3-(alpha,alpha-diarylmethyl)indoles and chromeno[2,3-b]indoles. Furthermore, we disclose here a new C-C bond-cleavage reaction, in which naphthol and phenol behave as leaving groups to produce diarylmethanes. Inexpensive reagents such as p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate and molecular iodine are used to catalyze the reactions. No metal catalyst is required. The starting material of the reactions, Betti bases, are easily prepared from a three-component reaction of naphthol/phenol, aldehydes, and secondary amines. The mechanisms for the reactions are established through some control experiments. Quinone methide is the key intermediate for all the reactions reported herein.

}, keywords = {Betti bases, C-O bond formation, Dearylation, Fused-ring systems, nitrogen heterocycles}, issn = {1434-193X}, doi = {10.1002/ejoc.201600546}, author = {Deb, Mohit L. and Pegu, Choitanya Dev and Deka, Bhaskar and Dutta, Prantu and Kotmale, Amol S. and Baruah, Pranjal K.} } @article {43407, title = {Budding trends in integrated pest management using advanced micro- and nano-materials: challenges and perspectives}, journal = {Journal of Environmental Management}, volume = {184}, year = {2016}, month = {DEC}, pages = {157-169}, abstract = {One of the most vital supports to sustain human life on the planet earth is the agriculture system that has been constantly challenged in terms of yield. Crop losses due to insect pest attack even after excessive use of chemical pesticides, are major concerns for humanity and environment protection. By the virtue of unique properties possessed by micro and nano-structures, their implementation in Agri-biotechnology is largely anticipated. Hence, traditional pest management strategies are now forestalling the potential of micro and nanotechnology as an effective and viable approach to alleviate problems pertaining to pest control. These technological innovations hold promise to contribute enhanced productivity by providing novel agrochemical agents and delivery systems. Application of these systems engages to achieve: i) control release of agrochemicals, ii) site-targeted delivery of active ingredients to manage specific pests, iii) reduced pesticide use, iv) detection of chemical residues, v) pesticide degradation, vi) nucleic acid delivery and vii) to mitigate post-harvest damage. Applications of micro and nano-technology are still marginal owing to the perception of low economic returns, stringent regulatory issues involving safety assessment and public awareness over their uses. In this review, we highlight the potential application of micro and nano-materials with a major focus on effective pest management strategies including safe handling of pesticides. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.}, doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2016.09.071}, author = {Khandelwal, Neha and Barbole, Ranjit S. and Banerjee, Shashwat S. and Chate, Govind P. and Biradar, Ankush V. and Khandare, Jayant J. and Giri, Ashok P.} } @article {43410, title = {Building and analysis of protein-protein interactions related to diabetes mellitus using support vector machine, biomedical text mining and network analysis}, journal = {Computational Biology and Chemistry}, volume = {65}, year = {2016}, month = {DEC}, pages = {37-44}, abstract = {In order to understand the molecular mechanism underlying any disease, knowledge about the interacting proteins in the disease pathway is essential. The number of revealed protein-protein interactions (PPI) is still very limited compared to the available protein sequences of different organisms. Experiment based high-throughput technologies though provide some data about these interactions, those are often fairly noisy. Computational techniques for predicting protein protein interactions therefore assume significance. 1296 binary fingerprints that encode a combination of structural and geometric properties were developed using the crystallographic data of 15,000 protein complexes in the pdb server. In a case study, these fingerprints were created for proteins implicated in the Type 2 diabetes mellitus disease. The fingerprints were input into a SVM based model for discriminating disease proteins from non disease proteins yielding a classification accuracy of 78.2\% (AUC value of 0.78) on an external data set composed of proteins retrieved via text mining of diabetes related literature. A PPI network was constructed and analysed to explore new disease targets. The integrated approach exemplified here has a potential for identifying disease related proteins, functional annotation and other proteomics studies. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.}, doi = {10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2016.09.011}, author = {Vyas, Renu and Bapat, Sanket and Jain, Esha and Karthikeyan, Muthukumarasamy and Tambe, Sanjeev and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article {42556, title = {Can a diels-alder reaction accelerate in a supersaturated solvent at room temperature?}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {40}, year = {2016}, month = {AUG}, pages = {8355-8363}, abstract = {

A new supersaturated solvent is proposed to accelerate the Diels{\textendash}Alder reaction between cyclopentadiene and methyl acrylate by several times. The proposed supersaturated solvent consists of various carbohydrates, organic acid and organic ketone in water, beyond their solubility limits in water, at room temperature. The results demonstrate that the presence of excess {\textendash}OH groups from the carbohydrates plays a pivotal role leading to the increased reactivity and selectivity of the Diels{\textendash}Alder reaction. The role of hydrogen bond accelerators and polarity of the solvent have been analyzed through a comparative study of the same reaction in similar green solvents. Collision-controlled reaction theory has been invoked to understand the role of encounter complexes to accelerate such a reaction at the molecular level in such highly viscous supersaturated solvent. No detrimental effects from the high viscosity of the new solvent medium on the reaction kinetics was been noted.

}, doi = {10.1039/C6NJ01912A}, author = {Nagare, Amit S. and Manna, Arpan and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000373630800014, title = {Can main group systems act as superior catalysts for dihydrogen generation reactions? A computational investigation}, journal = {Dalton Transactions}, volume = {45}, number = {14}, year = {2016}, month = {JUN}, pages = {5968-5977}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The protolytic cleavage of the O-H bond in water and alcohols is a very important reaction, and an important method for producing dihydrogen. Full quantum chemical studies with density functional theory (DFT) reveal that germanium based complexes, such as HC{CMeArB}(2)GeH (Ar = 2,6-(Pr2C6H3)-Pr-i), with the assistance of silicon based compounds such as SiF3H, can perform significantly better than the existing state-of-the-art post-transition metal based systems for catalyzing dihydrogen generation from water and alcohols through the protolysis reaction.

}, issn = {1477-9226}, doi = {10.1039/c5dt01058f}, author = {Kuriakose, Nishamol and Vanka, Kumar} } @inbook {45840, title = {Carbonylations and hydroformylations for fine chemicals}, booktitle = {Industrial catalytic processes for fine and specialty chemicals}, year = {2016}, pages = { 663-692}, publisher = {Elsevier Inc.}, organization = {Elsevier Inc.}, abstract = {Carbonylation reactions (hydroformylation and carbonylation) constitute one of the most powerful tools for C. C bond formation in organic synthesis and represent an outstanding example of the application of homogeneous catalysis on an industrial scale. Carbonylation reactions have the potential to provide clean, atom-efficient routes for the synthesis of molecules with carboxylic acid, aldehyde and amide functional groups. However, catalyst product separation is a major problem for the application of homogeneous catalysts on an industrial scale. The manufacture of ibuprofen, one of the important antiinflammatory drugs involving palladium-catalyzed carbonylation, was the path-breaking technology in pharmaceutical chemistry. A significant amount of work is being carried out on the development of selective catalysts for specialty chemical synthesis. This chapter presents recent advances in the development of new catalysts for carbonylation reactions. Various strategies developed for the heterogenization of catalysts are also presented, with an emphasis on specialty chemicals.}, doi = {10.1016/B978-0-12-801457-8.00014-8}, author = {Kelkar, A. A.} } @article {43603, title = {Cascade synthesis of 2-cyanoacrylamides through deacetalization and/or knoevenagelcondensation followed by selective monohydration of acetals and aldehydes over solid acidferrites}, journal = {Chemcatchem}, volume = {8}, year = {2016}, month = {AUG}, pages = {2678-2687}, abstract = {A new protocol of cascade synthesis for biologically active 2-cyanoacrylamides (1) was developed. The reaction proceeds over a novel magnetically retrievable solid-acid composite of iron oxide, poly(vinylpyrrolidone) and phosphotungstic acid (Fe3O4/PVP-PWA) in AcOH-H2O medium under reflux conditions. This transformation is facilitated through single-site Bronsted acid catalyzed cascade reactions involving deacetalization and/or Knoevenagel condensation followed by selective monohydration of nitriles starting from acetals (5) and aldehydes (2) with malononitrile (3). A series of aldehydes, dimethyl and diethyl acetals, along with some heterocyclic aldehydes were successfully transformed to 2-cyanoacrylamides with >95\% yields. TEM images confirmed the coating of the PVP over nanosized Fe3O4. Stereoselective monohydration of 2-benzylidenemalononitriles (4) to E isomers was demonstrated by NOESY experiments. The catalyst could be efficiently recycled seven times on employment of both acetals and aldehydes as substrates, as a result of its magnetic nature.}, doi = {10.1002/cctc.201600426}, author = {Kamble, Sumit B. and Rode, Chandrashekhar V.} } @article { ISI:000369545400100, title = {Catalytic activity of bare and porous palladium nanostructures in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {6}, number = {14}, year = {2016}, month = {JAN}, pages = {11911-11920}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The catalytic activity of bare and porous palladium nanostructures viz. palladium nanoballs (PdNBs) and palladium urchins (Pdurc) synthesized in surfactant based liquid crystalline mesophase have been investigated in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol. The loading of PdNBs and Pdurc nanocatalyst in the reaction are optimized to 1.57 x 10(-4) mol\% and 1.57 x 10(-3) mol\% respectively. The surface area normalized rate constant obtained at 303 K for PdNBs (0.74 +/- 0.03) s(-1) m(-2) L and Pdurc (0.41 +/- 0.05) s(-1) m(-2) L is the highest, considering the low palladium loading used in the reaction. The specific surface area determined for the PdNBs and Pdurc are 153 m(2) g(-1) and 27 m(2) g(-1) respectively. The high surface area of PdNBs nanostructure is consistent with the highest catalytic activity. The palladium nanostructure catalyzed reaction lacks induction time (t(0)), indicating the influence of porosity in the Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism. Besides, PdNBs and Pdurc exhibited thermal stability and structural integrity with good conversion of the substrate (\>97\%) even up to five consecutive reactions. The mechanistic insight of the bare and porous palladium nanostructures presented in this study is significant for the development of stable and efficient palladium metal based nanocatalyst.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c5ra23138h}, author = {Kalekar, Ajit M. and Sharma, Kiran Kumar K. and Luwang, Meitram Niraj and Sharma, Geeta K.} } @article { ISI:000378725800123, title = {Catecholase and phenoxazinone synthase activities of a ferromagnetically coupled tetranuclear Cu(II) complex}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {6}, number = {63}, year = {2016}, month = {JUN}, pages = {58831-58838}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A crystallographically characterized tetranuclear Cu(II) complex [Cu-4(II)(L)(4)] (1) [H2L = N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-methoxysalicylaldimine] is found to show overall ferromagnetic exchange coupling. Complex (1) mimics the catalytic activity of the plant enzyme catechol oxidase by oxidising 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol to its corresponding quinone in methanol and dichloromethane medium in the presence of aerial oxygen. The reaction follows Michaelis-Menten enzymatic reaction kinetics with turnover numbers (K-cat) 6.99 x 10(3) and 1.85 x 10(3) h(-1) in methanol and dichloromethane, respectively. 1 is also phenoxazinone synthase active in methanol medium with a turnover number of 1.21 x 10(5) h(-1).

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c6ra11433d}, author = {Mitra, Merry and Kundu, Tanay and Kaur, Gurpreet and Sharma, Gyaneswar and Choudhury, Angshuman Roy and Singh, Yogesh and Ghosh, Rajarshi} } @article {43373, title = {CeCl3 center dot 7H(2)O-NaI promoted regioselective sulfenylation of indoles with sulfonylhydrazides}, journal = {Chemistryselect}, volume = {1}, year = {2016}, month = {JAN}, pages = {81-85}, abstract = {A simple and highly efficient method has been developed for the regioselective sulfenylation of a wide variety of indoles with alkyl and aryl sulfonylhydrazides as a sulphur source and CeCl3 center dot 7H(2)O-Nal as an inexpensive and readily available reagent system. This method involves the breaking of sulfur-oxygen and sulfur-nitrogen bonds and making of carbon-sulfur bond. The method provides high yields of the products with enhanced regioselectivity. We studied the reactivity of various electron rich and electron deficient indoles towards the sulfe-nylation reaction. The indoles containing electron donating group reacts fast towards the sulfenylation reaction as compared to the indoles containing electron withdrawing groups. More over functional groups like alkoxy, aryloxy, bromo, nitro, cyano, ester, were well tolerated under the established reaction conditions. We also proposed a plausible mechanism for this transformation. The experimental simplicity and environmentally benign nature of the reagent system makes this method an attractive alternative to established methods.}, doi = {10.1002/slct.201500014}, author = {Nookaraju, U. and Begari, Eeshwaraiah and Yetra, Ravikiran Reddy and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article {45845, title = {Cetyl alcohol and oleic acid sophorolipids exhibit anticancer activity}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences}, volume = {8}, year = {2016}, month = {FEB}, pages = {399-402}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Objective: Sophorolipids (SLs) are glycolipid biosurfactants that have been shown to have anticancer activity. We investigated the anti-cancer activity of cetyl alcohol sophorolipids (CAS) and oleic acid sophorolipids (OAS) in breast cancer (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231), cervical cancer (SiHa, HeLa) and non-cancerous (HaCaT and RAW264.7) cell lines. Methods: For cell viability assay, MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, SiHa, HeLa, HaCaT and RAW264.7 cell lines were treated with different concentrations (0-160 μg/ml) of OAS and CAS for 24h. The cell viability was determined by MTT dye uptake method. Cell proliferation assay was determined by using trypan blue dye exclusion method. Results: Our preliminary data shows that compared to OAS, CAS exhibited more significant reduction in the viability of MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 and SiHa. However, compared to CAS, OAS induced more decrease in viability in HeLa cells. Interestingly, both the types of SLs did not affect the viability of non-cancerous cells. Moreover, CAS, when used as a coating material, induced proliferation in macrophage cell line, RAW264.7. Conclusion: The present study provides an important clue towards the anti-cancer potential of OAS and CAS derived from Candida bombicola. Interestingly, the ability of CAS to promote the proliferation of non-cancerous cells suggests its future application as a scaffold for enhancing the adhesion and proliferation of normal cells.}, url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84959564023\&partnerID=40\&md5=54a0f06b61b63c66744a7580e4e091d6}, author = {Dubey, P. and Raina, P. and Prabhune, A. and Kaul-Ghanekar, R.} } @article {42828, title = {C-H activation of methane to formaldehyde on Ce1-xZrxO2 thin films: a step to bridge the material gap}, journal = {ChemCatChem}, volume = {8}, year = {2016}, month = {DEC}, pages = {3650{\textendash}3656}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Ce1-xZrxO2 (CZ) thin films were prepared by a combination of sol{\textendash}gel and spin-coating methods and were evaluated for the C-H activation of methane by using a molecular beam set-up with the aim to bridge the material gap. The C-H activation of methane begins at 950 K, and a Ce-rich CZ composition displays a high selectivity (4{\textendash}12 \%) to the partially oxidised product, formaldehyde. A 10{\textendash}12 \% selectivity towards HCHO with 1.6 \% methane conversion was observed with methane-rich CH4/O2 reactant compositions at 1050 K. Short contact times, prevalent under molecular beam conditions, could be a possible reason for HCHO formation. Although combustion products were observed instantly upon shining the mixture of reactants on CZ surfaces, up to 20 s delay was observed before formaldehyde generation, which indicates that the oxygen vacancy migration contributes to the rate-determining step and the diffusion-controlled nature of the reaction. A burst in HCHO generation at the point of molecular beam opening, after beam-closed conditions, suggests that the diffusion of oxygen vacancies to the surface is the reason for HCHO formation. Kinetics results also indicate the necessity of reduction sites for HCHO generation.

}, doi = {10.1002/cctc.201600670}, author = {Dubey, Anjani and Kolekar, Sadhu K. and Gopinath, Chinnakonda S.} } @article {42856, title = {C-H activation of methane to syngas on MnxCe1-x-yZryO2 - a molecular beam study}, journal = {Chemcatchem}, volume = {8}, year = {2016}, month = {JUL}, pages = {2296-2306}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Mn-doped ceria zirconia thin films (MnxCe1-x-yZryO2, MCZ) were employed as flat model catalyst surfaces for CH4 activation. MCZ films exhibit characteristics of single crystal and powder materials, such as smooth surfaces and porosity. From molecular-beam studies, it has been identified that the oxygen storage capacity increases with Mn content. Mutually exclusive observation of H2O or a mixture of products (CO2+ CO + H-2) occurs, when the reactants was allowed to react directly on MCZ, underscoring their formation or prevention (and consumption), respectively. The results suggest that there is competition and cooperation among different elementary reactions under complementary conditions. From a significant partial oxidation of CH4 through C-H activation, it is found that formation of syngas begins at 700 K and the reaction rate increases with increasing temperature. Kinetic evidences indicate that the reaction proceeds through a combustion-reformation pathway.

}, doi = {10.1002/cctc.201600365}, author = {Dubey, Anjani and Kolekar, Sadhu K. and Gopinath, Chinnakonda S.} } @article {43583, title = {Characterization and valorization of biomass ashes}, journal = {Environmental Science and Pollution Research}, volume = {23}, year = {2016}, month = {OCT}, pages = {20243-20256}, abstract = {In India, farming is the primary source of income for many families. Following each harvest, a huge amount of biomass is generated. These are generally discarded as "agrowaste," but recent reports have indicated several beneficial uses for these biomasses and their ashes. However, before the utilization of biomass ashes (BMAs), their chemical and physical properties need to be investigated (characterized) so as to utilize their potential benefit to the fullest. In this paper, eight different biomass ashes (soybean plant ash, mustard plant ash, maize ash, groundnut plant ash, cotton plant ash, wheat plant ash, pigeon peas ash, and groundnut shell ash) were characterized, and their chemical properties are discussed. Surface chemical composition analysis, proximate analysis, and ultimate analysis were performed on all BMA samples, and properties such as porosity, particle density, bulk density, point of zero charge, BET surface area, water-absorption capacity, and bulk parameters such as surface pH and surface charges were determined. BMAs were characterized by SEM and FTIR. The surface areas of biomass ashes vary from 1.9 to 46 m(2)/g, and point of zero charge for all BMAs exceed 9.8, which confirmed the alkaline nature of these samples. Based on the chemical composition, BMAs are categorized into four types (S, C, K, and CK), and their utilization is proposed based on the type. BMAs find applications in agriculture and construction industries; glass, rubber, and zeolite manufacturing; and in adsorption (as a source of silica/zeolites). The paper also discusses the research challenges and opportunities in utilization of BMAs. }, doi = {10.1007/s11356-016-7227-7}, author = {Trivedi, Nikhilesh S. and Mandavgane, Sachin A. and Mehetre, Sayaji and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article {43431, title = {Characterization of roseomonas and nocardioides spp. for arsenic transformation}, journal = {Journal of Hazardous Materials}, volume = {318}, year = {2016}, month = {NOV}, pages = {742-750}, abstract = {The metalloid arsenic predominantly exists in the arsenite [As(III)] and arsenate [As(V)]. These two forms are respectively oxidized and reduced by microbial redox processes. This study was designed to bioprospect arsenic tolerating bacteria from Lonar lake and to characterize their arsenic redoxing ability. Screening of sixty-nine bacterial species isolated from Lonar lake led to identification of three arsenic oxidizing and seven arsenic-reducing species. Arsenite oxidizing isolate Roseomonas sp. L-159a being closely related to Roseomonas cervicalis ATCC 49957 oxidized 2 mM As(III) in 60 h. Gene expression of large and small subunits of arsenite oxidase respectively showed 15- and 17-fold higher expression. Another isolate Nocardioides sp. L-37a formed a clade with Nocardioides ghangwensis JC2055, exhibited normal growth with different carbon sources and pH ranges. It reduced 2 mM As(V) in 36 h and showed constitutive expression of arsenate reductase which increased over 4-fold upon As(V) exposure. Genetic markers related to arsenic transformation were identified and characterized from the two isolates. Moderate resistance against the arsenicals was exhibited by the two isolates in the range of 1-5 mM for As(III) and 1-200 mM for As(V). Altogether we provide multiple evidences to indicate that Roseomonas sp. and Nocardioides sp. exhibited arsenic transformation ability. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.}, doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2016.07.062}, author = {Bagade, Aditi V. and Bachate, Sachin P. and Dholakia, Bhushan B. and Giri, Ashok P. and Kodam, Kisan M.} } @article { ISI:000378450800001, title = {Characterization of two coleopteran alpha-amylases and molecular insights into their differential inhibition by synthetic alpha-amylase inhibitor, acarbose}, journal = {Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology}, volume = {74}, year = {2016}, month = {JUL}, pages = {1-11}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Post-harvest insect infestation of stored grains makes them unfit for human consumption and leads to severe economic loss. Here, we report functional and structural characterization of two coleopteran alpha-amylases viz. Callosobruchus chinensis alpha-amylase (CcAmy) and Tribolium castaneum alpha-amylase (TcAmy) along with their interactions with proteinaceous and non-proteinaceous alpha-amylase inhibitors. Secondary structural alignment of CcAmy and TcAmy with other coleopteran alpha-amylases revealed conserved motifs, active sites, di-sulfide bonds and two point mutations at spatially conserved substrate or inhibitor binding sites. Homology modeling and molecular docking showed structural differences between these two enzymes. Both the enzymes had similar optimum pH values but differed in their optimum temperature. Overall, pattern of enzyme stabilities were similar under various temperature and pH conditions. Further, CcAmy and TcAmy differed in their substrate affinity and catalytic efficiency towards starch and amylopectin. HPLC analysis detected common amylolytic products like maltose and maltotriose while glucose and malto-tetrose were unique in CcAmy and TcAmy catalyzed reactions respectively. At very low concentrations, wheat alpha-amylase inhibitor was found to be superior over the acarbose as far as complete inhibition of amylolytic activities of CcAmy and TcAmy was concerned. Mechanism underlying differential amylolytic reaction inhibition by acarbose was discussed. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Acarbose, alpha-amylase, alpha-amylase inhibitor, Callosobruchus chinensis, Coleoptera, Tribolium castaneum}, issn = {0965-1748}, doi = {10.1016/j.ibmb.2016.04.009}, author = {Channale, Sonal M. and Bhide, Amey J. and Yadav, Yashpal and Kashyap, Garima and Pawar, Pankaj K. and Maheshwari, V. L. and Ramasamy, Sureshkumar and Giri, Ashok P.} } @article { ISI:000377768200017, title = {Characterizing fruit and vegetable peels as bioadsorbents}, journal = {Current Science}, volume = {110}, number = {11}, year = {2016}, month = {JUN}, pages = {2114-2123}, publisher = {INDIAN ACAD SCIENCES}, address = {C V RAMAN AVENUE, SADASHIVANAGAR, P B \#8005, BANGALORE 560 080, INDIA}, abstract = {

Fruit and vegetable peel (FVP) wastes are a commonly generated organic waste from both households and food-processing industries. However, FVPs are low-cost lignocellulosic materials that have some potential for reutilization. For its particular reutilization, the characterization of FVP is essential. In this regard, the present study provides a detailed physico-chemical characterization of commonly used FVPs such as pomegranate, pineapple, watermelon, garlic, green pea and pigeon pea. The materials were characterized by SEM, FTIR and TGA/DTG. Various properties of these materials, such as porosity, particle density, bulk density, surface charges, point of zero charge, surface pH, water absorption capacity and BET surface area were determined. The BET surface area of FVP was found in the range 1.0-1.4 m(2)/g. Water absorption capacity was highest for watermelon peel (11.5 ml/g), while it was lowest for pigeon pea peel (5.5 ml/g). Point of zero charge and surface pH of all FVPs were in the acidic range 3-6. The surface of FVP was irregular and rough with some pores. Thermal analysis showed that FVPs are thermally stable below 150 degrees C. The results of this study provide an understanding of the properties of FVPs and suggest that the materials can be used as a low-cost adsorbent.

}, keywords = {Bioadsorbent, fruit and vegetable peels, organic waste, physico-chemical characterization}, issn = {0011-3891}, doi = {10.18520/cs/v110/i11/2114-2123}, author = {Pathak, Pranav D. and Mandavgane, Sachin A. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article { ISI:000369482100014, title = {Characterizing the nanoclay induced constrained amorphous region in model segmented polyurethane-urea/clay nanocomposites and its implications on gas barrier properties}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics}, volume = {18}, number = {3}, year = {2016}, month = {JAN}, pages = {1487-1499}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

There has been an increasing recognition of the fact that purely geometric factors associated with clay platelet dispersion in a polymer matrix cannot adequately explain the barrier properties of polymer/clay nanocomposites. The objective of the present work is to understand the nanoclay induced structural changes in a polyurethane-urea matrix and clay dispersion at different length scales using segment-specific characterization techniques and implications of the same in gas barrier properties using He, N-2 and CO2 as probe molecules. Wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) and positron annihilation life time spectroscopy (PALS) studies revealed nanoclay induced alterations in the chain packing of the amorphous soft segments of the polyurethane matrix at a molecular scale of a few Angstroms. The hard segment organization and the phase morphology of the nanocomposites, spanning length scales of several nanometers, were investigated by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Furthermore, the presence of a constrained amorphous region surrounding the nanoclay was confirmed from AFM, WAXD and PALS results. Several pertinent structural variables from the gas transport point of view were deduced from these characterization techniques to understand the effect of the barrier properties in tandem with the clay dispersion morphology.

}, issn = {1463-9076}, doi = {10.1039/c5cp05260b}, author = {Rath, Sangram K. and Sudarshan, Kathi and Bhavsar, Rupesh S. and Kharul, Ulhas K. and Pujari, Pradeep K. and Patri, Manoranjan and Khakhar, Devang V.} } @article {43400, title = {ChemEngine: harvesting 3D chemical structures of supplementary data from PDF files}, journal = {Journal of Cheminformatics}, volume = {8}, year = {2016}, month = {DEC}, pages = {Article Number: 73}, abstract = {Digital access to chemical journals resulted in a vast array of molecular information that is now available in the supplementary material files in PDF format. However, extracting this molecular information, generally from a PDF document format is a daunting task. Here we present an approach to harvest 3D molecular data from the supporting information of scientific research articles that are normally available from publisher{\textquoteright}s resources. In order to demonstrate the feasibility of extracting truly computable molecules from PDF file formats in a fast and efficient manner, we have developed a Java based application, namely ChemEngine. This program recognizes textual patterns from the supplementary data and generates standard molecular structure data (bond matrix, atomic coordinates) that can be subjected to a multitude of computational processes automatically. The methodology has been demonstrated via several case studies on different formats of coordinates data stored in supplementary information files, wherein ChemEngine selectively harvested the atomic coordinates and interpreted them as molecules with high accuracy. The reusability of extracted molecular coordinate data was demonstrated by computing Single Point Energies that were in close agreement with the original computed data provided with the articles. It is envisaged that the methodology will enable large scale conversion of molecular information from supplementary files available in the PDF format into a collection of ready-to-compute molecular data to create an automated workflow for advanced computational processes.}, doi = {10.1186/s13321-016-0175-x}, author = {Karthikeyan, Muthukumarasamy and Vyas, Renu} } @article {43415, title = {Chemically delaminated free-standing ultrathin covalent organic nanosheets}, journal = {Angewandte Chemie-International Edition}, volume = {55}, year = {2016}, month = {DEC}, pages = {15604-15608}, abstract = {Covalent organic nanosheets (CONs) are a new class of porous thin two-dimensional (2D) nanostructures that can be easily designed and functionalized and could be useful for separation applications. Poor dispersion, layer restacking, and difficult postsynthetic modifications are the major hurdles that need to be overcome to fabricate scalable CON thin films. Herein, we present a unique approach for the chemical exfoliation of an anthracene-based covalent organic framework (COF) to N-hexylmaleimide-functionalized CONs, to yield centimeter-sized free-standing thin films through layer-by-layer CON assembly at the air-water interface. The thinlayer fabrication technique presented here is simple, scalable, and does not require any surfactants or stabilizing agents.}, doi = {10.1002/anie.201607812}, author = {Khayum, M. Abdul and Kandambeth, Sharath and Mitra, Shouvik and Nair, Sanoop B. and Das, Anuja and Nagane, Samadhan S. and Mukherjee, Rabibrata and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article { ISI:000373163100005, title = {Chemically stable covalent organic framework (COF)-polybenzimidazole hybrid membranes: enhanced gas separation through pore modulation}, journal = {Chemistry-A European Journal}, volume = {22}, number = {14}, year = {2016}, month = {MAR}, pages = {4695-4699}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {POSTFACH 101161, 69451 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Highly flexible, TpPa-1@PBI-BuI and TpBD@PBI-BuI hybrid membranes based on chemically stable covalent organic frameworks (COFs) could be obtained with the polymer. The loading obtained was substantially higher (50\%) than generally observed with MOFs. These hybrid membranes show an exciting enhancement in permeability (about sevenfold) with appreciable separation factors for CO2/N-2 and CO2/CH4. Further, we found that with COF pore modulation, the gas permeability can be systematically enhanced.

}, keywords = {covalent organic frameworks, Gas separation, membranes, microporous materials, pore modulation}, issn = {0947-6539}, doi = {10.1002/chem.201504836}, author = {Biswal, Bishnu P. and Chaudhari, Harshal D. and Banerjee, Rahul and Kharul, Ulhas K.} } @article { ISI:000373519300040, title = {Chitosan-based lead ion-imprinted interpenetrating polymer network by simultaneous polymerization for selective extraction of lead(ii)}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {55}, number = {12}, year = {2016}, month = {MAR}, pages = {3668-3678}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

In this study, we report the synthesis of a Pb(II) ion-imprinted interpenetrating polymer network (II-IPN) by simultaneous polymerization for selective extraction of Pb(II) from printed-circuit-board (PCB) recycling unit wastewater. Initially, a polymer network was synthesized by polymerization of methacrylic acid (monomer) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (cross-linker) and a second polymer network by chitosan (complexing monomer) and tetraethyl orthosilicate (cross-linker). The chemical structure and morphology of the II-IPN were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The interaction of the functionality in the II-IPN with Pb(II) through chelation was studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. The maximum adsorption capacities for II-IPN and nonimprinted interpenetrating polymer network were 37.5 and 10.3 mg g(-1), respectively. The largest selectivity coefficient for Pb(II) in the presence of W(VI) was 161.58. The developed Pb(II) II-IPN was successfully employed for selective extraction of Pb(II) from PCB recycling unit wastewater.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/acs.iecr.5b04889}, author = {Hande, Pankaj E. and Kamble, Sanjay and Samui, Asit B. and Kulkarni, Prashant S.} } @article {42910, title = {Classification and study of near-surface region of active material for gas detection using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy}, journal = {Advanced Materials Letters}, volume = {7}, year = {2016}, month = {JAN}, pages = {330-336}, abstract = {

We report investigations on resistive material SnO2: Cu (9 wt. \%) evaluated and optimized for the application of gas sensor. SnO2: Cu has been thoroughly characterized by using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The deconvolution of XPS spectra confirms the existing surface reactive species in the form of states of the metal orbital and the presence of multiple pathways for the detection of CO vis-{\`a}-vis sintering temperature effect. Enhanced CO pickup at the sintering temperature of 650 0C (wide range and low sensitivity) and 750 0C (short range and high sensitivity) has been observed. The CO sensing and XPS data correlates well along with the nonconventional use of variation in average XPS background intensity of general scan seems to be related to optimized sensitivity conditions of various gases. Copyright {\textcopyright} 2016 VBRI Press.

}, doi = {10.5185/amlett.2016.6137}, author = {More, Pravin S. and Late, Dattatray J. and Kondawar, Subhash B.} } @article {43574, title = {"Click" polymerization: a convenient strategy to prepare designer fullerene materials}, journal = {Materials \& Design}, volume = {108}, year = {2016}, month = {OCT}, pages = {34-41}, abstract = {"Click" polymeric assemblies of fullerenes, thiophenes and aryl compounds were prepared for the first time to study their spectroscopic/chemical/electronic characteristics and possible applications in photovoltaic cells. The GPC and NMR spectroscopic data confirmed a moderate to high degree of polymerization while microscopic pictures showed well-defined arrangements of fullerenes. The FTIR studies indicated that the product is free from starting azide materials, whereas thermogravimetric analysis data suggested a good stability. Band gap of the material was determined using UV-Vis spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetric techniques and compared with computational investigation. The fullerene copolymer was fabricated as acceptor material in a bulk heterojunction photovoltaic cell. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.}, doi = {10.1016/j.matdes.2016.06.059}, author = {Krishnamurthy, Munusamy and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam and Arulkashmir, Arulraj and Raghavendra, V. and Murali, Adhigan and Jaisankar, Sellamuthu N. and Murugan, P. and Gurusamy-Thangavelu, Senthil A. and Nasar, A. Sultan and Mandal, Asit Baran and Samanta, Debasis} } @article {45848, title = {Cobalt ferrite bearing nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide layers spatially separated with microporous carbon as efficient oxygen reduction electrocatalyst}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces}, volume = {8}, year = {2016}, month = {AUG}, pages = {20730-20740}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The present work discloses how high-quality dispersion of fine particles of cobalt ferrite (CF) could be attained on nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide (CF/N-rGO) and how this material in association with a microporous carbon phase could deliver significantly enhanced activity toward electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Our study indicates that the microporous carbon phase plays a critical role in spatially separating the layers of CF/N-rGO and in creating a favorable atmosphere to ensure the seamless distribution of the reactants to the active sites located on CF/N-rGO. In terms of the ORR current density, the heat-treated hybrid catalyst at 150 {\textdegree}C (CF/N-rGO-150) is found to be clearly outperforming (7.4 {\textpm} 0.5 mA/cm 2 ) the state-of-the-art 20 wt \% Pt-supported carbon catalyst (PtC) (5.4 {\textpm} 0.5 mA/cm 2 ). The mass activity and stability of CF-N-rGO-150 are distinctly superior to PtC even after 5000 electrochemical cycles. As a realistic system level exploration of the catalyst, testing of a primary zinc-air battery could be demonstrated using CF/N-rGO-150 as the cathode catalyst. The battery is giving a galvanostatic discharge time of 15 h at a discharge current density of 20 mA/cm 2 and a specific capacity of \~{}630 mAh g -1 in 6 M KOH by using a Zn foil as the anode. Distinctly, the battery performance of this system is found to be superior to that of PtC in less concentrated KOH solution as the electrolyte.}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.6b05416}, author = {Kashyap, V. and Singh, S. K. and Kurungot, S.} } @article { ISI:000378973100031, title = {Cobalt-modified covalent organic framework as a robust wateroxidation electrocatalyst}, journal = {Chemistry of Materials}, volume = {28}, number = {12}, year = {2016}, month = {JUN}, pages = {4375-4379}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The development of stable, efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst capable of oxidizing water is one of the premier challenges in the conversion of solar energy to electrical energy, because of its poor kinetics. Herein, a bipyridine-containing covalent organic framework (TpBpy) is utilized as an OER catalyst by way of engineering active Co(II) ions into its porous framework. The as-obtained Co-TpBpy retains a highly accessible surface area (450 m(2)/g) with exceptional stability, even after 1000 cycles and 24 h of OER activity in phosphate buffer under neutral pH conditions with an overpotential of 400 mV at a current density of 1 mA/cm(2). The unusual catalytic stability of Co-TpBpy arises from the synergetic effect of the inherent porosity and presence of coordinating units in the COF skeleton.

}, issn = {0897-4756}, doi = {10.1021/acs.chemmater.6b01370}, author = {Aiyappa, Harshitha Barike and Thote, Jayshri and Shinde, Digambar Balaji and Banerjee, Rahul and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article { ISI:000374440100005, title = {Colloidal assembly by ice templating}, journal = {Faraday Discussions}, volume = {186}, year = {2016}, month = {OCT}, pages = {61-76}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We investigate ice templating of aqueous dispersions of polymer coated colloids and crosslinkers, at particle concentrations far below that required to form percolated monoliths. Freezing the aqueous dispersions forces the particles into close proximity to form clusters, that are held together as the polymer chains coating the particles are crosslinked. We observe that, with an increase in the particle concentration from about 106 to 108 particles per ml, there is a transition from isolated single particles to increasingly larger clusters. In this concentration range, most of the colloidal clusters formed are linear or sheet like particle aggregates. Remarkably, the cluster size distribution for clusters smaller than about 30 particles, as well as the size distribution of linear clusters, is only weakly dependent on the dispersion concentration in the range that we investigate. We demonstrate that the main features of cluster formation are captured by kinetic simulations that do not consider hydrodynamics or instabilities at the growing ice front due to particle concentration gradients. Thus, clustering of colloidal particles by ice templating dilute dispersions appears to be governed only by particle exclusion by the growing ice crystals that leads to their accumulation at ice crystal boundaries.

}, issn = {1359-6640}, doi = {10.1039/c5fd00125k}, author = {Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy and Biswas, Bipul and Choudhury, Chandan Kumar} } @article {43422, title = {Comparative evaluation of packed-bed performance of biomass ashes as adsorbents for removal of diuron from aqueous solution}, journal = {Desalination and Water Treatment}, volume = {57}, year = {2016}, month = {DEC}, pages = {28831-28846}, abstract = {The packed-bed performance of biomass ashes (BMA), namely rice husk ash (RHA) and bagasse fly ash (BFA), was investigated for adsorptive removal of diuron (herbicide) under dynamic conditions. The effects of influent concentration (10-30mg/L), flow rate (1-3mL/min), and bed height (3-11cm) were studied at 30 degrees C and results were analyzed using various packed-bed models. The saturation time and capacity of the BFA bed were found to be approximately 1.5 and 1.6 times higher due to higher BET surface area than that of RHA bed. However, the bed utilization of RHA was higher because of smaller mass transfer zone. At a constant influent concentration (20mg/L) and flow rate (1mL/min), the maximum volume of diuron treated was 1,325 and 1,685mL using RHA (bed height 10cm) and BFA (bed height 11cm), respectively. Among the packed-bed models applied, the BDST model revealed the inconsistent MTZ and complex mechanism involving more than one rate-controlling step for the adsorption of diuron on both ashes. The kinetics in the initial part of the breakthrough curve was governed by external mass transfer according to the Bohart-Adams and Wolborska models. Better agreements between experimental and predicted values of bed capacities for each ash and the higher bed capacity of BFA than RHA were demonstrated by the Thomas model. The Yoon-Nelson model was found to be superior for BFA rather than for RHA to estimate 50\% saturation time. However, the deactivation kinetic model, previously discovered and applied only for gas-solid adsorption, was found to be the best for the diuron-BMA (liquid-solid) adsorption system in this study.}, doi = {10.1080/19443994.2016.1196391}, author = {Deokar, Sunil K. and Mandavgane, Sachin A. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article { ISI:000373738200010, title = {Comparative investigation of the ionicity of aprotic and protic ionic liquids in molecular solvents by using conductometry and NMR spectroscopy}, journal = {Chemphyschem}, volume = {17}, number = {7}, year = {2016}, month = {APR}, pages = {1006-1017}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {POSTFACH 101161, 69451 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Electrical conductivity (sigma), viscosity (), and self-diffusion coefficient (D) measurements of binary mixtures of aprotic and protic imidazolium-based ionic liquids with water, dimethyl sulfoxide, and ethylene glycol were measured from 293.15 to 323.15K. The temperature dependence study reveals typical Arrhenius behavior. The ionicities of aprotic ionic liquids were observed to be higher than those of protic ionic liquids in these solvents. The aprotic ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, [bmIm][BF4], displays 100\% ionicity in both water and ethylene glycol. The protic ionic liquids in both water and ethylene glycol are classed as good ionic candidates, whereas in DMSO they are classed as having a poor ionic nature. The solvation dynamics of the ionic species of the ionic liquids are illustrated on the basis of the (HNMR)-H-1 chemical shifts of the ionic liquids. The self-diffusion coefficients D of the cation and anion of [HmIm][CH3COO] in D2O and in [D-6]DMSO are determined by using H-1 nuclei with pulsed field gradient spin-echo NMR spectroscopy.

}, keywords = {conducting materials, Electrochemistry, electrostatic interactions, Ion pairs, ionic liquids}, issn = {1439-4235}, doi = {10.1002/cphc.201501156}, author = {Thawarkar, Sachin and Khupse, Nageshwar D. and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000370464800023, title = {Complexation key to a pH locked redox reaction}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Education}, volume = {93}, number = {2}, year = {2016}, month = {FEB}, pages = {355-361}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

An unfavorable pH can block a feasible electron transfer for a pH dependent redox reaction. In this experiment, a series of potentiometric titrations demonstrate the sequential loss in feasibility of iron(II) dichromate redox reaction over a pH range of 0-4. The pH at which this reaction failed to occur was termed as a pH locked reaction. The comparative ability of 10 selected iron binding ligands with varied propensity for the redox potential modification of Fe(III)/Fe(II) redox couple to restore/unlock the pH locked redox reaction is shown using potentiometric titrations. The spectrophotometric speciation analysis of Fe(III) Tiron complexation with pH was carried out to explain the differing ability of EDTA and Tiron to unlock the reaction under different pH Conditions. The experiment illustrates how environmental, biological redox reactions avoid severe laboratory conditions to occur and can be explored in the design of novel redox systems for natural attenuation of environmental toxins to their non- or lesser-toxic forms. The experiment also demonstrates prudent laboratory practice for safe waste disposal.

}, keywords = {Analytical Chemistry, Aqueous Solution Chemistry, Coordination Compounds, Oxidation/Reduction, pH, Physical Chemistry, Potentiometry, Second-Year Undergraduate, Thermodynamics, Titration/Volumetric Analysis, Upper-Division Undergraduate}, issn = {0021-9584}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jchemed.5b00499}, author = {Rizvi, Masood Ahmad and Dangat, Yuvraj B. and Shams, Tahir and Khan, Khaliquz Zaman} } @article { ISI:000369480600051, title = {Concentration-dependent apparent partition coefficients of ionic liquids possessing ethyl-and bi-sulphate anions}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics}, volume = {18}, number = {2}, year = {2016}, month = {JAN}, pages = {1105-1113}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

This study deals with the concentration dependent apparent partition coefficients log P of the ethyl and bisulfate-based ionic liquids. It is observed that the bisulfate-based ionic liquids show different behaviour with respect to concentration as compared to ethyl sulphate-based ionic liquids. It is significant and useful analysis for the further implementation of alkyl sulfate based ionic liquids as solvents in extraction processes. The log P values of the ethyl sulphate-based ionic liquids were noted to vary linearly with the concentration of the ionic liquid, whereas a flip-flop trend with the concentration for the log P values of the bisulphate-based ionic liquids was observed due to the difference in hydrogen bond accepting basicity and possibility of aggregate formation of these anions. The pi-pi interactions between the imidazolium and pyridinium rings were seen to affect the log P values. The alkyl chain length of anions was also observed to influence the log P values. The hydrophobicity of ionic liquid changes with the alkyl chain in the anion in the order; [HSO4](-) \< [EtSO4](-) \< [BuSO4](-).

}, issn = {1463-9076}, doi = {10.1039/c5cp06611e}, author = {Jain, Preeti and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000373408800021, title = {Concise enantioselective synthesis of (+)-sertraline and (-)-CP-52002 using proline catalysis}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {57}, number = {9}, year = {2016}, month = {MAR}, pages = {1053-1055}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A short enantioselective synthesis of (+)-sertraline and its C-4 epimer (-)-CP-52002 with an overall yield of 30\%, respectively, as its hydrochloride has been described. The key steps are the proline catalyzed Mannich reaction of acetaldehyde and acid catalyzed intramolecular Friedel-Crafts{\textquoteright} alkylation reaction of olefin proceeding with high optical purities. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Indatraline, Mannich reaction, Proline catalysis, Sertraline, Tametraline}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2016.01.085}, author = {Kalshetti, Rupali G. and Venkataramasubramanian, V. and Kamble, Sanjay P. and Sudalai, Arumugam} } @article {42692, title = {Conformational features of the Aβ42 peptide monomer and its interaction with the surrounding solvent}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics}, volume = {18}, year = {2016}, month = {OCT}, pages = {30144-30159}, doi = {10.1039/C6CP04925G}, author = {Khatua, Prabir and Jose, Jaya C. and Sengupta, Neelanjana and Bandyopadhyay, Sanjoy} } @article { ISI:000366859200017, title = {Conjugated porous polymers as precursors for electrocatalysts and storage electrode materials}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {52}, number = {2}, year = {2016}, month = {OCT}, pages = {316-318}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Conjugated porous polymers were used as precursors to prepare nitrogen and sulphur doped carbon atoms, which were then used for oxygen reduction and energy storage.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c5cc08148c}, author = {Bhosale, Manik E. and Illathvalappil, Rajith and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam} } @article {43442, title = {Constructing covalent organic frameworks in water via dynamic covalent bonding}, journal = {Iucrj}, volume = {3}, year = {2016}, month = {NOV}, pages = {402-407}, abstract = {The formation of keto-enamine based crystalline, porous polymers in water is investigated for the first time. Facile access to the Schiff base reaction in water has been exploited to synthesize stable porous structures using the principles of Dynamic Covalent Chemistry (DCC). Most credibly, the water-based Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) possess chemical as well as physical properties such as crystallinity, surface area and porosity, which is comparable to their solvothermal counterparts. The formation of COFs in water is further investigated by understanding the nature of the monomers formed using hydroxy and non-hydroxy analogues of the aldehyde. This synthetic route paves a new way to synthesize COFs using a viable, greener route by utilization of the DCC principles in conjunction with the keto-enol tautomerism to synthesize useful, stable and porous COFs in water.}, doi = {10.1107/S2052252516013762}, author = {Thote, Jayshri and Aiyappa, Harshitha Barike and Kumar, Raya Rahul and Kandambeth, Sharath and Biswal, Bishnu P. and Shinde, Digambar Balaji and Roy, Neha Chaki and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article {42544, title = {Continuous flow doebner{\textendash}miller reaction and isolation using continuous stirred tank reactors}, journal = {Organic Process Research \& Development}, volume = {20}, year = {2016}, month = {AUG}, pages = {1621{\textendash}1625}, abstract = {

Continuous flow Doebner{\textendash}Miller synthesis of different quinaldines from respective anilines is demonstrated using sulfuric acid as a homogeneous catalyst. The extent of reaction was monitored for various parameters, namely, temperature, residence time, mole ratio of sulfuric acid to substrate, mole ratio of crotonaldehyde to substrate, and so forth. Continuous stirred reactors in series were used as a preferred configuration for this rection that generates byproduct in the form of sticky solid material. The approach has been extended for six different anilines, and the results are compared with batch reactions. Continuous stirred reactors in series with distributed dosing of crotonaldehyde facilitated a continuous flow reaction with lower byproduct formation, increased yields, and continuous workup and is a scalable approach.

}, doi = {10.1021/acs.oprd.6b00179}, author = {Yadav, Maruti B. and Kulkarni, Sourabh and Joshi, Ramesh A. and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article {43596, title = {Contriving a catalytically active structure from an inert conformation: a density functionalinvestigation of Al, Hf, and Ge doping of Au-20 tetrahedral clusters}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {120}, year = {2016}, month = {SEP}, pages = {19636-19641}, abstract = {

The transformation of an inert structure into a catalytically active conformation has immense potential from a structural engineering point of view. In the present work, we explored methods of achieving such a transformation through a density-functional-based study. Au-20 is known be one of the most stable and catalytically inert gold clusters, with a well-known tetrahedral structure. We demonstrate the transformation of the inert Au-20 conformation into a highly active catalytic cluster through selective doping with Hf and Ge atoms. Depending on the dopant, the inert tetrahedral Au-20 cluster evolves into either an endohedral or a hollow-cage-like conformation. The structural changes are manifested in the catalytic properties as well, with the result that the transformed doped cages exhibit extremely low activation barriers for the environmentally important CO oxidation reaction as compared to reported inert Au-20 cluster. The activation barriers for CO oxidation are particularly low (\<0.12 eV) when germanium is directly involved in the CO oxidation. Thus, the current work highlights the importance of engineering structural properties of metal nanoclusters with the help of heteroatom dopants for future applications in efficient catalysis.

}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpcc.6b04305}, author = {Manzoor, Dar and Krishnamurty, Sailaja and Pal, Sourav} } @article {43640, title = {Controllable synthesis of SnO2 photocatalyst with superior photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methylene blue dye solution}, journal = {Journal of Experimental Nanoscience}, volume = {11}, year = {2016}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1138-1155}, abstract = {SnO2 photocatalyst was successfully synthesised by novel chemical route in hydrothermal environment and annealed at two different temperatures viz 550 and 600 degrees C, respectively. The crystal structure, optical properties, surface and bulk morphology have been characterised using various tools like X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Cubic, spheres and porous like morphology of SnO2 photocatalyst was successfully confirmed using SEM micrographs and TEM. In addition to this the photocatalytic activity was evaluated towards the degradation of methylene blue dye solution. SnO2 photocatalyst annealed at 600 degrees C exhibits excellent photocatalytic efficiency which may be attributed to the unique morphology, high crystalline nature and charge separation. The photocatalyst efficiency was further tested towards the concentration of dye, catalyst dosage and pH of the dye. The involvement of center dot OH in the photocatalytic reaction was evidenced using trapping experiment by employing different scavengers. The photocatalyst was moderately active, stable upto its fifth usage and stability of the photocatalyst before and after the photocatalytic reaction was also been studied using XRD and SEM.}, doi = {10.1080/17458080.2016.1188222}, author = {Prakash, K. and Kumar, P. Senthil and Pandiaraj, S. and Saravanakumar, K. and Karuthapandian, S.} } @article {45827, title = {Coordination polymers of Fe(III) and Al(III) ions with TCA ligand: distinctive fluorescence, CO2 uptake, redox-activity and oxygen evolution reaction}, journal = {Dalton Transactions}, volume = {45}, year = {2016}, month = {FEB}, pages = {6901-6908}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Fe and Al belong to different groups in the periodic table, one from the p-block and the other from the d-block. In spite of their different groups, they have the similarity of exhibiting a stable 3+ oxidation state. Here we have prepared Fe(III) and Al(III) based coordination polymers in the form of metal-organic gels with the 4,4{\textquoteright}, 4 {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteright}-tricarboxyltriphenylamine (TCA) ligand, namely Fe-TCA and Al-TCA, and evaluated some important physicochemical properties. Specifically, the electrical conductivity, redox-activity, porosity, and electrocatalytic activity (oxygen evolution reaction) of the Fe-TCA system were noted to be remarkably higher than those of the Al-TCA system. As for the photophysical properties, almost complete quenching of the fluorescence originating from TCA was observed in case of the Fe-TCA system, whereas for the Al-TCA system a significant retention of fluorescence with red-shifted emission was observed. Quantum mechanical calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) were performed to unravel the origin of such discriminative behaviour of these coordination polymer systems.

}, issn = {1477-9226}, doi = {10.1039/c6dt00009f}, author = {Dhara, Barun and Sappati, Subrahmanyam and Singh, Santosh K. and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Ghosh, Prasenjit and Ballav, Nirmalya} } @article {43006, title = {Copolymers comprising monomers with various dipole and quadrupole as active material in organic field effect transistors}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {120}, year = {2016}, month = {NOV}, pages = {26199-26205}, abstract = {

Copolymers of 4,4-difluoro-4-borata-3a-azonia-4a-aza-s-indacene (BODIPY) and diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) were synthesized. The BODIPY has a permanent dipole and the DPP has a quadrupole. The dipole and the quadrupole in the monomers are expected to bring the polymers closer and to improve the charge-transport properties. By judicious choice of these monomers, the electron wave function is evenly distributed through the molecules. However, we notice that the torsional angle at the connecting point of BODIPY and DPP is a function of the methyl moieties at the beta,beta{\textquoteright} position of the BODIPY. We found that the polymer comprising DPP and BODIPY without methyl moiety at beta,beta{\textquoteright} position showed a torsional angle of 27, the lowest among the three polymers studied in this work. The absorption spectrum of the polymer showed transitions because of vibronic coupling indicating linearity along the polymer backbone. The band gap of the polymer was found to be 1.2 eV. The thermally stable polymer showed an ambipolar charge transport of 0.01 cm(2)/(V s).

}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpcc.6b08225}, author = {Singh, Saumya and Chithiravel, Sundaresan and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam} } @article { ISI:000375631300006, title = {Correlating Nitrile IR frequencies to local electrostatics quantifies noncovalent interactions of peptides and proteins}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, volume = {120}, number = {17}, year = {2016}, month = {MAY}, pages = {4034-4046}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Noncovalent interactions, in particular the hydrogen bonds and nonspecific long-range electrostatic interactions are fundamental to biomolecular functions. A molecular understanding of the local electrostatic environment, consistently for both specific (hydrogen-bonding) and nonspecific electrostatic (local polarity) interactions, is essential for a detailed understanding of these processes. Vibrational Stark Effect (VSE) has proven to be an extremely useful method to measure the local electric field using infrared spectroscopy of carbonyl and nitrile based probes. The nitrile chemical group would be an ideal choice because of its absorption in an infrared spectral window transparent to biomolecules, ease of site-specific incorporation into proteins, and common occurrence as a substituent in various drug molecules. However, the inability of VSE to describe the dependence of IR frequency on electric field for hydrogen-bonded nitriles to date has severely limited nitrile{\textquoteright}s utility to probe the noncovalent interactions. In this work, using infrared spectroscopy and atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, we have reported for the first time a linear correlation between nitrile frequencies and electric fields in a wide range of hydrogen-bonding environments that may bridge the existing gap between VSE and H-bonding interactions. We have demonstrated the robustness of this field-frequency correlation for both aromatic nitriles and sulfur-based nitriles in a wide range of molecules of varying size and compactness, including small molecules in complex solvation environments, an amino acid, disordered peptides, and structured proteins. This correlation, when coupled to VSE, can be used to quantify noncovalent interactions, specific or nonspecific, in a consistent manner.

}, issn = {1520-6106}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpcb.6b02732}, author = {Deb, Pranab and Haldar, Tapas and Kashid, Somnath M. and Banerjee, Subhrashis and Chakrabarty, Suman and Bagchi, Sayan} } @article { ISI:000377466600023, title = {Crystallization kinetics for carbon dioxide gas hydrate in fixed bed and stirred tank reactor}, journal = {Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering}, volume = {33}, number = {6}, year = {2016}, month = {JUN}, pages = {1922-1930}, publisher = {KOREAN INSTITUTE CHEMICAL ENGINEERS}, address = {F.5, 119, ANAM-RO, SEONGBUK-GU, SEOUL 136-075, SOUTH KOREA}, abstract = {

The phase change from germ nuclei to growth nuclei and subsequent volume transformation in a crystallization process was modeled by Avrami equations. The phase change during the hydrate formation was fitted with the classical Avrami model by utilizing gas uptake data. The idea is to understand the difference in growth behavior of hydrate crystals when in small pores compared to a stirred tank reactor which does not pose any physical restrictions to hydrate growth. The parameters n and k of the Avrami equation were determined explicitly for CO2 hydrate formation.

}, keywords = {Avrami Equation, CO2 Capture \& Sequestration, Fixed Bed, Gas hydrates, kinetics}, issn = {0256-1115}, doi = {10.1007/s11814-016-0040-7}, author = {Kumar, Asheesh and Khatri, Dishant and Lee, Ju Dong and Kumar, Rajnish} } @article {43627, title = {Cu-Catalyzed iminative hydroolefination of unactivated alkynes en route to 4-imino-tetrahydropyridines and 4-aminopyridines}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {52}, year = {2016}, month = {OCT}, pages = {13475-13478}, abstract = {A general method for synthesizing 4-imino tetrahydropyridine derivatives is achieved, from readily available beta-enaminones and sulfonyl azides, which comprises a sequential copper catalyzed ketenimine formation and its hitherto inaccessible intramolecular hydrovinylation. The products are shown as ready precursors for highly valuable 4-sulfonamidopyridine derivatives via DDQ mediated oxidation.}, doi = {10.1039/c6cc08081b}, author = {Kumar, Ravi and Thorat, Shridhar H. and Reddy, Maddi Sridhar} } @article { ISI:000366864700006, title = {Cu-catalyzed sequential C-N bond formations: expeditious synthesis of tetracyclic indoloindol-3-ones}, journal = {Organic Chemistry Frontiers}, volume = {3}, number = {1}, year = {2016}, month = {NOV}, pages = {43-46}, publisher = {CHINESE CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {PO BOX 1-18, NANKANG, TAIPEI 115, TAIWAN}, abstract = {

The tetracyclic indoloindol-3-one core has been forged from easily accessible 2,2{\textquoteright}-bis-bromochalcones employing a reaction cascade comprising Cu-catalyzed SNAr with azide; nitrene C-H insertion and intramolecular Ullmann reaction with all three C-N bond formations in one-go.

}, issn = {2052-4129}, doi = {10.1039/c5qo00248f}, author = {Kulkarni, Anand M. and Srinivas, Kolluru and Deshpande, Mukund V. and Ramana, Chepuri V.} } @article {43014, title = {Culture conditions for the production of thermostable lipase by thermomyces lanuginosus}, journal = {Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences}, year = {2016}, month = {NOV}, abstract = {

In the present investigation lipase production by three strains of thermophilic Thermomyces lanuginosus (GSLMBKU-10, GSLMBKU-13 and GSLMBKU-14) was carried out in submerged fermentation process. Olive oil and triacetin (0.1\%) were added to the basal medium, which stimulated the lipase production. The maximum lipase was produced by GSLMBKU-10 and GSLMBKU-13 in yeast extract starch medium supplemented with triacetin (0.1\%). The optimum pH was recorded at 6.0, 6.5 and 7.0 by GSLMBKU-10, GSLMBKU-13 and GSLMBKU-14 respectively. T. lanuginosus GSLMBKU-10 strains failed to produce lipase at pH 8.0. The optimum temperature for lipase production was observed at 45 {\textdegree}C by GSLMBKU-14 and GSLMBKU-10, while that for GSLMBKU-13 was at 50 {\textdegree}C. The marginal temperature ranged from 45 {\textdegree}C to 50 {\textdegree}C for both lipase production and vegetative growth by the three strains of T. lanuginosus under study. In conclusion, the GSLMBKU-13 strain was comparatively superior in the production of lipase than the other two strains under investigation.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.bjbas.2016.11.010}, author = {Sreelatha, B. and Vankudoth, Koteswara Rao and Kumar, R. Ranjith and Girisham, Sivadevuni and Reddy, S. M.} } @article {43622, title = {Cutaneous exposure to clinically-relevant pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) proteins promote T(H)2-dependent sensitization and IgE-mediated anaphylaxis in Balb/c mice}, journal = {Journal of Immunotoxicology}, volume = {13}, year = {2016}, month = {JAN}, pages = {827-841}, abstract = {Epicutaneous (EC) sensitization to food allergens may occur when the skin has been lightly damaged. The study here tested whether cutaneous exposure to pigeon pea protein(s) may cause allergic sensitization. BALB/c mice were either orally gavaged or epicutaneously sensitized by repeated application of pigeon pea crude protein extract (CPE) on undamaged areas of skin without any adjuvant; afterwards, both groups were orally challenged with the pigeon pea CPE. Anaphylactic symptoms along with measures of body temperature, MCPT-1, TSLP, pigeon pea-specific IgE and IgG(1), myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, T(H)2 cytokines, T(H)2 transcription factors (TFs) and filaggrin expression were determined. Mast cell staining, eosinophil levels and histopathological analysis of the skin and intestines were also performed. In the epicutaneously-sensitized mice, elevated levels of specific IgE and IgG(1), as well as of MCPT-1, TSLP, T(H)2 cytokines and TFs, higher anaphylactic scores and histological changes in the skin and intestine were indicative of sensitization ability via both routes in the pigeon pea CPE-treated hosts. Elevated levels of mast cells were observed in both the skin and intestine; increased levels of eosinophils and MPO activity were noted only in the skin. Decreased levels of filaggrin in skin may have played a key role in the skin barrier dysfunction, increasing the chances of sensitization. Therefore, the experimental data support the hypothesis that in addition to oral exposure, skin exposure to food allergens can promote T(H)2-dependent sensitization, IgE-mediated anaphylaxis and intestinal changes after oral challenge. Based on this, an avoidance of cutaneous exposures to allergens might prevent development of food anaphylaxis.}, doi = {10.1080/1547691X.2016.1205159}, author = {Gupta, Rinkesh Kumar and Kumar, Sandeep and Gupta, Kriti and Sharma, Akanksha and Roy, Ruchi and Verma, Alok Kumar and Chaudhari, Bhushan P. and Das, Mukul and Ansari, Irfan Ahmad and Dwivedi, Premendra D.} } @article {43405, title = {Cysteine-specific fluorescent switch for monitoring oxidative stress and quantification of aminoacylase-1 in blood serum}, journal = {Analytical Chemistry}, volume = {88}, year = {2016}, month = {DEC}, pages = {12161-12168}, doi = {10.1021/acs.analchem.6b03066}, author = {Anila, H. A. and Ali, Firoj and Kushwaha, Shilpi and Taye, Nandaraj and Chattopadhyay, Samit and Das, Amitava} } @article {43030, title = {Decoding the morphological diversity in two dimensional crystalline porous polymers by core planarity modulation}, journal = {Angewandte Chemie - International Edition}, volume = {55}, year = {2016}, month = {JUN}, pages = {7806-7810}, doi = {10.1002/anie.201600087}, author = {Halder, Arjun and Kandambeth, Sharath and Biswal, Bishnu P. and Kaur, Gagandeep and Roy, Neha Chaki and Addicoat, Matthew A. and Salunke, Jagadish K. and Banerjee, Subhrashis and Vanka, Kumar and Heine, Thomas and Verma, Sandeep and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article {43623, title = {Design and fabrication of mechanically strong nano-matrices of linseed oil based polyesteramide blends}, journal = {Medchemcomm}, volume = {7}, year = {2016}, month = {SEP}, pages = {2299-2308}, abstract = {New nanomaterials of bio-origin with improved mechanical properties are in demand for biomedical application. Therefore, we propose to design and fabricate bioactive nano-matrices with good mechanical strength using polyesteramides derived from linseed oil. Polyesteramide was synthesized from linseed oil and blended with poly(L-lactide) and human serum albumin to enhance the mechanical strength, biodegradation, biocompatibility and hydrophilicity. The various blend solutions with and without drugs (triclosan and metronidazole) were electrospun into non-woven nano-matrices. The morphology of the nano-matrices represented smooth and fine nanofibers with the diameter ranging from 300 to 400 nm. Drug binding efficiency, cytotoxicity, hydrophilicity, thermal and mechanical studies indicated their suitability as biomaterials. To demonstrate their utility, the drug release kinetics and antibacterial properties were evaluated. The metronidazole loaded nano-matrices showed drug release up to 8 h, beyond which no release was observed until 72 h. Antibacterial studies were done using the drugs triclosan and metronidazole. The antibacterial activity of the drug loaded nanofiber mats increased with the increase in drug concentration. The uniqueness of the developed nano-matrices of polyesteramide blends is that their mechanical strength is 3-fold higher than that of the nano-matrices of poly(L-lactide), which is one of the essential features of these nano-matrices to be used as a biomaterial for biomedical applications.}, doi = {10.1039/c6md00380j}, author = {Killi, Naresh and Dhakare, Runali Arjun and Singam, Amarnath and Lokanadham, Metta and Chitikeshi, Harshavardhan and Gundloori, Rathna Venkata Naga} } @article {42942, title = {Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel azaspiro analogs of linezolid as antibacterial and antitubercular agents}, journal = {European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry}, volume = {122}, year = {2016}, month = {OCT}, pages = {475-487}, abstract = {

The design, synthesis and antimicrobial evaluation of a novel series of azaspiro analogues of linezolid (1) have been described. Linezolid comprises of a morpholine ring which is known for its metabolism related liabilities. Therefore, the key modification made in the linezolid structure was the replacement of morpholine moiety with its bioisostere, 2-oxa-6-azaspiro[3.3]heptane. Furthermore, the replacement of N-acetyl terminal of 1 with various aromatic or aliphatic functionalities was carried out. The title compounds were evaluated against a panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Subsequent structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies identified several compounds with mixed antibacterial and antitubercular profiles. Compound 22 (IC50 0.72, 0.51, 0.88, 0.49 mu g/mL for Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, respectively) exhibited similar antibacterial profile as I. The N-acetyl derivative 18 was similar to 1 in antitubercular profile. Thus, the present study successfully demonstrated the use of azaspiro substructure in the medicinal chemistry of antibacterial and antitubercular agents. (C) 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.07.001}, author = {Gadekar, Pradip K. and Roychowdhury, Abhijit and Kharkar, Prashant S. and Khedkar, Vijay M. and Arkile, Manisha A. and Manek, Hardik and Sarkar, Dhiman and Sharma, Rajiv and Vijayakumar, V. and Sarveswari, S.} } @article {43443, title = {Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel fluorinated pyrazole encompassing pyridyl 1,3,4-oxadiazole motifs}, journal = {Medicinal Chemistry Research}, volume = {25}, year = {2016}, month = {NOV}, pages = {2698-2717}, abstract = {A rational approach was adopted for the synthesis of 1-(2-(3-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-5-(pyridin-4-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-3(2H)-yl)-3-(aryl)prop-2-en-1-ones (5a-n) using conventional heating as well as microwave irradiation techniques. Compounds 5a-n were tested for their in vitro antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity. Compounds 5g showed most potent antibacterial activity, while compound 5k emerged as the most effective antifungal agent. The most active compounds 5f, 5g, 5l, and 5m were also screened against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Among these compounds, 5g and 5m inhibited the growth against MRSA at low level of cytotoxicity. A binary quantitative structure-activity relationship based recursive partitioning model was developed to probe the physico-chemical properties influencing the structure-activity relationship for this class of molecules, which was used to correctly classify active and inactive compounds.}, doi = {10.1007/s00044-016-1683-y}, author = {Desai, Nisheeth C. and Kotadiya, Ghanshyam M. and Trivedi, Amit R. and Khedkar, Vijay M. and Jha, Prakash C.} } @article { ISI:000372756700003, title = {DFT based assay for tailor-made terpyridine ligand-metal complexation properties}, journal = {Molecular Simulations}, volume = {42}, number = {8}, year = {2016}, month = {MAY}, pages = {618-627}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Electron-rich terpyridine ligand and its metal complexes have a potential to grow as responsive surfaces by adapting their physicochemical properties as a function of environment. The responsiveness is brought about by judicious molecular level designing that is currently hindered due to lack of information and control on terpyridine (TPy)-metal (M) interactions at single molecule level. So far there is no organised understanding on the binding of different metals with TPy ligand and ways to modulate it. Being a large conjugated [GRAPHICS] system, TPy has a large scope to be functionalised with electron exchanging groups to alter its electronic structure and consequently its binding with metal atoms. In first report of such a kind, using density functional theory (DFT), we demonstrate that convenient modulation of TPy-M binding is possible through functionalisation of TPy for [GRAPHICS] , Ru, Fe, Mo and Au. Electron donating groups viz., CH [GRAPHICS] , OCH [GRAPHICS] , C [GRAPHICS] H [GRAPHICS] , NH [GRAPHICS] and electron withdrawing groups viz., CF [GRAPHICS] , COOH, CN and NO [GRAPHICS] are considered for functionalisation of TPy ligand. Significantly, the present work focuses on the functionalisation at 4 and 4 [GRAPHICS] positions of TPy molecule. The role of such a functionalisation in influencing the ligands structure-property correlation is missing in the literature to the best of our knowledge. The present investigation quantifies that by pertinent functionalisation of TPy, TPy-M binding energies can be modified up to [GRAPHICS] 60kcal/mol. Our results reveal that functionalisation leads to a considerable charge redistribution within the TPy-M complex with carbon atoms in pyridine rings functioning as major electron sink/source with a corresponding red/blue shift of [GRAPHICS] stretching frequency. This modifies the red-ox, optical and other chemical properties of TPy-M complexes. In brief, the present report illustrates a way to design ligands such as TPy for diverse applications through tailor-made functionalisation using electronic structure methodology.

}, keywords = {Binding energy, charge redistribution, Density functional theory, functionalisation, Metal organic complexes, metal-ligand interactions, terpyridine}, issn = {0892-7022}, doi = {10.1080/08927022.2015.1067368}, author = {Joshi, Krati and Krishnamurty, Sailaja and Singh, Iksha and Selvaraj, Kaliaperumal} } @article { ISI:000376479400017, title = {Dietary flaxseed oil and fish oil ameliorates renal oxidative stress, protein glycation, and inflammation in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats}, journal = {Journal of Physiology and Biochemistry}, volume = {72}, number = {2}, year = {2016}, month = {JUN}, pages = {327-336}, publisher = {SERVICIO PUBLICACIONES UNIVERSIDAD NAVARRA}, address = {CAMPUS UNIV, CARRETERA DEL SADAR S-N, APARTADO 177, 31080 PAMPLONA, SPAIN}, abstract = {

Protective and prophylactic effects of omega-3 fatty acids on oxidative stress and inflammation are well known. We assessed beneficial effects of flaxseed oil and fish oil on streptozotocin (65 mg/kg; i.p.)-nicotinamide (110 mg/kg; i.p.) induced diabetic rats by studying renal expression of antioxidant and inflammatory genes. Diabetic rats given 10 \% flaxseed oil or 10 \% fish oil diet for 35 days showed significant decrease in renal lipid peroxidation. Flaxseed oil diet resulted in up-regulation of renal superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1) (activity and expression) and glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPx-1) expression. Furthermore, both diets up-regulated catalase (CAT) (activity and expression) and down-regulated heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression. Both diets were able to limit the renal advanced glycation end products (AGEs) formation and reduced receptor of AGE (RAGE) protein expression significantly. Expressions of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and NF-kappa B p65 subunit were down-regulated significantly by flaxseed oil or fish oil diet. The histological tubular injuries were also lowered by both diets. These results suggest that dietary omega-3 fatty acids may slow the progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN) associated with oxidative stress, glycation, and inflammation in the kidney.

}, keywords = {Diabetes, Fish oil, Flaxseed oil, Glycation, Kidney, Streptozotocin}, issn = {1138-7548}, doi = {10.1007/s13105-016-0482-8}, author = {Jangale, Nivedita M. and Devarshi, Prasad P. and Bansode, Sneha B. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J. and Harsulkar, Abhay M.} } @article {43613, title = {Diethylamine-catalyzed environmentally benign synthesis of 1-oxo-hexahydroxanthenes and bis-coumarins at ambient temperature}, journal = {Research on Chemical Intermediates}, volume = {42}, year = {2016}, month = {JUL}, pages = {6313-6325}, abstract = {An extremely simple, economical and environmentally benign protocol has been described for one-pot synthesis of 1-oxo-hexahydroxanthenes by pseudo three-component condensation between salicylaldehydes and dimedone, cyclohexane-1,3dione or 5-methyl cyclohexane-1,3-dione using diethylamine as the catalyst. Based upon the mechanism of the reaction, the protocol has been extended towards the synthesis of tetraketones and bis-coumarins.}, doi = {10.1007/s11164-016-2464-4}, author = {Kupwade, Ravindra V. and Pandit, Kapil S. and Desai, Uday V. and Kulkarni, Makarand A. and Wadgaonkar, Prakash P.} } @article { ISI:000371228200017, title = {Differentiating process performance of various coagulants in removal of congo red and orange G dyes}, journal = {International Journal of Chemical Reactor Engineering}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, year = {2016}, month = {FEB}, pages = {195-211}, publisher = {WALTER DE GRUYTER GMBH}, address = {GENTHINER STRASSE 13, D-10785 BERLIN, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Two refractory azo dyes-Congo red and Orange G, especially at high concentrations were subjected to coagulation with different conventional coagulants and newer formulations developed from Aluminum sulfate, Iron (III) chloride, Aluminium chloride, Poly diallydimethylammonium chloride (Poly DADMAC) and Poly Aluminium Chloride (PAC). The highest COD reduction of 99 \% was obtained with PAC SAB 18 (Powder Grade PAC) for Congo red at pH 4.5 while the color removal of 99 \% was achieved with almost all the coagulants in the present study at specific pH within 3-8. The optimum dose for the iron-based coagulant is 200 mg/L while that of aluminum-based coagulants and PAC is 150-200 mg/L. Results showed that Orange G was more difficult to remove with a maximum COD removal of 65 \% and 35 \% color removal using various formulations. The combinational formulations of inorganic-inorganic and inorganic- organic produced a substantial enhancement in COD and color removal and reduced sludge. PAC-Fe30/70 produces the minimum sludge of 50 mL/g on Congo red. pH in the range 3-9 showed high reductions in COD and color (90-99 \%) for Congo red while jerky rise in COD and color reduction was observed in the case of Orange G after pH 9. An attempt to understand the dye coagulation mechanism has been made based on the specific difference in dye structure and cation speciation.

}, keywords = {coagulation, Congo red, dye removal, Orange G, Wastewater treatment}, issn = {2194-5748}, doi = {10.1515/ijcre-2015-0083}, author = {Prajapati, Kavita and Sorokhaibam, Laxmi Gayatri and Bhandari, Vinay M. and Killedar, D. J. and Ranade, Vivek V.} } @article { ISI:000371026700006, title = {Disassembly of micelles to impart donor and acceptor gradation to enhance organic solar cell efficiency}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {52}, number = {17}, year = {2016}, month = {JAN}, pages = {3486-3489}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A transparent, conducting and low surface energy surface was prepared by disassembly of anionic micelles, which altered the orientation of the donor polymer and imparted gradation between the donor and acceptor. This configuration increased the solar cell device efficiency.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c5cc09603k}, author = {Arulkashmir, Arulraj and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam} } @article { ISI:000372848000021, title = {Disruption of native beta-turns: consequence of folding competition between native and orthanilic acid proline-based pseudo beta-turn}, journal = {European Journal of Organic Chemistry}, number = {7}, year = {2016}, month = {MAR}, pages = {1380-1388}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {POSTFACH 101161, 69451 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Five tetrapeptides comprising beta-turn-forming elements and a pseudo beta-turn (C9 H-bonding) based on an SAntPro (orthanilic acid - proline) motif were designed and synthesized. Their extensive conformational investigation by single-crystal X-ray crystallography, solution-state 2D NMR spectroscopic, and nOe-restrained MD simulation studies revealed the formation of C14 or C9 folding and disruption of the native beta-turn (C10 H-bonding) architecture. The striking difference between the psi(psi(2)) angle of {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}i + 2{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} residues of native beta-turn and designed peptides suggest that formation of the native beta-turn is not favored. The results suggest that other turn-forming motifs can dramatically modulate the stability of the native beta-turn structure.

}, keywords = {Conformation analysis, hydrogen bonds, Peptidomimetics, structure elucidation}, issn = {1434-193X}, doi = {10.1002/ejoc.201501558}, author = {Ingole, Tukaram S. and Vijayadas, Kuruppanthara N. and Chaitanya, K. N. and Kotmale, Amol S. and Gawade, Rupesh L. and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Rajamohanan, P. R. and Sanjayan, Gangadhar J.} } @conference {45852, title = {Diversity of arsenic resistant bacteria from Lonar lake: A meteorite impact alkaline crater lake in Indi}, booktitle = {Arsenic Research and Global Sustainability - Proceedings of the 6th International Congress on Arsenic in the Environment, AS 2016}, year = {2016}, month = {JUN}, publisher = {CRC Press/Balkema}, organization = {CRC Press/Balkema}, address = {Stockholm; Sweden}, abstract = {Lonar lake known for its meteorite impact origin and highly alkaline environment harbors a plethora of diverse organisms. Arsenic transforming microbe diversity from Lonar remains unexplored. We attempted to explore the microorganisms causing arsenic transformation using culture-dependent and independent approaches. Amongst the 67 microbes isolated, Bacillus infantis L4-18 and Bacillus solimangrovi L4-7b could oxidise 15 mM arsenite in 8 days. None of the cultures could reduce arsenate. All the other isolates resisted 2 mM arsenic. In the culture independent approach, microbial diversity revealed Bacteroides (41.9\%), followed by Proteobacteria (17.9\%), Firmicutes (14.2\%), Actinobacteria (13.9\%), occurring in the Lonar sediment sample. This study provides foundation to study microbial arsenic biogeochemical cycle along with other biochemical cycles and microbial function in Lonar lake eco system.}, url = {https://www.scopus.com/record/display.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85017026744\&origin=inward\&txGid=63266bcb17f730d2678898ea486dffa6}, author = {Bagade, A. V. and Paul, D. and Rikame, T. and Giri, A. P. and Dhotre, D. and Pawar, S. and Kodam, K.} } @article {43389, title = {Dynamic, reversible oxidative addition of highly polar bonds to a transition metal}, journal = {Journal of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {138}, year = {2016}, month = {DEC}, pages = {16140-16147}, abstract = {The combination of Pt complexes and indium trihalides leads to compounds that form equilibria in solution between their In X oxidative addition (OA) products (Pt indyl complexes) and their metal-only Lewis pair (MOLP) isomers (LnPt -> InX3). The position of the equilibria can be altered reversibly by changing the solvent, while the equilibria can be reversibly and irreversibly driven toward the MOLP products by addition of further donor ligands. The results mark the first observation of an equilibrium between MOLP and OA isomers, as well as the most polar bond ever observed to undergo reversible oxidative addition to a metal complex. In addition, we present the first structural characterization of MOLP and oxidative addition isomers of the same compound. The relative energies of the MOLP and OA isomers were calculated by DFT methods, and the possibility of solvent-mediated isomerization is discussed.}, doi = {10.1021/jacs.6b10609}, author = {Bertermann, Ruediger and Boehnke, Julian and Braunschweig, Holger and Dewhurst, Rian D. and Kupfer, Thomas and Muessig, Jonas H. and Pentecost, Leanne and Radacki, Krzysztof and Sen, Sakya S. and Vargas, Alfredo} } @article { ISI:000376882500147, title = {Dynamics of colonization and expression of pathogenicity related genes in fusarium oxysporum f.sp ciceri during chickpea vascular wilt disease progression}, journal = {Plos One}, volume = {11}, number = {5}, year = {2016}, month = {MAY}, pages = {Article Number: e0156490}, publisher = {PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE}, address = {1160 BATTERY STREET, STE 100, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111 USA}, abstract = {

Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceri (Foc) is a constant threat to chickpea productivity in several parts of the world. Understanding the molecular basis of chickpea-Foc interaction is necessary to improve chickpea resistance to Foc and thereby the productivity of chickpea. We transformed Foc race 2 using green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene and used it to characterize pathogen progression and colonization in wilt-susceptible (JG62) and wilt-resistant (Digvijay) chickpea cultivars using confocal microscopy. We also employed quantitative PCR (qPCR) to estimate the pathogen load and progression across various tissues of both the chickpea cultivars during the course of the disease. Additionally, the expression of several candidate pathogen virulence genes was analyzed using quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR), which showed their characteristic expression in wilt-susceptible and resistant chickpea cultivars. Our results suggest that the pathogen colonizes the susceptible cultivar defeating its defense; however, albeit its entry in the resistant plant, further proliferation is severely restricted providing an evidence of efficient defense mechanism in the resistant chickpea cultivar.

}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0156490}, author = {Upasani, Medha L. and Gurjar, Gayatri S. and Kadoo, Narendra Y. and Gupta, Vidya S.} } @article {43437, title = {Effect of additives on formation and decomposition kinetics of methane clathrate hydrates: application in energy storage and transportation}, journal = {Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering}, volume = {94}, year = {2016}, month = {NOV}, pages = {2160-2167}, abstract = {Methane gas storage and transportation via clathrate hydrates is proposed to be a potential solution for large-scale energy storage. In this work, we study the formation and decomposition kinetics of methane hydrates (MH) in a laboratory-scale unstirred crystallizer. The present investigation demonstrates comparative studies of hydrate formation and dissociation kinetics in the presence of tetrahydrofuran (55.6 and 27.8mmol/mol, 5.56 and 2.78mol\% THF) and sodium dodecyl sulphate (1mg/g, 0.1wt\% SDS). Moreover, the storage capacity and hydrate formation kinetics in both the systems are discussed. In a recent work, enhanced methane hydrate growth in the presence of THF at close to atmospheric conditions was demonstrated. The emphasis of the current work is to study the stability of hydrates to understand dissociation kinetics by measuring the rate of hydrate decomposition at different temperatures. Hydrate stability measurements were performed at -8, -3, 2, 10, and 20 degrees C to study the decomposition rates of MH and self-preservation in presence of the two additives THF and SDS.}, doi = {10.1002/cjce.22583}, author = {Kumar, Asheesh and Kushwaha, Omkar Singh and Rangsunvigit, Pramoch and Linga, Praveen and Kumar, Rajnish} } @article { ISI:000367235100139, title = {Effect of different fixed bed media on the performance of sodium dodecyl sulfate for hydrate based CO2 capture}, journal = {Materials \& Design}, volume = {90}, year = {2016}, month = {JAN}, pages = {1186-1191}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS) is used as a kinetic promoter in gas hydrate formation. In this work, the performance of SDS for carbon dioxide gas hydrate formation in two different fixed bed media: silica sand and zeolite (5A and 13X) has been evaluated. The concentration of SDS was fixed at 0.5 wt\%. The experiments were carried out in batch mode with the initial pressure fixed at 3.0 MPa, and the temperature kept constant at 274.65 K. The results showed that hydrate of carbon dioxide with fixed bed of silica sand was significantly promoted by the addition of SDS as compared to the other fixed bed medium used in this study: zeolite 13X. (c) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Carbon dioxide, Fixed bed media, Hydrate formation, Kinetic promoter, Silica sand, Zeolite 5A and 13X}, issn = {0261-3069}, doi = {10.1016/j.matdes.2015.06.049}, author = {Arora, Amit and Kumar, Asheesh and Bhattacharjee, Gaurav and Kumar, Pushpendra and Balomajumder, Chandrajit} } @article { ISI:000381232100028, title = {Effect of different temperature on structural, magnetic and dielectric properties of strontium hexaferrite powder synthesised using aloe vera plant extracts}, journal = {Advanced Science Letters}, volume = {22}, number = {4, SI}, year = {2016}, note = {3rd International Conference on Nanotechnology, Pune, INDIA, OCT 14-15, 2014}, month = {APR}, pages = {869-875}, publisher = {AMER SCIENTIFIC PUBLISHERS}, address = {26650 THE OLD RD, STE 208, VALENCIA, CA 91381-0751 USA}, abstract = {

M-type SrFe12O19 hexaferrite particles synthesized using the aloe vera plant extract. Biological materials of microorganisms, plants, enzymes have been suggested as an ecological alternative for conventional reagents in physical and chemical methods. In present paper we report effect of temperature on structural, morphology, magnetic and dielectric properties of M-type SrFe12O19 particles synthesised by Green synthesis technique using Aloe vera plant extract. The metal nitrates (Sr and Fe) were dissolved in aloe vera extract solution and then mixture was kept in oil bath at 100 degrees C till it become dry. The obtain dried powder calcined in a wide temperature range, from 450 degrees C to 1150 degrees C for 4 hours in a static air atmosphere. The calcined powders were characterised using various instrumental techniques like Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM), and dielectric measurements. XRD, FTIR, SEM, Magnetic and dielectric measurements were carried out at room temperature. XRD analysis confirms the formation of mono phase of strontium hexaferrite at 1150 degrees C.

}, keywords = {Aloe Vera Extract, green synthesis, M-Type Hexaferrite, Strontium Hexaferrite}, issn = {1936-6612}, doi = {10.1166/asl.2016.6935}, author = {Solanki, Neha and Jotania, R. B. and Khomane, Ramdas B. and Kulkarni, B. D.} } @article { ISI:000379531300011, title = {Effect of donors on the activation mechanism in ziegler-natta catalysis: a computational study}, journal = {Chemcatchem}, volume = {8}, number = {10}, year = {2016}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1809-1818}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {POSTFACH 101161, 69451 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Full quantum chemical calculations, using density functional theory (DFT), have been conducted to explain the effect of donors on the {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}activation mechanism{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} in the Ziegler-Natta (Z-N) catalyst system. In the activation mechanism, the inactive (TiCl4)-Cl-IV catalyst converts into the active (TiCl2Et)-Cl-III catalyst with the help of the AlEt3 present in the system. The donors that have been considered in this study are: ethyl benzoate (eb), two representative diether cases, a phthalate donor, and a silyl ester donor. The results indicate that eb and the diether donor cases donor have a negative effect on the barriers for the activation mechanism. However, the eb donor can be displaced from the MgCl2 surface by AlEt3, which matches experimental observations. For the phthalate, silyl ester and TiCl3-OC4H8Cl cases, the results indicate that a significant induction period would be present in Z-N systems employing such donors or having such a catalytic center, before catalysis could commence.

}, keywords = {Alkylation, aluminum, Density functional calculations, surface chemistry, titanium}, issn = {1867-3880}, doi = {10.1002/cctc.201600281}, author = {Kumawat, Jugal and Gupta, Virendra Kumar and Vanka, Kumar} } @article {43394, title = {Effect of mixed acid catalysis on pretreatment and enzymatic digestibility of sugar cane bagasse}, journal = {Energy \& Fuels}, volume = {30}, year = {2016}, month = {SEP}, pages = {7310-7318}, abstract = {Aqueous pretreatment using homogeneous acid catalyst is considered as a low-cost technology in the production of lignocellulosic bioethanol. To establish the synergism of mixed acids, pilot-level aqueous pretreatments of bagasse covering a wide range of combined severity (CS) were carried out. To investigate the effect of application of mixture of acids on xylose hydrolysis as well as glucose hydrolysis via pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis, the following three combinations of acids were explored: (1) oxalic acid + sulfuric acid (organic + mineral acid), (2) phosphoric + sulfuric acid (mineral acids), and (3) ferric chloride + sulfuric acid (Lewis acid with a mineral acid). Of the pretreatments evaluated, the synergism was most pronounced for the combination of sulfuric and phosphoric acid, which resulted in more than 90\% conversion of hemicellulose to xylose and 70\% conversion of cellulose to glucose through enzymatic hydrolysis. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) studies of pretreated samples showed higher syringyl/guaiacyl (S/G) ratio for sulfuric and phosphoric acid combination pretreatment, leading to higher enzymatic conversion. FTIR and dynamic light scattering (DLS) experiments conducted on pretreated sugar cane bagasse provided useful correlation with regard to the pretreatment type, particle size, and enzymatic hydrolysis.}, doi = {10.1021/acs.energyfuels.6b01011}, author = {Pal, Siddhartha and Joy, Shereena and Kumbhar, Pramod and Trimukhe, K. D. and Varma, Anjanikumar and Padmanabhan, Sasisanker} } @article {42547, title = {Effect of number of branches on the performance of fractal impeller in a stirred tank: mixing and hydrodynamics}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Research \& Design}, volume = {108}, year = {2016}, month = {APR}, pages = {164-175}, abstract = {

Number of blades of an impeller, impeller design and its positioning in a stirred tank is known to affect the mixing in a stirred tank reactor. The extent of non-uniformity in mixing from conventional impellers can be reduced significantly using a space-filling impeller like a fractal impeller. In this work, we report the effect of number of branches (and hence the number of blades) of fractal impeller on power consumption, mixing and hydrodynamics. Velocity measurements were carried out using ultrasonic velocity profiler (UVP). Measurements showed that the performance of fractal impeller with different configuration is equivalent, however, better than standard impellers in terms of mixing achieved per unit power consumption. No significant difference was observed in radial and axial mean velocity profiles for three different configurations. However, the tangential velocity was found higher for four branches than two and three branches FL Two distinct circulation loops were observed in upper as well as lower half of the vessel in r-z plane. Strong tangential flow throughout the baffled vessel helps to achieve good mixing even at low rotational speeds. (C) 2016 The Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Fractal impeller; Number of branches; UVP; Tangential velocity; Mixing}, doi = {10.1016/j.cherd.2016.01.025}, author = {Mule, Gunwant M. and Lohia, Rajat and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article { ISI:000376515100003, title = {Effect of plug temperature on the strain and thickness distribution ofcomponents made by plug assist thermoforming}, journal = {International Polymer Processing}, volume = {31}, number = {2}, year = {2016}, month = {MAY}, pages = {166-178}, publisher = {CARL HANSER VERLAG}, address = {KOLBERGERSTRASSE 22, POSTFACH 86 04 20, D-81679 MUNICH, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Plug temperature is a key parameter affecting the thickness distribution of thermoplastic components made by plug assist thermoforming. For a specified pair of plug and plastic sheet, the variation in plug temperature can alter the coefficient of friction (COF) between the pair. We show here how the temperature dependence of COF influences the nature and extent of biaxial stretching of the sheet and consequently the thickness distribution of the thermoformed component. In the present study, high impact polystyrene (HIPS) sheets were thermoformed into axisymmetric cups using a plug-assist process in which the aluminum plug temperature (T-plug) was varied from ambient to above the glass transition temperature of HIPS (similar to 100 degrees C). Biaxial strain maps on the surfaces of the formed cups were measured and quantified using Grid Strain Analysis (GSA). Thickness distributions of the cups were also measured. Temperature dependent COF between HIPS and aluminum was determined independently using a rotational rheometer. The measured COF was low for T \< 100 degrees C, whereas it increased appreciably at and above 100 degrees C. We conclude that when T-plug \< 100 degrees C the HIPS sheet slips on the plug during forming, and this results in biaxial stretching of the base and walls of the formed cup. In contrast for T-plug \> 100 degrees C, a significant reduction in the magnitude of slip is expected. Here the sheet is gripped at the clamp and by the plug during forming which causes reduced biaxial stretching of the base and increased uniaxial stretching of the walls of the cup. Simulations of plug-assist thermoforming using a temperature dependent COF showed qualitative agreement with the GSA data thereby supporting our inferences.

}, issn = {0930-777X}, doi = {10.3139/217.3060}, author = {Marathe, D. and Rokade, D. and Azad, Lal Busher and Jadhav, Kishor and Mahajan, Sunil and Ahmad, Zubair and Gupta, S. and Kulkarni, S. and Juvekar, Vinay A. and Lele, Ashish K.} } @article {43039, title = {Effect of polyvinylpyrrolidone at methane hydrate-liquid water interface. application in flow assurance and natural gas hydrate exploitation}, journal = {Fuel}, volume = {186}, year = {2016}, month = {DEC}, pages = {613-622}, doi = {10.1016/j.fuel.2016.09.004}, author = {Choudhary, Nilesh and Das, Subhadip and Roy, Sudip and Kumar, Rajnish} } @conference { ISI:000375945500074, title = {Effect of sintering temperature and vinca petals extract on structural and magnetic properties of delafossite CuFeO2}, booktitle = {International Conference On Condensed Matter and Applied Physics (ICC 2015)}, series = {AIP Conference Proceedings}, volume = {1728}, year = {2016}, note = {International Conference on Condensed Matter and Applied Physics (ICC), Bikaner, INDIA, OCT 30-31, 2015}, month = {MAY}, pages = {020074}, publisher = {Govt Engn Coll}, organization = {Govt Engn Coll}, address = {2 Huntington Quadrangle, STE 1NO1, Melville, NY 11747-4501 USA}, abstract = {

Delathssite CuFeO2, multi ferroic powder was synthesized using Sol-Gel auto combustion method. Influence of vinea flower petals extract on structural and magnetic properly of CuFeO2 were investigated. X-ray analysis of normal samples (synthesized without presence of vinca petals extract) shows formation of hematite and ferrite phases while the sample synthesized in presence of vinca petals extract show only mono phase. The absorption bands in FTIR spectra present between 510-460 cm(-1)in both the samples are due to stretching of Fe-O vibrations. VSM analysis shows that the squareness ratio (Mr/Ms) of the sample prepared using vinca petals extract obtains value of squareness ratio \<0.5, which attributes multi domain formation of samples.

}, isbn = {978-0-7354-1375-7}, issn = {0094-243X}, doi = {10.1063/1.4946125}, author = {Dhruv, Preksha N. and Solanki, Neha and Kulkarni, Shailja and Jotania, R. B.}, editor = {Shekhawat, MS and Bhardwaj, S. and Suthar, B.} } @article {45648, title = {Effect of the amino acid L-histidine on methane hydrate growth kinetics}, journal = {Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering}, volume = {35}, year = {2016}, month = {SEP}, pages = {1453-1462}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In the present study, the effect of a polar amino acid, L-histidine on methane hydrate growth kinetics has been investigated. Methane hydrate formation experiments were carried out in a stirred tank reactor setup at pressure and temperature conditions of 274.15 K and 5.0 MPa respectively. Two different concentrations (0.1 and 1 wt \%) of L-histidine were studied. Hydrate growth through molecular dynamic (MD) simulation was also studied; pressure and temperature conditions for the simulations were set at 10.0 MPa and 270.0 K, while the concentration of L-histidine was kept fixed at 0.94 wt \%. Hydrate formation runs using MD simulation were carried out with optimal concentration of methane in water. The presence of L-histidine in the system was found to significantly enhance methane hydrate growth kinetics as compared to pure water for both experimental and MD simulation runs. Final gas consumption with 1 wt \% L-histidine was found to be comparable to that with 1 wt \% SDS, the most commonly used additive for hydrate promotion studies. L-histidine is a benign additive which offers considerable enhancement in methane hydrate formation kinetics and can be utilized for various hydrate based technologies such as methane storage and transport. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Amino acid, Crystal growth, Gas hydrate, kinetics, Molecular dynamic simulation}, issn = {1875-5100}, doi = {10.1016/j.jngse.2016.05.052}, author = {Bhattacharjee, Gaurav and Choudhary, Nilesh and Kumar, Asheesh and Chakrabarty, Suman and Kumar, Rajnish} } @article {43620, title = {Effective noncovalent functionalization of poly(ethylene glycol) to reduced graphene oxidenanosheets through gamma-radiolysis for enhanced lubrication}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {120}, year = {2016}, month = {FEB}, pages = {2139-2148}, abstract = {High-quality reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets (NSs) were synthesized by the oxidation of graphite followed by hydrazine treatment for the reduction of the oxygen functionalities. gamma-Radiolysis was then used for the functionalization of the rGO-NSs with poly(ethylene glycol) 200 (PEG200). The functionalization resulted in the intercalation of PEG200 molecules in rGO through hydrogen bonding between the hydroxyl groups of rGO and the oxygen atoms of PEG200 molecules. This resulted in an increase in the d spacing of the graphene sheets and a decrease in the defect density of the carbon network in the rGO. The friction coefficient and wear of sliding steel surfaces were reduced by 38\% and 55\%, respectively, when 0.03 mg mL(-1) PEG200-functionalized rGO dispersed in PEG200 was used. The lubrication properties can be described by bipolar interactions between PEG200 and rGO, leading to effective dispersion. Chemical analysis of wear particles showed decomposition of rGO into nanosized graphite domains, as exhibited by mechanical energy produced in tribo-contact. Moreover, these domains formed effective and stable tribofilms on the steel wear tracks that easily sheared under the action of contact stress. This significantly enhanced the antifriction and antiwear properties, resulting in improved oxidation resistance of PEG200 under the tribo-contact. It was found that, at high rGO concentrations, the lubrication efficiency decreased as a result of graphene-graphene intersheet collisions, producing mechanical energy and chemical defects at contact interfaces.}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpcc.5b08762}, author = {Gupta, Bhavana and Kumar, Niranjan and Panda, Kalpataru and Melvin, Ambrose A. and Joshi, Shailesh and Dash, Sitaram and Tyagi, Ashok Kumar} } @article {43395, title = {Effects of thermal treatment of ZnO-ZnCr2O4 catalyst on the particle size and product selectivity in dehydrocyclization of crude glycerol and ethylenediamine}, journal = {Kinetics and Catalysis}, volume = {57}, year = {2016}, month = {SEP}, pages = {602-609}, abstract = {The ZnO-ZnCr2O4 (Zn-Cr-O) sample obtained by decomposition of Zn-Cr hydrotalcite precursor was subjected to the thermal treatment at different temperatures and the physico-chemical properties of the Zn-Cr-O system were compared with its catalytic behavior in dehydrocyclization of crude glycerol and ethylenediamine (EDA). Upon high temperature treatment of Zn-Cr-O the Cr6+ ions underwent autoreduction to form stable Cr3+ species and the particle size of both ZnO and ZnCr2O4 increased dramatically. Thermal effect did not influence the intermolecular cyclisation of EDA to form pyrazine. By contrast, an inversely proportional dependence was found between the rate of formation of 2-methylpyrazine and the particle size of Zn-Cr-O whereas the rate of 2-pyrazinylmethanol was directly proportional to the particle size.}, doi = {10.1134/S0023158416050177}, author = {Sarkari, Reema and Krishna, Vankudoth and Sudhakar, Medak and Rao, Tumula Venkateshwar and Padmasri, Aytam Hari and Srinivas, Darbha and Venugopal, Akula} } @article { ISI:000380417800044, title = {Efficacy of zero-valent copper (Cu-0) nanoparticles and reducing agents for dechlorination of mono chloroaromatics}, journal = {Chemosphere}, volume = {159}, year = {2016}, month = {SEP}, pages = {359-366}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The zero-valent copper (Cu-0) nanoparticles were prepared by chemical reduction method. The morphology of nanoparticles was investigated by using X ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X ray, UV-visible spectrophotometer and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area analyser. The Cu-0 nanoparticles along with reducing agents, NaBH4/5\% acidified alcohol were used for the dechlorination of chloroaromatics at room temperature. Chlorobenzene (Cl-B), chlorotoluene (Cl-T), chloropyridine (Cl-Py) and chlorobiphenyl (Cl-BPh) were selected as the contaminants. The effect of various operating parameters such as pH, concentration of the catalyst and reducing agent (NaBH4), and recycling of the catalyst on dechlorination were studied. Nearly complete dechlorination of all the chloroaromatics were achieved in the presence of Cu-0 nanoparticles (2.5 g L-1) and NaBH4 (1.0 g L-1.) within 12 h. On the contrary, approximately 70\% of dechlorination was observed in the presence of 5\% acidified alcohol at similar experimental conditions. The dechlorination mechanism highlighted the importance of Cu-0 nanoparticles as a surface mediator. The kinetics of the dechlorination of chloroaromatics was investigated and compared with chloroaliphatics. The dechlorination rate differed from 0.23 h(-1) (Cl-B) to 0.15 h(-1) (Cl-BPh) in the presence of Cu-0 nanoparticles and NaBH4. The effectiveness of Cu nanoparticles with NaBH4 (1 g L-1) and 5\% acidified alcohol as electron donors were studied by oxidation-reduction potential and observed to be -1016 mV and -670 mV, respectively. Final products of the dechlorination were benzene, toluene, pyridine and biphenyl, as identified by gas chromatograph mass spectrometer and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Acidified alcohol, ChloroAromatics, Hydrodechlorination, NaBH4, Wastewater treatment, Zero-valent copper (Cu-0) nanoparticles}, issn = {0045-6535}, doi = {10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.06.031}, author = {Raut, Sandesh S. and Kamble, Sanjay P. and Kulkarni, Prashant S.} } @article { ISI:000377424600004, title = {Efficient cellular entry of (r-x-r)-type carbamate-plasmid DNA complexes and its implication for noninvasive topical DNA delivery to skin}, journal = {Molecular Pharmaceutics}, volume = {13}, number = {6}, year = {2016}, month = {JUN}, pages = {1779-1790}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Arginine-rich cell penetrating peptides are powerful tools for in vitro as well as in vivo delivery of a wide plethora of biomolecules. However, presence of consecutive arginine residues leads to enhanced amenability for proteolytic degradation as well as steric hindrances for membrane interactions which compromise its bioavailability. In order to overcome these limitations we previously reported a safe and stable octaarginine based oligomer, i.e., (r-x-r)4-carbamate, where the backbone amide linkages were replaced by carbamate linkages and 6-aminohexanoic acid based spacer moieties were incorporated for better flexibility, hydrophobicity, optimal spacing of guanidinium groups, and protection against proteolytic cleavage; resulting in improved transfection efficiency over its amide counterpart. In the present work we have investigated the mechanism behind this enhanced transfection efficiency and, based on our observations, demonstrate how the synergistic effect of rationalized oligomer designing, complex characteristics, and cell type contributes to overall effective intracellular delivery. Our results indicate that the (r-x-r)4-carbamate plasmid DNA complexes primarily utilize lipid raft dependent pathway of cellular entry more than other pathways, and this possibly facilitates their increased entry in the lipid raft rich milieu of skin cells. We also emphasize the utility of oligomer (r-x-r)4-carbamate as an efficient carrier for topical delivery of nucleic acids in skin tissue. This carrier can be utilized for safe, efficient, and noninvasive delivery of therapeutically relevant macromolecular hydrophilic cargo like nucleic acids to skin.

}, keywords = {Cell penetrating peptides, endocytosis, nucleic acid delivery, skin penetration, transfection}, issn = {1543-8384}, doi = {10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.5b00915}, author = {Vij, Manika and Natarajan, Poornemaa and Yadav, Amit K. and Patil, Kiran M. and Pandey, Tanuja and Gupta, Nidhi and Santhiya, Deenan and Kumar, Vaijayanti A. and Fernandes, Moneesha and Ganguli, Munia} } @article { ISI:000366864700011, title = {Employing carboxylic acids in aryne multicomponent coupling triggered by aziridines/azetidines}, journal = {Organic Chemistry Frontiers}, volume = {3}, number = {1}, year = {2016}, month = {NOV}, pages = {71-76}, publisher = {CHINESE CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {PO BOX 1-18, NANKANG, TAIPEI 115, TAIWAN}, abstract = {

The transition-metal-free aryne multicomponent coupling (MCC) involving carboxylic acids initiated by aziridines/azetidines has been reported. The use of aziridines as nucleophiles afforded N-aryl beta-amino alcohol derivatives and the application of azetidines as nucleophilic triggers furnished N-aryl gamma-amino alcohol derivatives in moderate to good yields. These reactions proceed under mild conditions and result in the formation of a new carbon-nitrogen bond and a new carbon-oxygen bond. The utility of carboxylic acids in aryne MCCs has been demonstrated, and the synthetic potential of phenols as acid surrogates in the present aryne MCCs has been realized.

}, issn = {2052-4129}, doi = {10.1039/c5qo00328h}, author = {Roy, Tony and Bhojgude, Sachin Suresh and Kaicharla, Trinadh and Thangaraj, Manikandan and Garai, Bikash and Biju, Akkattu T.} } @article { ISI:000371239900016, title = {Enantioselective modular total synthesis of macrolides Sch725674 and C-4-epi-Sch725674}, journal = {European Journal of Organic Chemistry}, number = {6}, year = {2016}, month = {FEB}, pages = {1215-1226}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {POSTFACH 101161, 69451 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

The convergent total synthesis of Sch725674 has been accomplished by starting from (R)-1,2-epoxyheptane and assembling five modules in a highly stereoselective manner to give the final product in 6.6\% overall yield. The same strategy was extended to the synthesis of its C-4 epimer. Key reactions of the synthetic pathway include a Jacobsen hydrolytic kinetic resolution of an epoxide followed by its regioselective opening through a Yamaguchi-Hirao alkynylation, and ring-closing metathesis reaction to furnish the unique 14-membered ring macrolactone. In addition, the influence of protecting groups on the efficiency of the ring-closing metathesis (RCM) macrocyclization has been studied to maximize its yields.

}, keywords = {Asymmetric synthesis, Hydrolytic kinetic resolution, Macrocycles, Metathesis, Natural products}, issn = {1434-193X}, doi = {10.1002/ejoc.201501531}, author = {Sharma, Brijesh M. and Gontala, Arjun and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article {42902, title = {Enantiospecific formal synthesis of inthomycin C}, journal = {Chemistry Select}, volume = {1}, year = {2016}, month = {MAR}, pages = {495{\textendash}497}, abstract = {

An enantiospecific synthesis of Hatakeyama{\textquoteright}s intermediate enynol has been accomplished in both enantiomeric forms. As these intermediates can be converted to (3R)-inthomycin C and (3S)-inthomycin C through respective enynol intermediates using reported procedures, present effort may be regarded as formal synthesis of inthomycin C in both enantiomeric forms. Our synthesis highlights the use of pantolactone chiral pool and thus reconfirms the previously assigned absolute stereochemistry as 3R to the natural product inthomycin C.

}, doi = {10.1002/slct.201600128}, author = {Athawale, Paresh R. and Kashinath, K. and Reddy, D. Srinivasa} } @article { ISI:000371608600013, title = {Endohedrally doped gold nanocages: efficient catalysts for O-2 activation and CO oxidation}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics}, volume = {18}, number = {10}, year = {2016}, month = {MAR}, pages = {7068-7074}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Gold nanocages are the most attractive catalytic materials as all the atoms in the cage type clusters reside on the surface, making them available for chemisorption by reacting molecules. Due to a hollow space at the center, their chemical and catalytic properties can be tuned effectively and easily by endohedral doping. While a significant experimental and theoretical understanding is currently available on the structural and electronic properties of doped gold cages, very little information is available on their reactivity and catalytic behavior. In the present work, with the help of density functional theory calculations we demonstrate that endohedral doping leads to a notable increase in the binding energy of molecular oxygen on the gold nanocages. The enhancement in the O-2 binding energy on the doped gold cages is also confirmed by a significant decrease in the Au-O and an increase in the O-O bond lengths, corroborated by a red shift (similar to 250 cm(-1)) in the O-O stretching frequency as compared to the pristine cage. Furthermore, interestingly, the doped gold cages show very low activation barriers for the environmentally important CO oxidation reaction as compared to the pristine gold cage. Importantly, the decrease in the barrier height is comparatively greater for the rate limiting step of O-O-C-O intermediate formation and as a result the CO oxidation is expected to be more facile on the doped gold cages. Thus, the current study highlights the role of heteroatom doping in imparting new chemical and catalytic properties to gold cages and is expected to spur further research in the design of efficient gold nanocatalysts.

}, issn = {1463-9076}, doi = {10.1039/c5cp05624a}, author = {Manzoor, Dar and Krishnamurty, Sailaja and Pal, Sourav} } @article {43441, title = {Engineering crystals that facilitate the acyl-transfer reaction: insight from a comparison of the crystal structures of myo-inositol-1,3,5-orthoformate-derived benzoates and carbonates}, journal = {ACTA Crystallographica Section C-Structural Chemistry}, volume = {72}, year = {2016}, month = {NOV}, pages = {875-+}, abstract = {Minor variations in the molecular structure of constituent molecules of reactive crystals often yield crystals with significantly different properties due to altered modes of molecular association in the solid state. Hence, these studies could provide a better understanding of the complex chemical processes occurring in the crystalline state. However, reactions that proceed efficiently in molecular crystals are only a small fraction of the reactions that are known to proceed (with comparable efficiency) in the solution state. Hence, for consistent progress in this area of research, investigation of newer reactive molecular crystals which support different kinds of reactions and their related systems is essential. The crystal structures and acyl-transfer reactivity of a myo-inositol-1,3,5-orthoformate-derived dibenzoate and its carbonate (4-O-benzoyl-2-O-phenoxycarbonyl-myo-inositol 1,3,5-orthoformate, C21H18O9) and thiocarbonate (4-O-benzoyl-2-O-phenoxythiocarbonyl-myo-inositol 1,3,5-orthoformate, C21H18O8S) analogs are compared with the aim of understanding the relationship between crystal structure and acyl-transfer reactivity. Insertion of an O atom in the acyl (or thioacyl) group of an ester gives the corresponding carbonate (or thiocarbonate). This seemingly minor change in molecular structure results in a considerable change in the packing of the molecules in the crystals of myoinositol-1,3,5-orthoformate-derived benzoates and the corresponding carbonates. These differences result in a lack of intermolecular acyl-transfer reactivity in crystals of myo-inositol-1,3,5-orthoformate-derived carbonates. Hence, this study illustrates the sensitivity of the relative orientation of molecules, their packing and ensuing changes in the reactivity of resulting crystals to minor changes in molecular structure.}, doi = {10.1107/S205322961601603X}, author = {Tamboli, Majid I. and Krishanaswamy, Shobhana and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Shashidhar, Mysore S.} } @article { ISI:000379102600099, title = {Enhanced clathrate hydrate formation kinetics at near ambient temperatures and moderate pressures: Application to natural gas storage}, journal = {Fuel}, volume = {182}, year = {2016}, month = {OCT}, pages = {907-919}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

SNG (solidified natural gas) technology via clathrate hydrates is a potential method for large scale stationary storage of natural gas. Clathrate hydrate formation kinetics in presence of methane and 5.6 mol\% tetrahydrofuran (THF) was investigated in an unstirred reactor configuration at moderate pressure and temperature conditions. It is well known that the presence of THF generally improves the thermodynamic stability of the resulting hydrate. In order to study the scale-up potential of this approach, kinetics of hydrate growth at temperatures close to ambient conditions and moderate pressures is required. Hydrate formation experiments were performed at three different temperatures - 283.2 K, 288.2 K and 293.2 K and at experimental pressures of 7.2 MPa, 5.0 and 3.0 MPa. Further, we report a synergistic effect of kinetic promotion of mixed methane hydrate formation by coupling THF and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) at 293.2 K. For the first time, we observe rapid mixed methane/THF hydrate formation kinetics at 293.2 K in presence of just 100 ppm sodium dodecyl sulfate surfactant with methane gas uptake of 3.45 (+/- 0.17) kmol/m(3) of water in 1 h. This is also the first study to demonstrate such rapid hydrate formation kinetics with significant methane storage capacity at temperature of 293.2 K (closer to the ambient temperature). Further, substantial methane gas uptake of 3.52 (+/- 0.13) kmol/m(3) of water is possible even at reduced experimental pressure of 3.0 MPa and 283.2 K in 2 h. Minimal energy requirement in an unstirred reactor for mixed methane/THF hydrate formation storage can propel the SNG technology for large scale commercial deployment. Further improvement in the process can be achieved by optimizing the cooling requirement through innovative reactor design and operating the process in a semi-batch or continuous mode. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Methane hydrates, Natural gas storage, Rapid kinetics, surfactant, Tetrahydrofuran, Unstirred reactor}, issn = {0016-2361}, doi = {10.1016/j.fuel.2016.05.068}, author = {Veluswamy, Hari Prakash and Kumar, Sharad and Kumar, Rajnish and Rangsunvigit, Pramoch and Linga, Praveen} } @article {42831, title = {Enhancement in rate of photocatalysis upon catalyst recycling}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {6}, year = {2016}, month = {OCT}, pages = {Article Number: 35075}, abstract = {

Recyclability is an important aspect for heterogeneous photo-catalysts. Ease of recovery and stability of the photo-catalyst in terms of efficiency over the number of cycles are highly desired and in fact it is ideal if the efficiency is constant and it should not decrease marginally with each cycle. Presented here is a seminal observation in which the photocatalytic activity is shown to improve with increasing number of catalytic cycles (it is 1.7 times better after the 1st cycle and 3.1 times better after the 2nd cycle). Specifically, nanorods of pure TiO2 and TiO2 doped with controlled amount of tungsten have been used to degrade two model pollutants: Phenol and Rhodamine B under exclusive visible light illumination. It was found that, in case of 1 mol.\% W incorporation, rate of photocatalysis and also the range of visible light absorption of the photocatalyst increased after the photocatalysis as compared to before photocatalysis. This aspect is unique for doped TiO2 and hence provides an intriguing way to mitigate low photoactivity.

}, doi = {10.1038/srep35075}, author = {Sorathiya, Kalpesh and Mishra, Biswajit and Kalarikkal, Abhishek and Reddy, Kasala Prabhakar and Gopinath, Chinnakonda S. and Khushalani, Deepa} } @article {43586, title = {Epoxide ring-opening reaction by using sol-gel-synthesized palladium supported on a strontium hydroxyl fluoride catalyst}, journal = {Comptes Rendus Chimie}, volume = {19}, year = {2016}, month = {OCT}, pages = {1237-1246}, abstract = {Palladium supported on a strontium hydroxyl fluoride catalyst was synthesized by a one-pot fluorolytic sol-gel method. The prepared catalyst was characterized by various physicochemical techniques. The sol-gel method has led to the formation of a high surface area (57 m(2)g(-1)), mesoporous (pore diameter = 13.0 nm) catalyst with uniform dispersion of Pd nanoparticles of size similar to 7 nm on the surface of strontium hydroxyl fluoride. The catalyst was used for epoxide alcoholysis, and 100\% conversion was obtained with 96\% selectivity for beta-alkoxy alcohols under mild conditions: The catalyst could be recycled for up to three catalytic cycles without any appreciable decrease in conversion and selectivity, indicating the stability of the catalyst under the reaction conditions. Further, the mechanism of alcoholysis was proposed on the basis of the physicochemical characteristics of the catalyst and on the basis of the products formed during the catalytic reaction. (C) 2016 Academie des sciences. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.}, doi = {10.1016/j.crci.2016.07.008}, author = {Acham, Vaibhav R. and Dongare, Mohan K. and Kemnitz, Erhard and Umbarkar, Shubhangi B.} } @article {43571, title = {ESP promoted "on water" click reaction: a highly economic and sustainable protocol for 1,4-disubstituted-1H-1,2,3-triazole synthesis at room temperature}, journal = {Chemistryselect}, volume = {1}, year = {2016}, month = {NOV}, pages = {6016-6019}, abstract = {A highly economic and green protocol for azide-alkyne cyclo-addition reactions in water has been developed which offers a mild, practical and inexpensive basic alternative to the conventional protocols. The protocol uses readily available, considered as waste material, Egg Shell Powder (ESP) as an additive for CuAAC reaction. The reactions proceeded in water in presence of this basic waste material derived additive under {\textquoteright}external base/ligand/reducing agent/organic solvent{\textquoteright} free conditions affording good to excellent yields of the desired products.}, doi = {10.1002/slct.201601267}, author = {Konwar, Manashjyoti and Ali, Abdul A. and Chetia, Mitali and Saikia, Prakash J. and Khupse, Nageshwar D. and Sarma, Diganta} } @article {43436, title = {Evaluating the anticancer activity and nanoparticulate nature of homeopathic preparations of Terminalia chebula}, journal = {Homeopathy}, volume = {105}, year = {2016}, month = {NOV}, pages = {318-326}, abstract = {Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women and is the second leading cause of cancer death. Homeopathic medicines are part of the alternative medicines that are given as a supportive therapy in breast cancer. The objective of this study was to investigate the anticancer activity of commercially available homeopathic preparations of Terminalia chebula (TC) and evaluate their nanoparticulate nature. Methods: Mother tincture (MT) and other homeopathic preparations (3X, 6C and 30C) of TC were tested for their effect on the viability of breast cancer (MDAMB231 and MCF7) and non-cancerous (HEK 293) cell lines by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Cell growth assay was performed to analyze the effect of the different potencies on the growth kinetics of breast cancer cells. MT and 6C were evaluated for the presence of nanoparticles by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results: MT decreased the viability of breast cancer (MDAMB231 and MCF7) and non-cancerous (HEK 293) cells. However, the other potencies (3X, 6C and 30C) decreased the viability of only breast cancer cells without affecting the viability of the non-cancerous cells. All the potencies, MT, 3X, 6C and 30C, reduced growth kinetics of breast cancer cells, more specifically at 1:10 dilution at 24, 48 and 72 h. Under SEM, MT appeared as a mesh-like structure whereas under TEM, it showed presence of nanoclusters. On the other hand, 6C potency contained 20 nm sized nanoparticles. Conclusion: The current study reports the anticancer activity of homeopathic preparations of TC against breast cancer and reveals their nanoparticulate nature. These preliminary results warrant further mechanistic studies at both in vitro and in vivo levels to evaluate the potential of TC as nanomedicine in breast cancer.}, doi = {10.1016/j.homp.2016.02.004}, author = {Wani, Kirtee and Shah, Nilesh and Prabhune, Asmita and Jadhav, Arun and Ranjekar, Prabhakar and Kaul-Ghanekar, Ruchika} } @article {45635, title = {Evolution of specific 3 {\textquoteleft}-5 {\textquoteleft}-linkages in RNA in pre-biotic soup: a new hypothesis}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {14}, year = {2016}, month = {NOV}, pages = {10123-10133}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

This article reviews the different possibilities towards progression of the formation of DNA/RNA in the chemical world, before life, in enzyme-free conditions. The advent of deoxyribo- and ribopentose-sugars, nucleosides, nucleotides and oligonucleotides in the prebiotic soup is briefly discussed. Further, the formation of early single stranded oligomers, base-pairing possibilities and information transfer based on the stability parameters of the derived duplexes is reviewed. Each theory has its own merits and demerits which we have elaborated upon. Lastly, using clues from this literature, a possible explanation for the specific 3{\textquoteright}-5{\textquoteright}-linkages in RNA is proposed.

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/c6ob01796g}, author = {Kumar, Vaijayanti A.} } @article {43401, title = {Experimental investigation to elucidate why tetrahydrofuran rapidly promotes methane hydrate formation kinetics: applicable to energy storage}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {120}, year = {2016}, month = {DEC}, pages = {29062-29068}, abstract = {Methane storage as SNG (solidified natural gas) in the form of clathrate hydrates is an emerging, economically feasible and environmentally benign technology for large scale storage. Mixed tetrahydrofuran (THF)-methane (CH4) hydrates offer a paradigm shift to milder storage conditions and faster hydrate formation kinetics, providing a promising scenario to scale up the SNG technology. In this work, we synthesize mixed THF-CH4 hydrates in a high pressure microdifferential scanning calorimeter (HP mu-DSC) to elucidate the two-step hydrate formation mechanism of mixed THF-CH4 hydrate identifying the synergism between THF and CH4. Heat flow change during hydrate formation and dissociation of mixed THF-CH4 hydrates formed in the presence of 5.56 mol \% THF (stoichiometric composition) were monitored. The two step-mechanism of mixed THF-CH4 hydrate formation was further confirmed by the pressure-temperature profile and visual observations with a sample volume scale -up of about 350 times that of mu-DSC experiments.}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpcc.6b11995}, author = {Kumar, Asheesh and Daraboina, Nagu and Kumar, Rajnish and Linga, Praveen} } @article { ISI:000379484200023, title = {Exploration of magnetically separable Ag@AgxNiy core/graded-alloy-shell nanostructures}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {52}, number = {56}, year = {2016}, month = {JUN}, pages = {8737-8740}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We report novel bimetallic Ag@AgxNiy core@graded-alloy-shell nanoparticles (CGAS NPs), i.e. single Ag core NPs shelled by an AgxNiy graded alloy and stabilized by the CTAB surfactant employing a novel synthesis method. These Ag@AgxNiy CGAS NPs demonstrated superior catalytic performance in the synthesis of biologically active 3-amino alkylated indoles under green conditions.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c6cc04087j}, author = {Kumar, Mukesh and Soni, Kiran and Satpati, Biswarup and Gopinath, Chinnakonda S. and Deka, Sasanka} } @article { ISI:000377515200041, title = {Exploration of the diastereoselectivity in an unusual Grignard reaction and its application towards the synthesis of styryl lactones 7-epi-(+)-goniodiol and 8-epi-(-)-goniodiol}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {6}, number = {56}, year = {2016}, month = {MAY}, pages = {50721-50725}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An unusual diastereoselective Grignard reaction is explored, where the Grignard reagents are derived from 1,n-dihaloalkanes. A steric bias due to the presence of a quaternary centre adjacent to the acetonide ester at the benzylic position is responsible for the formation of an intramolecularly reduced product in almost quantitative yield. This steric hindrance is responsible for the diastereoselectivity observed with a variety of aromatic as well as aliphatic esters. The unusual Grignard reaction furnishes long chain secondary alcohols possessing a terminal olefin, which are synthetically important intermediates. As an application of this method, the diastereoselective synthesis of styryl lactones viz. 7-epi-(+)-goniodiol (29) and 8-epi(-)-goniodiol (30) has been achieved.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c6ra03192g}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Khatod, Harshali S. and Das, Tamal and Vanka, Kumar} } @article { ISI:000379991000011, title = {Extension of the effective fragment potential method to macromolecules}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, volume = {120}, number = {27}, year = {2016}, month = {JUL}, pages = {6562-6574}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The effective fragment potential (EFP) approach, which can be described as a nonempirical polarizable force field, affords an accurate first-principles treatment of noncovalent interactions in extended systems. EFP can also describe the effect of the environment on the electronic properties (e.g., electronic excitation energies and ionization and electron-attachment energies) of a subsystem via the QM/EFP (quantum mechanics/EFP) polarizable embedding scheme. The original formulation of the method assumes that the system can be separated, without breaking covalent bonds, into closed-shell fragments, such as solvent and solute molecules. Here, we present an extension of the EFP method to macromolecules (mEFP). Several schemes for breaking a large molecule into small fragments described by EFP are presented and benchmarked. We focus on the electronic properties of molecules embedded into a protein environment and consider ionization, electron-attachment, and excitation energies (single-point calculations only). The model systems include chromophores of green and red fluorescent proteins surrounded by several nearby amino acid residues and phenolate bound to the T4 lysozyme. All mEFP schemes show robust performance and accurately reproduce the reference full QM calculations. For further applications of mEFP, we recommend either the scheme in which the peptide is cut along the C-alpha-C bond, giving rise to one fragment per amino acid, or the scheme with two cuts per amino acid, along the C-alpha-C and C-alpha-N bonds. While using these fragmentation schemes, the errors in solvatochromic shifts in electronic energy differences (excitation, ionization, electron detachment, or electron-attachment) do not exceed 0.1 eV. The largest error of QM/mEFP against QM/EFP (no fragmentation of the EFP part) is 0.06 eV (in most cases, the errors are 0.01-0.02 eV). The errors in the QM/molecular mechanics calculations with standard point charges can be as large as 0.3 eV.

}, issn = {1520-6106}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpcb.6b04166}, author = {Gurunathan, Pradeep Kumar and Acharya, Atanu and Ghosh, Debashree and Kosenkov, Dmytro and Kaliman, Ilya and Shao, Yihan and Krylov, Anna I. and Slipchenko, Lyudmila V.} } @article { ISI:000377604100021, title = {Facile green synthesis of BCN nanosheets as high-performance electrode material for electrochemical energy storage}, journal = {Chemistry-A European Journal}, volume = {22}, number = {21}, year = {2016}, month = {MAY}, pages = {7134-7140}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {POSTFACH 101161, 69451 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Two-dimensional hexagonal boron carbon nitride (BCN) nanosheets (NSs) were synthesized by new approach in which a mixture of glucose and an adduct of boric acid (H3BO3) and urea (NH2CONH2) is heated at 900 degrees C. The method is green, scalable and gives a high yield of BCN NSs with average size of about 1 mm and thickness of about 13 nm. Structural characterization of the as-synthesized material was carried out by several techniques, and its energy-storage properties were evaluated electrochemically. The material showed excellent capacitive behaviour with a specific capacitance as high as 244 F g(-1) at a current density of 1 A g(-1). The material retains up to 96\% of its initial capacity after 3000 cycles at a current density of 5 A g(-1).

}, keywords = {boron, Doping, Electrochemistry, Nanoparticles, nitrides}, issn = {0947-6539}, doi = {10.1002/chem.201505225}, author = {Karbhal, Indrapal and Devarapalli, Rami Reddy and Debgupta, Joyashish and Pillai, Vijayamohanan K. and Ajayan, Pulickel M. and Shelke, Manjusha V.} } @article { ISI:000373993600011, title = {Facile synthesis of new N-sulfonamidyl-4-thiazolidinone derivatives and their biological evaluation}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {40}, number = {4}, year = {2016}, month = {FEB}, pages = {3047-3058}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The one-pot three-component syntheses of new N-sulfonamide-thiazolidin-4-one derivatives were carried out in excellent yield using [HDBU][HSO4] as an ionic liquid under solvent-free conditions. The newly synthesized compounds were screened against fungal strains and a number of compounds were seen to display excellent antifungal activity. In addition, the synthesized compounds were screened for their scavenging activity of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and showed very good antioxidant activity. Finally, theoretical predictions derived from molecular docking studies against the potential target sterol 14 alpha-demethylase (CYP51) helped establish a link between the observed biological activity and the binding affinity, thereby providing insights into the specific bonding and non-bonding interactions governing the activity.

}, issn = {1144-0546}, doi = {10.1039/c6nj00021e}, author = {Subhedar, Dnyaneshwar D. and Shaikh, Mubarak H. and Khan, Firoz A. Kalam and Sangshetti, Jaiprakash N. and Khedkar, Vijay M. and Shingate, Bapurao B.} } @article {45858, title = {Fate of inorganic nanoparticles in agriculture}, journal = {Advanced Materials Letters}, volume = {7}, year = {2016}, month = {JAN}, pages = {3-12}, type = {Review}, abstract = {

In modern world, engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) are increasingly becoming an important component of daily life. They are becoming an integral part of a wide range of man-made products including electronics, paints, biomedical products, sunscreens, clothing, automobiles, etc. Rapid progress in the manufacturing of ENPs and the subsequent increase in its commercial applications always have had an impact on agriculture due to the exposure of living things to these ENPs. Also, human beings are directly dependent on the plants because of their nutritional values. Hence, the impact of nanoparticles on agricultural soil and plants is always of topical interest. It is imperative to be aware of the effects of nanoparticles on soil as well as on the soil ecosystem it supports especially the soil microbes and plants; or more specifically whether they have an influence on the agricultural yield and agri-economy. It is also important to study the effects of man-made nanomaterials on the properties of agricultural soil. This work reviews some of the key features of the impact of ENPs on the environment and the fate of ENPs in agriculture.

}, doi = {10.5185/amlett.2016.6048}, author = {Phogat, N. and Khan, S. A. and Shankar, S. and Ansary, A. A. and Uddin, I.} } @article { ISI:000369516100068, title = {Field emission properties of highly ordered low-aspect ratio carbon nanocup arrays}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {6}, number = {12}, year = {2016}, month = {JAN}, pages = {9932-9939}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Herein, we design and develop a field emission device utilizing highly porous carbon nanocup (CNC) films. These three-dimensional (3D) low-aspect ratio CNC structures were fabricated by a combination of anodization and chemical vapor deposition techniques. The low turn-on fields of 2.30 V mu m(-1) were observed to draw an emission current density of 1 mu A cm(-2) and a maximum emission current density of similar to 1.802 mA cm(-2) drawn at an applied field of similar to 4.20 V mu m(-1). The enhanced field emission behavior observed from the CNC films is attributed to an excellent field enhancement factor of 1645. The observed field emission properties of CNC arrays are attributed to a synergistic combination of high aspect ratio, nano-sized radius of curvature, highly organized distribution of the emitters over the whole area of specimen and lower screening effect of the CNC arrays. These observations shed light on the effect of the stacking carbon layers of CNC on their electronic properties and open up possibilities to integrate new morphologies of graphitic carbon in nanotechnology applications. Thus, the low turn on field, high emission current density and better emission current stability enable CNC based future field emission applications.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c5ra25682h}, author = {Gupta, Bipin Kumar and Kedawat, Garima and Kumar, Pawan and Singh, Satbir and Suryawanshi, Sachin R. and Agrawal, Neetu and Gupta, Govind and Kim, Ah Ra and Gupta, R. K. and More, Mahendra A. and Late, Dattatray J. and Hahm, Myung Gwan} } @article { ISI:000379040200026, title = {Fingering instability of a suspension film spreading on a spinning disk}, journal = {Physics of Fluids}, volume = {28}, number = {6}, year = {2016}, month = {JUN}, pages = {063303}, publisher = {AMER INST PHYSICS}, type = {Article}, address = {1305 WALT WHITMAN RD, STE 300, MELVILLE, NY 11747-4501 USA}, abstract = {

The spreading of a thin film of suspension on a spinning disk and the accompanying contact line instability is studied through flow visualization experiments. The critical radius for the onset of instability shows an increase with increase in the particle fraction (phi(p)) before decreasing slightly at the highest value of phi(p) studied, while the instability wavelength (lambda) exhibits a non-monotonic dependence. The value of lambda is close to that for a partially wetting liquid at lower phi(p), it decreases with increasing phi(p) to a minimum before increasing again at largest phi(p). The non-monotonic trends observed for lambda are discussed in light of the linear stability analysis of thin film equations derived for suspensions by Cook et al. [{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}Linear stability of particle-laden thin films,{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} Eur. Phys. J.: Spec. Top. 166, 77 (2009)] and Balmforth et al. [{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}Surface tension driven fingering of a viscoplastic film,{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} J. Non Newtonian Fluid Mech. 142, 143 (2007)]. Published by AIP Publishing.

}, issn = {1070-6631}, doi = {10.1063/1.4953174}, author = {Kulkarni, Mayuresh and Sahoo, Subhadarshinee and Doshi, Pankaj and Orpe, Ashish V.} } @article { ISI:000367701900032, title = {First total synthesis of gliomasolide C and formal total synthesis of sch-725674}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {81}, number = {1}, year = {2016}, month = {JAN}, pages = {290-296}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Syntheses of two 14-membered macrolides Sch-725674 and Gliomasolide C are described here. The first total synthesis of Gliomasolide C, the short synthesis of Sch-725674, and regios elective Wacker oxidation of internal olefin are the highlights of this disclosure. In addition, a key macrocyde with orthogonal functionalities was designed and synthesized on a gram scale for the generation of analogues.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/acs.joc.5b02318}, author = {Seetharamsingh, B. and Khairnar, Pankaj V. and Reddy, D. Srinivasa} } @article {43008, title = {Flexible microsupercapacitors using silk and cotton substrates}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {8}, year = {2016}, month = {NOV}, pages = {29504-29510}, abstract = {

Flexible microsupercapacitors (MSCs) are needed to power ultrasmall wearable electronic devices. Silk cocoons comprise microfibers of silk, which is an attractive natural resource to fabricate MSCs. These fibers are insulators; hence, they must be converted to conducting surfaces. Polyphenols from green tea have been used as a protective layer that also acted as a reducing agent for silver ions. The reduction of silver ions resulted in the formation of silver nanoparticles that subsequently reduced gold ions to gold. The gold film imparts conductivity to the silk fiber without affecting the mechanical strength of the silk fiber. The mechanical strength of uncoated silk fiber and gold coated silk fiber were found to be 5.2 and 5 GPa, respectively. A pseudocapacitive polymer, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), was used as the active material to fabricate MSCs. The MSCs showed an impressive gravimetric capacitance of 500 F/g and areal capacitance of 62 mF/cm(2). The power and energy densities were calculated to be 2458 W/kg and 44 Wh/kg, respectively. The device was coiled on a cylinder, and the performance of the device was found to be same as that of the uncoiled device. To demonstrate that the approach is not specific to silk, we also coated gold on cotton fibers using the protocol used to coat gold on silk. Coiled and uncoiled supercapacitors were fabricated using PEDOT coated cotton fibers. The gravimetric capacitance was found to be 250 F/g with energy and power densities of 5.5 Wh/kg and 1118 W/kg, respectively. We have also demonstrated that the devices can be connected in parallel and series to improve the performance of the miniaturized devices.

}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.6b10431}, author = {Das, Chayanika and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam} } @article {45647, title = {Fluorescent carbon nanodots for targeted in vitro cancer cell imaging}, journal = {Applied Materials Today}, volume = {4}, year = {2016}, month = {SEP}, pages = {71-77}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs or C-dots, \<= 10nm in size) are tiny carbon nanoparticles being envisaged in biosensing, bio-imaging and biomolecular/drug delivery. In the present investigation, green fluorescent carbon quantum/nano dots (GCQDs, similar to 3 nm in size) were synthesized through facile chemical slicing method. Further, folic acid (FA) functionalized GCQDs (GCQDs-FA) were obtained to enhance their targeting ability. FA is known to positively influence the binding potential and penetration into the cancer cells because of high abundance of folate receptors (FR) on various cancer cell membranes. We report high biocompatibility, photoluminescence stability and excellent in vitro cancer cell cytoplasm and nucleus targeting performance of GCQDs-FA on MCF-7 breast cancer cells. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Cancer cell bio-imaging, Carbon quantum/nano dots, Cell cytoplasm and nucleus targeting, Green fluorescence, Photoluminescence stability, Targeting ability}, issn = {2352-9407}, doi = {10.1016/j.apmt.2016.07.001}, author = {Aiyer, Sandhya and Prasad, Rajendra and Kumar, Manoj and Niryikar, K. and Jain, Bhanprakash and Kushwaha, Omkar S.} } @article { ISI:000369200500019, title = {Functional and conformational transitions of mevalonate diphosphate decarboxylase from Bacopa monniera}, journal = {International Journal of Biological Macromolecules}, volume = {83}, year = {2016}, month = {FEB}, pages = {160-170}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Functional and conformational transitions of mevalonate diphosphate decarboxylase (MDD), a key enzyme of mevalonate pathway in isoprenoid biosynthesis, from Bacopa monniera (BmMDD), cloned and overexpressed in Escherichia coli were studied under thermal, chemical and pH-mediated denaturation conditions using fluorescence and Circular dichroism spectroscopy. Native BmMDD is a helix dominant structure with 45\% helix and 11\% sheets and possesses seven tryptophan residues with two residues exposed on surface, three residues partially exposed and two situated in the interior of the protein. Thermal denaturation of BmMDD causes rapid structural transitions at and above 40 degrees C and transient exposure of hydrophobic residues at 50 degrees C, leading to aggregation of the protein. An acid induced molten globule like structure was observed at pH 4, exhibiting altered but compact secondary structure, distorted tertiary structure and exposed hydrophobic residues. The molten globule displayed different response at higher temperature and similar response to chemical denaturation as compared to the native protein. The surface tryptophans have predominantly positively charged amino acids around them, as indicated by higher K-SV for IC as compared to that for CsCl. The native enzyme displayed two different lifetimes, vi (1.203 +/- 0.036 ns) and tau 2 (3.473 +/- 0.12 ns) indicating two populations of tryptophan. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Aggregation, CD spectroscopy, Fluorescence quenching, Mevalonate diphosphate decarboxylase, Unfolding}, issn = {0141-8130}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2015.11.067}, author = {Shakeel, Abbassi and Patel, Krunal and Khan, Bashir Mohammad and Bhosale, Siddharth H. and Gaikwad, Sushama M.} } @article { ISI:000374800700041, title = {Functional characterization and transient expression manipulation of a new sesquiterpene synthase involved in beta-caryophyllene accumulation in Ocimum}, journal = {Biochemical And Biophysical Research Communications}, volume = {473}, number = {1}, year = {2016}, month = {APR}, pages = {265-271}, publisher = {ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE}, address = {525 B ST, STE 1900, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101-4495 USA}, abstract = {

The genus Ocimum has a unique blend of diverse secondary metabolites, with major proportion of terpenoids including mono- and sesquiterpenes. Although, beta-Caryophyllene, bicyclic sesquiterpene, is one of the major terpene found in Ocimum species and known to possess several biological activities, not much is known about its biosynthesis in Ocimum. Here, we describe isolation and characterization of beta-caryophyllene synthase gene from Ocimum kilimandscharicum Gurke (OkBCS- GenBank accession no. KP226502). The open reading frame of 1629 bp encoded a protein of 542 amino acids with molecular mass of 63.6 kDa and pl value of 5.66. The deduced amino acid sequence revealed 50-70\% similarity with known sesquiterpene synthases from angiosperms. Recombinant OkBCS converted farnesyl diphosphate to beta-caryophyllene as a major product (94\%) and 6\% alpha-humulene. Expression variation of OkBCS well corroborated with beta-caryophyllene levels in different tissues from five Ocimum species. OkBCS transcript revealed higher expression in leaves and flowers. Further, agro-infiltration based transient expression manipulation with OkBCS over-expression and silencing confirmed its role in beta-caryophyllene biosynthesis. These findings may potentially be further utilized to improve plant defense against insect pests. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {beta-Caryophyllene, Natural product biosynthesis, Ocimum, Terpene synthase, Transient expression}, issn = {0006-291X}, doi = {10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.03.090}, author = {Jayaramaiah, Ramesha H. and Anand, Atul and Beedkar, Supriya D. and Dholakia, Shushan B. and Punekar, Sachin A. and Kalunke, Raviraj M. and Gade, Wasudeo N. and Thulasiram, Hirekodathakallu V. and Giri, Ashok P.} } @article { ISI:000378741200010, title = {Fusarium oxysporum mediates systems metabolic reprogramming of chickpea roots as revealed by a combination of proteomics and metabolomics}, journal = {Plant Biotechnology Journal}, volume = {14}, number = {7}, year = {2016}, month = {JUL}, pages = {1589-1603}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

Molecular changes elicited by plants in response to fungal attack and how this affects plant-pathogen interaction, including susceptibility or resistance, remain elusive. We studied the dynamics in root metabolism during compatible and incompatible interactions between chickpea and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri (Foc), using quantitative label-free proteomics and NMR-based metabolomics. Results demonstrated differential expression of proteins and metabolites upon Foc inoculations in the resistant plants compared with the susceptible ones. Additionally, expression analysis of candidate genes supported the proteomic and metabolic variations in the chickpea roots upon Foc inoculation. In particular, we found that the resistant plants revealed significant increase in the carbon and nitrogen metabolism; generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lignification and phytoalexins. The levels of some of the pathogenesis-related proteins were significantly higher upon Foc inoculation in the resistant plant. Interestingly, results also exhibited the crucial role of altered Yang cycle, which contributed in different methylation reactions and unfolded protein response in the chickpea roots against Foc. Overall, the observed modulations in the metabolic flux as outcome of several orchestrated molecular events are determinant of plant{\textquoteright}s role in chickpea-Foc interactions.

}, keywords = {Chickpea, fusarium oxysporum, Metabolomics, NMR, plant-pathogen interaction, proteomics}, issn = {1467-7644}, doi = {10.1111/pbi.12522}, author = {Kumar, Yashwant and Zhang, Limin and Panigrahi, Priyabrata and Dholakia, Bhushan B. and Dewangan, Veena and Chavan, Sachin G. and Kunjir, Shrikant M. and Wu, Xiangyu and Li, Ning and Rajmohanan, Pattuparambil R. and Kadoo, Narendra Y. and Giri, Ashok P. and Tang, Huiru and Gupta, Vidya S.} } @article {43605, title = {Gadolinium(III)-based porous luminescent metal-organic frameworks for bimodal imaging}, journal = {Chempluschem}, volume = {81}, year = {2016}, month = {AUG}, pages = {728-732}, abstract = {Gd-III-based metal-organic frameworks, Gd-pDBI-1 and Gd-pDBI-2, have been synthesized using the linker pDBI (pDBI=1,4-bis(5-carboxy-1H-benzimidazole-2yl)benzene). They exhibited structural diversity due to subtle change in reaction constituents. Owing to the judicious choice of the fluorescent linker, the materials could be used for bimodal imaging (fluorescent and magnetic resonance) and displayed a modest T1 relaxivity value.}, doi = {10.1002/cplu.201600233}, author = {Kundu, Tanay and Mitra, Shouvik and Diaz Diaz, David and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article { ISI:000373029500086, title = {Glucose sensing and low-threshold field emission from MnCo2O4 nanosheets}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {6}, number = {35}, year = {2016}, month = {MAR}, pages = {29734-29740}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Manganese cobalt oxide (MnCo2O4) nanosheets were grown on nickel (Ni) foam by a simple electrodeposition method. The as-synthesized nanosheets were characterized using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The Ni foam supports the growth of MnCo2O4 nanosheets without any aggregation, thereby increasing its catalytic and electronic properties. The electrochemical studies show that MnCo2O4 exhibits excellent electrocatalytic activity towards glucose sensing applications. The MnCo2O4 based glucose sensor shows a good sensitivity value of 8.2 mA mM(-1) cm(-2), with a response time of 19 s. In addition to this, field emission studies of as-synthesized MnCo2O4 reveal a low turn-on field value of 1.9 V mm(-1) and good emission current stability, demonstrating MnCo2O4 nanosheets as a good field emitter material.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c6ra01169a}, author = {Naik, Kusha Kumar and Khare, Ruchita T. and More, Mahendra A. and Late, Dattatray J. and Rout, Chandra Sekhar} } @article {42688, title = {Glycation induces conformational changes in Amyloid-? peptide and enhances its aggregation propensity: molecular insights}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics}, volume = {18}, year = {2016}, month = {OCT}, pages = {31446-31458}, doi = {10.1039/C6CP05041G}, author = {Jana, Asis K. and Batkulwar, Kedar B. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J. and Sengupta, Neelanjana} } @article { ISI:000373636800006, title = {Gold(I) catalyzed [1,3] O -> C rearrangement of benzylvinyl ethers}, journal = {Organic Chemistry Frontiers}, volume = {3}, number = {4}, year = {2016}, month = {JAN}, pages = {453-456}, publisher = {CHINESE CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {PO BOX 1-18, NANKANG, TAIPEI 115, TAIWAN}, abstract = {

A simple procedure for the preparation of 3-(hetero) arylpropionaldehydes has been developed employing a gold-catalyzed [1,3]-rearrangement of vinyl ethers. Using this protocol, Canthoxal, an aromatic aldehyde used in perfumery, has been prepared on a gram scale.

}, issn = {2052-4129}, doi = {10.1039/c5qo00397k}, author = {Kona, Chandrababu Naidu and Patil, Mahesh N. and Ramana, Chepuri V.} } @article {45636, title = {Graphene oxide sheathed ZIF-8 microcrystals: engineered precursors of nitrogen-doped porous carbon for efficient oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysis}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {8}, year = {2016}, month = {NOV}, pages = {29373-29382}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Nitrogen containing mesoporous carbon obtained by the pyrolysis of graphene oxide (GO) wrapped ZIF-8 (Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks-8) micro crystals is demonstrated to be an efficient catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). ZIF-8 synthesis in the presence of GO sheets helped to realize layers of graphene oxide over ZIF-8 microcrystals and the sphere-like structures thus obtained, on heat treatment, transformed to highly porous carbon with a nitrogen content of about 6.12\% and surface area of 502 m(2)/g. These catalysts with a typical micromeso porous architecture exhibited an onset potential of 0.88Vvs RHE in a four electron pathway and also demonstrated superior durability in alkaline medium compared to that of the commercial Pt/C catalyst. The N-doped porous carbon derived from GO sheathed ZIF-8 core shell structures could therefore be employed as an efficient electrocatalyst for fuel cell applications.

}, keywords = {alkaline fuel cell, graphene oxide, N-doped carbon, oxygen reduction reaction, porous carbon, ZIF-8}, issn = {1944-8244}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.6b06979}, author = {Thomas, Minju and Illathvalappi, Rajith and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Nair, Balagopal N. and Mohamed, Abdul Azeez Peer and Anilkumar, Gopinathan M. and Yamaguchi, Takeo and Hareesh, U. S.} } @inbook {43013, title = {Graphene quantum dots - from emergence to nanotheranostic applications}, booktitle = {Smart Drug Delivery System}, year = {2016}, publisher = {Intech}, organization = {Intech}, chapter = {7}, address = {Croatia}, doi = {10.5772/61932}, author = {Joshi, Preeti Nigam and Kundu, Subir and Sanghi, Sunil K. and Sarkar, Dhiman} } @article { ISI:000380823400047, title = {H2S detection using low-cost SnO2 nano-particle Bi-layer OFETs}, journal = {Sensors and Actuators B-Chemical}, volume = {235}, year = {2016}, month = {NOV}, pages = {378-385}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

In this article, a unique platform with an organic field-effect transistor (OFET) integrated with metal oxide nanoparticles for sensing of H2S gas is presented. Metal oxide nanoparticles such as SnO2 and ZnO synthesized using herbal techniques were used in the fabrication of OFETs using a bi-layer technique. The as -synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by Field Effect Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-vis Spectroscopy (UV-vis) to establish the material properties. We showed that the SnO2 based OFETs displayed better response for H2S at room temperature (25 degrees C) compared to the OFETs fabricated with ZnO. The characterization of the sensors by using extracted electrical parameters like field-effect mobility ([1), On -Current (Ion), threshold voltage (VT) and saturation current (ID]) establish the fact that the SnO2 based OFETs detect H2S gas at room temperature. Plausible mechanisms explaining the H2S gas detection by bi-layer film were discussed. On the other hand, the sensitivity of these OFETs against other reducing gases was less. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {bi-layer, H2S detection, Metal-oxide, OFETs, Sensor}, issn = {0925-4005}, doi = {10.1016/j.snb.2016.05.096}, author = {Surya, Sandeep G. and Ashwath, B. S. Narayan and Mishra, Sushma and Karthik, A. R. B. and Sastry, A. B. and Bhagavatula L. V. Prasad and Rangappa, Dinesh and Rao, V. Ramgopal} } @article {43310, title = {Heterotriangulene-based unsymmetrical squaraine dyes: synergistic effects of donor moieties and out-of-plane branched alkyl chains on dye cell performance}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry A}, volume = {4}, year = {2016}, month = {NOV}, pages = {18910-18921}, abstract = {Unsymmetrical squaraine sensitizers with two different donor moieties, triphenylamine (NSQR) and heterotriangulene (NSQ1{\textendash}3), for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have been designed and synthesized. These dyes utilize the indolium moiety to control charge recombination dynamics at the TiO2-dye-electrolyte interface by connecting linear and branched alkyl functionalities. In the present study, an efficient heterotriangulene (HT) donor and a branched alkyl group at sp3-C atoms were strategically incorporated to increase the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of zwitterionic dyes by improving photo-current density (Jsc) and open-circuit potential (Voc) of the cell. Among these four dyes, NSQ3 exhibited the highest efficiency of 6.73\% with a Jsc of 18.74 mA cm-2, Voc of 0.53 V, and fill factor (ff) of 68.3\%, without any co-adsorbent under an irradiance of 100 mW cm-2 (simulated AM 1.5G sunlight). In the presence of 3α,7α-dihydroxy-5β-cholanic acid (CDCA), NSQ1, NSQ2 and NSQ3 showed an efficiency of 7.07\%, 7.38\% and 7.17\%, respectively. Despite the low Voc, far red light harvesting efficiency, reduced dye aggregation, long lifetime (τ) of injected electrons and high quantum efficiency of NSQ1{\textendash}3 played constructive roles in achieving high PCE efficiency. Deceleration of charge recombination for NSQ dye cells was further studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and open-circuit photo-voltage decay (OCVD) measurements.}, doi = {10.1039/C6TA08651A}, author = {Karjule, Neeta and Munavvar, Fairoos M. K. and Nithyanandhan, Jayaraj} } @article { ISI:000379250900005, title = {High ash char gasification in thermo-gravimetric analyzer and prediction of gasification performance parameters using computational intelligence formalisms}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Communications}, volume = {203}, number = {8}, year = {2016}, month = {JAN}, pages = {1029-1044}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS INC}, address = {530 WALNUT STREET, STE 850, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 USA}, abstract = {

The coal gasification is a cleaner and more efficient process than the coal combustion. Although high ash coals are commonly utilized in the energy generation, systematic gasification kinetic studies using chars derived from these coals are scarce. Accordingly, this paper reports the development of the data-driven models for the gasification of chars derived from the high ash coals. Specifically, the models predict two important gasification performance parameters, viz. gasification rate constant and reactivity index. These models have been constructed using three computational intelligence (CI) methods, namely genetic programming (GP), multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural network (NN), and support vector regression (SVR). The inputs to the CI-based models consist of seven parameters representing the gasification reaction conditions and properties of high ash coals and chars. The data used in the modeling were collected by performing extensive gasification experiments in the CO2 atmosphere in a thermo-gravimetric analyzer (TGA) using char samples derived from the Indian coals containing high ash content. Values of the two gasification performance parameters were obtained by fitting the experimental data to the shrinking unreacted core (SUC) model. It has been observed that all the CI-based models possess an excellent prediction accuracy and generalization capability. Accordingly, these models can be gainfully employed in the design and operation of the fixed and fluidized bed gasifiers using high ash coals.

}, keywords = {Char gasification kinetic modeling, Data-driven modeling, genetic programming, Multilayer perceptron neural network, support vector regression, Thermo-gravimetric analyzer}, issn = {0098-6445}, doi = {10.1080/00986445.2015.1135795}, author = {Patil-Shinde, Veena and Saha, Sujan and Sharma, Bijay K. and Tambe, Sanjeev S. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article { ISI:000378715600028, title = {High hydroxide conductivity in a chemically stable crystalline metal-organic framework containing a water-hydroxide supramolecular chain}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {52}, number = {54}, year = {2016}, month = {JUN}, pages = {8459-8462}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A chemically stable cationic MOF encapsulating an in situ formed water-hydroxide supramolecular anionic chain is realized for high hydroxide (OH-) ion conductivity in the solid-state (Type A). High OH- ion conductivity and low activation energy of the MOF demonstrate the advantage of the in situ incorporation of OH- ions to achieve efficient OH- ion conduction in the solid-state.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c6cc04436k}, author = {Nagarkar, Sanjog S. and Anothumakkool, Bihag and Desai, Aamod V. and Shirolkar, Mandar M. and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Ghosh, Sujit K.} } @article {45832, title = {High-index faceted Au nanocrystals with highly controllable optical properties and electro-catalytic activity}, journal = {Nanoscale}, volume = {8}, year = {2016}, month = {NOV}, pages = {19224-19228}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We introduce a new and naturally abundant mild reducing agent, tannic acid, to improve the seed-mediated growth method for the synthesis of elongated tetrahexahedral Au nanocrystals enclosed with high-index (730) planes, at room-temperature. The control of the dimensions, plasmonics and electro-catalysis of such high-index faceted nanocrystals is remarkable.

}, issn = {2040-3364}, doi = {10.1039/c6nr06922c}, author = {Rajendra, Ranguwar and Gangadharan, Pranav K. and Tripathi, Shalini and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Ballav, Nirmalya} } @article { ISI:000380362700025, title = {Highly efficient nitrogen-doped hierarchically porous carbon supported Ni nanoparticles for the selective hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {6}, number = {72}, year = {2016}, month = {JUL}, pages = {67662-67668}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Nickel nanoparticles supported on nitrogen doped hierarchically porous carbon (Ni/CN) are found to be highly efficient and reusable catalysts for the selective hydrogenation of biomass-derived furfural to furfuryl alcohol (FA). Various characterization methods were used to study the structural and morphological features of the catalysts. Furfural conversion of 96\% and 95\% FA selectivity was obtained using a 5 wt\% Ni/CN catalyst. This catalyst showed excellent recyclability without any loss in activity and FA selectivity when it was reused four times. The higher catalytic performance is attributed to the nitrogen incorporated hierarchical porous 3D carbon network.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c6ra14078e}, author = {Kotbagi, Trupti V. and Gurav, Hanmant R. and Nagpure, Atul S. and Chilukuri, Satyanarayana V. and Bakker, Martin G.} } @article {43411, title = {Highly selective direct azidation of alcohols over a heterogeneous povidone-phosphotungstic solid acid catalyst}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {40}, year = {2016}, month = {DEC}, pages = {10240-10245}, abstract = {A simple protocol for the selective azidation of alcohols is developed using a solid acid hybrid of a povidone and phosphotungstic acid (PVP-PWA) using azidotrimethylsilane as an azide source at room temperature. In a broad substrate scope, various activated as well as unactivated benzylic and diphenyl alcohols were treated smoothly with TMS-N-3 to selectively produce only azide products with excellent yields in a very short reaction time of 2 h. FT-IR confirmed the stability of the catalyst with retention of the Keggins structure after the reaction. Recycling experiments demonstrated the reusability of the PVP PWA (3:1) several times without losing its original activity.}, doi = {10.1039/c6nj02500e}, author = {Kamble, Sumit and More, Sagar and Rode, Chandrashekhar V.} } @article {45637, title = {Highly stable In-SBA-15 catalyst for vapor phase Beckmann rearrangement reaction}, journal = {Microporous and Mesoporous Materials}, volume = {234}, year = {2016}, month = {NOV }, pages = {293-302}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The Indium doped SBA-15 material was prepared by sol-gel method and tested for vapor phase Beckman rearrangement reaction. Among three indium loading, In/Si ratio of 2/100 was found as an optimum composition in terms of caprolactam selectivity (100\%) and cyclohexanone oxime conversion (100\%). The catalysts were characterized by N-2 adsorption, small-angle X-rays/neutron scattering (SAXS/SANS), XRD, FESEM, HRTEM, EDX, UV, FTIR and NH3-TPD techniques. In-situ SANS experiment was performed on the adsorption of CO2 to detect the micropores in the mesopore wall. All catalysts samples have highly ordered hexagonal structure with well dispersed indium in the silica matrix. The fine tuning of weak and strong acid sites were found in indium doped SBA-15 (In/Si = 2/100) catalyst. The same catalyst showed optimum catalytic performance, high space time yield 114.4 mol/h/g(cat) and high stability till 6 h of reaction without deactivation. The micro-kinetic analysis showed that there were no external and internal diffusion limitations in the SBA-15 catalyst. The reaction mechanism of Beckmann rearrangement over In-SBA-15 has been elucidated. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {e-Caprolactam, In-situ SANS, indium, SAXS, SBA-15}, issn = {1387-1811}, doi = {10.1016/j.micromeso.2016.07.024}, author = {Kumar, Rawesh and Shah, Sneha and Bahadur, Jitendra and Melnichenko, Yuri B. and Sen, Debasis and Mazumder, S. and Vinod, Chathakudath P. and Chowdhury, Biswajit} } @article { ISI:000368651100021, title = {High-Performance flexible solid-state supercapacitor with an extended nanoregime interface through in situ polymer electrolyte generation}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {8}, number = {2}, year = {2016}, month = {JAN}, pages = {1233-1241}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

{Here, we report an efficient strategy by which a significantly enhanced electrodeelectrolyte interface in an electrode for supercapacitor application could be accomplished by allowing in situ polymer gel electrolyte generation inside the nanopores of the electrodes. This unique and highly efficient strategy could be conceived by judiciously maintaining ultraviolet-triggered polymerization of a monomer mixture in the presence of a high-surface-area porous carbon. The method is very simple and scalable, and a prototype, flexible solid-state supercapacitor could even be demonstrated in an encapsulation-free condition by using the commercial-grade electrodes (thickness = 150 mu m

}, keywords = {cyclic voltametry, impedance analysis, in situ polymer generation, interface, polymer electrolyte, supercapacitor}, issn = {1944-8244}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.5b09677}, author = {Anothumakkool, Bihag and Torris, Arun A. T. and Veeliyath, Sajna and Vijayakumar, Vidyanand and Badiger, Manohar V. and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article { ISI:000368563000102, title = {Hybrid perovskite quantum nanostructures synthesized by electrospray antisolvent-solvent extraction and intercalation}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, year = {2016}, month = {JAN}, pages = {854-861}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Perovskites based on organometal lead halides have attracted great deal of scientific attention recently in the context of solar cells and optoelectronic devices due to their unique and tunable electronic and optical properties. Herein, we show that the use of electrospray technique in conjunction with the antisolventsolvent extraction leads to novel low-dimensional quantum structures (especially 2-D nanosheets) of CH3NH3PbI3- and CH3NH3PbBr3-based layered perovskites with unusual luminescence properties. We also show that the optical bandgaps and emission characteristics of these colloidal nanomaterials can be tuned over a broad range of visible spectral region by compositional tailoring of mixed-halide (I- and Br-based) perovskites.

}, keywords = {2D nanostructure systems, antisolvent-solvent extraction, bandgap tuning, electrospray, nanosheets, perovskite, quantum dots}, issn = {1944-8244}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.5b10208}, author = {Naphade, Rounak and Nagane, Satyawan and Shanker, G. Shiva and Fernandes, Rohan and Kothari, Dushyant and Zhou, Yuanyuan and Padture, Nitin P. and Ogale, Satishchandra} } @article {42689, title = {Hydralazine inhibits amyloid beta (Aβ) aggregation and glycation and ameliorates Aβ1{\textendash}42 induced neurotoxicity}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {6}, year = {2016}, month = {NOV}, pages = {108768-108776}, doi = {10.1039/C6RA20225J}, author = {Batkulwar, Kedar B. and Jana, Asis K. and Godbole, Rashmi K. and Khandelwal, Puneet and Sengupta, Neelanjana and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @article {45652, title = {Hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs): a new class of porous crystalline proton-conducting materials}, journal = {Angewandte Chemie-International Edition}, volume = {55}, year = {2016}, month = {AUG }, pages = {10667-10671}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Two porous hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) based on arene sulfonates and guanidinium ions are reported. As a result of the presence of ionic backbones appended with protonic source, the compounds exhibit ultra-high proton conduction values (sigma) 0.75x 10(-2)Scm(-1) and 1.8x10(-2)Scm(-1) under humidified conditions. Also, they have very low activation energy values and the highest proton conductivity at ambient conditions (low humidity and at moderate temperature) among porous crystalline materials, such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs). These values are not only comparable to the conventionally used proton exchange membranes, such as Nafion used in fuel cell technologies, but is also the highest value reported in organic-based porous architectures. Notably, this report inaugurates the usage of crystalline hydrogen-bonded porous organic frameworks as solid-state proton conducting materials.

}, keywords = {guanidinium, hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks, porous crystalline frameworks, proton conduction, sulfonates}, issn = {1433-7851}, doi = {10.1002/anie.201604534}, author = {Karmakar, Avishek and Illathvalappil, Rajith and Anothumakkool, Bihag and Sen, Arunabha and Samanta, Partha and Desai, Aamod V. and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Ghosh, Sujit K.} } @article { ISI:000372175300004, title = {I-2-mediated regioselective C-3 azidation of indoles}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {14}, number = {11}, year = {2016}, month = {FEB}, pages = {3027-3030}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An unprecedented synthesis of novel 3-azido indoles has been developed using I-2 and NaN3 in high yields and excellent regio-selectivity. The reaction proceeds under metal-free conditions at room temperature. Essentially, an umpolung in reactivity at the C-3 position of indole has been achieved by the activation of indoles with I-2.

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/c6ob00295a}, author = {Prasad, Pragati K. and Kalshetti, Rupali G. and Reddi, Rambabu N. and Kamble, Sanjay P. and Sudalai, Arumugam} } @article {42901, title = {Identification of noreremophilane-based inhibitors of angiogenesis using zebrafish assays}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {14}, year = {2016}, month = {OCT}, pages = {1569-1578}, author = {Muthukumarasamy, Kalai Mangai and Handore, Kishor L. and Kakade, Dipti N. and Shinde, Madhuri V. and Ranjan, Shashi and Kumar, Naveen and Sehrawat, Seema and Sachidanandan, Chetana and Reddy, D. Srinivasa} } @article { ISI:000372657900015, title = {Immobilization of multivalent glycoprobes on gold surfaces for sensing proteins and macrophages}, journal = {Analyst}, volume = {141}, number = {7}, year = {2016}, month = {FEB}, pages = {2250-2258}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The multivalent display of carbohydrates on the cell surface provides cooperative binding to improve the specific biological events. In addition to multivalency, the spatial arrangement and orientation of sugars with respect to external stimuli also trigger carbohydrate-protein interactions. Herein, we report a non-covalent host-guest strategy to immobilize heptavalent glyco-beta-cyclodextrin on gold-coated glass slides to study multivalent carbohydrate-protein interactions. We have found that the localization of sugar entities on surfaces using beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) chemistry increased the avidity of carbohydrate-protein and carbohydrate-macrophage interactions compared to monovalent-beta-CD sugar coated surfaces. This platform is expected to be a promising tool to amplify the avidity of sugar-mediated interactions on surfaces and contribute to the development of next generation bio-medical products.

}, issn = {0003-2654}, doi = {10.1039/c5an02336j}, author = {Gade, Madhuri and Khandelwal, Puneet and Sangabathuni, Sivakoti and Bavireddi, Harikrishna and Murthy, Raghavendra Vasudeva and Poddar, Pankaj and Kikkeri, Raghavendra} } @article { ISI:000380735100016, title = {Impact of H2S impurity on carbon dioxide hydrate formation kinetics in fixed bed arrangements}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {55}, number = {29}, year = {2016}, note = {13th International Conference on Carbon Dioxide Utilization (ICCDU), Singapore, SINGAPORE, JUL 05-09, 2015}, month = {JUL}, pages = {7964-7972}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

In the present work, a combination of silica sand and metallic sheets as a fixed bed media was used for carbon dioxide hydrate formation studies. Two metallic sheets, aluminum and brass, were incorporated into the fixed bed of silica sand to enhance heat transfer properties of the bed. The results obtained from this arrangement of metal sheets were compared with those obtained with a pure silica sand system. Both brass and aluminum systems were found to be good candidates to enhance gas hydrate formation kinetics compared to simply a sand system. Production of fuel gas from coal often contains a toxic gas, hydrogen sulfide (H2S). For the first time, the effect of H2S on the formation kinetics of CO2 + H-2 + H2S hydrates has been studied. It was observed that the presence of H2S does not affect the hydrate formation kinetics and total gas uptake in the presence of H2S is either as good as CO2 + H-2 hydrate or better. However, H2S impurity in the fuel gas mixture shows a corrosive effect on silica sand media.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/acs.iecr.5b04079}, author = {Kumar, Asheesh and Sakpal, Tushar and Bhattacharjee, Gaurav and Kumar, Anupam and Kumar, Rajnish} } @article {43052, title = {Impact of modular substitution on crystal packing: the tale of two ureas}, journal = {CrystEngComm}, volume = {18}, year = {2016}, month = {AUG}, pages = { 7078-7094}, doi = {10.1039/C6CE01324D}, author = {Koshti, Vijay S. and Thorat, Shridhar H. and Gote, Ravindra P. and Chikkali, Samir H. and Gonnade, Rajesh G.} } @article {43432, title = {Improved all-polymer solar cell performance of n-type naphthalene diimide-bithiophene P(NDI2OD-T2) copolymer by incorporation of perylene diimide as coacceptor}, journal = {Macromolecules}, volume = {49}, year = {2016}, month = {NOV}, pages = {8113-8125}, abstract = {

Naphthalene diimide-bithiophene P(NDI2OD-T2) is a well-known donor-acceptor polymer, previously explored as n-type material in all-polymer solar cells (all-PSCs) and organic field effect transistor (OFETs) applications. The optical, bulk, electrochemical, and semiconducting properties of P(NDI2OD-T2) polymer were tuned via random incorporation of perylene diimide (PDI) as coacceptor with naphthalene diimide (NDI). Three random copolymers containing 2,2{\textquoteright}-bithiophene as donor unit and varying compositions of naphthalene diimide (NDI) and perylene diimide (xPDI, x = 15, 30, and 50 mol \% of PDI) as two mixed acceptors were synthesized by Stille coupling copolymerization. Proton NMR spectra recorded in CD Cl-3 showed that the pi-pi stacking induced aggregation among the naphthalene units could be successfully disrupted by the random incorporation of bulky PDI units. The newly synthesized random copolymers were investigated as electron acceptors in BHJ all-PSCs, and their performance was compared with P(NDI2OD-T2) as reference polymer. An enhanced PCE of 5.03\% was observed for BHJ all-PSCs (all-polymer solar cells) fabricated using NDI-Th-PDI30 as acceptor and PTB7-Th as donor, while the reference polymer blend with the same donor polymer exhibited PCE of 2.97\% efficiency under similar conditions. SCLC bulk carrier mobility measured for blend devices showed improved charge mobility compared to reference polymer, with PTB7-Th:NDI-Th-PDI30 blend device exhibiting the high hole and electron mobility of 4.2 x 10(-4) and 1.5 x 10(-4) cm(2)/(V s), respectively. This work demonstrates the importance of molecular design via random copolymer strategy to control the bulk crystallinity, compatibility, blend morphology, and solar cell performance of n-type copolymers.

}, doi = {10.1021/acs.macromol.6b01566}, author = {Sharma, Sandeep and Kolhe, Nagesh B. and Gupta, Vinay and Bharti, Vishal and Sharma, Abhishek and Datt, Ram and Chand, Suresh and Asha, S. K.} } @article {42908, title = {In situ fabrication of highly crystalline CdS decorated Bi2S3 nanowires (nano-heterostructure) for visible light photocatalyst application}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {6}, year = {2016}, month = {FEB}, pages = {23508-23517}, abstract = {

In situ synthesis of the orthorhombic Bi2S3 nanowires decorated with hexagonal CdS nanoparticles (nano-heterostructure) has been demonstrated by a facile solvothermal method. The tiny 5-7 nm CdS spherical nanoparticles are decorated on the surfaces of 30-40 nm Bi2S3 nanowires, successfully. Structural, morphological and optical studies clearly show the existence of CdS on the nanowires. A possible sequential deposition growth mechanism is proposed on the basis of experimental results to reveal the formation of the nano heterostructure. The heterostructures have been used as a photocatalyst for hydrogen production as well as degradation of methylene blue under solar light. The maximum hydrogen evolution i.e. 4560 and 2340 mu mol h(-1) 0.5 g was obtained from H2S splitting and glycerol degradation for Bi2S3 NWs decorated with CdS nanoparticles (nano-heterostructure) which is higher than that of the Bi2S3 NWs (3000 and 1170 mu mol h(-1) 0.5 g, respectively). The enhanced photocatalytical hydrogen evolution efficiency of the heterostructures is mainly attributed to its nanostructure. In the nano heterostructure, the CdS nanoparticles control the charge carrier transition, recombination, and separation, while the Bi2S3 nanowire serves as a support for the CdS nanoparticles. The photogenerated electron{\textquoteright}s migration is faster than the holes from the inside of a CdS nanoparticle to its surface or to the phase interface, resulting in a relatively higher hole density inside the CdS nanoparticle leaving electron density at surface of the Bi2S3 NWs. This influences the photocatalytic activity under solar light. Such nano-heterostructures may have potential in other photocatalytic reactions.

}, author = {Panmand, Rajendra P. and Sethi, Yogesh A. and Deokar, Rajashree S. and Late, Dattatray J. and Gholap, Haribhau M. and Baeg, Jin-Ook and Kale, Bharat B.} } @article {42944, title = {In vitro and ex vivo antitubercular activity of diarylheptanoids from the rhizomes of alpinia officinarum hance}, journal = {Natural Product Research}, volume = {30}, year = {2016}, month = {MAR}, pages = {2825-2830}, abstract = {

Phytochemical investigation of methanol extract of the rhizomes of Alpinia officinarum Hance afforded four known diarylheptanoids 1,7-diphenylhept-4-en-3-one (1), 5-hydroxy-1,7-diphenyl-3-heptanone (2), 5-hydroxy-7-(4 {\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}-hydroxy-3 {\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}-methoxyphenyl)-1-phenyl-3-heptanone (3), and 7-(4 {\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}-hydroxy-3 {\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}-methoxyphenyl)-1-phenyl heptan-3-one (4).The acetate derivative of (4), 7-(4 {\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}-actetate-3 {\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}-methoxy phenyl)-1-phenyl heptan-3-one (5), was prepared. These diarylheptanoids exhibited promising in vitro and ex vivo antitubercular activity for the first time against dormant Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra with the IC50 values between 0.3447.69 and 0.1322.91 mu M, respectively. All compounds showed comparable activity against Mycobacterium bovis BCG (dormant phage) and did not show any activity against two gram + ve and two gram -ve bacterial strains. These compounds were also weakly cytotoxic up to 300 mu M against three human cancer cell lines THP-1, Panc-1 and A549.

}, doi = {10.1080/14786419.2016.1149702}, author = {Honmore, Varsha S. and Rojatkar, Supada R. and Nawale, Laxman U. and Arkile, Manisha A. and Khedkar, Vijay M. and Natu, Arun D. and Sarkar, Dhiman} } @article { ISI:000375647900005, title = {Incorporation of rigid polyaromatic groups in polybenzimidazole-based polymeric ionic liquids: assertive effects on gas permeation properties}, journal = {Polymer}, volume = {93}, year = {2016}, month = {JUN}, pages = {30-36}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Polymeric ionic liquids (PILs) have emerged as promising membrane materials for CO2 separation. The present work is aimed at investigating the effects of incorporation of rigid polyaromatic hydrocarbons, viz., pyrene and anthracene, in polybenzimidazole-based PILs. The effects of substituent and anion variation on the gas permeation properties of PILs using pure gases were examined at 20 atm upstream pressure. The results were correlated with physical properties of PILs. The pyrene substituted PIL exhibited similar to 10 fold increase in CO2 permeability as compared to its precursor polymer PBI-BuI. The combination of a CO2 specific anion and bulky group substitution offered higher CO2 permeability as well as appreciable permselectivity than their structural analogue that was devoid of IL functionality. The permeation properties of present PILs were superior to those of conventional glassy polymers such as polysulfone, matrimid and polycarbonate which are widely studied for their gas permeation properties. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Gas permeation, membranes, Polymeric ionic liquids}, issn = {0032-3861}, doi = {10.1016/j.polymer.2016.03.093}, author = {Shaligram, Sayali V. and Rewar, Anita S. and Wadgaonkar, Prakash P. and Kharul, Ulhas K.} } @article {45862, title = {Influence of kinetic and thermodynamic promoters on post-combustion carbon dioxide capture through gas hydrate crystallization}, journal = {Journal of environmental chemical engineering}, volume = {4}, year = {2016}, month = {JUN}, pages = {1955-1961}, type = {Article}, abstract = {In the present work, we report enhanced kinetics of hydrate formation in the presence of kinetic and thermodynamic promoters, SDS (sodium dodecyl sulphate) and THF (tetrahydrofuran) respectively. Hydrate formation was carried out in a fixed bed reactor for post-combustion capture of CO2. Silica sand was used as a fixed bed medium to capture CO2 from a CO2/N2/SO2 (17.7 mol\% CO2, 1.05 mol\% SO2 and balance N2) gas mixture by hydrate crystallisation. Experiments were performed at a constant temperature (273.65 K) and at different pressures (9.5 and 2.45 MPa) in batch mode. It was found that the addition of SDS enhances the rate and gas uptake of gas hydrate formation. A higher gas consumption was achieved by using 5.56 mol\% THF compared to 1.0 and 3.0 mol\% THF. }, doi = {10.1016/j.jece.2016.03.021}, author = {Kumar, A. and Bhattacharjee, G. and Barmecha, V. and Diwan, S. and Kushwaha, O. S.} } @article {45641, title = {Inhibition of miR-21 by 3 {\textquoteleft}/5 {\textquoteleft}-serinyl-capped 2 {\textquoteleft}-O-Methyl RNA Interspersed with 2 {\textquoteleft}-O-(2-Amino-3-Methoxypropyl) uridine units}, journal = {Nucleic Acid Therapeutics}, volume = {26}, year = {2016}, month = {OCT}, pages = {327-334}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

miRNAs are highly conserved class of small ncRNAs whose involvement in human pathophysiologies is extensively investigated. MiR-21 is a well established oncogenic miRNA whose deregulation plays a significant role in onset and progression of cancer. The need of novel approaches to downregulate miR-21 is rapidly expanding. Potent inhibition of miR-21 is achieved by chemically modified 2-O-methyl RNA oligonucleotide. The serinol capping at 3 and 5ends and the interspersed 2-O-(R-2-amino-3-methoxypropyl) uridine units enhance the nuclease resistance and efficacy of 2-O-methyl RNA for the inhibition of miR-21. This represents a simple and novel modification for developing oligonucleotide-based therapeutics.

}, keywords = {antagomirs, cancer, microRNA, noncoding RNA, oligonucleotides}, issn = {2159-3337}, doi = {10.1089/nat.2015.0591}, author = {Nahar, Smita and Kotikam, Venubabu and Kumar, Vaijayanti A. and Maiti, Souvik} } @article { ISI:000381924900029, title = {Interfacial precipitation and clogging in straight capillaries}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Science}, volume = {153}, year = {2016}, month = {OCT}, pages = {344-353}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Clogging of straight capillaries during interfacial precipitation (of common salt from saturated salt solution and acetone) was studied for a range of conditions that result in different flow regimes. The particle formation and clogging was explored using the images obtained by tracking a moving slug in real time. The flow regimes varied along the capillary length due to continuous mass transfer of acetone to water resulting in elongation of continuous phase slugs. In the slug flow regime, the precipitated particles formed solid shells/hemi spherical caps at the rear of acetone slugs, which eventually get detached from the interface. In the wavy parallel flow regime, where the interface is not flat, salting out was almost instantaneous and it led to faster clogging of the channels. Smaller Ca, i.e. lower flow rates or the use of smaller capillary length or using continuous fluid of relatively higher viscosity or lower interfacial tension can help to avoid or delay clogging. Formation of cohesive shells at the rear of a slug delayed clogging in the capillaries by delaying settling of individual particles. Parallel flow regime with a flat interface delayed the clogging significantly due to poor mass transfer as well as higher superficial velocities. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Clogging time, Flow regime, Interfacial precipitation, Micro-capillary, Porous shells, slug flow}, issn = {0009-2509}, doi = {10.1016/j.ces.2016.07.012}, author = {Pal, Sayan and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article { ISI:000371852000031, title = {Interplaying intrinsic and extrinsic proton conductivities in covalent organic frameworks}, journal = {Chemistry of Materials}, volume = {28}, number = {5}, year = {2016}, month = {MAR}, pages = {1489-1494}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

A sulfonic-acid-based covalent organic framework (TpPa-SO3H) has been synthesized that exhibits intrinsic proton conductivity under anhydrous conditions. The sulfonic acid groups are aligned on the two-dimensional (2D) layers at periodic intervals and promote the proton hopping inside the hexagonal one-dimensional channel. The intrinsic proton conductivity of TpPa-SO3H was measured as 1.7 X 10(-5) S cm(-1) at 120 degrees C under anhydrous conditions. To enhance the proton conductivity, we have synthesized a hybrid COF TpPa(SO3H-Py) by a ligand-based solid-solution approach that contains sulfonic acid as the acidic site, as well as pyridine as the basic site, in order to immobilize acidic proton carrier molecules. Impregnation of phytic acid molecules inside the framework increases the anhydrous proton conductivity up to 5 x 10(-4) S cm(-1) at 120 degrees C. Such an approach highlights the advantage and first-time use of hybrid COF for interplaying intrinsic to extrinsic proton conductivity.

}, issn = {0897-4756}, doi = {10.1021/acs.chemmater.5b04947}, author = {Chandra, Suman and Kundu, Tanay and Dey, Kaushik and Addicoat, Matthew A. and Heine, Thomas and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article { ISI:000367940900010, title = {Inverse high internal phase emulsion polymerization (i-HIPE) of GMMA, HEMA and GDMA for the preparation of superporous hydrogels as a tissue engineering scaffold}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry B}, volume = {4}, number = {3}, year = {2016}, month = {NOV}, pages = {450-460}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A series of novel superporous hydrogels for regenerative medicine were prepared by oil-in-water (o/w) or inverse high internal phase emulsion (i-HIPE) copolymerization of glycerol monomethacrylate (GMMA), 2-hydroxy ethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and glycerol dimethacrylate (GDMA) as a cross-linker using a non toxic solvent and a redox initiator system at the physiological temperature (37 degrees C). The monomer GMMA was synthesized from glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) by an alternative facile method using Amberlyst-15. The described i-HIPEs showed a significantly wider stability window. The polyHIPE hydrogels were characterized by FTIR, BET method for surface area, mercury porosimetry, SEM, DSC, TGA, XRD, compressive strain and strain recovery. The swelling ratio of the hydrogels and their degradation in 0.007 M NaOH and lipase B (Candida antarctica) solutions were determined gravimetrically and the rate of degradation was explained in terms of the molecular structure of the hydrogels. The morphological studies showed that the pore diameter varied between 20 and 30 mu m and the pore throats (interconnecting windows) diameter was in the range of 4-8 mu m. The described polyHIPE hydrogels were found to have an open cell morphology and interconnected pore architecture, which are important characteristics for scaffold applications. The initial cytotoxicity study performed according to ISO-10993-5 indicated cytocompatibility (97\% cell viability) and the subsequent cell seeding and proliferation study exhibited 55-88\% cell viability (increased monotonously from GHG-1 to GHG-5), which could be attributed to modulation of the physical and chemical properties of the hydrogels. The described super porous hydrogels are considered as potential candidates for scaffold materials in tissue engineering applications.

}, issn = {2050-750X}, doi = {10.1039/c5tb01873k}, author = {Nalawade, Archana C. and Ghorpade, Ravindra V. and Shadbar, Sadiqua and Qureshi, Mohammed Shadbar and Chavan, Nayaku and Khan, Ayesha A. and Ponrathnam, S.} } @article {43618, title = {Inverse problem studies of biochemical systems with structure identification of S-systems by embedding training functions in a genetic algorithm}, journal = {Mathematical Biosciences}, volume = {275}, year = {2016}, month = {MAY}, pages = {93-106}, abstract = {An efficient inverse problem approach for parameter estimation, state and structure identification from dynamic data by embedding training functions in a genetic algorithm methodology (ETFGA) is proposed for nonlinear dynamical biosystems using S-system canonical models. Use of multiple shooting and decomposition approach as training functions has been shown for handling of noisy datasets and computational efficiency in studying the inverse problem. The advantages of the methodology are brought out systematically by studying it for three biochemical model systems of interest. By studying a small-scale gene regulatory system described by a S-system model, the first example demonstrates the use of ETFGA for the multifold aims of the inverse problem. The estimation of a large number of parameters with simultaneous state and network identification is shown by training a generalized S-system canonical model with noisy datasets. The results of this study bring out the superior performance of ETFGA on comparison with other metaheuristic approaches. The second example studies the regulation of cAMP oscillations in Dictyostelium cells now assuming limited availability of noisy data. Here, flexibility of the approach to incorporate partial system information in the identification process is shown and its effect on accuracy and predictive ability of the estimated model are studied. The third example studies the phenomenological toy model of the regulation of circadian oscillations in Drosophila that follows rate laws different from S-system power-law. For the limited noisy data, using a priori information about properties of the system, we could estimate an alternate S-system model that showed robust oscillatory behavior with predictive abilities. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.}, doi = {10.1016/j.mbs.2016.02.014}, author = {Sarode, Ketan Dinkar and Kumar, V. Ravi and Kulkarni, B. D.} } @article { ISI:000372676800002, title = {Isolates of alpinia officinarum hance as COX-2 inhibitors: evidence from anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and molecular docking studies}, journal = {International Immunopharmacology}, volume = {33}, year = {2016}, month = {APR}, pages = {8-17}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Background: Inflammation triggered by oxidative stress can cause various ailments, such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, diabetes etc. In the last few years, there has been a renewed interest in studying the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action of plant constituents such as flavonoids and diarylheptanoids. Aim: To evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activity and the total phenolic content of isolated compounds from Alpinia officinarum rhizomes. Furthermore, molecular docking was performed to study the binding mode of these compounds into the active site of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX -2). Methods: A. officinarum rhizomes were extracted by maceration, using methanol. This extract was further fractionated by partitioning with hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate and these fractions on further purification resulted in isolation of five pure compounds. Characterization was carried out by using H-1 NMR, C-13 NMR and MS. They were further evaluated for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity using carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rats. Molecular docking study was performed using Glide module integrated in Schrodinger molecular modeling software. Results: The compounds were identified as 1,7-diphenylhept-4-en-3-one (1), 5-hydroxy-1,7-diphenyl-3-heptanone (2), 3,5,7-trihydroxyflavone (Galangin, 3), 3,5,7-trihydroxy-4{\textquoteright}-methoxyflavone (Kaempferide, 4) and 5-hydroxy-7-(4 {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteright}-hydroxy-3 {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteright}-methoxyphenyl)-1-phenyl-3-heptanone (5). The compound-3 and compound-5 (10 mg/kg) showed significant (p \< 0.001) antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. Moreover, total phenolic content was detected as 72.96 mg and 51.18 mg gallic acid equivalent respectively. All the five isolates were found to be good binders with COX-2 (average docking score -9.03). Conclusions: Galangin and 5-hydroxy-7-(4 {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteright}-hydroxy-3 {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteright}-methoxyphenyl)-1-phenyl-3-heptanone exhibited anti-inflammatory and in-vitro antioxidant activity which may be due to presence of phenolic content in it. The molecular docking study revealed that these compounds have affinity towards COX-2 active site which can further be explored as selective COX-2 inhibitors. The results obtained in this work justify the use of A. officinarum in the treatment of inflammatory disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {5-Hydroxy-7-(4 {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteright}-hydroxy-3 {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteright}-methoxyphenyl)-1-phenyl-3-heptanone, Alpinia officinarum, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, COX-2 inhibitors, Galangin}, issn = {1567-5769}, doi = {10.1016/j.intimp.2016.01.024}, author = {Honmore, Varsha S. and Kandhare, Amit D. and Kadam, Parag P. and Khedkar, Vijay M. and Sarkar, Dhiman and Bodhankar, Subhash L. and Zanwar, Anand A. and Rojatkar, Supada R. and Natu, Arun D.} } @article {42557, title = {Isothermal titration calorimetric study of the ionic liquid solutions in alcohols in extreme dilutions: an investigation of ion-solvent interactions}, journal = {Journal of Solution Chemistry}, volume = {45}, year = {2016}, month = {AUG}, pages = {1313{\textendash}1331}, abstract = {

In this work an effort has been made to show the effect of an alcohol-rich environment on imidazolium-based ionic liquids at 298.15 K using an isothermal titration calorimeter. It is divulged from this study that the thermal behavior expressed in terms of excess partial molar enthalpy, \( H_{\text{IL}}^{\text{E}} \), of ionic liquids in various linear alcohols is governed by the increasing hydrophobicity of the residual alkyl group attached to the cation of an ionic liquid and to the alcohol molecules. An interesting observation about the systems consisting of ethylated residuals on both the cations of the ionic liquid and the alcohol molecules is that these systems do not follow the trend exhibited by other ionic liquid{\textendash}alcohol systems. Interesting information on ionic interactions is obtained by using a simple methodology that gives the enthalpic interaction parameter \( H_{{I{\text{L - IL}}}}^{\text{E}} \).

}, keywords = {Ionic liquidsAlcoholsExcess enthalpyIsothermal titration calorimeter}, doi = {10.1007/s10953-016-0502-x}, author = {Rai, Gitanjali and Jain, Preeti and Kumar, Anil} } @article {43393, title = {Kinetic studies on an algal biofilm reactor for raw sewage water treatment}, journal = {Chemical Engineering \& Technology}, volume = {39}, year = {2016}, month = {SEP}, pages = {1629-1635}, abstract = {A packed-bed algae biofilm reactor was developed using porous and nonporous dual packings. The biofilm was cultivated on reticulated polyurethane foam cubes. The nonporous glass Raschig rings were taken as bed support that helps to remove generated gas from the system. The effect of variables such as column length-to-diameter ratio, catalyst cube dimension, and feed flow rate on the treatment of sewage water was studied. The reaction kinetics indicates that the nutrients uptake rate is dependent on both pore and film diffusion. The kinetics of uptake of nutrients follows a pseudo first-order reaction. From the pseudo reaction rate constant, Thiele modulus and effectiveness factor were calculated and a kinetic model equation for fractional nutrient uptake was developed in terms of operating variables. The model can predict the reaction rate with low deviation. The results obtained may be valuable for large-scale treatment of sewage water.}, doi = {10.1002/ceat.201500447}, author = {Gera, Gayatri S. and Yewalkar, Swati N. and Nene, Sanjay and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D. and Kamble, Sanjay P.} } @article {42428, title = {Lewis acid catalyzed selective reactions of donor-acceptor cyclopropanes with 2-naphthols}, journal = {Angewandte Chemie-International Edition}, volume = {55}, year = {2016}, month = {AUG}, pages = {10061-10064}, abstract = {

Lewis acid-catalyzed reactions of 2-substituted cyclopropane 1,1-dicarboxylates with 2-naphthols is reported. The reaction exhibits tunable selectivity depending on the nature of Lewis acid employed and proceed as a dearomatization/rearomatization sequence. With Bi(OTf)(3) as the Lewis acid, a highly selective dehydrative [3+2] cyclopentannulation takes place leading to the formation of naphthalene-fused cyclopentanes. Interestingly, engaging Sc(OTf)(3) as the Lewis acid, a Friedel-Crafts-type addition of 2-naphthols to cyclo-propanes takes place, thus affording functionalized 2-naphthols. Both reactions furnished the target products in high regioselectivity and moderate to high yields.

}, keywords = {annulations; arenes; Lewis acids; reaction mechanisms; small ring systems}, doi = {10.1002/anie.201604373}, author = {Kaicharla, Trinadh and Roy, Tony and Thangaraj, Manikandan and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Biju, Akkattu T.} } @article { ISI:000372981400010, title = {Ligand-free Pd catalyzed cross-coupling reactions in an aqueous hydrotropic medium}, journal = {Green Chemistry}, volume = {18}, number = {7}, year = {2016}, month = {NOV}, pages = {1898-1911}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A simple, efficient and ligand-free protocol for the Suzuki-Miyaura reaction and base-free Heck-Matsuda reactions under mild reaction conditions have been developed over palladium supported on activated carbon (Pd/C) in an aqueous hydrotropic solution. The catalyst Pd/C was fully characterized by TG-DTA, SEM, EDS, XRD, XPS, BET and ICP-AES analyses. This green methodology represents a cost-effective and operationally convenient method for the synthesis of a variety of biaryls, prochiral ketones, and acrylates under the conditions that are tolerant for a broad range of functional groups with good to excellent yields. The developed Pd/C-aqueous hydrotrope combined catalytic system is well suited for the 3R approach (reducible, robust, and recyclable) for different cross-coupling reactions without an appreciable loss of its activity.

}, issn = {1463-9262}, doi = {10.1039/c5gc02314a}, author = {Jadhav, Sanjay N. and Kumbhar, Arjun S. and Rode, Chadrashekhar V. and Salunkhe, Rajashri S.} } @article {45630, title = {Low band gap benzimidazole COF supported Ni3N as highly active OER catalyst}, journal = {Advanced Energy Materials}, volume = {6}, year = {2016}, month = {DEC }, pages = {Article No:1601189}, abstract = {

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have structures and morphologies closely resembling graphenes, whose modular construction permits atomiclevel manipulations. This, combined with their porous structure, makes them excellent catalyst supports. Here, the high electrocatalytic activity of a composite, formed by supporting Ni3N nanoparticles on a benzimidazole COF, for oxygen evolution reaction is shown. The composite oxidizes alkaline water with a near-record low overpotential of 230 mV @ 10 mA cm(-2) (eta(10)). This high activity is attributed to the ability of the COF to confine the Ni3N nanoparticles to size regimes otherwise difficult to obtain and to its low band gap character (1.49 eV) arising from the synergy between the conducting Ni3N nanoparticles and the pi-conjugated COF. The COF itself, as a metalfree self-standing framework, has an oxygen evolution reaction activity with 10 of 400 mV. The periodic structure of the COF makes it serve as a matrix to disperse the catalytically active Ni3N nanoparticles favoring their high accessibility and thereby good charge-transport within the composite. This is evident from the amount of O-2 evolved (230 mmol h(-1) g(-1)), which, to the best of our knowledge, is the highest reported. The work reveals the emergence of COF as supports for electrocatalysts.

}, issn = {1614-6832}, doi = {10.1002/aenm.201601189}, author = {Nandi, Shyamapada and Singh, Santosh Kumar and Mullangi, Dinesh and Illathvalappil, Rajith and George, Leena and Vinod, Chathakudath P. and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Vaidhyanathan, Ramanathan} } @article { ISI:000369603400025, title = {Low frequency noise and photo-enhanced field emission from ultrathin PbBi2Se4 nanosheets}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry C}, volume = {4}, number = {5}, year = {2016}, month = {DEC}, pages = {1096-1103}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Atomically thin two-dimensional layered materials have gained wide interest owing to their novel properties and potential for applications in nanoelectronic and optoelectronic devices. Here, we present the spectral analysis and photo-enhanced field emission studies of a layered intergrowth PbBi2Se4 nanosheet emitter, performed at the base pressure of similar to 1 x 10(-8) mbar. The emitter shows a turn-on field value of similar to 4.80 V mu m(-1), corresponding to an emission current density of similar to 1 mu A cm(-2). Interestingly, when the cathode was illuminated with visible light, it exhibited a lower turn-on field of B3.90 V mm(-1), and a maximum emission current density of similar to 893 mu A cm(-2) has been drawn at an applied electric field of similar to 8.40 V mu m(-1). Furthermore, the photo-enhanced emission current showed reproducible, step-like switching behavior in synchronous with ON-OFF switching of the illumination source. The emission current-time plots reveal excellent stability over a duration of similar to 6 h. Low-frequency noise is a significant limitation for the performance of nanoscale electronic devices. The spectral analysis performed on a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analyzer revealed that the observed noise is of 1/f(alpha) type, with the value of alpha similar to 0.99. The low frequency noise, photo-enhanced field emission, and reproducible switching behavior characterized with very fast rise and fall times propose the layered PbBi2Se4 nanosheet emitter as a new promising candidate for novel vacuum nano-optoelectronic devices.

}, issn = {2050-7526}, doi = {10.1039/c5tc02993g}, author = {Suryawanshi, Sachin R. and Guin, Satya N. and Chatterjee, Arindom and Kashid, Vikas and More, Mahendra A. and Late, Dattatray J. and Biswas, Kanishka} } @article { ISI:000379314700006, title = {Low-overpotential electrocatalytic water splitting with noble-metal-free nanoparticles supported in a sp(3) n-rich flexible COF}, journal = {Advanced Energy Materials}, volume = {6}, number = {13}, year = {2016}, month = {JUL}, pages = {Article No. 1600110}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, type = {Article}, address = {POSTFACH 101161, 69451 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are crystalline organic polymers with tunable structures. Here, a COF is prepared using building units with highly flexible tetrahedral sp(3) nitrogens. This flexibility gives rise to structural changes which generate mesopores capable of confining very small (\<2 nm sized) non-noble-metal-based nanoparticles (NPs). This nanocomposite shows exceptional activity toward the oxygen-evolution reaction from alkaline water with an overpotential of 258 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm(-2). The overpotential observed in the COF-nanoparticle system is the best in class, and is close to the current record of approximate to 200 mV for any noble-metalfree electrocatalytic water splitting system-the Fe-Co-Ni metal-oxide-film system. Also, it possesses outstanding kinetics (Tafel slope of 38.9 mV dec(-1)) for the reaction. The COF is able to stabilize such small-sized NP in the absence of any capping agent because of the COF-Ni(OH)(2) interactions arising from the N-rich backbone of the COF. Density-functional-theory modeling of the interaction between the hexagonal Ni(OH)(2) nanosheets and the COF shows that in the most favorable configuration the Ni(OH)(2) nanosheets are sandwiched between the sp(3) nitrogens of the adjacent COF layers and this can be crucial to maximizing their synergistic interactions.

}, issn = {1614-6832}, doi = {10.1002/aenm.201600110}, author = {Mullangi, Dinesh and Dhavale, Vishal M. and Shalini, Sorout and Nandi, Shyamapada and Collins, Sean and Woo, Tom and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Vaidhyanathan, Ramanathan} } @article {45634, title = {Mechanistic and spectroscopic investigations of Ru3+-catalyzed oxidative degradation of azidothymidine by heptavalent manganese at environmentally relevant pH}, journal = {Desalination and Water Treatment}, volume = {57}, year = {2016}, month = {DEC}, pages = {28349-28362}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The rapid increase in the population across the world has increased the consumption of pharmaceutical substances. These pharmaceutical substances have penetrated into the water through various ways. Mechanistic and spectroscopic investigations of Ru3+-catalyzed oxidative degradation of azidothymidine (AZT) by heptavalent manganese was studied for the first time. The values of pH-dependent apparent second-order rate constant show that Ru3+ accelerates the rate of the oxidative degradation of AZT by heptavalent manganese eight times faster than uncatalyzed reaction. Ru3+ catalytic oxidative degradation of AZT by heptavalent manganese was greatly depending on the pH. The removal of the AZT by heptavalent manganese in the presence of Ru3+ shows unit order with respect to heptavalent manganese, Ru3+, and AZT. The influences of dielectric constant, ionic strength, pH, addition of monomer, variation in catalyst concentration, etc. on the rate of the reaction were studied thoroughly and discussed in detail. The eight different products produced during the reaction were analyzed using the high-resolution mass spectrometry. Activation parameters were determined from variation in temperature during the reaction. The catalytic plausible mechanism was projected in which Ru3+ is oxidized to higher oxidation states of ruthenium by heptavalent manganese at environmentally relevant pH.

}, keywords = {Azidothymidine, catalysis, Degradation, Heptavalent manganese, kinetics, Mechanism}, issn = {1944-3994}, doi = {10.1080/19443994.2016.1187090}, author = {Kulkarni, Raviraj M. and Bhamare, Vijaykumar S. and Santhakumari, B.} } @article {42739, title = {Mechanistic insights into pincer-ligated palladium-catalyzed arylation of azoles with aryl Iodides: evidence of a Pd-II-Pd-IV-Pd-II pathway}, journal = {Organometallics}, volume = {35}, year = {2016}, month = {MAR}, pages = {875{\textendash}886}, abstract = {

Pincer-based (R2POCNR'2)PdCl complexes along with CuI cocatalyst catalyze the arylation of azoles with aryl iodides to give the 2-arylated azole products. Herein, we report an extensive mechanistic investigation for the direct arylation of azoles involving a well-defined and highly efficient (iPr2POCNEt2)PdCl (2a) catalyst, which emphasizes a rare PdII{\textendash}PdIV{\textendash}PdII redox catalytic pathway. Kinetic studies and deuterium labeling experiments indicate that the C{\textendash}H bond cleavage on azoles occurs via two distinct routes in a reversible manner. Controlled reactivity of the catalyst 2a underlines the iodo derivative (iPr2POCNEt2)PdI (3a) to be the resting state of the catalyst. The intermediate species (iPr2POCNEt2)Pd-benzothiazolyl (4a) has been isolated and structurally characterized. A determination of reaction rates of compound 4a with electronically different aryl iodides has revealed the kinetic significance of the oxidative addition of the C(sp2){\textendash}X electrophile, aryl iodide, to complex 4a. Furthermore, the reactivity behavior of 4a suggests that the arylation of benzothiazole proceeds via an oxidative addition/reductive elimination pathway involving a (iPr2POCNEt2)PdIV(benzothiazolyl)(Ar)I species, which is strongly supported by DFT calculations.

}, doi = {10.1021/acs.organomet.6b00003}, author = {Khake, Shrikant M. and Jagtap, Rahul A. and Dangat, Yuvraj B. and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Vanka, Kumar and Punji, Benudhar} } @article { ISI:000369665800035, title = {Mechanochemically synthesized covalent organic framework as a proton-conducting solid electrolyte}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry A}, volume = {4}, number = {7}, year = {2016}, month = {JAN}, pages = {2682-2690}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Mechanochemistry has become an increasingly important synthetic tool for a waste-free environment. However, the poor quality of the so-derived materials in terms of their crystallinity and porosity has been their major drawback for any practical applications. In this report, we have for the first time successfully leveraged such characteristics to show that the mechanochemically synthesized bipyridine based covalent organic framework (COF) outperforms its conventional solvothermal counterpart as an efficient solid-state electrolyte in PEM fuel cells. Marking the first such attempt in COFs, a Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) fabricated using the mechanochemically synthesized COF was observed to inhibit the fuel crossover and build up a stable Open Circuit Voltage (OCV = 0.93 V at 50 degrees C), thereby establishing itself as an effective solid electrolyte material (with a proton conductivity of 1.4 x 10(-2) S cm(-1)), while the solvothermally synthesized COF proved ineffective under similar conditions.

}, issn = {2050-7488}, doi = {10.1039/c5ta10521h}, author = {Shinde, Digambar Balaji and Aiyappa, Harshitha Barike and Bhadra, Mohitosh and Biswal, Bishnu P. and Wadge, Pritish and Kandambeth, Sharath and Garai, Bikash and Kundu, Tanay and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Banerjee, Rahul} } @inbook {45865, title = {Memory booster plant Bacopa monniera (brahmi): biotechnology and molecular aspects of bacoside biosynthesis}, booktitle = {Medicinal plants - recent advances in research and development}, year = {2016}, pages = {167-189}, publisher = {Springer }, organization = {Springer }, address = {Singapore}, abstract = {Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) has been used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine as a brain tonic, memory enhancer, antianxiety, cardiotonic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anticonvulsant agent since ancient times. These pharmacological properties are mainly attributed to the triterpenoid saponins present in the extracts of the plant. Biosynthesis of triterpenoid saponins starts from the isoprenoid pathway through farnesyl pyrophosphate by cyclization of 2,3-oxidosqualene, resulting in the formation of triterpenoid backbones. The plant produces relatively smaller amounts of bacosides, and to overcome this shortage, a large amount of biomass is used in the pharmaceutical preparations. Despite a wealth of medicinal importance, the molecular characterization and pathway engineering of bacoside biosynthesis in Bacopa remain unexplored. In this chapter, we have briefly discussed the research findings on in vitro plant regeneration, genetic transformation, and molecular characterization of some of the genes involved in the biosynthesis of bacosides.}, isbn = {978-981101085-9}, issn = {978-981101084-2}, doi = {10.1007/978-981-10-1085-9_6}, author = {Vishwakarma, R. K. and Kumari, U. and Khan, B. M.} } @inbook {45866, title = {Metabolic engineering: achieving new insights to ameliorate metabolic profiles in Withania somnifera}, booktitle = {Medicinal plants - recent advances in research and development}, year = {2016}, pages = {191-214}, publisher = {Springer }, organization = {Springer }, address = {Singapore}, abstract = {Withania somnifera, commonly known as Indian ginseng, has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic system of medicine for its antitumor, antioxidant, antiaging, antiserotogenic, and antistress activities. The various medicinal properties of the plant are accredited to the steroidal lactones (withanolides) present in the plant. Withanolides are synthesized by diverting the metabolite flux away from the isoprenoid pathway by the reductive condensation of farnesyl diphosphate to squalene through the activity of the enzyme squalene synthase. This enzyme squalene synthase is a major branch point involved in the regulation of withanolides. Owing to low concentrations of these bioactive compounds in plant, large biomass is utilized for the preparation of medicinal formulations in pharmaceutical industries to fulfill the growing commercial demand. To protect Withania spp. from becoming an endangered species, the activity of squalene synthase has been well exploited. This chapter is focused on the engineering of isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway in W. somnifera by the introduction of squalene synthase gene to improve the yield of desired product. }, issn = {978-981101085-9;978-981101084-2}, doi = {10.1007/978-981-10-1085-9_7}, author = {Patel, N. and Patel, P. and Khan, B. M.} } @article {43595, title = {Minute-made activated porous carbon from agro-waste for Li-ion battery anode using a low power microwave oven}, journal = {Electrochimica ACTA}, volume = {212}, year = {2016}, month = {SEP}, pages = {535-544}, abstract = {We demonstrate a very simple, cost-effective and superfast process for making Li-ion battery (LIB) anode grade carbon from agro-waste in the form of sugarcane bagasse using a low power microwave system. Activation of this bagasse derived carbon is carefully optimized by using various weight ratios of KOH to obtain the desired properties of functional carbon in terms of porosity and electrical conductivity. Low equivalent series resistance (ESR), low charge transfer resistance with good electrical conductivity, and optimum porosity for efficient ion diffusion make this carbon a good candidate for Li-ion battery anode material rendering a reversible capacity of 757 mAhg (1) at a current density of 100 mAg (1) and a good cycling performance at high current rates. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.}, doi = {10.1016/j.electacta.2016.07.011}, author = {Agarkar, Shruti and Yadav, Poonam and Fernandes, Rohan and Kothari, Dushyant and Suryawanshi, Anil and Ogale, Satishchandra} } @article {43354, title = {Mixing of medium viscosity liquids in a stirred tank with fractal impeller}, journal = {Theoretical Foundations of Chemical Engineering}, volume = {50}, year = {2016}, month = {NOV}, pages = {914-921}, abstract = {Mixing of viscous liquids in a stirred tank is a daunting task. The present paper explores the possibility of using a fractal impeller for mixing of viscous liquids in a stirred tank. The analysis includes power consumptions characteristics, mixing characteristics and the flow patterns in the stirred tank. Ultrasonic velocity profiler (UVP) was used to measure the local velocities in the stirred tank. Fractal impeller found to exhibit different power consumption characteristics than known for conventional impellers. For the range of viscosities 0.58-0.192 Pa s, mixing time found to be directly proportional to the power consumption per unit mass. The normalised mean radial velocity profiles were found to be independent of fluid viscosities studied in the present work.}, doi = {10.1134/S0040579516060105}, author = {Mule, Gunwant M. and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article { ISI:000370101800013, title = {Mixing studies in unbaffled stirred tank reactor using electrical resistance tomography}, journal = {Flow Measurement and Instrumentation}, volume = {47}, year = {2016}, month = {MAR}, pages = {110-121}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Unbaffled stirred tanks are extensively used in chemical process industries for variety of applications including semi-batch reactions. In un-baffled stirred tanks, impeller rotation generates a vortex and reactants are added into this vortex. There is a growing interest towards understanding the mixing performance of such unbaffled stirred vessels. The present work is aimed at providing experimental results on mixing time and solid particle distribution inside an unbaffled vessel using electrical resistance tomography (ERT). A methodology for using ERT for characterizing vortex and mixing in unbaffled stirred vessel was established. The ERT was used to measure the mixing time with and without solid particles (glass beads, 250 mu m) in a stirred reactor. In this study, ERT technique was effectively applied for imaging solid-liquid flow and developed suitable data processing methodologies. It observed that estimated liquid phase mixing time for Un-baffled vessel was more as compared to baffled vessel. Radial solid concentration profiles showed Gaussian distribution inside the vessel. The presented methodology of using ERT and experimental results will be useful for designing and estimating mixing and solid distribution in unbaffled stirred tanks. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {ERT, Mixing time, Radial solid concentration, Unbaffled stirred tank}, issn = {0955-5986}, doi = {10.1016/j.flowmeasinst.2016.01.003}, author = {Sardeshpande, Madhavi V. and Kumar, Gaurav and Aditya, T. and Ranade, Vivek V.} } @article { ISI:000368702300006, title = {Molecular interaction of selected phytochemicals under the charged environment of Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (PfCRT) model}, journal = {Journal of Biomolecular Structure \& Dynamics}, volume = {34}, number = {2}, year = {2016}, month = {FEB}, pages = {290-303}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS INC}, address = {530 WALNUT STREET, STE 850, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 USA}, abstract = {

Phytochemicals of Catharanthus roseus Linn. and Tylophora indica have been known for their inhibition of malarial parasite, Plasmodium falciparum in cell culture. Resistance to chloroquine (CQ), a widely used antimalarial drug, is due to the CQ resistance transporter (CRT) system. The present study deals with computational modeling of Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (PfCRT) protein and development of charged environment to mimic a condition of resistance. The model of PfCRT was developed using Protein homology/analogy engine (PHYRE ver 0.2) and was validated based on the results obtained using PSI-PRED. Subsequently, molecular interactions of selected phytochemicals extracted from C. roseus Linn. and T. indica were studied using multiple-iterated genetic algorithm-based docking protocol in order to investigate the translocation of these legends across the PfCRT protein. Further, molecular dynamics studies exhibiting interaction energy estimates of these compounds within the active site of the protein showed that compounds are more selective toward PfCRT. Clusters of conformations with the free energy of binding were estimated which clearly demonstrated the potential channel and by this means the translocation across the PfCRT is anticipated.

}, keywords = {homology modeling, molecular dynamics, Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine, resistance transporter model}, issn = {0739-1102}, doi = {10.1080/07391102.2015.1028449}, author = {Patel, Saumya K. and Khedkar, Vijay M. and Jha, Prakash C. and Jasrai, Yogesh T. and Pandya, Himanshu A. and George, Linz-Buoy and Highland, Hyacinth N. and Skelton, Adam A.} } @article { ISI:000380054400005, title = {Molecular-Pillar-supported functionalized reduced graphene-oxide for energy efficient lubrication}, journal = {Advanced Materials Interfaces}, volume = {3}, number = {13}, year = {2016}, month = {JUL}, pages = {1600161}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

Molecular-pillar-supported basal plane of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is fabricated by polymerizing polyaniline (PANI). In the presence of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG200), the gamma-radiolysis is used for modifying the functionalization and improving the structural symmetry of PANI and PEG grafted rGO (PANI-PEG-g-rGO). The PANI is covalently and noncovalently grafted onto the surface of the graphene sheets. Carboxyl groups of rGO are linked to the nitrogen atoms in the PANI backbone and an accompanying noncovalent interaction between alkyl chains of grafted PANI and hydrooxylated rGO is formed. Raman and Fourier transform infra-red results confirm existence of stretching vibrations of benzenoid and quinonoid rings in PANI-PEG-g-rGO-functionalized composite, indicating grafting between PANI and rGO through pi-pi interaction. Furthermore, PEG-functionalization through hydrogen bonding with rGO is confirmed when hydroxyl group from the rGO combines with oxygen of PEG. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals significant increase in carbon, while loading PANI network with rGO followed by gamma-irradiation. Antifriction and antiwear properties of graphene nanocomposite are considerably enhanced to 68.4\% and 48\%, respectively, as compared to pristine PEG. The unique lubrication properties are explained by PEG functionalized molecular PANI-pillar structure across basal plane of rGO.

}, issn = {2196-7350}, doi = {10.1002/admi.201600161}, author = {Gupta, Bhavana and Kumar, Niranjan and Panda, Kalpataru and Melvin, Ambrose A. and Joshi, Shailesh and Dash, Sitaram} } @article { ISI:000379577800033, title = {Molecules with O-acetyl group protect protein glycation by acetylating lysine residues}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {6}, number = {70}, year = {2016}, month = {JUL}, pages = {65572-65578}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Pharmaceutical intervention for reduction of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is considered as a therapeutic strategy to attenuate the pathogenesis of diabetes. Many molecules have been reported to possess antiglycation activity, one such example is acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin). It protects proteins from glycation by acetylating the lysine residues. Therefore, in this study we have synthesized and screened molecules containing free N-acetyl, O-acetyl and acetophenone groups. All the selected molecules in this study showed glycation inhibition but interestingly, only molecules with O-acetyl but not N-acetyl and acetophenone groups were capable of acetylating lysine residue. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that pre-acetylation or aspirin treatment prior to the induction of diabetes helps in reducing HbA1c and AGE formation in the streptozotocin induced diabetic mice. Hence pre-acetylation may have an additional therapeutic efficacy of reducing AGE levels in vivo. Incorporation of O-acetyl group into anti-diabetic molecules could be a useful strategy, as it may have an additive effect in reducing AGEs. Identification of such novel acetylating agents represents a new area in the drug discovery process.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c6ra11313c}, author = {Vannuruswamy, Garikapati and Jagadeeshaprasad, Mashanipalya G. and Kashinath, K. and Kesavan, Suresh K. and Bhat, Shweta and Korwar, Arvind M. and Chougale, Ashok D. and Boppana, Ramanamurthy and Reddy, D. Srinivasa and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @article {45867, title = {Multifunctional copper dimer: structure, band gap energy, catalysis, magnetism, oxygen reduction reaction and proton conductivity}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {6}, year = {2016}, month = {APR}, pages = {37515-37521}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A new dimeric copper complex namely, [Cu2(PDA)2(Ald)2(H2O)2]{\textperiodcentered}8H2O, 1, (where PDA = 2,4-pyridine dicarboxylic acid, Ald = aldrithiol) has been synthesized through a slow diffusion technique. Compound 1 is a molecular structure and assembled through H-bonding forming a supramolecular architecture. The CuO2N3 units bridged through an aldrithiol molecule to form the dimeric structure. The lattice water molecules are linked through H-bonding to form the decameric water cluster. The decameric water clusters are H-bonded to each other to form the 1D chain which resulted in excellent water stability and conduction of protons under humid conditions. Band gap energy and magnetic measurements show that compound 1 is a semiconductor and paramagnetic in nature. Further the compound is shown as a selective heterogeneous catalyst for styrene and cyclohexene epoxidation. This also shows a facile oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and can be used as a promising Pt-free cathode in alkaline Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFC). The present results suggest that compound 1 is a promising multifunctional material}, doi = {10.1039/C6RA05961A }, author = {Sarkar, D. and Chandra Rao, P. and Aiyappa, H. B. and Kurungot, S. and Mandal, S. and Ramanujam, K. and Mandal, S.} } @article {43582, title = {Mustard plant ash: a source of micronutrient and an adsorbent for removal of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid}, journal = {Environmental Science and Pollution Research}, volume = {23}, year = {2016}, month = {OCT}, pages = {20087-20099}, abstract = {The work highlights the utilization of an agricultural waste mustard plant ash (MPA) as a soil additive and an adsorbent. MPA was characterized by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), proximate analysis, CHNS analysis, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis, zeta potential measurements, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). XRF analysis confirmed the presence of CaO (31.35 \%), K2O (18.55 \%), and P2O5 (6.99 \%), all of which act as micronutrients to plants. EDX also confirms high amount of elemental O, Ca, K, and P. The adsorptive ability of MPA was investigated using a commonly used herbicide, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), as a representative chemical. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to study the effect of different operational parameters such as adsorbent dose, initial 2,4-D concentration, contact time, and temperature on the adsorption process. Data from experiments were fitted to various kinetic and isothermal models. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model was found to show the best fit (R (2) > 0.99), with the highest k (2) value of the order 10(5). Based on the study results, dosage of MPA/hectare for different crops has been recommended for effective removal of 2,4-D. To our knowledge, this is the first study in which MPA has been characterized in detail and investigated for dual applications (as an adsorbent and as a soil additive).}, doi = {10.1007/s11356-016-6202-7}, author = {Trivedi, Nikhilesh S. and Mandavgane, Sachin A. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article {43446, title = {N-2 activation on Al metal clusters: catalyzing role of BN-doped graphene support}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics}, volume = {18}, year = {2016}, month = {OCT}, pages = {27721-27727}, abstract = {The successful sustenance of life demands an ambient abiotic process for N-2 activation and dissociation. The Bosch-Haber process remains the only abiotic and synthetic means for N-2 activation and its fixation. Metal nanoclusters have been recently reported for activating molecular nitrogen. Interestingly, the metal clusters explored so far for N-2 activation are free clusters and, hence, are practically not applicable by experimental chemists. Using density functional theory (DFT) based methodology, we propose a potential catalytic system for di-nitrogen activation, viz. supported Al clusters. Al clusters supported on BN doped graphene sheets are seen to activate N-2 molecule with a red shift in the N-N stretching frequency up to 874 cm(-1) with activation barriers as low as 1.14 eV.}, doi = {10.1039/c6cp03342c}, author = {Kumar, Deepak and Pal, Sourav and Krishnamurty, Sailaja} } @article { ISI:000373738000011, title = {Nanoporous graphene enriched with Fe/Co-N active sites as a promising oxygen reduction electrocatalyst for anion exchange membrane fuel cells}, journal = {Advanced Functional Materials}, volume = {26}, number = {13}, year = {2016}, month = {APR}, pages = {2150-2162}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {POSTFACH 101161, 69451 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Here, a simple but efficient way is demonstrated for the preparation of nanoporous graphene enriched with Fe/Co-nitrogen-doped active sites (Fe/Co-NpGr) as a potential electrocatalyst for the electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) applications. Once graphene is converted into porous graphene (pGr) by a controlled oxidative etching process, pGr can be converted into a potential electrocatalyst for ORR by utilizing the created edge sites of pGr for doping nitrogen and subsequently to utilize the doped nitrogens to build Fe/Co coordinated centers (Fe/Co-NpGr). The structural information elucidated using both XPS and TOF-SIMS study indicates the presence of coordination of the M-N (M = Fe and Co)-doped carbon active sites. Creation of this bimetallic coordination assisted by the nitrogen locked at the pore openings is found to be helping the system to substantially reduce the overpotential for ORR. A 30 mV difference in the overpotential () with respect to the standard Pt/C catalyst and high retention in half wave potential after 10 000 cycles in ORR can be attained. A single cell of an anion exchange membrane fuel cell (AEMFC) by using Fe/Co-NpGr as the cathode delivers a maximum power density of approximate to 35 mWcm(-2) compared to 60 mWcm(-2) displayed by the Pt-based system.

}, keywords = {electrocatalyst, nitrogen doping, oxygen reduction reaction, porous grapheme, quantum dots}, issn = {1616-301X}, doi = {10.1002/adfm.201504765}, author = {Palaniselvam, Thangavelu and Kashyap, Varchaswal and Bhange, Siddeswar N. and Baek, Jong-Beom and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article { ISI:000381232100002, title = {Nanostructure oxygen carrier used in chemical looping combustion process-A review}, journal = {Advanced Science Letters}, volume = {22}, number = {4, SI}, year = {2016}, note = {3rd International Conference on Nanotechnology, Pune, INDIA, OCT 14-15, 2014}, month = {APR}, pages = {717-721}, publisher = {AMER SCIENTIFIC PUBLISHERS}, address = {26650 THE OLD RD, STE 208, VALENCIA, CA 91381-0751 USA}, abstract = {

Chemical looping combustion (CLC) is an emerging technology with inherent separation of CO2 from combustion of fuels. In this technique contact of air and fuel for combustion is restricted by providing oxygen through oxygen carrier (DC). The functional efficiency of CLC process mainly depends on the ability of oxygen carrier and it{\textquoteright}s reactivity, which undergoes repeated oxidation and reduction cycles. Nanostructure metal oxides have shown great potential application in the field of chemical looping combustion due to their high surface to volume ratio and enhanced structural properties. Synthesis technique of nanostructure metal oxides, their role as oxygen carrier, their reactivity with fuels along with their structural stability are reviewed herein. The contribution of various operating conditions on nanostructure oxygen carrier are considered in this review. These operating conditions and synthesis routes are summarized and classified according to metal oxides.

}, keywords = {Chemical looping combustion, CO2 Emission, Metal Oxide, Nanostructure, Oxygen Carrier}, issn = {1936-6612}, doi = {10.1166/asl.2016.6930}, author = {Badadare, Mansing M. and Adbale, Naina M. and Khomane, Ramdas B. and Kale, Ganesh R.} } @article { ISI:000368583100006, title = {New pimarane diterpenes and other antimycobacterial metabolites from anisochilus verticillatus}, journal = {Natural Product Research}, volume = {30}, number = {6}, year = {2016}, month = {MAR}, pages = {675-681}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS LTD}, address = {4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Phytochemical investigation of the acetone extract of the aerial parts of Anisochilus verticillatus afforded a new 8,9-secopimarane diterpene (1), two new isopimarane diterpenes (2, 3) and the known ursolic acid (4), beta-amyrin (5), -amyrin (6), stigmast-5-en-3-one (7) and hydroxychavicol (8). Structures of the new compounds were elucidated with the help of 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic data, and single crystal X-ray crystallography of compound 3. Compounds 2 and 8 inhibited Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra with an IC50 of 11.3 (IC90 of 20.0g/mL) and 12.5g/mL, respectively. Correspondingly, molecular docking studies with Extra Precision Glide revealed a correlation between score and biological activity for these compounds to describe the molecular basis for the most significant SAR results.

}, keywords = {alanine racemase, Anisochilus verticillatus, antimycobacterial activity, diterpenes, Lamiaceae}, issn = {1478-6419}, doi = {10.1080/14786419.2015.1040990}, author = {Kulkarni, Roshan R. and Shurpali, Ketaki and Khedkar, Vijay M. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Sarkar, Dhiman and Joshi, Swati P.} } @article { ISI:000374351200005, title = {Next-generation ammonia pretreatment enhances cellulosic biofuel production}, journal = {Energy \& Environmental Science}, volume = {9}, number = {4}, year = {2016}, month = {FEB}, pages = {1215-1223}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A new liquid ammonia pretreatment methodology called Extractive Ammonia (EA) was developed to simultaneously convert native crystalline cellulose I-beta (CI) to a highly digestible cellulose IIII (CIII) allomorph and selectively extract up to B45\% of the lignin from lignocellulosic biomass with near-quantitative retention of all polysaccharides. EA pretreated corn stover yielded a higher fermentable sugar yield compared to the older Ammonia Fiber Expansion (AFEX) process while using 60\% lower enzyme loading. The EA process preserves extracted lignin functionalities, offering the potential to co-produce lignin-derived fuels and chemicals in the biorefinery. The single-stage EA fractionation process achieves high biofuel yields (18.2 kg ethanol per 100 kg untreated corn stover, dry weight basis), comparable to those achieved using ionic liquid pretreatments. The EA process achieves these ethanol yields at industrially-relevant conditions using low enzyme loading (7.5 mg protein per g glucan) and high solids loading (8\% glucan, w/v).

}, issn = {1754-5692}, doi = {10.1039/c5ee03051j}, author = {Sousa, Leonardo da Costa and Jin, Mingjie and Chundawat, Shishir P. S. and Bokade, Vijay V. and Tang, Xiaoyu and Azarpira, Ali and Lu, Fachuang and Avci, Utku and Humpula, James and Uppugundla, Nirmal and Gunawan, Christa and Pattathil, Sivakumar and Cheh, Albert M. and Kothari, Ninad and Kumar, Rajeev and Ralph, John and Hahn, Michael G. and Wyman, Charles E. and Singh, Seema and Simmons, Blake A. and Dale, Bruce E. and Balan, Venkatesh} } @article { ISI:000374790700031, title = {Nitrogen and sulphur co-doped crumbled graphene for the oxygen reduction reaction with improved activity and stability in acidic medium}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry A}, volume = {4}, number = {16}, year = {2016}, month = {MAR}, pages = {6014-6020}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Non-precious dioxygen reduction electrocatalysts have attracted great attention nowadays for the development of stable, cost-effective proton exchange membrane fuel cells. In line with the development of non-precious electrocatalysts, here we report the synthesis of a platinum-free oxygen reduction electrocatalyst based on nitrogen and sulphur co-doped crumbled graphene with trace amounts of iron. The co-doped crumbled graphene structure was obtained by simple oxidative polymerisation of ethylenedioxythiophene in aqueous solution followed by an annealing process under an inert atmosphere. This new electrocatalyst displays improved oxygen reduction activity and electrochemical stability under acidic conditions. The half-cell reaction of the 1000 degrees C annealed polyethylenedioxythiophene (PF-1000) displays only 0.1 V overpotential in both the onset and half-wave potentials compared to state-of-the-art Pt/C in an acidic environment for the ORR. More importantly, the limiting current of PF-1000 clearly surpasses the limiting current displayed by Pt/C, indicating that the crumbled assembly of the graphene flakes helps the system to expose the active sites and the porous network of the material matrix ensures extended accessibility of active sites to the electrolyte and reagent. The dioxygen reduction kinetics of PF-1000 appear similar to those of Pt/C and the system accomplishes the reduction of the dioxygen molecule through the recommended four-electron reduction pathway. The improved activity and electrochemical stability of PF-1000 are mainly attributed to the enriched and well accessible active reaction centres such as graphitic nitrogen, sulphur, and iron coordination and the peculiar morphology of PF-1000. Further, a single cell evaluation of a membrane electrode assembly based on PF-1000 as the cathode catalyst delivered a maximum power density of 193 mW cm(-2) at a cell temperature of 60 degrees C using Nafion as the proton conducting membrane.

}, issn = {2050-7488}, doi = {10.1039/c6ta00073h}, author = {Bhange, Siddheshwar N. and Unni, SreeKuttan M. and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {43020, title = {Nitrogen doping in oxygen-deficient Ca2Fe2O5: a strategy for efficient oxygen reduction oxide catalysts}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces}, volume = {8}, year = {2016}, month = {NOV}, pages = {34387{\textendash}34395}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.6b11718}, author = {Jijil, Chamundi P. and Lokanathan, Moorthi and Chithiravel, Sundaresan and Nayak, Chandrani and Bhattacharyya, Dibyendu and Jha, Shambhu Nath and Babu, P. D. and Kakade, Bhalchandra A. and Devi, R. Nandini} } @article {43000, title = {Notch1-MAPK signaling axis regulates CD133+ cancer stem cell-mediated melanoma growth and angiogenesis}, journal = {Journal of Investigative Dermatology}, volume = {136}, year = {2016}, month = {DEC}, pages = {2462-2474}, abstract = {

Functional characterization and understanding of the intricate signaling mechanisms in stem-like cells is crucial for the development of effective therapies in melanoma. We have studied whether melanoma cells are phenotypically distinct and hierarchically organized according to their tumorigenic nature. We report that melanoma-specific CD133(+) cancer stem cells exhibit increased tumor-initiating potential, tumor-endothelial cell interaction, and lung metastasis. These cells are able to transdifferentiate into an endothelial-like phenotype when cultured under endothelial differentiation-promoting conditions. Mechanistically, Notch1 upregulates mitogen-activated protein kinase activation through CD133, which ultimately controls vascular endothelial growth factor and matrix metalloproteinase expression in CD133(+) stem cells leading to melanoma growth, angiogenesis, and lung metastasis. Blockade or genetic ablation of Notch1 and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways abolishes melanoma cell migration and angiogenesis. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and reporter assays revealed that Notch1 intracellular domain regulates CD133 expression at the transcriptional level. Andrographolide inhibits Notch1 intracellular domain expression, Notch1 intracellular domaindependent CD133-mediated mitogen-activated protein kinase and activator protein-1 activation, and epithelial to mesenchymal-specific gene expression, ultimately attenuating melanoma growth and lung metastasis. Human malignant melanoma specimen analyses revealed a strong correlation between Notch1 intracellular domain, CD133, and p-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase expression and malignant melanoma progression. Thus, targeting Notch1 and its regulated signaling network may have potential therapeutic implications for the management of cancer stem cell-mediated melanoma progression.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.jid.2016.07.024}, author = {Kumar, Dhiraj and Kumar, Santosh and Gorain, Mahadeo and Tomar, Deepti and Patil, Harshal S. and Radharani, Nalukurthi N. V. and Kumar, Totakura V. S. and Patil, Tushar V. and Thulasiram, Hirekodathakallu V. and Kundu, Gopal C.} } @article { ISI:000373739700035, title = {Novel tetrazoloquinoline-rhodanine conjugates: highly efficient synthesis and biological evaluation}, journal = {Bioorganic \& Medicinal Chemistry Letters}, volume = {26}, number = {9}, year = {2016}, month = {MAY}, pages = {2278-2283}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

In search of new active molecules against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) H37Ra and Mycobacterium bovis BCG, a small focused library of rhodanine incorporated tetrazoloquinoline has been efficiently synthesized by using [HDBU][HSO4] acidic ionic liquid. The compound 3c found to be promising inhibitor of MTB H37Ra and M. bovis BCG characterized by lower MIC values 4.5 and 2.0 mu g/mL, respectively. The active compounds were further tested for cytotoxicity against HeLa, THP-1, A549 and PANC-1 cell lines using MTT assay and showed no significant cytotoxic activity at the maximum concentration evaluated. Again, the synthesized compounds were found to have potential antifungal activity. Furthermore, to rationalize the observed biological activity data, the molecular docking study also been carried out against a potential target Zmp1 enzyme of MTB H37Ra, which revealed a significant correlation between the binding score and biological activity for these compounds. The results of in vitro and in silico study suggest that these compounds possess ideal structural requirement for the further development of novel therapeutic agents. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {antifungal, Antitubercular, Cytotoxicity, Docking study, Rhodanine derivatives}, issn = {0960-894X}, doi = {10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.03.045}, author = {Subhedar, Dnyaneshwar D. and Shaikh, Mubarak H. and Nawale, Laxman and Yeware, Amar and Sarkar, Dhiman and Khan, Firoz A. Kalam and Sangshetti, Jaiprakash N. and Shingate, Bapurao B.} } @article {42941, title = {Novel tetrazoloquinoline-thiazolidinone conjugates as possible antitubercular agents: synthesis and molecular docking}, journal = {Medchemcomm}, volume = {7}, year = {2016}, month = {JUL}, pages = {1832-1848}, abstract = {

A novel approach for the synthesis of a new 4-thiazolidinone scaffold was developed by a one-pot three-component cyclocondensation of various tetrazolo quinoline aldehydes 1a-f, acid hydrazide 2a-c, and thioglycolic acid 3 in the presence of [DBUH].OAc] as a catalyst in high yields. All the conjugates were screened for their antimycobacterial activity against MTB H37Ra and M. bovis BCG strains, with the MIC values ranging from 0.99-13.55 mu mol mL(-1) and 0.14-20.11 mu mol mL(-1), respectively. The 4-thiazolidinone-incorporated tetrazoloquinoline derivatives 4a, 4d, 4g, 4j, 4m, and 4p were highly potent against MTB H37Ra and M. bovis BCG strains. The most active compounds were also evaluated for their cytotoxicity against MCF-7, A549, and HCT 116 cell lines and were found to be non-cytotoxic. Further, molecular docking studies into the active site of the InhA enzyme revealed a similar binding mode to the native ligand in the crystal structure, thereby helping us to understand the ligand-protein binding interaction and establish a structural basis for the inhibition of mycobacterium tuberculosis. The results suggest that the tetrazoloquinoline-thiazolidinone conjugates 4a, 4d, 4g, 4j, 4m, and 4p are promising antitubercular agents.

}, doi = {10.1039/c6md00278a}, author = {Subhedar, Dnyaneshwar D. and Shaikh, Mubarak H. and Shingate, Bapurao B. and Nawale, Laxman and Sarkar, Dhiman and Khedkar, Vijay M.} } @article { ISI:000372856600027, title = {Omniphilic polymeric sponges by ice templating}, journal = {Chemistry of Materials}, volume = {28}, number = {6}, year = {2016}, month = {MAR}, pages = {1823-1831}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Sponges that absorb a large quantity of solvent relative to their weight, independent of the solvent polarity, represent useful universal absorbents for laboratory and industrial spills. We report the preparation of macroporous polymer sponges by ice templating of polyethylenimine aqueous solutions and their cross-linking in the frozen state. The as-prepared monolith is hydrophilic and absorbs over 30 fold its weight in water. Modification of this sponge using valeroyl chloride renders it omniphilic; viz., a modified sponge absorbs over 10-fold its dry weight of either water or hexane. Modification using palmitoyl chloride that has a longer chain length results in the preparation of a hydrophobic sponge with a water contact angle around 130, which retains its oleophilicity underwater. The solvent absorbed in these sponges can be simply squeezed out, and the sponges are stable to several hundred cycles of compression. The large pore sizes of these sponges allow rapid absorption of even high viscosity solvents such as pump oil. Finally, we demonstrate that these sponges are also able to separate apolar oils that are emulsified in water using surfactants. These high porosity sponges with controllable solvophilicity represent inexpensive, high performance universal absorbents for general solvent spills.

}, issn = {0897-4756}, doi = {10.1021/acs.chemmater.5b04988}, author = {Chatterjee, Soumyajyoti and Sen Gupta, Sayam and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy} } @article {45826, title = {Oxidation of linezolid by permanganate in acidic medium: Pd(II) catalysis, kinetics and pathways}, journal = {Progress in Reaction Kinetics and Mechanism}, volume = {41}, year = {2016}, month = {OCT}, pages = {245-257}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The uncatalysed and Pd(II)-catalysed oxidation of linezolid (LNZ) by permanganate (PMGT) in acidic medium was carried out in the pH range from 3.0 to 6.0. The second order rate constants were found to decrease with increase in pH. The apparent second order rate constants for the uncatalysed reaction were, for example, k {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteright}(app)= 6.32 dm(3) mol(-1) at pH 3.0 and k {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteright}(app). = 2.64 dm(3) mol(-1) s(-1) at pH 6.0 and at 25 +/- 0.2 degrees C and for the Pd(II)-catalysed reaction the total apparent second order rate constants were k {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteright}(app) = 75.5 dm(3) mol(-1) s(-1) at pH 3.0 and k {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteright}(app). = 45.66 dm(3) mol(-1) s(-1) at pH 6.0 and at 25 +/- 0.2 degrees C. The rate constant of the Pd(II)-catalysed reaction was thus ten times higher than for the uncatalysed reaction. The oxidation products of the reaction were identified using high resolution LC-MS. The reaction progresses via formation of a Pd-LNZ complex, which reacts with acidic PMGT to form an intermediate compound, which then decomposes to give oxidised products. The dependence of the rate of reaction on various parameters, such as pH, temperature, [LNZ], [PMGT], [Pd(II)], dielectric constant and ionic strength were studied and activation parameters for the reaction were evaluated and discussed.

}, issn = {1468-6783}, doi = {10.3184/146867816X14696298762238}, author = {Kulkarni, Raviraj M. and Hanagadakar, Manjunath S. and Malladi, Ramesh S. and Santhakumari, B. and Nandibewoor, Sharanappa T.} } @article {42843, title = {Oxidative intramolecular 1,2-amino-oxygenation of alkynes under Au(I)/Au(III)-catalysis: discovery of pyridinium-oxazole dyad as novel lonic fluorophore}, journal = {Angewandte Chemie International Edition}, year = {2016}, month = {JAN}, doi = {10.1002/anie.201609335R1}, author = {Shaikh, Aslam C. and Ranade, Dnyanesh S. and Rajamohanan, Pattuparambil R. and Kulkarni, Prasad P. and Patil, Nitin T.} } @article {45829, title = {Oxidative transformation of antiretroviral drug zidovudine during water treatment with permanganate: reaction kinetics and pathways}, journal = {Desalination and Water Treatment}, volume = {57}, year = {2016}, month = {FEB}, pages = {24999-25010}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The presence of the pharmaceutical substances in the water has been reported by many studies and has attracted attention across the world. The mechanistic insight into oxidation of antiretroviral drug zidovudine (ZDV) by potassium permanganate was investigated between the pH values 3.0 and 9.0. The pH-dependent second-order rate constants were determined and rate constants decreased with an increase in pH. The products of the reaction were identified by high-resolution mass spectrometry. A probable mechanism is proposed which involves the formation of an intermediate complex between permanganate and ZDV, which further undergoes degradation in subsequent fast steps to form various oxidized products. The different parameters like effect of initially added products, solvent polarity, ionic strength, temperature, and pH on the rate of the oxidative degradation of ZDV by permanganate were systematically studied. The various activation parameters were determined from the effect of variation in temperature on the oxidative degradation of ZDV by permanganate in acidic medium and discussed in detail.

}, keywords = {Degradation, kinetics, Mechanism, Permanganate, Zidovudine}, issn = {1944-3994}, doi = {10.1080/19443994.2016.1149110}, author = {Kulkarni, Raviraj M. and Bhamare, Vijaykumar S. and Santhakumari, B.} } @article {42606, title = {Passive microrheology in the effective time domain: analysing time dependent colloidal dispersions}, journal = {Soft Matter}, volume = {12}, year = {2016}, month = {AUG}, pages = {8167-8176}, abstract = {

We studied the aging dynamics of an aqueous suspension of LAPONITE (R), a model time dependent soft glassy material, using a passive microrheology technique. This system is known to undergo physical aging during which its microstructure evolves progressively to explore lower free energy states. Optical microscopy is used to monitor the motion of micron-sized tracer probes embedded in a sample kept between two glass plates. The mean square displacements (MSD) obtained from the motion of the tracer particles show a systematic change from a purely diffusive behavior at short aging times to a subdiffusive behavior as the material ages. Interestingly, the MSDs at all the aging times as well as different LAPONITE (R) concentrations superpose remarkably to show a time-aging time master curve when the system is transformed from the real time domain to the effective time domain, which is obtained by rescaling the material clock to account for the age dependent relaxation time. The transformation of the master curve from the effective time domain to the real time domain leads to the prediction of the MSD in real time over a span of 5 decades when the measured data at individual aging times are only over 2 decades. Since the MSD obtained from microrheology is proportional to the creep compliance of a material, by using the Boltzmann superposition principle along with the convolution relation in the effective time domain, we predict the stress relaxation behavior of the system in real time. This work shows that the effective time approach applied to microrheology facilitates the prediction of long time creep and relaxation dynamics of a time dependent soft material by carrying out short time experiments at different aging times.

}, doi = {10.1039/c6sm00829a}, author = {Vyas, Bhavna M. and Orpe, Ashish V. and Kaushal, Manish and Joshi, Yogesh M.} } @article { ISI:000368754700011, title = {Pb2+-N bonding chemistry: recycling of polyaniline-pb nanocrystals waste for generating high-performance supercapacitor electrodes}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {120}, number = {2}, year = {2016}, month = {JAN}, pages = {911-918}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Understanding of Pb-N bonding chemistry is not only fundamentally important in the view of relativistic inert-pair effect but also is important for therapeutic as well as environmental applications. In the present study, an unusual reactivity of N-containing pi-conjugated polyaniline emeraldine base (EB) toward aqueous Pb2+ ions has been identified. In the course of sequestering Pb2+ ions by EB, cuboid-shaped nanocrystals were isolated. Synchrotron-based X-ray absorption near-edge structure and extended X-ray absorption fine structure techniques were employed to understand Pb-N bonding chemistry in EB-Pb nanocrystals. The adopted methodology of slow exposure of HCl vapor to EB-Pb nanomaterial facilitated the isolation of polyaniline emeraldine-salt (ES) with unique morphological patterns, porosity and electrical conductivity. The electrochemical device based on recycled ES showed high-capacitance value (similar to 606 F/g @1 A/g and similar to 663 F/g @10 mV/s), high-energy density (similar to 14.8 Wh/kg at power density of similar to 663 W/kg) and excellent-cycling stability (only similar to 15\% degradation after 1100 continued cycles at current density of 5 A/g). Notably, ES materials prepared directly from EB and upon exposing HNO3 vapor exhibited greatly inferior device performance.

}, issn = {1932-7447}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpcc.5b11217}, author = {Jha, Plawan Kumar and Singh, Santosh K. and Gatla, Suresh and Mathon, Olivier and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Ballav, Nirmalya} } @article { ISI:000369203800013, title = {Pd-catalyzed reductive cleavage of N-N bond in dibenzyl-1-alkylhydrazine-1,2-dicarboxylates with PMHS: application to a formal enantioselective synthesis of (R)-sitagliptin}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {57}, number = {6}, year = {2016}, month = {FEB}, pages = {684-687}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An environmentally benign approach involving Pd-catalyzed reductive N-N bond cleavage in dibenzyl-1-alkylhydrazine-1,2-dicarboxylates leading to the synthesis of N-(tert-butoxy)carbamates under very mild conditions has been described. PMHS serves as an inexpensive source of hydride in MeOH/deionized H2O medium. This protocol has been successfully applied in the formal synthesis of (R)-sitagliptin, an anti-diabetic drug. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {anti-Diabetic, Environmentally benign, Hydrazine, PMHS, Reductive cleavage}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2015.12.116}, author = {Dey, Soumen and Gadakh, Sunita K. and Ahuja, Brij Bhushan and Kamble, Sanjay P. and Sudalai, Arumugam} } @article { ISI:000368554000002, title = {Photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin center dot HCl using Aeroxide (R) P-25 TiO2 photocatalyst: comparative evaluation of solar and artificial radiation}, journal = {Indian Journal of Chemistry Section A-Inorganic Bio-Inorganic Physical Theoretical \& Analytical Chemistry}, volume = {55}, number = {1}, year = {2016}, month = {JAN}, pages = {16-22}, publisher = {NATL INST SCIENCE COMMUNICATION-NISCAIR}, address = {DR K S KRISHNAN MARG, PUSA CAMPUS, NEW DELHI 110 012, INDIA}, abstract = {

The photocatalytic degradation of ciprofioxacin (CFX) has been investigated using Aeroxide (R) P-25 TiO2 photocatalyst in the presence of solar as well as artificial radiation. The effects of different operating parameters like initial concentration of CFX, catalyst loading, pH of solution and effect of co-existing ions on photocatalytic degradation of CFX have been investigated with a view to establish the optimum operating conditions. It is observed that as the initial concentration of CFX increases, the rate of photocatalytic degradation decreases. Optimum catalyst loading is observed at 1 g L-1 for CFX concentration of 100 mg L-1. Over the pH range 3-11, maximum degradation rate occurs at pH 9. The mechanism and intermediates formed during the photocatalytic degradation of CFX are discussed based on UPLC-MS/MS analysis. From kinetic studies, it is found that the photocatalytic degradation obeys pseudo-first order kinetics. The degradation rate constant using solar radiation is about 1.7 times higher than that under artificial radiation.

}, keywords = {Advanced oxidation process, Aeroxide (R) P-25 TiO2, Artificial radiation, Ciprofloxacin center dot HCl, Degradation, Pharmaceutical micropollutants, Photocatalysis, Solar radiation}, issn = {0376-4710}, author = {Shetty, Rohit and Kothari, Gaurav and Tambe, Amruta S. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D. and Kamble, Sanjay P.} } @article { ISI:000375611100047, title = {Photoresponsive assemblies of linear-dendritic copolymers containing azobenzene in the dendron interior: the effect of the dendron structure on dye encapsulation and release}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {6}, number = {49}, year = {2016}, month = {APR}, pages = {43163-43170}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Hydrophobic dendrons with different numbers and positions of azobenzenes as well as different groups benzyl and dodecyl, on the periphery were synthesised and attached to poly(ethylene glycol) using copper-catalysed azide-alkyne cycloaddition to obtain linear-dendritic copolymers. Self-assembly of the polymers in aqueous solution was characterised using dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and critical micelle concentration (cmc). Formation of H-aggregates during micellisation was shown for polymers with a higher number of azobenzene units. Photoisomerisation of azobenzene in the assemblies was studied and the rate constant of thermal photoisomerisation was calculated. Release of hydrophobic dye Nile red upon photoisomerisation of azobenzene occurred without disruption of micellar aggregates. Dye release varied with the pathway - thermal or visible light irradiation, followed for cis-trans isomerisation. The encapsulation capacity of the micelles and extent of dye release in either pathway were found to be influenced by the dendron structure. A polymer with a lower number of azobenzenes and aliphatic periphery on the dendron showed significantly different behaviour than polymers with a larger number of aromatic units.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c6ra02250b}, author = {Kalva, Nagendra and Basutkar, Nitin B. and Ambade, Ashootosh V.} } @article {43642, title = {Phytase production by solid-state fermentation of groundnut oil cake by Aspergillus niger: A bioprocess optimization study for animal feedstock applications}, journal = {Preparative Biochemistry \& Biotechnology}, volume = {46}, year = {2016}, month = {JUL}, pages = {531-538}, abstract = {This investigation deals with the use of agro-industrial waste, namely groundnut oil cake (GOC), for phytase production by the fungi Aspergillus niger NCIM 563. Plackett-Burman design (PBD) was used to evaluate the effect of 11 process variables and studies here showed that phytase production was significantly influenced by glucose, dextrin, distilled water, and MgSO4 center dot 7H(2)O. The use of response surface methodology (RSM) by Box-Behnken design (BBD) of experiments further enhanced the production by a remarkable 36.67-fold from the original finding of 15 IU/gds (grams of dry substrate) to 550 IU/gds. This is the highest solid-state fermentation (SSF) phytase production reported when compared to other microorganisms and in fact betters the best known by a factor of 2. Experiments carried out using dried fermented koji for phosphorus and mineral release and also thermal stability have shown the phytase to be as efficient as the liquid enzyme extract. Also, the enzyme, while exhibiting optimal activity under acidic conditions, was found to have significant activity in a broad range of pH values (1.5-6.5). The studies suggest the suitability of the koji supplemented with phytase produced in an SSF process by the "generally regarded as safe" (GRAS) microorganism A. niger as a cost-effective value-added livestock feed when compared to that obtained by submerged fermentation (SmF).}, doi = {10.1080/10826068.2015.1045606}, author = {Buddhiwant, Priyanka and Bhavsar, Kavita and Kumar, V. Ravi and Khire, Jayant M.} } @article { ISI:000379457400028, title = {Pick and choose the spectroscopic method to calibrate the local electric field inside proteins}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters}, volume = {7}, number = {13}, year = {2016}, month = {JUL}, pages = {2456-2460}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Electrostatic interactions in proteins play a crucial role in determining the structure function relation in biomolecules. In recent years, fluorescent probes have been extensively employed to interrogate the polarity in biological cavities through dielectric constants or semiempirical polarity scales. A choice of multiple spectroscopic methods, not limited by fluorophores, along with a molecular level description of electrostatics involving solute-solvent interactions, would allow more flexibility to pick and choose the experimental technique to determine the local electrostatics within protein interiors. In this work we report that ultraviolet/visible-absorption, infrared-absorption, or C-13 NMR can be used to calibrate the local electric field in both hydrogen bonded and non-hydrogen bonded protein environments. The local electric field at the binding site of a serum protein has been determined using the absorption wavelength as well as the carbonyl stretching frequency of its natural steroid substrate, testosterone. Excellent agreement is observed in the results obtained from two independent spectroscopic techniques.

}, issn = {1948-7185}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpclett.6b00852}, author = {Haldar, Tapas and Kashid, Somnath M. and Deb, Pranab and Kesh, Sandeep and Bagchi, Sayan} } @article { ISI:000363852200028, title = {Polybenzimidazole based polymeric ionic liquids possessing partial ionic character: effects of anion exchange on their gas permeation properties}, journal = {Journal of Membrane Science}, volume = {497}, year = {2016}, month = {JAN}, pages = {282-288}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Polymeric ionic liquids (PILs) are emerging as promising membrane materials for CO2 separation. Present work is in continuation with our earlier efforts on evaluating gas permeation properties (especially, CO2) of film forming PILs based on polybenzimidazoles and efforts towards improving their permeability by structural tuning. This work specifically aims at evaluating effect of anion variation in chosen PILs possessing partial N-quaternization of imidazole moiety of PBI-Bul. Three anions (viz., Tf2N-, BF4- and Ac-) were chosen for the bromide exchange of two PILs, viz., [TBzPBI-Bul][Br](10) and [TBzPBI-Bul][Br](18), possessing degree of PEI N-quaternization (DQ) as 10 and 18\%, respectively. Concurrent effects of variation in anion and DQ were analyzed in terms of physical and gas permeation properties of the resulting PILs. All of them possessed amorphous nature, adequate thermal stability ( \>= 250 degrees C) and solvent solubility, which are primary requisites towards their applicability as a membrane material. PILs possessing BF4- anion exhibited improved CO2 permeability coefficient as well as its permselectivity over CH4 and N-2, in comparison to their counterparts with other anions. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Anion exchange, Gas separation, Polybenzimidazole, Polymeric ionic liquids (PILs)}, issn = {0376-7388}, doi = {10.1016/j.memsci.2015.09.019}, author = {Rewar, Anita S. and Shaligram, Sayali V. and Kharul, Ulhas K.} } @article {42861, title = {Porous thin films towards bridging the material gap in heterogeneous catalysis}, journal = {Catalysis, Structure \& Reactivity}, volume = {2}, year = {2016}, month = {MAR}, pages = {1-12}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

An attempt has been made to bridge the material gap, existing between ideal single crystals and real-world powder nanocatalyst employed in surface science and heterogeneous catalysis, respectively. Simple wet chemical method (sol{\textendash}gel and spin-coating deposition) has been applied to make continuous Ce1 - xZrxO2 (x = 0{\textendash}1) (CZ) thin films with uniform thickness (~40 nm) and smooth surface characteristics. Uniform thickness and surface smoothness of the films over a large area was supported by a variety of measurements. Molecular beam (MB) studies of O2 adsorption on CZ surfaces reveals the oxygen storage capacity (OSC), and sticking coefficient increases from 400 to 800 K. Porous nature of Ce-rich CZ compositions enhances O2 adsorption and OSC, predominantly due to O-diffusion and redox nature, even at 400 K. A good correlation exists between MB measurements made on CZ films for oxygen adsorption, and OSC, and ambient pressure CO oxidation on powder form of CZ; this demonstrates the large potential to bridge the material gap. CZ was particularly chosen as a model system for the present studies, since it has been well-studied and a correlation between surface science properties made on thin films and catalysis on powder CZ materials could be a litmus test. Ambient catalysis on ceria-zirconia nanocatalyst correlates well with surface properties measured through molecular beam on thinfilm and close the material gap.

}, doi = {10.1080/2055074X.2015.1133269}, author = {Dubey, Anjani and Kolekar, Sadhu K. and Gnanakumar, Edwin S. and Roy, Kanak and Vinod, C. P. and Gopinath, Chinnakonda S.} } @article { ISI:000368189500001, title = {Potential dual role of eugenol in inhibiting advanced glycation end products in diabetes: proteomic and mechanistic insights}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {6}, year = {2016}, month = {JAN}, publisher = {NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP}, address = {MACMILLAN BUILDING, 4 CRINAN ST, LONDON N1 9XW, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Medicinally important genus Ocimum harbors a vast pool of chemically diverse metabolites. Current study aims at identifying anti-diabetic candidate compounds from Ocimum species. Major metabolites in O. kilimandscharicum, O. tenuiflorum, O. gratissimum were purified, characterized and evaluated for anti-glycation activity. In vitro inhibition of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) by eugenol was found to be highest. Preliminary biophysical analysis and blind docking studies to understand eugenol-albumin interaction indicated eugenol to possess strong binding affinity for surface exposed lysines. However, binding of eugenol to bovine serum albumin (BSA) did not result in significant change in secondary structure of protein. In vivo diabetic mice model studies with eugenol showed reduction in blood glucose levels by 38\% likely due to inhibition of alpha-glucosidase while insulin and glycated hemoglobin levels remain unchanged. Western blotting using anti-AGE antibody and mass spectrometry detected notably fewer AGE modified peptides upon eugenol treatment both in vivo and in vitro. Histopathological examination revealed comparatively lesser lesions in eugenol-treated mice. Thus, we propose eugenol has dual mode of action in combating diabetes; it lowers blood glucose by inhibiting a-glucosidase and prevents AGE formation by binding to epsilon-amine group on lysine, protecting it from glycation, offering potential use in diabetic management.

}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/srep18798}, author = {Singh, Priyanka and Jayaramaiah, Ramesha H. and Agawane, Sachin B. and Vannuruswamy, Garikapati and Korwar, Arvind M. and Anand, Atul and Dhaygude, Vitthal S. and Shaikh, Mahemud L. and Joshi, Rakesh S. and Boppana, Ramanamurthy and Kulkarni, Mahesh J. and Thulasiram, Hirekodathakallu V. and Giri, Ashok P.} } @article { ISI:000371228200032, title = {Prediction of reactivity ratios in free radical copolymerization from monomer resonance-polarity (Q-e) parameters: genetic programming-based models}, journal = {International Journal of Chemical Reactor Engineering}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, year = {2016}, month = {FEB}, pages = {361-372}, publisher = {WALTER DE GRUYTER GMBH}, address = {GENTHINER STRASSE 13, D-10785 BERLIN, GERMANY}, abstract = {

The principal deficiency of the widely utilized Alfrey-Price (AP) scheme for computing reactivity ratios in the widely used free radical copolymerization is that it ignores important factors, such as the steric effects. This often leads to inaccurate reactivity ratio predictions by AP model. Accordingly, in this study, exclusively data-driven, Q-e parameter-based new models have been developed for the reactivity ratio prediction in free radical copolymerization. In the model development, a novel artificial intelligence formalism known as {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}genetic programming (GP){\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} that performs symbolic regression has been employed. The GP-based models possess a different functional form than AP model. Further, parameters of GP-based models were fine-tuned using Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) nonlinear regression method. A comparison of AP, GP and GP-LM as well as artificial neural network (ANN)-based models indicates that GP and GP-LM models exhibit superior reactivity ratio prediction accuracy and generalization performance (with correlation coefficient magnitudes close to or greater than 0.9) when compared with AP and ANN models. The GPbased reactivity ratio prediction models developed here due to their higher accuracy and generalization capability have the potential of replacing the widely used AP models.

}, keywords = {Alfrey-Price scheme, free radical copolymerization, genetic programming, reactivity ratio, symbolic regression}, issn = {2194-5748}, doi = {10.1515/ijcre-2014-0039}, author = {Shrinivas, K. and Kulkarni, Rahul P. and Shaikh, Saif and Ghorpade, Ravindra V. and Vyas, Renu and Tambe, Sanjeev S. and Ponrathnam, S. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article { ISI:000378935400002, title = {Pretreatment and enzymatic process modification strategies to improve efficiency of sugar production from sugarcane bagasse}, journal = {3 Biotech}, volume = {6}, year = {2016}, month = {JUN}, pages = {Article Number: 126}, publisher = {SPRINGER HEIDELBERG}, address = {TIERGARTENSTRASSE 17, D-69121 HEIDELBERG, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis play a critical role in the economic production of sugars and fuels from lignocellulosic biomass. In this study, we evaluated diverse pilot-scale pretreatments and different post-pretreatment strategies for the production of fermentable sugars from sugarcane bagasse. For the pretreatment of bagasse at pilot-scale level, steam explosion without catalyst and combination of sulfuric and oxalic acids at low and high loadings were used. Subsequently, to enhance the efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis of the pretreated bagasse, three different post-pretreatment process schemes were investigated. In the first scheme (Scheme 1), enzymatic hydrolysis was conducted on the whole pretreated slurry, without treatments such as washing or solid-liquid separation. In the second scheme (Scheme 2), the pretreated slurry was first pressure filtered to yield a solid and liquid phase. Following filtration, the separated liquid phase was remixed with the solid wet cake to generate slurry, which was then subsequently used for enzymatic hydrolysis. In the third scheme (Scheme 3), the pretreated slurry was washed with more water and filtered to obtain a solid and liquid phase, in which only the former was subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis. A 10 \% higher enzymatic conversion was obtained in Scheme 2 than Scheme 1, while Scheme 3 resulted in only a 5-7 \% increase due to additional washing unit operation and solid-liquid separation. Dynamic light scattering experiments conducted on post-pretreated bagasse indicate decrease of particle size due to solid-liquid separation involving pressure filtration provided increased the yield of C6 sugars. It is anticipated that different process modification methods used in this study before the enzymatic hydrolysis step can make the overall cellulosic ethanol process effective and possibly cost effective.

}, keywords = {Dilute acid treatment, High-solid enzymatic hydrolysis, Pilot-scale pretreatment, Pressure filtration, Solid-liquid separation}, issn = {2190-5738}, doi = {10.1007/s13205-016-0446-2}, author = {Pal, Siddhartha and Joy, Shereena and Trimukhe, Kalpana D. and Kumbhar, Pramod S. and Varma, Anjani J. and Padmanabhan, Sasisanker} } @article { ISI:000377425900059, title = {Problem solving and environmentally benign approach toward diversity oriented synthesis of novel 2-amino-3-phenyl (or Alkyl) sulfonyl-4H-chromenes at ambient temperature}, journal = {ACS Sustainable Chemistry \& Engineering}, volume = {4}, number = {6}, year = {2016}, month = {JUN}, pages = {3450-3464}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

A problem solving, environmentally benign, and diversity oriented protocol has been described for multi component synthesis of medicinally privileged 2-amino-3-phenyl (or methyl) sulfonyl-4H-chromenes by one-pot, three component condensation among aldehydes, phenyl (or methyl) sulphonyl acetonitrile, and alpha-naphthol, 3-dimethylamino phenol, 4-hydroxy-N-methyl-quinoline-2-one as well as 4-hydroxycarbazole, using diethylamine as an efficient organo catalyst. The catalyst employed is commercially available, inexpensive, and nontoxic. Ambient reaction conditions, very high yields, wide scope, and avoidance of conventional isolation as well as chromatographic purification have improved the practical utility of this protocol manifold.

}, keywords = {2-Amino-3-methylsulfonyl-4H-chromenes, 2-Amino-3-phenylsulfonyl-4H-chromenes, diethylamine, green chemistry, Multicomponent synthesis, organocatalyst}, issn = {2168-0485}, doi = {10.1021/acssuschemeng.6b00484}, author = {Pandit, Kapil S. and Kupwade, Ravindra V. and Chavan, Pramod V. and Desai, Uday V. and Wadgaonkar, Prakash P. and Kodam, Kisan M.} } @article {43633, title = {Promising field electron emission performance of vertically aligned one dimensional (1D) brookite (beta) TiO2 nanorods}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {6}, year = {2016}, month = {OCT}, pages = {98722-98729}, abstract = {We evidence field-electron emission (FE) studies on the large-area array of one-dimensional (1D) brookite (beta) TiO2 nanorods. The pure 1D beta-TiO2 nanorods of 10 nm width and 760 nm long were synthesized on Si substrate utilizing hot-filament metal vapor deposition technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis evidenced the beta-TiO2 nanorods to be composed of orthorhombic crystals in brookite (beta) phase. X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) revealed the formation of pure stoichiometric (i.e. 1 : 1.98) 1D TiO2 nanorods. The values of turn-on field, required to draw current density of 10 mA cm(-2), was observed 3.9 V mu m(-1) for pristine 1D beta-TiO2 nanorods emitters, which were found significantly lower than doped/undoped 1D TiO2 nanostructures (i.e. nanotubes, nanowires, nanorods) based field emitters. The enhanced FE behavior of the TiO2/Si emitter can be attributed to modulation of electronic properties due to the high aspect ratio of vertically aligned TiO2 nanorods. Furthermore, the orthodox emission situation of pristine TiO2/Si emitters exhibit good emission stability and reveal their potentials as promising FE material.}, doi = {10.1039/c6ra20747b}, author = {Devan, Rupesh S. and Ma, Yuan-Ron and More, Mahendra A. and Khare, Ruchita T. and Antad, Vivek V. and Patil, Ranjit A. and Thakare, Vishal P. and Dhayal, Rajendra S. and Schmidt-Mende, Lukas} } @article { ISI:000377822900018, title = {Proteomic insight reveals elevated levels of albumin in circulating immunecomplexes in diabetic plasma}, journal = {Molecular \& Cellular Proteomics}, volume = {15}, number = {6}, year = {2016}, month = {JUN}, pages = {2011-2020}, publisher = {AMER SOC BIOCHEMISTRY MOLECULAR BIOLOGY INC}, address = {9650 ROCKVILLE PIKE, BETHESDA, MD 20814-3996 USA}, abstract = {

A Hyperglycemic condition in diabetes promotes formation of advanced glycation end products, which are known to elicit immune response and form complexes with immunoglobulins called circulating immune complexes. To investigate the involvement of advanced glycation end product (AGE)-modified proteins in the elicitation of an immune response, circulating immune complexes were isolated and proteins associated were identified and characterized. Label-free-based mass spectrometric analysis of circulating immune complexes in clinical plasma of prediabetic, newly diagnosed diabetes, and diabetic microalbuminurea revealed elevated levels of serum albumin in the circulating immune complexes, which were also observed to be AGE modified. Further, to examine the role of glycation, circulating immune complexeswere analyzed in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice treated with or without aminoguanidine, a prototype glycation inhibitor. Mass spectrometric analysis of circulating immune complexes showed elevated levels of serum albumin in plasma from diabetic mice over that of control animals. Aminoguanidine-treated diabetic mice displayed decreased AGE modification of plasma albumin, accompanied by a reduced level of albumin in the circulating immune complexes. In addition, elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1b, IL-2, and TNF-alpha were observed in diabetes, which were reduced with aminoguanidine treatment, suggesting the involvement of glycation in the immune response.

}, issn = {1535-9476}, doi = {10.1074/mcp.M116.058008}, author = {Bhat, Shweta and Jagadeeshaprasad, Mashanipalya G. and Patil, Yugendra R. and Shaikh, Mahemud L. and Regin, Bhaskaran S. and Mohan, Viswanathan and Giri, Ashok P. and Balasubramanyam, Muthuswamy and Boppana, Ramanamurthy and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @article { ISI:000380943900048, title = {Proton play in the formation of low molecular weight chitosan (LWCS) by hydrolyzing chitosan with a carbon based solid acid}, journal = {Carbohydrate Polymers}, volume = {151}, year = {2016}, month = {OCT}, pages = {417-425}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Low molecular weight chitosan (LWCS) constitute a special class of value added chemicals that are primarily obtained from crustacean shells, which are the main water pollutants from crabs and shrimp processing centers. Unlike chitin and chitosan, LWCS possess improved solubility in water and aqueous solutions, making them widely applicable in numerous fields ranging from drug delivery to waste water treatment. Among the methods employed for their production, chemical breakdown by strong liquid acids has yielded good success. However, this method is met with severe concerns arising from the harsh nature of liquid acids, which may corrode the reactors for commercial synthesis, and their limited reusability. The physical methods like ultrasound and microwave are energy intensive in nature, while the enzymatic methods are expensive and offers limited scope for reuse. We have attempted to overcome these problems by employing carbon based solid acid (CSA) for hydrolyzing chitosan to LWCS. CSA can be easily produced using activated carbon, a cost-effective and easily available raw material. Reactions were carried out between chitosan and CSA in a hydrothermal glass reactor and the products, separated by cold centrifugation, were purified and dried. The dried products were characterized for their molecular weight and solubility. Results indicated more than ten-fold decrease in the molecular weight of chitosan and the product exhibited water solubility. The CSA could be used upto four times, without regeneration, to give a consistent quality product. The aqueous solution of resulting LWCS exhibited a pH of 6.03 +/- 0.11, as against the acidic pH range of solutions of commercially available LWCS, indicating its suitability for biomedical applications. Our investigation facilitates a {\textquoteleft}green approach{\textquoteright} that may be employed for commercial production of value added chemicals from waste products of marine industry. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Carbon based solid acid, Chitosan, green synthesis, Hydrolysis, Low molecular weight chitosan}, issn = {0144-8617}, doi = {10.1016/j.carbpol.2016.05.082}, author = {Krishnan, R. Akhil and Deshmukh, Pranjal and Agarwal, Siddharth and Purohit, Poorvi and Dhoble, Deepa Arun and Waske, Prashant and Khandekar, Dileep and Jain, Ratnesh and Dandekar, Prajakta} } @article { ISI:000368563000067, title = {Pt- and TCO-free flexible cathode for DSSC from highly conducting and flexible PEDOT paper prepared via in situ interfacial polymerization}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, year = {2016}, month = {JAN}, pages = {553-562}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Here, we report the preparation of a flexible, free-standing, Pt- and TCO-free counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC)-derived from polyethylenedioxythiophene (PEDOT)-impregnated cellulose paper. The synthetic strategy of making the thin flexible PEDOT paper is simple and scalable, which can be achieved via in situ polymerization all through a roll coating technique. The very low sheet resistance (4 Omega/square) obtained from a film of 40 mu m thick PEDOT paper (PEDOT-p-5) is found to be superior to the conventional fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate. The high conductivity (357 S/cm) displayed by PEDOT-p-5 is observed to be stable under ambient conditions as well as flexible and bending conditions. With all of these features in place, we could develop an efficient Pt- and TCO-free flexible counter electrode from PEDOT-p-5 for DSSC applications. The catalytic activity toward the tri-iodide reduction of the flexible electrode is analyzed by adopting various electrochemical methodologies. PEDOT-p-5 is found to display higher exchange current density (7.12 mA/cm(2)) and low charge transfer resistance (4.6 Omega) compared to the benchmark Pt-coated FTO glass (2.40 mA/cm(2) and 9.4 Omega, respectively). Further, a DSSC fabricated using PEDOT-p-5 as the counter electrode displays a comparable efficiency of 6.1\% relative to 6.9\% delivered by a system based on Pt/FTO as the counter electrode.

}, keywords = {counter electrode, dye-sensitized solar cell, flexible and thin devices, impedance analysis, interfacial polymerization, polyethylenedioxythiophene}, issn = {1944-8244}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.5b09579}, author = {Anothumakkool, Bihag and Agrawal, Ishita and Bhange, Siddheshwar N. and Soni, Roby and Game, Onkar S. and Ogale, Satishchandra B. and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {43644, title = {PVAc/PEDOT:PSS/graphene-iron oxide nanocomposite (GINC): an efficient thermoelectric material}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {6}, year = {2016}, month = {FEB}, pages = {22453-22460}, abstract = {A green method for the synthesis of a graphene-iron oxide nanocomposite (GINC) and its PVAc based polymer nanocomposites was reported in an earlier communication. The fabricated PVAc-GINC film exhibited a conductivity of 2.18 x 104 S m(-1) with a Seebeck coefficient of 38.8 mu V K-1. Hence, the power factor (PF) reached a value of 32.90 mu W m(-1) K-2 which is 27 fold higher than a thermoelectric material based on a PVAc-graphene composite as reported in the contemporary literature. In continuation of the above mentioned study, PEDOT:PSS was used to further enhance the power factor (PT) and figure of merit (ZT) of the system. During evaluation, a PEDOT: PSS/GINC composite (5 : 95) showed a remarkable increase in various thermoelectric properties like electrical conductivity (8.0 x 10(4) S m(-1)) with a Seebeck coefficient of 25.42 mu V K-1 and thermal conductivity 0.90 m(-1) K-1. Hence PF and ZT reach up to 51.93 mW m(-1) K-2 and 0.017, respectively. To improve the mechanical strength of the polymer composite, cellulose fibre was also employed. By the addition of cellulose fibre, though the mechanical strength of the composite increases the PF reaches 5.6, which is 10 times lower than the PEDOT:PSS/GINC composite.}, doi = {10.1039/c5ra26138d}, author = {Dey, Abhijit and Maity, Arunava and Khan, Md Abdul Shafeeuulla and Sikder, Arun Kanti and Chattopadhyay, Santanu} } @article {45657, title = {Pyramiding PvPGIP2 and TAXI-III but not PvPGIP2 and PMEI enhances resistance against fusarium graminearum}, journal = {Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions}, volume = {29}, year = {2016}, month = {AUG}, pages = {629-639}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Plant protein inhibitors counteract the activity of cell wall degrading enzymes (CWDEs) secreted by pathogens to breach the plant cell-wall barrier. Transgenic plants expressing a single protein inhibitor restrict pathogen infections. However, since pathogens secrete a number of CWDEs at the onset of infection, we combined more inhibitors in a single wheat genotype to reinforce further the cell-wall barrier. We combined polygalacturonase (PG) inhibiting protein (PGIP) and pectin methyl esterase inhibitor (PMEI), both controlling the activity of PG, one of the first CWDEs secreted during infection. We also pyramided PGIP and TAXI-M, a xylanase inhibitor that controls the activity of xylanases, key factors for the degradation of xylan, a main component of cereal cell wall. We demonstrated that the pyramiding of PGIP and PMEI did not contribute to any further improvement of disease resistance. However, the presence of both pectinase inhibitors ensured a broader spectrum of disease resistance. Conversely, the PGIP and TAXI-HI combination contributed to further improvement of Fusarium head blight (FHB) resistance, probably because these inhibitors target the activity of different types of CWDEs, i.e., PGs and xylanases. Worth mentioning, the reduction of FHB symptoms is accompanied by a reduction of deoxynivalenol accumulation with a foreseen great benefit to human and animal health.

}, issn = {0894-0282}, doi = {10.1094/MPMI-05-16-0089-R}, author = {Tundo, Silvio and Kalunke, Raviraj and Janni, Michela and Volpi, Chiara and Lionetti, Vincenzo and Bellincampi, Daniela and Favaron, Francesco and D{\textquoteright}Ovidio, Renato} } @article { ISI:000378514600006, title = {Quenching effect of uranyl species in the photoluminescence emission and visible-light-driven water dissociation activity of CdS and TiO2 photocatalysts}, journal = {Photochemical \& Photobiological Sciences}, volume = {15}, number = {6}, year = {2016}, month = {APR}, pages = {758-766}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Anchoring of uranyl species (2-4 mol\%) led to the complete quenching of photoluminescence emission and the visible-light-driven water photodissociation activity of TiO2 (Degussa-P25) and a hydrothermally synthesized CdS photocatalyst. Photophysical measurements revealed a fast relaxation and the transfer of photogenerated electrons/energy from the TiO2 or CdS substrate to the acceptor uranyl moieties. Besides the position of flat band levels, significant overlap of the absorption/emission spectra of the host matrix and the surface-bound UO22+ species is responsible for this reverse energy transfer from a wide bandgap semiconductor to a material with a smaller band-to-band energy gap.

}, issn = {1474-905X}, doi = {10.1039/c6pp00022c}, author = {Gupta, Narendra M. and Kelkar, Sarika A. and Korake, Prakash V.} } @article {43601, title = {Radio-frequency triggered heating and drug release using doxorubicin-loaded LSMO nanoparticles for bimodal treatment of breast cancer}, journal = {Colloids and Surfaces B-Biointerfaces}, volume = {145}, year = {2016}, month = {SEP}, pages = {878-890}, abstract = {Radio-frequency responsive nanomaterials combined with drugs for simultaneous hyperthermia and drug delivery are potential anti-cancer agents. In this study, chitosan coated La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 nanoparticles (C-LSMO NPs) were synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering, Fourier transform infra red spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer, scanning electron and atomic force microscopy, Under low radio-frequency (365 kHz, RF), C-LSMO NPs (90 nm) showed good colloidal stability (+22 mV), superparamagnetic nature (15.4 emu/g) and heating capacity (57.4W/g SAR value). Chitosan facilitated doxorubicin entrapment (76\%) resulted in DC-LSMO NPs that showed drug release upon a 5 min RF exposure. MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cells responded to a 5 min RF exposure in the presence of bimodal DC-LSMO NPs with a significant decrease in viability to 73\% and 88\% (Pearson correlation, r = 1, P<0.01) respectively, as compared to hyperthermia alone. Internalization of DC-LSMO NPs via the endosomal pathway led to an efficient localization of doxorubicin within the cell nucleus. The ensuing DNA damage, heat shock protein induction, and caspase production triggered apoptotic cell death. Moreover, DC-LSMO NPs successfully restricted the migration of metastatic MDA-MB-231 cancer cells. These data suggest that DC-LSMO NPs are potential bimodal therapeutic agents for cancer treatment and hold promise against disease recurrence and drug resistance. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.}, doi = {10.1016/j.colsurfb.2016.06.010}, author = {Kulkarni, Vaishnavi M. and Bodas, Dhananjay and Dhoble, Deepa and Ghormade, Vandana and Paknikar, Kishore} } @article { ISI:000371560100018, title = {Rapid methane hydrate formation to develop a cost effective large scale energy storage system}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Journal}, volume = {290}, year = {2016}, month = {APR}, pages = {161-173}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Natural gas (NG) is the cleanest burning fossil fuel and its usage can significantly reduce CO2 emissions from power plants. With its widespread use, there is an ever increasing need to develop technologies to store NG on a large scale. NG storage via clathrate hydrates is the best option for a large scale storage system because of its non-explosive nature, mild storage conditions, high volumetric capacity and being an environmentally benign process. In this work, we demonstrate a new method to achieve rapid methane hydrate formation in an unstirred tank reactor configuration (UTR) at moderate temperature and pressure conditions employing tetrahydrofuran (THF) as a promoter. For the first time, THF is reported to act both as a thermodynamic and an excellent kinetic promoter for methane hydrate formation. We demonstrate a multi-scale experimental validation of our method to a volumetric sample scale-up factor of 120 and internal reactor diameter scale-up factor of 10. Further, new insights on the dissociation behavior of the hydrates are reported. There is a competitive edge for storing NG via clathrate hydrates compared to compressed natural gas storage both in terms of cost and safety. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Energy storage, Enhanced kinetics, Gas hydrates, Natural gas storage, Tetrahydrofuran, Unstirred tank reactor}, issn = {1385-8947}, doi = {10.1016/j.cej.2016.01.026}, author = {Veluswamy, Hari Prakash and Wong, Alison Jia Hui and Babu, Ponnivalavan and Kumar, Rajnish and Kulprathipanja, Santi and Rangsunvigit, Pramoch and Linga, Praveen} } @article { ISI:000375837100034, title = {Reclassification of bacillus isronensis shivaji et al. 2009 as solibacillus isronensis comb. nov and emended description of genus solibacillus krishnamurthi et al. 2009}, journal = {International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology}, volume = {66}, number = {5}, year = {2016}, month = {MAY}, pages = {2113-2120}, publisher = {SOC GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY}, address = {MARLBOROUGH HOUSE, BASINGSTOKE RD, SPENCERS WOODS, READING RG7 1AG, BERKS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An investigation into the taxonomic position of Bacillus isronensis MTCC 7902(T) revealed that the strain shares a common phylogenetic lineage with Solibacillus silvestris MTCC 10789(T). It displays considerable overlap in phenotypic properties with the genus Solibacillus, including endospore shape and position, oxidase and catalase activities, presence of iso-C-15 : 0, C-16 : (1)omega 7c alcohol and iso-C-17 : 1 omega 7c as major cellular fatty acids, A4 alpha-type cell-wall peptidoglycan, polar lipids and menaquinone pattern. These features reinforce the findings of molecular phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene, gyrB gene and 16S-23S internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region sequences and, in line with the recommendations of Kampfer et al. [Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 56 (2006), 781-786], provide justification for the transfer of Bacillus isronensis from the genus Bacillus to Solibacillus as Solibacillus isronensis comb. nov. The type strain is B3W22(T) (=MTCC 7902(T) =DSM 21046(T) =JCM 13838(T)). An emended description of the genus Solibacillus is also provided.

}, issn = {1466-5026}, doi = {10.1099/ijsem.0.000982}, author = {Mual, Poonam and Singh, Nitin Kumar and Verma, Ashish and Schumann, Peter and Krishnamurthi, Srinivasan and Dastager, Syed Gulam and Mayilraj, Shanmugam} } @article {45632, title = {Reduced graphene oxide modified electrodes for sensitive sensing of gliadin in food samples}, journal = {ACS Sensors}, volume = {1}, year = {2016}, month = {DEC}, pages = {1462-1470}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Incidences of food allergies are on the rise, which can greatly affect the well-being of children as well as adults. Intolerance to gluten, a protein composite of gliadin and glutenin, present in wheat, barley, and rye and several cereals, can be the causative agent of celiac disease (CD) and other allergic reactions. A gluten-free diet has become essential for people affected by CD, and consequently, the amount of gluten in food products needs to be strictly controlled. In this paper, we report an electrochemical label-free immunosensor for ultrasensitive and specific detection of gliadin. The sensor takes advantage of the specific properties of porous reduced graphene oxide (prGO) covalently functionalized with anti-gliadin antibodies using 1-pyrenecarboxylic acid as linker molecule. Using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and [Fe(CN)6](3-/4-) as a redox probe, a decrease of current is linked to the presence of gliadin. The sensor achieved a detection limit of 1.2 ng mL(-1) over a 1.2-34 ng mL(-1) linear range with high selectivity. The advantages offered by this sensor are the possibility to regenerate the surface of the immunosensor, its rapid and ease of production, as well as applicability for the screening of gliadin concentrations in real food samples, as shown here.

}, keywords = {anti-gliadin antibody, food samples, gliadin, Immunosensor, Porous reduced graphene oxide}, issn = {2379-3694}, doi = {10.1021/acssensors.6b00608}, author = {Chekin, Fereshteh and Singh, Santosh K. and Vasilescu, Alina and Dhavale, Vishal M. and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Boukherroub, Rabah and Szunerits, Sabine} } @article {43403, title = {Reductive cyclization of levulinic acid to gamma-valerolactone over non-noble bimetallic nanocomposite}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {55}, year = {2016}, month = {DEC}, pages = {13032-13039}, abstract = {Bimetallic nanoparticles have diverse applications in catalytic processes owing to the differences in individual properties that contribute to their increased catalytic activity. To further improve the efficiency, they are dispersed in an inert support that enhances the catalytic activity toward organic transformations. In this study, we report simple, facile, and cost-effective chemical route for the fabrication of nanocomposites with Fe-Ni bimetallic nanoparticles supported on montmorillonite (MMT) possessing variation in the Fe and Ni content. These composites are characterized with X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy surface area, and NH3-TPD. Fe Ni bimetallic nanoparticles are well-dispersed within MMT structure having particle sizes of about 30-40 nm. Among various compositions of Fe-Ni/MMT catalysts, composite with 25\% Fe and 25\% Ni exhibits >99\% LA conversion with 98\% selectivity to GVL within 1 h. IPA is found to be better solvent for levulinic acid (LA) to gamma-valerolactone (GVL) conversion, while substantial leaching of iron takes place when water is used as a solvent. It is observed that bimetallic sites are responsible for reduction of LA, while strong acidic sites of MMT are favoring subsequent cyclization to GVL. XPS analysis of fresh and reused Fe-Ni/MMT composites suggest that the catalyst surface does not undergo any chemical change during successive cycles, and the catalytic activity is retained up to six cycles. The plausible mechanism for LA to GVL conversion involves reductive cyclization processes through formation of levulinate ester that undergoes lactonization due to synergism in bimetallic nanoparticles and MMT clay.}, doi = {10.1021/acs.iecr.6b03900}, author = {Kadu, Brijesh S. and Hengne, Amol M. and Biradar, Narayan S. and Rode, Chandrashekhar V. and Chikate, Rajeev C.} } @article { ISI:000369545400074, title = {Re-engineering of PIP3-antagonist triazole PITENIN{\textquoteright}s chemical scaffold: development of novel antifungal leads}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {6}, number = {14}, year = {2016}, month = {JAN}, pages = {11691-11701}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A novel 4-(1-phenyl-1-hydroxyethyl)-1-(o-hydroxyphenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole was designed by integrating the structural features of triazole PITENIN anticancer agents and the azole class of antifungal drugs. A two-step protocol comprising the Barbier propargylation and Cu-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition was established to synthesise a diverse set of compounds of this class. Their screening against a wide range of human fungal pathogens led to identification of several potential antifungal hits and some of them displayed better antifungal activity than fluconazole against Candida glabrata, Cryptococcus neoformans, Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus niger. Mode of action studies revealed that their antifungal activity was resulting either from the inhibition of lanosterol 14 alpha-demethylase enzyme (leading to ergosterol depletion) or by the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c5ra25145a}, author = {Pulya, Sravani and Kommagalla, Yadagiri and Sant, Duhita G. and Jorwekar, Shweta U. and Tupe, Santosh G. and Deshpande, Mukund V. and Ramana, Chepuri V.} } @article {45871, title = {Relevance of small laboratory animals as models in translational research: challenges and road ahead}, journal = {Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science}, volume = {6}, year = {2016}, month = {MAY}, pages = {198-209}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Translational research using small laboratory animals is being done to demonstrate proof of concept, to study pharmacokinetics as well as to understand efficacy and safety of new drug molecules. During the evaluation of a drug candidate, the assessment of efficacy and safety is normally performed in different experiments using various animal models. In such experiments, efficacy is assessed by mimicking the disease state in animal model while safety is investigated in healthy animals. Inventing new drugs using biotechnological and nanotechnological approaches is becoming a major thrust area in drug research. Apart from this, the development of medicine from traditional knowledge like Ayurveda has emerged as major area for drug industry. Use of conventional in-vivo approaches may not prove useful to answer many questions. Transgenic/knock-out/knock-in animals are now getting space in pharmaceutical research for target identification and validation. Predictability of in-vivo research depends on scientific protocols and methods adopted for model selection and development. Various alternative approaches for in-vivo research are being followed. It is a fact that no animal model is 100 \% capable of mimicking the complex human body but still, researchers have not yet found any alternative model which can completely replace in-vivo models. This review is a holistic approach explaining the various animal models being used for translational research, animal ethical issues, alternative approaches available and provides a critical analysis of major issues/challenges faced in translational research using in-vivo approaches. }, doi = {10.7324/JAPS.2016.60531}, author = {Siddiqui, E. A. and Jagdale, P. and Ahire, K. and Jadhav, S. and Khan, S. A. and Bhosle, S. and Pal, A. and Jamdagni, P. and Chaudhari, B.} } @article { ISI:000373762400005, title = {Reporter nanoparticle that monitors its anticancer efficacy in real time}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {113}, number = {15}, year = {2016}, month = {APR}, pages = {E2104-E2113}, publisher = {NATL ACAD SCIENCES}, address = {2101 CONSTITUTION AVE NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20418 USA}, abstract = {

The ability to monitor the efficacy of an anticancer treatment in real time can have a critical effect on the outcome. Currently, clinical readouts of efficacy rely on indirect or anatomic measurements, which occur over prolonged time scales postchemotherapy or postimmunotherapy and may not be concordant with the actual effect. Here we describe the biology-inspired engineering of a simple 2-in-1 reporter nanoparticle that not only delivers a cytotoxic or an immunotherapy payload to the tumor but also reports back on the efficacy in real time. The reporter nanoparticles are engineered from a novel two-staged stimuli-responsive polymeric material with an optimal ratio of an enzyme-cleavable drug or immunotherapy (effector elements) and a drug function-activatable reporter element. The spatiotemporally constrained delivery of the effector and the reporter elements in a single nanoparticle produces maximum signal enhancement due to the availability of the reporter element in the same cell as the drug, thereby effectively capturing the temporal apoptosis process. Using chemotherapy-sensitive and chemotherapy-resistant tumors in vivo, we show that the reporter nanoparticles can provide a real-time noninvasive readout of tumor response to chemotherapy. The reporter nanoparticle can also monitor the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibition in melanoma. The self-reporting capability, for the first time to our knowledge, captures an anticancer nanoparticle in action in vivo.

}, keywords = {chemotherapy, immunotherapy, monitoring, nanoparticle, reporter}, issn = {0027-8424}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.1603455113}, author = {Kulkarni, Ashish and Rao, Poornima and Natarajan, Siva and Goldman, Aaron and Sabbisetti, Venkata S. and Khater, Yashika and Korimerla, Navya and Chandrasekar, Vineethkrishna and Mashelkar, Raghunath Anant and Sengupta, Shiladitya} } @article {42900, title = {Repurposing of a drug scaffold: identification of novel sila analogues of rimonabant as potent antitubercular agents}, journal = {European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry}, volume = {122}, year = {2016}, month = {OCT}, pages = {723-730}, abstract = {

The structural similarity between an MmpL3 inhibitor BM212, and a cannabinoid receptor modulator rimonabant, prompted us to investigate the anti-tubercular activity of rimonabant and its analogues. Further optimization, particularly through incorporation of silicon into the scaffold, resulted in new compounds with significant improvement in anti-tubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (H37Rv). The sila analogue 18a was found to be the most potent antimycobacterial compound (MIC, 31 ng/mL) from this series with an excellent selectivity index. (C) 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.07.009}, author = {Ramesh, Remya and Shingare, Rahul D. and Kumar, Vinod and Anand, Amitesh and Swetha, B. and Veeraraghavan, Sridhar and Viswanadha, Srikant and Ummanni, Ramesh and Gokhale, Rajesh S. and Reddy, D. Srinivasa} } @article { ISI:000374349600022, title = {Residue dependent hydrogen-bonding preferences in orthanilic acid-based short peptide beta-turn motifs}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {6}, number = {42}, year = {2016}, month = {MAR}, pages = {35328-35331}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

This communication describes the competition between native beta-turn (C10) and 2-aminobenzenesulfonic acid (SAnt)( orthanilic acid)-based pseudo beta-turn (C11) in their hybrid peptides. Solid-state crystal structure and solution-state NMR studies revealed that C10 and C11 can be simultaneously observed under appropriate conditions. The variable temperature NMR coefficient data suggest that the isolated C11/C14 hydrogen bond is weaker in comparison with the consecutive C10 and C11 turns.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c6ra05684a}, author = {Jedhe, Ganesh S. and Vijayadas, Kuruppanthara N. and Kotmale, Amol S. and Sangtani, Ekta and Shinde, Dinesh R. and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Rajamohanan, Pattuparambil R. and Sanjayan, Gangadhar J.} } @article {43591, title = {Role of acceptor strength on OFET properties of small molecular organic semiconducting materials with D-A-D architecture}, journal = {Synthetic Metals}, volume = {220}, year = {2016}, month = {OCT}, pages = {236-246}, abstract = {Two organic semiconducting materials 2,5-didodecyl-3,6-bis(4-(11-dodecyl-11H-benzo[a]carbazol-8yl)phenyl)pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole-1,4(2H,5H)-dione. (BCDPP) and 1,5-didodecyl-3,7-bis(4-(11-dodecyl-11H-benzo[a]carbazol-8-yl)phenyl)dipyrrolo[3,2-b:3{\textquoteright},2{\textquoteright}-e]pyrazine-2,6(1H,5H)-dione (BCPzDP) with D-A-D architecture have been designed, synthesized and well characterized. Both the materials have benzocarbazole donor end-capping units. While BCDPP contains well explored diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP), BCPzDP possesses electron deficient dipyrrolopyrazinedione (PzDP) as acceptor moiety. The importance of the nature of acceptor moiety in tuning the charge transport properties of the synthesized materials is explored. Thermal, photo-physical and electrochemical properties of these materials are measured and solution processed OFETs are fabricated. OFETs with BCDPP show unipolar p-type semiconducting properties with hole mobility of 1.02 x 10(-4) cm(2) V-1 s(-1) and OFETs of BCPzDP exhibit ambipolar charge transport behaviour with optimal saturation hole and electron mobilities of 0.0054 and 0.0013 cm(2) V-1 s(-1), respectively. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.}, doi = {10.1016/j.synthmet.2016.06.006}, author = {Sasikumar, M. and Bharath, D. and Kumar, G. Siva and Chereddy, Narendra Reddy and Chithiravel, S. and Krishnamoorthy, K. and Shanigaram, Balaiah and Bhanuprakash, K. and Rao, V. Jayathirtha} } @article {43592, title = {Role of aliasing and interacting factors in the enhanced production of dehalogenase from Yarrowia lipolytica for degradation of brominated compounds}, journal = {Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry}, volume = {41}, year = {2016}, month = {SEP}, pages = {114-121}, abstract = {Use of persistent organobromines for industrial applications has led to their accumulation in environment. Yarrowia lipolytica NCIM 3589, a tropical marine yeast, degrades and detoxifies bromocompounds by an initial hydrolytic step. By optimizing culture conditions with 1-bromodecane as reference compound, the dehalogenase involved was remarkably enhanced 13-fold (384.13 U/ml) by a hybrid statistical Plackett-Burman and Box-Behnken design of experiments. Studies bring out in a novel way the role of aliasing and other masked interactions in growth media factors. Importantly, the enzyme acted on C3-C16 bromoalkanes and bromoaromatics, thereby generalizing the {\textquoteright}green chemistry{\textquoteright} applicability of optimized media formulation for biotechnological applications. (C) 2016 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.}, doi = {10.1016/j.jiec.2016.07.015}, author = {Vatsal, Aakanksha and Potdar, Chirag and Smita S. Zinjarde and Kumar, V. Ravi and Kulkarni, Bhasker D. and RaviKumar, Ameeta} } @conference {45823, title = {Role of Rhamnolipid: A biosurfactant in methane gas hydrate formation kinetics}, booktitle = {Proceedings of The First International Conference on Recent Advances in Bioenergy Research}, year = {2016}, month = {FEB}, publisher = {Sardar Swaran Singh Natl Inst Bio-Energy}, organization = {Sardar Swaran Singh Natl Inst Bio-Energy}, address = {7th Floor, Vijaya Building, 17, Barakhamba Rd, New Delhi, 110 001, India}, abstract = {

Naturally occurring methane gas hydrate is a vast source of methane gas which is trapped in crystalline ice-like structure present in permafrost regions and under the sea in outer continental margins. It is purposed that total amount of carbon in the form of methane hydrates is almost twice the carbon content in all the fossil fuel reserves put together, and hence these are supposed to be the future potential energy resource. This paper investigates the laboratory investigations on effect of a biosurfactant rhamnolipid on methane hydrate formation kinetics. Rhamnolipid was produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain A11. The presence of P. aeruginosa has been reported in Gulf of Mexico gas hydrate samples. Biosurfactant reduced the surface tension of water from 72 to 36 mN/m with CMC of 70 mg/L. The biosurfactant dose is studied at two different concentrations in the solution at 100 and 1000 ppm. Kinetic of hydrate formation and growth is compared at 0, 100, and 1000 ppm of rhamnolipid showing that rhamnolipid acts as a hydrate promoter at these concentrations. Thus, small dosages of rhamnolipids produced by P. aeruginosa strain A11 must clearly affect the gas hydrate formation kinetics in natural sites (as in Gulf of Mexico).

}, keywords = {Induction time, methane hydrate, Potential energy resource, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Rhamnolipid}, isbn = {978-81-322-2773-1; 978-81-322-2771-7}, doi = {10.1007/978-81-322-2773-1_25}, author = {Arora, Amit and Cameotra, Swaranjit Singh and Kumar, Rajnish and Singh, Anil Kumar and Kumar, Pushpendra and Balomajumder, Chandrajit and Laik, Sukumar}, editor = {Kumar, S and Khanal, SK and Yadav, YK} } @article { ISI:000375520100009, title = {RuO2 center dot nH(2)O nanoparticles anchored on carbon nano-onions: an efficient electrode for solid state flexible electrochemical supercapacitor}, journal = {ACS Sustainable Chemistry \& Engineering}, volume = {4}, number = {5}, year = {2016}, month = {MAY}, pages = {2528-2534}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

A flexible solid state electrochemical capacitor based on hydrous RuO2 nanoparticles, supported onto the nonporous and highly accessible ion adsorptive carbon nano onions (CNOs), is fabricated in a novel process of modifying a conducting carbon paper to a flexible conducting substrate, separated with a poly(vinyl alcohol)/H2SO4 gel electrolyte. The sol-gel technique tends to form homogeneously dispersed RuO2 nanoparticles with the average size of similar to 2.3 nm on the positive surface curvatures of multilayer fullerene (CNOs), which helps the high diffusivity of ions in both the aqueous and solid state gel electrolytes. The flexible substrate worked excellently as an electrical conductor as well as a stable mechanical support. This solid state flexible energy storage device showed a maximum energy density of 10.62 Whkg(-1) and a maximum power density of 4.456 kWkg(-1) for the hydrous RuO2/CNOs nanocomposite with 94.47\% cycling stability even after 4000 cycles.

}, keywords = {Carbon nano-onions, Electrochemical capacitor, Flexible conducting substrate, Flexible energy storage device, Hydrous ruthenium oxide nanoparticles}, issn = {2168-0485}, doi = {10.1021/acssuschemeng.5b01627}, author = {Muniraj, Vedi Kuyil Azhagan and Kamaja, Chaitanya Krishna and Shelke, Manjusha V.} } @article {45633, title = {Ru-TiO2 semiconducting nanoparticles for the photo-catalytic degradation of bromothymol blue}, journal = {Journal of Materials Science-Materials in Electronics}, volume = {27}, year = {2016}, month = {DEC}, pages = {13065-13074}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Photo-catalytic degradation of bromothymol blue (BTB) in an aqueous medium by Ru-TiO2 using UVC (254 nm) irradiation was investigated for a pH range of 4.0-8.0. The liquid impregnation method was used to synthesize 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 \% ruthenium doped TiO2 (Ru-TiO2) nanoparticles. The characterizations of resulting nanoparticles were done using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis. The crystallite sizes of doped and undoped nanoparticles were determined from X-ray diffraction spectra using Scherrer equation. The average crystallite size of undoped TiO2 was found to be 17.00 nm, whereas the crystallite sizes of 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 \% Ru-TiO2 were 16.67, 15.70 and 14.40 nm respectively. The TEM images confirm the particle sizes to be 10-40 nm. Pseudo-first order rate constants (k(obs)) determined were found to decrease with increase in pH. The effect of BTB Concentration, catalyst dosage, a percentage of doping of photo catalyst, pH and UV light intensity of BTB on the degradation rate were also examined.

}, issn = {0957-4522}, doi = {10.1007/s10854-016-5449-6}, author = {Kulkarni, R. M. and Malladi, R. S. and Hanagadakar, M. S. and Doddamani, M. R. and Santhakumari, B. and Kulkarni, S. D.} } @article { ISI:000377612300015, title = {Scandium triflate catalyzed unexpected cleavage of C-C bonds in ynones}, journal = {Arkivoc}, number = {2}, year = {2016}, month = {NOV}, pages = {223-232}, publisher = {ARKAT USA INC}, address = {C/O ALAN R KATRITZKY, UNIV FLORIDA, DEPT CHEMISTRY, PO BOX 117200, GAINESVILLE, FL 32611 USA}, abstract = {

An unexpected C-C bond cleavage in ynones in the presence of catalytic amounts of Sc(OTf)(3) in methanol under microwave irradiation has been discussed. The effect of substituent on the regioselectivity of C-C bond cleavage has carefully been addressed by employing various ynones derivatives. The mechanism has been proposed for the observed regioselectivity.

}, keywords = {C-C bond cleavage, Esters, Ketones, scandium triflate, ynones}, issn = {1551-7004}, doi = {10.3998/ark.5550190.p009.244}, author = {Kavthe, Rahul D. and Bansode, Avinash H. and Patil, Nitin T.} } @article {42546, title = {Selectivity engineering of the diazotization reaction in a continuous flow reactor}, journal = {Reaction Chemistry \& Engineering}, volume = {1}, year = {2016}, month = {APR}, pages = {387-396}, abstract = {

In situ generated diazonium salts are useful intermediates for the synthesis of fine chemicals and active pharmaceutical ingredients. This paper presents a methodology for selectivity engineering of the diazotization reaction in a continuous reactor. The yield of diazotization was found to depend on mixing, dispersion, reaction kinetics, operating temperature and residence time. Initially, experimental data and an isothermal axial dispersion model were used for estimating mixing time. A correlation for estimating mixing time for different flow reactors is proposed. The model predictions were compared with the experimental data. The validated axial dispersion model and Central Composite Design (CCD) were used to optimize diazotization in a straight tube reactor (1.78 mL). The model was then used for scaling-up of aniline diazotization from a straight tube reactor to a proprietary AmAR3 reactor (scale-up ratio of \~{}20). The initial concentration, inlet temperature, average heat capacity of the reaction mixture, mixing, residence time (distribution) and available heat transfer area per unit volume of the reactor were found to be the key parameters for scaling-up of the diazotization reaction. The presented approach and results will be useful to practicing chemists and engineers for enhancing the selectivity of diazotization reactions in continuous reactors.

}, doi = {10.1039/C5RE00056D}, author = {Shukla, C. A. and Kulkarni, Amol A. and Ranade, Vivek V.} } @article {43609, title = {Selenium-containing fused bicyclic heterocycle diselenolodiselenole: field effect transistorstudy and structure property relationship}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {8}, year = {2016}, month = {JUL}, pages = {18222-18230}, abstract = {The first application of the diselenolodiselenole (C4Se4) heterocycle as an active organic field effect transistor materials is demonstrated here. C4Se4 derivatives (2a-2d) were obtained by using a newly developed straightforward diselenocyclization protocol, which includes the reaction of diynes with selenium powder at elevated temperature. C4Se4 derivatives exhibit strong donor characteristics and planar structure (except 2d). The atomic force microscopic analysis and thin-film X-ray diffraction pattern of compounds 2a-2d indicated the formation of distinct crystalline films that contain large domains. A scanning electron microscopy study of compound 2b showed development of symmetrical grains with an average diameter of 150 nm. Interestingly, 2b exhibited superior hole mobility, approaching 0.027 cm(2) V-1 s(-1) with a transconductance of 9.2 mu S. This study correlate the effect of p-stacking, Se center dot center dot center dot Se intermolecular interaction, and planarity with the charge transport properties and performance in the field effect transistor devices. We have shown that the planarity in C4Se4 derivatives was achieved by varying the end groups attached to the C4Se4 core. In turn, optoelectronic properties can also be tuned for all these derivatives by end-group variation.}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.6b02154}, author = {Debnath, Sashi and Chithiravel, Sundaresan and Sharma, Sagar and Bedi, Anjan and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam and Zade, Sanjio S.} } @article { ISI:000382122200014, title = {Self-assembled vesicles of urea-tethered foldamers as hydrophobic drug carriers}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {52}, number = {71}, year = {2016}, month = {AUG}, pages = {10771-10774}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Molecular self-assembly of nonamphiphilic alpha,beta-hybrid foldamers based on urea-tethered anthranilic acid-proline (Ant-Pro) foldamers is reported. These self-assembled hollow vesicular architectures can take up and release the anticancer hydrophobic drug curcumin.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c6cc05079d}, author = {Ingole, Tukaram S. and Kale, Sangram S. and Sukumaran, Santhosh Babu and Sanjayan, Gangadhar J.} } @inbook {43302, title = {Self-assembly of biohybrid polymers}, booktitle = {Macromolecular self-assembly}, year = {2016}, pages = {193-229}, publisher = {John Wiley \& Sons, Inc.}, organization = {John Wiley \& Sons, Inc.}, chapter = {7}, address = {New York :}, abstract = {

Self-assembly is considered to be the process through which building blocks spontaneously organize into well-defined frequently functional structures. The tailoring of properties of such structures has drawn attention in various fields, in particular, in enzymatic cascade reactions, drug delivery, amphiphilic copolymer nanocontainers, and nanoreactors. Polymer-DNA hybrid self-assemblies, in addition to responsiveness to ionic strength, are sensitive to hybridization, which renders the establishment of a theoretical framework challenging when both specific hydrogen bonding between complementary sequences and association are to be taken into consideration. Numerous various highly characterized self-assemblies are recognized to organize through nucleation dependent polymerization, including microtubule formation, sickle-cell fibril formation, flagellum assembly, among others. Interpolyelectrolyte complexes (IPECs) have attracted attention due to the large number of emerging and potential applications. Environmental factors such as the medium also play a role in the complex formation process, especially pH and ionic strength.

}, doi = {10.1002/9781118887813.ch7 }, author = {Kedracki, Dawid and Abraham, Jancy Nixon and Prado, Enora and Nardin, Corinne} } @article {42554, title = {Sequence characterization and in silico structure prediction of fatty acid desaturases in linseed varieties with differential fatty acid composition}, journal = {Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture}, volume = {96}, year = {2016}, month = {DEC}, pages = {4896-4906}, abstract = {

BACKGROUND: Linseed is the richest agricultural source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid (FA) that offers several nutritional benefits. In the present study, sequence characterization of six desaturase genes (SAD1, SAD2, FAD2, FAD2-2, FAD3A and FAD3B) and 3D structure prediction of their proteins from ten Indian linseed varieties differing in ALA content were performed to determine whether the nucleotide and amino acid (AA) sequence variants have any functional implications in differential accumulation of ALA or other FAs in linseed. RESULTS: The SAD and FAD2 genes exhibited few sequence variations among the ten varieties, forming only one or two protein isoforms. In contrast, the FAD3A and FAD3B genes showed more sequence variations and three or four protein isoforms. Interestingly, the two high-ALA varieties NL260 and Padmini had the same FAD3B nucleotide and protein isoforms, which differed from all other varieties. Surprisingly, no AA changes altered the 3D structures of the desaturase proteins. CONCLUSION: Several nucleotide and AA sequence variations in desaturase genes were observed; however, they did not alter the 3D structure of any desaturase protein and were not correlated with FA levels among the ten linseed varieties, which had different ALA contents. This suggests a complex regulatory process of biosynthesis of FAs in linseed. (C) 2016 Society of Chemical Industry

}, doi = {10.1002/jsfa.7775}, author = {Rajwade, Ashwini V. and Joshi, Rakesh S. and Kadoo, Narendra Y. and Gupta, Vidya S.} } @article { ISI:000374811300057, title = {Shape and size engineered cellulosic nanomaterials as broad spectrum anti-microbial compounds}, journal = {International Journal of Biological Macromolecules}, volume = {87}, year = {2016}, month = {JUN}, pages = {460-465}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Oxidized celluloses have been used for decades as antimicrobial wound gauzes and surgical cotton. We now report the successful synthesis of a next generation narrow size range (25-35 nm) spherical shaped nanoparticles of 2,3,6-tricarboxycellulose based on cellulose I structural features, for applications as new antimicrobial materials. This study adds to our previous study of 6-carboxycellulose. A wide range of bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Staphloccocus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (non-pathogenic as well as pathogenic strains) were affected by these polymers in in vitro studies. Activity against Mycobacteria were noted at high concentrations (MIC99 values 250-1000 mu g/ml, as compared to anti-TB drug Isoniazid 0.3 mu g/ml). However, the broad spectrum activity of oxidized celluloses and their nanoparticles against a wide range of bacteria, including Mycobacteria, show that these materials are promising new biocompatible and biodegradable drug delivery vehicles wherein they can play the dual role of being a drug encapsulant as well as a broad spectrum anti-microbial and anti-TB drug. (C) 2016 Published by Elsevier B.V.

}, keywords = {Anti-microbial, cellulose, Spherical nanoparticles, Tricarboxycellulose}, issn = {0141-8130}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2016.02.024}, author = {Sharma, Priyanka R. and Kamble, Sunil and Sarkar, Dhiman and Anand, Amitesh and Varma, Anjanikumar} } @article {45642, title = {Silk fibroin-sophorolipid gelation: deciphering the underlying mechanism}, journal = {Biomacromolecules}, volume = {17}, year = {2016}, month = {OCT}, pages = {3318-3327}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Silk fibroin (SF) protein, produced by silkworm Bombyx mori, is a promising biomaterial, while sophorolipid (SL) is an amphiphilic functional biosurfactant synthesized by nonpathogenic yeast Candida bombicola. SL is a mixture of two forms, acidic (ASL) and lactonic (LSL), which when added to SF results in accelerated gelation of silk fibroin. LSL is known to have multiple biological functionalities and hence hydrogels of these green molecules have promising applications in the biomedical sector. In this work, SANS, NMR, and rheology are employed to examine the assembling properties of individual and mixed SLs and their interactions with SF to understand the mechanism that leads to rapid gelation. SANS and NMR studies show that ASL assembles to form charged micelles, while LSL forms micellar assemblies and aggregates of a mass fractal nature. ASL and LSL together form larger mixed micelles, all of which interact differently with SF. It is shown that preferential binding of LSL to SF causes rapid unfolding of the SF chain leading to the formation of intermolecular beta sheets, which trigger fast gelation. Based on the observations, a mechanism for gelation of SF in the presence of different sophorolipids is proposed.

}, issn = {1525-7797}, doi = {10.1021/acs.biomac.6b01069}, author = {Dubey, Parul and Kumar, Sugam and Aswal, Vinod K. and Ravindranathan, Sapna and Rajamohanan, Pattuparambil R. and Prabhune, Asmita and Nisal, Anuya} } @article {42669, title = {Silver nanoparticles: a new perspective in endodontic therapy}, journal = {OAB Journal}, volume = {7}, year = {2016}, month = {JUN}, pages = { 77-81}, abstract = {

Silver has been in use in medicine since time immemorial because of its antimicrobial properties. But due to the emergence of antibiotics the use of silver has been declined. Several pathogenic bacteria have developed resistance against various antibiotics. This has led to reemergence of silver. Recently nano science and nanotechnology are gaining tremendous popularity. The small size of nanoparticles provides larger surface area and hence increases the effectiveness of nanoparticles. Silver nanoparticles are used in medical and dental applications ranging from silver based wound dressings, silver coated medicinal devices like catheters, endotrachial tubes, bone cements, in gels, lotions, cosmetics, in dental restorative materials, endodontic cements, dental implants caries inhibitory agents, and in prosthesis. The purpose of this article is to discuss briefly the potential role of silver nano particles in endodontic therapy.

}, author = {Jadhav, Rajashree and Bhide, Shrinivas and Bhagavatula L. V. Prasad and Kunchiraman, Bipinraj and Shimpi, Jayesh and Nandhini, Usha} } @article { ISI:000380038000012, title = {Site-selective synthesis and characterization of BODIPY-acetylene copolymers and their transistor properties}, journal = {Journal of Polymer Science Part A-Polymer Chemistry}, volume = {54}, number = {13}, year = {2016}, month = {JUL}, pages = {1978-1986}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

To study the effect of site-selective copolymerization of borondipyrromethene (BODIPY) with acetylene on the structural and optoelectronic properties, three copolymers P1-P3 were synthesized by the Sonogashira cross-coupling of BODIPY units with diacetylene and bromine capping through all the possible linkages: alpha-alpha (P1), alpha-beta (P2), and beta-beta (P3). The optoelectronic properties of the polymers were investigated systematically to understand the effect of site-selective polymerization. The HOMO levels of the polymers were significantly tuned from P1 to P3 with negligible change in the LUMO levels. Broadening of absorption spectra from P3 to P1 was observed because of increase in the extent of conjugation. Additionally, the charge transport properties of these polymers in organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) revealed that P1 and P3 exhibited only p-type mobility, whereas P2 exhibited electron mobility. Notably, the further investigations of the surface morphology of polymer films by atomic force microscopy (AFM) unveiled that comb like nanostructural arrangements in P3 was beneficial for the charge-carrier mobility over the circular arrangements in P1 and P2. (C) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

}, keywords = {acetylene, BODIPY, DFT, low-band gap}, issn = {0887-624X}, doi = {10.1002/pola.28064}, author = {Debnath, Sashi and Singh, Saumya and Bedi, Anjan and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam and Zade, Sanjio S.} } @article { ISI:000372253200047, title = {Situ fabrication of highly crystalline CdS decorated Bi2S3 nanowires (nano-heterostructure) for visible light photocatalyst application}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {6}, number = {28}, year = {2016}, month = {FEB}, pages = {23508-23517}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

In situ synthesis of the orthorhombic Bi2S3 nanowires decorated with hexagonal CdS nanoparticles (nano-heterostructure) has been demonstrated by a facile solvothermal method. The tiny 5-7 nm CdS spherical nanoparticles are decorated on the surfaces of 30-40 nm Bi2S3 nanowires, successfully. Structural, morphological and optical studies clearly show the existence of CdS on the nanowires. A possible sequential deposition growth mechanism is proposed on the basis of experimental results to reveal the formation of the nano heterostructure. The heterostructures have been used as a photocatalyst for hydrogen production as well as degradation of methylene blue under solar light. The maximum hydrogen evolution i.e. 4560 and 2340 mu mol h(-1) 0.5 g was obtained from H2S splitting and glycerol degradation for Bi2S3 NWs decorated with CdS nanoparticles (nano-heterostructure) which is higher than that of the Bi2S3 NWs (3000 and 1170 mu mol h(-1) 0.5 g, respectively). The enhanced photocatalytical hydrogen evolution efficiency of the heterostructures is mainly attributed to its nanostructure. In the nano heterostructure, the CdS nanoparticles control the charge carrier transition, recombination, and separation, while the Bi2S3 nanowire serves as a support for the CdS nanoparticles. The photogenerated electron{\textquoteright}s migration is faster than the holes from the inside of a CdS nanoparticle to its surface or to the phase interface, resulting in a relatively higher hole density inside the CdS nanoparticle leaving electron density at surface of the Bi2S3 NWs. This influences the photocatalytic activity under solar light. Such nano-heterostructures may have potential in other photocatalytic reactions.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c6ra01488g}, author = {Panmand, Rajendra P. and Sethi, Yogesh A. and Deokar, Rajashree S. and Late, Dattatray J. and Gholap, Haribhau M. and Baeg, Jin-Ook and Kale, Bharat B.} } @article { ISI:000365050700016, title = {Sol-gel synthesised WO3 nanoparticles supported on mesoporous silica for liquid phase nitration of aromatics}, journal = {Applied Catalysis B-Environmental}, volume = {182}, year = {2016}, month = {MAR}, pages = {142-152}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

A series of WO3/SiO2 catalysts have been prepared by sol-gel method using ammonium metatungstate and ethyl silicate-40 (ES-40) as WO3 and SiO2 precursors respectively. The sol-gel method has led to the formation of WO3 nano-particles of 2-5 nm well dispersed on mesoporous silica along with some WO3{\textquoteright} agglomerates. Formation of monoclinic WO3 was seen on the catalysts above 5 wt\% WO3 loading by XRD analysis. Silica has shown very high surface area of 606 m(2)/g which decreased gradually upto 368 m(2)/g with 20 wt\% WO3 loading. 20 wt\% WO3/SiO2 catalyst has shown maximum acidity (0.56 mmol NH3/g) with presence of both Lewis and Bronsted acidity. UV-vis DRS analysis showed formation of polytungstate species along with WO3 on silica surface. The prepared catalysts were used for liquid phase nitration of aromatics using 70\% nitric acid as nitrating agent without using any sulfuric acid. Very high conversion (99\%) was obtained for p-cresol nitration with very high selectivity (99\%) for 2-nitro p-cresol. The water formed during the reaction was removed azeotropically using ethylene dichloride as solvent. In case of o-xylene 74\% conversion was obtained with 54\% selectivity for 4-nitro o-xylene. The effect of different WO3 precursors on nitration efficiency was studied using sodium tungstate and tungstic acid as precursors. However,ammonium metatungstate showed the highest acidity. Sodium tungstate showed formation of dimer of sodium tungstate which did not show any acidity and hence no activity for nitration. The mechanism for nitration using WO3/SiO2 has been proposed based on polarisation of water on tungsten centre generating Bronsted acidity which can further generate nitronium ion giving subsequently nitration of the aromatic ring. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Aromatic nitration, heterogeneous catalysis, Regioselective, Sol-gel synthesis, Water polarization}, issn = {0926-3373}, doi = {10.1016/j.apcatb.2015.09.020}, author = {Kulal, A. B. and Dongare, Mohan K. and Shubhangi B. Umbarkar} } @article { ISI:000369515700086, title = {Solution chemistry-based nano-structuring of copper dendrites for efficient use in catalysis and superhydrophobic surfaces}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {6}, number = {10}, year = {2016}, month = {JAN}, pages = {8416-8430}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Despite their performance and economic advantages over Ag and Au, there have been no focused research efforts on the nano-structuring of Cu dendrites with respect to fine-tuning their structure/morphology towards the efficiency enhancement of suitable applications. Reported here is a simple, versatile, environmentally-friendly and galvanic replacement reaction-based solution chemistry methodology to synthesize highly nano-structured copper dendrites targeted towards the efficiency enhancement of desired applications. Herein, copper is deposited galvanically on an Al foil in the presence of NaCl/HCl, wherein the chloride anions augment an uninterrupted replacement reaction. The growth process of Cu dendrites has been probed in detail. The presence of acid, the type of Cu2+ precursor salt, the Cu2+ ion concentration, the surfactant concentration and the reaction temperature are all demonstrated to provide useful means of modulating the surface structure/morphology of the dendrites. Notably, dendrites formed in the presence of acid are found to be highly nano-structured. Moreover, it is also found that the morphology/structure of the obtained Cu deposit depends considerably upon the choice of the Cu2+ precursor salt, a parameter that has been completely overlooked in the past. The acid-induced nano-structuring of the dendrites is exploited for enhancing their efficiency in the catalytic reduction of para-nitrophenol and for fabricating self-cleaning superhydrophobic surfaces. These nano-structured dendrites are demonstrated to have the highest ever normalized rate constant for the catalytic reduction reaction. Superhydrophobic surfaces fabricated using these dendrites demonstrate excellent self-cleaning abilities, showing a high contact angle (159 degrees) with low contact angle hysteresis (2 degrees). This facile synthetic strategy for the fabrication of highly nano-structured Cu dendrites is expected to open up avenues for the production of Cu-based low-cost functional nano/micro-materials.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c5ra22683j}, author = {Bakthavatsalam, Rangarajan and Ghosh, Subrata and Biswas, Ratul Kumar and Saxena, Aayushi and Raja, Alagar and Thotiyl, Musthafa Ottakam and Wadhai, Sandip and Banpurkar, Arun G. and Kundu, Janardan} } @article { ISI:000381182700004, title = {Spectacular rate enhancement of the diels-alder reaction at the ionic liquid/n-hexane interface}, journal = {Chemphyschem}, volume = {17}, number = {13}, year = {2016}, month = {JUL}, pages = {1969-1972}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {POSTFACH 101161, 69451 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

The use of the ionic liquid/n-hexane interface as a new class of reaction medium for the Diels-Alder reaction gives large rate enhancements of the order of 10(6) to 10(8) times and high stereoselectivity, as compared to homogeneous media. The rate enhancement is attributed to the H-bonding abilities and polarities of the ionic liquids, whereas the hydrophobicity of ionic liquids was considered to be the factor in controlling stereoselectivity.

}, keywords = {Diels-Alder reaction, Interfaces, ionic liquids, kinetics, stereoselectivity}, issn = {1439-4235}, doi = {10.1002/cphc.201600006}, author = {Beniwal, Vijay and Manna, Arpan and Kumar, Anil} } @article {45638, title = {Strategic Preparation of Efficient and Durable NiCo Alloy Supported N-Doped Porous Graphene as an Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalyst: A Theoretical and Experimental Investigation}, journal = {Advanced Materials Interfaces}, volume = {3}, year = {2016}, month = {OCT }, pages = {1600532}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Development of an efficient and durable water splitting electrocatalyst holds a great commitment for the future energy devices. The real application of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts mainly suffers from sluggish kinetics and high overpotential except for the Ir and Ru-based systems. However, the high cost and vulnerability of the Ir and Ru metals are the main hostiles to use them for marketization. Herein, a high-performance OER electrocatalyst consisting of NiCo alloy nanoparticles supported on high surface area N-doped porous graphene (NiCo/pNGr(75: 25)) is reported. The importance of the doped-N for achieving the uniform dispersion-cum-effective interaction of the size controlled NiCo alloy nanoparticles has been explicitly investigated by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photo electron spectroscopy, Raman, density functional theory (DFT) calculations, etc. The electrochemical analysis of NiCo/pNGr(75: 25) shows an overpotential of approximate to 260 mV at 10 mA cm(-2) with a smaller Tafel slope of approximate to 87 mV dec(-1) and long catalytic durability. DFT calculations are done to check the interaction between the NiCo alloy nanoparticles and the defective sites of pNGr and also with the doped-N, which could be attained for maintaining long catalytic durability. Furthermore, NiCo/pNGr(75: 25) is used as an OER catalyst to fabricate an electrolyzer, which works at very low potential of 1.5 V in 1 M KOH.

}, issn = {2196-7350}, doi = {10.1002/admi.201600532}, author = {Singh, Santosh K. and Kumar, Deepak and Dhavale, Vishal M. and Pal, Sourav and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article { ISI:000370135100007, title = {Streptomyces lonarensis sp nov., isolated from lonar lake, a meteorite salt water lake in India}, journal = {Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek International Journal of General and Molecular Microbiology}, volume = {109}, number = {2}, year = {2016}, month = {FEB}, pages = {225-235}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

A novel alkaliphilic actinomycete, strain NCL716(T), was isolated from a soil sample collected from the vicinity of Lonar Lake, an alkaline salt water meteorite lake in Buldhana district of Maharashtra State in India. The strain was characterised using a polyphasic taxonomic approach which confirmed that it belongs to the genus Streptomyces. Growth was observed over a pH range of 7-11 at 28 A degrees C. The cell wall was found to contain ll-diaminopimelic acid and traces of meso-diaminopimelic acid. The major fatty acid components were identified as iso-C-16:0 (46.8 \%), C-17:1 (12.4 \%), anteiso-C-15:0 (5.1 \%) and anteiso-C-17:1 (4.8 \%). The major polar lipids were identified as diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol. The major menaquinones were determined to be MK-9 (H-6) (70.3 \%), MK-9 (H-4) (15.5 \%) and MK-9 (H-8) (7.2 \%). The G+C content of the DNA of the type strain was determined to be 71.4 mol \%. The 16S rRNA gene sequence has been deposited in GenBank with accession number FJ919811. Although the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain NCL716(T) shares \> 99 \% similarity with that of Streptomyces bohaiensis strain 11A07(T), DNA-DNA hybridization revealed only 33.2 +/- A 3.0 \% relatedness between them. Moreover, these two strains can be readily distinguished by some distinct phenotypic characteristics. Hence, on the basis of phenotypic and genetic analyses, it is proposed that strain NCL716(T) represents a novel species of the genus Streptomyces, for which the name Streptomyces lonarensis sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is NCL 716(T) (=DSM 42084(T) = MTCC 11708(T) = KCTC 39684(T)).

}, keywords = {Alkaliphile, DDH analysis, Polyphasic taxonomy, Streptomyces lonarensis sp nov.}, issn = {0003-6072}, doi = {10.1007/s10482-015-0626-9}, author = {Sharma, Trupti K. and Mawlankar, Rahul R. and Sonalkar, Vidya V. and Shinde, Vidhya K. and Zhan, Jing and Li, Wen-Jun and Rele, Meenakshi V. and Dastager, Syed Gulam and Kumar, Lalitha Sunil} } @article { ISI:000369537900099, title = {Sunlight assisted degradation of dye molecules and reduction of toxic Cr(VI) in aqueous medium using magnetically recoverable Fe3O4/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {6}, number = {13}, year = {2016}, month = {JAN}, pages = {11049-11063}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

In view of the significant impact of magnetically recoverable catalysts in photocatalytic applications, Fe3O4/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposite photocatalyst was synthesized by adopting an eco-friendly solution chemistry approach and has been characterized by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Fe3O4/rGO nanocomposite is efficiently utilized towards photocatalytic degradation of carcinogenic and mutagenic cationic as well as anionic dye molecules namely methyl green (MG), methyl blue (MB) and rhodamine B (RhB) under direct sunlight irradiation. The Fe3O4/rGO nanocomposite also demonstrated excellent photocatalytic reduction of aqueous Cr(VI) solution to nontoxic aqueous Cr(III) solution of more than 96\% within 25 min under sunlight irradiation. Moreover, reusability of the magnetically recovered photocatalyst was studied efficiently up to 10 cycles in the degradation process. The catalyst was also characterized after the degradation of the dye molecule and the particle size of the Fe3O4 nanoparticles on the rGO sheets remained unchanged. The present investigation focuses on the importance of the use of Fe3O4/rGO nanocomposite towards photocatalytic degradation of waste water containing organic dye pollutants and toxic Cr(VI), as an easily recoverable and reusable photocatalyst with potential for many environmental remediation applications.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c5ra25035h}, author = {Boruah, Purna K. and Borthakur, Priyakshree and Darabdhara, Gitashree and Kamaja, Chaitanya Krishna and Karbhal, Indrapal and Shelke, Manjusha V. and Phukan, Pallabi and Saikia, Dulen and Das, Manash R.} } @article { ISI:000372766400005, title = {Surface tailored PS/TiO2 composite nanofiber membrane for copper removal from water}, journal = {Journal of Colloid and Interface Science}, volume = {469}, year = {2016}, month = {MAY}, pages = {31-37}, publisher = {ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE}, address = {525 B ST, STE 1900, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101-4495 USA}, abstract = {

Polystyrene (PS)/TiO2 composite nanofiber membranes have been fabricated by electrospinning process for Cu2+ ions removal from water. The surface properties of the polystyrene nanofibers were modulated by introducing TiO2 nanoparticles. The contact angle of the PS nanofiber membrane was found to be decreased with increasing concentration of TiO2, depicted enhanced hydrophilicity. These membranes were highly effective in adsorbing Cu2+ ions from water. The adsorption capacity of these membranes was found to be 522 mg/g, which is significantly higher than the results reported by other researchers. This was attributed to enhanced hydrophilicity of the PS/TiO2 composite nanofiber membranes and effective adsorption property of TiO2 nanoparticles. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {electrospinning, Metal ion adsorption, Nanofiber, TiO2, Water treatment/purification}, issn = {0021-9797}, doi = {10.1016/j.jcis.2016.01.054}, author = {Wanjale, Santosh and Birajdar, Mallinath S. and Jog, Jyoti Prakash and Neppalli, Ramesh and Causin, Valerio and Karger-Kocsis, Jozsef and Lee, Jonghwi and Panzade, Prasad} } @article { ISI:000380574100052, title = {Synthesis and antitubercular activity of new 1,3,4-oxadiazoles bearing pyridyl and thiazolyl scaffolds}, journal = {Bioorganic \& Medicinal Chemistry Letters}, volume = {26}, number = {15}, year = {2016}, month = {AUG}, pages = {3646-3651}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

In search of more potent and safe new antitubercular agents, here new 2-pyridinyl substituted thiazolyl-5-aryl-1,3,4-oxadiazoles (6a-o), have been designed and synthesized using thionicotinamide as a starting, following novel multistep synthetic route. An intermediate, pyridinyl substituted thiazolyl acid hydrazide (4) when condensed with benzoic acids/nicotinic acids (5a-o) in the presence of silica supported POCl3 yielded better to excellent yields of the title compounds. All the synthesized compounds (6a-o) and intermediate acid hydrazide (4) have been screened for their in vitro antitubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra (MTB) and Mycobacterium bovis BCG. Amongst them, 6f, 6j, 6l and 6o have revealed promising activity against M. bovis BCG at concentrations less than 3 mu g/mL. These compounds have shown low cytotoxicity (CC50: \> 100 mu g/mL) towards four human cancer cell lines. Molecular docking study has also been performed against mycobacterial enoyl reductase (InhA) enzyme to gain an insight into the binding modes of these molecules and recorded good binding affinity. The ADME properties the title products have also been analyzed. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {1, 3, 4-Oxadiazole, Antitubercular activity, Cytotoxicity, Molecular docking, Pyridine, Thiazole}, issn = {0960-894X}, doi = {10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.05.093}, author = {Dhumal, Sambhaji T. and Deshmukh, Amarsinh R. and Bhosle, Manisha R. and Khedkar, Vijay M. and Nawale, Laxman U. and Sarkar, Dhiman and Mane, Ramrao A.} } @article { ISI:000381452800005, title = {Synthesis and antitubercular activity of new benzo[b]thiophenes}, journal = {ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters}, volume = {7}, number = {8}, year = {2016}, month = {AUG}, pages = {751-756}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

In vitro and ex vivo efficacies of four series of benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid derivatives were studied against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra (MTB). Benzo[b]thiophenes were also tested in vitro against multidrug resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra (MDR-MTB), and 7b was found to be highly active against A- and DMDR-MTB/MTB (MIC ranges 2.73-22.86 mu g/mL). The activity of all benzo[b]-thiophenes against M. bovis BCG (BCG) was also assessed grown under aerobic and under conditions of oxygen depletion. Compounds 8c and 8g showed significant activity with MICs of 0.60 and 0.61 mu g/mL against dormant BCG. The low cytotoxicity and high selectivity index data against human cancer cell lines, HeLa, Panc-1, and THP-1 indicate the potential importance of the development of benzo[b]thiophene-based 1,3-diketones and flavones as lead candidates to treat mycobacterial infections. Molecular docking studies into the active site of DprE1 (Decaprenylphosphoryl-beta-n-ribose-2{\textquoteright}-epimerase) enzyme revealed a similar binding mode to native ligand in the crystal structure thereby helping to understand the ligand protein interactions and establish a structural basis for inhibition of MTB. In summary, its good activity in in vitro and ex vivo model, as well as its activity against multidrug-resistant M. tuberculosis H37Ra in a potentially latent state, makes 7b an attractive drug candidate for the therapy of tuberculosis.

}, keywords = {Benzo[b]thiophene, Cytotoxicity, M. Bovis BCG, MDR-MTB, Molecular docking}, issn = {1948-5875}, doi = {10.1021/acsmedchemlett.6b00077}, author = {Mahajan, Pravin S. and Nikam, Mukesh D. and Nawale, Laxman U. and Khedkar, Vijay M. and Sarkar, Dhiman and Gill, Charansingh H.} } @article { ISI:000367329700060, title = {Synthesis and bioactivity of novel triazole incorporated benzothiazinone derivatives as antitubercular and antioxidant agent}, journal = {Bioorganic \& Medicinal Chemistry Letters}, volume = {26}, number = {2}, year = {2016}, month = {JAN}, pages = {561-569}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

In search of new active molecules against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) H37Ra and M. bovis BCG, a small focused library of benzothiazinone based 1,2,3-triazoles has been efficiently prepared via click chemistry approach. Several derivatives were found to be promising inhibitors of MTB and M. bovis BCG characterized by lower MIC values (27.34-29.37 mu g/mL). Among all the synthesized compounds, 6c and 6e is the most active compound against MTB and M. bovis BCG. The compounds were further tested for anti-proliferative activity against HeLa, A549 and A431 cell lines using MTT assay and showed no significant cytotoxic activity at the maximum concentration evaluated. Further, the synthesized compounds were found to have potential antioxidant activity with IC50 range = 14.14-47.11 mu g/mL. Furthermore, to rationalize the observed biological activity data, the molecular docking study also been carried out against a potential target MTB DprE1, which revealed a significant correlation between the binding score and biological activity for these compounds. The results of the in vitro and in silico study suggest that the triazole incorporated benzothiazinone may possess the ideal structural requirements for further development of novel therapeutic agents. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {1, 2, 3-Triazole, ADME prediction, Antioxidant, Antitubercular, Docking study}, issn = {0960-894X}, doi = {10.1016/j.bmcl.2015.11.071}, author = {Shaikh, Mubarak H. and Subhedar, Dnyaneshwar D. and Arkile, Manisha A. and Khedkar, Vijay M. and Jadhav, Nandadeep J. and Sarkar, Dhiman and Shingate, Bapurao B.} } @article {45828, title = {Synthesis and characterization of novel polymer-hybrid silver nanoparticles and its biomedical study}, journal = {Materials Today: Proceedings}, volume = {3}, year = {2016}, month = {JUN}, pages = {1949-1957}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Hybrid polymer metal nanoparticles have advantages over conventional metal nanoparticles with respect to their stability, chemical resistance, antibacterial activity and drug delivery properties. In the current work, we have synthesized novel stimuli-responsive polymer hybrid silver nanoparticles using green synthesis method, where the plant extract is used as a reducing agent in the synthesis. Encapsulating metal nanoparticles with stimuli-responsive soft-polymeric system is novel and provides additional versatility whose functions and properties can be tailored by controlling any of the stimuli such as pH, temperature, ionic strength with respect to their antibacterial activity and physiological condition. Moreover, green synthesis methods have advantages over conventional methods involving chemical reducing agents that are often associated with environmental toxicity because of their enhanced antibacterial and other biological effects. The synthesized hybrid particles were characterized using Dynamic light scattering, UV-Visible spectroscopy and Small angle x-ray scattering. Further, we have investigated the antibacterial and cytotoxicity effect of these hybrid particles against different bacterial cells ( Salmonella) and mammalian cell lines (HCT116) respectively. These results are discussed in the light of previous studied work and these results suggest that our synthesized polymer hybrid nanoparticles are more antibacterial and less cytotoxic than the usual silver nanoparticles. (C) 2015Elsevier Ltd.All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Antibacterial effect, Cytotoxicity, Polymeric hybrid particless, silver nanoparticles}, doi = {10.1016/j.matpr.2016.04.096}, author = {Verma, Suresh Kumar and Jha, Ealisha and Kiran, K. J. and Bhat, Suresh and Suar, Mrutyunjay and Mohanty, P. S.} } @article {43612, title = {Synthesis and characterization of simple cost-effective trans-A(2)BC porphyrins with various donor groups for dye-sensitized solar cells}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {40}, year = {2016}, month = {JUL}, pages = {5704-5713}, abstract = {We have designed and synthesized a series of simple cost-effective {\textquoteright}push-pull{\textquoteright} Zn(II) porphyrin dyes containing various electron donors such as 2-thienyl, pyrenyl, phenyl, 4{\textquoteright}-bromophenyl, 4{\textquoteright}-tbutylphenyl and 4{\textquoteright}-carboxyphenyl acceptor moieties in three steps. Their optical absorption spectra, electrochemical redox and photovoltaic properties have been investigated in detail. The overall power conversion efficiencies (Z) of DSSCs based on these dyes are in the range of 2.1 to 4.2\% and highly depend on their donor moiety. The incorporation of trans-10,20-dimesityl groups is highly beneficial for preventing the p-p aggregation among the porphyrin moieties, thus favorably suppressing the charge recombination and intermolecular interaction. Among all, pyrenyl appended Zn(II) porphyrin has exhibited a higher power conversion efficiency of 4.2\% under 1 sun illumination due to the extended p-conjugation and electron donating ability of the pyrenyl moiety.}, doi = {10.1039/c5nj02610e}, author = {Kumar, Ravi and Sankar, Muniappan and Sudhakar, Vediappan and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam} } @article { ISI:000373739700025, title = {Synthesis and docking studies of pyrazine-thiazolidinone hybrid scaffold targeting dormant tuberculosis}, journal = {Bioorganic \& Medicinal Chemistry Letters}, volume = {26}, number = {9}, year = {2016}, month = {MAY}, pages = {2224-2228}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The persistence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) in dormant stage assists the pathogen to develop resistance against current antimycobactrial drugs. To address this issue, we report herein the synthesis of N-(4-oxo-2 substituted thiazolidin-3yl) pyrazine-2-carbohydrazide derivatives designed by following the molecular hybridization approach using pyrazine and thiazolidenone scaffolds. The compounds were evaluated against MTB H37Ra and Mycobacterium bovis BCG in dormancy model. Most of the compounds had IC50 values in 0.3-1 mu g/ml range. The active compounds were further tested for anti-proliferative activity against THP-1, Panc-1, A549, and MCF-7 cell lines using MTT assay and exhibited no significant cytotoxicity. We also report molecular docking studies using active analogs and MTB Decaprenylphosphoryl-beta-D-ribose-2{\textquoteright}-epimerase (DprE1) to rationalize the biological activity and to provide an insight into the probable mechanism of action and binding mode of hybridized structures. The results obtained validate the use of molecular hybridization approach and also suggest that reported compounds can provide a novel pharmacophore to synthesize lead compounds against dormat MTB. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {docking, Dormant, Hybrid design, Pyrazine, Thiazolidenone, tuberculosis}, issn = {0960-894X}, doi = {10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.03.055}, author = {Chitre, T. S. and Asgaonkar, K. D. and Miniyar, P. B. and Dharme, A. B. and Arkile, Manisha A. and Yeware, A. and Sarkar, Dhiman and Khedkar, Vijay M. and Jha, Prakash C.} } @article { ISI:000373492800012, title = {Synthesis and properties of poly(arylene ether)s based on 3-pentadecyl 4,4{\textquoteright}-biphenol}, journal = {Polymer International}, volume = {65}, number = {5}, year = {2016}, month = {MAY}, pages = {567-576}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

A new biphenol, 3-pentadecyl 4,4-biphenol, was synthesized starting from 3-pentadecylphenol and was polycondensed with 4,4-difluorobenzophenone, 1,3-bis(4-fluorobenzoyl)benzene and bis(4-fluorophenyl)sulfone to obtain poly(arylene ether)s with biphenylene linkages in the backbone and pendent pentadecyl chains. Inherent viscosities and number-average molecular weights (M-n) of the poly(arylene ether)s were in the range 0.50 - 0.81 dL g(-1) and 2.2 x 10(4) - 8.3 x 10(4), respectively. Detailed NMR spectroscopic studies of the poly(arylene ether)s indicated the presence of constitutional isomerism which existed because of the non-symmetrical structure of 3-pentadecyl 4,4-biphenol. The poly(arylene ether)s readily dissolved in common organic solvents such as dichloromethane, chloroform and tetrahydrofuran and could be cast into tough, transparent and flexible films from their chloroform solutions. The poly(arylene ether)s exhibited T-g values in the range 35-60 degrees C which are lower than that of reference poly(arylene ether)s without pentadecyl chains. The 10\% decomposition temperatures (T-10) of the poly(arylene ether)s were in the range 410-455 degrees C indicating their good thermal stability. A gas permeation study of poly(ether sulfone) containing pendent pentadecyl chains revealed a moderate increase in permeability for helium, hydrogen and oxygen. However, there was a large increase in permeability for carbon dioxide which could be attributed to the internal plasticization effect of pendent pentadecyl chains. (c) 2016 Society of Chemical Industry

}, keywords = {cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL), gas permeation study, pentadecyl, poly(arylene ether)s, thermal stability}, issn = {0959-8103}, doi = {10.1002/pi.5095}, author = {Tawade, Bhausaheb V. and Shaligram, Sayali V. and Valsange, Nitin G. and Kharul, Ulhas K. and Wadgaonkar, Prakash P.} } @article { ISI:000368533200012, title = {Synthesis and tyrosinase inhibition activity of trans-stilbene derivatives}, journal = {Bioorganic Chemistry}, volume = {64}, year = {2016}, month = {FEB}, pages = {97-102}, publisher = {ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE}, address = {525 B ST, STE 1900, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101-4495 USA}, abstract = {

Synthesis of a focussed library of trans-stilbene compounds through Wittig and other base catalysed condensation reactions is presented. The synthesized stilbenes were screened for their inhibitory potential against murine tyrosinase activity to explore the structure activity relationship (SAR). Presence of electron withdrawing group (-CN) at the double bond and hydroxyl group or halogen atom especially at para-position on the aromatic rings was found to significantly elevate the inhibitory activity. Among all the compounds screened, compounds 2, 6, 8, 10, 11, 15 and 21 were found to exhibit appreciable inhibitory activity. Compound 21 ((E)-2,3-bis(4-Hydroxyphenyl) acryonitrile) was found to be the most active with an IC50 value of 5.06 mu M which is less than half of the value 10.78 mu M observed for resveratrol (common standard used in murine tyrosinase activity studies) under similar conditions. The results obtained from the present study reveal structural/functional group sensitivity for the tyrosinase inhibitory activity of stilbenoid moieties and are expected to be very helpful for the design and synthesis of novel, selective and effective tyrosinase inhibitors. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Electron withdrawing groups, Murine tyrosinase activity, Resveratrol, Stilbenoids, Tyrosinase inhibitors, Wittig reaction}, issn = {0045-2068}, doi = {10.1016/j.bioorg.2016.01.001}, author = {Ismail, Tabasum and Shafi, Syed and Srinivas, Jada and Sarkar, Dhiman and Qurishi, Yasrib and Khazir, Jabeena and Alam, Mohammad Sarwar and Kumar, Halmuthur Mahabalarao Sampath} } @article { ISI:000371304100018, title = {Synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular docking of novel coumarin incorporated triazoles as antitubercular, antioxidant and antimicrobial agents}, journal = {Medicinal Chemistry Research}, volume = {25}, number = {4}, year = {2016}, month = {APR}, pages = {790-804}, publisher = {SPRINGER BIRKHAUSER}, address = {233 SPRING STREET, 6TH FLOOR, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

A series of new coumarin-based 1,2,3-triazole derivatives were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their antitubercular activity in vitro against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra, antioxidant activity by DPPH radical scavenging assay, antimicrobial activity in vitro against three gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus and Bacillus cereus) and three gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Flavobacterium devorans as well as three fungi (Aspergillus niger, Penicillium chrysogenum and Curvularia lunata). The bioactive assay showed that some synthesized coumarin triazoles displayed comparable or even better antitubercular, antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal efficacy in comparison with reference drugs. Furthermore, docking study has been performed against DprE1 enzyme of M. tuberculosis that showed good binding interactions. Moreover, the synthesized compounds were also analyzed for ADME properties and showed potential to build up as good oral drug candidates. New coumarin-based 1,2,3-triazole derivatives were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their antitubercular, antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal activity. Some of the coumarin-based triazole derivatives displayed comparable or even better efficacy in comparison with reference drugs. Molecular docking study has been performed against DprE1 enzyme of Mycobacterium tuberculosis showed good binding interactions. [GRAPHICS] .

}, keywords = {1, 2, 3-Triazole, ADME prediction, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antitubercular, Click chemistry, Docking study}, issn = {1054-2523}, doi = {10.1007/s00044-016-1519-9}, author = {Shaikh, Mubarak H. and Subhedar, Dnyaneshwar D. and Shingate, Bapurao B. and Khan, Firoz A. Kalam and Sangshetti, Jaiprakash N. and Khedkar, Vijay M. and Nawale, Laxman and Sarkar, Dhiman and Navale, Govinda R. and Shinde, Sandip S.} } @article { ISI:000372031300074, title = {Synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular docking studies of N-acylheteroaryl hydrazone derivatives as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents}, journal = {Research on Chemical Intermediates}, volume = {42}, number = {3}, year = {2016}, month = {MAR}, pages = {2707-2729}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

In search of new therapeutics with greater potency, three new series of 3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-thieno[2,3-c]pyrazole-5-carbohydrazide derivatives have been synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The hydrazones bearing a core pyrazole, chromone and tetrazolo[1,5-a]quinoline scaffold showed promising activities. Interestingly, compounds 3a (EC50 = 06.00 +/- A 2.36) and 5c (EC50 = 07.21 +/- A 0.67) showed the most potent antioxidant activity, while compounds 3a (EC50 = 10.25 +/- A 1.08), 7b (EC50 = 10.50 +/- A 0.99) and 7c (EC50 = 11.18 +/- A 0.15) showed significant anti-inflammatory activity. Furthermore, molecular docking studies also revealed a significant correlation between the binding score and biological activity for these compounds to describe the molecular basis for the structure activity relationship (SAR) results. As these compounds are good cyclooxygenase inhibitors, isoenzyme inhibitory potency studies are warranted.

}, keywords = {Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Docking study, N-Acylhydrazones, Structure-activity relationship}, issn = {0922-6168}, doi = {10.1007/s11164-015-2176-1}, author = {Mahajan, Pravin S. and Nikam, Mukesh D. and Khedkar, Vijay M. and Jha, Prakash C. and Sarkar, Dhiman and Gill, Charansingh H.} } @article { ISI:000371344600027, title = {Synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular docking study of some novel indole and pyridine based 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives as potential antitubercular agents}, journal = {Bioorganic \& Medicinal Chemistry Letters}, volume = {26}, number = {7}, year = {2016}, month = {APR }, pages = {1776-1783}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A series of indole and pyridine based 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives 5a-t were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro antitubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra (MTB) and Mycobacterium bovis BCG both in active and dormant state. Compounds 5b, 5e, 5g and 5q exhibited very good antitubercular activity. All the newly synthesized compounds 5a-t were further evaluated for antiproliferative activity against HeLa, A549 and PANC-1 cell lines using modified MTT assay and found to be noncytotoxic. On the basis of cytotoxicity and MIC values against Mycobacterium bovis BCG, selectivity index (SI) of most active compounds 5b, 5e, 5g and 5q was calculated (SI = GI(50)/MIC) in active and dormant state. Compounds 5b, 5e and 5g demonstrated SI values \>= 10 against all three cell lines and were found to safe for advance screening. Compounds 5a-t were further screened for their antibacterial activity against four bacteria strains to assess their selectivity towards MTB. In addition, the molecular docking studies revealed the binding modes of these compounds in active site of enoyl reductase (InhA), which in turn helped to establish a structural basis of inhibition of mycobacteria. The potency, low cytotoxicity and selectivity of these compounds make them valid lead compounds for further optimization. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {1, 3, 4-Oxadiazole, Antitubercular activity, Cytotoxicity, Indole, Molecular docking, Pyridine}, issn = {0960-894X}, doi = {10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.02.043}, author = {Desai, N. C. and Somani, Hardik and Trivedi, Amit and Bhatt, Kandarp and Nawale, Laxman and Khedkar, Vijay M. and Jha, Prakash C. and Sarkar, Dhiman} } @article { ISI:000371304100013, title = {Synthesis, biological valuation, and QSAR studies of novel pyrazole bearing pyridyl oxadiazole analogues as potential antimicrobial agents}, journal = {Medicinal Chemistry Research}, volume = {25}, number = {4}, year = {2016}, month = {APR}, pages = {712-727}, publisher = {SPRINGER BIRKHAUSER}, address = {233 SPRING STREET, 6TH FLOOR, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

A new series of 1-(2-(3-(4-nitrophenyl)-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-5-(pyridin-4-yl)-1,3,4 -oxadiazol-3(2H)-yl)-3-(aryl)prop-2-en-1-ones (5a-l) were synthesized by a simple and efficient synthetic protocol. The newly synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, H-1 NMR, C-13 NMR and Mass spectroscopy. The resulting structural diversity was screened for its antimicrobial activity the following bacterial and fungal strains: two Gram-positive bacteria [Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC-96), Streptococcus pyogenes (MTCC-442)], two Gram-negative bacteria [Escherichia coli (MTCC-443), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC-1688)] and three fungal species (C. albicans, A. niger and A. clavatus). Following this, in vitro cytotoxicity activity against HeLa cell lines was measured by MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide] assay. The observations derived from the diverse assays were utilized for building classification models based on a binary QSAR approach termed recursive partitioning (RP) analysis to probe the physic-chemical properties influencing the SAR for molecules. The decision tree derived from RP analysis could highlight structural characteristics that discriminate the actives from inactives which can serve as guide to design molecules with improved potency. In silico ADME predictions were performed to gauge their pharmacokinetic, safety and drug likeness profile.

}, keywords = {1, 3, 4-Oxadiazole, Antimicrobial activity, Cytotoxicity, Pyrazole, Pyridine, QSAR}, issn = {1054-2523}, doi = {10.1007/s00044-016-1511-4}, author = {Desai, N. C. and Kotadiya, G. M. and Trivedi, A. R. and Khedkar, Vijay M. and Jha, Prakash C.} } @article {43628, title = {Synthesis of Ni-doped ZnO nanostructures by low-temperature wet chemical method and their enhanced field emission properties}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {6}, year = {2016}, month = {OCT}, pages = {104318-104324}, abstract = {In this study, we report an enhancement in the field emission (FE) properties of ZnO nanostructures obtained by doping with Ni at a base pressure of similar to 1 x 10(-8) mbar, which were grown by a simple wet chemical process. The ZnO nanostructures exhibited a single-crystalline wurtzite structure up to a Ni doping level of 10\%. FESEM showed a change in the morphology of the nanostructures from thick nanoneedles to nanoflakes via thin nanorods with an increase in the Ni doping level in ZnO. The turn-on field required to generate a field emission (FE) current density of 1 mu A cm(-2) was found to be 2.5, 2.3, 1.8 and 1.7 V mu mcm(-2) for ZnO (Ni0\%), ZnO (Ni5\%), ZnO (Ni7.5\%) and ZnO (Ni10\%), respectively. A maximum current density of similar to 872 mu A cm(-2) was achievable, which was generated at an applied field of 3.1 V mu m cm(-2) for a Ni doping level of 10\% in ZnO. Long-term operational current stability was recorded at a preset value of 5 mA for a duration of 3 h and was found to be very high. The experimental results indicate that Ni-doped ZnO-based field emitters can open up many opportunities for their potential use as an electron source in flat panel displays, transmission electron microscopy, and the generation of X-rays. Thus, the simple low-temperature (similar to 80 degrees C) wet chemical synthesis approach and the robust nature of the ZnO nanostructure field emitter can provide prospects for the future development of cost-effective electron sources.}, doi = {10.1039/c6ra21190a}, author = {Rana, Amit Kumar and Bankar, Prashant and Kumar, Yogendra and More, Mahendra A. and Late, Dattatray J. and Shirage, Parasharam M.} } @article { ISI:000374810700032, title = {Synthesis of novel Cu2S nanohusks as high performance counter electrode for CdS/CdSe sensitized solar cell}, journal = {Journal of Power Sources}, volume = {315}, year = {2016}, month = {MAY}, pages = {277-283}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

An important component of quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSSC) is the counter electrode which mediates the regeneration of oxidized quantum dots by reducing the polysulphide electrolyte. However, design and synthesis of an efficient counter electrode material is a challenging task. Herein, we report the synthesis of a unique Cu2S nanohusks directly on FTO coated glass substrates by electrodeposition and used as a counter electrode in QDSSC. When these electrodes are used for the reduction of polysulfide electrolyte in QDSSC, they exhibit higher catalytic activity and photovoltaic performance as compared to the Platinum counter electrode. The power conversion efficiency of about 4.68\% has been achieved by optimizing the deposition time of Cu2S. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {counter electrode, Cu2S electrodeposition, Cu2S nanohusks, Quantum dot-sensitized solar cell}, issn = {0378-7753}, doi = {10.1016/j.jpowsour.2016.03.027}, author = {Kamaja, Chaitanya Krishna and Devarapalli, Rami Reddy and Dave, Yasha and Debgupta, Joyashish and Shelke, Manjusha V.} } @article {43372, title = {Synthesis of ophiocerins A, B and C, botryolide E, decarestrictine O, stagonolide C and 9-epi-stagonolide C employing chiral hexane-1,2,3,5-tetraol derivatives as building blocks}, journal = {European Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {27}, year = {2016}, month = {SEP}, pages = {4696-4710}, abstract = {An organocatalytic approach to the synthesis of (2R,3S)-hexane-1,2,3,5-tetraol (11) derivatives (in the forms of different stereoisomers and bearing different protecting groups) has been developed. The key chiral intermediates 11 were prepared with complete stereocontrol through the proline-catalyzed intermolecular aldol reaction between acetone and d-glyceraldehyde acetonide. The synthetic utility of the intermediates was demonstrated by their transformation into the title hydroxylated pyrans and a variety of unsaturated lactones through standard synthetic protocols.}, doi = {10.1002/ejoc.201600625}, author = {Show, Krishanu and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article {43406, title = {Systematic evaluation of biophysical and functional characteristics of selenomethylene-locked nucleic acid-mediated inhibition of miR-21}, journal = {Biochemistry}, volume = {55}, year = {2016}, month = {DEC}, pages = {7023-7032}, abstract = {miRNAs constitute an important layer of gene regulation mediated by sequence-specific targeting of mRNAs. Aberrant expression of miRNAs contributes to a host of pathological states. Promoting cancer, miR-21 is upregulated in variety of cancers and promotes tumor progresion by suppressing a network of tumor suppressor genes. Here we describe a novel class of bicyclic RNA analogues, selenomethylene-locked nucleic acid (SeLNA), that display high affinity, improved metabolic stability, and increased potency for miR-21 inhibition. The thermal stability (T-m) for duplexes was increased significantly with incorporation of SeLNA monomers as compared to that of the unmodified DNA RNA hybrid. A comprehensive thermodynamic profile obtained by isothermal titration calorimetry revealed a favorable increase in the enthalpy of hybridization for SeLNA containing DNA and target RNA heteroduplexes. SeLNA modifications displayed remarkable binding affinity for miR-21 target RNA with a K-a of <= 1.05 x 10(8) M-1. We also observed enhanced serum stability for SeLNA RNA duplexes with a half-life of <= 36 h. These in vitro results were well correlated with the antisense activity in cancer cells imparting up to similar to 91\% inhibition of miR-21. The functional impact of SeLNA modifications on miR-21 inhibition was further gauged by investigating the migration and invasion characterisitics of cancer cells, which were drastically reduced to similar to 49 and similar to 55\%, respectively, with SeLNA having four such modifications. Our findings demonstrate SeLNA as a promising candidate for therapeutics for disease associated miRNAs.}, doi = {10.1021/acs.biochem.6b00895}, author = {Nahar, Smita and Singh, Amrita and Morihiro, Kunihiko and Moai, Yoshihiro and Kodama, Tetsuya and Obika, Satoshi and Maiti, Souvik} } @article { ISI:000381180000001, title = {Targeted quantification of N-1-(carboxymethyl) valine and N-1-(carboxyethyl) valine peptides of beta-hemoglobin for better diagnostics in diabetes}, journal = {Clinical Proteomics}, volume = {13}, year = {2016}, month = {MAR}, pages = {Article Number: 7}, publisher = {BIOMED CENTRAL LTD}, address = {236 GRAYS INN RD, FLOOR 6, LONDON WC1X 8HL, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Background: N-1-(Deoxyfructosyl) valine (DFV) beta-hemoglobin (beta-Hb), commonly referred as HbA1c, is widely used diagnostic marker in diabetes, believed to provide glycemic status of preceding 90-120 days. However, the turnover of hemoglobin is about 120 days, the DFV-beta-Hb, an early and reversible glycation product eventually may undergo irreversible advanced glycation modifications such as carboxymethylation or carboxyethylation. Hence quantification of N-1-(carboxymethyl) valine (CMV) and N-1-(carboxyethyl) valine (CEV) peptides of beta-Hb would be useful in assessing actual glycemic status. Results: Fragment ion library for synthetically glycated peptides of hemoglobin was generated by using high resolution-accurate mass spectrometry (HR/AM). Using parallel reaction monitoring, deoxyfructosylated, carboxymethylated and carboxyethylated peptides of hemoglobin were quantified in clinical samples from healthy control, pre-diabetes, diabetes and poorly controlled diabetes. For the first time, we report N-1-beta-valine undergoes carboxyethylation and mass spectrometric quantification of CMV and CEV peptides of beta-hemoglobin. Carboxymethylation was found to be the most abundant modification of N-1-beta-valine. Both CMV-beta-Hb and CEV-beta-Hb peptides showed better correlation with severity of diabetes in terms of fasting glucose, postprandial glucose and microalbuminuria. Conclusions: This study reports carboxymethylation as a predominant modification of N-1-beta-valine of Hb, and quantification of CMV-beta-Hb and CEV-beta-Hb could be useful parameter for assessing the severity of diabetes.

}, keywords = {Diabetes, Diagnosis, Glycation, Glycemic control, HbA1c, Mass spectrometry}, issn = {1542-6416}, doi = {10.1186/s12014-016-9108-y}, author = {Jagadeeshaprasad, Mashanipalya G. and Batkulwar, Kedar B. and Meshram, Nishita N. and Tiwari, Shalbha and Korwar, Arvind M. and Unnikrishnan, Ambika G. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @article {42997, title = {Template determines whether chemically identical nanoparticle scaffolds show elastic recovery or plastic failure}, journal = {Langmuir}, volume = {32}, year = {2016}, month = {NOV}, pages = {11623-11630}, abstract = {

Subtle variations in the preparation of ice-templated nanoparticle assemblies yield monoliths that are chemically identical but exhibit qualitatively different mechanical behavior. We ice template aqueous dispersions to prepare macroporous monoliths largely comprising silica nanoparticles held together by a crosslinked polymer mesh. When the polymer is crosslinked in the presence of ice crystals, we obtain an elastic sponge that is capable of recovery after imposition of large compressive strains (up to 80\%). If, however, the ice is lyophilized before the polymer is crosslinked, we obtain a plastic monolith that fails even for modest strains (less than 10\%). The elastic sponge and the plastic monolith are chemically identical; they have the same organic content, the same ratio of polymer to crosslinker, and the same average crosslink density. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to probe the local mechanical properties of the crosslinked polymer mesh. These measurements indicate that plastic monoliths dissipate significantly more energy and have a larger spatial variation in local mechanical response relative to the elastic sponges. We believe that this behavior might correlate with a wider spatial distribution of crosslinks in plastic scaffolds relative to elastic scaffolds.

}, doi = {10.1021/acs.langmuir.6b03173}, author = {Suresh, Karthika and Patil, Shivprasad and Rajamohanan, Pattuparambil Ramanpillai and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy} } @article {43577, title = {Thickness tunable transport in alloyed WSSe field effect transistors}, journal = {Applied Physics Letters}, volume = {109}, year = {2016}, month = {OCT}, pages = {Article Number: 142101}, abstract = {We report the field effect transistor characteristics of exfoliated transition metal dichalcogenide alloy tungsten sulphoselenide. WSSe is a layered material of strongly bonded S-W-Se atoms having weak interlayer van der Waals forces with a significant potential for spintronic and valleytronic applications due to its polar nature. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements on crystals grown by the chemical vapor transport method indicate a stoichiometry of the form WSSe. We report flake thickness tunable transport mechanism with n-type behavior in thin flakes (<= 11 nm) and ambipolarity in thicker flakes. The devices with flake thicknesses of 2.4 nm-54.8nm exhibit a maximum electron mobility of similar to 50 cm(2)/V s along with an I-ON/I-OFF ratio > 10(6). The electron Schottky barrier height values of 35 meV and 52meV extracted from low temperature I-V measurements for 3.9 nm and 25.5 nm thick flakes, respectively, indicate that an increase in hole current with thickness is likely due to lowering of the bandgap through an increase in energy of the valence band maximum. Published by AIP Publishing.}, doi = {10.1063/1.4964289}, author = {Karande, Shruti D. and Kaushik, Naveen and Narang, Deepa S. and Late, Dattatray and Lodha, Saurabh} } @article { ISI:000379493900061, title = {Total synthesis of (-)-(6R,11R,14S)-colletallol via proline catalyzed alpha-aminoxylation and Yamaguchi macrolactonization}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {6}, number = {68}, year = {2016}, month = {JUN}, pages = {63607-63612}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A simple and efficient synthesis of the 14-membered macrolide (-)-(6R,11R,14S)-colletallol was achieved in a highly diastereoselective manner with high overall yield. The stereogenic centre was generated using a proline catalyzed alpha-aminoxylation reaction and the ring was constructed using Yamaguchi protocol.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c6ra08484b}, author = {Kauloorkar, Shruti Vandana and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article { ISI:000382768400020, title = {Total synthesis of (-)-nardoaristolone B}, journal = {European Journal of Organic Chemistry}, number = {22}, year = {2016}, month = {AUG}, pages = {3804-3808}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {POSTFACH 101161, 69451 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

A stereoselective total synthesis of (-)-Nardoaristolone B, a nor-aristolane sesquiterpenoid natural product with an unusual 3/5/6 tricyclic ring system is described. The highlights of the present work includes use of (+)-(R)-Pulegone as a chiral-pool starting material, ring-closing metathesis, allylic oxidation and stereoselective cyclopropanation. In addition, a new analogue of Nardoaristolone B (minor product from the final step) was isolated in pure form and fully characterized with the help of single-crystal X-ray analysis.

}, keywords = {Chiral pool, cyclopropanation, Nardoaristolone B, Natural products, Total synthesis}, issn = {1434-193X}, doi = {10.1002/ejoc.201600538}, author = {Ople, Rohini S. and Handore, Kishor L. and Kamat, Nidhi S. and Reddy, D. Srinivasa} } @article { ISI:000379455300035, title = {Total synthesis of the marine natural product solomonamide B necessitates stereochemical revision}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {18}, number = {13}, year = {2016}, month = {JUL}, pages = {3178-3181}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The first total synthesis of the proposed structure of solomonamide B has been achieved. However, the H-1 and C-13 NMR spectral data of the synthesized compound was not exactly matching with that of the natural solomonamide B. This prompted us to revise the originally proposed structure, in particular, the stereochemistry of the nonpeptide part, which was confirmed by its total synthesis. During the course of the synthesis, we have developed an interesting hydroxy group directed Wacker oxidation of internal olefins in a macrocyclic setting.

}, issn = {1523-7060}, doi = {10.1021/acs.orglett.6b01395}, author = {Kashinath, K. and Jachak, Gorakhnath R. and Athawale, Paresh R. and Marelli, Udaya Kiran and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Reddy, D. Srinivasa} } @article { ISI:000369001500017, title = {Toughening of epoxy novolac resin using cardanol based flexibilizers}, journal = {Journal of Applied Polymer Science}, volume = {133}, number = {16}, year = {2016}, month = {APR}, pages = {43318}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

In this work, two different cardanol based epoxies (Cardolite NC-514 and Cardanol NC-547) were employed as flexibilizers to toughen an epoxy novolac resin namely, poly[(phenylglycidyl ether)-co-formaldehyde] (PPGEF). 4,4-Diamino-3,3-dimethyl dicyclohexyl methane (BMCHA) was used as a curing agent. Differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis of the composites showed a gradual decrease in glass transition temperatures (T-g) with increase in cardolite content confirming the incorporation of flexible moieties into the brittle resin matrix. Improvement in toughening of PPGEF/Cardolite composites was manifested by increase in the izod impact strength of both the composites. The tensile strength increased marginally for composites with increasing amount of Cardolite NC-514 but decreased for the composites containing Cardolite NC-547. This was attributed to the lack of rotational motion in the chain due to close proximity of rigid phenyl rings in NC-547. SEM of the cryo-fractured surfaces of composites showed good compatibility between PPGEF and cardanol based flexibilizers. (c) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43318.

}, keywords = {composites, crosslinking, glass transition}, issn = {0021-8995}, doi = {10.1002/app.43318}, author = {Gour, Rajeshwari S. and Kodgire, Vivek V. and Badiger, Manohar V.} } @article {42630, title = {Tracing the architecture of caffeic acid phenethyl ester cocrystals: studies on crystal structure, solubility, and bioavailability implications}, journal = {Crystal Growth \& Design}, volume = {16}, year = {2016}, month = {OCT}, pages = {5710-5716}, abstract = {

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a polyphenolic active compound present in popular apiproduct, "propolis", obtained from beehives, Though it has broad therapeutic capability, the bioavailability of CAPE is limited due to poor solubility. In this study, we report novel cocrystals of CAPE engineered using coformers such as caffeine (CAP), isonicotinamide (INIC), and nicotinamide (NIC) with enhanced solubility and bioavailability of CAPE. The cocrystals were prepared by microwave-assisted cocrystallization and characterized using PXRD, DSC, and Raman spectroscopy. PXRD and DSC confirm the successful formation and phase purity of CAPE-CAF, CAPE-INIC, and CAPE-NIC cocrystals. Raman spectra of CAPE cocrystals complement these results in confirming the formation of novel crystalline phases. CAPE-NIC cocrystal was further subjected X-ray crystallography to understand its molecular arrangement and hydrogen bonding in the crystal structure. The CAPE-NIC cocrystal structure is found to be stabilized by a rare 1,2-benzenediol-amide heterosynthon. Cocrystallization of CAPE with NIC improved its aqueous solubility and pharmacokinetic profile, thereby demonstrating a 2.76-fold escalation in bioavailability.

}, doi = {10.1021/acs.cgd.6b00759}, author = {Ketkar, Sameer and Pagire, Sudhir K. and Goud, N. Rajesh and Mahadik, Kakasaheb R. and Nangia, Ashwini and Paradkar, Anant} } @article { ISI:000379350100109, title = {Transfer hydrogenation of biomass-derived levulinic acid to gamma-valerolactone over supported Ni catalysts}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {6}, number = {64}, year = {2016}, month = {JUN}, pages = {59753-59761}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A sustainable process of catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) of levulinic acid (LA) to gamma-valerolactone (GVL) was investigated over Ni on various supports (Al2O3, ZnO, MMT and SiO2) in the presence of isopropanol (IPA) as the H-donor. Among these, the montmorillonite (MMT) supported Ni catalyst showed almost complete LA conversion (\>99\%) and selectivity (\>99\%) to GVL within 1 h. XRD and XPS results showed that the concentration of the metallic species significantly enhanced (two to four times) in the recovered sample as compared to the freshly prepared Ni/MMT. This was due to the in situ reduction of Ni2+ species present on the catalyst surface, through liberated H-2 under the reaction conditions. The strong acid strength of MMT, evidenced by NH3-TPD and py-IR, facilitated the esterification of LA as well as cyclization to GVL. The conversion-selectivity pattern was found to decrease in the IPA-water mixture while, it remained unchanged in the IPA-acetone mixture. Our catalyst could be efficiently recycled up to five times with consistent CTH activity and selectivity to GVL. The plausible mechanism of LA to GVL conversion involves the formation of a levulinate ester with IPA that favours its simultaneous hydrogenation and cyclization in a spontaneous manner to give GVL and regenerating IPA for sustainability.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c6ra08637c}, author = {Hengne, Amol M. and Kadu, Brijesh S. and Biradar, Narayan S. and Chikate, Rajeev C. and Rode, Chandrashekhar V.} } @article {43608, title = {Ultrahydrophobic fluorous metal-organic framework derived recyclable composite as apromising platform to tackle marine oil spills}, journal = {Chemistry-A European Journal}, volume = {22}, year = {2016}, month = {JUL}, pages = {10937-10943}, abstract = {Derived from a strategically chosen hexafluorinated dicarboxylate linker aimed at the designed synthesis of a superhydrophobic metal-organic framework (MOF), the fluorine-rich nanospace of a water-stable MOF (UHMOF-100) exhibits excellent water-repellent features. It registered the highest water contact angle (approximate to 176 degrees) in the MOF domain, marking the first example of an ultrahydrophobic MOF. Various experimental and theoretical studies reinforce its distinc-tive water-repellent characteristics, and the conjugation of superoleophilicity and unparalleled hydrophobicity of a MOF material has been coherently exploited to achieve real-time oil/water separation in recyclable membrane form, with significant absorption capacity performance. This is also the first report of an oil/water separating fluorinated ultrahydrophobic MOF-based membrane material, with potential promise for tackling marine oil spillages.}, doi = {10.1002/chem.201601724}, author = {Mukherjee, Soumya and Kansara, Ankit M. and Saha, Debasis and Gonnade, Rajesh and Mullangi, Dinesh and Manna, Biplab and Desai, Aamod V. and Thorat, Shridhar H. and Singh, Puyam S. and Mukherjee, Arnab and Ghosh, Sujit K.} } @article { ISI:000380241600003, title = {Ultrasound- and molecular sieves-assisted synthesis, molecular docking and antifungal evaluation of 5-(4-(benzyloxy)-substituted phenyl)-3-((phenylamino)methyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2(3H)-thiones}, journal = {Molecules}, volume = {21}, number = {5}, year = {2016}, month = {MAY}, pages = {484}, publisher = {MDPI AG}, address = {ST ALBAN-ANLAGE 66, CH-4052 BASEL, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

A novel series of 5-(4-(benzyloxy) substituted phenyl)-3-((phenyl amino) methyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2(3H)-thione Mannich bases 6a-o were synthesized in good yield from the key compound 5-(4-(benzyloxy) phenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2(3H)-thione by aminomethylation with paraformaldehyde and substituted amines using molecular sieves and sonication as green chemistry tools. The antifungal activity of the new products was evaluated against seven human pathogenic fungal strains, namely, Candida albicans ATCC 24433, Candida albicans ATCC 10231, Candida glabrata NCYC 388, Cryptococcus neoformans ATCC 34664, Cryptococcus neoformans PRL 518, Aspergillus fumigatus NCIM 902 and Aspergillus niger ATCC 10578. The synthesized compounds 6d, 6f, 6g, 6h and 6j exhibited promising antifungal activity against the tested fungal pathogens. In molecular docking studies, derivatives 6c, 6f and 6i showed good binding at the active site of C. albicans cytochrome P450 enzyme lanosterol 14 alpha-demethylase. The in vitro antifungal activity results and docking studies indicated that the synthesized compounds have potential antifungal activity and can be further optimized as privileged scaffolds to design and develop potent antifungal drugs.

}, keywords = {1, 3, 4-oxadiazoles, Antifungal activity, Mannich reaction, Molecular docking, Molecular sieves, Ultrasound}, issn = {1420-3049}, doi = {10.3390/molecules21050484}, author = {Nimbalkar, Urja D. and Tupe, Santosh G. and Seijas Vazquez, Julio A. and Khan, Firoz A. Kalam and Sangshetti, Jaiprakash N. and Nikalje, Anna Pratima G.} } @article {45640, title = {Understanding endothelial dysfunction in diabetic cardiovascular complications using mass spectrometry-based proteomics}, journal = {Heart}, volume = {102}, year = {2016}, month = {OCT}, pages = {A16-A17}, type = {Article}, issn = {1355-6037}, doi = {10.1136/heartjnl-2016-310696.51}, author = {Banarjee, Reema and Sharma, Akshay and Bai, Shakuntala and Deshmukh, Arati and Kazi, Rubina and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @article { ISI:000382107200047, title = {Understanding positive and negative deviations in polarity of ionic liquid mixtures by pseudo-solvent approach}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics}, volume = {18}, number = {34}, year = {2016}, month = {SEP}, pages = {23853-23863}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Physico-chemical properties of liquid mixtures in general display large deviations from linear behaviour, arising out of complex specific and non-specific intermolecular interactions. The polarity of liquid mixtures displaying large positive and negative deviations can be minimized and linear mixing can be achieved in liquids using a pseudo-solvent methodology. The work described herein is designed to investigate the influence of different physical parameters on the linear pseudo-solvent composition in ionic liquid mixtures. For this purpose, we have determined the deviations from linearity, Delta E-T(N) values (defined as Delta E-T(N) = E-Texp.(N) - E-Tlin mix.(N) with E-Tlin mix.(N) given by Sigma(n)(i=0) E-Ti(N0) x(i)) for binary mixtures of a variety of ionic liquids, including two molecular solvents, DMSO and formamide. Firstly, the investigations were carried out in three 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium cation based aprotic ionic liquids and the roles of anionic structure and hydrogen bond acceptor basicities (beta values) of the ionic liquids were determined. The influence of the cationic structure, i.e., the hydrogen bond donor acidity (alpha values) and non-associative nature of the ionic liquids, was determined using C2-methylated analogs, 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium cation based ionic liquids. The role of the protic nature of ionic liquids was studied in two protic ionic liquids, viz., 1-methylimidazolium formate and 1-methylimidazolium acetate. The effects of the temperature, pseudo-solvent structure and solvatochromic probe structure on the Delta E-T(N) values were also explored.

}, issn = {1463-9076}, doi = {10.1039/c6cp04440a}, author = {Beniwal, Vijay and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000381436500019, title = {Understanding the electron transfer process in ZnO-naphthol azobenzoic acid composites from photophysical characterisation}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics}, volume = {18}, number = {32}, year = {2016}, month = {AUG}, pages = {22179-22187}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Semiconductor nanoparticles surface modified with organic molecules capable of visible light absorption and effectively transferring the electrons to the catalytic sites have the potential to be good photocatalysts. ZnO nanoparticles of size similar to 3 nm are grafted with two azonaphthols, one conjugated and the other non-conjugated. The photophysical properties of modified ZnO indicate an effective electron transfer from the conjugated azonaphthol to ZnO but not in the case of the non-conjugated molecule. It is also observed from lifetime studies that the conjugated molecule stabilises the defect sites on ZnO nanoparticles. It is possible that excited electrons from the conjugated molecule are transferred to specific defect sites in ZnO. This apparently does not occur in the non-conjugated molecule, bringing to focus the importance of the photophysical characteristics of organic modifiers in designing visible light active photocatalysts.

}, issn = {1463-9076}, doi = {10.1039/c6cp02908f}, author = {George, Leena and Kunhikannan, Athira K. and Illathvalappil, Rajith and Ottoor, Divya and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Devi, R. Nandini} } @article {43447, title = {Understanding the role of Keggin type heteropolyacid catalysts for glycerol acetylation using toluene as an entrainer}, journal = {Applied Catalysis A-General}, volume = {527}, year = {2016}, month = {OCT}, pages = {9-18}, abstract = {The heterogeneously catalyzed esterification (acetylation) of glycerol toward triacetin in batch mode in presence of toluene as entrainer was studied. Silicotungstic acid, tungstophosphoric acid and phosphomolybdic acid as heteropolyacids (HPAs) supported on silica, alumina or silica-alumina were used as catalysts. The course of the reaction was found to be very sensitive to the nature of the HPA as well as the support. Solid characterization by Raman spectroscopy, XRD, and pyridine-FTIR revealed that only combinations of tungsten-based HPAs and silica support were able to preserve the structure of active component throughout the preparation process, which was essential to obtain active and selective catalysts. The interaction between HPA and support was decisive for stability and dispersion of the catalytically active species. With the best performing catalyst H4SiW12O40/SiO2, selectivity to triacetin reached 71\% at complete conversion within 24h. The high selectivity to triacetin is attributed the Brensted acidic sites originated from stabilized Keggin structure and continuous removal of water during course of reaction. Toluene is able to form azeotropic mixtures with water and acetic acid and keeps the reaction temperature below the boiling point of acetic acid. Thus, water-free reaction conditions can be established. The catalyst was reusable; however, the activity and selectivity towards triacetin slightly decreased in a repetition run due to loss of active sites. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.}, doi = {10.1016/j.apcata.2016.08.016}, author = {Kale, S. S. and Armbruster, U. and Eckelt, R. and Bentrup, U. and Umbarkar, Shubhangi B.} } @article { ISI:000380045400014, title = {Unravelling the mechanism of electrochemical degradation of PANI in supercapacitors: achieving a feasible solution}, journal = {Chemelectrochem}, volume = {3}, number = {6}, year = {2016}, month = {JUN}, pages = {933-942}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {POSTFACH 101161, 69451 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Herein, we have investigated the mode of electrochemical degradation of polyaniline (PANI) when it was utilized as electrodes for supercapacitors. The PANI-based electrodes in supercapacitor devices were biased at a constant potential of 0.80 V, and the performance characteristics and property changes were carefully investigated as a function of the difference in the polarity of the electrodes. Subsequent to this, the analysis of the individual electrodes [positive (POS-PANI) and negative (NEG-PANI)] shows that the degradation mainly occurs at POS-PANI in comparison to NEG-PANI. Moreover, NEG-PANI retains a maximum capacitance of 510 Fg(-1), with a low charge-transfer resistance (R-CT) of 1.84 Omega and similar redox behavior in comparison to the fresh PANI (f-PANI). In contrast to this case, POS-PANI shows significant loss in capacitance (250 Fg(-1)) and increase in R-CT (3.5 Omega) with a disappearance of the characteristic redox behavior normally displayed by PANI. Furthermore, the drastic drop in the electrical conductivity for POS-PANI (1.2 Scm(-1)) compared to f-PANI (3.4 Scm(-1) and NEG-PANI (2.4 Scm(-1)) shows that the degradation of PANI occurs mainly at the anode (POS-PANI) and, thus, contributes to reduce the net performance of the cell. Hence, to ensure this potential-induced degradation of PANI in supercapacitors and also to promote the system stability, we made an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) by keeping PANI as a negative electrode and using carbon as a positive electrode. The derived system is found to display stable capacitance behavior before and after the potential application, in contrast to the ASC fabricated by using conventional method, that is, by keeping PANI as the positive electrode and carbon as the negative electrode. Furthermore, the durability analysis of the prototype solid-state ASC shows an enhanced durability of 27000 cycles with excellent columbic efficiency. The findings of the present study will be helpful in the development of highly stable supercapacitors and other similar energy systems when a material like PANI should be utilized for the electrode applications.

}, keywords = {asymmetric supercapacitors, cycle stability, electrochemical degradation, polarization, redox chemistry}, issn = {2196-0216}, doi = {10.1002/celc.201500502}, author = {Sekar, Pandiaraj and Anothumakkool, Bihag and Vijayakumar, Vidyanand and Lohgaonkar, Apurva and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article { ISI:000371799000029, title = {Utilization of banana peel for the removal of benzoic and salicylic acid from aqueous solutions and its potential reuse}, journal = {Desalination and Water Treatment}, volume = {57}, number = {27}, year = {2016}, month = {JUN}, pages = {12717-12729}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS INC}, type = {Article}, address = {530 WALNUT STREET, STE 850, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 USA}, abstract = {

We report on the adsorptive removal of benzoic acid (BA) and salicylic acid (SA) using banana peel (BP), an abundantly available agricultural waste material, for the first time. BP was characterized by proximate analysis, FT-IR, scanning electron microscopy, BET surface area, and XRF. The number of basic sites on BP (4.9mmolg(-1)) is relatively more than acidic sites (0.75mmolg(-1)). The Langmuir uptake capacity values obtained are 6.62mgg(-1) for BA and 9.80mgg(-1) for SA. A mechanism for binding acid molecule to the BP surface is proposed.

}, keywords = {Adsorption, Banana peel, Benzoic acids, Salicylic acid, Wastewater treatment}, issn = {1944-3994}, doi = {10.1080/19443994.2015.1051589}, author = {Pathak, Pranav D. and Mandavgane, Sachin A. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article { ISI:000371102800019, title = {Validation of force fields of rubber through glass-transition temperature calculation by microsecond atomic-scale molecular dynamics simulation}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, volume = {120}, number = {7}, year = {2016}, month = {FEB}, pages = {1367-1379}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Microsecond atomic-scale molecular dynamics simulation has been employed to calculate the glass-transition temperature (T-g) of cis- and trans-1,4-polybutadiene (PB) and 1,4-polyisoprene (PI). Both all-atomistic and united-atom models have been simulated using force fields, already available in literature. The accuracy of these decade old force fields has been tested by comparing calculated glass-transition temperatures to the corresponding experimental values. T-g depicts the phase transition in elastomers and substantially affects various physical properties of polymers, and hence the reproducibility of T-g becomes very crucial from a thermodynamic point of view. Such validation using T-g also evaluates the ability of these force fields to be used for advanced materials like rubber nanocomposites, where T-g is greatly affected by the presence of fillers. We have calculated T-g for a total of eight systems, featuring all-atom and united-atom models of cis- and trans-PI and-PB, which are the major constituents of natural and synthetic rubber. Tuning and refinement of the force fields has also been done using quantum-chemical calculations to obtain desirable density and T-g. Thus, a set of properly validated force fields, capable of reproducing various macroscopic properties of rubber, has been provided. A novel polymer equilibration protocol, involving potential energy convergence as the equilibration criterion, has been proposed. We demonstrate that not only macroscopic polymer properties like density, thermal expansion coefficient, and T-g but also local structural characteristics like end-to-end distance (R) and radius of gyration (R-g) and mechanical properties like bulk modulus have also been equilibrated using our strategy. Complete decay of end-to-end vector autocorrelation function with time also supports proper equilibration using our strategy.

}, issn = {1520-6106}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpcb.5b10789}, author = {Sharma, Pragati and Roy, Sudip and Karimi-Varzaneh, Hossein Ali} } @article {43414, title = {Valorization of banana peel: a biorefinery approach}, journal = {Reviews in Chemical Engineering}, volume = {32}, year = {2016}, month = {DEC}, pages = {651-666}, abstract = {Banana peel (BP) is an agrowaste produced in large volumes annually, especially by food-processing industries; however, its disposal is of significant concern. However, recent research suggests that BP is a valuable source of bioactive compounds, which can be converted into value-added products. This article reviews the conversion process of value-added products from BP and provides an outline on the chemical composition of BP and its possible applications. In addition, we also discuss the - utilization of BP as a substrate to produce animal feed, biofertilizer, dietary fibers, clean energy, industrial enzymes, as well as its use in the synthesis of nanomaterials. Based on the research conducted so far, it is obvious that BP has a wide variety of applications, and thus, developing a biorefinery approach to adequately utilize BP will help realize its economic benefits to the fullest. Based on the valorization of BP, a scheme for BP biorefinery has been proposed. A material balance for BP biorefinery for 1-ton bone-dry BP is presented and our results show that 432 kg of protein or 170 kg of citric acid, 170 kg of pectin, 325 m(3) of ethanol, and 220 m(3) of methane can be produced.}, doi = {10.1515/revce-2015-0063}, author = {Pathak, Pranav D. and Mandavgane, Sachin A. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article {45831, title = {Valorization of coffee bean waste: a coffee bean waste derived multifunctional catalyst for photocatalytic hydrogen production and electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reactions}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {6}, year = {2016}, month = {AUG}, pages = {82103-82111}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Here, we report the valorization of coffee bean waste (CBW) by producing nitrogen doped porous carbon (p-Cof) having both photocatalytic and electrocatalytic properties using a silica templating method. Morphological investigation of p-Cof reveals the presence of assemblies of highly porous flat carbon blocks. p-Cof exhibits a high surface area (1213 m(2) g(-1)) and a wide range of micro-and mesopores with good electrical conductivity. Along with this, the surface of p-Cof displays the presence of graphitic and pyridone-type nitrogen coordinations, which help p-Cof to perform as a multifunctional catalyst as revealed from its catalytic activities towards photocatalytic hydrogen production (PHP) and electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reactions. p-Cof produces 334 mu mol h(-1) g(-1) of hydrogen from water under visible light and 575 mmol h(-1) g(-1) of hydrogen under solar light irradiation with excellent stability. Along with this, p-Cof also displays improved oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity in alkaline medium. A better onset potential (0.91 V vs. RHE) and half-wave potential (0.75 V vs. RHE) are displayed by p-Cof compared to the catalyst derived from the simple annealing of CBW without employing the silica template. Along with the better electrochemical activity, p-Cof shows excellent ORR kinetics and electrochemical stability compared to the current state-of-the-art Pt/C.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c6ra14907c}, author = {Unni, SreeKuttan M. and George, Leena and Bhange, Siddheshwar N. and Devi, R. Nandini and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article { ISI:000368032100012, title = {Vitro and in silico antifungal efficacy of nitrogen- doped carbon nanohorn ( NCNH) against rhizoctonia solani}, journal = {Journal of Biomolecular Structure \& Dynamics}, volume = {34}, number = {1}, year = {2016}, month = {JAN}, pages = {152-162}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS INC}, type = {Article}, address = {530 WALNUT STREET, STE 850, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 USA}, abstract = {

We have investigated in vitro antifungal efficiency of nitrogen-doped carbon nanohorn (NCNH) against Rhizoctonia solani (R. solani) plant pathogenic fungi. NCNH with size of 50-60nm and concentrations of 10, 50, 100, and 150gmL(-1) were used. The results showed that growth of fungi in the presence of NCNH was significantly (p\>.05) inhibited at 150gmL(-1) (85.13 +/-.97) after 72h. The results were validated through computational approaches. Molecular docking analysis of NCNH with endochitinase protein of R. solani was performed to validate the potential of antifungal activity of NCNH. Docking results showed different conformations of interaction of NCNH with endochitinase enzyme. The conformation with least binding energy -13.54kcal/mol was considered further. It is likely that NCNH interacts with the pathogens by mechanically wrapping, which may be one of the major toxicity actions of NCNH against R. solani. The analysis showed that NCNH might interwinds to endochitinase of R. solani leading to the deactivation of the enzyme. To best of our knowledge, this is the first report of antifungal efficacy of NCNH against R. solani and provides useful information about the application of NCNH in resisting crop disease.

}, keywords = {docking, endochitinase, nitrogen-doped carbon nanohorn, Rhizoctonia solani}, issn = {0739-1102}, doi = {10.1080/07391102.2015.1018841}, author = {Dharni, Seema and Sanchita and Unni, SreeKuttan M. and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Samad, Abdul and Sharma, Ashok and Patra, Dharani Dhar} } @article {43430, title = {Wide band gap and conducting tungsten carbide(WC) thin films prepared by hot wire chemical vapor deposition(HW-CVD) method}, journal = {Materials Letters}, volume = {183}, year = {2016}, month = {NOV}, pages = {315-317}, abstract = {

In this letter, we report synthesis of tungsten carbide (WC) thin films having wide band gap(3.22-3.3 eV) with high electrical conductivity (80-1260 S/cm) by HW-CVD using heated using heated W filament and Tetra-fluoro-methane (CF4) gas. Formation of WC was confirmed by low angle XRD, Raman spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. UV-Visible spectroscopy analysis revealed that the synthesized films have high transmission at wavelength 500 nm. Electrical properties measured using Hall measurement show that these films are semiconductor. The obtained results imply that the growth of WC thin films is mainly from the atomic species(W and C) evaporated from the hot filament. The HW-CVD opens a novel route to synthesize wide band gap and conducting WC at a cost-efficient way for DSSCs and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). (C) 2016 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.matlet.2016.07.132}, author = {Pawbake, Amit and Waykar, Ravindra and Jadhavar, Ashok and Kulkarni, Rupali and Waman, Vaishali and Date, Abhijit and Late, Dattatray J. and Pathan, Habib and Jadkar, Sandesh} } @article {43932, title = {Abundance matters: role of albumin in diabetes, a proteomics perspective}, journal = {Expert Review of Proteomics}, volume = {14}, year = {2017}, month = {JUL}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Introduction: Human serum albumin (HSA) is a multifaceted protein with vital physiological functions. It is the most abundant plasma protein with inherent capability to bind to diverse ligands, and thus susceptible to various post-translational modifications (PTMs) which alter its structure and functions. One such PTM is glycation, a non-enzymatic reaction between reducing sugar and protein leading to formation of heterogeneous advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Glycated albumin (GA) concentration increases significantly in diabetes and is implicated in development of secondary complications. Areas covered: In this review, we discuss in depth formation of GA and its consequences, approaches used for characterization and quantification of GA, milestones in GA proteomics, clinical relevance of GA as a biomarker, significance of maintaining abundant levels of albumin and future perspectives. Expert commentary: Elevated GA levels are associated with development of insulin resistance as well as secondary complications, in healthy and diabetic individuals respectively. Mass spectrometry (MS) based approaches aid in precise characterization and quantification of GA including early and advanced glycated peptides, which can be useful in prediction of the disease status. Thus GA has evolved to be one of the best candidates in the pursuit of diagnostic markers for prediction of prediabetes and diabetic complications.}, doi = {10.1080/14789450.2017.1352473}, author = {Bhat, Shweta and Jagadeeshaprasad, Mashanipalya G. and Venkatasubramani, Vinashya and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @article {43833, title = {Access to fused tricyclic gamma-butyrolactones, a natural product -like scaffold}, journal = {Journal Of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {82}, year = {2017}, month = {JUL}, pages = {7614-7620}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Serendipitous findings of an acid mediated skeletal rearrangement of bicydo-beta-ketoester having cyclopropyl ring to access fused tricyclic gamma-butyrolactones has been described. This novel transformation has been optimized to 30 mol\% p-toluenesulfonic acid (p-TSA) in toluene using Dean Stark apparatus, where the aldol condensation, cyclopropyl ring opening followed by cyclization took place in a single-pot operation. The resulting tricyclic compounds are interesting chemotype with natural product resemblance and may find useful applications in the future.}, doi = {10.1021/acs.joc.7b00794}, author = {Kalmode, Hanuman P. and Handore, Kishor L. and Reddy, D. Srinivasa} } @article {43493, title = {Acetone and methanol fruit extracts of terminalia paniculata inhibit HIV-1 infection in vitro}, journal = {Natural Product Research}, volume = {31}, year = {2017}, month = {JAN}, pages = {1468-1471}, abstract = {In this study, we report the in vitro anti-HIV1 activity of acetone and methanol extracts of fruit of Terminalia paniculata. Cytotoxicity tests were conducted on TZM-bl cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), the CC50 values of both the extracts were 260g/mL. Using TZM-bl cells, the extracts were tested for their ability to inhibit replication of two primary isolates HIV-1 (X4, Subtype D) and HIV-1 (R5, Subtype C). The activity against HIV-1 primary isolate (R5, Subtype C) was confirmed using activated PBMC and by quantification of HIV-1 p24 antigen. Both the extracts showed anti-HIV1 activity in a dose-dependent manner. The EC50 values of the acetone and methanol extracts of T. paniculata were 10.3g/mL. The enzymatic assays were performed to determine the mechanism of action which indicated that the anti-HIV1 activity might be due to inhibition of reverse transcriptase (77.7\% inhibition) and protease (69.9\% inhibition) enzymes. }, doi = {10.1080/14786419.2016.1258561}, author = {Durge, Ankita and Jadaun, Pratiksha and Wadhwani, Ashish and Chinchansure, Ashish A. and Said, Madhukar and Thulasiram, H. V. and Joshi, Swati P. and Kulkarni, Smita S.} } @article {43882, title = {Activity tuning of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles anchored on N-doped reduced graphene oxide as a potential oxygen reduction electrocatalyst by Zn substitution in the spinel matrix}, journal = {Chemistry Select}, volume = {2}, year = {2017}, month = {SEP}, pages = {7845-7853}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Development of highly efficient and durable ORR catalysts by using non-platinum group metals (such as Co, Fe, Mn, and Zn) is a challenging task in the forward path towards the realization of low-cost energy devices in the commercial stream. The present work deals with an effective strategy wherein an efficient Pt-free electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is prepared by stoichiometrically substituting some fraction of Fe with Zn in cobalt ferrite and anchoring these spinel nanoparticles on nitrogen doped reduced graphene oxide (N-rGO). Zn substitution is found to be significantly altering the ratio of Fe2+/Fe3+ in the cobalt ferrite nanocrystal system with a concomitant promotional influence on its electrocatalytic activity towards ORR. The nanoparticle composition with a Co, Fe and Zn molar ratio of 1.0:1.7:0.3, represented by the formula CoFe1.7Zn0.3O4(CFZn(0.3)), supported over N-rGO has shown 10 mV and 20 mV positive shift in the onset and half-wave potentials, respectively, for ORR in 0.1 M KOH in comparison to the nanoparticles of CoFe2O4 supported over N-rGO (CF/N-rGO). The optimum Zn substitution is found to be narrowing down the difference with the state-of-the-art Pt/C for ORR by 100 and 110 mV in terms of the onset and half-wave potentials, respectively. Most significantly, the homemade catalyst is found to be clearly outperforming the Pt catalyst in terms of the limiting current density and electrochemical durability.

}, keywords = {Carbon Nano-fiber, Cathod Catalyst, CoFe2O4, Evolution, Magnetic-properties, Membrane fuel- Cell, Metal-Air Batteries, N-doped graphene, Nanocrystalline, nanocrystals, oxygen reduction reaction, performance, Platinium, solvothermal synthesis, Zn substituted cobalt ferrite}, issn = {2365-6549}, doi = {10.1002/slct.201701684}, author = {Kashyap, Varchaswal and Singh, Santosh K. and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {43999, title = {Acyclic αγα-tripeptides with fluorinated- and nonfluorinated-furanoid sugar framework: importance of fluoro substituent in reverse-turn induced self-assembly and transmembrane ion-transport activity}, journal = {Journal Of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {82}, year = {2017}, month = {JUN}, chapter = {5826-5834}, abstract = {

Acyclic αγα-tripeptides derived from fluorinated-furanoid sugar amino acid frameworks act as reverse-turn inducers with a U-shaped conformation, whereas the corresponding nonfluorinated αγα-tripeptides show random peptide conformations. The NMR studies showed the presence of bifurcated weak intramolecular hydrogen bonding (F{\textperiodcentered}{\textperiodcentered}{\textperiodcentered}HN) and N+{\textperiodcentered}{\textperiodcentered}{\textperiodcentered}Fδ- charge-dipole attraction compel the amide carbonyl groups to orient antiperiplanar to the C-F bond, thus, demonstrating the role of the fluorine substituent in stabilizing the U-shaped conformation. The NOESY data indicate that the U-shaped tripeptides self-assembly formation is stabilized by the intermolecular hydrogen bonding between C=O{\textperiodcentered}{\textperiodcentered}{\textperiodcentered}HN with antiparallel orientation. This fact is supported by ESI-MS data, which showed mass peaks up to the pentameric self-assembly, even in the gas phase. The morphological analysis by FE-SEM, on solid samples, showed arrangement of fibers into nanorods. The antiparallel self-assembled pore of the fluorinated tripeptides illustrates the selective ion-transport activity. The experimental findings were supported by DFT studies.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/acs.joc.7b00661}, author = {Burade, S. S. and Shinde, S. V. and Bhuma, N. and Kumbhar, N. and Kotmale, A. and Rajamohanan, P. R. and Gonnade, R. G. and Talukdar, P. and Dhavale, D. D.} } @article {43830, title = {AgOTf-catalyzed dehydrative [3+2] annulation of aziridines with 2-naphthols}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {53}, year = {2017}, month = {JUL}, pages = {8219-8222}, abstract = {The reaction of 2-naphthols with aziridines in the presence of AgOTf resulting in a dehydrative, formal [3+2] annulation is reported. The reaction allows the synthesis of functionalized benzoindolines, and tolerates a broad range of functional groups. A preliminary study on themechanism of this reaction indicates an SN1-type ring-opening of aziridines. This method is demonstrated for the one-pot synthesis of benzoindoles.}, doi = {10.1039/c7cc03425c}, author = {Kaicharla, Trinadh and Jacob, Anu and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Biju, Akkattu T.} } @article {43534, title = {Agro-industrial wastes for production of biosurfactant by bacillus subtilis ANR 88 and its application in synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles}, journal = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, volume = {8}, year = {2017}, month = {MAR}, pages = {Article Number: 492}, type = {MAR}, abstract = {

Biosurfactants, surface-active amphiphilic compounds, despite having a wide range of applications, have a high cost of production, which severely restricts their use. For cheaper production of biosurfactant, we investigated the potential of the indigenously isolated biosurfactant producing organism, Bacillus subtilis ANR 88, to grow on different cheap carbon sources (molasses, whey, and extracts of potato peels, orange peels, banana peels, and bagasse). We found that, B. subtilis ANR 88 used significant amounts of total sugar to produce cell biomass and biosurfactant. The biosurfactant production in minimal medium containing glucose as sole source of carbon was 0.207 g/l and the same with molasses as carbon source was 0.241 g/l. With whey as carbon source, isolate failed to produce biosurfactant. Amongst the extracts of the agro-wastes, the extracts of bagasse and orange peels gave 0.127 and 0.089 g/l of biosurfactant respectively. One-variable-at-a-time (OVAT) studies carried out to optimize the production of biosurfactant by B. subtilis ANR 88 resulted into maximum biosurfactant yield of 0.513 g/l in medium: molasses 4\%, ammonium ferric citrate 0.25\%, pH 7. Plackett-Burman design based statistical method for optimization increased the production of biosurfactant to 0.746 g/l, which is 3.6-fold of that produced on glucose. The biosurfactant produced by B. subtilis ANR 88 was analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR); it showed that the biosurfactant contained alkyl as well as peptide groups. The biosurfactant of B. subtilis ANR 88 was found effective in the synthesis of silver as well as gold nanoparticles in the total absence of conventional chemical reducing agents. Interestingly, nanoparticles produced were almost uniform in their size and shapes i.e., spherical silver (4-18 nm) and hexagonal gold nanoparticles (40-60 nm), as evident in TEM images.

}, doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2017.00492}, author = {Rane, Ashwini N. and Baikar, Vishakha V. and Kumar, D. V. Ravi and Deopurkar, Rajendra L.} } @article {45684, title = {All-solid-state-supercapacitor possessing a non-aqueous gel polymer electrolyte prepared using a UV-assisted in situ polymerization strategy}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry A}, volume = {5}, year = {2017}, month = {MAY}, pages = { 8461-8476}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In this work, we report the synthesis of a high ionic conducting and mechanically stable non-aqueous gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) in which a liquid electrolyte (LiClO4/propylene carbonate) is entrapped in a poly(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxy propyl acrylate) matrix by a UV assisted in situ polymerisation strategy. Unlike conventional dry and quasi-solid non-aqueous GPEs, our system (H-P-L-3M-80\%) shows an excellent ionic conductivity of 4.7 x 10(-3) S cm(-1), a value which is comparable to those of non-aqueous liquid electrolytes. The high mechanical stability of GPE arises due to the covalent cross-links present in the polymer matrix as well as the reversible non-covalent cross-links between the solvent and the polymer matrix through the Li+ cations. Subsequently, the GPE has been prepared in situ on the inner and the outer surface of the electrode material to fabricate a 2.0 V supercapacitor device with a high mass loading (3.8 mg cm(-2)) of the active material (YP-80F, a high surface area porous carbon). The device shows an equivalent series resistance (ESR) as low as 2.2 Omega, which is close to that of the device fabricated from the corresponding liquid electrolyte and is far better than those of the devices evolved from conventional GPEs and dry polymer electrolytes. The mass specific capacitance of 113 F g(-1) obtained at a current density of 2 mA cm(-2) shows 81\% retention even at a high current density of 20 mA cm(-2). The scalability of the strategy is demonstrated by fabricating a large area (area = 16 cm(2), loading = 4.0 mg cm(-2)) all-solid-state flexible-supercapacitor (H-P-L-3M-S-4.0) device which can be operated at a potential window of 2.5 V. The device was found to show a mass specific capacitance of 111 F g(-1) at a current density of 1 mA cm(-2) (0.25 A g(-1)), all the while, retaining a very low ESR of 2.2 Omega. The potential of the strategy to mimic the liquid-like electrode-electrolyte interface, augmented with the ability to tune further, opens up new horizons for energy storage devices.

}, doi = {10.1039/c7ta01514c}, author = {Vijayakumar, V. and Anothumakkool, B. and Torris, A. T. A. and Nair, S. B. and Badiger, M. V. and Kurungot, S.} } @article {44018, title = {Ammonia-modified graphene sheets decorated with magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles for the photocatalytic and photo-Fenton degradation of phenolic compounds under sunlight irradiation}, journal = {Journal of hazardous materials }, volume = {325}, year = {2017}, month = {NOV}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Synthesis of easily separable and eco-friendly efficient catalyst with both photocatalytic and photo-Fenton degradation properties is of great importance for environment remediation application. Herein, ammonia-modified graphene (AG) sheets decorated with Fe3O4 nanoparticles (AG/Fe3O4) as a magnetically recoverable photocatalyst by a simple in situ solution chemistry approach. First, we have functionalized graphene oxide (GO) sheets by amide functional group and then Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) are doped onto the functionalized GO surface. The AG/Fe3O4 nanocomposite showed efficient photocatalytic activity towards degradation of phenol (92.43\%), 2-nitrophenol (2-NP) (98\%) and 2-chlorophenol (2-CP) (97.15\%) within 70{\textendash}120 min. Consequently, in case of photo-Fenton degradation phenomenon, 93.56\% phenol, 98.76\% 2-NP and 98.06\% of 2-CP degradation were achieved within 50{\textendash}80 min using AG/Fe3O4 nanocomposite under sunlight irradiation. The synergistic effect between amide functionalized graphene and Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) enhances the photocatalytic activity by preventing the recombination rate of electron-hole-pair in Fe3O4 NPs. Furthermore, the remarkable reusability of the AG/Fe3O4 nanocomposite was observed up to ten cycles during the photocatalytic degradation of these phenolic compounds.}, doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2016.11.023}, author = {Boruah, Purna K. and Sharma, Bhagyasmeeta and Karbhal, Indrapal and Shelke, Manjusha V. and Das, Manash R.} } @article {43933, title = {Anti-microbial activity of chrysomycin a produced by streptomyces sp. against mycobacterium tuberculosis}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {7}, year = {2017}, month = {JUL}, pages = {36335-36339}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Limited efficacy of the BCG (Bacillus Calmette{\textendash}Gu{\'e}rin) vaccine against adult tuberculosis and the emergence of resistance to existing anti-tuberculosis drugs compel discovery of novel antibiotics against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Actinomycetes are still an attractive platform for the discovery of new antimicrobials, especially from untapped natural hotspots, despite the belief that they are an exhausted resource after repeated re-discoveries. Herein we report the isolation and identification of chrysomycin A from an actinomycete isolated from a coastal area in Kerala. We show for the first time that it has antimycobacterial activity. It was found to be bactericidal to planktonic and intracellular M. tuberculosis with an MIC of 3.125 μg mL$^{-}${\textonesuperior}; it is non-hemolytic and has negligible cytotoxicity. The actinomycete that produces chrysomycin A was found to be a Streptomyces sp. through 16S rRNA gene sequencing.}, doi = {10.1039/C7RA05576E}, author = {Balaji, Muralikrishnan and Dan, Vipin Mohan and Joseph, Vinodh and Jamsheena, Vellekkatt and Ramachandran, Ranjit and Thomas, Sabu and Dastager, Syed Gulam and Kumar, K. Santhosh and Lankalapalli, Ravi Shankar and Kumar, R. Ajay} } @article {43546, title = {Application of unusual grignard reaction for the stereoselective synthesis of antidepressant drug (R)-(-)-venlafaxine}, journal = {Synthesis-Stuttgart}, volume = {49}, year = {2017}, month = {MAR}, pages = {1410-1418}, abstract = {An enantioselective synthesis of antidepressant drug (R)-(-)-venlafaxine is accomplished as an application of recently explored unusual Grignard reaction. An innovative method for the generation of chirality at extremely reactive benzylic center along with determination of absolute stereochemistry has been discussed. The key steps involved in the synthesis include Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation for the induction of chirality and an unusual Grignard reaction.}, doi = {10.1055/s-0036-1588911}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Khatod, Harshali S.} } @article {43949, title = {Assessing therapeutic potential of molecules: molecular property diagnostic suite for tuberculosis}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Sciences}, volume = {129}, year = {2017}, month = {MAY}, pages = {515-531}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Abstract: Molecular Property Diagnostic Suite (MPDS TB) is a web tool (http://mpds.osdd.net) designed to assist the in silico drug discovery attempts towards Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). MPDS TB tool has nine modules which are classified into data library (1{\textendash}3), data processing (4{\textendash}5) and data analysis (6{\textendash}9). Module 1 is a repository of literature and related information available on the Mtb. Module 2 deals with the protein target analysis of the chosen disease area. Module 3 is the compound library consisting of 110.31 million unique molecules generated from public domain databases and custom designed search tools. Module 4 contains tools for chemical file format conversions and 2D to 3D coordinate conversions. Module 5 helps in calculating the molecular descriptors. Module 6 specifically handles QSAR model development tools using descriptors generated in the Module 5. Module 7 integrates the AutoDock Vina algorithm for docking, while module 8 provides screening filters. Module 9 provides the necessary visualization tools for both small and large molecules. The workflow-based open source web portal, MPDS TB 1.0.1 can be a potential enabler for scientists engaged in drug discovery in general and in anti-TB research in particular. Graphical Abstract: SYNOPSIS: A web-based MPDS TB Galaxy tool is developed for assessing therapeutic potential of molecules. MPDS TB is categorized into Data Library, Data Processing and Data Analysis. It can be a potential enabler for scientists engaged in drug discovery in general and in anti-TB research in particular. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] {\textcopyright} 2017, Indian Academy of Sciences.

}, keywords = {chemical analysis, Chemoinformatics, computational chemistry, Diagnosis, Drug discovery portal, Information analysis, Libraries, Molecular graphics, Molecules, Neglected diseases, Open science, Portals, tuberculosis, Web-based technology, Websites}, issn = {0974-3626}, doi = {10.1007/s12039-017-1268-4}, author = {Gaur, A. S. and Bhardwaj, A. and Sharma, A. and John, L. and Vivek, M. R. and Tripathi, N. and Bharatam, P. V. and Kumar, R. and Janardhan, S. and Mori, A. and Banerji, A. and Lynn, A. M. and Hemrom, A. J. and Passi, A. and Singh, A. and Kumar, A. and Muvva, C. and Madhuri, C. and Choudhury, C. and Kumar, D. A. and Pandit, D. and Bharti, D. R. and Kumar, D. and Singam, E. A. and Raghava, G. P. and Sailaja, H. and Jangra, H. and Raithatha, K. and Tanneeru, K. and Chaudhary, K. and Karthikeyan, M. and Prasanthi, M. and Kumar, N. and Yedukondalu, N. and Rajput, N. K. and Saranya, P. S. and Narang, P. and Dutta, Prantu and Krishnan, R.} } @article {43912, title = {Automating multistep flow synthesis: approach and challenges in integrating chemistry, machines and logic}, journal = {Beilstein Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {13}, year = {2017}, month = {APR}, pages = {960{\textendash}987}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The implementation of automation in the multistep flow synthesis is essential for transforming laboratory-scale chemistry into a reliable industrial process. In this review, we briefly introduce the role of automation based on its application in synthesis viz. auto sampling and inline monitoring, optimization and process control. Subsequently, we have critically reviewed a few multistep flow synthesis and suggested a possible control strategy to be implemented so that it helps to reliably transfer the laboratory-scale synthesis strategy to a pilot scale at its optimum conditions. Due to the vast literature in multistep synthesis, we have classified the literature and have identified the case studies based on few criteria viz. type of reaction, heating methods, processes involving in-line separation units, telescopic synthesis, processes involving in-line quenching and process with the smallest time scale of operation. This classification will cover the broader range in the multistep synthesis literature.}, doi = {10.3762/bjoc.13.97}, author = {Shukla, Chinmay and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @conference {45756, title = {Biomedical literature mining for protein-protein interactions analysis using electronic mailing system}, booktitle = {253rd National Meeting of the American-Chemical-Society (ACS) on Advanced Materials, Technologies, Systems, and Processes}, year = {2017}, month = {APR }, publisher = {Amer chemical soc, 1155 16TH ST, NW, Washington, DC 20036 USA}, organization = {Amer chemical soc, 1155 16TH ST, NW, Washington, DC 20036 USA}, address = { San Francisco, CA}, author = {Karthikeyan, Muthukumarasamy and Vyas, Renu} } @article {43920, title = {Biomimetic synthesis of CdSe nanoparticles with potential bioimaging applications}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research}, year = {2017}, month = {JUN}, pages = {2526-2532}, type = {Article}, abstract = {This study presents in vitro biomimetic synthesis of CdSe nanoparticles using the enzyme, NADPH dependent-Nitrate reductase purified from fungus, Fusarium oxysporum. The synthesis of CdSe nanoparticles was accomplished in the presence of a synthetic peptide having amino acid sequence (γ-Glu-Cys-Glu-Cys)-Gly, which acted as binding molecule. The nanoparticles were synthesized in the size range of 3.9{\textendash}9.0 nm was analysed using TEM. Further characterization of nanoparticles was done using techniques such as UV, PL, XPS, and FTIR. The as-synthesized CdSe nanoparticles were water dispersible containing free reactive amino groups. These CdSe nanoparticles were conjugated with bi-antennary and tri-antennary glycopeptides opening up the possibilities for their applications in bioimaging. These significant observations will help better understand the mechanism of biosynthesis of fluorescent nanoparticles using fungi. These findings promise an alternative strategy for an eco-friendly, economical, and large-scale synthesis of water dispersible CdSe nanoparticles. These CdSe nanoparticles have promising biomedical-imaging applications without a need for further functionalization.}, doi = {10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.8(6).2526-32}, author = {Ansary, Abu Ayoobul and Uddin, Imran and Khan, Muhammed I.} } @article {43851, title = {Biomimetic total synthesis of angiopterlactone B and other potential natural products}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {19}, year = {2017}, month = {JUL}, pages = {3564-3567}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A one-pot biomimetic synthesis of (-)-angiopterlactone B and its enantiomer (+)-angiopterlactone B has been accomplished via TBAF-catalyzed tandem ring contraction followed by oxa-Michael/Michael addition sequence. Comparison of specific optical rotations, absolute configurations, and CD spectra of natural, synthesized (-)-angiopterlactone B and (+)-angiopterlactone B unequivocally proves that the isolated angiopterlactone B must be levorotatory. Synthesis of hitherto undiscovered natural products 18 and 20 and analogues of angiopterlactone B demonstrate the versatility of this method.}, doi = {10.1021/acs.orglett.7b01525}, author = {Kotammagari, Tharun K. and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Bhattacharya, Asish K.} } @article {43978, title = {Biosurfactant surfactin as a kinetic promoter for methane hydrate formation}, journal = {Energy Procedia}, volume = {105}, year = {2017}, month = {MAY}, pages = {5011-5017}, type = {Article}, abstract = {In the present study, the effect of the biosurfactant Surfactin on methane hydrate formation kinetics was studied. Initially, several marine derived species were screened for the presence of Surfactin. The polymerase chain reaction technique was used as the preliminary screening step for Surfactin which was then followed up by a couple of different assays to provide conclusive evidence of the same. Based on these tests, the D-9 bacterial strain was identified as a producer of Surfactin. Once the presence of Surfactin had been proven, its effect on methane hydrate formation kinetics was investigated upon by carrying out hydrate formation experiments in a stirred tank reactor. The cell free supernatant containing Surfactin was itself used as the hydrate forming solution without any further processing. It was found that the presence of Surfactin in the system greatly enhances hydrate formation kinetics as compared to pure water. In fact the kinetics in presence of Surfactin also surpassed that obtained with 1 wt\% SDS, the most commonly used synthetic kinetic hydrate promoter. This basic study can pave the way for more sophisticated research on the use of biosurfactants as kinetic promoters with a view on rapid methane hydrate formation kinetics for applications such as methane separation, storage and transport.}, doi = {10.1016/j.egypro.2017.03.1050}, author = {Bhattacharjee, Gaurav and Barmecha, Vivek and Pradhan, Darshan and Naik, Rajesh and Zare, Kirti and Mawlankar, Rahul R. and Dastager, Syed Gulam and Kushwaha, Omkar Singh and Kumar, Rajnish} } @inbook {45774, title = {Biotechnological interventions to modulate terpenoid indole alkaloid pathway in catharanthus roseus using in vitro tools and approaches}, booktitle = {Catharanthus Roseus: Current Research and Future Prospects}, year = {2017}, pages = {247-275}, publisher = {Springer International Publishing}, organization = {Springer International Publishing}, chapter = {18}, address = { Switzerland}, abstract = {

Catharanthus roseus plant is valued for harboring more than 130 bioactive terpenoid indole alkaloids (TIAs) including the two of its leaf derived bisindole alkaloids-vinblastine and vincristine which are indispensible constituents of antineoplastic drugs used in metastatic malignancy associated with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia{\textquoteright}s and Hodgkin{\textquoteright}s/Non-Hodgkin{\textquoteright}s lymphomas. The extremely low in planta occurrence of TIAs in C. roseus plants resulting in high commercial demand and exorbitant price have brought this herb in focus of an intense scientific scrutiny in last 30 years. Research efforts have so far advanced in two major directions: towards understanding the enzymology and genetic regulation of the concerned metabolic pathway(s) leading to TIAs biosynthesis in plant and, secondly, exploring the possibility of developing cell/tissue culture based platforms for in vitro TIAs production to meet the industry{\textquoteright}s demand. Designing plants, free from such metabolic constraints, can be a possible approach to enhance the production of plant based medicines. This subject of plant metabolic engineering is gaining lot of attention these days. Pathway manipulation using the modern tools of genetic engineering to over-express a limiting enzyme or to suppress the expression of an enzyme using a shared substrate of a branched pathway are attractive options of metabolic engineering for diverting the metabolic flux towards the synthesis of a desired end product. Knowledge, thus gained, indicates that TIAs biogenetic route is characterized by extensive metabolic cross-talk and shuttling of at least 35 intermediates synthesized via 30 enzymatic reactions occurring in four different types of tissues (epidermis, internal phloem parenchyma, idioblasts and leticifers) and five different sub-cellular compartments (cytosol, vacuole, thyllakoid membrane, nucleus and endoplasmic reticulum). The complexity is further compounded by extremely high level of recalcitrancy of C. roseus plant for regeneration and Agrobacterium- mediated genetic transformation for pathway engineering. As a consequence, all genetic modulation efforts so far made in C. roseus are confined to cell suspension and transformed hairy root cultures that lack the required level of cyto- and tissue- differentiation essential for the expression of entire TIAs pathway genes and enzymes. A perusal of published work in C. roseus clearly suggests that inspite of several pathway manipulation/engineering attempts, the level of TIAs production in cell/tissue/hairy root cultures of this herb could never be enhanced to the level of expectations. The enzymatic, developmental and environmental rigidity/complexi- ties associated with the biosynthetic pathway of these alkaloids have often been cited as possible reasons for these disappointing outcomes Therefore, three major areas of investigation are in focused attention of Catharanthus researchers{\textquoteright} the world over are: (1) how to select or design the starting cells or tissue(s) to realize the full potential of applying metabolic engineering tools for up-regulating the TIAs pathway in them; (2) how to overcome the strong recalcitrancy of Catharanthus plant tissues for de novo organogenesis and in vitro plant regeneration for whole plant-level expression of a transgene coding either for a limiting pathway enzyme or a transcription factor that can control the global expression of several pathway genes and, (3) how to overcome the inability of non-differentiated cell cultures to execute those pathway steps that are expressed only in specialized tissues/cells of C. roseus plants. Various biotechnological approaches and generation of novel tissue types have been discussed in the present chapter for the modulation and increased TIAs flux in C. Roseus.

}, isbn = {978-331951619-6}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-319-51620-2_10}, author = {Verma, P. and Khan, S. A. and Parasharami, V. and Mathur, A. K.} } @article {44093, title = {Camptothecin-producing endophytic bacteria from pyrenacantha volubilis hook. (Icacinaceae): a possible role of a plasmid in the production of camptothecin}, journal = {Phytomedicine}, volume = {36}, year = {2017}, month = {DEC}, pages = {160-167}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Background: Camptothecin (CPT), a quinoline alkaloid, is a potent inhibitor of eukaryotic topoisomerase I. Because of this property, several derivatives of CPT are used as chemotherapeutic agents. CPT is produced by several plant species belonging to the Asterid clade as well as by a number of endophytic fungal associates of these plants. In this study, we report the production of CPT by four bacterial endophytes and show the possible role of a plasmid in the biosynthesis of CPT. Methods: Endophytic bacteria were isolated from leaves, stems and fruits of Pyrenacantha volubilis Hook. (Icacinanceae). The bacterial isolates were purified and analyzed for production of CPT by ESI-MS/MS and NMR analysis. Bacterial identity was established based on the morphology and 16s rRNA sequence analysis. Crude extracts of the bacterial endophytes were evaluated for their cytotoxicity using colon cancer cell lines. The role of plasmid in the production of CPT was studied by purging the plasmid, using acriflavine, as well as reconstituting the bacteria with the plasmid. Results: Four bacterial isolates, Bacillus sp. (KP125955 and KP125956), Bacillus subtilis (KY741853) and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (KY741854) were found to produce CPT in culture. Both based on ESI-MS/MS and NMR analysis, the identity of CPT was found to be similar to that produced by the host plant. The CPT was biologically active as evident by its cytotoxicity against colon cancer cell line. The production of CPT by the endophyte (Bacillus subtilis, KY741853) attenuated with sub-culture. A likely role of a plasmid in the production of CPT was established. A 5 kbp plasmid was recovered from the bacteria. Bacterial isolate cured of plasmid failed to produce CPT. Conclusion: Our study implies a possible role of a plasmid in the production of CPT by the endophytic bacteria and opens up further work to unravel the exact mechanisms that might be involved.}, doi = {10.1016/j.phymed.2017.09.019}, author = {Soujanya, K. N. and Siva, R. and Kumara, P. Mohana and Srimany, Amitava and Ravikanth, G. and Mulani, F. A. and Aarthy, T. and Thulasiram, H. V. and Santhoshkumar, T. R. and Nataraja, Karaba N. and Shaanker, R. Uma} } @article {43871, title = {Capillary uptake in macroporous compressible sponges}, journal = {Soft Matter}, volume = {13}, year = {2017}, month = {SEP}, chapter = { 5731-5740}, abstract = {

The capillarity-driven uptake of liquid in swellable, highly porous sponges is of significant industrial importance. Sponges prepared using polymers and their composites with carbon nanotubes and graphene have been reported, with extraordinary solvent uptake capacities and with the ability to separate oil from water. However, the effect of systematic variation of sponge characteristics on solvent uptake has not been investigated. Here, we report experiments that study capillary uptake in a variety of flexible, centimetre-sized macroporous cylindrical sponges. We used ice-templating to prepare a series of model macroporous sponges in which the porosity, modulus and composition were systematically varied. We investigated two kinds of sponge: (a) those composed purely of cross-linked polymers and (b) those prepared as composites of inorganic particles and polymers. Both kinds of sponge are flexible and exhibit elastic recovery after large compressive deformation. All sponges were characterized thoroughly with respect to their pore microstructure and elastic modulus. When one end of a sponge is plunged into a large reservoir, water rises through capillary action against gravity. We observed a transition from an inertial capillary regime, where the liquid column height rose linearly with time, t, to a viscous capillary regime, where the liquid height rose with time t(0.5). We showed that these results can be rationalized using analyses developed for rigid sponges. We combined differential momentum balance equations for uptake in rigid capillaries with the phenomenological Ergun-Forchheimer relations to account for the effect of the sponge microstructure. This approach works remarkably well in the viscous capillary regime and shows that capillary uptake is governed primarily by the total porosity and pore dimensions of soft sponges.

}, keywords = {aerogels, Building blocks, Catalyst Supports, Contact-angels, Dynamics, flow, Organic Liquids, Porous-Media, Rise}, issn = {1744-683X}, doi = {10.1039/c7sm00826k}, author = {Chatterjee, Soumyajyoti and Doshi, Pankaj and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy} } @article {43921, title = {Carbonylation of glycerol with urea to glycerol carbonate over supported Zn catalysts}, journal = {Applied Petrochemical Research}, volume = {7}, year = {2017}, month = {APR}, chapter = {41-53}, abstract = {

Glycerol carbonylation with urea is a very feasible option to produce glycerol carbonate with a net result of CO2 fixation through urea synthesis. The prerequisite of an efficient catalyst for this reaction is to possess both acid and basic sites together. Several acidic supports were screened for ZnO catalyst in this work and Zn/MCM-41 was found to exhibit the best activity and almost complete selectivity to glycerol carbonate (GC). Although, non-catalytic glycerol carbonylation resulted in GC formation but glycerol conversion achieved was twice with Zn/MCM-41 as a catalyst. Further to that increase in Zn loading from 2 to 5\% resulted in increase in glycerol conversion from 63 to 82\%. The prepared catalysts were characterized by XRD, NH3 and CO2-TPD and effects of reaction parameters such as catalyst loading, glycerol to urea mole ratio and temperature on glycerol conversion and GC selectivity in batch mode of operation were also studied. Time on stream activity of 5\% Zn/MCM-41 catalyst for continuous carbonylation of glycerol was also studied for ~100 h with an average conversion of ~55\% and complete selectivity to GC. This indicated five times lower productivity of GC per h due to lower residence time than that in a batch operation as compared to that of a continuous operation. Activation energy estimated from the Arrhenius plot was found to be 39.82 kJ mol-1 suggesting that the reaction is kinetically controlled. A reaction pathway mediated by acid and basic sites of the Zn/MCM-41 catalyst is also proposed.

}, keywords = {Acid{\textendash}base ratio, Continuous process, Glycerol carbonate, Glycerol-urea carbonylation, reaction pathway, Supported Zn, Zn loading}, issn = {2190-5533}, doi = {10.1007/s13203-017-0177-2}, author = {Kondawar, S. E. and Mane, R. B. and Vasishta, A. and More, S. B. and Dhengale, S. D. and Rode, C. V.} } @article {45752, title = {Catalyst-free oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides and diethylamine catalyzed oxidation of sulfides to sulfones using oxone as an oxidant}, journal = {Research on Chemical Intermediates}, volume = {43}, year = {2017}, month = {DEC}, pages = {6875-6888}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We describe here our journey from the failure of our attempts in controlled oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides using an Oxone(A (R))-KBr combination to our success in the development of a catalyst-free protocol for the oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides using Oxone as an oxidant. We also describe the failure of our attempts at the oxidation of sulfides to sulfones using an excess of Oxone-KBr as well as Oxone, and our success towards the development of a rapid, scalable and chromatography-free protocol for the oxidation of sulfides to sulfones using diethylamine-Oxone as an unprecedented catalyst-oxidant combination. [GRAPHICS] .

}, keywords = {diethylamine, organocatalysis, Oxidation, Oxone, Sulfones, Sulfoxides}, issn = {0922-6168}, doi = {10.1007/s11164-017-3026-0}, author = {Kupwade, R. V. and Khot, S. S. and Lad, U. P. and Desai, U. V. and Wadgaonkar, P. P.} } @article {43560, title = {Catalytic macroporous biohydrogels made of ferritin-encapsulated gold nanoparticles}, journal = {Chempluschem}, volume = {82}, year = {2017}, month = {FEB}, pages = {225-232}, abstract = {Reported is a modular approach for the incorporation and stabilization of gold nanoparticles inside a three-dimensional macroporous hydrogel made of ferritin. The strategy, which involves the dynamic templating of surfactant H-1 domains, demineralization, and remineralization helps to overcome aggregation and degradation issues usually associated with bare-metal-based nanocatalysts. The catalytic activity of the so-synthesized bionanocomposite hydrogel was demonstrated in both nitroaldol (Henry) and nitroreduction model reactions in aqueous solution at room temperature. An interesting synergistic effect between basic residues of the protein and the gold nanoparticles was found in the nitroaldol reaction when carried out in water in the presence of a phase-transfer catalyst. Furthermore, the reduction of 4-nitrophenol and 4-nitroaniline catalyzed by the nanocomposite scaffold in the presence of NaBH4 proceeded significantly faster than that using other known Au- and Ag-based catalysts under similar conditions.}, doi = {10.1002/cplu.201600454}, author = {Kumari, Sushma and Haring, Marleen and Sen Gupta, Sayam and Diaz, David Diaz} } @inbook {43964, title = {Chapter 5: Experimental and computational approaches to study membranes and lipid-protein interactions}, booktitle = {Computational biophysics of membrane proteins}, year = {2017}, pages = {137-160}, publisher = {Royal Society of Chemistry}, organization = {Royal Society of Chemistry}, chapter = {Experimental and computational approaches to study membranes and lipid-protein interactions}, abstract = {

Biological membranes are complex two-dimensional, non-covalent assemblies of a diverse variety of lipids and proteins. A hallmark of membrane organization is varying degrees of spatiotemporal heterogeneity spanning a wide range. Membrane proteins are implicated in a wide variety of cellular functions, and comprise \~{}30\% of the human proteome and \~{}50\% of the current drug targets. Their interactions with membrane lipids are recognized as crucial elements in their function. In this article, we provide an overview of experimental and theoretical approaches to analyze membrane organization, dynamics, and lipid-protein interactions. In this context, we highlight the wide range of time scales that membrane events span, and approaches that are suitable for a given time scale. We discuss representative fluorescence-based approaches (FRET and FRAP) that help to address questions on lipid-protein and protein-cytoskeleton interactions in membranes. In a complimentary fashion, we discuss computational methods, atomistic and coarse-grain, that are required to address a given membrane problem at an appropriate scale. We believe that the synthesis of knowledge gained from experimental and computational approaches will enable us to probe membrane organization, dynamics, and interactions at increasing spatiotemporal resolution, thereby providing a robust model for the membrane in health and disease.

}, doi = {10.1039/9781782626695-00137}, author = {Sengupta, Durba and Kumar, G. Aditya and Prasanna, Xavier and Chattopadhyay, A.} } @article {45796, title = {Chemistry that impacts us (and the scientists behind them)}, journal = {Resonance}, volume = {22}, year = {2017}, month = {NOV}, pages = {979-981}, type = {Editorial}, issn = {09718044}, doi = {10.1007/s12045-017-0565-z}, author = {Kumaraswamy, G.} } @article {43809, title = {Chickpea-fusarium oxysporum interaction transcriptome reveals differential modulation of plant defense strategies}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {7}, year = {2017}, month = {AUG}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Fusarium wilt is one of the major biotic stresses reducing chickpea productivity. The use of wilt-resistant cultivars is the most appropriate means to combat the disease and secure productivity. As a step towards understanding the molecular basis of wilt resistance in chickpea, we investigated the transcriptomes of wilt-susceptible and wilt-resistant cultivars under both Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceri (Foc) challenged and unchallenged conditions. Transcriptome profiling using LongSAGE provided a valuable insight into the molecular interactions between chickpea and Foc, which revealed several known as well as novel genes with differential or unique expression patterns in chickpea contributing to lignification, hormonal homeostasis, plant defense signaling, ROS homeostasis, R-gene mediated defense, etc. Similarly, several Foc genes characteristically required for survival and growth of the pathogen were expressed only in the susceptible cultivar with null expression of most of these genes in the resistant cultivar. This study provides a rich resource for functional characterization of the genes involved in resistance mechanism and their use in breeding for sustainable wilt-resistance. Additionally, it provides pathogen targets facilitating the development of novel control strategies.}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-017-07114-x}, author = {Upasani, Medha L. and Limaye, Bhakti M. and Gurjar, Gayatri S. and Kasibhatla, Sunitha M. and Joshi, Rajendra R. and Kadoo, Narendra Y. and Gupta, Vidya S.} } @article {44175, title = {Chitosan intercalated metal organic gel as a green precursor of fe entrenched and fe distributed N-doped mesoporous graphitic carbon for oxygen reduction reaction}, journal = {Chemistryselect}, volume = {2}, year = {2017}, month = {SEP}, pages = {8762-8770}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Herein, we present Metal-Organic Gel intercalated with chitosan, a {\textquoteleft}green{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} precursor for the synthesis of intrinsic N-doped Fe entrenched (CHI-TMA-Fe-CW) and Fe distributed mesoporous graphitic carbon structures (CHI-TMA-Fe-CW-M1) with appreciable Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) activity in alkaline medium. Modulation of the synthetic protocol as a function of reaction kinetics and gelation time while maintaining identical pyrolysis conditions (900 degrees C, flowing N-2 atmosphere) improves the microstructure, surface area and Fe distribution of the graphitic structures (CHI-TMA-Fe-CW-M1). CHI-TMA-Fe-CW has a Fe entrenched graphitic nanocapsule like morphology while Fe distributed mesoporous graphitic carbon sheets, with a specific surface area value of 565 m(2) g(-1) obtained by modulating the synthesis chemistry in CHI-TMA-Fe-CW-M1. The higher percentage of graphitic N in CHI-TMA-Fe-CW-M1 apparent from the XPS data validate that the modified synthetic method favours creation of more graphitic N sites contributing for better catalytic performance. CHI-TMA-Fe-CW-M1 catalyst exhibited comparable electrocatalytic activity with that of the commercially available Pt/C via an efficient four-electron-dominant ORR pathway with a positive onset potential value of 0.925 V vs RHE. Good durability of CHI-TMA-Fe-CW-M1 after 5000 cycles further confirm the prospects of MOG-chitosan and the feasibility to be used as a potential catalyst for ORR.

}, keywords = {electrocatalyst, fuel cell, Metal-Organic-Gel, oxygen reduction reaction}, issn = {2365-6549}, doi = {10.1002/slct.201701416}, author = {Shijina, Kottarathil and Illathvalappil, Rajith and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Nair, Balagopal N. and Mohamed, A. Peer and Yamaguchi, Takeo and Anilkumar, Gopinathan M. and Hareesh, U. S. and Sailaja, G. S.} } @article {45701, title = {Co-catalytic metal oxide nanoparticles decorated silicon/hematite core shell nanowire arrays as efficient photo electrodes for water splitting}, journal = {ChemistrySelect}, volume = {2}, year = {2017}, month = {MAR }, pages = {2544-2551}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

By looking global energy demands, development of highly efficient stable semiconductor photoelectrodes for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is highly desirable. Herein, we have fabricated co-catalytic nanoparticles decorated Silicon nanowire (SiNWs)/Hematite(Fe2O3) core sell structures as photo anodes and studied the PEC water oxidation properties. As, Fe2O3 possess weak oxidation kinetics, decoration of NiO and Co3O4 nanoparticles on SiNW/Fe2O3 by hydrothermal method, which acts as co-catalysts to improves the water oxidation reactions. It was found that decoration of Co3O4 nanoparticles enhances the photocurrent up to 2.6 times, whereas for NiO nanoparticles improvement is of 1.5 times when compared to the undecorated electrodes. Along with enhancement of photocurrents, it also shows shift of onset potentials. The effect of the co-catalytic nanoparticles on the enhancement of photocurrent and charge transfer resistance at the interface of electrode-electrolyte have been studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Further, flat band potentials of the photo electrodes have been measured by using Mott-schottky analysis.

}, keywords = {Co-catalysts, photo anodes, Photoelectrochemical cell, silicon nanowires, water splitting}, issn = {2365-6549}, doi = {10.1002/slct.201700083}, author = {Devarapalli, Rami Reddy and Kamaja, Chaitanya Krishna and Shelke, Manjusha V.} } @article {43913, title = {Comparable ionicity of the solutions of aprotic and protic ionic liquids by anion substitution}, journal = {Journal of Solution Chemistry}, volume = {46}, year = {2017}, month = {JUN}, pages = {1-13 }, type = {Article}, abstract = {Temperature dependent molar conductances and fluidities of bisulfate and ethyl sulfate anion-based ionic liquids were measured. The extent of dissociation of the ionic liquids was estimated from the Walden plot in term of ionicity. The ionicity mainly depends on the magnitude of Coulombic forces, altered by the anion{\textquoteright}s Lewis basicity. Aqueous solutions of aprotic ionic liquids, in general, possesses ionicity in the range of ≈70{\textendash}99\%. This article reveals that the substitution of the anion by bisulfate and ethylsulfate reduces the ionicity of aqueous solution of these ionic liquids to the range of 10{\textendash}37\%. This is very close to that exhibited by some of the protic ionic liquids and phosphonium based ionic liquids with sweetner anions. The concentration dependent molar conductance of these ionic liquids has been fitted to Mahiuddin and Ismail{\textquoteright}s equation. To our surprise, the molar conductances of bisulfate-based aprotic ionic liquids are remarkably high, even though these ionic liquids possess lower ionicity.}, doi = {10.1007/s10953-017-0640-9}, author = {Jain, Preeti and Kumar, Anil} } @article {45667, title = {Compositional dependence of electrical conduction in solution grown Zn1-xCrxSe thin films: a correlation}, journal = {Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics}, volume = {28 }, year = {2017}, month = {MAR}, pages = {5070-5074}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Zinc selenide (ZnSe) has a typical band gap of 2.7 eV suitable for window application and can easily be synthesized using a liquid phase chemical bath deposition. An attempt is made to tune its band gap and other characteristics to cope with a maxima of the solar spectrum by deliberate addition of Cr3+. ZnSe and Zn1-xCrxSe (0 <= x <= 0.35) thin films were obtained under the controlled deposition conditions (temperature = 70 A degrees C, time = 210 min, pH = 10, etc). The compositional analysis showed Zn2+ replacement by Cr3+. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed chemical states of the constituents Zn, Cr and Se as 2(+), 3(+) and 2(-) respectively. The electrical conductivity and thermo-power measurements in the 300-550 K temperature range showed semiconducting nature of the material and that the electrical conduction is of the n-type. The electrical conductivity is found to be increased continuously up to x = 0.05 and then decreased for further increase in x. The Hall-probe measurements also confirmed n-type conduction. The average Hall coefficient for pure ZnSe is -1.03 x 10(7) cm(3)/C whereas, it is -4.55 x 10(6) cm(3)/C for a sample with x = 0.35.}, doi = {10.1007/s10854-016-6144-3}, author = {Deshmukh, S. L. and Pingale, P. C. and Chavan, G. T. and Pawar, S. T. and Prakshale, V. M. and Kamble, S. S. and Jadkar, S. R. and Chaure, N. B. and Gopinath, C. S. and Maldar, N. N. and Deshmukh, L. P.} } @article {45730, title = {Computational survey of ligand properties on iron(III)-iron(II) redox potential: exploring natural attenuation of nitroaromatic compounds}, journal = {Monatshefte Fur Chemie}, volume = {148}, year = {2017}, month = {APR}, pages = {655-668}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

This study is a computational investigation of the ligand effect on the redox potential of iron redox couple aimed at screening these systems for novel applications. The influence of common and naturally available organic compounds with diverse ligand characteristics (nature of donor site, chelation, pre-organization, degree of back acceptance) on the redox potential of iron(III)-iron(II) redox couple has been theoretically calculated using an appropriate level of density functional theory (DFT). The DFT calculated redox potentials of iron complexes are explored to supplement, corroborate, and predict the experimental behavior of the studied systems towards environmental reduction of nitroaromatic compounds to corresponding anilines. The comparative avidity of iron complexes with cysteine derivatives for the reduction of nitroaromatic compounds has been theoretically explored and based on structure-activity relationship; new iron complexes with a range of reactivity and enhanced ability towards nitroaromatic reduction have been predicted.

}, keywords = {Catechol derivatives, computational chemistry, Density functional theory, Iron complexes, Ligand effect on redox potential, Natural attenuation, Nitroaromatic compounds}, issn = {0026-9247}, doi = {10.1007/s00706-016-1813-8}, author = {Rizvi, Masood Ahmad and Mane, Manoj and Khuroo, Mohammad Akbar and Peerzada, Ghulam Mustafa} } @article {43484, title = {Concise enantioselective synthesis of 1,4-dideoxy-1,4-imino-D-arabinitol using Co(III)(salen)-catalyzed hydrolytic kinetic resolution of a two-stereocentered anti-azido epoxide}, journal = {Tetrahedron-Asymmetry}, volume = {28}, year = {2017}, month = {JAN}, pages = {162-165}, abstract = {A concise enantioselective synthesis of 1,4-dideoxy-1,4-imino-D-arabinitol, (+)-DAB-1, has been described in good overall yield (18.1\%) and with high enantiomeric purity (up to 98\% ee) starting from a simple raw material, cis-2-butene-1,4-diol. The Co-catalyzed hydrolytic kinetic resolution of a two-stereocentered racemic azido epoxide followed by asymmetric dihydroxylation of the alkene and {\textquoteright}one pot{\textquoteright} reductive cyclisation of the azido diol are key reactions in the synthetic sequence. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetasy.2016.10.013}, author = {Reddi, Rambabu N. and Prasad, Pragati K. and Kalshetti, Rupali G. and Sudalai, Arumugam} } @article {45661, title = {Constructing ultraporous covalent organic fameworks in seconds via an organic terracotta process}, journal = {Journal of the American Chemical Society }, volume = {139}, year = {2017}, month = {FEB}, pages = {1856-1862}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Research on covalent organic frameworks (COFs) has recently gathered significant momentum by the virtue of their predictive design, controllable porosity, and long-range ordering. However, the lack of solvent-free and easy-to-perform synthesis processes appears to be the bottleneck toward their greener fabrication, thereby limiting their possible potential applications. To alleviate such shortcomings, we demonstrate a simple route toward the rapid synthesis of highly crystalline and ultraporous COFs in seconds using a novel salt-mediated crystallization approach. A high degree of synthetic control in interlayer stacking and layer planarity renders an ordered network with a surface area as high as 3000 m(2) g-(1). Further, this approach has been extrapolated for the continuous synthesis of COFs by means of a twin screw extruder and in situ processes of COFs into different shapes mimicking the ancient terracotta process. Finally, the regular COF beads are shown to outperform the leading zeolites in water sorption performance, with notably facile regeneration ability and structural integrity.

}, issn = {0002-7863}, doi = {10.1021/jacs.6b08815}, author = {Karak, S. and Kandambeth, S. and Biswal, B. P. and Sasmal, H. S. and Kumar, S. and Pachfule, P. and Banerjee, R.} } @article {43566, title = {Continuous flow telescopic oxidation of alcohols via generation of chlorine and hypochlorite}, journal = {Reaction Chemistry \& Engineering}, year = {2017}, month = {MAR}, abstract = {A 3-step continuous flow oxidation of alcohols is demonstrated with continuous generation of chlorine as the first step followed by its use for the flow synthesis of high strength sodium hypochlorite. The solution is subsequently used for oxidation of alcohols in the presence of a catalytic amount of the nitroxyl radical {\textquotedblleft}TEMPO{\textquotedblright}, which inhibits oxidation at the aldehyde stage. Selective oxidations of eight different alcohols were demonstrated. To achieve identical yields, the aromatic alcohols containing electron withdrawing groups needed a longer residence time than aliphatic alcohols.}, doi = {10.1039/C6RE00225K}, author = {Sharma, Y. and Moolya, S. and Joshi, Ramesh A. and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article {45738, title = {Convenient route for Au@Ti-SiO2 nanocatalyst synthesis and its application for room temperature CO oxidation}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {121}, year = {2017}, month = {MAR }, pages = {4946-4957}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Small gold nanoparticles.of size less than 5 nm encapsulated inside titanium modified silica shell have been reported. Here, a modified sol-gel method, which is a one-step process, produces Au@Ti-SiO2 nanocatalyst with a good control of titanium loading. With a titanium loading of 0.9 and 2.2 wt \% in silica, unprecedented low temperature activity (full conversion) is observed for this catalyst for CO oxidation reaction compared to Au@SiO2 catalyst. A combination of optimum sized gold nanoparticles with a large amount of oxygen vacancies created due to Ti incorporation in silica matrix is considered to be the reason for this enhanced catalytic activity. The size of.gold nanoparticles is maintained even after high temperature pretreatments, which show the benefit of encapsulation. The effect of the various pretreatments on the catalytic activity has also been reported.

}, issn = {1932-7447}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpcc.6b10202}, author = {Soni, Yogita and Kumar, Anumol Erumpukuthical Ashok and Nayak, Chandrani and Deepak, Francis Leonard and Vinod, C. P.} } @article {45686, title = {Copper oxide supported on three-dimensional ammonia-doped porous reduced graphene oxide prepared through electrophoretic deposition for non-enzymatic glucose sensing}, journal = {Electrochimica Acta}, volume = {224}, year = {2017}, month = {JAN}, pages = {346-354}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The paper reports on the preparation of N-doped porous reduced graphene oxide/copper oxide (ammonia-doped-prGO/CuO) nanocomposite on gold electrodes using electrophoretic deposition (EPD) from an ethanolic suspension of ammonia-doped-prGO and Cu(ClO4)(2) by applying a DC voltage. The ammonia-doped-prGO/CuO nanocomposite film thickness is controlled by varying the deposition time. Morphological analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed the formation of a 3 dimensional structure with CuO nanoparticles being homogeneously embedded in the graphene layer. Xray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman analysis revealed that the deposited copper was in its oxidized form, mainly CuO. The Au/ammonia-doped-prGO/CuO electrode was successfully applied for non-enzymatic amperometric detection of glucose. Under optimized conditions, the electrode exhibited a sensitivity of 1210 mu mM(-1) cm(-2) with a detection limit of 0.25 p,M (S/N =3) over a wide concentration range (0.25 mu M to 6 mM) at an applied potential of +0.50 V vs. Ag/AgCl. The electrode material displayed good stability, excellent selectivity, and accurate measurement in healthy and diabetic human serum samples. }, doi = {10.1016/j.electacta.2016.12.078}, author = {Maaoui, H. and Singh, S. K. and Teodorescu, F. and Coffinier, Y. and Barras, A. and Chtourou, R. and Kurungot, S. and Szunerits, S. and Boukherroub, R.} } @article {45803, title = {Corrigendum: Agro-Industrial wastes for production of biosurfactant by bacillus subtilis ANR 88 and its application in synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles [Front. Microbiol. 8, (492)] DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00492}, journal = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, volume = {8}, year = {2017}, month = {MAY}, type = {Erratum}, doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2017.00878}, author = {Rane, A.N. and Baikar, V. V. and Ravi Kumar, V. and Deopurkar, R. L.} } @article {43880, title = {Coumarin-appended stable fluorescent self-complementary quadruple-hydrogen-bonded molecular duplexes}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {82}, year = {2017}, month = {JUN}, pages = {6403-6408}, type = {Article}, abstract = {In this paper we report a coumarin-conjugated self-assembling system adorned with valuable features such as high duplex stability and a built-in fluorophore, which would augment its application potential. This system forms a highly :stalik molecular duplex in a nonpolar solvent (K-dim > 1.9 X 10(7) M-1 in CDCl3). Due to the fluorescent property of coumarin, these new structural motifs may find potential application in material chemistry and supramolecular chemistry.}, doi = {10.1021/acs.joc.7b01249}, author = {Kheria, Sanjeev and Rayavarapu, Suresh and Kotmale, Amol S. and Shinde, Dinesh R. and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Sanjayan, Gangadhar J.} } @article {45703, title = {Critical role of select peptides in the loop region of G-rich PNA in the preferred G-quadruplex topology and stability}, journal = {Tetrahedron}, volume = {73}, year = {2017}, month = {MAR}, pages = {1534-1540}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

An uncharged PNA 15mer sequence formed unimolecular antiparallel G-quadruplex similar to that observed for DNA-TBA. Replacement of {\textquoteleft}tt{\textquoteright} loop regions by peptides which induce helices or turns were found to have unpresidented effect on the quadruplex topology and stability. This study opens up a completely new strategy of utilizing G-quadruplex formation to display the array of functional groups in the three dimensional space thus creating a possibility of getting closer to the dream of designed peptides with three dimensional structures as observed in catalytic protein folds. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {ESI-MS study, G-quadruplex, Peptide nucleic acid, topology}, issn = {0040-4020}, doi = {10.1016/j.tet.2017.01.055}, author = {Bose, Tanaya and Kumar, Vaijayanti A.} } @article {44003, title = {CuCo2O4 nanowall morphology as Li-ion battery anode: Enhancing electrochemical performance through stoichiometry control}, journal = {Materials Research Bulletin}, volume = {90}, year = {2017}, month = {JUN}, pages = {303-310}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We have employed template-free synthesis of CuCo2O4 (CCO) system to achieve unique ultrathin porous nanowall type morphology, and evaluated for Li-Ion battery anode application. We observe that under the hydrothermal growth a starting stoichiometric mixture of cationic precursor{\textquoteright}s leads to a bi-phasic constitution comprising of defect-spinel CCO and a small quantity of CuO. Use of the excess but optimum cobalt in the precursor mix leads to single phase defect-spinel. We have carefully examined the implications of off-stoichiometry for different cases of interest (including the case of Cu-excess) for morphology, microstructure, the physical/electrochemical properties, and the evolution of the Li-ion battery anode under cycling for different active materials loading. In case of optimum Cu excess based CCO renders an impressive performance as Li-ion battery anode with high rate performance, 836 mAh g-1 and 757 mAh g-1 at 1.25C and 2.5C, respectively, and good cycling stability. {\textcopyright} 2016 Elsevier Ltd

}, issn = {0025-5408}, doi = {10.1016/j.materresbull.2016.12.014}, author = {Bhardwaj, M. and Suryawanshi, A. and Fernandes, R. and Tonda, S. and Banerjee, A. and Kothari, D. and Ogale, S.} } @article {44153, title = {Cucurbit[7]uril induced formation of fret-enabled unilamellar lipid vesicles}, journal = {Langmuir}, volume = {33}, year = {2017}, month = {OCT}, pages = {10989-10999}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A unique fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) process is found to be operational in a unilamellar lipid self-assembly in the aqueous phase. A newly synthesized naphthyl based long chain lipid derivative [N-(naphthalene-1-ylmethyl)tetradecane-1-ammonium chloride, 14NA(+)] forms various self-assembled architectures in the aqueous phase. Controlled changes in lipid concentration lead to a transition of the self-assemblies from micelles to vesicles to rods. In the presence of cucurbit[7]uril (CB7), 14NA(+) forms a host-guest [2]pseudorotaxane complex (CB7(sic)14NA(+)) and secondary interactions lead to the formation of a lipid bilayer with hydrophobic pockets situated in between the layers. The change in the structure of 14NA(+) assemblies, interaction with CB7 and formation of supramolecular assemblies of CB7(sic)14NA(+) were examined using light scattering, spectroscopic, and microscopic techniques. Entrapment of a luminescent dye, anthracene within the hydrophobic bilayer of the supramolecular assembly CB7(sic)14NA(+) favors a modified luminescent response due to an efficient FRET process. Further, the FRET process could be controlled by thermal and chemical stimuli that induce transformation of unilamellar vesicles.}, doi = {10.1021/acs.langmuir.7b02777}, author = {Kushwaha, Shilpi and Maity, Arunava and Gangopadhyay, Monalisa and Ravindranathan, Sapna and Rajamohanan, Pattuparambil R. and Das, Amitava} } @article {45763, title = {Cyclization mechanism of phomopsene synthase: mass spectrometry based analysis of various site-specifically labeled terpenes}, journal = {Journal of Antibiotics}, volume = {70}, year = {2017}, month = {MAY}, pages = {632-638}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Elucidation of the cyclization mechanism catalyzed by terpene synthases is important for the rational engineering of terpene cyclases. We developed a chemoenzymatic method for the synthesis of systematically deuterium-labeled geranylgeranyl diphosphate ( GGPP), starting from site-specifically deuterium-labeled isopentenyl diphosphates (IPPs) using IPP isomerase and three prenyltransferases. We examined the cyclization mechanism of tetracyclic diterpene phomopsene with phomopsene synthase. A detailed EI-MS analysis of phomopsene labeled at various positions allowed us to propose the structures corresponding to the most intense peaks, and thus elucidate a cyclization mechanism involving double 1,2-alkyl shifts and a 1,2-hydride shift via a dolabelladien-15-yl cation. Our study demonstrated that this newly developed method is highly sensitive and provides sufficient information for a reliable assignment of the structures of fragmented ions.

}, issn = {0021-8820}, doi = {10.1038/ja.2017.27}, author = {Shinde, Sandip S. and Minami, Atsushi and Chen, Zhi and Tokiwano, Tetsuo and Toyomasu, Tomonobu and Kato, Nobuo and Sassa, Takeshi and Oikawa, Hideaki} } @article {43981, title = {Data on the effect of oral feeding of Arachidonic acid or Docosahexanoic acid on haematopoiesis in mice}, journal = {Data in Brief}, volume = {14}, year = {2017}, month = {OCT}, pages = {551-557}, type = {Journal Article}, abstract = {

Stem cells have peculiar property to self-renew and differentiate. It is important to control their fate in safe and effective ways for their therapeutic use. The mediators of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) namely Arachidonic acid (AA) and Docosahexanoic acid (DHA) are known to play a role in haematopoiesis via various metabolic pathways [1]. However the direct effect of purified AA or DHA on haematopoiesis has not been well investigated yet. We have reported that oral administration of PUFAs enhanced haematopoiesis in mice [2]. Signaling Leukocyte Antigen Molecule (SLAM) (CD48-CD150+) phenotype consists of pure population of haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Herein we observed higher percentage of SLAM (CD48-CD150+) phenotype in the bone marrow (BM) cells of mice fed with AA or DHA compared to PBS fed control mice. Data from engraftment study depicts that BM from AA/DHA-fed mice showed higher absolute number of donor cells in recipient mice compared to control. The enhanced hematopoiesis observed in AA/DHA-fed mice was returned to normal when the mice were kept on normal diet for six weeks (after ten days of oral feeding). We confirmed GCMS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy) retention times of AA and DHA by co-injecting fatty acid extract from AA or DHA fed mice with purified AA or DHA standards respectively. Representative flow cytometry profile of Lin-Sca-1+c-kit+(LSK) cells showed higher expression of CXCR4 protein and ligands of Wnt, Notch1 signaling in BM of AA/DHA-fed mice

}, doi = {10.1016/j.dib.2017.08.009}, author = {Limbkar, K.}, editor = {Dhenge, A.,} } @article {43728, title = {DBU-mediated diastereoselective aldol-type cyanomethylation of isatins}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {82}, year = {2017}, month = {APR}, pages = {4489-4496}, type = {Article}, abstract = {An efficient, metal-free approach to 3-substituted 3-hydroxybxindole by DBU-mediated highly diastereoselective addition of aryl acetonitrile to N-protected isatin under mild conditions has been developed. The reaction proceeds smoothly to produce respective cyanomethylated adducts in good yield and excellent diastereoselectivity. Further transformation of the cyanide group allowed the synthesis of an advance intermediate of corresponding (+/-) CPC analogue. The mechanistic insight :toward the aldol-type cyanomethylation, of N-tritylisatin with benzyl cyanide was obtained by DFT calculations.}, doi = {10.1021/acs.joc.7b00512}, author = {Rao, V. U. Bhaskara and Kumar, Krishna and Das, Tamal and Vanka, Kumar} } @inbook {45805, title = {Defluoridation of drinking water using fe-al mixed metal hydroxides}, booktitle = { Novel Water Treatment and Separation Methods: Simulation of Chemical Processes}, year = {2017}, pages = {77-100}, edition = {1st}, chapter = {Defluoridation of drinking water using fe-al mixed metal hydroxides}, abstract = {In this chapter, we report findings from study carried out on removal of fluoride from drinking or potable water using Fe-Al mixed metal hydroxides. For experimental analysis, the product mixed Fe-Al hydroxides was prepared by applying a co-precipitation method. The resulting metal hydroxide was thoroughly characterized using analytical tests of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis. In order to characterize the equilibrium behavior of adsorbent, we study experimentally the effects of different operating parameters. The selected parameters for analysis are adsorbent loading, initial fluoride concentration, pH of the solution, and interfering ions (usually present in groundwater). The equilibrium adsorption data was later fitted for Langmuir adsorption isotherm, and experimental observations show a maximum fluoride adsorption capacity of 2.05 mg.g-1. The experimental results reveal that the adsorption dynamics follows a pseudo-second-order kinetic model.}, isbn = {978-177188578-2}, doi = {10.1201/9781315225395}, author = {Telang, T. and Deosarkar, M.P. and Shetty, R. and Kamble, S.P.} } @article {43856, title = {Degradation of metaldehyde in water by nanoparticle catalysts and powdered activated carbon}, journal = {Environmental Science and Pollution Research}, volume = {24}, year = {2017}, month = {JUL}, pages = {17861-17873}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Metaldehyde, an organic pesticide widely used in the UK, has been detected in drinking water in the UK with a low concentration (< 1 mu g L-1) which is still above the European and UK standard requirements. This paper investigates the efficiency of four materials: powdered activated carbon (PAC) and carbon-doped titanium dioxide nanocatalyst with different concentrations of carbon (C-1.5, C-40, and C-80) for metaldehyde removal from aqueous solutions by adsorption and oxidation via photocatalysis. PAC was found to be the most effective material which showed almost over 90\% removal. Adsorption data were well fitted to the Langmuir isotherm model, giving a q (m) (maximum/saturation adsorption capacity) value of 32.258 mg g(-1) and a K-L (Langmuir constant) value of 2.013 L mg(-1). In terms of kinetic study, adsorption of metaldehyde by PAC fitted well with a pseudo-second-order equation, giving the adsorption rate constant k(2) value of 0.023 g mg(-1) min(-1), implying rapid adsorption. The nanocatalysts were much less effective in oxidising metaldehyde than PAC with the same metaldehyde concentration and 0.2 g L-1 loading concentration of materials under UV light; the maximum removal achieved by carbon-doped titanium dioxide (C-1.5) nanocatalyst was around 15\% for a 7.5 ppm metaldehyde solution.}, doi = {10.1007/s11356-017-9249-1}, author = {Li, Zhuojun and Kim, Jong Kyu and Chaudhari, Vrushali and Mayadevi, Suseeladevi and Campos, Luiza C.} } @article {43791, title = {On demand electrochemical release of drugs from porous reduced graphene oxide modified flexible electrodes}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry B}, volume = {5}, year = {2017}, month = {AUG}, pages = {6557-6565}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Despite the advantages of an electrochemical control for drug release, only a handful of electrochemical-based release systems have been developed so far. We report herein on the development of an electrochemically activatable platform for on-demand delivery of drugs. It is based on flexible gold thin film electrodes coated with porous reduced graphene oxide (prGO) nanosheets onto which the drug of interest has been integrated beforehand. Two different drugs are investigated here: ondansetron hydrochloride (ODS), a selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist used for preventing nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and ampicillin (AMP), an antibiotic to prevent and treat a number of bacterial infections such as respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and meningitis. In the case of ODS, application of a negative potential bias of -0.8 V results in a sustained slow ODS release with an ODS flux of 47 mu g cm(-2) h(-1). In the case of AMP, we show that polyethyleneimine modified prGO (prGO/PEI) is an extremely efficient matrix. Upon the application of +0.8 V, 24\% of AMP could be released from the electrical interface in a time span of 2 h. The released AMP kept its antibacterial activity as demonstrated by antimicrobial tests. These examples illustrate the major benefits of the developed approach for biomedical applications.}, doi = {10.1039/c7tb00687j}, author = {Boulahneche, Samia and Jijie, Roxana and Barras, Alexandre and Chekin, Fereshteh and Singh, Santosh K. and Bouckaert, Julie and Medjram, Mohamed Salah and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Boukherroub, Rabah and Szunerits, Sabine} } @article {43854, title = {Description of Lysinibacillus telephonicus sp nov., isolated from the screen of a cellular phone}, journal = {International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology}, volume = {67}, year = {2017}, month = {JUL}, pages = {2289-2295}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A novel bacterial strain, designate dS5H2222(T), was isolated form the screen of a cellular phone. The cells were Gram-stainpositive, rod-shaped, aerobic and motile, and endospores are formed. S5H2222(T) grew as pale white colonies on trypticase soy agar and the best growth was observed at 37 degrees C (10- 55 degrees C) and at pH 7.0 (5.0-9.0). S5H2222(T) could tolerate up to 10\% (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences placed this strain within the genus Lysinibacillus and it exhibited high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Lysinibacillus halotolerans LAM612(T) (97.8 \%), Lysinibacillus chungkukjangi2RL3-2(T) (97.4 \%) and Lysinibacillus sinduriensis BLB-1(T) (97.2 \%). TheDNA- DNA relatedness of the strain with L. halotolerans JCM 19611(T), L. chungkukjangi KACC 16626(T) and L. sinduriensis KACC 16611(T) was 57, 64 and 55\% respectively. The genomic DNA G+C content was 39.8 mol\%. The major fatty acids of S5H2222(T) were iso-C-15:0, anteiso-C-15:0, iso-C-16:0 and anteiso-C-17:0. MK-7 was the only menaquinone and the main polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine, four unidentified polar lipids were also present. The diagnostic amino acids in the cell wall peptidoglycan contained Lys-Asp (type A4 alpha). On the basis of the results of the phenotypic and genotypic characterizations, it was concluded that S5H2222(T) represents a novel species of the genus Lysinibacillus, for which the name Lysinibacillus telephonicus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S5H2222(T) (=MCC 3065 T =KACC 18714(T)=LMG 29294(T)).}, doi = {10.1099/ijsem.0.001943}, author = {Rahi, Praveen and Kurli, Rashmi and Khairnar, Mitesh and Jagtap, Shubhangi and Pansare, Aabeejjeet N. and Dastager, Syed G. and Shouche, Yogesh S.} } @inbook {43944, title = {Designing multicomponent nanosystems for rapid detection of circulating tumor cells}, booktitle = {Methods in Molecular Biology }, volume = {1530}, year = {2017}, pages = {271-281}, abstract = {

Detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the blood circulation holds immense promise as it predicts the overall probability of patient survival. Therefore, CTC-based technologies are gaining prominence as a {\textquotedblleft}liquid biopsy{\textquotedblright} for cancer diagnostics and prognostics. Here, we describe the design and synthesis of two distinct multicomponent magnetic nanosystems for rapid capture and detection of CTCs. The multifunctional Magneto-Dendrimeric Nano System (MDNS) composed of an anchoring dendrimer that is conjugated to multiple agents such as near infrared (NIR) fluorescent cyanine 5 NHS (Cy5), glutathione (GSH), transferrin (Tf), and iron oxide (Fe3O4) magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) for simultaneous tumor cell-specific affinity, multimodal high resolution confocal imaging, and cell isolation. The second nanosystem is a self-propelled microrocket that is composed of carbon nanotube (CNT), chemically conjugated with targeting ligand such as transferrin on the outer surface and Fe3O4 nanoparticles in the inner surface. The multicomponent nanosystems described here are highly efficient in targeting and isolating cancer cells thus benefiting early diagnosis and therapy of cancer.

}, doi = {10.1007/978-1-4939-6646-2_16}, author = {Banerjee, Shashwat S. and Khobragade, Vrushali and Khandare, Jayant J.} } @article {43930, title = {Diethylamine Dess-Martin periodinane: an efficient catalyst-oxidant combination in a sequential, one-pot synthesis of difficult to access 2-amino-3,5-dicarbonitrile-6-sulfanylpyridines at ambient temperature}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {7}, year = {2017}, month = {AUG}, pages = {38877-38883}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Herein, diethylamine Dess{\textendash}Martin periodinane has been demonstrated for the first time as an efficient catalyst{\textendash}oxidant combination in a sequential, one-pot synthesis of medicinally privileged but difficult to access 2-amino-3,5-dicarbonitrile-6-sulfanylpyridines via a pseudo-four component reaction between 2,6-disubstituted benzaldehydes, malononitrile, and thiols. Ambient reaction conditions, excellent yields, and total avoidance of conventional isolation as well as purification are the noteworthy merits of this developed protocol.}, doi = {10.1039/C7RA07738F}, author = {Kupwade, Ravindra V. and Khot, Supriya and Kulkarni, M. A. and Desai, Uday V. and Wadgaonkar, Prakash P.} } @article {44134, title = { Differential accumulation of vimentin fragments in preeclamptic placenta}, journal = {Cytoskeleton}, volume = {74}, year = {2017}, month = {NOV}, pages = {420-425}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication that is the result of abnormal placentation because of inadequate trophoblast invasion into spiral arteries that prevent normal blood flow to the placenta. We report the alteration in vimentin protein proteolysis in placenta of normotensive and preeclamptic women, which is known to have a role in many physiological functions other than its major function in the structural integrity of the cell. Placental proteome from normotensive (n=25) and preeclamptic pregnancies (n=25) showed eight differentially accumulated protein spots of vimentin (proteolytic fragments) by two-dimensional electrophoresis. Immunoblots of normotensive and preeclamptic placenta revealed a difference in proteolytic processing of vimentin. In particular, lower molecular weight vimentin fragments of 32 and 20 kDa were 3.3 and 2.6-fold (p<0.0001) higher, respectively, in preeclampsia compared with normotensive placenta.}, doi = {10.1002/cm.21390}, author = {Mary, Sheon and Kulkarni, Mahesh J. and Mehendale, Savita S. and Joshi, Sadhana R. and Giri, Ashok P.} } @article {44089, title = {Differential rubisco content and photosynthetic efficiency of rol gene integrated Vinca minor transgenic plant: correlating factors associated with morpho-anatomical changes, gene expression and alkaloid productivity}, journal = {Journal of Plant Physiology}, volume = {219}, year = {2017}, month = {DEC}, pages = {12-21}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Transgenic plants obtained from a hairy root line (PVG) of Vinca minor were characterized in relation to terpenoid indole alkaloids (TIAs) pathway gene expression and vincamine production. The hairy roots formed callus with green nodular protuberances when transferred onto agar-gelled MS medium containing 3.0 mg/l zeatin. These meristematic zones developed into shoot buds on medium with 1.0 mg/l 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 40 mg/l ascorbic acid. These shoot buds subsequently formed rooted plants when shifted onto a hormone-free MS medium with 6\% sucrose. Transgenic nature of the plants was confirmed by the presence of rol genes of the Ri plasmid in them. The transgenic plants (TP) had elongated internodes and a highly proliferating root system. During glass house cultivation TP consistently exhibited slower growth rate, low chlorophyll content (1.02 +/- 0.08 mg/gm fr. wt.), reduced carbon exchange rate (2.67 +/- 0.16 mu mol m(-2) s(-1)), less transpiration rate (2.30 +/- 0.20 mmol m(-2) s(-1)) and poor stomatal conductance (2.21 +/- 0.04 mmol m-2 s(-1)) when compared with non-transgenic population. The activity of rubisco enzyme in the leaves of TP was nearly two folds less in comparison to non-transgenic controls (1.80 milliunits ml(-1) mg protein-1 against 3.61 milliunits ml(-1) mg protein-1, respectively). Anatomically, the TP had a distinct tetarch arrangement of vascular bundles in their stem and roots against a typical ployarched pattern in the non-transgenic plants. Significantly, the transgenic plants accumulated 35\% higher amount of total TIAs (3.10 +/- 0.21\% dry wt.) along with a 0.03\% dry wt. content of its vasodilatory and nootropic alkaloid vincamine in their leaves. Higher productivity of alkaloids in TP was corroborated with more than four (RQ = 4.60 +/- 0.30) and five (RQ = 5.20 +/- 0.70) times over-expression of TIAs pathway genes tryptophan decarboxylase (TDC) and strictosidine synthase (STR) that are responsible for pushing the metabolic flux towards TIAs synthesis in this medicinal herb.}, doi = {10.1016/j.jplph.2017.09.004}, author = {Verma, Priyanka and Khan, Shamshad Ahmad and Masood, Nusrat and Manika, N. and Sharma, Abhishek and Verma, Neha and Luqman, Suaib and Mathur, Ajay K.} } @article {43906, title = {Direct C-N bond formation in an in situ ligand transformation reaction and formation of polymeric 1D cadmium(II) complexes with end-to-end bridging thiocyanate or selenocyanate ions: Synthesis, structures and theoretical studies}, journal = {Polyhedron}, volume = {133}, year = {2017}, month = {SEP}, pages = {8-15}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Two new one-dimensional polymeric thiocyanato and selenocyanato bridged cadmium(II) complexes [Cd(dpip)(mu(1,3)-SCN)(2)](n) and [Cd(dpip)(mu(1,3)-SeCN)(2)](n), where dpip = 3,5-dimethy1-14(3-phenylimidazolidin-ly1)-methyl)-1H-pyrazole have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 1H NMR and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The bidentate N-2-coordinated ligand dpip is formed from N-4-coor-dinated tetradentate ligand N,N-bis(3,5-dimethy1-1H-pyrazol-1-yOmethyl-N-2-phenylethane-1,2-diamine (bdpab) due to unusual transformation, removing one pyrazole group and formation of saturated imidazole ring during in situ complexation reaction. The 1D structures of the two complexes have been confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies and both NCS- and NCSe- act as end -to -end (-1,3) bridging ligands. The coordination environment around the cadmium center in the complexes are CdN4S2 and CdN4Se2, respectively and each cadmium(II) center has distorted octahedral geometry. The distortion in the molecules are due to two unequal Cd-N (organic ligand dpip) bond lengths and small bite angel of the unsymmetrical organic ligand. The DFT calculations performed with cadmium(II) complexes [Cd (dpip)(mu(1,3)-SCN)(2)](n) and [Cd(dpip)(mu(1,3)-SeCN)(2)](n) corroborated the observed crystal structures and the structural parameter were found to be in good agreement in both calculated and X-ray geometries. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {1d Chain, Cd(Ii) Complexes, Cobalt(Ii), coordination polymers, Crystal-structure, Dft Pyrazole Based Ligand, Dinuclear, End-to-end Bridge, Infrared-spectra, Magnetic-properties, Metal, Ncs/Secn Ion, Nickel(Ii), Nitrogen Single Bond}, issn = {0277-5387}, doi = {10.1016/j.poly.2017.05.007}, author = {Sadhu, Mehul H. and Solanki, Ankita and Kundu, T. and Hingu, Vinayak and Ganguly, B. and Kumar, Sujit B.} } @article {44123, title = {Dissociative adsorption of molecular hydrogen on BN-doped graphene-supported aluminum clusters}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {121}, year = {2017}, month = {NOV}, pages = {26493-26498}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The present work demonstrates dissociative adsorption of molecular hydrogen on supported and unsupported aluminum Wclusters (Al-n, n = 4-8, 13) using density functional theory based calculations. The studies reveal that the presence of a BN-doped graphene surface support reduces the dissociative adsorption barrier of the bond in molecular hydrogen on even atom clusters. In particular, supported Al-6 demonstrates a barrier-less dissociative adsorption toward the H-2 molecule. These results demonstrate the excellent potential of supported Al nanoparticles for hydrogen storage and also the potential of doped graphene systems are catalyzing supports.}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpcc.7b07789}, author = {Kumar, Deepak and Krishnamurty, Sailaja and Pal, Sourav} } @article {43816, title = {Domibacillus mangrovi sp nov and domibacillus epiphyticus sp nov., isolated from marine habitats of the central west coast of India}, journal = {International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology}, volume = {67}, year = {2017}, month = {AUG}, pages = {3063-3070}, type = {Article}, abstract = {While studying culturable bacterial diversity in different marine habitats of the central west coast of India, two novel Gramstain-positive, strictly aerobic, motile, endospore-forming and rod-shaped bacterial strains designated as SAOS 44(T) and SAB 38(T) were isolated from mangrove sediment soil and the surface of a macroalga, respectively. The strains were taxonomically characterized by using a polyphasic approach and genomic methods. The phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing placed the strains firmly in the genus Domibacillus and were most closely related to Domibacillus antri KCTC 33636(T). The predominant fatty acids were iso-C-15 : 0 and anteiso-C-15 : 0. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol in addition to an aminophosphoglycolipid. MK-6 was the only respiratory quinone. The range of values of digital DNA-DNA hybridization (19.2-24.9 \%) and the ortho-average nucleotide identity (74.1-81.4 \%) among strains SAOS 44(T), SAB 38(T) and other Domibacillus species clearly supports their status as a distinct and novel species for which the names Domibacillus mangrovi sp. nov. SAOS 44(T) (=DSM 100930(T)=KCTC 33820(T)=MTCC 12571(T)) and Domibacillus epiphyticus sp. nov. SAB 38(T) (=DSM 100929(T)= KCTC 33830(T)=MTCC 12575(T)) are proposed, respectively.}, doi = {10.1099/ijsem.0.002085}, author = {Verma, Ashish and Ojha, Anup Kumar and Dastager, Syed G. and Natarajan, Rameshkumar and Mayilraj, Shanmugam and Krishnamurthi, Srinivasan} } @article {44135, title = { Dynamic metabolic reprogramming of steroidal glycol-alkaloid and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis may impart early blight resistance in wild tomato (Solanum arcanum Peralta)}, journal = {Plant Molecular Biology}, volume = {95}, year = {2017}, month = {NOV}, pages = {411-423}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Alternaria solani severely affects tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) yield causing early blight (EB) disease in tropical environment. Wild relative, Solanum arcanum Peralta could be a potential source of EB resistance; however, its underlying molecular mechanism largely remains unexplored. Hence, non-targeted metabolomics was applied on resistant and susceptible S. arcanum accessions upon A. solani inoculation to unravel metabolic dynamics during different stages of disease progression. Total 2047 potential metabolite peaks (mass signals) were detected of which 681 and 684 metabolites revealed significant modulation and clear differentiation in resistant and susceptible accessions, respectively. Majority of the EB-triggered metabolic changes were active from steroidal glycol-alkaloid (SGA), lignin and flavonoid biosynthetic pathways. Further, biochemical and gene expression analyses of key enzymes from these pathways positively correlated with phenotypic variation in the S. arcanum accessions indicating their potential role in EB. Additionally, transcription factors regulating lignin biosynthesis were also up-regulated in resistant plants and electrophoretic mobility shift assay revealed sequence-specific binding of rSaWRKY1 with MYB20 promoter. Moreover, transcript accumulation of key genes from phenylpropanoid and SGA pathways along with WRKY and MYB in WRKY1 transgenic tomato lines supported above findings. Overall, this study highlights vital roles of SGAs as phytoalexins and phenylpropanoids along with lignin accumulation unrevealing possible mechanistic basis of EB resistance in wild tomato.}, doi = {10.1007/s11103-017-0660-2}, author = {Shinde, Balkrishna A. and Dholakia, Bhushan B. and Hussain, Khalid and Panda, Sayantan and Meir, Sagit and Rogachev, Ilana and Aharoni, Asaph and Giri, Ashok P. and Kamble, Avinash C.} } @article {43779, title = {Effect of shape of protrusions and roughness on the hydrophilicity of a surface}, journal = {Chemical Physics Letters}, volume = {658}, year = {2017}, month = {OCT}, pages = {34-39}, type = {Article}, abstract = {We have investigated wetting of model rough surfaces made up of hydrophilic triangular and hexagonal pillars (protrusions). The surface roughnesses are altered by varying the area of the rough surface, the height of the pillars, and the surface interactions to the water. We have established a correlation between structure i.e., the shape of a pillar, which actually depends on the number of edges (due to shape), and the wetting phenomena. We have found that surface with higher number of edges repels water at lower roughness value. We explain the correlation by analyzing the variation of interactions energy components and density profiles of water on the structured surfaces. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.}, doi = {10.1016/j.cplett.2017.07.015}, author = {Chowdhury, Sheelan Sengupta and Pandey, Prithvi Raj and Kumar, Rajnish and Roy, Sudip} } @article {43738, title = {Effects of micellization on growth kinetics of methane hydrate}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {56}, year = {2017}, month = {APR}, pages = {3687-3698}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Surfactants are Specific functional materials, that form various types of self-assemblies and affect local water ordering alongside solution properties. Such surface active agents are used extensively in gas hydrate based applications as kinetic hydrate promoters. To understand the effect of surfactant micelles on hydrate formation kinetics, a novel surfactant system capable of producing micelles at hydrate forming temperature was developed. The presence of surfactant micelles in this new system (a combination of anionic surfactant SDS and zwitterionic surfactant CAPB) was determined through DLS measurements. Pure methane and a coal bed methane mixture were individually used to assess the efficacy of the surfactant mixture for hydrate formation. This study conclusively proves for the first time that the presence of surfactant micelles enhances hydrate formation kinetics. The findings reported here can contribute significantly toward improving the utility of surfactants in gas hydrate based technological applications such as gas separation and methane storage.}, doi = {10.1021/acs.iecr.7b00328}, author = {Bhattacharjee, Gaurav and Kushwaha, Omkar Singh and Kumar, Asheesh and Khan, Muzammil Yusuf and Patel, Jay Narayan and Kumar, Rajnish} } @article {44170, title = {Efficient and durable oxygen reduction electrocatalyst based on CoMn alloy oxide nanoparticles supported over N-doped porous graphene}, journal = {ACS Catalysis}, volume = {7}, year = {2017}, month = {OCT}, pages = {6700-6710}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Transition metal oxide derived materials are very important for various applications, such as electronics, magnetism, catalysis, electrochemical energy conversion, and storage. Development of efficient and durable catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), an important reaction in fuel cells and metal air batteries, is highly desirable. Moreover, the futuristic catalysts for these applications need to be costeffective in order to ensure a competitive edge for these devices in the energy market. This article describes the synthesis of a cost-effective and efficient electrocatalyst for ORR It is based on supporting CoMn alloy oxide nano particles on N-doped porous graphene through a simple and scalable microwave irradiation method. Microwave irradiation was found to be very crucial for the fast creation of pores in the graphene framework with a concomitant formation of the CoMn alloy oxide nanoparticles. A series of catalysts have been synthesized by varying the Co:Mn ratio, among which, the one with the Co:Mn ratio of 2:1 [designated as CoMn/pNGr(2:1)] displayed remarkably higher ORR activity in 0.1 M KOH solution. It showed a similar to 60 mV potential shift with a low Tafel slope of 74 mV/decade, which is comparable to that derived from the commercial Pt/C catalyst. This high activity of CoMn/pNGr(2:1) has been credited to the cooperative effect arising from the metal entities and the defects present in the N-doped porous graphene. Finally, real system-level validations of the use of CoMn/pNGr(2:1) as cathode catalyst could be performed by fabricating and testing single-cells of an anion-exchange membrane fuel cell (AEMFC) and a primary Zn-air battery, which successfully demonstrated the efficiency of the catalyst to facilitate ORR in real integrated systems of the single-cell assemblies.}, keywords = {anion-exchange membrane fuel cell, cooperativity effect, microwave synthesis, oxygen reduction reaction, porous N-doped graphene, Zn-air battery}, issn = {2155-5435}, doi = {10.1021/acscatal.7b01983}, author = {Singh, Santosh K. and Kashyap, Varchaswal and Manna, Narugopal and Bhange, Siddheshwar N. and Soni, Roby and Boukherroub, Rabah and Szunerits, Sabine and Kurungot, Sreekurnar} } @article {43982, title = {Efficient exciton to dopant energy transfer in Mn2+-Doped (C4H9NH3)2PbBr4 two-dimensional (2D) layered perovskites}, journal = {Chemistry of Materials}, volume = {29}, year = {2017}, month = {SEP}, pages = {7816-7825}, type = {Journal Article}, abstract = {Three-dimensional ABX3 perovskite material has attracted immense interest and applications in optoelectronic devices, because of their enabling properties. Recently, Mn2+ doping directly into APbCl3-type three-dimensional (3D) nanocrystals, manifesting host-to-dopant energy transfer, have been reported for LED display applications. Strongly bound excitons in the doped system can enhance the dopant-carrier exchange interactions, leading to efficient energy transfer. Here, we report the simple and scalable synthesis of Mn2+-doped (C4H9NH3)2PbBr4 two-dimensional (2D) layered perovskites. The Mn2+-doped 2D perovskite shows enhanced energy transfer efficiency from the strongly bound excitons of the host material to the d electrons of Mn2+ ions, resulting in intense orange-yellow emission, which is due to spin-forbidden internal transition (4T1 {\textrightarrow} 6A1) with the highest quantum yield (Mn2+) of 37\%. Because of this high quantum yield, stability in ambient atmosphere, and simplicity and scalability of the synthetic procedure, Mn2+-doped 2D perovskites could be beneficial as color-converting phosphor material and as energy down-shift coating for perovskite solar cells. The newly developed Mn2+-doped 2D perovskites can be a suitable material to tune dopant-exciton exchange interactions to further explore their magneto-optoelectronic properties.}, keywords = {Doping (additives), Energy Efficiency, Energy Transfer, Exchange interactions, Excitons, Light Emitting Diodes}, issn = {0897-4756}, doi = {10.1021/acs.chemmater.7b02429}, author = {Biswas, A.}, editor = {Bakthavatsalam, R.} } @article {45764, title = {Efficient oxidation of ethyl benzene using in situ generated molybdenum acetylide oxo-peroxo complex as recyclable catalyst}, journal = {Applied Catalysis A-General}, volume = {531}, year = {2017}, month = {FEB }, pages = {45-51}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Selective oxidation of various alkanes/alkyl aromatics to corresponding carbonyl compounds has been carried out with very high conversion (similar to 98\%) and selectivity (up to 100\%) for carbonyl compounds using cyclopentadienyl molybdenum acetylide complex, CpMo(CO)(3)(C CPh) (1) as catalyst and tert-butyl hydrogen peroxide (TBHP) as an oxidant and turnover number (TON) of 88 was obtained with turnover frequency (TOF) of 2.45 h(-1). Mo acetylide oxo-peroxo species is formed in situ by reaction of 1 with TBHP during the course of reaction as catalytically active species. Interestingly even though the catalytically active species is homogeneous in nature it could be recycled very easily by recovering the catalytically active species as solid after addition of diethyl ether, and separating the products into organic phase. In the case of ethyl benzene oxidation, even after three recycles no appreciable loss in ethyl benzene conversion and acetophenone selectivity was observed. This complex showed high catalytic activity for the oxo functionalization of other alkyl aromatics and alkanes such as substituted ethyl benzenes, toluene as well as cyclohexane. TBHP was found to be more efficient oxidant than hydrogen peroxide for this oxidation. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Alkyl aromatics, Carbonyl compounds, Homogeneous catalysis, Molybdenum acetylide complex, Oxo-peroxo species}, issn = {0926-860X}, doi = {10.1016/j.apcata.2016.12.003}, author = {Khomane, Sonali B. and Doke, Dhananjay S. and Dongare, M. K. and Halligudi, S. B. and Umbarkar, S. B.} } @article {43505, title = {Efficient trifluoromethylation of C(sp(2))-H functionalized alpha-oxoketene dithioacetals: a route to the regioselective synthesis of functionalized trifluoromethylated pyrazoles}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {7}, year = {2017}, month = {JAN}, pages = {10150-10153}, abstract = {An operationally simple approach for the regioselective construction of diversely substituted trifluoromethylated pyrazoles via nucleophilic trifluoromethylation of iodo-substituted alpha-oxoketene dithioacetals is described. X-ray crystallographic studies confirmed the trifluoromethylation as well as formation of a regioselective cyclized product. Furthermore, trifluoromethylated pyrazoles bearing thiomethyl groups may allow further functionalization and are of considerable interest in medicinal chemistry.}, doi = {10.1039/c7ra01130j}, author = {Sharma, N. and Kumari, N. and Chundawat, T. S. and Kumar, S. and Bhagat, S.} } @article {43916, title = {Efficient valorisation of palm shell powder to bio-sorbents for copper remediation from aqueous solutions}, journal = {Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering}, volume = {5}, year = {2017}, month = {APR}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Alternative bio-sorbents, prepared from cost effective pre-treatment of biomass have been used to remediate toxic heavy metals. Palm shell powder (PSP) and acid treated palm shell powder (APSP) provide an attractive approach for the removal of Cu(II) from aqueous solutions and further use of the copper loaded adsorbents as catalysts. PSP was charred with sulfuric acid (H2SO4) to oxidize ligno-cellulosic groups present in PSP, resulted in acid treated palm shell powder (APSP). Structure property relationship was explored with the help of sophisticated spectroscopic tools ({\textonesuperior}{\textthreesuperior}C nuclear magnetic resonance ({\textonesuperior}{\textthreesuperior}C NMR), X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy). Pretreatment lead to conversion of ligno-cellulosic content to more valuable and easily process-able polysaccharide content.APSP and PSP displayed a maximum adsorption capacity of 125 and 36 mg/g respectively for copper. Copper adsorption was found to be more in APSP due to presence of COOH groups which rendered the surface more hydrophilic and amenable to enhanced Cu{\texttwosuperior}$^{+}$ sorption. Furthermore the adsorbents loaded with copper could be used as catalysts for oxidation of styrene. The developed adsorbents promise advantages such as low cost, high adsorption capacity, environmental friendliness as well as zero sludge. }, doi = {10.1016/j.jece.2017.04.033}, author = {Kushwaha, Shilpi and Soni, Harnish and Bojja, Sreedhar and Padmaja, P.} } @article {43462, title = {Elastic compressible energy storage devices from ice templated polymer gels treated with polyphenols}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {121}, year = {2017}, month = {FEB}, pages = {3270-3278}, abstract = {Design and fabrication of rechargeable energy storage devices that are robust to mechanical deformation is essential for wearable electronics. We report the preparation of compressible supercapacitors that retain their specific capacitance after large compression and that recover elastically after at least a hundred compression expansion cycles. Compressible supercapacitors are prepared using a facile, scalable method that readily yields centimeter-scale macroporous objects. We ice template a solution of polyethylenimine in green tea extract to prepare a macroporous cross-linked polymer gel (PG) whose walls are impregnated with green tea derived polyphenols. As the PG is insulating, we impart conductivity by deposition of gold on it. Gold deposition is done in two steps: first, silver nanoparticles are formed on the PG walls by in situ reduction by polyphenols and then gold films are deposited on these walls. Gold coated PGs (GPGs) were used as electrodes to deposit poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) as a pseudocapacitive material. The specific capacitance of PEDOT coated GPGs (PGPG) was found to be 253 F/g at 1 A/g. PGPG could be compressed and expanded over a hundred cycles without any suffering mechanical failure or loss of capacitative performance. The capacitance was found to be 243 F/g upon compressing the device to 25\% of its original size (viz. compressive strain = 75\%). Thus, even large compression does not affect the device performance. This device shows power and energy densities of 2715 W/kg and 22 Wh/kg, respectively, in the uncompressed state. The macroporous nature of PGPG makes it possible to fill the PGPG pores with gel electrolyte. We report that the gel electrolyte filled supercapacitor exhibited a specific capacitance of 200 F/g, which increased by 4\% upon 75\% compression.}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpcc.6b12822}, author = {Das, Chayanika and Chatterjee, Soumyajyoti and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy and Krishnarnoorthy, Kothandam} } @article {45734, title = {Electronic control on linear versus branched alkylation of 2-/3-aroylbenzofurans with acrylates: combined DFT and synthetic studies}, journal = {Chemistry-A European Journal}, volume = {23}, year = {2017}, month = {JUN }, pages = {7570-7581}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Investigations on the factors that govern unusual branched alkylation of 2-aroylbenzofurans with acrylates by Ru-catalyzed carbonyl-directed C-H activation has been carried out by calculating the kinetics associated with the two key steps-the coordination of the acrylate with the intermediate ruthenacycle and the subsequent migratory insertion reaction-studied with the help of DFT calculations. Eight possible orientations for each mode of alkylation have been considered for the calculations. From these calculations, it has been understood that there is a synergistic operation of the steric and electronic effects favoring the branched alkylation. Further DFT investigations on the alkylation of the isomeric 3-aroylbenzofurans indicated a preference for the linear alkylation and this has been verified experimentally. Overall, the observed/calculated complementary selectivity in the alkylation of 2-/3-aroylbenzofurans with acrylates reveals that the substrate-dependent charge distribution of the Ru-C bond in the intermediate ruthenacycle is an important determining factor and thus the current work opens up a new domain of substrate design for controlling regioselectivity.

}, keywords = {acrylates, Alkylation, aroylbenzofuran, C-H activation, Density functional calculations}, issn = {0947-6539}, doi = {10.1002/chem.201700643}, author = {Srinivas, Kolluru and Dangat, Yuvraj and Kommagalla, Yadagiri and Vanka, Kumar and Ramana, Chepuri V.} } @article {44005, title = {Elucidation of molecular mechanism of stability of the heme-regulated eIF2α kinase upon binding of its ligand, hemin in its catalytic kinase domain}, journal = {Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics }, volume = {35}, year = {2017}, month = {SEP}, pages = {1-17}, type = {Journal Article}, abstract = {The eIF2α kinase activity of the heme-regulated inhibitor (HRI) is regulated by heme which makes it a unique member of the family of eIF2α kinases. Since heme concentrations create an equilibrium for the kinase to be active/inactive, it becomes important to study the heme binding effects upon the kinase and understanding its mechanism of functionality. In the present study, we report the thermostability achieved by the catalytic kinase domain of HRI (HRI.CKD) upon ligand (heme) binding. Our CD data demonstrates that the HRI.CKD retains its secondary structure at higher temperatures when it is in ligand bound state. HRI.CKD when incubated with hemin loses its monomeric state and attains a higher order oligomeric form resulting in its stability. The HRI.CKD fails to refold into its native conformation upon mutation of H377A/H381A, thereby confirming the necessity of these His residues for correct folding, stability, and activity of the kinase. Though our in silico study demonstrated these His being the ligand binding sites in the kinase insert region, the spectra-based study did not show significant difference in heme affinity for the wild type and His mutant HRI.CKD.}, keywords = {Heme Regulated Inhibitor (HRI), HRI-eIF2α Complex, Protein{\textendash}Ligand Modeling, Thermostability}, doi = {10.1080/07391102.2017.1368417}, author = {Bhavnani, V.}, editor = {Kaviraj, S.} } @article {44176, title = {Engineering cell surface glycans with carbohydrate enantiomers to alter bacterial binding and adhesion}, journal = {Chemistryselect}, volume = {2}, year = {2017}, month = {SEP}, pages = {8865-8869}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Chirality of carbohydrate has critical functions in many biological processes. Changes in the configuration of even one sugar molecules may cause abnormal behavior or even inhibit specific processes. Herein, we have shown bioorthogonal conjugation of mannose enantiomers on HeLa cell surfaces induced a different rate of bacterial binding and cell adhesion.

}, keywords = {Bioorthogonal reaction, Carbohydrate, E. coli, Enantiomer, Surfaces functionalization}, issn = {2365-6549}, doi = {10.1002/slct.201701875}, author = {Gade, Madhuri and Chaudhary, Preeti Madhukar and Thulasiram, Hirekodathakallu V. and Kikkeri, Raghavendra} } @article {44126, title = {Enhanced field emission performance of MoO3 nanorods and MoO3-rGO nanocomposite}, journal = {ChemistrySelect}, volume = {2}, year = {2017}, month = {NOV}, pages = {10912-10917}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The graphene and semiconducting hybrid based nanostructures have emerged as a new class of multifunctional materials with improved performance in comparison to the pristine semiconductors. Here, as-synthesized MoO3-reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposite emitter exhibits enhanced field emission (FE) behavior as compared to the pristine 1D MoO3 nanorods. The hydrothermally synthesized 1D MoO3 nanorods (1D) are grafted on the rGO sheet (2D) using a simple room temperature sonochemical method. The morphological and structural analysis confirms the attachment of MoO3 nanorods with rGO and the improved conductivity of the sample indicates a strong electronic interaction between them. Furthermore, the FE studies of as-synthesized MoO3 nanorods and MoO3-rGO nanocomposite emitters, carried out at a base pressure -1 x 10(-8) mbar, reveals the values of turn on field (required to draw an emission current density of 1 mu A/cm(2)) as 1.6 and 1.4 V/mu m, respectively. Interestingly, the maximum emission current density of 2810 mA/cm(2) is achieved at a lower applied field of 2.7 V/mu m from the MoO3-rGO nanocomposite emitter. The enhancement in FE performance of MoO3-rGO nanocomposite is attributed to the improved electrical conductivity, mechanical properties and higher concentration of protruding edges (emission sites). This observation can be extended to other graphene-based 1D inorganic hybrid semiconductor nanocomposites, which can provide a valuable opportunity to explore novel hybrid materials for vacuum nano-electronic devices.

}, doi = {10.1002/slct.201701914}, author = {Bankar, Prashant K. and Khandare, Lina N. and Late, Dattatray J. and More, Mahendra A.} } @article {43846, title = {Enhanced proton conduction by post-synthetic covalent modification in a porous covalent framework}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry A}, volume = {5}, year = {2017}, month = {JUL}, pages = {13659-13664}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A highly chemically stable porous covalent framework (PCF-1) based on ether linkages has been synthesized, which exhibits no loss up to similar to 500 degrees C along with retention of integrity under acidic, basic and oxidative reagent conditions. Owing to its thermal and chemical stability, post-synthetic covalent modification was executed for the introduction of pendant sulphonic acid (-SO3H) groups. The covalently modified compound (PCF-1-SO3H) presents a remarkably high conductivity (ca. 0.026 S cm(-1)), with an similar to 130 fold enhancement in proton conductivity over the parent compound. This value is comparable with those of commercially used Nafion-based proton conducting materials and stands as the highest known value in the regime of post-synthetically modified porous organic frameworks. It is noteworthy to mention that PCF-1 is stable in both acidic and alkaline media, which is not commonly observed for most of the porous materials trialed as proton conducting materials, including metal organic frameworks.}, doi = {10.1039/c7ta00964j}, author = {Samanta, Partha and Desai, Aamod V. and Anothumakkool, Bihag and Shirolkar, Mandar M. and Karmakar, Avishek and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Ghosh, Sujit K.} } @article {43961, title = {Examination into the taxonomic position of Bacillus thermotolerans Yang et al., 2013, proposal for its reclassification into a new genus and species Quasibacillus thermotolerans gen. nov., comb. nov. and reclassification of B. encimensis Dastager et al., }, journal = {Systematic and Applied Microbiology}, year = {2017}, month = {SEP}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Two novel Gram-staining positive, rod-shaped, moderately halotolerant, endospore forming bacterial strains 5.5LF 38TD and 5.5LF 48TD were isolated and taxonomically characterized from a landfill in Chandigarh, India. The analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences of the strains confirmed their closest identity to Bacillus thermotolerans SgZ-8T with 99.9\% sequence similarity. A comparative phylogenetic analysis of strains 5.5LF 38TD, 5.5LF 48TD and B. thermotolerans SgZ-8(T) confirmed their separation into a novel genus with B. badius and genus Domibacillus as the closest phylogenetic relatives. The major fatty acids of the strains are iso-C15:0 and iso-C16:0 and MK-7 is the only quinone. The major polar lipids are diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization (DDH) and ortho average nucleotide identity (ANI) values calculated through whole genome sequences indicated that the three strains showed low relatedness with their phylogenetic neighbours. Based on evidences from phylogenomic analyses and polyphasic taxonomic characterization we propose reclassification of the species B. thermotolerans into a novel genus named Quasibacillus thermotolerans gen. nov., comb. nov with the type strain SgZ-8(T) (=CCTCC AB2012108(T)=KACC 16706(T)). Further our analyses also revealed that B. encimensis SGD-V-25(T) is a later heterotypic synonym of Bacillus badius DSM 23(T).}, doi = {10.1016/j.syapm.2017.07.010}, author = {Verma, Ashish and Pal, Yash and Khatri, Indu and Ojha, Anup Kumar and Gruber-Vodicka, Harald and Schumann, Peter and Dastager, Syed Gulam and Subramanian, Srikrishna and Mayilraj, Shanmugam and Krishnamurthi, Srinivasan} } @article {45706, title = {Exploiting phosphate-starved cells of scenedesmus SP for the treatment of raw sewage}, journal = {Indian Journal of Microbiology}, volume = {57}, year = {2017}, month = {JUN}, pages = {241-249}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Phosphate depletion is one of the favorable ways to enhance the sewage water treatment with the algae, however, detailed information is essential with respect to internal phosphate concentration and physiology of the algae. The growth rate of the phosphate-starved Scenedesmus cells was reduced drastically after 48 h. Indicating cells entered in the stationary phase of the growth cycle. Fourier Transform Infrared analysis of phosphate-starved Scenedesmus cells showed the reduction in internal phosphate concentration and an increase in carbohydrate/phosphate and carbohydrate/lipid ratio. The phosphate-starved Scenedesmus cells, with an initial cell density of, 1 x 10(6) cells mL(-1) shows 87\% phosphate and 100 \% nitrogen removal in 24 h. The normal Scenedesmus cells need approximately 48 h to trim down the nutrients from wastewater up to this extent. Other microalgae, Ankistrodesmus, growth pattern was not affected due to phosphate starvation. The cells of Ankistrodesmus was able to reduce 71\% phosphate and 73\% nitrogen within 24 h, with an initial cell density of, 1 x 10(6) cells mL(-1).

}, keywords = {Ankistrodesmus, Fourier Transform Infrared, Phosphate starvation, Scenedesmus, Sewage treatment}, issn = {0046-8991}, doi = {10.1007/s12088-016-0626-0}, author = {Yewalkar-Kulkarni, Swati and Gera, Gayatri and Nene, Sanjay and Pandare, Kiran and Kulkarni, Bhaskar and Kamble, Sanjay} } @article {43837, title = {Exploring the influence of shapes and heterogeneity of glyco-gold nanoparticles on bacterial binding for preventing infections}, journal = {Chemmedchem}, volume = {12}, year = {2017}, month = {JUL}, pages = {1116-1124}, type = {Article}, abstract = {To investigate the effects of the heterogeneity and shape of glyco-nanoprobes on carbohydrate-protein interactions (CPIs), alpha-d-mannose-and beta-d-galactose-linked homo-and heterogeneous glycodendrons were synthesized and immobilized on spherical and rod-shaped gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Lectin and bacterial binding studies of these glyco-AuNPs clearly illustrate that multivalency and shape of AuNPs contribute significantly to CPIs than the heterogeneity of glycodendrons. Finally, bacterial infection of HeLa cells was effectively inhibited by the homogeneous glycodendron-conjugated rod-shaped AuNPs relative to their heterogeneous counterparts. Overall, these results provide insight into the role of AuNP shape and multivalency as potential factors to regulate CPIs.}, doi = {10.1002/cmdc.201700218}, author = {Toraskar, Suraj and Gade, Madhuri and Sangabathuni, Sivakoti and Thulasiram, Hirekodathakallu V. and Kikkeri, Raghavendra} } @article {45698, title = {Extraction of the very high tunneling current and extremely stable emission current from GdB6/W-tip source synthesized using arc plasma}, journal = {ChemistrySelect}, volume = {2}, year = {2017}, month = {JAN}, pages = {562-566}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Herein, we report the one step arc plasma synthesis of the GdB6 (Gadolinium hexaboride) nanoparticles and its field emission (FE) characteristics on tungsten point substrate (GdB6/ W). The SEM /TEM analysis revealed the GdB6 nanoparticles on W point substrate exhibit irregular shaped, grainy, dense, course morphology, i.e. uniformly covering the entire tip substrate surface. For GdB6/W point source, the values of the turn-on and threshold fields, defined as field required to draw an emission current density similar to 1 mA/cm(2) and similar to 100 mA/cm(2), respectively are found to be similar to 2.2 and similar to 2.7 V/mm, for anodecathode separation of similar to 1 mm. Interestingly, a very high emission current density of similar to 3.5 A/cm(2) has been drawn from the GdB6/W point emitter at relatively lower applied field of similar to 6.4 V/mm. The field enhancement factor found to be similar to 10,250. The GdB6/W point electron source exhibits a good emission current stability at similar to 10 mA for a period of 6 hr. The emission current stability is enumerated in terms of standard deviation and its magnitude has been measured to be only 1.72\% with respect to the average value. The superlative field emission characteristics signify the GdB6/W point electron source as potential candidates for vacuum micro/nanoelectronics device applications.

}, keywords = {Arc Plasma, field emission, Thin films}, issn = {2365-6549}, doi = {10.1002/slct.201601587}, author = {Suryawanshi, Sachin R. and Kanhe, Nilesh and Mathe, Vikas L. and Phase, Deodatta M. and Late, Dattatray J. and More, Mahendra A.} } @article {43970, title = {Fabrication, characterization and comparison of DSSC using anatase TiO 2 synthesized by various methods}, journal = {Advanced Powder Technology}, year = {2017}, month = {SEP}, type = {Article}, abstract = {In this study, anatase TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by three techniques, namely, sol-gel, acid-base co-catalyst and room temperature colloidal methods. The synthesized materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, pore diameter, pore volume and surface area. The dye-sensitized solar cells were fabricated using the synthesized materials and characterized for incident photon to current conversion efficiency, photocurrent density to photo voltage measurement and electrochemical impedance analysis. Among the studied materials, TiO2 synthesized by sol-gel method displayed highest photon to current conversion of 76.8\% and a maximum solar cell efficiency of 7.85\% with Jsc of 14.75mA/cm{\texttwosuperior}, Voc of 0.76V and FF of 0.7. This is the first study to report a high power conversion efficiency of DSSC using a sol-gel synthesized titania and its comparison with other two synthesized materials. The high power conversion efficiency of the solar cell using TiO2 synthesized by sol-gel method is attributed to its characteristic properties such high surface area, larger pore diameter and larger pore volume and highest dye loading capacity.}, doi = {10.1016/j.apt.2017.08.012}, author = {Umale, Sanjivani V. and Tambat, Sneha N. and Vediappan, Sudhakar and Sontakke, Sharad M. and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam} } @article {43487, title = {Facile one-pot synthesis of aliphatic bridged diaryloxy compounds, cyclic and crown ethers under mild conditions}, journal = {Supramolecular Chemistry}, volume = {29}, year = {2017}, month = {JAN}, pages = {462-470}, abstract = {We report here the facile, room temperature, catalyst free, one pot synthesis of aliphatic bridged diaryloxy compounds, cyclic and crown ethers. Anhydrous potassium carbonate (K2CO3) as a mild base along with dimethyl sulfoxide generates the phenoxide ion which facilitates the nucleophilic substitution of bromoalkanes to yield the corresponding crown ethers.}, doi = {10.1080/10610278.2016.1267858}, author = {Sakate, Sachin and Kamble, Sumit and Chikate, Rajiv and Rode, Chandrashekhar} } @article {44015, title = {Facile synthesis and electrochemical evaluation of PANI/CNT/MoS2 ternary composite as an electrode material for high performance supercapacitor}, journal = {Materials Science and Engineering B: Solid-State Materials for Advanced Technology}, volume = {23}, year = {2017}, month = {SEP}, pages = { 24-34}, type = {Journal Article}, abstract = {Synthesis of a novel ternary composite consisting of polyaniline (PANI), functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), via an in-situ polymerization method is reported. Detailed structural and electrochemical characterization shows that incorporation of a small amount of MoS2 in PANI/CNT composite tends to eliminate agglomeration problem of CNT. The PANI/CNT/MoS2 ternary composite reaches a specific capacitance of 350 F/g at the current density 1 A/g corresponding to a 5\% MoS2 content. This ternary composite shows good cycling stability even at a higher energy density of 10 A/g. Further, PANI/CNT/MoS2 composite electrode shows higher energy density (7.77 Wh/kg) and power density (2140 W/kg) as compared to PANI/CNT composite without MoS2.}, keywords = {MoS2, polyaniline, supercapacitor, Ternary Composite}, doi = {10.1016/j.mseb.2017.05.001}, author = {Thakur, A.K. and Deshmukh, A. B. and Choudhary, R. B. and Karbhal, I. and Majumder, M. and Shelke, M.V.} } @article {43849, title = {Facile synthesis and self-cleaning application of bimetallic (CuSn, CuNi) dendrites}, journal = {Chemistryselect}, volume = {2}, year = {2017}, month = {JUL}, pages = {5552-5563}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Bimetallic dendrites (Au, Ag, Pt, Pd) have received intense research interest due to their applications in catalysis and sensing. However, reports on rational synthesis of non-noble bimetallic dendrites that finds self-cleaning applications are scanty. Here, we demonstrate one step co-reduction based galvanic replacement reaction (GRR) for synthesis of alloyed bimetallic dendrites (CuSn, CuNi) with controlled surface roughness and chemical composition. Probing their growth process reveals that i) for CuSn dendrites, co-reduction of Cu2+ and Sn2+ is observed throughout GRR; ii) for CuNi dendrites, Cu nanoparticle, that deposits initially, augments the reduction of Ni2+ which leads to CuNi alloy phase formation during later stages of GRR. These dendrites, naturally having dual degree of surface roughness (micro/nano), have been exploited here for fabricating superhydrophobic surfaces (SHS) with excellent self-cleaning abilities. They show enabling properties such as high contact angle, minimal contact angle hysteresis, and excellent Cassie state stability with no impalement. They maintain superhydrophobicity when exposed to different environmental conditions (low temperature, high temperature, exposure to corroding solutions and UV radiation). The present facile methodology for fabrication of bimetallic dendrites is beneficial for low-cost production of functional nano/micro-materials.

}, doi = {10.1002/slct.201700763}, author = {Biswas, Anupam and Kulkarni, Mayuresh A. and Bakthavatsalam, Rangarajan and Mondal, Sourik K. and Dwivedi, Pravin K. and Shelke, Manjusha V. and Devi, Radhamonyamma N. and Banpurkar, Arun G. and Kundu, Janardan} } @article {43335, title = {Facile synthesis of 3D anode assembly with Si nanoparticles sealed in highly pure few layer graphene deposited on porous current collector for long life Li-Ion battery}, journal = {Advanced Materials Interfaces}, volume = {4}, year = {2017}, month = {MAR}, pages = {Article Number: 1601043}, type = {Article}, abstract = {With its exceptional theoretical charge capacity, silicon holds great promise as an anode material for realization of high energy density Li-ion batteries. However, extensive volume expansion and poor cycle stability of silicon compromise its actual use. In an effort to tame volume expansion and structural disintegration during cycling, an innovative 3D electrode assembly is fabricated involving continuous layer of graphene coated on porous current collector and Si nanoparticles sealed in as an active material. Graphene deposition and pore formation in metal current collector is achieved in a unique single step synthesis. All the active components like current collector, reacting material, and conducting material are manipulated in a way to produce synergistic architecture in a chemical vapor deposition process. Highly pure graphene deposited in this process enables efficient electron transfer from allover of the surface of silicon nanoparticles and prevents continuous solid electrolyte interphase layer formation. This binder free anode assembly shows extremely stable lithium storage performance for over 1000 cycles with 88\% of initial capacity retention and 100\% Coulombic efficiency.}, doi = {10.1002/admi.201601043}, author = {Shelke, Manjusha V. and Gullapalli, Hemtej and Kalaga, Kaushik and Rodrigues, Marco and Devarapalli, Rami Reddy and Vajtai, Robert and Ajayan, Pulickel M.} } @article {44158, title = {Facile synthesis of unique cellulose triacetate based flexible and high performance gel polymer electrolyte for lithium ion batteries}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {9}, year = {2017}, month = {OCT}, pages = {34773-34782}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Lithium ion batteries (LIBs) with polymer based electrolytes have attracted enormous attention due to the possibility of fabricating intrinsically safer and flexible devices. However, economical and eco-friendly sustainable technology is an oncoming challenge to fulfill the ever increasing demand. To circumvent this issue, we have developed a gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) based on renewable polymers like cellulose triacetate and poly (polyethylene glycol methacrylate) p(PEGMA) using a photo polymerization technique. Cellulose triacetate offers good mechanical strength with improved ionic conductivity, owing to its ether and carbonyl functional groups. It is observed that the presence of an open network has a critical impact on lithium ion transport. At room temperature, GPE PC exhibits an optimal ionic conductivity of 1.8 x 10(-3) S cm(-1) and transference number of 0.7. Interestingly, it affords an excellent electrochemical stability window up to 5.0 V vs Li/Li+. GPE PC shows a discharge capacity of 164 mAhg(-1) after the first cycle when evaluated in a Li/GPE/LiFePO4 cell at 0.5 C-rate. Interfacial compatibility of GPE PC with lithium metal improves the overall cycling performance. This system provides a guiding principle toward a future renewable and flexible electrolyte design for flexible LIBs (FLIBs).}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.7b07020}, author = {Nirmale, Trupti C. and Karbhal, Indrapal and Kalubarme, Ramchandra S. and Shelke, Manjusha V. and Varma, Anjani J. and Kale, Bharat B.} } @article {43956, title = {Facile synthesis of β-functionalized {\textquotedblleft}push-pull{\textquotedblright} Zn(II) porphyrins for DSSC applications}, journal = {Dyes and Pigments}, volume = {147}, year = {2017}, month = {DEC}, pages = {56-66}, type = {Journal Article}, abstract = {

Three new β-substituted {\textquotedblleft}push-pull{\textquotedblright} Zn(II) porphyrin dyes with various electron donors at meso-positions and cyanoacetic acid as acceptor at β-position have been designed and synthesized. These porphyrins have been characterized by UV-Vis, Fluorescence, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopic techniques and cyclic voltammetric studies. The Soret and Q band of Zn(II) porphyrin dyes were found to be red-shifted (30{\textendash}35 nm) as compared to ZnTPP. The fluorescence quenching and the decrement in quantum yield and lifetime suggest intramolecular charge transfer from donor to acceptor. Zn porphyrins exhibited anodic shift in their first redox potentials (0.03{\textendash}0.11 V) as compared to ZnTPP. The HOMO-LUMO energy levels of Zn porphyrin dyes were compared with the conduction band of TiO2 and the electrolyte I-/I3 -. The HOMO levels of all the dyes are sufficiently higher than the energy level of electrolyte I-/I3 - and LUMO levels significantly lower than the conduction band of TiO2 which reflect the feasibility of facile electron-transfer. ZnT(Mes)P(CN-COOH) has been co-sensitized with N719 dye to further improve the PCE efficiency. These dyes displayed power conversion efficiency (PCE) of η = 1.72{\textendash}3.13\% where co-sensitized ZnT(Mes)P(CN-COOH) (N719) dye demonstrated maximum PCE efficiency up to 5.35\%, with a Jsc of 11.8 mA cm-2, a Voc of 630 mV and a fill factor (FF) of 72\% due to better light harvesting capacity.

}, keywords = {charge transfer, Conduction Bands, Cyanoacetic Acid, Electrolytes, Floorescence, Redox Reaction, zinc compounds}, doi = {10.1016/j.dyepig.2017.07.053}, author = {Prakash, K.}, editor = {Manchanda, S.} } @article {44110, title = {Fire-retardant, self-extinguishing inorganic/polymer composite memory foams}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {9}, year = {2017}, month = {DEC}, pages = {44864-44872}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Polymeric foams used in furniture and automotive and aircraft seating applications rely on the incorporation of environmentally hazardous fire-retardant additives to meet fire safety norms. This has occasioned significant interest in novel approaches to the elimination of fire-retardant additives. Foams based on polymer nano composites or based on fire-retardant coatings show compromised mechanical performance and require additional processing steps. Here, we demonstrate a one-step preparation of a fire-retardant ice-templated inorganic/polymer hybrid that does not incorporate fire-retardant additives. The hybrid foams exhibit excellent mechanical properties. They are elastic to large compressional strain, despite the high inorganic content. They also exhibit tunable mechanical recovery, including viscoelastic "memory". These hybrid foams are prepared using ice-templating that relies on a green solvent, water, porogen. Because these foams are predominantly comprised of inorganic components, they exhibit exceptional fire retardance in torch burn tests and are self-extinguishing. After being subjected to a flame, the foam retains its porous structure and does not drip or collapse. In micro-combustion calorimetry, the hybrid foams show a peak heat release rate that is only 25\% that of a commercial fire-retardant polyurethanes. Finally, we demonstrate that we can use ice-templating to prepare hybrid foams with different inorganic colloids, including cheap commercial materials. We also demonstrate that ice-templating is amenable to scale up, without loss of mechanical performance or fire-retardant properties.}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.7b16808}, author = {Chatterjee, Soumyajyoti and Shanmuganathan, Kadhiravan and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy} } @article {44086, title = {Fluorescent metal quantum clusters: an updated overview of the synthesis, properties, and biological applications}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry B}, volume = {5}, year = {2017}, month = {DEC}, pages = {9055-9084}, abstract = {Metal quantum clusters are evolving as excellent systems for a wide range of biological applications due to their small size (similar to 2 nm), tunable optical properties, including optical absorption, photoluminescence (UV to NIR), nonlinear optical properties (two-photon absorption, two-photon fluorescence, and second/third harmonic generation), ultrafast dynamics (relaxation kinetics, electron-phonon coupling, and radiative emission), and magnetism. These excellent properties have resulted in their use in a broad range of applications, including the sensing of ions (heavy metal ions, anions), biomolecules (proteins, DNA, miRNA, and enzymes), biological cells, diagnosis, and therapy. This article presents an introduction to metal quantum clusters, including a brief history of research in this system and an overview of the existing theories to understand their properties. We also discuss the synthesis methods, the various properties of quantum clusters and present a broad and updated overview of the applications of metal quantum clusters in biology.}, doi = {10.1039/c7tb02320k}, author = {Khandelwal, Puneet and Poddar, Pankaj} } @article {43808, title = {Fruit peel waste: characterization and its potential uses}, journal = {Current Science}, volume = {113}, year = {2017}, month = {AUG}, pages = {444-454}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Globally, India is the leading producer of fruits. Fruits after consumption leave a peel which is a nuisance to the environment as a solid waste. In this article, commonly available large volume-fruit peels (FP) (viz. banana, orange, citrus, lemon and jackfruit) were investigated for surface, physical and chemical characteristics with a view to propose their valorization in detail. Each FP was characterized by proximate and ultimate analysis, porosity, particle density, bulk density, point of zero charge (pH(pzc)), surface pH, surface charges, water absorption capacity, BET surface area, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and TGA/derivative of thermogravimetric. The BET surface area of FP is very less, between 0.60 and 1.2 m(2)/g. The pH(pzc) and surface pH values of orange peel (OP), citrus peel (CP), lemon peel (LP) and jackfruit peels (JFP) are in the range of 3-4. The pH(pzc) value and surface pH of banana peel (BP) is closer to 7. The order of surface acidity is OP > LP > CP > JFP > BP. From TG curves it is clear that FPs are stable below 150 degrees C. The results will be useful for rational design, when FP is used as a substrate for bioactive compounds, phenolic antioxidants, organic acids, enzymes, biofertilizer, production of energy and as adsorbents.}, doi = {10.18520/cs/v113/i03/444-454}, author = {Pathak, Pranav D. and Mandavgane, Sachin A. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article {45736, title = {Functional stability and structural transitions of kallikrein: spectroscopic and molecular dynamics studies}, journal = {Journal of Biomolecular Structure \& Dynamics}, volume = {35}, year = {2017}, month = {MAR}, pages = {330-342}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Kallikrein, a physiologically vital serine protease, was investigated for its functional and conformational transitions during chemical (organic solvents, Gdn-HCl), thermal, and pH induced denaturation using biochemical and biophysical techniques and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations approach. The enzyme was exceptionally stable in isopropanol and ethanol showing 110\% and 75\% activity, respectively, after 96h, showed moderate tolerance in acetonitrile (45\% activity after 72h) and much lower stability in methanol (40\% activity after 24h) (all the solvents [90\% v/v]). Far UV CD and fluorescence spectra indicated apparent reduction in compactness of KLKp structure in isopropanol system. MD simulation studies of the enzyme in isopropanol revealed (1) minimal deviation of the structure from native state (2) marginal increase in radius of gyration and solvent accessible surface area (SASA) of the protein and the active site, and (3) loss of density barrier at the active site possibly leading to increased accessibility of substrate to catalytic triad as compared to methanol and acetonitrile. Although kallikrein was structurally stable up to 90 degrees C as indicated by secondary structure monitoring, it was functionally stable only up to 45 degrees C, implicating thermolabile active site geometry. In GdnHCl [1.0M], 75\% of the activity of KLKp was retained after incubation for 4h, indicating its denaturant tolerance. A molten globule-like structure of KLKp formed at pH 1.0 was more thermostable and exhibited interesting structural transitions in organic solvents. The above results provide deeper understanding of functional and structural stability of the serine proteases at molecular level.

}, keywords = {isopropanol tolerance, Kallikrein, MD Simulation, Molten globule, Serine protease, Thermostability}, issn = {0739-1102}, doi = {10.1080/07391102.2016.1138884}, author = {Dalal, Sayli and Mhashal, Anil and Kadoo, Narendra and Gaikwad, Sushama M.} } @article {43923, title = {G - C3N4 (2D)/CdS (1D)/rGO (2D) dual-interface nano-composite for excellent and stable visible light photocatalytic hydrogen generation}, journal = {International Journal of Hydrogen Energy}, volume = {42}, year = {2017}, month = {MAR}, pages = {5971-5984}, type = {Journal }, abstract = {

A 2D/1D/2D dual-interface nano-composite configuration in the form of CdS nanorods sandwiched between g-C3N4 and rGO sheets with intimate interfacial contact is synthesized by a facile wet-chemical method and is shown to exhibit excellent photocatalytic H2 generation under visible-light irradiation. In particular, the optimal g-C3N4/CdS/rGO dual-interface nano-composite shows H2 production rate of \~{}4800 μmol h-1 g-1, which is almost 44, 11 and 2.5 times higher than that shown by pure g-C3N4 nanosheets, and the g-C3N4/rGO and g-C3N4/CdS single interface heterostructures, respectively. It is shown that the synergic effects involving the band structure match and close interfacial contact, which can accelerate the separation and transfer of photoinduced charge carriers, and the enhanced visible-light absorption together contribute to the impressive photocatalytic performance and photostability of the g-C3N4/CdS/rGO ternary nano-composite system. Specific advantages of a dual-interface triple-composite system over a single interface case(s) are also brought out.

}, keywords = {charge transfer, Dual Interface, G - CN, H Generation, Hetero Structure, Nano - Composite}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijhydene.2016.11.065}, author = {Tonda, Surendar}, editor = {Kumar, Santosh} } @article {43293, title = {Galvanic replacement-based Cu2O self-templating strategy for the synthesis and application of Cu2O{\textendash}Ag heterostructures and monometallic (Ag) and bimetallic (Au{\textendash}Ag) hollow mesocages}, journal = {Crystengcomm}, volume = {19}, year = {2017}, month = {FEB}, pages = {1669-1679}, type = {Journal Article}, abstract = {Polyhedral Cu2O microparticles as self-templates have been well-demonstrated for the synthesis of Cu2O{\textendash}M heterostructures (M = Au, Pd, Pt) and Au nano/mesocages utilizing the galvanic replacement reaction (GRR) strategy. However, reports on GRR-based fabrication of Cu2O{\textendash}Ag heterostructures and the ensuing Ag mesocages are scanty. There is no report that describes the phenomenon of facet selectivity during the GRR-based deposition of Ag on Cu2O template particles. Here, we have identified the underlying rationale behind the observed difficulty in nucleating Ag nanoparticles on an octahedral Cu2O self-template particle. Utilization of an appropriately chosen surfactant/complexant for the silver precursor helps in demonstrating the successful fabrication of Cu2O{\textendash}Ag heterostructures (octahedral, cubic) with a tunable loading density of Ag NPs on the Cu2O surfaces. This is achieved using Cu2O template particles that undergo GRR with silver nitrate in the presence of nitric acid, and 5-sulfosalicylic acid as the surfactant (key role players). We provide evidence that supports facet selectivity during the deposition of Ag NPs on Cu2O cuboctahedral particles. Hollow octahedral Ag and Au{\textendash}Ag bimetallic mesocages are fabricated that have rough surfaces, uniform morphology, and excellent shape retention. The fabricated heterostructures and mesocages act as an excellent SERS substrate. This is the first report on the rational synthesis of octahedral Cu2O{\textendash}Ag heterostructures and octahedral hollow metallic mesocages utilizing the Cu2O self-templating strategy along with the demonstration of facet selectivity of Ag deposition on Cu2O template particles through GRR. The current approach offers a facile and versatile protocol for the synthesis of Cu2O{\textendash}metal heterostructures and hollow noble metal mesocages.}, issn = {1466-8033}, doi = {10.1039/C7CE00110J}, author = {Bakthavatsalam, Rangarajan and Kundu, Janardan} } @article {43357, title = {General nickel-catalyzed method for C-H bond alkynylation of heteroarenes through chelation assistance}, journal = {Chemistry - A European Journal}, volume = {23}, year = {2017}, month = {FEB}, pages = {2907-2914}, abstract = {

A general nickel-catalyzed method for the alkynylation of heteroarenes through monodentate chelation assistance is described. Many heterocycles, including indoles, pyrroles, imidazoles and pyrazole, efficiently coupled with (triisopropylsilyl)alkynyl bromide, and synthetically important functional groups, such as halides, ether, nitrile, nitro were tolerated. Synthetic applicability of this Ni-catalyzed method is demonstrated by the removal of triisopropylsilyl (-SiiPr$_{3}$) group, and further functionalization into triazolyl, benzofuranyl and alkynyl arene derivatives. Preliminary mechanistic investigations on the alkynylation of indole suggest that the reaction proceeds through kinetically relevant C-H activation and follows the two-electron redox pathway. A catalytically competent Ni-species, [(Phen)$_{3}$Ni].NiBr$_{4}$ has been isolated and structurally characterized.

}, doi = {10.1002/chem.201605306}, author = {Punji, Benudhar and Khake, Shrikant manmathappa and Soni, Vineeta and Gonnade, Rajesh Ghanshyam} } @article {43918, title = {Genetic programming based drag model with improved prediction accuracy for fluidization systems}, journal = {International journal of Chemical Reactor Engineering}, volume = {15}, year = {2017}, month = {APR}, issn = {2016-0210}, doi = {10.1515/ijcre-2016-0210}, author = {Sonolikar, R. R. and Patil, M. P. and Mankar, R. B. and Tambe, S. S. and Kulkarni, B. D.} } @article {43896, title = {Genetic variability in Indian populations of banana corm weevil [Cosmopolites sordidus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)] assessed by RAPDs and AFLPs}, journal = {International Journal of Tropical Insect Science}, volume = {37}, year = {2017}, month = {SEP}, chapter = {149-162}, abstract = {

Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar), commonly known as banana corm weevil, is an important economic pest in Asia that can cause severe yield loss depending upon the stage at which infestation occurs. In spite of its economic importance, little is known about the population structure of this pest in India. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) were used to characterize the population genetic structure of C. sordidus collected from five hot spot locations in India. Nineteen RAPD primers and five selective AFLP primer combinations generated 147 and 304 amplification products, respectively. UPGMA dendrograms generated with both marker systems failed to reveal populations clustered based on geographic distance, which was confirmed by the Mantel test, which did not show a strong correlation between genetic distance and geographic distance. Values of indices of genetic identity showed that the populations were closely related. Though the gene flow estimate (Nm) between the populations was 0.469, suggesting restricted gene flow, the populations are not genetically distinct. These observations suggest that the range expansion of this banana pest in India has taken place through transport of infested corms and plant material, resulting in genetically close populations that are geographically distinct. These results provide important information on the population structure of this pest in India, which will aid in designing suitable strategies for its control and management, especially with respect to insecticide resistance.

}, keywords = {Aflps, Arbitrary Primers, Bemisia-tabaci, Cosmopolites Sordidus, diversity, Genetic diversity, Germar Coleoptera, insecticide resistance, Markers, Musa Spp., Pcr, Rapds, Restricted Gene Flow Natural-populations, Scirpophaga-incertulas}, doi = {10.1017/S1742758417000108}, author = {Yadav, Sweta Kumari U. and Singh, Jyotsna and Padmanaban, B. and Kumar, Lalitha Sunil} } @inbook {45821, title = {Global conformation of Tau protein mapped by Raman spectroscopy}, booktitle = {Methods in Molecular Biology}, volume = {1523}, year = {2017}, pages = {21-31}, publisher = {Humana Press Inc.}, organization = {Humana Press Inc.}, chapter = {Global conformation of Tau protein mapped by Raman spectroscopy}, address = {New York}, abstract = {Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s disease (AD) is one of the neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive neuronal loss in the brain. Its two major hallmarks are extracellular senile plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), formed by aggregation of amyloid β-42 (Aβ-42) and Tau protein respectively. Aβ-42 is a transmembrane protein, which is produced after the sequential action of β- and γ-secretases, thus obtained peptide is released extracellularly and gets deposited on the neuron forming senile plaques. NFTs are composed of microtubule-associated protein-Tau (MAPT). Tau protein{\textquoteright}s major function is to stabilize the microtubule that provides a track on which the cargo proteins are shuttled and the stabilized microtubule also maintains shape and integrity of the neuronal cell. Tau protein is subjected to various modifications such as phosphorylation, ubiquitination, glycation, acetylation, truncation, glycosylation, deamination, and oxidation; these modifications ultimately lead to its aggregation. Phosphorylation is the major modification and is extensively studied with respect to Tau protein. Tau protein, however, undergoes certain level of phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, which regulates its affinity for microtubule and ultimately leading to microtubule assembly and disassembly. Our main aim was to study the native state of longest isoform of Tau (hTau40WT-4R2N) and its shortest isoform, (hTau23WT-3R0N), at various temperatures such as 10, 25, and 37 {\textdegree}C. Raman spectroscopic results suggested that the proportion of random coils or unordered structure depends on the temperature of the protein environment. Upon increase in the temperature from 10 to 37 {\textdegree}C, the proportion of random coils or unordered structures increased in the case of hTau40WT. However, we did not find a significant effect of temperature on the structure of hTau23WT. This current approach enables one to analyze the global conformation of soluble Tau in solution. }, doi = {10.1007/978-1-4939-6598-4_2}, author = {Gorantla, N.V. and Khandelwal, P. and Poddar, P. and Chinnathambi, S.} } @article {43543, title = {Glycation inhibitors extend yeast chronological lifespan by reducing advanced glycation end products and by back regulation of proteins involved in mitochondrial respiration}, journal = {Journal of Proteomics}, volume = {156}, year = {2017}, month = {MAR}, pages = {104-112}, abstract = {Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs) are implicated in aging process. Thus, reducing AGEs by using glycation inhibitors may help in attenuating the aging process. In this study using Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast system, we show that Aminoguanidine (AMG), a well-known glycation inhibitor, decreases the AGE modification of proteins in non-calorie restriction (NR) (2\% glucose) and extends chronological lifespan (CLS) similar to that of calorie restriction (CR) condition (0.5\% glucose). Proteomic analysis revealed that AMG back regulates the expression of differentially expressed proteins especially those involved in mitochondrial respiration in NR condition, suggesting that it switches metabolism from fermentation to respiration, mimicking CR. AMG induced back regulation of differentially expressed proteins could be possibly due to its chemical effect or indirectly by glycation inhibition. To delineate this, Metformin (MET), a structural analog of AMG and a mild glycation inhibitor and Hydralazine (HYD), another potent glycation inhibitor but not structural analog of AMG were used. HYD was more effective than MET in mimicking AMG suggesting that glycation inhibition was responsible for restoration of differentially expressed proteins. Thus glycation inhibitors particularly AMG, HYD and MET extend yeast CLS by reducing AGEs, modulating the expression of proteins involved in mitochondrial respiration and possibly by scavenging glucose. Significance: This study reports the role of glycation in aging process. In the non-caloric restriction condition, carbohydrates such as glucose promote protein glycation and reduce CLS. While, the inhibitors of glycation such as AMC, HYD, MET mimic the caloric restriction condition by back regulating deregulated proteins involved in mitochondria( respiration which could facilitate shift of metabolism from fermentation to respiration and extend yeast CLS. These findings suggest that glycation inhibitors can be potential molecules that can be used in management of aging. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.}, doi = {10.1016/j.jprot.2017.01.015}, author = {Kazi, Rubina S. and Banarjee, Reema M. and Deshmukh, Arati B. and Patil, Gouri V. and Jagadeeshaprasad, Mashanipalya G. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @article {43865, title = {Glycoprotein alpha-amylase inhibitor from Withania somnifera differentially inhibits various alpha-amylases and affects the growth and development of Tribolium castaneum}, journal = {PEST Management Science}, volume = {73}, year = {2017}, month = {JUL}, pages = {1382-1390}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

BACKGROUND: Identification and characterisation of plant defensive molecules enrich our resources to design crop protection strategies. In particular, plant-derived proteinaceous inhibitor(s) of insect digestive enzymes appear to be a safe, sustainable and attractive option. RESULTS: A glycoprotein having non-competitive alpha-amylase inhibitory activity with a molecular weight of 8.3 kDa was isolated and purified from seeds of Withania somnifera alpha-amylase inhibitor (WSAI). Its mass spectrometry analysis revealed 59\% sequence coverage with Wrightide II-type alpha-amylase inhibitor from Wrightia religiosa. A dose-dependent inhibition of alpha-amylases from Aspergillus oryzae, Bacillus subtilis, Helicoverpa armigera and Tribolium castaneumwas recorded. Interestingly, WSAI did not inhibit human salivary alpha-amylase significantly. When adults of T. castaneum were fed with WSAI (1.6mg g(-1)), decrease inconsumption, growthandefficiency of conversion of ingested foodwas evident, along withover fourfold increases in feedingdeterrence index. Adecline inlarval residual alpha-amylase activity after feedingofWSAI resulted ina reduction in longevity of T. castaneum. CONCLUSION: The study reflects the significance of WSAI in affecting the overall growth and development of T. castaneum. Pre-and post-harvest pest resistive capability makes WSAI a potential candidate for insect pest management. Further, the effectiveness of this inhibitor could be explored either in formulations or through a transgenic approach. (C) 2016 Society of Chemical Industry

}, doi = {10.1002/ps.4467}, author = {Kasar, Sainath S. and Marathe, Kiran R. and Bhide, Amey J. and Herwade, Abhijeet P. and Giri, Ashok P. and Maheshwari, Vijay L. and Pawar, Pankaj K.} } @article {43959, title = {Gold nanoconjugates reinforce the potency of conjugated cisplatin and doxorubicin}, journal = {Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces}, volume = {160}, year = {2017}, month = {DEC}, pages = {254-264}, type = {Journal Article}, abstract = {Osteosarcoma or osteogenic sarcoma is the most common and prevalent cancerous tumor of bone and occurs especially in children and teens. Recent treatment strategy includes a combination of both chemotherapy and surgeries. Although, the use of single drug-based chemotherapy treatment remains unsatisfactory. Therefore, combinatorial therapy has emerged as a potential strategy for treatment with limited side- effects. Here, we evaluated the combinatorial anticancerous effect of cisplatin (CIS) and doxorubicin (DOX) bioconjugated bromelain encapsulated gold nanoparticles (B-AuNPs conjugated CIS and DOX) in the treatment of osteosarcoma. The synthesized B-AuNPs conjugated CIS and DOX were characterized by various characterization techniques like UV{\textendash}vis spectroscopy, TEM, DLS and zeta potential to ensure the synthesis, size, shape, size distribution and stability. Drug loading efficiency bioconjugation of CIS and DOX was ensured by UV{\textendash}vis spectroscopy. Bioconjugation of CIS and DOX was further confirmed using UV{\textendash}vis spectroscopy, TEM, DLS, Zeta potential and FT-IR analysis. The combinatorial effect of CIS and DOX in B-AuNPs conjugated CIS and DOX showed highly improved potency against MG-63 and Saos-2 cells at a very low concentration where primary osteoblasts didn{\textquoteright}t show any cytotoxic effect. The apoptotic effect of B-AuNPs conjugated CIS and DOX on osteosarcoma and primary osteoblasts cells were analyzed by increased permeability of the cell membrane, condensed chromatin and deep blue fluorescent condensed nucleus. The results clearly showed that B-AuNPs conjugated CIS and DOX significantly improved the potency of both the chemotherapeutic drugs by delivering them specifically into the nucleus of cancer cells through caveolae-dependent endocytosis. Thus, the greater inhibitory effect of combinatorial drugs (B-AuNPs conjugated CIS and DOX) over single drug based chemotherapy would be of great advantage during osteosarcoma treatment. }, keywords = {cells, chemotherapy, Cytology, Cytotoxicity, Drug interactions, dynamic light scattering, Gold, Molecular Biology, Platinum Compounds}, doi = {10.1016/j.colsurfb.2017.09.017}, author = {Iram, S.}, editor = {Zahera, M.} } @article {45760, title = {Grafoil-scotch tape-derived highly conducting flexible substrate and its application as a supercapacitor electrode}, journal = {Nanoscale}, volume = {9}, year = {2017}, month = {MAR }, pages = {3593-3600}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Development of flexible supercapacitors is limited by the availability of flexible and durable conducting substrates; a conducting and cheap substrate for the active material deposition is essential for breakthrough progress in this direction. In this report, a highly flexible, conducting, and cheap substrate is prepared by simple stick and peel-off method involving Scotch tape and Grafoil. A Grafoil-Scotch tape derived flexible substrate exhibits a sheet resistance of 7 Omega square(-1) along with a high degree of flexibility and durability. Moreover, its properties are further enhanced by the anodization in order to increase the hydrophilicity and surface area. The substrate is highly thin with a thickness of just 74 mu m. Its practical utility has been demonstrated by electrodepositing MnO2 as an active material and, thereafter, fabricating a solid-state flexible supercapacitor. The fabricated device exhibits high capacitance retention under bent (99\%) and twisted (98\%) conditions along with a low ESR of 7 Omega.

}, issn = {2040-3364}, doi = {10.1039/c7nr00281e}, author = {Soni, Roby and Raveendran, Alka and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {44154, title = {H-Bonding assisted self-assembly of anionic and neutral ligand on metal: a comprehensive strategy to mimic ditopic ligands in olefin polymerization}, journal = {Inorganic Chemistry}, volume = {56}, year = {2017}, month = {OCT}, pages = {12448-12456}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Self-assembly of two neutral ligands on a metal to mimic bidentate ligand coordination has been frequently encountered in the recent past, but self-assembly of an anionic ligand on a metal template alongside a neutral ligand remains an elusive target. Such a self-assembly is hampered by additional complexity, wherein a highly negatively charged anion can form intermolecular hydrogen bonding with the supramolecular motif, leaving no scope for self-assembly with neutral ligand. Presented here is the self-association of anionic ligand 3-ureidobenzoic acid (2a) and neutral ligand 1-(3-(diphenylphosphanyl)phenyl)urea (1a) on a metal template to yield metal complex [{COOC6H4-NH(CO)NH2}{Ph2PC6H4NH(CO)NH2}PdMeDMSO] (4a). The identity of 4a was established by NMR and mass spectroscopy. Along the same lines, 3-(3-phenylureido)benzoic acid (2b) and 1-(3-(diphenylphosphanyl)phenyl)-3-phenylurea (1b) self-assemble on a metal template to produce palladium complex [{COOC6H4NH(CO)NHPh}{Ph2PC6H4NH(CO)NHPh}PdMePy] (5c). The existence of 5c was confirmed by Job plot, 1-2D NMR spectroscopy, deuterium labeling, IR spectroscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, model complex synthesis, and DFT calculations. These solution and gas phase investigations authenticated the presence of intramolecular hydrogen bonding between hydrogen{\textquoteright}s of 1b and carbonyl oxygen of 2b. The generality of the supramolecular approach has been validated by preparing six complexes from four monodentate ligands, and their synthetic utility was demonstrated in ethylene polymerization. Complex 4a was found to be the most active, leading to the production of highly branched polyethylene with a molecular weight of 55700 g/mol and melting temperature of 112 degrees C.}, doi = {10.1021/acs.inorgchem.7b01923}, author = {Mote, Nilesh R. and Patel, Ketan and Shinde, Dinesh R. and Gaikwad, Shahaji R. and Koshti, Vijay S. and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Chikkali, Samir H.} } @article {43509, title = {Helical preorganization of molecules drives solid-state intermolecular acyl-transfer reactivity in crystals: structures and reactivity studies of solvates of racemic 2,6-Di-O-(4-fluorobenzoyl)-myo-inositol 1,3,5-orthoformate}, journal = {Crystal Growth \& Design}, volume = {17}, year = {2017}, month = {JAN}, pages = {117-126}, abstract = {Racemic 2,6-di-O-(4-fluorobenzoyl)-myo-inositol 1,3,5-orthoformate yielded structurally dissimilar solvent-free and solvated crystals depending upon the solvent of crystallization. The solvated crystals exhibited helical assembly of host molecules, due to the interaction of the guest molecules with the orthoformate moiety of the host. Some of the solvates showed specific but incomplete benzoyl group transfer reactivity below the phase transition temperature, whereas the reaction in solvent-free crystals led to a mixture of several products. These results reveal the necessity of helical molecular packing of the reacting molecules in their crystals to facilitate specific intermolecular acyl transfer reactivity. The crystal, structures of the fluorobenzoate solvates were similar to those of the solvates of the analogous chloro and bromobenzoates. The latter could be thermally :transformed into their solvent-free form via melt crystallization, resulting in the conversion of a helical molecular packing into a nonhelical molecular packing.}, doi = {10.1021/acs.cgd.6b01322}, author = {Krishnaswamy, Shobhana and Shashidhar, Mysore S. and Bhadbhade, Mohan M.} } @article {45649, title = {Heteroatom facilitated preparation of electrodes for sodium ion batteries}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = { 7 }, year = {2017}, month = {JUL}, pages = {12659-12662}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A conjugated polymer comprising heterocycles was prepared and carbonized to obtain carbon with interlayer spacings between 0.42 and 0.37 nm and exhibited a specific capacity of 250 mA h g(-1).

}, doi = {10.1039/c6ra27662h}, author = {Bhosale, Manik E. and Banerjee, Abhik and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam} } @article {43948, title = {Heterogeneously catalyzed domino synthesis of 3-indolylquinones involving direct oxidative C-C coupling of hydroquinones and indoles}, journal = {ACS Omega}, volume = {2}, year = {2017}, month = {MAY}, chapter = {2238-2247}, abstract = {
Abstract Image

A domino synthesis of 3-indolylquinones was achieved successfully via direct oxidative C{\textendash}C coupling of hydroquinones with indoles over Ag2O and Fe3O4/povidone{\textendash}phosphotungstic acid (PVP{\textendash}PWA) catalysts using H2O2\ in tetrahydrofuran at room temperature. Ag2O catalyzed the in situ oxidation of hydroquinone and 3-indolylhydroquinone intermediates, whereas ferrite solid acid, Fe3O4/PVP{\textendash}PWA, with a 1:4:1 ratio of Fe3O4, PVP, and PWA, catalyzed the activation of quinones. The efficiency of this catalytic domino approach was established by a broad scope of substrates involving a variety of hydroquinones and quinones to give high yields (81{\textendash}97\%) of 3-indolylquinones. Fe3O4/PVP{\textendash}PWA was separated magnetically, whereas simple filtration could separate Ag2O, both of which could be recycled several times without losing their activities.

}, keywords = {Carbonyl compounds (organic); Electron microscopy; Fourier-transform spectroscopy; Redox reaction}, doi = {10.1021/acsomega.7b00201}, author = {Kamble, Sumit B.; and Vyas, Praneet P. and Jayaram, Radha V.; and Rode, Chandrashekhar V.} } @article {43850, title = {Hexaphosphate-derived phosphorus-functionalized carbon for lithium-ion battery anode}, journal = {Chemistryselect}, volume = {2}, year = {2017}, month = {JUL}, pages = {5600-5607}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We show that high-temperature annealing of a dried hexaphosphate, namely phytic acid, renders activated (micro-porous) and phosphorus-functionalized graphene like carbon in a one-step process. At high enough temperature few volatile phosphates serve as porogen-forming entities while other groups reactively functionalize the carbon surface. The optimized material has high effective surface area due to the presence of defect states. As an anode material for Li-ion battery, it exhibits a reversible capacity that is double that of the graphite and is stable for 1000 cycles even at a high current of 5 A g(-1). This result is attributed to the concurrent presence of micropores and phosphorus containing groups in the carbon matrix.

}, doi = {10.1002/slct.201700909}, author = {Gawli, Yogesh and Wahid, Malik and Fernandez, Rohan and Kothari, Dushyant and Shelke, Manjusha and Ogale, Satishchandra B.} } @article {43841, title = {Hidden electrostatic basis of dynamic allostery in a PDZ domain}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {114}, year = {2017}, month = {JUL}, pages = {E5825-E5834}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Allosteric effect implies ligand binding at one site leading to structural and/or dynamical changes at a distant site. PDZ domains are classic examples of dynamic allostery without conformational changes, where distal side-chain dynamics is modulated on ligand binding and the origin has been attributed to entropic effects. In this work, we unearth the energetic basis of the observed dynamic allostery in a PDZ3 domain protein using molecular dynamics simulations. We demonstrate that electrostatic interaction provides a highly sensitive yardstick to probe the allosteric modulation in contrast to the traditionally used structure-based parameters. There is a significant population shift in the hydrogen-bonded network and salt bridges involving side chains on ligand binding. The ligand creates a local energetic perturbation that propagates in the form of dominolike changes in interresidue interaction pattern. There are significant changes in the nature of specific interactions (nonpolar/polar) between interresidue contacts and accompanied side-chain reorientations that drive the major redistribution of energy. Interestingly, this internal redistribution and rewiring of side-chain interactions led to large cancellations resulting in small change in the overall enthalpy of the protein, thus making it difficult to detect experimentally. In contrast to the prevailing focus on the entropic or dynamic effects, we show that the internal redistribution and population shift in specific electrostatic interactions drive the allosteric modulation in the PDZ3 domain protein.}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.1705311114}, author = {Kumawat, Amit and Chakrabarty, Suman} } @article {43988, title = {High quality hybrid perovskite semiconductor thin films with remarkably enhanced luminescence and defect suppression via quaternary alkyl ammonium salt based treatment}, journal = {Advanced Materials Interfaces}, year = {2017}, month = {JUL}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Significant enhancement in the luminescence and superior photophysical properties of CH3NH3PbBr3 thin films prepared via simple single step spin coating process involving a novel additive mediated solvent extraction step is reported. This process results in significantly lower disorder in CH3NH3PbBr3 perovskites with Urbach energies reducing from ≈35 to ≈17 meV, which is the lowest reported value to date. The additive mediated process also results in a remarkable improvement in the photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) from 1\% to 30\%. Coupled with the overall increase in surface roughness, a significant increase in the internal PLQY from 7\% to 77\% is estimated, indicating the superior quality of the treated thin films. The resultant high quality CH3NH3PbBr3 perovskites with remarkable photophysical properties can be used in realizing highly efficient optoelectronic devices. Highly efficient light emitting diodes using these perovskites are demonstrated here.}, doi = {10.1002/admi.201700562}, author = {Naphade, Rounak A. and Zhao, Baodan and Richter, Johannes M. and Booker, Edward and Krishnamurthy, Shrreya and Friend, Richard H. and Sadhanala, Aditya and Ogale, Satishchandra B.} } @article {44130, title = {High-level supercapacitive performance of chemically reduced graphene oxide}, journal = {Chem}, volume = {3}, year = {2017}, month = {NOV}, pages = {846-860}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Reduction of graphene oxide (GO) is an important process because it holds promise for the production of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) with physicochemical properties similar to those of pristine graphene. In conventional chemical reduction, strong reducing agents, such as sodium borohydride and hydrazine, cannot be recycled. Also, fast reaction kinetics bring an imbalance in the desirable properties of rGO. Here, we present one-pot chemical reduction of GO in aqueous medium by an unconventional mild reducing agent (FeCl2/HCl) where rGOis isolated as the precipitate and the reducing agent is recycled upon simple treatment of the filtrate with HCl. The fabricated all-solid-state supercapacitors of as-synthesized rGO exhibited significantly higher specific capacitance than those obtained with rGO derived from conventional reducing agents. The cycling stability of the all-solid-state supercapacitor (> 80\% retention of capacitance beyond 100,000 continued cycles) and its flexibility (> 500 bending cycles) were remarkable. Use of commercially available organic electrolyte further boosted the supercapacitor performance.}, doi = {10.1016/j.chempr.2017.08.011}, author = {Jha, Plawan Kumar and Singh, Santosh Kumar and Kumar, Vikash and Rana, Shammi and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Ballav, Nirmalya} } @article {43822, title = {Highly active recyclable SBA-15-EDTA-Pd catalyst for Mizoroki-Heck, Stille and Kumada C-C coupling reactions}, journal = {Journal of Porous Materials}, volume = {24}, year = {2017}, month = {AUG}, pages = {837-846}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Highly efficient SBA-15-EDTA-Pd(11) heterogeneous catalyst was synthesized by covalent anchoring Pd-EDTA complex over organo-modified surface of SBA-15. SBA-15-EDTA-Pd(11) catalyst was found to exhibit excellent catalytic activity in appreciable yield for Heck, Stille and Kumada cross-coupling reactions. Catalytic system exhibited excellent activity for completion of reaction, isolation, Pd loading (0.87 mmol\%) and yields of products as compared to earlier reported heterogeneous supported Pd catalysts. Covalently anchored heterogeneous SBA-15-EDTA-Pd(11) catalyst can be recycled for more than five times without noticeable loss in activity and selectivity.}, doi = {10.1007/s10934-016-0323-8}, author = {Rathod, Jayant and Sharma, Priti and Pandey, Punam and Singh, A. P. and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article {43943, title = {High-Performance Sensing Behavior Using Electronic Ink of 2D SnSe2 Nanosheets.}, journal = {Chemistry Select}, volume = {2}, year = {2017}, month = {MAY}, chapter = {4068-4075}, abstract = {

Most of the recent research work on layered chalcogenides is understandably focused on single atomic layers. However, it is uncertain if the single layer units are most ideal structures for enhanced gas-solid interactions. To probe this concern, we have synthesized few layer thick SnSe2\ nanosheets ink using liquid exfoliation method. The morphology, thickness / layering and elemental analysis of the sheets were characterized by using SEM, TEM, AFM, Raman spectroscopy and by XPS. The two dimensional (2D) SnSe2\ nanosheets sensor device with different thicknesses was assessed for the humidity and gas sensing performances with exposure to humidity in different conditions. The results show that compared to the bulk / thicker counterpart, sensor device of few SnSe2\ layers exhibit excellent sensitivity, recovery and ability to be tune the sensing performance with thickness and can be used in lab on chip devices.

}, doi = {10.1002/slct.201700261}, author = {Pawar, Mahendra and Kadam, Sunil and Late, Dattatray J.} } @article {45695, title = {Hyaluronic acid layered chimeric nanoparticles: targeting MAPK-P13K signaling hub in colon cancer cells}, journal = {ACS Omega}, volume = {2}, year = {2017}, month = {NOV}, pages = {7868-7880}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Colon cancer has emerged as one of the most devastating diseases in the whole world. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-phosphatidylinsitol-3-kinase (PI3K) signaling hub has gained lots of attention due to its deregulation in colon cancer cells. However, selective targeting of oncogenic MAPK-PI3K hub in colon cancer has remained highly challenging, hence it has mostly been unexplored. To address this, we have engineered a hyaluronic acid layered lipid-based chimeric nanoparticle (HA-CNP) consisting of AZD6244 (MAPK inhibitor), PI103 (PI3K inhibitor), and cisplatin (DNA impairing drug) ratiometrically in a single particle. Electron microscopy (field emission scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy) and dynamic light scattering were utilized to characterize the size, shape, morphology, and surface charge of the HA-CNPs. Fluorescent confocal laser scanning microscopy and flow cytometry analysis confirmed that HA-CNPs were taken up by HCT-116 colon cancer cells by merging of clathrin and CD44 receptor-mediated endocytosis along with macropinocytosis to home into acidic organelles (lysosomes) within 1 h. A gel electrophoresis study evidently established that HA-CNPs simultaneously inhibited MAPK-PI3K signaling hub with DNA damage in HCT-116 cells. These HA-CNPs stalled the cell cycle into G0/G1 phase, leading to induction of apoptosis (early and late) in colon cancer cells. Finally, these HA-CNPs exerted remarkable cytotoxicity in HCT-116 colon cancer cells at 24 h compared to that of the free triple drug cocktail as well as HA-coated dual drug-loaded nanoparticles without showing any cell death in healthy L929 fibroblast cells. These HA-coated CNPs have potential to be translated into clinics as a novel platform to perturb various oncogenic signaling hubs concomitantly toward next-generation targeted colon cancer therapy.

}, issn = {2470-1343}, doi = {10.1021/acsomega.7b01315}, author = {Palvai, Sandeep and Kuman, Meenu Mahesh and Sengupta, Poulonu and Basu, Sudipta} } @article {44141, title = {Identification and functionality prediction of pathogenesis-related protein 1 from legume family}, journal = {Proteins-Structure Function and Bioinformatics}, volume = {85}, year = {2017}, month = {NOV}, pages = {2066-2080}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The production and accumulation of pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins in plants is one of the important responses to biotic and abiotic stress. Large number of identified PR proteins has been categorized into 17 functional families based on their structure, phylogenetics, and biological activities. However, they are not widely studied in legume crops. Using 29 PR1 proteins from Arabidopsis thaliana, as query, here we have predicted 92 candidate PR1 proteins through the PSI-BLAST and HMMER programs. These candidate proteins were comprehensively analyzed with, multiple sequence alignment, domain architecture studies, signal peptide, and motif extraction followed by phylogenetic analysis. Further, response of two candidate PR1 proteins from chickpea against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp.ciceri attack was validated using qRT-PCR followed by their 3D structure prediction. To decipher mode of action for PR1s, docking of pathogen extracellular matrix components along with fungal elicitors was performed with two chickpea PR1 proteins. Based on these findings, we propose carbohydrate to be the unique pathogen-recognition feature for PR1 proteins and beta-glucanase activity via beta-glucan binding or modification.}, doi = {10.1002/prot.25361}, author = {Tellis, Meenakshi and Mathur, Monika and Gurjar, Gayatri and Kadoo, Narendra and Gupta, Vidya} } @article {43744, title = {Identification and synthesis of mycalol analogues with improved potency against anaplastic thyroid carcinonia cell lines}, journal = {Journal of Natural Products}, volume = {80}, year = {2017}, month = {APR}, pages = {1125-1133}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The marine metabolite mycalol (1) has a specific inhibitory activity on cells of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC), a very aggressive and rare cancer that does not have effective conventional therapy. In this study, we describe six new related analogues (2-7) that differ in the length of the terminal alkyl residue and the presence of acetate or 3S-hydroxybutyrate (3S)-3HB as a substituent at C-19. Despite the structural{\textquoteright} analogies, some of the new members were significantly more-cytotokic than 1 on cell lines,derivecl from human ATC. Structures inclusive of the 2{\textquoteright}R,3R,4S,7R,8S,19R absolute configuration were asigned to 2-7 on the basis of detailed spectroscopic analysis, synthesis of different isomers, and application of ECD and Mosher{\textquoteright}s methods. This work led to the identification of mycal61-578 (3) as the most potent analogue, with an IC50 of 2.3 mu M on FRO cells:}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jnatprod.7b00043}, author = {Cutignano, Adele and Seetharamsingh, B. and D{\textquoteright}Angelo, Daniela and Nuzzo, Genoveffa and Khairnar, Pankaj V. and Fusco, Alfredo and Reddy, D. Srinivasa and Fontana, Angelo} } @article {43556, title = {Identification of biomolecules involved in the biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles from living peanut seedlings}, journal = {Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology}, volume = {17}, year = {2017}, month = {MAR}, pages = {1787-1795}, abstract = {In present work, we have fabricated gold nanoparticles by treating an aqueous solution of 10(-4) M HAuCl4 with the proteins extracted from roots of in vitro raised peanut seedlings and purified them by FPLC at room temperature. These proteins which tested positive for the reduction of 10(-4) M HAuCl4 were identified as Mannose glucose binding lectin and Ara h 8 allergen isoforms by ESI MS/MS. It is a well known fact that aromatic amino acids possess delocalized pi electrons in their ring structures, rendering them as the best electron donors which can transfer electrons and reduce the acceptor. These results suggest that the aromatic amino acids present in the proteins from the peanut seedlings are the primary biomolecules involved in the reduction of Au (III) to Au (0). We isolated different protein of molecular weight 16.4, 28.3 and 30 kDa involved in the formation of nanoparticles. The protein with molecular weight 16.4 kDa (allergens) yielded NPs of 25-60 nm whereas, the proteins with molecular weight 28.3 kDa and 30 kDa (lectins) yielded highly monodispersed NPs of 5-20 nm in size. The results clearly indicate that the size of nanoparticles can be controlled by different proteins.}, doi = {10.1166/jnn.2017.12879}, author = {Raju, D. and Siddiqui, Ejaz Ahmad and Prasanth, S. and Khan, Bashir M. and Mehta, Urmil J. and Ahmad, Absar} } @article {43925, title = {Impact of rare-earth metal oxide (Eu 2 O 3 ) on the electrochemical properties of a polypyrrole/CuO polymeric composite for supercapacitor applications}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {7}, year = {2017}, month = {MAR}, pages = {20037-20048}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A ternary composite of polypyrrole/copper oxide/europium oxide (PPY/CuO/Eu2O3), synthesized via a facile in situ chemical oxidative polymerization method, exhibits the maximum specific capacitance of 320 F g$^{-}${\textonesuperior} at the current density of 1 A g$^{-}${\textonesuperior}. Incorporation of the rare-earth metal oxide Eu2O3 in the PPY/CuO matrix can promote charge transportation in the resulting ternary nanocomposite by enhancing the porosity. The interconnected mesoporous networks reduce the internal resistance and the charge transfer resistance (Rct) of the composite electrode material. Moreover, the incorporation of Eu2O3 in the PPY/CuO provides support to the fragile polymer backbone resulting in an excellent cycle stability and a markedly enhanced thermal stability. These together with the exhibition of an excellent coulombic efficiency demonstrates that incorporation of rare earth metal oxide can play a significant role in improving the performance of a polymeric composite opted as an electrode material for high-performance supercapacitor.}, doi = {10.1039/C7RA01438D}, author = {Majumder, Mandira and Choudhary, Ram Bilash and Thakur, Anukul. K. and Karbhal, Indrapal} } @article {43820, title = {Increasing light coupling in a photovoltaic film by tuning nanoparticle shape with substrate surface energy}, journal = {Materials Research Express}, volume = {4}, year = {2017}, month = {AUG}, pages = {Article Number: 085022}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Tuning metal nanoparticle (MNP) contact angle on the surface it is formed can help maximise the useful optical coupling in photovoltaic films by localized surface plasmon (LSP) resonance-opening up the possibility of building improved photovoltaic cells. In this work experimental demonstration of optical absorption increase in copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) films by tuning silver MNP shape by changing its contact angles with substrate has been reported. Thin films of poly3,4 ethylenedioxythiophene: sodium dodecycl sulphate (PEDOT: SDS) with different surface energies were formed on indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass by electro-deposition. Silver MNPs thermally evaporated directly on ozonised ITO as well as on the PEDOT: SDS films showed contact angles ranging from 60 degrees to 125 degrees. The CuPc layer was deposited on top of the MNPs. For the samples studied, best optical absorption in the CuPc layer was for a contact angle of 110 degrees.}, doi = {10.1088/2053-1591/aa8275}, author = {Kataria, Devika and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam and Iyer, S. Sundar Kumar} } @article {45668, title = {An innovative approach to enhance methane hydrate formation kinetics with leucine for energy storage application}, journal = {Applied Energy}, volume = {188}, year = {2017}, month = {FEB}, pages = {190-199}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Natural gas storage in dathrate hydrates or solidified natural gas (SNG) offers the safest, cleanest and the most compact mode of storage aided by the relative ease in natural gas (NG) recovery with minimal cost compared to known conventional methods of NG storage. The stochastic nature of hydrate nucleation and the slow kinetics of hydrate growth are major challenges that needs to be addressed on the SNG production side. A deterministic and fast nucleation coupled with rapid crystallization kinetics would empower this beneficial technology for commercial application. We propose a hybrid combinatorial approach of methane hydrate formation utilizing the beneficial aspect of environmentally benign amino acid (leucine) as a kinetic promoter by combining stirred and unstirred reactor operation. This hybrid approach is simple, can easily be implemented and scaled-up to develop an economical SNG technology for efficient storage of natural gas on a large scale. Added benefits include the minimal energy requirement during hydrate growth resulting in overall cost reduction for SNG technology. }, doi = {10.1016/j.apenergy.2016.12.002}, author = {Veluswamy, H. P. and Kumar, A. and Kumar, R. and Linga, P.} } @article {44115, title = {Insights in the diffusion controlled interfacial flow synthesis of Au nanostructures in a microfluidic system}, journal = {Langmuir}, volume = {33}, year = {2017}, month = {DEC}, pages = {14315-14324}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Continuous segmented flow interfacial synthesis of Au nanostructures is demonstrated in a microchannel reactor. This study brings new insights into the growth of nanostructures at continuous interfaces. The size as well as the shape of the nanostructures showed significant dependence on the reactant concentrations, reaction time, temperature, and surface tension, which actually controlled the interfacial mass transfer. The microchannel reactor assisted in achieving a high interfacial area, as well as uniformity in mass transfer effects. Hexagonal nanostructures were seen to be formed in synthesis times as short as 10 min. The wettability of the channel showed significant effect on the particle size as well as the actual shape. The hydrophobic channel yielded hexagonal structures of relatively smaller size than the hydrophilic microchannel, which yielded sharp hexagonal bipyramidal particles (diagonal distance of 30 nm). The evolution of particle size and shape for the case of hydrophilic microchannel is also shown as a function of the residence time. The interfacial synthesis approach based on a stable segmented flow promoted an excellent control on the reaction extent, reduction in axial dispersion as well as the particle size distribution.}, doi = {10.1021/acs.langmuir.7b03277}, author = {Kulkarni, Amol A. and Cabeza, Victor Sebastian} } @inbook {45812, title = {Interaction of membrane cholesterol with GPCRs: implications in receptor oligomerization}, booktitle = {Receptors}, volume = {33}, year = {2017}, pages = {415-429}, publisher = {Humana Press Inc.}, organization = {Humana Press Inc.}, address = {New York}, abstract = {

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of proteins involved in signal transduction across cell membranes, and represent major drug targets in all clinical areas. Oligomerization of GPCRs and its implications in drug discovery constitute an exciting area in contemporary biology. In this review, we have highlighted the role of membrane cholesterol and the actin cytoskeleton in GPCR oligomerization, using a combined approach of homo-FRET and coarse-grain molecular dynamics simulations. In the process, we have highlighted experimental and computational methods that have been successful in analyzing different facets of GPCR association. Analysis of photobleaching homo-FRET data provided novel information about the presence of receptor oligomers under varying conditions. Molecular dynamics simulations have helped to pinpoint transmembrane helices that are involved in forming the receptor dimer interface, and this appears to be dependent on membrane cholesterol content. This gives rise to the exciting and challenging possibility of age and tissue dependence of drug efficacy. We envision that GPCR oligomerization could be a game changer in future drug discovery.

}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-319-60174-8_16}, author = {Sengupta, D. and Kumar, G. A. and Chattopadhyay, A.} } @article {44121, title = {Interfacial-active polymer nanoparticles, their assemblies, and SERS application}, journal = {Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics}, volume = {218}, year = {2017}, month = {DEC}, pages = {Article Number: 1700261}, type = {Article}, abstract = {In this work, surface-active polymer nanoparticles as well as polymer-polymer and polymer-metal nanoassembly particles are synthesized, and different parameters such as their size, morphologies, and assembling strength are studied. Nanoassembly particles are attractive because of the coupled properties with a large surface to volume ratio. A key challenge is to produce the core-shell polymer nanoparticles via single-step processes. To address this concern, here, microfluidics approach and precise interfacial reaction strategies are used, and hence different types of surface layered polymer nanoparticles are obtained in one-step processes. An inner core material is hydrophobic, whereas a hydrophilic surface layer (in situ formed during the polymerization process) swells in the aqueous environment. Moreover, three different reaction setups (batch, flow, and in situ) are applied in order to architect the nanoassembling hierarchical structures via layer-by-layer strategy. On the other side, polymer-metal nanoassembly particles as well as metal catalyzed metal deposited four layered nanoassembly particles of tuned size and compositions are produced. It is shown that these particles can be used as nanosensor particles for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.}, doi = {10.1002/macp.201700261}, author = {Visaveliya, Nikunjkumar R. and Li, Xiang and Knauer, Andrea and Prasad, Bhagavatula L. V. and Kohler, Johann Michael} } @article {44178, title = {Interplay between pi-bridges and positions of branched alkyl groups of unsymmetrical D-A-D-pi-A squaraines in dye-sensitized solar cells: mode of dye anchoring and the charge transfer process at the TiO2/Dye/electrolyte interface}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {9}, year = {2017}, month = {SEP}, pages = {32698-32712}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Far-red-absorbing squaraines possessing high molar absorptivity (\>10(5) M-1 cm(-1)) are being attracted as high-efficiency chromophores in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). A series of donor acceptor -donor-pi spacer-acceptor (D-A-D-pi-A) unsymmetrical squaraines, PSQ1-5, with indoline donor and squaric/cyanoacetic acid acceptor units, were designed for sensitized solar cells. For extending the absorption toward the near-infrared region (NIR) and controlling the orientation on the TiO2 surface, benzene (PSQ1 and PSQ2) and thiophene (PSQ3-5) 7r-spacers and out-of-plane branched alkyl groups at the indoline that are away (PSQ1, PSQ3, and PSQS) or near (PSQ2 and PSQ4) the anchoring group, respectively, were introduced. Dynamic aggregation tendency of PSQ1 and PSQ3 than that of their isomers systematically modulates the orientation on the TiO2 surface, which in turn enhances photovoltaic performance. Absorptance on a thin transparent TiO2 film shows a visible-to-NIR response with an onset around 800 nm for PSQ3-5. Although there is resemblance in electrochemical redox levels, their high injection efficiency and recombination resistance differentiated impact on the way of anchoring and the dihedral angle between D-A-D units and g-spacers. DSSCs sensitized with PSQS achieved a PCE of 8.15\% under simulated AM 1.5G illumination (100 mW cm(-2)), with the current density (j) and open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 19.73 mA cm(-2) and 630 mV, respectively. A clear comparison of the incident-photon-to-current conversion efficiency versus the light-harvesting efficiency correlates the structure-property relationship with J obtained for PSQ dyes. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was carried out to examine the TiO2/dye/electrolyte interface for further confirmation of the enhanced PCE of top-se-alkylated PSQS over that of other dyes.

}, keywords = {D-A-D-pi-A framework, dye-sensitized solar cell, H- and J-type aggregation, orientation of dyes, static/dynamic aggregates, unsymmetrical squaraine}, issn = {1944-8244}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.7b08346}, author = {Punitharasu, Vellimalai and Kavungathodi, Munavvar Fairoos Mele and Nithyanandhan, Jayaraj} } @article {43741, title = {Interplaying anions in a supramolecular metallohydrogel to form metal organic frameworks}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {53}, year = {2017}, month = {APR}, pages = {3705-3708}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The remarkable effect of anions on the transition from supramolecular gels to crystalline phases has been described. An amino acid-based metallohydrogel was transformed into different metal-organic frameworks through the selective picking of anions. The metallohydrogel and the resulting metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) were thoroughly characterized. The results demonstrated controlled access over the binding of a particular anion to selectively form a particular MOF.}, doi = {10.1039/c7cc00539c}, author = {Karak, Suvendu and Kumar, Sushil and Bera, Saibal and Diaz Diaz, David and Banerjee, Subhrashis and Vanka, Kumar and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article {44112, title = {Introducing the bipolar solvent media using the aqueous mixtures of amino acid anion-based ionic liquids}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, volume = {121}, year = {2017}, month = {DEC}, pages = {11367-11375}, type = {Article}, abstract = {To carry out a chemical reaction between the reactants with largely different polarities, it becomes important to have a reaction medium that possesses both the polar and nonpolar solvation environments. In an attempt to explore the reaction media with such unique polarity properties, the present study provides a thorough understanding of the bipolar solvent media using the aqueous mixtures of amino acid anion-based ionic liquids. The highly polar behavior of the binary mixtures used in the study has been ascribed to the pure ionic liquid state. However, the less polar solvation shells have been attributed to the presence of a neutral form of the anions. Addition of water in the amino acid anion-based ionic liquids causes the protonation of a certain fraction of the anions of the ionic liquids, resulting into the formation of a less polar nonionic protonated form along with the highly polar natural anionic form. This results into the formation of two solvation spheres with different polarities, which can be seen very clearly from the presence of two absorption bands (lower wavelength absorption band and higher wavelength absorption band) in the UV-vis absorption spectrum of Reichardt{\textquoteright}s E-T(30) dye and two emission bands (lower wavelength emission band and higher wavelength emission band) in the fluorescence emission spectrum of C481 dye. The values of the E-T(N) polarity parameter corresponding to the two solvation shells having different polarities have been calculated from the deconvoluted absorption spectra of the Reichardt{\textquoteright}s E-T(30) and were analyzed in three amino acid anion-based ionic liquids. Generation of the neutral form of anions in the aqueous mixtures formed via a protonation transfer reaction has been confirmed by the H-1 NMR spectroscopy and UV-vis absorption spectrum of 18DHAQ dye. The study also establishes that the Reichardt{\textquoteright}s E-T(30) dye can be used as a valid polarity probe to study the solvatochromic behavior of the binary mixtures of amino acid-based ionic liquids.}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpcb.7b08240}, author = {Beniwal, Vijay and Kumar, Anil} } @article {43942, title = {Investigation into the taxonomy of {\textquotedblleft} B. aminovorans{\textquotedblright} and its reclassification to the genus Domibacillus as Domibacillus aminovorans sp. nov.}, journal = {Systematic and Applied Microbiology}, volume = {40 }, year = {2017}, month = {AUG}, pages = {458-467}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The species "Bacillus aminovorans" was categorized as species Incertae Sedis meaning taxa with uncertain taxonomic position because of insufficient description of phenotypic properties and lack of understanding of its phylogenetic relationship (Claus and Berkeley [5]). In this study two strains "B. aminovorans" DSM 1314T and DSM 4337 were phenotypically and phylogenomically analyzed. The strains are Gram-staining-positive, spore forming rods and unable to utilize/ferment most of the sugars tested except glucose. The major fatty acids are anteiso-C15:0 and iso-C15:0. The major polar lipids are diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and an aminophosphoglycolipid. The cell wall peptidoglycan is of A1γ type with meso-Dpm as the diamino acid. The menaquinone type present is MK-6. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of the type strain is 40.8mol\%. These characteristics were found to be in line with description of the genus Domibacillus. Moreover phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence retrieved "B. aminovorans" within the genus Domibacillus with D. antri XD 80T as the closest relative. Additionally genome sequencing of the strains and their comparison with whole genome sequences of other Domibacillus spp. confirmed their distinctiveness and separate species status within the genus based on parameters of genome to genome distance calculator (GGDC) and average nucleotide identity (ANI) values. Therefore a novel species Domibacillus aminovorans sp. nov. (DSM 1314T =LMG 16796T) is proposed.}, keywords = {16S rRNA, Domibacillus aminovorans, MALDI-TOF, {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}Bacillus aminovorans{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}}, issn = {0723-2020}, doi = {10.1016/j.syapm.2017.07.003}, author = {Verma, Ashish and Ojha, Anup Kumar and Pal, Yash and Kumari, Parveen and Schumann, Peter and Gruber-Vodicka, Harald and Dastager, Syed Gulam and Natarajan, Ramesh Kumar and Mayilraj, Shanmugam and Krishnamurthi, Srinivasan} } @article {43805, title = {Kinetic profile and catalytic activity of transition metal-based ionic liquids for reduction of nitroarenes via in situ formation of nanoparticles}, journal = {Chemistryselect}, volume = {2}, year = {2017}, month = {AUG}, pages = {6833-6843}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The experimentally determined apparent rate constant (k(app)) shows that the [BmIm](2)[PdCl4] and [BmIm](2)[NiCl4] act as effective catalysts for the reduction of nitroarenes to aminoarenes in the presence of NaBH4. The TEM, XPS, XRD and dynamic light scattering studies show that there is in situ formation of Pd and Ni metal Nanoparticles (NPs) from the reduction of [BmIm](2)[PdCl4] and [BmIm](2)[NiCl4], respectively which are responsible for the enhancement in the catalytic activity. Thus, in the presence of the ionic liquid stabilized metal NPs show higher catalytic activity in comparison to the NPs stabilized with other capping agents as reported. The order of k(app) as 1) PNP \> 2-BrPNP \> 2-APNP and 2) PNP \> ONP \> 2-NR for reduction of nitroarenes using [BmIm](2)[PdCl4] and [BmIm](2)[NiCl4] and its correlation explained on the basis of electronic structure and hydrogen bonding ability of nitroarenes. The thermodynamic parameters such as E-a, Delta H-$\#$, Delta S-$\#$ and Delta G($\#$) are in agreement with the surface catalyzed reduction reaction of PNP in the presence of NPs as catalyst. The kapp values illustrated the reduction reaction follow the LangmuirHinshelwood (L-H) mechanism.

}, doi = {10.1002/slct.201701601}, author = {Thawarkar, Sachin R. and Khupse, Nageshwar D. and Kumar, Anil} } @article {44009, title = {Large anion incorporation to improve the performance of large, paper based conducting polymer supercapacitors}, journal = {Materials Today Energy}, volume = {5}, year = {2017}, month = {SEP}, pages = {112-117}, type = {Journal Article}, abstract = {

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) is a stable conducting polymer, hence its dispersion is widely used in commercial devices. However, PEDOT{\textquoteright}s charge storage properties are not impressive. Thus, improvement in charge storage properties of PEDOT will render the possibility of fabricating stable energy storage devices such as supercapacitors. A fundamentally different approach is required to achieve this objective. We envisioned that the charge storage property of PEDOT can be improved by trapping large anions. These ions would facilitate better ion transport into the PEDOT matrix from the electrolyte and increase the efficiency of supercapacitors. Furthermore, a large anion such as triiodide is relatively immobile in the polymer matrix, hence we hypothesize the ions to be trapped in the polymer. To test this hypothesis, triiodide trapped PEDOT based supercapacitors are fabricated on paper substrates. A 1 cm2 triiodide incorporated PEDOT based supercapacitor exhibited a specific capacitance of 486 F/g. On the other hand, PEDOT without triiodide incorporation exhibited a specific capacitance of 221 F/g. Indeed, a device with an area of 32 cm2 exhibited a specific capacitance of 476 F/g.

}, keywords = {Flexible Supercapacitors, Paper based Supercapacitors, polyphenols}, doi = {10.1016/j.mtener.2017.06.004}, author = {Jain, B. and Krishnamoorthy, K.} } @article {43875, title = {Lewis acid catalyzed cascade annulation of alkynols with alpha-ketoesters: a facile access to gamma-spiroketal-gamma-lactones}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {53}, year = {2017}, month = {JUN}, pages = {6641-6644}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A novel Lewis acid catalyzed intermolecular cascade annulation of alkynols with alpha-ketoesters has been developed. This simple and efficient cascade annulation proceeds through a 5-exo-dig cyclization of alkynols followed by annulation with alpha-ketoester to provide a wide variety of unsaturated gamma-spiroketal-gamma-lactones (1,6-dioxaspiro[4.4]non-3-en-2-ones) related to many natural products.}, doi = {10.1039/c7cc03668j}, author = {Kambale, Digambar A. and Thorat, Sagar S. and Pratapure, Madhukar S. and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Kontham, Ravindar} } @article {44171, title = {Linking catalyst-coated isotropic colloids into {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}active{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} flexible chains enhances their diffusivity}, journal = {ACS Nano}, volume = {11}, year = {2017}, month = {OCT}, pages = {10025-10031}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Active colloids are not constrained by equilibrium: ballistic propulsion, superdiffusive behavior, or enhanced diffusivities have been reported for active Janus particles. At high concentrations, interactions between active colloids give rise to complex emergent behavior. Their collective dynamics result in the formation of several hundred particle-strong flocks or swarms. Here, we demonstrate significant diffusivity enhancement for colloidal objects that neither have a Janus architecture nor are at high concentrations. We employ uniformly catalyst-coated, viz. chemo-mechanically, isotropic colloids and link them into a chain to enforce proximity. Activity arises from hydrodynamic interactions between enchained colloidal beads due to reaction-induced phoretic flows catalyzed by platinum nanoparticles on the colloid surface. This results in diffusivity enhancements of up to 60\% for individual chains in dilute solution. Chains with increasing flexibility exhibit higher diffusivities. Simulations accounting for hydrodynamic interactions between enchained colloids due to active phoretic flows accurately capture the experimental diffusivity. These simulations reveal that the enhancement in diffusivity can be attributed to the interplay between chain conformational fluctuations and activity. Our results show that activity can be used to systematically modulate the mobility of soft slender bodies.}, keywords = {active matter, Brownian motion, colloidal assembly, diffusivity, ice templating}, issn = {1936-0851}, doi = {10.1021/acsnano.7b04265}, author = {Biswas, Bipul and Manna, Raj Kumar and Laskar, Abhrajit and Kumar, P. B. Sunil and Adhikari, Ronojoy and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy} } @article {44000, title = {Living in the polymer age}, journal = {Resonance}, volume = {22}, year = {2017}, month = {APR}, pages = {333-334}, type = {Article}, doi = {10.1007/s12045-017-0472-3}, author = {Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy} } @article {43823, title = {Low-dimensional hybrid perovskites as high performance anodes for alkali-ion batteries}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry A}, volume = {5}, year = {2017}, month = {SEP}, chapter = {18634-18642}, abstract = {

State-of-the-art Li (or Na) ion batteries work by insertion/extraction of the alkali metal ions into a porous electrode material, where the overall capacity is strongly dependent on the accessibility of the host material interior to the ions. On the other hand, the performance stability depends on various factors governed by the specific constitution of the electrode. Here we show that molecularly engineered low-dimensional hybrid perovskites can work as excellent anode materials for alkali-ion batteries. We measure a high reversible capacity of 646 mA h g(-1) at 100 mA g(-1) with good stability tested up to 250 cycles for the benzidine mediated lead iodide based 1D system. An ex situ analysis of the electrodes reveals that the storage primarily occurs via the Li-x(or Na-x)Pb alloying/de-alloying process. We anticipate that these results open a new direction for the use of low-dimensional hybrid perovskites for energy storage applications.

}, keywords = {Generation, Inorganic-Organic Hybrid, Lead Iodide, lithiation-intramolecular electrophilic reaction, Na-Air Battery, Negative Electrodes, Organometal Halide perovskites, PB, Sequential Deposition, Solar-cells}, issn = {2050-7488}, doi = {10.1039/c7ta04529h}, author = {Tathavadekar, Mukta and Krishnamurthy, Shrreya and Banerjee, Aparna and Nagane, Satyawan and Gawli, Yogesh and Suryawanshi, Anil and Bhat, Suresh and Puthusseri, Dhanya and Mohite, Aditya D. and Ogale, Satishchandra} } @article {43715, title = {L-Proline functionalized dicationic framework of bifunctional mesoporous organosilica for the simultaneous removal of lead and nitrate ions}, journal = {ACS Sustainable Chemistry \& Engineering}, volume = {5}, year = {2017}, month = {MAY}, pages = {4188-4196}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A novel bifunctional mesoporous organosilica, PEG-functionalized bis-prolinium chloride bridged mesoporous organosilica (BPBMO) was synthesized by reacting the precursor, PEG-functionalized bis-prolinium chloride bridged organosilane (BPRIL) with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) in the presence of surfactant. The chemical conformation of BPBMO was investigated by using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermogravimentric analysis (TGA), C-13, and Si-29 cross-polarization/magic angle spinning (CP/MAS) NMR techniques. The characterization represents PEG-linked-prolinium (-N+Cl-) and carboxyl (-COOH) entities, constructing the dicationic framework through siloxane (Si-O-Si) linkages. The pore-wall distribution and the periodicity of BPBMO retained during the synthesis were examined by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), Brunauer-Emmett-TellerBarrett-Joyner-Halenda (BET-BJH), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. The results revealed BPBMO as a spherical shaped solid (50-100 nm) having mesopore channels hexagonally arranged with interparticle porosity (S-BET = 487 m(2)/g and D-BJH = 5.1 nm). The material has provided active binding sites for the simultaneous removal of NO3- and Pb2+ ions when introduced in the aqueous solutions of Pb(NO3)(2) (50 mg/L, pH 6). The removal of NO3- by ion-exchange with prolinium (-N+Cl-) entities and the electrostatic interaction of Pb2+ with carboxylate (-COO-) group were characterized by using Raman spectroscopy, ion chromatography, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) technique. The maximum removal of NO3- and Pia{\textquoteright} ions were achieved within 1 h of the adsorption reaction. The adsorption has followed the Langmuir isotherm model with the adsorption capacities (q(m)) of 23.04 and 21.92 mg/g for NO3- and Pb2+ ions, respectively. The efficiency of the adsorbent was also compared with other adsorbents. Further, the BPBMO material has depicted three consecutive adsorption/desorption cycles with negligible loss in the structural conformation.}, doi = {10.1021/acssuschemeng.7b00132}, author = {Dinker, Manish K. and Ajithkumar, Thalasseril G. and Kulkarni, Prashant S.} } @article {43772, title = {Magnetic reduced graphene oxide loaded hydrogels: highly versatile and efficient adsorbents for dyes and selective Cr(VI) ions removal}, journal = {Journal of Colloid and Interface Science}, volume = {507}, year = {2017}, month = {DEC}, pages = {360-369}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The formation of composites of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and magnetic nanoparticles (MP) has flourished in recent years as they combine the advantages of both nanomaterials. Most of these composite materials are prepared by in situ formation of MP onto rGO or by the post-adsorption onto rGO. We report here on a simple and highly controlled method for the fabrication of different magnetic 3D rGO-loaded hydrogels. Cellulose bound magnetic nanoparticles (MP@cellulose) were synthesized by chemical co-precipitation and loaded together with rGO into poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate based hydrogels during their fabrication using photo-polymerization. The magnetic rGO-loaded hydrogels proved to be highly adaptable to different applications. The as-formed composites allowed for efficient dye removal with an adsorption capacity of 111.9 +/- 4 mg g(-1) in the case of methylene blue (MB). Integration of poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) allowed for the selective capturing of Cr6+ ions with an adsorption capacity of 313 12 mg g-1. Most importantly, independent of the application, the magnetic rGO-loaded hydrogel can be regenerated without loss of its adsorption capacity. (C) 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.}, doi = {10.1016/j.jcis.2017.07.075}, author = {Halouane, Fatima and Oz, Yavuz and Meziane, Dalila and Barras, Alexandre and Juraszek, Jean and Singh, Santosh K. and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Shaw, Pankaj K. and Sanyal, Rana and Boukherroub, Rabah and Sanyal, Amitav and Szunerits, Sabine} } @article {43969, title = {Magnetic studies of SiO2 coated CoFe2O4 nanoparticles}, journal = {Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials}, volume = {441}, year = {2017}, month = {NOV}, pages = { 683-690}, type = {Journal Article}, abstract = {Oleic acid capped CoFe2O4 nanoparticles which exhibit a high coercivity of \~{}9.47 kOe at room temperature were coated with a robust coating of SiO2. We have used chemical synthesis method to obtain SiO2 coated CoFe2O4 nanoparticles with different weight percentages of CoFe2O4 in SiO2 (1.5, 3.1 and 4.8 wt.\%). The morphological investigation of the coated nanoparticles by transmission electron microscopy shows that the particles are spherical with average size \~{}160 nm. Infrared spectroscopy reveals that oleic acid capping on the surface of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles is retained after silica coating process. The complete coating of SiO2 on CoFe2O4 nanoparticles is confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy as there is no signature of cobalt or iron ions on the surface. Magnetic measurements show that coercivity of SiO2 coated CoFe2O4 particles remains more or less unaffected as in CoFe2O4 nanoparticles at room temperature. In addition, the temperature dependent magnetic measurements show that at 5 K the CoFe2O4 and SiO2 coated 1.5 wt.\% CoFe2O4 samples exhibit a very high value of coercivity (\~{}20 kOe) which is more than twice as compared to room temperature coercivity value (\~{}9.47 kOe). We conclude that silica coating in our study does not significantly affect the coercivity of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles.}, keywords = {Coatings, coercive force, High Resolution Transmission Elctron Microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, Magnetic materials}, doi = { 10.1016/j.jmmm.2017.06.061}, author = {Limaye, M.V.}, editor = {Singh, S.B.} } @article {43790, title = {Mapping architectural and transcriptional alterations in non-lesional and lesional epidermis in vitiligo}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {7}, year = {2017}, month = {AUG}, type = {Article}, abstract = {In vitiligo, chronic loss of melanocytes and consequent absence of melanin from the epidermis presents a challenge for long-term tissue maintenance. The stable vitiligo patches are known to attain an irreversible depigmented state. However, the molecular and cellular processes resulting in this remodeled tissue homeostasis is unclear. To investigate the complex interplay of inductive signals and cell intrinsic factors that support the new acquired state, we compared the matched lesional and non-lesional epidermis obtained from stable non-segmental vitiligo subjects. Hierarchical clustering of genome-wide expression of transcripts surprisingly segregated lesional and non-lesional samples in two distinct clades, despite the apparent heterogeneity in the lesions of different vitiligo subjects. Pathway enrichment showed the expected downregulation of melanogenic pathway and a significant downregulation of cornification and keratinocyte differentiation processes. These perturbations could indeed be recapitulated in the lesional epidermal tissue, including blunting of rete-ridges, thickening of stratum corneum and increase in the size of corneocytes. In addition, we identify marked increase in the putrescine levels due to the elevated expression of spermine/spermidine acetyl transferase. Our study provides insights into the intrinsic self-renewing ability of damaged lesional tissue to restore epidermal functionality in vitiligo.}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-017-10253-w}, author = {Singh, Archana and Gotherwal, Vishvabandhu and Junni, Paivi and Vijayan, Vinaya and Tiwari, Manisha and Ganju, Parul and Kumar, Avinash and Sharma, Pankaj and Fatima, Tanveer and Gupta, Aayush and Holla, Ananthaprasad and Kar, Hemanta K. and Khanna, Sangeeta and Thukral, Lipi and Malik, Garima and Natarajan, Krishnamurthy and Gadgil, Chetan J. and Lahesmaa, Riitta and Natarajan, Vivek T. and Rani, Rajni and Gokhale, Rajesh S.} } @article {44139, title = {Mass spectrometry based identification of galectin-3 interacting proteins potentially involved in lung melanoma metastasis}, journal = {Molecular Biosystems}, volume = {13}, year = {2017}, month = {NOV}, pages = {2303-2309}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Adhesive interactions between molecules on tumor cells and those on target organs play a key role in organ specific metastasis. Poly-N-acetyl-lactosamine (polyLacNAc) substituted N-oligosaccharides on melanoma cell surface glycoproteins promote lung specific metastasis via galectin-3 by facilitating their arrest and extravasation. This study reports the identification and characterization of galectin-3 interacting proteins using a combination of galectin-3 sepharose affinity and leucoagglutinating phytohemagglutinin (L-PHA) columns. A total of 83 proteins were identified as galectin-3 interacting glycoproteins, of which 35 were constituents of the L-PHA bound fraction, suggesting that these proteins carry polyLacNAc substituted beta 1,6 branched N-glycans. The identities of some of these proteins, like LAMP-1, LAMP-3, basigin, embigin, and alpha 5 and beta 1 Integrin, have been confirmed by western blotting, and functional relevance with respect to metastatic properties has been established.}, doi = {10.1039/c7mb00260b}, author = {Dange, Manohar C. and Bhonsle, Hemangi S. and Godbole, Rashmi K. and More, Shyam K. and Bane, Sanjay M. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J. and Kalraiya, Rajiv D.} } @article {43876, title = {MCM-41-supported phosphotungstic acid-catalyzed cleavage of C-O bond in allyl aryl ethers}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {41}, year = {2017}, month = {JUN}, pages = {4943-4949}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Removal of the protecting allyl group from allyl aryl ethers in the presence of other oxygen protecting groups was successfully achieved using a solid acid supported on the high surface area material MCM-41. The catalyst showed excellent activity in the presence of various electron withdrawing, electron donating, and oxidizable functional groups. The methodology is also very useful for the removal of protecting allyl groups of various natural products such as vanillin, isovanillin, and other oxygen functionalized aldehydes and ketones.}, doi = {10.1039/c7nj00375g}, author = {Sakate, Sachin S. and Kamble, Sumit B. and Chikate, Rajeev C. and Rode, Chandrashekhar V.} } @article {45694, title = {Mechanistic investigation of the carbon-iodine bond activation on the niobium-carbon cluster}, journal = {ACS Omega}, volume = {2 }, year = {2017}, month = {SEP}, pages = {5335-5347}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The activation process of carbon-iodine (C-I) bond on neutral and cationic niobium metcars (Nb8C12) is investigated using density functional theory and related computational techniques. Metallocarbohedrenes or metcars are a class of stable metal-carbide clusters of specific stoichiometry and of great interest to cluster chemists since their first discovery. The detailed reaction mechanism along with the overall energy profile of the C-I dissociation reaction on niobium metcar and its cations is presented in this paper. The tunneling-corrected rate constants and their related reaction parameters such as the pre-exponential factor are also included alongside. The major differences between the reaction mechanism of the neutral and cationic metcars are also highlighted as well. Despite the available experimental results, the C-I bond dissociation on metcars has remained an unexplored problem in the theoretical and computational domains. Thus, the present investigation can fill in the gap and may also provide new insights provoking further developments in cluster and materials chemistry in future.

}, doi = {10.1021/acsomega.7b00894}, author = {Sengupta, Turbasu and Khan, Muntazir S. and Pal, Sourav} } @article {43907, title = {Metal-free, br{\o}nsted acid-catalyzed formal [3+2] annulation of quinone monoacetals with 2-naphthols}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {82}, year = {2017}, month = {SEP}, type = {Article}, abstract = {An operationally simple and metal-free cross-coupling of quinone monoacetals (QMAs) with 2-naphthols catalyzed by triflic acid is reported. This formal [3+2] annulation allowed the synthesis of diverse naphtho[2,1-b]benzofuranderivatives in moderate to good yields. Preliminary mechanistic studies reveal the initial nucleophilic substitution of QMAs with 2-naphthols in preference to the mixed acetal formation and subsequent [3,3] sigmatropic rearrangement.}, doi = {10.1021/acs.joc.7b02033}, author = {Jacob, Anu and Roy, Tony and Kaicharla, Trinadh and Biju, Akkattu T.} } @article {44140, title = {Methylglyoxal attenuates insulin signaling and downregulates the enzymes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis}, journal = {Molecular Biosystems}, volume = {13}, year = {2017}, month = {NOV}, pages = {2338-2349}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Methylglyoxal (MG) is a highly reactive dicarbonyl known to be elevated under the hyperglycemic conditions of diabetes and is implicated in the development of diabetic complications. Therefore, the current study investigates the role of MG in exacerbating insulin resistance at the insulin signaling level, as well as its effect on the global proteomic level. By using insulin sensitive rat muscle cells (L6) and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells stably expressing the insulin receptor (IR) and a glucose transporter fused with green fluorescent protein (GLUT4-GFP), we have observed that MG impairs insulin signaling, inhibits GLUT4 translocation and reduces glucose uptake. SWATH MS analysis, a label-free quantitative mass spectrometric approach, showed altered expression of 99 proteins out of 2404 identified in response to MG treatment. These proteins are mainly involved in stress response, protein folding and proteolysis. Some of the deregulated proteins such as thioredoxin 2, glutathione S transferase, T complex protein 1 subunit beta (tcbp1), heat shock protein 90 and E3 ubiquitin ligase were previously reported to be associated with either diabetes or insulin resistance. Interestingly, aminoguanidine (AMG), a potent dicarbonyl scavenger, restored the deleterious effects of MG. For the first time, we report that MG induces downregulation of enzymes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis such as acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase, hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA synthase, farnesyl pyrophosphate synthetase, squalene monooxygenase, and lanosterol synthase. GC MS analysis for sterol metabolites corroborated the proteomic results; MG significantly reduced cholesterol production whereas AMG treatment restored cholesterol production to levels similar to the control. Thus, MG leads to primary defects in insulin signaling and cellular abnormalities at the proteomic and metabolic levels, both of which may contribute to the development of insulin resistance.

}, doi = {10.1039/c7mb00305f}, author = {Deshmukh, Arati B. and Bai, Shakuntala and Aarthy, T. and Kazi, Rubina S. and Banarjee, Reema and Rathore, Rajeshwari and Vijayakumar, M. V. and H. V. Thulasiram and Bhat, Manoj Kumar and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @article {43977, title = {MgFeCe ternary layered double hydroxide as highly efficient and recyclable heterogeneous base catalyst for synthesis of dimethyl carbonate by transesterification}, journal = {Catalysis Letters}, volume = {147}, year = {2017}, month = {OCT}, pages = { 2558-2569}, type = {Journal Article}, abstract = {A series of Mg3:Fex + Ce1-x LDHs (3:1) were synthesized by co-precipitation method by varying molar ratio of Fe:Ce between 1:0 to 0:1 (LDH-1 to LDH-6). All synthesized LDHs were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, TEM, N2 sorption, benzoic acid titration and XPS in detail and evaluated for selective synthesis of dimethyl carbonate by transesterification of ethylene carbonate with methanol. It was demonstrated that the structural and basic properties of synthesized LDHs were strongly dependent on the Fe:Ce molar ratio (Ce concentration). The correlation between their physicochemical properties and catalytic performance was studied in detail. Among all synthesized LDHs the best result was obtained with LDH-3 (Fe:Ce = 0.85:0.15) where LDH structure remained intact, and showed high number of strong basic sites on LDH surface. LDH-3 was recycled 7 times while maintaining high catalyst activity and selectivity towards DMC. The obtained results elucidate the important role of Ce in modifying the basic properties of LDH in enhancing the catalytic activity for DMC synthesis. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]. {\textcopyright} 2017, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.}, keywords = {Dimethyl carbonate, ethylene carbonate, Mg{\textendash}Fe{\textendash}Ce Ternary Hydrotalcite, transesterification}, doi = {10.1007/s10562-017-2146-x}, author = {Nivangune, N. T.}, editor = {Ranade, V. V.} } @article {43989, title = {Microreactor-based continuous process for controlled synthesis of poly-methyl-methacrylate-methacrylic acid (PMMA) nanoparticles}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry B}, volume = {5}, year = {2017}, month = {APR}, pages = {3404-3417}, type = {Article}, abstract = {We have developed a microreactor-based continuous process for synthesizing PMMA nanoparticles (NPs), based on the principle of nanoprecipitation. Our objective was to identify the critical parameters governing the size of nanoparticles, produced in microreactors, to enable reproducible synthesis of mono-disperse particles. Experiments were carried out in a microreactor, where parameters like flow rates of aqueous and organic phases, residence time and polymer concentrations were varied to examine their influence on particle size and homogeneity. The results from Dynamic Light Scattering confirmed that the particle size decreased with decreasing residence time, whereas when the aqueous to organic phase flow rate ratio was changed sequentially from 9 : 1, 4 : 1, 7 : 3, 3 : 2, to 1 : 1 (v/v), the particle size increased. Particles fabricated using a microreactor demonstrated a narrow and homogenous distribution, thus confirming their monodispersity. TEM, SEM and XRD were also performed for morphology analysis and phase identification of the particles. Further, paclitaxel encapsulated PMMA nanoparticles were prepared using the microreactor, demonstrating an increase in mean size of around 30 nm and a slightly higher polydispersity index compared to the blank nanoparticles. The drug encapsulation efficiency and drug release kinetics of these nanoparticles were comparable to those prepared in batch-experiments, thus establishing the suitability of the technology for preparing drug-loaded nanoparticles. Also, it was observed that at all the residence times (10 min to 10 s), about 80\% of the polymer got transformed into nanoparticulate form, thus confirming the efficiency of the microreactor. In recent times, much work has been conducted to synthesize polymeric nanoparticles using different types of microreactors, but they lack detailed investigation of the effect of various parameters on the physiochemical properties of the resulting particles. Our investigation synthesizes PMMA NPs, using microreactor technology, for the very first time, to the best of our knowledge. Furthermore, we have performed a detailed analysis of the influence of various process parameters on the size and uniformity of the resulting nanoparticles. These critical parameters can serve as a useful tool to synthesize a myriad of nanoparticles of alternative polymers, using microreactor technology.}, doi = {10.1039/C7TB02344H}, author = {Dobhal, Anurag and Kulkarni, Amol and Dandekar, Prajakta and Jain, Ratnesh} } @article {44020, title = {Microvirga indica sp. Nov., an arsenite-oxidizing alphaproteobacterium, isolated from metal industry waste soil}, journal = {International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology}, volume = {67}, year = {2017}, month = {SEP}, pages = {3525-3531}, type = {Journal Article}, abstract = {A novel Gram-stain-negative bacterium, strain S-MI1bT, belonging to the genus Microvirga was isolated from a metal industry waste soil sample in Pirangut village, Pune District, Maharashtra, India. Cells were non-spore-forming, small rod-shapes, motile and strictly aerobic with light-pink colonies. The strain grew in 0-7.0 \% (w/v) NaCl and at 25-45 {\textdegree}C, with optimal growth at 40 {\textdegree}C. The predominant fatty acids detected were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 ω7c and/or C18 : 1 ω6c) and C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was Q-10. The G+C content was 67.2 mol\% and DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain S-MI1bTand Microvirga subterranea DSM 14364T and Microvirgaaerophila 5420S-12T were 53.9 and 54.8 \%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis, based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, indicated that strain S-MI1bT is a member of the genus Microvirga, with greatest sequence similarities of 97.7 and 97.4 \% with M. subterranea DSM 14364T and M.aerophila 5420S-12T, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed that strain S-MI1bT forms a clade with the type strain of M. subterranea DSM 14364T, and was readily distinguishable from it due to various phenotypic characteristics. The combination of genotypic and phenotypic data suggests that the isolate represents a novel species of the genus Microvirga, for which the name Microvirga indica sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S-MI1bT (=NCIM-5595T=KACC 18792T=BCRC 80972T)}, doi = { 10.1099/ijsem.0.002157}, author = {Tapase, S. R.}, editor = {Mawlankar, R. B.} } @article {43911, title = {Microwave assisted batch and continuous flow synthesis of palladium supported on magnetic nickel nanocrystals and their evaluation as reusable catalyst}, journal = {Crystal Growth \& Design}, volume = {17}, year = {2017}, month = {AUG}, pages = {5163{\textendash}5169}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Palladium nanocrystals (NCs) supported on nickel NCs (Pd/Ni) were synthesized in a continuous flow manner by the microwave-assisted method in the presence and absence of oleylamine. Parameters optimized for batch experiments were considered while performing continuous flow synthesis. The Pd/Ni NCs synthesized in the presence of oleylamine displayed good catalytic activity for hydrogenation of aromatic nitro compounds, and those bearing alkene, and alkyne moieties. The ferromagnetic character of the supporting nickel NCs allowed the recovery of the catalyst and these recovered catalysts could be reused several times.}, issn = {1528-7483}, doi = {10.1021/acs.cgd.7b00639}, author = {Nikam, Arun V. and Kulkarni, Amol A. and Prasad, Bhagavatula L. V.} } @article {43878, title = {Mixed-stack charge transfer crystals of pillar[5]quinone and tetrathiafulvalene exhibiting ferroelectric features}, journal = {Chemistry- A European Journal }, volume = {23}, year = {2017}, month = {SEP}, chapter = {12630-12635}, abstract = {

Ferroelectric materials find extensive applications in the fabrication of compact memory devices and ultra-sensitive multifunctional detectors. Face-to-face alternate stacking of electron donors and acceptors effectuate long-range unidirectional ordering of charge-transfer (CT) dipoles, promising tunable ferroelectricity. Herein we report a new TTF-quinone system-an emerald green CT complex consisting pillar[5]quinone (P5Q) and tetrathiafulvalene (TTF). The CT crystals, as determined by single crystal synchrotron X-ray diffraction, adopt a 1:1 mixed-stack arrangement of donor and acceptor with alternating dimers of TTF and 1,4-dioxane encapsulated P5Q. The TTF-P5Q.dioxane crystal possesses a macroscopic polarization axis giving rise to ferroelectricity at room temperature. The CT complex manifests ferroelectric features such as optical polarization rotation, temperature-dependent phase transition and piezoelectric response in single crystals. Ferroelectric behavior observed in P5Q-based CT complex widens the scope for further work on this structurally intriguing and readily accessible cyclic pentaquinone.

}, keywords = {Acceptor, Charge-transfer complexes, Chemistry, Conductors, DDQ, Donor, ferroelectric, Macrocycles, Organic Metals, Pi-interaction, Pillar[5]quinone, salts, Transfer Complexes, Transport}, issn = {0947-6539}, doi = {10.1002/chem.201702577}, author = {Shivakumar, Kilingaru I. and Swathi, Kadaba and Goudappagouda and Das, Tamal C. and Kumar, Ashwani and Makde, Ravindra D. and Vanka, Kumar and Narayan, Kavassery S. and Babu, Sukumaran Santhosh and Sanjayan, Gangadhar J.} } @article {44114, title = {Modular approach towards functionalized highly stable self-complementary quadruple hydrogen bonded systems}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {15}, year = {2017}, month = {DEC}, pages = {10087-10094}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Self-complementary quadruple hydrogen bonded systems have shown potential as key building blocks for developing various supramolecular polymers. Opportunities for the introduction of multiple functionalities would further augment, in principle, their application potential. Herein, we report a novel modular approach to simultaneously introduce two closely aligned side chains into AADD-type self-complementary quadruple hydrogen-bonding systems. Dithiane-tethered ureidopyrimidinone has been used as a reactive intermediate to efficiently attach closely aligned side chains by simply reacting with amines to form highly stable molecular duplexes. These duplexes featuring AADD-type arrays of hydrogen bonding codes are highly stable in non-polar solvents (K-dim > 1.9 x 10(7) M-1 in CDCl3) as well as in polar solvents (K-dim > 10(5) in 10\% DMSO-d(6)/CDCl3). Another notable feature of these self-assembling systems is their insensitivity to prototropy-related issues owing to their prototropic degeneracy, which will enhance their application potential in supramolecular chemistry.}, doi = {10.1039/c7ob02358h}, author = {Rayavarapu, Suresh and Kheria, Sanjeev and Shinde, Dinesh R. and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Sanjayan, Gangadhar J.} } @article {44157, title = {Molecular control of the band edge movement and the recombination process in donor-acceptor hemicyanine-sensitized solar cells}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {121}, year = {2017}, month = {OCT}, pages = {21836-21847}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The presence of downward shift in the band edge and the recombination reactions in the hemicyanine-sensitized solar cell reduces the open-circuit potential (V-oc) and the short-circuit current density (J(sc), which in turn decreases the dye cell performance. Choosing either an electrolyte possessing minimum overpotentials or a systematic dye design which can efficiently suppress the diffusion of charged species toward the TiO2 can improve the overall power conversion efficiency (PCE). Here, a series of donor acceptor (D-A) hemicyanine dyes were synthesized utilizing a planar heterotriangulene (HT) or triphenylamine (TPA) donor and alkyl-functionalized indolium carboxylic acid acceptor unit. By introducing strong HT donor instead of TPA, the photophysical, and electrochemical properties of D-A dyes are significantly modulated. The strong donor nature of HT and effective passivation of surface by hydrophobic alkyl chains close to the anchoring group for NC3 dye exhibits an average PCE of 4.34\% with a V-oc of 0.416 V, J(sc) of 20.04 mA cm(-2), and fill factor (ff) of 52.03\% under simulated AM 1.5G illumination (100 mW cm-2) without 3 alpha,7 alpha-adihydroxy-5 beta-cholic acid coadsorbent (CDCA). The intrinsic dipole of the hemicyanine dye and the presence of Li+ ions in iodide/triiodide redox couple without tert-butylpyridine (TBP) additive induces a downward shift in conduction band edge (E-CB) of TiO2. By rational molecular design, the extend of shift in E-CB is controlled and enhanced the V-oc. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) studies revealed the high charge transfer resistance (R-ct) and long lifetime (tau) of injected electrons in HT-based dyes than that of TPA derivatives, which provide insight into the passivation of Li+ and I- ions by current D-A dye design possessing alkyl functionalities to increase both the J(sc) and V-oc.}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpcc.7b04623}, author = {Karjule, Neeta and Kavungathodi, Munavvar Fairoos Mele and Nithyanandhan, Jayaraj} } @article {43990, title = {Molecular dynamics simulation and experimental study on the growth of methane hydrate in presence of methanol and sodium chloride}, journal = {Energy Procedia}, volume = {105}, year = {2017}, month = {MAY}, pages = {5026-5033}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The plugging of processing and transportation lines by gas hydrate formation is a challenging problem for safe exploitation of oil and gas. The existence of water soluble third component (like methanol and sodium chloride) in the aqueous phase influence the gas hydrate formation thermodynamically also possibly affects the kinetics of hydrate growth. Inorganic salt and organic molecule (alcohols) at high concentration in the aqueous phase have been used as thermodynamic inhibitors to effectively prevent the hydrate formation. This study utilizes molecular dynamics as well as an experimental method to investigate the mechanism of the hydrate formation and the effect of additives. The MD simulation showed that at moderate temperature and pressure, a low concentration (1 wt \%) of methanol and NaCl enhances methane hydrate growth kinetics. Significant numbers of methanol molecules were observed inside the gas hydrate cages whereas Na$^{+}$/Cl$^{-}$ ions leach out during hydrate formation.}, doi = {10.1016/j.egypro.2017.03.1008}, author = {Choudhary, Nilesh and Kushwaha, Omkar Singh and Bhattacharjee, Gaurav and Chakrabarty, Suman and Kumar, Rajnish} } @article {42995, title = {Molecular motifs for additives that retard PEO crystallization}, journal = {Polymer Engineering \& Science}, volume = {57}, year = {2017}, month = {AUG}, pages = {857-864}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We investigate the influence of several bifunctional phenol additives (resorcinol: RES, hydroquinone: HYD, p-hydroxybenzoic acid: PHBA, and p-nitrophenol: PNP) on the crystallization of matrix polymer, polyethyleneoxide. We employ solid state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (NMR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), optical microscopy, and Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) to investigate crystallization of the additivated PEO and compare with Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations of additive-PEO interactions. Additive-polymer interactions are a function of the functional groups on the additive. Temperature-dependent spherulitic growth rate measurements from optical microscopy and SAXS lamellar long spacings indicate a distinct trend in the effect of additives on PEO crystallization. Change in PEO crystallization is most pronounced with PNP, followed by PHBA and finally RES and HYD. This trend correlates qualitatively with the binding energies of additive-PEO interactions from DFT studies. Our results suggest that DFT calculations might be a useful screening tool to evaluate the influence of additives on polymer crystallization. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2016. {\textcopyright} 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers

}, doi = {10.1002/pen.24462}, author = {Shrivastava, Sudhakar Dinesh and Eldho, Kavalakal Mathai and Rajamohanan, P. R. and Ajithkumar, Thalasseril G. and Vanka, Kumar and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy} } @article {43054, title = {Molybdenum oxide-mediated facile aliphatic nucleophilic fluorination}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {58}, year = {2017}, month = {NOV}, pages = {59-62}, type = {Article}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2016.11.099}, author = {Said, Madhukar S. and Khandare, Leena and Shinde, Sandip S.} } @article {43783, title = {MoO3-rGO nanocomposites for electrochemical energy storage}, journal = {Applied Surface Science}, volume = {418}, year = {2017}, month = {OCT}, pages = {2-8}, type = {Article}, abstract = {We have synthesized the one dimensional (1D) MoO3 nanorods and MoO3-rGO nanocomposite by using sonochemical dispersion method at low temperature. The obtained products were characterized by using Raman spectroscopy, FT-IR, SEM, TEM and HR-TEM. We have demonstrated the electrochemical properties of MoO3 nanorods and MoO3-rGO nanocomposites. The specific capacitance for MoO3 nanorods and MoO3-rGO nanocomposite was calculated to be 3.3 F/g and 22.83 F/g at current density of 0.3 A/g respectively. The nanocomposite of MoO3-rGO shows the better electrochemical performance as compared to pristine MoO3 nanorods sample due to improvement in the conductivity. Our result suggests that the MoO3-rGO nanocomposites material has great potential for electrochemical energy storage and related applications. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.}, keywords = {Energy storage, Nanocomposites, Nanorods, Storage (materials), Temperature}, doi = {10.1016/j.apsusc.2016.11.199}, author = {Khandare, Lina and Late, Dattatray J.} } @article {43941, title = {Multilocus sequence typing of Ochrobactrum spp. isolated from gastric niche}, journal = {Journal of Infection and Public Health }, volume = {10}, year = {2017}, month = {MAR-APR}, pages = {201-210}, type = {Journal Article}, abstract = {The human stomach is colonized by diverse bacterial species. The presence of non-Helicobacter pylori bacteria in urease-positive biopsies of individuals has been reported. Bacteria belonging to the Ochrobactrum genus have been documented in the human gastric niche. The co-occurrence of Ochrobactrum spp. with H. pylori was previously reported in an antral biopsy of a non-ulcer dyspeptic (NUD) subject from Northern India. There is no information on the genetic diversity of Ochrobactrum spp. isolated from the gastric niche in the stomach. We aimed to study the species distribution and diversity of Ochrobactrum spp. with and without H. pylori in urease-positive biopsies across three different geographical regions in India. Sixty-two Ochrobactrum isolates recovered from patients with an upper gastric disorder (n=218) were subjected to molecular identification and multilocus sequence typing. H. pylori DNA was found in the majority of biopsies, which had a variable degree of Ochrobactrum spp present. Interestingly, some of the urease-positive biopsies only had Ochrobactrum without any H. pylori DNA. Based on phylogenetic analysis, the Ochrobactrum isolates were distributed into the O. intermedium, O. anthropi and O. oryzae groups. This indicates there are multiple species in the gastric niche irrespective of the presence or absence of H. pylori. Antibiotyping based on colistin and polymyxin B could differentiate between O. intermedium and O. anthropi without revealing the resistance-driven diversity. Considering the prevalence of multiple Ochrobactrum spp. in the human gastric niche, it is important to evaluate the commensal and/or pathogenic nature of non-H. pylori bacteria with respect to their geographical distribution, lifestyle and nutrition needs.}, keywords = {Helicobater Pyroli, MLST, Non-Ulcer Dyspepsia, Ochrobactrum}, doi = {10.1016/j.jiph.2016.04.013}, author = {Kulkarni, Girish}, editor = {Gohil, Kushal} } @article {43824, title = {Nanocrystalline Fe-Fe2O3 particledeposited N-doped graphene as an activity-modulated Pt-free electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction}, journal = {Nanoscale}, volume = {9}, year = {2017}, month = {SEP}, pages = {13341-13342}, type = {Article}, issn = { 2040-3364}, doi = {10.1039/c7nr90179h}, author = {Dhavale, Vishal M. and Singh, Santosh K. and Nadeema, Ayasha and Gaikwad, Sachin S. and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {44030, title = {Nano-heteroarchitectures of two-dimensional MoS 2 @ one-dimensional brookite TiO 2 nanorods: prominent electron emitters for displays}, journal = {ACS Omega}, volume = {2}, year = {2017}, month = {JUN}, pages = {2925-2934}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We report comparative field electron emission (FE) studies on a large-area array of two-dimensional MoS2-coated @ one-dimensional (1D) brookite (β) TiO2 nanorods synthesized on Si substrate utilizing hot-filament metal vapor deposition technique and pulsed laser deposition method, independently. The 10 nm wide and 760 nm long 1D β-TiO2 nanorods were coated with MoS2 layers of thickness \~{}4 ({\textpm}2), 20 ({\textpm}3), and 40 ({\textpm}3) nm. The turn-on field (Eon) of 2.5 V/μm required to a draw current density of 10 μA/cm{\texttwosuperior} observed for MoS2-coated 1D β-TiO2 nanorods emitters is significantly lower than that of doped/undoped 1D TiO2 nanostructures, pristine MoS2 sheets, MoS2@SnO2, and TiO2@MoS2 heterostructure-based field emitters. The orthodoxy test confirms the viability of the field emission measurements, specifically field enhancement factor (βFE) of the MoS2@TiO2/Si emitters. The enhanced FE behavior of the MoS2@TiO2/Si emitter can be attributed to the modulation of the electronic properties due to heterostructure and interface effects, in addition to the high aspect ratio of the vertically aligned TiO2 nanorods. Furthermore, these MoS2@TiO2/Si emitters exhibit better emission stability. The results obtained herein suggest that the heteroarchitecture of MoS2@β-TiO2 nanorods holds the potential for their applications in FE-based nanoelectronic devices such as displays and electron sources. Moreover, the strategy employed here to enhance the FE behavior via rational design of heteroarchitecture structure can be further extended to improve other functionalities of various nanomaterials.

}, doi = {10.1021/acsomega.7b00345}, author = {Devan, Rupesh S. and Thakare, Vishal P. and Antad, Vivek V. and Chikate, Parameshwar R. and Khare, Ruchita T. and More, Mahendra and Dhayal, Rajendra S. and Patil, Shankar I. and Ma, Yuan-Ron and Schmidt-Mende, Lukas} } @article {43718, title = {Nanoparticle assembly: a perspective and some unanswered questions}, journal = {Current Science}, volume = {112}, year = {2017}, month = {APR}, pages = {1635-1641}, type = {Article}, abstract = {In early 2016, the Royal Society of Chemistry arranged a meeting on the topic {\textquoteright}Nanoparticle Assemblies: from Fundamentals to Applications{\textquoteright} which was hosted at IIT-Bombay, Mumbai. The meeting brought several leading nanoscience and nanotechnology researchers to India and is only the second Faraday Discussions meeting to have been held in the country. The papers presented at the meeting and the resulting active discussions have been summarized in a Faraday Discussion issue(1). The broad range of topics discussed at the meeting led to an understanding on where we stand in the field of nanoparticle assembly, and also enunciated some of the outstanding fundamental and practical issues that remain to be resolved before these ideas can be applied to practical situations. Driven by these ideas, here we focus on four topics/questions: (i) Can we achieve function-driven design of nanoparticle assemblies? (ii) What is the minimal information needed to build a desired assembly? (iii) How complex a structure can one build? How can one make it responsive? What are the relative roles of equilibrium versus dynamics in the assembly process, and are we at a point where we can now pursue active assembly as a viable mode for creating complex assemblies? (iv) What are the applications that are being targeted and what are the barriers to implementation? In this perspective, we do not present an exhaustive survey of the vast literature in this area, but indicate overarching themes/questions that require immediate attention, largely based on the discussions at the Mumbai meeting.}, author = {Kumar, Sanat K. and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy and Prasad, Bhagavatula L. V. and Bandyopadhyaya, Rajdip and Granick, Steve and Gang, Oleg and Manoharan, Vinothan N. and Frenkel, Daan and Kotov, Nicholas A.} } @article {45712, title = {N-doped porous reduced graphene oxide as an efficient electrode material for high performance flexible solid-state supercapacitor}, journal = {Applied Materials Today}, volume = {8}, year = {2017}, month = {SEP}, pages = {141-149}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Supercapacitors (SCs) are energy storage devices with an immense potential to resolve energy related issues. Being a low cost, durable and multifunctional material, graphene and its derivatives are the most promising candidates for SCs. Here, we report the synthesis of N-doped porous reduced graphene (N-pGr) and its use for the fabrication of all-solid-state supercapacitor (ASSC) device. The N-pGr exhibited a specific capacitance of 230 F g(-1) at 1 A g(-1) current density and good capacitance retention up to 88\% even after 10,000 galvanostatic charge-discharge cycles recorded at 5 A g(-1) fabricated in a solid-state supercapacitor. The synergistic effect of the porosity and N-doping is believed to be the underlying principle for the improved charge storage ability when compared to other reports. Significantly, the porous nature of N-pGr contributes in increasing the electroactive surface area for the formation of electrical double layer as well as facilitating the faster movement of electrolyte ions inside the electrode network. N-doping is believed to change the electrical properties of the electrode material and also to participate in the pseudo-capacitance which helped to boost the overall capacitance of the fabricated device. The good capacitance retention provides the room for making robust flexible solid-state supercapacitor (FSSC) with the N-pGr material.}, doi = {10.1016/j.apmt.2016.10.002}, author = {Singh, S. K. and Dhavale, V. M. and Boukherroub, R. and Kurungot, S. and Szunerits, S.} } @article {43499, title = {New and efficient enantioselective synthesis of both enantiomers of the calcium channel blocker bepridil}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {41}, year = {2017}, month = {JAN}, pages = {824-829}, abstract = {A concise and efficient enantioselective synthesis of both enantiomers of bepridil, a calcium channel blocker, is reported. Jacobsen{\textquoteright}s hydrolytic kinetic resolution method was utilized to resolve racemic 2-(isobutoxymethyl) oxirane. The incorporation of the succinimide moiety by the Mitsunobu reaction, which was investigated in detail, occurred without any loss of enantioselectivity. Using this strategy, both enantiomers of the target molecule were obtained in good yield and with high enantiopurity (ee > 99\%).}, doi = {10.1039/c6nj02928k}, author = {Mujahid, Mohammad and Subramanian, Jambu and Nalla, Viswanadh and Sasikumar, Murugesan and Kunte, Sunita Sharad and Muthukrishnan, Murugan} } @article {42937, title = {New bithiazolyl hydrazones: novel synthesis, characterization and antitubercular evaluation}, journal = {Bioorganic \& Medicinal Chemistry Letters}, volume = {27}, year = {2017}, month = {JAN}, pages = {288{\textendash}294}, abstract = {

New bithiazolyl hydrazones (6a{\textendash}l) have been first time synthesized by carrying novel one pot cyclocondensation of 5-acyl thiazoles (1a{\textendash}b), thiosemicarbazide (2) and substituted phenacyl chlorides (4a{\textendash}f) in freshly prepared ionic liquid, diisopropyl ethyl ammonium acetate (DIPEAc) at room temperature. The newly synthesized compounds have been evaluated for their antitubercular activity and the compounds 3b, 6a, 6b, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g, and 6l have displayed noticeable antitubercular activity compared to Rifampicin with tolerable cytotoxicity. All these compounds were also screened for their antibacterial activity and found that, compounds 6j and 6k have exhibited a very good antibacterial activity. Molecular docking study has shown better harmony with the evaluation trend shown by these compounds under in vitro antitubercular screening.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.11.056}, author = {Bhalerao, Mahendra B. and Dhumal, Sambhaji T. and Deshmukh, Amarsinh R. and Nawale, Laxman U. and Khedkar, Vijay M. and Sarkar, Dhiman and Mane, Ramrao A.} } @article {44016, title = {New insight into sugarcane industry waste utilization (press mud) for cleaner biobutanol production by using c. acetobutylicum nrrl b-527}, journal = {Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology}, year = {2017}, month = {MAY}, chapter = {1-18}, abstract = {

In the present study, press mud, a sugar industry waste, was explored for biobutanol production to strengthen agricultural economy. The fermentative production of biobutanol was investigated via series of steps, viz. characterization, drying, acid hydrolysis, detoxification, and fermentation. Press mud contains an adequate amount of cellulose (22.3\%) and hemicellulose (21.67\%) on dry basis, and hence, it can be utilized for further acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) production. Drying experiments were conducted in the temperature range of 60{\textendash}120 {\textdegree}C to circumvent microbial spoilage and enhance storability of press mud. Furthermore, acidic pretreatment variables, viz. sulfuric acid concentration, solid to liquid ratio, and time, were optimized using response surface methodology. The corresponding values were found to be 1.5\% (v/v), 1:5 g/mL, and 15 min, respectively. In addition, detoxification studies were also conducted using activated charcoal, which removed almost 93{\textendash}97\% phenolics and around 98\% furans, which are toxic to microorganisms during fermentation. Finally, the batch fermentation of detoxified press mud slurry (the sample dried at 100 {\textdegree}C and pretreated) using Clostridium acetobutylicum NRRL B-527 resulted in a higher butanol production of 4.43 g/L with a total ABE of 6.69 g/L. {\textcopyright} 2017 Springer Science+Business Media New York Author keywords

}, keywords = {Acetone, Acetone butanol ethanols, Acidic pre treatments, Agriculture, Biobutanol, cellulose, Clostridium acetobutylicum, Detoxification, Drying, Drying Fermentation, FermentationSpoilage, Fermentative production, Pre-treatment, Press mud, Press mud Pretreatment, Response surface methodology, Sugar industry, Sulfur determination}, issn = {0273-2289}, doi = {10.1007/s12010-017-2479-3}, author = {Nimbalkar, Pranhita R. and Khedkar, Manisha A. and Gaikwad, S. G. and Chavan, Pramod V. and Bankar, Sandip B.} } @article {43940, title = {New pyrene cored small organic molecule with a flexible alkyl spacer: a potential solution processable blue emitter with bright photoluminescence}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {41}, year = {2017}, month = {OCT}, pages = {11383-11390}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A new pyrene cored small organic molecule viz. 1,3,6,8-tetrakis(4-((5-(9H-carbazol-9-yl) pentyl)oxy) phenyl)pyrene (PY-II) was designed and synthesized. The carbazole moiety with an alkyl spacer was introduced at 1, 3, 6 and 8 positions of the pyrene core to improve the charge transport properties and solution processability. PY-II exhibited excellent solubility in common organic solvents and high thermal stability up to 345 degrees C. The photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of PY-II in solution was found to be 0.9 with bright blue emission near 450 nm which is just appropriate for the human eye. The solution processed non-doped OLED device fabricated using PY-II as an emissive layer afforded a pure blue emission with CIE coordinates of 0.16 and 0.16, a power efficiency of 0.17 lm W-1, a maximum current efficiency of 0.41 cd A(-1) and a maximum brightness of 202 cd m(-2).}, doi = {10.1039/c7nj01921a}, author = {Valsange, Nitin G. and Wong, F. L. and Shinde, Durgaprasad and Lee, C. S. and Roy, V. A. L. and Manzhos, Sergei and Feron, K. and Chang, Samuel and Katoh, Ryuzi and Sonar, Prashant and Wadgaonkar, Prakash P.} } @article {45692, title = {Nickel-catalyzed C(sp(2))-H/C(sp(3))-H oxidative coupling of indoles with toluene derivatives}, journal = {ACS Catalysis}, volume = {7}, year = {2017}, month = {JUN}, pages = {4202-4208}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Nickel-catalyzed oxidative C(sp(2))-H/C(sp(3))-H coupling of indoles with toluene derivatives is successfully achieved in the presence of 2-iodobutane as the oxidant. This method allows the selective C-2 benzylation of indoles with toluene derivatives over the alkylation with 2-iodobutane and permits the coupling of diversified indoles via the monochelation assistance. The reaction proceeded through a single-electron-transfer (SET) process, wherein both the C-H nickelation of indole and the C-H activation of toluene derivatives have a significant effect on the entire reaction rate. The synthetic utility of this nickel-catalyzed protocol is demonstrated by the facile removal of the directing group and by the convenient synthesis of the melatonin receptor antagonist Luzindole derivatives.}, doi = {10.1021/acscatal.7b01044}, author = {Soni, V. and Khake, S. M. and Punji, B.} } @article {43844, title = {Nitrogen-doped graphene anchored with mixed growth patterns of CuPt alloy nanoparticles as a highly efficient and durable electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction in an alkaline medium}, journal = {Nanoscale}, volume = {9}, year = {2017}, month = {JUL}, pages = {9009-9017}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A highly active and durable CuPt alloy catalyst with trigonal bipyramidal and truncated cube-type mixed morphologies, anchored on the nitrogen-doped graphene (NGr) surface (CuPt-TBTC/NGr), was prepared by a simple and fast method. The obtained CuPt alloy showed improved oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity, with a 30 mV positive shift in the half-wave potential value, as compared to the state-of-the-art Pt/C catalyst in a 0.1 M KOH solution. The CuPt alloy with the trigonal bipyramidal morphology possesses porous type inter-connected sides, which help to achieve improved mass transport of oxygen during the ORR. The exposure of the (111) plane of the CuPt alloy further improved the catalytic activity towards the dioxygen reduction in alkaline media. The ORR activity of the NGr-supported CuPt alloy was found to be dependent on the reaction time, and improved activity was obtained on the material derived at a reaction time of 90 min (CuPt-TBTC/NGr-90). The material synthesized at a lower or higher reaction time than 90 min resulted in a partially formed trigonal bipyramidal morphology with more truncated cubes or agglomerated trigonal bipyramidal and truncated cubes with closed type structures, respectively. Along with the high intrinsic ORR activity, CuPt-TBTC/NGr-90 displayed excellent electrochemical stability. Even after repeated 1000 potential cycling in a window ranging from 0.10 to 1.0 V (vs. RHE), the system clearly outperformed the state-of-the-art Pt/C catalyst with 15 and 60 mV positive shifts in the onset and half-wave potentials, respectively. CuPt-TBTC/NGr-90 also exhibited 2.1 times higher mass activity and 2.2 times higher specific activity, compared to Pt/C at 0.90 V (vs. RHE). Finally, a zinc-air battery fabricated with the alloy catalyst as the air electrode displayed a peak power density of 300 mW cm(-2), which is much higher than the peak power density of 253 mW cm(-2) obtained for the state-of-the-art Pt/C catalyst as the air electrode.

}, doi = {10.1039/c7nr00697g}, author = {Illathvalappil, Rajith and Dhavale, Vishal M. and Bhange, Siddheshwar N. and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {44172, title = {Nitrogen-doped graphene with a three-dimensional architecture assisted by carbon nitride tetrapods as an efficient metal-free electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution}, journal = {Chemelectrochem}, volume = {4}, year = {2017}, month = {OCT}, pages = {2643-2652}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Current polymer membrane-based electrolyzers use Pt as a cathode catalyst for efficient reduction of water. The high cost of Pt-based catalysts forces researchers to develop alternative electrocatalysts. Here, a simple strategy has been proposed to synthesize a metal-free electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) by high-temperature annealing of graphene oxide-coated melamine foam. The prepared catalyst possesses both structural and functional advantages with its three-dimensional (3D) interconnected arms of carbon nitride (CNx) backbone wrapped with nitrogen-doped graphene (N-RGO) sheets (CNx@N-RGO). CNx@N-RGO faces only a 193 mV overpotential to achieve a current density of 10mAcm(-2), which is far superior to the previously reported Pt-free systems. Along with the high exchange current density 34.7 x 10(-6)A cm(-2) and low Tafel slope of 54 mV dec(-1), CNx@N-RGO follows a Volmer-Heyrovsky mechanism for the HER. DFT calculations show that the synergy between CNx and N-RGO facilitates good electrical coupling between the two moieties and provides optimal binding to H+ ions on the catalyst that, in turn, results in efficient reduction of hydrogen ions.}, keywords = {carbon nitride, Density functional theory, electrocatalyst, hydrogen evolution reaction, nitrogen doped graphene}, issn = {2196-0216}, doi = {10.1002/celc.201700479}, author = {Gangadharan, Pranav K. and Unni, SreeKuttan M. and Kumar, Nandha and Ghosh, Prasenjit and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {43870, title = {NiZn double hydroxide nanosheet-anchored nitrogen-doped graphene enriched with the gamma-NiOOH phase as an activity modulated water oxidation electrocatalyst}, journal = {Nanoscale}, volume = {9}, year = {2017}, month = {SEP}, pages = {12590-12600}, type = {Journal Article}, chapter = {12590-12600}, abstract = {

Herein, we report a facile solvothermal process to synthesize an active electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in an alkaline medium by anchoring nanosheets of a NiZn double hydroxide over nitrogen doped reduced graphene oxide after enriching the system with the γ-NiOOH phase. This catalyst possesses a thin, porous and open layered structure, which makes the system more efficient and accessible for a better electrochemical water oxidation reaction. Moreover, we experimentally demonstrated that incorporation of Zn via a single-step solvothermal method provides an easy approach to obtain plenty of exposed γ-NiOOH phases to make the system more viable for OER with a small overpotential of 290 mV at 10 mA cm-2 and a Tafel slope of 44 mV per decade. In addition to this, the oxophilic nature of Zn in the (Zn)Ni-LDH/N-rGO catalyst helps to improve the long-term stability of the whole system. The obtained results open up possibilities for the design of future robust OER electrocatalysts by the use of very cheap and abundant materials like Ni and Zn in place of expensive Ir and Ru in the present commercial electrocatalysts.

}, keywords = {catalysis, Efficient Electrocatalyst, kinetics, Metal, Nickel-Hydroxide, oxide, Oxygen Evolution Reaction, performance, XPS Spectra, zinc}, issn = {2040-3364}, doi = {10.1039/c7nr02225e}, author = {Nadeema, Ayasha and Dhavale, Vishal M. and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {43963, title = {Novel interaction study of Th(IV) and Zr(IV) with 4-sulfonatocalix[6]arene: experimental and theoretical investigation}, journal = {Polyhedron}, volume = {137}, year = {2017}, month = {NOV}, pages = {137}, type = {Journal Article}, abstract = {

Calixarenes based ligands are well known in the extraction of heavy metal ions. The modifications at lower as well as upper rim increase the new possibilities of metal extraction in terms of quantum and selectivity of metal. In comparison to calix[4]arene, complexing nature of calix[6]arene is less studied due to its large size and flexible nature. In the present study, 4-sulfonatocalix[6]arene (SCX6) is synthesized and an attempt has been made to understand its complexation behavior with Th(IV) and Zr(IV) metal ions. The effect of different solvents has been examined along with calculation of binding constants for better complexation possibilities. Though in general, its complexation proves to be at 1:1 stoichiometry with respect to ligand and metal, the specific metals show its characteristic modes of interaction with the ligand. This has been understood through IR spectroscopic analysis and density functional theory based first principle studies. 1H NMR spectra of SCX6 and its complexes with Th(IV) and Zr(IV) metal ions was established. IR, UV{\textendash}Vis, fluorescence spectroscopic studies provided a systematic understanding about the binding behavior of these two metals including interference possibilities from other metals.

}, keywords = {4-Sulfonatocalix[6]arene, DFT, metal complexation, Th(IV) Zr(IV)}, doi = { 10.1016/j.poly.2017.08.026}, author = {Rathod, N.V.}, editor = {Joshi, K.} } @article {43525, title = {Nucleotide dependent switching in Rho GTPase: conformational heterogeneity and competing molecular interactions}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {7}, year = {2017}, month = {APR}, pages = {Article Number: 45829}, abstract = {Ras superfamily of GTPases regulate myriad cellular processes through a conserved nucleotide (GTP/ GDP) dependent switching mechanism. Unlike Ras family of GTPases, for the Rho GTPases, there is no clear evidence for the existence of "sub-states" such as state 1 \& state 2 in the GTP bound form. To explore the nucleotide dependent conformational space of the Switch I loop and also to look for existence of state 1 like conformations in Rho GTPases, atomistic molecular dynamics and metadynamics simulations on RhoA were performed. These studies demonstrate that both the nucleotide-free state and the GDP bound "OFF" state have very similar conformations, whereas the GTP bound "ON" state has unique conformations with signatures of two intermediate states. The conformational free energy landscape for these systems suggests the presence of multiple intermediate states. Interestingly, the energetic penalty of exposing the non-polar residues in the GTP bound form is counter balanced by the favourable hydrogen bonded interactions between the gamma- phosphate group of GTP with the highly conserved Tyr34 and Thr37 residues. These competing molecular interactions lead to a tuneable energy landscape of the Switch I conformation, which can undergo significant changes based on the local environment including changes upon binding to effectors.}, doi = {10.1038/srep45829}, author = {Kumawat, Amit and Chakrabarty, Suman and Kulkarni, Kiran} } @article {44042, title = {Nutty carbon: morphology replicating hard carbon from walnut shell for na ion battery anode}, journal = {ACS Omega}, volume = {2}, year = {2017}, month = {JUL}, chapter = {3601{\textendash}3609}, abstract = {
Abstract Image

Efficient Na ion intercalation/deintercalation in the semigraphitic lattice of a hard carbon derived from the walnut shell is demonstrated. High-temperature (1000 {\textdegree}C) pyrolysis of walnut shells under an inert atmosphere yields a hard carbon with a low surface area (59 m2\ g{\textendash}1) and a large interplanar\ c\ axis separation of 0.39{\textendash}0.36 nm as compared to 0.32 nm for graphite, suitable for Na ion intercalation/deintercalation. A stable reversible capacity of 257 mAh g{\textendash}1\ is observed at a current density of 50 mA g{\textendash}1\ for such nutshell-derived carbon (NDC) with an impressive rate performance. No loss of electrochemical performance is observed for high current cycling (100 mA g{\textendash}1\ {\textrightarrow} 2 A g{\textendash}1\ {\textrightarrow} 100 mA g{\textendash}1). Additionally, the NDC shows remarkably stable electrochemical performance up to 300 charge{\textendash}discharge cycles at 100 mA g{\textendash}1\ with a minimal drop in capacity.

}, keywords = {Batteries, Biological and Medicinal chemistry, Biological materials, diffraction, Electric Properties, Electrode-electrolyte interface, spectra, Surface structure, Thermal properties}, doi = {10.1021/acsomega.7b00633}, author = {Wahid, M. and Gawli, Y. and Puthusseri, D. and Kumar, A. and Shelke, M. V. and Ogale, S.} } @article {43813, title = {One-step synthesis of a MoS2-CuS composite with high electrochemical activity as an effective counter electrode for CdS/CdSe sensitized solar cells}, journal = {Chemelectrochem}, volume = {4}, year = {2017}, month = {AUG}, pages = {1984-1989}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Inorganic nanostructured composite materials involving metal sulfides are increasingly important in electrochemical applications like solar cells. In this research, we have developed a one-step in situ solvothermal method to synthesize a MoS2-CuS composite. MoS2 sheets increase electron-transfer ability, assisting the improvement in catalytic activity of the MoS2-CuS counter electrode. The charge-transfer resistance derived from impedance spectroscopy for the MoS2-CuS composite counter electrode at the electrode/electrolyte interface is very low, as compared to MoS2, mostly owing to the increased number of active catalytic sites for the reduction of polysulfide electrolyte. The Tafel polarization plot shows excellent electrocatalytic activity of the MoS2-CuS composite towards polysulfide electrolyte. Finally, the CdS/CdSe sensitized solar cell achieves a power conversion efficiency of about 5\% upon optimization of the MoS2-CuS composition.}, doi = {10.1002/celc.201700231}, author = {Kamaja, Chaitanya Krishna and Devarapalli, Rami Reddy and Shelke, Manjusha V.} } @article {43938, title = {Optimization for the production of mycelial biomass from Benjaminiella poitrasii to isolate highly deacetylated chitosan}, journal = {Journal of Polymer Materials}, volume = {34}, year = {2017}, month = {MAR}, pages = {145-156}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Benjaminiella poitrasii, a dimorphic zygomycetous fungus contains more chitosan in the mycelial cell wall than the cell wall of its yeast form. The optimized medium containing yeast extract, peptone, MgSO4, KH2PO4, trace metals (Fe2+, Mn2+ Zn2+ and Co2+ ) solution and 1\% starch produced 10-12 g/L(dry wt.) of mycelial biomass in 48 h in a 2L fermenter. Using 1N NaOH treatment from 1 g of dried biomass 51.00 {\textpm} 0.52 mg of chitosan of 42.82 KDa molecular weight and 94.24 \% degree of deacetylation was extracted. With Metarhizium anisopliae chitin deacetylase (CDA), chitosan yield was 59.00 {\textpm} 0.84 mg while treatment with CDA of B. poitrasii it was 78.05 {\textpm} 0.58 mg/g of dry wt. of biomass. The chitosan dissolved in 2\% acetic acid showed higher antifungal activity against Candida albicans (MIC90 0.025 mg/mL) and Candida glabrata (MIC90 0.2 mg/mL) than chitosan extracted from marine source (MIC90 \>1.6 mg/mL) suggesting use of fungal chitosan in healthcare.

}, author = {Mane, S. R. and Pathan, Ejaj K. and Kale, D. and Ghormade, Vandana and Gadre, Ramchandra V. and Rajamohanan, Pattuparambil Ramanpillai and Badiger, Manohar V. and Deshpande, Mukund V.} } @article {43902, title = {Oral feeding with polyunsaturated fatty acids fosters hematopoiesis and thrombopoiesis in healthy and bone marrow-transplanted mice}, journal = {Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry}, volume = {47}, year = {2017}, month = {sep}, chapter = {94-105}, abstract = {

Hematopoietic stem cells play the vital role of maintaining appropriate levels of cells in blood. Therefore, regulation of their fate is essential for their effective therapeutic use. Here we report the role of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in regulating hematopoiesis which has not been explored well so far. Mice were fed daily for 10 days with n-6/n-3 PUFAs, viz. linoleic acid (LA), arachidonic acid (AA), alpha-linolenic acid and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) in four separate test groups with phosphate-buffered saline fed mice as control set. The bone marrow cells of PUFA-fed mice showed a significantly higher hematopoiesis as assessed using side population, Lin-Sca-1(+)ckit+, colony-forming unit (CFU), long-term culture, CFU-spleen assay and engraftment potential as compared to the control set. Thrombopoiesis was also stimulated in PUFA-fed mice. A combination of DHA and AA was found to be more effective than when either was fed individually. Higher incorporation of PUFAs as well as products of their metabolism was observed in the bone marrow cells of PUFA-fed mice. A stimulation of the Wnt, CXCR4 and Notch1 pathways was observed in PUFA-fed mice. The clinical relevance of this study was evident when bone marrow-transplanted recipient mice, which were fed with PUFAs, showed higher engraftment of donor cells, suggesting that the bone marrow microenvironment may also be stimulated by feeding with PUFAs. These data indicate that oral administration of PUFAs in mice stimulates hematopoiesis and thrombopoiesis and could serve as a valuable supplemental therapy in situations of hematopoietic failure. (C) 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Bone Marrow Transplantation (Bmt), Cord Blood, Down-regulation, Ex-vivo Expansion, Hematopoiesis, Hematopoietic Stem Cells (Hscs), Lipid rafts, Myocardial-infarction, Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, Progenitor Cells, Prostaglandin-e2, Self-renewal, Spleen Colonies, Stem-cell Proliferation, Thrombopoiesis}, doi = {10.1016/j.jnutbio.2017.05.002}, author = {Limbkar, Kedar and Dhenge, Ankita and Jadhav, Dipesh D. and Thulasiram, Hirekodathakallu V. and Kale, Vaijayanti and Limaye, Lalita} } @article {44028, title = {Organocatalytic Enantioselective Vinylogous Michael-Aldol Cascade for the Synthesis of Spirocyclic Compounds}, journal = {Electrochimica Acta}, volume = {246}, year = {2017}, month = {AUG}, pages = { 1023-1028}, type = {Journal Article}, abstract = {Nanoscopic spheres of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) from its poly(styrene sulfonate) stabilised dispersion was converted to nanofibers by acid treatment. The nanofibers showed a conductivity of 1800 S/cm. The specific capacitance of nanofiber based supercapcitors increased by 10 times compared to nanospeheres. The specific capacitance and power density were found to be 288 F/g and 9491 W/kg. }, doi = { 10.1016/j.electacta.2017.06.156}, author = {Jain, B.}, editor = {Krishnamoorthy, K.} } @article {43554, title = {Organocatalyzed efficient one-pot synthesis, biological evaluation, and molecular docking studies of 4,4-(Arylmethylene)bis-(3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-5-ols)}, journal = {Journal of Heterocyclic Chemistry}, volume = {54}, year = {2017}, month = {MAR}, pages = {1109-1120}, abstract = {The synthesis of 4,4-(arylmethylene)bis-(3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-5-ol) derivatives catalyzed by ?-proline is a simple, versatile, and efficient method. In vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities of compounds 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j were studied. Furthermore, to rationalize the observed anti-inflammatory activity data, molecular docking study has been performed against COX-2 enzyme which revealed a good binding affinity for these molecules and could provide an insight into the various bonded and non-bonded interactions guiding their binding affinity.}, doi = {10.1002/jhet.2681}, author = {Mahajan, Pravin S. and Nikam, Mukesh D. and Khedkar, Vijay and Jha, Prakash and Badadhe, Pravin V. and Gill, Charansingh H.} } @article {44159, title = {Orthogonally functionalized donor/acceptor homo- and heterodimeric dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells: an approach to introduce panchromaticity and control the charge recombination}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {9}, year = {2017}, month = {OCT}, pages = {34875-34890}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Organic dyes possessing conjugated pi-framework forms closely packed monolayers on photoanode in dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC), because of the limitation to control the orientation and the extend of intermolecular pi-pi interaction, self-aggregation of dyes leads to reduced cell performance. In this report, a series of homodimeric (D-1-D-1, and D-2,-D-2) and heterodimeric (D-1-D-2 and D-2-D-4) donor/acceptor (D/A) dyes containing spiroBiProDOT pi-spacer were designed and synthesized by utilizing Pd-catalyzed direct arylation reaction and correlates the device performance with monomeric dyes (D-1 and D-2). Both the thiophenes (pi-spacer) of spiroBiProDOT were functionalized with same or different donor groups which led to homodimeric and heterodimeric chromophores in a single sensitizer. The homodimeric spirodye D-1-D-1 showed higher power conversion efficiency (PCE), of 7.6\% with a V-oc and J(sc) of 0.672 V and 16.16 mA/cm(2), respectively. On the other hand, the monomeric D-1 exhibited a PCE of 3.2\% (V-oc of 0.64 V and J(sc) of 7.2 mA/cm(2)); which is lower by 2.4 fold compared to dimeric analogue. The spiro-unit 20 provides flexibility between the incorporated chromophores to orient on TiO2 due to four sp(3)-centers, which arrest the molecular motions after chemisorption. This study shows a new molecular approach to incorporate two chromophores in the dimeric dye possessing complementary absorption characteristics toward panchromatic absorption. The attenuated charge recombination at TiO2/Dye/redox couple interface in case of D-1-D-1, owing to better passivation of TiO2 surface, was elucidated through impedance analysis. The FT-IR spectrum of D,-D, adsorbed on TiO2 film indicated both the carboxylic units were involved in chemisorption which makes strong coupling between dye and TiO2.}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.7b09010}, author = {Sil, Manik Chandra and Sudhakar, Vediappan and Kavungathodi, Munavvar Fairoos Mele and Punitharasu, Vellimalai and Nithyanandhan, Jayaraj} } @article {44116, title = {Overcoming the lack of oral availability of cyclic hexapeptides: design of a selective and orally available ligand for the integrin alpha v beta 3}, journal = {Angewandte Chemie-International Edition}, volume = {56}, year = {2017}, month = {DEC}, pages = {16405-16409}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Ahighly systematic approach for the development of both orally bioavailable and bioactive cyclic N-methylated hexapeptides as high affinity ligands for the integrin alpha v beta 3 is based on two concepts: a) screening of systematically designed libraries with spatial diversity and b) masking of the peptide charge with a lipophilic protecting group. The key steps of the method are 1) initial design of a combinatorial library of Nmethylated analogues of the stem peptide cyclo(d-Ala-Ala(5)); 2) selection of cyclic peptides with the highest intestinal permeability; 3) design of sublibraries with the bioactive RGD sequence in all possible positions; 4) selection of the best ligands for RGD-recognizing integrin subtypes; 5) finetuning of the affinity and selectivity by additional Ala to Xaa substitutions; 6) protection of the charged functional groups according to the prodrug concept to regain intestinal and oral permeability; 7) proof of biological effects in mice after oral administration.}, doi = {10.1002/anie.201709709}, author = {Weinmueller, Michael and Rechenmacher, Florian and Marelli, Udaya Kiran and Reichart, Florian and Kapp, Tobias G. and Raeder, Andreas F. B. and Di Leva, Francesco Saverio and Marinelli, Luciana and Novellino, Ettore and Munoz-Felix, Jose M. and Hodivala-Dilke, Kairbaan and Schumacher, Adi and Fanous, Joseph and Gilon, Chaim and Hoffman, Amnon and Kessler, Horst} } @article {43492, title = {Oxidant mediated one-step complete conversion of multi-walled carbon nanotubes to graphene quantum dots and their bioactivity against mammalian and bacterial cells}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry B}, volume = {5}, year = {2017}, month = {JAN}, pages = {785-796}, abstract = {It is essential for any antibacterial agent (for clinical applications) that it should have high and selective toxicity towards bacterial cells only, and should not affect the human cells at the concentration used. Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have emerged as a potential candidate for biomedical applications. However, a simple, low cost, safe, easy to execute, one-step synthesis of uniform and monodispersed GQDs with selective toxicity towards bacterial cells rather than mammalian cells is difficult to achieve. Herein, we have reported a one-step, low-cost, aqueous-phase, simple approach for the complete conversion of multi-walled carbon nanotubes into water-dispersible GQDs with an average size of similar to 3 nm using sodium bismuthate (NaBiO3) as a strong oxidant. The cyclic voltammetry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results indicated that the as-synthesized GQDs suspension possess almost negligible amounts of metallic impurities. The cytotoxicity studies of GQDs against mammalian NIH 3T3 (mouse embryo fibroblast cells) and HEK 293T (human embryonic kidney cells) cells showed that the as-synthesized GQDs were non-cytotoxic up to the concentration of similar to 200 mu g mL(-1). The antimicrobial study shows that the synthesized GQDs have high and selective toxicity towards bacterial cells with a minimum inhibitory concentration of similar to 256 mu g mL(-1) for E. coli and B. subtilis and similar to 512 mu g mL(-1) for P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. The scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy images show extensive cell damage via the perturbation of bacterial cell walls, which was consistent with the enhancement of reactive oxygen species production by almost two times in the bacterial cells upon incubation with similar to 256 mu g mL(-1) GQDs. Our study suggested that the as-synthesized GQDs can be used as a potential candidate for clinical applications as they possess high toxicity to bacterial cells and low toxicity to mammalian cells.}, doi = {10.1039/c6tb02446g}, author = {Biswas, Anupam and Khandelwal, Puneet and Das, Raja and Salunke, Gayatri and Alam, Aftab and Ghorai, Suvankar and Chattopadhyay, Samit and Poddar, Pankaj} } @article {43360, title = {Oxidative intramolecular 1,2-amino-oxygenation of alkynes under Au I /Au III catalysis: discovery of a pyridinium-oxazole dyad as an ionic fluorophore}, journal = {Angewandte Chemie-International Edition}, volume = {56}, year = {2017}, month = {JAN}, pages = {757 - 761}, doi = {10.1002/ange.201609335}, author = {Shaikh, Aslam C. and Ranade, Dnyanesh Sadanand and Rajamohanan, Pattuparambil R. and Kulkarni, Prasad Padmakar and Patil, Nitin T.} } @article {43482, title = {Oxidative intramolecular 1,2-amino-oxygenation of alkynes under Au-I/Au-III catalysis: discovery of a pyridinium-oxazole dyad as an ionic fluorophore}, journal = {Angewandte Chemie-International Edition}, volume = {56}, year = {2017}, month = {JAN}, pages = {757-761}, abstract = {Oxidative intramolecular 1,2-amino-oxygenation reactions, combining gold(I)/gold(III) catalysis, is reported. The reaction provides efficient access to a structurally unique ionic pyridinium-oxazole dyad with tunable emission wavelengths. The application of these fluorophores as potential biomarkers has been investigated.}, doi = {10.1002/anie.201609335}, author = {Shaikh, Aslam C. and Ranade, Dnyanesh S. and Rajamohanan, Pattuparambil R. and Kulkarni, Prasad P. and Patil, Nitin T.} } @article {43960, title = {Palladium supported ionic liquid phase catalyst (Pd@SILP-PS) for room temperature Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction}, journal = {Molecular Catalysis}, volume = {442}, year = {2017}, month = {DEC}, pages = {126-132}, type = {Journal Article}, abstract = {

A new Pd-SILP based on amino functionalized imidazolium ionic liquid immobilized on Merrifield resin (Pd@SILP-PS) has been synthesized. The catalyst was characterized by different techniques like FT-IR, SEM-EDS, TEM, TGA-DTA and XPS. The catalyst has shown to be highly active in Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction of various aryl halides and aryl boronic acids in ethanol at room temperature. The activity of catalyst and the nature of product were highly dependent on the type of the solvent used, as well as the substituents present on the aryl halides. The protic polar solvent ethanol gave desired cross-coupling product in good to excellent yields at room temperature. However the aprotic polar solvent THF gave homocoupling product. The catalyst showed at least five times recyclability without a decrease in product yield.

}, keywords = {Immobilization, Ionic liquid, Palladium, SILP, Suzuki-Miyaura reaction}, doi = {10.1016/j.mcat.2017.08.023}, author = {More, S. and Jadhav, S and Salunkhe, R. and Kumbhar, A.} } @article {44404, title = {Palladium supported on fluorinated magnesium hydroxide: an efficient catalyst for hydrogenation under ambient conditions}, journal = {Chemistryselect}, volume = {2}, year = {2017}, month = {NOV}, pages = {10618-10627}, abstract = {

In this study palladium supported on fluorinated magnesium hydroxide (Pd-MgF2-x(OH)(x)) was synthesized by fluorination of magnesium hydroxide using aqueous HF as fluorinating agent. The Mg(OH)(2) dissolves in HF and precipitates as magnesium hydroxide fluoride. The Pd precursor was added in the same pot during precipitation of MgF2-x(OH)(x). The final catalyst after drying at 250 degrees C has shown very high efficiency for hydrogenation of styrene and range of nitro aromatics at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Hydrogenation of styrene has led to 37\% conversion with 100\% selectivity for hydrogenation of double bond after 3 h. The catalyst was successfully recycled for styrene hydrogenation without appreciable loss in the activity. Further hydrogenation of nitro-aromatics was achieved with 99\% conversion and 100\% aniline selectivity at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The turnover number of similar to 21774 was obtained for nitrobenzene hydrogenation. The catalyst has shown mesoporous nature (pore volume 0.25 cc/g, pore diameter 4.8 nm) with very high surface area of 106 m(2)/g. The palladium particle size was found to be in the range of 10-11 nm. Acidity measurements by FTIR of adsorbed pyridine revealed presence of Lewis acidic sites with moderate acidity. Mechanistic studies using in-situ FTIR analysis for nitrobenzene hydrogenation revealed activation of nitrobenzene on the Lewis acid sites of the support whereas activation of hydrogen by heterolytic cleavage on Pd center.

}, doi = {10.1002/slct.201702217}, author = {Kokane, Reshma S. and Acham, Vaibhav R. and Kulal, Atul B. and Kemnitz, Erhard and Dongare, Mohan K. and Umbarkar, Shubhangi B.} } @article {43796, title = {Partially bio-based poly(amide imide)s by polycondensation of aromatic diacylhydrazides based on lignin-derived phenolic acids and aromatic dianhydrides: synthesis, characterization, and computational studies}, journal = {Journal of Polymer Science Part A-Polymer Chemistry}, volume = {55}, year = {2017}, month = {NOV}, pages = {3636-3645}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Two new bio-based diacylhydrazide monomers, namely, 4,4-(propane-1,3-diylbis(oxy))bis(3-methoxybenzohydrazide) and 4,4-(propane-1,3-diylbis(oxy))bis(3,5-dimethoxybenzohydrazide) were synthesized starting from lignin-derived phenolic acids, namely, vanillic acid and syringic acid. A series of poly(amide imide)s was synthesized by polycondensation of these diacylhydrazide monomers with commercially available aromatic dianhydrides. Poly(amide imide)s showed inherent viscosity in the range 0.44-0.56 dLg(-1) and exhibited good solubility in organic solvents. Poly(amide imide)s could be cast into transparent, flexible, and tough films from their N,N-dimethylacetamide solutions. Poly(amide imide)s showed 10\% weight loss in the temperature range 340-364 degrees C indicating their good thermal stability. Glass transition temperature (T-g) of poly(amide imides)s were measured by DSC and DMA which were in the range 201-223 degrees C and 214-248 degrees C, respectively. The T-g values of poly(amide imide)s were dependent on the number methoxy substituents on aromatic rings of diacylhydrazide monomers. Molecular dynamics simulation studies revealed that chain rigidity is the dominant factor for observed trends in T-g. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

}, keywords = {Biobased Polymers, Computational studies, Glass-transaction temperature, lignin, Monomers, Plant oils, Polyimide, Reneable resources, Renewable resources, Step-growth polymers, structure-property relations, Sustanaible Polymers, Thermal night, Thermosetting resins, Vanillin}, issn = {0887-624X}, doi = {10.1002/pola.28748}, author = {Kuhire, Sachin S. and Sharma, Pragati and Chakrabarty, Suman and Wadgaonkar, Prakash P.} } @article {44405, title = {Perspective article: flow synthesis of functional materials}, journal = {Journal of Flow Chemistry}, volume = {7}, year = {2017}, month = {SEP}, pages = {96-105}, abstract = {Continuous-flow synthesis of specific functional materials is now seen as a reliable synthesis approach that gives consistent product properties. This perspective article aims to survey recent work in some of the relevant areas and to identify new domains where flow synthesis of functional materials can be better than the conventional synthesis methods. It also emphasizes the need for developing high-throughput integrated synthesis and screening systems for almost all functional materials so that laboratory-scale recipes can be transformed into reliable manufacturing processes. New areas relevant to functional materials which have remained unexplored in flow synthesis are also highlighted.}, doi = {10.1556/1846.2017.00028}, author = {Sebastian, Victor and Khan, Saif A. and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @inbook {45800, title = {Photocatalytic degradation of herbicide by using aeroxide{\textregistered}P-90 TiO2 photocatalyst and photo-fenton process in the presence of artificial and solar radiation}, booktitle = {Novel water treatment and separation methods: simulation of chemical processes}, year = {2017}, pages = {1-18}, publisher = {CRC Press}, organization = {CRC Press}, edition = {1}, chapter = {Photocatalytic degradation of herbicide by using aeroxide{\textregistered}P-90 TiO2 photocatalyst and photo-fenton process in the presence of ar}, address = {New York}, abstract = {The presence of herbicide residues in the aquatic environment is an emerging issue due to their uncontrolled release through water and accumulation in the environment that may affect living organisms, environment, and public health. Consequently, the efforts are being made to develop the viable methods to eliminate the herbicides from the environment. The degradation of herbicide particularly amitrole has been investigated in aqueous solutions by using artificial and solar radiation. The effect of Aeroxide TiO2 P-90 photocatalyst loading (1-4 g L-1) on photocatalytic degradation of amitrole (50 mg L-1) was investigated. The degradation of amitrole (initial concentration ranging from 20 to 100 mg L-1) also studied by using photo-Fenton process (FeSO4 (10-30 mg L-1) and H2O2 (100-300 mg L-1)). The effect of pH (3-11), effect of co-existing salts (ammonium sulfate, sodium chloride, and sodium carbonate) as well as effect of type of radiation (artificial or solar radiation) on the degradation of amitrole was evaluated and optimized. The degradation of amitrole was accompanied by formation of intermediates which were detected by LC-MS. According to the results presented in this study, the photo-Fenton process using solar radiation is an efficient technique for degradation of amitrole.}, isbn = {978-177188578-2}, issn = {978-135184676-9}, doi = {10.1201/9781315225395}, author = {Telang, T., and Deosarkar, M.P. and Shetty, R. and Kamble, S.P.} } @article {44031, title = {Photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceuticals pollutants using N-doped TiO 2 photocatalyst: identification of CFX degradation intermediates}, journal = {Indian Chemical Engineer}, volume = {59}, year = {2017}, month = {FEB}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The N-doped TiO2 photocatalyst was synthesized by the sol{\textendash}gel method and characterized in detail in terms of its morphology, structure and composition. The prepared N-doped TiO2 exhibited polycrystalline structure having particle sizes of around 50{\textendash}120 nm and rod-shaped geometry. The N-doped TiO2 was subsequently used for the photocatalytic degradation (PCD) of pharmaceutical micropollutants, namely ciprofloxacin HCl (CFX), naproxen (NPX) and paracetamol (PARA) and it was found that the rate of degradation of CFX and NPX is higher than that of PARA. To verify the beneficial effect of N-doped TiO2 for PCD of CFX, similar experiments were carried out using commercially available Aeroxide P-25 TiO2. It was observed that N-doped TiO2 was more efficient than Aeroxide{\textregistered} P-25 TiO2. It was also found that the PCD of CFX in the presence of N-doped TiO2 was highly efficient under the solar radiation as compared with artificial radiation. The effect of various operating parameters, such as adsorption of CFX, pH of the aqueous solution, effect of co-existing ions on PCD of CFX, was investigated using artificial radiation and optimum conditions were established. The intermediates formed during the PCD of CFX were identified using liquid chromatography tandem mass chromatography (LC-MS/MS). The presented results demonstrate that N-doped TiO2 photocatalyst shows excellent photocatalytic activity in the visible region for the degradation of pharmaceutical pollutants.}, doi = {10.1080/00194506.2016.1150794}, author = {Shetty, Rohit and Chavan, Vilas B. and Kulkarni, Prashant Shripad and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D. and Kamble, Sanjay P.} } @article {43537, title = {Phytase production by aspergillus niger NCIM 563 for a novel application to degrade organophosphorus pesticides}, journal = {AMB Express}, volume = {7}, year = {2017}, month = {MAR}, pages = {Article Number: 66}, abstract = {The production of phytase using Aspergillus niger NCIM 563 under submerged fermentation conditions was studied using protein rich chickpea flour as substrate. Employing a hybrid statistical media optimization strategy of Plackett-Burman and Box-Behnken experimental designs in shake-flasks gave an increased phytase activity from an initial 66 IU/mL in 216 h to 160 IU/mL in a reduced time of 132 h. Productivity, thus increased by 3.97 times from 7.3 to 29 IU/mL/day. Using the optimized media, the production was successfully scaled-up further and improved up to 164 IU/mL in 96 h by studies carried out employing 2 and 10-L fermenters. The enzyme supernatant was recovered using centrifugal separation of biomass and the stability of the produced phytase was tested for animal feed applications under gastric conditions. In vitro degradation studies of water soluble monocrotophos, methyl parathion and water insoluble chlorpyrifos, pesticides used extensively in agriculture was carried out. It was observed by HPLC analysis that phytase could degrade 72\% of chlorpyrifos at pH 7.0, 35 degrees C. Comparable results were obtained with monocrotophos and methyl parathion. With chlorpyrifos at higher temperature 50 degrees C as much as 91\% degradation could be obtained. The degradation of chlorpyrifos was further validated by spraying phytase on harvested green chilli ( Capsicum annuum L) under normal conditions of pH 7.0, 35 degrees C and the degradation products obtained analyzed by LCMS. Thus, the present study brings out a potentially novel application of phytase for biodegradation of organophosphorus pesticides.}, doi = {10.1186/s13568-017-0370-9}, author = {Shah, Parin C. and Kumar, V. Ravi and Dastager, Syed G. and Khire, Jayant M.} } @article {43922, title = {Pilot-scale pretreatments of sugarcane bagasse with steam explosion and mineral acid, organic acid, and mixed acids: synergies, enzymatic hydrolysis efficiencies, and structure-morphology correlations}, journal = {Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery}, volume = {7}, year = {2017}, month = {SEP}, pages = {179-189}, type = {Article}, abstract = {In lignocellulosic (LC) ethanol processes, to facilitate enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose, a physical chemical pretreatment is vital. In this study, we explored a single as well as a two-step physical-chemical pretreatment involving steam and mixed acid on unwashed sugarcane bagasse at pilot-scale level in a continuous horizontal reactor. To serve as a large-scale model, pretreatments were carried out at high solid levels of 18{\textendash}20 \% w/w. For the pretreatment, partial replacement of corrosive sulfuric acid with a milder acid-like oxalic acid was explored to derive possible advantages and synergies accruing by using a mixture of mineral acid and organic acid. The results of this work showed that first-step pretreatment carried out by the mixing of sulfuric acid (1.5 \% w/w) and oxalic acid (1.5 \% w/w) at 150 {\textdegree}C followed by a second-step steam explosion pretreatment at 180 {\textdegree}C gave significant synergies and advantages over other variants of pretreatments investigated, such as lower inhibitor levels and lower reaction severity. On post-pretreated bagasse, this study conducted comparative enzymatic hydrolysis study using a simple lab enzyme and a robust commercial enzyme. It was found that the addition of Tween 80 to the lab enzyme improved its performance to match the performance of the commercial enzyme. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies were further carried out to correlate the morphology of pretreated samples with efficiency of enzyme hydrolysis. Besides morphological study, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) studies of pretreated samples showed higher syringyl/guaiacyl ratio for all pretreatments, indicating lower levels of pseudo-lignins, which is beneficial for improved enzyme hydrolysis.}, doi = {10.1007/s13399-016-0220-z}, author = {Pal, Siddhartha and Joy, Shereena and Kumbhar, Pramod S. and Trimukhe, Kalpana D. and Gupta, Rishi and Kuhad, Ramesh Chander and Varma, Anjani J. and Shankar, Sasi} } @article {42543, title = {Pinched tube flow reactor: hydrodynamics and suitability for exothermic multiphase reactions}, journal = {AIChE Journal}, volume = {63}, year = {2017}, month = {JAN}, pages = {358{\textendash}365}, abstract = {

A novel tubular flow reactor where a straight tube is modified by pinching it periodically at a fixed pitch and at different angles is presented. Pinched tubes (straight tube as well as helical coils) with different pitch and angles between successive pinching are studied. This work reports a detailed hydrodynamic study involving single and two-phase flow. Mixing experiments showed that having an angle of 90{\textdegree} between successive pinchs achieves the shortest mixing length when compared to lower angles. Pressure recovery along with sequence of high and low shear zones and change of flow direction imposed better mixing. Residence time distribution studies showed that higher number of pinch sections decreases the extent of dispersion, yet it deviates from plug flow. The performance is evaluated by carrying a homogeneous and two-phase aromatic nitration and also liquid-liquid extraction. Pinched tube presents an economical option as a flow reactor for conducting exothermic reactions. {\textcopyright} 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2016

}, keywords = {pinched tube flow reactor; pressure drop; residence time distribution; mass transfer; reactions}, doi = {10.1002/aic.15498}, author = {Sharma, Mrityunjay K. and Potdar, Shital B. and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article {43028, title = {Placental proteomics provides insights into pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia and predicts possible markers in plasma}, journal = {Journal of Proteome Research}, volume = {16}, year = {2017}, month = {FEB}, pages = {1050-1060}, abstract = {

Pre-eclampsia is a hypertensive disorder characterized by the new onset of hypertension \>140/90 mmHg and proteinuria after the 20th week of gestation. The disorder is multi-factorial and originates with abnormal placentation. Comparison of the placental proteome of normotensive (n=25) and pre-eclamptic (n=25) patients by gel-free proteomic techniques, identified a total of 2145 proteins in the placenta of which 180 were differentially expressed (\>1.3 fold, p\<0.05). Gene ontology enrichment analysis of biological process suggested that the differentially expressed proteins belonged to various physiological processes such as angiogenesis, apoptosis, oxidative stress, hypoxia, placental development, which are implicated in the pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia. Some of the differentially expressed proteins were monitored in the plasma by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) analysis, which showed an increase in Apolipoprotein AI and AII in gestational week 26-30th (2-fold, p\<0.01) while haptoglobin and hemopexin decreased in gestational week 26-30th and 40th week/at delivery (1.8 fold, p\<0.01) in pre-eclamptic patients. This study provides a proteomic insight into the pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia. Identified candidate proteins can be evaluated further for the development of potential biomarkers associated with pre-eclampsia pathogenesis.

}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jproteome.6b00955}, author = {Mary, Sheon and Kulkarni, Mahesh J. and Malakar, Dipankar and Joshi, Sadhana Ramchandra and Mehendale, Savita S. and Giri, Ashok P.} } @article {45673, title = {Plant cholesterol biosynthetic pathway overlaps with phytosterol metabolism}, journal = {Nature Plants}, volume = {3}, year = {2017}, month = {JAN}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The amount of cholesterol made by many plants is not negligible. Whereas cholesterogenesis in animals was elucidated decades ago, the plant pathway has remained enigmatic. Among other roles, cholesterol is a key precursor for thousands of bioactive plant metabolites, including the well-known Solanum steroidal glycoalkaloids. Integrating tomato transcript and protein co-expression data revealed candidate genes putatively associated with cholesterol biosynthesis. A combination of functional assays including gene silencing, examination of recombinant enzyme activity and yeast mutant complementation suggests the cholesterol pathway comprises 12 enzymes acting in 10 steps. It appears that half of the cholesterogenesis-specific enzymes evolved through gene duplication and divergence from phytosterol biosynthetic enzymes, whereas others act reciprocally in both cholesterol and phytosterol metabolism. Our findings provide a unique example of nature{\textquoteright}s capacity to exploit existing protein folds and catalytic machineries from primary metabolism to assemble a new, multi-step metabolic pathway. Finally, the engineering of a {\textquoteright}high-cholesterol{\textquoteright} model plant underscores the future value of our gene toolbox to produce high-value steroidal compounds via synthetic biology.}, doi = {10.1038/nplants.2016.205}, author = {Sonawane, P. D. and Pollier, J. and Panda, S. and Szymanski, J. and Massalha, H. and Yona, M. and Unger, T. and Malitsky, S. and Arendt, P. and Pauwels, L. and Almekias-Siegl, E. and Rogachev, I. and Meir, S. and Cardenas, P.D. and Masri, A. and Petrikov, M. and Schaller, H. and Schaffer, A. A. and Kamble, A. and Giri, A. P. and Goossens, A. and Aharoni, A.} } @article {44131, title = { Plasmonic behavior of ionic liquid stabilized gold nanoparticles in molecular solvents}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {41}, year = {2017}, month = {NOV}, pages = {12989-12995}, type = {Article}, abstract = {In this paper, we have demonstrated the facile synthesis of stable gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using imidazolium ionic liquids (ImILs) as a stabilizer as well as a surfactant and their surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in different molecular solvents with varying dielectric properties. The preparation of AuNPs capped with N,N{\textquoteright}-dialkyl ImILs of different chain lengths (denoted as [C-4, C-n-im]Br, n = carbon number of the alkyl chain) has been investigated. With one long alkyl chain (n >= 14), these AuNPs could be stably dispersed in solution over a month. The amphiphilic nature of the imidazolium salt dictates the stability and dispersion of these AuNPs in organic or aqueous solvents. Alkyl chain lengths (n >= 14) and the amount of ImILs have insignificant effect on the size of AuNPs and they possess an average size of 5 nm. These ionic liquid stabilized AuNPs were exploited to examine their optical properties when exposed to various solvent systems by measuring the change in the SPR spectrum. It was seen that the position of the SPR band of AuNPs is greatly influenced by the solvents under consideration. The shift in the SPR absorption band is observed to be in the range of 520 nm to 605 nm for AuNP@[C-4,C-16-im]Br from nonpolar to highly polar solvents. The considerable discovery presented here is that the lambda(SPR) of the SPR shifts to the blue with the increase of carbon atom in the alcohol chain from methanol to 1-decanol. Also for polyethylene glycols (PEGs), the lambda(SPR) shifts to the blue with the increase in molecular weight from PEG 200 to PEG 600. In above both cases, the variation in SPR of AuNPs is observed according to the dielectric properties of the medium in addition to the steric factor of alcohols and PEGs during their interaction with AuNP surfaces.}, doi = {10.1039/c7nj01324h}, author = {Thawarkar, Sachin and Thombare, Balu and Khupse, Nageshwar D.} } @article {43377, title = {Poly(ether urethane)s from aromatic diisocyanates based on lignin-derived phenolic acids}, journal = {Polymer International}, year = {2017}, month = {JAN}, doi = {10.1002/pi.5333}, author = {Kuhire, Sachin and Nagane, Samadhan S. and Wadgaonkar, Prakash} } @article {43903, title = {Polyhydroxyalkanoates as biomaterials}, journal = {MedChemComm}, volume = {8}, year = {2017}, month = {SEP}, chapter = {1774-1787}, abstract = {

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biopolymers synthesized by bacteria under unbalanced growth conditions. These biopolymers are considered as potential biomaterials for future applications because they are biocompatible, biodegradable, and easy to produce and functionalize with strong mechanical strength. Currently, PHAs are being extensively innovated for biomedical applications due to their prerequisite properties. The wide range of biomedical applications includes drug delivery systems, implants, tissue engineering, scaffolds, artificial organ constructs, etc. In this article we review the utility of PHAs in various forms (bulk/nano) for biomedical applications so as to bring about the future vision for PHAs as biomaterials for the advancement of research and technology.

}, keywords = {Biomedical Applications, Cancer-therapy, Drug-delivery Systems, In-vitro, Molecular-weight, Poly(Ester Urethane)S, poly(ethylene glycol), Regenerative Medicine, Tissue Engineering Applications, Vitro Antibiotic Release}, issn = {2040-2503}, doi = {10.1039/c7md00252a}, author = {Bhagyashri, S. and Gadgil, Thorat and Killi, Naresh and Rathna, Gundloori V. N.} } @article {43874, title = {Polymer and graphene layer to increase dye regeneration and suppress back electron transfer in dye sensitized solar cells}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {53}, year = {2017}, month = {JUN}, pages = {6629-6632}, abstract = {Dye regeneration was improved by using an optimum quantity of graphene, which was dispersed in a polymer that suppresses back electron transfer. Using this approach, DSSCs with an efficiency of 10.4\% have been fabricated.}, doi = {10.1039/c7cc03276e}, author = {Sudhakar, Vediappan and Arulkashmir, Arulraj and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam} } @article {45765, title = {Polymorphism, isostructurality and physicochemical properties of glibenclamide salts}, journal = {CrystEngComm}, volume = {19}, year = {2017}, month = {FEB }, pages = {918-929}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Novel salts of glibenclamide (GBA), namely glibenclamide-sodium (GBA-Na), glibenclamide-potassium (GBA-K) and glibenclamide-ammonium (GBA-NH4) were crystallized under different conditions to obtain their polymorphs, and their aqueous solubility and hydration stability studies are reported. The GBA-Na salt is dimorphic (forms I and II)and also exists as hydrate GBA-Na-H2O (form III). The GBA-K salt exists in anhydrous and hydrate forms (GBA-K, forms I and II). Crystal structure analysis of GBA-Na forms I and II showed differences in geometry of the central metal atom and ligand orientation. This kind of polymorphism of sulfonyl urea salts appears to be novel in the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD). The iso-structurality of GBA-Na form I with GBA-NH4 and GBA-K form I salts is discussed. The potassium salts of GBA exhibited higher solubility compared to pure GBA. Specifically GBA-K salt forms I and II showed higher solubility by 77 fold in the water and 33 fold in phosphate buffer (pH 7) compared to the other salts. Dynamic vapor sorption (DVS) showed reversible water sorption without hysteresis for all salts, except for GBA-K form II which transformed to form I after a sorption and desorption cycle as confirmed by PXRD.

}, issn = {1466-8033}, doi = {10.1039/c6ce02295b}, author = {Suresh, Kuthuru and Khandavilli, U. B. Rao and Gunnam, Anilkumar and Nangia, Ashwini} } @article {43721, title = {Porous porphyrin organic polymer (PPOP) for visible light triggered hydrogen production}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {53}, year = {2017}, month = {APR}, pages = {4461-4464}, type = {Article}, chapter = {4461-4464}, abstract = {A visible light active porphyrin-based porous organic polymer having high chemical stability and surface area has been synthesized and its ability to influence the photocatalytic activity of large band gap-TiO2 nanoparticles has been tested. The resultant composite shows improved photocatalytic activity as compared to the parent precursors. This study provides insights into the photosensitizing ability of the polymer in addition to its ability to firmly harbor nanoparticles onto its surface.}, doi = {10.1039/c7cc00879a}, author = {Mukherjee, Gargi and Thote, Jayshri and Aiyappa, Harshitha Barike and Kandambeth, Sharath and Banerjee, Subhrashis and Vanka, Kumar and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article {44129, title = { Porous reduced graphene oxide modified electrodes for the analysis of protein aggregation. part 1: lysozyme aggregation at pH 2 and 7.4}, journal = {Electrochimica Acta}, volume = {254}, year = {2017}, month = {NOV}, pages = {375-383}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Protein instability due to misfolding and aggregation is of big concern for protein based therapeutics because it impacts the bioavailability and immunogenicity of such drugs. The development of simple and cost-effective methods for the analysis of pharmaceutical formulations, indicating the presence or absence of protein aggregates, is consequently of high importance. This work proposes a novel electrochemical interface based on porous reduced graphene oxide coated glassy carbon electrode (GC/prGO) allowing for the early and sensitive identification of protein aggregation by following the change in the oxidative current of the proteins. The novelty of this work lies in the exploration of the ability of GC/prGO interfaces to capture different aggregation behaviors. Lysozyme is used as a model to follow by electrochemistry its aggregation at two pH values, pH 2 and pH 7.4, leading to the formation of amyloid and amorphous aggregates, respectively. Comparing the oxidation peak of lysozyme by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) for different electrode architectures allowed validating the higher sensitivity of the GC/prGO interface versus bare glassy electrodes or electrodes coated with non-porous reduced graphene oxide. Parallel experiments were performed by fluorescence with thioflavin T, size exclusion chromatography and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) imaging. These tests further highlighted the usefulness of GC/prGO electrode to visualize in a fast and reliable manner the changes in the protein structure and the differences between the processes occurring at pH 2 and pH 7.4. In particular, the ability to emphasize changes related to the first steps in aggregation that could be indicative of the aggregation course, recommend the GC/prGO electrode in combination with DPV as a new analytical tool for aggregation studies of biopharmaceuticals. Part 2 of this work will demonstrate later the utility of this approach for the analysis of a fast acting injectable human insulin formulation, Humulin R, used for diabetes treatment as well as for calcitonin. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.}, doi = {10.1016/j.electacta.2017.09.083}, author = {Vasilescu, Alina and Boulahneche, Samia and Chekin, Fereshteh and Gaspar, Szilveszter and Medjram, Mohamed Salah and Diagne, Abdou Aziz and Singh, Santosh K. and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Boukherroub, Rabah and Szunerits, Sabine} } @article {43732, title = {Predesigned metal-anchored building block for in situ generation of Pd nanoparticles in porous covalent organic framework: application in heterogeneous tandem catalysis}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {9}, year = {2017}, month = {APR}, pages = {13785-13792}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The development of nanoparticle-polymer-hybrid-based heterogeneous catalysts with high reactivity and good recyclability is highly desired for their applications in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries: Herein, we have developed a novel synthetic strategy by choosing a predesigned metal-anchored building block for in situ generation of metal (Pd) nanoparticles in the stable, porous, and crystalline covalent organic framework (COF), without using conventional reducing agents. In situ generation of Pd nanoparticles in the COF Skeleton is explicitly confirmed{\textquoteright} from PXRD, XPS, TEM images, and N-15 NMR spectral analysis. This hybrid material is found to be an excellent reusable heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of biologically and pharmaceutically important 2-substituted benzofurans from 2-bromophencils and terminal alkynes via a tandem process with the turnover number up to 1101. The heterogeneity of the catalytic process is unambiguously verified by a mercury poisoning experiment and leaching test. This hybrid material shows superior catalytic performance compared to commercially available homogeneous as well as heterogeneous Pd catalysts.}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.7b02355}, author = {Bhadra, Mohitosh and Sasmal, Himadri Sekhar and Basu, Arghya and Midya, Siba P. and Kandambeth, Sharath and Pachfule, Pradip and Balaraman, Ekambaram and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article {43861, title = {Probing the solute-solvent interactions in the binary mixtures of ionic liquids with water and alcohols by conductance, viscosity and IR spectroscopy}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Liquids}, volume = {238}, year = {2017}, month = {JUL}, pages = {270-280}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The molar conductance and viscosities of the bisulfate ([HSO4](-)) and ethylsulfate ([EtSO4](-))-based imidazolium ionic liquids in various molecular solvents have been measured at 298.15 K as a function of concentration of ionic liquids (1 x 10(-4) to 0.1 mol L-1). It is shown that the anions have considerable effect on the molar conductance and association constant of the [HSO4](-) and [EtSO4](-)-based imidazolium ionic liquids. Higher molar conductance of the [HSO4](-)-based imidazolium ionic liquids in polar protic solvents (water and methanol) is noted as compared to the [EtSO4](-)-based imidazolium ionic liquids, though the [HSO4](-)-based imidazolium ionic liquids possess higher association constant in water than in methanol. The intermolecular interactions in the pure and binary mixture of [HSO4](-) and [EtSO4](-)-based imidazolium ionic liquids have been investigated by IR spectroscopy. The C-2-H stretching vibration frequency of the imidazolium ring reveals the H-bonding between cations and anions of pure ionic liquids and their solutions. The transport properties (limiting molar conductance, transport number, ionic mobility and diffusion coefficient) of cations and anions correlate well with the hydrodynamic radius in their aqueous solutions. The study shows that the energy barrier for charge transfer is minimal as compared to the fluidity of the aqueous solution of the studied ionic liquids obtained from the Arrhenius equation. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.}, doi = {10.1016/j.molliq.2017.05.005}, author = {Jain, Preeti and Kumar, Anil} } @article {43654, title = {Proton conduction in a hydrogen-bonded complex of copper(II)-bipyridine glycoluril nitrate}, journal = {Dalton Transactions}, volume = {46}, year = {2017}, month = {JUN}, pages = {6968-6974}, abstract = {Bipyridine glycoluril (BPG), a urea-fused bipyridine tecton, forms a square-pyramidal secondary building unit with copper(II) which further self-assembles to give a porous hydrogen-bonded complex. This complex displays a high proton conductivity of 4.45 x 10(-3) S cm(-1) at 90 degrees C and 95\% relative humidity (RH). Chains consisting of coordinated water, solvent water and nitrate anions embedded in the complex are responsible for high proton conduction. The proton conduction pathway was corroborated by ab initio electronic structure calculations with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations using the Nudged Elastic Band (NEB) method. The theoretical activation energy estimated to be 0.18 eV is in close agreement with the experimental value of 0.15 eV which evidences a Grotthuss proton hopping mechanism. We thus demonstrate that the hydrogen-bonded complex encapsulating appropriate counter ions, coordinated water and solvent water molecules exhibts superprotonic conductivity.}, doi = {10.1039/c7dt00425g}, author = {Tayade, Sakharam B. and Dhavale, Vishal M. and Kumbhar, Avinash S. and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Loennecke, Peter and Hey-Hawkins, Evamarie and Pujari, Bhalchandra} } @article {45672, title = {Pyrethrin accumulation in elicited hairy root cultures of chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium}, journal = {Plant Growth Regulation}, volume = { 81 }, year = {2017}, month = {APR}, pages = {365-376}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The flowers of Pyrethrum (Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium) are known to contain Pyrethrins that are naturally occurring potential insecticide. Hairy roots were induced from leaves of C. cinerariaefolium using Agrobacterium rhizogenes strain A4. The root clones were characterized in to four groups i.e. thick, unbranched (D2 and D5), thin, highly branched (D3), thick, branched (B2) and thick, highly branched (D1, D6). Six established hairy root clones showed the presence of pyrethrin and were selected for elicitation studies. Growth kinetics studies revealed highest growth index in hairy root clone D1 (592.0) followed by D6 and D3 on dry weight basis after 40 days of culture. The maximum pyrethrin content was found in the clone D3 (7.2 mg/g dw) which is comparable to the flowers obtained from the variety "Avadh". Hairy root clone D2 (5.2 mg/g dw) and D6 (1.3 mg/g dw) contained pyrethrin but in less amount as compared to clone D3. The PCR analysis showed the presence of rol B and rol C genes in all the six hairy root clones while rol A was detected only in D2 clone. The methanolic extract of D3 clone showed antifungal activities against phytopathogenic fungal strains which were found maximum against Curvuleria andropogonis followed by Colletotrichum acutatum and Rhizoctonia solani. Hairy root clones D2, D3 and D6 were elicited with culture filtrate of endophytic fungus (Fusarium oxysporum) and bacteria (Bacillus subtilis). The culture filtrate (4.0 \%v/v) of both the fungal and bacterial origin was found to be effective in enhancing the pyrethrin content in all the tested hairy root clones. Clone D3 showed maximum pyrethrin content on elicitation with F. oxysporum (9.7 mg/g dw) and B. subtilis (9.7 mg/g dw) culture filtrate, which is 32 \% higher than the non elicited D3 hairy roots (7.2 mg/g dw). F. oxysporum also enhanced the hairy root growth resulting into the higher biomass yield of D3 (50 \%) and D2 (76 \%) in comparison to control non elicited hairy root clones of D3 and D2, respectively leading to higher pyrethrin yield.}, doi = {10.1007/s10725-016-0213-8}, author = {Khan, Shamshad A. and Verma, Priyanka and Banerjee, Suchitra and Chaterjee, Arnab and Tandon, Sudeep and Kalra, Alok and Khaliq, Abdul and Rahman, Laiq Ur} } @article {43263, title = {Quinolidene based monocarbonyl curcumin analogues as promising antimycobacterial agents: synthesis and molecular docking study}, journal = {Bioorganic \& medicinal chemistry letters}, volume = {27}, year = {2017}, month = {FEB}, pages = { 922-928}, abstract = {

A series of quinoline incorporated monocarbonyl curcumin analogues was efficiently synthesized using [HDBU][HSO4] as catalyst via Knoevenagel type condensation and evaluated for their in vitro antitubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra (MTB) and Mycobacterium bovis BCG in dormant state. The analogues 3e, 3h, 4a and 4e exhibited very good antitubercular activity. The antiproliferative activity of the analogues against MCF-7, A549 and HCT-116 cell lines was evaluated using modified MTT assay and these compounds were found to be non-cytotoxic. Molecular docking study has been carried out against M. tuberculosis pantothenate synthetase (MTB PS) enzyme in an effort to enhance the understanding of their action as antitubercular agents. The potency, low cytotoxicity and selectivity of these analogues support them as valid leads for further optimization.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.bmcl.2017.01.004}, author = {Subhedar, Dnyaneshwar D. and Shaikh, Mubarak H. and Nawale, Laxman U. and Sarkar, Dhiman and Khedkar, Vijay M. and Shingate, Bapurao B.} } @article {42939, title = {Quinolidene-rhodanine conjugates: facile synthesis and biological evaluation}, journal = {European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry}, volume = {125}, year = {2017}, month = {JAN}, pages = {385{\textendash}399}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A series of rhodanine incorporated quinoline derivatives were efficiently synthesized using reusable DBU acetate as ionic liquid and evaluated for their in vitro antitubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra (MTB) (ATCC 25177) and Mycobacterium bovis BCG (ATCC 35743) both in active and dormant state. Compounds 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h and 3i exhibited very good antitubercular activity. The active compounds were studied for cytotoxicity against HUVEC, THP-1, macrophages, A549, PANC-1 and HeLa cell lines using modified MTT assay and were found to be noncytotoxic. Inactivity of all these compounds against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria indicates their specificity towards the MTB. Further, the synthesized compounds have been screened for their in vitro antifungal activity. In addition, the molecular docking studies revealed the binding modes of these compounds in active site of Zmp1 enzyme, which in turn helped to establish a structural basis of inhibition of mycobacteria. The results of present study clearly indicate the identification of some novel, selective and specific inhibitors against MTB that can be explored further for potential antitubercular drug.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.09.059}, author = {Subhedar, Dnyaneshwar D. and Shaikh, Mubarak H. and Shingate, Bapurao B. and Nawale, Laxman and Sarkar, Dhiman and Khedkar, Vijay M. and Khan, Firoz A. Kalam and Sangshetti, Jaiprakash N.} } @article {43775, title = {Rapid synthesis of highly monodispersed silver nanoparticles from the leaves of Salvadora persica}, journal = {Materials Letters}, volume = {205}, year = {2017}, month = {OCT}, pages = {226-229}, type = {Article}, abstract = {We have demonstrated a one pot green protocol for the synthesis of highly monodispersed silver nanoparticles using leaves of Salvadora persica plant. When the leaf extract of Salvadora persica plant reacted with silver nitrate (AgNO3) solution it resulted in the synthesis of highly monodispersed silver nanoparticles with an average size of 3 nm. These nanoparticles were then completely characterized by UV-Visible spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive Analysis of X-Rays, X-ray diffraction analysis and Fourier Transform Infrared analysis. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.}, doi = {10.1016/j.matlet.2017.06.089}, author = {Khan, Mamatha R. Shadab and Salunkhe, Pooja and Satpute, Shruti and Kendurkar, Shuchishweta and Prabhune, Asmita and Deval, Animesh and Chaudhari, Bhushan P.} } @article {43476, title = {Reactive distillation for the production of methoxy propyl acetate: experiments and simulation}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {56}, year = {2017}, month = {FEB}, pages = {832-843}, abstract = {Propylene glycol methyl ether acetate is an industrially important solvent. In this work, we study the applicability of reactive distillation (RD) for its synthesis in the presence of an ion-exchange resin, Amberlyst 15, as a catalyst. Simultaneous separation of water during the course of reaction shifts the reaction in the forward direction, which renders cost effectiveness and compactness to the process. The presence of an azeotrope between methoxy propanol and water complicates the separation, leading to a loss of reactants in the product streams, thereby hampering both conversion and purity. Toluene is thus used as an entrainer to further intensify the process. In this work, the intrinsic kinetic parameters are determined from batch reactor data, and used subsequently to simulate the column performance. An experimentally validated simulator is used to examine the effect of various operating and design parameters. Reactant and product losses are minimized to negligible levels and a significant increase in the conversion is realized.}, doi = {10.1021/acs.iecr.6b03489}, author = {Gadekar-Shinde, Shambala and Reddy, Bhoja and Khan, Mohammad and Chavan, Sanjay and Saini, Dauiat and Mahajani, Sanjay} } @article {43810, title = {Reactivity of difunctional polar monomers and ethylene copolymerization: a comprehensive account}, journal = {Macromolecules}, volume = {50}, year = {2017}, month = {AUG}, pages = {5748-5758}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A comprehensive picture of insertion of 1,1-disubstituted difunctional olefins, their ability to double the functional group density at the same level of incorporation as that of monofunctional olefin, and copolymerization with ethylene has been demonstrated. Exposure of a palladium complex [{P boolean AND O}PdMe(L)] (P boolean AND O = kappa(2)-P,O-Ar2PC6H4SO2O with Ar = 2-MeOC6H4.; L = C2H6OS) to methyl 2-acetamidoacrylate (MAAA) revealed slight preference for 1,2-insertion over 2,1-insertion (1.0:0.7). In contrast, insertion of electron-deficient 2-(trifluoromethyl)acrylic acid (TFMAA) unveiled selective 2,1-insertion {via [(P boolean AND O)PdC5H6F3O2] (11)1. The unstable intermediate 11 undergoes beta-hydride and beta-fluoride elimination to produce subsequent insertion and elimination products. The identity of elimination products (E/Z)-2-trifluoromethyl)but-2-enoic acid [17(E/Z)] and 2-(difluoromethylene)butanoic acid (13) was fully established by 1-2D NMR spectroscopy. These insertion experiments, taken together with insertion rates, suggest that MAAA and TFMAA. are amenable to insertion. Polymerization of ethylene with MAAA, TFMAA, acetamidoacrylic acid, 2-bromoacrylic acid, dimethyl allylmalonate, and allylmalonic acid was catalyzed by [{P boolean AND O}PdMe(L)] (L = C2H3N) (S.ACN), and the highest incorporation of 11.8\% was observed for dimethyl allylmalonate (DMAM). The changes in the surface properties of the copolymers after incorporation of difunctional olefins were evaluated by measuring the water contact angle. Copolymer with highest (11.8\% of DMAM) incorporation revealed a reduced water contact angle of 76 degrees. These findings demonstrate that 1,1-disubstituted difunctional olefins are amenable to polymerization, and incorporation of difunctional olefins In polyethylene backbone leads to the production of relatively hydrophilic polyethylene copolymers.}, doi = {10.1021/acs.macromol.7b01356}, author = {Gaikwad, Shahaji R. and Deshmukh, Satej S. and Koshti, Vijay S. and Poddar, Suparna and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Rajamohanan, Pattuparambil R. and Chikkali, Samir H.} } @article {44044, title = {Recovery of radio-cesium from actual high level liquid waste using solvents containing calix[4]arene-crown-6 ligands}, journal = {Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering}, volume = {5}, year = {2017}, month = {AUG}, chapter = {4134-4140}, abstract = {

This paper gives two methods, viz. a solvent extraction method and a hollow fiber contactor based liquid membrane method, for the separation of radio-cesium from actual high level liquid waste (HLLW) solutions using calix[4]arene-crown-6 based solvent systems. While the solvent extraction method involved calix[4]arene-bis-benzo-crwon-6 (CBC) in PTMS (phenyltrifluoromethyl sulphone), the hollow fiber supported liquid membrane method used a polysulphone fiber containing contactor and bis-octyl-benzo-calix[4]arene-mono-crown-6 (CMC) in 40\% iso-decanol + 60\% n-dodecane. Both methods reported selective radio-cesium separation with almost no contamination from the associated fission product radionuclides. The radiolytic stability of the hollow fiber contactor was checked by keeping the contactor module in contact with the diluted HLLW for 50 days. The second run carried out after 50 days resulted in excellent reproducibility suggesting efficacy of this method for radioactive waste remediation.

}, keywords = {137Cs, Calix-crown-6, Cesium, fibers, Fission products, Hollow fiber contactor, Liquid membranes, liquids, PUREX-HLLW, Radioactive wastesSolvent extraction, solvent extraction, Solvents}, issn = {2213-3437}, doi = {10.1016/j.jece.2017.07.055}, author = {Jagasia, P. and Dhami, P. S. and Mohapatra, P. K. and Ansari, S. A. and Jadhav, S. Y. and Kalyankar, G. K. and Gandhi, P. M. and Kharul, U. K.} } @article {44174, title = {Resolution of the identity and cholesky representation of EOM-MP2 approximation: implementation, accuracy and efficiency}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Sciences}, volume = {129}, year = {2017}, month = {OCT}, pages = {1611-1626}, type = {Article}, abstract = {We present a Resolution of Identity and Cholesky Decomposition Based Implementation of EOM-MP2 approximation. The RI and CD based EOM-MP2 shows significant speed-up and less storage requirement than the conventional canonical version and can be applied to very large systems. The new algorithm used for this implementation eliminates the most storage requiring four-index quantities resulting in the decrease of storage requirement, reduction in I/O penalties and improved parallel performance, at the expense of more floating point operations. Therefore, the speed-up compared to conventional EOM-MP2 method is more prominent in case of EA, EE and SF case where the storage bottleneck is significant than the EOM-IP-MP2 method, where the storage requirement is significantly less. However, the RI/CD based EOM-IP-MP2 can be coupled with frozen natural orbitals to gain further speed-up.}, keywords = {CC, CD, Cholesky decomposition, EA, EE, electron attachment, electron correlation, EOM, equation-of-motion, excited state, ionization, IP, MP2, Resolution-of-identity, RI, SF, spinflip}, issn = {0974-3626}, doi = {10.1007/s12039-017-1378-z}, author = {Kumar, Dinesh and Dutta, Achintya Kumar and Manohar, Prashant Uday} } @article {43782, title = {Review on cellulose and lignin based binders and electrodes: Small steps towards a sustainable lithium ion battery}, journal = {International Journal of Biological Macromolecules}, volume = {103}, year = {2017}, month = {OCT}, pages = {1032-1043}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Lithium ion batteries (LIB) are the most promising energy storage systems for portable electronics and future electric or hybrid-electric vehicles. However making them safer, cost effective and environment friendly is the key challenge. In this regard, replacing petro-derived materials by introducing renewable biomass derived cellulose derivatives and lignin based materials into the battery system is a promising approach for the development of green materials for LIB. These biomaterials introduce sustainability as well as improved safety in the final disposal of LIB batteries. In this review we introduce LIB materials technology in brief and recent developments in electrodes and binders based on cellulose and their derivatives and lignin for lithium ion batteries. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.05.155}, author = {Nirmale, Trupti C. and Kale, Bharat B. and Varma, Anjani J.} } @article {45670, title = {Revisiting HOPG superlattices: structure and conductance properties}, journal = {Surface Science}, volume = { 658 }, year = {2017}, month = {APR}, pages = {55-60}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Superlattices observed on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) have been studied extensively by scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM). The interest in the study of graphite superlattices has seen a resurgence since the discovery of graphene. Single layer graphene, bilayer graphene, and few layer graphene can now be grown on different substrates. The adherence of graphene to various substrates often leads to a periodic out-of-plane modulation and superlattices due to lattice mismatch. In this paper, we report STM imaging and scanning tunnelling spectroscopy (STS) of different kinds of superlattices on HOPG characterized by a variation in lattice periodicities. Our study also shows evidence of the displacement of the topmost HOPG layer by scanning different areas of the same superlattice. A correlation between the lattice periodicity with its conductance properties is derived. The results of this work are important for understanding the origin of the superlattice structure on HOPG. Investigation of such superlattices may open up possible ways to modify two dimensional electron systems to create materials with tailored electronic properties.}, doi = {10.1016/j.susc.2016.12.002}, author = {Patil, Sumati and Kolekar, Sadhu and Deshpande, Aparna} } @article {45690, title = {Route to benzimidazol-2-ones via decarbonylative ring contraction of quinoxalinediones: application to the synthesis of flibanserin, A drug for treating hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women and marine natural product hunanamycin analogue}, journal = {ACS Omega}, volume = { 2 }, year = {2017}, month = {AUG}, pages = {5137-5141}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A simple and practical method to access a variety of benzimidazol-2-ones is reported here. A series of N-alkylsubstituted benzimidazol-2-ones were synthesized by decarbonylative ring contraction starting from corresponding quinoxalinediones for the first time. The utility of the method has been demonstrated by synthesizing recently approved controversial drug flibanserin (Addyi) and a urea analogue of marine antibiotic natural product hunanamycin-A.

}, doi = {10.1021/acsomega.7b00819}, author = {Shingare, Rahul D. and Kulkarni, Akshay S. and Sutar, Revannath L. and Reddy, D. Srinivasa} } @article {44144, title = {Selective isolation and eradication of E. coli associated with urinary tract infections using anti-fimbrial modified magnetic reduced graphene oxide nanoheaters}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry B}, volume = {5}, year = {2017}, month = {OCT}, pages = { 8133-8142}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The fast and efficient elimination of pathogenic bacteria from water, food or biological samples such as blood remains a challenging task. Magnetic isolation of bacteria from complex media holds particular promise for water disinfection and other biotechnological applications employing bacteria. When it comes to infectious diseases such as urinary tract infections, the selective removal of the pathogenic species in complex media such as human serum is also of importance. This issue can only be accomplished by adding pathogen specific targeting sites onto the magnetic nanostructures. In this work, we investigate the potential of 2-nitrodopamine modified magnetic particles anchored on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposites for rapid capture and efficient elimination of E. coli associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs) from water and serum samples. An optimized magnetic nanocarrier achieves a 99.9\% capture efficiency even at E. coli concentrations of 1 x 10(1) cfu mL(-1) in 30 min. In addition, functionalization of the nanostructures with poly(ethylene glycol) modified pyrene units and anti-fimbrial E. coli antibodies allowed specific elimination of E. coli UTI89 from serum samples. Irradiation of the E. coli loaded nanocomposite with a near-infrared laser results in the total ablation of the captured pathogens. This method can be flexibly modified for any other pathogenic bacteria, depending on the antibodies used, and might be an interesting alternative material for a magnetic-based body fluid purification approach.}, doi = {10.1039/c7tb01890h}, author = {Halouane, Fatima and Jijie, Roxana and Meziane, Dalila and Li, Chengnan and Singh, Santosh K. and Bouckaert, Julie and Jurazek, Jean and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Barras, Alexandre and Li, Musen and Boukherroub, Rabah and Szunerits, Sabine} } @article {43995, title = {Selective molecular separation by interfacially crystallized covalent organic framework thin films}, journal = {Journal of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {139}, year = {2017}, month = {SEP}, pages = {13083-13091}, type = {Journal Article}, abstract = {Exponential interest in the field of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) stems from the direct correlation between their modular design principle and various interesting properties. However, existing synthetic approaches to realize this goal mainly result in insoluble and unprocessable powders, which severely restrict their widespread applicability. Therefore, developing a methodology for easy fabrication of these materials remains an alluring goal and a much desired objective. Herein, we have demonstrated a bottom-up interfacial crystallization strategy to fabricate these microcrystalline powders as large-scale thin films under ambient conditions. This unique design principle exploits liquid-liquid interface as a platform, allowing simultaneous control over crystallization and morphology of the framework structure. The thin films are grown without any support in free-standing form and can be transferred onto any desirable substrate. The porous (with Tp-Bpy showing highest SBET of 1a151 m2 g-1) and crystalline thin films, having high chemical as well as thermal stability, also hold the merit to tune the thickness as low as sub-100 nm. These nanostructured thin COF films demonstrate remarkable solvent-permeance and solute-rejection performance. A prominent instance is the Tp-Bpy thin film, which displays an unprecedented acetonitrile permeance of 339 L m-2 h-1 bar-1.}, doi = { 10.1021/jacs.7b06640}, author = {Dey, K. and Das, A and Mukherjee, R. and Kharul, U. K. and Banerjee, R.}, editor = {Pal, M.} } @article {45656, title = {Selective molecular sieving in self-Standing porous covalent-Organic-framework membranes}, journal = {Advanced Materials}, volume = {2}, year = {2017}, month = {JAN}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Self-standing, flexible, continuous, and crack-free covalent-organic-framework membranes (COMs) are fabricated via a simple, scalable, and highly cost-effective methodology. The COMs show long-term durability, recyclability, and retain their structural integrity in water, organic solvents, and mineral acids. COMs are successfully used in challenging separation applications and recovery of valuable active pharmaceutical ingredients from organic solvents.}, doi = {10.1002/adma.201603945}, author = {Kandambeth, S. and Biswal, B. P. and Chaudhari, H. D. and Rout, K. C. and Kunjattu, H. S. and Mitra, S. and Karak, S. and Das, A. and Mukherjee, R. and Kharul, U. K. and Banerjee, R.} } @article {44128, title = {Self-assembled spheres, flowers, and fibers from the same backbone and similar side chains}, journal = {Langmuir}, volume = {33}, year = {2017}, month = {NOV}, pages = {13401-13406}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Rylene imides (Ms) self-assemble into various nanostructures. Often, the synthesis of unsymmetrical RIs (URIs) is required to achieve nanostructures. However, the synthesis of URIs is nontrivial. Thus, a structurally similar alternative is desirable. iso-Indigo (i-indigo) has a pi core and lactam rings that are structurally similar to the RIs. Unsymmetrical iso-indigo (i-indigo) can be easily synthesized by condensing oxindole and isatin. We have synthesized a series of unsymmetrical i-indigo molecules. In these molecules, the pi-pi interaction, hydrogen bonding, and van der Waals interactions are in operation. Because of these, the molecules self-assemble into spheres, fibers, and dahlia flower morphologies. If the hydrogen bonding interaction is disrupted, then all of them form fibers. Control experiments indicate that the complete absence of hydrogen bonding is deleterious to self-assembly. We also show that the lower analogs of i-indigo are not sufficient to form self-assembled nanostructures.}, doi = {10.1021/acs.langmuir.7b02728}, author = {Singh, Anup Kumar and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam} } @article {44406, title = {Self-assembly of fluorinated sugar amino acid derived alpha,gamma-cyclic peptides into transmembrane anion transport}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {19}, year = {2017}, month = {NOV}, pages = {5948-5951}, abstract = {Syntheses of fluorinated sugar amino acid derived alpha,gamma-cyclic tetra- and hexapeptides are reported. The IR, NMR, ESI-MS, CD, and molecular modeling studies of cyclic tetra- and hexapeptides showed C-2 and C-3 symmetric flat oval- and triangular-ring shaped, beta-strand conformations, respectively, which appear to self assemble into nanotubes. The alpha,gamma-cyclic hexapeptide (EC50 = 2.14 mu M) is found to be a more efficient ion transporter than alpha,gamma-cyclic tetrapeptide (EC50 = 14.75 mu M). The anion selectivity and recognition of alpha,gamma-cyclic hexapeptide with NO3- ion is investigated.}, doi = {10.1021/acs.orglett.7b02942}, author = {Burade, Sachin S. and Saha, Tanmoy and Bhuma, Naresh and Kumbhar, Navanath and Kotmale, Amol and Rajamohanan, Pattuparambil R. and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Talukdar, Pinaki and Dhavale, Dilip D.} } @article {44143, title = { Self-assembly of P-chiral supramolecular phosphines on rhodium and direct evidence for Rh-catalyst-substrate interactions}, journal = {Dalton Transactions}, volume = {46}, year = {2017}, month = {OCT}, pages = {13966-13973}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Supramolecular phosphine-derived catalysts are known to provide high enantioselectivity in asymmetric transformations such as hydrogenation, but direct evidence unravelling the role of secondary interactions is largely missing. As a representative case study, the role of hydrogen bonding in asymmetric hydrogenation catalysed by p-chiral supramolecular phosphines is investigated. To establish the nature of hydrogen bonding in the self-assembled Rh-complex, NMR experiments were performed at different concentrations and temperatures. It was found that with increasing concentration of 1-(3-(phenyl(o-tolyl)phosphanyl) phenyl) urea ligand (L1), the NH and NH2 peaks shift downfield. This indicated the presence of intermolecular hydrogen bonding in L1. This observation was further supported by variable temperature NMR experiments wherein, with decreasing temperature, the NH and NH2 resonances of L1 shifted downfield. The downfield shift once again suggests the existence of intermolecular hydrogen bonding in L1. In contrast, the chemical shift of NH and NH2 signals did not significantly change with increasing concentration of the self-assembled Rh-complex (C1). This observation suggested the existence of intramolecular hydrogen bonding in the self-assembled complex. The concentration experiment was further corroborated by variable temperature NMR experiments. No change in the chemical shift of NH2 resonance could be detected with decreasing temperature, which corroborates the existence of intramolecular hydrogen bonding in C1. In a stoichiometric experiment, C1 was treated with hydrogenation substrate N-acetyldehydrophenylalanine (S2) and the proton NMR was recorded. The NH2 protons of the selfassembled Rh-complex were found to shift downfield, as compared to untreated parent C1. These observations indicated that there is a hydrogen bonding interaction between the Rh-complex and the substrate. To further attest this hypothesis, NH and NH2 groups were exchanged with ND and ND2 groups, respectively, and a self-assembled Rh-complex was prepared using the deuterated supramolecular phosphine ligand L1.D. When the deuterated Rh-complex (C1.D) was treated with substrate S2, the ND and ND2 resonances were found to shift downfield. Thus, the labelling experiment further authenticated the existence of catalyst-substrate interactions. The presence of this catalyst-substrate interaction could be one of the parameters that leads to high enantiomeric excess in the asymmetric hydrogenation reaction of S2.}, doi = {10.1039/c7dt02923c}, author = {Koshti, Vijay S. and Sen, Anirban and Shinde, Dinesh and Chikkali, Samir H.} } @article { ISI:000371453700057, title = {Self-exfoliated guanidinium-based ionic covalent organic nanosheets (iCONs)}, journal = {Journal of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {138}, number = {8}, year = {2017}, month = {MAR}, pages = {2823-2828}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Covalent organic nanosheets (CONs) have emerged as functional two-dimensional materials for versatile applications. Although pi-pi stacking between layers, hydrolytic instability, possible restacking prevents their exfoliation on to few thin layered CONs from crystalline porous polymers. We anticipated rational designing of a structure by intrinsic ionic linker could be the solution to produce self-exfoliated CONs without external stimuli. In an attempt to address this issue, we have synthesized three self-exfoliated guanidinium halide based ionic covalent organic nanosheets (iCONs) with antimicrobial property. Self-exfoliation phenomenon has been supported by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation as well. Intrinsic ionic guanidinium unit plays the pivotal role for both self-exfoliation and antibacterial property against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Using such iCONs, we have devised a Mixed matrix membrane which could be useful for antimicrobial coatings with plausible medical benefits.

}, issn = {0002-7863}, doi = {10.1021/jacs.5b13533}, author = {Mitra, Shouvik and Kandambeth, Sharath and Biswal, Bishnu P. and Khayum, Abdul M. and Choudhury, Chandan Kumar and Mehta, Mihir R. and Kaur, Gagandeep and Banerjee, Subhrashis and Prabhune, Asmita and Verma, Sandeep and Roy, Sudip and Kharul, Ulhas K. and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article {45723, title = {Single cell fabrication towards the realistic evaluation of a CNT-strung ZIF-derived electrocatalyst as a cathode material in alkaline fuel cells and metal-air batteries}, journal = {ChemElectroChem}, volume = {4}, year = {2017}, month = {NOV}, pages = {2928-2933}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The development of an electrocatalyst possessing all the vital requisites of an ideal electrode material, such as high porosity, high conductivity, and high intrinsic electrochemical activity, holds a decisive key in determining the activity of the triplephase boundary in many energy devices like fuel cells and metal-air battery systems. In the present work, highly porous cobalt-based ZIFs are strung along the highly conducive CNT backbone by using a simple one-pot technique at room temperature, which is then utilized to derive a porous, corrosion-resistant, Co nanoparticle-embedded electrocatalyst. Herein, for the first time, the single cell performance of the Co-ZIF-67-derived electrocatalyst has been evaluated by fabricating membrane electrode assemblies of alkaline exchange membrane fuel cell (AEMFC) and zinc-air battery (ZAB) systems. A maximum power density of 296 mW/cm(2) (vs. 317 mW/cm(2) for 40 wt.\% Pt/C) and 60 mW/cm(2) (vs. 64 mW/cm(2) for 40 wt.\% Pt/C) in the single cells of ZAB and AEMFC systems, respectively, establishes the practical proficiency of the homemade electrocatalyst for cathode applications during realistic system-level validations.

}, keywords = {Batteries, Carbon nanotubes, Composite materials, fuel cells, metal-organic frameworks}, issn = {2196-0216}, doi = {10.1002/celc.201700562}, author = {Aiyappa, Harshitha Barike and Bhange, Siddheshwar N. and Sivasankaran, Vijitha P. and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {43863, title = {Size reduction of bulk alumina for mass production of fluorescent nanoalumina by fungus humicola sp.}, journal = {Journal of Cluster Science}, volume = {28}, year = {2017}, month = {JUL}, pages = {1981-1993}, type = {Article}, abstract = {In recent years, nanomaterials have made their way into hundreds of biomedical, life-sciences and technological applications. One such nanomaterial of extreme importance is nanoalumina (Al2O3 nanoparticles). This nanomaterial is an epitome of diversity with applications exhibited in the fields of catalysis, cosmetics, theranostics, energy generation, biosensors, drug-delivery, tumor-regression, etc. However, problems persist in terms of biocompatibility, cost-effectiveness, reproducibility and mass-production of nanoalumina by the presently existent physical, chemical and biological methodologies. Herein, we for the first time are presenting a top-down biofabrication method by which size reduction of commercial bulk alumina/aluminum oxide (5 A mu m) into nanoalumina (5-25 nm) is carried out by a thermophilic fungus Humicola sp. within 96 h of reaction at just 50 A degrees C. The so-formed nanoalumina is highly stable, water dispersible, fluorescent and natural protein capped; characterization engaged standard techniques. These nanoparticles exhibit anti-bacterial properties against Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis strain and may serve as broad spectrum bactericidal agents. We believe that our novel top-down approach may be extensively used in the facile, inexpensive, eco-friendly and reliable fabrication of abundant quantities of nanomaterials of different chemical compositions, sizes and shapes with better control and predictability over the properties as derived from their substrates. The mechanistic aspect of said protocol is underway.}, doi = {10.1007/s10876-017-1195-z}, author = {Moeez, Sana and Siddiqui, Ejaz Ahmad and Khan, Shadab and Ahmad, Absar} } @article {43748, title = {Solvent-free glycerol transesterification with propylene carbonate to glycerol carbonate over a solid base catalyst}, journal = {Energy \& Fuels}, volume = {31}, year = {2017}, month = {APR}, pages = {4361-4371}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Glycerol transesterification using propylene carbonate (PC) to glycerol carbonate.(GC) could be efficiently performed under solvent-free {\textquoteright}conditions {\textquoteright}wing solid base as catalysts involving non-noble metal oxide in combination with hydrotalcites (HTs). Among all of the catalysts studied for transesterification, the best result was obtained over a calcium-doped hyclrotalcite (Ca-FIT) catalyst, giving 84\% conversion of glycerol and almost complete. GC selectivity. The crystal structure of HT was modified by incorporation of Ca and La into FIT, as revealed by X-ray diffraction studies. The temperature-programmed desorption of carbon dioxide study confirmed the presence of the highest basic site density in terms of 1.94 mmol of CO2 desorbed/g of catalyst, responsible for its higher transesterification efficiency of the Ca-HT catalyst. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy study showed peaks at 3036 and 3042 cm(-1) for Ca -HT and lanthanum-doped hydrotalcite (La -HT), respectively, confirming the presence of hydrogen bonding between water and interlayer carbonate anions responsible for abstracting proton from the primary hydroxyl group of glycerol to attack over carbonyl carbon of PC. The presence of intercalated carbonate ions is also confirmed by the Raman study, in both PIT and ca-HT catalysts and even after use of the Ca HT catalyst. The thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis study evidenced the higher thermal stability of the Ca -HT (T-4 = 765 degrees C) catalyst than that of parent HT with a Mg/Al ratio of 3:1 (T4 = 630 degrees C). Various process conditions, such as the temperature, molar ratio of glycerol/PC, and catalyst loading, significantly influenced conversion and selectivity of glycerol: and GC, Tespectively.}, doi = {10.1021/acs.energyfuels.7b00034}, author = {Kondawar, Sharda and Rode, Chandrashekhar} } @article {43927, title = {Solvent-free synthesis of thiobarbituric acids using amberlyst-15 as a green catalyst}, journal = {Current Green Chemistry}, volume = {3}, year = {2017}, month = {OCT}, type = {Article}, doi = {10.2174/2213346104666170704115006}, author = {Dhonde, Madhukar G. and Gajbhiye, Jayant M. and Katiya, Manish M.} } @article {45689, title = {Stability studies of cuticle degrading and mycolytic enzymes of myrothecium verrucaria for control of insect pests and fungal phytopathogens}, journal = {Indian Journal of Biotechnology}, volume = {16 }, year = {2017}, month = {JUN}, pages = {404-412}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Myrothecium verrucaria produced extracellularly hydrolytic enzymes which can hydrolyse the insect cuticle as well as fungal cell wall. The addition of polyols, such as glycerol, sorbitol, xylitol (1 M) during ultra -filtration or freeze- drying of enzyme mixture increased the recovery of the enzymes in a concentrated form. Polyols (5 M) increased the temperature and pH stability of the enzymes, in the presence of glycerol chitinase, beta-1,3-glucanase, lipase and protease retained 50-60\% of initial activities at 40 degrees C after 3 h. While xylitol (5 M) was effective in stabilizing activities at pH 5.0 and 7.5 at 25 degrees C for 7 d. In the freeze-dried powder form, > 90\% at 4 degrees C for 1 year and 80-85\% at 25 degrees C for 2 months enzyme activities were retained. The addition of glycerol (1 M) to the enzyme mixture protected enzyme activities under sunlight (60-65\% activity at RT) for 5 d. Because of glycerol (1 M), the efficacy of M verrucaria enzyme preparation to control Helicoverpa armigera infestation in chick pea was increased to 70 +/- 19\%. While without glycerol the efficacy was 55 +/- 23\%. The germination of peanut seeds infected with Sclerotium rolfsii was observed to be increased (70 +/- 5\%) in a pot irrigated with enzyme mixture.}, author = {Chavan, S. B and Vidhate, R. P. and Kallure, G. S. and Dandawate, N. L. and Khire, J. M. and Deshpande, M. V.} } @inbook {44022, title = {Step-growth polymers from cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL)-based aromatic difunctional monomers}, booktitle = {Cashew Nut Shell Liquid}, year = {2017}, pages = {163-214}, abstract = {

Cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) is an attractive renewable resource material which is available in abundance (44,50,000 tonnes worldwide and 7,53,000 tonnes in India in 2013) at low cost (around 0.27 $/kg in 2015) and is mainly composed of anacardic acid, cardanol, cardol and 2-methyl cardol. Cardanol is obtained as a major product during hot oil extraction or roasting process of CNSL. Cardanol possesses interesting structural features. The aromatic ring of cardanol can undergo electrophilic substitution reactions; the unsaturated side chain can undergo epoxidation, hydrogenation, metathesis, etc., while the phenolic hydroxyl group can undergo various reactions such as esterification and alkylation. Such opportunities of chemical modifications offered by cardanol have been extensively explored to synthesise a range of interesting aromatic difunctional monomers that have subsequently been utilised to prepare a host of step-growth polymers. Summarised herein are research efforts that have contributed towards the synthesis of step-growth polymers based on aromatic difunctional monomers derived from cardanol. The properties of high-performance polymers, with a particular focus on processability and thermal characteristics, are highlighted.

}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-319-47455-7_9}, author = {Chatterjee, Deepshikha and Sadavarte, Nilakshi V. and Shingte, Rahul D. and More, Arvind S. and Tawade, Bhausaheb V. and Kulkarni, Arun D. and Ichake, Amol B. and Avadhani, C. V. and Wadgaonkar, Prakash P.} } @article {43664, title = {Strikingly diverse reactivity of structurally identical silylene and stannylene}, journal = {Dalton Transactions}, volume = {46}, year = {2017}, month = {MAY}, pages = {6528-6532}, abstract = {The reactivity of structurally identical silylene and stannylene [PhC(NtBu)(2)EN(SiMe3)(2)] (E = Si (1) and Sn (2)) towards coinage metals has been explored. While 1 has the propensity to form an adduct with coinage metals (4 and 5), 2 undergoes a ligand exchange reaction with copper halides and silver triflate leading to PhC(NtBu) 2SnX (X = Br (6), Cl (7), and OSO2CF3 (8)) with concomitant formation of [M{N(SiMe3) (2)}] (M = Cu, Ag). However, with AgSbF6 both 1 and 2 led to ion pairs, 9(+) .SbF(6)(-)and 10(+) . SbF(6)(-)displaying weaker Ag center dot center dot center dot center dot F interactions in the latter.}, doi = {10.1039/c7dt01055a}, author = {Parvin, Nasrina and Dasgupta, Rajarshi and Pal, Shiv and Sen, Sakya S. and Khan, Shabana} } @article {43996, title = {Structural insights into the hydrogen-bonding and folding pattern in ant-ant-pro-gly tetrapeptides}, journal = {European Journal of Organic Chemistry}, year = {2017}, month = {MAY}, pages = {2944{\textendash}2949}, type = {Article}, abstract = {In this paper, we provide structural insights into the hydrogen-bonding and folding pattern in Ant-Ant-Pro-Gly tetrapeptides (Ant: anthranilic acid; Pro: proline; and Gly: glycine). Comparison of the C-terminal esters and their amide analogs revealed strikingly different H-bonding networks. Whereas the ester analogs displayed an open structure without terminal H-bonding interactions, the amide analogs showed a completely folded structure. Structural details were revealed by using a combination of X-ray crystal structure studies and NOE-based molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies.}, doi = {10.1002/ejoc.201700181}, author = {Baravkar, Sachin B. and Kotmale, Amol S. and Mobin, Samir R. and Gonnade, Rajesh Ghanshyam and Sanjayan, Gangadhar J.} } @article {43858, title = {Structural phases, magnetic properties and Maxwell-Wagner type relaxation of CoFe2O4/Sr2Co2Fe12O22 ferrite composites}, journal = {Materials Research Express}, volume = {4}, year = {2017}, month = {JUL}, pages = {Article Number: 076105}, type = {Article}, abstract = {CoFe2O4 (S:Y-1:0) and Sr2Co2Fe12O22 (S:Y-0:1) ferrites were synthesized separately by using chemical coprecipitation technique and calcined at 1000 degrees C for 5 h. The mixed ferrite composites (S:Y-3:7, 4:6, 5:5, 6:4 and 7:3) were prepared by physical mixing of individual ferrite powders in required weight proportions. The prepared composites were heated at 1150 degrees C for 5 h in a muffle furnace and then slowly cooled to room temperature. The prepared ferrites were characterized using various instrumental techniques like FTIR, XRD, SEM, VSM and dielectric measurements. The x-ray diffraction studies of pure Sr2Co2Fe12O22 ferrite sample show the presence of M and Y-type hexagonal phases, while the composites consist of spinel and Y-type phases. FTIR spectra of all samples show two bands of Fe-O stretching vibrations. VSM results of composites reveal that the values of the saturation magnetization (M-s) vary from 50.44 emu g(-1) to 31.21 emu g(-1), while remanent magnetization values found from 11.18 emu g(-1) to 3.70 emu g(-1). A higher value of coercivity (H-c = 562 emu g(-1)) is observed in the composite S:Y-3:7 but Mr/Ms ratio of pure and composites is found to be less than 0.5. The dielectric behavior is explained using Maxwell-Wegner type interfacial polarization and N. Rezlescu{\textquoteright}s model.}, doi = {10.1088/2053-1591/aa7699}, author = {Patel, Chirag K. and Solanki, Neha P. and Singh, Charanjeet and Jotania, Rajshree B. and Chauhan, Chetna C. and Kulkarni, Shailja D. and Shirsath, Sagar E.} } @article {43500, title = {Sulfamic acid-catalyzed, environmentally benign synthesis of bis-tetronic acids at ambient temperature}, journal = {Research on Chemical Intermediates}, volume = {43}, year = {2017}, month = {JAN}, pages = {141-152}, abstract = {An enviro-economic protocol has been described for the synthesis of bis-tetronic acids by pseudo-three-component condensation between aldehydes/isatins and tetronic acid using sulfamic acid as a solid acid catalyst. Easy commercial availability of the catalyst at extremely low cost, excellent yields and avoidance of conventional purification procedures are the main merits of this energy efficient protocol.}, doi = {10.1007/s11164-016-2611-y}, author = {Pandit, Kapil S. and Desai, Uday V. and Wadgaonkar, Prakash P. and Kodam, Kisan M.} } @article {45753, title = {Surface disordered rutile TiO2-graphene quantum dot hybrids: a new multifunctional material with superior photocatalytic and biofilm eradication properties}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {41}, year = {2017}, month = {APR}, pages = {2642-2657}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The controlled introduction of defects in semiconductors has contributed to the development of electronic devices and technologies. Recently, chemical control over defects, formation of new hybrid materials and multifunctional nanostructures have been sought in energy, health, and environment related technologies. Surface-disordered anatase-TiO2 has received wide attention due to its exceptional photocatalytic performance. Herein, we demonstrate, for the first time, a one-step aqueous-phase synthesis of a surface-disordered rutile TiO2-graphene quantum dot (TG) hybrid material. The TG-hybrid is a rutile-TiO2 matrix in which homogeneous in situ insertion of GQDs occurs during the growth of the TiO2 particles. The TG-hybrid material showed superior photocatalytic performance with similar to 98\% solar light driven photo-degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye within 6 min and similar to 86\% of rhodamine-B (RhB) within 4 min which is much better than the photocatalytic performance shown by the rutile-TiO2 (similar to 30\% and similar to 20\%, respectively) and GQDs (similar to 15\% and similar to 8\%, respectively), themselves. Moreover, the TG-hybrid also showed enhanced toxicity to Gram-positive (S. aureus) as well as Gram-negative (E. coli, P. aeruginosa) bacterial cells. The growth-curves of E. coli cells, after incubating them with increasing concentrations of the TG-hybrid, showed that the TG-hybrid could effectively inhibit the growth of E. coli cells at a concentration of 60 mu g mL(-1). The effect of UV-light exposure on the bacterial-biofilm disruption by the TG-hybrid material was also investigated. It was observed that in the presence of UV-light, the biofilm disruption done by the TG-hybrid was larger in comparison to the TiO2 and GQDs alone, under the same conditions. The increase in the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the presence of sunlight for the TG-hybrid may be the reason behind its superior antibacterial and biofilm eradication properties. We believe that the TG-hybrid material will have applications in energy, health and environment related technologies.}, doi = { 10.1039/c6nj03607d}, author = {Biswas, A. and Salunke, G. and Khandelwal, P. and Das, R. and Poddar, P.} } @article {42980, title = {Synthesis and antitubercular activity of new thiazolidinones with pyrazinyl and thiazolyl scaffolds}, journal = {Journal of Heterocyclic Chemistry}, volume = {54}, year = {2017}, month = {JAN}, pages = {125-130}, abstract = {

Emergence of multidrug resistant and extensively drug resistant tuberculosis has prompted to develop new molecular entities to treat the disease. A series of new 4-thiazolidinones with pyrazinyl and thiazolyl scaffolds has been synthesized, and their antitubercular activity is reported. The title 4-thiazolidinones, N-(pyrazinyl substituted thiazoloylamino)-2-aryl-4-thiazolidinones () have been first time prepared using pyrazinamide as a starting material via five successive steps. The purity and the structures of the intermediates (carboethoxythiazole, acid hydrazide, and azomethines) and title thiazolidinones () have been confirmed by TLC and spectral analyses, respectively. An antitubercular screening of the new 4-thiazolidinones has been performed on bacterial strains, Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra and Mycobacterium BCG using the solutions of different concentrations of the compounds () and the screening results are presented. Compound has displayed notable antitubercular activity.

}, doi = {10.1002/jhet.2552}, author = {Dhumal, Sambhaji T. and Deshmukh, Amarsinh R. and Khillare, Lalit D. and Arkile, Manisha A. and Sarkar, Dhiman and Mane, Ramrao A.} } @article {42938, title = {Synthesis and biological evaluation of new fluconazole β-lactam conjugates linked via 1,2,3-triazole}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {41}, year = {2017}, month = {FEB}, pages = {470-479}, abstract = {

Novel 1,2,3-triazole-linked β-lactam{\textendash}fluconazole conjugates 12(a{\textendash}l) were designed and synthesized. The compounds showed potent antifungal activity against two pathogenic Candida strains; Candida albicans ATCC 24433 and Candida albicans ATCC 10231 with MIC values in the range of 0.0625{\textendash}2 μg mL-1. Compounds 12h, 12j and 12k showed promising antifungal activity against all the tested fungal pathogens except C. neoformans ATCC 34554 compared to fluconazole. Compound 12j in which the β-lactam ring was formed using para-anisidine and benzaldehyde was found to be more potent than fluconazole against all the fungal strains with an IC50 value of \<0.015 μg mL-1 for Candida albicans (ATCC 24433). Mechanistic studies for active compounds revealed that the antifungal action was due to ergosterol inhibition. Compounds 12h and 12j at a concentration of 0.125 μg mL-1 caused 91.5 and 96.8\% ergosterol depletion, respectively, compared to fluconazole which at the same concentration caused 49\% ergosterol depletion. The molecular docking study revealed that all the fluconazole β-lactam conjugates 12(a{\textendash}l) could snugly fit into the active site of lanosterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51) with varying degrees of affinities. As anticipated, the binding energy for compound 12j (-58.961 kcal mol-1) was much smaller than that for fluconazole (-52.92 kcal mol-1). The synthesized compounds have therapeutic potential for the control of candidemia.

}, doi = {10.1039/C6NJ03117J}, author = {Divse, Jaisingh M. and Mhaske, Santosh B. and Charolkar, Chaitanya R. and Sant, Duhita G. and Tupe, Santosh G. and Deshpande, Mukund V. and Khedkar, Vijay M. and Nawale, Laxman U. and Sarkar, Dhiman and Pore, Vandana S.} } @article {43261, title = {Synthesis and cell imaging applications of fluorescent mono/di/tri-heterocycl- yl-2,6-dicyanoanilines}, journal = {Bioorganic \& Medicinal Chemistry Letters}, volume = {27}, year = {2017}, month = {DEC}, pages = {979-988}, abstract = {

Synthesis of 3,4,5-triheterocyclyl-2,6-dicyanoanilines, starting from heterocyclic aldehydes and 1,2-diheterocycle-substituted ethanones, is described. 2,6-Dicyanoanilines with one or two heterocyclic substituents have also been synthesized. It was found that some of these molecules have selective cell-staining properties useful for cell imaging applications. The compounds 1g, 10f and 11 were found to stain cytoplasm of the cells in contact but not the nucleus while the compound 12 showed affinity to apoptotic cells resulting in blue fluorescence. The cell imaging results with compound 12 were similar to Annexin V-FITC, a known reagent containing recombinant Annexin V conjugated to green-fluorescent FITC dye, used for detection of apoptotic cells. These compounds were found to be non-cytotoxic and have potential application as cell imaging agents.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.12.074}, author = {Pisal, Mahesh M. and Annadate, Ritesh A. and Athalye, Meghana C. and Kumar, Dipak and Chavan, Subhash P. and Sarkar, Dhiman and Borate, Hanumant B.} } @article {43864, title = {Synthesis and tunable thermoresponsive solution morphologies of 2,2-bis-methylolpropionic acid dendron-azobenzene-poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) copolymers}, journal = {Polymer International}, volume = {66}, year = {2017}, month = {JUL}, pages = {1084-1093}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Amphiphilic temperature- and photoresponsive linear-dendritic block copolymers comprising second-generation acetonide-2,2-bis-methylolpropionic acid-based polyester dendron and linear poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAM) linked by an azobenzene unit were synthesized using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) followed by click chemistry. Linear PNIPAM precursor was prepared from an azide-functionalized azobenzene containing ATRP initiator. Two polymers obtained by varying the chain length of the PNIPAM block showed different morphologies and lower critical solution temperature (LCST) values in aqueous solution. Complete change in morphology of the two polymers into large spherical aggregates and nanotubes, respectively, was observed upon heating the micellar solution above LCST. The azobenzene unit was found to undergo trans-cis photoisomerization in the assemblies and caused a change in the microenvironment of an encapsulated hydrophobic dye without any release. Acetonide groups on the dendron were deprotected to afford hydroxylated polymer that showed well-defined morphologies above the LCST and after heating-cooling cycle while significant dye encapsulation was seen only above the LCST. (c) 2017 Society of Chemical Industry}, doi = {10.1002/pi.5363}, author = {Kalva, Nagendra and Ambade, Ashootosh V.} } @article {44041, title = {Synthesis, antimycobacterial screening and molecular docking studies of 4-aryl-4'-methyl-2'-aryl-2,5'-bisthiazole derivatives}, journal = {Medicinal Chemistry Research}, year = {2017}, month = {JUL}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A series of 4-aryl-4'-methyl-2'-aryl-2,5'-bisthia- zole derivatives (5a{\textendash}o) were synthesized and screened for inhibitory activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra (ATCC 25177) and Mycobacterium bovis BCG (ATCC 35743) strains. Five lead compounds (5e, 5f, 5g, 5h, and 5o) were further confirmed from their dose dependent effect against MTB and Bovine{\textendash}Calmette{\textendash}Guerin. The most promising compounds 5f (MIC90: 11.32 μg/mL), 5h (MIC90: 11.59 μg/mL), and 5o (MIC90: 23.64 μg/mL) showed strong antitubercular activity against dormant MTB and BCG as well as almost insignificant cytotoxicity up to 100μg/mL against HeLa, A549, and PANC-1 human cancer cell lines. Further, the synthesized compounds were found to have potential antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bac- teria, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas flurescence and Gram- positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis. Most of the synthesized compounds showed moderateactivity against fungal strain Candida albicans. Molecular docking studies of these compounds showed significant interactions with crystal structure of the cytochrome P45014α-sterol demethylase (CYP51) PDB ID: 1E9X. Hydrogen bond interactions with SER261 and VAL395 are important interactions for selective inhibition of designed inhibitors. Compounds 5f, 5h, and 5o showed significant interactions with 1E9X. All the experimental results promote us to consider this series as a starting point for the devel- opment of novel, selective and more potent antitubercular agents in the future.}, doi = {10.1007/s00044-017-1988-5}, author = {Abhale, Yogita K. and Shinde, Abhijit D. and Deshmukh, Keshav K. and Nawale, Laxman U. and Sarkar, Dhiman and Choudhari, Prafulla B. and Kumbhar, Santosh S. and Mhaske, Pravin C.} } @article {44091, title = {Synthesis, biological evaluation, and molecular docking studies of novel 3-aryl-5-(alkyl-thio)-1H-1,2,4-triazoles derivatives targeting Mycobacterium tuberculosis}, journal = {Chemical Biology \& Drug Design}, volume = {90}, year = {2017}, month = {DEC}, pages = {1206-1214}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A small library of new 3-aryl-5-(alkyl-thio)-1H-1,2,4-triazoles was synthesized and screened for the antimycobacterial potency against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra strain and Mycobacterium bovis BCG both in active and dormant stage. Among the synthesized library, 25 compounds exhibited promising anti-TB activity in the range of IC(50)0.03-5.88g/ml for dormant stage and 20 compounds in the range of 0.03-6.96g/ml for active stage. Their lower toxicity (>100g/ml) and higher selectivity (SI=>10) against all cancer cell lines screened make them interesting compounds with potential antimycobacterial effects. Furthermore, to rationalize the observed biological activity data and to establish a structural basis for inhibition of M.tuberculosis, the molecular docking study was carried out against a potential target MTB CYP121 which revealed a significant correlation between the binding score and biological activity for these compounds. Cytotoxicity and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies suggested that 1,2,4-triazole analogues have an acceptable safety index, in vivo stability and bio-availability.}, doi = {10.1111/cbdd.13040}, author = {Rode, Navnath D. and Sonawane, Amol D. and Nawale, Laxman and Khedkar, Vijay M. and Joshi, Ramesh A. and Likhite, Anjali P. and Sarkar, Dhiman and Joshi, Rohini R.} } @article {43924, title = {Synthesis of copper nanoparticles in presence of surfactants and evaluation of heat transfer performance of copper nanofluid}, journal = {Journal of Nanofluids}, volume = {6}, year = {2017}, month = {APR}, pages = {334-342}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Copper nanoparticles were synthesized by reduction of copper nitrate hexahydrate using glucose as a green reducing agent. Effect of various synthesis parameters such as the amount of reducing agent, type of surfactant, the concentration of surfactant on particle size and morphology has been studied. Particles thus synthesized were characterized using analytical tools like X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). XRD results show copper peaks at 2 angles 43.34, 50.48 and 74.19{\textdegree} corresponding to the planes (111), (200) and (220) respectively and possessing FCC (Face Centred Cubic) crystal lattice and polydispersed particles with crystallite size ranging from 43 to 103 nm. Further Cu nanoparticles were dispersed in water to prepare nanofluid and heat transfer properties such as heat transfer coefficient, viscosity and density were evaluated. Nanofluid models proposed elsewhere were also used for theoretical property evaluations. Nearly 100\% increase in heat transfer coefficient was observed at 1\% (by volume) particle concentration of copper nanoparticles in water.

}, keywords = {Chemical Reduction, Copper nanoparticles, green synthesis, Nanofluids, surfactant}, issn = {2169-432X}, doi = {doi.org/10.1166/jon.2017.1316}, author = {Kapadnis, Chetan V. and Gundeli, Kartik P. and Saini, Daulat R. and Bhatkhande, Dhananjay S.} } @article {42943, title = {Synthesis of novel triazole-incorporated isatin derivatives as antifungal, antitubercular, and antioxidant agents and molecular docking study}, journal = {Journal of Heterocyclic Chemistry}, volume = {54}, year = {2017}, month = {JAN}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A library of 1,2,3-triazoles efficiently prepared via click chemistry and evaluated for their antifungal, antitubercular, antioxidant, cytotoxicity, molecular docking and ADME prediction.

}, doi = {10.1002/jhet.2598}, author = {Shaikh, Mubarak H. and Subhedar, Dnyaneshwar D. and Khan, Firoz A. Kalam and Sangshetti, Jaiprakash N. and Nawale, Laxman and Arkile, Manisha A. and Sarkar, Dhiman and Shingate, Bapurao B.} } @article {43730, title = {Synthesis of o-methyl trifluoromethyl sulfide substituted benzophenones via 1,2-difunctionalization of aryne by insertion into the C-C bond}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {19}, year = {2017}, month = {APR}, pages = {2134-2137}, type = {Article}, abstract = {An efficient process for the preparation of valuable o-methyl trifluoromethyi sulfide substituted benzopheriones has been developed. The transition-metal-free method features insertion of aryne into a C-C sigma-bond under mild reaction conditions for the first time to achieve ortho-difunctionalized arenes containing a pharmaceutically important trifluoromethylthio functional group. A wide substrate, scope has been demonstrated for the developed protocol.}, doi = {10.1021/acs.orglett.7b00768}, author = {Ahire, Milind M. and Khan, Ruhima and Mhaske, Santosh B.} } @article {44019, title = {Synthesis of water soluble CdS nanoparticles and study of their DNA damage activity}, journal = {Arabian Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {10}, year = {2017}, month = {MAY}, pages = {3929-S3935}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

This study reports a novel method for preparation of water soluble CdS nanoparticles using leaf extract of a plant, Asparagus racemosus. The extract of the leaf tissue which worked as a stabilizing and capping agent, assisted the formation of nanoparticles. Nanoparticles were characterized using a UV{\textendash}vis spectrophotometer, Photoluminescence, TEM, EDAX, XRD and FT-IR. Transmission electron microscopy followed by selected area electron diffraction pattern analysis indicated the formation of spherical, polydispersed, crystalline, CdS of diameter ranging from 2 to 8 nm. X-ray diffraction studies showed the formation of 1 1 1, 2 2 0 and 3 1 1 planes of face-centered cubic (fcc) CdS. EDAX analysis confirmed the presence of Cd and S in nanosphere. The cytotoxicity test using MTT assay as well as DNA damage analysis using comet assay revealed that synthesized nano CdS quantum dots (QDs) caused less DNA damage and cell death of lymphocytes than pure CdS nanoparticles.

}, issn = {1878-5352}, doi = {10.1016/j.arabjc.2014.05.033}, author = {Prasad, K. S. and Amin, T. and Katuva, S. and Kumari, Madhu and Selvaraj, Kaliaperumal} } @article {44125, title = {Synthesis route to pyrrolones from -cyano ,-unsaturated ketones and -isocyano esters by oxidative dearomatization of 2-aminofuran intermediates}, journal = {European Journal of Organic Chemistry}, year = {2017}, month = {NOV}, pages = {6427-6433}, type = {Article}, abstract = {An efficient method for the catalyst/promoter-free synthesis of tetrasubstituted furan derivatives proceeding through the [4+1] cycloaddition of isocyanoacetates with electron-deficient olefins was developed. The products were obtained in good to excellent yields without any column chromatography. Oxidative dearomatization of these furans was achieved only in the presence of oxygen, which led to pyrrolones in high yields.}, doi = {10.1002/ejoc.201701194}, author = {Mahida, Anil K. and Kale, Someshwar B. and Das, Utpal} } @article {45705, title = {Synthesis, structure and DNA interaction studies of bisphosphoramides: theoretical and experimental insights}, journal = {Inorganica Chimica Acta}, volume = {461}, year = {2017}, month = {MAY }, pages = {84-91}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

New bisphosphoramides (having phenyl (EDAPOPh(2)) and ethoxy (EDADEP) substituents attached to phosphoryl groups bridged with ethylenediamine spacer) are synthesized and structurally characterized by spectroscopic techniques as well as elemental analysis. The molecular structure of EDAPOPh(2) was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction technique. The interaction of these bisphosphoramides with calf thymus DNA (ct-DNA) is investigated using UV-Visible absorption and fluorescence spectral data as well as the DFT calculations. These studies reveal that EDAPOPh(2) and EDADEP interact with DNA in a partial intercalation mode. The intrinsic binding constants K-b of two different bisphosphoramides with ct-DNA were determined by fluorescence spectroscopy as 2.08 x 10(4) and 3.86 x 10(4) M-1 respectively. The results indicated that the two compounds bind to ct-DNA with different binding affinities, i.e. EDAPOPh(2) \> EDADEP. The binding mechanism of these bisphosphoramides to ct-DNA is also discussed. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Bisphosphoramides, crystal structure, DNA interaction, Molecular docking}, issn = {0020-1693}, doi = {10.1016/j.ica.2017.02.017}, author = {Goud, E. Veerashekhar and Sivaramakrishna, Akella and Vijayakrishna, Kari and Rao, C. V. S. Brahmmananda and Khedkar, Vijay M. and Jha, Prakash C.} } @article {45746, title = {Tandem synthesis of glycidol via transesterification of glycerol with DMC over Ba-mixed metal oxide catalysts}, journal = {ACS Sustainable Chemistry \& Engineering}, volume = {5}, year = {2017}, month = {FEB}, pages = {1763-1774}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Glycerol carbonate (GC) and glycidol (GD) are commercial products possible from glycerol transformation, which has become a subject of great importance. Among several basic catalysts screened in this work, BaO showed the highest glycerol conversion of 71\% with almost complete selectivity to GC. A tandem synthesis of GD with a selectivity as high as 80\% with 98\% glycerol conversion could be achieved with mixed oxides of Ba and lanthanides (La and Ce) prepared by the coprecipitation method. Although BaO alone showed the highest basicity as measured by CO2 TPD, tuning of basicity by incorporation of CeO2 resulted in the formation of GD. Incorporation of Ba into the ceria matrix induced oxygen vacancies in the cerium oxide material. The presence of u"/v" doublets at 888.7 and 903.2 eV, respectively, in XPS of the Ba-Ce sample also confirmed the oxygen vacancies in the lattice. In this tandem approach to GD, the subsequent decarboxylation of initially formed GC was due to the presence of a CeO2 lattice with defects, which is known to be the best for CO2 adsorption. Increase in both catalyst loading and temperature showed a dramatic enhancement in GD selectivity. A plausible reaction pathway for the transesterification of glycerol with DMC to give GC followed by its decarboxylation to GD is also proposed based on the structural characterization and activity studies.}, doi = {10.1021/acssuschemeng.6b02520}, author = {Kondawar, S. E. and Patil, C. R. and Rode, C. V.} } @article {43533, title = {Targeted drug delivery in covalent organic nanosheets (CONs) via sequential postsynthetic modification}, journal = {Journal of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {139}, year = {2017}, month = {MAR}, pages = {4513-4520}, abstract = {Covalent organic nanosheets (CONs) have emerged as a new class of functional two-dimensional (2D) porous organic polymeric materials with a high accessible surface, diverse functionality, and chemical stability. They could become versatile candidates for targeted drug delivery. Despite their many advantages, there are limitations to their use for target specific drug delivery. We anticipated that these drawbacks could be overturned by judicious postsynthetic modification steps to use CONs for targeted drug delivery. The postsynthetic modification would not only produce the desired functionality, it would also help to exfoliate to CONs as well. In order to meet this requirement, we have developed a facile, salt-mediated synthesis of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) in the presence of p-toluenesulfonic acid (PTSA). The COFs were subjected to sequential postsynthetic modifications to yield functionalized targeted CONs for targeted delivery of 5-fluorouracil to breast cancer cells. This postsynthetic modification resulted in simultaneous chemical delamination and functionalization to targeted CONs. Targeted CONs showed sustained release of the drug to the cancer cells through receptor mediated endocytosis, which led to cancer cell death via apoptosis. Considering the easy and facile COF synthesis, functionality based postsynthetic modifications, and chemical delamination to CONs for potential advantageous targeted drug delivery, this process can have a significant impact in biomedical applications.}, doi = {10.1021/jacs.7b00925}, author = {Mitra, Shouvik and Sasmal, Himadri Sekhar and Kundu, Tanay and Kandambeth, Sharath and Math, Kavya and Diaz Diaz, David and Banerjee, Rahul} } @inbook {43985, title = {Targeted quantification of the glycated peptides of human serum albumin}, booktitle = {Methods in Molecular Biology }, year = {2017}, pages = {403-416}, chapter = {Serum/Plasma Proteomics}, abstract = {

Glycated human serum albumin (HSA) serves as an important marker for monitoring the glycemic status. Developing methods for unambiguous identification and quantification of glycated peptides of HSA using high-throughput technologies such as mass spectrometry has a great clinical significance. The following protocol describes the construction of reference spectral libraries for Amadori-modified lysine (AML), N(ε)-(carboxymethyl) lysine (CML)-, and N(ε)-(carboxyethyl)lysine (CEL)-modified peptides of synthetically modified HSA using high-resolution mass spectrometers. The protocol also describes work flows, for unambiguous identification and quantification of glycated modified peptides of HSA in clinical plasma using standard spectral libraries by various mass spectrometry approaches such as parallel reaction monitoring (PRM), sequential window acquisition of all theoretical fragment ion spectra (SWATH), and MSE.

}, doi = {10.1007/978-1-4939-7057-5_28}, author = {Garikapati, Vannuruswamy and Korwar, Arvind M. and Jagadeeshaprasad, Mashanipalya G. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @article {44039, title = {Tf2NH-catalyzed 1,6-conjugate addition of vinyl azides with p-quinone methides: a mild and efficient method for the synthesis of β-bis-arylamides}, journal = {Synthesis}, year = {2017}, month = {JAN}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Tf2NH-catalyzed tandem 1,6-conjugate addition/Schmidt type rearrangement using vinyl azides and p-quinone methides to access a variety of β-bis-arylated amides is reported. The method is quick, efficient, mild, and high yielding with broad substrate scope.}, doi = {10.1055/s-0036-1588546}, author = {Rathod, Jayant and Sharma, Brijesh M. and Mali, Pramod S. and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article {43645, title = {Thermally conductive thin films derived from defect free graphene-natural rubber latex nanocomposite: preparation and properties}, journal = {Carbon}, volume = {119}, year = {2017}, month = {AUG}, pages = {527-534}, abstract = {Commercially useful rubber products viz. gloves, condoms, tyres, and rubber hoses used in high temperature environments, etc., require efficient thermal conductivity, which increases the lifetime of these products. Graphene can fetch this property, if it is effectively incorporated into the rubber matrix. The great challenge in preparing graphene-rubber nanocomposites is formulating a scalable method to produce defect free graphene and its homogeneous dispersion into polymer matrices through an aqueous medium. Here, we used a simple method to produce defect free few layer (2-5) graphene, which can be easily dispersed into natural rubber (NR) latex without adversely affecting its colloidal stability. The resulting new composite showed large increase in thermal conductivity (480-980\%) along with 40\% increase in tensile properties and 60\% improvement in electrical conductivity. This study provides a novel and generalized approach for the preparation of graphene based thermally conductive rubber nanocomposites. (C) 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.}, doi = {10.1016/j.carbon.2017.04.068}, author = {George, Gejo and Sisupal, Suja Bhargavan and Tomy, Teenu and Pottammal, Bincy Akkoli and Kumaran, Alaganandam and Suvekbala, Vemparthan and Gopimohan, Rajmohan and Sivaram, Swaminathan and Ragupathy, Lakshminarayanan} } @article {45711, title = {Thermodynamic and molecular origin of interfacial rate enhancements and endo-selectivities of a Diels-Alder reaction}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics}, volume = {19}, year = {2017}, month = {FEB }, pages = {4297-4306}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Organic reactions in general display large rate accelerations when performed under interfacial conditions, such as on water or at ionic liquid interfaces. However, a clear picture of the physicochemical factors responsible for this large rate enhancements is not available. To gain an understanding of the thermodynamic and molecular origin of these large rate enhancements, we performed a Diels-Alder reaction between cyclopentadiene and methyl acrylate at ionic liquid/n-hexane interfaces. This study describes, for the first time, a methodology for the calculation of the activation parameters of an interfacial reaction. It has been seen that the energy of activation for an interfacial reaction is much smaller than that of the corresponding homogeneous reaction, resulting into the large rate acceleration for the interfacial reaction. Furthermore, the study describes the effects of the alkyl chain length of ionic liquid cations, the extent of heterogeneity, and the polarity of ionic liquids on the rate constants and stereoselectivity of the reaction.

}, issn = {1463-9076}, doi = {10.1039/c6cp07405g}, author = {Beniwal, Vijay and Kumar, Anil} } @article {43986, title = {Thermodynamics of high polymer solutions}, journal = {Resonance}, volume = {22}, year = {2017}, month = {APR}, pages = {415-426}, type = {Article}, issn = {0971-8044}, doi = {10.1007/s12045-017-0481-2}, author = {Kumaraswamy, G.} } @article {43991, title = {Three in one: prototropy-free highly stable AADD-type self-complementary quadruple hydrogen-bonded molecular duplexes with built-in fluorophore}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {53}, year = {2017}, month = {FEB}, type = {Article}, abstract = {This communication reports an effective approach for addressing the prototropy-related problems in heterocycle-based AADD-type self-assembling systems by freezing their hydrogen-bonding codes, by utilizing intramolecular bifurcated hydrogen bonding interactions. Using this strategy, we have also developed a hydroquinone-conjugated AADD-type self-assembling system adorned with three valuable features such as prototropy-free dimerization yielding single duplexes, high duplex stability and a built-in fluorophore, which would augment its application potential. The rational approach used herein to arrest prototropic shift may also find application elsewhere, wherein proton shift-mediated structural changes become a detrimental factor.}, doi = {10.1039/C6CC09478C}, author = {Kheria, Sanjeev and Rayavarapu, Suresh and Kotmale, Amol S. and Sanjayan, Gangadhar J.} } @article {44151, title = {Total synthesis of (+/-)/(+)-subincanadine E and determination of absolute configuration}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {82}, year = {2017}, month = {OCT}, pages = {11126-11133}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A facile synthesis of (+/-)-subincanadine E was described from tryptamine-based maleimide. 1,2-Addition of Grignard reagent to maleimide, internal activation of formed lactamol for in situ 1,4-addition of Grignard reagent, and associated position-specific allylic rearrangement in diastereoselective Pictet-Spengler cyclization were the key steps. Enantioselective first total synthesis of naturally occurring cytotoxic (+)-subincanadine E was also accomplished from (S)-acetoxysuccinimide via an unusual syn-addition of cuprate to the alpha/beta-unsaturated lactam. Sinister absolute configuration was assigned to (+)-subincanadine E on the basis of total synthesis. (S)-Acetoxy group in the succinimide precursor was initially employed to impart regio- and stereoselectivity and then as a suitable leaving group to generate the desired conjugated lactam.}, doi = {10.1021/acs.job.7b02122}, author = {Kalshetti, Manojkumar G. and N. P. Argade} } @article {43799, title = {Transcriptional transitions in alphonso mango (Mangifera indica L.) during fruit development and ripening explain its distinct aroma and shelf life characteristics}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {7}, year = {2017}, month = {AUG}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Alphonso is known as the "King of mangos" due to its unique flavor, attractive color, low fiber pulp and long shelf life. We analyzed the transcriptome of Alphonso mango through Illumina sequencing from seven stages of fruit development and ripening as well as flower. Total transcriptome data from these stages ranged between 65 and 143 Mb. Importantly, 20,755 unique transcripts were annotated and 4,611 were assigned enzyme commission numbers, which encoded 142 biological pathways. These included ethylene and flavor related secondary metabolite biosynthesis pathways, as well as those involved in metabolism of starch, sucrose, amino acids and fatty acids. Differential regulation ( p-value <= 0.05) of thousands of transcripts was evident in various stages of fruit development and ripening. Novel transcripts for biosynthesis of mono-terpenes, sesqui-terpenes, di-terpenes, lactones and furanones involved in flavor formation were identified. Large number of transcripts encoding cell wall modifying enzymes was found to be steady in their expression, while few were differentially regulated through these stages. Novel 79 transcripts of inhibitors of cell wall modifying enzymes were simultaneously detected throughout Alphonso fruit development and ripening, suggesting controlled activity of these enzymes involved in fruit softening.}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-017-08499-5}, author = {Deshpande, Ashish B. and Anamika, Krishanpal and Jha, Vineet and Chidley, Hemangi G. and Oak, Pranjali S. and Kadoo, Narendra Y. and Pujari, Keshav H. and Giri, Ashok P. and Gupta, Vidya S.} } @article {43485, title = {Transition metal catalysis-a unique road map in the stereoselective synthesis of 1,3-polyols}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {15}, year = {2017}, month = {JAN}, pages = {733-761}, abstract = {The present review summarizes recent diverse reactions employed in the formation of 1,3-polyols providing an overview of the mechanistic pathway and the enantioselectivity obtained, in terms of the properties of transition metals directly involved in the catalytic transformations and their interaction with various ligands.}, doi = {10.1039/c6ob01925k}, author = {Kumar, Pradeep and Tripathi, Divya and Sharma, Brijesh M. and Dwivedi, Namrata} } @article {43490, title = {Triazine-based highly stable AADD-type self-complementary quadruple hydrogen-bonded systems devoid of prototropy}, journal = {Chemistry-A European Journal}, volume = {23}, year = {2017}, month = {JAN}, pages = {783-787}, abstract = {

A new class of 1,3,5-triazine-based quadruple hydrogen-bonded system featuring AADD-type self-complementary arrays has been developed and characterized. This system forms highly stable molecular duplex in non-polar solvent (K-dim \> 1.9 x 10(7) M-1 in CDCl3) without prototropy-related issues, raising its prospects for application in supramolecular polymer science.

}, doi = {10.1002/chem.201605208}, author = {Kheria, Sanjeev and Rayavarapu, Suresh and Kotmale, Amol S. and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Sanjayan, Gangadhar J.} } @article {43055, title = {Tri-tert-butanolamine as an organic promoter in nucleophilic fluorination}, journal = {ChemistrySelect}, volume = {2}, year = {2017}, month = {JAN}, pages = {118-122}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Tri-tert-butanol amine acts as promoter with alkali metal salts in the nucleophilic fluorination of alkylsulfonates. It significantly enhances the reactivity of alkali metal salts with minimum formation of side-products (alkene, ether, and alcohol) com-pared to other catalysts in fluorination reaction. The synergism of tert-alcohol and amine moiety plays a pivotal role in fluorination.

}, doi = {10.1002/slct.201601735}, author = {Shinde, Sandip S. and Khonde, Nilesh and Kumar, P.} } @article {43536, title = {Tubulointerstitial nephritis antigen-like 1 protein is downregulated in the placenta of pre-eclamptic women}, journal = {Clinical Proteomics}, volume = {14}, year = {2017}, month = {MAR}, pages = {Article Number: 8}, abstract = {Background: Tubulointerstitial nephritis antigen-like 1 protein (TINAGL1), is a matricellular protein, known to play role in cell adhesion and cell receptor interaction. Research related to TINAGL1 is limited to cell culture and animal models. Demonstration of TINAGL1 as a positive regulator of angiogenesis and its expression in the decidua of postimplantation mouse uterus, prompted us to validate its expression in human placenta during impaired angiogenesis in pre-eclamptic condition. Methods: Placental tissue from normotensive (n = 25) and pre-eclamptic (n = 25) pregnancies were used to study the differentially expressed proteins by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and TINAGL1 protein was validated with Western blotting. Results: A total of 55 protein spots were differentially expressed (fold change > 1.5, p < 0.05), of which 27 were upregulated and 28 were downregulated in the pre-eclamptic placenta. TINAGL1 was found to be downregulated in pre-eclamptic compared to normotensive pregnant women. Conclusion: This is the first study reporting TINAGL1 to be present in human placenta and differentially expressed in pre-eclamptic condition. The functional role of TINAGL1 in association to human pregnancy needs to be explored further.}, doi = {10.1186/s12014-017-9144-2}, author = {Mary, Sheon and Kulkarni, Mahesh J. and Mehendale, Savita S. and Joshi, Sadhana R. and Giri, Ashok P.} } @article {43736, title = {Two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy reveals cosolvent-composition-dependent crossover in intermolecular hydrogen bond dynamics}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters}, volume = {8}, year = {2017}, month = {APR}, pages = {1604-1609}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Cosolvents have versatile composition-dependent applications in chemistry and biology. The simultaneous presence of hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), an industrially important amphiphilic cosolvent, when combined with the unique properties of water, plays key roles in the diverse fields of pharmacology, cryoprotection, and cell biology. Moreover, molecules dissolved in aqueous DMSO exhibit an anomalous concentration-dependent nonmonotonic behavior in stability and activity near a critical DMSO mole fraction of 0.15. An experimental identification of the origin of this anomaly can lead to newer chemical and biological applications. We report a direct spectroscopic observation of the anomalous behavior using ultrafast twodimensional infrared spectroscopy experiments. Our results demonstrate the cosolventconcentration-dependent nonmonotonicity arises from nonidentical mechanisms in ultrafast hydrogen-bond-exchange dynamics of water above and below the critical cosolvent concentration. Comparison of experimental and theoretical results provides a molecular-level mechanistic understanding: a distinct difference in the stabilization of the solute through dynamic solute solvent interactions is the key to the anomalous behavior.}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpclett.7b00270}, author = {Kashid, Somnath M. and Jin, Geun Young and Chakrabarty, Suman and Kim, Yung Sam and Bagchi, Sayan} } @article {43793, title = {Ultrahigh ionic conduction in water-stable close-packed metal-carbonate frameworks}, journal = {Inorganic Chemistry}, volume = {56}, year = {2017}, month = {AUG}, pages = {9710-9715}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Utilization of the robust metal-carbonate backbone in a series of water-stable, anionic frameworks has been harnessed for the function of highly efficient solid-state ion conduction. The compact organization of hydrophilic guest ions facilitates water-assisted ion-conduction in all the compounds. The dense packing of the compounds imparts high ion-conducting ability and minimizes the possibility of fuel crossover, making this approach promising for design and development of compounds as potential components of energy devices. This work presents the first report of evaluating ion-conduction in a purely metal-carbonate framework, which exhibits high ion-conductivity on the order of 10(-2) S cm(-1) along with very low activation energy, which is comparable to highly conducting well-known crystalline coordination polymers or commercialized organic polymers like Nafion.}, doi = {10.1021/acs.inorgchem.7b01217}, author = {Manna, Biplab and Desai, Aamod V. and Illathvalappil, Rajith and Gupta, Kriti and Sen, Arunabha and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Ghosh, Sujit K.} } @article {43786, title = {Ultraviolet photosensor based on few layered reduced graphene oxide nanosheets}, journal = {Applied Surface Science}, volume = {418}, year = {2017}, month = {OCT}, pages = {374-379 }, type = {Article}, abstract = {Reduced graphene oxide (RGO), a two-dimensional (2D) system, has attracted much interest in photonic applications owing to its ability to absorb light over a broad wavelength. This leads to several studies on RGO-based photosensors. In this paper, chemical oxidation of graphite was carried out at room temperature for the preparation of large area reduced graphene oxide using a modified Hummer{\textquoteright}s method. The as-prepared reduced graphene oxide was characterized by XRD, Raman spectroscopy, FESEM, and TEM to confirm the absence of impurities and to ascertain their morphology. In addition, the as-prepared reduced graphene oxide for its possible application as UV photosensor is reported. The electric and optoelectronic properties of RGO based UV photosensor shows a fast response and recovery time of 1 s and 3 s; high photoresponsitivity (3.74AW(-1)) and quantum efficiency (1274\%) indicating that the graphene oxide is an important material for high performance photosensor. This work demonstrates the ultrafast photoresponse with high photoresponsivity, proving its potential as a promising material for optoelectronic devices. 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.}, doi = {10.1016/j.apsusc.2016.12.150}, author = {Shelke, Nitin T. and Karche, B. R.} } @article {44410, title = {Understanding Ziegler{\textendash}Natta catalysis through your laptop}, journal = {Resonance}, year = {2017}, month = {NOV}, abstract = {This article focuses on the different components that make up Ziegler{\textendash}Natta olefin polymerization systems and shows how investigating the interactions between these components through computational approaches provide crucial information about the chemistry of these systems. Hence, the necessity of theory acting as a counterpoint to experiment is revealed, underlining the importance of computational chemistry in attacking important problems of the day.}, author = {Raj, K. Vipin and Kumar, Vanka} } @article {45733, title = {Unified approach to fused and spirocyclic oxindoles through lewis-acid-promoted opening of spiroepoxyoxindoles with allylsilanes: application to the formal synthesis of (+/-)-physovenine}, journal = {European Journal of Organic Chemistry}, year = {2017}, month = {MAY }, pages = {2603-2609}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A protocol for the construction of oxindoles containing all-carbon quaternary centres in a highly regioselective manner has been developed. The reaction involves opening of spiroepoxyoxindoles with allylsilanes to give Hosomi-Sakurai-type products as well as new silicon-containing spirocyclic oxindoles. A formal synthesis of (+/-)-physovenine was accomplished in five steps using this protocol.

}, keywords = {alkaloids, Allylation, annulation, Lewis acids, spiro compounds}, issn = {1434-193X}, doi = {10.1002/ejoc.201700259}, author = {Sharma, Brijesh M. and Yadav, Mahesh and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Kumar, Pradeep} } @conference {45758, title = {Unraveling structure sensitivity in phenol hydrogenaton on Pd nanostructures}, booktitle = {253rd National Meeting of the American-Chemical-Society (ACS) on Advanced Materials, Technologies, Systems, and Processes}, year = {2017}, month = {APR }, publisher = {Amer Chemical Soc, 1155 16TH ST, NW, Washington, DC 20036 USA}, organization = {Amer Chemical Soc, 1155 16TH ST, NW, Washington, DC 20036 USA}, address = {San Francisco, CA}, author = {Haider, M. Ali and Seshadri, Sreedhala and Gupta, Shelaka and Khan, Tuhin and Prabhakaran, Vinod} } @article {44001, title = {Valorization of pomegranate peels: a biorefinery approach}, journal = {Waste and Biomass Valorization}, volume = {8}, year = {2017}, month = {JUN}, chapter = {1127-1137}, abstract = {

Recent studies have shown that pomegranate peels (PP) is a valuable source of valuable bioactive compounds, most of which can be converted into value-added products. We herein review this conversion process and provide an outline on the chemical composition of PP and the possible value-added products that can be produced from this commonly discarded agro-waste. We have also discussed its use as a substrate to produce medicinal compounds and bioactive phenolic compounds (e.g., phenolic acids, flavonoids, vitamin C, fertilizers, dietary fibers, and tannins) as well as its use in nanomaterial synthesis. Based on available evidence, it is obvious that PP has a wide variety of applications, and thus, developing an efficient system to utilize PP adequately will help to completely utilize its potential benefits. The biorefinery approach shows promising potential for efficient utilization of PP; however, additional studies should be conducted in this area. {\textcopyright} 2016, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.

}, issn = {1877-2641}, doi = {10.1007/s12649-016-9668-0}, author = {Pathak, P. D. and Mandavgane, S. A. and Kulkarni, B. D.} } @article {44006, title = {Valorization of potato peel: a biorefinery approach}, journal = {Critical Reviews in Biotechnology}, year = {2017}, month = {JUN}, chapter = {1-13}, abstract = {

Potato is the fourth main crop consumed worldwide and is an important constituent in the human diet. Consequently, potato is widely used in food-processing industries. However, these industries generate massive amounts of potato peel (PP) as a by-product, which is usually considered a waste, and is discarded. Interestingly, recent research suggests that PP is a valuable source of bioactive compounds, which can be converted into value-added products. In this study, we review the physicochemical composition and valorization of PP. In addition to being used as a dietary fiber or medicine, the value-added products obtained by the fermentation of PP have multiple uses, including their use as adsorbents, biocomposites and packaging materials. These products can also be used in energy production, biopolymer film development, corrosion inhibition and the synthesis of cellulose nanocrystals. The biorefinery approach for PP will increase the value of this waste by producing an array of value-added products and reducing extensive waste generation.

}, keywords = {Bioactive compounds, Biorefinery, Potato peel, Valorization, Value-added products}, doi = {10.1080/07388551.2017.1331337}, author = {Pathak, P. D. and Mandavgane, S. A. and Puranik, N. M. and Jambhulkar, S. J and Kulkarni, B. D.} } @conference {45757, title = {VIMAL: A chemoinformatics toolkit for design of novel antiviral agents through textmining of scientific literature}, booktitle = {253rd National Meeting of the American-Chemical-Society (ACS) on Advanced Materials, Technologies, Systems, and Processes}, year = {2017}, month = {APR }, publisher = {Amer Chemical Soc, 1155 16TH ST, NW, Washington, DC 20036 USA}, organization = {Amer Chemical Soc, 1155 16TH ST, NW, Washington, DC 20036 USA}, address = {San Francisco, CA}, author = {Karthikeyan, Muthukumarasamy and Pahujani, Rakhi and Vyas, Renu} } @article {45688, title = {Visible-light active catechol-metal oxide carbonaceous polymeric material for enhanced photocatalytic activity}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry A}, volume = {5}, year = {2017}, month = {JAN}, pages = {384-396}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

esigning new materials for sustainable energy and environmental applications is one of the prime focuses in chemical science. Here, an unprecedented visible-light active catechol-TiO2 carbonaceous polymer based organic-inorganic hybrid material was synthesized by a photosynthetic route. The visible light induced (\> 400 nm) photosynthetic polymerization of catechol led to the formation of carbonaceous polymeric deposits on the surface of TiO2. The band gap energy of hybrids was shifted to the visible region by orbital hybridization between 3d(Ti) of TiO2 and 2p(O), pi(C) of catechol. The Tauc plot clearly revealed that 1.0 wt\% catechol-TiO2 carbonaceous polymer remarkably tailored the optical band gap of TiO2 from 3.1 eV to 1.9 eV. The synthesized hybrid materials were thoroughly characterized and their photocatalytic activity was evaluated towards toxic Cr(VI) to relatively less toxic Cr(III) reduction under visible light irradiation (\> 400 nm), and solar light-driven H-2 production through water splitting. Very interestingly, the hybrid material showed 5- and 10-fold enhanced activity for photocatalytic Cr(VI) reduction and solar light-driven H-2 production respectively compared with pure TiO2. Moreover, the hybrid materials showed enhanced stability during photocatalysis. Thus, the simple photosynthetic strategy for developing light harvesting organic-inorganic hybrid materials can open up potential applications in energy and environmental remediation.

}, doi = {10.1039/c6ta07685h}, author = {Karthik, P. and Vinoth, R. and Selvam, P. and Balaraman, E. and Navaneethan, M. and Hayakawa, Y. and Neppolian, B.} } @article {44408, title = {ZnO{\textendash}ZnS heterojunctions: a potential candidate for optoelectronics applications and mineralization of endocrine disruptors in direct sunlight}, journal = {ACS Omega}, volume = {2}, year = {2017}, month = {OCT}, pages = {6768{\textendash}6781}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Simple solution combustion synthesis was adopted to synthesize ZnO{\textendash}ZnS (ZSx) nanocomposites using zinc nitrate as an oxidant and a mixture of urea and thiourea as a fuel. A large thiourea/urea ratio leads to more ZnS in ZSx with heterojunctions between ZnS and ZnO and throughout the bulk; tunable ZnS crystallite size and textural properties are an added advantage. The amount of ZnS in ZSx can be varied by simply changing the thiourea content. Although ZnO and ZnS are wide band gap semiconductors, ZSx exhibits visible light absorption, at least up to 525 nm. This demonstrates an effective reduction of the optical band gap and substantial changes in its electronic structure. Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and secondary-ion mass spectrometry results show features due to ZnO and ZnS and confirm the composite nature with heterojunctions. The above mentioned observations demonstrate the multifunctional nature of ZSx. Bare ZSx exhibits a promising sunlight-driven photocatalytic activity for complete mineralization of endocrine disruptors such as 2,4-dichlorophenol and endosulphan. ZSx also exhibits photocurrent generation at no applied bias. Dye-sensitized solar cell performance evaluation with ZSx shows up to 4\% efficiency and 48\% incident photon conversion efficiency. Heterojunctions observed between ZnO and ZnS nanocrystallites in high-resolution transmission electron microscopy suggest the reason for effective separation of electron{\textendash}hole pairs and their utilization.

}, doi = {10.1021/acsomega.7b01172}, author = {Perumal Devaraji and Maitri Mapa and Hasna M. Abdul Hakkeem and Vediappan Sudhakar and Kothandam Krishnamoorthy and Chinnakonda S. Gopinath} } @article {45522, title = {1H, 13C and 15N NMR assignments of two plant protease inhibitors (IRD7 and IRD12) from the plant capsicum annuum.}, journal = {Biomolecular NMR Assignments}, volume = {13}, year = {2018}, month = {APR}, pages = {31-35}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Helicoverpa species are polyphagous pests, with the larval stages causing major damage to economically valuable crops such as cotton, tomato, corn, sorghum, peas, sunflower, wheat and other pulses. Over the years, Helicoverpa armigera has developed resistance to most classes of chemical insecticides, and consequently it is now largely controlled on cotton plants via the use of Bt transgenic crops that express insecticidal Cry toxins which in-turn expedited resistance development in a number of pest species including H. armigera. In a hope to provide other eco-friendly alternatives solutions to counter the effect of the pest, people have identified a number of protease inhibitors (PIs) from the domesticated capsicum species Capsicum annuum, several of which potently inhibited H. armigera gut proteases and impeded growth of H. armigera larva. With a view to explore and enhance the specific nature or properties of these PIs on the mechanism of inhibition, structural and functional characterization of these PIs are inevitable. Towards this goal, we have carried out complete 1H, 13C and 15N resonance assignments of two of these PIs, identified as IRD7 and IRD12, using a suite of 2D and 3D multi-dimensional and multi-nuclear NMR experiments.

}, keywords = {Bt transgenic, Hetero-nuclear NMR, inhibitory repeating domains, Protease inhibitors (PIs), Resonance assignments}, issn = {1874-2718}, doi = {10.1007/s12104-018-9846-z}, author = {Gartia, J. and Barnwal, R.P. and Anangi, R. and Giri, A.R. and King, G. and Chary, K.V.R.} } @article {45505, title = {2D layered transition metal dichalcogenides (MoS2): Synthesis, applications and theoretical aspects}, journal = {Applied Materials Today}, volume = {13}, year = {2018}, month = {DEC}, pages = {242-270}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Recently, graphene and other two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have been widely explored due to their unique optical, mechanical, electrical and sensing properties for versatile electronic and optoelectronic applications. The atomically thin layers of TMDC materials have shown potential to replace state-of-the-art silicon-based technology. Graphene has already revealed an excess of new physics and multifaceted applications in several areas. Similarly, mono-layers of TMDCs such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) have also shown excellent electrical and optical properties possessing a direct band-gap of \~{}1.8 eV combined with high mechanical flexibility. In contrast to semi-metallic graphene, the semiconducting behavior of MoS2 allows it to overcome the deficiencies of zero-band-gap graphene. This review summarizes the synthesis of 2D MoS2 by several techniques, i.e., mechanical and chemical exfoliation, RF-sputtering, atomic layer deposition (ALD) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD), etc. Furthermore, extensive studies based on potential applications of MoS2 such as the sensor, solar cells, field emission and as an efficient catalyst for hydrogen generation has been included. Theoretical aspects combined with the experimental observations to provide more insights on the dielectric, optical and topological behavior of MoS2 was highlighted. }, issn = {23529407}, doi = {10.1016/j.apmt.2018.09.003}, author = {Singh, A.K. and Kumar, P. and Late, D.J. and Kumar, A. and Patel, S. and Singh, J.} } @article {45362, title = {Accelerated and enantioselective synthesis of a library of p-stereogenic urea phosphines}, journal = {European Journal Of Organic Chemistry}, year = {2018}, month = {DEC}, pages = {6768-6779}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Chiral phosphorus ligands play a central role in majority of the asymmetric transformations. However, access to chiral phosphorus ligands is limited due to their challenging synthesis. Reported here is a highly efficient and accelerated catalytic asymmetric synthesis of P-stereogenic urea containing phosphines leading to a small library of 18 chiral phosphorus compounds. Characteristic two doublets in a P-31 NMR spectrum, spectroscopic and analytical evidences authenticated the formation of [Pd-{(S,S) Me-FerroLANE}(m-phenylurea)(I)] complex. Indeed, [Pd-{(S,S) Me-FerroLANE}(m-phenylurea)(I)] was found to catalyze the C-P coupling reaction and quantitative conversion was observed within 18 hours. Under optimized conditions, iodophenyl urea{\textquoteright}s (2a-2j) were treated with secondary phosphines (1a-1c) in presence of [Pd-{(S,S) Me-FerroLANE}(m-phenylurea)(I)] to obtain P-stereogenic urea phosphines 5a-5r. The identity of these urea derived phosphines was unambiguously ascertained using a combination of spectroscopic and analytical methods. The catalyst tolerated various functional groups and yielded corresponding urea containing phosphines with an enantiomeric excess in the range of 15-62 \%.}, issn = { 1434-193X}, doi = {10.1002/ejoc.201801309}, author = {Koshti, Vijay S. and Gote, Ravindra P. and Chikkali, Samir H.} } @article {44416, title = {Accelerated in vitro model for occlusion of biliary stents: investigating the role played by dietary fibre}, journal = {BMJ Innovations}, volume = {4}, year = {2018}, month = {NOV}, abstract = {ackground To develop a new accelerated in vitro model that has implications for investigating the mechanism of biliary stent occlusion and help in the development of new materials that can alleviate this problem. Methods We employ a combination of reconstituted animal bile, bacteria and cellulose fibres optimised to reproducibly generate accelerated occlusion of stents, and produce occlusions that closely mimic those found in clinical studies. Results Our model affords repeatable, highly accelerated occlusion (within 2{\textendash}3 days, compared with between about a week to 2 months in previous models). Our results highlight the role of dietary fibre in blockage of stents and demonstrate their importance in the onset of occlusion. Conclusions This accelerated model may have implications for developing biliary stents with enhanced patency.}, doi = {dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjinnov-2017-000209}, author = {Surwase, Sachin and Balakrishnan, Harishankar and Acharya, Subrat K. and Makharia, Govind K. and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy and Bhagavatula L. V. Prasad} } @article {44417, title = {Access to silicon(II)- and germanium(II)-indium compounds}, journal = {Organometallics}, volume = {37}, year = {2018}, month = {APR}, pages = {1206-1213}, abstract = {Despite the remarkable ability of N-heterocyclic silylene to act as a Lewis base and form stable Lewis adducts with group 13 elements such as boron, aluminum, and gallium, there has been no such comparable investigation with indium and the realization of a stable silylene-indium complex has still remained elusive. Similarly, a germylene-indium complex is also presently unknown. We describe herein the reactions of [PhC(NtBu)(2)SiN-(SiMe3)(2)] (1) and [PhC(NtBu)(2)GeN(SiMe3)(2)] (4) with InCl3 and InBr3 that have resulted in the first silylene-indium complexes, [PhC(NtBu)(2)Si{N(SiMe3)(2)}-> InCl3] (2) and [PhC(NtBu)(2)Si{N(SiMe3)(2)}-> InBr3] (3), as well as the first germylene-indium complexes, [PhC(NtBu)(2)Ge{N(SiMe3)(2)}-> InCl3] (5) and [PhC(NtBu)(2)Ge{N(SiMe3)(2)}-> InBr3] (6). The solid-state structures of all species have been validated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Note that 5 and 6 are the first structurally characterized organometallic compounds that feature a Ge-In single bond (apart from the compounds in Zintl phases). Theoretical calculations reveal that the Si(II)-> In bonds in 2 and 3 and the Ge(II)-> In bonds in 5 and 6 are dative bonds.}, doi = {10.1021/acs.organomet.8b00093}, author = {Pahar, Sanjukta and Karak, Suvendu and Pait, Moumita and Raj, K. Vipin and Vanka, Kumar and Sen, Sakya S.} } @article {44385, title = {Advanced glycation end products modulate amyloidogenic APP processing and tau phosphorylation: a mechanistic link between glycation and the development of alzheimer{\textquoteright}s disease}, journal = {ACS Chemical Neuroscience}, volume = {9}, year = {2018}, month = {MAY}, pages = {988-1000}, abstract = {Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are implicated in the pathology of Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s disease (AD), as they induce neurodegeneration following interaction with the receptor for AGE (RAGE). This study aimed to establish a mechanistic link between AGE-RAGE signaling and AD pathology. AGE-induced changes in the neuro2a proteome were monitored by SWATH-MS. Western blotting and cell-based reporter assays were used to investigate AGE-RAGE regulated APP processing and tau phosphorylation in primary cortical neurons. Selected protein expression was validated in brain samples affected by AD. The AGE-RAGE axis altered proteome included increased expression of cathepsin B and asparagine endopeptidase (AEP), which mediated an increase in A beta(1-)(42) formation and tau phosphorylation, respectively. Elevated cathepsin B, AEP, RAGE, and pTau levels were found in human AD brain, coincident with enhanced AGEs. This study demonstrates that the AGE-RAGE axis regulates A beta(1-)(42) formation and tau phosphorylation via increased cathepsin B and AEP, providing a new molecular link between AGEs and AD pathology.}, doi = {10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00410}, author = {Batkulwar, Kedar and Godbole, Rashmi and Banarjee, Reema and Kassaar, Omar and Williams, Robert J. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @article {45443, title = { Albumin abundance and its glycation Status determine hemoglobin glycation}, journal = {ACS Omega}, volume = {3}, year = {2018}, month = {OCT}, pages = {12999-13008}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Diabetes diagnosis and management majorly depend upon the measurement of glycated hemoglobin (HbAlc) levels. Various factors influence HbAlc levels such as the use of various analytical methods and the presence of various clinical conditions. Plasma albumin levels were known to be negatively associated with HbAlc. However, the precise mechanism by which they affect HbAlc is not well{\textquoteright} understood. Therefore, we have studied the influence of albumin levels and its glycation status on hemoglobin glycation using erythrocyte culture experiments. Erythrocytes maintained at low albumin concentration exhibited relatively increased albumin and hemoglobin glycation as compared to that in those maintained at higher albumin concentration. Increase in albumin glycation may decrease its ability to protect hemoglobin glycation. This was demonstrated by treatment of erythrocytes with N(epsilon-(carboxymethyl)lysine-modified serum albumin (CMSA), which failed to protect hemoglobin glycation; instead, it increased hemoglobin glycation. The inability of CMSA to reduce hemoglobin glycation was due to the lack of free lysine residues of albumin, which was corroborated by using N(epsilon-(acetyI)lysine serum albumin (AcSA) and clinical diabetic plasma. This is the first study which demonstrates that the modification of lysine residues of albumin impairs its ability to inhibit hemoglobin glycation. Furthermore, correlation studies between HbAlc and albumin levels or relative albumin fructosamine from clinical subjects supported our experimental finding that albumin abundance and its glycation status influence hemoglobin glycation. Therefore, we propose albumin level and its glycation status to be quantified in conjunction with HbAlc for better management of diabetes.}, doi = {10.1021/acsomega.8b01702}, author = {Jagadeeshaprasad, Mashanipalya G. and Venkatasubramani, Vinashya and Unnikrishnan, Ambika G. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @article {45442, title = {Analyses of the internal transcribed rDNA spacers (ITS1 and ITS2) of Indian weevils of Odoiporus longicollis (Olivier) reveal gene flow between locations}, journal = {International Journal Of Tropical Insect Science}, volume = {38}, year = {2018}, month = {DEC}, pages = {313-329 }, type = {Article}, abstract = {An important step towards developing a successful integrated pest management (IPM) programme for the control of banana pseudostem weevil, Odoiporus longicollis (Olivier), a serious pest of banana in India, is the study of the population structure of the pest. In the present study, the genetic variation among 30 individual weevils of O. longicollis collected from six different locations was assessed by analysing the primary nucleotide sequences of the rDNA ITS1 and ITS2 regions. AMOVA, Mantel test, and the maximum likelihood trees of the haplotypes failed to reveal any phylogeographic structuring, which was confirmed by haplotype analysis and genetic differentiation estimates. The results indicate that the locations are not differentiated, i.e. there is gene flow between the locations. The star-shaped networks revealed a signature of demographic expansion that was confirmed by the different demographic tests. These results provide important information, which is essential for the development of suitable strategies for the control of this banana pest, as well as management of its resistance to insecticides.}, issn = {1742-7584}, doi = {10.1017/S1742758418000231}, author = {Kumar, Lalitha Sunil and Shankar, Pallavi and Kulkarni, Vishvas M.} } @article {44229, title = {Application of genetic programming (GP) formalism for building disease predictive models from protein-protein interactions (PPI) data}, journal = {IEEE-ACM Transactions on Computational Biology and Bioinformatics}, volume = {15}, year = {2018}, month = {FEB}, pages = {27-37}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) play a vital role in the biological processes involved in the cell functions and disease pathways. The experimental methods known to predict PPIs require tremendous efforts and the results are often hindered by the presence of a large number of false positives. Herein, we demonstrate the use of a new Genetic Programming (GP) based Symbolic Regression (SR) approach for predicting PPIs related to a disease. In this case study, a dataset consisting of 135 PPI complexes related to cancer was used to construct a generic PPI predicting model with good PPI prediction accuracy and generalization ability. A high correlation coefficient (CC) magnitude of 0.893, and low root mean square error (RMSE), and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) values of 478.221 and 0.239, respectively, were achieved for both the training and test set outputs. To validate the discriminatory nature of the model, it was applied on a dataset of diabetes complexes where it yielded significantly low CC values. Thus, the GP model developed here serves a dual purpose: (a) a predictor of the binding energy of cancer related PPI complexes, and (b) a classifier for discriminating PPI complexes related to cancer from those of other diseases.

}, keywords = {Binding energy, cancer, Disease, genetic programming, machine learning, protein-protein interactions, symbolic regression}, issn = {1545-5963}, doi = {10.1109/TCBB.2016.2621042}, author = {Vyas, Renu and Bapat, Sanket and Goel, Purva and Karthikeyan, Muthukumarasamy and Tambe, Sanjeev S. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article {44214, title = {Aqueous dispersions of lipid nanoparticles wet hydrophobic and superhydrophobic surfaces}, journal = {Soft Matter}, volume = {14}, year = {2018}, month = {JAN }, pages = {205-215}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Efficient delivery of aqueous sprays to hydrophobic surfaces is the key technological challenge in a wide variety of applications, including pesticide delivery to plants. To account for losses due to bouncing of pesticide sprays off hydrophobic leaf surfaces, a large excess of pesticide is typically employed, resulting in environmentally hazardous run-offs that contaminate soil and ground water. We demonstrate that aqueous dispersions of glycerol monooleate nanoparticles, called cubosomes, wet hydrophobic and superhydrophobic surfaces and adhere to them. Cubosomes comprise glycerol monooleate lipid molecules self-assembled into a double diamond cubic phase, that form stable aqueous dispersions that are sterically stabilized using amphiphilic block copolymers. We use high speed imaging to monitor the spreading and retraction of aqueous drops impinged on model hydrophobic substrates and on superhydrophobic lotus leaves. We show that cubosomes diffuse to hydrophobic substrates and reorganize to form a thin, approximate to 2 nm adsorbed lipid layer during the millisecond time scales that characterize drop impact. This adsorbed film drastically reduces the water contact angle, transforming the hydrophobic surface to hydrophilic, thus facilitating retention of the aqueous drop on the surface. Aqueous drops of cubosomes impinged at low velocities on inclined natural superhydrophobic lotus leaf surfaces do not roll off, unlike drops of water or surfactant solutions. When sprayed on inclined lotus leaves, corresponding to the case of high velocity drop impingement, cubosome dispersions form a continuous wetting film. Our results have important implications for efficient, environment-friendly delivery of pesticide sprays.

}, issn = {1744-683X}, doi = {10.1039/c7sm01817g}, author = {Kumar, Manoj and Kulkarni, Mayuresh A. and Chembu, Narendiran G. and Banpurkar, Arun and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy} } @article {44613, title = {Assessing the possibilities of designing a unified multistep continuous flow synthesis platform}, journal = {Beilstein Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {14}, year = {2018}, month = {JUL}, pages = {1917-1936}, abstract = {

The multistep flow synthesis of complex molecules has gained momentum over the last few years. A wide range of reaction types and conditions have been integrated seamlessly on a single platform including in-line separation as well as monitoring. Beyond merely getting considered as {\textquoteleft}flow version{\textquoteright} of conventional {\textquoteleft}one-pot synthesis{\textquoteright}, multistep flow synthesis has become the next generation tool for creating libraries of new molecules. Here we give a more {\textquoteleft}engineering{\textquoteright} look at the possibility of developing a {\textquoteleft}unified multistep flow synthesis platform{\textquoteright}. A detailed analysis of various scenarios is presented considering 4 different classes of drugs already reported in the literature. The possible complexities that an automated and controlled platform needs to handle are also discussed in detail. Three different design approaches are proposed: (i) one molecule at a time, (ii) many molecules at a time and (iii) cybernetic approach. Each approach would lead to the effortless integration of different synthesis stages and also at different synthesis scales. While one may expect such a platform to operate like a {\textquoteleft}driverless car{\textquoteright} or a {\textquoteleft}robo chemist{\textquoteright} or a {\textquoteleft}transformer{\textquoteright}, in reality, such an envisaged system would be much more complex than these examples.

}, keywords = {automation, continuous flow synthesis, cybernetics, multistep flow synthesis, unified platforms}, issn = {1860-5397}, doi = {10.3762/bjoc.14.166}, author = {Sharma, Mrityunjay K. and Acharya, Roopashri B. and Shukla, Chinmay A. and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article {44426, title = {Au26: a case of fluxionality/co-existence}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics }, volume = {20}, year = {2018}, month = {APR}, pages = {8616-8623}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The Au26 cluster is one of the widely studied gold clusters in the size range of n = 21{\textendash}30. It has been proposed in a more recent combined experimental and theoretical study that the neutral Au26 cluster is fluxional. The fluxionality of a cluster is relevant to its catalytic applications. In this context, to explore the extent of fluxionality, Born Oppenheimer Molecular Dynamical (BOMD) simulations are carried out on experimentally and theoretically proposed fluxional Au26 conformations (three compact or core{\textendash}shell structures and a high symmetry cage structure). The simulations reveal that the high energy golden tube outperforms the ground state structure (compact C2v conformation) as well as the other two low-symmetry compact conformations in terms of thermal stability. The enhancement in the thermal stability is explained on the basis of structural integrity imposed by the open skeleton of shortest bond distances within Au26-Tube. In addition to this, the homogeneous distribution of charges and the strong s{\textendash}d hybridization exhibited by FMOs are seen to play a pivotal role in increasing the stability of Au26-Tube. The present investigation also reveals that the characteristic fluxionality proposed to exist in the Au26 system is noted only above 400 K and it is missing at room temperature. The simulations also bring forth the question of how relevant a ground state conformation is at working temperatures.

}, issn = {1463-9076}, doi = {10.1039/C7CP07997D}, author = {Joshi, Krati and Krishnamurty, Sailaja} } @article {45377, title = { Balancing antimicrobial performance with hemocompatibility in amphiphilic homopolymers}, journal = {Journal of Polymer Science Part A- Polymer Chemistry}, volume = {56}, year = {2018}, month = {NOV}, pages = {2391-2396}, type = {Article}, abstract = {This work establishes amphiphilic polymethacrylates as new antimicrobial candidates that can be synthesized through a combination of controlled free radical polymerization and sequential postpolymerization modification protocols. When conjugated with a polyethylene glycol segment, the block copolymers exhibit a balanced performance between high antibacterial activity and high hemocompatibility.}, issn = { 0887-624X}, doi = { 10.1002/pola.29213}, author = {Zhu, Zhiyuan and Jeong, Gookyeong and Kim, Seung-Jin and Gadwal, Ikhlas and Choe, Youngson and Bang, Joona and Oh, Min-Kyu and Khan, Anzar and Rao, Jingyi} } @article {44379, title = {Benzoin condensation: a kinetic monitoring at the oil-water interface}, journal = {ChemistrySelect}, volume = {3}, year = {2018}, month = {MAY}, pages = {4694-4698}, abstract = {The overall kinetics of condensation of benzaldehyde to benzoin has been discussed here with an aim to develop a better understanding of the change in reactivity of the interfacial reaction in the presence of co-solvents. A key aspect of the {\textquoteright}on water{\textquoteright} reaction is the chemistry between solvent and reactants that occur at the oil-water interface. In particular the orientation of water molecules at the interface plays a key role in catalyzing the reaction. An initial increase in the rate constants of reaction is observed, followed by sharp fall in the reaction kinetics. An interesting interplay of hydrophobicity, hydrogen bonding and polarity of the binary mixture is inevitable in the present study. The observations are nevertheless important reference point for future investigations of {\textquoteright}on water{\textquoteright} reactions.}, doi = {10.1002/slct.201703107}, author = {Singh, Anshu and Kumar, Anil} } @article {44355, title = {Bessel{\textquoteright}s polynomial fitting for electrospun polyacrylonitrile/polyaniline blend nanofibers based ammonia sensor}, journal = {Materials Letters}, volume = {221}, year = {2018}, month = {JUL}, pages = {70-73}, type = {Article}, abstract = {In the present paper, we report the fabrication of electrospun polyacrylonitrile/polyaniline (PAN/PANI) blend nanofibers by electrospinning and polymerization and Bessel{\textquoteright}s polynomial model applied for its ammonia sensing characteristics. As-fabricated PAN/PANI blend nanofibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for the confirmation of fibers with nanoscale and blends of PAN and PANI. The semiconducting behavior of the PAN/PANI blend nanofibers was found to respond quickly towards ammonia gas. Sensitivity of the blend was obtained at near room temperature for different concentrations of ammonia. Bessel{\textquoteright}s polynomial function was found to be well fitted with the experimental data for the response towards ammonia gas. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.}, doi = {10.1016/j.matlet.2018.03.075}, author = {Anwane, Rajashree S. and Kondawar, Subhash B. and Late, Dattatray J.} } @article {45445, title = {Biomass-mediated synthesis of Cu-doped TiO2 nanoparticles for improved-performance lithium-ion batteries}, journal = {ACS Omega}, volume = {3}, year = {2018}, month = {OCT}, pages = {13676-13684}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Pure TiO2 and Cu-doped TiO2 nanoparticles are synthesized by the biomediated green approach using the Bengal gram bean extract. The extract containing biomolecules acts as capping agent, which helps to control the size of nanoparticles and inhibit the agglomeration of particles. Copper is doped in TiO2 to enhance the electronic conductivity of TiO2 and its electrochemical performance. The Cu-doped TiO2 nanoparticle-based anode shows high specific capacitance, good cycling stability, and rate capability performance for its envisaged application in lithium-ion battery. Among pure TiO2, 3\% Cu-doped TiO2, and 7\% Cu-doped TiO2 anode, the latter shows the highest capacity of 250 mAh g(-1) (97.6\% capacity retention) after 100 cycles and more than 99\% of coulombic efficiency at 0.5 A g(-1) current density. The improved electrochemical performance in the 7\% Cu-doped TiO2 is attributed to the synergetic effect between copper and titania. The results reveal that Cu-doped TiO2 nanoparticles might be contributing to the enhanced electronic conductivity, providing an efficient pathway for fast electron transfer.

}, doi = {10.1021/acsomega.8b01903}, author = {Kashale, Anil A. and Dwivedi, Pravin K. and Sathe, Bhaskar R. and Shelke, Manjusha V. and Chang, Jia-Yaw and Ghule, Anil V.} } @article {44382, title = {Bismuth(III)-catalyzed cycloisomerization and (hetero)arylation of alkynols: simple access to 2-(hetero)aryl tetrahydrofurans and tetrahydropyrans}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {16}, year = {2018}, month = {MAY}, pages = {3229-3240}, abstract = {2-(Hetero)aryl tetrahydrofurans and tetrahydropyrans were successfully synthesized using Bi(OTf)(3)-catalyzed hydroalkoxylation (cycloisomerization) of alkynols (via 5 or 6 exo-dig cyclization) and intermolecular (hetero)arylation. This reaction involves a highly efficient cascade process, where initially the alkynol undergoes a cycloisomerization step via activation of the triple bond and generates the oxocarbenium ion, which subsequently participates in the (hetero)hydroarylation step with electron-rich arenes. Simple to complex suitably functionalized alkynols (4-pentyn-1-ols and 5-hexyn-1-ols) and electron-rich aromatic compounds were found to be reliable substrates in this cascade transformation and furnished a wide range of oxygen heterocycles. This practical tandem process provides a means to build libraries related to pharmacologically active molecules and natural product like scaffolds.}, doi = {10.1039/c8ob00368h}, author = {Nakate, Ashwini K. and Pratapure, Madhukar S. and Kontham, Ravindar} } @article {45468, title = { Bubble size prediction in gas-solid fluidized beds using genetic programming }, journal = {Current Science }, volume = {115}, year = {2018}, month = {NOV }, pages = {1904-1912}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The hydrodynamics of a gas-solid fluidized bed (FB) is affected by the bubble diameter, which in turn strongly influences the performance of a fluidized bed reactor (FBR). Thus, determining the bubble diameter accurately is of crucial importance in the design and operation of an FBR. Various equations are available for calculating the bubble diameter in an FBR. It has been found in this study that these models show a large variation while predicting the experimentally measured bubble diameters. Accordingly, the present study proposes a new equation for computing the bubble diameter in a fluidized bed. This equation has been developed using an efficient, yet infrequently employed computational intelligence (CI)-based data-driven modelling method termed genetic programming (GP). The prediction and generalization performance of the GP-based equation has been compared with that of a number of currently available equations for computing the bubble diameter in a fluidized bed and the results obtained show a good performance by the newly developed equation.}, issn = {0011-3891}, doi = {10.18520/cs/v115/i10/1904-1912}, author = {Sonolikar, R. R. and Patil, M. P. and Mankar, R. B. and Tambe, S. S. and Kulkarni, B. D.} } @article {43957, title = {Cascade synthesis of dihydrobenzofuran via claisen rearrangement of allyl aryl ethers using FeCl 3 /MCM-41 catalyst}, journal = {Journal of Saudi Chemical Society}, volume = {22}, year = {2018}, month = {MAY}, pages = {396-404}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Dihydrobenzofuran as one of the active ingredients of the naturally occurring motif is synthesized by using in situ generation of ortho allyl phenols. Aryl allyl ethers on reacting with catalytic amounts of non noble metal iron (III) chloride supported on MCM-41 under moderate reaction conditions yield dihydrobenzofuran. First step via Claisen rearrangement gives ortho allyl phenol followed by its in situ cyclization to yield dihydrobenzofuran in very good yields. Both Lewis as well as Br{\o}nsted acidity of the catalyst as evidenced by Py-FTIR studies was found to catalyze the cascade synthesis of dihydrobenzofuran. The scope of the present strategy was successfully demonstrated for several substrates with varying electronic effects for the synthesis of corresponding dihydrobenzofuran with high yields in a range of 71-86\%.

}, keywords = {Aryl allyl ether, Claisen rearrangement, Dihydrobenzofuran, Ferric chloride, MCM-41}, issn = {1319-6103}, doi = {10.1016/j.jscs.2017.08.006}, author = {Sakate, Sachin S. and Shinde, Suhas H. and Kasar, Gayatri B. and Chikate, Rajeev C. and Rode, Chandrashekhar V.} } @article {44198, title = {Catalyst-free oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides and diethylamine catalyzed oxidation of sulfides to sulfones using Oxone as an oxidant (vol 43, pg 6875, 2017)}, journal = {Research on Chemical Intermediates}, volume = {44}, year = {2018}, month = {FEB}, pages = {1437}, type = {Article}, issn = {0922-6168}, doi = {10.1007/s11164-017-3137-7}, author = {Kupwade, R. V. and Khot, S. S. and Lad, U. P. and Desai, U. V. and Wadgaonkar, P. P.} } @article {45603, title = {Catalytic and efficient synthesis of optically active terminal epoxides and 1,2-diols using a new lanthanum triflate assisted C1-symmetric bimetallic chiral salen cobalt complex}, journal = {Letters in Organic Chemistry}, volume = {15 }, year = {2018}, pages = {960 - 966}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The catalytic asymmetric synthesis of terminal epoxides and 1,2-diols via a hydrolytic kinetic resolution of racemic terminal epoxides using a new bimetallic chiral salen CoIII complex incorporated with La(OTf)3 as a catalyst is reported. The new bimetallic chiral salen CoIII complex bearing La(OTf)3 was prepared in a one-pot procedure by activation and bimetallic complex formation from the inactive Jacobsen chiral salen CoII complex (salen = N, N'-bis(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylidene)-1,2- cyclohexane-diamine). We observed that C1-symmetric chiral bimetallic Co-complex coordinated with La(OTf)3 works as a chiral catalyst and remarkably increased the reactivity and enantioselectivity in the hydrolytic kinetic resolution of terminal epoxides compared to its monometallic analogues. La(OTf)3 plays a crucial role as an achiral Lewis acid in this process, which is supported by the experimental observation presented. To explore the absolute configuration of glycidyl butyrate a vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectra was calculated using density functional theory.}, doi = {10.2174/1570178615666171212144938}, author = {Patel, D. and Thakur, S. S. and Shinde, S. S. and Kumar, P.} } @conference {44599, title = {CCCTK (Compute Cure for Cancer ToolKit) an open source drug discovery platform for design of novel anti-cancer agents}, booktitle = {255th National Meeting and Exposition of the American-Chemical-Society (ACS) - Nexus of Food, Energy, and Water}, year = {2018}, month = {MAR}, publisher = {ACS, 1155 16TH ST, NW, Washington, DC 20036 USA}, organization = {ACS, 1155 16TH ST, NW, Washington, DC 20036 USA}, address = {New Orleans, LA}, author = {Karthikeyan, Muthukumarasamy and Vyas, Renu} } @conference {45434, title = {CCCTK: High performance molecular informatics toolkit for the design of anti-cancer molecule}, booktitle = {256th National Meeting and Exposition of the American-Chemical-Society (ACS) - Nanoscience, Nanotechnology and Beyond}, year = {2018}, month = {AUG}, publisher = {American-Chemical-Society (ACS)}, organization = {American-Chemical-Society (ACS)}, address = { Boston, MA}, author = {Karthikeyan, Muthukumarasamy} } @article {45397, title = {Characterization of mineral phosphate solubilizing and plant growth promoting bacteria from termite soil of arid region}, journal = {3 Biotech}, volume = {8}, year = {2018}, month = {OCT}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Five highly efficient phosphate solubilizing bacteria, viz., Pantoea sp. A3, Pantoea sp. A34, Kosakonia sp. A37, Kosakonia sp. B7 and Bacillus sp. AH9 were isolated from termitorial soils of Sanjivani island of southern Maharashtra, India. These isolates were characterized and explored for phosphate solubilization and plant growth promotion. Among these, Bacillus sp. AH9 showed highest phosphate solubilization index (3.5) and solubilization efficiency (250\%) on Pikovskaya agar. Interestingly, Pantoea sp. A34 displayed maximum mineral phosphate solubilization (1072.35mg/L) in liquid medium and during this period the pH dropped to 3.13. All five isolates had highest P solubilization at 48h after inoculation. During mineral phosphate solubilization, both gluconic acid and 2-keto gluconic acid were produced by Kosakonia and Bacillus isolates, while only 2-keto gluconic acid was detected in Pantoea isolates. Highest organic acid (39.07 +/- 0.04g/L) production was envisaged in Bacillus sp. AH9, while Pantoea sp. A34 produced the least amount (13.00 +/- 0.01g/L) of organic acid. Seed bacterization with Pantoea sp. A3 and Kosakonia sp. A37 resulted in 37\% and 53\% increase in root length of tomato seedlings, respectively, while Pantoea sp. A34 and Kosakonia sp. B7 had deleterious effects on root length as well as overall growth of the seedlings. To our knowledge, this is the first report of plant growth promoting potential of microorganisms isolated from termitorial soil of Sanjivani island, which is a drought-prone area. Therefore, such efficient growth promoting P solubilizers can offer an effective solution for sustainable agriculture in arid, dryland farming and drought-prone regions.}, issn = { 2190-572X}, doi = { 10.1007/s13205-018-1488-4}, author = {Chakdar, Hillol and Dastager, Syed G. and Khire, Jayant M. and Rane, Digeshwar and Dharne, Mahesh S.} } @article {44430, title = {Chemo-biological evaluation of antidiabetic activity of M entha arvensis L. and it{\textquoteright}s role in inhibition of advanced glycation end products}, journal = {Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine}, year = {2018}, month = {FEB}, abstract = {

Background: There has been enormous curiosity in the development of alternative plant based medicines to control diabetes, oxidative stress and related disorders. One of the therapeutic approaches is to reduce postprandial release of glucose in the blood. Two key enzymes that are involved in reducing postprandial glucose are α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Mentha arvensis L. has been traditionally used by several tribes as a medicinal plant to treat various disorders. Objective: The present study was undertaken to test M. arvenisis L. for inhibition of postprandial hyperglycemia. Material and method: We performed various in vitro and in vivo tests to evaluate efficacy of M. arvenisis L. for antidiabetic activity (postprandial hyperglycemia). Results: Methanolic extract of M. arvensis L. leaves showed DPPH free radical scavenging activity (more than 78\% μg/μl) and high antiglycation potential (more than 90\% inhibition of AGE formation). Methanolic extract also showed remarkable inhibitory effects on α-amylase (more than 50\% μg/μl) and α-glucosidase (68\% μg/μl) and significant inhibition of postprandial hyperglycemia in starch induced diabetic Wistar rats. Conclusion: The non-insulin dependent antidiabetic or inhibition of postprandial hyperglycemic activity of methanolic extract of M. arvensis L. leaves was shown by using in vitro and in vivo approaches in the present study.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.jaim.2017.07.003}, author = {Agawane, Sachin B. and Gupta, Vidya S. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J. and Bhattacharya, Asish K. and Koratkar, Santosh} } @article {44431, title = {Chiral amino-acid-amide based ionic liquids as a stereoselective organocatalyst in asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone at room-temperature}, journal = {Chemistryselect}, volume = {3}, year = {2018}, month = {MAR}, pages = {2623-2625}, abstract = {Chiral Ionic Liquids (CILs) of amino acid amide were synthesized and used as novel organo catalyst for Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation (ATH) of acetophenone at room temperature. The developed CILs show very high yield and excellent enantio-selectivity in transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone.}, doi = {10.1002/slct.201800240}, author = {Javle, Balasaheb R. and Kinage, Anil K.} } @article {45415, title = {Chitosan-based bionanocomposites for biomedical application}, journal = { Bioinspired Biomimetic and Nanobiomaterials}, volume = {7}, year = {2018}, month = {DEC }, pages = {219-227}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Natural polymers have greatly impacted the advancement of modern medicine. Natural polymer-based biomaterials are biodegradable. A significant advantage of natural polymers is that they can be broken down and removed from the body after they have served their function. A wide range of novel biomaterials from natural polymers has been investigated to meet new challenges in medical science. Chitosan is one of the natural polymers which have been widely used in the biomedical field. Nanotechnology is one of the most popular areas of current research. In the area of nanotechnology, polymer and metal/metal oxide nanoparticle matrix-based nanocomposites have generated a significant amount of attention in the recent literature. These bionanocomposites have wide-ranging applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering. This paper discusses polymer-metal/metal oxide nanoparticle matrix-based nanocomposite biomaterials and their applications in the biomedical field - that is, drug delivery and tissue engineering applications.}, issn = {2045-9858}, doi = {10.1680/jbibn.15.00015}, author = {Kumari, Sangeeta and Singh, Raj Pal and Chavan, Nayaku N. and Annamalai, Pratheep K.} } @article {45444, title = { Chitosan-thiobarbituric acid: a superadsorbent for mercury}, journal = {ACS Omega}, volume = {3}, year = {2018}, month = {OCT}, pages = { 13183-13194}, type = {Article}, abstract = {In the present investigation, chitosan (CH) as supramolecularly cross-linked with thiobarbituric acid to form CT. CT was well characterized by UV, scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, Fourier trans form infrared, NMR, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray difTraction analyses, and its adsorption potential for elemental mercury (Hg-0), inorganic mercury (Hg2+), and methyl mercury (CH3Hg+) was investigated. Adsorption experiments were conducted to optimize the parameters for removal of the mercury species under study, and the data were analyzed using Langmuir, Freundlich, an Temkin adsorption isotherm models. CT was found to have high adsorption capacities of 1357.69, 2504.86, and 2475.38 rng/g for Hg-0, Hg2+, and CH3Hg+, respectively. The adsorbent CT could be reused up elemental mercury using 0.01 N thiourea, inorganic mercury using 0.01 N perchloric acid, and methyl to three cycles by eluting mercury with 0.2 N NaCl.}, doi = {10.1021/acsomega.8b01837}, author = {Bhatt, Rahul and Kushwaha, Shilpi and Bojja, Sreedhar and Padmaja, P.} } @article {44347, title = {Close loop separation process for the recovery of Co, Cu, Mn, Fe and Li from spent lithium-ion batteries}, journal = {Separation and Purification Technology}, volume = {200}, year = {2018}, month = {JUL}, pages = {327-334}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are essential energy source used in advanced electronic gadgets for getting constant and continuous power supply. Huge amount of spent LIBs are generated after their end use. LIBs contain metals, organics and plastics which require proper treatment before disposal. Keeping in view of stringent environmental regulations, limited natural resources and energy crisis, adopting recycling will not only protect the environment and pacify the gap between demand and supply but also conserve the natural resources. Present paper reports a complete process for the recycling of LIBs to recover metals and materials as value added products fulfilling zero waste concept. Initially, the spent LIBs were crushed and beneficiated by wet scrubbing process to separate cathodic material, plastic and metallic fractions. The cathodic material contained 20\% Co and 2.4\% Li along with other impurities (Mn, Fe, Cu). The cathodic material obtained from different LIBs were homogenized and put to leaching studies to optimize various process parameters viz. effect of leachant concentration, temperature, time, etc. About 97\% Co and 99.99\% Li were leached using 2 M H2SO4 and 10\% H2O2 at room temperature, in 2 h maintaining pulp density 75 g/L. Kinetics for leaching of Co fitted well with Chemical reaction control dense constant size cylindrical particles model, i.e. 1 - (1 - X)(1/2) = Kct. The leach liquor obtained was further processed to recover Mn and Fe using (NH4)(2)S2O8 as a precipitant whereas 99.99\% Cu was extracted using LIX 84 IC at eq. pH 2, O/A ratio 1/1 and mixing time 5 min. Further, from the leach liquor depleted with Mn, Fe and Cu, similar to 98\% Co was extracted using 20\% Cyanex 272 at pH 4.8 in 10 min maintaining phase ratio (O/A) 1/1 in two stages, leaving Li in the raffinate. From the pure Co solution, value added products as metal and salt were produced using electrowinning/evaporation/precipitation techniques. The TCLP test of leached residue shows the presence of metals within permissible limit and the effluent generated was treated in an effluent treatment plant (ETP) with standard procedure and recycled to the system. The developed clean process is economical as well as environment friendly and has potential to be translated in industry after scale-up studies.}, doi = {10.1016/j.seppur.2018.02.022}, author = {Dutta, Deblina and Kumari, Archana and Panda, Rekha and Jha, Soni and Gupta, Divika and Goel, Sudha and Jha, Manis Kumar} } @article {44626, title = {Co9Se8 nanoparticles as high capacity anode material for lithium-ion batteries}, journal = {Materials Research Express}, volume = {5}, year = {2018}, month = {JUL}, pages = {075510}, abstract = {

Present investigation deal with the facile synthesis of Co9Se8 nanoparticles (NPs) and their application as the potential anode for lithium-ion battery (LIB). The primary size of the Co9Se8 NPs can be achieved between 10 similar to 25 nm while the secondary cluster size ranging from 150 similar to 200 nm as observed by transmission electron microscope (TEM). The specific capacity of Co9Se8 NPs LIB anode can reach around similar to 610 mAhg(-1) during charging (lithium ion released from Co9Se8 nanoparticles), and -730 mAhg(-1) during discharging (lithium ion intercalated) at an applied current density of similar to 100 mAg(-1). These values are significantly higher than that of the commercial graphite anode (theoretical capacity similar to 372 mAhg(-1)). The irreversibility of Co9Se8 anode (similar to 15\%) is also significantly lower than that of most metal oxides and silicon-based anodes (irreversibility ranging between 30 similar to 50\% or higher for Si). The reason for superior specific capacity and low irreversibility compared to metal oxides and silicon-based materials could be owing to the stable nano-cluster size which help to reduce the diffusion path and internal resistance to lithium ion.

}, keywords = {irreversibility, lithium-ion battery, lithium-ion diffusion, Nanoparticles, specific capacity}, issn = {2053-1591}, doi = {10.1088/2053-1591/aad16d}, author = {Kumar, Pushpendra and Hu, Lung-Hao} } @article {45597, title = {Cobalt-doped Ba2In2O5 brownmillerites: an efficient electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction in alkaline medium}, journal = {ACS omega }, volume = {3}, year = {2018}, month = {FEB }, pages = {1710{\textendash}1717}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A series of compounds with cobalt doping in the indium site of Ba2In2O5 brownmillerites exhibited excellent oxygen reduction activity under alkaline conditions. Doping (25\%) retains the brownmillerite structure with disorder in the O3 site in the two-dimensional alternate layer along the ab plane. Further substitution of cobalt in the indium site leads to the loss of a brownmillerite structure, and the compound attains a perovskite structure. Cobalt-doped samples exhibited far better oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity when compared to the parent Ba2In2O5 brownmillerite. Among the series of compounds, BaIn0.25Co0.75O3-δ with the highest Co doping and oxygen vacancies randomly distributed in the lattice exhibited the best ORR activity. BaIn0.25Co0.75O3-δ showed a 40 mV positive shift in the onset potential with better limiting current density and a nearly four-electron-transfer reduction pathway when compared to the parent Ba2In2O5 brownmillerite.}, issn = {2470-1343}, doi = { 10.1021/acsomega.7b01655}, author = {Jijil, C. P. and Patil, I. M. and Kakade, B. and Nandini Devi, R.} } @article {44435, title = { Colloidal Mn2+ doped 2D (n =1) lead bromide perovskites: efficient energy transfer and role of anion in doping mechanism}, journal = {ChemistrySelect}, volume = {3}, year = {2018}, month = {JUN}, pages = {6585-6595}, abstract = {

Mn{\texttwosuperior}$^{+}$ doping directly into APbCl3 type 3D nanocrystals, manifesting host to dopant energy transfer, have been heavily reported for illumination and display applications. However, these doped 3D ABX3 systems have low/modest exciton binding energy. Strongly bound excitons in the doped system can enhance the dopant-host carrier exchange interactions leading to efficient energy transfer. Reported here is a simple and facile synthesis of colloidal Mn{\texttwosuperior}$^{+}$ doped (Butylammonium/octylammonium)2PbBr4 2D (n=1) perovskites that demonstrate enhanced energy transfer from strongly bound excitons of the host material to the Mn{\texttwosuperior}$^{+}$ dopant ions resulting in intense orange-yellow emission due to spin forbidden internal transition ($^{4}$T1 {\textrightarrow} $^{6}$A1) with the highest quantum yield (Mn{\texttwosuperior}$^{+}$) of 36\%. Consistent with experimental evidences presented here, mechanism of this thermally aided doping process in these 2D systems, very likely, involves halide vacancy and its diffusion that precedes the cation exchange (doping) process. Owing to the high quantum yield, stability in ambient atmosphere, simplicity and scalability of the synthetic procedure, Mn{\texttwosuperior}$^{+}$ doped 2D perovskites could be beneficial as color converting phosphor material and can be utilized to further explore their magneto-optoelectronic properties.

}, doi = {10.1002/slct.201801248}, author = {Haris, Muhammed and Bakthavatsalam, Rangarajan and Kundu, Janardan} } @article {44437, title = {Comprehensive metabolic and transcriptomic profiling of various tissues provide insights for saponin biosynthesis in the medicinally important Asparagus racemosus}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {8}, year = {2018}, month = {JUN}, pages = {Article Number: 9098}, abstract = {Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari), belongs to the family Asparagaceae and is known as a "curer of hundred diseases" since ancient time. This plant has been exploited as a food supplement to enhance immune system and regarded as a highly valued medicinal plant in Ayurvedic medicine system for the treatment of various ailments such as gastric ulcers, dyspepsia, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, as a galactogogue and against several other diseases. In depth metabolic fingerprinting of various parts of the plant led to the identification of 13 monoterpenoids exclusively present in roots. LC-MS profiling led to the identification of a significant number of steroidal saponins (33). However, we have also identified 16 triterpene saponins for the first time in A. racemosus. In order to understand the molecular basis of biosynthesis of major components, transcriptome sequencing from three different tissues (root, leaf and fruit) was carried out. Functional annotation of A. racemosus transcriptome resulted in the identification of 153 transcripts involved in steroidal saponin biosynthesis, 45 transcripts in triterpene saponin biosynthesis, 44 transcripts in monoterpenoid biosynthesis and 79 transcripts in flavonoid biosynthesis. These findings will pave the way for better understanding of the molecular basis of steroidal saponin, triterpene saponin, monoterpenoids and flavonoid biosynthesis in A. racemosus.}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-018-27440-y}, author = {Srivastava, Prabhakar Lal and Shukla, Anurag and Kalunke, Raviraj M.} } @article {44438, title = {Conformational studies of Ant-Pro motif-incorporated cyclic peptides: gramicidin S and avellanin}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {42}, year = {2018}, month = {JAN}, pages = {1197-1201}, abstract = {This paper reports conformational changes observed in cyclic bioactive peptides such as gramicidin S and avellanin upon incorporation of a pseudo-beta (C9) Ant-(D)Pro turn motif in their structural frameworks. Solution-state studies suggested that a synthetic gramicidin S analog exhibits a beta-sheet conformation with C9 and C17 intramolecular hydrogen bonding patterns, while its truncated analog disturbs the beta-sheet conformation. Structural details were obtained using a combination of CD studies, X-ray crystal structure studies and nOe-based MD simulation studies.}, doi = {10.1039/c7nj03701e}, author = {Kotmale, Amol S. and Sangtani, Ekta and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Sarkar, Dhiman and Burade, Sachin and Rajamohanan, Pattuparambil R. and Sanjayan, Gangadhar J.} } @article {44630, title = {Continuous flow synthesis of micron size silica nanoparticles: parametric study and effect of dosing strategy}, journal = {Journal of Flow Chemistry}, volume = {8}, year = {2018}, month = {JUN}, pages = {59-67}, abstract = {

This work for the first time reports continuous flow synthesis of silica nano-particles of size over 1 mu m using a simple tubular reactor. The systematic approach involves the study of effect of various parameters like: ammonia concentration, water concentration, electrolyte concentraton, temperature, solvent, residence time and mode of TEOS injection over a wide range. A combination of ethanol and butanol was used as the medium with relatively lower polarity. Various process parameters were optimized to obtain highly monodispersed particles of size up to 600 nm and high yield (up to 90\%). Attempts of reducing the reaction time by increasing temperature or concentrations of any of the reagents resulted in significant polydispersity and even in the formation of random shape agglomerates. At the optimized conditions almost complete conversion of TEOS happenned within 40 min and further growth of particles was achieved by adding TEOS using multipoint injection approach. While multipoint dosing resulted in the formation of very small number of secondary particles, the larger particles continued to grow beyond 800 nm. Further reduction in the polarity of reaction medium was achieved by adding 20\% v/v of toluene, which without changing homogeneity of the solution resulted in particles as large as 0.9-1.1 mu m.

}, keywords = {Flow synthesis, Multipoint injection, silica, TEOS, Tubular reactor}, issn = {2062-249X}, doi = {10.1007/s41981-018-0008-3}, author = {Jundale, Rajashri and Bari, Atul and Thara, Chinnu and Kulkarni, Amol} } @article {45462, title = {Controlled surface/interface structure and spin enabled superior properties and biocompatibility of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles}, journal = {Allied Surface Science }, volume = {459}, year = {2018}, month = {NOV}, pages = {788-801}, type = {Article }, abstract = {High quality, crystalline, well-dispersed, and stable magnetic oxide nanoparticles (NPs) of inverse spinel cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4; CFO) were prepared by a facile, reproducible, and simple hydrothermal route. The transmission electron microscopy, small-angle scattering and X-ray diffraction analyses demonstrate the structural quality of CFO NPs with a controlled size of similar to 12 nm. Small-angle scattering experiments demonstrate that the pristine CFO NPs have the individual size similar to 8.5 nm and spherical shape. The Raman and infrared spectroscopic measurements further confirm their high chemical quality and cubic symmetry. CFO NPs exhibit a remarkable, maximum coercivity (H-c) value of 18.92 kOe, which is the highest value achieved to date. Surface spins and spins canting along with a weak dipolar interaction accounts for the giant H-c and large effective anisotropy (11.45 x 10(6) erg/cm(3)) of these CFO NPs. The magnetic grain size of NPs reveals that the canted surface spins exist around the magnetic particles. Reorientation of surface spins and interparticle interaction causes the jumping behaviour in M-H hysteresis loops at H = 0. The cell viability of CFO NPs against the cancer (cisplatin resistant ovarian cancer - A2780/CP70) was evaluated to determine their potential application in biomedicine and health science. The mild response of CFO NPs in terms of their anti-proliferative nature against cancer cells and negligible cytotoxicity suggests their human-safe-and-friendly nature which makes them suitable for biomedical/health-related applications. Assessment of toxicity toward human red blood cells (RBC) revealed that hemolysis is less than 5\% compared to the positive control confirming the potential applications of CFO NPs targeting human cells and making relevant for adopting them in biomedicine.}, issn = {0169-4332}, doi = { 10.1016/j.apsusc.2018.08.063}, author = {Ansari, Sumayya M. and Sinha, Bhavesh B. and Pai, Kalpana R. and Bhat, Suresh K. and Ma, Yuan-Ron and Sen, Debasis and Kolekar, Yesh D. and Ramana, C., V.} } @article {45421, title = {Convergent covalent organic framework thin sheets as flexible supercapacitor electrodes}, journal = {ACS Applied Material \& Interfaces}, volume = {10}, year = {2018}, month = {AUG}, pages = {28139-28146}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Flexible supercapacitors in modern electronic equipment require light-weight electrodes, which have a high surface area, precisely integrated redox moieties, and mechanically strong flexible free-standing nature. However, the incorporation of the aforementioned properties into a single electrode remains a great task. Herein, we could overcome these challenges by a facile and scalable synthesis of the convergent covalent organic framework (COF) free-standing flexible thin sheets through solid-state molecular baking strategy. Here, redox-active anthraquinone (Dq) and pi-electron-rich anthracene (Da) are judiciously selected as two different linkers in a beta-ketoenamine-linked two-dimensional (2D) COF. As a result of precisely integrated anthraquinone moieties, COF thin sheet exhibits redox activity. Meanwhile, pi-electron-rich anthracene linker assists to improve the mechanical property of the free-standing thin sheet through the enhancement of noncovalent interaction between crystallites. This binder-free strategy offers the togetherness of crystallinity and flexibility in 2D COF thin sheets. Also, the synthesized porous crystalline convergent COF thin sheets are benefited with crack-free uniform surface and light-weight nature. Further, to demonstrate the practical utility of the material as an electrode in energy-storage systems, we fabricated a solid-state symmetrical flexible COF supercapacitor device using a GRAFOIL peeled carbon tape as the current collector.}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.8b10486}, author = {Khayum, Abdul M. and Vijayakumar, Vidyanand and Karak, Suvendu and Kandambeth, Sharath and Bhadra, Mohitosh and Suresh, Karthika and Acharambath, Nikhil and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article {44440, title = {Correlation of intermolecular acyl transfer reactivity with noncovalent lattice interactions in molecular crystals: toward prediction of reactivity of organic molecules in the solid state}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {83}, year = {2018}, month = {APR}, pages = {3952-3959}, abstract = {Intermolecular acyl transfer reactivity in several molecular Acyl transfer reactivity can be predicted in solution based crystals was studied, and the outcome of the reactivity was analyzed in the light of structural information obtained from the crystals of the reactants. in solid state Minor changes in the molecular structure resulted in significant variations in the noncovalent interactions and packing of molecules in the crystal lattice, which drastically affected the facility of the intermolecular acyl transfer reactivity in these crystals. Analysis of the reactivity vs crystal structure data revealed dependence of the reactivity on electrophile ... nucleophile interactions and C-H center dot center dot center dot pi interactions between the reacting molecules. The presence of these noncovalent interactions augmented the acyl transfer reactivity, while their absence hindered the reactivity of the molecules in the crystal. The validity of these correlations allows the prediction of intermolecular acyl transfer reactivity in crystals and co-crystals of unknown reactivity. This crystal structure-reactivity correlation parallels the molecular structure-reactivity correlation in solution-state reactions, widely accepted as organic functional group transformations, and sets the stage for the development of a similar approach for reactions in the solid state.}, doi = {10.1021/acs.joc.8b00293}, author = {Krishnaswamy, Shobhana and Shashidhar, Mysore S.} } @article {45555, title = {Covalent organic frameworks: chemistry beyond the structure}, journal = {Journal of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {141 }, year = {2018}, month = {NOV}, pages = {1807{\textendash}1822}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) represent a new field of rapidly growing chemical research that takes direct inspiration from diverse covalent bonds existing between atoms. The success of linking atoms in two and three dimensions to construct extended framework structures moved the chemistry of COFs beyond the structures to methodologies, highlighting the possibility of prospective applications. Although structure to property relation in COFs has led to fascinating properties, chemical stability, processability and scalability were some of the important challenges that needed to be overcome for their successful implementation. In this Perspective, we take a closer look at the growth of COFs from mere supramolecular structures to potential industrializable materials.}, doi = {10.1021/jacs.8b10334}, author = {Kandambeth, S. and Dey, K. and Banerjee, R.} } @article {44445, title = {Curcumin-artemisinin coamorphous solid: Xenograft model preclinical study}, journal = {Pharmaceutics}, volume = {10}, year = {2018}, month = {MAR}, pages = {Article Number: 7}, abstract = {Curcumin is a natural compound present in Indian spice turmeric. It has diverse pharmacological action but low oral solubility and bioavailability continue to limit its use as a drug. With the aim of improving the bioavailability of Curcumin (CUR), we evaluated Curcumin-Pyrogallol (CUR-PYR) cocrystal and Curcumin-Artemisinin (CUR-ART) coamorphous solid. Both of these solid forms exhibited superior dissolution and pharmacokinetic behavior compared to pure CUR, which is practically insoluble in water. CUR-ART coamorphous solid showed two fold higher bioavailability than CUR-PYR cocrystal (at 200 mg/kg oral dose). Moreover, in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids (SGF and SIF), CUR-ART is stable up to 3 and 12 h, respectively. In addition, CUR-PYR and CUR-ART showed no adverse effects in toxicology studies (10 times higher dose at 2000 mg/kg). CUR-ART showed higher therapeutic effect and inhibited approximately 62\% of tumor growth at 100 mg/kg oral dosage of CUR in xenograft models, which is equal to the positive control drug, doxorubicin (2 mg/kg) by i.v. administration.}, doi = {10.3390/pharmaceutics10010007}, author = {Mannava, M. K. Chaitanya and Suresh, Kuthuru and Bommaka, Manish Kumar and Konga, Durga Bhavani and Nangia, Ashwini} } @article {45465, title = { Cyclometallation of a germylene ligand by concerted metalation-deprotonation of a methyl group }, journal = {Dalton Transactions }, volume = {47}, year = {2018}, month = { NOV}, pages = { 15835-15844}, type = {Article }, abstract = {The reaction of [CH{(CMe)(2,6-iPr(2)C(6)H(3)N)}(2)]GeCl with LiN(SiMe3)(2) was previously reported, which led to the formation of a hetero-fulvene type germylene, [CH{(CMe)(C?CH2)(2,6-iPr(2)C(6)H(3)N)}(2)]Ge through the deprotonation of the C-H bond from the methyl substituents. In this paper, we attempted the analogous reaction with (Dipp)NCMeCHCOMeGeCl using LiN(SiMe3)(2) which gave rise to a metathesis product, (Dipp)NCMeCHCOMeGeN(SiMe3)(2) (2). However, the reactions of 2 with [M2Cl2(-Cl)(2)((5)-Cp*)(2)] (M = Rh and Ir) resulted in cyclometallated Rh and Ir complexes through the activation of the C-H bond from the germylene ligand. The complexes were characterized by single crystal X-ray analysis, which authenticated the presence of Ge-Rh and Ge-Ir bonds. DFT studies have been performed to understand the mechanism.}, issn = {1477-9226}, doi = { 10.1039/c8dt03166e}, author = {Bakthavachalam, K. and Dutta, Sayan and Arivazhagan, C. and Raghavendra, Beesam and Haridas, Anagha and Sen, Sakya S. and Koley, Debasis and Ghosh, Sundargopal} } @article {45502, title = {De novo transcriptome analysis of the egg parasitoid Trichogramma chilonis Ishii (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae): a biological control agent}, journal = {Gene Reports}, volume = {13}, year = {2018}, month = {DEC}, pages = {115-129}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Trichogramma chilonis Ishii is an endoparasitic wasp widely used as a biological control agent of economically important pests. However, absence of genetic information on T. chilonis hampers further research, especially at the molecular level. Here, we performed the first RNA-Seq of the adult T. chilonis. A total of 18,372,639 high-quality reads were generated using Illumina pair-ended sequencing platform. De novo assembly resulted into 24,488 transcripts, with mean length and N50 values of 1444.2 bp and 2667 bp, respectively. Of the transcripts, 14,643 exhibited putative homology with class Insecta proteins from UniPROT database. To understand the contig functions, gene descriptions, gene ontology and cluster of orthologous group annotations were analyzed. Following functional annotation, a number of transcripts encoding detoxification, target receptor action and olfaction- related proteins were identified and analyzed. In addition, 4520 transcripts containing simple sequence repeats, ranging from dinucleotide to hexanucleotide repeats were discovered, with trinucleotide being the most enriched repeats. This new sequence resource will shed light on various molecular mechanisms in T. chilonis and related species.}, issn = {24520144}, doi = {10.1016/j.genrep.2018.08.009}, author = {Kerima, O.Z. and Niranjana, P. and Vinay Kumar, B.S. and Ramachandrappa, R. and Puttappa, S. and Lalitha, Y. and Jalali, S.K. and Ballal, C.R. and H. V. Thulasiram} } @article {44448, title = {Dephytinizing and probiotic potentials of saccharomyces cerevisiae (NCIM 3662) strain for amelioration of nutritional quality of functional foods}, journal = {Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins}, volume = {11}, year = {2018}, month = {MAR}, pages = {604-617}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Increase of undigested complexes of phytic acid in food is gaining serious attention to overcome nutritional challenges due to chelation effects. We investigated soil-borne yeast phytase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (NCIM 3662) for dephytinization of foods, probiotic properties, and process development. The strain produced 45 IU/DCG by cell-bound phytase in an unoptimized medium was increased fourfold (164 IU/DCG) in 12 h using statistical media optimization. The process was scaled-up up to 10-L fermenter scale with increased phytase productivity of 6.4 IU/DCG/h as compared to the lab scale. The strain displayed probiotic characteristics like tolerance to artificial gastric acid conditions, hydrophobicity, autoaggregation, coaggregation, and bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity. Further, it could dephytinize (removal of phytic acid; an anti-nutritional factor) functional foods like ragi (finger millet) flour, soya flour, chickpea flour, and poultry animal feed. A combination of cell-bound dephytinizing phytase and nutrition-ameliorating probiotic traits of S. cerevisiae (NCIM 3662) presents profound applications in food technology sector.}, doi = {10.1007/s12602-018-9394-y}, author = {Kumar Raja Puppala and Kumar , V. Ravi and Khire, Jayant and Dharne, Mahesh} } @article {44211, title = {Deposition of Au nanoparticles inside porous CeO2 nanocubes using Langmuir-Blodgett technique}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {42}, year = {2018}, month = {JAN }, pages = {1379-1386}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Porous 3D CeO2 nanocubes were synthesized using hot injection technique. These nanocubes were able to form a stable monolayer over water and HAuCl4 subphase in Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) trough due to the presence of surface capped oleic acid and oleylamine. CeO2-Au nanocomposites were synthesized exploiting the ability of oleylamine to reduce AuCl4 ions to Au-0, via LB method. CeO2 nanocubes gave rise to excellent long-range assembly at air/water interface and gold nanoparticles were formed inside these porous nanocubes without disturbing this arrangement. The formation of a stable monolayer was evidenced from the surface pressure-area (P-A) isotherm. The development of Au nanoparticles was confirmed with great effort from a comprehensive study using UV-Vis spectroscopy, XRD, XPS, FTIR, TEM, STEM, EDX, tomography and chemical mapping.

}, issn = {1144-0546}, doi = {10.1039/c7nj03948d}, author = {Das, Subhasis and Bhattacharjee, Gourab and Satpati, Biswarup and Kumar, Mukesh and Deka, Sasanka and Ghosalya, Manoj Kumar and Gopinath, Chinnakonda S. and Bala, Tanushree} } @article {44584, title = {Design, synthesis, and gas permeation properties of polyimides containing pendent imidazolium groups}, journal = {Journal of Polymer Science Part A-Polymer Chemistry}, volume = {56}, year = {2018}, month = {AUG}, pages = {1721-1729}, abstract = {Film-forming polymers containing ionic groups have attracted considerable attention as emerging materials for gas separation applications. The aim of this article was to synthesize new film-forming polyimides containing imidazolium groups (PI-IMs) and establish their structure-performance relationship. In this context, a new aromatic diamine, namely, N-1-(4-aminophenyl)-N-1-(4-(2-phenyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenyl)benzene-1,4-diamine (ImTPADA), was synthesized and polycondensed with three aromatic dianhydrides, namely, 4,4-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride, 4,4-(4,4-isopropylidenediphenoxy) bis(phthalic anhydride), and 4,4-oxydiphthalic anhydride to form the corresponding polyimides containing pendent 2-phenylimidazole groups (PI-IEs). Next, PI-IMs were prepared by N-quaternization of pendent 2-phenylimidazole groups present in PI-6FDA using methyl iodide followed by anion exchange with bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide lithium salt (LiTf2N). PI-IEs and PI-IMs exhibited reasonably high molecular weights, amorphous nature, good solubility, and could be cast into self-standing films from their DMAc solutions. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that 10\% weight loss temperature of PI-IEs and PI-IMs were in the range 545-475 degrees C and 303-306 degrees C, respectively. Gas permeability analysis of films of PI-IEs and PI-IMs was investigated by variable-volume method and it was observed that incorporation of ionic groups into PI-6FDA resulted in increased permeability while maintaining selectivity. In particular, polymer bearing Tf2N- anion exhibited high CO2 permeability (33.3 Barr) and high selectivity for CO2/CH4 (41.1) and CO2/N-2 (35.4). (c) 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 1721-1729}, doi = {10.1002/pola.29053}, author = {Shrimant, Bharat and Kharul, Ulhas K. and Wadgaonkar, Prakash P.} } @article {44244, title = {Detection of ciprofloxacin residues in cow milk: a novel and rapid optical beta-galactosidase-based screening assay}, journal = {Microchemical Journal}, volume = {136}, year = {2018}, month = {JAN}, pages = {128-132}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Ciprofloxacin (a member of the fluoroquinolone class) is one of the most widely used antibacterial agents for the treatment of bacterial infections in livestock. The improper use of such antibacterial agents could lead to the presence of residues in animal origin foods (including milk) and consequently harmful effects for health of consumers, together with the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. Therefore, in order to support good farming practices and to ensure food safety, antimicrobial (in particular fluoroquinolones) residues surveillance through improved monitoring techniques is crucial. However, commercial available kits for the detection of fluoroquinolones residues in food samples are time-consuming and still fail to detect MRL concentrations for fluoroquinolones (e.g. 0.1 mg/kg for the sum of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin residues). Here a novel and rapid assay for ciprofloxacin residual detection through optical microbiological screening in commercially pasteurized cow{\textquoteright}s milk samples is described. Escherichia coli ATCC 11303 cell proliferation was optically monitored by measuring endogenous (beta-gal activity that was determindd through colorimetric assay in the presence of a chromogenic beta-gal artificial substrate. Optical density of E. coli cell culture (linked to cell proliferation) was positively correlated with endogenous beta-gal activity. As the presence of ciprofloxacin residues inhibits the E. coli cell proliferation in tested samples, (3-gal levels decreased more in exposed samples than in control. The essential step of beta-gal induction (usually obtained by IPTG) was obtained by exploiting the lactose present in the milk. Our findings show a detection of ciprofloxacin residues at 1 MRL concentration after 1 h using ONPG as chromogenic 3 gal artificial substrate and lactose as (3-gal inducer. Compared to previously described methods, this assay proved to be a rapid, proficient and more eco-friendly (i.e. minimizing the use of additional reagents) system that could be potentially employed as screening method for detection ciprofloxacin residues in cow{\textquoteright}s milk. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Antibiotic resistance, Farm animals, Fluoroquinolones, HACCP, One health, Primary production, Risk assessment and management}, issn = {0026-265X}, doi = {10.1016/j.microc.2016.12.014}, author = {Kalunke, Raviraj M. and Grasso, Gerardo and D{\textquoteright}Ovidio, Renato and Dragone, Roberto and Frazzoli, Chiara} } @article {44237, title = {Development of enhanced hypericin yielding transgenic plants and somaclones: high throughput direct organogenesis from leaf and callus explants of Hypericum perforatum}, journal = {Industrial Crops and Products}, volume = {111}, year = {2018}, month = {JAN}, pages = {544-554}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Hypericum perforatum is well known for its anti-depressent properties due to the presence of hypericins and hyperforins. The direct regeneration protocol from leaf explants and Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated genetic transformation is a prerequisite for gene transfer studies in this valuable plant system as H. perforatum has shown its recalcitrance to these studies previously. The aim of generating transgenic shoots or somaclones in the present study is to select high hypericine yielding H. perforatum plants. High throughput direct bud organogenesis from leaf explants has been achieved for the first time in this plant system on media combination of MS + 5.0 mg/l BAP + 1.0 mg/l. This medium interestingly also worked as the indirect regeneration media for generation of somaclones from callus cultures. Thus far optimized single media can be used for direct and indirect regeneration in H. perforatum. The direct regeneration frequency of plantlets from leaf explants was found to be 80\% while 100\% was the regeneration frequency noted for indirect plantlet regeneration from callus cultures. The optimized direct regeneration protocol from leaf explants was utilized for A. tumefaciens (harbouring pCAMBIA 1301) mediated genetic transformation studies with the aim of establishing transgenic lines of H. perforatum. The resultant study successfully gave rise to kanamycin resistant GUS positive shoots with transformation efficiency of 3136 +/- 3.6. A total of four transgenic H. perforatum clones namely T2, T3, T5 and T8 with different growth parameters were established, where highest of fivefold increase in hypericin content was recorded by T5 (276.8 +/- 9.2 mu g/g dry wt.) in comparison to control non transformed plants (35.6 +/- 2.7 mu g/g dry wt.). Interestingly the presence of serotonin and melatonin was also detected in transgenic plants on TLC basis. The transgenic nature of the plants was confirmed by PCR with amplification of uidA gene. Apart from it, from indirect regeneration from callus, total of ten somaclones were generated. The ISSR profiling of somaclones scored a total of 156 bands, among which 118 were polymorphic in nature. The glasshouse established soma clones showed up to twofold increase in hypericin content on HPLC analysis.

}, keywords = {Direct regeneration, Hypericin, Hypericum perforation, Indirect regeneration, ISSR, Somaclones, Transgenic plants}, issn = {0926-6690}, doi = {10.1016/j.indcrop.2017.11.032}, author = {Khan, Shamshad A. and Verma, Priyanka and Arbat, Akshata and Gaikwad, Sushma and Parasharami, Varsha A.} } @article {44452, title = {Diastereoselective synthesis of (A{\textpm})- epi-subincanadine C}, journal = {ACS Omega}, volume = {3}, year = {2018}, month = {MAY}, pages = {5308-5316}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Starting from indolylmaleimide, concise and efficient total synthesis of ({\textpm})-epi-subincanadine C was described via stereoselective Wittig olefination, base-induced selective mono-prenylation, regioselective Grignard reaction, diastereoselective Pictet{\textendash}Spengler cyclization, regioselective oxidative carbon{\textendash}carbon double-bond cleavage, one-pot reductions, and intramolecular cyclization pathway. An attempted synthesis of ({\textpm})-subincanadine C via diastereoselective Grignard addition to the α,β-unsaturated γ-lactam or diastereoselective reduction of a carbon{\textendash}carbon double bond also resulted in yet another route to ({\textpm})-epi-subincanadine C.}, doi = {10.1021/acsomega.8b00587}, author = {Kalshetti, Manojkumar and N. P. Argade} } @article {44453, title = {Dihedral angle control to improve the charge transport properties of conjugated polymers in organic field effect transistors}, journal = {Chemical Physics Letters}, volume = {695}, year = {2018}, month = {MAR}, pages = {51-58}, abstract = {Diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) and i-Indigo (i-Ind) are two monomers that are widely explored as active materials in organic field effect transistor and solar cells. These two molecules showed impressive charge carrier mobility due to better packing that are facilitated by quadrupoles. We hypothesized that the copolymers of these monomers would also exhibit high charge carrier mobility. However, we envisioned that the dihedral angle at the connecting point between the monomers will play a crucial role in packing as well as charge transport. To understand the impact of dihedral angle on charge transport, we synthesized three copolymers, wherein the DPP was sandwiched between benzenes, thiophenes and furans. The copolymer of i-Indigo and furan comprising DPP showed a band gap of 1.4 eV with a very high dihedral angle of 179 degrees. The polymer was found to pack better and the coherence length was found to be 112 angstrom. The hole carrier mobility of these polymer was found to be highest among the synthesized polymer i. e. 0.01 cm(2)/vs. The copolymer comprising benzene did not transport hole and electrons. The dihedral angle at the connecting point between i and Indigo and benzene DPP was 143 angstrom, which the packing and consequently charge transport properties. (C) 2018 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.}, doi = {10.1016/j.cplett.2018.01.052}, author = {Dharmapurikar, Satej S. and Chithiravel, Sundaresan and Mane, Manoj V. and Deshmukh, Gunvant and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam} } @article {45371, title = {Dissociative chemisorption of hydrogen molecules on defective graphene-supported aluminium clusters: a computational study}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics }, volume = {20}, year = {2018}, month = {NOV}, pages = {26506-26512}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Using periodic density functional theory-based calculations, in the present study, we address the chemical bonding between aluminium clusters (Al-n, n = 4-8 and 13) and monovacant defective graphene. The adsorption strength of the above-mentioned aluminium clusters is fivefold (approximate to 3 to 5 eV) higher on defective graphene as compared to the earlier reported values on non-defective graphene and BN-doped graphene. The Bader charge analysis and different charge densities reveal that this adsorption is driven by significant charge transfer from the Al clusters to defective graphene. Thus, chemisorbed Al clusters demonstrate high activity towards dissociative adsorption of molecular hydrogen.

}, issn = { 1463-9076}, doi = {10.1039/c8cp05711g}, author = {Kumar, Deepak and Govindaraja, Thillai and Krishnamurty, Sailaja and Kaliaperumal, Selvaraj and Pal, Sourav} } @article {44457, title = {Draft genome sequence of Marinomonas fungiae strain AN44T (JCM 18476T), isolated from the coral Fungia echinata from the Andaman Sea}, journal = {Genome Announcements}, volume = {6}, year = {2018}, month = {MAR}, abstract = {Marinomonas fungiae strain AN44Twas isolated from mucus of the coralFungia echinataOptimum growth occurs at 3 to 5\% NaCl. The draft genome is 4.2 Mb, with 3,776 protein-coding genes. It harbors genes for the degradation of aromatic compounds, such as quinate, ferulate,p-coumarate, protocatechuate, andp-hydroxyphenylacetate.}, doi = {10.1128/genomeA.00112-18}, author = {Kumari, Prabla and Badhai, Jhasketan and Das, Subrata K.} } @article {44647, title = {Dynamics of loops at the substrate entry channel determine the specificity of iridoid synthases}, journal = {Febs Letters}, volume = {592}, year = {2018}, month = {AUG}, pages = {2624-2635}, abstract = {

Iridoid synthases belong to the family of short-chain dehydrogenase reductase involved in the biosynthesis of iridoids. Despite having high sequence and structural homology with progesterone 5 beta- reductase, these enzymes exhibit differential substrate specificities. Previously, two loops. L1 and L2 at substrate-binding pocket, were suggested to be involved in generating substrate specificity. However, the structural basis of specificity determinants was elusive. Here, combining sequence and structural analysis, site-directed mutagenesis, and molecular dynamics simulations, we have shown that iridoid synthase contains two channels for substrate entry whose geometries are altered by L1-L2 dynamics, primarily orchestrated by interactions of residues Glu161 and Gly162 of L1 and Asn358 of L2. A complex interplay of these interactions confer the substrate specificity to the enzyme.

}, keywords = {iridoid synthase, iridoids, Molecular dynamics simulations, progesterone 5 beta-reductase, Substrate specificity}, issn = {1873-3468}, doi = {10.1002/1873-3468.13174}, author = {Sandholu, Anand S. and Mohole, Madhura and Duax, William L. and Thulasiram, Hirekodathakallu V. and Sengupta, Durba and Kulkarni, Kiran} } @article {44459, title = {Effect of crystal packing on the thermosalient effect of the pincer-type diester naphthalene-2,3-diyl-bis(4-fluorobenzoate): a new class II thermosalient solid}, journal = {Chemistry-A European Journal}, volume = {24}, year = {2018}, month = {MAR}, pages = {4133-4139}, abstract = {The pincer-like double ester naphthalene-2,3-diyl-bis(4-fluorobenzoate) (2) is pentamorphic. Upon heating crystals of form I to below their melting point (441-443 K), they undergo a phase transition accompanied by a thermosalient effect, that is, rare and visually striking motility whereby the crystals jump or disintegrate. The phase transition and the thermosalient effect are reversible. Analysis of the crystal structure revealed that form I is a class II thermosalient solid. Crystals of form III also underwent a reversible phase transition in the temperature range of 160 to 170 K; however, they were not thermosalient. Comparison of the structures and the mechanical responses of the two polymorphs revealed that the thermosalient effect of form I was due to reversible closing and opening of the arms of the diester molecules in a tweezer-like action.}, doi = {10.1002/chem.201705586}, author = {Tamboli, Majid I. and Karothu, Durga Prasad and Shashidhar, Mysore S. and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Naumov, Pance} } @article {44629, title = {Effect of sodium dodecyl sulfate surfactant on methane hydrate formation: a molecular dynamics study}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, volume = {122}, year = {2018}, month = {JUN}, pages = {6536-6542}, abstract = {

In experimental studies, it has been observed that the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) significantly increases the kinetics of hydrate formation and the final water-to-hydrate conversion ratio. In this study, we intend to understand the molecular mechanism behind the effect of SDS on the formation of methane hydrate through molecular dynamics simulation. Hydrate formation conditions similar to that of laboratory experiments were chosen to study hydrate growth kinetics in 1 wt \% SDS solution. We also investigate the effect of interactions with isolated SDS molecules on methane hydrate growth. It was observed that the hydrophobic tail part of the SDS molecule favorably interacts with the growing hydrate surface and may occupy the partial hydrate cages while the head groups remain exposed to water.

}, issn = {1520-6106}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpcb.8b02285}, author = {Choudhary, Nilesh and Hande, Vrushali R. and Roy, Sudip and Chakrabarty, Suman and Kumar, Rajnish} } @article {44335, title = {Effect of titration time on the catalytic performance of Cu/CeO2 catalysts for water-gas shift reaction}, journal = {Catalysis Today}, volume = {309}, year = {2018}, month = {JUL}, pages = {83-88}, type = {Article}, abstract = {We herein report the preparation of ceria (CeO2) via a simple precipitation method for use as a catalyst support in the water-gas shift (WGS) reaction. More specifically, we optimized the titration time required to obtain highly active CeO2-supported catalysts for the WGS reaction. As such, Cu was employed as the active metal coupled with the CeO2 support. Notably, the CeO2-0 supported Cu catalyst (where the precipitant was immediately injected into a cerium nitrate solution) exhibited the highest CO conversion at a gas hourly space velocity of 36,050 h(-1). This high catalytic activity of the Cu/CeO2-0 catalyst was mainly due to its high Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area, enhanced Cu dispersion, high number of oxygen vacancies, and enhanced reducibility.}, issn = {09205861}, doi = {10.1016/j.cattod.2017.10.007}, author = {Na, Hyun-Suk and Shim, Jae-Oh and Jang, Won-Jun and Jeon, Kyung-Won and Kim, Hak-Min and Lee, Yeol-Lim and Lee, Da-We and Yoo, Seong-Yeun and Bae, Jong Wook and Rode, Chandrashekhar V. and Roh, Hyun-Seog} } @article {44605, title = {Efficient solar light-driven H-2 production: post-synthetic encapsulation of a Cu2O co-catalyst in a metal-organic framework (MOF) for boosting the effective charge carrier separation}, journal = {Catalysis Science \& Technology}, volume = {8}, year = {2018}, month = {JUL}, pages = {3286-3294}, abstract = {

The development of new and efficient catalytic systems for solar light-driven hydrogen generation is one of the prime focuses of contemporary chemical sciences. Indeed, the charge carrier separation efficiency of a photocatalyst plays a vital role in photocatalysis. Herein, we have successfully designed a Cu2O-encapsulating NH2-MIL-125(Ti) MOF by a post-synthetic encapsulation strategy. The Cu2O-encapsulating MOF material showed a remarkable enhancement in photocatalytic H-2 production activity under solar light illumination. Gratifyingly, the H-2 production activity under solar light was around approximate to 28-fold higher than that of the pristine MOF. The enhancement in photocatalytic activity may be attributed to efficient charge carrier separation through Ti3+ sites and the broad light absorption of the Cu2O-encapsulating MOF photocatalyst. The possible electron transport mechanism, potential energy diagram (V vs. NHE), and the existence of Ti3+ ions have been demonstrated by various spectroscopic studies.

}, issn = {2044-4753}, doi = {10.1039/c8cy00604k}, author = {Karthik, Peramaiah and Balaraman, Ekambaram and Neppolian, Bernaurdshaw} } @article {44181, title = {Electrochemical capacitive energy storage in PolyHIPE derived nitrogen enriched hierarchical porous carbon nanosheets}, journal = {Carbon}, volume = {128}, year = {2018}, month = {MAR}, pages = {287-295}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Porous and interconnected electrodes based on carbon nanoarchitectures offer comprehensive advantages of large specific surface area and high porosity consequently increasing the specific capacitance of ultracapacitor energy storage systems. Emulsion-templated polymers, PolyHIPEs (Polymerized High Internal Phase Emulsions) are highly porous polymers with a structure of cages interconnected by windows thus provide suitable framework to create such porous carbon nanostructures. Herein, nitrogen enriched porous carbon nanosheets are synthesized by pyrolysis of polymer-silica hybrid PolyHIPE and subsequent silica removal. This nitrogen enriched porous carbon nanosheets when tested as an electrode for ultracapacitor, showed specific capacitance as high as 209 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g in 1 M H2SO4 with excellent capacity retention over long cycling. (c) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Energy storage, Nitrogen enriched porous carbon nanosheets, PolyHIPE template, Ultracapacitor}, issn = {0008-6223}, doi = {10.1016/j.carbon.2017.11.080}, author = {Deshmukh, Ashvini B. and Nalawade, Archana C. and Karbhal, Indrapal and Qureshi, Mohammed Shadbar and Shelke, Manjusha V.} } @conference {44661, title = {Electronic structure of Gd based transition metal antimonides GdTSb (T = Ni, Pt)}, booktitle = {2nd International Conference on Condensed Matter and Applied Physics (ICC-2017)}, year = {2018}, month = {NOV}, publisher = {Govt Engn Coll Bikaner; DST; DAE BRNS}, organization = {Govt Engn Coll Bikaner; DST; DAE BRNS}, address = {2 Huntington Quadrangles, STE 1NO1, Melville, NY 11747-4501 USA}, abstract = {

We report the electronic and magnetic properties of ternary GdNiSb and GdPtSb compounds with cubic MgAgAs type structure. The energy bands, density of states and atom specific magnetic moments of compounds have been computed using GGA+U approach. The calculations predict that GdNiSb is a small band gap semiconductor whereas GdPtSb is metallic in nature.

}, isbn = {978-0-7354-1648-2}, doi = {10.1063/1.5033035}, author = {Sahariya, Jagrati and Kumar, Pancham and Bhamu, K. C. and Soni, Amit}, editor = {Shekhawat, MS and Bhardwaj, S and Suthar, B} } @article {45494, title = {Elucidating efficacy of biomass derived nanocomposites in water and wastewater treatment}, journal = {Journal of environmental management }, volume = {226}, year = {2018}, month = {NOV}, pages = { 95-105}, type = {Article }, abstract = {In the present study, two synthesis methods of nanocomposites-one involving a mixture of biomass and the other using chemical modification were investigated to evaluate practical application of green approach in pollution control, specifically for water and wastewater treatment. Newer multifunctional superparamagnetic nanocomposites using biomaterials such as unripened fruit of Cassia fistula (Golden shower) and Aloe vera were developed as an example of green approach while chemical modification was illustrated using n-octanol. Two specific model applications were studied for the developed materials-dye removal (Methyl Blue and Congo Red) and disinfection-demonstrating antimicrobial property. To elucidate the multifunctional character, the texture, morphology and composition of the prepared bionanocomposites were studied. The surface area values were 6.2 and 9.8 m(2)/g for Aloe vera and octanol based nanocomposites while the average pore diameters were 1.79 nm and 5.7 nm respectively, indicating presence of highly developed micropores in the first material having a honeycomb shape and the later showing excellent staircase type formation with larger pores. A very high dye removal to the extent of 100\% was obtained that can be attributed largely to the functionalities imparted from Cassia fistula compared to ingredients from Aloe vera and octanol. The nanomaterials could be completely separated with absolute ease by applying simple magnetic field. Also, successful application of the developed materials in disinfection, removal of E. coif, was demonstrated with a very high efficiency of over 95\%. The biomass derived nanocomposites exhibit excellent pollutant removal and disinfection properties, even at very low nanoparticle content; octanol based material indicating similar to 5 times lowered cost, while the Aloe vera based bionanocomposites have potential for cost reduction to the extent of 10 times as compared to only magnetite nanoparticles, thereby highlighting techno-economical alternative in water and wastewater treatment.}, issn = { 0301-4797}, doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.08.028}, author = {Kirti, Saumaya and Bhandari, Vinay M. and Jena, Jyotsnarani and Bhattacharyya, Arnab S} } @article {45450, title = { Enhanced activity of Withania somnifera family-1 glycosyltransferase (UGT73A16) via mutagenesis}, journal = {World Journal Of Microbiology \& Biotechnology}, volume = {34}, year = {2018}, month = {OCT}, type = {Article }, abstract = {This work used an approach of enzyme engineering towards the improved production of baicalin as well as alteration of acceptor and donor substrate preferences in UGT73A16. The 3D model of Withania somnifera family-1 glycosyltransferase (UGT73A16) was constructed based on the known crystal structures of plant UGTs. Structural and functional properties of UGT73A16 were investigated using docking and mutagenesis. The docking studies were performed to understand the key residues involved in substrate recognition. In the molecular model of UGT73A16, substrates binding pockets are located between N- and C-terminal domains. Modeled UGT73A16 was docked with UDP-glucose, UDP-glucuronic acid (UDPGA), kaempferol, isorhamnetin, 3-hydroxy flavones, naringenin, genistein and baicalein. The protein-ligand interactions showed that His 16, Asp 246, Lys 255, Ala 337, Gln 339, Val 340, Asn 358 and Glu 362 amino acid residues may be important for catalytic activity. The kinetic parameters indicated that mutants A337C and Q339A exhibited 2-3 fold and 6-7 fold more catalytic efficiency, respectively than wild type, and shifted the sugar donor specificity from UDP-glucose to UDPGA. The mutant Q379H displayed large loss of activity with UDP-glucose and UDPGA strongly suggested that last amino acid residue of PSPG box is important for glucuronosylation and glucosylation and highly specific to sugar binding sites. The information obtained from docking and mutational studies could be beneficial in future to engineer this biocatalyst for development of better ones.}, issn = { 0959-3993}, doi = {10.1007/s11274-018-2534-4}, author = {Singh, Somesh and Patel, Krunal A. and Sonawane, Prashant D. and Vishwakarma, Rishi K. and Khan, Bashir M.} } @article {45542, title = {Enhancement of field electron emission in topological insulator Bi2Se3 by Ni doping}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics}, volume = {20}, year = {2018}, month = {JUN}, pages = {18429-18435}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Nanostructures of bismuth selenide (Bi2Se3), a 3D topological insulator material, and nickel (Ni) doped Bi2Se3 samples were prepared by a hydrothermal method to explore the field emission properties. An enrichment in the field electron emission (FE) properties in terms of the threshold and turn-on field values of Bi2Se3 and Ni doped Bi2Se3 nanostructures was measured at a base pressure of \~{}1 {\texttimes} 10-8 mbar. Using the background of the Fowler{\textendash}Nordheim (FN) theory a field enhancement factor (β) of 5.7 {\texttimes} 103 and a threshold field value of 2.5 V μm-1 for 7.5\% Ni doped Bi2Se3 were determined by investigating the J{\textendash}E plot of the FE data. The value of β is three times higher than that of pure Bi2Se3 confirming the superior FE properties. The emission current was found to be very stable with the property of long standing durability as a negligible amount of variation was observed when measured at a constant value of 5 mA for 3 hours. The experimental results signify many opportunities for potential applications of Ni doped Bi2Se3 as a source of electrons in scanning as well as transmission electron microscopy, flat panel displays and as an X-ray generator, etc.}, doi = {10.1039/c8cp01982g}, author = {Mazumder, K. and Sharma, A. and Kumar, Y. and Bankar, P. and More, M. A. and Devan, R. and Shirage, P. M.} } @article {44395, title = {Enthalpic interactions in aqueous strong electrolytes upon addition of ionic liquids}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics}, volume = {20}, year = {2018}, month = {APR}, pages = {11089-11099}, abstract = {The present study deals with the inter-ionic interactions between strong electrolytes and ionic liquids based on the thermodynamic properties such as excess partial molar enthalpy, H-IL(E), relative apparent molar enthalpy, phi(L), and the enthalpic interaction parameters. The thermodynamic properties of the systems are the key indicators to understand the interionic interactions. We have conducted a systematic investigation of the enthalpic behavior of aqueous solution of salts and ionic liquids and their mixtures. The present study also emphasizes how the H-IL(E) values for the mixture of aqueous solution of ionic liquids and salts deviate from linearity as compared to those of the constituent aqueous ionic liquid or salt. This deviation from linearity for the H-IL(E) values has been discussed here.}, doi = {10.1039/c7cp07814e}, author = {Jain, Preeti and Kumar, Anil} } @article {44466, title = {Environmental impact study of bagasse valorization routes}, journal = {Waste and Biomass Valorization}, volume = {10}, year = {2018}, month = {JAN}, pages = {2067-2078}, type = {Article}, abstract = {India is the world{\textquoteright}s second largest sugarcane producer and a major manufacturer of molasses-derived ethanol. The sugarcane produced is widely used in the production of sugar and 1G ethanol. Though sugar and 1G ethanol are the major concerns, there is still a huge amount of bagasse waste generated in the sugar factories. This bagasse has also some end use value, as it can be utilized for production of methanol, 2G ethanol and electricity. Even though the technology for production of these value added products is well established, it is important to analyze the social, economical and environmental impacts associated with these production processes. This work compares the environmental impacts of various sugarcane conversion processes on life cycle basis. The functional unit used is one tonne of sugarcane cultivated in field. Four routes identified for bagasse conversion- conversion of bagasse to methanol (Route 1), conversion of bagasse to ethanol via 2 stage dilute acid process (Route 2), conversion of bagasse to ethanol via enzymatic process (Route 3) and electricity production from bagasse (Route 4). On comparison of these routes on midpoint indicators such as global warming potential (GWP), acidification potential (AP), eutrophication potential (EP) and ozone depletion potential (ODP) and photochemical ozone creation potential (POCP), it is observed that the methanol production is having the highest environmental indicator values. Even though ethanol production processes and cogeneration process are having nearly similar results, it can be said that cogeneration process is the more eco-friendly one.}, keywords = {Bagasse valorization, Environmental impact, LCA, Midpoint indicators}, issn = {1877-2641}, doi = {10.1007/s12649-018-0198-9}, author = {Mandavgane, Sachin Arvind and Joglekar, Saurabh and Tandulje, Akshay P. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article {44203, title = {Eosin Y photoredox catalyzed net redox neutral reaction for regiospecific annulation to 3-sulfonylindoles via anion oxidation of sodium sulfinate salts}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {16}, year = {2018}, month = {JAN}, pages = {536-540}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

An eosin Y photoredox catalyzed net redox neutral process for 3-sulfonylindoles via the anionic oxidation of sodium sulfinate salts and its radical cascade cyclization with 2-alkynyl-azidoarenes was developed with visible light as a mediator. The reaction offers metal and oxidant/reductant free, visible light mediated vicinal sulfonamination of alkynes to 2-aryl/alkyl-3-sulfonylindoles and proceeds via the generation of a sulfur-centered radical through direct oxidation of the sulfinate anion by an excited photocatalyst with a reductive quenching cycle. The mild conditions, use of an organic dye as photo-catalyst, bench stability and easily accessible starting materials make the present approach green and attractive.

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/c7ob02977b}, author = {Rohokale, Rajendra S. and Tambe, Shrikant D. and Kshirsagar, Umesh A.} } @article {44221, title = {Epoxyazadiradione suppresses breast tumor growth through mitochondrial depolarization and caspase-dependent apoptosis by targeting PI3K/Akt pathway}, journal = {BMC Cancer}, volume = {18}, year = {2018}, month = {JAN}, pages = {52}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed invasive cancers among women around the world. Among several subtypes, triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is highly aggressive and chemoresistant. Treatment of TNBC patients has been challenging due to heterogeneity and devoid of well-defined molecular targets. Thus, identification of novel effective and selective agents against TNBC is essential. Methods: We used epoxyazadiradione to assess the cell viability, mitochondrial potential, ROS level, cell migration, apoptosis and protein expression in cell culture models of TNBC MDA-MB-231 and ER+MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The molecular mechanism was examined in two different type of breast cancer cells in response to epoxyazadiradione. We have also analyzed the effect of epoxyazadiradione on breast tumor growth using in vivo mice model. Results: In this study, we for the first time investigated that out of 10 major limonoids isolated from Azadirachta indica, epoxyazadiradione exhibits most potent anti-cancer activity in both TNBC and ER+breast cancer cells. Epoxyazadiradione induces apoptosis and inhibits PI3K/Akt-mediated mitochondrial potential, cell viability, migration and angiogenesis. It also inhibits the expression of pro-angiogenic and pro-metastatic genes such as Cox2, OPN, VEGF and MMP-9 in these cells. Furthermore, epoxyazadiradione attenuates PI3K/Akt- mediated AP-1 activation. Our in vivo data revealed that epoxyazadiradione suppresses breast tumor growth and angiogenesis in orthotopic NOD/SCID mice model. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that epoxyazadiradione inhibits PI3K/Akt-dependent mitochondrial depolarisation, induces apoptosis and attenuates cell migration, angiogenesis and breast tumor growth suggesting that this compound may act as a potent therapeutic agent for the management of breast cancer.

}, keywords = {Angiogenesis, Apoptosis, Breast cancer, Limonoids, Metastasis, PI3K}, issn = {1471-2407}, doi = {10.1186/s12885-017-3876-2}, author = {Kumar, Dhiraj and Haldar, Saikat and Gorain, Mahadeo and Kumar, Santosh and Mulani, Fayaj A. and Yadav, Amit S. and Miele, Lucio and Thulasiram, Hirekodathakallu V. and Kundu, Gopal C.} } @article {43992, title = {Erratum to: catalyst-free oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides and diethylamine catalyzed oxidation of sulfides to sulfones using oxone as an oxidant}, journal = {Research on Chemical Intermediates}, volume = {44}, year = {2018}, month = {FEB}, pages = {1437{\textendash}1437}, type = {Journal Article}, abstract = {

We describe here our journey from the failure of our attempts in controlled oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides using an Oxone{\textregistered}{\textendash}KBr combination to our success in the development of a catalyst-free protocol for the oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides using Oxone as an oxidant. We also describe the failure of our attempts at the oxidation of sulfides to sulfones using an excess of Oxone{\textendash}KBr as well as Oxone, and our success towards the development of a rapid, scalable and chromatography-free protocol for the oxidation of sulfides to sulfones using diethylamine{\textendash}Oxone as an unprecedented catalyst{\textendash}oxidant combination.

}, keywords = {diethylamine, organocatalysis, Oxidation, Oxone, Sulfones, Sulfoxides}, doi = {10.1007/s11164-017-3137-7}, author = {Kupwade, R. V.}, editor = {Khot, S. S.} } @article {44470, title = {Ethoxy-ester functionalized imidazolium based ionic liquids for lithium ion batteries }, journal = {ChemistrySelect}, volume = {3}, year = {2018}, month = {JUN}, pages = {6255-6261}, abstract = {Ethoxy ester functionalized imidazolium and bis(tri fluoromethanesulfonyl)imide based ionic liquids (ILs) are synthesized and considered as electrolyte for lithium ion batteries. The series of ethoxy ester functionalized ionic liquids were chosen with increase in ethoxy unit from one to three, followed by polymeric units. These ionic liquids provide both ester and ethoxy groups as interaction sites for Li+ ions enhancing the Li+ ion transportation, resulting in ionic conductivity of 10(-3) Scm(-1) at 25 degrees C, which is of 10(3) factor higher than ethoxy containing polyethylene oxide solid polymer electrolyte. It{\textquoteright}s noteworthy that the conductivity increases as ethoxy units are increased from one to three units, followed by a decrease for the polymeric ethoxy unit. Electrochemical stability window of these ionic liquids improves as the ethoxy groups are added to imidazolium cation. The Li/LiFePO4 cell fabricated with [ME(3)AMIm][TFSI] electrolyte shows good initial discharge capacity of 98.5 mAhg(-1) at 0.05 C-rate at room temperature, which gradually decreases with cycling. Systematic investigation of electrode surfaces by using SEM and EDX shows deposition of passivation layers on their surfaces. Ionic liquids fabricated by this facile method provide a promising model system for understanding the molecular interactions in promoting the lithium-ion conduction mechanism. The advantages and the limits associated to series of ionic liquid electrolytes are critically investigated.}, doi = {10.1002/slct.201800513}, author = {Nirmale, Trupti and Khupse, Nageshwar and Gore, Rohitkumar and Ambekar, Jalindar and Kulkarni, Milind and Varma, Anjanikumar and Kale, Bharat} } @article {45352, title = {Evaluating antimalarial efficacy by tracking glycolysis in Plasmodium falciparum using NMR spectroscopy}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, volume = { 8}, year = {2018}, month = {DEC}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Glucose is an essential nutrient for Plasmodium falciparum and robust glycolytic activity is indicative of viable parasites. Using NMR spectroscopy, we show that P. falciparum infected erythrocytes consume similar to 20 times more glucose, and trophozoites metabolize similar to 6 times more glucose than ring stage parasites. The glycolytic activity, and hence parasite viability, can be measured within a period of 2 h to 5 h, using this method. This facilitates antimalarial bioactivity screening on ring and trophozoite stage parasites, exclusively. We demonstrate this using potent and mechanistically distinct antimalarial compounds such as chloroquine, atovaquone, cladosporin, DDD107498 and artemisinin. Our findings indicate that ring stage parasites are inherently more tolerant to antimalarial inhibitors, a feature which may facilitate emergence of drug resistance. Thus, there is a need to discover novel antimalarial compounds, which are potent and fast acting against ring stage parasites. The NMR method reported here can facilitate the identification of such molecules.}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-018-36197-3}, author = {Shivapurkar, Rupali and Hingamire, Tejashri and Kulkarni, Akshay S. and Rajamohanan, P. R. and Reddy, D. Srinivasa and Shanmugam, Dhanasekaran} } @article {44471, title = {Evaluation of Candida tropicalis (NCIM 3321) extracellular phytase having plant growth promoting potential and process development}, journal = {Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology}, volume = {13}, year = {2018}, month = {JAN}, abstract = {

Phytase is known to provide a solution for depletion of phosphorus (P). It helps it by hydrolyzing the insoluble P source in soil which is phytate. In this study, provides insight on yeast Candida tropicalis (NCIM 3321) which produces cell bound and extracellular thermostable phytase. The media components were optimized to enhance the enzyme production and checked for plant growth promoting activity. On optimization the isolate exhibited enhanced cell bound and extracellular phytase activity by four folds (from 236 to 1024 IU DCG$^{-}${\textonesuperior}) and by five folds (from 0.46 to 1.95 IU ml$^{-}${\textonesuperior}) respectively in 36 h. The production time decreased to 24 h compare to shake flask on Up-scaling the production process upto 10 L scale, thus increasing the productivity of cell bound (1810 IU DCG$^{-}${\textonesuperior}day$^{-}${\textonesuperior}) and extracellular phytase (6.08 IU ml$^{-}${\textonesuperior} day$^{-}${\textonesuperior}). The crude phytase (12 IU) from NCIM 3321 strain was studied for plant growth promotion activity in lab scale and field level experiments with maize crop. Findings of the study revealed that the extracellular phytase derived from non pathogenic C. tropicalis (NCIM 3321) was found to be plant growth stimulating by increasing the available P in soil. Our findings of phytase isolated from non-pathogenic yeast C. tropicalis NCIM 3321 exhibited dephytinization potential. Therefore, current study may have profound application in sustainable agriculture.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.bcab.2017.12.013}, author = {Puppala, Kumar Raja and Naik, Tejali and Shaik, Alfina and Dastager, Syed and Kumar, V. Ravi and Khire, Jayant and Dharne, Mahesh} } @article {44243, title = {Excited state intramolecular proton transfer in 1,8-Dihydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone dye: Revealing microstructures in [C(n)mIm][NTf2] and [C(n)mIm][BF4] series of ionic liquid solvents}, journal = {Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A-Chemistry}, volume = {350}, year = {2018}, month = {JAN }, pages = {111-121}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) in 18-dihydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone (18DHAQ) dye has been investigated in two series of 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium ([C(n)mIm](+)) based ionic liquid (IL) solvents, [C(n)mlm][NTf2] and [C(n)mlm][BF4], with n = 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10, using steady-state (SS) and time resolved (TR) fluorescence studies. In both the IL series, fluorescence intensity for tautomer (T*) form gradually decreases relative to normal (N*) form with increasing n value for [C(n)mlm](+) cations. Observed results suggest microstructure formation and its consequent effect on the ESIPT process of the dye in these IL solvents. Since more extensive microstructures are likely with larger n values of [C(n)mIm](+) cations, the dye is expectedly solubilized more in the polar microdomains of the solvent microstructures, resulting better stabilization for the more dipolar N* state and hence a higher emission intensity from this state. This proposition is clearly supported by ultrafast (sub-picosecond) fluorescence kinetics for both N* and T* states, though sub-nanosecond TR results indicate very similar fluoresce decays for both N* and T*, suggesting an eventual kinetic equilibrium between two states subsequent to the initial ultrafast and fast forward and backward ESIPT processes. Small differences between the results in the [C(n)mIm][NTf2] and [C(n)mIm][BE4] series of ILs are attributed to dissimilar size, shape and basicity of [NTf2]- and [BF4]- anions, responsible for some characteristic changes in the microstructures formed in the respective solvent series. To the best of our knowledge, present study is the only report demonstrating modulations in the ESIPT process through microstructure formations in neat [C(n)mIm](+) based IL solvents. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {1, 1-Alkyl-3-methylimidazolium ionic liquids, 8-Dihydroxyanthraquinone, Emission modulations of tautomeric forms, ESIPT process, Microstructure formation}, issn = {1010-6030}, doi = {10.1016/j.jphotochem.2017.09.073}, author = {Beniwal, Vijay and Kumar, Anil and Pal, Haridas} } @article {45410, title = { Excited-state prototropism of 7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin in [C(n)mim][BF4] series of ionic liquid-water mixtures: insights on reverse micelle-like water nanocluster formation}, journal = {Photochemical \& Photobiological Sciences}, volume = {17}, year = {2018}, month = {SEP}, pages = {1256-1266}, type = {Article}, abstract = {This study explores the excited state prototropic behavior of the fluorophore, 7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin (7H4MC), in the [C(n)mim][BF4] (n = 2, 4, 6, 8, 10) series of ionic liquid (IL)-water mixtures at low water contents. In pure IL media, 7H4MC exists in the neutral form in both ground and excited states. However, on addition of water to the ILs, the excited neutral form of the dye is gradually converted to the anionic and the tautomeric species, leading to characteristic changes in the emission spectra. The similarity in the spectral features of 7H4MC in the IL-water system with that in a conventional reverse micelle system rather than with organic solvent-water mixtures, suggests that in the presence of water, the ILs are organized into reverse micelle-like structures with the consequent formation of confined water pockets. The results further suggest that formation of water nanoclusters and the ensuing changes in excited state prototropic behavior of the dye, is facilitated by increase in the alkyl chain length of the IL cation. These propositions are supported by time-resolved fluorescence studies. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report on proton transfer reaction in IL-water mixtures at low water contents. Considering that ILs are useful as solvents and surfactants, and IL-water mixtures in particular have applications in chemical extractions and biocatalysis, an understanding of the structural organization and water pool formation in these systems is quite important. The insights obtained from the prototropic transformations of 7H4MC are significant not only for fundamental self-assembly studies, but also for the development of ILs as chemical reaction media.}, doi = {10.1039/c8pp00132d}, author = {Beniwal, Vijay and Kumar, Anil and Pal, Haridas and Choudhury, Sharmistha Dutta} } @article {45405, title = {Experimental and theoretical investigations of different diketopyrrolopyrrole-based polymers}, journal = {ACS Omega}, volume = {3}, year = {2018}, month = {SEP}, pages = {11710-11717}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP)-based polymers are often considered las the most promising donor moiety in traditional bulk heterojunction solar cell devices. In this paper, we report the synthesis, characterization of various DPP-based copolymers with different molecular weights, l and polydisper sity where other aromatic repeating units (phenyl or thiophene based) are connected by alternate double bonds or triple bonds. Some of the copolymers were used for device fabrication and the crucial parameters such as fill factor (FF) and open circuit voltage (V-oc) were calculated. The density functional theory was used to optimize the geometries and deduce highest occupied molecular orbital lowest unoccupied molecular orbital gaps of all the polymers and{\textquoteright}theoretically predict their optical and electronic properties. Optical properties of all the polymers, electrochemical properties and band gaps were also obtained experimentally and compared with the theoretically predicted values.}, doi = {10.1021/acsomega.8b01132}, author = {Murugan, Pachaiyappan and Raghavendra, Venkatraman. and Chithiravel, Sundaresan and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam and Mandal, Asit Baran and Subramanian, Venkatesan and Samanta, Debasis} } @article {44473, title = {Exploiting functionalities of biomass in nanocomposite development: application in dye removal and disinfection along with process intensification}, journal = {Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy}, volume = {20}, year = {2018}, month = {JUL}, pages = {981-994}, abstract = {A green synthesis of multifunctional superparamagnetic nanocomposites using the whole unripened fruit of Cassia fistula (Golden shower) with potential for removal of both cationic and anionic dyes and antimicrobial property is reported for the first time in the present work. A natural medium in the form of clarified butter was used to enhance the multifunctional character. The surface morphology, textural characteristics and composition of the prepared nanoparticles and composites were studied to understand the multifunctional nature. The dye removal was investigated for four different dyes, namely methyl blue, Congo red, rhodamine-B and auramine. Iron nanoparticles were largely effective in the removal of acidic dyes, while the magnetic nanocomposites were effective for the removal of both acidic and basic dyes which can be attributed to the functionalities imparted from Cassia fistula and clarified butter. The dye removal behavior can be significantly enhanced (similar to 50\%) using process intensification-adsorption coupled with acoustic cavitation, which also indicated a reduced adsorbent loading as compared to the conventional adsorptive dye removal. The nanomaterials were completely separated from dye solution with absolute ease of separation by applying simple magnetic field. Also, the developed materials were useful in disinfection of E. coli with a high efficiency of 90\% confirming significant antimicrobial property at lower concentrations.}, doi = {10.1007/s10098-018-1519-1}, author = {Kirti, Saumaya and Bhandari, Vinay M. and Jena, Jyotsnarani and Sorokhaibam, Laxmi Gayatri and Bhattacharyya, Arnab S.} } @article {44645, title = {Exploring the biological roles of Dothideomycetes ABC proteins: leads from their phylogenetic relationships with functionally-characterized Ascomycetes homologs}, journal = {PLoS One}, volume = {13}, year = {2018}, month = {AUG }, abstract = {

Background The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) superfamily is one of the largest, ubiquitous and diverse protein families in nature. Categorized into nine subfamilies, its members are important to most organisms including fungi, where they play varied roles in fundamental cellular processes, plant pathogenesis or fungicide tolerance. However, these proteins are not yet well-understood in the class Dothideomycetes, which includes several phytopathogens that infect a wide range of food crops including wheat, barley and maize and cause major economic losses. Results We analyzed the genomes of 14 Dothideomycetes fungi (Test set) and seven well-known Ascomycetes fungi (Model set-that possessed gene expression/functional analysis data about the ABC genes) and predicted 578 and 338 ABC proteins from each set respectively. These proteins were classified into subfamilies A to I, which revealed the distribution of the subfamily members across the Dothideomycetes and Ascomycetes genomes. Phylogenetic analysis of Dothideomycetes ABC proteins indicated evolutionary relationships among the subfamilies within this class. Further, phylogenetic relationships among the ABC proteins from the Model and the Test fungi within each subfamily were analyzed, which aided in classifying these proteins into subgroups. We compiled and curated functional and gene expression information from the previous literature for 118 ABC genes and mapped them on the phylogenetic trees, which suggested possible roles in pathogenesis and/or fungicide tolerance for the newly identified Dothideomycetes ABC proteins. Conclusions The present analysis is one of the firsts to extensively analyze ABC proteins from Dothideomycetes fungi. Their phylogenetic analysis and annotating the clades with functional information indicated a subset of Dothideomycetes ABC genes that could be considered for experimental validation for their roles in plant pathogenesis and/or fungicide tolerance.

}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0197447}, author = {Dube, Gaurav and Kadoo, Narendra and Prashant, Ramya} } @article {45469, title = {Facile activation of Si-H bond by an electrophilic carbene}, journal = {Indian Chemical Society}, volume = {95}, year = {2018}, month = {JUL}, pages = {789-793}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Herein, we have explored the chemistry of 1,3-bis(2,6-di-isopropylphenyl)-5,5-dimethy1-4,6-diketopyrimidinyl-2-ylidene (1) with various silanes under mild conditions. The oxidative addition of Si-H bond of phenylsilane with DAC 1 affords the compound 2, which is unambiguously characterized by muitinuclear NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and X-ray single crystal diffraction studies. Interestingly, DAC 1 activates silicon hydride bond of chlorosilanes at room temperature and results in the corresponding silylation products.}, issn = { 0019-4522}, author = {Swamy, V. S. V. S. N. and Kundu, Gargi and Sen, Sakya S.} } @article {44476, title = {Facile and solvent-free domino synthesis of new quinolidinyl-2,4-thiazolidinones: antifungal activityand molecular docking}, journal = {Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry}, volume = {18}, year = {2018}, month = {JAN}, pages = {622-630}, abstract = {Objective: We have synthesized new quinolidinyl-thiazolidinones via Knoevenagel condensation-alkylation reaction, catalyzed by [Et3NH][HSO4]. The present approach offers several advantages such as higher yields, eco-friendly reaction condition and economic availability of the catalyst. Method: The newly synthesized compounds were evaluated for their in vitro antifungal activity against six fungal strains. Some of the synthesized conjugates displayed good to moderate antifungal activity. Conclusion: Again, the molecular docking study performed against the fungal sterol 14 alpha-demethylase (CYP51) showed an excellent binding affinity towards the enzyme which could rationalize the promising antifungal activity portrayed by these derivatives and provides a platform for structure based drug design.}, doi = {10.2174/1389557516666161226161152}, author = {Subhedar, Dnyaneshwar D. and Shaikh, Mubarak H. and Tupe, Santosh G. and Deshpande, Mukund V. and Khedkar, Vijay M. and Jha, Prakash C. and Shingate, Bapurao B.} } @article {44614, title = {Facile, environmentally benign and scalable approach to produce pristine few layers graphene suitable for preparing biocompatible polymer nanocomposites}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {8}, year = {2018}, month = {JUL}, pages = {11228}, abstract = {

The success of developing graphene based biomaterials depends on its ease of synthesis, use of environmentally benign methods and low toxicity of the chemicals involved as well as biocompatibility of the final products/devices. We report, herein, a simple, scalable and safe method to produce defect free few layers graphene using naturally available phenolics i.e. curcumin/tetrahydrocurcumin/ quercetin, as solid-phase exfoliating agents with a productivity of similar to 45 g/batch (D/G = 0.54 and D/D{\textquoteright} \<= 1.23). The production method can also be employed in liquid-phase using a ball mill (20 g/batch, D/G \<= 0.23 and D/D{\textquoteright} \<= 1.12) and a sand grinder (10 g/batch, D/G \<= 0.11 and D/D similar to = 0.78). The combined effect of p-p interaction and charge transfer (from curcumin to graphene) is postulated to be the driving force for efficient exfoliation of graphite. The yielded graphene was mixed with the natural rubber (NR) latex to produce thin film nanocomposites, which show superior tensile strength with low modulus and no loss of \% elongation at break. In-vitro and in-vivo investigations demonstrate that the prepared nanocomposite is biocompatible. This approach could be useful for the production of materials suitable in products (gloves/condoms/catheters), which come in contact with body parts/ body fluids.

}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-018-28560-1}, author = {George, Gejo and Sisupal, Suja Bhargavan and Tomy, Teenu and Kumaran, Alaganandam and Vadivelu, Prabha and Suvekbala, Vemparthan and Sivaram, Swaminathan and Ragupathy, Lakshminarayanan} } @article {45403, title = { Facilitated lithium storage in hierarchical microsphere of Cu2S-MoS2 ultrathin nanosheets}, journal = {ChemistrySelect}, volume = {3}, year = {2018}, month = {OCT}, pages = {11020-11026}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Considering the high energy density Lithium ion batteries have become one of the best option for next-generation energystorage technologies. Transition metal chalcogenide nanomaterials are promising electrodes for Lithium-ion batteries. Molybdenum based layered chalcogenide materials wisely studied for rechargeable Li-ion batteries, due to its two-dimensional (2D) layered structure and better specific capacity. The three-dimensional (3D) synthesis of microsphere by ultrathin nanosheets is necessary for practical applications. Herein, the fabrication of a unique hierarchical 2D layered Cu2S-MoS2 nanostructure was (ultrathin nanosheets) demonstrated via in situ assembling of two-dimensional (2D) growths in facile solvothermal technique. The structural study reveals the existence of Cubic Cu2S and Rhombohedral MoS2 phase. Morphological study by FESEM and TEM shows unique ultrathin nanosheets of similar to 10 nm thickness self-assembled in the form of layered microsphere. In Li- ion storage testing, Cu2S-MoS2 electrode exhibited good specific discharge capacity of 651 mAhg(-1) at 50 mAg(-1) applied current and maintained 320 mAhg(-1) after 100 cycles. The facilitated advanced electrochemical performance attributed to layered ultrathin Cu2S-MoS2 composite nanosheets.}, issn = { 2365-6549}, doi = {10.1002/slct.201802470}, author = {Kadam, Sunil R. and Kalubarme, Ramchandra S. and Deshmukh, Shrutika P. and Panmand, Rajendra P. and Kawade, Ujjwala, V. and Kulkarni, Milind, V. and Deo, Shriniwas S. and Gosavi, Suresh W. and Kale, Bharat B.} } @article {44357, title = {Favorable 2 {\textquoteright}-substitution in the loop region of a thrombin-binding DNA aptamer}, journal = {Bioorganic \& Medicinal Chemistry Letters}, volume = {28}, year = {2018}, month = {JUN}, pages = {1765-1768}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Simple 2{\textquoteright}-OMe-chemical modification in the loop region of the 15mer G-rich DNA sequence GGTTGGTGTGGTTGG is reported. The G-quadruplex structure of this thrombin-binding aptamer (TBA), is stabilized by single modifications (T -> 2{\textquoteright}-OMe-U), depending on the position of the modification. The structural stability also renders significantly increased inhibition of thrombin-induced fibrin polymerization, a process closely associated with blood-clotting. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.}, doi = {10.1016/j.bmcl.2018.04.027}, author = {Awachat, Ragini and Wagh, Atish A. and Aher, Manisha and Fernandes, Moneesha and Kumar, Vaijayanti A.} } @article {44654, title = {First total synthesis of the proposed structure of pandangolide 1}, journal = {European Journal of Organic Chemistry}, year = {2018}, month = {JUL}, pages = {3352-3364}, abstract = {

The first total synthesis of the proposed structure of pandangolide 1 is reported. The synthesis was carried out using both an organocatalytic approach and a chiral-pool approach. The required stereochemistry at C-3 and C-5 was installed by using an organocatalytic aldol reaction and a stereoselective ketone reduction. The construction of the 12-membered core was achieved by 2-methyl-6-nitrobenzoic anhydride-mediated Shiina lactonization. The structure of target molecule was confirmed unambiguously by single-crystal X-ray analysis, but the optical rotation and NMR spectroscopic data of the synthetic pandangolide 1 were found to be inconsistent with the natural product.

}, keywords = {lactones, Macrocycles, Natural products, structure elucidation, synthesis design, Total synthesis}, issn = {1434-193X}, doi = {10.1002/ejoc.201800675}, author = {Show, Krishanu and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article {44616, title = {Flexible composite mechanical energy harvester from a ferroelectric organoamino phosphonium salt}, journal = {Angewandte Chemie-International Edition}, volume = {57}, year = {2018}, month = {JUL}, pages = {9054-9058}, abstract = {

A new binary organic salt diphenyl diisopropylamino phosphonium hexaflurophosphate (DPDPPF6) was shown to exhibit a good ferroelectric response and employed for mechanical energy harvesting application. The phosphonium salt crystallizes in the monoclinic noncentrosymmetric space group Cc and exhibits an H-bonded 1D chain structure due to N-HF interactions. Ferroelectric measurements on the single crystals of DPDPPF6 gave a well-saturated rectangular hysteresis loop with a remnant (P-r) polarization value of 6Ccm(-2). Further, composite devices based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) films for various weight percentages (3, 5, 7, 10 and 20wt\%) of DPDPPF6 were prepared and examined for power generation by using an impact test setup. A maximum output peak-to-peak voltage (V-PP) of 8.5V and an output peak-to-peak current (I-PP) of 0.5A was obtained for the non-poled composite film with 10wt\% of DPDPPF6. These results show the efficacy of organic ferroelectric substances as potential micropower generators.

}, keywords = {binary phosphonium salts, energy conversion, ferroelectricity, hydrogen bonding, polymer composites}, issn = {1433-7851}, doi = {10.1002/anie.201805479}, author = {Vijayakanth, Thangavel and Srivastava, Anant Kumar and Ram, Farsa and Kulkarni, Priyangi and Shanmuganathan, Kadhiravan and Praveenkumar, Balu and Boomishankar, Ramamoorthy} } @article {45381, title = { Flim-Map: gene context based identification of functional modules in bacterial metabolic pathways}, journal = {Frontiers in microbiology}, volume = {9}, year = {2018}, month = {SEP}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Prediction of functional potential of bacteria can only be ascertained by the accurate annotation of its metabolic pathways. Homology based methods decipher metabolic gene content but ignore the fact that homologs of same protein can function in different pathways. Therefore, mere presence of all constituent genes in an organism is not sufficient to indicate a pathway. Contextual occurrence of genes belonging to a pathway on the bacterial genome can hence be exploited for an accurate estimation of functional potential of a bacterium. In this communication, we present a novel annotation resource to accurately identify pathway presence by using gene context. Our tool FLIM-MAP (Functionally Important Modules in bacterial Metabolic Pathways) predicts biologically relevant functional units called {\textquoteright}GCMs{\textquoteright} (Gene Context based Modules) from a given metabolic reaction network. We benchmark the accuracy of our tool on amino acids and carbohydrate metabolism pathways.}, doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2018.02183}, author = {Bhatt, Vineet and Mohapatra, Anwesha and Anand, Swadha and Kuntal, Bhusan K. and Mande, Sharmila S.} } @article {44652, title = {Fluorinated nanocellulose-reinforced all-organic flexible ferroelectric nanocomposites for energy generation}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {122}, year = {2018}, month = {JUL}, pages = {16540-16549}, abstract = {

We report here enhanced ferroelectric crystal formation and energy generation properties of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) in the presence of surface-modified crystalline nanocellulose. Incorporation of only 2-5 wt \% fluorinated nanocellulose (FNC) in PVDF has been found to significantly induce polar beta/gamma-phase crystallization as compared to the addition of unmodified nanocellulose (carboxylated nanocellulose). A device made up of electrically poled PVDF/FNC composite films yielded 2 orders of magnitude higher voltage output than neat PVDF in vibrational energy harvesting. This remarkable increase in energy generation properties of PVDF at such a low loading of an organic natural biopolymer could be attributed to the tailored surface chemistry of nanocellulose, facilitating strong interfacial interactions between PVDF and FNC. Interestingly, energy harvesting devices fabricated from PVDF/FNC nanocomposites charged a 4.7 mu F capacitor at significantly faster rate and the accumulated voltage on capacitor was 3.8 times greater than neat PVDF. The fact that PVDF/FNC nanocomposites still retain a strain at break of 10-15\% and can charge a capacitor in few seconds suggests potential use of these nanocomposites as flexible energy harvesting materials at large strain conditions.

}, issn = {1932-7447}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpcc.8b03470}, author = {Ram, Farsa and Ambone, Tushar and Sharma, Aakash and Murugesan, Rajarathinam and Kajale, Deepak and Borkar, Vivek and Ali, Shaikh Faruque and Balu, Praveen Kumar and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy and Shanmuganathan, Kadhiravan} } @article {44631, title = {Four-step total synthesis of (+)-yaoshanenolides A and B}, journal = {ACS Omega}, volume = {3}, year = {2018}, month = {JUN}, pages = {7036-7045}, abstract = {

A highly concise bioinspired four-step total synthesis of yaoshanenolides A and B possessing tricyclic spirolactone with an unusual 5{\textquoteright}H-spiro-[bicyclo[2.2.2]-oct[2] ene-7,2{\textquoteright}-furan]-5{\textquoteright}-one scaffold is reported. This synthesis features high-yielding aldol-type addition of gamma-butyrolactone on to the aldehyde, exocyclic olefination of lactone derivative using Eschenmoser{\textquoteright}s salt, and highly facial-and endo-selective [4 + 2]-cycloaddition of fully functionalized 5-methylene-2(5H)-furanone with natural R-(-)-alpha-phellandrene. The approach allows access to yaoshanenolides A and B in four linear steps in 11 and 13\% overall yield.

}, issn = {2470-1343}, doi = {10.1021/acsomega.8b00701}, author = {Thorat, Sagar S. and Palange, Megha N. and Kontham, Ravindar} } @article {45401, title = {From a helix to a small cycle: metadynamics-inspired alpha v beta 6 integrin selective ligands}, journal = {Angewandte Chemie-International Edition}, volume = {57}, year = {2018}, month = {OCT}, pages = {14645-14649}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The RGD-recognizing alpha v beta 6 integrin has only recently emerged as a major target for cancer diagnosis and therapy. Thus, the development of selective, low-molecular-weight ligands of this receptor is still in great demand. Here, a metadynamics-driven design strategy allowed us to successfully convert a helical nonapeptide into a cyclic pentapeptide (6) showing remarkable potency and alpha v beta 6 specificity. NMR and docking studies elucidated the reasons for the high affinity and selectivity of this compound, setting the ground for the rational design of new alpha v beta 6-specific small peptides or even peptidomimetics. In vivo PET imaging studies demonstrated the potential use of 6 for medical applications.}, issn = { 1433-7851}, doi = {10.1002/anie.201803250}, author = {Di Leva, Francesco Saverio and Tomassi, Stefano and Di Maro, Salvatore and Reichart, Florian and Notni, Johannes and Dangi, Abha and Marelli, Udaya Kiran and Brancaccio, Diego and Merlino, Francesco and Wester, Hans-Juergen and Novellino, Ettore and Kessler, Horst and Marinelli, Luciana} } @article {44642, title = {Fused fluorenylindolenine-donor-based unsymmetrical squaraine dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {10}, year = {2018}, month = {AUG}, pages = {26335-26347}, abstract = {

A series of four unsymmetrical squaraine dyes, XSQ1-4, were synthesized using a fused fluorenylindolenine-based donor unit for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The fused structure of fluorenylindolenine helped in moving the absorption toward the near-infrared (NIR) region, and the two sp(3)-C centers available on this donor were utilized to incorporate out-of-plane alkyl chains in opposite directions to control the dye-dye interactions on the TiO2 surface. High extinction coefficient (epsilon \>= 10(5) M-1 cm(-1)) for absorbing NIR photons and suitable highest occupied molecular orbital and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy levels with respect to the conduction band of TiO2 and electrolyte for charge injection and dye regeneration processes, respectively, make these dyes potential sensitizers for DSSCs. Introduction of branched alkyl groups in the pi-framework helped in controlling dye aggregation to reduce exciton quenching and assisted in TiO2 surface passivation to avoid the charge recombination process. Furthermore, having a naphthyl group on the indole part of the anchoring group containing segment helped to red-shift the absorption spectrum of dyes 15 nm toward the NIR region (XSQ3-4). Among all of the dyes under investigation, XSQ2 gave the best photovoltaic performance, having a short-circuit current density (J(SC)) of 13.99 mA cm(-2), open -circuit voltage (V-OC) of 0.66 V, and a fill factor (ff) of 0.71, with a device performance (eta) of 6.57\%. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed higher electron lifetime on TiO2 for XSQ2, which helps to avoid the charge recombination process.

}, keywords = {Dye-sensitized solar cells, fluorenylindolenine, H- and J-type aggregation, NIR absorption, out-of-plane alkyl groups, squaraine dyes}, issn = {1944-8244}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.8b09866}, author = {Bisht, Rajesh and Sudhakar, Vediappan and Kavungathodi, Munavvar Fairoos Mele and Karjule, Neeta and Nithyanandhan, Jayaraj} } @article {44479, title = {GA3 application in grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) modulates different sets of genes at cluster emergence, full bloom, and berry stage as revealed by RNA sequence-based transcriptome analysis}, journal = {Functional \& Integrative Genomics}, volume = {18}, year = {2018}, month = {JUL}, pages = {439{\textendash}455}, abstract = {In grapes (Vitis vinifera L.), exogenous gibberellic acid (GA3) is applied at different stages of bunch development to achieve desirable bunch shape and berry size in seedless grapes used for table purpose. RNA sequence-based transcriptome analysis was used to understand the mechanism of GA3 action at cluster emergence, full bloom, and berry stage in table grape variety Thompson Seedless. At cluster emergence, rachis samples were collected at 6 and 24 h after application of GA3, whereas flower clusters and berry samples were collected at 6, 24, and 48 h after application at full bloom and 3{\textendash}4 mm berry stages. Seven hundred thirty-three genes were differentially expressed in GA3-treated samples. At rachis and flower cluster stage respectively, 126 and 264 genes were found to be significantly differentially expressed within 6 h of GA3 application. The number of DEG reduced considerably at 24 h. However, at berry stage, major changes occurred even at 24 h and a number of DEGs at 6 and 24 h were 174 and 191, respectively. As compared to upregulated genes, larger numbers of genes were downregulated. Stage-specific response to the GA3 application was observed as evident from the unique set of DEGs at each stage and only a few common genes among three stages. Among the DEGs, 67 were transcription factors. Functional categorization and enrichment analysis revealed that several transcripts involved in sucrose and hexose metabolism, hormone and secondary metabolism, and abiotic and biotic stimuli were enriched in response to application of GA3. A high correlation was recorded for real-time PCR and transcriptome data for selected DEGs, thus indicating the robustness of transcriptome data obtained in this study for understanding the GA3 response at different stages of berry development in grape. Chromosomal localization of DEGs and identification of polymorphic microsatellite markers in selected genes have potential for their use in breeding for varieties with improved bunch architecture.}, keywords = {Bunch architecture, GA3 response, Microsatellite markers, RNA seq, Transcription factors, Vitis vinifera}, issn = {1438-793X}, doi = {10.1007/s10142-018-0605-0}, author = {Upadhyay, Anuradha and Maske, Smita and Jogaiah, Satisha and Kadoo, Narendra Y. and Gupta, Vidya S.} } @article {44481, title = {G-C3N4/NiAl-LDH 2D/2D hybrid heterojunction for high-performance photocatalytic reduction ofco2 into renewable fuels}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {10}, year = {2018}, month = {JAN}, pages = {2667-2678}, type = {Article }, abstract = {2D/2D interface heterostructures of g-C3N4 and NiAl-LDH are synthesized utilizing strong electrostatic interactions between positively charged 2D NiAl-LDH sheets and negatively charged 2D g-C3N4 nanosheets. This new 2D/2D interface heterojunction showed remarkable performance for photocatalytic CO, reduction to produce renewable fuels such as CO and H-2 under visible-light irradiation, far superior to that of either single phase g-C3N4 or NiAl-LDH nanosheets. The enhancement of photocatalytic activity could be attributed mainly to the excellent interfacial contact at the heterojunction of gC(3)N(4)/NiAl-LDH, which subsequently results in suppressed recombination, and improved transfer and separation of photogenerated charge carriers. In addition, the optimal g-C3N4/NiAl-LDH nanocomposite possessed high photostability after successive experimental runs with no obvious change in the production of CO from CO, reduction. Our findings regarding the design, fabrication and photophysical properties of 2D/2D heterostructure systems may find use in other photocatalytic applications including H-2 production and water purification.}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.7b18835}, author = {Tonda, Surendar and Kumar, Santosh and Bhardwaj, Monika and Yadav, Poonam and Ogale, Satishchandra} } @article {45422, title = {Genetic and phytochemical investigations for understanding population variability of the medicinally important tree Saraca asoca to help develop conservation strategies}, journal = {Phytochemistry}, volume = {156}, year = {2018}, month = {DEC}, pages = {43-54}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Saraca asoca (Roxb.) De Wilde (Caesalpiniaceae) is a highly traded IUCN red listed tree species used in Ayurvedic medicines for the treatment of various disorders, especially gynaecological problems. However, information about the genetic variations between populations and corresponding variation in specialized metabolites of S. asoca remains unclear. To address this issue, we analysed 11 populations of S. asoca with 106 accessions collected from Western Ghats of India using ISSR markers along with selected phytocompounds using RP-HPLC. Twenty primers were screened, out of which seven were selected for further analysis based on generation of clear polymorphic banding patterns. These seven ISSR primers produced 74 polymorphic loci. AMOVA showed 43\% genetic variation within populations and 57\% among the populations of S. asoca. To estimate the genetic relationships among S. asoca populations, UPGMA and Bayesian Models were constructed, which revealed two clusters of similar grouping patterns. However, excluding minor deviations, UPGMA and dissimilarity analysis showed close association of genotypes according to their geographical locations. Catechin (CAT), epicatechin (EPI) and gallic acid (GA) were quantified from bark and leaf samples of corresponding genotypes collected from 106 accessions. ROC plots depicted the sensitivity and specificity of the concentrations of tested phytocompounds at various cut-off points. Although, multiple logistic regression analysis predicted some association between few loci with GA, EPI and CAT, but PCA for phytochemical data failed to distinguish the populations. Overall, there were no significant trends observed to distinguish the populations based on these phytocompounds. Furthermore, the study advocates the delineate provenance regions of S. asoca genotypes/chemotype snapshots for in-situ conservation and ex-situ cultivation.}, issn = {0031-9422}, doi = {10.1016/j.phytochem.2018.08.016}, author = {Hegde, Satisha and Pai, Sandeep Ramchandra and Bhagwat, Rasika M. and Saini, Archana and Rathore, Poonam Kanwar and Jalalpure, Sunil Satyappa and Hegde, Harsha Vasudev and Sugunan, Attayoor Purushottaman and Gupta, Vidya S. and Kholkute, Sanjiva D. and Roy, Subarna} } @article {44485, title = {Global transcriptome analysis of grapevine ( Vitis vinifera L.) leaves under salt stress reveals differential response at early and late stages of stress in table grape cv. Thompson Seedless}, journal = {Plant Physiology and Biochemistry}, volume = {129}, year = {2018}, month = {MAY}, pages = {168-179}, abstract = {Among the different abiotic stresses, salt stress has a significant effect on the growth and yield of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.). In this study, we employed RNA sequence based transcriptome analysis to study salinity stress response in grape variety Thompson Seedless. Salt stress adversely affected the growth related and physiological parameters and the effect on physiological parameters was significant within 10 days of stress imposition. A total of 343 genes were differentially expressed in response to salt stress. Among the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) only 42 genes were common at early and late stages of stress. The gene enrichment analysis revealed that GO terms related to transcription factors were over-represented. Among the DEGs, 52 were transcription factors belonging to WRKY, EREB, MYB, NAC and bHLH families. Salt stress significantly affected several pathways like metabolic pathways, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, membrane transport development related pathways etc. 343 DEGs were distributed on all the 19 chromosomes, however clustered regions of DEGs were present on chromosomes 2, 5, 6 and 12 suggesting probable QTLs for imparting tolerance to salt and other abiotic stresses. Real-time PCR of selected genes in control and treated samples of grafted and own root vines demonstrated that rootstock influenced expression of salt stress responsive genes. Microsatellite regions were identified in ten selected salt responsive genes and highly polymorphic markers were identified using fifteen grape genotypes. This information will be useful for the identification of key genes involved in salt stress tolerance in grape. The identified DEGs could also be useful for genome wide analysis for the identification of polymorphic markers for their subsequent use in molecular breeding for developing salt tolerant grape genotypes.}, doi = {10.1016/j.plaphy.2018.05.032}, author = {Upadhyay, Anuradha and Gaonkar, Tulsi and Upadhyay, Ajay Kumar and Jogaiah, Satisha and Shinde, Manisha P. and Kadoo, Narendra and Gupta, Vidya Shrikant} } @article {45455, title = {Harnessing nucleophilicity of allenol ester with p-quinone methides via gold catalysis: application to the synthesis of diarylmethine-substituted enones}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {83 }, year = {2018}, month = {AUG}, pages = {9353-9363}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A gold(I)-catalyzed protocol for intermolecular 1,6-conjugate addition of nucleophilic allenol ester generated in situ through [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement with p-quinone methides (p-QMs) has been developed. The gold catalyst plays a dual role by the pi-acid-triggered activation of alkynes and at the same time as a Lewis acid for activation of p-QMs toward nucleophilic attack. This method enables rapid access to a wide range of densely functionalized diarylmethine-substituted enones, a Morita-Baylis-Hillman (MBH) product with high selectivity, excellent yields, and broad substrate scope.}, doi = {10.1021/acs.joc.8b01294}, author = {Sharma, Brijesh M. and Rathod, Jayant and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article {44492, title = {Helically structured peptide architecture engineered using dimedone as a rigid organic scaffold}, journal = {ChemistrySelect}, volume = {3}, year = {2018}, month = {MAR}, pages = {2776-2780}, abstract = {This communication reports the use of a rigid organic scaffold to attach two unsymmetrical peptide chains on a single carbon atom. The approach describes the step-by-step attachment of peptide chains to the rigid dimedone template (5,5-dimethyl-1,3-cyclohexanedione) - a molecular scaffold that directs orientation of the peptide helices in a well-defined arrangement via intra-molecular hydrogen bonding. The overall topology of the final molecules was studied using CD spectroscopy which suggested existence of helical architecture.}, doi = {10.1002/slct.201702856}, author = {Nadimpally, Krishna C. and Madica, Krishnaprasad and Kotmale, Amol S. and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Sanjayan, Gangadhar J.} } @article {44634, title = {High surface area nanoporous carbon derived from high quality jute from Bangladesh}, journal = {Materials Chemistry and Physics}, volume = {216}, year = {2018}, month = {SEP}, pages = {491-495}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We report an economically viable and environment-friendly strategy for the preparation of nanoporous carbon (NC) from jute which is one of the most abundant natural fibers produced in Bangladesh and some South Asian countries. Nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, UV spectroscopy, and scanning/transmission electron microscopy were performed to characterize the obtained NC. Three different types of jute-derived NCs have been synthesized at three different temperatures, 700 degrees C, 800 degrees C and 900 degrees C. The NC prepared at 800 degrees C resulted in a high surface area (981 m(2) g(-2)) and was associated with the retention of the original fibrous shapes. This study shows a promising future for jute as a natural precursor for NCs for a myriad of applications ranging from water purification to gas separation to energy conversion and storage.

}, keywords = {Adsorbents, Graphitization, Jute, Nanoporous carbons, porous materials}, issn = {0254-0584}, doi = {10.1016/j.matchemphys.2018.05.082}, author = {Khan, Junayet Hossain and Lin, Jianjian and Young, Christine and Matsagar, Babasaheb M. and Wu, Kevin C. W. and Dhepe, Paresh L. and Islam, Md Tofazzal and Rahman, Md Mahbubur and Shrestha, Lok Kumar and Alshehri, Saad M. and Ahamad, Tansir and Salunkhe, Rahul R. and Kumar, Nanjundan Ashok and Martin, Darren J. and Yamauchi, Yusuke and Hossain, Md Shahriar A.} } @article {45548, title = {Highly reactive crystalline-phase-embedded strontium-bioactive nanorods for multimodal bioactive applications}, journal = {Biomaterials Science}, volume = {6}, year = {2018}, month = {JUL}, pages = {1764-1776}, type = {Article}, abstract = {In the present work, a crystallization-induced strontium-bioactive material, with a composition similar to Bioglass 45S5 system, was obtained using a sol-gel-assisted microwave method with nanorod morphologies of 30-80 nm in size. The effect of crystallization induced in the glass network, and its influence on the bioactivity and mechanical properties of bone and dentin regeneration, were the main novel findings of this work. Rietveld analysis of X-ray diffraction spectra showed the best fit with sodium (combeite, Na2Ca2Si3O9) and calcium (clinophosinaite, Ca2Na6O14P2Si2; calcium strontium silicate, Ca1.5O4SiSr0.5; and calcium carbonate, CaCO3) enriched crystal systems. Multinuclear solid-state NMR studies provided detailed atomistic insight into the presence of crystalline mineral phases in the bioactive material. The dentin matrix and antibacterial studies showed good results for 5\% strontium-substituted calcium compared with basic 45S5 composition due to its smaller particle size (30 nm), which suggested applications to dentin regeneration. Simulation studies have been demonstrated with clinophosinaite crystal data from the XRD spectra, with the glycoprotein salivary metabolites also showing that 5\% strontium-substituted calcium has a higher binding affinity for the salivary compound, which is suitable for dentin regeneration applications. In vitro apatite formation studies showed that this material is suitable for bone regeneration applications.}, issn = {20474830}, doi = {10.1039/c8bm00362a}, author = {Durgalakshmi, D. and Ajay Rakkesh, R. and Kesavan, M. and Ganapathy, S. and Ajithkumar, T.G. and Karthikeyan, S. and Balakumar, S.} } @article {45385, title = {Highly stable COF-supported Co/Co(OH)(2) nanoparticles heterogeneous catalyst for reduction of nitrile/nitro compounds under mild conditions}, journal = {Small}, volume = {14}, year = {2018}, month = {SEP}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Ordered nanoporosity in covalent organic framework (COF) offers excellent opportunity for property development. Loading nanoparticles (nPs) onto them is one approach to introducing tailor-made properties into a COF. Here, a COF-Co/Co(OH)(2) composite containing about 16 wt\% of <6 nm sized Co/Co(OH)(2) nPs is prepared on a N-rich COF support that catalyzes the release of theoretical equivalence of H-2 from readily available, safe, and cheap NaBH4. Furthermore, the released H-2 is utilized for the hydrogenation of nitrile and nitro compounds to amines under ambient conditions in a facile one-pot reaction. The COF "by choice" is built from "methoxy" functionalized dialdehydes which is crucial in enabling the complete retention of the COF structure under the conditions of the catalysis, where the regular Schiff bonds would have hydrolyzed. The N-rich binding pockets in the COF ensure strong nP-COF interactions, which provides stability and enables catalyst recycling. Modeling studies reveal the crucial role played by the COF in exposing the active facets and thereby in controlling the activation of the reducing agent. Additionally, via density functional theory, we provide a rational explanation for how these COFs can stabilize nanoparticles which grow beyond the limiting pore size of the COF and yet result in a truly stable heterogeneous catalyst - a ubiquitous observation. The study underscores the versatility of COF as a heterogeneous support for developing cheap and highly active nonnoble metal catalysts.}, doi = {10.1002/smll.201801233}, author = {Mullangi, Dinesh and Chakraborty, Debanjan and Pradeep, Anu and Koshti, Vijay and Vinod, Chathakudath P. and Panja, Soumendranath and Nair, Sunil and Vaidhyanathan, Ramanathan} } @article {44233, title = {High-performance field emission device utilizing vertically aligned carbon nanotubes-based pillar architectures}, journal = {AIP Advances}, volume = {8}, year = {2018}, month = {JAN}, pages = {015117}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The vertical aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs)-based pillar architectures were created on laminated silicon oxide/silicon (SiO2/Si) wafer substrate at 775 degrees C by using water-assisted chemical vapor deposition under low pressure process condition. The lamination was carried out by aluminum (Al, 10.0 nm thickness) as a barrier layer and iron (Fe, 1.5 nm thickness) as a catalyst precursor layer sequentially on a silicon wafer substrate. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images show that synthesized CNTs are vertically aligned and uniformly distributed with a high density. The CNTs have approximately 2-30 walls with an inner diameter of 3-8 nm. Raman spectrum analysis shows G-band at 1580 cm(-1) and D-band at 1340 cm(-1). The G-band is higher than D-band, which indicates that CNTs are highly graphitized. The field emission analysis of the CNTs revealed high field emission current density (4mA/cm(2) at 1.2V/mu m), low turn-on field (0.6 V/mu m) and field enhancement factor (6917) with better stability and longer lifetime. Emitter morphology resulting in improved promising field emission performances, which is a crucial factor for the fabrication of pillared shaped vertical aligned CNTs bundles as practical electron sources. (c) 2018 Author(s).

}, issn = {2158-3226}, doi = {10.1063/1.5004769}, author = {Gupta, Bipin Kumar and Kedawat, Garima and Gangwar, Amit Kumar and Nagpal, Kanika and Kashyap, Pradeep Kumar and Srivastava, Shubhda and Singh, Satbir and Kumar, Pawan and Suryawanshi, Sachin R. and Seo, Deok Min and Tripathi, Prashant and More, Mahendra A. and Srivastava, O. N. and Hahm, Myung Gwan and Late, Dattatray J.} } @article {45373, title = { Homo- and heterodimeric dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells: panchromatic light absorption and modulated open circuit potential}, journal = {ChemPlusChem}, volume = {83}, year = {2018}, month = {NOV}, pages = { 998-1007}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The design of dyes for panchromatic light absorption has attracted much attention in the field of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). An approach to enhance panchromatic light absorption utilizes mixtures of complementary light-absorbing dyes as well as dyes with specific anchoring groups that facilitate interfacial charge transfer with TiO2. Dipole-dipole interactions between the dye molecules on the surface broaden the spectrum, which results in decreased DSSC device performance. However, controlled aggregation of dyes results in broadening the spectral profile along with enhanced photocurrent generation. To control the dye-dye interaction, dimeric dyes with different dipole lengths D-1-D-sq, D-sq-D(sq)were systematically designed and synthesized. The photophysical and electrochemical properties were evaluated and the E-HOMO and E-LUMO levels were determined; these energy levels determines the electron injection from E-LUMO of the dye to E-CB of TiO2 and regeneration of oxidized dye by the electrolyte, respectively. The absorption spectra of D-sq-D-sq, D-1-D-sq were broadened in solution compared to model dye D-sq; this indicates that the dye-dye interaction is prominent in solution. In D-1-D-sq excitation energy transfer between photoexcited D-1 and D-sq was explained by using Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET). The homodimeric dye showed a device performace of 2.8 \% (V-oc 0.607, J(sc) 6.62 mA/cm(2), ff 69.3 \%),whereas the heterodimeric dye D-1-D-sq showed a device performance of 3.9 \% (V-oc 0.652 V, J(sc) 8.89 mA/cm(2), ff 68.8 \%). The increased photocurrent for D-1-D(sq)is due to the panchromatic IPCE response compared to D-sq-D-sq. The increased V(oc)is due to the effective passivation of the TiO2 surface by the spirolinker, and the effective dipole moment that shifts the conduction band on TiO2. Hence, the open circuit potential, V-oc, for the devices prepared from D-sq, D-1-D-sq and D-sq-D(sq)were systematically modulated by controlling the intermolecular pi-pi and intramolecular dipole-dipole interactions of the dimeric dyes.}, issn = { 2192-6506}, doi = {10.1002/cplu.201800450}, author = {Sil, Manik Chandra and Sudhakar, Vediappan and Singh, Ambarish Kumar and Kavungathodi, Munavvar Fairoos Mele and Nithyanandhan, Jayaraj} } @article {44497, title = {Identification of potent chromone embedded [1,2,3]-triazoles as novel anti-tubercular agents}, journal = {Royal Society Open Science}, volume = {5}, year = {2018}, month = {APR}, pages = {Article Number: 171750}, abstract = {A series of 20 novel chromone embedded [1,2,3]-triazoles derivatives were synthesized via an easy and convenient synthetic procedure starting from 2-hydroxy acetophenone. The in vitro anti-mycobacterial evaluation studies carried out in this work reveal that seven compounds exhibit significant inhibition against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv strain with MIC in the range of 1.56-12.5 mu g ml(-1). Noticeably, compound 6s was the most potent compound in vitro with a MIC value of 1.56 mu g ml(-1). Molecular docking and chemoinformatics studies revealed that compound 6s displayed drug-like properties against the enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase of M. tuberculosis further establishing its potential as a potent inhibitor.}, doi = {10.1098/rsos.171750}, author = {Nalla, Viswanadh and Shaikh, Aslam and Bapat, Sanket and Vyas, Renu and Karthikeyan, M. and Yogeeswari, P. and Sriram, D. and Muthukrishnan, M.} } @conference {44598, title = {Impact of stereochemistry on sharing chemical structures}, booktitle = {255th National Meeting and Exposition of the American-Chemical-Society (ACS) - Nexus of Food, Energy, and Water}, year = {2018}, month = {MAR}, publisher = {ACS, 1155 16TH ST, NW, Washington, DC 20036 USA}, organization = {ACS, 1155 16TH ST, NW, Washington, DC 20036 USA}, address = {New Orleans, LA}, author = {Banik, Gregory and Karthikeyan, Muthukumarasamy and Nedwed, Karl and Kunitsky, Keith and D{\textquoteright}Souza, Michelle and Abshear, Ty} } @article {45590, title = {Impairing powerhouse in colon cancer cells by hydrazide{\textendash}hydrazone-based small molecule}, journal = {ACS omega }, volume = {3}, year = {2018}, month = {FEB }, pages = {1470{\textendash}1481}, type = {Article }, abstract = {Mitochondrion has emerged as one of the unconventional targets in next-generation cancer therapy. Hence, small molecules targeting mitochondria in cancer cells have immense potential in the next-generation anticancer therapeutics. In this report, we have synthesized a library of hydrazide{\textendash}hydrazone-based small molecules and identified a novel compound that induces mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization by inhibiting antiapoptotic B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family proteins followed by sequestration of proapoptotic cytochrome c. The new small molecule triggered programmed cell death (early and late apoptosis) through cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase and caspase-9/3 cleavage in HCT-116 colon cancer cells, confirmed by an array of fluorescence confocal microscopy, cell sorting, and immunoblotting analysis. Furthermore, cell viability studies have verified that the small molecule rendered toxicity to a panel of colon cancer cells (HCT-116, DLD-1, and SW-620), keeping healthy L929 fibroblast cells unharmed. The novel small molecule has the potential to form a new understudied class of mitochondria targeting anticancer agent.}, issn = {2470-1343}, doi = {10.1021/acsomega.7b01512}, author = {Patil, S. and Kuman, M. M. and Palvai, S. and Sengupta, P. and Basu, S.} } @article {44635, title = {In situ nanoparticle embedding for authentication of epoxy composites}, journal = {Advanced Materials}, volume = {30}, year = {2018}, month = {AUG}, pages = {1801523}, abstract = {

In situ reduction of chloroauric acid inside an amine-cured epoxy matrix leads to formation of gold nanoparticles which are embedded inside the part. This phenomenon is leveraged to design an authentication system for composites wherein the particles are embedded spatially and are invisible to the naked eye. Under UV light, the particles diffract light and create an easily visible path. The particles penetrate inside the part and create a permanent, cost-effective, tamper-proof code. The advantage of this technique is that this authentication system can be built in composite parts after fabrication of the composite structure. As very small amount (nanograms) of particles are present in the part, negligible change in the thermal characteristics of the parent matrix is observed. The particles can be embedded easily in carbon fiber as well as glass fiber reinforced epoxy structures.

}, keywords = {authentication, barcoding, composites, embedded nanoparticles, Epoxy}, issn = {0935-9648}, doi = {10.1002/adma.201801523}, author = {Pansare, Amol V. and Khairkar, Shyam R. and Shedge, Amol A. and Chhatre, Shraddha Y. and Patil, Vishwanath R. and Nagarkar, Amit A.} } @article {44351, title = {In situ phase transformation synthesis of unique Janus Ag2O/Ag2CO3 heterojunction photocatalyst with improved photocatalytic properties}, journal = {Applied Surface Science}, volume = {445}, year = {2018}, month = {JUL}, pages = {555-562}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Herein, Ag2O/Ag2CO3 nanocomposite with unique Janus morphology was synthesized by a facile ion-exchange followed by an in situ phase transformation method with precise control of its nucleation and growth processes. Contrary to conventional synthetic procedures of Janus architectures, the present Janus system was constructed without the need for surfactants or toxic chemicals. Most importantly, the visible-light-absorbing Janus Ag2O/Ag2CO3 nanocomposite exhibits a remarkable performance toward the degradation of Rhodamine B and 4-chlorophenol, far superior to that observed for bare Ag2CO3. The obvious enhancement of the photocatalytic performance of this nanocomposite is mainly attributed to the intimate Ag2O/Ag2CO3 interface created by its exceptional Janus architecture, which in turn allows for rapid charge transfer processes. Additionally, the Janus system exhibited a high photostability during recycling experiments with no significant change in the degradation activity. (C) 2018 Published by Elsevier B.V.}, doi = {10.1016/j.apsusc.2018.03.194}, author = {Jo, Wan-Kuen and Kumar, Santosh and Yadav, Poonam and Tonda, Surendar} } @inbook {45573, title = {In vitro approaches for the improvement of eucalyptus}, booktitle = {Biotechnologies of Crop Improvement}, volume = {1}, year = {2018}, pages = {159-214}, publisher = {Springer }, organization = {Springer }, address = {Switzerland}, abstract = {

Eucalyptus is an economically important hardwood tree. The ever-increasing demand for Eucalyptus wood for industrial uses has necessitated better and faster methods of propagation of genetically superior trees with better qualities. Micropropagation has been considered as a potential method for the mass propagation of mature, difficult-to-propagate/difficult-to-root trees and natural hybrids resulting in the production of quality propagules for plantation forestry, afforestation programmes, etc. In vitro culture of Eucalyptus dates back to the 1960s with successful culture of juvenile tissue and eventually with mature tree-derived explants in the last few decades. Although mass propagation through axillary meristem proliferation has witnessed the success, the full potential of organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis is yet to be realized. These modes will have the wider application like cryopreservation, synseed development, somaclonal variation and genetic transformation. Clonal propagation of Eucalyptus is a commercial reality being practiced for large-scale multiplication of identified, superior clones and their field planting. The great potential of micropropagation for large-scale plant multiplication can be tapped by cutting down the cost of production per plant by reducing the unit cost of micropropagule and plant production without compromising the quality. With the ever increased rate in which the forest cover is getting disappeared from the earth, it is an urgent call to restore at least a few percentage of the lost plantation to avoid severe climatic changes.

}, isbn = {978-3-319-78282-9}, doi = {//doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-78283-6}, author = {Kendurkar, S. V. and Rangaswamy, M.} } @article {45372, title = {Indenoquinaldine-based unsymmetrical squaraine dyes for near-infrared absorption: investigating the steric and electronic effects in dye-sensitized solar cells}, journal = {Chemistry-A European Journal}, volume = {24}, year = {2018}, month = {NOV}, pages = {16368-16378}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A series of near-infrared (NIR)-responsive unsymmetrical squaraine dyes (ISQ1-3) incorporating a fused indenoquinaldine-based donor have been designed and synthesized. C-12 alkyl chains were incorporated at the sp(3)-hybridized carbon center of the indene unit of the indenoquinaldine in an out-of-plane orientation to control dye aggregation on the surface of titanium dioxide, and indole (ISQ1), benzo[e]indole (ISQ2), and quinoline (ISQ3) moieties were included as the donor component bearing the anchoring carboxy group to extend the absorption in the NIR region and to systematically study the effect of the electronic modification on the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). All the dyes exhibit intense absorption (epsilon >= 10(5) m(-1) cm(-1)) in the NIR region, and the dye-adsorbed TiO2 films exhibit broad panchromatic absorption. The incident photon-to-current efficiency (IPCE) spectrum of the ISQ3-based DSSC device displays a panchromatic IPCE response up to 880 nm. Additionally, the ISQ3-sensitized device provides the best efficiency of 4.15\% with a short circuit current density (J(SC)) of 10.02 mA cm(-2), open-circuit voltage (V-OC) of 0.58V, and fill factor (ff) of 72\% in the presence of 10 equivalents of 3 alpha,7 alpha-dihydroxy-5 beta-cholanic acid (CDCA). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis showed attenuated charge recombination in the ISQ3-sensitized DSSC, which contributes to its higher value of V-OC compared with the other dyes.}, issn = { 0947-6539}, doi = {10.1002/chem.201803062}, author = {Bisht, Rajesh and Kavungathodi, Munavvar Fairoos Mele and Nithyanandhan, Jayaraj} } @article {44586, title = {Integrated transcriptomic and proteomic analyses suggest the participation of endogenous protease inhibitors in the regulation of protease gene expression in helicoverpa armigera}, journal = {Molecular \& Cellular Proteomics}, volume = {17}, year = {2018}, month = {JUL}, pages = {1324-1336}, abstract = {Insects adapt to plant protease inhibitors (PIs) present in their diet by differentially regulating multiple digestive proteases. However, mechanisms regulating protease gene expression in insects are largely enigmatic. Ingestion of multi-domain recombinant Capsicum annuum protease inhibitor-7 (CanPI-7) arrests growth and development of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Using de novo RNA sequencing and proteomic analysis, we examined the response of H. armigera larvae fed on recombinant CanPI-7 at different time intervals. Here, we present evidence supporting a dynamic transition in H. armigera protease expression on CanPI-7 feeding with general down-regulation of protease genes at early time points (0.5 to 6 h) and significant up-regulation of specific trypsin, chymotrypsin and aminopeptidase genes at later time points (12 to 48 h). Further, coexpression of H. armigera endogenous PIs with several digestive protease genes were apparent. In addition to the differential expression of endogenous H. armigera PIs, we also observed a distinct novel isoform of endogenous PI in CanPI-7 fed H. armigera larvae. Based on present and earlier studies, we propose potential mechanism of protease regulation in H. armigera and subsequent adaptation strategy to cope with anti-nutritional components of plants.}, doi = {10.1074/mcp.RA117.000533}, author = {Lomate, Purushottam R. and Dewangan, Veena and Mahajan, Neha S. and Kumar, Yashwant and Kulkarni, Abhijeet and Wang, Li and Saxena, Smita and Gupta, Vidya S. and Giri, Ashok P.} } @article {45363, title = {Interconverting hydrogen-bonding and weak n -> pi* interactions in aqueous solution: A direct spectroscopic evidence}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters}, volume = {9}, year = {2018}, month = {SEP}, pages = {5425-5429}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Molecular structure and function depend on myriad noncovalent interactions. However, the weak and transient nature of noncovalent interactions in solution makes them challenging to study. Information on weak interactions is typically derived from theory and indirect structural data. Solvent fluctuations, not revealed by structure analysis, further complicate the study of these interactions. Using 2D infrared spectroscopy, we show that the strong hydrogen bond and the weak n -\> pi* interaction coexist and interconvert in aqueous solution. We found that the kinetics of these interconverting interactions becomes faster with increasing water content. This experimental observation provides a new perspective on the existence of weak noncovalent interactions in aqueous solution.

}, author = {Deb, Pranab and Jin, Geun Young and Singh, Santosh K. and Moon, Juran and Kwon, Hyejin and Das, Aloke and Bagchi, Sayan and Kim, Yung Sam} } @article {45391, title = {Interlayer hydrogen-bonded covalent organic frameworks as high-performance supercapacitors}, journal = {Journal of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {140}, year = {2018}, month = {SEP}, pages = { 10941-10945}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as promising electrode materials in supercapacitors (SCs). However, their insoluble powder-like nature, poor capacitive performance in pristine form, integrated with inferior electrochemical stability is a primary concern for their long-term use in electrochemical devices. Keeping this in perspective, herein we report a redox active and hydrogen bonded COF with ultrahigh stability in conc. H2SO4 (18 M), conc. HCl (12 M) and NaOH (9 M). The as-synthesized COF fabricated as thin sheets were efficiently employed as a free-standing supercapacitor electrode material using 3 M aq. H2SO4 as an electrolyte. Moreover, the pristine COF sheet showcased outstanding areal capacitance 1600 mF cm(-2) (gravimetric 169 F g(-1)) and excellent cyclic stability (>100 000) without compromising its capacitive performance or Coulombic efficiency. Moreover, as a proof-of-concept, a solid-state supercapacitor device was also assembled and subsequently tested.}, doi = {10.1021/jacs.8b06460}, author = {Halder, Arjun and Ghosh, Meena and Khayum, Abdul M. and Bera, Saibal and Addicoat, Matthew and Sasmal, Himadri Sekhar and Karak, Suvendu and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article {44164, title = {Intrinsically microporous polyimides containing spirobisindane and phenazine units: synthesis, characterization and gas permeation properties}, journal = {Journal of Polymer Science Part A - Polymer Chemistry}, volume = {56}, year = {2018}, month = {APR }, pages = {766-775}, abstract = {A new diamine containing spirobisindane and phenazine units, namely, 3,3,3,3-tetramethyl-2,2,3,3-tetrahydro-1,1-spirobi[cyclopenta[b]phen azine]-7,7-diamine (TTSBIDA) was synthesized starting from commercially available 5,5,6,6-tetrahydroxy-3,3,3,3-tetramethyl-1,1-spirobisindane (TTSBI). TTSBI was oxidized to 3,3,3,3-tetramethyl-2,2,3,3-tetrahydro-1,1-spirobi[indene]-5,5,6,6-tet raone (TTSBIQ) which was subsequently condensed with 4-nitro-1,2-phenylenediamine to obtain 3,3,3,3-tetramethyl-7,7-dinitro-2,2,3,3-tetrahydro-1,1-spirobi[cyclope nta[b]phenazine] (TTSBIDN). TTSBIDN was converted into TTSBIDA by reduction of the nitro groups using hydrazine hydrate in the presence of Pd/C as the catalyst. A series of new polyimides of intrinsic microporosity (PIM-PIs) were synthesized by polycondensation of TTSBIDA with commercially available aromatic dianhydrides. PIM-PIs exhibited amorphous nature, high thermal stability (T-10\>480 degrees C) and intrinsic microporosity (BET surface area=59-289 m(2)/g). The gas permeation characteristics of films of selected PIM-PIs were evaluated and they exhibited appreciable gas permeability as well as high selectivity. The CO2 and O-2 permeability of PIM-PIs were in the range 185.4-39.2 and 30.6-6.2 Barrer, respectively. Notably, polyimide derived from TTSBIDA and 4,4-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride (PIM-PI-6FDA) exhibited high CO2 and O-2 permeability of 185.4 and 30.6 Barrer with CO2/CH4 and O-2/N-2 selectivity of 43.1 and 5.1, respectively. The data of PIM-PI-6FDA for CO2/CH4 and O-2/N-2 gas pairs were located near Robeson upper bound. (c) 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 766-775}, keywords = {Gas permeability, intrinsic microporosity, polyimides, spirobisindane}, issn = {0887-624X}, doi = {10.1002/pola.28950}, author = {Shrimant, Bharat and Dangat, Yuvraj and Kharul, Ulhas K. and Wadgaonkar, Prakash P.} } @article {44595, title = {Investigation of disorder in mixed phase, sp(2)-sp(3) bonded graphene-like nanocarbon}, journal = {Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology}, volume = {18}, year = {2018}, month = {APR}, pages = {2504-2512}, abstract = {

Disorder in a mixed phase, sp(2)-sp(3) bonded graphene-like nanocarbon (GNC) lattice has been extensively studied for its electronic and field emission properties. Morphological investigations are performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) which depicts microstructures comprising of atomically flat terraces (c-planes) with an abundance of edges (ab planes which are orthogonal to c-planes). Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) is used to observe the atomic structure of basal planes whereas field emission microscopy (FEM) is found to be suitable for resolving nanotopography of edges. STM images revealed the hexagonal and non-hexagonal atomic arrangements in addition to a variety of defect structures. Scanning tunneling spectroscopy is carried out to study the effect of this short-range disorder on the local density of states. Current versus voltage (I-V) characteristics have been recorded at different defect sites and are compared with respect to the extent of the defect. As sharp edges of GNC are expected to be excellent field emitters, because of low work function and high electric field, enhancement in current is observed particularly when applied electric field is along basal planes. Therefore, it is worthwhile to investigate field emission from these samples. The FEM images show a cluster of bright spots at low voltages which later transformed into an array resembling ledges of ab-planes with increasing voltage. Reproducible I-V curves yield linear Fowler-Nordheim plots supporting field emission as the dominant mechanism of electron emission. Turn on field for 10 mu A current is estimated to be similar to 3 V/mu m.

}, keywords = {Field emission microscopy, Graphene-Like Nanocarbon, Scanning tunneling microscopy, Scanning Tunneling Spectroscopy}, issn = {1533-4880}, doi = {10.1166/jnn.2018.14312}, author = {Patil, Sumati and Kolekar, Sadhu and Kumar, Arvind and Alegaonkar, Prashant and Datar, Suwarna and Dharmadhikari, C. V.} } @article {44383, title = { Investigations on optical properties of ZnO decorated graphene oxide (ZnO@GO) and reduced graphene oxide (ZnO@r-GO)}, journal = {Journal of Alloys and Compounds}, volume = {744}, year = {2018}, month = {MAY}, pages = {64-74}, abstract = {The present investigation is based on the production of reduced graphene oxide (r-GO) from the graphene oxide using Hummer{\textquoteright}s (GO) and improved Hummer{\textquoteright}s methods (IGO) at elaborated conditions, named as GO and IGO, respectively hereafter. In contrast to previously known techniques, the presented process does not generate toxic gas. Meanwhile, the reduction temperature can be easily controlled. This approach provides a more significant amount of hydrophilic oxidized graphene as compared to GO and IGO with the use of additional KMnO4. Thus synthesized IGO was used to produce r-GO by thermal treatment. The morphological characteristics show that the obtained samples have a wrinkled paper-like morphology with severely folded lines. However, r-GO has double layers and multilayer at the edges. All the products (GO, IGO, and r-GO) have been decorated with ZnO nanoparticles (NPs). The XRD patterns of ZnO@GO composites have confirmed the characteristic peaks of wurtzite ZnO indicating the formation of ZnO nanoparticles onto the surface of graphene. The microscopic studies confirm the random growth/decoration of ZnO NPs on the surface of GO/IGO/r-GO sheets. However, in IGO and r-GO, loading/growth of ZnO NPs are less as compared to ZnO@GO. Overall structural studies indicate the oxidation of graphite and reduction of graphene oxide into r-GO sheets and ZnO decoration. Upon UV excitations, a bright blue emission has been exhibited by the GO that originates from geminate recombination of localized e-h pairs in sp(2) clusters those primarily act as the luminescent centers. The noteworthy enhancement in the emission intensities after the incorporation of ZnO nanoparticles on the surface of GO is observed. The improved synthesis method and low-temperature reduction technique of GO may be essential for the large-scale production of r-GO as well as the construction of devices composed of ZnO@GO/IGO/r-GO. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.}, doi = {10.1016/j.jallcom.2018.02.057}, author = {Kumar, Pushpendra and Som, Sudipta and Pandey, Mukesh K. and Das, Subrata and Chanda, Anupama and Singh, Jai} } @article {44511, title = {Iron Catalyzed Hydroformylation of Alkenes under Mild Conditions: Evidence of an Fe(II) Catalyzed Process}, journal = {Journal of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {140}, year = {2018}, month = {MAR }, pages = {4430-4439}, abstract = {

Earth abundant, first row transition metals offer a cheap and sustainable alternative to the rare and precious metals. However, utilization of first row metals in catalysis requires harsh reaction conditions, suffers from limited activity, and fails to tolerate functional groups. Reported here is a highly efficient iron catalyzed hydroformylation of alkenes under mild conditions. This protocol operates at 10-30 bar syngas pressure below 100 degrees C, utilizes readily available ligands, and applies to an array of olefins. Thus, the iron precursor [HFe(CO)(4)](-)[Ph3PNPPh3](+) (1) in the presence of triphenyl phosphine catalyzes the hydroformylation of 1-hexene (S2), 1-octene (S1), 1-decene (S3), 1-dodecene (S4), 1-octadecene (S5), trimethoxy(vinyl)silane (S6), trimethyl(vinyl)silane (S7), cardanol (S8), 2,3-dihydrofuran (S9), allyl malonic acid (S10), styrene (S11), 4-methylstyrene (S12), 4-iBu-styrene (S13), 4-tBu-styrene (S14), 4-methoxy styrene (S15), 4-acetoxy styrene (S16), 4-bromo styrene (S17), 4-chloro styrene (S18), 4-vinylbenzonitrile (S19), 4-vinylbenzoic acid (S20), and allyl benzene (S21) to corresponding aldehydes in good to excellent yields. Both electron donating and electron withdrawing substituents could be tolerated and excellent conversions were obtained for S11-S20. Remarkably, the addition of 1 mol \% acetic acid promotes the reaction to completion within 16-24 h. Detailed mechanistic investigations revealed in situ formation of an iron-dihydride complex [H2Fe(CO)(2)(PPh3)(2)] (A) as an active catalytic species. This finding was further supported by cyclic voltammetry investigations and intermediacy of an Fe(0)-Fe(II) species was established. Combined experimental and computational investigations support the existence of an iron-dihydride as the catalyst resting state, which then follows a Fe(II) based catalytic cycle to produce aldehyde.

}, issn = {0002-7863}, doi = {10.1021/jacs.8b01286}, author = {Pandey, Swechchha and Raj, K. Vipin and Shinde, Dinesh R. and Vanka, Kumar and Kashyap, Varchaswal and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Vinod, C. P. and Chikkali, Samir H.} } @article {45526, title = {Kinetic investigation for the catalytic reduction of nitrophenol using ionic liquid stabilized gold nanoparticles}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {8}, year = {2018}, month = {NOV}, pages = {38384-38390}, type = {Article}, abstract = {We demonstrate the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNP) stabilized by 1-butyl-3-hexadecyl imidazolium bromide (Au@[C4C16Im]Br) and their use as a catalyst for the reduction of nitrophenol. The AuNPs show excellent stability in presence of [C4C16Im]Br ionic liquids for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol and 2-nitrophenol using NaBH4 as a reducing agent. The detailed kinetics for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol and 2-nitrophenol were investigated and the catalytic activity of Au@[C4C16Im]Br was evaluated. The pseudo first-order rate constant (kapp) values for 4-nitrophenol was observed to be greater than that of 2-nitrophenol and explained on the basis of hydrogen bonding present in 2-nitrophenol. Au@[C4C16Im]Br showed good separability and reusability and hence, it can be used for the complete reduction of nitrophenols in multiple cycles. The Langmuir{\textendash}Hinshelwood reaction mechanism is elucidated for reduction of 4-nitrophenol by Au@[C4C16Im]Br nanocatalyst on the basis of the kapp values. The thermodynamic activation parameters such as activation energy, enthalpy of activation and entropy of activation were determined and explained using the temperature dependent kinetics for the reduction of nitrophenol using Au@[C4C16Im]Br. The above results reveal that the Au@[C4C16Im]Br nanocatalyst demonstrates excellent catalytic performance for the reduction of nitrophenol by NaBH4 at room temperature. }, doi = {10.1039/c8ra07404f}, author = {Thawarkar, S.R. and Thombare, B. and Munde, B.S. and Khupse, N.D.} } @article {44201, title = {Kinetic promotion of methane hydrate formation by combining anionic and silicone surfactants: scalability promise of methane storage due to prevention of foam formation}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Thermodynamics}, volume = {117}, year = {2018}, month = {FEB}, pages = {248-255}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Methane storage in its solid hydrate form has recently come up as a rather attractive and low risk option for large scale storage of the gas owing to its mild storage conditions, high gas retention capacity and benign (non-explosive) character. However, it has its fair share of limitations with the slow rate of hydrate formation being one of the most prominent. The addition of surfactants like Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) to the hydrate forming system significantly speeds up the process of methane hydrate formation but the large amount of foam generated by these surfactants during the process of hydrate formation and dissociation stands as a major roadblock towards the scaling up of the technology. In the current work, a small amount of a silicon based surfactant has been proposed to be used as antifoam in conjunction with an anionic surfactant SDS to eliminate the foam generation while at the same time promote the kinetics of methane hydrate formation. The idea is simple, cost effective and can be a potential game-changer in the quest to develop a commercially scalable hydrate based methane storage technology. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd.

}, keywords = {Antifoam, Gas hydrate, kinetics, Methane storage, scale-up, Silicone surfactant}, issn = {0021-9614}, doi = {10.1016/j.jct.2017.09.029}, author = {Bhattacharjee, Gaurav and Barmecha, Vivek and Kushwaha, Omkar S. and Kumar, Rajnish} } @article {44513, title = {Large PAMAM dendron induces formation of unusual P4332 mesophase in monoolein/water system}, journal = {Langmuir}, volume = {34}, year = {2018}, month = {MAY}, pages = {6827-6834}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Compact macromolecular dendrons have been shown to induce the formation of discontinuous inverse micellar assemblies with Fd3m symmetry in monoolein/water systems. Here, we demonstrate that a large PAMAM dendron (G5: fifth generation) induces the formation a very unusual mesophase with P4332 symmetry. This mesophase had previously been observed in monoolein/water systems only on addition of cytochrome C. The P4332 mesophase can be considered an intermediate phase between the bicontinuous Ia3d and discontinuous micellar mesophases. In this unusual phase, every third rod junction of the Ia3d mesophase is replaced with a spherical micelle. We present a detailed investigation of the phase behaviour of monoolein/water as a function of G5 concentration and temperature. Addition of 1\% G5 in 85/15 monoolein/water system induces a transition from the L to Ia3d phase. Further increase in G5 concentration to above 2\% induces the formation of the P4332 phase. Thus, incorporation of G5 yields a qualitatively different phase diagram when compared with incorporation of lower generation PAMAM dendrons (G2 {\textendash} G4) in monoolein/water, where the reverse micellar Fd3m phase forms. PAMAM dendrons of all generations, G2 {\textendash} G5, bear terminal amine groups that interact with the monoolein head group. The compact molecular architecture of the dendrons and these attractive interactions induce bending of the monoolein bilayer structure. For smaller dendrons, G2 {\textendash} G4, this results in the formation of the Fd3m phase. However, the large size of the G5 dendron precludes this and a rare intermediate phase between the Ia3d and discontinuous micellar phase, the P4332 mesophase forms instead.}, issn = {0743-7463}, doi = {10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b00551}, author = {Kumar, Manoj and Patil, Naganath Ganapatarao and Ambade, Ashootosh V. and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy} } @article {45386, title = {The Leishmania donovani IMPACT-like protein possesses non-specific nuclease activity}, journal = {International Journal of Biological Macromolecules}, volume = {119}, year = {2018}, month = {NOV}, pages = {962-973}, type = {Article}, abstract = {IMPACT (Imprinted and Ancient)-like proteins are known to be regulators of GCN2 (General control non-derepressible 2) kinases involved in translation regulation. Here, we report on cloning and characterization of an IMPACT-like protein, LdIMPACT from Leishmania donovani which harbours two domains. {\textquoteright}RWD domain{\textquoteright} at the N-terminal end that mediates GCN2 regulation, while a conserved {\textquoteright}ancient domain{\textquoteright} lies at the C-terminal end whose function remains elusive. Interestingly, our observations indicated that LdIMPACT has a novel nonspecific nuclease activity. In silico analysis further revealed the resemblance of ancient domain of LdIMPACT to RNase PH domain (known to bind to nucleic acids). The recombinant LdIMPACT exhibited a Mg2+-dependent nuclease activity. Moreover, thermostability and pH stability assays of the protein suggest it to be a stress responsive protein. Circular dichroism studies elucidated the conformational transitions of the enzyme in response to various temperature and pH conditions which correlated well with the activity profiles. Thus, the current study highlights the structural and functional characteristics of LdIMPACT which interestingly also possesses a novel nuclease activity. With its physiological relevance unresolved, the multifaceted LdIMPACT might therefore lie in a hitherto unknown network, whose perturbation could be an attractive therapeutic approach for treating leishmaniasis. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.}, issn = { 0141-8130}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.07.175}, author = {Rao, Shilpa J. and Shukla, Ekta and Bhatia, Varsha and Lohiya, Bharat and Gaikwad, Sushama M. and Kar, Anita and Pal, Jayanta K.} } @article {44378, title = {Ligand/additive/base-free C(sp(2))-H activation and isocyanide insertion in PEG-400: synthesis of indolizine/imidazoline-fused heterocycles}, journal = {ChemistrySelect}, volume = {3}, year = {2018}, month = {MAY}, pages = {4581-4585}, abstract = {A ligand/base/metal oxidant free Pd-catalyzed C(sp(2))-H activation, followed by isocyanide insertion to synthesize indolizine/imidazoline fused heterocyclics in PEG-400 as a recyclable solvent. The present transformation is greener and an efficient strategy using oxygen as external oxidant. The spectroscopic properties of selected indolizine/imidazoline fused heterocyclics were studied by UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy.}, doi = {10.1002/slct.201800397}, author = {Kumar, K. Shiva and Rajesham, Bandari and Kumar, N. Praveen and Ramulu, Meesa Siddi and Dandela, Rambabu} } @article {45472, title = {Limonene inhibits Candida albicans growth by inducing apoptosis}, journal = {Medical Mycology}, volume = {56}, year = {2018}, month = {JUL}, pages = { 565-578}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Anti-Candida potential of limonene was evaluated against planktonic growth, biofilm (adhesion, development and maturation) and morphogenesis of Candida albicans in this study. Limonene is a major constituent of citrus oil and most frequently used terpene in food and beverage industry due to its pleasant fragrance, nontoxic, and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) flavoring agent as well as treatment option in many gastrointestinal diseases. Limonene exhibited excellent anti-Candida activity and was equally effective against planktonic growth of C. albicans isolates differentially susceptible to FLC (N = 35). Limonene inhibited morphogenesis significantly at low concentration. However, it showed stage dependent activity against biofilm formation, that is, it was more effective against adhesion followed by development and maturation. Limonene also exhibited excellent synergy with FLC against planktonic and biofilm growth. SWATH-MS analysis led to identification of limonene responsive proteins that provided molecular insight of its anti-Candida activity. Proteomic analysis revealed upregulation of proteins involved in cell wall glucan synthesis (Kre6); oxidative stress (Rhr2, Adh7 and Ebp1); DNA damage stress (Mbf1 and Npl3); nucleolar stress (Rpl11, Rpl7, Rpl29, Rpl15) and down regulation of cytoskeleton organization (Crn1, Pin3, Cct8, Rbl2), and so forth, in response to limonene. Limonene mediated down regulation of Tps3 indicates activation of caspase (CaMca1) and induction of apoptosis in C. albicans. These results suggest that limonene inhibits C. albicans growth by cell wall/membrane damage induced oxidative stress that leads to DNA damage resulting into modulation of cell cycle and induction of apoptosis through nucleolar stress and metacaspase dependent pathway.

}, issn = {1369-3786}, doi = {10.1093/mmy/myx074}, author = {Thakre, Archana and Zore, Gajanan and Kodgire, Santosh and Kazi, Rubina and Mulange, Shradha and Patil, Rajendra and Shelar, Amruta and Santhakumari, Bayitigeri and Kulkarni, Mahesh J. and Kharat, Kiran and Karuppayil, Sankunny Mohan} } @article {44514, title = {Lipase catalyzed synthesis of antimicrobial andrographolide derivatives}, journal = {Data in Brief}, volume = {18}, year = {2018}, month = {JUN}, pages = {1134-1141}, abstract = {In this data article we describe screening of various lipases for the regioselective acylation of Andrographolide. Each lipase was screened with seven acyl donors. Amano lipase AK from Pseudomonas fluorescens was used for the synthesis of two new acylated andrographolide derivatives. Two new compounds, andrographolide-14-propionate and andrographolide-14-caproate were characterized by various spectral studies. These two derivatives showed more antimicrobial activity than andrographolide.}, doi = {10.1016/j.dib.2018.03.103}, author = {Patil, Harshal S. and Jadhav, Dipesh and Paul, Ajay and Mulani, Fayaj Alam and Karegaonkar, Shrikant J. and Thulasiram, Hirekodathakallu V.} } @article {45476, title = {Manganese catalyzed N-alkylation of anilines with alcohols: ligand enabled selectivity}, journal = {Organic and biomolecular chemistry }, volume = {16}, year = {2018}, month = {NOV}, pages = {8175-8180}, type = {Article }, abstract = {Ligand enabled Earth-abundant manganese catalyzed N-alkylation of amines with alcohols via a hydrogen auto-transfer strategy is reported. The choice of the ligand plays a significant role in the alcohol reactivity (aliphatic or aromatic) toward N-alkylation reactions.}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/c8ob01886c}, author = {Landge, Vinod G. and Mondal, Akash and Kumar, Vinit and Nandakumar, Avanashiappn and Balaraman, Ekambaram} } @article {44232, title = {Mechanical activation in reduced graphite oxide/boron nitride nanocomposite electrocatalysts for significant improvement in dioxygen reduction}, journal = {Sustainable Energy \& Fuels}, volume = {2}, year = {2018}, month = {JAN}, pages = {252-261}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A nanocomposite of reduced graphite oxide (rGO) with hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) is prepared using a simple hydrothermal method. Significant enhancement in the surface area of the composite is mainly due to the pre-mechanical activation of pristine GO. The structural and morphological study reveals the formation of a homogeneous nanocomposite and masking of rGO sheets over micron sized h-BN particles respectively. Interestingly, the as-synthesized GOBN2-BM composite (nanocomposite of 2 wt\% h-BN with mechanically activated GO) catalyst exhibits significant oxygen electroreduction kinetics in terms of onset potential (E-onset = 0.89 V), half-wave potential (E-1/2 = 0.74 V) and limiting current density (J(L) = 4.4 mA cm(-2)) with a single step similar to 4-electron transfer pathway in alkaline medium. Though the composite catalysts exhibit higher overpotential (110 mV) than state-of-the-art Pt/C catalysts, they are much superior to previously reported carbon or h-BN based nanocomposite electrocatalysts. Importantly, the GOBN2-BM nanocomposite shows excellent tolerance towards both methanol oxidation and CO poisoning. Moreover, the nanocomposite catalysts show substantially higher stability than Pt/C catalysts even after 5000 cycles under similar conditions. Additionally, they show a better relative current stability (95\% retention) than that of a Pt/C catalyst, signifying immense selectivity and durability towards oxygen electroreduction kinetics. The electrocatalytic oxygen reduction activity of the nanocomposite is mainly attributed to the high surface area (thanks to mechanical activation of GO, leading to increased pore distribution) as well as the synergistic mechanism between the h-BN and carbon network of rGO. Hence, it could be a potential cathode catalyst to replace precious-metal based catalysts in alkaline fuel cells.

}, issn = {2398-4902}, doi = {10.1039/c7se00461c}, author = {Patil, Indrajit M. and Jijil, Chamundi P. and Lokanathan, Moorthi and Swami, Anita and Kakade, Bhalchandra} } @article {44620, title = {Mechanism of nickel(II)-catalyzed C(2)-H alkynylation of indoles with alkynyl bromide}, journal = {Organometallics}, volume = {37}, year = {2018}, month = {JUL}, pages = {2037-2045}, abstract = {

The nickel system (THF)(2)NiBr2/phen has recently been shown as an efficient catalyst for the C-H bond alkynylation of diverse heteroarenes with (triisopropylsilyl)alkynyl bromide via monodentate chelation assistance. Herein, we report an extensive mechanistic investigation for the direct alkynylation of indoles involving the well-defined nickel catalyst, which features a coordinative insertion pathway of alkynyl bromide with the Ni(II) catalyst. Catalytic relevant nickel complexes, (phen)NiCl2 (5), (phen)(2)NiCl2 (6) and [(phen)(3)Ni].NiCl4 (7) were isolated, and the complexes 6 and 7 were structurally characterized. Well-defined complexes were as competent as the in situ generated catalyst system (THF)(2)NiBr2/phen for the alkynylation of indoles. Various controlled studies and reactivity experiments were performed to understand the probable pathway for the alkynylation reaction. Kinetics analysis highlights that the complex (phen)NiX2 acts as a precatalyst, and the involvement of substrate indole and LiO{\textquoteright}Bu are essential for the generation of the active catalyst. Deuterium labeling and kinetic studies suggest that the process involving C-H cleavage and carbo-nickelation of indole is a crucial rate influencing step. Reactivity study of various alkynyl compounds with nickel-species highlights a migratory insertion route for the reaction. DFT calculations firmly support the experimental findings and suggest the coordinative insertion pathway of alkynyl bromide rather than oxidative addition toward the nickel(II) center.

}, issn = {0276-7333}, doi = {10.1021/acs.organomet.8b00177}, author = {Khake, Shrikant M. and Jain, Shailja and Patel, Ulhas N. and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Vanka, Kumar and Punji, Benudhar} } @article {45392, title = {Melamine formaldehyde-metal organic gel interpenetrating polymer network derived intrinsic Fe-N-doped porous graphitic carbon electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry }, volume = {42}, year = {2018}, month = {DEC}, pages = {18690-18701}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Fe, N doped porous graphitic carbon electrocatalyst (Fe-MOG-MF-C), obtained by pyrolysis of an Interpenetrating Polymer Network (IPN) comprised of melamine formaldehyde (MF as hard segment) and Metal-Organic Gel (MOG as soft segment), exhibited significant Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) activity in alkaline medium. BET surface area analysis of Fe-MOG-MF-C showed high surface area (821 m(2) g(-1)), while TEM, Raman and XPS results confirmed Fe and N co-doping. Furthermore, a modulated porous morphology with a higher degree of surface area (950 m(2) g(-1)) has been accomplished for the system (Fe-MOG-MFN-C) when aided by a sublimable porogen, such as naphthalene. XPS results further demonstrated that these systems exhibited a better degree of distribution of graphitic N and an onset potential value of 0.91 V vs. RHE in 0.1 M KOH solution following an efficient four-electron ORR pathway. The electrocatalytic activity of Fe-MOG-MFN-C is superior to that of Fe-MOG-MF-C by virtue of its higher graphitic N content and surface area. Thus, the study presents a new class of IPN derived MF-MOG nanocomposites with the potential to generate extended versions of in situ Fe-N doped porous graphitic carbon structures with superior ORR activity.}, issn = {1144-0546}, doi = {10.1039/c8nj03170c}, author = {Shijina, Kottarathil and llathvalappil, Rajith and Sumitha, N. S. and Sailaja, G. S. and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Nair, Balagopal N. and Mohamed, A. Peer and Anilkumar, Gopinathan M. and Yamaguchig, Takeo and Hareesh, U. S.} } @article {44521, title = {Membrane-induced organization and dynamics of the N-terminal domain of chemokine receptor CXCR1: insights from atomistic simulations}, journal = {Chemistry and Physics of Lipids}, volume = {210}, year = {2018}, month = {JAN}, pages = {142-148}, abstract = {

The CXC chemokine receptor 1 (CXCR1) is an important member of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family in which the extracellular N-terminal domain has been implicated in ligand binding and selectivity. The structure of this domain has not yet been elucidated due to its inherent dynamics, but experimental evidence points toward membrane-dependent organization and dynamics. To gain molecular insight into the interaction of the N-terminal domain with the membrane bilayer, we performed a series of microsecond time scale atomistic simulations of the N-terminal domain of CXCR1 in the presence and absence of POPC bilayers. Our results show that the peptide displays a high propensity to adopt a beta-sheet conformation in the presence of the membrane bilayer. The interaction of the peptide with the membrane bilayer was found to be transient in our simulations. Interestingly, a scrambled peptide, containing the same residues in a randomly varying sequence, did not exhibit membrane-modulated structural dynamics. These results suggest that sequence-dependent electrostatics, modulated by the membrane, could play an important role in folding of the N-terminal domain. We believe that our results reinforce the emerging paradigm that cellular membranes could be important modulators of function of G protein-coupled receptors such as CXCR1.

}, keywords = {All atom MD simulations, beta-sheet, CXCR1, Membrane interaction, N-terminal}, issn = {0009-3084}, doi = {10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2017.09.003}, author = {Kharche, Shalmali and Joshi, Manali and Sengupta, Durba and Chattopadhyay, Amitabha} } @article {44334, title = {Mesoporous tin oxide: an efficient catalyst with versatile applications in acid and oxidation catalysis}, journal = {Catalysis Today}, volume = {309}, year = {2018}, month = {JUL}, pages = {61-76}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Mesoporous tin oxide was prepared by template assisted and template-free methods. As-prepared materials were calcined at various temperatures to generate different nature (Bronsted and Lewis), amount and strength of acidic sites. The physico-chemical properties of the catalysts were studied by XRD, N-2 sorption, pyridine-FTIR, NH3-TPD, DRS UV-vis, TGA, SEM, TEM, H-1 MAS and Sn-119 MAS NMR analyses. The catalytic behavior of mesoporous tin oxide catalysts was evaluated for acetalization and ketalization of glycerol with benzaldehyde and acetone respectively under solvent free conditions. The catalytic performance of mesoporous tin oxide was compared with that of other conventional solid acid catalysts namely H-ZSM-5, H-mordenite, H-beta, Al-MCM-41, Al-SBA-15 and Al-TUD-1. The efficiency of mesoporous tin oxide was also tested for cyclohexene epoxidation reaction. The catalyst prepared by template assisted method showed excellent catalytic performance compared to other catalysts due the difference in nature and amount of acidic sites in the catalyst. Meso-SnO2-T-350 was stable and reusable catalyst for four cycles without any appreciable loss in activity, and therefore it offers a good catalyst for potentially wide applications.}, doi = {10.1016/j.cattod.2017.10.009}, author = {Manjunathan, Pandian and Marakatti, Vijaykumar S. and Chandra, Prakash and Kulal, Atul B. and Umbarkar, Shubhangi B. and Ravishankar, Raman and Shanbhag, Ganapati V.} } @article {44524, title = {Metal-free annulation of β-acylamino ketones: facile access to spirooxazolines and oxazolines via oxidative C{\textendash}O bond formation}, journal = {Organic Chemistry Frontiers }, volume = {5}, year = {2018}, month = {OCT}, pages = {544-548 }, abstract = {A metal-free annulation reaction of β-acylamino ketone derivatives has been reported for the synthesis of a group of functionalized spirooxazolines and oxazolines in good to excellent yields. The reaction proceeds via phenyliodine(III) diacetate (PIDA)-mediated oxidative C{\textendash}O bond formation in the presence of BF3{\textendash}OEt2. The mild reaction conditions, broad substrate scope, simple execution and synthetic potential of the products make this novel protocol very attractive.}, doi = {10.1039/C7QO00783C}, author = {Chavan, Santosh S. and Rupanawar, Bapurao D. and Kamble, Rohit B. and Shelke, Anil M. and Gurunath Suryavanshi} } @article {44591, title = {"Metal-free{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} synthesis of 1,2,3-triazoles via tandem azidation, intramolecular [3+2]-cycloaddition and aromatization of ethyl acrylate derivatives}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {59}, year = {2018}, month = {JUN }, pages = {2365-2367}, abstract = {

An efficient {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}one-pot{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} method for the synthesis of substituted 1,2,3-triazole derivatives in excellent yields as single regioisomer is reported. The key transformation involves an atom-efficient tandem azidation, intramolecular [3+2]-cycloaddition and aromatization of acrylate derivatives on treatment with NaN3 in DMF under mild conditions. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Intramolecular cycloaddition, Regioselective, Tandem azidation, triazoles}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2018.05.020}, author = {Kumar, B. Senthil and Gadakh, Sunita and Sudalai, Arumugam} } @article {45354, title = {Metal-free synthesis of 3-thiocyanatobenzothiophenes by eosin Y photoredox-catalyzed cascade radical annulation of 2-alkynylthioanisoles}, journal = {European Journal of Organic Chemistry}, year = {2018}, month = {SEP}, pages = { 4867-4873}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A convenient, efficient, metal-free synthesis of 3-thiocyanatobenzothiophenes has been developed that uses eosin Y in a visible-light-mediated photoredox-catalyzed anion oxidation of the ammonium salt of thiocyanate and proceeds through the cascade radical annulation of 2-alkynylthioanisole at room temperature. The present protocol requires visible light as a green energy source, an organic dye as the photocatalyst, and oxygen as a green oxidant to provide a mild route with a broad substrate scope for the formation of potentially bioactive 3-substituted benzothiophene derivatives in good yields.

}, doi = {10.1002/ejoc.201800833}, author = {Tambe, Shrikant D. and Jadhav, Mahesh S. and Rohokale, Rajendra S. and Kshirsagar, Umesh A.} } @article {44526, title = {Microbacterium telephonicum sp nov., isolated from the screen of a cellular phone}, journal = {International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology}, volume = {68}, year = {2018}, month = {APR}, pages = {1052-1058}, abstract = {

A cultivation-based study of the microbial diversity of cellular phone screens led to the isolation of a Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, rod-shaped and non-endospore-forming bacterium, designated S2T63(T), exhibiting phenotypic and genotypic characteristics unique to the type strains of closely related species. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the strain is a member of Microbacterium, and most closely related to Microbacterium aurantiacum IFO 15234(T) and Microbacterium kitamiense Kitami C2(T). The DNA-DNA relatedness values of the strain S2T63(T) to M. aurantiacum KACC 20510(T), M. kitamiense KACC 20514(T) and Microbacterium laevaniformans KACC 14463(T) were 65\% (+/- 4), 29.5\% (+/- 3) and 55.9\% (+/- 4), respectively. The genomic DNA G+C content was 71.8 mol\%. The major fatty acids were anteiso C-15:0, iso-C-16 : 0, C-16 : 0 and anteiso-C-17 : 0. The main polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and two unidentified polar lipids. The peptidoglycan contained the amino acids glycine, lysine, alanine and glutamic acid, with substantial amounts of hydroxy glutamic acid detected, which is characteristic of peptidoglycan type B1 alpha. The predominant menaquinones were MK-12 and MK-13. Rhamnose, fucose and galactose were the whole-cell sugars detected. The strain also showed biofilm production, estimated by using crystal violet assay. Based on the results of the phenotypic and genotypic characterizations, it was concluded that the new strain represents a novel species of the genus Microbacterium, for which the name Microbacterium telephonicum is proposed, with S2T63(T) (=MCC 2967 T = KACC 18715 T = LMG 29293(T)) as the type strain.

}, keywords = {actinobacteria, bio-film, MALDI-TOF MS, mobile phone}, issn = {1466-5026}, doi = {10.1099/ijsem.0.002622}, author = {Rahi, Praveen and Kurli, Rashmi and Pansare, Aabeejjeet N. and Khairnar, Mitesh and Jagtap, Shubhangi and Patel, Nisha B. and Dastager, Syed G. and Lawson, Paul A. and Shouche, Yogesh S.} } @article {44594, title = {MiRNA160 is associated with local defense and systemic acquired resistance against Phytophthora infestans infection in potato}, journal = {Journal of Experimental Botany}, volume = {69}, year = {2018}, month = {APR }, pages = {2023-2036}, abstract = {

To combat pathogen infection, plants employ local defenses in infected sites and elicit systemic acquired resistance (SAR) in distant tissues. MicroRNAs have been shown to play a significant role in local defense, but their association with SAR is unknown. In addition, no such studies of the interaction between potato and Phytophthora infestans have been reported. We investigated the role of miR160 in local and SAR responses to P. infestans infection in potato. Expression analysis revealed induced levels of miR160 in both local and systemic leaves of infected wild-type plants. miR160 overexpression and knockdown plants exhibited increased susceptibility to infection, suggesting that miR160 levels equivalent to those of wild-type plants may be necessary for mounting local defense responses. Additionally, miR160 knockdown lines failed to elicit SAR, and grafting assays indicated that miR160 is required in both local and systemic leaves to trigger SAR. Consistently, SAR-associated signals and genes were dysregulated in miR160 knockdown lines. Furthermore, analysis of the expression of defense and auxin pathway genes and direct regulation of StGH3.6, a mediator of salicylic acid-auxin cross-talk, by the miR160 target StARF10 revealed the involvement of miR160 in antagonistic cross-talk between salicylic acid-mediated defense and auxin-mediated growth pathways. Overall, our study demonstrates that miR160 plays a crucial role in local defense and SAR responses during the interaction between potato and P. infestans.

}, keywords = {Auxin-salicylic acid antagonism, microRNA, miR160, Phytophthora infestans, Solanum chacoense, Solanum tuberosum, systemic acquired resistance}, issn = {0022-0957}, doi = {10.1093/jxb/ery025}, author = {Natarajan, Bhavani and Kalsi, Harpreet S. and Godbole, Prajakta and Malankar, Nilam and Thiagarayaselvam, Aarthy and Siddappa, Sundaresha and Thulasiram, Hirekodathakallu V. and Chakrabarti, Swarup K. and Banerjee, Anjan K.} } @article {44590, title = {Modeling the universal viscoelastic response of polymer fibers}, journal = {Physical Review Materials}, volume = {2}, year = {2018}, month = {JUN}, pages = {062601}, abstract = {

Polymer fibers, including natural silk and synthetic fibers, exhibit universal viscoelastic response. On stretching below yield, they show logarithmic stress decay. On unloading fibers with a glassy amorphous phase, the stress recovers. A simple phenomenological model accurately describes data from independent mechanical experiments and provides insights into the micro structural origins of the fiber response. Counter to intuition, the model indicates that it is the crystalline regions, rather than the amorphous glass, that deform first on stretching fibers at high strain rates. On holding a stretched fiber, stress decays as a consequence of relaxations in amorphous regions. Finally, unloading the fiber transfers stress from the amorphous to crystalline regions resulting in stress recovery. Model parameters correlate well with the fiber microstructure. Crystal and amorphous moduli from the model match those from x-ray diffraction. Activation energies for the temperature dependence of the peak relaxation time are similar to those reported in the literature. Thus, a simple model that invokes only crystal-amorphous coexistence can successfully model the mechanical response of a wide variety of polymer fibers.

}, issn = {2475-9953}, doi = {10.1103/PhysRevMaterials.2.062601}, author = {Sharma, Aakash and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy and Thakre, Shirish} } @article {44587, title = {Modern trends in inorganic chemistry: celebration of inorganic chemistry in India}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Sciences}, volume = {130}, year = {2018}, month = {JUL}, pages = {Article Number: UNSP 75}, doi = {10.1007/s12039-018-1499-z}, author = {Chikkali, Samir H. and Anand, Venkataramanarao G. and Srinivas, Darbha and Kumbhar, Avinash S.} } @article {44593, title = {Modulated photochemical reactivities of O-acetylated (3{\textquoteright}, 5{\textquoteright}-dimethoxyphenyl) heteroaryl acyloin derivatives under direct irradiation and photo-induced electron transfer conditions}, journal = {Photochemical \& Photobiological Sciences}, volume = {17}, year = {2018}, month = {JUN }, pages = {835-845}, abstract = {

3{\textquoteright}, 5{\textquoteright}-Dimethoxybenzoin esters are important photoremovable protecting groups which form 2-phenylbenzofuran derivatives upon photo-release. We utilized a similar concept to test a photochemical method of installing a benzofuran moiety to the conjugated backbone by subjecting O-acetylated (3{\textquoteright}, 5{\textquoteright}-dimethylphenyl) heteroaryl acyloin derivatives through direct photo irradiation and a photo-induced electron transfer reaction. These photochemical methods were explored for a variety of heteroaromatic substrates appended on the ketone part of the O-acetylated cross-acyloin derivatives. The furan, thiophene and bithiophene derivatives led to the expected cyclized (benzofuran capped) products but the derivatives with extended conjugation decomposed under direct irradiation. However, under irradiation in the presence of an electron donor such as triethylamine, the extended acyloin derivatives afforded both cyclized and deacetoxylated products. The semiconducting nature of the extended cyclized products was also explored and tested for solution-processed organic field effect transistors, providing a maximum hole mobility of 1.3 x 10(-6) cm(2) V-1 s(-1).

}, issn = {1474-905X}, doi = {10.1039/c8pp00082d}, author = {Bisht, Rajesh and Singh, Saumya and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam and Nithyanandhan, Jayaraj} } @article {44530, title = {Modulation of reactivity of singlet radical pair in continuous flow: photo-fries rearrangement}, journal = {Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry}, volume = {364}, year = {2018}, month = {JUN}, pages = { 316-321}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Photo-Fries rearrangement of phenyl benzoate is studied using continuous flow for modulating the reactivity of singlet radical pair by changing the viscosity of the solvent. The effect of flow and proximity of the reactants with the light source on the reactivity of radical pair, formed from singlet excited state was investigated in details. In non-viscous solvent, the results from flow synthesis were comparable to batch reactor. In viscous solvents, selectivity of ortho- and para-isomers (o-/p- isomer) of the product could be controlled by changing viscosity as well as the flow rate. Using flow synthesis, ortho- and para-isomer ratio was obtained as high as 8.45 which are twice as compared to batch experiment with in fraction of residence time.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.jphotochem.2018.06.014}, author = {Karjule, Neeta and Sharma, Mrityunjay K. and Nithyanandhan, Jayaraj and Kulkarni, Amol} } @article {44391, title = {Molecular view of CO2 capture by polyethylenimine: role of structural and dynamical heterogeneity}, journal = {Langmuir}, volume = {34}, year = {2018}, month = {MAY}, pages = {5138-5148}, abstract = {The molecular thermodynamics and kinetics of CO2 sorption in Polyethylenimine (PEI) melt have been investigated systematically using GCMC and MD simulations. We elucidate presence of significant structural and dynamic heterogeneity associated with the overall absorption process. CO2 adsorption in a PEI membrane shows a distinct two-stage process of a rapid CO2 adsorption at the interfaces (hundreds of picoseconds) followed by a significantly slower diffusion limited release toward the interior bulk regions of PEI melt (hundreds of nanoseconds to microseconds). The spatial heterogeneity of local structural features of the PEI chains lead to significantly heterogeneous absorption characterized by clustering and trapping of CO2 molecules that then lead to subdiffusive motion of CO2. In the complex interplay of interaction and entropy, the latter emerges out to be the major determining factor with significantly higher solubility of CO2 near the interfaces despite having lower density of binding amine groups. Regions having higher free-volume (entropically favorable) viz. interfaces, pores and loops demonstrate higher CO2 capture ability. Various local structural features of PEI conformations, for example, inter- and intrachain loops, pores of different radii, and di- or tricoordinated pores are explored for their effects on the varying CO2 adsorption abilities.}, doi = {10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b00204}, author = {Sharma, Pragati and Chakrabarty, Suman and Roy, Sudip and Kumar, Rajnish} } @article {44637, title = {Morphological ensembles of N-doped porous carbon derived from ZIF-8/Fe-graphene nanocomposites: processing and electrocatalytic studies}, journal = {ChemistrySelect}, volume = {3}, year = {2018}, month = {AUG}, pages = {8688-8697}, abstract = {

Engineering the active site density of porous carbon catalysts for enhanced electrocatalytic activity is the current focus in the quest for economically viable fuel cells. Herein, we synthesise ZIF-8/Fe-graphene composites for the formation of N and Fe co-doped carbon with diverse morphologies ranging from tubes and sheets to frameworks of carbon. A synthetic strategy involving the one pot synthesis of ZIF-8 based composites is accomplished by the reaction of 2-methylimidazole with mixed Zn/Fe salt solution containing graphene dispersions. The high temperature heat treatment of this precursor mix yielded micro-meso porous architectures of N, Fe co-doped carbon with dispersions of Fe/Fe3C. An onset potential value of 0.95 V and a half-wave potential of 0.82 V coupled with excellent durability and stability in alkaline medium indicated improved electrocatalytic performances over its commercial Pt/C counterpart. The appreciable electrocatalytic properties of the synthesized carbon are attributed to its morphological diversity, hybrid structure, high N doping and its heteroporous characteristics. The dispersed Fe/Fe3C and FeNx sites facilitated enhanced oxygen adsorption and the graphene inclusions in the composite provided retention of high nitrogen contents.

}, keywords = {electrocatalyst, fuel cell, N- Fe co-doped carbon, oxygen reduction reaction, ZIF-8}, issn = {2365-6549}, doi = {10.1002/slct.201801419}, author = {Thomas, Minju and Illathvalappil, Rajith and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Nair, Balagopal N. and Mohamed, A. Peer and Anilkumar, Gopinathan M. and Yamaguchi, Takeo and Hareesh, U. S.} } @article {44648, title = {Multi-step continuous flow synthesis of the cystic fibrosis medicine ivacaftor}, journal = {Reaction Chemistry \& Engineering}, volume = {3}, year = {2018}, month = {AUG}, pages = {520-526}, abstract = {

A continuous flow ozonolysis method combined with a multi-step flow sequence is developed for the synthesis of the drug ivacaftor for the first time. Safe ozonolysis, a continuous flow quadruple reaction to construct a quinolone scaffold, and inline extraction followed by continuous phase separation are the key features of the present work. The feasibility of using a continuous mixed flow reactor, commonly referred to as a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR), is also investigated for the relatively slow reaction step. The current integrated multi-step flow synthesis can produce 7.2 g of the drug ivacaftor per day on a laboratory scale, which is sufficient to treat 50 patients per day. The present route can also be used as a general route for the synthesis of other related drugs such as quinolone antibiotics.

}, issn = {2058-9883}, doi = {10.1039/c8re00025e}, author = {Vasudevan, N. and Sharma, Mrityunjay K. and Reddy, D. Srinivasa and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article {44653, title = {Multistimuli-responsive interconvertible low-molecular weight metallohydrogels and the in situ entrapment of CdS quantum dots therein}, journal = {Chemistry of Materials}, volume = {30}, year = {2018}, month = {JUL}, pages = {4755-4761}, abstract = {

Two low molecular weight metallohydrogels (ZALA and CALA) have been synthesized from an amino-acid based ligand precursor (LA) and two different metal salts [zinc acetate dihydrate (ZA) and cadmium acetate dihydrate (CA), respectively. These two hydrogels show a unique chemically stimulated interconversion to each other via a reversible gel-sol gel pathway. This programmable gel-sol reversible system satisfies logic operations of a basic Boolean logic (INHIBIT) gate. Also, these hydrogels can be degraded into different MOF phases at room temperature spontaneously or in the presence of chloride and bromide salts (NaCl and NaBr.). CdS quantum dots can be grown inside the CALA gel matrix (CdS@CALA) in the presence of small amount of Na2S. This CdS doped gel exhibits time dependent tunable emission (white to yellow to orange) as a consequence of a slow agglomeration process of the entrapped quantum dots inside the gel matrix. This luminescence property also reflects the corresponding gel derived MOFs (obtained either by self-degradation of CdS@CALA or via anion induction) as well. This, to the best of our knowledge, is probably the simplest way to make a CdS quantum dot based composite material where CdS is entrapped within the gel and the gel-derived MOF matrix.

}, issn = {0897-4756}, doi = {10.1021/acs.chemmater.8b01698}, author = {Bera, Saibal and Chakraborty, Amit and Karak, Suvendu and Halder, Arjun and Chatterjee, Soumyajyoti and Saha, Subhadeep and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article {44185, title = {Naphthalene diimide copolymers by direct arylation polycondensation as highly stable supercapacitor electrode materials}, journal = {Macromolecules}, volume = {51}, year = {2018}, month = {FEB}, pages = {954-965}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Conjugated donor-acceptor copolymers based on naphthalene diimide (NDI) as acceptor and thiopheneterminated oligophenylenevinylene as donor moieties (P-1 and P-2, respectively) were synthesized using the direct (hetero) arylation (DHAP) polymerization route. Nitrile groups were introduced at the vinylene linkage in one copolymer (P-2) to fine-tune its electrochemical properties. Both polymers show) pi-pi* transition in the 300-480 nm region and intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) from thiophene to NDI in the 500-800 nm region in the absorption spectra. P-2 exhibits a blue-shifted intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) band in the absorption spectrum as well as a lower reduction potential in the cyclic voltammogram compared to the analogous polymer without the nitrile substitution (P-1). The two polymers were evaluated as type III supercapacitor materials by preparing composite electrodes with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and employing 0.5 M H2SO4 as the electrolyte. Their performance was compared with that of P(NDI2OD-T2) as a reference polymer. The polymer P-2 based supercapacitor exhibits a specific capacitance of 124 F/g with excellent stability up to 5000 cycles with almost 100\% retention of the initial capacitance in the potential window of -0.7 to 0.5 V. Compared to P-2, P-1 exhibits a specific capacitance of 84 F/g, while the corresponding value for the reference polymer P(NDI2OD-T2) is 61 F/g under identical conditions.

}, issn = {0024-9297}, doi = {10.1021/acs.macromol.7b02425}, author = {Sharma, Sandeep and Soni, Roby and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Asha, S. K.} } @article {44365, title = {New insights towards strikingly improved room temperature ethanol sensing properties of p-type Ce-doped SnO2 sensors}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {8}, year = {2018}, month = {MAY}, pages = {Article Number: 8079}, type = {Article}, abstract = {In this article, room temperature ethanol sensing behavior of p-type Ce doped SnO2 nanostructures are investigated successfully. Interestingly, it is examined that the abnormal n to p-type transition behavior is caused by Ce doping in SnO2 lattice. In p-type Ce doped SnO2, Ce ion substituting the Sn is in favor of generating excess holes as oxygen vacancies, which is associated with the improved sensing performance. Although, p-type SnO2 is one of the important materials for practical applications, it is less studied as compared to n-type SnO2. Pure and Ce doped SnO2 nanostructures were successfully synthesized by chemical co-precipitation method. The structure, surface morphology, unpaired electrons (such as free radicals), and chemical composition of obtained nanoparticleswere studied by various kinds of characterization techniques. The 9\% Ce doped SnO2 sensors exhibit maximum sensor response of similar to 382 for 400 ppm of ethanol exposure with fast response time of similar to 5 to 25 sec respectively. Moreover, it is quite interesting that such enhancement of ethanol sensing is unveiled at room temperature, which plays a key role in the quest for better ethanol sensors. These remarkably improved sensing results are attributed to uniformly distributed nanoparticles, lattice strain, complex defect chemistry and presence of large number of unpaired electrons on the surface.}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-018-26504-3}, author = {Kumar, Manjeet and Bhatt, Vishwa and Abhyankar, A. C. and Kim, Joondong and Kumar, Akshay and Patil, Sagar H. and Yun, Ju-Hyung} } @article {45440, title = {Ni-Catalyzed dimerization and hydroperfluoroarylation of 1,3-dienes}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = { 83 }, year = {2018}, month = {AUG}, pages = {9267-9277}, type = {Article}, doi = {10.1021/acs.joc.8b01266}, author = {Iwasaki, Takanori and Min, Xin and Fukuoka, Asuka and Zhu, Longzhi and Qiu, Renhua and Yang, Tao and Ehara, Masahiro and Sudalai, Arumugam and Kambe, Nobuaki} } @article {44597, title = {N-Methylation of isoDGR peptides: discovery of a selective alpha 5 beta 1-integrin ligand as a potent tumor imaging agent}, journal = {Journal of Medicinal Chemistry}, volume = {61}, year = {2018}, month = {MAR}, pages = {2490-2499}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Specific targeting of the integrin subtype alpha 5 beta 1 possesses high potential in cancer diagnosis and therapy. Through sequential N-methylation, we successfully converted the biselective alpha 5 beta 1/alpha v beta 6 peptide c(phg-isoDGR-k) into a potent peptidic RGD binding aSfil subtype selective ligand c(phg-isoDGR-(NMe)k). Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and molecular modeling clarified the molecular basis of its improved selectivity profile. To demonstrate its potential in vivo, c(phg-isoDGR-(NMe)k) was trimerized with the chelator TRAP and used as a positron-emission tomography tracer for monitoring alpha 5 beta 1 integrin expression in a M21 mouse xenograft.

}, issn = {0022-2623}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b01752}, author = {Kapp, Tobias G. and Di Leva, Francesco Saverio and Notni, Johannes and Raeder, Andreas F. B. and Fottner, Maximilian and Reichart, Florian and Reich, Dominik and Wurzer, Alexander and Steiger, Katja and Novellino, Ettore and Marelli, Udaya Kiran and Wester, Hans-Juergen and Marinelli, Luciana and Kessler, Horst} } @article {44607, title = {Novel benzylidenehydrazide-1,2,3-triazole conjugates as antitubercular agents: synthesis and molecular docking}, journal = {Mini Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry}, volume = {18}, year = {2018}, month = {JUL}, abstract = {Novel 1,2,3-triazole based benzylidenehydrazide derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for antitubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) H37Ra, M. bovis BCG and cytotoxic activity. Most of the derivatives exhibited promising in vitro potency against MTB characterized by lower MIC values. Among all the synthesized derivatives, compound 6a and 6j were the most active against active and dormant MTB H37Ra, respectively. Compound 6d was significantly active against dormant and active M. bovis BCG. The structure activity relationship has been explored on the basis of anti-tubercular activity data. The active compounds were also tested against THP-1, A549 and Panc-1 cell lines and showed no significant cytotoxicity. Further, the synthesized compounds were found to have potential antioxidant with IC50 range = 11.19-56.64 μg/mL. The molecular docking study of synthesized compounds was performed against DprE1 enzyme of MTB to understand the binding interactions. Moreover, synthesized compounds were also analysed for ADME properties and from all the experimental results, the potency of compounds indicate that, this series considered as starting point for the developement of novel and more potent anti-tubercular agents in future.}, doi = {10.2174/1389557518666180718124858}, author = {Shaikh, Mubarak H. and Subhedar, Dnyaneshwar and Nawale, Laxman and Sarkar, Dhiman and Khan, Firoz A. Kalam and Sangshetti, Jaiprakash and Shingate, Bapurao B.} } @article {44363, title = {Nucleic aptamer modified porous reduced graphene oxide/MoS2 based electrodes for viral detection: application to human papillomavirus (HPV)}, journal = {Sensors and Actuators B-Chemical}, volume = {262}, year = {2018}, month = {JUN}, pages = {991-1000}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Next to graphene nanomaterials, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) offers large surface area that can enhance its biosensing performance. In this work, we investigate the performance of glassy carbon (GC) electrodes modified successively with porous reduced graphene oxide (prGO) and molybdenum sulfide (MoS2) for the sensitive and selective detection of the L1-major capsid protein of human papilloma virus (HPV). Owing to the difficulties to perform serological assays and HPV culture efficiently, tools based on molecular recognition are becoming of great importance. We developed here an electrochemical sensor for HPV upon covalent functionalization of the electrode with an aptamer Sc5-c3, a RNA aptamer targeted against the HPV-16 L1 protein. Using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and an optimized sensor interface, a linear relationship between the peak current density of a redox couple such as [Fe(CN)6]4- and the concentration of HPV-16 L1 proteins in the range of 0.2-2 ng mL(-1) (3.5 pM-35.3 pM) could be reached with a detection limit of 0.1 ng mL(-1) (1.75 pM). Cross-reactivity studies demonstrated high selectivity over potential interfering species such as HPV-16 E6, opening new opportunities of the developed concept for the development of point of care devices. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.}, doi = {10.1016/j.snb.2018.02.065}, author = {Chekin, Fereshteh and Bagga, Komal and Subramanian, Palaniappan and Jijie, Roxana and Singh, Santosh K. and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Boukherroub, Rabah and Szunerits, Sabine} } @article {45361, title = { One pot ligand exchange method for a highly stable Au-SBA-15 catalyst and its room temperature CO oxidation}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {54}, year = {2018}, month = {NOV}, pages = {12412-12415}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A modified deposition precipitation (DP) method has been developed to address a fundamental issue of supporting well dispersed Au nanoparticles on silica. Ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) plays an important role in in situ modifying the gold precursor (HAuCl(4)3H(2)O) solution allowing facile deposition of gold NPs in the channels of SBA-15. The Au-SBA-15 catalyst (2.8 wt\%) synthesized by this procedure showed 100\% conversion for CO oxidation at room temperature with excellent stability at room temperature and high temperature.}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c8cc06887a}, author = {Soni, Yogita and Kavya, I. and Ajithkumar, T. G. and Vinod, C. P.} } @article {44540, title = {One-dimensional porphyrin-fullerene (C60) assemblies: role of central metal ion in enhancing ambipolar mobility}, journal = {Chemistry - A European Journal }, volume = {24}, year = {2018}, month = {MAR}, abstract = {One-dimensional (1D) nanostructures of -conjugated molecules exhibiting excellent charge carrier mobilities have found much interest in organic electronic devices. Even though it is tedious to form such structures, the availability of highly delocalized electron and hole carriers in these donor (D)-acceptor (A) co-assemblies realize ambipolar charge transport. Here we report the successful demonstration of a simple solution casting method to create ambipolar donor-acceptor single crystalline assembly. 1D assemblies of 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrins (H2TPP, ZnTPP) and fullerene (C60) exhibit high ambipolar mobility in the range of 0.8-3.4 cm2/Vs for electrons and holes with high ON/OFF ratio and low threshold voltage. A direct experimental proof for the pivotal role of central Zn2+ in tetraphenyl porphyrin, which enables a strong D-A charge transfer interaction in the cocrystal and thereby induces electron (1.35 cm2/Vs), hole (3.42 cm2/Vs) mobilities, the highest reported for two component D-A assemblies using solution casting, is demonstrated.}, doi = {10.1002/chem.201800197}, author = {Goudappagouda and Gedda, Murali and Kulkarni, Giridhar U. and Sukumaran, Santhosh Babu} } @article {44228, title = {Optimization of the in situ transesterification step for biodiesel production using biomass of Yarrowia lipolytica NCIM 3589 grown on waste cooking oil}, journal = {Energy}, volume = {142}, year = {2018}, month = {JAN }, pages = {944-952}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The in situ (one-step) acid-catalyzed transesterification step for conversion to biodiesel of biomass from oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica grown on waste cooking oil (WCO) is studied. The process yield of biodiesel was optimized by investigating effects of various parameters, namely, biomass, methanol, chloroform, catalyst, temperature, time and sonication. A Plackett-Burman statistical design of experiments revealed that biomass is the most significant factor influencing biodiesel (FAME, fatty acid methyl ester) production. Subsequently, a one variable design (OVD) of experiments for increased biomass loadings showed higher yields of FAME with no additional requirement of reactants, solvents or special equipment. The biomass grown on WCO had a lipid productivity of 0.042 g L-1 h(-1) and 4 g of this loading gave a high FAME yield of 0.88 gin 8 hat 50 degrees C with methanol: chloroform (10:1) and acid catalyst (0.2 M H2SO4,1.0 ml g(-1)). The FAME profile had desirable amounts of saturated (32.81\%), monounsaturated (36.41\%), polyunsaturated (30.59\%) methyl esters. The predicted and experimentally determined physico-chemical properties of FAME were found in accordance with specified international standards. Thus, the direct one-pot in situ transesterification reaction using Y. lipolytica biomass grown on WCO provides a high yield of biodiesel with potential applicability while simultaneously addressing the management of this pollutant. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Biodiesel, FAME, In situ transesterification, One -step, Waste cooking oil, Yarrowia lipolytica}, issn = {0360-5442}, doi = {10.1016/j.energy.2017.10.082}, author = {Katre, Gouri and Raskar, Shubham and Zinjarde, Smita and Kumar, V. Ravi and Kulkarni, B. D. and RaviKumar, Ameeta} } @article {44546, title = {Patho-physiological evaluation of Duranta erecta for the treatment of urolithiasis}, journal = {Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine}, year = {2018}, month = {MAY}, abstract = {

Background: Urolithiasis is the third common disorder of the urinary system affecting 10-15\% of the general population. In recent years, search for new antilithiatic drugs from natural sources has assumed greater importance. Objectives: This study was performed to investigate the anti-urolithiatic activity of methanolic extract of Duranta erecta leaves by in vitro and in vivo analysis. Materials and methods: The study was designed to determine presence of phytochemicals in D. erecta, its yield in percentage, antioxidant activity against 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and anti-microbial property against few bacteria. In vitro analysis was carried out study anti-urolithiatic property of D. erecta by nucleation assay and synthetic urine assay for inhibition of calcium oxalate and calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals formation. An in vivo experiment was performed on Wistar rats for confirmation of anti-urolithiatic property of D. erecta in animal model. Results: D. erecta has the presence of primary and secondary metabolites like glycoside, saponins, sterols, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, alkaloids, carbohydrates and proteins. Methanolic extract of D. erecta gave a very good yield (60\%). D. erecta proved its antioxidant potential by 93.51\% inhibition of DPPH radical at a concentration of 1000 μg/mL where ascorbic showed 94.71\% of DPPH radical at the same concentration. In vitro tests like nucleation assay and synthetic urine assay showed that D. erecta inhibits formation of calcium oxalate and calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals. It also showed the anti-microbial property by formation of zone of inhibition against few bacteria. An in vivo experiment on Wistar rat animal model confirmed the anti-urolithiatic property of D. erecta L. leaves extract. Conclusions: Based on the results, we reported that D. erecta may treat calcium oxalate crystal deposition in the kidney by preventing hyperoxaluria-induced peroxidative damage to the renal tubular membrane surface (lipid peroxidation). It has anti-microbial potential so it may also inhibit the secondary bacterial infection in kidney. Based on the data, it can be concluded that this herb can be used as a potential anti-urolithiasis agent for kidney stone removal.

}, doi = { 10.1016/j.jaim.2017.08.001}, author = {Agawane, S. B. and Gupta, V. S. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J. and Bhattacharya, A. K. and Koratkar, Santosh and Rao, Vankudoth Koteswara} } @article {44242, title = {pH dependent sophorolipid assemblies and their influence on gelation of silk fibroin protein}, journal = {Materials Chemistry and Physics}, volume = {203}, year = {2018}, month = {JAN }, pages = {9-16}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Sophorolipid (SL), a bio-derived surfactant is an excellent gelling agent for natural fibrous protein, silk fibroin (SF) leading to potential biomedical applications. Interaction of SF with SL has been shown to accelerate the formation of hydrogel with the rate being dependent on the form of SL used. Here, we examine the effect of pH on SL-SF interaction and gel formation by employing rheology, fluorescence spectroscopy, SANS and NMR. The results indicate that the size of SL assemblies decrease as pH increases from acidic to alkaline and significantly impacts the association of SL and SF. The association of SF and SL is mainly via hydrophobic interactions, with the SL molecules forming bead like structures along the SF chain. The increased charge on the acidic form of SL at higher pH results in greater repulsion between acidic SL molecules, which are bound to the hydrophobic sites of SF, leading to rapid chain unfolding and subsequent gelation. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Assemblies, Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, pH, Silk fibroin, Small angle neutron scattering, Sophorolipid}, issn = {0254-0584}, doi = {10.1016/j.matchemphys.2017.09.045}, author = {Dubey, Parul and Kumar, Sugam and Ravindranathan, Sapna and Vasudevan, Sahana and Aswal, Vinod K. and Rajamohanan, Pattuparambil R. and Nisal, Anuya and Prabhune, Asmita} } @article {44361, title = {pH-dependent speciation and hydrogen (H-2) control U(VI) respiration by Desulfovibrio vulgaris}, journal = {Biotechnology and Bioengineering}, volume = {115}, year = {2018}, month = {JUN}, pages = {1465-1474}, type = {Article}, abstract = {In situ bioreduction of soluble hexavalent uranium U(VI) to insoluble U(IV) (as UO2) has been proposed as a means of preventing U migration in the groundwater. This work focuses on the bioreduction of U(VI) and precipitation of U(IV). It uses anaerobic batch reactors with Desulfovibrio vulgaris, a well-known sulfate, iron, and U(VI) reducer, growing on lactate as the electron donor, in the absence of sulfate, and with a 30-mM bicarbonate buffering. In the absence of sulfate, D. vulgaris reduced >90\% of the total soluble U(VI) (1mM) to form U(IV) solids that were characterized by X-ray diffraction and confirmed to be nano-crystalline uraninite with crystallite size 2.8 +/- 0.2nm. pH values between 6 and 10 had minimal impact on bacterial growth and end-product distribution, supporting that the mono-nuclear, and poly-nuclear forms of U(VI) were equally bioavailable as electron acceptors. Electron balances support that H-2 transiently accumulated, but was ultimately oxidized via U(VI) respiration. Thus, D. vulgaris utilized H-2 as the electron carrier to drive respiration of U(VI). Rapid lactate utilization and biomass growth occurred only when U(VI) respiration began to draw down the sink of H-2 and relieve thermodynamic inhibition of fermentation.}, doi = {10.1002/bit.26579}, author = {Kushwaha, Shilpi and Marcus, Andrew K. and Rittmann, Bruce E.} } @conference {44549, title = {Polyethyleneglycol/silver functionalized Reduced graphene oxide aerogel for environmental application}, booktitle = {62nd Dae Solid State Physics Symposium}, year = {2018}, publisher = {Dept Atom Energy; Board Res Nucl Sci, Dept Atom Energy; Bhabha Atom Res Ctr}, organization = {Dept Atom Energy; Board Res Nucl Sci, Dept Atom Energy; Bhabha Atom Res Ctr}, address = {2 Huntington Quadrangle, Ste 1 No1, Melville, NY 11747-4501 USA}, abstract = {

Polyethylene glycol (PEG)/Silver (Ag) functionalized reduced graphene oxide aerogel (RGOA) was synthesized. PEG/Ag decorated reduced graphene oxide aerogel was characterized using XRD, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The surface morphology of PEG/Ag/RGOA was analyzed using scanning electron microscope. The non-covalent interaction between reduced graphene oxide layers and the interaction between PEG and Ag on RGOA were studied by FT-IR spectra. It was observed that the interaction between Ag and PEG could enhance the properties of RGOA. Methyl Orange (MO) dye degradation was observed from UV-Vis Spectra. The process was studied by monitoring the simultaneous decrease in the height of UV-Vis absorption peak of dye solution. The results show that PEG/RGOA and PEG/Ag/RGOA are an efficient catalyst for dye degradation.

}, isbn = {978-0-7354-1634-5}, doi = {10.1063/1.5028718}, author = {Kumari, G. Vanitha and Asha, S. and Ananth, A. Nimrodh and Rajan, M. A. Jothi and Mathavan, T.} } @article {45495, title = {Population genetic structure of banana corm weevil Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar) in India}, journal = {Journal of asia-pacific entomology}, volume = {21}, year = {2018}, month = {DEC}, pages = {1222-1232}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The population genetic structure of Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar), an economically important pest of bananas, was studied using the sequence data of the internal transcribed rDNA (ITS1+ITS2) and the mitochondrial {\textquoteleft}COI-tRNALeu-COII{\textquoteright} region from seventy nine individuals collected from six sampling locations in India. The ITS data revealed 70\% within population variation and non-significant genetic differentiation estimates suggesting lack of phylogeographic sub-structuring. 49\% within population variation and highly significant genetic differentiation values were obtained with the mitochondrial data. The Mantel test revealed lack of correlation between genetic and geographic distance with both the markers. Demographic expansion of the populations was confirmed by the star shaped haplotype networks, demographic tests and mismatch distribution curves using both the markers. Molecular diversity indices show a high haplotype diversity (Hd) but low nucleotide diversity (π) suggesting that the populations are closely related. Considering the low self-dispersal ability of the weevils, these results suggest that the range expansion of this banana pest in India has taken place mainly through transport of infested corms and plant material resulting in the weevils forming localised populations which are not genetically distinct from each other. The high gene diversity (Hd) has enabled the weevils to adapt to varying environmental conditions which could explain the range expansion of this pest in India. The observed discrepancy in the genetic differentiation estimates using these two markers can be attributed to the evolutionary dynamics of the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes.}, issn = {12268615}, doi = {10.1016/j.aspen.2018.08.013}, author = {Sunil Kumar, L. and Singh, J.} } @article {44399, title = {Porosity prediction through hydrogen bonding in covalent organic frameworks}, journal = {Journal of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {140}, year = {2018}, month = {APR}, pages = {5138-5145}, abstract = {Easy and bulk-scale syntheses of two-dimensional (2D) covalent organic frameworks (COFs) represent an enduring challenge in material science. Concomitantly, the most critical aspect is to precisely control the porosity and crystallinity of these robust structures. Disparate complementary approaches such as solvothermal synthesis have emerged recently and are fueled in part by the usage of different modulators and acids that have enriched the COF library. Yet, the fundamental understanding of the integral processes of 2D COF assembly, induding their growth from nucleating sites and the origin of periodicity, is an intriguing chemical question that needs to be answered. To address these cardinal questions, a green and easy-to-perform approach of COF formation has been delineated involving acid-diamine salt precursors. The role of hydrogen bonding [d(av)(N-amine-H center dot center dot center dot O-acid); d(av) signifies the average N-amine-H center dot center dot center dot O-acid distances, i.e., the average distance from the H atom of the amine to the O atom of the acid] present in the acid-diamine salts in improving the COFs{\textquoteright} crystallinity and porosity has further been decoded by thorough crystallographic analyses of the salt molecules. What is particularly noteworthy is that we have established the hydrogen-bonding distances d(av)(N-amine-H center dot center dot center dot O-acid) in the acid-diamine salts that are pivotal in maintaining the reversibility of the reaction, which mainly facilitates highly crystalline and porous COF formation. Moreover, this reactant-structure to the product-quality relationship has further been utilized for the synthesis of highly crystalline and porous COFs that are unattainable by other synthetic means.}, doi = {10.1021/jacs.7b13558}, author = {Karak, Suvendu and Kumar, Sushil and Pachfule, Pradip and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article {44552, title = {Porous reduced graphene oxide modified electrodes for the analysis of protein aggregation. Part 2: Application to the analysis of calcitonin containing pharmaceutical formulation}, journal = {Electrochimica Acta}, volume = {266}, year = {2018}, month = {MAR }, pages = {364-372}, abstract = {

In part 1 (A. Vasilescu et al., Porous reduced graphene oxide modified electrodes for the analysis of protein aggregation. Part 1: Lysozyme aggregation at pH 2 and 7.4 Electrochem. Acta, 254 (2017) 375 -383) we proposed porous reduced graphene oxide coated glassy carbon electrode (GC/prGO) in combination with differential pulse voltammetry as a new analytical tool for aggregation studies of proteins. Lysozyme was used as a model to follow its aggregation by electrochemical means at pH 2 and pH 7.4, leading to the formation of amyloid and amorphous aggregates, respectively. Part 2 of this work widens the scope of this approach by investigating a biopharmaceutical product, as the aggregation of peptide based drugs affects their therapeutic activity and can induce allergic reactions in patients. The salmon polypeptide calcitonin (sCT) was chosen as an example of a bioactive peptide with limited pharmaceutical potential due to a tendency to form cytotoxic aggregates and amyloid fibrils. For practical applications, screen printed electrodes (SPE) and flexible electrodes (FE) modified with polydiallyldimethylammonium (PDDA) and prGO by using the layer-by-layer deposition technique have been developed for the detection of sCT. The results indicate that these electrodes can differentiate between formation of amyloid aggregates of calcitonin (2 mg mL(-1)) in citrate buffer to no aggregation in acetate buffer. It was further demonstrated that these electrodes are able to analyze a pharmaceutical drug product of low potency, Miacalcic (8.3 mu g mL(-1)), where no aggregation was observed. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Calcitonin, Disposable electrodes, Electrochemistry, Porous reduced graphene oxide, Protein aggregation}, issn = {0013-4686}, doi = {10.1016/j.electacta.2018.02.038}, author = {Vasilescu, Alina and Ye, Ran and Boulahneche, Samia and Lamraoui, Sabrina and Jijie, Roxana and Medjram, Mohamed Salah and Gaspar, Szilveszter and Singh, Santosh K. and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Melinte, Sorin and Boukherroub, Rabah and Szunerits, Sabine} } @article {45417, title = {Preparation and investigations of ABPBI membrane for HT-PEMFC by immersion precipitation method}, journal = {Journal of Membrane Science}, volume = {564}, year = {2018}, month = {OCT}, pages = {211-217}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Poly(2,5-benzimidazole) (ABPBI) membranes were prepared by an easy and benign {\textquoteright}immersion precipitation{\textquoteright} method; alleviating drawbacks of conventional solution casting method involving evaporation of the corrosive solvent. The importance of varying inherent viscosity on the properties of resulting membranes was investigated. The porous membranes formed by immersion precipitation method were analyzed for basic properties (water flux, porosity and dimensional analysis). Since the dense structure is required for their applicability for a fuel cell, through-porosity of the formed membranes was successfully eliminated using a unique shrinkage (similar to 50\%) property of ABPBI, initially, at 60 degrees C followed by at higher temperature. The correlation of membranes annealing temperature with the mechanical properties, phosphoric acid doping and proton conductivity was established. The present membranes exhibited high doping level (5.1 mol/RU), proton conductivity (0.083 S cm(-1)) and fuel cell performance. For comparison, solution casted membranes were prepared and analyzed. The OCP (0.91 V) and max power density (766mWcm(-2)) are quite promising features of this new type of membranes.}, issn = { 0376-7388}, doi = {10.1016/j.memsci.2018.07.026}, author = {Chaudhari, Harshal D. and Illathvalappil, Rajith and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Kharul, Ulhas K.} } @article {44663, title = {Preparation of macroporous scaffolds with holes in pore walls and pressure driven flows through them}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {8}, year = {2018}, month = {JAN}, pages = {24731-24739}, abstract = {

Controlling the pore architecture in macroporous scaffolds has important implications for their use as reactor packings and as catalyst supports. We report the preparation of a macroporous structure, where the pore walls are perforated by holes. These materials are prepared by modification of the ice-templating protocol developed in our group. We freeze a dispersion of colloidal silica, polymer and cross-linker in a water/acetonitrile medium and allow crosslinking to proceed in the frozen state. The presence of a small fraction of acetonitrile (varying between 1.6\% to 6.4\%) results in the formation of holes in the pore walls. Increasing the acetonitrile concentration changes the pore size distribution, and produces smaller pores on average. This also results in an increasing fraction of the wall area being covered by small pores, of the order of a few microns in size. Perforation of the walls by pores does not change the overall porosity or modulus of the scaffolds. However, the introduction of pores leads to a drastic reduction in the pressure drop required to pump liquid through the scaffolds. The observed residence time distribution (RTD) in the scaffolds is represented by two plug flow reactors (PFRs) in parallel. The RTD results indicate that increasing the hole fraction in the pore walls results in increased channelling which explains the aforementioned decreased pressure drop during pressure driven flow.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c8ra03867h}, author = {Chatterjee, Soumyajyoti and Potdar, Aditi and Kuhn, Simon and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy} } @article {44193, title = {Pressure equalization approach for flow uniformity in microreactor with parallel channels}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Science}, volume = {176}, year = {2018}, month = {FEB}, pages = {96-106}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Numbering-up using parallel channels helps to achieve higher processing capacity while retaining the advantages of microreactors. However it may also lead to non-uniformity in flow across all the channels. Here we report the CFD simulations and experimental observations on the extent of uniformity in the flow from an assembly of several parallel channels. In the conventional parallel channel geometry, smaller channel size (\<300 m) as well as higher fluid viscosity is seen to give better flow uniformity. Inequality in pressure distribution at the inlet of a large number of parallel channels is overcome by having two {\textquoteleft}pressure equalization slots{\textquoteright} at an equal distance from inlet and outlets that open in the respective manifolds. Having such an arrangement helped to reduce the standard deviation in the flow by almost 90\% when compared to the conventional geometry. However the modification was seen to increase the extent of back mixing to some extent. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {CFD, Experiments, Flow distribution, microreactor, Numbering-up, Parallel channels}, issn = {0009-2509}, doi = {10.1016/j.ces.2017.10.021}, author = {Madane, Ketan and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article {45409, title = { Process intensification strategies for enhanced holocellulose solubilization: Beneficiation of pineapple peel waste for cleaner butanol production}, journal = {Journal of Cleaner Production}, volume = {199}, year = {2018}, month = {OCT}, pages = {937-947}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Biorefinery sector has become a serious dispute for cleaner and sustainable development in recent years. In the present study, pretreatment of pineapple peel waste was carried out in high pressure reactor using various pretreatment-enhancers. The type and concentration effect of each enhancer on hemicellulose solubilization was systematically investigated. The binary acid (phenol + sulfuric acid) at 180 degrees C was found to be superior amongst other studied enhancers, giving 81.17\% (w/v) hemicellulose solubilization in liquid-fraction under optimized conditions. Solid residue thus obtained was subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis that resulted into 24.50\% (w/v) cellulose breakdown. Treated solid residue was further characterized by scanning electron microscopy and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to elucidate structural changes. The pooled fractions (acid treated and enzymatically hydrolyzed) were fermented using Clostridium acetobutylicum NRRL B 527 which resulted in butanol production of 5.18 g/L with yield of 0.13 g butanol/g sugar consumed. Therefore, pretreatment of pineapple peel waste evaluated in this study can be considered as milestone in utilization of low cost feedstock, for bioenergy production. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.}, issn = { 0959-6526}, doi = { 10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.07.205}, author = {Khedkar, Manisha A. and Nimbalkar, Pranhita R. and Kamble, Sanjay P. and Gaikwad, Shashank G. and Chavan, Prakash V. and Bankar, Sandip B.} } @article {44554, title = {Proline-catalyzed asymmetric -amination in the synthesis of bioactive molecules}, journal = {Synlett}, volume = {29}, year = {2018}, month = {JUN}, pages = {1944-1956}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The direct -amination of carbonyl compounds using organocatalysts represents a powerful and atom-economical tool for asymmetric C-N bond formation. We describe a complete account of -functionalization of carbonyl compounds, through iterative sequential -aminoxylation/amination using electrophilic O and N sources, as well as sequential -amination/HWE reaction for enantio- and diastereoselective synthesis of both syn - and anti -1,3-aminoalcohols and 1,3-diamines. Additionally this protocol is further extended for the easy construction of alkaloids such as indolizidine, pyrrolizidine, and quinolizidine fused-ring systems just by tuning the chain length of the aldehyde used as a starting material. This methodology provides further scope to extrapolate it for a variety of naturally occurring hydroxylated monocyclic and fused bicyclic pyrrolidine and piperidine based alkaloids such as lentiginosine, epi -lentiginosine, dihydroxypyrrolizidine, (+)-deoxoprosophylline and (-)-deoxoprosopinine alkaloids. Furthermore, we have also uncovered proline-catalyzed anti -selectivity for the synthesis of 1,2-amino alcohols in -amination of aldehyde and one-pot indium-mediated Barbier type allylation of -hydrazino aldehydes to accomplish the total synthesis of clavaminols, sphinganine and spisulosine with reduced number of steps and with high overall yields. 1 Introduction 2 Application in the Total Synthesis of Alkaloids 3 Conclusion}, doi = {10.1055/s-0037-1610022}, author = {Kumar, Pradeep and Sharma, Brijesh M.} } @article {45383, title = {Proteomic study of endothelial dysfunction induced by Ages and its possible role in diabetic cardiovascular complications}, journal = {Journal of Proteomics }, volume = {187}, year = {2018}, month = {SEP}, pages = {69-79}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Endothelial dysfunction is one of the primary steps in the development of diabetes associated cardiovascular diseases. Hyperglycemic condition in diabetes promotes accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in the plasma, that interact with the receptor for AGEs (RAGE) present on the endothelial cells and negatively affect their function. Using Human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) in culture, the effect of glycated human serum albumin on global proteomic changes was studied by SWATH-MS, a label free quantitative proteomic approach. Out of the 1860 proteins identified, 161 showed higher abundance while 123 showed lesser abundance in cells treated with glycated HSA. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that the differentially regulated proteins were involved in various processes such as apoptosis, oxidative stress etc. that are associated with endothelial dysfunction. Furthermore, the iRegulon analysis and immunofuorescence studies indicated that several of the differentially regulated proteins were transcriptionally regulated by NF-kappa B, that is downstream to AGE-RAGE axis. Some of the important differentially regulated proteins include ICAM1, vWF, PAI-1 that affect important endothelial functions like cell adhesion and blood coagulation. qPCR analysis showed an increase in expression of the AGE receptor RAGE along with other genes involved in endothelial function. AGE treatment to HUVEC cells led to increased oxidative stress and apoptosis. This is the first proteomics study that provides insight into proteomic changes downstream to AGE-RAGE axis leading to endothelial dysfunction and predisposing to cardiovascular complications. Significance: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major pathological outcome in diabetic patients and it is important to address ways that target its development before the onset. Elevated plasma AGEs in diabetes can affect endothelial function and can continue to show their effects even after blood glucose levels are back to normal. Since endothelial dysfunction acts as one of the initiating factors for the development of CVD, understanding how AGEs affect the endothelial cell proteome to cause dysfunction will provide insight into the mechanisms involved and aid designing new therapeutic approaches.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.jprot.2018.06.009}, author = {Banarjee, Reema and Sharma, Akshay and Bai, Shakuntala and Deshmukh, Arati and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @article {45436, title = { Rational design of coumarin derivatives as antituberculosis agents}, journal = {Future Medicinal Chemistry}, volume = {10}, year = {2018}, month = {OCT}, pages = {2431-2444}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A series of coumarin derivatives was designed as potential antituberculosis agents. Results: The compounds were screened against active and dormant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Compounds 3k and 3n were found to have the most promising activity against replicating MtbH37Rv exhibiting minimum inhibitory concentration of 4.63 and 9.75 mu M respectively. The compounds were also effective against dormant MtbH37Rv exhibiting more potency than the standard drugs, isoniazid and rifampicin. The compounds were found to be non-cytotoxic against human cell lines. Conclusion: This study provides promising antituberculosis agents that are effective against replicating as well as dormant Mtb and can thus act as potential leads for further development. }, issn = {1756-8919}, doi = {10.4155/fmc-2018-0015}, author = {Mali, Hemlata M. and Sabale, Sandip S. and Degani, Mariam S. and Borkute, Rachana and Choudhari, Amit S. and Sarkar, Dhiman and Krishna, Vagolu Siva and Sriram, Dharmarajan} } @article {44373, title = {Rationally designed self-standing V2O5 electrode for high voltage non-aqueous all-solid-state symmetric (2.0 V) and asymmetric (2.8 V) supercapacitors}, journal = {Nanoscale}, volume = {10}, year = {2018}, month = {MAY}, pages = {8741-8751}, abstract = {The maximum capacitive potential window of certain pseudocapacitive materials cannot be accessed in aqueous electrolytes owing to the low dissociation potential of 1.2 V possessed by water molecules. However, the inferior pseudocapacitance exhibited by the commonly used electrode materials when integrated with non-aqueous electrolytes still remains a challenge in the development of supercapacitors (SC). Proper selection of materials for the electrode and a rational design process are indeed important to overcome these practical intricacies so that such systems can perform well with non-aqueous electrolytes. We address this challenge by fabricating a prototype all-solid-state device designed with high-capacitive V2O5 as the electrode material along with a Li-ion conducting organic electrolyte. V2O5 is synthesized on a pre-treated carbon-fibre paper by adopting an electrochemical deposition technique that effects an improved contact resistance. A judicious electrode preparation strategy makes it possible to overcome the constraints of the low ionic and electrical conductivities imposed by the electrolyte and electrode material, respectively. The device, assembled in a symmetrical fashion, achieves a high specific capacitance of 406 F g(-1) (at 1 A g(-1)). The profitable aspect of using an organic electrolyte is also demonstrated with an asymmetric configuration by using activated carbon as the positive and V2O5 as the negative electrode materials, respectively. The asymmetric device displays a wide working-voltage window of 2.8 V and delivers a high energy density of 102.68 W h kg(-1) at a power density of 1.49 kW kg(-1). Moreover, the low equivalent series resistance of 9.9 Omega and negligible charge transfer resistance are observed in the impedance spectra, which is a key factor that accounts for such an exemplary performance.}, doi = {10.1039/c8nr00805a}, author = {Ghosh, Meena and Vijayakumar, Vidyanand and Soni, Roby and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {44239, title = {Reaction engineering for continuous production of silver nanoparticles}, journal = {Chemical Engineering \& Technology}, volume = {41}, year = {2018}, month = {JAN}, pages = {157-167}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A scalable process for the production of silver nanoparticles that allows for complete conversion of the limiting reactant is analyzed in detail. The kinetics of silver nanoparticle synthesis using citrate reduction are investigated and used for development of a reaction engineering model to facilitate the reactor design. The effect of temperature, pH, concentration and mixing (axial dispersion) on the rates of nucleation and growth are analyzed quantitatively. An approach that considers reaction kinetics coupled with quality of dispersion is developed for reactor design as well as selection of reactor configurations for the synthesis of specific particle sizes. The developed approach has been applied for continuous production of 10-L suspension silver nanoparticles with very narrow particle size distribution.

}, keywords = {kinetics, particle size distribution, rate constant, Reactor design, Silver nanoparticle production}, issn = {0930-7516}, doi = {10.1002/ceat.201700035}, author = {Deshpande, Javdeep B. and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article {44218, title = {Realizing high capacitance and rate capability in polyaniline by enhancing the electrochemical surface area through induction of superhydrophilicity}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {10}, year = {2018}, month = {JAN}, pages = {676-686}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Polyaniline (PANI) as a pseudocapacitive material has very high theoretical capacitance of 2000 F g(-1). However, its practical capacitance has been limited by low electrochemical surface area (ESA) and unfavorable wettability toward aqueous electrolytes. This work deals with a strategy wherein the high ESA of PANI has been achieved by the induction of superhydrophilicity together with the alignment of PANI exclusively on the surface of carbon fibers as a thin layer to form a hybrid assembly. Superhydrophilicity is induced by electrochemical functionalization of the Toray carbon paper, which further induces superhydrophilicity to the electrodeposited PANI layer on the paper, thereby ensuring a high electrode-electrolyte interface. The Toray paper is electrochemically functionalized by the anodization method, which generates a highly active electrochemical surface as well as greater wettability (superhydrophilic) of the carbon fibers. Because of the strong interaction of anilinium chloride with the hydrophilic carbon surface, PANI is polymerized exclusively over the surface of the fibers without any appreciable aggregation or agglomeration of the polymer. The PANI-Toray paper assembly in the solid-state prototype supercapacitor can provide a high gravimetric capacitance of 1335 F g(-1) as well as a high areal capacitance of 1.3 F cm(-2) at a current density of 10 A g(-1). The device also exhibits high rate capability, delivering 1217 F g(-1) at a current density of 50 A g(-1) and a high energy density of 30 W h kg(-1) at a power density of 2 kW kg(-1).

}, keywords = {electrochemical active sulfate area, electrochemical functionalization, electropolymerization, polyaniline, supercapacitor, superhydrophilic}, issn = {1944-8244}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.7b15534}, author = {Soni, Roby and Kashyap, Varchaswal and Nagaraju, Divya and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {45547, title = {Real-Time monitoring of biopharmaceutical crystallization: chord length distribution to crystal size distribution for lysozyme, rHu insulin, and vitamin B12}, journal = {Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research}, year = {2018}, month = {DEC}, type = {Article}, abstract = {This investigation is focused on designing an effective strategy for the real-time monitoring of biopharmaceutical crystallization using focused beam reflectance measurement (FBRM). Lysozyme, rHu insulin, and vitamin B12 were selected as model biopharmaceutical molecules for the study. Under selected experimental conditions, lysozyme exhibits polymorphism with tetragonal and needle-shaped crystals, rHu insulin forms rhombohedral crystals, and vitamin B12 forms polyhedral-shaped crystals. Focused beam reflectance measurements were performed to obtain the real time chord length distribution (CLD) of crystals obtained using static and dynamic conditions. Mathematical models were developed for converting CLD data obtained using FBRM measurements into the useful crystal size distribution (CSD) data for low (tetragonal, rhombohedral and polyhedral) and high aspect ratio crystals (needle). For high-aspect-ratio crystals, both width-based and length-based models were developed for capturing the CSD. The model validation was performed by comparing the model CSD with the CSD obtained using microscopic image analysis. Developed models effectively capture the CSD for variable shape crystals of lysozyme, rHu insulin, and vitamin B12. It was demonstrated that in the case of high-aspect-ratio crystals, there is an intrinsic limitation in using FBRM for length-based crystal size measurement.}, doi = {10.1021/acs.iecr.8b04613}, author = {Pandit, A. and Katkar, V. and Ranade, V. and Bhambure, R.} } @article {44556, title = {Regioselective and efficient enzymatic synthesis of antimicrobial andrographolide derivatives}, journal = {Bioorganic \& Medicinal Chemistry Letters}, volume = {28}, year = {2018}, month = {APR }, pages = {1132-1137}, abstract = {

Labdane diterpene andrographolide (1) is a major constituent of Andrographis paniculata and known to exhibit wide spectrum of biological activities. In this study, regioselective monoesters of (1) have been synthesized by using Amano lipase AK (Pseudomonas fluorescens) as a biocatalyst. Amano lipase AK was able to execute highly efficient esterification of hydroxyl group attached to C-14 carbon of (1) in presence of acyl donors. Among the various synthesized derivatives including two novel compounds such as andrographolide-14-propionate (3) and andrographolide-14-caproate (5) displayed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus with low minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) 4 mu g/mL and 16 mu g/mL respectively. Furthermore, they have shown low hemolysis activity at their respective MIC and increase in the permeability of the bacterial cell membrane as delineated by FITC uptake and SEM imaging studies. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Acylation, Andrographolide, Antimicrobial activity, biocatalysis, Hemolysis, Lipase, Natural product}, issn = {0960-894X}, doi = {10.1016/j.bmcl.2018.01.007}, author = {Patil, Harshal S. and Jadhav, Dipesh D. and Paul, Ajay and Mulani, Fayaj A. and Karegaonkar, Shrikant J. and Thulasiram, Hirekodathakallu V.} } @article {45426, title = { Regioselective and stereoselective reductive aziridinium ring cleavage leading to azabicyclodecane architecture: enantioselective synthesis of (+)-subincanadine F}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {83}, year = {2018}, month = {OCT}, pages = {12164-12170}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Enantioselective synthesis of cytotoxic indole alkaloid (+)-subincanadine F was accomplished starting from the corresponding (S)-acetoxysuccinimide via aziridinium ring formation and its reductive ring expansion route. Regioselective and stereoselective reductive aziridinium carbon-nitrogen bond cleavage comprising ring expansions was a key step. The (S)-OMOM protection of the hydroxyl moiety adjacent to a benzylic carbon of an in situ formed aziridinium system was necessary for lithium borohydride-induced reductive ring expansions, and it also served as a latent source of an essential ketone carbonyl group for the generation of an alpha,beta-conjugated system.}, issn = { 0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/acs.joc.8b02113}, author = {Kalshetti, Manojkumar G. and Argade, Narshinha P.} } @article {44643, title = {Repeated photoporation with graphene quantum dots enables homogeneous labeling of live cells with extrinsic markers for fluorescence microscopy}, journal = {Light-Science \& Applications}, volume = {7}, year = {2018}, month = {AUG}, pages = {47}, abstract = {

In the replacement of genetic probes, there is increasing interest in labeling living cells with high-quality extrinsic labels, which avoid over-expression artifacts and are available in a wide spectral range. This calls for a broadly applicable technology that can deliver such labels unambiguously to the cytosol of living cells. Here, we demonstrate that nanoparticle-sensitized photoporation can be used to this end as an emerging intracellular delivery technique. We replace the traditionally used gold nanoparticles with graphene nanoparticles as photothermal sensitizers to permeabilize the cell membrane upon laser irradiation. We demonstrate that the enhanced thermal stability of graphene quantum dots allows the formation of multiple vapor nanobubbles upon irradiation with short laser pulses, allowing the delivery of a variety of extrinsic cell labels efficiently and homogeneously into live cells. We demonstrate high-quality time-lapse imaging with confocal, total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF), and Airyscan super-resolution microscopy. As the entire procedure is readily compatible with fluorescence (super resolution) microscopy, photoporation with graphene quantum dots has the potential to become the long-awaited generic platform for controlled intracellular delivery of fluorescent labels for live-cell imaging.

}, issn = {2047-7538}, doi = {10.1038/s41377-018-0048-3}, author = {Liu, Jing and Xiong, Ranhua and Brans, Toon and Lippens, Saskia and Parthoens, Eef and Zanacchi, Francesca Cella and Magrassi, Raffaella and Singh, Santosh K. and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Szunerits, Sabine and Bove, Hannelore and Ameloot, Marcel and Fraire, Juan C. and Teirlinck, Eline and Samal, Sangram Keshari and De Rycke, Riet and Houthaeve, Gaelle and De Smedt, Stefaan C. and Boukherroub, Rabah and Braeckmans, Kevin} } @article {44559, title = {Retention of anticancer activity of curcumin after conjugation with fluorescent gold quantum clusters: an in vitro and in vivo xenograft study}, journal = {ACS Omega}, year = {2018}, month = {MAY}, abstract = {Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) have been thoroughly investigated for anti-cancer therapy. However, their undesired high gold content remains a problem when injected into the body for drug delivery applications. In this report, we made an effort to conjugate the curcumin molecules on the surface of gold quantum clusters (Au QCs) by a novel in situ synthesis method which provides an alternative route to not only reduce the metallic content but also increase the water solubility of curcumin and the loading efficiency. Here, curcumin itself acts as a reducing and capping agent for the synthesis of Au QCs. The UV-vis absorption, fluorescence, transmission electron microscopy, and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry results confirmed the synthesis of fluorescent Au QCs. Curcumin-conjugated Au NPs (C-Au NPs) and glutathione (GSH)-conjugated Au QCs (GSH-Au QCs) were also synthesized to visualize the effect of particle size and the capping agent, respectively, on the cytotoxicity to normal and cancer cells. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay showed that the curcumin-conjugated Au QCs (C-Au QCs) were less cytotoxic to normal cells while almost the same cytotoxic to cancer cells in comparison to curcumin itself, which indicates that curcumin preserves its anticancer property even after binding to the Au QCs. However, C-Au NPs and GSH-Au QCs did not show any cytotoxicity against the normal and cancer cells at the concentration used. The western blot assay indicated that C-Au QCs promote apoptosis in cancer cells. Further, the in vivo study on severe combined immunodeficiency mice showed that C-Au QCs also inhibited the tumor growth efficiently without showing significant toxicity to internal organs.}, doi = {10.1021/acsomega.8b00113}, author = {Khandelwal, Puneet and Alam, Aftab and Choksi, Arpankumar and Chattopadhyay, Samit and Poddar, Pankaj} } @article {44563, title = {Revisiting amino acids and peptides as anti-glycation agents}, journal = {Medchemcomm}, volume = {9}, year = {2018}, month = {APR}, pages = {614-624}, abstract = {

The importance of controlling or preventing protein glycation cannot be overstated and is of prime importance in the treatment of diabetes and associated complications including Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s disease, cataracts, atherosclerosis, kidney aliments among others. In this respect, simple molecules such as amino acids and peptides hold much promise both in terms of ease and scale-up of synthesis as well as in relation to negligible/low associated toxicity. In view of this, a comprehensive account of literature reports is presented, that documents the anti-glycation activity of natural and non-natural amino acids and peptides. This review also discusses the chemical reactions involved in glycation and the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and possible/probable intervention sites and mechanism of action of the reported amino acids/peptides. This aspect of amino acids/peptides adds to their growing importance in medicinal and therapeutic applications.

}, issn = {2040-2503}, doi = {10.1039/c7md00514h}, author = {Chilukuri, H. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J. and Fernandes, M.} } @article {44588, title = {Role of oxygen vacancies and interstitials on structural phase transition, grain growth, and optical properties of Ga doped TiO2}, journal = {Journal of Applied Physics}, volume = {123}, year = {2018}, month = {JUN}, pages = {Article Number: 245702}, abstract = {A systematic study on the effect of gallium (Ga) doping (0 <= x <= 0.10) on the structural phase transition and grain growth of TiO2 is reported here. X-ray diffraction spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy confirm that Ga doping inhibits the phase transition. Activation energy increases from 125 kJ/mol (x = 0.00) to 300 kJ/mol (x = 0.10) upon Ga incorporation. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows the presence of Ti3+/Ga3+ interstitials, substitution (Ti4+ by Ga3+), and oxygen vacancies in the samples. At lower doping (x <= 0.05), interstitials play a more significant role over substitution and oxygen vacancies, thereby resulting in a considerable lattice expansion. At higher doping (x >= 0.05), the effect of interstitials is compensated by both the effect of substitution and oxygen vacancies, thereby resulting in relatively lesser lattice expansion. Inhibition of the phase transition is the result of this lattice expansion. The crystallite size (anatase) and particle size (rutile) both are reduced due to Ga incorporation. It also modifies optical properties of pure TiO2 by increasing the bandgap (from 3.06 to 3.09 eV) and decreasing the Urbach energy (from 58.59 to 47.25 meV). This happens due to regularization of the lattice by the combined effect of substitution/ interstitials and oxygen vacancies. Published by AIP Publishing.}, doi = {10.1063/1.5027672}, author = {Khatun, Nasima and Tiwari, Saurabh and Vinod, C. P. and Tseng, Chuan-Ming and Liu, Shun Wei and Biring, Sajal and Sen, Somaditya} } @article {44216, title = {Role of the (104) MgCl2 lateral cut in ziegler-natta catalysis: a computational investigation}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {122}, year = {2018}, month = {JAN}, pages = {285-296}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Density functional theory (DFT) has been used for the study of ethylene polymerization in the Ziegler-Natta (ZN) olefin polymerization system for eight different alkoxy group containing titanium catalysts (Cat-A-h), Ti(III)Et(OR)(OR{\textquoteright}) (where R =-CH3,-Et,-tert-butyl, cyclohexane, R{\textquoteright} = CH3,-Et,-tert-butyl, cyclohexane). What is of significance is that the catalysts studied were all considered to be tethered to the (104) MgCl2 surface, which has traditionally been considered a {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}dormant{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} surface in Z-N catalysis systems, in contrast to the {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}more active{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} (110) MgCl2 surface. Our calculations indicate that the binding of all the catalysts to the (104) surface is favorable, even after taking entropic effects into account. For purposes of comparison, ethylene polymerization has been investigated for the Cat-C (TiEt(OEt)(2)) and the Cat-H (TiEt(CI)(OC4H8Cl)) (OC4H8Cl = the chlorobutoxy group) cases, for both the (i) (110) and the (ii) (104) MgCl2 surfaces. It has been seen that for both (i) and (ii)-the energy gap between insertion and the termination barriers (Delta X) was nearly the same for both the Cat-C and Cat-H eases, which shows that ethylene polymerization on the (104)MgCl2 surface is likely to be a ptoininent occurrence in Z-N catalysis, when alkoxy groups are bound to the titanium center. Additionally, for the Cat-C and the Cat-H cases, the regio-and stereoselective behavior of the propylene monomer on the titanium species present on the (110) and the (104) MgCl2 surfaces has also been investigated, and the results indicate that the (104) MgCl2 surface is only slightly less effective than the (110. However, the calculations also indicate that for Cat-H the (104) MgCl2 surface significantly improves the molecular weight of polypropylene in comparison to the (110) surface, further showcasing how the (104) surface (ignored until date) might be a major player in ZN catalysis. Given that a major portion of the MgCl2 support is made up of (104) lateral cuts, the current findings are of considerable relevance.

}, issn = {1932-7447}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpcc.7b07893}, author = {Kumawat, Jugal and Gupta, Virendra Kumar and Vanka, Kumar} } @article {44639, title = {Selective oxidation of cyclohexane to cyclohexanone using chromium oxide supported mesoporous MCM-41 nanospheres: probing the nature of catalytically active chromium sites}, journal = {ChemCatChem}, volume = {10}, year = {2018}, month = {AUG}, pages = {3291-3298}, abstract = {

Highly dispersed chromium oxide supported mesoporous MCM-41 nanosphere catalysts have been synthesized using a simple wet impregnation method. This work is devoted to a systematic study to reveal the active Cr sites in chromium oxide supported MCM-41 nanosphere catalysts for the selective oxidation of cyclohexane to cyclohexanone. To probe the nature of the active species, we synthesized 0.5-10wt\% Cr loaded catalysts and characterized them by using XRD, UV/Vis spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, extended X-ray absorption fine structure analysis, X-ray absorption near edge structure analysis, N-2 sorption analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, (SiNMR)-Si-29 spectroscopy, SEM, and TEM. The liquid-phase oxidation of cyclohexane to cyclohexanone (99\% selectivity) was performed under mild reaction conditions, and the results reveal clearly that the 5wt\% Cr loaded catalyst was optimum for the reaction. The initial composition of isolated Cr3+ species in the catalyst is the major factor that influences the enhanced activity for cyclohexane oxidation.

}, keywords = {chromium, heterogeneous catalysis, Nanostructures, Oxidation, supported catalysts}, issn = {1867-3880}, doi = {10.1002/cctc.201800309}, author = {Betsy, Kurisingal J. and Nayak, Chandrani and Lazar, Anish and Krishnan, Athira and Bhattacharyya, Dibyendu and Jha, Shambhu N. and Vinod, Chathakudath P.} } @article {44368, title = {Self-assembly of Cis-configured squaraine dyes at the TiO2-dye interface: far-red active dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {10}, year = {2018}, month = {MAY}, pages = {16541-16551}, type = {Article}, abstract = {To synergize both steric and electronic factors in designing the dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells, a series of cis-configured unsymmetrical squaraine dyes P11-P15 with suitably functionalized alkyl groups and squaric acid units containing the electron-withdrawing groups were synthesized, respectively. These dyes capture the importance of (i) the effect and position of branched alkyl groups, (ii) mono- and di-anchoring groups containing dyes, and (iii) further appending the alkyl groups through the cyanoester vinyl unit on the central squaric acid units of DAD-based cis-configured squaraine dyes. All the above factors govern the controlled self-assembly of the dyes on the TiO2 surface which helps to broaden the absorption profile of the dyes with an increased energy-harvesting process. With respect to the position of the branched alkyl groups, dye P11 with the sp(3)-C and N-alkyl groups away from the TiO2 surface showed a better device efficiency of 5.98\% (J(sc) of 14.46 mA cm(-2), V-oc of 0.576 V, and ff of 71.8\%) than its positional isomer P12 with 3.45\% (J(sc) of 8.78 mA cm(-2), V-oc of 0.554 V, and ff of 70.9\%). However, with respect to the dyes containing mono- and di-anchoring groups, P13 with two anchoring units exhibited a superior device performance of 7.58\% (J(sc) of 17.12 mA cm(-2), V-oc of 0.618 V, and ff of 71.7\%) in the presence of optically transparent co-adsorbent CDCA (3 alpha,7 alpha-dihydroxy-5 beta-cholanic acid) than dyes P11 and P12.}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.8b03106}, author = {Punitharasu, Vellimalai and Kavungathodi, Munavvar Fairoos Mele and Nithyanandhan, Jayaraj} } @article {44362, title = {Sensitive electrochemical detection of cardiac troponin I in serum and saliva by nitrogen-doped porous reduced graphene oxide electrode}, journal = {Sensors and Actuators B-Chemical}, volume = {262}, year = {2018}, month = {JUN}, pages = {180-187}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Cardiovascular diseases pose one of the highest mortality risks among all diseases in developed countries, steadily increasing the burden on the health systems. Early diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases has consequently become highly important to decrease mortality and to use more adapted therapeutic decisions. We demonstrate here the utility of nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide (N-prGO) for detecting and quantifying of cardiac troponin I (cTnI), a key human cardiac protein biomarker, under physiologically relevant conditions. Non-covalent modification of N-prGO by 1-pyrenecarboxylic acid (py-COOH) and poly(ethylene glycol) modified pyrene (py-PEG) ligands allowed the covalent integration of Tro4 aptamer, known for its high selectivity towards cTnI. Using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), a label-free electrochemical sensor for cTnI for concentrations down to 1 pgmL(-1) in human serum could be obtained. This sensitive detection arises from the integration of a porous nanomaterial with excellent electrochemical properties being easily amendable to site-specific surface modification. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.}, doi = {10.1016/j.snb.2018.01.215}, author = {Chekin, Fereshteh and Vasilescu, Alina and Jijie, Roxana and Singh, Santosh K. and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Iancu, Madalina and Badea, Gabriela and Boukherroub, Rabah and Szunerits, Sabine} } @article {44636, title = {Serum responsive proteome reveals correlation between oxidative phosphorylation and morphogenesis in Candida albicans ATCC10231}, journal = {Journal of Proteomics}, volume = {185}, year = {2018}, month = {AUG}, pages = {25-38}, abstract = {

To understand the impact of fetal bovine serum (FBS) on metabolism and cellular architecture in addition to morphogenesis, we have identified FBS responsive proteome of Candida albicans. FBS induced 34\% hyphae and 60\% pseudohyphae in C. albicans at 30 C while 98\% hyphae at 37 C. LC-MS/MS analysis revealed that 285 proteins modulated significantly in response to FBS at 30 degrees C and 37 degrees C. Out of which 152 were upregulated and 62 were downregulated at 30 degrees C while 18 were up and 53 were downregulated at 37 degrees C. Functional annotation suggests that FBS may inhibit glycolysis and fermentative pathway and enhance oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos), TCA cycle, amino acid and fatty acid metabolism indicating a use of alternative energy source by C. albicans. OxPhos inhibition assay using sodium azide corroborated the correlation between inhibition of glycolysis and enhanced OxPhos with pseudohyphae formation. C. albicans induced hyphae in response to FBS irrespective of down regulation of Rasl,Asrl/Asr2, indicates the possible involvement of MAPK and cAMP-PKA independent pathway. The Cell wall of cells grown in presence of FBS at 30 degrees C was rich in mannan, Beta 1,3glucan and chitin while membranes were rich in ergosterol compared to those grown at 37 degrees C. Significance of the study: This is the first study suggesting a correlation between OxPhos and morphogenesis especially pseudohyphae formation in C. albicans. Our data also indicate that fetal bovine serum (FBS) induced morphogenesis is multifactorial and may involve MAPK and cAMP-PKA independent pathway. In addition to morphogenesis, our study provides an insight in to the modulation of metabolism and cellular architecture of C. albicans in response to FBS.

}, keywords = {analysis, Candida albicans, Fetal bovin serum, Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, morphogenesis, Oxidative phosphorylation, pathogenicity}, issn = {1874-3919}, doi = {10.1016/j.jprot.2018.06.018}, author = {Ahmed, Radfan and Kodgire, Santosh and Santhakumari, B. and Patil, Rajendra and Kulkarni, Mahesh J. and Zore, Gajanan} } @article {44622, title = {Silk cocoon as counter - electrode substrate in dye - sensitized solar cells}, journal = {ChemistrySelect}, volume = {3}, year = {2018}, month = {JUL}, pages = {7195-7199}, abstract = {

Electrodes are vital components of energy conversion devices such as dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The widely used electrodes consist of fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) and platinum. We were interested in identifying a substrate that is available from natural resources and exhibit performance comparable to that of Pt coated FTO (Pt-FTO). Silk fibers are naturally available and they are mechanically stable. The woven silk fibers are known as silk cocoons (SCs) that structurally resemble widely used carbon paper electrodes. To impart conductivity to the insulating SCs, metal film was coated by an electroless metal plating procedure using polyphenols from green tea. The metal coated SCs were conformaly coated with a conjugated polymer and these electrodes were used as flexible electrodes in DSSCs. The flexible electrode based DSSCs exhibited a power conversion efficiency of 7.2\% which is comparable to that of the DSSCs with rigid Pt-FTO based devices (7.4\%).

}, keywords = {counter electrode, PEDOT-G-SCs, Recombination, Silk cocoons (SCs)}, issn = {2365-6549}, doi = {10.1002/slct.201800856}, author = {Sudhakar, Vediappan and Das, Chayanika and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam} } @article {44380, title = {Silk fibroin micro-particle scaffolds with superior compression modulus and slow bioresorption for effective bone regeneration}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {8}, year = {2018}, month = {MAY}, pages = {Article Number: 7235}, abstract = {Silk fibroin (SF), a natural polymer produced by Bombyx mori silkworms, has been extensively explored to prepare porous scaffolds for tissue engineering applications. Here, we demonstrate, a scaffold made of SF, which exhibits compression modulus comparable to natural cancellous bone while retaining the appropriate porosities and interconnected pore architecture. The scaffolds also exhibit high resistance to in-vitro proteolytic degradation due to the dominant beta sheet conformation of the SF protein. Additionally, the scaffolds are prepared using a simple method of microparticle aggregation. We also demonstrate, for the first time, a method to prepare SF micro-particles using a Hexafluoroisopropanol-Methanol solvent-coagulant combination. SF microparticles obtained using this method are monodisperse, spherical, non-porous and extremely crystalline. These micro-particles have been further aggregated together to form a 3D scaffold. The aggregation is achieved by random packing of these microparticles and fusing them together using a dilute SF solution. Preliminary in-vitro cell culture and in-vivo implantation studies demonstrate that the scaffolds are biocompatible and they exhibit the appropriate early markers, making them promising candidates for bone regeneration.}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-018-25643-x}, author = {Nisal, Anuya and Sayyad, Raeesa and Dhavale, Prachi and Khude, Bhakti and Deshpande, Rucha and Mapare, Vidhyashri and Shukla, Swati and Venugopalan, Premnath} } @article {44182, title = {Single step, phase controlled, large scale synthesis of ferrimagnetic iron oxide polymorph nanoparticles by thermal plasma route and their rheological properties}, journal = {Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials}, volume = {449}, year = {2018}, month = {MAR 1}, pages = {232-242}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In this paper we report single step large scale synthesis of highly crystalline iron oxide nanoparticles viz. magnetite (Fe3O4) and maghemite (gamma-Fe2O3) via gas phase condensation process, where micron sized iron metal powder was used as a precursor. Selective phases of iron oxide were obtained by variation of gas flow rate of oxygen and hence partial pressure of oxygen inside the plasma reactor. Most of the particles were found to possesses average crystallite size of about 20-30 nm. The DC magnetization curves recorded indicate almost super-paramagnetic nature of the iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles. Further, iron oxide nanoparticles were analyzed using Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Mossbauer spectroscopy. In order to explore the feasibility of these nanoparticles for magnetic damper application, rheological studies have been carried out and compared with commercially available Carbonyl Iron (CI) particles. The nanoparticles obtained by thermal plasma route show improved dispersion which is useful for rheological applications. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Iron oxide, magnetic properties, Nano-crystalline materials, Rheological properties, Thermal plasma}, issn = {0304-8853}, doi = {10.1016/j.jmmm.2017.09.056}, author = {Raut, Suyog A. and Mutadak, Pallavi R. and Kumar, Shiv and Kanhe, Nilesh S. and Huprikar, Sameer and Pol, Harshawardhan V. and Phase, Deodatta M. and Bhoraskar, Sudha V. and Mathe, Vikas L.} } @article {44572, title = {Single-particle tracking to probe the local environment in ice-templated crosslinked colloidal assemblies}, journal = {Langmuir}, volume = {34}, year = {2018}, month = {APR}, pages = {4603{\textendash}4613}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We use single-particle tracking to investigate colloidal dynamics in hybrid assemblies comprising colloids enmeshed in a crosslinked polymer network. These assemblies are prepared using ice templating and are macroporous monolithic structures. We investigate microstructure-property relations in assemblies that appear chemically identical but show qualitatively different mechanical response. Specifically, we contrast elastic assemblies that can recover from large compressive deformations with plastic assemblies that fail on being compressed. Particle tracking provides insights into the microstructural differences that underlie the different mechanical response of elastic and plastic assemblies. Since colloidal motions in these assemblies are sluggish, particle tracking is especially sensitive to imaging artifacts such as stage drift. We demonstrate that the use of wavelet transforms applied to trajectories of probe particles from fluorescence microscopy eliminates stage drift, allowing a spatial resolution of about 2 nm. In elastic and plastic scaffolds, probe particles are surrounded by other particles{\textemdash}thus, their motion is caged. We present mean square displacement and van Hove distributions for particle motions and demonstrate that plastic assemblies are characterized by significantly larger spatial heterogeneity when compared with the elastic sponges. In elastic assemblies, particle diffusivities are peaked around a mean value, whereas in plastic assemblies, there is a wide distribution of diffusivities with no clear peak. Both elastic and plastic assemblies show a frequency independent solid modulus from particle tracking microrheology. Here too, there is a much wider distribution of modulus values for plastic scaffolds as compared to elastic, in contrast to bulk rheological measurements where both assemblies exhibit a similar response. We interpret our results in terms of the spatial distribution of crosslinks in the polymer mesh in the colloidal assemblies.

}, issn = {7437463}, doi = {0.1021/acs.langmuir.7b04120}, author = {Suresh, Karthika and Sharma, D. K. and Chulliyil, Ramya and Sarode, Ketan Dinkar and Kumar, V. Ravi and Choudhary, Arindam and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy} } @article {45458, title = {Single-pot reductive rearrangement of furfural to cyclopentanone over silica-supported Pd catalysts}, journal = {ACS Omega}, volume = {3}, year = {2018}, month = {AUG}, pages = {9860-9871}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Direct one-pot hydrogenation of furfural (FFR) to cyclopentanone (CPO) was investigated over different silica-supported Pd catalysts. Among these, 4\% Pd on fumed silica (4\%Pd/f-SiO2) showed remarkable results, achieving almost 98\% furfural (FFR) conversion with similar to 89\% selectivity and 87\% yield to cyclopentanone at 165 degrees C and 500 psig H-2 pressure. More interestingly, the fumed-silica-supported catalyst tuned the selectivity toward the rearrangement product, i.e, cyclopentanone, whereas all of the other supports were found to give ring hydrogenation as well as side chain hydrogenation products due to their parent Bronsted acidity and specific support properties. X-ray diffraction data revealed the presence of different phases of the face-centered cubic lattice of metallic Pd along with lowest crystallite size of 15.6 nm in the case of the silica-supported Pd catalyst. However, Pd particle size was found to be in the range of 5-13 nm with even dispersion over the silica support, confirmed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis. While studying the effect of reaction parameters, it was observed that lower temperature gave low furfural conversion of 58\% with only 51\% CPO selectivity.. Similarly, higher H-2 pressure lowered CPO selectivity with subsequent increase in 2-methyl furan and ring hydrogenation product 2-methyl furan and 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran. Thus, as per the requirement, the product selectivity can be tuned by varying the type of support and/or the reaction parameters suitably. With the help of several control experiments and the characterization data, a plausible reaction pathway was proposed for the selective formation of cyclopentanone.

}, issn = {2470-1343}, doi = {10.1021/acsomega.8b00980}, author = {Date, Nandan S. and Kondawar, Sharda E. and Chikate, Rajeev C. and Rode, Chandrashekhar V.} } @article {44371, title = {Soluble polybenzimidazoles with intrinsic porosity: synthesis, structure, properties and processability}, journal = {56Journal of Polymer Science Part A-Polymer Chemistry}, volume = {56}, year = {2018}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1046-1057}, type = {Article}, abstract = {We have explored two novel comonomers, namely, 4,16-dicarboxyl[2.2]paracyclophane and 5,5,6,6-tetraamino-3,3,3,3-tetramethyl-1,1-spirobi[indane], for the synthesis of co-polybenzimidazoles (co-PBIs) with intrinsic porosity. Both these monomers possess twisted structures that can lead to awkward macromolecular shapes that cannot pack efficiently. The consequences of introducing these two monomers on the structure and properties of PBIs are reported. The random copolymers synthesized are amorphous and possess glass transition temperatures (T(g)s) greater than 400 degrees C. T-g decreases with increasing comonomer content indicating an increase in fractional free volume. The copolymers have low surface area. TEM and BET measurements show evidence of mesopore formation. The copolymers show significant carbon dioxide adsorption. Single chain molecular dynamics simulation of 24-mer repeat units shows intramolecular void spaces arising as a result of distorted polymer chain with reduced conformational mobility. These studies define a new synthetic strategy for bottoms-up synthesis of PBIs with intrinsic porosity. (c) 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 1046-1057}, doi = {10.1002/pola.28979}, author = {Kumar, Vikas and Chatterjee, Shyambo and Sharma, Pragati and Chakrabarty, Suman and Avadhani, Chilukuri V. and Sivaram, Swaminathan} } @article {44633, title = {Solvent and pH-stable poly(2,5-benzimidazole) (ABPBI) based UF membranes: preparation and characterizations}, journal = {Journal of Membrane Science}, volume = {563}, year = {2018}, month = {OCT }, pages = {743-751}, abstract = {

Poly(2,5-benzimidazole), commonly known as ABPBI, is an excellent thermo-chemically stable polymer that is widely evaluated as a proton exchange membrane material in a fuel cell. Its niche intrinsic characteristics could be highly useful in the membrane preparation for various separation applications, especially under harsher environments. To gain insights towards this feasibility, ABPBI based supported membranes were prepared by phase inversion method. Effects of the nonwoven porous support material (polypropylene/polyester), non-solvent (water/0.5 N NaOH) and polymer concentration (6 or 4 wt\%) on the membrane properties (water flux, rejection and porosity) were investigated. The stability of these membranes towards common organic solvents, concentrated acid (25 N H2SO4), base (2.5 N NaOH) and an autoclave condition was analyzed. ABPBI membrane showed a pore collapse after drying. In order to avoid this, the glycerol treatment was not only found to be suitable but also repeatable, without significant deviations in the water flux.

}, keywords = {ABPBI membrane, Pore size distribution, Solvent stable membranes, Ultrafiltration}, issn = {0376-7388}, doi = {10.1016/j.memsci.2018.06.052}, author = {Lohokare, Harshada R. and Chaudhari, Harshal D. and Kharul, Ulhas. K.} } @article {45418, title = {Spiro [fluorene-9,9 {\textquoteright}-xanthene]-containing copolymers of intrinsic microporosity: synthesis, characterization and gas permeation properties}, journal = {Reactive \& Functional Polymers}, volume = {133}, year = {2018}, month = {2018}, pages = {153-160}, type = {Article}, abstract = {In the present study, a new bis(catechol) containing spiro[fluorene-9,9{\textquoteright}-xanthene], namely, 4,4{\textquoteright}-(spiro(fluorene9,9{\textquoteright}-xanthene]-2{\textquoteright},7{\textquoteright}-diyl)bis(benzene-1,2-diol) (THSFX) was designed and synthesized. Polycondensation reactions of THSFX and varying compositions of THSFX and 5,5{\textquoteright},6,6{\textquoteright}-tetrahydroxy-3,3,3{\textquoteright},3{\textquoteright}-tetramethyl-1,1{\textquoteright}-spirobisindane (TTSBI) were carried out with 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoroterephthalonitrile (TFTPN) to obtain a homopolymer and copolymers, respectively. The organo-soluble polymers exhibited reasonably high molecular weights (23300-34,100 g/mol) and could be cast into self-standing films from their chloroform solutions. X-Ray diffraction studies indicated that PIMs were amorphous in nature. These polymers exhibited high thermal stability (T-10 = 490-510 degrees C) and possessed intrinsic microporosity with high BET surface area (360-796 m(2)/g). The gas permeation properties of SFX-PIM-25 and SFX-PIM-33 were evaluated and they exhibited high gas permeability (CO2 = 3595-4034 Barrer). The gas permeability data of SFX-PIM-25 and SFX-PIM-33 was located close to 1991 Robson upper bound for CO2/N-2, CO2/CH4 and O-2/N-2 gas pairs}, issn = {1381-5148 }, doi = {10.1016/j.reactfunctpolym.2018.10.008}, author = {Shrimant, Bharat and Kharul, Ulhas K. and Wadgaonkar, Prakash P.} } @article {44567, title = {Steering the ester and gamma-valerolactone selectivities in levulinic acid hydrogenation}, journal = {Energy Fuels}, volume = {32 }, year = {2018}, month = {JUN}, pages = {6887{\textendash}6900}, type = {Journal Article}, abstract = {

Both alkyl esters and γ-valerolactone (GVL) derived from levulinic acid (LA) have applications as renewable transportation fuel/fuel additives. Non-noble metal cobalt supported on La2O3 catalyst was developed for efficient cascade LA hydrogenation to GVL via esterification. LA hydrogenation in methanol alone yielded methyl levulinate (MeLA) as a major product along with 43\% of GVL. Interestingly, hydrogenation in water gave almost complete selectivity to GVL; nevertheless, it was associated with significant metal leaching. Suppression of metal leaching and enhancement in selectivity to GVL could be achieved by a methanol/water (95:5) solvent system. XRD analysis of La2O3-supported catalysts evidenced the characteristic peaks of a mixture of La2O3 and La(OH)3 phases. Basicity, as well as acidity, of the catalyst as determined by CO2 and NH3 TPD was due to these La2O3, Co{\textendash}La, and La(OH)3 phases which played an important role in directing the product selectivity in levulinic acid hydrogenation. At the low temperature of 160 {\textdegree}C, almost equal selectivities of MeLA (47\%) and GVL (43\%) were observed, while higher temperature (200 {\textdegree}C) favored further hydrogenation of MeLA to GVL (75\%). Similarly, with an increase in reaction time to 9 h, the GVL selectivity achieved was as high as 80\%. The selectivity to MeLA and GVL in LA hydrogenation over Co/La2O3 catalyst can be altered by suitably adjusting the reaction conditions.

}, doi = {10.1021/acs.energyfuels.8b01263}, author = {Kasar, Gayatri B. and Date, Nandan S. and Bhosale, P. N. and Rode, Chandrashekhar V.} } @article {44186, title = {Streptomyces sp metabolite(s) promotes Bax mediated intrinsic apoptosis and autophagy involving inhibition of mTOR pathway in cervical cancer cell lines}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {8}, year = {2018}, month = {FEB}, pages = {2810}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In cervical cancer, the association between HPV infection and dysregulation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway (PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway) places mTOR as an attractive therapeutic target. The failure of current treatment modalities in advanced stages of this cancer and drawbacks of already available mTOR inhibitors demand for novel drug candidates. In the present study we identified the presence of a mTOR inhibitor in an active fraction of the ethyl acetate extract of Streptomyces sp OA293. The metabolites(s) in the active fraction completely inhibited mTORC1 and thereby suppressed activation of both of its downstream targets, 4E-BP1 and P70S6k, in cervical cancer cells. In addition, it also stalled Akt activation via inhibition of mTORC2. The mechanism of mTOR inhibition detailed in our study overcomes significant drawbacks of well known mTOR inhibitors such as rapamycin and rapalogs. The active fraction induced autophagy and Bax mediated apoptosis suggesting that mTOR inhibition resulted in programmed cell death of cancer cells. The molecular weight determination of the components in active fraction confirmed the absence of any previously known natural mTOR inhibitor. This is the first report of complete mTOR complex inhibition by a product derived from microbial source.

}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-018-21249-5}, author = {Dan, Vipin Mohan and Muralikrishnan, Balaji and Sanawar, Rahul and Vinodh, J. S. and Burkul, Bhushan Bapusaheb and Srinivas, Kalanghad Puthankalam and Lekshmi, Asha and Pradeep, N. S. and Dastager, Syed G. and Santhakumari, B. and Santhoshkumar, Thankayyan R. and Kumar, R. Ajay and Pillai, Madhavan Radhakrishna} } @article {44561, title = {Structural elucidation of the binary mixtures of [emim][bf4] and [bmim][bf4] in ethyl-substituted solvents by isothermal titration calorimeter.}, journal = {ChemistrySelect}, volume = {3}, year = {2018}, month = {JUN }, pages = {5792-5800}, type = {Journal Article}, abstract = {In order to address the issue whether both ionic liquids and solvents influence the enthalpy of their solutions, highly accurate excess partial molar enthalpy, urn:x-wiley:23656549:media:slct201800976:slct201800976-math-0001 values have been measured using Isothermal Titration Calorimeter (ITC). Therefore, thermodynamic behavior has been observed in the mixtures containing ionic liquids. It essentially depends on the molecular structure of the constituents of the mixture. The hydrogen bonding between ionic liquids and ethyl-substituted solvents (2-ethoxyethanol, ethylene glycol, diethylamine, ethyl acetate and N,N- diethylacetamide) may lead to strong ion-solvent interactions. In the present study, an effort has been made to quantify various interactions between ionic liquid and solvent, based on the urn:x-wiley:23656549:media:slct201800976:slct201800976-math-0002 values. Linear solvation free relation shows dependence of limiting excess partial molar enthalpies, urn:x-wiley:23656549:media:slct201800976:slct201800976-math-0003 upon the solvent properties. Structural orientation of solvent molecules and ionic liquids also described by the urn:x-wiley:23656549:media:slct201800976:slct201800976-math-0004 values. The ion-ion, ion-solvent interactions have also been investigated in terms of the enthalpic interaction parameters, urn:x-wiley:23656549:media:slct201800976:slct201800976-math-0005 and relative apparent molar enthalpy, φL of ionic liquid-ethyl-substituted solvent systems.}, issn = {23656549}, doi = {10.1002/slct.201800976}, author = {Jain, Preeti}, editor = {Kumar, Anil} } @article {45389, title = { Structural, functional and evolutionary diversity of 4-coumarate-CoA ligase in plants}, journal = {Planta}, volume = {248}, year = {2018}, month = {NOV}, pages = {1063-1078}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Main conclusions The 4-coumarate-CoA ligases (4CL) contribute in channelizing flux of different phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathways. Expression of 4CL is optimized at developmental stages and in response to environmental triggers such as biotic and abiotic stresses. The enzyme is valuable in metabolic pathway engineering for curcuminoids, resveratrol, biofuel production and nutritional improvement. Vigorous analysis of regulation at functional and expression level is obligatory to attain efficient commercial production of candidate metabolites using 4CL. Phenylpropanoid pathway provides precursors for numerous secondary metabolites in plants. In this pathway, 4-coumarate-CoA ligase (EC 6.2.1.12, 4CL) is the main branch point enzyme which generates activated thioesters. Being the last enzyme of three shared common steps in general phenylpropanoid pathway, it contributes to channelize precursors for different phenylpropanoids. In plants, 4CL enzymes are present in multiple isoforms and encoded by small gene family. It belongs to adenylate-forming enzyme family and catalyzes the reaction that converts hydroxy or methoxy cinnamic acid derivatives to corresponding thioesters. These thioesters are further utilized for biosynthesis of phenylpropanoids, which are known for having numerous nutritional and medicinal applications. In addition, the 4CL enzymes have been characterized from various plants for their role in plant physiology or in biotic and abiotic stresses. Furthermore, specific isoforms are differentially regulated upon exposure to diverse stimuli leading to flux diversion toward the particular metabolite biosynthesis. Evolutionary studies showed that 4CL separately evolved after monocot and dicot segregation. Here, we provide a comprehensive review on 4CL, which includes evolution, function, gene/protein structure, role in metabolite biosynthesis and cellular partition, and their regulation. Based on the available data, we have explored the scope for pathway engineering by utilizing 4CL enzymes.}, issn = { 0032-0935}, doi = { 10.1007/s00425-018-2965-z}, author = {Lavhale, Santosh G. and Kalunke, Raviraj M. and Giri, Ashok P.} } @article {44542, title = {Substituent-induced deformed ni{\textendash}porphyrin as an electrocatalyst for the electrochemical conversion of water into dioxygen}, journal = {European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry}, volume = {14}, year = {2018}, month = {APR}, pages = {1549-1555}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The electrochemical water oxidation ability of complexes 5,15-diphenylporphinatonickel(II) (A) and 5,15-bis(3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)porphinatonickel(II) (B) in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) have been investigated in an alkaline medium. Complex B was found to be kinetically and thermodynamically more active than complex A. The overpotential and Tafel slope of complex B are lower than those of complex A by 30 mV and around 45 mV/decade, respectively, which supports the higher activity of B. Moreover, stability tests endorse the sustainability of both samples under alkaline conditions. It has been found that the 3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl substituent in B plays a decisive role in achieving a better OER onset potential and current than that obtained with A, which is a result of the modulation of the structural parameters of B. Furthermore, the measured OER activities of A and B have been correlated with their molecular arrangement as well as differences in their bonding characteristics and dipole moments. For further insight, the obtained results have been confirmed by a theoretical study.

}, issn = {14341948}, doi = {10.1002/ejic.201701427}, author = {Krishna, J. V. S. and Krishna, Narra Vamsi and Singh, Santosh K. and Shaw, Pankaj K. and Dhavale, Vishal M. and Vardhaman, Anil Kumar and Giribabu, Lingamallu} } @article {44188, title = {Superior HIV-1 TAR binders with conformationally constrained R52 arginine mimics in the Tat(48-57) peptide}, journal = {Chemmedchem}, volume = {13}, year = {2018}, month = {FEB }, pages = {220-226}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We report a 100-fold increase in binding affinity of the Tat(48-57) peptide to HIV-1 transcriptional activator-responsive element (TAR) RNA by replacing Arg52, an essential and critical residue for Tat{\textquoteright}s specific binding, with (2S,4S)-4-guanidinoproline. The resulting Tat1M peptide is a far superior binder than Tat1M, a peptide containing another conformationally constrained arginine mimic, (2S,4S)-4-amino-N-(3-guanidinopropyl)proline, or even the control Tat peptide (CtrlTat) itself. Our observations are supported by circular dichroism (CD), isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), gel electrophoresis and UV spectroscopy studies. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest increased interactions between the more compact Tat1M and TAR RNA, relative to CtrlTat. The CD signature of the RNA itself remains largely unchanged upon binding of the peptides. The Tat mimetics further have better cell uptake properties than the control Tat peptide, thus increasing their potential application as specific TAR-binding molecules.

}, keywords = {antiviral agents, arginine mimics, RNA, Tat peptide analogues, Tat-TAR binding}, issn = {1860-7179}, doi = {10.1002/cmdc.201700653}, author = {Bhosle, Govind S. and Kharche, Shalmali and Kumar, Santosh and Sengupta, Durba and Maiti, Souvik and Fernandes, Moneesha} } @article {44609, title = {Superprotonic conductivity in flexible porous covalent organic framework membranes}, journal = {Angewandte Chemie}, volume = {57}, year = {2018}, month = {AUG}, pages = {10894-10898}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Poor mechanical stability of the polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) remains one of the bottlenecks towards improving the performance of the proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. The present work proposes a unique way to utilize crystalline covalent organic frameworks (COFs) as a self-standing, highly flexible membrane to further boost the mechanical stability of the material without compromising its innate structural characteristics. The as-synthesized p-toluene sulfonic acid loaded covalent organic framework membranes (COFMs) showing the highest proton conductivity amongst all crystalline porous organic polymeric materials reported till date, as high as 7.8 x 10-2 S cm-1, have been further tested under real PEM operating conditions to ascertain their practical utilization as proton exchange membranes. Attainment of 24 mW cm-2 power density, which is the highest among COFs and MOFs, highlights the possibilityof using a COF membrane over the other state-of-the-art crystalline porous polymeric materials reported to date.

}, doi = {10.1002/ange.201804753}, author = {Banerjee, Rahul and Sasmal, Himadri Sekhar and Harshitha, B. A. and Bhange, Siddheshwar and Karak, Suvendu and Halder, Arjun and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {44604, title = {Supramolecular reassembly of self-exfoliated ionic covalent organic nanosheets for label-free detection of double-stranded DNA}, journal = {Angewandte Chemie-International Edition}, volume = {57}, year = {2018}, month = {JUL }, pages = {8443-8447}, abstract = {

Ionic covalent organic nanosheets (iCONs), a member of the two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials family, offer a unique functional platform for a wide range of applications. Herein, we explore the potential of an ethidium bromide (EB)-based covalent organic framework (EB-TFP) that self-exfoliates in water resulting in 2D ionic covalent organic nanosheets (EB-TFP-iCONs) for the selective detection of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). In an aqueous medium, the self-exfoliated EB-TFP-iCONs reassemble in the presence of dsDNA resulting in hybrid EB-TFP-iCONs-DNA crystalline nanosheets with enhanced fluorescence at 600 nm. Detailed steady-state and time-resolved emission studies revealed that the reassembly phenomenon was highly selective for dsDNA when compared to single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), which allowed us to use the EB-TFP-iCONs as a 2D fluorescent platform for the label-free detection of complementary DNA strands.

}, keywords = {Covalent organic framework, DNA, ionic assembly, ionic covalent organic nanosheets, label-free detection}, issn = {1433-7851}, doi = {10.1002/anie.201801352}, author = {Mal, Arindam and Mishra, Rakesh K. and Praveen, Vakayil K. and Khayum, M. Abdul and Banerjee, Rahul and Ajayaghosh, Ayyappanpillai} } @article {44518, title = {Sustainability assessment of brick work for low-cost housing: a comparison between waste based bricks and burnt clay bricks}, journal = {Sustainable Cities and Society}, volume = {37}, year = {2018}, month = {FEB }, pages = {396-406}, type = {Journal Article}, abstract = {Manufacturing of bricks, using clay or fly ash, is one of the major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions as their manufacturing involves utilization of coal and cement. To overcome this limitation, alternative construction materials are developed by author using industrial and agro wastes like cotton mill waste, recycled paper mill waste, and rice husk ash. This work aims at performing a sustainability assessment of burnt clay bricks and bricks made of industrial and agro wastes used for brickwork in a low-cost house. The criteria considered for the assessment are economic, environmental, social, and technical aspects for manufacture of bricks and use of different bricks for brickwork. For the evaluation of environmental criterion, a life cycle assessment (LCA) tool is used. Overall sustainability index (SI) is calculated for alternatives based on the various criteria using MIVES approach. The relative SIs of clay and fly ash bricks, were 0.25 and 0.26, respectively. Overall, bricks made of industrial and agro wastes are found more sustainable with the highest SI for cotton waste bricks (0.94). Sensitivity analysis also confirmed that brickwork from waste based bricks is more sustainable compared to brickwork made from clay brick or fly ash brick.}, keywords = {Life cycle assessment, Low cost housing, Multicriteria decision, Sustainability index, Sustainable construction material}, issn = {22106707}, doi = {10.1016/j.scs.2017.11.025}, author = {Joglekar, S. N.}, editor = {Kharkar, R. A.} } @article {44512, title = {Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel triazole-biscoumarin conjugates as potential antitubercular and anti-oxidant agents}, journal = {Research on Chemical Intermediates}, volume = {44}, year = {2018}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1-28}, type = {Journal Article}, abstract = {

The synthesis of a new series of triazole-biscoumarin conjugates by using a molecular hybridization approach is described. The newly synthesized compounds 6a{\textendash}k were evaluated for their in vitro antitubercular activity against active and dormant Mtb H37Ra and anti-oxidant activity against DPPH radical scavenging. Molecular docking simulations for the antitubercular activity showed that the conjugates 6a{\textendash}k bind in the pocket of the DprE1 enzyme. Most of the conjugates displayed good antitubercular activity against both the active and dormant Mtb H37Ra strain. The compound 6h displayed very good antitubercular activity against dormant Mtb H37Ra with an IC50 value of 1.44 μg/mL. Most of the synthesized conjugates exhibit excellent anti-oxidant activity with an IC50 of less than the standard BHT. Compound 6b is the most active among all the conjugates with an IC50 value of 08.17 {\textpm} 0.11 μg/mL. The molecular docking study shows good agreement between the observed antitubercular activity and the binding affinity.

}, keywords = {1, 2, 3-triazoles, Anti-oxidant activity, Antitubercular activity, Biscoumarins, Molecular docking}, issn = {9226168}, doi = {10.1007/s11164-018-3490-1}, author = {Danne, Ashruba B.}, editor = {Choudhari, Amit S.} } @article {45400, title = { Synthesis and characterization of partially bio-based polyimides based on biphenylene-containing diisocyanate derived from vanillic acid }, journal = {European Polymer JOurnal }, volume = {109}, year = {2018}, month = { DEC}, pages = {257-264}, type = {Article }, abstract = {A new bio-based biphenylene-containing diisocyanate, namely, 5,5{\textquoteright}-diisocyanato-2,2{\textquoteright},3,3{\textquoteright}-tetramethoxy-1,1{\textquoteright}-biphenyl (BDI) was synthesized starting from vanillic acid - a lignin-derived phenolic acid. A series of new partially bio-based polyimides was prepared by polycondensation of BDI with five commercially available aromatic dianhydrides. Polyimides exhibited good solubility in organic solvents and medium molecular weights (Mn (GPC, polystyrene standard) = 25,100-32,200 g mol(-1)). Polyimides showed good thermal stability with 10\% degradation temperature and glass transition temperature in the range 459-473 degrees C and 262-329 degrees C, respectively.}, issn = {0014-3057}, doi = {10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2018.09.054}, author = {Kuhire, Sachin S. and Ichake, Amol B. and Grau, Etienne and Cramail, Henri and Wadgaonkar, Prakash P.} } @article {44498, title = {Synthesis, biological evaluation, and molecular docking study of pyridine clubbed 1,3,4-oxadiazoles as potential antituberculars}, journal = {Synthetic Communications}, volume = {48}, year = {2018}, month = {JAN}, pages = {524-540}, type = {Journal Article}, abstract = {

A series of pyridine clubbed 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives were efficiently synthesized, characterized by standard spectral techniques and evaluated for their in vitro antitubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) H37Ra and Mycobacterium bovis BCG in active and dormant state using an established methods. Compounds 5a, 5m, and 5t were identified as the most active compounds against MTB. Molecular docking was performed against MTB enoyl-ACP (CoA) reductase (FabI/ENR/InhA) enzyme to predict the binding modes and affinity. The theoretical predictions from molecular docking could establish a link between the observed biological activity and the binding affinity shedding light into specific bonded and non-bonded interactions influencing the activity. The active compounds were studied for cytotoxicity against three cell lines and were found to be non-cytotoxic. Specificity of these compounds was checked by screening them for their antibacterial activity against four bacterial strains.

}, keywords = {antibacterial activity, antituberculosis activity, cytotoxicity activity}, issn = {397911}, doi = {10.1080/00397911.2017.1410892}, author = {Desai, N. C.}, editor = {Trivedi, Amit} } @article {44241, title = {Synthesis, characterization, and gas permeation properties of adamantane-containing polymers of intrinsic microporosity}, journal = {Journal of Polymer Science Part A-Polymer Chemistry}, volume = {56}, year = {2018}, month = {JAN }, pages = {16-24}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A new bis(catechol) monomer, namely, 4,4-((1r,3r)-adamantane-2,2-diyl)bis(benzene-1,2diol) (THADM) was synthesized by condensation of 2-adamantanone with veratrole followed by demethylation of the formed (1r,3r)-2,2-bis(3,4 dimethoxyphenyl)adamantane. Polycondensation of THADM and various compositions of THADM and 5,5,6,6-tetrahydroxy-3,3,3,3-tetramethylspirobisindane was performed with 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoroterephthalonitrile (TFTPN) to obtain the homopolymer and copolymers. These polymers demonstrated good solubility in common organic solvents such as dichloromethane, chloroform, and tetrahydrofuran and could be cast into tough films from their chloroform solutions. GPC analysis revealed that number average molecular weights of polymers were in the range 48,100-61,700 gmol(-1), suggesting the formation of reasonably high molecular weight polymers. They possessed intrinsic microporosity with Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area in the range 703-741 m(2)g(-1). Thermogravimetric analysis of polymers indicated that 10\% weight loss temperature was in the range 513-518 degrees C demonstrating their excellent thermal stability. THADM-based polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM) showed P(CO2)=1080, P(O-2)=232 and appreciable selectivity [(CO2/CH4)=22.6, (CO2/N-2)=26.7, and (O-2/N-2)= 5.7]. The gas permeability measurements revealed that with increase in the content of adamantane units in PIMs, selectivity increased and permeability decreased, following the trade-off relationship. The gas separation properties of PIMs containing adamantane units were located close to 2008 Robeson upper bound for gas pairs such as CO2/CH4, CO2/N-2, H-2/N-2, and O-2/N-2. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

}, keywords = {adamantane, Gas permeation, intrinsic microporosity, membranes, structure-property relations}, issn = {0887-624X}, doi = {10.1002/pola.28710}, author = {Shrimant, Bharat and Shaligram, Sayali V. and Kharul, Ulhas K. and Wadgaonkar, Prakash P.} } @article {45487, title = {Synthesis of 3-azidopiperidine skeleton employing ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN)-mediated regioselective azidoalkoxylation of enol ether: total synthesis of d-2 receptor agonist (+/-)-quinagolide}, journal = {Organic letters }, volume = {20}, year = {2018}, month = {NOV }, pages = {7011-7014}, type = {Article }, abstract = {The total synthesis of (+/-)-quinagolide, which is a D-2 receptor agonist, was accomplished via a ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN)-mediated regioselective azidoalkoxylation of enol ether route. Key features of the synthesis include Claisen rearrangement, PPTS (pyridinium p-toluene-sulfonate)-catalyzed one-pot acetal deprotection, followed by a diastereoselective Henry reaction, which enables construction of the required trans ring junction and CAN-mediated regioselective azidoalkoxylation of enol ether. The PPTS-catalyzed intramolecular diastereoselective Henry reaction to fix three contiguous stereocenters on tetrahydronaphthalene and the first-of-its-kind synthesis of the 3-azidopiperidine skeleton, using a CAN -mediated regioselective azidoalkoxylation of enol ether, are important findings of the present work.}, issn = {1523-7060}, doi = { 10.1021/acs.orglett.8b02900}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Kadam, Appasaheb L. and Lasonkar, Pradeep B. and Gonnade, Rajesh G.} } @article {44192, title = {Synthesis of furo[2,3-b]pyran-2-ones through Ag(I)- or Ag(I)-Au(I)-catalyzed cascade annulation of alkynols and alpha-ketoesters}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {20}, year = {2018}, month = {FEB }, pages = {872-875}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Ag(I)- or Ag(I)-Au(I)-catalyzed cascade annulation of alkynols (5-hexyn-1-ol systems) with a-ketoesters involving a dual activation process (pi and sigma) has been developed for the first time. This reaction proceeds through cycloisomerization of alkynol to give the 6-endo-enol ether followed by annulation with an alpha-ketoester to furnish furo[2,3-b]pyran-2-ones in good yields. Chemical structures of all products were rigorously confirmed by single crystal X-ray analysis and analogy.

}, issn = {1523-7060}, doi = {10.1021/acs.orglett.7b04027}, author = {Thorat, Sagar S. and Kataria, Priyanka and Kontham, Ravindar} } @article {44585, title = {Synthesis of heterogeneous Ru(II)-1,2,3-triazole catalyst supported over SBA-15: application to the hydrogen transfer reaction and unusual highly selective 1,4-disubstituted triazole formation via multicomponent click reaction}, journal = {Catalysis Science \& Technology}, volume = {8}, year = {2018}, month = {JUL}, pages = {3246-3259}, abstract = {In the present study, we demonstrate a simple and efficient method for ligand formation and covalent anchoring to a heterogeneous support via click reaction. The complex tris(triphenylphosphine) ruthenium(II) dichloride [RuCl2(PPh3)(3)] anchored over the click modified ligand of SBA-15 forms a new highly efficient heterogeneous SBA-15-Tz-Ru(II) TPP catalyst. Solid state C-13, Si-29, and P-31 CP-MAS NMR spectra provide evidence for the formation of the heterogeneous catalyst. SBA-15-Tz-Ru(II) TPP catalyst was screened for the multicomponent click cycloaddition reaction in water medium as a green solvent and it exhibited unusual and excellent selectivity for the formation of 1,4-disubstituted triazole product under mild reaction condition. In addition, SBA-15-Tz-Ru(II) TPP catalyst also catalyzed the hydrogen transfer reaction of various carbonyl compounds with excellent catalytic activity to give the corresponding alcohols. The heterogeneous catalyst can be recycled and reused several times (five) without a loss in reactivity.}, doi = {10.1039/c7cy02619f}, author = {Sharma, Priti and Rathod, Jayant and Singh, A. P. and Kumar, Pradeep and Sasson, Yoel} } @article {44502, title = {Synthesis of key intermediate for (+)-tofacitinib through CoIII(salen)-catalyzed two stereocentered hydrolytic kinetic resolution of ({\^A}{\textpm})-methyl-3-(oxiran-2-yl)butanoate}, journal = { Synthetic Communications}, volume = {48}, year = {2018}, month = {MAR}, pages = {1045-1051}, type = {Journal Article}, abstract = {An enantiopure piperidine, a key intermediate for the synthesis of (+)-tofacitinib, has been achieved in high optical purity (98\% ee) from readily available crotyl alcohol. The key steps involved is a CoIII(salen)-OAc-catalyzed two stereocentered hydrolytic kinetic resolution of ({\textpm})-methyl-3-(oxiran-2-yl)butanoate.}, keywords = {enantioselective, Hydrolytic kinetic resolution, iodolactonization, γ-Butyralactone}, issn = {397911}, doi = {10.1080/00397911.2018.1434204}, author = {Kamble, Rohit B.}, editor = {Suryavanshi, Gurunath} } @article {44500, title = {Synthesis of novel alpha-aminophosphonate derivatives, biological evaluation as potent antiproliferative agents and molecular docking}, journal = {ChemistrySelect}, volume = {3}, year = {2018}, month = {MAY}, pages = {5552-5558}, type = {Journal Article}, abstract = {

A series of novel fluorine containing α-aminophosphonate derivatives (4 a{\textendash}4 q) were synthesized in excellent yield and high purity. All these novel Fluorinated α-aminophosphonate compounds were screened for antiproliferative and apoptosis activity on human non small cell lung carcinoma cells (A549) and human skin melanoma cells (SK-MEL-2). Compounds 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 4 f, 4 i, 4 j and 4 m were found to be more active antiproliferative agent against A549 and SK-MEL-2 cells with IC50 value 0.22 to 1.25 μM. Molecular docking study related to binding affinity and binding mode analysis showed that synthesized compounds had potential to inhibit human Topoisomerase IIa enzyme system. Flow cytometric study showed some of these derivatives also induced cell apoptosis and arrest cell cycle at G1 and at G2/M phase. Overall, this study provides future perspective of lead candidate for the future anticancer drug discovery initiatives.

}, issn = {23656549}, doi = {10.1002/slct.201800798}, author = {Deshmukh, Satish U.}, editor = {Kharat, Kiran R.} } @article {45496, title = {Synthetic control on structure/dimensionality and photophysical properties of low dimensional organic lead bromide perovskite}, journal = { Inorganic chemistry}, volume = {57}, year = {2018}, month = {OCT }, pages = {13443-13452}, type = {Article }, abstract = {Low dimensional lead halide perovskites have attracted huge research interest due to their structural diversity and remarkable photophysical properties. The ability to controllably change dimensionality/structure of perovskites remains highly challenging. Here, we report synthetic control on structure/dimensionality of ethylenediammonium (ED) lead bromide perovskite from a two dimensionally networked (2DN) sheet to a one dimensionally networked (1DN) chain structure. Intercalation of solvent molecules into the perovskite plays a crucial role in directing the final dimensionality/structure. This change in dimensionality reflects strongly in the observed differences in photophysical properties. Upon UV excitation, the 1DN structure emits white light due to easily formed {\textquotedblleft}self-trapped{\textquotedblright} excitons. 2DN perovskites show band edge blue emission (\~{}410 nm). Interestingly, Mn2+ incorporated 2DN perovskites show a highly red-shifted Mn2+ emission peak at \~{}670 nm. Such a long wavelength Mn2+ emission peak is unprecedented in the perovskite family. This report highlights the synthetic ability to control the dimensionality/structure of perovskite and consequently its photophysical properties.}, issn = {0020-1669}, doi = {10.1021/acs.inorgchem.8b02042}, author = {Haris, Muhammed P. U. and Bakthavatsalam, Rangarajan and Shaikh, Samir and Kore, Bhushan P. and Moghe, Dhanashree and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Sarma, D. D. and Kabra, Dinesh and Kundu, Janardan} } @article {44494, title = {Targeted phenotypic screening in plasmodium falciparum and toxoplasma gondii reveals novel modes of action of medicines for malaria venture malaria box molecules}, journal = {mSphere}, volume = {3}, year = {2018}, month = {JAN}, pages = { e00534-17}, type = {Journal Article}, abstract = {The Malaria Box collection includes 400 chemically diverse small molecules with documented potency against malaria parasite growth, but the underlying modes of action are largely unknown. Using complementary phenotypic screens against Plasmodium falciparum and Toxoplasma gondii, we report phenotype-specific hits based on inhibition of overall parasite growth, apicoplast segregation, and egress or host invasion, providing hitherto unavailable insights into the possible mechanisms affected. First, the Malaria Box library was screened against tachyzoite stage T. gondii and the half-maximal effective concentrations (EC50s) of molecules showing >=80\% growth inhibition at 10 {\textmu}M were determined. Comparison of the EC50s for T. gondii and P. falciparum identified a subset of 24 molecules with nanomolar potency against both parasites. Thirty molecules that failed to induce acute growth inhibition in T. gondii tachyzoites in a 2-day assay caused delayed parasite death upon extended exposure, with at least three molecules interfering with apicoplast segregation during daughter cell formation. Using flow cytometry and microscopy-based examinations, we prioritized 26 molecules with the potential to inhibit host cell egress/invasion during asexual developmental stages of P. falciparum. None of the inhibitors affected digestive vacuole integrity, ruling out a mechanism mediated by broadly specific protease inhibitor activity. Interestingly, five of the plasmodial egress inhibitors inhibited ionophore-induced egress of T. gondii tachyzoites. These findings highlight the advantage of comparative and targeted phenotypic screens in related species as a means to identify lead molecules with a conserved mode of action. Further work on target identification and mechanism analysis will facilitate the development of antiparasitic compounds with cross-species efficacy.}, issn = {23795042}, doi = {10.1128/mSphere.00534-17}, author = {Subramanian, Gowtham}, editor = {Belekar, Meenakshi A.} } @article {44484, title = {Temperature dependent electron transport behavior of poly (methyl methacrylate)/silver functionalized reduced graphene oxide films}, journal = {AIP Conference Proceedings}, volume = {1942}, year = {2018}, month = {APR }, type = {Journal Article}, abstract = {

Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and silver functionalized reduced graphene oxide film were prepared and were investigated using FTIR and Raman. Electron transport behavior of these samples, at low temperature were studied. The prepared film exhibited a temperature dependent electron transport, at higher temperatures Arrhenius-like temperature dependence of resistance was observed indicating band like electron transport with a small thermal activation energy. At further lower temperatures hopping mechanism of conduction was observed due to the presence of defects. The conduction due to band-like electron transport at higher temperature is attributed to the easier excitation of charge carriers to the conduction band, whereas at lower temperatures conduction occurs through hopping mechanism due to localized states around Fermi level in the presence of defects.

}, issn = {0094243X}, doi = {10.1063/1.5029028}, author = {Asha, S.}, editor = {Ananth, A. Nimrodh} } @article {44165, title = {Tetranuclear cubane Cu4O4 complexes as prospective anticancer agents: Design, synthesis, structural elucidation, magnetism, computational and cytotoxicity studies}, journal = {Inorganic Chimica Acta}, volume = {473}, year = {2018}, month = {MAR}, pages = {121-132}, abstract = {Two new homometallic Cu4O4 cubane clusters 1 and 2 have been synthesized by self-assembly of copper (II) acetate and ligand, 2-[(2-Hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzylidene)-amino]-2-hydroxymethyl-propane-1, 3-diol (H4L) and characterized thoroughly by various spectroscopic techniques and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Temperature- dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements have been performed to elucidate the antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic nature in Cu4O4 clusters 1 and 2, respectively. In vitro DNA binding studies of cubane clusters were carried out by employing optical spectroscopic techniques. Gel electrophoretic mobility assay performed to examine the nuclease activity of the complexes 1 and 2 with pBR322 DNA, and results revealed oxidative DNA cleavage via reactive oxygen species (ROS) species viz., O-2(.-), O-1(2), etc. In vitro cell proliferation via MTT assay was studied to calculate the cytotoxicity of complexes 1 and 2. The IC50 evaluated were similar to 20 mu M in MCF-7 (Breast) and similar to 30-35 mu M in HepG2 (Liver) cancer cell lines. Additionally, in the presence of 1 and 2, ROS and TBARS (Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance) levels amplified significantly, coupled with GSH (glutathione) levels in cancer lines. Hence, the results exhibited the major role of ROS in apoptosis induced by 1 and 2 clusters and validate their prospective to be efficient anticancer drug entities. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.}, keywords = {Cu4O4 cubane complexes, Cytotoxicity, DFT, DNA binding, Magnetism, Nuclease activity}, issn = {0020-1693}, doi = {10.1016/j.ica.2017.12.039}, author = {Usman, Mohammad and Arjmand, Farukh and Khan, Rais Ahmad and Alsalme, Ali and Ahmad, Musheer and Sen Bishwas, Mousumi and Tabassum, Sartaj} } @article {44475, title = {{\textquoteright}TIME{\textquoteright}: A web application for obtaining Insights into Microbial Ecology using longitudinal microbiome data}, journal = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, volume = {9}, year = {2018}, month = {JAN}, abstract = {

Realization of the importance of microbiome studies, coupled with the decreasing sequencing cost, has led to the exponential growth of microbiome data. A number of these microbiome studies have focused on understanding changes in the microbial community over time. Such longitudinal microbiome studies have the potential to offer unique insights pertaining to the microbial social networks as well as their responses to perturbations. In this communication, we introduce a web based framework called {\textquoteleft}TIME{\textquoteright} (Temporal Insights into Microbial Ecology{\textquoteright}), developed specifically to obtain meaningful insights from microbiome time series data. The TIME web-server is designed to accept a wide range of popular formats as input with options to preprocess and filter the data. Multiple samples, defined by a series of longitudinal time points along with their metadata information, can be compared in order to interactively visualize the temporal variations. In addition to standard microbiome data analytics, the web server implements popular time series analysis methods like Dynamic time warping, Granger causality and Dickey Fuller test to generate interactive layouts for facilitating easy biological inferences. Apart from this, a new metric for comparing metagenomic time series data has been introduced to effectively visualize the similarities/differences in the trends of the resident microbial groups. Augmenting the visualizations with the stationarity information pertaining to the microbial groups is utilized to predict the microbial competition as well as community structure. Additionally, the {\textquoteleft}causality graph analysis{\textquoteright} module incorporated in TIME allows predicting taxa that might have a higher influence on community structure in different conditions. TIME also allows users to easily identify potential taxonomic markers from a longitudinal microbiome analysis. We illustrate the utility of the web-server features on a few published time series microbiome data and demonstrate the ease with which it can be used to perform complex analysis.

}, issn = {1664302X}, doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2018.00036}, author = {Baksi, Krishanu D.}, editor = {Kuntal, Bhusan K.} } @article {45485, title = {Total synthesis and biological evaluation of cell adhesion inhibitors peribysin A and B: structural revision of peribysin B}, journal = {Organic letters }, volume = { 20}, year = {2018}, month = {NOV}, pages = {7003-7006}, type = {Article }, abstract = {Total synthesis of potent cell-adhesion inhibitors peribysins A and B has been accomplished for the first time in racemic form. A Diels-Alder/aldol sequence to build the skeleton and decoration of the desired functionalities of the targeted natural products using highly stereoselective operations are the highlights. The structures of synthesized peribysins were fully characterized using spectral data and single-crystal X-ray analysis. Through this total synthesis, the initially proposed structure of peribysin B has been revised. Furthermore, the cell-adhesion inhibition potential of the scaffold (two peribysins + three analogues) was confirmed using anti-adhesion assay.}, issn = {1523-7060}, doi = { 10.1021/acs.orglett.8b02838}, author = {Kalmode, Hanuman P. and Handore, Kishor L. and Rajput, Raveena and Shaikh, Samir R. and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Kulkarni, Kiran A. and Reddy, D. Srinivasa} } @article {45380, title = {Total synthesis of an anticancer natural product (+/-)-peharmaline A and its analogues}, journal = { European Journal of Organic Chemistry}, year = {2018}, month = {DEC}, pages = {6453-6456}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

First total synthesis of a rare beta-carboline-vasicinone hybrid alkaloid (+/-)-peharmaline A has been accomplished in just 3 steps starting from known compounds. Stereoselective Pictet-Spengler reaction to nitrogenated tertiary carbon center and one-pot construction of the tricyclic skeleton of vasicinone are the highlights of present synthesis. We have also synthesized structurally close analogues of the natural product by following the developed route.

}, issn = {1434-193X}, doi = {10.1002/ejoc.201800949}, author = {Kulkarni, Akshay S. and Shingare, Rahul D. and Dandela, Rambabu and Reddy, D. Srinivasa} } @article {45420, title = { Tracing the biosynthetic origin of limonoids and their functional groups through stable isotope labeling and inhibition in neem tree (Azadirachta indica) cell suspension}, journal = {BMC Plant Biology}, volume = {18}, year = {2018}, month = {OCT}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Background Neem tree serves as a cornucopia for triterpenoids called limonoids that are of profound interest to humans due to their diverse biological activities. However, the biosynthetic pathway that plant employs for the production of limonoids remains unexplored for this wonder tree. Results Herein, we report the tracing of limonoid biosynthetic pathway through feeding experiments using C-13 isotopologues of glucose in neem cell suspension. Growth and development specific limonoid spectrum of neem seedling and time dependent limonoid biosynthetic characteristics of cell lines were established. Further to understand the role of mevalonic acid (MVA) and methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathways in limonoid biosynthesis, Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC)- tandem mass spectrometry based structure-fragment relationship developed for limonoids and their isotopologues have been utilized. Analyses of labeled limonoid extract lead to the identification of signature isoprenoid units involved in azadirachtin and other limonoid biosynthesis, which are found to be formed through mevalonate pathway. This was further confirmed by treatment of cell suspension with mevinolin, a specific inhibitor for MVA pathway, which resulted in drastic decrease in limonoid levels whereas their biosynthesis was unaffected with fosmidomycin mediated plastidial methylerythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway inhibition. This was also conspicuous, as the expression level of genes encoding for the rate-limiting enzyme of MVA pathway, 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) was comparatively higher to that of deoxyxylulose-phosphate synthase (DXS) of MEP pathway in different tissues and also in the in vitro grown cells. Thus, this study will give a comprehensive understanding of limonoid biosynthetic pathway with differential contribution of MVA and MEP pathways. Conclusions Limonoid biosynthesis of neem tree and cell lines have been unraveled through comparative quantification of limonoids with that of neem tree and through C-13 limonoid isotopologues analysis. The undifferentiated cell lines of neem suspension produced a spectrum of C-seco limonoids, similar to parental tissue, kernel. Azadirachtin, a C-seco limonoid is produced in young tender leaves of plant whereas in the hard mature leaves of tree, ring intact limonoid nimocinol accumulates in high level. Furthermore, mevalonate pathway exclusively contributes for isoprene units of limonoids as evidenced through stable isotope labeling and no complementation of MEP pathway was observed with mevalonate pathway dysfunction, using chemical inhibitors.}, isbn = {1471-2229}, doi = {10.1186/s12870-018-1447-6}, author = {Aarthy, Thiagarayaselvam and Mulani, Fayaj A. and Pandreka, Avinash and Kumar, Ashish and Nandikol, Sharvani S. and Haldar, Saikat and Thulasiram, Hirekodathakallu V.} } @article {44472, title = {Transforming covalent organic framework into thin-film composite membranes for hydrocarbon recovery}, journal = {Separation Science and Technology }, volume = {53}, year = {2018}, month = {APR }, pages = {1752-1759}, type = {Journal Article}, abstract = {We, for the first time, employed chemically stable covalent organic framework (COF) (TpPa-1) as a transport-active phase within the polymer (styrene-butadiene rubber; SBR) matrix to make TpPa-1@SBR thin-film composite (TFC) membranes. Three composite membranes, viz., TpPa-1(30)@SBR, TpPa-1(50)@SBR, and TpPa-1(70)@SBR have been prepared with varying COF content. These membranes were characterized for gas permeance and results were compared with the pristine SBR-based TFC membrane. The fully organic nature of chemically stable COF offered good compatibility with the host polymer matrix (SBR) and resulted into flexible TFC membranes even at 70\% of COF loading; compared to the other porous material (MOFs or Inorganic fillers), it is appreciable.}, keywords = {Covalent organic framework, hydrocarbon recovery, propylene{\textendash}propane, styrene-butadiene rubber, thin film composite}, issn = {1496395}, doi = {10.1080/01496395.2018.1443136}, author = {Biswal, Bishnu P.}, editor = {Kunjattu, Shebeeb H.} } @article {44468, title = {Transition metal free regio-selective C{\textendash}H hydroxylation of chromanones towards the synthesis of hydroxyl-chromanones using PhI(OAc)2 as the oxidant}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {54}, year = {2018}, month = {FEB}, pages = {2252-2255}, type = {Journal Article}, abstract = {

The chromanone scaffold is considered as a privileged structure in drug discovery. Herein, we report a highly efficient PhI(OAc)2 mediated regioselective, direct C{\textendash}H hydroxylation of chromanones. This method offers easy access to substituted 6-hydroxy chromanones in moderate to good isolated yields, thus paving the way for their pharmaceutical studies.

}, issn = {13597345}, doi = {10.1039/C7CC08588E}, author = {Viswanadh, N.}, editor = {Ghotekar, Ganesh S.} } @article {44625, title = {Triazole-diindolylmethane conjugates as new antitubercular agents: synthesis, bioevaluation, and molecular docking}, journal = {MedChemComm}, volume = {9}, year = {2018}, month = {JUL }, pages = {1114-1130}, abstract = {

We describe the synthesis of novel triazole-incorporated diindolylmethanes (DIMs) using a molecular hybridization approach. The in vitro antitubercular activity of the DIMs against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra (ATCC 25177) was tested in the active and dormant state. Among all the synthesized conjugates, the compounds 6b, 6f, 6l, 6n, 6q, 6r, and 6s displayed good antitubercular activity against both the active and dormant Mtb H37Ra strain. The compound 6l exhibited good antitubercular activity against dormant Mtb H37Ra with an IC50 value of 1 g mL(-1) and IC90 (MIC) value of 3 g mL(-1). The compounds 6b, 6l, and 6r displayed good antitubercular activity against active Mtb H37Ra with IC50 values of 2.19, 1.52, and 0.22 g mL(-1), respectively. The compounds 6b, 6h, 6l, and 6s displayed more than 70\% inhibition against the Gram-positive Bacillus subtilus strain at 3 g mL(-1). The molecular docking study showed the binding modes of the titled compounds in the active site of the DprE1 enzyme and assisted with elucidating a structural basis for the inhibition of Mycobacteria.

}, issn = {2040-2503}, doi = {10.1039/c8md00055g}, author = {Danne, Ashruba B. and Choudhari, Amit S. and Chakraborty, Shakti and Sarkar, Dhiman and Khedkar, Vijay M. and Shingate, Bapurao B.} } @article {44455, title = {Tris-hydroxymethylaminomethane (THAM): An efficient organocatalyst in diversity-oriented and environmentally benign synthesis of spirochromenes}, journal = {Comptes Rendus Chimie}, volume = {21}, year = {2018}, month = {JUN }, pages = {814-821}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Tris-hydroxymethylaminomethane has been demonstrated to be an efficient organocatalyst in diversity-oriented synthesis of medicinally prevalent spirochromenes by one-pot, three-component reactions between isatins, malononitrile, and enolizable CH acids like dimedone, 4-hydroxycoumarin, 4-hydroxy-N-methylquinolin-2-one, or in situ generated 2-methylpyrazolon-2-one. Biodegradability and extremely low cost of the catalyst are the noteworthy features of this chromatography-free protocol.

}, keywords = {green chemistry, Multicomponent synthesis, organocatalysis, Spirochromenes, Tris-hydroxymethylaminomethane}, issn = {16310748}, doi = {10.1016/j.crci.2018.05.005}, author = {Khot, Supriya S. and Anbhule, Prashant V. and Desai, Uday V. and Wadgaonkar, Prakash P.} } @article {45437, title = {Tuning the basicity of Cu-based mixed oxide catalysts towards the efficient conversion of glycerol to glycerol carbonate}, journal = {Molecular catalysis}, volume = {460}, year = {2018}, month = {DEC}, pages = {53-62}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A series of efficient and robust Cu based mixed oxides were synthesized by a simple co-precipitation method and utilized for the production of glycerol carbonate (GC) via transesterification of glycerol with dimethyl carbonate (DMC). The synthesized materials were characterized using XRD, UV-vis spectroscopy, SEM, TEM, N-2 sorption, CO2-TPD, and XPS. The addition of Cu on Mg/Al mixed oxides exhibits significant changes in its physicochemical properties and catalytic activity. The obtained mixed oxides showed remarkably high transesterification activity towards the efficient conversion of glycerol to GC under economical reaction conditions without using any solvent. Among all the catalysts employed, highest catalytic activity was observed over MAC-0.6 catalyst with glycerol conversion of 96.4\% and GC yield of 91.2\%. The improved catalytic performance was observed mainly due to the optimized catalyst molar ratio and strong surface basicity. The strong surface basic sites were greatly attributed to the incorporation of Cu2+ cations in the MgAl (O) periclase that efficiently catalyzed the transesterification of glycerol with DMC. Furthermore, the reported catalyst was robust and could be recycled for more than five times without any significant loss in its catalytic activity.}, issn = {2468-8231}, doi = {10.1016/j.mcat.2018.09.002}, author = {Manikandan, Marimuthu and Prabu, Marimuthu and Kumar, S. K. Ashok and Sangeetha, Palanivelu and Vijayaraghavan, Rajagopalan} } @article {44442, title = {Two stereocentered HKR of anti-β,β'-diphenylpropanoxirane and anti-3-phenylethyloxiranes catalysed by Co(III)(salen)-OAc complex: enantioselective synthesis of (+)-sertraline and (+)-naproxen}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {42}, year = {2018}, month = {May 2018}, pages = {10414-10420}, type = {Journal Article}, abstract = {

The Co(III)(salen)OAc-catalyzed two stereocentered hydrolytic kinetic resolution (HKR) of anti-β,β'-diphenylmethyloxirane and anti-3-phenylethyloxiranes affords the corresponding anti-1,2-diols and oxiranes in high enantiomeric excess. The synthetic potential of this methodology is demonstrated by the enantioselective synthesis of (+)-sertraline, an antidepressant drug, and (+)-naproxen, an anti-inflammatory drug.

}, issn = {11440546}, doi = {10.1039/c8nj01616j}, author = {Kamble, Rohit B.}, editor = {Devalankar, Dattatraya} } @article {44375, title = {Ultrastable imine-based covalent organic frameworks for sulfuric acid recovery: an effect of interlayer hydrogen bonding}, journal = {Angewandte Chemie-International Edition}, volume = {57}, year = {2018}, month = {MAY}, pages = {5797-5802}, abstract = {A rapid and scalable synthesis of six new imine-linked highly porous and crystalline COFs is presented that feature exceptionally high chemical stability in harsh environments including conc. H2SO4 (18M), conc. HCl (12M), and NaOH (9M). This is because of the presence of strong interlayer C-H center dot center dot center dot N hydrogen bonding among the individual layers, which provides significant steric hindrance and a hydrophobic environment around the imine (-C=N-) bonds, thus preventing their hydrolysis in such an abrasive environment. These COFs were further converted into porous, crystalline, self-standing, and crack-free COF membranes (COFMs) with extremely high chemical stability for their potential applications for sulfuric acid recovery. The as-synthesized COFMs exhibit unprecedented permeance for acetonitrile (280 Lm(-2) h(-1) bar(-1)) and acetone (260 Lm(-2) h(-1) bar(-1)).}, doi = {10.1002/anie.201802220}, author = {Halder, Arjun and Karak, Suvendu and Addicoat, Matthew and Bera, Saibal and Chakraborty, Amit and Kunjattu, Shebeeb H. and Pachfule, Pradip and Heine, Thomas and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article {45429, title = {Understanding conformational dynamics of complex lipid mixtures relevant to biology}, journal = {Journal of membrane biology}, volume = {251}, year = {2018}, month = {DEC}, pages = {609-631}, type = {Article}, abstract = {This is a perspective article entitled "Frontiers in computational biophysics: understanding conformational dynamics of complex lipid mixtures relevant to biology" which is following a CECAM meeting with the same name.}, issn = {0022-2631 }, doi = {10.1007/s00232-018-0050-y}, author = {Friedman, Ran and Khalid, Syma and Aponte-Santamaria, Camilo and Arutyunova, Elena and Becker, Marlon and Boyd, Kevin J. and Christensen, Mikkel and Coimbra, Joao T. S. and Concilio, Simona and Daday, Csaba and van Eerden, Floris J. and Fernandes, Pedro A. and Graeter, Frauke and Hakobyan, Davit and Heuer, Andreas and Karathanou, Konstantina and Keller, Fabian and Lemieux, M. Joanne and Marrink, Siewert J. and May, Eric R. and Mazumdar, Antara and Naftalin, Richard and Pickholz, Monica and Piotto, Stefano and Pohl, Peter and Quinn, Peter and Ramos, Maria J. and Schiott, Birgit and Sengupta, Durba and Sessa, Lucia and Vanni, Stefano and Zeppelin, Talia and Zoni, Valeria and Bondar, Ana-Nicoleta and Domene, Carmen} } @article {44384, title = {Unravelling the nucleophilicity of buten tides for 1,6-conjugate addition to p-quinone methides: a direct access to diversely substituted butenolide-derived diarylmethanes}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {20}, year = {2018}, month = {MAY}, pages = {2787-2791}, abstract = {A Lewis acid catalyzed regioselective C-C bond is constructed through beta-addition of deconjugated butenolides with p-quinone methides in a 1,6-conjugate addition manner. Interestingly, Lewis acid catalyzed vinylogous Mukaiyama-Michael reaction of silyloxyfurans with p-QMs proceeds selectively through the alpha or gamma position exclusively. The reaction is mild with broad substrate scope, thus allowing easy access to a wide range of bis-arylated alpha-/beta-/gamma-substituted butenolides.}, doi = {10.1021/acs.orglett.8b00745}, author = {Sharma, Brijesh M. and Shinde, Dinesh R. and Jain, Ruchi and Begari, Eeshwaraiah and Satbhaiya, Shruti and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article {44369, title = {Visible-light-mediated eosin Y photoredox-catalyzed vicinal thioamination of alkynes: radical cascade annulation strategy for 2-substituted-3-sulfenylindoles}, journal = {European Journal of Organic Chemistry}, year = {2018}, month = {MAY}, pages = {2117-2121}, type = {Article}, abstract = {An organic dye photoredox-catalyzed regiospecific radical cascade annulation strategy of 2-alkynyl-azidoarenes to generate 3-sulfenylindoles via vicinal thioamination of alkynes at room temperature, mediated by visible light, was developed. The method requires mild conditions, including visible light as a traceless green energy source, room temperature, eosin Y organic dye as a photoredox catalyst, ambient air as oxidant, and easily available starting materials to provide a green, efficient, metal- and strong-oxidant-free synthesis of 3-sulfenylindoles with broad substrate scope through vicinal thioamination of alkynes.}, doi = {10.1002/ejoc.201800287}, author = {Tambe, Shrikant D. and Rohokale, Rajendra S. and Kshirsagar, Umesh A.} } @article {44425, title = {Water mediated proton conductance in a hydrogen-bonded Ni(II)-bipyridine-glycoluril chloride self-assembled framework}, journal = {CrystEngComm}, volume = {20}, year = {2018}, month = {JAN}, pages = {1094-1100}, type = {Journal Article}, abstract = {

Proton conducting properties have been investigated in a new Ni(II)-based hydrogen-bonded porous framework synthesized using a urea-fused bipyridine-glycoluril (BPG) tecton. This hydrogen-bonded self-assembled structure encapsulates water molecules in the channels with hydrogen-bonding networks which exhibits a significant temperature dependent proton conductance of 1.5 \× 10\−4\ S cm\−1\ at 95 \°C and 95\% RH with a low activation energy (Ea) of 0.54 eV, implying a Grotthuss proton hopping mechanism mediated by hydrogen-bonded water molecules in the channels. In addition, this framework exhibited a very high water uptake under humid conditions. A continuous array of water molecules and chloride ions embedded in the highly hydrophilic porous channels of the hydrogen-bonded framework acts as the proton conducting medium.

}, issn = {14668033}, doi = {10.1039/c7ce01814b}, author = {Tayade, Sakharam B. and Bhat, Satish S. and Illathvalappil, Rajith and Dhavale, Vishal M. and Kawade,Vitthal A. and Kumbhar, Avinash S. and Kurungot, Sreekumar and N{\"a}ther, Christian} } @article {45449, title = {Water-in-acid gel polymer electrolyte realized through a phosphoric acid-enriched polyelectrolyte matrix toward solid-state supercapacitors}, journal = {ACS Sustainable Chemistry \& Engineering}, volume = {6}, year = {2018}, month = {OCT}, pages = {12630-12640}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A new concept of water-in-acid gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) is introduced. The simple and scalable UV-light-assisted synthesis of a copolymer matrix possessing polyelectrolyte behavior, followed by swelling in minimally diluted H3PO4 (15.1 M/88 wt \% aqueous solution), effects formation of a high proton-conducting, self-standing, and mechanically stable polyelectrolyte GPE (PGPE). Retention of high mechanical stability despite the presence of a large amount of liquid species makes it a promising candidate for replacing conventional GPEs. The high proton conductivity (9.8 X 10(-2) S cm(-1)) of the PGPE at an ambient temperature of 303 K is attributed to the high concentration of the conducting species present in the polymer matrix. The PGPE-based polyaniline (PANI) supercapacitor device (PANI-1) with a mass loading of 1 mg cm(-2) exhibits a high specific gravimetric capacitance of 385 F g(-1) at a current density of 0.25 mA cm(-2). At the same current density, the PANI-5 device retains high gravimetric and areal capacitance values of 258 F g(-1) and 1288 mF cm(-2), respectively. The low equivalent series resistance value of 0.78 Omega (for the PANI-5 device) further proves the excellent electrode-electrolyte interface formed by the water-in-acid GPE. A 100\% capacitance retention even after 9000 continuous charge-discharge cycles strongly indicates the feasibility of adopting water-in-acid GPEs in future supercapacitors.}, issn = {2168-0485}, doi = {10.1021/acssuschemeng.8b01175}, author = {Vijayakumar, Vidyanand and Ghosh, Meena and Torris, Arun A. T. and Chandran, Nikhil M. K. and Nair, Sanoop B. and Badiger, Manohar V. and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {45461, title = { Wet chemical synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles: a review}, journal = {Crystengcomm}, volume = { 20 }, year = {2018}, month = {SEP}, pages = {5091-5107}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Metal oxide nanoparticles are an important class of nanomaterials that have found several applications in science and technology. Through wet chemical synthesis, it is possible to achieve selective surface structures, phases, shapes, and sizes of metal oxide nanoparticles, leading to a set of desired properties. Wet chemical synthesis routes allow fine tuning of the reaction conditions (temperature, concentration of substrate, additives or surfactants, pH, etc.) to afford the desired nanomaterials. In this review article, we highlight recent developments in the wet chemical synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles to provide great control over the quality of the obtained nanomaterials. The review critically evaluates the different wet chemical methods for scalable production of metal oxide nanoparticles to satisfy the growing industrial demand for nanomaterials. Special attention is paid to continuous flow synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles.}, doi = {10.1039/c8ce00487k}, author = {Nikam, A. V. and Bhagavatula L. V. Prasad and Kulkarni, A. A.} } @article {44610, title = {WRKY1 acts as a key component improving resistance against Alternaria solani in wild tomato, Solanum arcanum Peralta}, journal = {Plant Biotechnology Journal }, volume = {16}, year = {2018}, month = {AUG}, pages = {1502-1513}, abstract = {

Early blight (EB), caused by Alternaria solani, is a major threat to global tomato production. In comparison with cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), a wild relative, S.arcanum exhibits strong resistance against EB. However, molecular cascades operating during EB resistance in wild or cultivated tomato plants are largely obscure. Here, we provide novel insight into spatio-temporal molecular events in S.arcanum against A.solani. Transcriptome and co-expression analysis presented 33-WRKYs as promising candidates of which 12 SaWRKYs displayed differential expression patterns in resistant and susceptible accessions during EB disease progression. Among these, SaWRKY1 exhibited induced expression with significant modulation in xyloglucan endotrans hydrolase 5 (XTH5) and MYB2 expressions that correlated with the disease phenotypes. Electro-mobility shift assay confirmed physical interaction of recombinant SaWRKY1 to SaXTH5 and SaMYB2 promoters. Comparative WRKY1 promoter analysis between resistant and susceptible plants revealed the presence of crucial motifs for defence mechanism exclusively in resistant accession. Additionally, many defence-related genes displayed significant expression variations in both the accessions. Further, WRKY1 overexpressing transgenic plants exhibited higher levels of EB resistance while RNAi silencing lines had increased susceptibility to A.solani with altered expression of XTH5 and MYB2. Overall, these findings demonstrate the positive influence of WRKY1 in improving EB resistance in wild tomato and this could be further utilized as a potential target through genetic engineering to augment protection against A.solani in crop plants.

}, keywords = {Alternaria solani, early blight, Solanum arcanum, Tomato, WRKY1, XTH5}, issn = {1467-7644}, doi = {10.1111/pbi.12892}, author = {Shinde, Balkrishna A. and Dholakia, Bhushan B. and Hussain, Khalid and Aharoni, Asaph and Giri, Ashok P. and Kamble, Avinash C.} } @article {44210, title = {X-ray crystal structures and anti-breast cancer property of 3-tert-butoxycarbonyl-2-arylthiazolidine-4-carboxylic acids}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {42}, year = {2018}, month = {JAN}, pages = {1078-1086}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Diastereomeric {\textquoteleft}2RS, 4R{\textquoteright}-2-arylthiazolidine-4-carboxylic acids (ATCAs) were synthesized and their resolution to chiraly pure N-BOC derivatives was attempted by column chromatography. The absolute stereochemistry of the resolved compounds was ascertained by X-ray single crystal structures. Further application of the synthesized compounds was studied for their in vitro anti-breast cancer activity against MCF7 cell line using DOX as a standard by MTT assay method. Cell morphology analysis was carried out by fluorescence microscopy. The compounds containing {\textquoteleft}2S{\textquoteright} absolute configuration in thiazolidine ring and presence of 2-NO2, 2,6-Cl groups on {\textquoteleft}2R{\textquoteright}-aryl substituent showed significant antibreast cancer activity where some of the compounds were found to be more active than DOX in terms of induced apoptosis mode of MCF7 cell death.

}, issn = {1144-0546}, doi = {10.1039/c7nj02961f}, author = {Jagtap, Rohidas M. and Thorat, Shridhar H. and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Khan, Ayesha A. and Pardeshi, Satish K.} } @article {44180, title = {ZIF-8@DBzPBI-BuI composite membranes for olefin/paraffin separation}, journal = {Journal of Membrane Science}, volume = {549}, year = {2018}, month = {MAR }, pages = {38-45}, type = {Article}, abstract = {ZIF-8 is a member of Zeolitic Imidazole Framework family having high internal surface area, the high thermo-chemical stability and ease of synthesis gained immense attention for its highly selective sieving ability. Transforming it into a membrane form and practical utility remains a challenge. Any success towards this direction would radically reduce the cost of propylene/propane separation. Present study reports use of substituted polybenzimidazole (DBzPBI-BuI) for fabrication of flexible, thus scalable composite membranes with ZIF-8 (ZIF8@DBzPBI-BuI) possessing host-guest compatibility. The membrane with 30\% ZIF-8 loading showed promising propylene-propane separation (ideal selectivity of 32.7), coupled with propylene permeability of 12.13 Barrer. Analysis of sorption shed light on the high contribution of diffusivity on governing permeation properties of the composite membranes. The mixed gas analysis offered highly encouraging results in comparison to known composite membranes of different polymers with ZIF-8. Placement of present data on {\textquoteleft}upper-bound{\textquoteright} showed a rapid enhancement in selectivity by the addition of ZIF-8 in the polymer matrix, which seems to be a result of the elimination of inter-phase defects. It was made possible due to the functionality of host polymer.}, keywords = {Gas permeation, Olefin/paraffin separation, Polybenzimidazole (PBI), ZIF-8}, issn = {0376-7388}, doi = {10.1016/j.memsci.2017.11.069}, author = {Kunjattu, Shebeeb H. and Ashok, Varsha and Bhaskar, Anand and Pandare, Kiran and Banerjee, Rahul and Kharul, Ulhas K.} } @article {44420, title = {Zirconium-substituted cobalt ferrite nanoparticle supported n-doped reduced graphene oxide as an efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst for rechargeable Zn-air battery}, journal = {ACS Catalysis}, volume = {8}, year = {2018}, month = {APR}, pages = {3715-3726}, type = { Article}, abstract = {

Solvothermal synthesis of zirconium-substituted cobalt ferrite nanoparticles was accomplished by the introduction of zirconium (Zr) in the spinel matrix to obtain a cost-effective and robust electrocatalyst that does not use noble metals. A variation in the cobalt ferrite structure CoFe2\−xZrxO4 with Zr (0.1\−0.4) substitution has significantly altered the overpotential for the electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), leading to an optimum composition of CFZr(0.3). The incorporation of the foreign Zr4+ ion in the cobalt ferrite spinel lattices has effectively enhanced the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity in comparison to the parent cobalt ferrite (CF) nanocrystals. However, a nominal change in the ORR current density has been observed due to Zr incorporation. For the OER, the Zr-substituted catalyst has shown a 40 mV negative shift in the overpotential in comparison with the CF nanoparticles at 10 mA/cm2 current density. Interestingly, the in situ grafting of Zr-substituted cobalt ferrite nanoparticles over N-doped reduced graphene oxide (CFZr(0.3)/N-rGO) results in remarkably enhanced performance during the ORR and moderately favored the OER with an overall potential difference (ΔE) of 0.840 V. The enhanced bifunctional electrocatalytic activity of the material is crucial for the fabrication of high-performance rechargeable Zn\−air batteries (ZABs). The prepared catalyst exhibited an overpotential of 80 mV for the ORR in comparison with the state-of-the-art (Pt/C) catalyst and an overpotential of 340 mV at 10 mA/cm2 current density for the OER from the standard value (1.23 V vs RHE). This potential bifunctional electrocatalyst has been employed as an electrode material for the fabrication of a primary ZAB, where it exhibited discharge capacities of 727 and 730 mAh/g at current densities of 20 and 30 mA/cm2 , respectively, under ambient conditions. The notable performance of the catalyst as a bifunctional material is observed during the cycling of the rechargeable ZAB. The prepared catalyst showed an increase of 200 mV in the overall operating overpotential after cycling for 10 cycles at 15 mA/cm2 in comparison to the 350 mV increase shown by the Pt/C catalyst.

}, keywords = {N-doped reduced graphene oxide, Oxygen Evolution Reaction, oxygen reduction reaction, zirconium-substituted cobalt ferrite}, issn = {2155-5435}, doi = {10.1021/acscatal.7b03823}, author = {Kashyap, Varchaswal and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {46336, title = {1,6-Conjugate-addition-induced [2+1] annulation of para-quinone methides and pyrazolones: synthesis of bis-spiro compounds with contiguous quaternary spiro-centers}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {21}, year = {2019}, month = {OCT }, pages = {7736-7740}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A diastereoselective formal 1,6-conjugate-addition-mediated [2 + 1] annulation reaction using p-quinone methides and pyrazolones has been described. The corresponding bis-spiro[cyclohexadienone-cyclopropane-pyrazolone] compounds were obtained in very good yield under mild reaction conditions.

}, issn = {1523-7060}, doi = {10.1021/acs.orglett.9b02641}, author = {Kale, Someshwar B. and Jori, Popat K. and Thatikonda, Thanusha and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Das, Utpal} } @article {46127, title = {3-D nanoribbon-like Pt-free oxygen reduction reaction electrocatalyst derived from waste leather for anion exchange membrane fuel cells and zinc-air batteries}, journal = {Nanoscale}, volume = {11}, year = {2019}, month = {APR }, pages = {7893-7902}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Fe-N-x and Fe-S-based ORR electrocatalysts have emerged as rightful candidates to replace Pt in fuel cells to make the technology cheap and sustainable. Fe-N-C catalysts are generally prepared by the pyrolysis of conducting polymers, metal-organic frameworks, aerogels, etc., and the combination of multiple heteroatoms and metal precursors. These precursors are mostly expensive and their synthesis involves multiple steps. In this report, we have demonstrated the synthesis of a Fe-N-C catalyst from the waste leather obtained from the footwear and other leather-consuming industries. The pyrolysis of leather with FeCl3 (metal source) results in the formation of a highly thin and porous nano-ribbon like morphology. Waste leather acts as a cost-free single source of heteroatoms like N, S and carbon. The catalyst synthesized at a temperature of 900 degrees C shows an overpotential of 40 mV and better durability compared to the commercial Pt/C catalyst. The catalyst is demonstrated as the cathode for alkaline exchange membrane fuel cell (AEMFC) and zinc-air battery (ZAB) applications. In the AEMFC, a power density of 50 mW cm(-2) and an OCV of 0.92 V are obtained whereas, in the ZAB, it exhibited a power density of 174 mW cm(-2) compared to 160 mW cm(-2) of the system based on the Pt/C catalyst.

}, issn = {2040-3364}, doi = {10.1039/c9nr00977a}, author = {Soni, Roby and Bhange, Siddheshwar N. and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {46324, title = {Access to a stereoisomer library of solomonamide macrocycles}, journal = {Chemistry-An Asian Journal}, year = {2019}, month = {OCT}, type = {Article; Early Access}, abstract = {

In an attempt towards understanding stereo-structure activity relationships (SSARs), we have prepared eight possible stereoisomers of solomonamide macrocycles, in particular, by changing the stereochemical pattern of non-peptide fragment AHMOA. Here, we have demonstrated different ways to construct three contiguous chiral centers present in solomonamide B macrocycle using substrate/reagent-controlled methods. These methods involve Brown crotylation, NHK reaction and Evans aldol addition as key steps to synthesize key non-peptide fragment. Further, these non-peptide fragments were converted to their corresponding macrocycles via ligand-free intramolecular Heck reaction.

}, keywords = {Crotylation, Heck reaction, Inflammation, Macrocycles, Stereochemistry}, issn = {1861-4728}, doi = {10.1002/asia.201901075}, author = {Jachak, Gorakhnath R. and Athawale, Paresh R. and Choudhury, Rahul and Kashinath, K. and Reddy, D. Srinivasa} } @article {46347, title = {Acidic handle assemble heterogeneous carbocatalyst for facile aliphatic nucleophilic fluorination}, journal = {ChemistrySelect}, volume = {4}, year = {2019}, month = {SEP }, pages = {10960-10964}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Acidic handle (-SO3H) assemble carbonaceous catalyst synthesized from glucose acts as a modulator for the nucleophilic fluorination reaction. The heterogeneous catalyst works with various alkyl sulfonate, halide and metal fluoride (MF), to offer a high yield of fluorinated products up to 93\%. This carbonaceous catalyst is recyclable for more than five times, with no major loss of activity.

}, keywords = {fluorination, heterogeneous catalysis}, issn = {2365-6549}, doi = {10.1002/slct.201902771}, author = {Said, Madhukar S. and Pandole, Satish and Suryavanshi, Amol and Kumar, Pradeep and Gajbhiye, Jayan M.} } @article {47169, title = {Actin cytoskeleton and membrane interactions: role in GPCR function and organization}, journal = {Proceedings of the Indian National Science Academy}, volume = {85}, year = {2019}, month = {SEP}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Cell signaling networks are generally initiated at the cell membrane and mediated by receptors such as the G proteincoupled receptors (GPCRs). Adjacent to the cell membrane lies a complex network of proteins - the actin cytoskeleton to which several structural and physiological roles have been attributed. An emerging role of the cytoskeleton is to modulate GPCR function and organization, either directly or indirectly. The GPCR-cytoskeleton cross-talk is a complex hierarchical process where each step has its own set of rules and combinations. Due to the inherent complexity involved at each step and the multiple spatio-temporal levels, a complete picture is yet to emerge. In this review article, we provide an overview of actin-membrane interactions and how they modulate GPCR function and organization.

}, author = {Prakash, Shikha and Krishna, Anjali and Sengupta, Durba} } @article {46083, title = {Advances in the experimental and theoretical understandings of antibiotic conjugated gold nanoparticles for antibacterial applications}, journal = {ChemistrySelect}, volume = {4}, year = {2019}, month = {JUN }, pages = {6719-6738}, type = {Review}, abstract = {

The worldwide bacterial resistance to a wide range of antibiotics originates a global health concern and calls for the development of new antibacterial agents. Over the recent years, nanomaterials-based agents have been proven to be useful for the effective antibacterial applications. Notably, the gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) draw particular attention due to their biological inertness and easy surface functionalization. It is now established that the antibiotic functionalization on the AuNPs surfaces increases the antibacterial efficacy even towards the antibiotic-resistant bacterial cells. Moreover, the antibacterial efficacy can be further enhanced by photothermal therapy using antibiotic conjugated AuNPs. In this review article, we have reviewed the advances in the development of the synthesis methods of antibiotic conjugated AuNPs and gold nanoclusters, and their antibacterial efficacy. We have also discussed the developments in the theoretical understandings behind the interaction of antibiotic molecules with gold surface and its relation to the antibacterial activity. We believe that few parameters including the selection of antibiotic molecules, the method of its attachment to AuNPs, the purification of antibiotic conjugated AuNPs, and the quantification of conjugated antibiotic are crucial and needs to be properly addressed. Moreover, there are many other future directions discussed, for using antibiotic conjugated AuNPs more effectively for antibacterial therapy.

}, keywords = {Antibacterial, antibiotic, DFT calculations, gold nanocluster, Gold nanoparticle, multi-drug resistance, photo-thermal therapy}, issn = {2365-6549}, doi = {10.1002/slct.201900083}, author = {Khandelwal, Puneet and Singh, Dheeraj K. and Poddar, Pankaj} } @article {46326, title = {Ag nanoparticles supported on a resorcinol-phenylenediamine-based covalent organic framework for chemical fixation of CO2}, journal = {Chemistry-An Asian Journal }, year = {2019}, month = {OCT}, type = {Article; Early Access}, abstract = {

Covalent organic frameworks are a new class of crystalline organic polymers possessing a high surface area and ordered pores. Judicious selection of building blocks leads to strategic heteroatom inclusion into the COF structure. Owing to their high surface area, exceptional stability and molecular tunability, COFs are adopted for various potential applications. The heteroatoms lining in the pores of COF favor synergistic host-guest interaction to enhance a targeted property. In this report, we have synthesized a resorcinol-phenylenediamine-based COF which selectively adsorbs CO2 into its micropores (12 angstrom). The heat of adsorption value (32 kJ mol(-1)) obtained from the virial model at zero-loading of CO2 indicates its favorable interaction with the framework. Furthermore, we have anchored small-sized Ag nanoparticles (approximate to 4-5 nm) on the COF and used the composite for chemical fixation of CO2 to alkylidene cyclic carbonates by reacting with propargyl alcohols under ambient conditions. Ag@COF catalyzes the reaction selectively with an excellent yield of 90 \%. Recyclability of the catalyst has been demonstrated up to five consecutive cycles. The post-catalysis characterizations reveal the integrity of the catalyst even after five reaction cycles. This study emphasizes the ability of COF for simultaneous adsorption and chemical fixation of CO2 into corresponding cyclic carbonates.

}, keywords = {CO2 capture, covalent organic frameworks, cyclic carbonates, Propargyl alcohols, silver nanoparticles}, issn = {1861-4728}, doi = {10.1002/asia.201901157}, author = {Chakraborty, Debanjan and Shekhar, Pragalbh and Singh, Himan Dev and Kushwaha, Rinku and Vinod, C. P. and Vaidhyanathan, Ramanathan} } @article {46239, title = {Alternative synthesis of the CNS stimulant Prolintane}, journal = {Arkivoc}, year = {2019}, pages = { 292-297}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

An alternative synthesis of prolintane, a CNS stimulant, is reported using commercially available allyl benzene in good overall yield (32.3\%). The key transformations include epoxidation, Grignard reaction, Mitsunobu and reduction protocols.

}, doi = {10.24820/ark.5550190.p010.952}, author = {Mujahid, M. and Korpe, G. V. and Deshmukh, S. P. and Bhadange, S. G. and Muthukrishnan, M.} } @article {46041, title = {Amino acid amide based ionic liquid as an efficient organo-catalyst for solvent-free knoevenagel condensation at room temperature}, journal = {Catalysis Letters}, volume = {149}, year = {2019}, month = {SEP}, pages = {2368-2375}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Ionic liquids of amino acid amide were synthesized and used as an efficient catalyst for solvent-free Knoevenagel condensation. Synthesized ionic liquids are an environmentally benign, inexpensive, metal free and plays the dual role of solvent as well as an efficient catalyst for Knoevenagel condensation. A wide range of aliphatic, aromatic and heteroaromatic aldehydes easily undergo condensation with malononitrile and ethyl cyanoacetate. The reaction proceeds at room temperature without using any organic solvent and is very fast with good to excellent yield. Additionally, the catalyst is easily separable and recyclable without loss of activity. [GRAPHICS] .

}, keywords = {Acrylonitrile, Amino acid amide, Cyanoacrylate, Ionic liquid, Knoevenagel condensation, Solvent-free}, issn = {1011-372X}, doi = {10.1007/s10562-019-02840-5}, author = {Burate, Pralhad A. and Javle, Balasaheb R. and Desale, Pranjal H. and Kinage, Anil K.} } @article {46003, title = {Antisolvent based precipitation: batch, capillary flow reactor and impinging jet reactor}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Journal}, volume = {369}, year = {2019}, month = {AUG }, pages = {1161-1171}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A method for continuous antisolvent precipitation of ammonium perchlorate (AP) using a confined impinging jet reactor (CIJR) is studied. The geometry of the CIJR was optimized to achieve excellent mixing with a significant reduction in the particle deposition on walls. Initially, the experimental conditions were optimized in a batch system and then in a continuous capillary reactor. Later those conditions extended for antisolvent precipitation of AP in an impinging jet reactor using water and n-butyl alcohol as a solvent and antisolvent, respectively for optimum performance. The performance was compared with the experiments in batch mode as well as and in a continuous capillary reactor. Over a range of inlet jet velocity that corresponded to 1792 \< Re \< 7193 for the saturated aqueous solution of AP and 1135 \< Re \< 4553 for the antisolvent butanol phase, 8.98-16.98 mu m Ammonium perchlorate particles were attained.

}, keywords = {Ammonium perchlorate, Antisolvent precipitation, CFD, continuous flow, Impinging jet reactor, microparticles}, issn = {1385-8947}, doi = {10.1016/j.cej.2019.03.107}, author = {Pal, Sayan and Madane, Ketan and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article {47157, title = {Aromatic polycarbonates bearing pendant maleimide groups via functional monomer approach: synthesis and characterization}, journal = {Journal of Polymer Research}, volume = {27}, year = {2019}, month = {DEC}, pages = {8}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A new bisphenol containing pendant maleimide group, viz., 4, 4{\textquoteright}-(5-maleimidopentane-2, 2-diyl) diphenol (BPA-MA), was synthesized starting from commercially available 4, 4{\textquoteright}-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl) pentanoic acid. Aromatic (co)polycarbonates possessing pendant maleimide groups were synthesized by solution polycondensation of BPA-MA or varying mixtures of BPA-MA and bisphenol-A (BPA) with triphosgene in dry dichloromethane in the presence of triethylamine as a base. Inherent viscosities and number average molecular weights of (co)polycarbonates were in the range 0.46-0.66 dL/g and 24,600-36,700, respectively, indicating the formation of reasonably high molecular weight polymers. Tough, transparent, and flexible films could be cast from chloroform solutions of these (co)polycarbonates. (Co)polycarbonates were characterized using FT-IR, H-1 NMR, C-13 NMR spectroscopy, XRD, TGA and DSC analysis. The chemical modification of a representative copolycarbonate containing pendant maleimide groups was carried out quantitatively using thiol-maleimide Michael addition reaction with two thiol compounds, namely, 4-chlorothiophenol and 1-adamantanethiol. Additionally, it was demonstrated that copolycarbonate containing pendant maleimide groups could be used to form insoluble cross-linked gel by reaction with a multifunctional thiol cross-linker, namely, pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-mercaptopropionate).

}, keywords = {Aromatic polycarbonate, Cross-linking, maleimide group, Thiol-maleimide reaction, Triphosgene}, issn = {1022-9760}, doi = {10.1007/s10965-019-1909-z}, author = {Nagane, Samadhan S. and Kuhire, Sachin S. and Ichake, Amol B. and Rajamohanan, P. R. and Wadgaonkar, Prakash P.} } @article {46334, title = {Arresting an unusual amide tautomer using divalent cations}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, volume = {123}, year = {2019}, month = {OCT}, pages = {8419-8424}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Ion-specific effects on peptides and proteins are key to biomolecular structure and stability. The subtle roles of the cations are far less understood, compared to the pronounced effects of the anions on proteins. Most importantly, divalent cations such as Ca2+ and Mg2+ are crucial to several biological functions. Herein, we demonstrate that an amide-iminolate equilibrium is triggered by the binding of the divalent cations to the amide oxygen in aqueous solution. The excellent agreement between the experimental and theoretical results confirms the arrest of an unusual amide tautomer by the divalent cations, which is a rarely known phenomenon that might open up an array of applications in chemistry and biology.

}, issn = {1520-6106}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpcb.9b08463}, author = {Kashid, Somnath M. and Singh, Reman K. and Kwon, Hyejin and Kim, Yung Sam and Mukherjee, Arnab and Bagchi, Sayan} } @article {46136, title = {Bhaskar Dattatraya Kulkarni (1949-2019)}, journal = {Current Science}, volume = {116}, year = {2019}, month = {APR}, pages = {1261-1262}, type = {Biographical-Item}, issn = {0011-3891}, author = {Kumar, V. Ravi and Sivaram, S.} } @article {45602, title = {Bifunctional oxygen reduction and evolution activity in brownmillerites Ca2Fe(1- x)CoxO5}, journal = {ACS Omega}, volume = {4}, year = {2019}, month = {JAN}, pages = {31{\textendash}38}, type = {Article}, abstract = {State-of-the-art catalysts for oxygen reduction and evolution reactions (ORR and OER), which form the basis of advanced fuel cell applications, are based on noble metals such as Pt and Ir. However, high cost and scarcity of noble metals have led to an increased demand of earth-abundant metal oxide catalysts, especially for bifunctional activity in ORR and OER. The fact that Pt and Ir or C, the cost-effective alternatives suggested, do not display satisfactory bifunctional activity has also helped in turning the interest to metal oxides which are stable under both ORR and OER conditions. Brownmillerite A2B2O5 type oxides are promising as bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts because of intrinsic structural features, viz., oxygen vacancy and catalytic activity of the B-site transition metal. In this study, Co-doped Ca2Fe2O5 compounds are synthesized by the solid state method and structurally analyzed by Rietveld refinement of powder X-ray diffraction data. The compound Ca2Fe2O5, crystallizing in the Pcmn space group has alternative FeO4 tetrahedral and FeO6 octahedral layers. Its Co-doped analogue, Ca2Fe1.75Co0.25O5, also crystallizes in the same space group with both tetrahedral and octahedral Fe positions substituted with Co. However, Ca2FeCoO5 in the Pbcm space group shows interlayer ordering with Co-rich octahedra connected to Fe-rich tetrahedra and vice versa. Oxygen bifunctional activities of these catalysts are monitored by rotating disc electrode and rotating ring disc electrode techniques in alkaline media. A close analysis of the ORR and OER was conducted through comparison of various parameters such as onset potential, current density, halfwave potential, and other kinetic parameters, which suggests that the presence of Co in the B site aids in achieving better bifunctional activity and bulk conductivity. In addition, Co(II)/Co(III) redox systems and their comparative concentrations also play a decisive role in enhancing the activity.}, doi = {10.1021/acsomega.8b02468}, author = {Thundiyil, S. and Kurungot, S. and Devi, R. N.} } @article {46047, title = {Biodegradation of squalene and n-hexadecane by Gordonia amicalis HS-11 with concomitant formation of biosurfactant and carotenoids}, journal = {International Biodeterioration \& Biodegradation}, volume = {142}, year = {2019}, month = {AUG}, pages = {172-181}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Gordonia amicalis HS-11 has been enriched from a hydrocarbon contaminated tropical soil sample. The ability of this organism to utilize a triterpenic polyunsaturated hydrocarbon, squalene (2,6,10,15,19,23-hexamethyl-6,6,10,14,18,20-tetracosahexane) and the model saturated hydrocarbon n-hexadecane is described here. The isolate degraded squalene and n-hexadecane (79 +/- 3.02 and 96 +/- 4.11\%, respectively) after eight days of incubation. The isolate produced an extracellular biosurfactant that reduced surface tension from 69 +/- 2.83 to 40 +/- 1.63 and 35 +/- 2.34 mN m(-1) with squalene and n-hexadecane as carbon sources, respectively, after 6 days. The Actinomycete cleaved squalene to geranylacetone and famesyl acetaldehyde that were further utilized for supporting growth. n-Hexadecane was degraded via monoterminal oxidation and activities of important enzymes (alkane hydroxylase and alcohol dehydrogenase) were highest (215 +/- 8.76 and 169 +/- 6.02 units mg(-1) protein, respectively) after four days. Cells grown on squalene were short and with n-hexadecane there were clumps of longer cells. Squalene and n-hexadecane-grown cell surfaces were smooth possibly due to extracellular surface active compounds. While growing on hydrophobic substrates, some cells were seen adhering to droplets and others were in the free form. The culture was able to simultaneously degrade hydrocarbons and produce two commercially relevant value-added products. The yield of the extracellular biosurfactant on n-hexadecane was 480 mg l(-1) and cells grown on squalene and n-hexadecane also yielded carotenoids (2.3 +/- 0.14 and 2.9 +/- 0.10 mg g(-1) dry cell weight, respectively). This is the first report on the utilization of squalene by Gordonia.

}, keywords = {Aerobic biodegradation, Carotenoids, Catabolic pathways, Emulsifier, Gordonia amicalis HS-11}, issn = {0964-8305}, doi = {10.1016/j.ibiod.2019.05.005}, author = {Sowani, Harshada and Deshpande, Ashish and Gupta, Vidya and Kulkarni, Mohan and Zinjarde, Smita} } @article {45563, title = {Biosynthesized Co-doped TiO2 nanoparticles based anode for lithium-ion battery application and investigating the influence of dopant concentrations on its performance}, journal = {Composites Part B: Engineering}, volume = {167}, year = {2019}, month = {JUN}, pages = {44-50}, type = {Article}, abstract = {TiO2 is a good alternative anode material for lithium-ion battery application because of its incomparable high structural stability and safety during the charge/discharge cycles. However, the low intrinsic conductivity of TiO2 has been a limiting factor affecting its cycling and rate capability performance. Here in this work, we present Co-doped TiO2 nanoparticles based anode with good reversibility, cycling stability and rate capability performance for its envisaged application in lithium-ion battery. The Co-doped TiO2 nanoparticles with different Co concentrations (3\%, 5\%, and 7\%) are synthesized using simple and economic biomediated green approach, wherein TiCl4 and Co precursors are allowed to react in Bengal gram bean extract containing biomolecules which act as natural capping agents to control the size of nanoparticles. Among the pure TiO2 and different Co-doped TiO2 samples, the 7\% Co-doped TiO2 anode show the highest capacity of 167 mAh g-1 (88.3\%) after 100 cycles at the 0.5C current density. The Co-doped TiO2 shows higher and stable coulombic efficiency up to 100 GCD cycles indicating good reversibility. Based on the results, it is expected that the Co-doped TiO2 nanoparticles might be contributing to the enhanced electronic conductivity providing an efficient pathway for fast electron transfer.}, doi = {10.1016/j.compositesb.2018.12.001}, author = {Kashale, A. A. and Rasal, A. S. and Kamble, G. P. and Ingole, V. H. and Dwivedi, P. K. and Rajoba, S. J. and Jadhav, L. D. and Ling, Y. C. and Chang, J. Y. and Ghule, A. V.} } @article {46294, title = {Carbon derived from soft pyrolysis of a covalent organic framework as a support for small-sized RuO2 showing exceptionally low overpotential for oxygen evolution reaction}, journal = {ACS Omega}, volume = {4}, year = {2019}, month = {AUG}, pages = {13465-13473}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Electrochemical water splitting is the most energy-efficient technique for producing hydrogen and oxygen, the two valuable gases. However, it is limited by the slow kinetics of the anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER), which can be improved using catalysts. Covalent organic framework (COF)-derived porous carbon can serve as an excellent catalyst support. Here, we report high electrocatalytic activity of two composites, formed by supporting RuO2 on carbon derived from two COFs with closely related structures. These composites catalyze oxygen evolution from alkaline media with overpotentials as low as 210 and 217 mV at 10 mA/cm(2), respectively. The Tafel slopes of these catalysts (65 and 67 mV/dec) indicate fast kinetics compared to commercial RuO2. The observed activity is the highest among all RuO2-based heterogeneous OER catalysts-a touted benchmark OER catalyst. The high catalytic activity arises from the extremely small-sized (similar to 3-4 nm) RuO2 nanoparticles homogeneously dispersed in a micro-mesoporous (BET = 517 m(2)/g) COF-derived carbon. The porous graphenic carbon favors mass transfer, while its N-rich framework anchors the catalytic nanoparticles, making it highly stable and recyclable. Crucially, the soft pyrolysis of the COF enables the formation of porous carbon and simultaneous growth of small RuO2 particles without aggregation.

}, issn = {2470-1343}, doi = {10.1021/acsomega.9b01777}, author = {Chakraborty, Debanjan and Nandi, Shyamapada and Illathvalappil, Rajith and Mullangi, Dinesh and Maity, Rahul and Singh, Santosh K. and Haldar, Sattwick and Vinod, Chathakudath P. and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Vaidhyanathan, Ramanathan} } @article {45568, title = {Characterization of novel acidic and thermostable phytase secreting Streptomyces sp. (NCIM 5533) for plant growth promoting characteristics}, journal = {Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology}, volume = {18}, year = {2019}, month = {MAR}, pages = {Article No: 101020}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Successful agricultural practices in acidic and arid region soils are still challenging worldwide. We investigated Actinomycete strain obtained from soil, which was found to produce extracellular phytase having the optimum pH, temperature of 2.5 and 70 {\textdegree}C, respectively and Plant growth promoting (PGP) attributes. These abilities of the phytase make it novel as compared to other Streptomyces derived phytases. Strain was also evaluated for physiological traits such as salinity, temperature, and pH followed by morphological and molecular identification. The Streptomyces sp. strain (NCIM 5533) displayed additional PGP traits such as indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), ammonia and phosphate solubilization activity. A significant increment in Tomato plant (Solanum lycopersicum) root, shoot and as well as total height in bioassays at laboratory scale and green house level and its ability to colonize roots substantiated its potency as a true plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). To our knowledge this is the first report of Streptomyces sp. having the ability to produce acidic and thermostable phytase as well as PGP traits showing enhanced plant growth could have implications in soils having acidic nature and also in arid region.}, doi = {10.1016/j.bcab.2019.101020}, author = {Puppala, K. R. and Bhavsar, K. and Sonalkar, V. and Khire, J. M. and Dharne, M. S.} } @article {46084, title = {Characterizing microvoids in regenerated cellulose fibers obtained from viscose and lyocell processes}, journal = {Macromolecules}, volume = {52}, year = {2019}, month = {JUN}, pages = {3987-3994}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Regenerated cellulose fibers are among the most widely used bio-derived materials. Currently, there is great interest in transitioning from the traditional viscose process to the more environmentally friendly lyocell process for fiber production. Differences between the characteristics of viscose and lyocell fibers can be attributed to microstructural differences that arise due to differences in the processing techniques. Here, we use small-angle scattering to characterize the microvoids in regenerated cellulose fibers that might govern the onset of mechanical failure in these. In regenerated cellulose fibers, scattering of X-rays or neutrons at small angles is largely dominated by scattering from microvoids. We demonstrate that small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) over the q range that is typical for most commercial instruments arises from Porod scattering from the microvoid surfaces, viz., the scattered intensity scales as q(-4). Therefore, it is not possible to extrapolate this data to lower q to obtain microvoid dimensions and volume fraction. We combine SAXS with medium-resolution small-angle neutron scattering to characterize the microvoids in regenerated cellulose fibers. Specifically, we compare fibers produced using the viscose process with those from the lyocell process. For both viscose and lyocell fibers, microvoids have a high aspect ratio and are elongated in the fiber direction. Also, the volume fraction occupied by the microvoids is comparable for viscose and lyocell fibers (0.04-0.05\%). However, there are differences in the microvoid size: Microvoids are more highly oriented in lyocell fibers and have a larger average length and diameter compared with viscose fibers. This result might have important implications for understanding failure of these fibers.

}, issn = {0024-9297}, doi = {10.1021/acs.macromol.9b00487}, author = {Sharma, Aakash and Sen, Debasis and Thakre, Shirish and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy} } @article {46154, title = {Click chemistry based multicomponent approach in the synthesis of spirochromenocarbazole tethered 1,2,3-triazoles as potential anticancer agents}, journal = {Bioorganic Chemistry}, volume = {85}, year = {2019}, month = {APR}, pages = {475-486}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A series of spirochromenocarbazole tethered 1,2,3-triazoles were synthesized via click chemistry based one-pot, five component reaction between N-propargyl isatins, malononitrile, 4-hydroxycarbazole, aralkyl halides and sodium azide using cellulose supported CuI nanoparticles (Cell-CuI NPs) as the heterogeneous catalyst. Antiproliferative activity of all the synthesized compounds was investigated against panel of cancer cell lines such as MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, HeLa, PANG-1, A-549, and THP-1. Many of the synthesized compounds exhibited good anti-proliferative activity against breast (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and cervical (HeLa) cancer cells with IC50 values less than 10 mu M. In case of MCF-7 cells, among the nine compounds that showed good anti-proliferative activity, compounds 6f and 6j were found to be highly potent (IC50 , = 2.13 mu M and 4.80 mu M, respectively). In case of MDA-MB-231, three compounds (6k, 6j and 6s) showed antiproliferative activity amongst which 6k was the most potent one (IC50 = 3.78 mu M). On the other hand, in cervical cancer HeLa cells, compounds 6b, 6g, 6s and 6u showed excellent antiproliferative activity (IC50 = 4.05, 3.54, 3.83, 3.35 mu M, respectively). All the compounds were found to be nontoxic to the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). AO and EtBr staining and fluorescence microscopy studies of the active compounds (IC50 \< 5 mu M) suggested that these compounds induce cell death by apoptosis.

}, keywords = {1, 2, 3-Triazolylspirochromenocarbazole, Anticancer, Apoptotic assay, Click chemistry, Cytotoxicity, heterogeneous catalysis, Multicomponent synthesis}, issn = {0045-2068}, doi = {10.1016/j.bioorg.2019.01.070}, author = {Chavan, V, Pramod and Desai, V, Uday and Wadgaonkar, Prakash P. and Tapase, Savita R. and Kodam, Kisan M. and Choudhari, Amit and Sarkar, Dhiman} } @article {46114, title = {Clopidogrel eluting electrospun polyurethane/polyethylene glycol thromboresistant, hemocompatible nanofibrous scaffolds}, journal = {Journal of Biomaterials Applications}, volume = {33}, year = {2019}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1327-1347}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Biomaterials used as blood-contacting material must be hemocompatible and exhibit lower thrombotic potential while maintaining hemostasis and angiogenesis. With the aim of developing thromboresistant, hemocompatible nanofibrous scaffolds, polyurethane/polyethylene glycol scaffolds incorporated with 1, 5, and 10 wt\% Clopidogrel were fabricated and evaluated for their physiochemical properties, biocompatibility, hemocompatibility, and antithrombotic potential. The results of physicochemical characterization revealed the fabrication of nanometer-sized scaffolds with smooth surfaces. The incorporation of both polyethylene glycol and Clopidogrel to polyurethane enhanced the hydrophilicity and water uptake potential of polyurethane/polyethylene glycol/Clopidogrel scaffolds. The dynamic mechanical analysis revealed the enhancement in mechanical strength of the polyurethane/polyethylene glycol scaffolds on incorporation of Clopidogrel. The polyurethane/polyethylene glycol/Clopidogrel scaffolds showed a tri-phasic drug release pattern. The results of hemocompatibility assessment demonstrated the excellent blood compatibility of the polyurethane/polyethylene glycol/Clopidogrel scaffolds, with the developed scaffolds exhibiting lower hemolysis, increased albumin and plasma protein adsorption while reduction in fibrinogen adsorption. Further, the platelet adhesion was highly suppressed and significant increase in coagulation period was observed for Clopidogrel incorporated scaffolds. The results of cell adhesion and cell viability substantiate the biocompatibility of the developed nanofibrous scaffolds with the HUVEC cell viability on polyurethane/polyethylene glycol, polyurethane/polyethylene glycol/Clopidogrel-1, 5, and 10\% at day 7 found to be 12.35, 13.36, 14.85, and 4.18\% higher as compared to polyurethane scaffolds, and the NIH/3T3 cell viability found to be 35.27, 70.82, 36.60, and 7.95\% higher as compared to polyurethane scaffolds, respectively. Altogether the results of the study advocate the incorporation of Clopidogrel to the polyurethane/polyethylene glycol blend in order to fabricate scaffolds with appropriate antithrombotic property, hemocompatibility, and cell proliferation capacity and thus, might be successfully used as antithrombotic material for biomedical application.

}, keywords = {adhesion, cardiovascular, coagulation, electrospinning, Hemocompatible, platelet}, issn = {0885-3282}, doi = {10.1177/0885328219832984}, author = {Shitole, Ajinkya A. and Giram, Prabhanjan S. and Raut, Piyush W. and Rade, Priyanka P. and Khandwekar, Anand P. and Sharma, Neeti and Garnaik, Baijayantimala} } @article {45521, title = {Comparison of different water models for melting point calculation of methane hydrate using molecular dynamics simulations}, journal = {Chemical Physics}, volume = {516}, year = {2019}, month = {JAN }, pages = {6-14}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Molecular dynamics simulation is a powerful tool to understand the gas hydrate nucleation, growth, and dissociation at molecular level. Prerequisite of super-cooling during gas hydrate formation and a certain degree of super-healing during melting shows significant hysteresis in the transition between solid and liquid state due to large nucleation barrier. Different water models quantitatively differ in their prediction of thermodynamic and kinetic properties of bulk water, including phase behaviour. The present work carries out a systematic investigation of the effect of the chosen water model on the phase behaviour, in particular, the decomposition of methane hydrate. Void-induced melting has been used to predict the melting point of methane hydrate using TIP4P/Ice, TIP4P/2005, TIP4P, and SPC/E water models. This method avoids the need for a predetermined interface for melting point calculations and thus may have its importance in identifying dissociation kinetics of bulk hydrate.

}, keywords = {decomposition, Gas hydrates, Void-induced melting, Water models}, issn = {0301-0104}, doi = {10.1016/j.chemphys.2018.08.036}, author = {Choudhary, Nilesh and Chakrabarty, Suman and Roy, Sudip and Kumar, Rajnish} } @article {46321, title = {Continuous flow solvent free organic synthesis involving solids (reactants/products) using a screw reactor}, journal = {Green Chemistry}, volume = {21}, year = {2019}, month = {OCT }, pages = {5639-5646}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Here we report for the first-time various organic transformations such as aldol condensation, oxidation, nucleophilic substitutions, protection, acylations and coupling reactions using a mechanochemical approach at a controlled temperature using a single synthesis platform. Almost minimal solvents or solvent-free conditions are used, making it a very efficient and clean synthesis of various products. A jacketed screw reactor when operated at different temperatures (0 degrees C to 160 degrees C) and over a range of rotation speeds for changing the residence time (15 s-300 s) helped to achieve maximum conversion. This approach is also extended to the synthesis using substrates having different substitutions, heterocycles and steric hindrance.

}, issn = {1463-9262}, doi = {10.1039/c9gc02447f}, author = {Sharma, Brijesh M. and Atapalkar, Ranjit S. and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article {46156, title = {Conversion of curved assemblies into two dimensional sheets}, journal = {Nanoscale}, volume = {11}, year = {2019}, month = {MAR}, pages = {5732-5736}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The design and preparation of organic two dimensional (O2D) sheets and their conversion to curved nanostructures is in its infancy. To convert a flat structure into a curved structure, the molecule must have multiple interaction possibilities and an in-built twist. The conjugated small molecule iso-Indigo (i-Indigo) comprises two phenyl rings that are twisted (the dihedral angle is 15 degrees) at the junction. The i-Indigo has been connected with moieties that impart hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions. Due to the presence of the cloud in i-Indigo, - interactions are also present in the molecule. While all three interactions are in operation, rings and toroids are formed. Upon addition of hydrogen bonding competing solvents, the rings and toroids unravel to form O2D sheets. Control molecules that don{\textquoteright}t have hydrogen bonding moieties and - interactions form random assemblies. Please note that the rings, toroids and O2D sheets are formed in a single solvent by simple dissolution, unlike previous approaches that involve multiple steps and solvents.

}, issn = {2040-3364}, doi = {10.1039/c8nr09915d}, author = {Deshmukh, Gunvant and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam} } @article {46208, title = {A copper(ii)-coordination polymer based on a sulfonic-carboxylic ligand exhibits high water-facilitated proton conductivity}, journal = {Dalton Transactions}, volume = {48}, year = {2019}, month = {AUG}, pages = {11034-11044}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Proton conduction ability has been investigated in a new Cu(ii) based coordination polymer (CP), {[Cu-2(sba)(2)(bpg)(2)(H2O)(3)]center dot 5H(2)O}(n) (1), synthesized using the combination of 4-sulfobenzoic acid (4-Hsba) and bipyridine-glycoluril (BPG) ligands. Single crystal X-ray structure determination revealed that 1 features 1D porous channels encapsulating a continuous array of water molecules. Proton conductivity measurements reveal a high conductivity value of 0.94 x 10(-2) S cm(-1) at 80 degrees C and 95\% RH. The activation energy (E-a) of 0.64 eV demonstrates that the solvate water, coordinated water and hydrophilic groups in the channels promote the mobility of protons in the framework. Water sorption measurements exhibited hysterical behaviour with a high uptake value of 379.07 cm(3) g(-1). Time-dependent measurements revealed that the proton conductivity is retained even after 12 h of measurements. The proton conduction mechanism was validated by ab initio electronic structure calculations using the Nudged Elastic Band (NEB) method with molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies. The theoretical activation energy is calculated to be 0.54 eV which is in accordance with the experimental value.

}, doi = {10.1039/c9dt01983a}, author = {Tayade, Sakharam B. and Illathvalappil, Rajith and Lapalikar, Vaidehi and Markad, Datta and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Pujari, Bhatchandra and Kumbhar, Avinash S.} } @article {46061, title = {Core-size dispersity dominates the self-assembly of polymer grafted nanoparticles in solution}, journal = {Macromolecules}, volume = {52}, year = {2019}, month = {JUL }, pages = {4888-4894}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In polymer-grafted nanoparticles (PGN), covalent tethering of apolar polymer chains to a polar inorganic nanoparticle core induces the formation of self-assembled aggregates. Since the nature of these aggregates determines bulk mechanical and transport properties, it is of importance to understand the factors that determine the underlying assembly processes. In the literature, the solution assembly of PGNs has been understood in analogy to small-molecule amphiphiles. However, in any experimental realization, PGNs are invariably characterized by additional structural complexity, such as the distributions in the inorganic core size and in the grafted chains (both in their length and grafting density). These strongly influence the assembly of amphiphilic PGNs. We have previously demonstrated that dispersity in core size qualitatively affects the structure of PGN aggregates, and Jayaraman et al. demonstrated the effect of grafted chain-length dispersity. The combined effects of dispersity in the size of the core and grafted chains have not been explored previously. Here, we develop a model that builds on the work of Daoud and Cotton to explore a wide parameter space of PGN with dispersity simultaneously in core size and grafted chain length. We demonstrate that dispersity in core size is the dominant factor affecting the self-assembled solution structure of PGN aggregates. Our work suggests the importance of focusing on synthetic strategies for control of core-size dispersity to control aggregate structure in PGN.

}, issn = {0024-9297}, doi = {10.1021/acs.macromol.9b00704}, author = {Bachhar, Nirmalya and Kurnaraswamy, Guruswamy and Kumar, Sanat K.} } @article {46219, title = { Covalent organic frameworks: chemistry beyond the structure }, journal = {Journal of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {141}, year = {2019}, month = {FEB}, pages = {1807-1822}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) represent a new field of rapidly growing chemical research that takes direct inspiration from diverse covalent bonds existing between atoms. The success of linking atoms in two and three dimensions to construct extended framework structures moved the chemistry of COFs beyond the structures to methodologies, highlighting the possibility of prospective applications. Although structure to property relation in COFs has led to fascinating properties, chemical stability, processability and scalability were some of the important challenges that needed to be overcome for their successful implementation. In this Perspective, we take a closer look at the growth of COFs from mere supramolecular structures to potential industrializable materials.

}, doi = { 10.1021/jacs.8b10334}, author = {Kandambeth, Sharath and Dey, Kaushik and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article {46413, title = {Covalent self-assembly in two dimensions: connecting covalent organic framework nanospheres into crystalline and porous thin films}, journal = {Journal of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {141}, year = {2019}, month = {DEC }, pages = {20379}, type = {Article}, chapter = {20371}, abstract = {

Insolubility of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) in organic solvents is one of the major obstacles for the potential application of these extended networks such as drug delivery, sensing, optoelectronics, and semiconductor device fabrication. The present work proposes a unique way to make uniform, solution-processable, crystalline, and porous COF nanospheres directly from the homogeneous solution of amine and aldehyde via spatial and temporal control of the nucleation and growth. This strategy of direct nucleation simultaneously showcases the caliber to tune the size of the COF nanospheres from 25 to 570 nm. We have also demonstrated the concept of mesoscale covalent self-assembly of those solution-processable COF nanospheres in the liquid-liquid interface (DCM-water bilayer) for the very first time, transmuting them into self-standing COF thin films with long-range ordered arrangements in two dimensions. The crystalline and porous (with TpAzo showing highest S-BET of 1932 m(2) g(-1)) free-standing COF thin films could be fabricated in a wide range of thicknesses from as low as 21 nm to as high as 630 nm. Both beta-ketoenamine (TpAzo, TpDPP) and imine (TpOMeAzo, TpOMeDPP) linked COF thin films have been synthesized via mesoscale covalent self-assembly of the solution-processable COF nanospheres illustrating the generality of this eloquent methodology. Further, the solution processability has been tested and utilized to cast COF thin films uniformly in the inner and outer surface of an alumina hollow fiber membrane. The COF thin film-alumina hollow fiber membrane composites have showcased promising selective molecular separation of He and O-2, He and CO2, and He and N-2.

}, issn = {0002-7863}, doi = {10.1021/jacs.9b10788}, author = {Sasmal, Himadri Sekhar and Halder, Arjun and Kunjattu, Shebeeb and Dey, Kaushik and Nadol, Athulya and Ajithkumar, Thalasseril G. and Bedadur, Prachiti Ravindra and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article {46245, title = {Critical role of processing on the mechanical properties of cross-linked highly loaded nanocomposites }, journal = {Macromolecules}, volume = {52}, year = {2019}, pages = {5955-5962}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Polymer nanocomposites are frequently not at equilibrium-therefore, the structure and properties critically depend on the protocol followed in their preparation. Here, we demonstrate that the elastic-brittle transition in highly loaded ice-templated polymer nanocomposites is sensitively determined by the conformation of polymer chains during nanocomposite preparation. Macroporous polymer nanocomposites are synthesized using two preparation pathways, both exhibiting minor modifications of the ice-templating method wherein an aqueous dispersion of nanoparticles, polymers, and cross-linkers is frozen. In one method, the matrix polymer is cross-linked in the presence of ice, whereas in the other method, the ice is removed by freeze-drying before the polymer is cross-linked. Although all measurable structural metrics are practically identical for the two composites, they exhibit qualitatively different mechanical properties. Nanocomposites cross-linked in the presence of ice show exceptional resilience, recovering elastically from large compression for very high nanoparticle loadings-in some instances, above 90\% by weight. Here, the critical particle loading for the elastic- brittle transition is dependent on the molecular weight of the polymer. In comparison, samples cross-linked after freeze-drying appear structurally identical but turn brittle at much lower particle loadings (about 60\% by weight), independent of the matrix polymer molecular weight. We rationalize these differences in terms of the conformational state of the polymer during cross- linking. In the former case, polymer chains are in good solvent during nanocomposite preparation, while after lyophilization, they are in a poor solvent. The large spatial extent of well-solvated chains and chain-chain overlap during cross-linking results in the formation of intermolecular cross-links, and we obtain elastic nanocomposites even at high nanoparticle loadings. In contrast, for chains in collapsed conformations in a bad solvent, chain connectivity during cross-linking is achieved only for much lower particle loadings. Our results reiterate that the sensitivity of polymer conformations to different processing methods can result in large differences in properties, even though their consequences on structural characteristics are effectively indistinguishable.

}, doi = {10.1021/acs.macromol.9b00813}, author = {Suresh, Karthika and Chowdhury, Arindam and Kumar, Sanat K. and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy} } @article {46344, title = {Crystal engineering for intramolecular pi-pi stacking: effect of sequential substitution of f on molecular geometry in conformationally flexible sulfonamides}, journal = {Crystal Growth \& Design}, volume = {19}, year = {2019}, month = {OCT}, pages = {5665-5678}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A small library of ten sulfonamide derivatives comprising two aromatic rings was synthesized to investigate the effect of chronological positioning of the F-atom on the intramolecular pi-stacking assembly. The sequential positioning of F atoms was carried out on one of the aromatic rings that is linked to the sulfonamide moiety directly while the other aromatic ring (phenyl or pyridine) is linked by an ethyl spacer with the sulfonamide moiety. The ethyl spacer is provided to achieve the required flexibility so that both aromatic rings can bend to acquire syn conformation facilitated pi-stacking between electron-deficient and electron-rich aromatic rings. The idea was to study the interplay between hydrogen bonding and pi-stacking synthons in the conformationally flexible sulfonamide derivatives. The solid-state conformation of all the derivatives was investigated using the single-crystal X-ray diffraction technique. Crystal structure analysis revealed that the syn conformation was achieved only in trifluoro and pentafluoro sulfonamide derivatives with benzene substitution while in all other derivatives the molecules take either midway or anti conformations. None of the sulfonamide molecules with a pyridine moiety showed syn conformation. It could be because of the involvement of the pyridine N-atom in the hydrogen bonding dimeric synthon. The molecular conformation study in solution state using 2D NOESY and HOESY NMR experiments also substantiated syn conformation in a pentafluoro sulfonamide molecule with benzene substitution. The conformational analysis carried out employing density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirmed higher stability for the syn conformation over midway and anti orientations.

}, issn = {1528-7483}, doi = {10.1021/acs.cgd.9b00667}, author = {Shaikh, Samir R. and Gawade, Rupesh L. and Kumar, Deepak and Kotmale, Amol and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Stuerzer, Tobias} } @article {46273, title = {Crystalline LaCoO3 perovskite as a novel catalyst for glycerol transesterification}, journal = {Molecular Catalysis}, volume = {475}, year = {2019}, month = {OCT}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

LaCoO3 perovskite was synthesized using sol-gel method by nitrate and acetate precursors of La and Co with varying molar ratios of La and Co (1:1, 1:2 and 2:1). This was found to be an unique strategy to obtain highly crystalline LaCoO3 perovskite material without using any chelating agent. The variation of precursors was found to influence their crystallinity however, variation in molar ratio in the range of 0.5-2, did not affect the formation of perovskite framework. The formation of pure perovskite phase (around or \> 80\%) could be achieved by combination of acetate and nitrate precursors while, the combination of acetate- acetate or nitrate- nitrate precursors resulted in low phase purity for the perovskite due to the formation of secondary phases like La2O3 and Co3O4. Very interestingly, such combination of perovskite and pure oxide phases contributed to enhancement of basic sites which catalyzed the glycerol transestrifiaction with DMC (dimethyl carbonate) to GC (glycerol carbonate) and GD (glycidol). Among all the catalysts studied, NAP-2 showed highest efficiency in terms of 98\% glycerol conversion and 77\% GC and 22\% GD selectivities. The highlight of this work is that first step glycerol transesterification with DMC required basic sites of either metal oxide or perovskite but for cascade reaction involving decarboxylation required both metal oxide as well as LaCoO3 perovskite phase.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.mcat.2019.110496}, author = {Phadtare, Deepshree and Kondawar, Sharda and Athawale, Anjali and Rode, Chandrashekhar} } @article {46351, title = {Cubic palladium nanorattles with solid octahedron gold core for catalysis and alkaline membrane fuel cell applications}, journal = {ChemCatChem}, volume = {11}, year = {2019}, month = {SEP }, pages = {4383-4392}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Herein, we report the synthesis of palladium nanorattles (Au-Pd NRTs) comprising of a gold octahedral core caged within a thin porous cubic palladium shell. The introduction of core-shell and porous architecture was realized by combining seed mediated and galvanic replacement reaction techniques. Next, we examined the catalytic efficiency of the nanocatalyst in comparison with solid palladium nanocube (Pd-NC) of similar size for the degradation of p-nitrophenol and organic dyes. The rate constant of Au-Pd NRTs was found nearly 12 times higher than the Pd-NCs. Further, we exploited our catalyst for electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and observed its high intrinsic ORR activity. Compared with commercialized Pt/C, the Au-Pd NRT displayed nearly comparable onset and half-wave potential values and excellent durability upon potential cycling. The system level validation in a single-cell mode of alkaline exchange membrane fuel cell also confirms the efficiency of the present catalyst to serve as a potential cathode catalyst for realistic device applications.

}, keywords = {alkaline exchange membrane fuel cell, electrocatalysis, nanorattles, ORR, Pd nanoparticle}, issn = {1867-3880}, doi = {10.1002/cctc.201900741}, author = {Singh, Prem and Sonika and Gangadharan, Pranav K. and Khan, Ziyauddin and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Jaiswal, Amit} } @article {45609, title = {C-F bond activation by saturated NHC: mesoionic compound formation and its unprecedented adduct with B(C6F5)3}, journal = {Angewandte Chemie - International Edition}, volume = {58}, year = {2019}, month = {FEB}, pages = {2804-2808}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The reaction of SIPr, [1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-imidazolin-2-ylidene] (1), with C6F6 led to the formation of an unprecedented mesoionic compound (2). The formation of 2 is made accessible by deprotonation of the SIPr backbone with simultaneous elimination of HF. The C-F bond para to the imidazolium ring in 2 is only of 1.258(4) {\r A}, which is the one of the shortest structurally authenticated C-F bonds known to date. The liberation of HF during the reaction is unequivocally proved by the addition of one more equivalent of SIPr, which leads to the imidazolium salt with the HF2- anion. To functionalize 2, the latter reacted with B(C6F5)3 to give an unusual donor{\textendash}acceptor compound, where the fluoride atom from the C6F5 moiety coordinates to B(C6F5)3 and the carbanion moiety remains unaffected. Such coordination susceptibility of the fluoride atom of a nonmetallic system to a main-group Lewis acid (Fnon-metal{\textrightarrow}BR3) is quite unprecedented.

}, keywords = {C-F activation, carbanions, N-heterocyclic carbenes, structure elucidation, Ylides}, issn = {1433-7851}, doi = {10.1002/anie.201814616}, author = {Pait, M. and Kundu, G. and Tothadi, S. and Karak, S. and Jain, S. and Vanka, K. and Sen, S. S.} } @article {46107, title = {Demystifying a hexuronic acid ligand that recognizes Toxoplasma gondii and blocks its invasion into host cells}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {17}, year = {2019}, month = {MAY}, pages = {4535-4542}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous eukaryotic pathogen responsible for toxoplasmosis in humans and animals. This parasite is an obligate intracellular pathogen and actively invades susceptible host cells, a process which is mediated by specific receptor-ligand interactions. Here, we have identified an unnatural 2,4-disulfated D-glucuronic acid (Di-S-GlcA), a hexuronic acid composed of heparin/ heparan sulfate, as a potential carbohydrate ligand that can selectively bind to T. gondii parasites. More importantly, the gelatin conjugated Di-S-GlcA multivalent probe displayed strong inhibition of parasite entry into host cells. These results open perspective for the future use of Di-S-GlcA epitopes in biomedical applications against toxoplasmosis.

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/c9ob00744j}, author = {Subramani, Balamurugan and Shantamurthy, Chethan D. and Maru, Parag and Belekar, Meenakshi A. and Mardhekar, Sandhya and Shanmugam, Dhanasekaran and Kikkeri, Raghavendra} } @article {46255, title = {Dendrite growth suppression by Zn2+-integrated nafion ionomer membranes: beyond porous separators toward aqueous Zn/V2O5 batteries with extended cycle life }, journal = {Energy Technology}, volume = {7}, year = {2019}, month = {SEP}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The dendritic/irregular growth of zinc deposits in the anode surface is often considered as a major intricacy limiting the lifespan of aqueous zinc-ion batteries. The effect of separators on the evolution of the surface morphology of the anode/cathode is never thoroughly studied. Herein, for the first time, the efficacy of the Zn2+-integrated Nafion ionomer membrane is demonstrated as a separator to effectively suppress the growth of irregular zinc deposits in the metallic anode of an aqueous Zn/V2O5 battery. The Zn2+-ions coordinated with the SO3- moieties in Nafion result in a high transference number of the Zn2+ cation, all the while facilitating a high ionic conductivity. The Zn2+-integrated Nafion membrane enables the Zn/V2O5 cell to deliver a high specific capacity of 510 mAh g(-1) at a current of 0.25 A g(-1), which is close to the theoretical capacity of anhydrous V2O5 (589 mAh g(-1)). Moreover, the same cell exhibits an excellent cycling stability of 88\% retention of the initial capacity even after 1800 charge-discharge cycles, superior to that of the Zn/V2O5 cells comprising conventional porous separators.

}, doi = {10.1002/ente.201900442}, author = {Ghosh, Meena and Vijayakumar, Vidyanand and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {45483, title = {Design and synthesis of aromatic polyesters bearing pendant clickable maleimide groups}, journal = {Journal of Polymer Science Part A-Polymer Chemistry}, volume = {57}, year = {2019}, month = {MAR }, pages = {630-640}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A bisphenol bearing pendant maleimide group, namely, N-maleimidoethyl-3, 3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-isobenzopyrrolidone (PPH-MA) was synthesized starting from phenolphthalein. Aromatic (co)polyesters bearing pendant maleimide groups were synthesized from PPH-MA and aromatic diacid chlorides, namely, isophthaloyl chloride (IPC), terephthaloyl chloride (TPC), and 50:50 mol \% mixture of IPC and TPC by low temperature solution polycondensation technique. Copolyesters were also synthesized by polycondensation of different molar proportions of PPH-MA and bisphenol A with IPC. Inherent viscosities and number-average molecular weights of aromatic (co)polyesters were in the range of 0.52-0.97 dL/g and 20,200-32,800 g/mol, respectively indicating formation of medium to reasonably high-molecular-weight polymers. C-13 NMR spectral analysis of copolyesters revealed the formation of random copolymers. The 10\% weight loss temperature of (co)polyesters was found in the range 470-484 degrees C, indicating their good thermal stability. A selected aromatic polyester bearing pendant maleimide groups was chemically modified via thiol-maleimide Michael addition reaction with two representative thiol compounds, namely, 4-chlorothiophenol and 1-adamantanethiol to yield post-modified polymers in a quantitative manner. Additionally, it was demonstrated that polyester containing pendant maleimide groups could be used to form insoluble crosslinked gel in the presence of a multifunctional thiol crosslinker. (c) 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 630-640

}, keywords = {crosslinking, maleimide group, modification, polyesters, thiol-maleimide}, issn = {0887-624X}, doi = {10.1002/pola.29303}, author = {Nagane, Samadhan S. and Kuhire, Sachin S. and Jadhav, Uday A. and Dhanmane, Sushilkumar A. and Wadgaonkar, Prakash P.} } @article {46125, title = {Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of (E)-5-styryl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles as anti-tubercular agents}, journal = {Bioorganic Chemistry}, volume = {86}, year = {2019}, month = {MAY}, pages = {507-512}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Cinnamic acid and its derivatives are known for anti-tubercular activity. The present study reports the synthesis of cinnamic acid derivatives via bioisosteric replacement of terminal carboxylic acid with {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}oxadiazole{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}. A series of cinnamic acid derivatives (styryl oxadiazoles) were designed and synthesized in good yields by reaction of substituted cinnamic acids (2, 15a-15s) with amidoximes. The synthesized styryl oxadiazoles were evaluated in vitro for anti-tubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) H37Ra strain. The structure-activity relationship (SAR) study has identified several compounds with mixed anti-tubercular profiles. The compound 32 displayed potent anti-tubercular activity (IC50= 0.045 mu g/mL). Molecular docking studies on mycobacterial enoyl-ACP reductase enzyme corroborated well with the experimental findings providing a platform for structure based hit-to-lead development.

}, keywords = {1, 2, 4-Oxadiazole, Anti-tubercular, Bioisosteres, Cinnamic acid, Molecular docking}, issn = {0045-2068}, doi = {10.1016/j.bioorg.2019.01.054}, author = {Upare, Abhay Atmaram and Gadekar, Pradip K. and Sivaramakrishnan, H. and Naik, Nishigandha and Khedkar, Vijay M. and Sarkar, Dhiman and Choudhari, Amit and Roopan, S. Mohana} } @article {46234, title = {Detection of toxic metal ions Pb2+ in water using SiO2@Au core-shell nanostructures: A simple technique for water quality monitoring}, journal = {Chemical Physics Letters}, volume = {732}, year = {2019}, month = {OCT}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The present paper demonstrates a development of simple, sensitive and selective optical probe for detection of Pb2+ ions in water using monodispersed silica-gold core-shell nanostructures (SiO2@Au NSs). Structural and elemental analysis confirms the phase purity of nanostructures. The SPR studies for SiO2 @Au NSs reveals, linear dynamic range for Pb2+ ions detection, in the concentration range of 100 ppb to 2 ppm, with detection limit of 100 ppb, which is 5 times higher than AuNPs. Cross sensitivity study confirm its selectivity towards Pb2+ ions over other metal ions. XPS analysis shows the interaction of Pb2+ ions with core-shell NPs.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.cplett.2019.136635}, author = {Daware, Krishna and Kasture, Manasi and Kalubarme, Ramchandra and Shinde, Rakesh and Patil, Kashinath and Suzuki, Norihiro and Terashima, Chiaki and Gosavi, Suresh and Fujishim, Akira} } @article {46144, title = {Development and evaluation of taxon-specific primers for the selected Caudovirales taxa}, journal = {Virus Research}, volume = {263}, year = {2019}, month = {APR }, pages = {184-188}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The phage taxonomy is primarily based on the morphology derived from Transmission Electron Microscopic (TEM) studies. TEM based characterization is authentic and accepted by scientific community. However, TEM based identification is expensive and time consuming. After the phage isolation, before analysis TEM, a DNA based rapid method could be introduced. The DNA based method could dramatically reduce the number of samples analyzed by TEM and thereby increase the speed and reduce the cost of identification. In the present work, four environmental phage isolates were identified based on TEM studies and genome size. The identification of these four phages was validated using DNA based method. The taxon-specific DNA markers were identified through multiple sequence alignments. The primers were designed at conserved genes (DNA polymerase or integrase) of 4 different phage taxa viz. family Ackermannviridae, genus Jerseyvirus, genus T4virus, and genus P22virus. These primers were evaluated using both in vitro and in silico approach for the amplification of the target taxons. Majority of the primer sets were found to amplify member species of the targeted taxa in vitro. In In silico analysis, six primer sets intended for identification of family Ackermannviridae showed positive amplification of \>= 86.7\% classified species. Further, the primers targeting the genus Jerseyvirus and T4virus showed the amplification of 53.8\% and \>= 84.6\% species, respectively. The present work is a case study performed to explore the possibility of use of taxon-specific primers for identification and taxonomic studies of newly isolated phages to supplement the TEM.

}, keywords = {Bacteriophage, DNA markers, Pcr, Primers, Taxonomy, TEM}, issn = {0168-1702}, doi = {10.1016/j.virusres.2019.02.005}, author = {Newase, Sandeep K. and Gupta, Alka and Dastager, Syed G. and Kapadnis, Balu P. and Shashidhar, Ravindranath} } @article {45626, title = {Dicationic liquid mediated synthesis of tetrazoloquinolinyl methoxy phenyl 4-thiazolidinones and their antibacterial and antitubercular evaluation}, journal = {Synthetic Communications}, year = {2019}, month = {JAN}, type = {Article}, abstract = {In a search of new potentially active antitubercular agents here we have synthesized 3-substituted phenyl-2-(4-(tetrazolo[1,5-a]quinolin-4-ylmethoxy)phenyl)thiazolidin-4-ones (8a{\textendash}l) and evaluated their antibacterial, particularly antitubercular activity. These have been conveniently synthesized by performing one{\textendash}pot cyclocondensation of 4-(tetrazolo[1,5-a]quinolin-4-ylmethoxy)benzaldehyde, anilines and mercaptoacetic acid in dicationic ionic liquid, (3-methyl-1-[3-(methyl-1H-imidazolium-1-yl)propyl]-1H-imidazolium dibromide [C3(MIM)2{\textendash}2Br]) and obtained excellent yields of (8a{\textendash}l). 4-Thiazolidinones (8a{\textendash}l) were thoroughly characterized by their spectral analyses. These compounds have been screened for their in vitro antitubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra and Mycobacterium bovis (BCG). The compounds 8a, 8c, and 8e exhibited notable in vitro antitubercular activity compare to the reference, Rifampicin. Molecular docking study has also been performed to know the binding mode of these analogs in to the active site of DprE1 enzyme. The synthesized compounds were also evaluated for their in vitro antibacterial activity and amongst them compound 8k has shown moderate activity against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial strains.}, doi = {10.1080/00397911.2018.1564928}, author = {Deshmukh, A. R. and Dhumal, S. T. and Nawale, L. U. and Khedkar, V. M. and Sarkar, D. and Mane, R. A.} } @article {46437, title = {Dinitrogen activation on graphene anchored single atom catalysts: local site activity or surface phenomena}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {123}, year = {2019}, month = {NOV}, pages = {27492-27500}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Catalysis on two-dimensional (2D) substrates with metal clusters or centers is generally dealt with as a surface phenomenon under the conjecture that the delocalized electron density is the driving force. When single atom catalysts (SACs) are anchored on such materials with delocalized electron density, for instance graphene, the stimulant for catalysis may be either the d-electrons on the metal or the system altogether. To understand the contributing factors of catalysis on such systems, a case study of dinitrogen (N-2) activation on Mo anchored graphene has been made by employing periodic and finite models of graphene. The periodic model represents a continuum of SACs anchored periodically on graphene, while the finite models are graphene nanoflakes of varying sizes and edge orientations. In addition to the physical aspects, such as size/finiteness of graphene, the influence of varying chemical compositions of the substrate on the activity is also evaluated by doping graphene with different B and N concentrations. This study, while clearly bringing out the connotation of regulating atomic composition of graphene substrate for dinitrogen activation, also surprisingly unveils the relative insignificance of varying the size and edge effects of the substrate. These features are highlighted through an analysis of red shift in the N-N stretching frequency, charge transfer to dinitrogen from the catalytic system, and structural and electronic characteristics of the catalytic system. The total and projected density of states plots reveal hybridization between the metal d orbitals and the p orbitals of carbon and nitrogen in the valence band. On the other hand, the frontier molecular orbital analysis also depicts a strong chemisorption of dinitrogen with the metal-graphene supports on account of direct hybridization between the d orbitals of the supported metal atom and the p orbitals of dinitrogen. The Bader and Lowdin charge distribution on the adsorbed dinitrogen in periodic and finite models shows the preeminence of local site over the surface activity.

}, issn = {1932-7447}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpcc.9b06757}, author = {Maibam, Ashakiran and Govindaraja, Thillai and Selvaraj, Kaliaperumal and Krishnamurty, Sailaja} } @article {46104, title = {Direct thermal polymerization approach to N-rich holey carbon nitride nanosheets and their promising photocatalytic H-2 evolution and charge-storage activities}, journal = {ACS Sustainable Chemistry \& Engineering}, volume = {7}, year = {2019}, month = {MAY }, pages = {9428-9438}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Energy conversion and energy storage are two crucial challenges in green chemistry that have attracted tremendous attention for the last several decades. In this work, we have addressed both issues by synthesizing nitrogen-rich, few-layer-thick holey graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanosheets by a simple, novel, direct thermal polymerization method, which is found to be very good in photocatalytic H-2 evolution reaction (energy-conversion) and charge-storage supercapacitor (energy-storage) applications. This as-synthesized conjugated polymer semiconductor (obtained stoichiometry C3N4.8) with unique structural and morphological advantages exhibits superior photocatalytic water splitting activity to H-2 evolution (2 620 mu mol h(-1) g(-1)) without the help of any cocatalysts under visible light in the presence of 20\% triethanolamine (TEOA). The calculated apparent quantum yield is 8.5\% at 427 nm, and the rate of photocatalytic hydrogen generation remained constant for nine consecutive catalytic cycles (9 h photocatalysis). The present material also shows electrochemical double layer capacitor (EDLC) behavior in alkaline electrolyte, where a symmetric coin cell device consisting of this electrode material without any large area support or conductive filler delivers high specific capacitance (275 F g(-1)), energy density (30 Wh kg(-1)), and power density (6651 W kg(-1)), and the supercapacitor cell can retain \>98\% capacitance efficiency up to 10 000 measured cycles at various current densities.

}, keywords = {g-C3N4, Hydrogen evolution, nanosheets, Photocatalyst, supercapacitor, water splitting}, issn = {2168-0485}, doi = {10.1021/acssuschemeng.9b00626}, author = {Antil, Bindu and Kumar, Lakshya and Reddy, K. P. and Gopinath, C. S. and Deka, Sasanka} } @article {46197, title = {Direct Z-scheme g-C3N4/FeWO4 nanocomposite for enhanced and selective photocatalytic CO2 reduction under visible light}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {11}, year = {2019}, month = {FEB }, pages = {6174-6183}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to renewable solar fuels is considered to be a promising strategy to simultaneously solve both global warming and energy crises. However, development of a superior photocatalytic system with high product selectivity for CO2 reduction under solar light is the prime requisite. Herein, a series of nature-inspired Z-scheme g C3N4/FeWO4 composites are prepared for higher performance and selective CO2 reduction to CO as solar fuel under solar light. The novel direct Z-scheme coupling of the visible light-active FeWO4 nanoparticles with C3N4 nanosheets is seen to exhibit excellent performance for CO production with a rate of 6 mu mol/g/h at an ambient temperature, almost 6 times higher compared to pristine C3N4 and 15 times higher than pristine FeWO4. More importantly, selectivity for CO is 100\% over other carbon products from CO, reduction and more than 90\% over. H-2 products from water splitting. Our results clearly demonstrate that the staggered band structure between FeWO4 and C3N4 reflecting the nature-inspired Z-scheme system not only favors superior spatial separation of the electron hole pair in g-C3N4/FeWO4 but also shows good reusability. The present work provides unprecedented insights for constructing the direct Z-scheme by mimicking the nature for high performance and selective photocatalytic CO2 reduction into solar fuels under solar light.

}, keywords = {C3N4, CO2 reduction, FeWO4, Photocatalysis, solar fuels, Z-scheme}, issn = {1944-8244}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.8b22434}, author = {Bhosale, Reshma and Jain, Srashti and Vinod, Chathakudath Prabhakaran and Kumar, Santosh and Ogale, Satishchandra} } @article {45493, title = {Effect and position of spiro-bipropylenedioxythiophene pi-spacer in donor-pi-spacer-acceptor dyes for dye-sensitized solar cell}, journal = {Dyes and Pigments}, volume = {161}, year = {2019}, month = {FEB}, pages = {313-323}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Improper orientation and self-assembly of dyes on TiO2 surface are the main disadvantages at the dye-TiO2 interface that governs both charge injection and dye regeneration processes. In this report, a series of homo spiro-dimeric donor-pi-spacer-acceptor (D-pi-A) dyes based on bithiophene and terthiophene spacers with two-anchoring group containing dyes, TT1, T1T, TT1T were designed and synthesized by Pd-catalyzed successive Suzuki coupling followed by direct arylation reactions. The position of branching centre in TT1 and T1T was systematically varied, where the spiro unit was placed near and away from the anchoring carboxylic acid unit, respectively. The dimeric spiro-dye T1T showed device performance, which is 1.6 fold higher than its structural isomeric analogue TT1, of 3.9\% with a V-oc and J(sc) of 0.593 V and 9.09 mA/cm2, respectively, whereas for the isomeric analogue TT1 a device performance of 2.45\% (V-oc of 0.568 V and J(sc) of 6.25 mA/cm2) under simulated 1 Sun (100 mW/cm2) condition. The improved Voc for the dye T1T compared to TT1 dye was ascribed to the dipole moment exerted by the dyes on TiO2 surface. Further the PCE of 4.16\% (V-oc 0.589 V, J(sc) 9.79 mA/cm2 respectively) maximum was observed, when an extra thiophene unit was inserted in between the donor and pi-spacer in dye TT1T. The shifting the position of branching spiroBiProDOT pi-spacer makes an impact on the device performance by synergistically enhancing both Voc and Jsc.

}, keywords = {CDCA, D-pi-A Spiro dye, Dye aggregation, dye-sensitized solar cell, spiroBiProDOT spacer}, issn = {0143-7208}, doi = {10.1016/j.dyepig.2018.09.056}, author = {Sil, Manik Chandra and Kavungathodi, Munavvar Fairoos Mele and Nithyanandhan, Jayaraj} } @article {46013, title = {Effect of electrostatic interactions on structure and mechanical properties of ice templated colloid-polymer composites}, journal = {Journal of Physics D-Applied Physics}, volume = {52}, year = {2019}, month = {MAY }, pages = {214002}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

When an aqueous dispersion of negatively charged colloids, cationic polymer and crosslinker is frozen and the polymer is allowed to crosslink in the frozen state, we obtain a self-standing macroporous composite foam. This material is soft, despite the high concentration of colloids and yet is remarkably elastic to large compressive strains. In these macroporous composites, the pore walls comprise colloidal particles held within a crosslinked polymer network. Here, we investigate the effect of varying colloid- polymer interactions in pre-fabricated macroporous composites on their microstructure and mechanical properties. During preparation of the composite, cationic polymer adsorbs on the negatively charged colloids. We tune the surface charge of particles embedded in a macroscopic monolith by immersing the composites in water maintained at different pH. In this way, we tune polymer-particle interactions in the composite. We observe a sudden increase in interparticle distance and swelling of composite when pH is decreased below the particle{\textquoteright}s isoelectric point. Correspondingly, we observe reduction in Young{\textquoteright}s and shear moduli, compression strength and macroscopic energy dissipation. We did not observe any pH dependent changes in pure polymer sponges (prepared by ice templating and crosslinking a polymer solution that does not contain colloidal particles). Therefore, the pH dependent structural and mechanical property changes arise from the composite structure rather than purely from the crosslinked polymer. We believe that the reduction in mechanical stiffness when the polymer-particle interaction becomes repulsive is because of the reduction in interfacial contacts between particle and polymer. Therefore, the mechanical stiffness of ice templated composite is strongly influenced by interactions between the polymer and particle surface.

}, keywords = {colloid, electrostatic interaction, ice templating, mechanical properties, Polymer}, issn = {0022-3727}, doi = {10.1088/1361-6463/ab0b7b}, author = {Suresh, Karthika and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy} } @article {46210, title = {Effect of media components and growth conditions for improved linoleic acid production by beauveria species}, journal = {Journal of the American Oil Chemists Society}, volume = {96}, year = {2019}, month = {AUG}, pages = {945-954}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Beauveria species are well-known insect pathogenic fungi, and Beauveria bassiana is used as a biopesticide against various pests in agriculture. However, the Beauveria species has not been reported as producers of microbial oils. In this study, Beauveria spp. MTCC 5184 was used to produce microbial oil with high linoleic acid (LA) content. Ten experiments were performed to evaluate the effects of several media parameters, such as carbon and nitrogen sources, pH, various concentrations of carbon and nitrogen, growth duration, and oleic acid (OLA) supplementation for maximum LA and dry biomass production by the fungus. Several of these parameters had a significant impact on the production of LA, as well as dry biomass. The glucose yeast extract (GYE) medium supplemented with 1.5\% (w/v) peptone yielded maximum LA (0.32 +/- 0.01 g L-1) and biomass (5.51 +/- 0.26 g L-1). However, through the addition of 1.0\% (w/v) OLA, the precursor of LA, LA production was enhanced 12-fold (1.24 +/- 0.03 g L-1), and the biomass production increased by 5-fold (11.05 +/- 0.46 g L-1) in comparison to those in the basal (GYE) medium. Using lactose as the sole carbon source produced the lowest LA (0.05 +/- 0.00 g L-1) and biomass (1.04 +/- 0.10 g L-1). The results of this study will be useful for the commercial exploitation of this fungus for the production of LA-rich microbial oil for use in the production of lubricants, greases, paints, cosmetics, etc.

}, doi = {10.1002/aocs.12252}, author = {Sanghi, Smrati and Chirmade, Tejas and More, Snehal and Prabhune, Asmita and Gupta, Vidya and Kadoo, Narendra} } @article {46447, title = {Effect of substitution on the excited state photophysical and spectral properties of boron difluoride curcumin complex dye and their derivatives: a time dependent-DFT study}, journal = {Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B-Biology}, volume = {199}, year = {2019}, month = {OCT}, pages = {111595}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The optical, charge transport and electronic properties of boron difluoride curcumin (BFC) complex have been explored using the DFT (Density Functional Theory) method and B3LYP functional with the combination of 6-31 + G(d,p) as a basis set. The influence of substitution with various electron releasing and withdrawing groups on the above properties is analyzed and discussed in this work. The results reveal that the BFC complex on additional electron releasing substitution experiences redshifts in the optical transitions, and this is correlated with the dipole moment, NBO charges, HOMO-LUMO energy gap. Further, the absorption (lambda(abs)) and emission (lambda(ems)) spectra of substituted and unsubstituted BFCs are calculated using Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD-DFT). The results show that the electron releasing groups strongly influence the absorption and emission spectra of BFC. Electron releasing groups in BFC derivatives generate the wavelength shift (Bathochromic), but the electron-withdrawing groups in BFC don{\textquoteright}t affect the lambda(abs) and lambda(ems) when compare to its original (parent) compound. The output of the research work strongly recommends that the amino, phenyl and N, N{\textquoteright}-dimethylamino derivatives are potential candidates to act as fluorescent materials due to enhance the emission behavior of BFC and also can be used as an electron/charge transport material for organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs).

}, keywords = {Absorption, Boron difluoride curcumin, Emission, Molecular orbitals, Time-dependent density functional theory}, issn = {1011-1344}, doi = {10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2019.111595}, author = {Selvam, Karthick and Gandhi, Sivaraman and Krishnarnurty, Sailaja and Gopalakrishnan, Gopu} } @article {46126, title = {Effective polysulfide trapping polar interlayer for high rate Li-S batteries}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry A}, volume = {7}, year = {2019}, month = {APR }, pages = {10067-10076}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A microporous and polymeric C3N4 framework (CNF), when exploited as an interlayer and as a cathode host in Li-S batteries, demonstrates significantly improved electrochemical behavior with a special relevance to high rate applications up to 5C. A CNF obtained through a template free synthesis approach and activated with KOH is endowed with a high specific surface area of 1000 m(2) g(-1), a desirable nitrogen content (13\%) to ensure polarity and a microporous architecture, required to increase the accommodation capability of discharge products. The difference in electronegativity between C and N in CNFs combats in a major way the shuttling of lithium polysulfides (LIPSs) and ensures the realization of increased LIPS binding sites due to the presence of pyridinic nitrogen. Furthermore, a CNF driven change in the molecular configuration of adsorbed LIPSs leads to the uniform distribution and sequestration of discharge products. Similarly, micropores and the polymeric nature of CNFs facilitate the effective confinement of LIPSs and ably accommodate the volume changes (through the formation of Li2S upon discharge) respectively, especially when a microporous CNF interlayer is involved in the Li-S assembly. In particular, a CNF with 60 wt\% sulfur loading, otherwise represented as CNFS-60, when exploited as a cathode in combination with the deployment of a CNF interlayer exhibits appreciable capacity values of 500 and 400 mA h g(-1) at 3 and 5C respectively. Furthermore, the combination of the CNF interlayer and cathode demonstrates a steady state discharge capacity of 437 mA h g(-1) at 1C rate up to 300 cycles, without any significant capacity loss. The involvement of chemical interaction of the CNF with lithium polysulfides is demonstrated using density functional theory calculations. Hence, the effective trapping and the subsequent localization of migrating LIPSs arising from the strong chemical interaction of the CNF with soluble LIPSs and the advantages of high concentration of accessible pyridinic nitrogen sites to the LIPS adsorption in improving the electrochemical behavior of the Li-S system could be understood. This new CNF based interlayer provides a promising approach and ample scope for its implementation in futuristic Li-S batteries.

}, issn = {2050-7488}, doi = {10.1039/c9ta00233b}, author = {Karuppiah, Saravanan and Kalimuthu, Balakumar and Nazrulla, Mohammed Azeezulla and Krishnamurty, Sailaja and Nallathamby, Kalaiselvi} } @article {46138, title = {Efficient broad-band emission from contorted purely corner-shared one dimensional (1D) organic lead halide perovskite}, journal = {Chemistry of Materials}, volume = {31}, year = {2019}, month = {APR }, pages = {2253-2257}, type = {Article}, issn = {0897-4756}, doi = {10.1021/acs.chemmater.9b00069}, author = {Biswas, Anupam and Bakthavatsalam, Rangarajan and Shaikh, Samir R. and Shinde, Aparna and Lohar, Amruta and Jena, Satyam and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Kundu, Janardan} } @article {45617, title = {Efficient heterogeneous copper fluorapatite (CuFAP)-catalysed oxidative synthesis of diaryl sulfone under mild ligand- and base-free conditions}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {43}, year = {2019}, month = {JAN}, pages = {1632-1636 }, type = {Article}, abstract = {A simple, eco-friendly and efficient method for the synthesis of unsymmetrical diaryl sulfones using heterogeneous copper fluorapatite (CuFAP)-catalysed coupling of aryl sulfonic acid and phenyl boronic acid has been developed with good to excellent yields without use of any ligand, base or co-catalyst. Broad substrate scope and gram scale operations are the important features of this method.}, doi = {10.1039/C8NJ04845B}, author = {Kamble, R. B. and Chavan, S. S. and Suryavanshi, G.} } @article {46122, title = {Electrospun polycaprolactone/hydroxyapatite/ZnO nanofibers as potential biomaterials for bone tissue regeneration}, journal = {Journal of Materials Science-Materials In Medicine}, volume = {30}, year = {2019}, month = {MAY}, pages = {51}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Fabricating a bioartificial bone graft possessing structural, mechanical and biological properties mimicking the real bone matrix is a major challenge in bone tissue engineering. Moreover, the developed materials are prone to microbial invasion leading to biomaterial centered infections which might limit their clinical translation. In the present study, biomimetic nanofibrous scaffolds of Poly -caprolactone (PCL)/nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) were electrospun with 1wt\%, 5wt\%, 10wt\%, 15wt\% and 30wt\% of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles in order to understand the optimal concentration range of (ZnO) nanoparticles balancing both biocompatibility and osteoregeneration. The developed nanofibrous scaffolds were successfully characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), contact angle, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), wide-angle X-Ray diffraction (WAXD), brunaueremmett Teller (BET) surface area and tensile testing. Biocompatibility of the developed scaffolds at in vitro level was evaluated by culturing MG-63 cells and investigating the impact on cell viability, proliferation, protein adsorption, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and biomineralization. The PCL/nHA scaffolds exhibited a 1.2-fold increase in cell viability and proliferation, while incorporation of ZnO nanoparticles to PCL/nHA imparted antimicrobial activity to the scaffolds with a progressive increase in the antimicrobial efficacy with increasing ZnO concentration. The results of cell viability were supported by ALP activity and mineralization assay, wherein, PCL/nHA/ZnO scaffolds showed higher ALP activity and better mineralization capacity as compared to pristine PCL. Although, the PCL/nHA/ZnO scaffolds with 10, 15 and 30wt\% of ZnO particles exhibited superior antimicrobial efficacy against both gram-negative (E. coli) and gram-positive (S. aureus) bacteria, a significant decrease in the cell viability and mechanical properties was observed at higher concentrations of ZnO namely 15 and 30\%. Amongst the various ZnO concentrations studied optimal cell viability, antimicrobial effect and mechanical strength were observed at 10wt.\% ZnO concentration. Thus, the present study revealed that the biomimetic tri-component PCL/nHA/ZnO scaffolds with ZnO concentration range of10\% could be ideal for achieving optimal biocompatibility (cell proliferation, biomineralization, and antimicrobial capacity) and mechanical stability thus making it a promising biomaterial substrate for bone tissue regeneration. [GRAPHICS] .

}, issn = {0957-4530}, doi = {10.1007/s10856-019-6255-5}, author = {Shitole, Ajinkya A. and Raut, Piyush W. and Sharma, Neeti and Giram, Prabhanjan and Khandwekar, Anand P. and Garnaik, Baijayantimala} } @article {46435, title = {Enantioselective formal total synthesis of (-)-quinagolide}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {21}, year = {2019}, month = {NOV}, pages = {9089-9093}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The enantioselective formal total synthesis of (-)-quinagolide has been accomplished in a linear sequence of 8 purification steps from pyridine. The key steps are (a) organocatalyzed Diets-Alder reaction for fixing all three stereocenters on piperidine ring; (b) protecting group enabled deoxygenation of isoquinuclidine skeleton under Birch reduction condition; (c) Lewis acid (TiCl4) catalyzed intramolecular Friedel-Crafts cyclization of dicarboxylic acid; and (d) one-pot diastereoselective ketone reduction-intramolecular cyclization to form oxazolidinone which enables trans-geometry installation. During the course of the synthesis, an interesting reductive cleavage of the C-N bond in the electron-deficient isoquinuclidine skeleton under the Birch reduction conditions has been observed. This is the first synthetic effort to access the core skeleton of (-)-quinagolide.

}, issn = {1523-7060}, doi = {10.1021/acs.orglett.9b03477}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Kadam, Appasaheb L. and Gonnade, Rajesh G.} } @article {47154, title = {Enhancing the device efficiency by filling the traps in photoanodes}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry C}, volume = {7}, year = {2019}, month = {DEC }, pages = {14632-14638}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Traps are ubiquitous in semiconductors and act as recombination sites. These recombination sites have a deleterious effect on the device efficiency. Thus, trap filling is used to increase the efficiency of devices. The traps are filled by dopants that either inject or extract electrons to/from the semiconductor. The trap-filled devices exhibit superior performance as compared to their unfilled counterparts. However, to date, this approach has not been explored in dye-sensitized solar cells despite the well-established presence of traps in them. The traps in the TiO2 photoanode are due to the presence of oxygen vacancies. Therefore, herein, we treated the photo anodes with hydrazine and filled the traps that increased all device metrics. Moreover, further sintering of the trap-filled photoanodes in the presence of hydrazine led to the formation of a nitrogen-doped photoanode. The device comprising a nitrogen-doped photoanode exhibited the efficiency increase of 23\%. The detailed analysis of the device performance led to the conclusion that trap filling suppressed back electron transfer and increased the photo conversion efficiency.

}, issn = {2050-7526}, doi = {10.1039/c9tc04740a}, author = {Sudhakar, Vediappan and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam} } @article {46298, title = {Estrogen receptor activation in response to Azadirachtin A stimulates osteoblast differentiation and bone formation in mice}, journal = {Journal of Cellular Physiology}, volume = {234}, year = {2019}, month = {DEC}, pages = {23719-23735}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The positive effectsof the sex hormone in sustaining bone homeostasis areexercised by maintaining the equilibrium betweencell activity and apoptosis. In this regard, the importance of estrogen receptors in maintaining the bone is that it is anattractive drug target,if devoid of known side effects. In this study, we show that a natural pure compound Azadirachtin A (Aza A) isolated from Azadirachta indica binds selectively to a site in the estrogen receptor, identifying itself to bea selective tissue modifier. Using computational and medicinal chemistry, we show that Aza A binds potentially and selectively to estrogen receptor-alpha (ER alpha) as compared with ER beta. This preferential binding of Aza A to ER alpha with good pharmacokinetic distribution in the body forms metabolites, showing that it is well absorbed. In in vivo estrogen deficiency models for osteoporosis, Aza A at a much lower dose enhances new bone formation at both sites of the trabecular and cortical bone with increased bone strength and presentswith no hyperplastic effect in the uterus.

}, keywords = {ALP, Gene expression, micro-CT, mineralization, osteoblast cells}, issn = {0021-9541}, doi = {10.1002/jcp.28940}, author = {Kushwaha, Priyanka and Ahmad, Naseer and Dhar, V. Yogeshwar and Verma, Ashwni and Haldar, Saikat and Mulani, Fayaj A. and Trivedi, Prabodh K. and Mishra, Prabhat R. and Thulasiram, V. Hirekodathakallu and Trivedi, Ritu} } @article {46279, title = {"EviMass": A literature evidence-based miner for human microbial associations}, journal = {Frontiers in Genetics}, volume = {10}, year = {2019}, month = {SEP}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The importance of understanding microbe-microbe as well as microbe-disease associations is one of the key thrust areas in human microbiome research. High-throughput metagenomic and transcriptomic projects have fueled discovery of a number of new microbial associations. Consequently, a plethora of information is being added routinely to biomedical literature, thereby contributing toward enhancing our knowledge on microbial associations. In this communication, we present a tool called "EviMass" (Evidence based mining of human Microbial Associations), which can assist biologists to validate their predicted hypotheses from new microbiome studies. Users can interactively query the processed back-end database for microbe-microbe and disease-microbe associations. The EviMass tool can also be used to upload microbial association networks generated from a human "disease-control" microbiome study and validate the associations from biomedical literature. Additionally, a list of differentially abundant microbes for the corresponding disease can be queried in the tool for reported evidences. The results are presented as graphical plots, tabulated summary, and other evidence statistics. EviMass is a comprehensive platform and is expected to enable microbiome researchers not only in mining microbial associations, but also enriching a new research hypothesis. The tool is available free for academic use at https://web.rniapps.net/evimass.

}, doi = {10.3389/fgene.2019.00849}, author = {Srivastava, Divyanshu and Baksi, Krishanu D. and Kuntal, Bhusan K. and Mande, Sharmila S.} } @article {45478, title = {Evolution of ZnO nanostructures as hexagonal disk: Implementation as photoanode material and efficiency enhancement in Al: ZnO based dye sensitized solar cells}, journal = {Applied Surface Science}, volume = {470}, year = {2019}, month = {MAR}, pages = {1130-1138}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Hexagon shaped pristine and Al doped ZnO nanodisks (NDs) with exposed +/- [0001] polar facets were successfully synthesized using modified sol-gel method without the involvement of any structural directing or capping agents. It was investigated that OH- ions in mixed solvent system is responsible for pore formation and inhibit the growth of ZnO along the direction of c-axis leading to a high percentage exposure of active +/- [0001] polar facets and encourage the formation of ZnO NDs. Crystallographic analysis revealed that crystallite size and lattice constants are decreased, with the addition of Al3+ ions. The results obtained from Raman, and XPS analysis further corroborated with the XRD results, revealed the successful incorporation of Al3+ ions into ZnO lattice. Optical study revealed the band gap tunability with the incorporation of Al ion as dopant. Enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 1.96\% (J(sc) similar to 7.69 +/- 0.23 mA/cm(2)) was observed for Al: ZnO hexagonal NDs based DSSC. The increased PCE in Al: ZnO based DSSC can be attributed to the higher inner surface area for dye anchoring by the interconnected network of the disk-like structure. The obtained results were satisfactory and most importantly the synthesis procedure proposed in present work is excellent for the synthesis of perfectly hexagonal shaped disks under precised synthesis parameters. The device interface study was further conducted using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy which revealed better charge transport process and charge storage ability with the incorporation of Al3+ ions into ZnO lattice.

}, keywords = {dye sensitized solar cells, Hexagonal disks, Sol-gel method, ZnO}, issn = {0169-4332}, doi = {10.1016/j.apsusc.2018.11.077}, author = {Parra, Mohammad Ramzan and Pandey, Padmini and Siddiqui, Hafsa and Sudhakar, Vediappan and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam and Haque, Fozia Z.} } @article {47159, title = {Experimental and theoretical charge density, intermolecular interactions and electrostatic properties of metronidazole}, journal = {Acta Crystallographica Section B-Structural Science Crystal Engineering and Materials}, volume = {75}, year = {2019}, month = {DEC}, pages = {942-953}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Metronidazole is a radiosensitizer; it crystallizes in the monoclinic system with space group P2(1)/c. The crystal structure of metronidazole has been determined from high-resolution X-ray diffraction measurements at 90 K with a resolution of (sin 0/lambda) max = 1.12 angstrom(-1). To understand the charge-density distribution and the electrostatic properties of metronidazole, a multipole model refinement was carried out using the Hansen-Coppens multipole formalism. The topological analysis of the electron density of metronidazole was performed using Bader{\textquoteright}s quantum theory of atoms in molecules to determine the electron density and the Laplacian of the electron density at the bond critical point of the molecule. The experimental results have been compared with the corresponding periodic theoretical calculation performed at the B3LYP/6-31G** level using CRYSTAL09. The topological analysis reveals that the N-O and C-NO2 exhibit less electron density as well as negative Laplacian of electron density. The molecular packing of crystal is stabilized by weak and strong inter- and intramolecular hydrogen bonding and H center dot center dot center dot H interactions. The topological analysis of O-H center dot center dot center dot N, C-H center dot center dot center dot O and H center dot center dot center dot H intra- and intermolecular interactions was also carried out. The electrostatic potential of metronidazole, calculated from the experiment, predicts the possible electrophilic and nucleophilic sites of the molecule; notably, the hydroxyl and the nitro groups exhibit large electronegative regions. The results have been compared with the corresponding theoretical results.

}, keywords = {atomic valence index, Electron density, Electrostatic potential, intermolecular interactions, metronidazole, radiosensitizer}, doi = {10.1107/S2052520619011272}, author = {Kalaiarasi, Chinnasamy and George, Christy and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Hathwar, Venkatesha R. and Poomani, Kumaradhas} } @article {46225, title = {Exploring energy profiles of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) Using DFT method}, journal = {Letters in Drug Design \& Discovery}, volume = {16}, year = {2019}, month = {JUN}, pages = {670-677}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Background: Large-scale energy landscape characterization of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) is important to understand the interaction mechanism and protein-protein docking methods. The experimental methods for detecting energy landscapes are tedious and the existing computational methods require longer simulation time.

Objective: The objective of the present work is to ascertain the energy profiles at the interface regions in a rapid manner to analyze the energy landscape of protein-protein interactions

Methods: The atomic coordinates obtained from the X-ray and NMR spectroscopy data are considered as inputs to compute cumulative energy profiles for experimentally validated protein-protein complexes. The energies computed by the program were comparable to the standard molecular dynamics simulations.

Results: The PPI Profiler not only enables rapid generation of energy profiles but also facilitates the detection of hot spot residue atoms involved therein.

Conclusion: The hotspot residues and their computed energies matched with the experimentally determined hot spot residues and their energies which correlated well by employing the MM/GBSA method. The proposed method can be employed to scan entire proteomes across species at an atomic level to study the key PPI interactions.

}, doi = {10.2174/1570180815666180815151141}, author = {Bapat, Sanket and Vyas, Renu and Karthikeyan, Muthukumarasamy} } @article {46149, title = {Exploring the potential of Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC. extract against spatial memory deficit in rats}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Magazine}, volume = {15}, year = {2019}, month = {APR}, pages = {78-83}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Background: A few published reports demonstrated the neuroprotective effect of Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC. in an acute model of dementia. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the preclinical efficacy of D. gangeticum against chronic dementia when administered prophylactically. Materials and Methods: Chronic spatial memory deficit was induced in rats by aluminum chloride (AlCl3, 10 mg/kg, i.p.). Treatment with hydroalcoholic whole plant extract of D. gangeticum (DG extract) was initiated 2 week before AlCl3 challenge and continued till the 51(st) day after the challenge, orally at the dose of 400 mg/kg/day. The spatial memory was assessed by Morris water maze test. Hippocampal and frontal cortex acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) and oxidative stress were assessed in diseased rat brains. Results: Chronic administration of AlCl3 produced spatial memory deficit in rats. Memory impairment was manifested in rats as an increase in escape latency and D-quadrant latency whereas a decrease in total time spent in D-quadrant. These behavioral alterations were reversed significantly by the treatment with DG extract. In addition, DG extract significantly increased the island time, indicating memory improvement. DG extract corrected the declined AChE in frontal cortex and altered frontal cortex/hippocampus catalase activity. Phytochemical investigation of the DG extract revealed large content of saponins among the other phytochemicals such as tannins, alkaloids, and flavonoids. Conclusion: These results indicate the possible prophylactic potential of saponin-rich DG extract against chronic memory deficit in rats.

}, keywords = {Acetyl cholinesterase, Aluminum chloride, dementia, Desmodium gangeticum (L) DC, Oxidative stress}, issn = {0973-1296}, doi = {10.4103/pm.pm_501_18}, author = {Changdar, Nilanjan and Ganjhu, Rajesh Kumar and Rijal, Samita and Kumar, Ayush and Mallik, Shanchari Basu and Nampoothiri, Madhavan and Shenoy, Rekha R. and Sonawane, Kiran B. and Rao, Mallikarjuna C. and Mudgal, Jayesh} } @article {46206, title = { Exploring the steady operation of a continuous pilot plant for the di-nitration reaction }, journal = {Chemical Engineering \& Technology}, year = {2019}, month = {AUG}, type = {Article; Early Access}, abstract = {

Continuous-flow synthesis of the selective herbicide pendimethalin was demonstrated in both a laboratory-scale and a pilot-scale reactor using only concentrated nitric acid as nitrating agent. The di-nitration reaction follows second-order kinetics where the reaction is first order with respect to both reactant and nitric acid. The pinched-tube reactor was chosen for pilot-scale reactor fabrication due to its excellent mixing and mass transfer characteristics compared to a straight-tube reactor. The estimated mass transfer coefficient showed similar nature in the laboratory-scale and the pilot-scale pinched-tube reactor, ensuring similar performance at the pilot scale. Di-nitration in continuous flow, inline quenching, extraction, and phase separation are some of the salient features of the developed pilot plant. The importance of the start-up time for achieving steady state in the flow system at the large scale is highlighted.

}, doi = {10.1002/ceat.201900140}, author = {Sharma, Mrityunjay and Acharya, Roopashree B. and Kulkarni, Amol A} } @inbook {47466, title = {Facile process for ammonia sensing using electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride/polyaniline (PVDF/PANI) nanofibers chemiresister}, booktitle = {Advanced Materials}, volume = {224}, year = {2019}, pages = {3-15}, publisher = {Springer}, organization = {Springer}, abstract = {Electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride/polyaniline (PVDF/PANI) nanofibers chemiresister was fabricated by electrospinning and polymerization. As-fabricated PVDF/PANI nanofibers chemiresister was characterized by SEM, FTIR, TGA and DTG analyses. Cost effective with high accuracy microcontroller based sensor set up was designed for the measurement of change in resistance of chemiresister with respect to different concentrations of ammonia gas at various temperatures. The semiconducting behavior of the chemiresister was found to respond quickly towards ammonia gas. High sensitivity, fast response and recovery of PVDF/PANI nanofibers for ammonia gas at room temperature confirmed the chemiresister as potential candidate for ammonia sensing in environmental monitoring safety systems, chemical and automotive industries.}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-030-19894-7_1}, author = {Kondawar, Sanchit and Late, Dattatray J. and Anwane, Rajashree S. and Kondawar, Subhash B. and Koinkar, Pankaj and Parinov, Ivan A.} } @article {45595, title = {Facile tuning of Ag@AgCl cubical hollow nanoframes with efficient sunlight-driven photocatalytic activity}, journal = {Applied Surface Science}, volume = {465}, year = {2019}, month = {JAN}, pages = {413-419}, type = {Article}, abstract = {In this work, a facile controlled synthesis of plasmonic photocatalyst, Ag@AgCl hollow cubic cage with the tuning of nanoframe structures was reported. AgCl cubical hollow nanoframes were primarily prepared using sacrificial NaCl template protocol. Ion exchange reaction between Ag+ in the solution and NaCl, in presence of poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) led to continuous nucleation followed by growth of AgCl on the surface of sacrificial NaCl template. The tuning of AgCl nanoframe structures was obtained by changing the AgNO3 concentration in the reactions. Afterwards, ethylene glycol assisted reduction of AgCl, produced Ag@AgCl, the metal@semiconductor composite with the homogeneous distribution of Ag nanoparticles on the surface of the AgCl hollow nanoframes. Efficient sunlight-driven photocatalytic activity to degrade Methylene blue (MB) (50 mL; 10 mg/L) with these Ag@AgCl hollow frames was also demonstrated. The plasmonic photocatalysts were exhibited photodegradation rates about 0.098{\textendash}0.184 min-1 with high catalytic activity and recyclability for five cycles. Additionally, active species entrapping experiments were performed and a possible mechanism for the enhanced photocatalytic performance of the synthesized plasmonic photocatalyst was also proposed.}, doi = {10.1016/j.apsusc.2018.09.163}, author = {Hanmant Gaikwad S. and Koratti, A. and Porel, Mukherjee S.} } @article {45516, title = {Fe2P4O12-carbon composite as a highly stable electrode material for electrochemical capacitors}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {43}, year = {2019}, month = {JAN}, pages = {399-406}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Supercapacitors are important energy storage devices for high power applications. Carbon materials, metal oxides and conducting polymers have been known to show capacitive charge storage but transition metal phosphates are not as well-known as electrode materials in supercapacitors. In this study, an iron cyclotetraphosphate (Fe2P4O12)-carbon composite has been synthesized and demonstrated as an electrode material for supercapacitors. The Fe2P4O12-carbon composite has been thoroughly characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, etc. The composite shows predominant capacitive behaviour only in acidic medium; its charge storage properties are relatively poor in alkaline medium, indicating the important role of H+ in the charge storage mechanism. The composite shows a capacitance of 251 F g(-1) at a current density of 1 A g(-1). The composite is highly stable in 0.5 M H2SO4 and does not show any apparent capacitance loss after 9000 charge-discharge cycles recorded at a current density of 5 A g(-1).

}, issn = {1144-0546}, doi = {10.1039/c8nj04671a}, author = {Soni, Roby and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {46132, title = {Fe(III)-Catalyzed diastereoselective friedel-crafts alkylation-hemiketalization-lactonization cascade for the synthesis of polycyclic bridged 2-chromanol lactones}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {21}, year = {2019}, month = {APR }, pages = {2629-2633}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

An unprecedented Fe(III)-catalyzed Friedel-rafts alkylation-hemiketalization-lactonization cascade of electron-rich hydroxy arenes and distinctively functionalized unsaturated 4-keto esters is developed for the construction of polycyclic bridged 2-chromanol lactones. Following this simple and facile protocol, a broad range of products was prepared in good to excellent yields as a single diastereomer. An unusual conglomerate (enantiomerically pure polymorph) of 3ac is reported along with the absolute stereochemistry, and the remaining products were rigorously confirmed by single-crystal X-ray analysis and analogy.

}, issn = {1523-7060}, doi = {10.1021/acs.orglett.9b00614}, author = {Borade, Balasaheb R. and Nomula, Rajesh and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Kontham, Ravindar} } @article {46183, title = {Fiber optic Fabry-Perot interferometer sensor: an efficient and fast approach for ammonia gas sensing}, journal = {Journal of the Optical Society of America B-Optical Physics}, volume = {36}, year = {2019}, month = {MAR }, pages = {684-689}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In this work, we propose and demonstrate a Fabry-Perot-interferometer-based polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-composite-coated optical sensor for ammonia and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) detection at room temperature. The principle of sensing is based on change in the cavity length of the FP cavity in the presence of varied concentrations of gases, which results in changes in the total reflectance due to the shift in wavelength of an interference pattern. The sensing composite material was coated on a single-mode optical fiber by using a simple dip-coating technique and explored it for sensing. The ammonia and VOCs measurements were performed for concentrations ranging from 5 to 500 ppm. The corresponding sensitivity and limit of detection of the developed sensor for ammonia gas detection was observed of the order of around 4.16 pm/ppm and 4.8 ppm, respectively. The response and recovery times of the sensor were found to be of the order of 50 s and 10 s, respectively, for the ammonia gas. This sensor provides a simple, cost-effective, highly sensitive, and repeatable approach to measure ammonia gas and other VOCs at room temperature and could fulfill the demands of industrial applications. (C) 2019 Optical Society of America

}, issn = {0740-3224}, doi = {10.1364/JOSAB.36.000684}, author = {Kanawade, Rajesh and Kumar, Ajay and Pawar, Dnyandeo and Late, Dattatray and Mondal, Samir and Sinha, Ravindra K.} } @article {45486, title = {Flow, mixing, and heat transfer in fluidic oscillators}, journal = {Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering}, volume = {97}, year = {2019}, month = {FEB}, pages = {542-559}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

There is an increasing emphasis on process intensification and development of compact, intensified reactors and separators in recent years. Significant efforts are being made to develop such intensified reactors and separators without any moving parts. Some of the recent research studies have proven that a liquid-liquid extractor based on the Coanda effect and feedback oscillations exhibit excellent mixing and liquid-liquid contacting. These fluidic oscillators can potentially be used for a variety of other multiphase reactions and systems demanding enhanced mixing and heat and mass transfer. In this work, we have computationally investigated flow, mixing, and heat transfer in fluidic oscillators based on the Coanda effect. Available information on flow and mixing in fluidic oscillators was critically reviewed and key gaps in the available knowledge with respect to the design and optimization of fluidic oscillators were identified. Computational flow models were developed to characterize key flow features like unsteady flows, secondary vortices, and internal recirculation over a range of Reynolds number (Re = 90-1538) for three different oscillator designs. Systematic numerical studies were carried out to quantify different flow regimes, oscillations, and the influence of key geometric parameters on flow, mixing, and heat transfer. Simulated results were critically analyzed and are presented in the form of dimensionless numbers. The approach and results presented in this work will provide useful insights and a systematic basis for extending the applications of the Coanda-based feedback oscillatory devices for a wide range of engineering applications.

}, keywords = {CFD, Coanda effect, fluidic oscillators, heat transfer, mixing}, issn = {0008-4034}, doi = {10.1002/cjce.23377}, author = {Khalde, Chirag M. and Pandit, Ajinkya V. and Sangwai, Jitendra S. and Ranade, Vivek V.} } @article {46423, title = {Fluorescent carbon nanodots for targeted in vitro cancer cell imaging (vol 4, pg 71, 2016)}, journal = {Applied Materials Today}, volume = {17}, year = {2019}, month = {DEC}, pages = {236-240}, type = {Correction}, issn = {2352-9407}, doi = {10.1016/j.apmt.2019.07.014}, author = {Aiyer, Sandhya and Prasad, Rajendra and Kumar, Manoj and Nirvikar, K. and Jain, Bhanprakash and Kushwaha, Omkar S.} } @article {46082, title = {Fluorogenic BODIPY molecular rotor as an apoptosis marker}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {55}, year = {2019}, month = {JUN }, pages = {6902-6905}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Based on a BODIPY molecular rotor and a zinc-dipicolylamine receptor, we designed a fluorogenic probe for the detection of apoptosis. Being poorly emissive in solution and with healthy cells, it selectively binds phosphatidylserine of early apoptotic cells and internalizes into late apoptotic cells, lighting up its green fluorescence.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c9cc03242h}, author = {Ashokkumar, Pichandi and Ashoka, Anila Hoskere and Collot, Mayeul and Das, Amitava and Klymchenko, Andrey S.} } @article {46436, title = {Formal synthesis of brivaracetam: a key to construct the pyrrolidone scaffold using Pd-catalyzed oxidative cyclization and ring-closing metathesis reaction}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {60}, year = {2019}, month = {NOV}, pages = {151249}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A short and efficient synthetic approach for brivaracetam has been accomplished via two different routes which utilize Pd-catalyzed oxidative cyclization and ring-closing metathesis (RCM) as the key reaction. These two routes are novel, simple, scalable and rely on (E)-pent-2-en-1-ol and valeraldehyde as a commercially available starting material to yield brivaracetam with good overall yield. (C) 2019 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

}, keywords = {Antiepileptic drugs, Pd-catalyzed oxidative cyclization, pyrrolinone, Ring-closing metathesis reaction}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2019.151249}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Kawale, Sanket A. and Chavan, Prakash N.} } @article {46150, title = {Formulation and evaluation of wound healing activity of sophorolipid-sericin gel in wistar rats}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Magazine}, volume = {15}, year = {2019}, month = {APR}, pages = {123-127}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Sericin is a useful by-product of silk processing and is resistant to oxidation and ultraviolet and can absorb and release moisture easily. Sericin has biological activities such as antibacterial, antioxidant, and tyrosinase inhibition. Sophorolipids are microbial extracellular glycolipids produced by resting cells of Candida bombicola. Sophorolipids show excellent skin compatibility and also have antibacterial property. In this study, we have developed a novel formulation consisting of sericin and sophorolipid with calcium alginate as a binding agent. Since both the ingredients are biocompatible and biodegradable, the formulation was tested for wound healing in Wistar rats. A commercial ointment povidone was used as control. The animal group, treated with sericin and sophorolipid cream, showed fast contraction, rapid closure, and healing when compared with control and commercial ointment. These observations were validated with histopathological studies where more fibroblast proliferation, angiogenesis, and keratinization were observed. This is a green, cost-effective formulation for fast wound healing.

}, keywords = {Biocompatibility, formulation, sericin, Sophorolipid, wound Healing}, issn = {0973-1296}, doi = {10.4103/pm.pm_392_18}, author = {More, V. Snehal and Koratkar, Santosh S. and Kadam, Navnath and Agawane, Sachin and Prabhune, Asmita} } @article {46331, title = {Francisella novicida Cas9 interrogates genomic DNA with very high specificity and can be used for mammalian genome editing}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {116}, year = {2019}, month = {OCT}, pages = {20959-20968}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Genome editing using the CRISPR/Cas9 system has been used to make precise heritable changes in the DNA of organisms. Although the widely used Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (SpCas9) and its engineered variants have been efficiently harnessed for numerous gene-editing applications across different platforms, concerns remain regarding their putative off-targeting at multiple loci across the genome. Here we report that Francisella novicida Cas9 (FnCas9) shows a very high specificity of binding to its intended targets and negligible binding to off-target loci. The specificity is determined by its minimal binding affinity with DNA when mismatches to the target single-guide RNA (sgRNA) are present in the sgRNA:DNA heteroduplex. FnCas9 produces staggered cleavage, higher homology-directed repair rates, and very low nonspecific genome editing compared to SpCas9. We demonstrate FnCas9-mediated correction of the sickle cell mutation in patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells and propose that it can be used for precise therapeutic genome editing for a wide variety of genetic disorders.

}, keywords = {CRISPR Cas9, gene therapy, Genome editing, iPSCs, sickle cell anemia}, issn = {0027-8424}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.1818461116}, author = {Acharya, Sundaram and Mishra, Arpit and Paul, Deepanjan and Ansari, Asgar Hussain and Azhar, Mohd and Kumar, Manoj and Rauthan, Riya and Sharma, Namrata and Aich, Meghali and Sinha, Dipanjali and Sharma, Saumya and Jain, Shivani and Ray, Arjun and Jain, Suman and Ramalingam, Sivaprakash and Maiti, Souvik and Chakraborty, Debojyoti} } @article {46215, title = { Freestanding borophene and Its hybrids }, journal = {Advanced Materials}, volume = {31}, year = {2019}, month = {JULY}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Borophene, an elemental metallic Dirac material is predicted to have unprecedented mechanical and electronic character. Need of substrate and ultrahigh vacuum conditions for deposition of borophene restricts its large-scale applications and significantly hampers the advancement of research on borophene. Herein, a facile and large-scale synthesis of freestanding atomic sheets of borophene through a novel liquid-phase exfoliation and the reduction of borophene oxide is demonstrated. Electron microscopy confirms the presence of beta(12), X-3, and their intermediate phases of borophene; X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning tunneling microscopy, corroborated with density functional theory band structure calculations, validate the phase purity and the metallic nature. Borophene with excellent anchoring capabilities is used for sensing of light, gas, molecules, and strain. Hybrids of borophene as well as that of reduced borophene oxide with other 2D materials are synthesized, and the predicted superior performance in energy storage is explored. The specific capacity of borophene oxide is observed to be approximate to 4941 mAh g(-1), which significantly exceeds that of existing 2D materials and their hybrids. These freestanding borophene materials and their hybrids will create a huge breakthrough in the field of 2D materials and could help to develop future generations of devices and emerging applications.

}, doi = { 10.1002/adma.201900353}, author = {Ranjan, Pranay and Sahu, Tumesh Kumar and Bhushan, Rebti and Yamijala, Sharma S. R. K. C. and Late, Dattatray J and Kumar, Prashant and Vinu, Ajayan} } @inbook {47467, title = {Functionalization of graphene - a critical overview of its improved physical, chemical and electrochemical properties}, booktitle = {Surface Engineering of Graphene}, year = {2019}, pages = {139-173}, publisher = {Springer}, organization = {Springer}, abstract = {Graphene, the 2D allotrope of carbon, is reported to be functionalized with a plethora of organic and inorganic species. This functionalization imparts significant improvement in the physical, chemical and electrochemical properties of graphene. The covalent and non-covalent functionalization of graphene with electron-rich organic moieties and heteroatoms is focused on different sections of this chapter. The focus is laid on the improvement in physical, chemical and electrochemical properties of graphene achieved through this functionalization. The enhancement in electrocatalytic activity of non-metal-doped graphene towards the oxygen reduction reaction, methanol oxidation reaction and photocatalysis is covered. Towards the end, the potential uses of functionalized graphene for selected applications like biosensors, fuel cells and dye-sensitized solar cells are also discussed.}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-030-30207-8_6}, author = {Singh, Ramesh Kumar and Nalajala, Naresh and Kar, Tathagata and Schechter, Alex} } @article {47484, title = {Global study of MFS superfamily transporters in arabidopsis and grapes reveals their functional diversity in plants}, journal = {Plant Gene}, volume = {18}, year = {2019}, month = {JUN }, type = {Article}, abstract = {The Major Facilitator Superfamily (MFS) is the largest superfamily of secondary transporters present in all organisms, from prokaryotes to higher eukaryotes, that facilitates transport of diverse molecules like sugars, vitamins, amino-acids, hormones, etc. across cell membranes. The superfamily was further expanded to MFS Superfamily (MFSS) to integrate MFS with nine more families. The present study revealed their land plant specific diversity through identification across six species from unicellular alga to higher flowering plants. We identified 71, 131, 254, 260, 213 and 203 MFSS transporters in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Physcomitrella patens, Selaginella moellendorffii, Oryza sativa (var. Japonica), Arabidopsis thaliana and Vitis vinifera, respectively and classified them into MFSS families and subfamilies based on their transporter classification identifiers (TCIDs). Detailed analysis of 20 land plant specific subfamilies was conducted in A. thaliana and V. vinifera. Phylogenetic and gene duplication studies revealed the expansion of sugar porter and proton dependent oligopeptide transporter families in Arabidopsis and grape. The subcellular localization of the majority of the transporters was predicted to be in the plasma membrane. Furthermore, the microarray expression analysis of MFSS transporters from Arabidopsis and grapes revealed their multi-tissue-specificity and differential regulation under biotic and abiotic stress conditions. Studies of the transmembrane topology highlighted the presence of central cytoplasmic loop along with family specific topological variations that were evident from phylogenetic analysis. Overall, this study adds to the knowledge of functional and structural diversity and evolution of MFSS transporters in plants and opens the scope for detailed physiological and functional studies on these proteins.}, doi = {10.1016/j.plgene.2019.100179}, author = {Patil, Sucheta S. and Prashant, Ramya and Kadoo, Narendra Y. and Upadhyay, Anuradha and Gupta, Vidya S.} } @article {46229, title = {Glycation of glucose sensitive lysine residues K36, K438 and K549 of albumin is associated with prediabetes}, journal = {Journal of Proteomics}, year = {2019}, month = {AUG}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Prediabetes is a risk factor for the development of diabetes. Early diagnosis of prediabetes may prevent the onset and progression of diabetes and its associated complications. Therefore, this study aimed at the identification of novel markers for efficient prediction of prediabetes. In this pursuit, we have evaluated the ability of glycated peptides of albumin in predicting prediabetes. Glycated peptides of in vitro glycated albumin were characterized by data dependent acquisition and parallel reaction monitoring using LC-HRMS. Amongst 14 glycated peptides characterized in vitro, four peptides, particularly, FK(CML)DLGEENFK, K(AML)VPQVSTPTLVEVSR, K(CML)VPQVSTPTLVEVSR, and K(AML)QTALVELVK, corresponding to 3 glucose sensitive lysine residues K36, K438, and K549, respectively showed significantly higher abundance in prediabetes than control. Additionally, the abundance of three of these peptides, namely K(AML)QTALVELVK, K(CML)VPQVSTPTLVEVSR and FK(CML)DLGEENFK was \>1.8-fold in prediabetes, which was significantly higher than the differences observed for FBG, PPG, and HbA1c. Further, the four glycated peptides showed a significant correlation with FBG, PPG, HbA1c, triglycerides, VLDL, and HDL. This study supports that glycated peptides of glucose sensitive lysine residues K36, K438 and K549 of albumin could be potentially useful markers for prediction of prediabetes. SIGNIFICANCE: Undiagnosed prediabetes may lead to diabetes and associated complications. This study reports targeted quantification of four glycated peptides particulary FK(CML)DLGEENFK, K(AML)VPQVSTPTLVEVSR, K(CML)VPQVSTPTLVEVSR, and K(AML)QTALVELVK, corresponding to 3 glucose sensitive lysine residues K36, K438 and K549 respectively by parallel reaction monitoring in healthy and prediabetic subjects. These peptides showed significantly higher abundance in prediabetes than healthy subjects, and showed significant correlation with various clinical parameters including FBG, PPG, HbA1c, and altered lipid profile. Therefore, together these four peptides constitute a panel of markers that can be useful for prediction of prediabetes.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.jprot.2019.103481}, author = {Rathore, R. and Sonwane, B. P. and Jagadeeshaprasad, M. G. and Kahar, S. and Santhakumari, B. and Unnikrishnan, A. G. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @article {46048, title = {Glycerol acetylation considering competing dimerization}, journal = {International Journal of Chemical Kinetics}, volume = {51}, year = {2019}, month = {AUG}, pages = {634-640}, type = {Editorial Material}, abstract = {

Glycerol acetylation is a very interesting reaction for studies of consecutive kinetics. In this short communication, we present a pseudo-homogeneous model for the synthesis of triacetyl glycerol from the reaction of glycerol and acetic acid over strongly acidic Amberlyst-15 and Amberlyst-70 catalysts, considering a dimerization of diacetyl glycerol (DAG) into diglycerol tetraacetate as a parallel reaction and compare the results with a model without side reactions. The best fits were obtained for apparent zeroth-order dimerization and first-order consecutive reactions in the presence of acetic acid in excess and with removal of water. An adaptation was made for DAG. The proposed model shows that the formation of DAG is faster than the consumption of glycerol, which could be an explanation for the occurrence of DAG dimerization instead of other parallel reactions in acetylation.

}, keywords = {apparent kinetics, diacetyl glycerol dimerization, glycerol acetylation}, issn = {0538-8066}, doi = {10.1002/kin.21282}, author = {Soares, Andre V. -H. and Kale, Sumeet S. and Armbruster, Udo and Passos, Fabio B. and Umbarkar, Shubhangi B. and Dongare, Mohan K. and Martin, Andreas} } @article {46430, title = {Glycine-induced electrodeposition of nanostructured cobalt hydroxide: a bifunctional catalyst for overall water splitting}, journal = {ChemSusChem}, year = {2019}, month = {NOV}, type = {Article; Early Access}, abstract = {

Herein, an interconnected alpha-Co(OH)(2) structure with a network-like architecture was used as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for the overall water splitting reaction in alkaline medium. The complexing ability of glycine with a transition metal was exploited to form [Co(gly)(3)](-) dispersion at pH 10, which was used for the electrodeposition. High-resolution TEM, UV/Vis-diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to confirm that the as-synthesized materials had an alpha-Co(OH)(2) phase. The electrocatalytic oxygen and hydrogen evolution activity of the glycine-coordinated alpha-Co(OH)(2) was found to be approximately 320 and 145 mV, respectively, at 10 mA cm(-2). The material required approximately 1.60 V (vs. reversible hydrogen electrode; RHE) to achieve the benchmark of 10 mA cm(-2) for overall water splitting with a mass activity of approximately 63.7 A g(-1) at 1.60 V (vs. RHE). The chronoamperometric response was measured to evidence the stability of the material for overall water splitting for up to 24 h. Characterization of the catalyst after the oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions was performed by XPS and showed the presence of a Co-II/Co-III oxidation state.

}, keywords = {cobalt, Electrochemistry, heterogeneous catalysis, Hydrogen, water splitting}, issn = {1864-5631}, doi = {10.1002/cssc.201902323}, author = {Shilpa, Nagaraju and Nadeema, Ayasha and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {47171, title = {Graphene oxide supported liposomes as red emissive theranostics for phototriggered tissue visualization and tumor regression}, journal = {ACS Applied Bio Materials}, volume = {2}, year = {2019}, month = {JUL}, pages = {3312{\textendash}3320}, abstract = {

Selective tissue visualization and localized tumor regression without affecting the surrounding healthy tissues are critical concerns in cancer nanomedicine. Importantly, the complete wrapping of a flimsy matrix like liposome by multifunctional graphene oxide is an interesting engineering idea for nanomedicine design. Moreover, designing a safe and biodegradable nanohybrid with significant theranostic ability is a current need for targeted combined therapies. Here, we report a comprehensive result of in vivo tumor diagnosis and phototriggered tumor regression using a biodegradable red emissive nanotheranostic system, viz., graphene oxide flakes fortified liposome (GOF-Lipo), functionalized with folic acid (FA): GOF-Lipo-FA. Graphene oxide support enhances the stability of drug-loaded liposomes in an extracellular environment that prevents the premature release of loaded anticancer drug from the liposomal cavity. Promising outcomes of tumor regression (\~{}300 to 25 mm3) from organized cellular and animal studies are demonstrated in this work. These studies reveal superior biocompatibility, deep intracellular localization, 4T1 breast tumor diagnosis, and long time tumor binding ability of an injected emissive nanohybrid. Overall, a single dose of designed multifunctional systems demonstrates the best tumor regression.

}, doi = {10.1021/acsabm.9b00335}, author = {Prasad, Rajendra and Yadav, Amit S. and Gorain, Mahadeo and Chauhan, Deepak S. and Kundu, Gopal C. and Srivastava, Rohit and Selvaraj, Kaliaperumal} } @article {46179, title = {Graphene-modified electrodes for sensing doxorubicin hydrochloride in human plasma}, journal = {Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry}, volume = {411}, year = {2019}, month = {MAR}, pages = {1509-1516}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Doxorubicin (DOX), an anthracycline molecule, is currently one of the most widely used anticancer drugs in clinics. Systematic treatment of patients with DOX is known to be accompanied by several unpleasant side effects due to the toxicity of the drug. Thus, monitoring of DOX concentration in serum samples has become increasingly important to avoid side effects and ensure therapeutic efficiency. In this study, we discuss the construction of a disposable electrochemical sensor for the direct monitoring of DOX in clinical blood samples. The sensor is based on coating a gold electrode in a flexible integrated electrode construct formed on polyimide sheets using photolithography, with nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide (N-rGO) suspended in chitosan. Under optimized conditions, a linear relationship between the oxidative peak current and the concentration of DOX in the range of 0.010-15M with a detection limit of 10nM could be achieved. The sensor was adapted to monitor DOX in serum samples of patients under anticancer treatment.

}, keywords = {Disposable electrodes, doxorubicin, Nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide, Serum}, issn = {1618-2642}, doi = {10.1007/s00216-019-01611-w}, author = {Chekin, Fereshteh and Myshin, Vladyslav and Ye, Ran and Melinte, Sorin and Singh, Santosh K. and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Boukherroub, Rabah and Szunerits, Sabine} } @article {46177, title = {High-performing PGM-free AEMFC cathodes from carbon-supported cobalt ferrite nanoparticles}, journal = {Catalysts}, volume = {9}, year = {2019}, month = {MAR}, pages = {264}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Efficient and durable non-precious metal electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are highly desirable for several electrochemical devices, including anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs). Here, cobalt ferrite (CF) nanoparticles supported on Vulcan XC-72 carbon (CF-VC) were created through a facile, scalable solvothermal method. The nano-sized CF particles were spherical with a narrow particle size distribution. The CF-VC catalyst showed good ORR activity, possessing a half-wave potential of 0.71 V. Although the intrinsic activity of the CF-VC catalyst was not as high as some other platinum group metal (PGM)-free catalysts in the literature, where this catalyst really shined was in operating AEMFCs. When used as the cathode in a single cell 5 cm(-2) AEMFC, the CF-VC containing electrode was able to achieve a peak power density of 1350 mW cm(-2) (iR-corrected: 1660 mW cm(-2)) and a mass transport limited current density of more than 4 A cm(-2) operating on H-2/O-2. Operating on H-2/Air (CO2-free), the same cathode was able to achieve a peak power density of 670 mW cm(-2) (iR-corrected: 730 mW cm(-2)) and a mass transport limited current density of more than 2 A cm(-2). These peak power and achievable current densities are among the highest reported values in the literature to date.

}, keywords = {AEMFC, cobalt, Ferrite, high-performing, non-PGM, vulcan}, issn = {2073-4344}, doi = {10.3390/catal9030264}, author = {Peng, Xiong and Kashyap, Varchaswal and Ng, Benjamin and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Wang, Lianqin and Varcoe, John R. and Mustain, William E.} } @article {46441, title = {Hydrocarbon chain-length dependence of solvation dynamics in alcohol-based deep eutectic solvents: a two-dimensional infrared spectroscopic investigation}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, volume = {123}, year = {2019}, month = {NOV}, pages = {9355-9363}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have gained popularity in recent years as an environmentally benign, inexpensive alternative to organic solvents for diverse applications in chemistry and biology. Among them, alcohol-based DESs serve as useful media in various applications due to their significantly low viscosity as compared to other DESs. Despite their importance as media, little is known how their solvation dynamics change as a function of the hydrocarbon chain length of the alcohol constituent. In order to obtain insights into the chain-length dependence of the solvation dynamics, we have performed two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy on three alcohol-based DESs by systematically varying the hydrocarbon chain length. The results reveal that the solvent dynamics slows down monotonically with an increase in the chain length. This increase in the dynamic timescales also shows a strong correlation with the concomitant increase in the viscosity of DESs. In addition, we have performed molecular dynamics simulations to compare with the experimental results, thereby testing the capacity of simulations to determine the amplitudes and timescales of the structural fluctuations on fast timescales under thermal equilibrium conditions.

}, issn = {1520-6106}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpcb.9b08954}, author = {Chatterjee, Srijan and Ghosh, Deborin and Haldar, Tapas and Deb, Pranab and Sakpal, Sushil S. and Deshmukh, Samadhan H. and Kashid, Somnath M. and Bagchi, Sayan} } @article {46060, title = {Hydrodynamic cavitation using vortex diode: an efficient approach for elimination of pathogenic bacteria from water}, journal = {Journal of Environmental Management}, volume = {242}, year = {2019}, month = {JUL }, pages = {210-219}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The present study successfully demonstrates greener methodology of hydrodynamic cavitation using rotational flows for disinfection of water. Disinfection of two model microbial strains-gram-negative (Escherichia colt) and gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) using vortex diode was evaluated. The removal efficacy was quantified for two different cavitation reactors. Practically complete elimination of E. coli was achieved (99\%) after 1 h of cavitation at a pressure drop of only 0.5 bar. However, elimination of S. aureus using vortex diode was observed to be lower in comparison to the removal of E. coli and only 60\% disinfection could be achieved under similar conditions, which can be subsequently enhanced up to 98\% by increasing pressure drop. The results were compared with another cavitating device that employs linear flow for cavitation, orifice. The reactor geometry has significant impact on the disinfection process and orifice was found to require significantly higher pressure drop (10 bar) conditions for disinfection and for eliminating grain-positive bacteria with high efficiency. A plausible mechanism for disinfection was proposed to elucidate the role of cavitation in cell destruction leading to death of cells through the rupture of cell wall, oxidative damage and possible DNA denaturation. Also, a cavitation model using per pass disinfection was developed that can provide meaningful physical description of the disinfection process as against the conventional first order reaction rate model. This study would provide meaningful insight into cavitation process based on hydrodynamic cavitation for the destruction of both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria from various water sources, including industrial wastewaters.

}, keywords = {Cavitation, Disinfection, kinetics, pollution, Wastewater treatment}, issn = {0301-4797}, doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.04.057}, author = {Jain, Pooja and Bhandari, Vinay M. and Balapure, Kshama and Jena, Jyotsnarani and Ranade, Vivek V. and Killedar, Deepak J.} } @article {46414, title = {Hydrodynamics and selectivity engineering of a multipoint dosing flow reactor}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {58}, year = {2019}, month = {DEC}, pages = {22874}, type = {Article}, chapter = {22866}, abstract = {

This paper reports the suitability of a multipoint injection continuous flow reactor for carrying out a sequential reaction, while taking into account the associated hydrodynamics of such systems. Pressure drop was measured for different fluid injection patterns, viz., equal fluid dosing, decreasing dosing, and increasing dosing flow rates from the first to the last inlet. Moreover, residence time distribution was also explored. The data were compared with a conventional single-point injection. The extent of dispersion was found to be higher in the decreasing dosing profile compared to equally distributed dosing. Taking into account of these features, the suitability of such a reactor system for competitive-consecutive homogeneous nitration reaction was evaluated. The analysis was done on the basis of the Damkohler number (Da) for mixing and reaction. The rate-controlling phenomena were used to simulate the performance of the reactor for a range of a number of inlets, the mole ratio of reactants, and relative values of Da. The observations indicate that the multipoint injection is not beneficial for mixing controlled reactions. However, for reactions in the transient regime (i.e., 0.001 \< t(m)/t(R) \< 1000), it gives higher selectivity of the desired product.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/acs.iecr.9b04431}, author = {Shukla, Chinmay A. and Pal, Sayan and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article {46160, title = {Hydrophobic WO3/SiO2 catalyst for the nitration of aromatics in liquid phase}, journal = {Applied Catalysis A-General}, volume = {574}, year = {2019}, month = {MAR}, pages = {105-113}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

WO3/SiO2 solid acid catalyst synthesized using sol gel method has shown promising activity (up to 65\% conversion) for aromatic nitration in liquid phase using commercial nitric acid (70\%) as nitrating agent without using any sulfuric acid. The water formed during the reaction as well as water from dilute nitric acid (70\%) was removed azeotropically, however due to the hydrophilic nature of the catalyst, some water gets strongly adsorbed on catalyst surface forming a barrier layer between catalyst and organics. This prevents effective adsorption of substrate on catalyst surface for its subsequent reaction. To improve the activity further, the hydrophilic/hydrophobic nature of the catalyst was altered by post modification by grafting with commercial short chain organosilane (Dynasylan 9896). The modified 20\% WO3/SiO2 catalyst when used for o-xylene nitration in liquid phase, showed significant increase in the conversion from 65\% to 80\% under identical reaction conditions. Catalyst characterization revealed decrease in the surface area of 20\% WO3/SiO2 from 356 m(2)/g to 302 m(2)/g after grafting with Dynasylan 9896. The fine dispersion of WO3 particles (2-5 run) on silica support was not affected due to modification. NMR and FTIR study revealed the decrease in surface hydroxyl groups imparting hydrophobicity to the catalyst. Interestingly the total acidic sites of the catalyst remained almost unaltered (0.54 mmol NH3/g) even after modification. Even though, the acidity and other characteristics of the catalyst did not change appreciably, there was a considerable increase in the o-xylene conversion which can be ascribed to the hydrophobic nature of the catalyst.

}, keywords = {Aromatic nitration, grafting, heterogeneous catalysis, Hydrophobic, Sol-gel synthesis}, issn = {0926-860X}, doi = {10.1016/j.apcata.2019.02.002}, author = {Kulal, A. B. and Kasabe, M. M. and Jadhav, P. V. and Dongare, M. K. and Umbarkar, S. B.} } @article {46004, title = {Hydrothermal growth and humidity-dependent electrical properties of molybdenum disulphide nanosheets}, journal = {Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology}, volume = {19}, year = {2019}, month = {AUG}, pages = {5158-5166}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In present investigation, we report humidity dependent electrical properties of molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) nanosheets. MoS2 nanosheets were prepared through a facile hydrothermal method with different reaction temperatures. The as-synthesized MoS2 nanosheets were characterized with XRD, SEM, TEM, and Raman spectroscopy, which confirmed successful preparation and rationality. Further, the humidity dependent electrical properties against relative humidity (RH) of these samples were carried out at room temperature. The results evinced that the sensors film fabricated with MoS2 nanosheets prepared at temperature 220 degrees C exhibited better performance compared to the nanosheets synthesized at 180 degrees C and 200 degrees C temperature. The RH sensing results exhibits highly sensitive, ultrafast response/recovery behaviour and outstanding repeatability than reported earlier. The excellent humidity sensing properties of the resultant MoS2 nanosheets was proved to be an excellent candidate for constructing ultrahigh-performance humidity sensor toward various applications.

}, keywords = {Humidity sensors, Hydrothermal method, Molybdenum Disulphide, nanosheets}, issn = {1533-4880}, doi = {10.1166/jnn.2019.16828}, author = {Shelke, Nitin T. and Karle, S. C. and Karche, B. R.} } @article {46348, title = {Imidazole-linked crystalline two-dimensional polymer with ultrahigh proton-conductivity}, journal = {Journal of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {141}, year = {2019}, month = {SEP}, pages = {14950-14954}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Proton-exchange membrane fuel cells are promising energy devices for a sustainable future due to green features, high power density, and mild operating conditions. A facile proton-conducting membrane plays a pivotal role to boost the efficiency of fuel cells, and hence focused research in this area is highly desirable. Major issues associated with the successful example of Nafion resulted in the search for alternate proton conducting materials. Even though proton carrier loaded crystalline porous organic frameworks have been used for protonconduction, the weak host-guest interactions limited their practical use. Herein, we developed a crystalline 2D-polymer composed of benzimidazole units as the integral part, prepared by the condensation of aryl acid and diamine in polyphosphoric acid medium. The imidazole linked-2D-polymer exhibits ultrahigh proton conductivity (3.2 X 10(-2) S cm(-1)) (at 95\% relative humidity and 95 degrees C) in the pristine state, which is highest among the undoped porous organic frameworks so far reported. The present strategy of a crystalline proton-conducting 2D-polymer will lead to the development of new high performing crystalline solid proton conductor.

}, issn = {0002-7863}, doi = {10.1021/jacs.9b06080}, author = {Ranjeesh, Kayaramkodath Chandran and Ilathvalappil, Rajith and Veer, Sairam Dnyaneshwar and Peter, Joseph and Wakchaure, Vivek Chandrakant and Goudappagouda and Raj, K. Vipin and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Babu, Sukumaran Santhosh} } @article {46068, title = {Impact of plasticizer addition on molecular properties of polybutadiene rubber and its manifestations to glass transition temperature}, journal = {Macromolecular Theory and Simulations}, volume = {28}, year = {2019}, month = {JUL}, pages = {1900003}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Effect of blending low and high T-g polymer on the structural, spatial, and temporal properties of the polybutadiene rubber are investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. It is elucidated that smaller chain length counterpart of polybutadiene (5mer-OB) acts as plasticizer for the polybutadiene rubber matrix (32mer-PB). Observed flexibility at macroscopic level by plasticizer addition is corroborated at the molecular level in the form of lower conformational rigidity and faster diffusion of polybutadiene chains in the mixtures. It is inferred that plasticizers decreases T-g of the matrix, due to cooperative influence of decreased chain packing and rigidity. Opposite effect is observed in mixtures with high T-g polymer, polystyrene. T-g of the mixtures showed substantial dependence on the type, concentration, chain length as well as miscibility of plasticizers in the matrix. However, the effect of increasing chain length is more pronounced but counter-controlled by the spatially heterogeneous distribution of the plasticizer. Clustering of polystyrene chains induced significant dynamic heterogeneity in the homogeneous polybutadiene matrix, which apparently lead to reduced plasticization effect. Addition of plasticizers in rubber induce discernible changes in the structural and dynamic properties of the rubber matrix, which manifest as the variation in glass transition and explains the real-life activity of plasticizers.

}, keywords = {Glass transition temperature, MD Simulation, plasticizer action, polybutadiene rubber, Polystyrene, spatial and dynamic heterogeneity}, issn = {1022-1344}, doi = {10.1002/mats.201900003}, author = {Sharma, Pragati and Roy, Sudip and Karimi-Varzaneh, Hossein Ali} } @article {47489, title = {Importance of conserving fragmented forest patches with high diversity of flowering plants in the northern Western Ghats: an example from Maharashtra, India}, journal = {Journal of Threatened Taxa }, volume = {11}, year = {2019}, month = {MAY}, pages = {13833-13849}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The northern Western Ghats (NWG) comprises of a patchy continuum of forests that have been severely fragmented mainly due to anthropogenic activities. We documented tree diversity within a representative fragmented forest patch of the NWG to study the effects of fragmentation on forest structure and composition. The floristic survey was conducted by replicated strip transect sampling method leading to a total sampling area of 0.3ha. A total of 444 individual trees (Girth>10cm) were sampled, which represented 49 tree species belonging to 42 genera and 23 families. Species richness per unit area and tree density were higher than previously reported values from similar forest type in various regions of NWG. These variations, however, could have resulted due to differences in the sampling area, sampling method, and girth classes used across different studies. Nevertheless, various diversity parameters such as N/S ratio, Simpson{\^a}{\texteuro}{\texttrademark}s index, Shannon{\^a}{\texteuro}{\texttrademark}s index, and Fisher{\^a}{\texteuro}{\texttrademark}s {\^I}{\textpm} index were comparable with those reported in previous studies in the Western Ghats. The observed species richness was close to species richness estimates such as abundance-based coverage estimate, Chao-1, and Jackknife estimators. The present study also enumerates 108 species of understory flowering plants, which is provided as a checklist. While access restrictions are imposed in protected areas having high conservation priority, such restrictions are not imposed in non-protected areas, which make them much more vulnerable to anthropogenic activities. Hence, this study recommends that owing to their high diversity, the fragmented forest patches of NWG should also be given high conservation priority.}, doi = {10.11609/jott.3296.11.7.13833-13849}, author = {Kasodekar, Amol and Jadhav, Amol Dilip and Bhagat, Rani and Pawar, Rakesh Mahadev and Gupta, Vidya Shrikant and Kadoo, Narendra} } @article {45537, title = {Improved efficiency of DSSC using combustion synthesized TiO2}, journal = {Materials Research Bulletin}, volume = {109}, year = {2019}, month = {JAN}, pages = {222-226}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Combustion synthesis method is an economic, one step and an effective method for the synthesis of nanomaterials. In this work, titanium dioxide nanoparticles were synthesized by combustion method. The synthesized material was characterized by XRD, SEM and BET. Dye sensitized solar cell was fabricated using the synthesized material and its performance was compared with the solar cell fabricated using commercial TiO2. In order to evaluate the photovoltaic performance of DSSCs, photocurrent density to photovoltage (J-V) characteristic and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements were carried out. The DSSC fabricated using combustion synthesized and commercial TiO2 exhibited a power conversion efficiency of 6.11\% and 6.62\%, respectively. Combustion synthesized TiO2 which displayed similar efficiency to that of commercial material is least studied in the literature for solar cell applications.

}, keywords = {Combustion synthesis, Dye sensitized solar cell, TiO2}, issn = {0025-5408}, doi = {10.1016/j.materresbull.2018.09.044}, author = {Umale, Sanjivani and Sudhakar, V. and Sontakke, Sharad M. and Krishnamoorthy, K. and Pandit, Aniruddha B.} } @article {46019, title = {Inducing disorder in order: hierarchically porous covalent organic framework nanostructures for rapid removal of persistent organic pollutants}, journal = {Journal of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {141}, year = {2019}, month = {MAY }, pages = {7572-7581}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The key factor responsible for fast diffusion and mass transfer through a porous material is the availability of a widely open pore interior having complete accessibility from their surface. However, because of their highly stacked nature, ordered two-dimensional (2D) materials fail to find real-world applicability, as it is difficult to take advantage of their complete structure, especially the inner cores. In this regard, three-dimensional (3D) nanostructures constructed from layered two-dimensional crystallites could prove to be advantageous. However, the real challenge is to cultivate a porous nanostructure with ordered pores where the pores are surrounded by crystalline walls. Herein, a simple yet versatile in situ gas-phase foaming technique has been employed to address these cardinal issues. The use of baking soda leads to the continuous effervescence of CO2 during the crystallization of foam, which creates ripples and fluctuations on the surface of the 2D crystallites. The induction of ordered micropores within the disordered 3D architecture synergistically renders fast diffusion of various guests through the interconnected pore network. The high-density defects in the hierarchically porous structure help in ultrafast adsorption (\<10 s) of various pollutants (removal efficiency of 99\%) from water, all of which would lead to significant environmental benefit. The pseudo-second-order rate constant for the BPA pollutant is 182.3 g mg(-1) min(-1), which is the highest among all the literature reports to date. The high removal efficiency (highest efficiency of 94\% and average efficiency of 70\%) of a persistent organic pollutant has been attended for the first time.

}, issn = {0002-7863}, doi = {10.1021/jacs.9b02706}, author = {Karak, Suvendu and Dey, Kaushik and Torris, Arun and Halder, Arjun and Bera, Saibal and Kanheerampockil, Fayis and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article {45594, title = {Insect-repellent and mosquitocidal effects of noreremophilane- and nardoaristolone-based compounds}, journal = {ACS Omega}, volume = {4}, year = {2019}, month = {JAN}, pages = {2188{\textendash}2195}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Here, we disclose novel mosquito-repellent synthetic hydrindanes based on noreremophilanes and nardoaristolone B which show increased activity against adult females of Aedes aegypti. The noreremophilanes and nardoaristolone B with hydrindane skeleton are structurally related to nootkatone with decalin skeleton, a well-studied natural product extracted from a grape fruit. Out of our library of compounds synthesized based on the noreremophilanes and nardoaristolone B scaffolds, NDS-100598 (compound 20) exhibits higher repellent and knock-down effects at a very low concentration (0.25 mg/cm2), while a few analogues showed considerably enhanced activity compared to racemic nootkatone. This is the first report documenting insect-repellent and knock-down activity of the noreremophilanes class of compounds.

}, doi = {10.1021/acsomega.8b03652}, author = {Handore, K. L. and Kalmode, H. P. and Sayyad, S. and Seetharamsingh, B. and Gathalkar, G. and Padole, S. and Pawar, P. V. and Joseph, M. and Sen, A. and Reddy, D. S.} } @article {46305, title = {In-situ generated Mn3O4-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite for oxygen reduction reaction and isolated reduced graphene oxide for supercapacitor applications}, journal = {Carbon}, volume = {154}, year = {2019}, month = {DEC}, pages = {285-291}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We have generated in situ nanocomposite of Mn3O4 and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) upon employing wet-chemical reduction of graphene oxide (GO) by Mn(II) salt as mild-reducing agent for the first time and examined the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity in 0.1 M KOH electrolyte. The half-wave potential (E-1/2) of the nanocomposite catalyst (20\% Mn3O4-rGO/C) was found to be around -0.153 V which is only similar to 87 mV negative from the commercially available catalyst (20\% Pt/C). Remarkably, after 5000 linear sweep voltammetry cycles the E-1/2 shifted marginally by 20 mV; and the number of electrons transferred during ORR was estimated to be close to 4. Such an efficient electrocatalytic performance of the nanocomposite was primarily attributed to the synergistic interaction between Mn3O4 and rGO. The fabricated all-solid-state supercapacitor of rGO (extracted from the nanocomposite) in aqueous polyvinyl alcohol-sulfuric acid (PVA-H2SO4) gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) showed C-s value of similar to 310 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g along with long durability (10,000 charge-discharge cycles). All-solid-state flexible rGO supercapacitor exhibited high-flexibility and excellent durability (30,000 cycles with 100\% retention of C-s). Our results provide an enormous opportunity in designing transition metal oxides decorated semiconducting reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite platforms for various electrochemical applications. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0008-6223}, doi = {10.1016/j.carbon.2019.08.012}, author = {Jha, Plawan Kumar and Kashyap, Varchaswal and Gupta, Kriti and Kumar, Vikash and Debnath, Anil Krishna and Roy, Debashree and Rana, Shammi and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Ballav, Nirmalya} } @article {45500, title = {Integrative omics analysis in Pandanus odorifer (Forssk.) Kuntze reveals the role of Asparagine synthetase in salinity tolerance}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {9}, year = {2019}, month = {JAN }, pages = {Article Number: 932}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Pandanus odorifer (Forssk) Kuntze grows naturally along the coastal regions and withstands salt-sprays as well as strong winds. A combination of omics approaches and enzyme activity studies was employed to comprehend the mechanistic basis of high salinity tolerance in P. odorifer. The young seedlings of P. odorifer were exposed to 1 M salt stress for up to three weeks and analyzed using RNAsequencing (RNAseq) and LC-MS. Integrative omics analysis revealed high expression of the Asparagine synthetase (AS) (EC 6.3.5.4) (8.95 fold) and remarkable levels of Asparagine (Asn) (28.5 fold). This indicated that salt stress promoted Asn accumulation in P. odorifer. To understand this further, the Asn biosynthesis pathway was traced out in P. odorifer. It was noticed that seven genes involved in Asn bisynthetic pathway namely glutamine synthetase (GS) (EC 6.3.1.2) glutamate synthase (GOGAT) (EC 1.4.1.14), aspartate kinase (EC 2.7.2.4), pyruvate kinase (EC 2.7.1.40), aspartate aminotransferase (AspAT) (EC 2.6.1.1), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) (EC 4.1.1.31) and AS were up-regulated under salt stress. AS transcripts were most abundant thereby showed its highest activity and thus were generating maximal Asn under salt stress. Also, an up-regulated Na+/H+ antiporter (NHX1) facilitated compartmentalization of Na+ into vacuoles, suggesting P. odorifer as salt accumulator species.

}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-018-37039-y}, author = {Rashmi, Deo and Barvkar, Vitthal T. and Nadaf, Altafhusain and Mundhe, Swapnil and Kadoo, Narendra Y.} } @article {46222, title = { Intermolecular acyl-transfer reactions in molecular crystals }, journal = {Accounts of Chemical Research}, volume = {52}, year = {2019}, month = {FEB}, pages = {437-446}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

CONSPECTUS: It is far more difficult to recognize and predict the chemical reactions that a molecule of an organic compound can undergo in crystalline (solid) state as compared to the solution state (the "organic functional group" approach), since the published data on solid-state structure reactivity investigations and correlations are scant. The discovery of the first intermolecular acyl-transfer reaction in molecular crystals of racemic 2,4-di-O-benzoyl-myo-inositol-1,3,5-orthoformate (DiBz) during our attempts to develop methods for the synthesis of phosphoinositols, motivated us to find other molecular crystals capable of supporting similar reactions. Small changes to the molecular structure of DiBz yielded analogues with different crystal structures which showed varying degrees of acyl transfer reactivity as compared to the crystals of DiBz. A systematic investigation of the structures, polymorphism, cocrystallization behavior, and the corresponding reactivity of these crystals allowed us to correlate the acyl transfer reactivity with their structures and inherent noncovalent interactions and provided crucial insights into the mechanism of these reactions. Polymorphs or cocrystals of these compounds exhibited dissimilar reactivities due to differences in the molecular conformation and/or arrangements in their crystals. The knowledge of phase transitions between polymorphs enabled us to control and tune the reactivity in the solid state. We could identify three conditions essential for intermolecular acyl transfer: (i) favorable relative geometry of the electrophile (ester C=O) and the nucleophile (OH), (ii) noncovalent interactions (C-H center dot center dot center dot pi) between the reacting molecules which help in maintaining the facility and specificity of the reaction, and (iii) the presence of channels in the lattice which enable propagation of the reaction in the crystal. Based on this supramolecular structure reactivity correlation, we identified other molecular crystals (composed of molecules of widely different molecular structure from that of DiBz) from a survey of the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) and predicted their acyl transfer reactivity. The increased availability of user-friendly modern X-ray diffractometers and related software has enabled efficient collection, analysis and interpretation of single crystal X-ray diffraction data, essential for such studies. The rapidly expanding CSD facilitates the identification of crystals with similar structures and reactivity patterns. In a wider perspective, facile reactions in molecular crystals fascinate chemists because these reactions usually exhibit unique product selectivity and have the potential to be developed as sustainable green reactions. We are optimistic that similar approaches for the study of other group transfer reactions in molecular crystals would augment and widen the scope of chemical reactions in molecular crystals in particular and the solid state in general. The ability to predict the reactivity of molecules in their crystals could find applications in organic synthesis, material science and industry. Realization of the involvement of inositol derivatives in cellular processes led to the discovery of cellular signal transduction mechanisms. The ability of inositol derivatives to support facile acyl-transfer reactions in the crystalline state might well have opened a new avenue for research in the area of organic solid-state reactions.

}, doi = {10.1021/acs.accounts.8b00557}, author = {Shashidhar, Mysore S. and Krishnaswamy, Shobhana} } @article {45515, title = {Interplay between membrane curvature and cholesterol: role of palmitoylated caveolin-1}, journal = {Biophysical Journal}, volume = {116}, year = {2019}, month = {JAN }, pages = {69-78}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Caveolin-1 (cav-1) is an important player in cell signaling and endocytosis that has been shown to colocalize with cholesterol-rich membrane domains. Experimental studies with varying cav-1 constructs have suggested that it can induce both cholesterol clustering and membrane curvature. Here, we probe the molecular origin of membrane curvature and cholesterol clustering by cav-1 by using coarse-grain molecular dynamics simulations. We have performed a series of simulations of a functionally important cav-1 construct, comprising the membrane-interacting domains and a C-terminal palmitoyl tail. Our results suggest that cav-1 is able to induce cholesterol clustering in the membrane leaflet to which it is bound as well as the opposing leaflet. A positive membrane curvature is observed upon cav-1 binding in cholesterol-containing bilayers. Interestingly, we observe an interplay between cholesterol clustering and membrane curvature such that cav-1 is able to induce higher membrane curvature in cholesterol-rich membranes. The role of the cav-1 palmitoyl tail is less clear and appears to increase the membrane contacts. Further, we address the importance of the secondary structure of cav-1 domains and show that it could play an important role in membrane curvature and cholesterol clustering. Our work is an important step toward a molecular picture of caveolae and vesicular endocytosis.

}, issn = {0006-3495}, doi = {10.1016/j.bpj.2018.11.3127}, author = {Krishna, Anjali and Sengupta, Durba} } @article {46214, title = {Ionic liquid-responsive phase transfer of gold nanoparticles: anionic metathesis}, journal = {Langmuir}, volume = {35}, year = {2019}, month = {JULY}, pages = {9213-9218}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In this work, a fresh approach has been proposed for the efficient transfer of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) from an aqueous to organic phase by the metathesis reaction or anion exchange reaction. Here, we synthesized ionic liquid 1-butyl 3-hexadecyl imidazolium bromide [C(4)C1(6I)m]-Br-stabilized AuNPs which exhibit excellent stability in solution. Transfer of Au@[C(4)C(16)Im]Br from an aqueous to organic phase was investigated by the metathesis reaction with different hydrophobic ionic liquid-forming salts such as LiNTf2, LiClO4, and KPF6. The anionic exchange process in ionic liquids at the AuNP surface to make hydrophilic to hydrophobic AuNPs is demonstrated. It was found that hydrophobic ionic liquids provide the most effective transfer of AuNPs from the aqueous to organic phase. Interestingly, we have noticed no change in color, size, and shape of AuNPs for more than a month, indicating more efficient transfer of AuNPs in organic solvents, which remained stable for over a month. The ionic liquids with anions NTf2-, ClO4-, and PF6- make the AuNP surface hydrophobic, indicating their good dispersibility in nonpolar solvents. Finally, these AuNPs exhibit excellent sensitivity toward the refractive index of organic solvents, which is correlated with the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) lambda(SPR) bands.

}, doi = {10.1021/acs.langmuir.9b01223}, author = {Thawarkar, Sachin and Nirmale, Trupti C and More, Sahebrao and Ambekar, Jalindar D and Kale, Bharat B and Khupse, Nageshwar D} } @article {46192, title = {Ionic pyridinium-oxazole dyads: design, synthesis, and application in mitochondrial imaging}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {84}, year = {2019}, month = {FEB }, pages = {1766-1777}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We recently developed an oxidative intramolecular 1,2-amino-oxygenation reaction, combining gold(I)/gold(III) catalysis, for accessing structurally unique ionic pyridinium-oxazole dyads (PODs) with tunable emission wavelengths. On further investigation, these fluorophores turned out to be potential biomarkers; in particular, the one containing -NMe2 functionality (NMe2-POD) was highly selective for mitochondrial imaging. Of note, because of mitochondria{\textquoteright}s involvement in early-stage apoptosis and degenerative conditions, tracking the dynamics of mitochondrial morphology with such imaging technology has attracted much interest. Along this line, we wanted to build a library of such PODs which are potential mitochondria trackers. However, Au/Selecfluor, our first-generation catalyst system, suffers from undesired fluorination of electronically rich PODs resulting in an inseparable mixture (1:1) of the PODs and their fluorinated derivatives. In our attempt to search for a better alternative to circumvent this issue, we developed a second-generation approach for the synthesis of PODs by employing Cu(II)/PhI(OAC)(2)-mediated oxidative 1,2-amino-oxygenation of alkynes. Thes newly synthesized PODs exhibit tunable emissions as well as excellent quantum efficiency up to 0.96. Further, this powerful process gives rapid access to a library of NMe2-PODs which are potential mitochondrial imaging agents. Out of the library, the randomly chosen POD-3g was studied for cell-imaging experiments which showed high mitochondrial specificity, superior photostability, and appreciable tolerance to microenvironment changes with respect to commercially available MitoTracker green.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/acs.joc.8b02528}, author = {Shaikh, Aslam C. and Varma, Mokshada E. and Mule, Ravindra D. and Banerjee, Somsuvra and Kulkarni, Prasad P. and Patil, Nitin T.} } @article {46182, title = {Iridium(III)-catalyzed alkynylation of 2-(Hetero)arylquinazolin-4-one scaffolds via C-H bond activation}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {84}, year = {2019}, month = {MAR }, pages = {2951-2961}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The directed C-H alkynylation of 2-(hetero)arylquinazolin-4-ones has been explored with the ethynylbenziodoxolone reagent TIPS-EBX employing an Ir(III) catalyst. Complementary conditions for either monoalkynylation or dialkynylation have been developed. Also demonstrated is the broad scope of this reaction and the compatibility of various functional groups such as -F, -Cl, -Br, -CF3, -OMe, -NO2, and alkyl, etc.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/acs.joc.8b02738}, author = {Rohokale, Rajendra S. and Kalshetti, Rupali G. and Ramana, Chepuri V.} } @article {45553, title = {Kinetics of cinnamaldehyde hydrogenation in four phase system}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Journal}, volume = {377}, year = {2019}, month = {DEC}, pages = {Article Number: UNSP 120512}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The kinetics of cinnamaldehyde hydrogenation in four phase system viz. gas (hydrogen)-liquid (cinnamaldehyde + toluene)-liquid (aqueous KOH)-solid (catalyst, 5\% Pt/C), [GLLS] system has been studied in this work. As reported, addition of aqueous alkali in hydrogenation of unsaturated aldehydes like cinnamaldehyde shifts selectivity towards unsaturated alcohol, cinnamyl alcohol. The promotion action by alkali metals for improving selectivity towards cinnamyl alcohol involves changes in the adsorption mechanism of the cinnamaldehyde in a way that CO bond get preferentially hydrogenated. In cinnamaldehyde hydrogenation in presence of promoters two different catalytic sites can be considered, each for CO and CC bond hydrogenation. In accordance with this consideration and as demonstrated in various studies on hydrogenation of unsaturated aldehydes, further hydrogenation of intermediate-cinnamyl alcohol (CC bond hydrogenation) occurs on Pt only sites while cinnamaldehyde and intermediate hydrocinnamaldehyde (both involving CO bond hydrogenation) are hydrogenated on catalytic sites affected by promoters. This preferential adsorption and hydrogenation through CO bond leads to the increased selectivity of cinnamyl alcohol. Although, many authors have studied cinnamaldehyde hydrogenation using various promoters, there are very few reports on kinetics in which this two site approach behind promotion action has been considered. The effect of various operating parameters on the rates of hydrogenation was studied and the two site Langmuir-Hinshelwood type of kinetic model was used for evaluating the kinetic parameters by fitting experimental data. The thermodynamic model for estimating the solubility of hydrogen in the reaction mixture was incorporated with this kinetic model.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.cej.2018.11.210}, author = {Khan, M. and Joshi, S. and Ranade, V.} } @article {46316, title = {Kinetics of hydrogenation of aqueous levulinic acid over bimetallic Ru-Ni/MMT catalyst}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {58}, year = {2019}, month = {OCT }, pages = {19803-19817}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

gamma-Valerolactone is one of the value-added products obtained from levulinic acid hydrogenation, having tremendous applications in fuels and chemicals. In this work, several monometallic and bimetallic compositions of Ru and Ni were prepared and evaluated for levulinic acid hydrogenation in an aqueous medium. The optimum composition of 0.5 wt \% Ru and 5 wt \% Ni on MMT was found to achieve 91\% levulinic acid conversion with complete selectivity to gamma-valerolactone within 5 h at 220 degrees C and 250 psig H-2 pressure. XPS and H-2-TPR studies clearly showed that the electronic interactions between Ru-Ni leading to the synergism enhanced the catalytic efficiency of the Ru-Ni bimetallic catalyst. The average metal particle size by HRTEM was found to be in the range of 1.5-4.5 nm, having mixed cubic, oval, and spherical morphology, dispersed on the surface as well as within the layers of MMT. NH3-TPD showed a higher acidity due to both Lewis and Bronsted sites of the 0.5 wt \% Ru-5 wt \% Ni/MMT catalyst than individual MMT and monometallic catalysts. The presence of higher Lewis acidic sites preferred selective formation of GVL. Reaction kinetics was studied to propose the rate equation for this reaction based on which a plausible reaction pathway is proposed involving a first step dehydration of levulinic acid to an alpha-angelica lactone intermediate which then undergoes hydrogenation by dissociatively adsorbed H-2 to form gamma-valerolactone. The stability of our catalyst was proved by its recycle studies as well as by a hot filtration test.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/acs.iecr.9b03748}, author = {Kasar, Gayatri B. and Medhekar, Rucha S. and Bhosale, P. N. and Rode, V, Chandrashekhar} } @conference {47487, title = {Leukemia cancer detection using image analytics : (comparative study)}, booktitle = {2019 5th International Conference On Computing, Communication, Control And Automation (ICCUBEA)}, year = {2019}, month = {SEP}, publisher = {IEEE Xplore}, organization = {IEEE Xplore}, address = {Pune, India}, abstract = {Leukemia is a cancer of white blood cells (WBC). It can be fatal if not detected early. Microscopic images are studied by hematologists for detecting cancer. This manual detection becomes very tedious and time-consuming process. Leukemia if detected in earlier stages, can be cured. But traditional process causes late detection of cancerous cells. Hence in order to minimize the death caused due to late detection, an automated system can be used. This paper proposes an automated system which uses image analytics. Based on image analytics and classification algorithms performed on cell image samples of patients, the proposed system will give correct output. The dataset for experimentation is obtained from TCIA (The Cancer Imaging Archive) repository. The dataset is already pre-processed. An open source tool, "Orange-Data Mining" is used for predictions. In this comparative study, it was found that K-means clustering performs well for segmentation phase and also Neural Networks gives better results for classification phase. We have achieved AUC (area under curve) 0.865, Calculation accuracy (0.838), precision (0.835) and F1(0.836) for neural networks.}, doi = {10.1109/ICCUBEA47591.2019.9128546}, author = {Belhekar, Akshay and Gagare, Kumar and Bedse, Ritesh and Bhelkar, Yugandhar and Rajeswari, K. and Karthikeyan, Muthukumarasamy} } @article {45611, title = {Light-triggered, spatially localized chemistry by photoinduced electron transfer}, journal = {Angewandte Chemie-International Edition}, volume = {58}, year = {2019}, month = {FEB}, pages = {2715-2719}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

It is of immense interest to exert spatial and temporal control of chemical reactions. It is now demonstrated that irradiation can trigger reactions specifically at the surface of a simple colloidal construct, obtained by adsorbing polyethyleneimine on fluorescent colloidal particles. Exciting the fluorescent dye in the colloid affords photoinduced electron transfer to spatially proximal amine groups on the adsorbed polymer to form free radical ions. It is demonstrated that these can be harnessed to polymerize acrylic acid monomer at the particle surface, or to break up colloidal assemblies by cleaving a cross-linked polymer mesh. Formation of free radical ions is not a function of the size of the colloid, neither is it restricted to a specific fluorophore. Fluorophores with redox potentials that allow photoinduced electron transfer with amine groups show formation of free radical ions.

}, doi = {10.1002/anie.201812700}, author = {Usgaonkar, S. and Deshmukh, S. and Biswas, B. and Karjule, N. and Yadav, P. and Nithyanandhan, J. and Kumaraswamy, G.} } @article {46124, title = {Lipid composition and salt concentration as regulatory factors of the anion selectivity of VDAC studied by coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations}, journal = {Chemistry and Physics of Lipids}, volume = {220}, year = {2019}, month = {MAY}, pages = {66-76}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) is a mitochondrial outer membrane protein whose fundamental function is to facilitate and regulate the flow of metabolites between the cytosol and the mitochondrial inter membrane space. Using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, we investigated the dependence of VDAC selectivity towards small inorganic anions on two factors: the ionic strength and the lipid composition. In agreement with experimental data we found that VDAC becomes less anion selective with increasing salt concentration due to the screening of a few basic residues that point into the pore lumen. The molecular dynamics simulations provide insight into the regulation mechanism of VDAC selectivity by the composition in the lipid membrane and suggest that the ion distribution is differently modulated by POPE compared to the POPC bilayer. This occurs through the more persistent interactions of acidic residues located at both rims of the beta-barrel with head groups of POPE which in turn impact the electrostatic potential and thereby the selectivity of the pore. This mechanism occurs not only in POPE single component membranes but also in a mixed POPE/POPC bilayer by an enrichment of POPE over POPC lipids on the surface of VDAC. Thus we show here that computationally-in-expensive coarse-grained simulations are able to capture, in a semi-quantitative way, essential features of VDAC anion selectivity and could pave the way toward a molecular level understanding of metabolite transport in natural membranes.

}, keywords = {Coarse-grained molecular, Membrane channel, Protein-lipid interactions, VDAC}, issn = {0009-3084}, doi = {10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2018.11.002}, author = {Van Liefferinge, F. and Krammer, E. -M. and Sengupta, D. and Prevost, M.} } @article {46133, title = {Lithium speciation in the LiPF6/PC electrolyte studied by two dimensional heteronuclear overhauser enhancement and pulse field gradient diffusometry NMR}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {123}, year = {2019}, month = {APR}, pages = {9661-9672}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Electrolytic dissociation of lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) in the nonaqueous cyclic propylene carbonate (PC) has been investigated in the wide range of concentration (0.05-3.5 M) by Li-7 solution-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Two-dimensional heteronuclear Overhauser enhancement spectroscopy NMR experiments have not only enabled the cation solvation and ion-pairing to be directly monitored but additionally evidence anion solvent interaction at higher concentrations (\>1.2 M) of the PC electrolyte. Preliminary analysis of kinetic nOe data has been made to determine site-dependent cross-relaxation rates for the spatial interaction of the solvent with the Li+ cation and the PF6- anion. The concentration dependence of the Li-7 NMR self-diffusion coefficient (D-self), determined using very strong pulsed magnetic field gradients (similar to 1700 Gauss/cm), depicts two breaks to mark the solvation and ion-pairing events in a distinct manner. This in turn has aided the determination of solvent coordination number and average sizes of solvated and ion-paired clusters. Our results indicate that in the contact ion pair (CIP)-dominated electrolyte (\>2 M), lithium-ion mobility across the solvated and ion-paired environments appears to be inhibited which makes the spectral distinction of solvated and ion-paired environments possible. The concentration dependence of the Li-7 NMR spectral and diffusometry data is in striking correspondence with that of bulk conductivity measurements and point to the detrimental effect of CIP aggregates in impeding the ionic conductivity at high salt concentrations. These results have significance in understanding the structure and dynamics of lithium-ion solvates that are ubiquitous in the working environment of a lithium-ion battery.

}, issn = {1932-7447}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpcc.8b11599}, author = {Kumar, Vikas and Reddy, R. Ravikanth and Kumar, B. V. N. Phani and Avadhani, Chilukuri V. and Ganapathy, Subramanian and Chandrakumar, Narayanan and Sivaram, Swaminathan} } @article {46356, title = {Medium modulated oxygen reduction activity of Fe/Co active centre-engrafted electrocatalysts}, journal = {ChemElectroChem}, volume = {6}, year = {2019}, month = {JUN }, pages = {2956-2964}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Iron and cobalt metal atoms are effective active centers for the synthesis of carbon-based noble-metal-free catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) owing to their cost-effective intrinsic activity and tunable properties. Annealing of the active center with the conducting carbon enhances the ORR activity significantly. Herein, we have engrafted Fe and Co active centers in the homemade conducting carbon and the ORR performance has been closely observed under acidic and basic pH conditions to understand the influence of the medium and participating moieties towards the performance. In the half-cell reaction, the onset potential and half-wave potential for ORR are governed by the surface intermediates and concomitantly driven by the adsorption energies of the intermediates over the active centers. The iron and cobalt active center-engrafted carbon catalyst behaves differently in acidic and basic electrolytes owing to the dissociation of the surface intermediates. The iron-based catalyst shows improved onset potential against the cobalt-based one. Similarly, the cobalt-based catalyst shows improved half-wave potential against the iron active-center-grafted catalyst. The combined synergistic effect of the two catalysts is realized in the composition represented as Fe/2Co-N-GVC, where improved onset and half-wave potentials are noted in basic medium. A significant variation in the activity of the catalyst is observed as the medium changes from acidic to basic and the effect is directly associated with the surface adsorption of the intermediates.

}, keywords = {active centers, half-wave potential, Mechanism, oxygen reduction reaction, transition state}, issn = {2196-0216}, doi = {10.1002/celc.201900260}, author = {Kashyap, Varchaswal and Anand, Aljo and Soni, Roby and Sreekumar, Kurungot} } @article {46005, title = {Metagenomic insights to understand transient influence of Yamuna River on taxonomic and functional aspects of bacterial and archaeal communities of River Ganges}, journal = {Science of the Total Environment}, volume = {674}, year = {2019}, month = {JUL}, pages = {288-299}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

River confluences are interesting ecosystems to investigate for their microbial community structure and functional potentials. River Ganges is one of the most important and holy river of India with great mythological history and religious significance. The Yamuna River meets Ganges at the Prayagraj (formerly known as Allahabad), India to form a unique confluence. The influence of Yamuna River on taxonomic and functional aspects of microbiome at this confluence and its downstream, remains unexplored. To unveil this dearth, whole metagenome sequencing of the microbial (bacterial and archaeal) community from the sediment samples of December 2017 sampling expedition was executed using high throughput MinION technology. Results revealed differences in the relative abundance of bacterial and archaeal communities across the confluence. Grouped by the confluence, a higher abundance of Proteobacteria and lower abundance of Bacteroidetes and Firnacutes was observed for Yamuna River (G15Y) and at immediate downstream of confluence of Ganges (G15DS), as compared to the upstream, confluence, and farther downstream of confluence. A similar trend was observed for archaeal communities with a higher abundance of Euryarchaeoto in G15Y and G15DS, indicating Yamuna River{\textquoteright}s influence. Functional gene(s) analysis revealed the influence of Yamuna River on xenobiotic degradation, resistance to toxic compounds, and antibiotic resistance interceded by the autochthonous microbes at the confluence and succeeding downstream locations. Overall, similar taxonomic and functional profiles of microbial communities before confluence (upstream of Ganges) and farther downstream of confluence, suggested a transient influence of Yamuna River. Our study is significant since it may be foundational basis to understand impact of Yamuna River and also rare event of mass bathing on the microbiome of River Ganges. Further investigation would be required to understand, the underlying cause behind the restoration of microbial profiles post-confluence farther zone, to unravel the rejuvenation aspects of this unique ecosystem. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.A. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Confluence zone, Ganges, Metagenomics, Transient influence, Yamuna}, issn = {0048-9697}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.04.166}, author = {Samson, Rachel and Shah, Manan and Yadav, Rakeshkumar and Sarode, Priyanka and Rajput, Vinay and Dastager, Syed G. and Dharne, Mahesh S. and Khairnar, Krishna} } @article {46224, title = {Methane hydrate dissociation in the presence of novel benign additives}, journal = {Energy Procedia}, volume = {158}, year = {2019}, pages = {5856 - 5865}, abstract = {

The apparent drawbacks of the classical approaches towards dissociation of natural gas hydrates have resulted in a paradigm shift into the development of new hybrid hydrate dissociation practices combining the various basic hydrate dissociation techniques. Another approach that can be followed to maximize the efficiency of gas production from natural gas hydrate reserves is the identification of benign additives which when used even in sparingly small concentrations may enhance the kinetics of hydrate dissociation. In the present work, a class of such additives, never reported before, have been unveiled and christened as Low Dosage Hydrate Dissociation Promoters (LHDPs). The additives were first short listed from a wide potential pool using a lab scale ( 250 ml) stirred tank reactor setup and then further studied using a bench scale ( 2.35 l) reactor setup where they were injected in the form of a water-additive stream to dissociate hydrates. The dissociation approach followed in the case of the bench scale reactor experiments was a combination of the thermal stimulation and depressurization processes along with the element of injection of additives. For both sets of experiments (lab and bench scale), the newly identified LHDPs were found to enhance the kinetics of methane hydrate dissociation as compared to pure water. It was observed that concentration of additive and its flow rate also affect the kinetics of methane hydrate dissociation. An energy and efficiency analysis for the hydrate dissociation method in the case of bench scale rector revealed that additive presence enhanced the energy ratio and thermal efficiency four fold as compared to pure water.

}, keywords = {Depressurization, Dissociation, Energy Ratio, kinetics, LHDP, methane hydrate, Thermal Efficiency, thermal stimulation}, issn = {1876-6102}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egypro.2019.01.540}, url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876610219305648}, author = {Gaurav Bhattacharjee and Vivek Barmecha and Nilesh Choudhary and Nawal K. Pande and Parivesh Chugh and Rajnish Kumar} } @article {46444, title = {Methane recovery from marine gas hydrates: a bench scale study in presence of low dosage benign additives}, journal = {Applied Energy}, volume = {253}, year = {2019}, month = {NOV }, pages = {113566}, type = {Article; Proceedings Paper}, abstract = {

De-pressurization is one approach which has been found to be economically feasible for methane recovery from marine hydrates. Hydrate dissociation being an endothermic process suggests that de-pressurization alone would not be sufficient and some additional stimulation would be required for sustained production from one such reservoir. Thermal stimulation may overcome the challenge posed by the endothermic dissociation process; however, economically it may not be ideal. A possible way out is to use thermal stimulation, but at relatively low temperatures as compared to conventional practice. This would be economical and can be accomplished in the presence of small doses of additives mixed in with the water stream used for thermal stimulation. In the present study, a number of benign additives were identified which when used in low concentrations enhance the kinetics of methane hydrate dissociation compared to pure water. Additives were first shortlisted from a wide potential pool using quantum mechanical calculations. These additives were later tested for their efficacy in stirred tank reactor to quickly identify the best additives for the job and few selected additives were then studied in a larger bench scale setup (fixed bed configuration) where they were injected in the form of an additive-water stream to dissociate already formed hydrates. Factors such as toxicity of the additive, fluidity of additive-water stream, foam formation on mixing of additive with water, etc. were also taken into account. An energy and efficiency analysis revealed that reported additives enhance the energy ratio and thermal efficiency of the process as compared to pure water stimulation.

}, keywords = {Bench scale, kinetics, Marine hydrate, methane hydrate, Methane recovery, Natural gas hydrate, Process}, issn = {0306-2619}, doi = {10.1016/j.apenergy.2019.113566}, author = {Bhattacharjee, Gaurav and Choudhary, Nilesh and Barmecha, Vivek and Kushwaha, Omkar S. and Pande, Nawal K. and Chugh, Parivesh and Roy, Sudip and Kumar, Rajnish} } @article {46327, title = {Methodology of evaluating sustainability index of a biomass processing enterprise: a case study of native cow dung-urine biorefinery}, journal = {Environmental Science and Pollution Research}, year = {2019}, month = {OCT}, type = {Article; Early Access}, abstract = {

Agriculture and its allied sector contribute significantly to the gross domestic product of every country. Several small-scale enterprises engaged in waste biomass processing have been setup recently. Such industrial setups not only help in solving the waste management issues but also play an important role in offering employment at the grass root level generating a significant social impact along with economic advantage to the local entrepreneur. Hence, assessment of such biomass processing enterprise (BPE) based on economic, environment, and social parameters has become necessary. In this paper, a general framework for sustainability assessment is discussed using a case study of cow dung-urine biorefinery as a representative BPE. Real-time data of BPE has been collected for evaluation and a sustainability index (SI) is evaluated using multicriteria decision method. The SI is calculated as per the weightage assigned and value function of the indicator and criteria. The SI for the BPE was observed to be 0.69 for the chosen set of criteria and indicator and weightages. A sensitivity analysis has been performed to check the dependence of the results on the weightages assigned to various criteria and indicators. It was also observed that the results were more sensitive to the indicators having a low value function.

}, keywords = {Indicator analysis, MIVES, Multicriteria decision analysis, Performance evaluation, Sustainability assessment framework}, issn = {0944-1344}, doi = {10.1007/s11356-019-06309-1}, author = {Joglekar, Saurabh N. and Darwai, Vivek and Mandavgane, Sachin A. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article {46313, title = {Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase C subunit III (cox3) gene as a sensitive and specific target for molecular detection of Babesia gibsoni infection in dogs}, journal = {Experimental Parasitology}, volume = {206}, year = {2019}, month = {NOV}, pages = {107771}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A PCR targeting mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit III (cox3) for molecular detection of Babesia gibsoni infection in dogs has been developed in this study. Fifty blood samples from suspected clinical cases from dogs, brought to the veterinary college clinics, were examined for presence of B. gibsoni using conventional diagnosis by microscopic examination of Giemsa stained thin blood smears. In addition, species specific PCRs targeting ITS-1 region (BgITS-1 PCR) and nested PCR targeting 18S ribosomal RNA gene (Bg18SnPCR) were carried out. A 634 bp PCR fragment of B. gibsoni cox3 gene was amplified in positive samples from three geographical locations of Satara, Wai and Pune in Maharashtra state of India. From analysis of the sequence of the B. gibsoni cox3 gene, we found that the Indian isolate had 96-98\% similarity to the isolate from Japan and China. Post sequencing, de-novo diagnostic primer pair for species specific amplification of 164 bp fragment of B. gibsoni cox3 was designed and the PCR was standardized. The diagnostic results of de-novo Bgcox3 PCR were compared with BgITS-1 PCR and Bg18S nPCR. Thin blood smears detected 22\% (11/50) samples positive for small form of Babesia species. The BgITS-1 PCR detected 25\% samples (15/50) as positive and Bg18S nPCR detected 80\% (40/50) B. gibsoni positive samples. The de-novo Bgcox3 PCR detected 66\% (33/50) samples positive for B. gibsoni (at 95\% CI). The analytical sensitivity of cox3 PCR was evaluated as 0.000003\% parasitaemia or 09 parasites in 100 mu l of blood. The de-novo diagnostic cox3 PCR did not cross react with control positive DNA from other haemoprotozoa and rickettsia like B. vogeli, Hepatozoon canis, Trypanosoma evansi, Ehrlichia cants and Anaplasma platys. Statistically, cox3 PCR had better diagnostic efficiency than ITS-1 PCR in terms of sensitivity (p = 0.0006). No statistically significant difference between results of cox3 PCR and 18S nPCR was observed (p = 0.1760). Kappa values estimated for each test pair showed fair to moderate agreement between the observations. Specificity of Bgcox3 PCR was 100\% when compared with microscopy or BgITS-1 PCR. Sensitivity of Bgcox3 PCR was 100\% when compared with that of Bg18S nPCR.

}, keywords = {Babesia gibsoni, cox3, Diagnosis, Dog, mitochondria, molecular}, issn = {0014-4894}, doi = {10.1016/j.exppara.2019.107771}, author = {Betgiri, Aishwarya A. and Jadhav, Sameer N. and Pawde, Mrunalini and Shukla, Anurag and Mote, Chandrashekhar and Pawar, Prashant D. and Shanmugam, Dhanasekaran and Kundu, Krishnendu} } @article {46241, title = {Molecular and dissociative adsorption of oxygen on au-pd bimetallic clusters: role of composition and spin state of the cluster}, journal = {Acs Omega}, volume = {4}, year = {2019}, month = {JULY}, pages = {12687-12695}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Utilization of molecular oxygen as an oxidizing agent in industrially important reactions is the ultimate goal to design environmentally benign processes under ambient conditions. However, the high thermal stability and a large O-O dissociation barrier in O-2 molecule pose a great challenge toward its successful application in the oxidative chemistry. To achieve this goal, different catalysts based on monometallic and bimetallic clusters have been developed over the years to promote binding and dissociation of molecular oxygen. The successful design of efficient metal cluster catalysis needs an in-depth knowledge of synergistic effects between different metal atoms and intrinsic catalytic mechanisms for O-2 adsorption and dissociation. Here, we present a systematic theoretical investigation of reaction pathways for O-2 adsorption and dissociation on Au-8, Pd-8, and Au8-nPdn (n = 1-7) nanoclusters in different spin states. The density functional calculations point out that the O-2 dissociation barriers can be significantly reduced with the help of certain bimetallic clusters along specific spin channels. Our results particularly indicate that Au5Pd3 and Au1Pd7 show very large O-2 binding energies of 1.76 and 1.69 eV, respectively. The enhanced O-2 binding subsequently leads to low activation barriers of 0.98 and 1.19 eV along the doublet and quartet spin channels, respectively, without the involvement of any spin flip-over for O-2 dissociation. Furthermore, the computed O-2 dissociation barriers are significantly low as compared to the already reported barriers (1.95-3.65 eV) on monometallic and bimetallic Au-Ag clusters. The results provide key mechanistic insights into the interaction and dissociation of molecular oxygen with Au-Pd clusters, which can prove informative for the design of efficient catalysts for oxidative chemistry involving molecular oxygen as a reactant.

}, doi = {10.1021/acsomega.9b01581}, author = {Dar, Manzoor Ahmad and Krishnamurty, Sailaja} } @article {47168, title = {Molecular dynamics study on growth of carbon dioxide and methane hydrate from a seed crystal}, journal = {Chinese Journal of Chemical Engineering}, volume = {27}, year = {2019}, month = {SEP}, pages = {2074-2080}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In the current work, molecular dynamics simulation is employed to understand the intrinsic growth of carbon dioxide and methane hydrate starting from a seed crystal of methane and carbon dioxide respectively. This comparison was carried out because it has relevance to the recovery of methane gas from natural gas hydrate reservoirs by simultaneously sequestering a greenhouse gas like CO2. The seed crystal of carbon dioxide and methane hydrate was allowed to grow from a super-saturated mixture of carbon dioxide or methane molecules in water respectively. Two different concentrations (1:6 and 1:8.5) of CO2/CH4 molecules per water molecule were chosen based on gas-water composition in hydrate phase. The molecular level growth as a function of time was investigated by all atomistic molecular dynamics simulation under suitable temperature and pressure range which was well above the hydrate stability zone to ensure significantly faster growth kinetics. The concentration of CO2 molecules in water played a significant role in growth kinetics, and it was observed that maximizing the CO2 concentration in the aqueous phase may not result in faster growth of CO2 hydrate. On the contrary, methane hydrate growth was independent of methane molecule concentration in the aqueous phase. We have validated our results by performing experimental work on carbon dioxide hydrate where it was seen that under conditions appropriate for liquid CO2, the growth for carbon dioxide hydrate was very slow in the beginning. (C) 2019 The Chemical Industry and Engineering Society of China, and Chemical Industry Press Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Cage dynamics, CH4 recovery, CO2 sequestration, F-4 order parameter, kinetics, Natural gas hydrate, Thermodynamics}, issn = {1004-9541}, doi = {10.1016/j.cjche.2019.02.006}, author = {Nakate, Prajakta and Ghosh, Bappa and Das, Subhadip and Roy, Sudip and Kumar, Rajnish} } @article {47473, title = {Morphological and molecular characterization of Penicillium rubens sp.nov isolated from poultry feed}, journal = {Indian Phytopathology}, volume = {72}, year = {2019}, month = {SEP}, pages = {461{\textendash}478}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Fungi are the second largest group of eukaryotic organisms, estimates ranging from 2.2 to 3.8 million and 120,000 currently accepted species. Unfortunately, identification of Penicillium species is an overwhelming task even for taxonomic experts. In the current study, we isolated identified and morphologically characterized Penicillium rubens strain NCIM-1397. Molecular characterization of P. rubens by multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, β-tubulin (BenA), calmodulin (CaM), NL (D1/D2 region) and LR (large subunit region) gene. Conversely, BenA gene differentiated P. rubens from P. chrysogenum. Moreover, Vitek MS, Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization{\textendash}time of flight mass spectrometer (MALDI-TOF{\textendash}MS) failed to discriminate to strain level. Metabolic profiling of P. rubens enable to produce roquefortine C, chrysogine, meleagrine, sorbicillin and non-producers for industrially important metabolite, penicillin determined by LC{\textendash}MS. Even, In addition, even molecular detection of penicillin biosynthetic pathway genes, PcbC, PenDE and Phl were negative by PCR. Nevertheless, P. rubens showed 90{\textendash}100\% toxicity/pathogenicity on seed germination of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and no further development of coleoptiles, radicle and leaf length observed. Also, it showed non-toxic to animal cell determined on Human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) cell line by In-Vitro.}, doi = {10.1007/s42360-019-00165-2}, author = {Sawant, Amol M. and Vankudoth, Ramu and Navale, Vishwambar and Kumavat, Rajkamal and Kumari, Prabla and Santhakumari, B. and Vamkudoth, Koteswara Rao} } @article {47152, title = {Morphology of ammonium perchlorate in the presence of ethylene glycol as an additive: a first principle study}, journal = {Crystengcomm}, volume = {21}, year = {2019}, month = {DEC}, pages = {7519-7527}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Ammonium perchlorate (AP) is an extensively used crystalline oxidizer in high energy materials and their compositions. A desired morphology of AP is crucial for the high burn rates of solid propellants. We have examined the habit modification of AP crystals in the absence and presence of ethylene glycol as an impurity by means of important parameters such as interaction and surface energies to predict the resultant morphology. On the basis of first principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the binding and surface energies before and after the adsorption of the surface-capping agent (ethylene glycol) on the AP surfaces, we have shown that the relative stability of all the important surfaces (100), (101), (011), (001) and (210) rationalize the habit modification of AP crystals. In accordance with the surface energy calculations, the stability order of the five crystallographic surfaces of AP was found to be (001) \> (210) \> (101) \> (100) \> (011) in the absence of additive molecules, i.e., in the clean surfaces. This result is in concurrence with the fact that AP crystals richly contain (001) planes when grown in the absence of an additive. The computational methodology applied for the determination of surface energies was found to be reliable as it has well reproduced the stability trend of AP surfaces. However, the trend, (210) \> (001) \> (101) \> (011) \> (100), was observed when these surfaces were capped with a known additive molecule, i.e., ethylene glycol. The crystal habit of AP in the presence of ethylene glycol is such that the intensity of the lattice plane (2 1 0) of the modified AP was remarkably high leading to the shape of hexahedral, which is in excellent agreement with the experimental results. A linear fit correlation was also observed between surface energies and interaction energy values for the additive adsorbed AP surfaces.

}, issn = {1466-8033}, doi = {10.1039/c9ce01262a}, author = {Khan, Md Abdul Shafeeuulla and Vijayalakshmi, R. and Singh, Avtar and Nandi, Amiya Kumar and Talawar, M. B.} } @article {46052, title = {[MoS4](2-)-Intercalated NiCo-layered double hydroxide nanospikes: an efficiently synergized material for urine to direct H-2 generation}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {11}, year = {2019}, month = {JUL }, pages = {25917-25927}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Substituting the energy-uphill water oxidation half-cell with readily oxidizable urea-rich urine, a ground-breaking bridge is constructed, combining the energy-efficient hydrogen generation and environmental 6 protection. Hence, designing a robust multifunctional electrocatalyst is desirable for widespread implementation of this waste to fuel technology. In this context, here, we report a simple tuning of the electrocatalytically favorable characteristics of NiCo-layered double hydroxide by introducing [MoS4]2- in its interlayer space. The [MoS4]{\textquoteright} insertion as well as its effect on the electronic structure tuning is thoroughly studied via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy in combination with electrochemical analysis. This insertion induces overall electronic structure tuning of the hydroxide layer in such a way that the designed catalyst exhibited favorable kinetics toward all the required reactions of hydrogen generation. This is why our homemade catalyst, when utilized both as a cathode and anode to fabricate a urea electrolyzer, required a mere X1.37 V cell potential to generate sufficient H2 by reaching the benchmark 10 mA cm-2 in 1 M KOH/0.33 M urea along with long-lasting catalytic efficiency. Other indispensable reason of selecting [MoS4]2- is its high-valent nature making the catalyst highly selective and insensitive to common catalyst-poisoning toxins of urine. This is experimentally supported by performing the real urine electrolysis, where the nanospike-covered Ni foam-based catalyst showed a performance similar to that of synthetic urea, offering its industrial value. Other intuition of selecting [MoS4]2- was to provide a ligand-based mechanism for hydrogen evolution half-cell [hydrogen evolution reaction (HER)] to preclude the HER-competing oxygen reduction. Another crucial point of our work is its potential to avoid the mixing of two explosive product gases, that is, H2 and O-2.

}, keywords = {hydrogen evolution reaction, Layered double hydroxide, nickel oxyhydroxide, sewage denitrification, urea oxidation reaction, urine/urea electrolysis}, issn = {1944-8244}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.9b06545}, author = {Nadeema, Ayasha and Kashyap, Varchaswal and Gururaj, Rakshitha and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @inbook {47478, title = {Nanobased intravenous and transdermal drug delivery systems}, booktitle = {Applications of Targeted Nano Drugs and Delivery Systems}, number = {Nanoscience and Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery Micro and Nano Technologies}, year = {2019}, pages = {551-594}, publisher = {Elsevier}, organization = {Elsevier}, abstract = {In this chapter we bring in the collective information about intravenous and transdermal nano drug delivery systems (DDSs), which include different kinds of constituents used for the design of nano DDSs, their various forms, methods, and characterization of nanoformulations. }, doi = {10.1016/B978-0-12-814029-1.00019-3}, author = {Gundloori, Rathna V. N. and Singam, Amarnath and Killi, Naresh} } @article {45535, title = {Nature of electrophilic oxygen: insights from periodic density functional theory investigations}, journal = {Surface Science}, volume = {679}, year = {2019}, month = {JAN}, pages = {188-195}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Increasing demand of ethylene oxide and the cost of versatile chemical ethene has been a driving force for understanding mechanism of epoxidation to develop highly selective catalytic process. Direct epoxidation is a proposed mechanism which in theory provides 100\% selectivity. A key aspect of this mechanism is an electrophilic oxygen (O-ele) species forming on the Ag surface. In the past two and half decades, large number of theoretical and experimental investigations have tried to elucidate formation of O-ele, on Ag surface with little success. Equipped with this rich literature on Ag-O interactions, we investigate the same using periodic DFT calculations to further understand how silver surface and oxygen interact with each other from a chemical standpoint. Based on energetics, Lowdin charges, topologies and pdos data described in this study, we scrutinize the established notions of O-ele. Our study provides no evidence in support of O-ele, being an atomic species nor a diatomic molecular species. In fact, a triatomic molecular species described in this work bears multiple signatures which are very convincing evidence for considering it as the most sought for electrophilic entity.

}, keywords = {Ag(100), DFT, Electrophilic, epoxidation, Nucleophilic oxygen}, issn = {0039-6028}, doi = {10.1016/j.susc.2018.09.009}, author = {Kenge, Nivedita and Pitale, Sameer and Joshi, Kavita} } @article {46173, title = {Negative axicon tip-based fiber optic interferometer cavity sensor for volatile gas sensing}, journal = {Optics Express}, volume = {27}, year = {2019}, month = {MAR }, pages = {7277-7290}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In this research work we demonstrated negative axicon optical fiber tip filled with Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as a sensor platform for volatile organic gases detection at room temperature. The response of the sensor was measured with various Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) such as Chloroform, Hexane, Isopropanol, Acetone, Toluene and Methanol in the concentration ranging from 5 to 200 ppm. The corresponding sensitivity and limit of detection (LOD) of the developed sensor for the measured VOCs were observed between the order of around 23.7 to 3.2 pm/ppm and 0.84 to 6.10 ppm, respectively. The response and recovery time of sensor were found between the order of 30 to 57 seconds and 8 to 25 seconds respectively for the measured VOCs. Thermal stability of the developed sensor was also studied at 30-70 degrees C with intervals of 10 degrees C. The principle of sensing is based on change in the length of the Fabry-Perot Interferometric (FPI) cavity in the presence of varied concentrations of VOCs, which results in changes in the shift in wavelength of an interference pattern attributed to the change in PDMS filling the cavity length (swelling). The experimentally observed trends in the relative swelling of PDMS with VOCs are found in agreement with the theoretically calculated values obtained from the Hansen solubility parameter (HSP). The developed gas sensor has the potential to fulfill the demands of industrial applications.

}, issn = {1094-4087}, doi = {10.1364/OE.27.007277}, author = {Kanavvade, Rajesh and Kumar, Ajay and Pawar, Dnyandeo and Vairagi, Kaushal and Late, Dattatray and Sarkar, Sudipta and Sinha, Ravindra K. and Mondal, Samir} } @article {45585, title = {NetShift: a methodology for understanding {\textquoteleft}driver microbes{\textquoteright} from healthy and disease microbiome datasets}, journal = {ISME Journal}, volume = {13}, year = {2019}, month = {JAN}, pages = {442-454}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The combined effect of mutual association within the co-inhabiting microbes in human body is known to play a major role in determining health status of individuals. The differential taxonomic abundance between healthy and disease are often used to identify microbial markers. However, in order to make a microbial community based inference, it is important not only to consider microbial abundances, but also to quantify the changes observed among inter microbial associations. In the present study, we introduce a method called {\textquoteleft}NetShift{\textquoteright} to quantify rewiring and community changes in microbial association networks between healthy and disease. Additionally, we devise a score to identify important microbial taxa which serve as {\textquoteleft}drivers{\textquoteright} from the healthy to disease. We demonstrate the validity of our score on a number of scenarios and apply our methodology on two real world metagenomic datasets. The {\textquoteleft}NetShift{\textquoteright} methodology is also implemented as a web-based application available at }, doi = {10.1038/s41396-018-0291-x}, author = {Kuntal, B. K. and Chandrakar, P. and Sadhu, S. and Mande, S. S.} } @article {46137, title = {Neural anti-inflammatory natural product periconianone A: total synthesis and biological evaluation}, journal = {European Journal of Organic Chemistry}, year = {2019}, month = {APR }, pages = {2376-2381}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Total synthesis of periconianone A, an eremophilane-type sesquiterpenoid with impressive neural anti-inflammatory potential, has been accomplished. Diels-Alder/aldol strategy to construct tetrahydro-naphthalene-2,6-dione scaffold, allylic oxidation of dienone using DBU/O-2 and postulated biomimetic aldol reaction to construct 6/6/6 tricyclic system are the highlights of the present synthesis. Furthermore, the synthesized (+/-)-periconianone A and two close analogs were tested for their neural anti-inflammatory activity using various assays. In the course of our study we found a structurally simplified analog is superior to (+/-)-periconianone A.

}, keywords = {Aldol, Allylic oxidation, Biological evaluation, Cytotoxicity, Diels-Alder, Periconianone A}, issn = {1434-193X}, doi = {10.1002/ejoc.201900048}, author = {Kalmode, Hanuman P. and Patil, Suhag S. and Handore, Kishor L. and Athawale, Paresh R. and Dandela, Rambabu and Verma, Abhishek Kumar and Basu, Anirban and Reddy, D. Srinivasa} } @article {46128, title = {NMR structure and dynamics of inhibitory repeat domain variant 12, a plant protease inhibitor from Capsicum annuum, and its structural relationship to other plant protease inhibitors}, journal = {Journal of Biomolecular Structure \& Dynamics}, year = {2019}, month = {APR}, type = {Article; Early Access}, abstract = {

Although several plant protease inhibitors have been structurally characterized using X-ray crystallography, very few have been studied using NMR techniques. Here, we report an NMR study of the solution structure and dynamics of an inhibitory repeat domain (IRD) variant 12 from the wound-inducible Pin-II type proteinase inhibitor from Capsicum annuum. IRD variant 12 (IRD12) showed strong anti-metabolic activity against the Lepidopteran insect pest, Helicoverpa armigera. The NMR-derived three-dimensional structure of IRD12 reveals a three-stranded anti-parallel beta-sheet rigidly held together by four disulfide bridges and shows structural homology with known IRDs. It is interesting to note that the IRD12 structure containing similar to 75\% unstructured part still shows substantial amount of rigidity of N-H bond vectors with respect to its molecular motion. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

}, keywords = {Bt transgenic, Capsicum annuum, Helicoverpa armigera, inhibitory repeating domains, NMR structure, Protease inhibitors (PIs)}, issn = {0739-1102}, doi = {10.1080/07391102.2019.1607559, Early Access Date = APR, Early Access Year = 2019}, author = {Gartia, Janeka and Anangi, Raveendra and Joshi, Rakesh S. and Giri, Ashok P. and King, Glenn F. and Barnwal, Ravi P. and Chary, Kandala V. R.} } @article {46359, title = {Non nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, molecular docking studies and antitubercular activity of thiazolidin-4-one derivatives}, journal = {Current Computer-Aided Drug Design}, volume = {15}, year = {2019}, month = {JAN}, pages = {433-444}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Background: Management of Co-existence of Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and Tuberculosis has become a global challenge due to the emergence of resistant strains and pill burden. Objective: Hence the aim of the present work was to design and evaluate compounds for their dual activity on HIV-1 and Tuberculosis (TB). Methods: A series of seven, novel Thiazolidin-4-one derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their anti-HIV and anti-tubercular activity along with Molecular docking studies. All the seven compounds displayed promising activity against the replication of HIV-1 in cell-based assays. The four most active compounds were further evaluated against X4 tropic HIV-1(UG)(070) and R5 tropic HIV-1(vB59) primary isolates. The binding affinity of all the designed compounds for HIV-RT and Mycobacterium tuberculosis Enol Reductase (MTB InhA) was gauged by molecular docking studies which revealed crucial thermodynamic interactions governing their binding. Results: The CC50 values for the test compounds were in the range of, 15.08-34.9 mu g/ml, while the IC50 values were in the range of 16.1-27.13(UG(070); X4) and 12.03-23.64 (VB59; R5) mu g/ml. The control drug Nevirapine (NVP) exhibited CC50 value of 77.13 mu g/ml and IC50 value of 0.03 mu g/ml. Amongst all these compounds, compound number 3 showed significant activity with a TI value of 2.167 and 2.678 against the HIV-1 X4 and the R5 tropic virus respectively. In anti-mycobacterial screening, the compounds proved effective in inhibiting the growth of both log phase and starved MTB cultures. Conclusion: Compound 3 has been found to be active against HIV-1 as well as MTB.

}, keywords = {anti-HIV-1 activity, Antitubercular activity, human immunodeficiency virus-1, Molecular docking, Non nucleoside reverse transcriptase, thiazolidin-4-ones}, issn = {1573-4099}, doi = {10.2174/1573409915666181221102903}, author = {Chitre, Trupti S. and Patil, Shital M. and Sujalegaonkar, Anagha G. and Asgaonkar, Kalyani D. and Khedkar, Vijay M. and Garud, Dinesh R. and Jha, Prakash C. and Gaikwad, Sharddha Y. and Kulkarni, Smita and Choudhari, Amit and Sarkar, Dhiman} } @inbook {47486, title = {Noncovalent interactions in hydrogenation and hydroformylation}, booktitle = {Noncovalent Interactions in Catalysis}, number = {RSC Catalysis Series}, year = {2019}, publisher = {RSC}, organization = {RSC}, abstract = {This chapter summarizes the fundamentals of hydrogenation and hydroformylation reactions. An overview of state-of-the-art developments is presented to set the context. Subsequently, the significance of noncovalent interactions in these reactions is discussed in detail. Hydrogen bonding has been one of the leading noncovalent interactions that has been very frequently used in catalysis, including hydrogenation and hydroformylation reactions. Recent examples from the literature are presented to illustrate the role of hydrogen bonding in hydrogenation and hydroformylation. The impact of hydrogen bonding on catalyst development through self-assembly and the role of hydrogen bonding in directing a substrate to achieve high enantiomeric excess are discussed.}, doi = {10.1039/9781788016490-00168}, author = {Koshti, Vijay S. and Chikkali, Samir H.} } @article {46270, title = {Novel synthetic approach for designing metal-free, redox-active quinoxaline-benzimidazole-based organic polymers with high energy storage capacity}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {44}, year = {2019}, month = {OCT}, pages = {14806-14817}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

New organic framework materials, namely, polyphenylquinoxaline (QOP) and polyphenylquinoxaline-benzimidazole (QOP-BOP) were designed using a high-temperature (\>100 degrees C) polymerization reaction with different monomers, i.e., 2,5-bis-[(4-benzoylcarbonyl)phenyl]-3-4 diphenyl thiophene (BbcPDT), aromatic tetraamines and biphenyl dicarboxylic acid. The QOP-BOP copolymer exhibited specific capacitance (SC) of 305 F g(-1) at the current density of 2 A g(-1) and 88\% retention of its initial specific capacitance after 1000 cycles, which resulted in good cyclic stability. This work establishes the first use of thiophene integrated with quinoxaline-benzimidazole units for energy storage applications and provides strategies for further developments in the performance of such conjugated materials. Cyclic voltammetry, charge-discharge and electrochemical impedance techniques were used to evaluate the electrochemical parameters, which demonstrated their potential in future energy storage devices.

}, doi = {10.1039/c9nj02877c}, author = {Salunkhe, Pravin S. and Patil, Yuvraj S. and Dhole, Indrajeet A. and Kalshetti, Basavraj S. and Patil, Vikas B. and Mane, Shivshankar R. and Ghanwat, Anil A.} } @article {45589, title = {One-pot three-component synthesis and photophysical properties of highly fluorescent novel 4-alkyl-3-aryl-2,6-dicyanoanilines by using tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane as a catalyst}, journal = {Chemical Data Collections}, volume = {19}, year = {2019}, month = {FEB}, pages = {Article No: 100172}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Novel 4-alkyl-3-aryl-2,6-dicyanoanilines were synthesized by a multi-component one-step reaction of aromatic aldehyde, malononitrile and aliphatic aldehyde using tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (THAM) as a catalyst under microwave (MW) irradiation or conventional heating. The optimized reaction condition involved use of 2.5 equivalents of THAM under MW irradiation at 140 W using 20\% MW power for 5 min or conventional heating at 80 {\textdegree}C for 8 h in dimethylformamide. The photophysical properties including λmax, quantum yield and Stokes{\textquoteright} shifts of newly synthesized molecules were studied. All compounds exhibited quantum yield in the range of 0.04{\textendash}0.52 with respect to standard quinine sulphate having quantum yield 0.54. The Stokes{\textquoteright} shifts of all compounds were found in the range of 41{\textendash}105 nm. The current strategy provides operationally simple protocol using THAM as a catalyst to synthesize 4-alkyl-3-aryl-2,6-dicyanoanilines with diverse structural features to make them available for exploration of their photophysical as well as biological applications.}, doi = {10.1016/j.cdc.2018.100172}, author = {Kudale, A. S. and Kamble, S. B. and Gore, A. H. and Pisal, M. M. and Salokhe, A. T. and Kolekar, G. B. and Helavi, V. B.} } @article {46317, title = {Ortho-oxygenative 1,2-difunctionalization of diarylalkynes under merged gold/organophotoredox relay catalysis}, journal = {Chemistry-An Asian Journal}, year = {2019}, month = {OCT}, type = {Article; Early Access}, abstract = {

Reported herein is an ortho-oxygenative 1,2-difunctionalization of diarylalkynes under merged gold/organophotoredox catalysis to access highly functionalized 2-(2-hydroxyaryl)-2-alkoxy-1-arylethan-1-ones. Detailed mechanistic studies suggested a relay process, initiating with gold-catalyzed hydroalkoxylation of alkynes, to generate enol-ether followed by a key formal [4+2]-cycloaddition reaction. The successful application of the present methodology was also shown for the synthesis of benzofurans.

}, keywords = {binary catalyst system, Gold catalysis, organocatalyst, photoredox, synthetic methodology}, issn = {1861-4728}, doi = {10.1002/asia.201901275}, author = {Sancheti, Shashank P. and Akram, Manjur O. and Roy, Rupam and Bedi, Vaibhav and Kundu, Shubhankar and Patil, Nitin T.} } @article {46171, title = {Partially bio-based aromatic poly(ether sulfone)s bearing pendant furyl groups: synthesis, characterization and thermo-reversible cross-linking with a bismaleimide}, journal = {Polymer Chemistry}, volume = {10}, year = {2019}, month = {MAR }, pages = {1089-1098}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A fully bio-based bisphenol bearing pendant furyl group, viz., 4,4{\textquoteright}-(furan-2-ylmethylene) bis(2-methoxyphenol) (BPF) was synthesized by base-catalyzed condensation of furfural with guaiacol. New partially bio-based (co) poly(ether sulfone) s bearing pendant furyl groups were synthesized via aromatic nucleophilic substitution polycondensation of BPF and various mixtures of BPF and bisphenol-A with bis(4-fluorophenyl) sulfone in N, N-dimethylacetamide as a solvent. (Co) poly(ether sulfone) s showed inherent viscosities in the range 0.92-1.47 dL g(-1) and number average molecular weights ((M-n) over bar), obtained from GPC, were in the range 91 300-131 000 g mol(-1). (Co) poly(ether sulfone) s could be cast into tough, transparent and flexible films from chloroform solutions. (Co)poly(ether sulfone)s showed 10\% weight loss in the temperature range 431-481 degrees C and DSC showed T-g in the range 179-190 degrees C. Tensile strength, Young{\textquoteright}s modulus and elongation at break, obtained from tensile testing of (co) poly(ether sulfone) s containing pendant furyl groups, were in the range 76.7-83.8 MPa, 1.02-1.18 GPa and 21.4-89.7\%, respectively. Most interestingly, pendant furyl groups in (co) poly(ether sulfone) s provide reactive sites for click modification and cross-linking via Diels-Alder reaction with maleimides and bismaleimides, respectively. Crosslinked (co) poly(ether sulfone) was prepared via Diels-Alder reaction of a representative (co) poly(ether sulfone) containing pendant furyl groups with 1,1{\textquoteright}-(methylenedi-1,4-phenylene) bismaleimide (BMI) at 60 degrees C. The formation of cross-linked poly(ether sulfone) was demonstrated by gelation tests, solubility tests and DSC. The cross-linked copoly(ether sulfone) prepared using BMI showed enhanced tensile strength and Young{\textquoteright}s modulus compared to parent copoly(ether sulfone) and was recycled two times with retention of mechanical properties.

}, issn = {1759-9954}, doi = {10.1039/c8py01477a}, author = {Nagane, Samadhan S. and Kuhire, Sachin S. and Mane, Shivshankar R. and Wadgaonkar, Prakash P.} } @article {46438, title = {Pathways to defense metabolites and evading fruit bitterness in genus Solanum evolved through 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases}, journal = {Nature Communications}, volume = {10}, year = {2019}, month = {NOV}, pages = {5169}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The genus Solanum comprises three food crops (potato, tomato, and eggplant), which are consumed on daily basis worldwide and also producers of notorious anti-nutritional steroidal glycoalkaloids (SGAs). Hydroxylated SGAs (i.e. leptinines) serve as precursors for leptines that act as defenses against Colorado Potato Beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say), an important pest of potato worldwide. However, SGA hydroxylating enzymes remain unknown. Here, we discover that 2-OXOGLUTARATE-DEPENDENT-DIOXYGENASE (2-ODD) enzymes catalyze SGA-hydroxylation across various Solanum species. In contrast to cultivated potato, Solanum chacoense, a widespread wild potato species, has evolved a 2-ODD enzyme leading to the formation of leptinines. Furthermore, we find a related 2-ODD in tomato that catalyzes the hydroxylation of the bitter a-tomatine to hydroxytomatine, the first committed step in the chemical shift towards downstream ripening-associated non-bitter SGAs (e.g. esculeoside A). This 2-ODD enzyme prevents bitterness in ripe tomato fruit consumed today which otherwise would remain unpleasant in taste and more toxic.

}, issn = {2041-1723}, doi = {10.1038/s41467-019-13211-4}, author = {Cardenas, Pablo D. and Sonawane, Prashant D. and Heinig, Uwe and Jozwiak, Adam and Panda, Sayantan and Abebie, Bekele and Kazachkova, Yana and Pliner, Margarita and Unger, Tamar and Wolf, Dalia and Ofner, Itai and Vilaprinyo, Ester and Meir, Sagit and Davydov, Olga and Gal-On, Amit and Burdman, Saul and Giri, Ashok and Zamir, Dani and Scherf, Tali and Szymanski, Jedrzej and Rogachev, Ilana and Aharoni, Asaph} } @article {45536, title = {Phytochemical profile, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative activities of Pogostemon deccanensis essential oils}, journal = {3 Biotech}, volume = {9}, year = {2019}, month = {JAN}, pages = {31}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Essential oils (EOs) obtained from aerial parts of Pogostemon deccanensis were analyzed for GC-MS profiling, and evaluated for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative activities. GC-MS analysis revealed a total of 47 constituents, establishing the EOs rich in sesquiterpene with \>20 sesquiterpenes constituting around 77\% of the total EO yield. Major constituents included Curzerene (Benzofuran, 6-ethenyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-3,6-dimethyl-5-isopropenyl-, trans-) (26.39\%) and epi-Cadinol (22.68\%), Ethanone, 1-(2,4,6-trihydroxyphenyl) (6.83\%, Acetophenones), and Boldenone (3.47\%, anabolic steroid). EOs found to be rich in phytochemicals attributed for antioxidant potentials of aromatic/medicinal plants, viz., flavonoids (2.71 mu g quercetin equivalents g(-1) EO), total phenols (3.94 mu g gallic acid equivalents (GAE) g(-1) EO), carotenoids (14.3 mu g -carotene equivalents g(-1) EO), and ascorbic acid (2.21 mu g ascorbic acid equivalents g(-1) EO). P. deccanensis EOs exhibited striking antioxidant activities assessed by wide range of assays including ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP, 255.3 GAE at 2 mu g mL(-1) EO), total antioxidant activity (TAA, 264.3 GAE at 2 mu g ml(-1)) of EO, DPPH (65\% inhibition at 2 mu g mL(-1)), and OH (58\% inhibition at 2 mu g mL(-1)) scavenging. Interestingly, EOs showed considerably higher anti-lipid peroxidation activity than the standard antioxidant molecule ascorbic acid, with 50\% protection by 1.29 mu g mL(-1) EO against 20.0 mu g mL(-1) standard. EOs showed strong anti-inflammatory activity with 50\% inhibition at 1.95 mu g mL(-1) EO. The anti-proliferative activity of EOs was tested against mouse cancer cell line and the EOs proved a potent anti-proliferative agent with only 2.1\% cell survival at 2 mu g mL(-1) EO, whereas the EOs were largely non-toxic-to-normal (non-cancerous) cells with approximately 80\% cell survival at the 2 mu g mL(-1) EOs. This being the first attempt of phytochemical profiling and wide array of biological activities of P. deccanensis EOs holds significance as the striking activities were observed at very low concentrations, in some cases at lower than the commercial standards, and has, therefore, great potential for pharmaceutical or commercial exploration.

}, keywords = {Anti-inflammatory activity, Anti-proliferative activity, Antioxidants, Cytotoxicity, Essential oils}, issn = {2190-572X}, doi = {10.1007/s13205-018-1560-0}, author = {Kumar, Vinay and Shriram, Varsha and Bhagat, Rani and Khare, Tushar and Kapse, Shivanjali and Kadoo, Narendra} } @article {46421, title = {pi-Extended cis-configured unsynimetrical squaraine dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells: panchromatic response}, journal = {ACS Applied Energy Materials}, volume = {2}, year = {2019}, month = {DEC}, pages = {8464-8472}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

{Light absorbing sensitizer is the heart of the third generation photovoltaic technologies such as dye sensitized solar cells. Despite possessing large extinction coefficients for the metal-free organic dyes, the light harvesting efficiency is limited with the narrow absorption 20 profile in either visible or NIR regions of the solar spectrum. Though monolayer formation of organic sensitizers on semiconducting metal oxide surface leads to dye-dye interaction that leads to broadening the absorption profile, the contribution of the aggregated state to the power conversion process is found out to be poor. Here, we have engineered far-red active pi-extended cis-configured unsymmetrical squaraine dyes with carboxylic acid and cycnoacetic acid as anchoring groups with controlled aggregation and panchromatic light absorption by including the steric and electronic factors. The presence of sp(3)-C (out-of-plane) and N-alkyl (in-plane) groups played an important role in modulating the assembly of the dyes on the TiO2 electrode; the cis-squaraine unit helps to extend the conjugation in the NIR region besides enhancing the visible transition and the incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency profile that showed the importance of anchoring groups for the panchromatic response. Dye PSQ10 showed solar-to electric conversion with an onset of 850 nm with the device performance of 7.0\% (V-oc = 0.581 V, J(sc) = 17.06 mA/cm(2)

}, keywords = {cis-squaraine dyes, Dye aggregation, Dye-sensitized solar cells, extended far-red absorption, panchromatic response}, issn = {2574-0962}, doi = {10.1021/acsaem.9b01341}, author = {Punitharasu, Vellimalai and Kavungathodi, Munavvar Fairoos Mele and Singh, Ambarish Kumar and Nithyanandhan, Jayaraj} } @article {46200, title = {p-Nitrophenylcarbonates: a new class of compounds for chemodosimetric colorimetric fluoride anion sensing detectable by the naked eye}, journal = {ChemistrySelect}, volume = {4}, year = {2019}, month = {FEB}, pages = {1830-1833}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A new class of compounds containing the p-nitrophenylcarbonate motif is reported, that can selectively sense fluoride anions over other halide anions with a detection limit ranging from 0.29 to 0.48 mu M. The fluoride ion acts as nucleophile, leading to the liberation of p-nitrophenol, that is easily detectable and quantifiable colorimetrically.

}, keywords = {colorimetric sensing, p-nitrophenyl carbonate, selective fluoride detection}, issn = {2365-6549}, doi = {10.1002/slct.201803103}, author = {Yadav, Amit Kumar and Chilukuri, Harsha and Kumari, Linthoinganbi Raj and Karthikeyan, Muthukumarasamy and Fernandes, Moneesha} } @article {47172, title = {Polyesteramide of neem oil and its blends as an active nanomaterial for tissue regeneration}, journal = {ACS Applied Bio Materials}, volume = {2}, year = {2019}, month = {JUL}, pages = {3341{\textendash}3351}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Neem oil gained importance due to its antibacterial properties. Therefore, it is extensively being used for various applications. Oils can be polymerized as a polyesteramide to extend their utility as biomaterials. In our studies, we synthesized polyesteramide from neem oil and various compositions of blends were prepared with the drug, chlorohexidine digluconate (CH) to develop a nanomaterial for tissue regeneration. The studies such as cytotoxicity, biodegradable, antibacterial, in vitro drug release, in vivo wound healing, and histopathological studies were performed to identify their potential for tissue regeneration. In vivo wound healing studies of the nanofiber mats with and without CH recorded a faster healing rate as compared to the commercial cream (povidone{\textendash}iodine). Most importantly, there was no requirement of repeated application of nanofiber mats during the treatment. The histopathology studies also suggested the re-epithelialization of the wounds. Hence, these nanomaterials are considered to be environmentally safe scaffolds for efficient tissue regeneration applications.

}, doi = {10.1021/acsabm.9b00354}, author = {Killi, Naresh and Pawar, Anil Tukaram and Gundloori, Rathna V. N.} } @article {46148, title = {Polyhydroxyalkanoates as biomaterials (vol 8, pg 1774, 2017)}, journal = {MedChemComm}, volume = {10}, year = {2019}, month = {APR }, pages = {621}, type = {Correction}, abstract = {

Correction for {\textquoteleft}Polyhydroxyalkanoates as biomaterials{\textquoteright} by Bhagyashri S. Thorat Gadgil et al., Med. Chem. Commun., 2017, 8, 1774-1787.

}, issn = {2040-2503}, doi = {10.1039/c9md90017a}, author = {Gadgil, Bhagyashri S. Thorat and Killi, Naresh and Rathna, Gundloori V. N.} } @article {47174, title = {Population genetic and phytochemical dataset of Saraca asoca: a traditionally important medicinal tree}, journal = {Data in Brief}, volume = {25}, year = {2019}, month = {AUG}, pages = {104173}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The data presented in this article is in support of the research paper {\textquotedblleft}Genetic and phytochemical investigations for understanding population variability of the medicinally important tree Saraca asoca to help develop conservation strategies{\textquotedblright} Hegde et\ al., 2018. This article provides PCR based Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) and HPLC datasets of 106 individual samples of Saraca asoca collected from various geographical ranges of the Western Ghats of India. The ISSR data includes information on genetic diversity and images of population structures generated through amplified DNA products from samples of Saraca asoca leaf. Phytochemical data obtained from HPLC includes concentration (mg/g) of gallic acid (GA), catechin (CAT), and epicatechin (EPI). The data also presents information obtained from various statistical analysis viz. standard error of the mean values, distribution variables, prediction accuracy, and multiple logistic regression analysis.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.dib.2019.104173}, author = {Hegde, Satisha and Pai, Sandeep Ramchandra and Bhagwat, Rasika M. and Sainia, Archana and Rathore, Poonam Kanwar and Jalalpure, Sunil Satyappa and Hegde, Harsha Vasudev and Sugunan, Attayoor Purushottaman and Gupta, Vidya S. and Kholkute, Sanjiva D. and Roy, Subarna} } @article {46162, title = {Porosity switching in polymorphic porous organic cages with exceptional chemical stability}, journal = {Angewandte Chemie-International Edition}, volume = {58}, year = {2019}, month = {MAR}, pages = {4243-4247}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Porous solids that can be switched between different forms with distinct physical properties are appealing candidates for separation, catalysis, and host-guest chemistry. In this regard, porous organic cages (POCs) are of profound interest because of their solution-state accessibility. However, the application of POCs is limited by poor chemical stability. Synthesis of an exceptionally stable imine-linked (4+6) porous organic cage (TpOMe-CDA) is reported using 2,4,6-trimethoxy-1,3,5-triformyl benzene (TpOMe) as a precursor aldehyde. Introduction of the -OMe functional group to the aldehyde creates significant steric and hydrophobic characteristics in the environment around the imine bonds that protects the cage molecules from hydrolysis in the presence of acids or bases. The electronic effect of the -OMe group also plays an important role in enhancing the stability of the reported POCs. As a consequence, TpOMe-CDA reveals exceptional chemical stability in neutral, acidic and basic conditions, even in 12m NaOH. Interestingly, TpOMe-CDA exists in three different porous and non-porous polymorphic forms (, , and ) with respect to differences in crystallographic packing and the orientation of the flexible methoxy groups. All of the polymorphs retain their crystallinity even after treatment with acids and bases. All the polymorphs of TpOMe-CDA differ significantly in their properties as well as morphology and could be reversibly switched in the presence of an external stimulus.

}, keywords = {chemical stability, Morphology, organic cages, polymorphism, porosity switching}, issn = {1433-7851}, doi = {10.1002/anie.201813773}, author = {Bera, Saibal and Dey, Kaushik and Pal, Tapan K. and Halder, Arjun and Tothadi, Srinu and Karak, Suvendu and Addicoat, Matthew and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article {46427, title = {Preparation and activity of copper-gallium nanocomposite catalysts for carbon dioxide hydrogenation to methanol}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {58}, year = {2019}, month = {NOV}, pages = {21331-21340}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Copper (Cu) nanocomposite catalysts with gallium (Ga) and aluminum (Al) were prepared using the simultaneous coprecipitation digestion method. The catalysts were characterized by N-2 adsorption, N2O titration, XRD (X-ray diffraction), H-2-TPR (H-2 temperature-programmed reduction), XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy), and CO2-TPD (CO2 temperature-programmed desorption) techniques, and CO2 hydrogenation to methanol synthesis was performed. The use of Ga in Cu catalysts enhanced the weak basic sites more than the Cu catalysts with Al. With the CuGa nanocomposite formation, the catalyst showed a sequential reduction of CuO, for example, Cu+2 to Cu+ to Cu-0, and the Cu surface area was also high in comparison with CuAl. These findings confirmed that both the Cu surface area and CuO reducibility in the catalyst helped to boost the conversion of CO2, whereas selectivity to methanol was associated with the basicity of the catalyst. CuAl catalysts showed very poor selectivity to methanol despite CO formation, which could be due to the weak interaction of the CuAl nanocomposite catalysts compared to the CuGa nanocomposite catalysts.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/acs.iecr.9b04083}, author = {Hengne, Amol M. and Yuan, Ding Jier and Date, Nandan S. and Saih, Youssef and Kamble, Sanjay P. and Rode, V. Chandrashekhar and Huang, Kuo-Wei} } @article {46412, title = {Probing the catalytic activity of pristine and doped Pd and Ni metal clusters towards H2O molecule}, journal = {Computational and Theoretical Chemistry}, volume = {1170}, year = {2019}, month = {DEC }, pages = {112624}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Electrolysis of H2O to produce molecular hydrogen, the most environment friendly and energy efficient fuel, using cost effective catalysts is one of the major global research challenges. To date, Pt remains the best suitable and yet highly expensive electro-catalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction. Design of an alternative cost-effective catalyst requires a fundamental molecular level understanding of the water molecule adsorption and its activation. In that context, we examine the adsorption and activation of water molecule on model alternative catalysts namely, Ni-6 and Pd-6 clusters using density functional theory based methodology. Ni-6 and Pd-6 clusters and their singly doped counterparts are used for this study. Mo, W, Fe, Co and Cu are used as doping elements. To quantify the influence of medium (neutral and alkaline) on the activation of the water molecule, Ni based clusters are considered in neutral and anionic states, respectively. The activity of these clusters towards H2O molecule is evaluated in terms of the adsorption energy, charge transfer, bandgap, red shift in O-H stretching frequency and dissociation barriers for H2O. The studies demonstrate that doping with Co in all the studied clusters (Pd-6, Ni-6 and anionic Ni-6) increases their activity. Best activity is noted for Fe doped neutral Ni b clusters with a dissociation barrier of 5.76 kcal/mol.

}, keywords = {Activation barrier, Ni clusters, O-H activation, Pd clusters, Red shift of O-H stretching frequency, Water adsorption}, issn = {2210-271X}, doi = {10.1016/j.comptc.2019.112624}, author = {Samal, Pragnya Paramita and Joshi, Krati and Kaliaperumal, Selvaraj and Krishnamurty, Sailaja} } @article {45533, title = {Process development of silica extraction from RHA: a cradle to gate environmental impact approach}, journal = {Environmental Science and Pollution Research}, volume = {26}, year = {2019}, month = {JAN}, pages = {492-500}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

India is one of the major rice-producing countries. Rice husk is a major agricultural by-product from rice production, which is used as a fuel in boilers. Its use as fuel produces huge amounts of silica-rich rice husk ash (RHA). This paper aims at providing an overall assessment of environmental impacts associated with the extraction of silica from RHAa process developed by our study group. The functional unit used in this study is production of 100kg of silica. The analysis included the extraction and transportation of other raw materials; RHA was assumed to be processed at the site. The study was conducted in accordance with the international ISO 14040 procedural framework. LCA is performed using GaBi Education software, and five midpoint indicators are chosen to assess the environmental impacts of silica extraction. The overall climate change (CC) of the extraction process is 7.26kg CO2 equivalent per kg of silica produced. A high contribution of calcination to CC is attributed to the use of electricity. The comprehensive environmental impacts of silica-rich RHA resulting from processing of RHA and improvement options to achieve sustainable production are presented. The negative impacts that can be avoided during silica extraction are also discussed. It is observed that calcination is a major contributor to the overall environmental indicators. The work also stresses on the use of renewable energy for electricity generation, which would help in decreasing the overall greenhouse gas emissions during extraction while ensuring waste utilization.

}, keywords = {Environmental impacts, Life cycle assessment, Rice husk ash, silica}, issn = {0944-1344}, doi = {10.1007/s11356-018-3648-9}, author = {Joglekar, Saurabh N. and Kharkar, Rhushikesh A. and Mandavgane, Sachin A. and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article {45618, title = {Process of fruit peel waste biorefinery: a case study of citrus waste biorefinery, its environmental impacts and recommendations}, journal = {Environmental Science and Pollution Research}, year = {2019}, month = {JAN}, pages = {1-10}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Fruit peels are a rich source of cellulose, hemicellulose, phenolic compounds, and terpenic compounds. Thus, they have the potential to be a novel renewable, sustainable, and low-cost raw material (source) for the production of several value-added products based on framework and concepts such as waste hierarchy that includes biofertilizers, dietary fiber, animal feed, industrial enzymes, substrate for the bioactive compounds production, synthesis of nanomaterials, and clean energy (from residual biomass). With a view of evaluating the environmental burden of biorefinery, a life cycle assessment (LCA) is performed for a representative citrus waste (CW) biorefinery. The functional unit used for LCA was set as 2500 kg of CW processed. The overall GWP was observed to be 937.3 kg CO2 equivalent per 2500 kg of CW processed. On further analysis of the environmental impact, it was found that different steps contributed significantly, as shown by the various environmental indicator values. Alternative advanced process intensification technologies like microwave and ultrasound-assisted steps replacing the conventional steps when implemented show considerable reduction in environmental indicator values. The variations in the contribution to environmental indicators should be considered during the design and process selection of biorefineries.

}, doi = {10.1007/s11356-019-04196-0}, author = {Joglekar S.N., , , and Pathak, P. D. and Mandavgane, S. A. and Kulkarni, B. D.} } @article {45554, title = {Progress in total synthesis of subincanadine alkaloids and their congeners}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {17}, year = {2019}, month = {JAN}, pages = {745-761}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A concise account of isolation, characterization, bioactivity, plausible biogenetic pathways, and most importantly, total synthesis of structurally fascinating and biologically imperious indole-based subincanadine alkaloids and their biogenetic congeners are described in the present review with special emphasis on total synthesis and therein an involved set of key reactions.

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/c8ob02565g}, author = {Kalshetti, Manojkumar G. and Argade, Narshinha P.} } @article {46158, title = {Promising visible-light driven hydrogen production from water on a highly efficient CuCo2S4 nanosheet photocatalyst}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry A}, volume = {7}, year = {2019}, month = {MAR }, pages = {6985-6994}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Here we report the development of CuCo2S4 nanosheets (NSs) as a promising semiconductor photocatalyst for the first time for water splitting reactions under visible light ( 420 nm) conditions, without the support of any noble metal co-catalyst. These NSs were produced via a simple hydrothermal route and have desirable properties with a band gap of 2.24 eV, and are photo-catalytically active under visible light with an apparent quantum yield (AQY) of 2.48\%. Under visible light, CuCo2S4 NSs exhibit excellent weight-normalized photoactivity that generates approximate to 25900 mol h(-1) H-2 for 1 g of material with sulphide + sulphite as the sacrificial agent under 7.68 mW cm(-2) illumination, which is the best evolution reported for any chalcogenide semiconductor material without any co-catalyst to date with unprecedented long-term operational stability (up to 12 h study time). The rate and number of hydrogen gas molecules produced are 8.2855 x 10(15) s(-1) cm(-2) which remained constant for three catalytic cycles with a turnover frequency (TOF) value of 0.017 s(-1). The effect of Cu substitution on photoactivity was also investigated for comparative studies and it was found that CuCo2S4 NSs show superior activity to Cu0.5Co2.5S4 and Co3S4. These CuCo2S4 NSs absorb the entire visible range of the spectrum from 420 to 800 nm, and have a highly populated density of states at the Fermi level and a high donor concentration of 7.22 x 10(18) cm(-3) which have been evaluated by Mott-Schottky analysis and favourable adsorption of H+ on S-sites and conversion to H-2 corroborate their efficient photocatalytic activity.

}, issn = {2050-7488}, doi = {10.1039/c9ta00391f}, author = {Chauhan, Meenakshi and Soni, Kiran and Karthik, P. E. and Reddy, Kasala Prabhakar and Gopinath, Chinnakonda S. and Deka, Sasanka} } @article {45625, title = {Protein α-amylase inhibitor from withania somnifera and its role in overall quality and nutritional value improvement of potato chips during processing}, journal = {Food and Bioprocess Technology }, volume = {12}, year = {2019}, month = {APR}, pages = {636-644}, type = {Article}, chapter = {636-644}, abstract = {

Cold storage and processing increase the reducing sugar level in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) which is responsible for browning and acrylamide formation that adversely affect sensory and nutrient quality of chips. Effect of α-amylase inhibitor from Withania somnifera (WSAI) treatment on the overall quality improvement of potato chips during processing was studied. WSAI treatment to potato slices at 200 ppm for 30 min was found to reduce browning (60\%), residual amylase, and polyphenol oxidase activities (~ 40\%) and reduce sugar level by 25\%, respectively, over control. Color match analysis indicated an improvement in whiteness and brightness indices and a significant reduction in yellowness index of potato chips. The treatment proved to be superior over blanching and reduction in acrylamide generation during frying was which also observed in chips treated with it. Furthermore, our results were comparable to that of treatment with α-amylase inhibitor of Triticum aestivum and better than synthetic inhibitor, acarbose.

}, keywords = {Acrylamide, alpha-amylase inhibitor, Browning of potato, Reducing sugars, Sensory and nutrient quality}, issn = {1935-5130}, doi = {10.1007/s11947-019-2233-7 }, author = {Kasar, S. S. and Giri, A. P. and Pawar, P. K. and Maheshwari, V. L.} } @article {45565, title = {Quantitative comparison of strategies to delay clogging in straight capillaries}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Science}, volume = {199}, year = {2019}, month = {MAY}, pages = {88-99}, type = {Article}, abstract = {It is challenging to achieve non-stop flow of a liquid-solid suspension through small channels as it eventually leads to clogging. This paper presents a quantitative comparison of four different techniques for enhancement of solid handling processes in microchannels of two different diameters. These techniques include dosing of the inert gas phase, dosing of the inert and immiscible liquid phase, and changing the wall wettability and multi-point injection, which, in principle, individually follow different mechanisms to delay clogging. An antisolvent based method for precipitation of salt was used to generate solid particles during flow. Clogging time at various flow rates from all the methods was measured and analysed. Irrespective of the method of delaying clogging, the scaling law of clogging time as a function of residence time was seen to remain unchanged. Among these methods, dosing of an inert, immiscible liquid has been identified as the most effective and robust method to delay clogging while enhancing transport of particles in segmented flow.}, doi = {10.1016/j.ces.2019.01.015}, author = {Pal, S. and Kulkarni, A. A.} } @article {46109, title = {Rapid and efficient sequestration of arsenic from contaminated water using hypertolerant Bacillus L-148 sp.: a two-step process}, journal = {Green Chemistry}, volume = {21}, year = {2019}, month = {MAY }, pages = {2245-2251}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A fast, robust and green bioreactor for arsenic sequestration from contaminated water was designed. In the two-tier bioreactor, bacterial arsenite detoxification (1 mM) was carried out followed by precipitation of arsenate in 5 min. The precipitate could be used for supercapacitor applications. This bioreactor yielded arsenic free water, therefore, this method can be adopted for scale-up. The combination of hypertolerant bacteria and fast precipitation indicates the robustness of this pilot bioreactor.

}, issn = {1463-9262}, doi = {10.1039/c9gc00878k}, author = {Bagade, Aditi and Nandre, Vinod and Ghosh, Sayanti and Battu, Shateesh and Haram, Santosh and Giri, Ashok and Kodam, Kisan} } @article {46202, title = { Recent advances in the synthesis of oxaspirolactones and their application in the total synthesis of related natural products }, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {17}, year = {2019}, month = {AUG}, pages = {7270-7292}, type = {Review}, abstract = {

Oxaspirolactones are ubiquitous structural motifs found in natural products and synthetic molecules with a diverse biochemical and physicochemical profile, and represent a valuable target in natural product chemistry and medicinal chemistry. Since the 1970s, numerous innovative synthetic methodologies have been reported for these scaffolds in the context of expanding the range of potential building blocks, catalysts, and modes of transformations (racemic or asymmetric protocols). This review focuses on a broad spectrum of approaches toward the synthesis of oxaspirolactones and their potential application in the total synthesis of biologically relevant natural products starting from the first disclosure to the latest report.

}, doi = {10.1039/c9ob01212e}, author = {Thorat, Sagar S}, editor = {Kontham, Ravindar} } @article {46358, title = {Recursive partitioning analysis and anti-tubercular screening of 3-aminopyrazine-2-carbohydrazide derivatives}, journal = {Letters in Drug Design \& Discovery}, volume = {16}, year = {2019}, month = {APR}, pages = {1264-1275}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Background: Treating tuberculosis is a challenge due to the development of drug resistance. Hence, it is imperative to develop novel leads having high potency and efficacy to curb drug resistance. Methods: The present research work is focused on microwave-assisted synthesis of novel twenty-six 3-amino-N{\textquoteright}-benzylidenepyrazine-2-carbohydrazide derivatives (3a-z), where, lyophilization technique was used for isolation of the major intermediate, 3-aminopyrazin-2-carbohydrazide. All synthesized compounds were subjected for anti-tubercular screening against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra by using XTT Reduction Menadione Assay (XRMA) protocol. Results: Out of 26 synthesized compounds, four N{\textquoteright}-substitutedbenzaldehyde-3-amino-pyrazine-2-carbohydrazide derivatives viz. 3i, 3j 3v and 3z showed significant activity against M. tuberculosis H37Ra. The compounds 3i, 3j, 3v and 3z showed 99, 98, 92 and 87 \% inhibition respectively as compared to 94\% inhibition shown by the standard drug rifampicin. The MIC and IC50 values were in the range of 24.3-110 and 5.9-20.8 mu g/ml respectively. Conclusion: A classification model called Recursive Partitioning (RP) based on binary Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) was derived for the establishment of structure-activity relationship (SAR). The predictions derived on the basis of RP model were found to be in agreement with anti-tubercular screening data.

}, keywords = {3-aminopyrazine, anti-tubercular activity, Carbohydrazide, lyophilization, QSAR, recursive partitioning}, issn = {1570-1808}, doi = {10.2174/1570180816666190329222636}, author = {Miniyar, Pankaj and Mahajan, Anand and Anuse, Dattatray and Kumar, Ashish and Barmade, Mahesh and Sarkar, Dhiman and Arkile, Manisha and Khedkar, Vijay} } @article {46332, title = {Regioselective one-pot synthesis of 3-fluoro-imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines from styrene}, journal = {Asian Journal of Organic Chemistry}, year = {2019}, month = {OCT}, type = {Article; Early Access}, abstract = {

A one-pot synthesis of C-3 fluorinated imidazopyridines (F-IMPY) is reported under the additive-free conditions from commercially available styrene and 1-fluoropyridinium tetrafluoroborate as a fluorine source. The substrate styrene undergoes keto-bromination/condensation/fluorination transformation in three sequential steps to furnish F-IMPY. This one-pot synthesis method exhibits broad substrate scope and good functional group tolerance with a good yield (up to 82\%).

}, keywords = {fluorination, imidazopyridines (F-IMPY), One-pot synthesis}, issn = {2193-5807}, doi = {10.1002/ajoc.201900521}, author = {Said, Madhukar S. and Mishra, Ankita and Pandole, Satish and Nayak, Rashmi A. and Kumar, Pradeep and Gajbhiye, Jayant M.} } @article {46187, title = {Remarkably distinct mechanical flexibility in three structurally similar semiconducting organic crystals studied by nanoindentation and molecular dynamics}, journal = {Chemistry of Materials}, volume = {31}, year = {2019}, month = {FEB}, pages = {1391-1402}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Distinct macroscopic mechanical responses of the three crystals of naphthalene diimide derivatives, 1Me, 1Et, and 1nPr, studied here are very intriguing because their molecular structures are very similar, with the difference only in the alkyl chain length. Among the three crystals examined, 1Me shows highly plastic bending nature, 1Et shows elastic flexibility, and 1nPr is brittle. A detailed investigation by nanoindentation and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations allowed us to correlate their distinct mechanical responses with the way the weak interactions pack in crystal structures. The elastic modulus (E) of 1Me is nearly an order of magnitude lower than that of 1Et, whereas hardness (H) is less than half. The low values of E and H of 1Me indicate that these crystals are highly compliant and offer a low resistance to plastic flow. As the knowledge of hardness and elastic modulus of molecular crystals alone is insufficient to capture their macroscopic mechanical deformation nature, that is, elastic, brittle, or plastic, we have employed three-point bending tests using the nanoindentation technique. This allowed a quantitative evaluation of flexibility of the three mechanically distinct semiconducting molecular crystals, which is important for designing larger-scale applications; these were complemented with detailed MD simulations. The elastic 1Et crystals showed remarkable flexibility even after 1000 cycles. The results emphasize that the alkyl side chains in functional organic crystals may be exploited for tuning their self-assembly as well as their mechanical properties. Hence, the study has broad implications, for example, in crystal engineering of various flexible, ordered molecular materials.

}, issn = {0897-4756}, doi = {10.1021/acs.chemmater.8b04800}, author = {Devarapalli, Ramesh and Kadambi, Sourabh Bhagwan and Chen, Chun-Teh and Krishna, Gamidi Rama and Kammari, Bal Raju and Buehler, Markus J. and Ramamurty, Upadrasta and Reddy, C. Malla} } @inbook {47480, title = {Removal of pharmaceutical and personal care products from wastewater using advanced materials}, booktitle = {Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products: Waste Management and Treatment Technology}, number = {Emerging Contaminants and Micro Pollutants}, year = {2019}, pages = {173-212}, publisher = {Elsevier}, organization = {Elsevier}, abstract = {Recently, pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) have attracted much attention because of their requirement in everyday life and huge production/consumption worldwide. India{\textquoteright}s pharmaceutical industry has emerged as the world{\textquoteright}s third largest in terms of volume of production. As a leading science-based industry, the pharmaceutical industry contributes to the tune of 1\% of India{\textquoteright}s total GDP. Ever increasing international demand of these products drives continued rapid expansion of the pharmaceutical industry. India becomes a preferred manufacturing location for PPCPs, which is obvious from the export of PPCPs to over 65 countries. This is primarily because of the manufacturing cost advantage. Nevertheless, the major concern of these PPCPs is their nonpassive nature. They are not benign travelers in the environment but rather they are bioaccumulative and their retention becomes toxic to wildlife and human beings. It is reported that residual PPCPs may cause endocrine disruptions that can change hormonal actions, although the adverse impact of PPCPs on human health and the environment is still not fully understood. Therefore, there is an urgent need to protect our limited water resources and the available aquatic species from deterioration due to residual PPCPs. A variety of technologies, including physical, biological, and chemical processes, have been extensively investigated for the removal of PPCPs from wastewater. Recently, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) and advanced materials have shown great promise as an efficient alternative for mineralization of such refractory species. Therefore, a critical review of the recent advances in PPCP removal is imperative to gauge their performance. In this chapter, we briefly summarize the advances made in the technologies for PPCPs removal, followed by an in-depth review of the removal of PPCPs by advanced materials and AOPs.}, doi = {10.1016/B978-0-12-816189-0.00008-1}, author = {Morone, Amruta and Mulay, Prajakatta and Kamble, Sanjay P.} } @article {45604, title = {Retraction: a highly concise and practical route to clavaminols, sphinganine and (+)-spisulosine via indium mediated allylation of α-hydrazino aldehyde and a theoretical insight into the stereochemical aspects of the reaction}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {9}, year = {2019}, month = {FEB}, pages = {3336-3336 }, type = {Article}, abstract = {A conceptually different approach has been employed for the synthesis of 1,2-amino alcohols by proline-catalyzed α-amination of aldehyde and one-pot indium mediated allylation of the crude α-hydrazino aldehydes. DFT based quantum chemical calculations have been performed to obtain a quantitative explanation of the stereoselectivity of the reaction.}, doi = {10.1039/C9RA90005E}, author = {Pandey, M. and Chowdhury, P. S. and Dutta, A. K. and Kumar, P. and Pal, S.} } @article {46186, title = {Retraction: organocatalytic stereoselective synthesis of passifloricin A (Retraction of Vol 10, Pg 1820, 2012)}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {17}, year = {2019}, month = {FEB}, pages = {2289}, type = {Retraction}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/c9ob90027f}, author = {Kumar, Pradeep and Pandey, Menaka and Gupta, Priti and Dhavale, Dilip D.} } @article {45628, title = {Role of Li+ and Fe3+ in modified ZnO: Structural, vibrational, opto-electronic, mechanical and magnetic properties}, journal = {Ceramics International}, volume = {45}, year = {2019}, month = {JAN}, pages = {7232-7243}, type = {Article}, abstract = {When Fe is doped in ZnO, a situation of charge imbalance is created due to the higher charge of Fe3+. A charge balance may be obtained by co-doping Li+0.5Fe3+0.5 combinations. A solid solution of Zn1-x(Fe0.5Li0.5)xO (0 <= x <= 0.03125) is synthesized with this viewpoint. The crystallites belong to a wurtzite P63mc space group, with lattice parameters a, b and c increasing nominally for x = 0.0156 and thereafter remaining invariant. The size varies in the range ~ 60{\textendash}142 nm. Interstitials of Li and Zn ions are formed. Along with Fe3+ substitution these defects are reasons for O interstitials. These oxygen interstitials increase the red emission while reduction of oxygen vacancies reduces the green emission. These point defects create structural distortion and strain which can generate Zn vacancies. Bandgap reduces due to shallow defects. Mid-bandgap states due to oxygen interstitials and Fe 3d-O 2p hybridization result in NIR emission. On the other hand the crystal surface deforms due to Li addition which hardens the materials. A weak ferromagnetism appears at very low temperature which is enhanced by Li+ addition. Long range exchange mechanism between Fe3+ ions appears in the samples, mediated by magnetic polarons due to point defects.}, keywords = {hardness, NIR emission, Shallow and deep level defects, Weak ferromagnetism, ZnO}, issn = {0272-8842}, doi = {10.1016/j.ceramint.2019.01.004}, author = {Bajpai, G. and Moirangthem, I. and Sarkar, S. and Barman, S. R. and Vinod, C. P. and Bajpai, S. and Riyajuddin, S. and Ghosh, K. and Basaula, D. R. and Khan, M. and Liu, S. -W. and Biring, S. and Sen, S.} } @article {46319, title = {Role of particle morphology in the yielding behavior of dense thermosensitive microgel suspensions}, journal = {Journal of Applied Polymer Science}, year = {2019}, month = {OCT}, pages = {48625}, type = {Article; Early Access}, abstract = {

The yielding behavior of dense thermosensitive microgel suspensions of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) with two different particle morphologies viz core-shell (CS) morphology and particles with uniform crosslink density were studied. Structural properties were examined using dynamic light scattering and yielding behavior was investigated by nonlinear oscillatory rheology. Suspensions of particles with uniform crosslinking density showed a typical hard sphere like behavior with the loss modulus (G {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteright}) exhibiting a single peak due to cage breaking while CS type particles shows a double yielding at different ranges of strain similar to that seen in attractive colloidal glasses. The first yielding process in CS microgels is interpreted as due to the disentanglement of the overlapped polymer chains from the shells of the neighboring microgels and the second yielding process due to the breakage of cages formed by neighboring microgel particles. Current study suggests that the interpenetration of polymer chains at high concentrations sets in an attractive like potential leading to double yielding phenomena in an otherwise purely repulsive system. (c) 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 137, 48625.

}, issn = {0021-8995}, doi = {10.1002/app.48625}, author = {Jathavedan, Kiran Kaithakkal and Kanheerampockil, Fayis and Bhat, Suresh} } @article {46169, title = {Role of structural distortion in stabilizing electrosynthesized blue emitting phosphorene quantum dots}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters}, volume = {10}, year = {2019}, month = {MAR }, pages = {973-980}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Luminescent phosphorene quantum dots (PQDs) have emerged as fascinating nanomaterials for potential applications in optoelectronics, catalysis, and sensing. Herein, we investigate the structural distortion of black phosphorus (BP) under an applied electric field to yield blue luminescent PQDs [average diameter 8 +/- 1.5 nm (N = 60)]. The electrosynthesized PQDs exhibit photoluminescence emission independent of excitation wavelength with 84\% quantum efficiency. Structural distortion that occurred during the transformation of BP to PQDs is confirmed by results obtained during transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Further, using first-principles-based density functional theory, calculations on oxygenated and nonoxygenated PQDs augment the experimental observations that an optimum oxygen content maintains the structural integrity of PQDs, above which the structural robustness of PQDs is drastically diminished.

}, issn = {1948-7185}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpclett.8b03600}, author = {Valappil, Manila Ozhukil and Joshi, Krati and John, Lisa and Krishnamurthy, Sailaja and Jana, Bikash and Patra, Amitava and Pillai, Vijayamohanan K. and Alwarappan, Subbiah} } @article {46433, title = {Room-temperature asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of biomass-derived levulinic acid to optically pure gamma-valerolactone using a ruthenium catalyst}, journal = {ACS Omega}, volume = {4}, year = {2019}, month = {NOV }, pages = {19491-19498}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

This study presents a first report on ruthenium-catalyzed asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) of levulinic acid (LA) to chiral gamma-valerolactone (GVL). ATH of LA has been explored with Noyori{\textquoteright}s chiral catalyst (Ru-TsDPEN) in methanol solvent. Efficacy of ATH reaction of LA was investigated under different reactions conditions such as temperature, catalyst, and hydrogen donor concentration. The effect of various organic tertiary bases along with formic acid (FA) as a hydrogen donor was studied, and N-methylpiperidine with FA (1:1 molar ratio) was revealed as an efficient hydrogen donor for ATH of LA to GVL furnishing chiral GVL with complete conversion and 93\% enantiomeric excess (ee). This operationally simple and mild ATH protocol was tested for practical applicability of ATH of LA obtained from biomass waste (rice husk and wheat straw) and furnished chiral GVL with 82\% ee.

}, issn = {2470-1343}, doi = {10.1021/acsomega.9b03424}, author = {Shende, Vaishali S. and Raut, Amol B. and Raghav, Prathamesh and Kelkar, Ashutosh A. and Bhanage, Bhalchandra M.} } @article {45591, title = {Rylene diimide-based alternate and random copolymers for flexible supercapacitor electrode materials with exceptional stability and high power density}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {123}, year = {2019}, month = {JAN}, pages = {2084{\textendash}2093}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Donor{\textendash}acceptor pi-conjugated polymers are emerging as interesting electrode materials for supercapacitor device applications. They offer an exciting possibility of charge storage in both positive and negative electrodes because they are both p- and n-dopable. The ambipolar charging enables higher operating voltage, which can afford higher specific energy and power densities. The donor{\textendash}acceptor design can be either donor-alternate-acceptor or donor-random-acceptor. This architectural variation has the potential to modify the charge storage; yet surprisingly not much literature data is available exploiting this aspect. This paper explores the alternate and random geometries of donor{\textendash}acceptor π-conjugated polymers based on naphthalene diimide or perylene diimide (PDI) as the acceptor component and benzodithiophene (BDT) as the donor component and their application as composite electrode materials in a type III supercapacitor device. Results show that the donor{\textendash}acceptor alternate design involving P(PDI-alt-BDT) is an excellent supercapacitor electrode material with specific capacitance of 113 F g{\textendash}1 with excellent stability up to 4000 cycles and almost 100\% retention of the initial capacitance in a single-electrode setup in a PC-LiClO4 organic electrolyte. A flexible supercapacitor device was also fabricated which shows areal capacitance of 35 mF cm{\textendash}2 at a current density of 0.5 mA cm{\textendash}2, which is promising for commercial applications.}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpcc.8b11229}, author = {Sharma, S. and Soni, R. and Kurungot, S. and Asha, S. K.} } @article {46425, title = {Saturated N-heterocyclic carbene based thiele{\textquoteright}s hydrocarbon with a tetrafluorophenylene linker}, journal = {Chemistry-A European Journal}, year = {2019}, month = {NOV}, type = {Article; Early Access}, abstract = {

The synthesis of a SIPr [1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-imidazolin-2-ylidene] derived Kekule diradicaloid with a tetrafluorophenylene spacer (3) has been described. Two synthetic routes have been reported to access 3. The cleavage of C-F bond of C6F6 by SIPr in the presence of BF3 led to double C-F activated compound with two tetrafluoro borate counter anions (2), which upon reduction by lithium metal afforded 3. Alternatively, 3 can be directly accessed in one step by reacting SIPr with C6F6 in presence of Mg metal. Compounds 2 and 3 were well characterized spectroscopically and by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Experimental and computational studies support the cumulenic closed-shell singlet state of 3 with a singlet-triplet energy gap (Delta ES-T) of 23.7 kcal mol(-1).

}, keywords = {C-F activation, Density functional calculations, fluorine, Kekule diradicaloids, saturated NHC}, issn = {0947-6539}, doi = {10.1002/chem.201904421}, author = {Kundu, Gargi and De, Sriman and Tothadi, Srinu and Das, Abhishek and Koley, Debasis and Sen, Sakya S.} } @article {46174, title = {Secondary structure of the internal transcribed rDNA (ITS) regions of cosmopolites sordidus (Germar) and odoiporus longicollis (Olivier): a first report in family Curculionidae}, journal = {International Journal of Tropical Insect Science}, volume = {39}, year = {2019}, month = {MAR}, pages = {53-61}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In the present work the consensus secondary structure of the internal transcribed rDNA spacers ITS1 and ITS2 of two weevils i.e. Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar) and Odoiporus longicollis (Olivier) has been described. The secondary structures of the ITS1 region of C.sordidus and O.longicollis have ten and five helices respectively, emerging from a central core. Two and five helices emerge from a central core in the ITS2 secondary structures of C.sordidus and O.longicollis respectively, and do not conform to the {\textquoteleft}paneukaryotic{\textquoteright} four domain model. The ITS2 sequences of these two weevils share three regions with maximum sequence identity. Of these, two are present at the 5{\textquoteright} and 3{\textquoteright} end and share structural similarity, suggesting their possible role in the processing of the rRNA. This is the first report of the secondary structure of the ITS region in family Curculionidae which can serve as a valuable resource for homology modelling and phylogenetic studies.

}, keywords = {Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar), Curculionidae, ITS1, ITS2, Odoiporus longicollis (Olivier), Secondary structure}, issn = {1742-7584}, doi = {10.1007/s42690-019-00016-7}, author = {Kumar, Lalitha Sunil} } @article {46207, title = {Selective synthesis of dimethyl carbonate via transesterification of propylene carbonate with methanol catalyzed by bifunctional Li-Al Nano-composite}, journal = {Chemistryselect}, volume = {4}, year = {2019}, month = {AUG}, pages = {8574-8583}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A series of binary mixed metal oxides (MMOs) were synthesized by combination of Mn+/Al3+ (Mn+= Li, Mg, Co, Ni, Zn) via co-precipitation method and screened for transesterification of propylene carbonate (PC) with methanol. The aim of this study was to understand the role of acid-base properties of MMOs on the activity and selectivity towards dimethyl carbonate (DMC) synthesis. The MMOs were characterized in detail by XRD, BET, TEM, NH3 and CO2-TPD techniques. Catalysts synthesized by various combination of Mn+/Al3+ showed different textural and surface properties and the strength of acid-base sites were also found to be significantly altered. These changes in physicochemical properties significantly affected the PC conversion and selectivity to DMC. Li+ incorporated in Al3+ showed the formation of octahedral alpha-LiAlO2 phase having more amounts of active sites (O2-) present on the edges and corner of the structure. This resulted in easy accessibility of active sites and higher activity compared to other catalysts screened. Furthermore the catalyst retained high activity and selectivity for six consecutive recycle experiments; which is highly desirable for large-scale application.

}, doi = { 10.1002/slct.201901621}, author = {Nivangune, Nayana and Kelkar, Ashutosh} } @article {46184, title = {Selective targeting of integrin alpha v beta 8 by a highly active cyclic peptide}, journal = {Journal of Medicinal Chemistry}, volume = {62}, year = {2019}, month = {FEB }, pages = {2024-2037}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Integrins play important roles in physiological and pathophysiological processes. Among the RGD-recognizing integrin subtypes, the alpha v beta 8 receptor is emerging as an attractive target because of its involvement in various illnesses, such as autoimmune diseases, viral infections, and cancer. However, its functions have, so far, not been investigated in living subjects mainly because of the lack of a selective alpha v beta 8 ligand. Here, we report the design and potential medical applications of a cyclic octapeptide as the first highly selective small-molecule ligand for alpha v beta 8. Remarkably, this compound displays low nanomolar alpha v beta 8 binding affinity and a strong discriminating power of at least 2 orders of magnitude versus other RGD-recognizing integrins. Peptide functionalization with fluorescent or radioactive labels enables the selective imaging of alpha v beta 8-positive cells and tissues. This new probe will pave the way for detailed characterization of the distinct (patho)physiological role of this relatively unexplored integrin, providing a basis to fully exploit the potential of alpha v beta 8 as a target for molecular diagnostics and personalized therapy regimens.

}, issn = {0022-2623}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01588}, author = {Reichart, Florian and Maltsev, Oleg V. and Kapp, Tobias G. and Raeder, Andreas F. B. and Weinmueller, Michael and Marelli, Udaya Kiran and Notni, Johannes and Wurzer, Alexander and Beck, Roswitha and Wester, Hans Juergen and Steiger, Katja and Di Maro, Salvatore and Di Leva, Francesco Saverio and Marinelli, Luciana and Nieberler, Markus and Reuning, Ute and Schwaiger, Markus and Kessler, Horst} } @article {47155, title = {Self-assembly of Di-guanine peptide nucleic acid amphiphiles into fractal patterns}, journal = {ChemistrySelect}, volume = {4}, year = {2019}, month = {DEC }, pages = {13525-13532}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) amphiphiles have been reported to assemble into different nanostructures; however, there is immense untapped potential to control their supramolecular assemblies by altering their lipid chain. Here, we functionalized di-guanine PNA with various hydrophobic appendages, namely dodecyl, p-dodecylbenzoyl and pentadecyl phenol groups, to investigate the effect of aromatic linkers, long alkyl and alkoxyl substituents on hierarchical self-assembly of di-guanine PNA. Systematic electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy studies revealed that while all three derivatives of di-guanine-PNA formed nanospheres, only nanospheres of dodecylamide and pentadecyl phenol derivatives matured into nanorods, these later formed higher order fractal assemblies. Furthermore, we observed that inclusion of a positively charged lysine at the C-terminus prevented fractal assembly, possibly due to electrostatic repulsion between the head groups. Thus, the findings of the present work might guide rational design of PNA amphiphiles to obtain specific self-assembled morphology.

}, keywords = {Fractal pattern, Guanine, pentadecylphenol, Peptide nucleic acid, Self-assembly}, issn = {2365-6549}, doi = {10.1002/slct.201902677}, author = {Abraham, Jancy N. and Pawar, Prabhakar and Kootteri, Dilna K.} } @article {45511, title = {On the sensitivity of alginate rheology to composition}, journal = {Soft Matter}, volume = {15}, year = {2019}, month = {JAN }, pages = {159-165}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The linear response of alginate-phenyl boronic acid (Alg-PBA) esters shows a universal, composition-independent viscoelastic fluid-like behaviour. Reversible association of alginates governs their rheology at all compositions (viz. at all alginate concentrations and solution pH). However, their high strain behaviour is very sensitive to composition. Tuning composition affords liquids that neck to form filaments capable of being drawn to large elongations without failure. We interpret our data by invoking strain-dependent association and dissociation rates for the alginates. High association rates at high strain result in materials with viscoelastic liquid like behaviour.

}, issn = {1744-683X}, doi = {10.1039/c8sm02093k}, author = {Suresh, Karthika and Haering, Marleen and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy and Diaz Diaz, David} } @article {46422, title = {Separation of nitroaromatics from wastewater by using supported ionic liquid membranes}, journal = {Journal of Water Process Engineering}, volume = {32}, year = {2019}, month = {DEC}, pages = {100925}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Nitroaromatics have been released into wastewater during its production and application, thus, contaminating the ecosystem. The stringent discharge limits of industrial effluents have led to the development of sustainable technologies for removal of nitroaromatics from wastewater. In the present investigation, separation of nitroaromatic compounds such as TNT, TNP and Tetryl from model wastewater was investigated by using supported ionic liquid membrane (SILM) process. Various aliquat 336 based ionic liquids (ILs) were synthesised and characterized, and immobilized in PTFE and PVDF supports for the preparation of SILMs. The key parameters such as type of IL and striping phase, feed phase pH, selectivity for SILM, extraction kinetics and reuse of SILM were studied, in detail. The size of IL-anion plays an important role in removal process. The SILM was found to be selective for TNP over other nitroaromatics. Maximum separation of TNP (\< 95\%) was achieved with IL, [A336][SCN] within 12 h. Selectivity and reuse of the membrane indicate the potential of SILM technology as a sustainable chemical process for the treatment of nitroaromatics contaminated wastewater.

}, keywords = {Ionic liquid, Membrane, Nitroaromatics, Separation, wastewater}, issn = {2214-7144}, doi = {10.1016/j.jwpe.2019.100925}, author = {Bhosale, Vikas K. and Chana, Harpreet K. and Kamble, Sanjay P. and Kulkarni, Prashant S.} } @article {46097, title = {Solvothermal growth of PbBi2Se4 nano-flowers: a material for humidity sensor and photodetector applications}, journal = {Physica Status Solidi A-Applications and Materials Science}, volume = {216}, year = {2019}, month = {JUN}, pages = {1900065}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In the present work, lead bismuth selenide (PbBi2Se4) nano-flowers are synthesized by using a simple solvothermal method. Humidity sensor and photodetector based on PbBi2Se4 nano-flowers are fabricated on indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates and their sensing properties are investigated. Formation of PbBi2Se4 is confirmed by XRD, EDS, and XPS whereas formation of nano-flowers is confirmed by SEM and TEM analysis. XRD analysis reveals the hexagonal crystal structure of PbBi2Se4 phase with a = b = 4.22 angstrom, and c= 17.42 angstrom. The surface morphology of PbBi2Se4 clearly shows the formation of well-organized flower-like nanostructures which closely resembles the shape of Dahlia. The elemental mapping of chemical constituents obtained from SEM-EDS analysis shows uniform distribution of chemical constituents for the Pb, Bi, and Se in PbBi2Se4 nano-flowers. The PbBi2Se4 nano-flowers based humidity sensor has a typical response time of approximate to 65s and recovery time of approximate to 75 s. In case of PbBi2Se4 nano-flowers-based photodetector, the response and recovery time are observed approximate to 121 and approximate to 123 s, respectively, under visible light illumination with photoresponsivity (5 x 10(-6)), photosensitivity (2.16\%), and quantum efficiency (1.5 x 10(4)). The obtained results demonstrate the potential applications of solvothermally grown PbBi2Se4 nano-flowers-based devices for humidity sensors and photodetectors. The ease of the present work is to develop novel material to obtain device quality humidity sensors and photodetectors.

}, keywords = {humidity sensor, PbBi2Se4, photodetector, XPS, XRD}, issn = {1862-6300}, doi = {10.1002/pssa.201900065}, author = {Aher, Rahul and Bhorde, Ajinkya and Nair, Shruthi and Borate, Haribhau and Pandharkar, Subhash and Naik, Dhirsing and Vairale, Priti and Karpe, Smita and Late, Dattatray and Prasad, Mohit and Jadkar, Sandesh} } @article {46086, title = {Stabilization of bis(chlorogermyliumylidene)s within bifunctional PNNP ligand frameworks and their reactivity studies}, journal = {Dalton Transactions}, volume = {48}, year = {2019}, month = {JUN }, pages = {7344-7351}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The diiminodiphosphine (L-im) and diaminodiphosphines (l-NH and l-NMe) with a bifunctional PNNP ligand framework have been employed to host two [GeCl](+) units leading to the formation of bis(chlorogermyliumylidene) 1-3, respectively. The synthetic route involves a 1:2 stoichiometric reaction between the PNNP ligand and GeCl(2)dioxane and the subsequent addition of two equivalents of chloride abstracting agent. Compound 1 is unstable towards coordinating solvents and Lewis bases, resulting in the displacement of the GeCl unit and the formation of rearranged products 4 and 5. However, the diaminodiphosphine coordinated Ge(ii) bis(monocation)s 2 and 3 proved to be stable and revealed their electrophilic behaviour towards the Lewis bases studied.

}, issn = {1477-9226}, doi = {10.1039/c9dt00109c}, author = {Sahoo, Padmini and Raut, Ravindra K. and Maurya, Devesh and Kumar, Vikas and Rani, Pooja and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Majumdar, Moumita} } @article {46211, title = {Stereoselective construction of deoxy-cruciferane alkaloids by NHC-catalyzed intramolecular annulation of homoenolate with quinazolinone}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {17}, year = {2019}, month = {AUG}, pages = {7135-7139}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Chiral N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalyzed intramolecular [3 + 2] annulation of enals with an unactivated imine moiety of quinazolinone via formal homoenolate cycloaddition has been demonstrated. It is an excellent approach for stereoselective syntheses of deoxy-cruciferane alkaloids comprising a biologically important pyrroloindoline scaffold. Notably, this is the first report on the NHC-catalyzed asymmetric intramolecular homoenolate annulation with cyclic N-acyl amidine.

}, doi = {10.1039/c9ob01243e}, author = {Ahire, Milind M. and Pol, Mahesh D. and Kavale, Dattatry S and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Mhaske, Santosh B.} } @article {47497, title = {Stereoselective synthesis of subincanadine alkaloids framework}, journal = {Indian Journal of Chemistry Section B-Organic Chemistry Including Medicinal Chemistry}, volume = {58}, year = {2019}, month = {JUN}, pages = {669-673}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Starting from, N-tosyltryptamine and (S)-acetoxysuccinic anhydride, a facile synthesis of (-)-indolizinoindolone has been demonstrated as a basic structural outline of bioactive subincanadine alkaloids. Regioselective Grignard reaction with (S)-acetoxysuccinimide, stereoselective intramolecular cyclization to form (-)-indolizinoindolone skeleton and TiCl4 induced condensation with acetaldehyde for stereoselective generation of exocyclic carbon carbon double bond are the key features.}, keywords = {(S)-Acetoxysuccinimide, alane reduction, condensation, Grignard reaction, indolizinoindolone, PCC-oxidation, stereoselective Pictet-Spengler cyclization}, issn = {0376-4699}, author = {Kalshetti, Manojkumar G. and Argade, Narshinha P.} } @article {46151, title = {Structure-property relations in regenerated cellulose fibers: comparison of fibers manufactured using viscose and lyocell processes}, journal = {Cellulose}, volume = {26}, year = {2019}, month = {APR}, pages = {3655-3669}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Regenerated cellulose fibers are produced using two industrially dominant technologies: the viscose and lyocell processes. Here, we compare commercially available fibers, prepared using the viscose and lyocell processes. Single fibers are subjected to a variety of mechanical deformations to obtain stress-strain, stress relaxation and stress recovery data. These are fitted to a phenomenological model, whose parameters are interpreted in terms of the fiber semicrystalline microstructure. This simple model does not incorporate the complexities of semicrystalline microstructure. Rather, it represents structure in a semicrystalline polymer fiber in terms of an elastic crystalline phase that coexists with a viscoelastic Voigt-like glassy amorphous phase. Lyocell fibers are characterized by higher values of crystalline modulus relative to viscose. Lyocell fibers also have a higher amorphous phase modulus and a wider relaxation spectrum than viscose, suggesting that amorphous and crystalline phases are dispersed in close connectivity in lyocell. Viscose and lyocell fibers exhibit qualitative similarities in their mechanical response. On stretching, there is a transition in the stress-strain curve from a low strain elastic response at a critical value of strain. This critical strain has been incorrectly attributed to yielding of the fiber. We establish that this critical value corresponds to an apparent yield. When subjected to strains higher than this apparent yield point, the fibers develop a memory of the mechanical deformation. This memory decays slowly, logarithmically with time and is lost over about a day as the fiber structure transitions back to the original as spun fiber. Finally, we demonstrate that on wetting the fibers with water, there is an increase in the apparent yield strain for viscose fibers, but not for lyocell. We interpret these results in terms of the semicrystalline microstructure of the fibers.

}, keywords = {mechanical properties, Model, Regenerated cellulose, Yielding}, issn = {0969-0239}, doi = {10.1007/s10570-019-02352-w}, author = {Sharma, Aakash and Nagarkar, Shailesh and Thakre, Shirish and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy} } @article {45512, title = {Studies on nano composites of SPEEK/ethylene glycol/cellulose nanocrystals as promising proton exchange membranes}, journal = {Electrochimica Acta}, volume = {293}, year = {2019}, month = {JAN }, pages = {260-272}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The present work deals with fabrication and characterisations of nano-composite membranes composed of sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) cross-linked and reinforced with ethylene glycol (EG) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) respectively. The thin films of cross-linked composite membranes were prepared by solvent casting method and further analysed for physicochemical and electrochemical properties to execute their applicability as promising proton exchange membrane (PEM) in fuel cells. The process of cross-linking helps to improve the strength and dimensional stability of bare SPEEK membranes without compromising with conductivity. However, presence of CNCs further improves the strength and provides an effective pathway for the conduction of protons in membranes by interacting through their surface hydroxyl and sulfonic acid groups with ionic moieties of polymer matrix. All prepared composite membranes showed good oxidative and thermal stability along with good proton conductivity. The cross-linked SPEEK membranes with 4 wt\% loading of CNCs possess an appreciable proton conductivity of 0.186 S/cm at 95 degrees C and 95\% RH which is comparable to Nafion 117. From the view point of above studies, the prepared nano-composite can be described as promising proton exchange membrane for fuel cells. (c) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Cellulose nanocrystals, Cross-linked SPEEK, fuel cell, oxidative stability, proton conductivity}, issn = {0013-4686}, doi = {10.1016/j.electacta.2018.10.029}, author = {Bano, Saleheen and Negi, Yuvraj S. and Illathvalappil, Rajith and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Ramya, K.} } @article {46071, title = {Study of rheology and plug assist thermoforming of linear and branched pp homopolymer and impact copolymer}, journal = {International Polymer Processing}, volume = {34}, year = {2019}, month = {JUL}, pages = {339-355}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Polypropylene (PP) is one of the fastest growing thermoplastic polymers in the world, second only to polyethylene. This is primarily due to its excellent balance of physical and chemical properties at a lower cost. PP however possesses low melt strength on account of its linear structure and hence is not easily amenable to processing techniques that involve free surface stretching deformations like thermoforming, blow molding and extrusion film casting. One way to enhance the melt strength of PP is to incorporate long chain branches in its molecular architecture. The present study focuses on the impact of rheology of linear and branched PP on their thermoforming characteristics. Two grades each of linear and long chain branched (LCB) PP homopolymer and impact copolymer (ICP) were used. It was observed that the LCB-PP homopolymer and LCB-ICP showed higher flow activation energy, reduced value of loss tangent and nearly equal frequency dependence of storage and loss moduli in shear rheology. Also, a strong strain hardening behavior was displayed in extensional rheology by the LCB grades. Plug assist thermoforming experiments were carried out to assess the effect of long chain branching on surface strain and thickness distribution for axisymmetric cups of two draw ratios. Biaxial surface strain maps of the formed cups were quantified using Grid Strain Analysis (GSA). Thermoformed cups made from LCB-PP homopolymer and LCB-impact copolymer showed lower surface strain and overall higher thickness as compared to cups made from their linear counterparts, which is in accordance with what might be expected from their rheology.

}, issn = {0930-777X}, doi = {10.3139/217.3704}, author = {Marathe, D. and Shelar, S. and Mahajan, S. and Ahmad, Z. and Gupta, S. and Kulkarni, S. and Juvekar, V and Lele, A.} } @article {46304, title = {Sustained release insect repellent microcapsules using modified cellulose nanofibers (mCNF) as pickering emulsifier}, journal = {Colloids and Surfaces A-Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects}, volume = {582}, year = {2019}, month = {DEC }, pages = {Article Number:123883}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We report here an approach to encapsulate N, N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET), an insect repellent, through interfacial polycondensation using modified cellulose nanofiber (CNF) as pickering emulsifier. We found that stearic acid functionalized CNF (mCNF) can be used to form stable pickering emulsions (oil-in-oil and water-in-oil), and further encapsulate DEET using interfacial polycondensation with very high encapsulation efficiency of about 98\%. Another major advantage of this approach is that mCNF can act both as pickering emulsifier and also strengthen the barrier properties of microcapsules resulting in significant reduction in release rate of DEET. Interpretation of the release profiles using standard mathematical models proposed by Ritger-Peppas show a factor of three reduction in release rate constant for the microcapsules reinforced with mCNF.

}, keywords = {Cellulose nanofiber, Controlled release, Microcapsules, Nanocomposite, nanoparticle, Pickering emulsion}, issn = {0927-7757}, doi = {10.1016/j.colsurfa.2019.123883}, author = {Kadam, Sandip L. and Yadav, Prashant and Bhutkar, Siddhant and Patil, Vishal D. and Shukla, Parshuram G. and Shanmuganathan, Kadhiravan} } @article {46201, title = {Synthesis and biological evaluation of 2,4,5-trisubstituted thiazoles as antituberculosis agents effective against drug-resistant tuberculosis}, journal = {European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry}, volume = {178}, year = {2019}, month = {SEP}, pages = {315-328}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The dormant and resistant form of Mycobacterium tuberculosis presents a challenge in developing new anti-tubercular drugs. Herein, we report the synthesis and evaluation of trisubstituted thiazoles as antituberculosis agents. The SAR study has identified a requirement of hydrophobic substituent at C2, ester functionality at C4, and various groups with hydrogen bond acceptor character at C5 of thiazole scaffold. This has led to the identification of 13h and 13p as lead compounds. These compounds inhibited the dormant Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra strain and M. tuberculosis H37Rv selectively. Importantly, 13h and 13p were non-toxic to CHO cells. The 13p showed activity against multidrug-resistant tuberculosis isolates. (C) 2019 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.05.082}, author = {Karale, Uttam B. and Krishna, Vagolu Siva and Krishna, E. Vamshi and Choudhari, Amit S. and Shukla, Manjulika and Gaikwad, Vikas R. and Mahizhaveni, B. and Chopra, Sidharth and Misra, Sunil and Sarkar, Dhiman and Sriram, Dharmarajan and Dusthackeer, V. N. Azger and Rode, Haridas B.} } @article {47493, title = {Synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular modeling studies of novel chromone/Aza-chromone fused α-aminophosphonates as Src kinase inhibitors}, journal = {Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research}, volume = {78}, year = {2019}, month = {FEB}, pages = {111-117}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A series of novel chromone/aza-chromone fused α-aminophosphonate derivatives were synthesized in good yields using silica chloride as the catalyst. All the synthesized compounds were tested for their c-Src kinase inhibitory activity. Aza-chromone compound showed Src kinase inhibition with an IC50 value of 15.8 {\textmu}M. The compounds were subjected to molecular docking and dynamics simulations to study the atomic level interactions with an unphosphorylated proto-oncogenic tyrosine protein kinase Src (PDB code 1Y57) as well as phosphorylated tyrosine protein kinase Src (PDB code 2H8H). Docking and molecular dynamic results revealed phosphorylated Src tyrosine kinase protein better results than unphosphorylated tyrosine Src kinase protein. Chemoinformatics study revealed the compounds had lead like properties. Machine learning (SVR) models were built to study the structure activity correlations. A CC of 0.835 was obtained when the SVR model was applied to the 17 synthesized compounds. It is envisaged that the work will provide guidelines for future drug design efforts for Src kinase inhibitors.}, author = {Bapat, Sanket and Viswanadh, N. and Mujahid, M. and Shirazi, Amir Nasrolahi and Tiwari, Rakesh and Parang, Keykavous and Karthikeyan, Muthukumarasamy and Muthukrishnan, M. and Vyas, Renu} } @article {46223, title = {Synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular modeling studies of novel chromone/Aza-Chromone fused alpha-aminophosphonates as src kinase inhibitors}, journal = {Journal of Scientific \& Industrial Research}, volume = {78}, year = {2019}, month = {FEB}, pages = {111-117}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A series of novel chromone/aza-chromone fused alpha-aminophosphonate derivatives were synthesized in good yields using silica chloride as the catalyst. All the synthesized compounds were tested for their c-Src kinase inhibitory activity. Aza-chromone compound showed Src kinase inhibition with an IC50 value of 15.8 mu M. The compounds were subjected to molecular docking and dynamics simulations to study the atomic level interactions with an unphosphorylated proto-oncogenic tyrosine protein kinase Src (PDB code 1Y57) as well as phosphorylated tyrosine protein kinase Src (PDB code 2H8H). Docking and molecular dynamic results revealed phosphorylated Src tyrosine kinase protein better results than unphosphorylated tyrosine Src kinase protein. Chemoinformatics study revealed the compounds had lead like properties. Machine learning (SVR) models were built to study the structure activity correlations. A CC of 0.835 was obtained when the SVR model was applied to the 17 synthesized compounds. It is envisaged that the work will provide guidelines for future drug design efforts for Src kinase inhibitors.

}, author = {Bapat, S. and Viswanadh, N. and Mujahid, M. and Shirazi, A. N. and Tiwari, R. K. and Parang, K. and Karthikeyan, M. and Muthukrishnan, M. and Vyas, Renu} } @article {46009, title = {Synthesis, characterization, Hirshfeld surface, cytotoxicity, DNA damage and cell cycle arrest studies of N, N-diphenyl-N {\textquoteleft}-(biphenyl-4-carbonyl/4-chlorobenzoyl) thiocarbamides}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Structure}, volume = {1186}, year = {2019}, month = {JUN}, pages = {333-344}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The condensation reaction of biphenyl-4-carbonyl isothiocyanate/4-chlorobenzoyl isothiocyanate with diphenylamine yielded two new compounds; N-diphenyl-N{\textquoteright}-(biphenyl-4-carbonyl) thiocarbamide (1) and N, N-diphenyl-N{\textquoteright}-(4-chlorobenzoyl) thiocarbamide (2). Structure of the compounds were determined by analytical, spectroscopic (UV-Visible, FT-IR, H-1, \& C-13 NMR), powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. Hirshfeld surface analysis and their associated two dimensional fingerprint plots of compounds were used as theoretical approach to assess driving force for crystal structure formation via the intermolecular interactions in their crystal lattices. The compounds were screened for their in vitro cytotoxicity activity against a panel of five human cancer cell lines namely; cervical (2008 and C13*) and ovarian carcinoma (A2780, A2780/CP and IGROV-1). Both the compounds exhibited promising activity against cervical and IGROV-1 cancer cells whereas for the other two cell lines appreciable activities were observed. The cell cycle arrest at G(0)/G(1) phase is supported by the DNA damage and apoptosis studies of the compounds against 2008, C13* and IGROV-1 cell lines. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {DNA damage and cell cycle arrest, Hirshfeld surface analysis, In vitro cytotoxicity, Thiocarbamide, X-ray crystal structure}, issn = {0022-2860}, doi = {10.1016/j.molstruc.2019.03.057}, author = {Pandey, Sunil K. and Pratap, Seema and Rai, Sunil K. and Marverti, Gaetano and Kaur, Manpreet and Jasinski, Jerry P.} } @article {45480, title = {Synthesis, characterization, pharmacological and computational studies of 4, 5, 6, 7-tetrahydro-1, 3-benzothiazole incorporated azo dyes}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Structure}, volume = {1179}, year = {2019}, month = {MAR}, pages = {630-641}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The present work describes the synthesis of five novel heterocyclic azo dyes (4a-4e) through conventional diazo-coupling reaction of 4, 5, 6, 7-tetrahydro-1, 3-benzothiazole with various coupling compounds at 0-5 degrees C. The chemical structures of the synthesized azo dyes were characterized by both theoretical and experimental techniques. All the synthesized molecules were evaluated for their antioxidant activity by two different techniques such as DPPH and FRAP. The results indicated that all the synthesized compounds proved to be potent antioxidants. The anti-mycobacterial activity of the azo dyes was tested against M. tuberculosis and the compounds 4a and 4e showed higher activity among the tested dyes. The DNA binding studies showed effective intercalation properties between the azo dyes and CT-DNA. Finally, the molecular docking studies indicated a possible interaction of the azo dyes with target receptor RpsA. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Azo dyes, Benzothiazole, CT-DNA, DFT, tuberculosis}, issn = {0022-2860}, doi = {10.1016/j.molstruc.2018.11.041}, author = {Maliyappa, M. R. and Keshavayya, J. and Mallikarjuna, N. M. and Krishna, P. Murali and Shivakumara, N. and Sandeep, Telkar and Sailaja, Krishnamurty and Nazrulla, Mohammed Azeezulla} } @article {46165, title = {Synthesis of artemisinin derived glycoconjugates inspired by click chemistry}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {43}, year = {2019}, month = {MAR }, pages = {4017-4021}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Herein we describe the synthesis of artemisinin based glycoconjugates (9a-i) through employing a Cu(i)-catalysed reaction between -propargylated dihydroartemisinin (7a) and azido sugars (8a-i), with moderate to excellent yields. Our synthesized artemisinin based glycoconjugates (9a-i) could prove to be an interesting class of bioactive molecules, suitable for the study of their various biological activities.

}, issn = {1144-0546}, doi = {10.1039/c8nj05737k}, author = {Goswami, Lakshmi and Paul, Sayantan and Kotammagari, Tharun K. and Bhattacharya, Asish K.} } @article {46220, title = { Synthesis of biodiesel using the Mg/Al/Zn hydrotalcite/SBA-15 nanocomposite catalyst }, journal = {Acs Omega}, volume = {4}, year = {2019}, month = {FEB}, pages = {3500-3507}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Biodiesel production is an enchanting and eccentric pathway for the reduction of use of fossil fuels and is procured from biologically available renewable sources such as oils and fats. A novel Mg/Al/Zn-based hydrotalcite/SBA-15 composite material having a high catalytic activity was developed and investigated for the transesterification of vegetable oil. The rationally developed composites were systematically characterized and assessed in the transesterification of soybean oil in the presence of methanol. The physicochemical evaluation of the nanocomposites demonstrated the influence of Zn in the textural characteristics, density of the basic sites, and successively the catalytic activity. The catalytic efficiency of the MAZ-x/SBA-15 composite could be linked with the basic site density determined by the temperature-programmed desorption of CO2. Among all the composites used, the MAZ-1/SBA-15 nanocomposite showed the highest activity for biodiesels, with a yield of around 90\% under economical reaction conditions. The catalytic studies conferred that the fatty acid methyl ester yield is significantly influenced by various experimental conditions such as the catalyst molar ratio, reaction temperature, pressure, and contact time. It was also found that the incorporation of hydrotalcite into SBA-15 pore channels can enhance the catalyst efficiency and stability of the nanocomposite. Moreover, under mild reaction conditions, a remarkably stable catalytic performance was achieved for more than 200 h of time on stream with no catalyst deactivation.

}, doi = {10.1021/acsomega.8b02547}, author = {Prabu, Marimuthu and Manikandan, Marimuthu and Kandasamy, Prabu and Kalaivani, P. R. and Rajendiran, Nagappan and Raja, Thirumalaiswamy} } @article {47483, title = {Synthesis of biphasic nanomaterials based on ZnO and SnO2: application towards photocatalytic degradation of acid red dye}, journal = {Nano-Structures \& Nano-Objects}, volume = {18}, year = {2019}, month = {APR}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Zn2SnO4/SnO2 and ZnO/SnO2 biphasic nanocatalysts have been synthesized by a facile solvothermal method using ethylene glycol (EG) as solvent in three different ways maintaining the pH of the solution at either 3 or 9 followed by calcination at 700 {\textdegree}C. The nanocatalysts are characterized by different techniques to investigate their structure, composition, morphology and optical properties. The XRD results indicate the formation of pristine biphasic composites. The UV-absorbance and photoluminescence spectra confirms the formation of biphasic composites as well as presence of large number of defects in the prepared nanocatalysts. The biphasic nanocomposites possess better photocatalytic activity towards the degradation of Acid Red-183 (AR-183) dye than pristine SnO2 and ZnO nanoparticles. This is mainly due to better charge separation, minimal recombination rate of charge carriers and defect-riched structures of nanocatalysts.}, doi = {10.1016/j.nanoso.2019.100292}, author = {Kudale, Ananada S. and Kamble, Santosh B. and Gore, Anil H. and Pisal, Mahesh M. and Salokhe, Anil T. and Kolekar, Govind B. and Helavi, Vasant B.} } @article {46212, title = {Synthesis of chiral tetrahydrofuran building blocks from pantolactones: application in the synthesis of empagliflozin and amprenavir analogs}, journal = {Europen Journal of Organic Chemistry}, year = {2019}, month = {JUL}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Chiral 4,4-dimethyl tetrahydrofuran (THF) derivatives were synthesized from commercially available D-(-)/ l-(+) pantolactones, which can serve as chiral building blocks in medicinal chemistry. In addition, two of the synthesized building blocks were utilized for the synthesis of new amprenavir (HIV protease inhibitor) and empagliflozin (anti-diabetic) analogs. The synthesized analogs may have beneficial effects in terms of pharmacokinetics and modulation of bioactivity.

}, doi = {10.1002/ejoc.201900718}, author = {Athawale, Paresh R and Kumari, Neeta and Kashinath, K and Reddy, D. Srinivasa} } @article {45499, title = {Synthesis of nanogate structure in GO-ZnS sandwich material}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {9}, year = {2019}, month = {JAN}, pages = {Article Number: 937}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Graphite Oxide (multi-layer) composite with other materials has a huge application in various field of science, due to its excellent and unique properties. Even though from past decade, immense research has been done by materials scientists in this field, but the chemistry is still not yet satisfactory. Here, in this work, through the discovery of Nanogate structure, we have reported for the first time the experimental results that enlightened the clear chemistry between the GO and ZnS which is further supported by the DFT calculations. This novel synthesis method led to the discovery of nanogate structure sandwiched between the GO layers. The nanogate formation also shows enhanced properties for various applications like photocatalytic activities, etc. Due to the nanogate formation, there might be a possibility of enormous generation of electrons on excitation of the composite materials, which can be a boom for various applications like photocatalysis, water splitting, solar cell, etc.

}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-018-37396-8}, author = {Kumar, Praveen and Luwang, Meitram Niraj} } @article {46164, title = {Synthesis of ultrathin PEDOT on carbon nanotubes and shear thinning xanthan Gum-H2SO4 gel electrolyte for supercapacitors}, journal = {ChemElectroChem}, volume = {6}, year = {2019}, month = {MAR }, pages = {1861-1869}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Resistance of the electrode material play a vital role for applications in supercapacitors, where lowering the resistance leads to improved performance. Poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) (PEDOT) possesses high theoretical conductivity; however, the high density of grain boundaries, low accessible surface area, and low rate capability have been pervasive issues affecting the PEDOT-based supercapacitors. To this end, a hydrothermal method is proposed in this work where oxygen functional groups incorporated on the surface of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are utilized to polymerize 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT). PEDOT forms an ultrathin, well-aligned coating on the surface of CNTs. This arrangement minimizes the number of grain boundaries and increases the electrochemically active surface area. Additionally, a shear-thinning Xanthan gum-H2SO4 gel electrolyte is introduced to overcome the low impregnation of the conventional polyvinyl-based electrolyte due to the hydrophobicity of the CNT-PEDOT composite. A supercapacitor based on this material showed a very low Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR) of 0.31 which leads to a high power density of 74 W cm(-3).

}, keywords = {gel electrolyte, PEDOT, shear thinning, supercapacitor, xanthan gum}, issn = {2196-0216}, doi = {10.1002/celc.201801780}, author = {Soni, Roby and Bhange, Siddheshwar N. and Athira, E. and Chetry, Rashmi and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {46175, title = {Targeted phenotypic screening in plasmodium falciparum and toxoplasma gondii reveals novel modes of action of medicines for malaria venture malaria box molecules (vol 3, e00534-17, 2018)}, journal = {MSphere}, volume = {4}, year = {2019}, month = {APR}, pages = {e00159-19}, type = {Correction}, issn = {2379-5042}, doi = {10.1128/mSphere.00159-19}, author = {Subramanian, Gowtham and Belekar, Meenakshi A. and Shukla, Anurag and Tong, Jie Xin and Sinha, Ameya and Chu, Trang T. T. and Kulkarni, Akshay S. and Preiser, Peter R. and Reddy, D. Srinivasa and Tan, Kevin S. W. and Shanmugam, Dhanasekaran and Chandramohanadas, Rajesh} } @article {46116, title = {Taxonomic insights into the phylogeny of Bacillus badius and proposal for its reclassification to the genus Pseudobacillus as Pseudobacillus badius comb. nov. and reclassification of Bacillus wudalianchiensis Liu et al.}, journal = {Systematic and Applied Microbiology}, volume = {42}, year = {2019}, month = {MAY}, pages = {360-372}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The species Bacillus badius is one of the oldest members of the genus Bacillus isolated from faeces of children and was classified based on its ability to form endospores [8]. In 16S rRNA gene sequence and phylogenetic analysis, Bacillus badius DSM 23(T) shared low similarity (93.0\%) and distant relationship with B. subtilis, the type species of the genus Bacillus indicating that it does not belong to this genus. Additional strains of the species, B. badius DSM 5610, DSM 30822 and B. encimensis SGD-V-25 (which has been recently reclassified as a member of this species) were included in the study to consider intraspecies diversity. Detailed molecular phylogenetic and comparative genome analysis clearly showed that the strains of B. badius were consistently retrieved outside the cluster of Bacillus sensu stricto and also distantly related to the genera Domibacillus and Quasibacillus. Further, the data from biochemical reactions (inability to ferment most carbohydrates), polar lipids profile (presence of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and an aminophosphoglycolipid) and fatty acids supported the molecular analysis. Thus the four B. badius strains; DSM 23(T), DSM 5610, DSM 30822 and SGD-V-25 displayed sufficient demarcating phenotypic characteristics that warrant their classification as members of a novel genus and single species, for which the name Pseudobacillus badius gen. nov. comb. nov. is proposed with Pseudobacillus badius DSM 23(T) (= ATCC 14574(T)) as the type strain. Additionally, based on our findings from phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic parameters, Bacillus wudalianchiensis DSM 100757(T) was reclassified as Pseudobacillus wudalianchiensis comb. nov. (C) 2019 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {16S rRNA, Bacillus, Bacillus wudalianchiensis, Fatty acids, polar lipids, Pseudobacillus}, issn = {0723-2020}, doi = {10.1016/j.syapm.2019.03.003}, author = {Verma, Ashish and Pal, Yash and Ojha, Anup Kumar and Kumari, Munesh and Khatri, Indu and Rameshkumar, N. and Schumann, Peter and Dastager, Syed G. and Mayilraj, Shanmugam and Subramanian, Srikrishna and Krishnamurthi, Srinivasan} } @article {45605, title = {Telescoped sequence of exothermic and endothermic reactions in multistep flow synthesis}, journal = {Organic Process Research and Development}, year = {2019}, month = {JAN}, pages = {Article ASAP}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A multistep sequential flow synthesis of isopropyl phenol is demonstrated, involving 4-step exothermic, endothermic, and temperature sensitive reactions such as nitration, reduction, diazotization, and high temperature hydrolysis. Nitration of cumene with fuming nitric acid produces 2- and 4-nitrocumene which are converted into respective cumidines by the hydrogenation using Pd/Ni catalyst in H-cube with gravity separation. Hydrolysis of in situ generated diazonium salts in the boiling acidic conditions is carried out using integration of flow and microwave-assisted synthesis. 58\% of 4-isopropyl phenol was obtained. The sequential flow synthesis can be applied to synthesize other organic compounds involving this specific sequence of reactions.}, doi = {10.1021/acs.oprd.8b00008}, author = {Sharma, Y. and Nikam, A. V. and Kulkarni, A. A.} } @article {46185, title = {Temperature-dependent photoluminescence and energy-transfer dynamics in Mn2+-doped (C4H9NH3)(2)PbBr4 two-dimensional (2D) layered perovskite}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {123}, year = {2019}, month = {FEB}, pages = {4739-4748}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Reported here are the low-temperature photoluminescence (PL), energy-transfer mechanism, and exciton dynamics of Mn2+-doped two-dimensional (2D) perovskites that show interesting differences from their three-dimensionally doped counterpart. Dopant emission in 2D system shows increased PL intensity and shortened lifetime with increase of temperature and strong dopant emission even at low temperatures. Transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy reveals the dominant role of {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}hot{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} excitons in dictating the fast energy-transfer timescale. The operative dynamics of the generated hot excitons include filling up of existing trap states (shallow and deep) and energy-transfer channel from hot excitons to dopant states. Global analysis and target modeling of TA data provide an estimate of excitons (hot and band edge) to a dopant energy-transfer timescale of similar to 330 ps, which is much faster than the band edge exciton lifetime (similar to 2 ns). Such fast energy-transfer timescale arises due to enhanced carrier exchange interaction resulting from higher exciton confinement, increased covalency, and involvement of hot excitons in the 2D perovskites. In stark contrast to three-dimensional systems, the high energy-transfer rate in 2D system results in high dopant emission intensity even at low temperatures. Increased intrinsic vibronic coupling at higher temperatures further supports efficient Mn2+ sensitization that ultimately dictates the observed temperature dependence of the dopant emission (intensity, lifetime).

}, issn = {1932-7447}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpcc.9b00207}, author = {Bakthavatsalam, Rangarajan and Biswas, Anupam and Chakali, Madhu and Bangal, Prakriti Ranjan and Kore, Bhushan P. and Kundu, Janardan} } @article {46091, title = {Tf2NH catalyzed 1,6-conjugate addition of 2-hydroxy-p-quinone methides with -functionalized ketones: access to 2,3,4,9-Tetrahydro-1H-xanthenones and 4H-Chromene Derivatives}, journal = {European Journal of Organic Chemistry}, year = {2019}, month = {JUN }, pages = {3127-3133}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A Bronsted acid catalyzed tandem 1,6-conjugate sequential cycloaddition reaction using 2-hydroxy-p-quinone methides and -functionalized ketones is reported. The method allows xanthenones and chromenes to be accessed in moderate to excellent yield with broad substrate scope, which could be further functionalized to give a versatile set of products.

}, keywords = {-Functionalized ketone, 1, 6-Conjugated addition, Bronsted acid, Chromenes, Xanthenones}, issn = {1434-193X}, doi = {10.1002/ejoc.201900370}, author = {Satbhaiya, Shruti and Khonde, Nilesh S. and Rathod, Jayant and Gonnade, Rajesh and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article {46191, title = {Thermodynamic view of dynamic allostery in a PDZ domain protein}, journal = {Biophysical Journal}, volume = {116}, year = {2019}, month = {FEB }, pages = {163A}, type = {Meeting Abstract}, issn = {0006-3495}, doi = {10.1016/j.bpj.2018.11.905}, author = {Kumawat, Amit and Chakrabarty, Suman} } @article {46016, title = {Thiazolyl-pyrazole derivatives as potential antimycobacterial agents}, journal = {Bioorganic \& Medicinal Chemistry Letters}, volume = {29}, year = {2019}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1199-1202}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is an obligate aerobe that is capable of long-term persistence under conditions of low oxygen tension. A series of thiazolyl-pyrazole derivatives (6a-f, 7a-f, 8c, 8e) were screened for antimycobacterial activity against dormant M. tuberculosis H37Ra (D-MTB) and M. bovis BCG (D-BCG). Nine thiazolyl- pyrazole analogs, 6c, 6e, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7e, 7f, 8c and 8e exhibited promissing minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values (0.20-28.25 mu g/mL) against D-MTB and D-BCG strains of Mtb. Importantly, six compounds (7a, 7b, 7e, 7f, 8c and 8e) exhibited excellent antimycobacterial activity and low cytotoxicity at the maximum evaluated concentration of \> 250 mu g/mL. Finally, the promising antimycobacterial activity and lower cytotoxicity profile suggested that, these compounds could be further subjected for optimization and development as a lead, which could have the potential to treat tuberculosis.

}, keywords = {antimycobacterial activity, Cytotoxicity, Pyrazole, thiazoles}, issn = {0960-894X}, doi = {10.1016/j.bmcl.2019.03.020}, author = {Takate, Sushma J. and Shinde, Abhijit D. and Karale, Bhausaheb K. and Akolkar, Hemant and Nawale, Laxman and Sarkar, Dhiman and Mhaske, Pravin C.} } @article {47163, title = {Three-dimensional printing with waste high-density polyethylene}, journal = {ACS Applied Polymer Materials}, volume = {1}, year = {2019}, month = {NOV}, pages = {3157-3164}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Fused filament fabrication (FFF) three-dimensional (3D) printing of semicrystalline polymers such as high density polyethylene (HDPE) is challenging because crystallization-induced shrinkage of the filament, as it cools, results in stresses that warp the printed part and debond it from the print substrate. Here, we demonstrate that waste-derived HDPE can be successfully 3D printed by (i) blending with a small fraction (\<0.5\% by weight) of dimethyl dibenzylidene sorbitol (DMDBS) and (similar to 10\%) linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and (ii) printing the object with a thin {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}brim{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} around it that is adhered to the print substrate using common polyvinyl acetate-based glue. We match our experimental results with FEM simulations that provide insight into the origin of the stresses developed during printing. Because HDPE forms a significant fraction of the plastic waste stream, conversion of waste-derived HDPE to 3D printing filament has important technological implications.

}, keywords = {3d printing polyethylene printing, polymer blend, Recyclability, warpage}, issn = {2637-6105}, doi = {10.1021/acsapm.9b00813}, author = {Gudadhe, Aniket and Bachhar, Nirmalya and Kumar, Anil and Andrade, Prem and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy} } @article {46081, title = {TiCl4-n-Bu3N-mediated cascade annulation of ketones with alpha-ketoesters: a facile synthesis of highly substituted fused gamma-alkylidene-butenolides}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {17}, year = {2019}, month = {JUN}, pages = {5749-5759}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A facile protocol for the synthesis of highly substituted fused gamma-alkylidene butenolides using direct annulation of ketones with alpha-ketoesters, which proceeds through TiCl4-n-Bu3N mediated aldol addition followed by an intramolecular enol-lactonization/cyclization cascade, is reported. Diverse 6-5, 7-5 and 8-5 fused bicyclic gamma-ylidene butenolides and highly substituted monocyclic analogs related to biologically relevant natural products were prepared from readily accessible ketone and alpha-ketoester building blocks. The highly step-economic cascade nature, good substrate scope, easy access to complex products with good to excellent yields, gram-scalability, demonstration of synthetic utility, and unambiguous structural confirmation through X-ray crystallography analyses and analogy are the salient features of this work.

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/c9ob00649d}, author = {Palange, Megha N. and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Kontham, Ravindar} } @article {46115, title = {Total synthesis of (+/-)-quinagolide: a potent D-2 receptor agonist for the treatment of hyperprolactinemia}, journal = {ACS Omega}, volume = {4}, year = {2019}, month = {MAY}, pages = {8231-8238}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A potent dopamine (D-2) receptor agonist (+/-)-quinagolide, which is used for the treatment of hyperprolactinemia, was synthesized using the ring closing metathesis (RCM) approach from meta-hydroxybenzaldehyde as the starting material. The key features of this synthesis are pyrolytic elimination, late-stage expedient synthesis of functionalized trans-fused tetrahydropyridine-3-carboxylates from olefin 6, via conjugate addition-elimination upon acetate 11, followed by RCM and phenyliodine bis(trifluoroacetate) (PIFA)-mediated Hofmann rearrangement of piperidine-3-carboxamide, which enables the synthesis of 3-aminopiperidine skeleton of quinagolide. For the total synthesis of natural products such as ergot alkaloids, late-stage synthesis of functionalized trans-fused tetrahydropyridine-3-carboxylates using RCM and PIFA-mediated Hofmann rearrangement of piperidine-3-carboxamide, which allows quick access to the synthetically challenging 3-aminopiperidine skeleton, are the main achievements of the present work.

}, issn = {2470-1343}, doi = {10.1021/acsomega.9b00903}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Kadam, Appasaheb L. and Kawale, Sanket A.} } @article {45540, title = {Trans-A(2)B(2) Zn(II) porphyrin dyes with various donor groups and their Co-sensitization for highly efficient dye-sensitized solar cells}, journal = {Dyes and Pigments}, volume = {160}, year = {2019}, month = {JAN}, pages = {386-394}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

{We have designed and synthesized four donor-acceptor based trans-A(2)B(2) Zn(II) porphyrin dyes with various donor moieties and phenylcarboxy as acceptor group in three steps. Two strong electron-donating groups (carbazole, phenothiazine, pyrene and bisthiophene) were attached to porphyrin core to enhance the light absorption of dye molecules and phenylcarboxy acted as acceptor group on TiO2 surface. The alkyl chains present in KP-Zn-CBZ and KP-Zn-PTZ dyes are helpful to suppress the aggregation of dyes at the semiconductor surface. The synthetic route of these dyes was facile, high yield and three steps procedure which involved MacDonald condensation followed by hydrolysis and Zn insertion. The absorption and emission bands of all four dyes were broadened and red shifted due to the charge transfer from donor groups to porphyrin moiety. A wide range of power conversion efficiency was shown by dyes and the order of eta was as followed KP-Zn-PTZ (5.48\%) \> KP-Zn-PYR (3.38\%) \> KP-Zn-CBZ (2.64\%) \> KP-Zn-BTP (1.71\%). Co-sensitization of porphyrin dyes with N719 dye promoted the complementary absorption in the visible region and put a restriction on dye aggregation also which improved the cell performance. Co-sensitized KP-Zn-PTZ with N719 dye showed the highest PCE efficiency up to 8.80\% with a J(SC) = 17.4 mA cm(-2)

}, issn = {0143-7208}, doi = {10.1016/j.dyepig.2018.08.029}, author = {Prakash, Kamal and Sudhakar, Vediappan and Sankar, Muniappan and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam} } @article {46123, title = {Transcriptomics analysis of propiconazole-treated Cochliobolus sativus reveals new putative azole targets in the plant pathogen}, journal = {Functional \& Integrative Genomics}, volume = {19}, year = {2019}, month = {MAY}, pages = {453-465}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Cochliobolus sativus (anamorph: Bipolaris sorokiniana) is a filamentous fungus from the class Dothideomycetes. It is a pathogen of cereals including wheat and barley, and causes foliar spot blotch, root rot, black point on grains, head blight, leaf blight, and seedling blight diseases. Annual yields of these economically important cereals are severely reduced due to this pathogen attack. Evolution of fungicide resistant pathogen strains, availability of a limited number of potent antifungal compounds, and their efficacy are the acute issues in field management of phytopathogenic fungi. Propiconazole is a widely used azole fungicide to control the disease in fields. The known targets of azoles are the demethylase enzymes involved in ergosterol biosynthesis. Nonetheless, azoles have multiple modes of action, some of which have not been explored yet. Identifying the off-target effects of fungicides by dissecting gene expression profiles in response to them can provide insights into their modes of action and possible mechanisms of fungicide resistance. Moreover it can also reveal additional targets for development of new fungicides. Hence, we analyzed the global gene expression profile of C. sativus on exposure to sub-lethal doses of propiconazole in a time series. The gene expression patterns were confirmed using quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR). This study revealed overexpression of target genes from the sterol biosynthesis pathway supporting the reported mode of resistance against azoles. In addition, some new potential targets have also been identified, which could be explored to develop new fungicides and plant protection strategies.

}, keywords = {Bipolaris sorokiniana, Cochliobolus sativus, Fungicide resistance, Propiconazole, RNA-seq, Transcriptomics analysis}, issn = {1438-793X}, doi = {10.1007/s10142-019-00660-9}, author = {Somani, Deepika and Adhav, Ragini and Prashant, Ramya and Kadoo, Narendra Y.} } @article {46134, title = {Triazine functionalized porous covalent organic framework for photo-organocatalytic E-Z isomerization of olefins}, journal = {Journal of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {141}, year = {2019}, month = {APR }, pages = {6152-6156}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Visible light-mediated photocatalytic organic transformation has drawn significant attention as an alternative process for replacing thermal reactions. Although precious metal/organic dyes based homogeneous photocatalysts have been developed, their toxic and nonreusable nature makes them inappropriate for large-scale production. Therefore, we have synthesized a triazine and a keto functionalized nonmetal based covalent organic framework (TpTt) for heterogeneous photo catalysis. As the catalyst shows significant absorption of visible light, it has been applied for the photocatalytic uphill conversion of trans-stilbene to cis-stilbene in the presence of blue light-emitting diodes with broad substrate scope via an energy transfer process.

}, issn = {0002-7863}, doi = {10.1021/jacs.9b01891}, author = {Bhadra, Mohitosh and Kandambeth, Sharath and Sahoo, Manoj K. and Addicoat, Matthew and Balaraman, Ekambaram and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article {46243, title = {Two-step sequence of acetalization and hydrogenation for synthesis of diesel fuel additives from furfural and diols.}, journal = {Energy \& Fuels}, volume = {33}, year = {2019}, month = {AUG}, pages = {7466-7472}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Acetalization of diols with furfural and subsequent hydrogenation of acetal products provided potential fuel additives that could be blended into commercial diesel. Glycerol could be an interesting polyol for acetalization with furfural due to its low cost, and it is produced as a byproduct in very large amount in the process of biodiesel production. In this work, glycerol acetalization with furfural has been selected as a model reaction. Acetalization reaction was performed under neat conditions (solventless) with 1:1 molar ratio of furfural and glycerol at room temperature over various acid catalysts, including homogeneous and heterogeneous acids. Among several catalysts, Zr-Mont, a heterogeneous solid acid having controlled acidity, gave as high as 78\% isolated yield of acetal products. Interestingly, acetal products can be isolated in pure form by performing extraction using cyclohexane that enables selective extraction of product, and unreacted glycerol and furfural were left in aqueous phase, which can be recycled. Further, to make fuel components from isolated acetal product of glycerol and furfural, hydrogenation was performed over a series of supported noble-metal catalysts under low H-2 pressure at room temperature. Among them, 5\% Pd/C showed very high activity for ring hydrogenation that resulted in high yield of hydrogenation products. However, hydrogenated product contains free hydroxyl group that needs to be subsequently etherified or acetylated. Interestingly, etherified derivative was obtained in high yield compared to acetylated derivative. In addition, several other diols were treated with furfural and their products were subsequently hydrogenated over 5\% Pd/C under very low H-2 pressure. The properties of resulting compounds were investigated so as to find most suitable candidates as additives to commercial diesel.

}, doi = {10.1021/acs.energyfuels.9b01640}, author = {Patil, Anil and Shinde, Suhas and Kamble, Sanjay and Rode, Chandrashekhar, V} } @article {45578, title = {Understanding the behavior of mixtures of protic-aprotic and protic-protic ionic liquids: conductivity, viscosity, diffusion coefficient and ionicity}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Liquids}, volume = {276}, year = {2019}, month = {FEB}, pages = {986-994}, type = {Article}, abstract = {We have investigated the physicochemical properties such as electrical conductivity, viscosity and diffusion coefficient for the binary mixtures of protic ionic liquids with aprotic ionic liquids and of protic with protic ionic liquids at 298.15 K. A significant enhancement in the electrical conductivity is observed for the binary mixtures of ionic liquids, as compared to those of the constituent pure ionic liquids and varied with the composition of the mixtures. The viscosity of binary mixtures of protic with aprotic ionic liquids, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazoliumbis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [bmIm][NTf2], 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidiumbis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [bmPyrr][NTf2] and 1,3-dimethylimidazolium methyl sulfate, [mmIm][CH3SO4] decreases with an increase in the composition of the [HmIm][CH3COO]. On the contrary, the viscosity for binary mixtures of protic with protic ionic liquid, 1-methylpyrrolidium acetate [HmPyrr][CH3COO] and 4-methylmorpholine acetate [HmMorph][CH3COO] increases upon the addition of 1-methylimidazolium acetate [HmIm][CH3COO]. The self diffusion coefficients were determined for all the binary mixtures of ionic liquids by using Pulsed Gradient Spin Echo (PGSE) NMR method. Self diffusion coefficients of [bmIm][NTf2]-[HmIm][CH3COO], [bmPyrr][NTf2]-[HmIm][CH3COO], [mmIm][CH3SO4]-[HmIm][CH3COO] are enhanced, while those of [HmPyrr][CH3COO]-[HmIm][CH3COO] and [HmMorph][CH3COO]-[HmIm][CH3COO] decreases on addition of [HmIm][CH3COO]. This is converse in the case of viscosity. Furthermore, the above correlations were interpreted with the help of NMR spectroscopy on the basis of interactions of ions in the binary mixtures of ionic liquids. Finally, we have quantified the ionicity through the Nernst{\textendash}Einstein equation and have confirmed the validity of the Walden rule for the binary mixture of ionic liquids.}, doi = {10.1016/j.molliq.2018.12.024}, author = {Thawarkar, S. and Khupse, N. D. and Shinde, D. R. and Kumar, A.} } @article {46410, title = {Unusual epimerization in styryllactones: synthesis of (-)-5-hydroxygoniothalamin, (-)-5-acetylgoniothalamin, and O-TBS-goniopypyrone}, journal = {ACS Omega}, volume = {4}, year = {2019}, month = {DEC}, pages = {22549-22556}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

(-)-5-Hydroxygoniothalamin, (-)-5-acetylgoniothalamin, and (+)-5-hydroxygoniothalamin, isolated from the Goniothalamus genus, are synthesized from triacetyl-O-D-glucal by employing the Ferrier reaction, Mitsunobu reaction, and Jones oxidation as key steps. The synthetic procedure also yields the epimers of (-)-5-hydroxygoniothalamin and (+)-5-hydroxygoniothalamin employing acid-mediated transition-metal-free epimerization at C-5 of styryllactones. Further studies reveal that the epimerization is facilitated by the phenyl group present on the styryllactones. Also, depending on the dihydroxylation reaction conditions, various analogues of saturated styryllactones are synthesized utilizing oxa-Michael reaction conditions.

}, issn = {2470-1343}, doi = {10.1021/acsomega.9b03263}, author = {Kotammagari, Tharun K. and Paul, Sayantan and Bhattacharya, Asish K.} } @article {46098, title = {Use of Plackett-Burman design for enhanced phytase production by Williopsis saturnus NCIM 3298 for applications in animal feed and ethanol production}, journal = {3 Biotech}, volume = {9}, year = {2019}, month = {JUN}, pages = {237}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Distiller-dried grain solid (DDGS), a co-product of alcohol production, contains cereal grain residues, proteins, and yeast metabolites, which make it suitable in poultry feeding. However, high phytate content of DDGS limits its applicability in poultry feed. In this study, Plackett-Burman design was used to improve cell-bound phytase production by Williopsis saturnus NCIM 3298, and we achieved an enzyme activity of 269IU/g of dry-wet biomass. The effect of this enhanced phytase-displaying yeast strain on hydrolysis of corn phytate and subsequently on ethanol production and DDGS quality was then investigated. Results of saccharification in the presence of phytase showed that reducing sugar content of liquefied mash increased by 11\%, which subsequently improved the ethanol production by 18\% (w/v) (p\<0.01) compared with the control. Notably, phytase treatment decreased the phytate content of corn by 70\% (p\<0.01) compared with the control, thereby improving the availability of free phosphate in fermentation broth and DDGS. Thus, the results obtained suggest that the addition of W. saturnus NCIM 3298 strain has the potential of providing a new source of phytase that would be useful in the feed and ethanol industries.

}, keywords = {DDGS, Ethanol, Phytase, Plackett-Burman Design, Williopsis saturnus NCIM 3298}, issn = {2190-572X}, doi = {10.1007/s13205-019-1764-y}, author = {Pable, Anupama A. and Shah, Sarah and Kumar, V. Ravi and Khire, Jayant M.} } @article {46230, title = {Vanadium-based highly active and selective catalysts for oxidative dehydrogenation of ethyl lactate to ethyl pyruvate}, journal = {Applied Catalysis A: General}, volume = {587}, year = {2019}, month = {SEP}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Pyruvates are important intermediates for various bioactive and pharmaceutical molecules. Synthesis of pyruvates is challenging due to low selectivity, as the pyruvates are prone to polymerisation. In the present work, oxidative dehydrogenation of ethyl lactate to ethyl pyruvate was carried out under very mild conditions using vanadium-based homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts in the presence of aqueous\ t-butyl hydroperoxide as an oxidant. Homogenous vanadium-based catalyst, VO(acac)2\ in acetonitrile solvent, gave excellent conversion (upto 83\%) with 100\% selectivity to ethyl pyruvate at room temperature. However, the heterogeneous catalyst, V2O5\ exhibited very high activity for oxidative dehydrogenation of ethyl lactate only at higher temperature (80 {\textdegree}C). At higher temperature, significant TBHP decomposition was observed if all TBHP was added in one lot. In case of ethyl lactate dehydrogenation using V2O5\ catalyst at 80 {\textdegree}C with two equivalents TBHP, 60\% ethyl lactate conversion with 100\% TBHP conversions were observed after 5 h when all TBHP was added initially in the reaction mixture. However, the ethyl lactate conversion at 80 {\textdegree}C, after 5 h increased to 72\% when the same amount of TBHP was added batch wise over a period of 4 h, indicating improved conversion of TBHP to ethyl pyruvate. The heterogeneous catalyst, V2O5\ exhibited up to 98\% conversion with 100\% ethyl pyruvate selectivity at 80 {\textdegree}C after 10 h with 3 equivalent TBHP added batch wise. The homogeneous catalyst could not be reused while V2O5\ could be successfully recycled five times without catalytic performances loss. Oxidation proceeds by radical mechanism, as proved by experiment with radical scavenger.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.apcata.2019.117246}, author = {Doke, Dhananjay and Khomane, Sonali B. and Pandhare, Swati and Dongare, Mohan K. and Dumeignil, Franck and Umbarkar, Shubhangi} } @article {46102, title = {Visible light mediated, metal and oxidant free highly efficient cross dehydrogenative coupling (CDC) reaction between quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones and ethers}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {43}, year = {2019}, month = {MAY}, pages = {7403-7408}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The efficient and metal free, white light mediated 3C alkylation of quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones via a cross dehydrogenative coupling reaction with cyclic ethers using eosin Y as a photocatalyst is described. This reaction has broad substrate scope and strong functional group tolerance with good to excellent yields.

}, issn = {1144-0546}, doi = {10.1039/c9nj00075e}, author = {Mane, Kishor D. and Kamble, Rohit B. and Suryavanshi, Gurunath} } @article {46265, title = {Visual exploration of microbiome data}, journal = {Journal of Biosciences}, volume = {44}, year = {2019}, type = {Review}, abstract = {

A dramatic increase in large-scale cross-sectional and temporal-level metagenomic experiments has led to an improved understanding of the microbiome and its role in human well-being. Consequently, a plethora of analytical methods has been developed to decipher microbial biomarkers for various diseases, cluster different ecosystems based on microbial content, and infer functional potential of the microbiome as well as analyze its temporal behavior. Development of user-friendly visualization methods and frameworks is necessary to analyze this data and infer taxonomic and functional patterns corresponding to a phenotype. Thus, new methods as well as application of pre-existing ones has gained importance in recent times pertaining to the huge volume of the generated microbiome data. In this reveiw, we present a brief overview of some useful visualization techniques that have significantly enriched microbiome data analytics.

}, doi = {10.1007/s12038-019-9933-z}, author = {Kuntal, Bhusan K. and Mande, Sharmila S.} } @article {47166, title = {Vivo wound healing performance of halloysite clay and gentamicin-incorporated cellulose ether-PVA electrospun nanofiber mats}, journal = {ACS Applied Bio Materials}, volume = {2}, year = {2019}, month = {SEP}, pages = {4324{\textendash}4334}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Wound healing is a dynamic and complex process that requires a suitable environment to enhance the rapid healing process. In this context, fabrications of nanofibrous materials with antibiotic and antibacterial properties are becoming extremely important. In this present work, we report on the fabrication and characterization of electro-spun cellulose ether-PVA nanofiber mats loaded with halloysite clay (HNT) and gentamicin sulfate (GS) for faster wound healing applications. The morphology of nanofiber mats was examined by SEM and TEM. The average diameter of the nanofiber mats were in the range of 325 {\textpm} 30 nm. The physicochemical characterizations were done by FT-IR and XRD, which reveal the presence of HNT and GS into the nanofibers. The incorporation of halloysite gave good mechanical strength to the nanofiber mats. Swelling studies indicated the hydrophilicity of the mats. In vitro studies revealed that HNTs are nontoxic to L929 fibroblast cells and also promote cell growth and proliferation. The antibacterial property of HNT was also studied. The slow release of GS from the nanofiber mats was observed for a period of 18 days. The in vivo wound healing studies on the wistar rats for 21 days revealed the wound healing faster within 2 weeks by the incorporation of HNT and GS into the nanofiber mats and hence these nanofiber mats show great potential in acute and chronic wound healing applications.

}, doi = {10.1021/acsabm.9b00589}, author = {Wali, Ashwini and Gorain, Mahadeo and Inamdar, Satish and Kundu, Gopal and Badiger, Manohar V.} } @article {44557, title = {Waste to wealth: a Case study of papaya peel}, journal = {Waste and Biomass Valorization}, volume = {10}, year = {2019}, month = {JUN}, pages = {1755-1766}, type = {Journal Article}, abstract = {

Papaya is a popular fruit consumed worldwide and well-known for its food and nutritional values. It is used in food industries for the production of jams, jellies, etc. As a result, these industries generate huge amounts of papaya peel (PP) and seeds as by-products, which are typically considered a waste, and thus discarded. However, our current investigation indicates that PP is a valuable source of bioactive compounds, which can be converted into many value-added products. In this article, we review the physicochemical composition and valorization of PP. PP can be utilized to obtain many value-added products by fermentation (e.g., biofuels, adsorbents, dietary fibers, biomedicine, biomaterials). The biorefinery approach for PP will definitely increase the value of this waste by producing an array of value-added products and achieving zero waste generation.

}, keywords = {Bioactive compounds, Biorefinery, Papaya peel, Valorization, Value-added products}, issn = {18772641}, doi = {10.1007/s12649-017-0181-x}, author = {Pathak, Pranav D.}, editor = {Mandavgane, Sachin A.} } @article {46431, title = {Water-assisted stability of carbene: cyclic voltammetric investigation of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethylsulfate ionic liquid}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics}, volume = {21}, year = {2019}, month = {NOV }, pages = {24126-24131}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In this work, we report electrochemical studies on imidazolium-based ionic liquids with an objective to explore the possibility of carbene formation in their dilute aqueous solutions. Conventionally, water plays a detrimental role during investigations involving ionic liquids, and this role has been investigated via electrochemical studies in aqueous ionic liquid solutions. There are varying opinions regarding the influence of water on the physicochemical behaviour of ionic liquids that require an in-depth understanding. To eludicate the role of water, we attempted to evaluate the electrochemical performance of ionic liquids in water as a solvent, and the influence of water on ionic liquids was explored through feasibility and stability studies on carbene formed in an aqueous imidazolium-based ionic liquid solution. The electrochemical investigation of an aqueous solution of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethylsulfate ([EMIM][EtSO4]) revealed a redox couple. Detailed investigations suggest that reduction of the imidazolium cation occurs at the C2 position, with subsequent formation of carbene. Furthermore, an anodic peak was found to be associated with the oxidation of carbene. The coulometric process associated with the anodic peaks indicated that the two-electron oxidation of carbene occurred. The stability of carbene in water was evaluated through the use of different protic and aprotic solvents. The hydrogen bond-forming ability of carbene with water seems to be responsible for its improved stability in water.

}, issn = {1463-9076}, doi = {10.1039/c9cp05033g}, author = {Jain, Preeti and Chaudhari, Vijay R. and Kumar, Anil} } @article {46231, title = {Weak intermolecular interactions in covalent organic framework-carbon nanofiber based crystalline yet flexible devices}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {11}, year = {2019}, month = {AUG}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The redox-active and porous structural backbone of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) can facilitate high-performance electrochemical energy storage devices. However, the utilities of such 2D materials as supercapacitor electrodes in advanced self-charging power-pack systems have been obstructed due to the poor electrical conductivity and subsequent indigent performance. Herein, we report an effective strategy to enhance the electrical conductivity of COF thin sheets through the in situ solid-state inclusion of carbon nanofibers (CNF) into the COF precursor matrix. The obtained COF-CNF hybrids possess a significant intermolecular π{\textperiodcentered}{\textperiodcentered}{\textperiodcentered}π interaction between COF and the graphene layers of the CNF. As a result, these COF-CNF hybrids (DqTp-CNF and DqDaTp-CNF) exhibit good electrical conductivity (0.25 {\texttimes} 10{\textendash}3\ S cm{\textendash}1), as well as high performance in electrochemical energy storage (DqTp-CNF: 464 mF cm{\textendash}2\ at 0.25 mA cm{\textendash}2). Also, the fabricated, mechanically strong quasi-solid-state supercapacitor (DqDaTp-CNF SC) delivered an ultrahigh device capacitance of 167 mF cm{\textendash}2\ at 0.5 mA cm{\textendash}2. Furthermore, we integrated a monolithic photovoltaic self-charging power pack by assembling DqDaTp-CNF SC with a perovskite solar cell. The fabricated self-charging power pack delivered excellent performance in the areal capacitance (42 mF cm{\textendash}2) at 0.25 mA cm{\textendash}2\ after photocharging for 300 s.

}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.9b08625}, author = {Mohammed, Abdul Khayum and Vijayakumar, Vidyanand and Halder, Arjun and Ghosh, Meena and Addicoat, Matthew and Bansode, Umesh and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article {46188, title = {Web-gLV: a web based platform for lotka-volterra based modeling and simulation of microbial populations}, journal = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, volume = {10}, year = {2019}, month = {FEB }, pages = {288}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The affordability of high throughput DNA sequencing has allowed us to explore the dynamics of microbial populations in various ecosystems. Mathematical modeling and simulation of such microbiome time series data can help in getting better understanding of bacterial communities. In this paper; we present Web-gLV- a GUI based interactive platform for generalized Lotka-Volterra (gLV) based modeling and simulation of microbial populations. The tool can be used to generate the mathematical models with automatic estimation of parameters and use them to predict future trajectories using numerical simulations. We also demonstrate the utility of our tool on few publicly available datasets. The case studies demonstrate the ease with which the current tool can be used by biologists to model bacterial populations and simulate their dynamics to get biological insights. We expect Web-gLV to be a valuable contribution in the field of ecological modeling and metagenomic systems biology.

}, keywords = {lotka-volterra, microbial population, Microbiome, Modeling, numerical-simulation, time-series, visualization, web-server}, issn = {1664-302X}, doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2019.00288}, author = {Kuntal, Bhusan K. and Gadgil, Chetan and Mande, Sharmila S.} } @article {46325, title = {Whole proteome analysis of GA(3) response at panicle stage in Grape (Vitis vinifera) CV. Thompson seedless}, journal = {Journal of Plant Growth Regulation}, year = {2019}, month = {OCT}, type = {Article; Early Access}, abstract = {

Rachis elongation is a crucial process in producing good quality table grapes. In compact clustered grape variety like Thompson Seedless, treating the flower panicles with a mild dose of GA(3) results in loose clusters. We sprayed GA(3) on Thompson Seedless panicles immediately after emergence, and the samples were collected at 6 h and 24 h after application. Whole proteome analysis revealed significant differential expression of 530 proteins of the total 1288 expressed proteins at two time-points. GO term enrichment analysis revealed enrichment of GO terms related to translation, biosynthetic processes, and photosynthesis in GA(3)-treated samples. As the process of rachis elongation requires enhanced carbon metabolism and accumulation of sugars through the expansion of phloem area, we attribute this to the overexpression of several proteins involved in these processes. Significantly highly expressed proteins also belonged to biological processes like the generation of precursor metabolites, cellular protein metabolic processes, response to abiotic stimulus, and protein metabolic processes. This study might be the first of its kind in deciphering the contribution of a different group of proteins during rachis elongation as an early response to GA(3) application in seedless grapes. These results provide quality information on various physiological and biochemical changes occurring during early stages of rachis elongation.

}, keywords = {Bunch architecture, Gibberellic acid, Proteome, Rachis elongation, Vitis vinifera}, issn = {0721-7595}, doi = {10.1007/s00344-019-10041-y}, author = {Maske, Smita and Upadhyay, Anuradha and Jogaiha, Satisha and Patil, Sucheta S. and Kadoo, Narendra Y. and Gupta, Vidya S.} } @article {45484, title = {Zebrafish acid ceramidase: expression in Pichia pastoris GS115and biochemical characterization}, journal = {International Journal of Biological Macromolecules}, volume = {122}, year = {2019}, month = {FEB}, pages = {587-593}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Acid ceramidase (N-acylsphingosine deacylase EC 3.5.1.23; AC) catalyzes the hydrolysis of ceramide into sphingosine (SPH) and free fatty acid. Zebrafish acid ceramidase (AC) has 60\% homology with the human AC). Mutations in the human AC gene asah1 are known to cause Farber disease and spinal muscular atrophy with progressive myoclonic epilepsy. Zebrafish AC was overexpressed in Pichia pastoris by inserting asah1b gene into the genome. The majority of the overexpressed enzyme was secreted into the culture medium and purified to apparent homogeneity by stepwise chromatography. The recombinant protein was glycosylated precursor, that further undergoes limited autoproteolytic processing into two subunits (alpha and beta) which are visible in SDS-PAGE. The zebrafish AC is heterodimer associated with an inter-subunit disulfide bond. SDS-PAGE estimated the mass of native enzyme to be approximately 50 kDa \& size exclusion chromatography estimated the mass of the active enzyme as approximately 100 kDa, suggesting the formation of a dimer of heterodimers. The protein was secreted as a mixture of processed and unprocessed forms in the culture media. A preliminary characterization of purified zebrafish AC was done by an enzyme assay. The zebrafish AC expressed in Pichia pastoris would be used for further structural and functional analysis. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Autoproteolytic processing, Pichia pastoris, Zebrafish acid ceramidase}, issn = {0141-8130}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.10.222}, author = {Rajput, Vijay B. and Karthikeyan, Muthukumarasamy and Ramasamy, Sureshkumar} } @article {46233, title = {Zinc ion interactions in a two-dimensional covalent organic framework based aqueous zinc ion battery}, journal = {Chemical Science}, year = {2019}, month = {AUG}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The two-dimensional structural features of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) can promote the electrochemical storage of cations like H+, Li+, and Na+\ through both faradaic and non-faradaic processes. However, the electrochemical storage of cations like Zn2+\ ion is still unexplored although it bears a promising divalent charge. Herein, for the first time, we have utilized hydroquinone linked β-ketoenamine COF acting as a Zn2+\ anchor in an aqueous rechargeable zinc ion battery. The charge-storage mechanism comprises of an efficient reversible interlayer interaction of Zn2+\ ions with the functional moieties in the adjacent layers of COF (-182.0 kcal mol-1). Notably, due to the well-defined nanopores and structural organization, a constructed full cell, displays a discharge capacity as high as 276 mA h g-1\ at a current rate of 125 mA g-1.

}, doi = {10.1039/C9SC03052B}, author = {Mohammed, Abdul Khayum and Ghosh, Meena and Vijayakumar, Vidyanand and Halder, Arjun and Nurhuda, Maryam and Kumar, Sushil and Addicoat, Matthew and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article {46907, title = {2-D to 3-D conversion of WO3 nanostructures using structure directing agent for enhanced NO2 gas sensing performance}, journal = {Sensors and Actuators A-Physical}, volume = {304}, year = {2020}, month = {APR }, pages = {111882}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

An exotic 3-D tungsten oxide (WO3) microflower was synthesized via low-cost and environmental-friendly hydrothermal strategy. The effect of structure-directing agent on the formation of 3-D microflowers from a 2-D nanosheets of WO3 and its gas sensing behavior are investigated. The assynthesized WO3 powder was used in morphological, structural and phase studies by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), FT-Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The WO3 samples were found to be polycrystalline with monoclinic crystal structure. The SEM micrographs revealed the formation of 3-D microflowers made up of two-dimensional (2-D) multi-directional dendritic nanoplates. The potassium hydroxide (KOH) acts as a structure-directing agent in the formation of 3-D microflowers of WO3 sample. To further understand the formation of 3-D microflowers of WO3 sample, concentration-dependent experiments were carried out by varying KOH concentration and the formation mechanism was investigated. The synthesized WO3 microstructures were subjected to detailed gas sensing tests for different gases at an optimized temperature. A selective, sensitive gas response was obtained for WO3 gas sensor. The lower detection limit is about 1 ppm at 150 degrees C working temperature for an optimized WO3 gas sensor. The gas sensing results indicate that the 3-D microflower-like WO3 nanostructures are highly promising for applications as gas sensors. (C) 2020 Published by Elsevier B.V.

}, keywords = {Microflowers, NO2 detection, WO3}, issn = {0924-4247}, doi = {10.1016/j.sna.2020.111882}, author = {Beknalkar, S. A. and Patil, V. L. and Harale, N. S. and Suryawanshi, M. P. and Patil, A. P. and Patil, V. B. and Kim, J. H. and Patil, P. S.} } @article {46764, title = {3D printing of semicrystalline polypropylene: towards eliminating warpage of printed objects}, journal = {Bulletin of Materials Science}, volume = {43}, year = {2020}, month = {JUL}, pages = {171}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Fused filament fabrication (FFF) is an extrusion-based 3D printing technique for thermoplastic polymers. In this technique, molten polymer is extruded through a print nozzle and is laid down layer by layer to build up the printed object. Currently, FFF is used primarily to print amorphous or low-crystallinity polymers, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS) or polylactic acid (PLA). Printing of semicrystalline polymers, such as polyethylene or polypropylene remains particularly challenging. During FFF of semicrystalline polymers, large thermomechanical stresses are generated when the polymer solidifies on cooling. These stresses result in warpage of the printed part. Here, we analyse the factors that influence stresses generated during FFF 3D printing of a commercial semicrystalline polymer, isotactic polypropylene. We investigate the effect of height of the printed object on part warpage, as well the effect of infilling during printing. We demonstrate that the stresses generated during FFF can be substantially decreased by incorporation of a {\textquoteleft}brim{\textquoteright}, viz. a thin layer at the base of the printed object, and by adhering the brim to the print substrate using common polyvinyl acetate-based glue. We systematically investigate the effect of the brim size on the warpage of the printed object. We support our experimental findings with finite element method (FEM) simulations that explain the mechanism of stress buildup during printing. The trend in stresses calculated in the FEM simulations parallel the warpage measured in the experiments. Thus, this work represents an important methodological advance towards warpage-free FFF printing of semicrystalline polymers.

}, keywords = {3D printing, polypropylene printing, warpage}, issn = {0250-4707}, doi = {10.1007/s12034-020-02097-4}, author = {Bachhar, Nirmalya and Gudadhe, Aniket and Kumar, Anil and Andrade, Prem and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy} } @article {46942, title = {6 alpha-Hydroxy-4[14], 10[15]-guainadien-8 beta, 12-olide induced cell cycle arrest via modulation of EMT and Wnt/beta-catenin pathway in HER-2 positive breast cancer cells}, journal = {Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology}, volume = {197}, year = {2020}, month = {MAR}, pages = {105514}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Cyathocline purpurea has potential biological activities and has been widely used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. The aim of the present study is to elucidate the anticancer effect of its 6 alpha-hydroxy-4[14], 10 [15]-guainadien-8 beta, 12-olide (SRCP1) against HER-2 positive subtype of breast carcinoma. Anticancer effect of SRCP1 was assessed by cell viability, senescence, apoptosis, cell cycle, DNA synthesis, and gene expression assays. The activity was further validated by the molecular docking study. SRCP1 inhibits human HER-2 positive breast cancer growth via inhibition of DNA synthesis in a dose-dependent manner. SRCP1 induces cell cycle arrest at G(2)/M phase, late apoptosis, and necrosis. Further, it induces senescence causing reduction in migration via down-regulation of EMT. A remarkable increase in the number of necrotic cells and Annexin-V staining revealed that exposure to SRCP1 triggers late apoptosis. Treatment with SRCP1 increased E-cadherin, p21, p53, ER-alpha expression and decreased beta-catenin, MMP-9, snaill, TNF-alpha expression. SRCP1 showed binding affinity towards an active site of the HER-2 receptor. Our results of molecular docking and biological assays demonstrated the potent anticancer activity of SRCP1 in MDA-MB-453 cells via multiple pathways including EMT, TNF-alpha, and Wnt/beta-catenin signaling.

}, keywords = {Anticancer, beta-Catenin, EMT, Guaianolide, HER-2 inhibitor}, issn = {0960-0760}, doi = {10.1016/j.jsbmb.2019.105514}, author = {Javir, Gitanjali and Joshi, Kalpana and Khedkar, Vijay and Rojatkar, Supada} } @article {46998, title = {Alkyl-group-wrapped unsymmetrical squaraine dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells: branched alkyl chains modulate the aggregation of dyes and charge recombination processes}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {12}, year = {2020}, month = {JAN}, pages = {2555-2565}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Electron transfer processes at the interfaces dictate the factors that improve the photovoltaic parameters, such as open-circuit voltage (V-oc) and short-circuit current (J(sc)), of a dye-sensitized solar cell device, besides selection of a set of suitable anode, dye, electrolyte, and cathode materials. An inefficient charge injection process at the dye-TiO2 interface and charge recombination at the TiO2-dye/electrolyte interface have detrimental effects on improving both J(sc) and V-oc. Hence, tailoring the factors that govern the improvement of J(sc) and V-oc will be an ideal approach to get the desired sensitizers with good device efficiencies. Squaraines are far-red-active zwitterionic dyes and have a high molar extinction coefficient along with unique aggregation properties due to the large dipole moment associated with them. Here, we report a series of unsymmetrical squaraine dyes, SQS1 to SQS6, with systematic variation of alkyl groups at the sp(3)-C and N-atoms of the indoline unit that is away from the anchoring group to control the dye-dye interactions on the TiO2 surface. The branched alkyl groups help in modulating the self-assembly of sensitizers on the TiO2 surface, besides passivating the surface that helps avoid the charge recombination processes. Light harvesting efficiency and cyclic voltammetry studies of dye-sensitized TiO2 electrodes indicate that the aggregation and charge hopping process between the dye molecules can be modulated, respectively, by systematically increasing the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl groups. Such a variation in the branched alkyl group helps enhance V-oc from 672 (SQS1) to 718 mV (SQS6) and J(sc) from 7.95 (SQS1) to 12.22 mA/cm(2) (SQS6), with the device efficiency ranging from 3.82\% to 6.23\% without any coadsorbent. Dye SQS4 achieves the highest efficiency of 7.1\% (V-oc = 715 mV, J(sc) = 13.05 mA/cm(2)) with coadsorbent chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) using an iodine (I-/I-3(-)) electrolyte compared to its analogues. An analysis of the incident photon-to-current efficiency profiles indicates that the major contribution to photocurrent generation is from the aggregated squaraine dyes on TiO2.

}, keywords = {aggregation of dye, charge injection, charge recombination, Dye-sensitized solar cells, unsymmetrical squaraines}, issn = {1944-8244}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.9b19809}, author = {Singh, Ambarish Kumar and Kavungathodi, Munavvar Fairoos Mele and Nithyanandhan, Jayaraj} } @article {46832, title = {Alpha-Angelica lactone catalyzed oxidation of benzylic sp(3) C-H bonds of isochromans and phthalans}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {18}, year = {2020}, month = {JUN }, pages = {4046-4050}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A metal-free organocatalytic system has been developed for highly efficient benzylic C-H oxygenations of cyclic ethers using oxygen as an oxidant. This oxidation reaction utilizes alpha-angelica lactone as a low cost/low molecular weight catalyst. The optimized reaction conditions allow the synthesis of valued isocoumarins and phthalides from readily available precursors in good yields. Mechanistic studies indicate that the reaction pathway likely involves a radical process via a peroxide intermediate.

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/d0ob00729c}, author = {Thatikonda, Thanusha and Deepake, Siddharth K. and Kumar, Pawan and Das, Utpal} } @article {46716, title = {Amidinato germylene-zinc complexes: synthesis, bonding, and reactivity}, journal = {Chemistry-An Asian Journal}, volume = {15}, year = {2020}, month = {OCT }, pages = {3116-3121}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Despite the explosive growth of germylene compounds as ligands in transition metal complexes, there is a modicum of precedence for the germylene zinc complexes. In this work, the synthesis and characterization of new germylene zinc complexes [PhC(NtBu)(2)Ge{N(SiMe3)(2)}-\> ZnX2](2)(X= Br (2) and I (3)) supported by (benz)-amidinato germylene ligands are reported. The solid-state structures of2and3have been validated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies, which revealed the dimeric nature of the complexes, with distorted tetrahedral geometries around the Ge and Zn center. DFT calculations reveal that the Ge-Zn bonds in2and3are dative in nature. The reaction of2with elemental sulfur resulted in the first structurally characterized germathione stabilized ZnBr(2)complexes PhC(NtBu)(2)Ge(=S){N(SiMe3)(2)}-\> ZnBr2(5). Therefore, the Ge=S in5is in-between Ge-S single and Ge=S double bond length, owing to the coordination of a sulfur lone pair of electrons to ZnBr2.

}, keywords = {DFT, Germathione, Germylene, X-ray Structure, zinc}, issn = {1861-4728}, doi = {10.1002/asia.202000807, Early Access Date = SEP 2020}, author = {Yadav, Sandeep and Kumar, Rohit and Raj, K. Vipin and Yadav, Prashant and Vanka, Kumar and Sen, Sakya S.} } @article {46796, title = {Anthrone-spirolactam and quinoline hybrid based sensor for selective fluorescent detection of Fe(3+)ions}, volume = {34}, year = {2020}, month = {OCT}, pages = {e5867}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The synthesis of a novel, and highly selective Fe(3+)ion sensor based on anthrone-spirolactam and its quinoline hybrid ligand is reported. The designed ligand displayed selective detection of Fe(3+)ions with enhanced fluorescence emission. The complexation of Fe(3+)ion led to a red shift of 32 nm from 420 nm to 452 nm, and a several fold increase in intensity with fluorescent green emission. The complexation (detection) of Fe(3+)ions with ligand resulted in chelation enhanced fluorescence and intramolecular charge transfer through the inhibition of C=N isomerization. This hybrid sensor shows high sensitivity and selectivity, spontaneous response, and works on a wide pH range a minimum detection limit of 6.83 x 10(-8)M. Importantly, the sensor works through the fluorescence turn-on mechanism that overcomes the paramagnetic effect of Fe(3+)ions. The binding mechanism between the ligand and the Fe(3+)ions was established from the Job{\textquoteright}s plot method, optical studies, Fourier transfor infrared spectroscopy, NMR titration, fluorescence life-time studies, and density functional theory optimization. The sensor displayed excellent results in the quantification of Fe(3+)ions from real water samples. Furthermore, due to its biocompatibility nature, fluorescent spotting of Fe(3+)ions in live cells revealed its bioimaging applications.

}, keywords = {anthrone-spirolactam-quinoline, Cell imaging, fluorescence, intramolecular charge transfer, iron}, issn = {0268-2605}, doi = {10.1002/aoc.5867, Early Access Date = JUL 2020}, author = {Darole, Ratanamala S. and Christopher Leslee, Denzil Britto and Mukherjee, Anagh and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Karuppannan, Sekar and Senthilkumar, Beeran} } @article {47014, title = {Antidiabetic activity of dihydropyrimidine scaffolds and structural insight by single crystal x-ray studies}, journal = {Medicinal Chemistry}, volume = {16}, year = {2020}, month = {JAN}, pages = {996-1003}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Background: This research project is designed to identify the anti-diabetic effects of the newly synthesized compounds to conclude the perspective of consuming one or more of these new synthetic compounds for diabetes management. Introduction: A series of dihydropyrimidine (DHPM) derivative bearing electron releasing and electron-withdrawing substituent{\textquoteright}s on phenyl ring (a-j) were synthesized and screened for antihyperglycemic(anti-diabetic) activity on streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rat model. The newly synthesized compounds were characterized by using FT-IR, melting point, H-1 and C-13 NMR analysis. The crystal structure and supramolecular features were analyzed through single-crystal X-ray study. Anti-diabetic activity testing of newly prepared DHPM scaffolds was mainly based on their relative substituent on the phenyl ring along with urea and thiourea. Among the synthesized DHPM scaffold, the test compound c having chlorine group on phenyl ring at the ortho position to the hydropyrimidine ring with urea and methyl acetoacetate derivative shows moderate lowering of glucose level. However, the title compounds methyl 4-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-6-methyl-2-thioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimi dine-5-carboxylate(g) and ethyl 4-(3-ethoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-6-methyl-2-oxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroprimidine- 5-carboxylate(h) having methoxy and ethoxy substituents on phenyl ring show significant hypoglycemic activity compared to the remaining compounds from the Scheme 1. Methods: The experimental rat models for the study were divided into 13 groups (n = 10); group 1 animals were treated with 0.5\% CMC (0.5mL) (vehicle); group 2 were considered the streptozotocin (STZ)/nicotinamide diabetic control group (DC) and untreated, group 3 diabetic animals were administered with gliclazide 50 mg/kg and act as a reference drug group. The remaining groups of the diabetic animals were administered with the newly synthesized dihydropyrimidine compounds in a single dose of 50 mg/kg orally using the oral gavage, daily for 7 days continuously. The blood glucose level was measured before and 72 hrs after nicotinamide-STZ injection, for confirmation of hyperglycemia and type 2 diabetes development. Results: Blood glucose levels were significantly (p\<0.05) reduced after treatment with these derivatives. The mean percentage reduction for gliclazide was 50\%, while that of synthesized compounds were approximately 36\%. Conclusion: Our result suggests that the synthesized new DEEM derivative containing alkoxy group on the phenyl ring shows a significant lowering of glucose level compared to other derivatives.

}, keywords = {anti-Diabetic, blood glucose levels, dihydropyrimidine, hypoglycemic activity, Streptozotocin, type 2 diabetes mellitus}, issn = {1573-4064}, doi = {10.2174/1573406416666191227123048}, author = {Bairagi, Keshab M. and Younis, Nancy S. and Emeka, Promise M. and Sangtani, Ekta and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Venugopala, Katharigatta N. and Alwassil, I. Osama and Khalil, Hany E. and Nayak, Susanta K.} } @article {46625, title = {Approach to nigericin derivatives and their therapeutic potential}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {10}, year = {2020}, month = {NOV }, pages = {43085-43091}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A new nigericin analogue that has been chemically modified was synthesized through a fluorination process from the parent nigericin, produced from a novel Streptomyces strain DASNCL-29. Fermentation strategies were designed for the optimised production of nigericin molecule and subjected for purification and structural analysis. The fermentation process resulted in the highest yield of nigericin (33\% (w/w)). Initially, nigericin produced from the strain DASNCL-29 demonstrated polymorphism in its crystal structure, i.e., monoclinic and orthorhombic crystal lattices when crystallised with methanol and hexane, respectively. Furthermore, nigericin produced has been subjected to chemical modification by fluorination to enhance its efficacy. Two fluorinated analogues revealed that they possess a very potent antibacterial activity against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. To date, the nigericin molecule has not been reported for any reaction against Gram-negative bacteria, which are increasingly becoming resistant to antibiotics. For the first time, fluorinated analogues of nigericin have shown promising activity. In vitro cytotoxicity analysis of fluorinated analogues demonstrated tenfold lesser toxicity than the parent nigericin. This is the first type of study where the fluorinated analogues of nigericin showed very encouraging activity against Gram-negative organisms; moreover, they can be used as a candidate for treating many serious infections.

}, doi = {10.1039/d0ra05137c}, author = {Sahu, Amit Kumar and Said, Madhukar S. and Hingamire, Tejashri and Gaur, Megha and Khan, Abujunaid and Shanmugam, Dhanasekaran and Barvkar, Vitthal T. and Dharne, Mahesh S. and Bharde, Atul A. and Dastager, Syed G.} } @article {46880, title = {Aromatic amine passivated TiO2 for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) with similar to 9.8\% efficiency}, journal = {Solar Energy}, volume = {201}, year = {2020}, month = {MAY }, pages = {965-971}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In this work, the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) was improved by capping TiO2 with simple aromatic amines as a complexing agent. The aromatic amines, aniline and o-phenylenediamine capped TiO2 composites were synthesized via hydrothermal route and used as scattering layer in dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). Markedly, the maximum photo-conversion efficiency of 9.84\% was achieved with o-phenylenediamine capped-TiO2 composite as o-phenylenediamine capped-TiO2 showed higher reflectivity than the pristine TiO2, which is highly beneficial for reflecting the photons back to photoanode. In addition, the average life time of carriers in o-phenylenediamine capped-TiO2 was found to be 9.8 ms, which was 2 times higher than the pristine TiO2 (4.29 ms).

}, keywords = {Aromatic amines, DSSC, Electron injection, lifetime, Scattering layer, TiO2}, issn = {0038-092X}, doi = {10.1016/j.solener.2020.03.077}, author = {Kumar, T. R. Naveen and Yuvaraj, S. and Kavitha, P. and Sudhakar, Vediappan and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam and Neppolian, B.} } @article {46875, title = {Assessing the impact of deviations in optimized multistep flow synthesis on the scale-up}, journal = {Reaction Chemistry \& Engineering}, volume = {5}, year = {2020}, month = {MAY }, pages = {838-848}, type = {Review}, abstract = {

This manuscript highlights the unavoidable connection between manual and self-optimized flow synthesis protocols for multistep flow synthesis and its scale-up. While briefly summarizing the state of the art in the self-optimization approach, a brief summary of industrially scaled-up processes is also given. We have used as a case study the flow synthesis of ivacaftor that is optimized at the laboratory scale and is subjected to specific deviations deliberately. The resulting effects are captured in terms of their effect on the scale-up approach. The analysis shows that small deviations in performance viz. conversion or selectivity at every reaction step would lead to significant deviation in the process and the overall capital investment. Translating {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}laboratory synthesis{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} into {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}commercial scale manufacturing{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} needs careful differentiation between an optimized reaction step and realizing a commercially feasible process. We have also highlighted the role of 3D printing in fabricating prototype and scalable flow systems.

}, issn = {2058-9883}, doi = {10.1039/d0re00025f}, author = {Sharma, M. K. and Raval, J. and Ahn, Gwang-Noh and Kim, Dong-Pyo and Kulkarni, A.} } @article {46954, title = {Binary mixtures of aprotic and protic ionic liquids demonstrate synergistic polarity effect: an unusual observation}, journal = {Journal of Solution Chemistry}, volume = {49}, year = {2020}, month = {FEB}, pages = {210-221}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In this communication, we demonstrate the solute-solvent and solvent-solvent interactions in the binary mixtures of two aprotic ionic liquids, namely 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide and 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, with the protic ionic liquid 1-methylimidazolium acetate. The synergistic effects as expressed by the solvatochromic parameter are noted. This observation is in contrast to the mixing of protic ionic liquids 1-methylpyrrolidium acetate and 4-methylmorpholine acetate with 1-methylimidazolium acetate, respectively. It appears that the synergistic effects in the binary mixtures of aprotic and protic ionic liquids are caused by the formation of hydrogen bonds, since cations are dominant H-bond donors while anions are dominant H-bond acceptors. Preferential solvation models are used to describe the solute-solvent interactions in the binary ionic liquid mixtures.

}, keywords = {binary mixture, Ionic liquid, polarity, Preferential solvation, synergetic effect}, issn = {0095-9782}, doi = {10.1007/s10953-020-00952-w, Early Access Date = FEB 2020}, author = {Thawarkar, Sachin and Khupse, Nageshwar D. and Kumar, Anil} } @article {46721, title = {Bioinspired synthesis of multifunctional silver nanoparticles for enhanced antimicrobial and catalytic applications with tailored SPR properties}, journal = {Materials Today Chemistry}, volume = {17}, year = {2020}, month = {SEP}, pages = {100285}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In the developing nanotechnology world, numerous attempts have been made to prepare the nobel metallic nanoparticles (NPs), which can improve their applicability in diverse fields. In the present work, the biosynthesis of silver (Ag) NPs has been successfully achieved through the medicinal plant extract (PE) of G. resinifera and effectively used for the catalytic and antibacterial applications. The size dependant tuneable surface plasmon resonance (SPR) properties attained through altering precursor concentrations. The X-ray and selected area diffraction pattern for Ag NPs revealed the high crystalline nature of pure Ag NPs with dominant (111) phase. The high-resolution TEM images show the nonspherical shape of NPs shifting from spherical, hexagonal to triangular, with wide particle size distribution ranging from 13 to 44 nm. Accordingly, the dual-band SPR spectrum is situated in the UV-Vis spectra validating the non-spherical shape of Ag NPs. The functional group present on the Ag NPs surface was analysed by FT-IR confirms the capping and reducing ability of methanolic PE G. resinifera. Further, the mechanism of antimicrobial activity studied using electron microscope showed the morphological changes with destructed cell walls of E. coli NCIM 2931 and S. aureus NCIM 5021 cells, when they treated with Ag NPs. The Ag NPs were more effective against S. aureus and E. coli with MIC 128 mu g/ml as compared to P. aeruginosa NCIM 5029 with MIC 256 mu g/ml. Apart from this, the reduction of toxic organic pollutant 4-NP to 4-AP within 20 min reveals the excellent catalytic activity of Ag NPs with rate constant k = 15.69 s(-1). (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Ag NPs, Antibacterial, Catalytic activity, Gardenia resinifera, surface plasmon resonance}, issn = {2468-5194}, doi = {10.1016/j.mtchem.2020.100285}, author = {Parit, S. B. and Karade, V. C. and Patil, R. B. and Pawar, V. N. and Dhavale, R. P. and Tawre, M. and Pardesi, K. and Jadhav, U. U. and Dawkar, V. V. and Tanpure, R. S. and Kim, J. H. and Jadhav, J. P. and Chougale, A. D.} } @article {46983, title = {Biomass ashes as potent adsorbent for pesticide: prediction of adsorption capacity by artificial neural network}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology}, volume = {17}, year = {2020}, month = {JUN}, pages = {3209-3216}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Biomass ashes are used for adsorption of herbicides from aqueous solution. A relationship between physicochemical properties of biomass ashes such as carbon-hydrogen-nitrogen content (CHN analysis), silica content and BET surface area with their adsorption capacity was established and modeled using artificial neural network. 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) a commonly used herbicide is chosen a representative for this study. The artificial neural network model was trained, validated and tested using 35 data sets and was equipped with nine neuron hidden layers having tansig (tangent sigmoid) transfer function and an output layer with purelin (purely linear) transfer function. This model can be used to predict 2,4-D removal efficacy of any biomass ash by knowing its physicochemical properties like C, H, N, Si and BET surface area.

}, keywords = {2, 4-D, Adsorption capacity, Artificial neural network, Biochar, biomass ash}, issn = {1735-1472}, doi = {10.1007/s13762-020-02645-9, Early Access Date = FEB 2020}, author = {Gokhale, N. A. and Trivedi, N. S. and Mandavgane, S. A. and Kulkarni, B. D.} } @article {46825, title = {Bio-surfactant: a green and environmentally benign reaction medium for ligand-free Pd-catalyzed Mizoroki-Heck cross-coupling reaction in water}, journal = {Transition Metal Chemistry}, volume = {45}, year = {2020}, month = {SEP}, pages = {403-411}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A simple and efficient protocol for the ligand-free Mizoroki-Heck coupling reaction of various aryl bromides with different olefins has been reported by using in situ generated PdNPs of size 5-10 nm in aqueous solution of bio-surfactant. The bio-surfactant used in this study is a saponin extract of the seeds of pericarps (pods) of theAcacia concinnaplant. The in situ generated PdNPs have been characterized by various techniques such as HRTEM, EDS and XPS. The influence of various parameters such as the nature and amount of bases, the nature of Pd precatalysts as well as the effect of temperature has been investigated on Mizoroki-Heck coupling reaction. The generated PdNPs significantly coupled the various aryl bromides with different olefins in aqueous extract of the seeds of pericarps (pods) of theAcacia concinnaplant at 100 degrees C. [GRAPHICS] .

}, issn = {0340-4285}, doi = {10.1007/s11243-020-00392-x, Early Access Date = JUN 2020}, author = {Patil, Seema P. and Jadhav, Sanjay N. and Rode, Chandrashekhar V. and Shejwal, Rajendra V. and Kumbhar, Arjun S.} } @article {46724, title = {Biosynthesis and tissue-specific partitioning of camphor and eugenol in Ocimum kilimandscharicum}, journal = {Phytochemistry}, volume = {177}, year = {2020}, month = {SEP}, pages = {112451}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In Ocimum kilimandscharicum, the relative volatile composition of camphor in leaves was as high as 55\%, while that of eugenol in roots was 57\%. These metabolites were differentially partitioned between the aerial and root tissues. Global metabolomics revealed tissue-specific biochemical specialization, evident by the differential distribution of 2588 putative metabolites across nine tissues. Next-generation sequencing analysis indicated differential expression of 51 phenylpropanoid and 55 terpenoid pathway genes in aerial and root tissues. By integrating metabolomics with transcriptomics, the camphor biosynthesis pathway in O. kilimandscharicum was elucidated. In planta bioassays revealed the role of geranyl diphosphate synthase (gpps) and borneol dehydrogenase (bdh) in camphor biosynthesis. Further, the partitioning of camphor was attributed to tissue-specific gene expression of both the pathway entry point (gpps) and terminal (bdh) enzyme. Unlike camphor, eugenol accumulated more in roots; however, absence of the eugenol synthase gene in roots indicated long distance transport from aerial tissues. In silico co-expression analysis indicated the potential involvement of ATP-binding cassette, multidrug and toxic compound extrusion, and sugar transporters in eugenol transport. Similar partitioning was evident across five other Ocimum species. Overall, our work indicates that metabolite partitioning maybe a finely regulated process, which may have implications on plant growth, development, and defense.

}, keywords = {Borneol dehydrogenase, Camphor, Eugenol, Geranyl diphosphate synthase, Lamiaceae, Metabolite partitioning, Metabolomics, Ocimum kilimandscharicum, Transcriptomics}, issn = {0031-9422}, doi = {10.1016/j.phytochem.2020.112451}, author = {Singh, Priyanka and Kalunke, Raviraj M. and Shukla, Anurag and Tzfadia, Oren and Thulasiram, V. Hirekodathakallu and Giri, Ashok P.} } @article {46606, title = {Bis(silanetellurone) with C-H center dot center dot center dot Te Interaction}, journal = {Inorganic Chemistry}, volume = {59}, year = {2020}, month = {DEC }, pages = {17811-17821}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Herein, we report the synthesis of a series of bis(silanechalcogenones) [Ch = Te (2), S (3), or Se (4)] using an N-heterocyclic silylene-based SiCSi pincer ligand (1). 2 is the first example of a bis(silanetellurone) derivative. The bonding patterns of 2-4 were extensively studied by natural bond orbital, quantum theory of atoms in molecules, and noncovalent interaction index analyses, and these exhibit weak C-H center dot center dot center dot Ch interaction. The analogous reaction of 1 with trimethyl N-oxide produced a novel bis(cyclosiloxane) derivative (5). All of the complexes are duly characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies, multinuclear nuclear magnetic resonance (H-1, C-13, and Si-29) spectroscopy, and high-resolution mass spectrometry.

}, issn = {0020-1669}, doi = {10.1021/acs.inorgchem.0c03098}, author = {Ghosh, Moushakhi and Panwaria, Prakash and Tothadi, Srinu and Das, Aloke and Khan, Shabana} } @article {46624, title = {Blends of neem oil based polyesteramide as nanofiber mats to control Culicidae}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {10}, year = {2020}, month = {NOV }, pages = {42827-42837}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Mosquitoes act as vectors for several disease-causing microorganisms and pose a threat to mankind by transmitting various diseases. There are different conventional methods to repel or kill these mosquitoes for avoiding susceptibility against infections. However, to overcome the difficulties with conventional methods, new advanced materials are being studied. For the first time, we report developing a nanofiber mat with a controlled release of insecticide to repel or detain the mosquitoes. Briefly, various blend compositions were prepared by manipulating the ratio of neem oil-based polyesteramide (PEA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) immobilized with insecticide, transfluthrin (Tf). The blend solutions were electrospun to get non-woven nanofiber mats, and these nanomaterials were characterized by various spectroscopic techniques to understand their physicochemical properties. The surface morphology was analyzed using environmental scanning electron microscopy (E-SEM), and the diameter of the nanofibers was in the range of 200 to 450 nm. Further, thermal and mechanical properties were evaluated to understand the stability of nanofiber mats. In vitro drug release studies of nanofiber mat PPT-1335 showed controlled and sustained release of Tf, with similar to 35\% of Tf released in 24 h. However, a film of the same composition (PPT-1335) showed similar to 5\% of Tf release within 24 h. Moreover, in vivo bio-efficacy studies suggested the mortality of mosquitoes was about 50\% with PP-133, which was further increased to 100\% within 12 h in the presence of Tf (PPT-1335). However, 60\% mortality of mosquitoes was observed with the film of PPT-1335. Hence, the nanofiber mat showed better efficacy against mosquitoes as compared to the film of the same composition. The degradation studies under various conditions revealed biocompatibility of the developed nanofiber mats with the ecosystem.

}, doi = {10.1039/d0ra08297j}, author = {Konchada, Sravanya and Killi, Naresh and Sayyad, Shahebaz and Gathalkar, Ganesh B. and Gundloori, Rathna V. N.} } @article {46685, title = {CD44, a predominant protein in methylglyoxal-induced secretome of muscle cells, is elevated in diabetic plasma}, journal = {ACS Omega}, volume = {5}, year = {2020}, month = {OCT }, pages = {25016-25028}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Methylglyoxal (MG), a glycolytic intermediate and reactive dicarbonyl, is responsible for exacerbation of insulin resistance and diabetic complication. In this study, NIG-induced secretome of rat muscle cells was identified and relatively quantified by SWATH-MS. A total of 643 proteins were identified in MG induced{\textquoteright} secretome, of which 82 proteins were upregulated and 99 proteins were downregulated by more than 1.3-fold in SWATH analysis. Further, secretory proteins from the dassical secretory pathway and nonclassical secretory pathway were identified using SignalP and SecretomeP, respectively. A total of 180 proteins were identified with SignalP, and 113 proteins were identified with SecretomeP. The differentially expressed proteins were functionallyannotated by KEGG pathway analysis using Cytoscape soft ware with plugin clusterMaker. The differentially expressed proteins were{\textquoteright}sfound to he involved m various pathways like extracellular matrix (ECM) receptor interaction, leukocyte transendothelial migration, fluid shear tress and atherosclerosis, complement and coagulation cascades, and lysosomal pathway. Since the MG levels are high in diabetic conditions, the presence of MG-induced isecreted proteins was inspected {\textquoteleft}by profiling human plasma of healthy and diabetic subjects (n = 10 each). CD44, a predominant MG -induced secreted protein, was found to be elevated in the diabetic plasma and to have a role in the development of insulin resistance.

}, issn = {2470-1343}, doi = {10.1021/acsomega.0c01318}, author = {Bai, Shakuntala and Chaurasiya, Arvindkumar H. and Banarjee, Reema and Walke, Prachi B. and Rashid, Faraz and Unnikrishnan, Ambika G. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @inbook {47326, title = {Chapter 9. continuous flow synthesis of nanomaterials}, booktitle = {Flow Chemistry }, year = {2020}, pages = {316-339}, publisher = {RSC}, organization = {RSC}, abstract = {

Continuous flow synthesis of nanoparticles is now a well-accepted and reliable synthesis approach that gives consistent product properties. This chapter aims to do a critical analysis of the recent work in some of the relevant areas and gives specific recommendations where flow synthesis of nanomaterials can be realized as a reliable manufacturing process. The chapter also highlights the typical engineering issues that one needs to consider while transforming a batch synthesis protocol into continuous mode and its scale-up.

}, doi = {10.1039/9781788016094-00316}, author = {Kulkarni, Amol A. and Jundale, Rajashri B.} } @article {46844, title = {Characterisation of hyper tolerant Bacillus firmus L-148 for arsenic oxidation}, journal = {Environmental Pollution}, volume = {261}, year = {2020}, month = {JUN}, pages = {114124}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Groundwater arsenic pollution causes millions of deaths worldwide. Long term natural and anthropogenic activities have increased arsenic levels in groundwater causing higher threats of arsenic exposure. Arsenic hyper-tolerant Firmicute Bacillus firmus L-148 was isolated from arsenic limiting Lonar lake soil, which tolerated more than 3 M arsenic and could oxidize 75 mM arsenite [As(III)] in 14 days. It oxidized As(III) in presence of heavy metals and had unusual pH optima at 9.2. B. firmus L-148 was studied at the biochemical, protein, genomic and transcript level for understanding its arsenic oxidizing machinery. The proteomic and transcript analysis exhibited the presence of ars and aio operon and supported the inducible nature of ars operon. Robust, hyper-tolerant, fast As(III) oxidizing, least nutrient requiring and multi-metal resistance qualities of the strain were used in microcosm studies for bioremediation. Artificial groundwater mimicking microcosm with 75 mM As(III) was developed. Modulation of carbon source, iron and multi metals affected growth and As(III) oxidation rate. The As(III) oxidation was recorded to be 77\% in 15 days in presence of sodium acetate and Fe ions. This microcosm study can be explored for bioremediation of arsenic contaminated water and followed by precipitation using other methods. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Arsenic hyper-tolerance, Lonar lake, Microcosm studies, Multi-metal resistance, Next generation sequencing}, issn = {0269-7491}, doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114124}, author = {Bagade, Aditi and Nandre, Vinod and Paul, Dhiraj and Patil, Yugendra and Sharma, Nisha and Giri, Ashok and Kodam, Kisan} } @article {46699, title = {Characterization of multidrug resistance in Vibriospecies isolated from marine invertebrates from Andaman Sea}, journal = {3 Biotech}, volume = {10}, year = {2020}, month = {SEP}, pages = {456}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

This study describes the abundance of multidrug-resistantVibriosassociated with marine invertebrate hosts from the Andaman Sea, India. Thirty-eightVibriostrains were isolated from surface mucus layers of coralPorites,Goniastrea, Pocillopora, Fungia, and eggs of spiny lobster (Panulirus penicillatus). Phenotypically, the majority of strains exhibited growth at a wide range of temperatures, salt tolerance, and diverse nutritional requirements. All the strains had more than 97\% 16S rRNA sequence similarity with type species of the genusVibriowhereVibrio fortis, andVibrio alginolyticuswere predominant. Multilocus Sequence Analysis (MLSA) using eight housekeeping genes namelyftsZ,gapA,gyrB,mreB,pyrH,recA,rpoA,andtopAdistributed the strains into 6 reported clades i.e.,Harveyi, Ponticus, Nereis, Orientalis, Splendidus,andMediterraneiwhere nearly half of the total strains represented the cladeHarveyi, followed by the cladeSplendidus.Likewise, the PFGE profile indicated genomic heterogeneity among the strains resulting in their distribution in five major clusters. Resistance to different antimicrobials was tested following the disc diffusion method where all strains were found susceptible to chloramphenicol (30 mu g) and resistant to streptomycin (10 mu g), vancomycin (30 mu g), sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (25 mu g). Moreover, the resistant phenotype to other antimicrobials confirmed the abundance of multidrug resistance strains in this marine environment.

}, keywords = {Drug-resistant, Genetic diversity, marine invertebrate, Multilocus sequence analysis, Vibrio}, issn = {2190-572X}, doi = {10.1007/s13205-020-02445-5}, author = {Kumari, Prabla and Poddar, Abhijit and Das, Subrata K.} } @article {46597, title = {Chiron approach to formal synthesis of both antipodes of cis 3-hydroxypipecolic acid (vol 55, pg 6423, 2014)}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {61}, year = {2020}, month = {DEC }, pages = {152644}, type = {Correction}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2020.152644}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Khairnar, Lalit B. and Chavan, Prakash N. and Dumare, Nilesh B. and Kalbhor, Dinesh B. and Gonnade, Rajesh G.} } @article {46783, title = {Co (9) S (8) nanoparticle-supported nitrogen-doped carbon as a robust catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction in both acidic and alkaline conditions}, journal = {ChemElectroChem}, volume = {7}, year = {2020}, month = {JUL}, pages = {3123-3134}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The present work illustrates the synthesis of an efficient and durable catalyst for electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) which is active both in the alkaline and acidic conditions by dispersing few-layer graphitic carbon coated Co(9)S(8)nanoparticles on the nitrogen-doped carbon (NVC-G) support (Co9S8/NVC-G). The size of the Co(9)S(8)nanoparticles is nearly 7-8 nm and the particles are found to be dispersed homogeneously on the NVC-G support. The few-layer graphitic carbon formed on the surface of Co(9)S(8)nanoparticles is assisting to accomplish their small size and it also prevents agglomeration of the nanoparticles. The ORR activity of the obtained material was analyzed in both 0.1 M KOH and 0.5 M H(2)SO(4)solutions. Co9S8/NVC-G displays nearly 70 mV overpotential compared to thestate-of-the-artPt/C in 0.1 M KOH solution. The half-wave potential (E-1/2) difference of the present system is nearly 75 mV with the commercial Pt/C. Co9S8/NVC-G displays promising ORR activity in the acidic conditions as well with nearly 140 mV overpotential compared to its Pt/C counterpart. The system shows about 170 mV lowerE(1/2)value with Pt/C. The system shows good stability both in acidic and basic conditions compared to the Pt/C system. Finally, testing of a single cell of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) was performed by employing Co9S8/NVC-G as the cathode catalyst and Nafion-212 as the proton exchange membrane. The system displays a maximum power density of 245 mW cm(-2)in H-2-O(2)and 115 mW cm(-2)in H-2-air feeding conditions.

}, keywords = {cobalt sulfide, fuel cells, Nanoparticles, nitrogen-doped carbon, oxygen reduction reaction}, issn = {2196-0216}, doi = {10.1002/celc.202000786}, author = {Illathvalappil, Rajith and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {46853, title = {Co@CoAl-layered double hydroxide/nitrogen-doped graphene composite catalyst for Al-H2O-based batteries: simultaneous hydrogen production and electricity generation}, journal = {ChemElectroChem}, volume = {7}, year = {2020}, month = {JUN}, pages = {2582-2591}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Currently, the low energy efficiency of water electrolysis has compelled research toward the development of novel and energy-effective strategies for low-cost H-2 generation. In this context, we report a new concept of simultaneous H-2 and electricity generation by separating out the exothermic self-sustained Al-H2O reaction via electrochemistry. In addition, to catalyze the cathodic water reduction reaction, a single-pot and environmentally benign synthesis method is adopted. It results in the design of an electrocatalyst composed of Co@CoAl-layered double hydroxide core-shell nanospheres anchored over in situ generated N-doped graphene. Toward the water reduction reaction, the designed catalyst shows a negative voltage shift of mere around 113 mV with respect to the commercial Pt/C catalyst to reach the benchmark 10 mA cm(-2), with excellent stability of approximately 86 \% voltage retention after 12 h of continuous operation. The catalytic superiority of our material is evident when taken for battery-level testing; the fabricated device was able to deliver an average output voltage of around 0.95 V at a discharge current density of 5 mA cm(-2) along with H-2 liberation, which was also detected and quantified through gas chromatography.

}, keywords = {Al-H2O fuel cells, chronopotentiometry, core-shell structures, hydrogen evolution reaction, layered double hydroxides}, issn = {2196-0216}, doi = {10.1002/celc.202000502, Early Access Date = MAY 2020}, author = {Nadeema, Ayasha and Pandurang Kharabe, Geeta and Prakash Biswal, Dibya and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {46979, title = {Comparative proteomics unravels the differences in salt stress response of own-rooted and 110R-grafted thompson seedless grapevines}, journal = {Journal of Proteome Research}, volume = {19}, year = {2020}, month = {FEB}, pages = {583-599}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Thompson Seedless, a commonly grown table grape variety, is sensitive to salinity when grown on its own roots, and therefore, it is frequently grafted onto salinity-tolerant wild grapevine rootstocks. Rising soil salinity is a growing concern in irrigated agricultural systems. The accumulation of salts near the root zone severely hampers plant growth, leading to a decrease in the productive lifespan of grapevine and causing heavy yield losses to the farmer. In the present study, we investigated the differences in response to salinity between own-rooted Thompson Seedless (TSOR) and 110R-grafted Thompson Seedless (TS110R) grapevines, wherein 110R is reported to be a salt-tolerant rootstock. The grapevines were subjected to salt stress by treating them with a 150 mM NaCl solution. The stress-induced changes in protein abundance were investigated using a label-free shotgun proteomics approach at three time points viz. 6 h, 48 h, and 7 days of salt treatment. A total of 2793 proteins were identified, of which 246 were differentially abundant at various time-points in TSOR and TS110R vines. The abundance of proteins involved in several biological processes such as photosynthesis, amino acid metabolism, translation, chlorophyll biosynthesis, and generation of precursor metabolites was significantly affected by salt stress in both the vines but at different stages of stress. The results revealed that TSOR vines responded fervently to salt stress, while TS110R vines adopted a preventive approach. The findings of this study add to the knowledge of salinity response in woody and grafted plants and hence open the scope for further studies on salt stress-specific differences induced by grafting.

}, keywords = {110R rootstock, gene ontology, grafting, label-free proteomics, salt stress, Vitis vinifera}, issn = {1535-3893}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jproteome.9b00420}, author = {Patil, Sucheta and Shinde, Manisha and Prashant, Ramya and Kadoo, Narendra and Upadhyay, Anuradha and Gupta, Vidya} } @article {46698, title = {Comprehensive metagenomic insights into a unique mass gathering and bathing event reveals transient influence on a riverine ecosystem}, journal = {Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety}, volume = {202}, year = {2020}, month = {OCT }, pages = {110938}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The religious mass gathering and bathing can pose a multitude of significant public health challenges and lead to severe alterations in the river microbial ecology. The Pandharpur Wari is an annual pilgrimage of Maharashtra, India, where millions of devotees carry the footprints of the saint-poets and pay their obeisance to Lord Vitthal on the 11th day of moon{\textquoteright}s waxing phase (Ashadi Ekadashi). As a part of the ritual, the engrossed devotees, walk over 250 km, take a first holy dip in a sacred river Indrayani at Alandi and secondly in Bhima River at Pandharpur. The MinION-based shotgun metagenomic approach was employed to examine the impact of spiritual mass bathing on environmental changes (concerning the river microbial community structure and functions); and public health aspects (in terms of changes in the pathogenic potential and antibiotic resistance). The analysis of bathing and post-bathing samples of both the rivers revealed alterations in the alpha and beta diversity, indicating significant spatiotemporal variations in the overall microbial structure and function. Furthermore, the analysis revealed up to 80\% of differences in the abundance of virulence genes between the bathing and post bathing samples. We observed parallel increase of priority skin and enteric pathogens (ranging from 11\% to 80\%) such as Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa during the bathing event. Moreover, we observed a significant increase in the antibiotic resistance in the bathing samples of Bhima and Indrayani rivers respectively. Altogether, this is the first comprehensive metagenomic study unravelling the influence of religious mass-bathing on the riverine ecosystem.

}, keywords = {Antibiotic resistance, Mass bathing, MinION sequencing, Priority pathogens, Virulence genes}, issn = {0147-6513}, doi = {10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.110938}, author = {Yadav, Rakeshkumar and Rajput, Vinay and Gohil, Kushal and Khairnar, Krishna and Dharne, Mahesh} } @article {46941, title = {Concise enantioselective synthesis of (R)-(+)-goniothalamin oxide, a trypanocidal active agent via L-prolinol catalyzed asymmetric epoxidation of cinnamaldehyde}, journal = {Indian Journal of Chemistry Section B-Organic Chemistry Including Medicinal Chemistry}, volume = {59}, year = {2020}, month = {MAR}, pages = {393-398}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A short and straight-forward enantioselective synthesis of (R)-(+)-goniothalamin oxide 2 has been achieved with an overall yield of 39\% and 99\% ee. The synthetic approach involves L-prolinol catalyzed asymmetric epoxidation of cinnamaldehyde followed by Lewis acid-mediated diastereoselective allylation of epoxy aldehyde as the key chiral-inducing steps.

}, keywords = {Allylation, asymmetric epoxidation, Esterification, Grubbs{\textquoteright} catalyst, L-prolinol catalyst, Ring closing metathesis}, issn = {0376-4699}, author = {Kumar, B. Senthil and Mandle, Ram D. and Kamble, Sanjay P. and Sudalai, Arumugam} } @article {46867, title = {Connecting microscopic structures, mesoscale assemblies, and macroscopic architectures in 3D-printed hierarchical porous covalent organic framework foams}, journal = {Journal of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {142}, year = {2020}, month = {MAY }, pages = {8252-8261}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The induction of macro and mesopores into two-dimensional porous covalent organic frameworks (COFs) could enhance the exposure of the intrinsic micropores toward the pollutant environment, thereby, improving the performance. However, the challenge is to build a continuous hierarchically porous macro-architecture of crystalline organic materials in the bulk scale. In this regard, we have strategized a novel synthetic method to create hierarchically porous COF foams consisting of ordered micropores (2-2.2 nm) and disordered meso and macropores (50 nm to 200 mu m) as well as ordered macropores (1.5 mm to 2 cm). Herein, graphene oxide was used for creating disordered macro and mesopores in COF-GO foams. Considering the rheological features of the precursor hydrogel, we could integrate crystalline and porous COF-GO foams into self-supported three-dimensional (3D)-printed objects with the desired shapes and sizes. Therefore, we have engineered the 3D macro-architecture of COF-GO foams into complex geometries keeping their structural order and continuous porosity intact over a range of more than a million (10(-9) m to 10(-3) m). The interconnected 3D openings in these COF-GO foams further enhance the rapid and efficient uptake of organic and inorganic pollutants from water (\>95\% removal within 30 s). The abundant distribution of interconnected macroporous volume (55\%) throughout the COF-GO foam matrix enhances the flow of water (1.13 x 10(-3) m.s(-1)) which results in efficient mass transport and adsorption.

}, issn = {0002-7863}, doi = {10.1021/jacs.0c00555}, author = {Mohammed, Abdul Khayum and Usgaonkar, Saurabh and Kanheerampockil, Fayis and Karak, Suvendu and Halder, Arjun and Tharkar, Minakshi and Addicoat, Matthew and Ajithkumar, Thalasseril G. and Banerjee, Rahul} } @inbook {47145, title = {Continuous Flow Synthesis of Nanomaterials}, booktitle = {Continuous Flow Synthesis of Nanomaterials}, volume = {62}, number = {RSC Green Chemistry Series}, year = {2020}, pages = {316-339}, publisher = {Royal Society of Chemistry}, organization = {Royal Society of Chemistry}, author = {Kulkarni, Amol A. and Jundale, R. B.} } @article {46963, title = {Continuous interfacial centrifugal separation and recovery of silver nanoparticles}, journal = {Chemical Engineering \& Technology}, volume = {43}, year = {2020}, month = {MAR}, pages = {582-592}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Continuous-flow separation and recovery of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using an annular centrifugal extractor (ACE) is demonstrated. Separation was achieved at the liquid-liquid interface based on the balance between centrifugal force and the solubility of the capping agent. A mathematical model is presented to understand the mechanism in greater detail. The separation of poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP)-coated AgNPs in an ACE using a strong immiscible solvent was performed. The material accumulated at the interface was separated periodically without discontinuing the operation. The method is also suitable for separation of large particles or 1D/2D nanostructures even employing a single annular centrifugal extractor. Stable AgNPs were selected for a detailed antimicrobial activity study.

}, keywords = {Annular centrifugal extractor, Antimicrobial activity, Continuous-flow separation, Liquid-liquid interface, silver nanoparticles}, issn = {0930-7516}, doi = {10.1002/ceat.201800722, Early Access Date = FEB 2020}, author = {Deshpande, Jaydeep B. and Navale, Govinda R. and Dharne, Mahesh S. and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article {46872, title = {Controlled synthesis of two-dimensional (2-D) ultra-thin bismuth selenide (Bi2Se3) nanosheets by bottom-up solution-phase chemistry and its electrical transport properties for thermoelectric application}, journal = {FlatChem}, volume = {21}, year = {2020}, month = {MAY}, pages = {100165}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Bismuth Selenide and associated compounds inheriting stacked layered structure represent a unique class of materials where bulks are insulating with conducting surfaces, best known as thermoelectric materials. The bottom-up solution-based approach is a convenient alternative producing ultrathin high quality two-dimensional Bi2Se3 nanosheets. The present investigation deals with glycol mediated synthesis of highly crystalline ultrathin Bi2Se3 nanosheets. The as-synthesized Bi2Se3 nanosheets exhibit a rhombohedral crystal structure with a substantial surface-to-volume ratio that can possess several potential applications. Besides, the ultrathin Bi2Se3 nanosheets produced herein, found to be n-type with robust spatial confinement of charge carriers advantageous for thermoelectric applications, delivering a high-power factor of 1.55 mu W/cmK(2) at 150 degrees C. The method demonstrates the generic feature of the solution phase technique for the synthesis of highly crystalline nanosheets allowing mass production of identical ultra-thin nanosheets that can be easily integrated into devices for several promising applications, including spintronics, energy storage, and topological quantum computation.

}, keywords = {Rhombohedral structure, Sheet-like structure, Thermoelectric nanomaterials, transmission electron microscopy, XPS Spectra}, issn = {2452-2627}, doi = {10.1016/j.flatc.2020.100165}, author = {Bin Masood, Khalid and Kumar, Pushpendra and Giri, Rajiv and Singh, Jai} } @article {46953, title = {Controlling and stabilization of Ru nanoparticles by tuning the nitrogen content of the support for enhanced H-2 production through aqueous-phase reforming of glycerol}, journal = {ACS Catalysis}, volume = {10}, year = {2020}, month = {FEB}, pages = {2489-2507}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The stable activity of catalysts is an important issue in catalysis, particularly aqueous-phase reforming (APR) of renewable oxygenates, of biomass origin, to get H-2. Sintering of metal nanoparticles on supports affects catalyst stability. To alleviate this problem, a series of highly stable Ru-supported catalysts with controlled metal nanoparticle sizes have been prepared via the easy incipient wetness impregnation method. These catalysts were used for APR of glycerol to produce H-2. Nitrogen-doped mesoporous carbons (NMCs) were utlized as supports and found to have a strong influence on the catalytic performance of the catalysts. Incorporation of nitrogen in the carbon framework significantly enhanced the catalytic activity compared to Ru catalysts on nitrogen-free supports. Notably, the catalyst (5 wt \% Ru-NMC-3) with optimal N content (10.9 wt \%) demonstrated improved stability and H-2 selectivity, which are better than those of many state-of-the-art catalysts. Nitrogen in the carbon framework has a dual relationship with the activity of the catalyst: (i) it creates basic environment over the catalysts support and (ii) it acts as an anchoring site for metal nanoparticles. Anchoring of metal nanoparticles has helped to curb their sintering, thus leading to better stability of the catalysts under APR reaction conditions. Various characterization techniques were employed to understand the nature of active catalytic sites responsible for higher H-2 production while minimizing CO formation. In situ CO-FTIR studies showed that the higher catalytic activity of 5 wt \% Ru-NMC-3 catalyst was attributed to the enhanced WGS activity over this catalyst. Density functional theory calculations were performed to understand the stabilization of metal nanoparticles by different types of N present on the support and provide insights into the prefered sites of glycerol adsorption on the NMC support. Since S wt \% Ru-NMC-3 was the relatively best catalyst, it was selected for the preparation of bimetallic catalysts. Accordingly, addition of Pt to this system helped to increase the stability of the catalyst. This bimetallic catalyst may, therefore, find application for wide use in APR of biomass oxygenates.

}, keywords = {aqueous-phase reforming, Glycerol, H-2 production, Ru/NMC catalyst, synergistic effect}, issn = {2155-5435}, doi = {10.1021/acscatal.9b04063}, author = {Gogoi, Pranjal and Kanna, Narsimharao and Begum, Pakiza and Deka, Ramesh C. and Satyanarayana, C. V. V. and Raja, Thirumalaiswamy} } @article {46662, title = {Cooperative acid-base sites of solid Ba-Zr mixed oxide catalyst for efficient isomerization of glucose to fructose in aqueous medium}, journal = {ChemistrySelect}, volume = {5}, year = {2020}, month = {OCT}, pages = {12505-12513}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Efficient and highly selective isomerization of glucose to fructose was achieved by using the inexpensive Ba-Zr mixed metal oxide catalyst. Catalyst was prepared by varying Ba-Zr ratios using co-precipitation method. Various phases formed, planes exposed, morphology, elemental composition and particle size, basic site density and strength, oxidation state of elements were well studied by using various characterization techniques. The XRD analysis clearly indicates the presence of Ba+2 and Zr+4 in the form of BaO, ZrO2 and BaZrO3 phases. The SEM and HR-TEM images indicate that, Ba-Zr (2 : 1) catalyst prepared showed uniform morphology with spherical and rod-shaped particles ranging from 300 to 600 nm. Under the optimized reaction conditions Ba-Zr (2 : 1) catalyst exhibited excellent results in terms of 57 \% of glucose conversion with 89 \% selective formation of glucose. The presence of both acidic as well as basic sites play vital roles in activating the substrate molecules to selectively yield fructose. Ba-Zr (2 : 1) catalyst showed excellent recyclability performance up to four recycles.

}, keywords = {Co-precipitation, fructose, glucose, isomerization, mixed metal oxide}, issn = {2365-6549}, doi = {10.1002/slct.202003071}, author = {Shaikh, Samrin S. and Patil, Chetana R. and Kondawar, Sharda E. and Rode, Chandrashekhar V.} } @article {46679, title = {Cyanosilylation by compounds with main-group elements: an odyssey}, journal = {ACS Omega}, volume = {5}, year = {2020}, month = {OCT}, pages = {25477-25484}, type = {Review}, abstract = {

The past few decades have seen remarkable headways in the structural and reaction chemistry of compounds with heavier main-group elements. In recent years, there is an ongoing effort to derive catalytic chemistry involving main-group compounds, driven by their lower costs and higher terrestrial abundances. Here, a survey on the state-of-the-art in the development of cyanosilylation methodology by compounds with heavier main-group elements has been given. Once dominated by transition metals, the field has matured to embrace the majority of the main-group elements including aluminum, silicon, and calcium. Of particular focus will be how the mechanism of cyanosilylation involving compounds with main-group elements differs from those of transition metals.

}, issn = {2470-1343}, doi = {10.1021/acsomega.0c03293}, author = {Pahar, Sanjukta and Kundu, Gargi and Sen, Sakya S.} } @article {47314, title = {Deciphering taxonomic and functional diversity of fungi as potential bioindicators within confluence stretch of Ganges and Yamuna Rivers, impacted by anthropogenic activities}, journal = {Chemosphere}, volume = {252}, year = {2020}, month = {AUG}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

River confluences are interesting ecological niche with limited information in respect of the structure and the functions of diverse microbial communities. Fungi are gaining global attention as promising biological spectacles for defining the trophic status of riverine systems. We condense existing knowledge in confluence diversity in two Indian rivers (i.e. Ganges and Yamuna), by combining sediment metagenomics using long read aided MinION nanopore sequencing. A total of 63 OTU{\textquoteright}s were observed, of which top 20 OTU{\textquoteright}s were considered based on relative abundance of each OTU at a particular location. Fungal genera such as\ Aspergillus, Penicillium,\ Kluveromyces, Lodderomyces,\ and\ Nakaseomyces\ were deciphered as potential bio indicators of river pollution and eutrophication in the confluent zone.\ In silico\ functional gene analysis uncovered hits for neurodegenerative diseases and xenobiotic degradation potential, supporting bioindication of river pollution in wake of anthropogenic intervention.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.126507}, author = {Samson, Rachel and Rajput, Vinay and Shah, Manan and Yadav, Rakeshkumar and Sarode, Priyanka and Dastager, Syed G. and Dharne, Mahesh S. and Khairnar, Krishna} } @article {46480, title = {Degradation of metaldehyde in aqueous solution by nano-sized photocatalysts and granular activated carbon}, journal = {Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology }, volume = {20}, year = {2020}, month = {July }, pages = {4505-4508}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Metaldehyde has been detected in drinking water system in relatively high concentration exceeding European water quality standard. In order to address this problem, the aim of this project was to treat metaldehyde aqueous solution by advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) and granular activated carbon (GAC) column. Ten novel materials were tested for degradation rates of metaldehyde under ultraviolet light irradiation (UVC). For treatment of 1 mg/L metaldehyde solution by AOPs, the highest degradation rate is 16.59\% under UVC light with the aid of nitrogen doped titanium dioxide coated graphene (NTiO2/Gr). Furthermore, 0.5 mg/L is the optimal concentration for degradation of metaldehyde with N-TiO2/Gr under UVC light. Apart from that, the lifetime of GAC column could be elongated on condition that metaldehyde has been treated by AOPs previously. Hence, combination of AOPs and GAC column is promising in treating water containing metaldehyde.

}, doi = {10.1166/jnn.2020.17595}, author = {Kim, Jong Kyu and Jiang, Tingting and Li, Zhoujun and Mayadevi, Suseeladevi and Bharat, Kale and Joo, Jin Chul and Campos, Luiza Cintra} } @article {47013, title = {Design of novel drug-like molecules using informatics rich secondary metabolites analysis of Indian medicinal and aromatic plants}, journal = {Combinatorial Chemistry \& High Throughput Screening}, volume = {23}, year = {2020}, month = {JAN}, pages = {1113-1131}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Background: Several medicinal plants are being used in Indian medicine systems from ancient times. However, in most cases, the specific molecules or the active ingredients responsible for the medicinal or therapeutic properties are not yet known. Objective: This study aimed to report a computational protocol as well as a tool for generating novel potential drug candidates from the bioactive molecules of Indian medicinal and aromatic plants through the chemoinformatics approach. Methods: We built a database of the Indian medicinal and aromatic plants coupled with associated information (plant families, plant parts used for the medicinal purpose, structural information, therapeutic properties, etc.) We also developed a Java-based chemoinformatics open-source tool called DoMINE (Database of Medicinally Important Natural products from plantaE) for the generation of virtual library and screening of novel molecules from known medicinal plant molecules. We employed chemoinformatics approaches to in-silico screened metabolites from 104 Indian medicinal and aromatic plants and designed novel drug-like bioactive molecules. For this purpose, 1665 ring containing molecules were identified by text mining of literature related to the medicinal plant species, which were later used to extract 209 molecular scaffolds. Different scaffolds were further used to build a focused virtual library. Virtual screening was performed with cluster analysis to predict drug-like and lead-like molecules from these plant molecules in the context of drug discovery. The predicted drug-like and lead-like molecules were evaluated using chemoinformatics approaches and statistical parameters, and only the most significant molecules were proposed as the candidate molecules to develop new drugs. Results and Conclusion: The supra network of molecules and scaffolds identifies the relationship between the plant molecules and drugs. Cluster analysis of virtual library molecules showed that novel molecules had more pharmacophoric properties than toxicophoric and chemophoric properties. We also developed the DoMINE toolkit for the advancement of natural product-based drug discovery through chemoinformatics approaches. This study will be useful in developing new drug molecules from the known medicinal plant molecules. Hence, this work will encourage experimental organic chemists to synthesize these molecules based on the predicted values. These synthesized molecules need to be subjected to biological screening to identify potential molecules for drug discovery research.

}, keywords = {Drugs, medicinal plants, Metabolites, scaffolds, text mining, virtual libraries, virtual screening}, issn = {1386-2073}, doi = {10.2174/1386207323666200606211342}, author = {Karade, Divya and Vijayasarathi, Durairaj and Kadoo, Narendra and Vyas, Renu and Ingle, P. K. and Karthikeyan, Muthukumarasamy} } @article {47009, title = {Development of multiple reaction monitoring assay for quantification of carnosine in human plasma}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {10}, year = {2020}, month = {JAN }, pages = {763-769}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Carnosine, a histidine containing dipeptide, exerts beneficial effects by scavenging reactive carbonyl compounds (RCCs) that are implicated in pathogenesis of diabetes. However, the reduced carnosine levels may aggravate the severity of diabetes. The precise quantification of carnosine levels may serve as an indicator of pathophysiological state of diabetes. Therefore, we have developed a highly sensitive targeted multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) method for quantification of carnosine in human plasma samples. Various mass spectrometry parameters such as ionization of precursor, fragment abundance and stability, collision energy, tube lens offset voltage were optimized to develop a sensitive and robust assay. Using the optimized MRM assay, the lower limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) for carnosine were found to be 0.4 nM and 1.0 nM respectively. Standard curves were constructed ranging from 1.0 nM to 15.0 mu M and the levels of carnosine in mice and human plasma were determined. Further, the MRM assay was extended to study carnosine hydrolyzing activity of human carnosinases, the serum carnosinase (CN1) and the cytosolic carnosinase (CN2). CN1 showed three folds higher activity than CN2. The MRM assay developed in this study is highly sensitive and can be used for basal plasma carnosine quantification, which can be developed as a novel marker for scavenging of RCCs in diabetes.

}, doi = {10.1039/c9ra08532g}, author = {Pandya, Vaibhav Kumar and Sonwane, Babasaheb and Rathore, Rajeshwari and Unnikrishnan, A. G. and Kumaran, Sangaralingam and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @article {47006, title = {Dioxolanone-anchored poly(allyl ether)-based cross-linked dual-salt polymer electrolytes for high-voltage lithium metal batteries}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {12}, year = {2020}, month = {JAN }, pages = {567-579}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Novel cross-linked polymer electrolytes (XPEs) are synthesized by free-radical copolymerization induced by ultraviolet (UV)-light irradiation of a reactive solution, which is composed of a difunctional poly(ethylene glycol) diallyl ether oligomer (PEGDAE), a monofunctional reactive diluent 4-vinyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-one (VEC), and a stock solution containing lithium salt (lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, LiTFSI) in a carbonate-free nonvolatile plasticizer, poly(ethylene glycol) dimethyl ether (PEGDME). The resulting polymer matrix can be represented as a linear polyethylene chain functionalized with cyclic carbonate (dioxolanone) moieties and cross-linked by ethylene oxide units. A series of XPEs are prepared by varying the [O]/[Li] ratio (24 to 3) of the stock solution and thoroughly characterized using physicochemical (thermogravimetric analysis-mass spectrometry, differential scanning calorimetry, NMR, etc.) and electrochemical techniques. In addition, quantum chemical calculations are performed to elucidate the correlation between the electrochemical oxidation potential and the lithium ion-ethylene oxide coordination in the stock solution. Later, lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) salt is incorporated into the electrolyte system to produce a dual-salt XPE that exhibits improved electrochemical performance, a stable interface against lithium metal, and enhanced physical and chemical characteristics to be employed against high-voltage cathodes. The XPE membranes demonstrated excellent resistance against lithium dendrite growth even after reversibly plating and stripping lithium ions for more than 1000 h with a total capacity of 0.5 mAh cm(-2). Finally, the XPE films are assembled in a lab-scale lithium metal battery configuration by using carbon-coated LiFePO4 (LFP) or LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 (NCA) as a cathode and galvanostatically cycled at 20, 40, and 60 degrees C. Remarkably, at 20 degrees C, the NCA-based lithium metal cells displayed excellent cycling stability and good capacity retention (\>50\%) even after 1000 cycles.

}, keywords = {cross-linked polymer electrolyte, dual-salt electrolyte, high-voltage cathode, lithium metal battery, solvent-free photopolymerization}, issn = {1944-8244}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.9b16348}, author = {Vijayakumar, Vidyanand and Diddens, Diddo and Heuer, Andreas and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Winter, Martin and Nair, Jijeesh Ravi} } @article {46694, title = {Discovery of 3-(benzofuran-2-ylmethyl)-1H-indole derivatives as potential autophagy inducers in cervical cancer cells}, journal = {Bioorganic \& Medicinal Chemistry Letters}, volume = {30}, year = {2020}, month = {OCT }, pages = {127431}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In this manuscript we have documented the identification of a novel anticancer scaffold 3-(benzofuran-2-yl-methyl)-1H-indole. This scaffold has been designed by tweaking the known bisindolylmethane scaffold of natural products that display a wide range of biological activities. A series of 24 new conjugates have been synthesized and among them 5 derivatives exhibited IC50 values less than 40 mu M against two cervical cancer cell lines SiHa and C33a. Further mechanistic studies of two compounds 3eb and 3ec revealed that the toxicity of these compounds was due to the effective induction of autophagy mediated cell death. The autophagy induction was confirmed by the progressive conversion of LC3I to LC3II and downregulation of p62 in cervical cancer cells.

}, keywords = {Autophagy, Benzofuran, Bisindolylmethane, Cervical cancer, Friedel-Crafts alkylation}, issn = {0960-894X}, doi = {10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.127431}, author = {Siddiqui, Shaziyaparveen K. and SahayaSheela, Vinodh J. and Kolluru, Srinivas and Pandian, Ganesh N. and Santhoshkumar, Thankayyan R. and Dan, Vipin M. and Ramana, V, Chepuri} } @article {46869, title = {Discovery of potential multi-target-directed ligands by targeting host-specific SARS-CoV-2 structurally conserved main protease}, journal = {Journal of Biomolecular Structure \& Dynamics}, year = {2020}, month = {MAY}, type = {Article; Early Access 2020}, abstract = {

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has resulted in the current COVID-19 pandemic. Worldwide this disease has infected over 2.5 million individuals with a mortality rate ranging from 5 to 10\%. There are several efforts going on in the drug discovery to control the SARS-CoV-2 viral infection. The main protease (M-Pro) plays a critical role in viral replication and maturation, thus can serve as the primary drug target. To understand the structural evolution of M-Pro, we have performed phylogenetic and Sequence Similarity Network analysis, that depicted divergence of Coronaviridae M-Pro in five clusters specific to viral hosts. This clustering was corroborated with the comparison of M-Pro structures. Furthermore, it has been observed that backbone and binding site conformations are conserved despite variation in some of the residues. These attributes can be exploited to repurpose available viral protease inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 M-Pro. In agreement with this, we performed screening of similar to 7100 molecules including active ingredients present in the Ayurvedic anti-tussive medicines, anti-viral phytochemicals and synthetic anti-virals against SARS-CoV-2 M-Pro as the primary target. We identified several natural molecules like delta-viniferin, myricitrin, taiwanhomoflavone A, lactucopicrin 15-oxalate, nympholide A, afzelin, biorobin, hesperidin and phyllaemblicin B that strongly binds to SARS-CoV-2 M-Pro. Intrestingly, these molecules also showed strong binding with other potential targets of SARS-CoV-2 infection like viral receptor human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE-2) and RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). We anticipate that our approach for identification of multi-target-directed ligand will provide new avenues for drug discovery against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

}, keywords = {Coronavirus, COVID-19, hACE-2, MPro, multi-target-directed ligand, protease inhibitor, RdRp, SARS-CoV-2 virus}, issn = {0739-1102}, doi = {10.1080/07391102.2020.1760137, Early Access Date = MAY 2020}, author = {Joshi, Rakesh S. and Jagdale, Shounak S. and Bansode, Sneha B. and Shankar, S. Shiva and Tellis, Meenakshi B. and Pandya, Vaibhav Kumar and Chugh, Anita and Giri, Ashok P. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @article {46908, title = {Dynamic protein interfaces and conformational landscapes of membrane protein complexes}, journal = {Current Opinion in Structural Biology}, volume = {61}, year = {2020}, month = {APR}, pages = {191-197}, type = {Review}, abstract = {

Dynamic interactions between membrane proteins span a range of spatio-temporal scales and determine several cellular outcomes. Experimental methods in structure determination are able to resolve static protein-protein complexes at the membrane, but lack the resolution required for disordered, flexible domains and dynamic interactions. Computational approaches could bridge the resolution gap and help to unravel molecular details underlying these crucial interactions. Here, we review current approaches to predict dynamic membrane-protein complexes, with a focus on G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Ensemble coarse-grain simulations have captured the conformational heterogeneity of several membrane receptor complexes. In conjunction, the conformational plasticity of protein interfaces especially encompassing unstructured domains is well represented by atomistic simulations. A combined integrative approach will pave the way forward to understand the molecular details of these dynamic complexes.

}, issn = {0959-440X}, doi = {10.1016/j.sbi.2020.01.001}, author = {Kharche, Shalmali A. and Sengupta, Durba} } @article {46923, title = {Dynamics in amine-functionalized mesoporous hybrid materials probed through deuterium magic angle spinning NMR and molecular dynamic simulations}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {124}, year = {2020}, month = {MAR}, pages = {6154-6170}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We present a deuterium magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR study on two widely used hybrid materials (3-glycidyloxy propyl)trimethoxysilane (3-GPTMS) and 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (3-MATMS) grafted on SBA-15. Methylene-deuterated diamine as a pendent group is anchored to GPTMS (O3Si-CH2-CH2-CH2-O-CH2-CH(OH)- CH2-NH-CD2-CD2-NH2) and MATMS (O3Si-CH2-CH2-CH2-O-C(N-CD2-CD2-NH2)-C(CH3)=-CH2) postgrafting. Proton and deuterium solid state NMR experiments under MAS were performed at two hydration levels and temperatures ranging from 253 to 315 K. Deuterium spectra were deconvoluted into three A Dr, components with different average quadrupolar parameters: a relatively rigid component arising from local or librational motion of C-H-2(2) corresponding to {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}small angle{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} jumps, an intermediate dynamic component, and a large amplitude dynamic component. Population ratios of rigid versus dynamic components show that diamine-MATMS is more rigid when compared with diamine-GPTMS at high hydration. The role of the length of the linkers, steric hindrance, grafting concentration, etc. in defining mobility is investigated. Finally, by correlating proton and deuterium MAS NMR spectral analysis, the role of a few water molecules in inducing dynamics of the linkers was investigated. Molecular dynamic (MD) simulations support the experimental analysis. MD simulations indicate different types of mobility arising from the same molecular binding configuration of diamine-MATMS. Dynamics induced by a few hydroxyls on the pore surface accessible to the linker, various molecular conformations, and stabilization of the linker through hydrogen bonding with the surface, derived from MD simulations, are discussed.

}, issn = {1932-7447}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpcc.9b11948}, author = {Veena, V. S. and Kavya, I and Lazar, A. and Vinod, C. P. and Ajithkumar, T. G. and Jayanthi, S.} } @article {46937, title = {Effect of aromatic rings and substituent on the performance of lithium batteries with rylene imide cathodes}, journal = {ChemElectroChem}, volume = {7}, year = {2020}, month = {MAR }, pages = {1160-1165}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Rylene imides (RIs) are attractive organic battery materials because of the inherent modularity of the molecules. While strong aggregation of RIs is disadvantageous for fast lithium-ion transport in the organic active material, decreasing the solubility of the RIs in battery electrolytes is essential to avoid performance fading. Therefore, the design and synthesis of RIs for lithium batteries is a non-trivial task that must, among other considerations, balance lithium-ion transport in the solid material vs. low solubility by controlling aggregation and packing. We have chosen triphenylamine (TPA) as a substituent which disrupts the aggregation but maintains a low solubility due to increased aromaticity of TPA. We have synthesized three RIs with one, two, and four aromatic units in the core. All of them showed stable specific capacity over 300 charge-discharge cycles. The batteries also showed specific capacities close to their theoretical capacities with 97-99 \% coulombic efficiency. The maximum specific energy and specific power were 197 mWh g(-1) and 37 mW g(-1), respectively.

}, keywords = {lithium-ion batteries, organic cathode material, rylene imides, solubility, triphenylamine}, issn = {2196-0216}, doi = {10.1002/celc.202000118}, author = {Aher, Jagdish and Graefenstein, Alexander and Deshmukh, Gunvant and Subramani, Kumar and Krueger, Bastian and Haensch, Mareike and Schwenzel, Julian and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam and Wittstock, Gunther} } @article {46740, title = {Effect of bio-filler on hybrid sisal-banana-kenaf-flax based epoxy composites: a statistical correlation on flexural strength}, journal = {Journal of Bionic Engineering}, volume = {17}, year = {2020}, month = {NOV}, pages = {1263-1271}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

This work deals with the investigation of the synergistic effect of bagasse ash with sisal-banana-kenaf-flax fibers reinforced epoxy composite for their flexural behavior. The composites with three combinations of hybrid fibers viz. sisal/kenaf (HSK), banana/kenaf (HBK), and banana/flax (HBF) with bagasse ash (BGA) as filler material are fabricated using vacuum bag assisted resin transfer molding. Experiments were conducted based on L27 orthogonal array to understand the influence of control factor viz. fiber volume, alkali concentration \& BGA over output response.X-ray micro computed tomography analysis was conducted over the developed sample to infer the uniform dispersion of fiber and filler material. The experimental results reveal that the addition of fiber up to 30 vol\% depicts better strength and further addition results in a negative impact. Increasing in order of BGA decreases the flexural strength of the developed composites.

}, keywords = {bagasse ash, flexural strength, natural fiber, vacuum bag assisted resin transfer molding, X-ray micro computed tomography}, issn = {1672-6529}, doi = {10.1007/s42235-020-0083-7, Early Access Date = AUG 2020}, author = {Vivek, Somasundaram and Kanthavel, Karuppusamy and Torris, Arun and Kavimani, Vijayananth} } @article {46730, title = {Effect of physical properties of dispersed phase on the residence time distribution in straight capillaries}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Science}, volume = {222}, year = {2020}, month = {AUG }, pages = {115715}, type = {Article}, issn = {0009-2509}, doi = {10.1016/j.ces.2020.115715}, author = {Raval, Joy and Suryawanshi, Nalinee B. and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article {46615, title = {Effect of tert-alcohol functional imidazolium salts on oligomerization and fibrillization of amyloid beta (1-42) peptide}, journal = {Biophysical Chemistry}, volume = {267}, year = {2020}, month = {DEC}, pages = {106480}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Imidazolium based IL{\textquoteright}s has gained vast interest in developing biological applications. Oligomerization and fibrillization of amyloid beta (1-42) peptide are mainly responsible for the extra-neuronal deposition of amyloid fibrils in neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s disease (AD). Here, we report an effect of tert-BuOH-functional imidazolium ILs on oligomerization and fibrillization of amyloid beta (1-42) Peptide in vitro. In this study, a series of these [alkyl-(t)OHim][OMs] ILs with methyl sulphonate counter anion by varying alkyl chains were used. Among the seven protic ILs, four showed strong binding and inhibition activity for the formation of amyloid beta (1-42) aggregation by using Thioflavin T fluorescence binding assay. The secondary structural analysis of the peptide, pre-incubated with active ILs shows the loss of ordered beta-sheet amyloid structure. The longer alkyl chain ILs showed that an increased in amyloid binding and hence an inhibition effect on amyloid aggregation was enhanced. Thus, we propose that ILs could be presented as potential candidates for therapeutic intervention against Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s disease (AD).

}, keywords = {Aggregation, Amyloid beta (1-42) peptide, Biofilm inhibitor, Imidazolium ionic liquid}, issn = {0301-4622}, doi = {10.1016/j.bpc.2020.106480}, author = {Said, Madhukar S. and Navale, Govinda R. and Yadav, Ashok and Khonde, Nilesh and Shinde, Sandip S. and Jha, Anjali} } @article {46713, title = {Efficient method for the synthesis of quinoxaline derivatives catalyzed by titanium silicate-1}, journal = {Research on Chemical Intermediates}, volume = {46}, year = {2020}, month = {DEC}, pages = {5219-5230}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A series of quinoxaline derivatives were efficiently synthesized by convenient and simple procedure in excellent yields using 1 wt.\% of titanium silicate (TS-1) catalyzed reaction of 1,2-diamines and 1,2-diketones in methanol at room temperature. This reaction is scalable to multigram scale and the catalyst is recyclable. [GRAPHICS] .

}, keywords = {2-Diketones, Aromatic 1, o-Phenylenediamine, Quinoxaline, Room temperature, Titanium silicate-1}, issn = {0922-6168}, doi = {10.1007/s11164-020-04258-w, Early Access Date = SEP 2020}, author = {Chandrachood, Pranav S. and Jadhav, Amol R. and Garud, Dinesh R. and Deshpande, Nirmala R. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Kashalkar, Rajashree V.} } @article {46707, title = {Efficient processing of reactions involving diazonium salts: meerwein arylation in an impinging-jet reactor}, journal = {Organic Process Research \& Development}, volume = {24}, year = {2020}, month = {SEP}, pages = {1658-1664}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

This work reports a novel approach for performing high-throughput synthesis of Meerwein arylation in an impingingjet reactor. The multistep reaction was performed in a single reactor via in situ diazonium salt generation followed by Meerwein arylation. The work involves many iterations between experiments and simulations (where we integrate simulating the flow, heat transfer, and reaction simultaneously) for optimization of conditions in an inverted impinging-jet reactor. The effect of design variables viz. catalyst concentration, inlet temperature, and monomer mole ratio on the yield of the desired product was studied in detail, and the simulation results were used to plan the continuous experiments. An infrared camera was used to monitor the transient reactor temperature for steady-state analysis. The lab-scale inverted impinging-jet reactor with over 93\% isolated yield can offer a space-time yield of 277.78 tons/m(3)/day. The numbering-up of an inverted impinging-jet reactor can be an effective way for cleaner production of products through typical Meerwein arylation.

}, keywords = {computational fluid dynamics, high throughput synthesis, impinging-jet reactor, IR camera, Meerwein arylation, Numbering-up}, issn = {1083-6160}, doi = {10.1021/acs.oprd.0c00271}, author = {Shukla, Chinmay A. and Atapalkar, Ranjit S. and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article {46799, title = {Electrochemical performance of pre-lithiated ZnMoO4 and r-GO@ZnMoO4 composite anode for lithium-ion battery application}, journal = {Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers}, volume = {112}, year = {2020}, month = {JUL}, pages = {60-66}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Exploring a safer replacement of Li metal anode is crucial for technological, and fundamental importance. Li-metal is a preferred choice as anode material for lithium-ion battery (LIB) applications. However, parasitic dendritic growth on the Li metal surface during cycling causes instability and safety dreads. In the present study, we have investigated that the pre-lithiated ZnMoO4 is superior to its carbon-based counterparts (r-GO@ZnMoO4), moreover safer and sustainable than Li metal anode. The pre-lithiated ZnMoO4 delivers a better reversible capacity (similar to 1000 mAhg(-1) at 0.1 Ag-1), superior rate capability (similar to 400 mAh g(-1) at 2 Ag-1), and excellent cycling stability over 300 cycles at 0.1 Ag-1, as compared to bare ZnMoO4 and r-GO@ZnMoO4 composite. The present investigation is an attempt to provide a substitute for commonly used Li-metal/carbon anodes with better performance. (C) 2020 Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Cycling stability, Electrochemistry, Li-ion battery, Nyquist plot, Rate performance, ZnMoO4 nanocomposites}, issn = {1876-1070}, doi = {10.1016/j.jtice.2020.07.009}, author = {Bin Masood, Khalid and Parte, Golu and Jain, Neha and Dwivedi, Pravin K. and Kumar, Pushpendra and Shelke, V, Manjusha and Patel, Rp and Singh, Jai} } @article {46900, title = {Electrospun fibers and sorbents as a possible basis for effective composite wound dressings}, journal = {Micromachines}, volume = {11}, year = {2020}, month = {APR}, pages = {441}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Skin burns and ulcers are considered hard-to-heal wounds due to their high infection risk. For this reason, designing new options for wound dressings is a growing need. The objective of this work is to investigate the properties of poly (epsilon-caprolactone)/poly (vinyl-pyrrolidone) (PCL/PVP) microfibers produced via electrospinning along with sorbents loaded with Argovit (TM) silver nanoparticles (Ag-Si/Al2O3) as constituent components for composite wound dressings. The physicochemical properties of the fibers and sorbents were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The mechanical properties of the fibers were also evaluated. The results of this work showed that the tested fibrous scaffolds have melting temperatures suitable for wound dressings design (58-60 degrees C). In addition, they demonstrated to be stable even after seven days in physiological solution, showing no macroscopic damage due to PVP release at the microscopic scale. Pelletized sorbents with the higher particle size demonstrated to have the best water uptake capabilities. Both, fibers and sorbents showed antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomona aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and the fungus Candida albicans. The best physicochemical properties were obtained with a scaffold produced with a PCL/PVP ratio of 85:15, this polymeric scaffold demonstrated the most antimicrobial activity without affecting the cell viability of human fibroblast. Pelletized Ag/Si-Al2O3-3 sorbent possessed the best water uptake capability and the higher antimicrobial activity, over time between all the sorbents tested. The combination of PCL/PVP 85:15 microfibers with the chosen Ag/Si-Al2O3-3 sorbent will be used in the following work for creation of wound dressings possessing exudate retention, biocompatibility and antimicrobial activity.

}, keywords = {electrospinning, poly (epsilon-caprolactone), poly (vinyl pyrrolidone), silver sorbents, wound dressings}, doi = {10.3390/mi11040441}, author = {Saul Alvarez-Suarez, Alan and Dastager, Syed G. and Bogdanchikova, Nina and Grande, Daniel and Pestryakov, Alexey and Carlos Garcia-Ramos, Juan and Lizeth Perez-Gonzalez, Graciela and Juarez-Moreno, Karla and Toledano-Magana, Yanis and Smolentseva, Elena and Antonio Paz-Gonzalez, Juan and Popova, Tatiana and Rachkovskaya, Lyubov and Nimaev, Vadim and Kotlyarova, Anastasia and Korolev, Maksim and Letyagin, Andrey and Jesus Villarreal-Gomez, Luis} } @article {46747, title = {Elucidating the effect of CaF 2 on structure, biocompatibility and antibacterial properties of S53P4 glass}, journal = {Journal of Alloys and Compounds}, volume = {831}, year = {2020}, month = {AUG }, pages = {154704}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The present work focuses on the synthesis and structural elucidation of fluoride containing bioactive glasses in the system (in mol\%) given by (53.86) SiO2\ {\textendash} (22.65) Na2O {\textendash} (21.77-x) CaO {\textendash} (1.72) P2O5\ {\textendash} x CaF2, where, x\ =\ 0, 5.44, 10.885 and 16.33. The role of the incorporated fluoride and its distribution within the glass were interpreted and analyzed using Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and the results were compared with the modified random network (MRN) model. The interpretations from the model have been verified using the MAS-NMR spectroscopy technique. According to this model, fluoride containing bioactive glasses have been proposed to consist of silicate rich network regions and modifier cation {\textendash} fluoride rich inter-network regions. The interface region was found to consist of non-bridging oxygen species (NBO) and phosphate cations which are either isolated orthophosphates (Q0P) or bridged with silicates in the form of pyrophosphate (Q1P) units forming Si{\textendash}O{\textendash}P bonds. The gradual substitution of CaF2\ for CaO in the base glass resulted in an increase in the silicate network connectivity with a reduction in the NBOs and lead to an increase in the association of modifier cations with fluoride ions. However, fluoride ions were found to show a marginal preference to associate with Na+\ cations leading to a decrease in the association of Na+\ ions with orthophosphate and silicate units. These overall structural findings were correlated with the\ in\ vitro\ ion dissolution behaviour of the bioactive glasses as well as with the thermal properties. The glasses were tested for their\ in\ vitro\ cell viability towards mouse osteoblast type (MC3T3) cells in which fluoride containing bioactive glasses did not show any toxicity and exhibited better cell proliferation. The antibacterial efficacy of the fluoride containing glasses was tested at various concentrations (5, 10 and 20\ mg/ml) in\ E.coli\ bacterial inoculum in which bactericidal action was evidenced.

}, keywords = {Fluoride bioactive glasses, In~vitro apatite formation and bactericidal action, MAS-NMR spectroscopy, MD simulations}, issn = {0925-8388}, doi = {10.1016/j.jallcom.2020.154704}, author = {Prasad, Sakthi and Ganisetti, Sudheer and Jana, Anuradha and Kant, Shashi and Sinha, P. K. and Tripathy, Sucheta and Illath, Kavya and Ajithkumar, T. G. and Annapurna, K. and Allu, Amarnath R. and Biswas, Kaushik} } @article {46779, title = {Enantio- and diastereocontrolled conversion of chiral epoxides to trans-cyclopropane carboxylates: application to the synthesis of cascarillic acid, grenadamide and L-(-)-CCG-II (vol 10, pg 6987, 2012)}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {18}, year = {2020}, month = {JUL}, pages = {5264}, type = {Correction}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/d0ob90090g}, author = {Kumar, Pradeep and Dubey, Abhishek and Harbindu, Anand} } @article {46633, title = {Enantioselective synthesis of gamma-phenyl-gamma-amino vinyl phosphonates and sulfones and their application to the synthesis of novel highly potent antimalarials}, journal = {ACS Omega}, volume = {5}, year = {2020}, month = {NOV }, pages = {29025-29037}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Racemic and enantioselective syntheses of gamma-phenyl-gamma-amino vinyl phosphonates and sulfones have been achieved using Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons olefination of trityl protected alpha-phenyl-alpha-amino aldehydes with tetraethyl methylenediphosphonate and diethyl ((phenylsulfonyl)methyl)phosphonate, respectively, without any racemization. The present strategy has also been successfully applied to the synthesis of peptidyl vinyl phosphonate and peptidyl vinyl sulfone derivatives as potential cysteine protease inhibitors of Chagas disease, K11002, with 100\% de. The developed synthetic protocol was further utilized to synthesize hybrid molecules consisting of artemisinin as an inhibitor of major cysteine protease falcipain-2 present in the food vacuole of the malarial parasite. The synthesized artemisinin-dipeptidyl vinyl sulfone hybrid compounds showed effective in vitro inhibition of falcipain-2 and potent parasiticidal efficacies against Plasmodium falciparum in nanomolar ranges. Overall, the developed synthetic protocol could be effectively utilized to design cysteine protease inhibitors not only as novel antimalarial compounds but also to be involved in other life-threatening diseases.

}, issn = {2470-1343}, doi = {10.1021/acsomega.0c03470}, author = {Aratikatla, Eswar K. and Kalamuddin, Md and Malhotra, Pawan and Mohmmed, Asif and Bhattacharya, Asish K.} } @article {47307, title = {Enhanced anti-ageing and wound healing properties of Ficus religiosa L. bark, leaf and aerial root extract in human keratinocytes cell line (HaCaT)}, journal = {Vegetos}, volume = {33}, year = {2020}, month = {JAN}, pages = {158-165}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Plants have played a vital role in curative and preventive healthcare.\ Ficus religiosa\ L., a medicinally important tree has been used as a traditional medicine to treat various ailments and skin diseases. However, its skin anti-ageing properties are not yet scientifically evaluated. Here we report the comparison of\ F. religiosa\ bark (FRAqB), leaf (FRAqL) and aerial-roots (FRAqAR) extracts for skin anti-ageing and wound healing properties. FRAqB, FRAqL and FRAqAR extracts preparation, cell culture, RNA isolation, real time PCR, astringent activity and wound healing assay were carried out using standard methods. Axio Observer FL-microscope and ImageJ software were used for wound healing assay analysis. The real time PCR study reveals that matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP) RNA was downregulated to 75\% and 95\% for FRAqB and FRAqAR, respectively. For procollagen C-endopeptidase enhancer 1 (PCOLCE), FRAqB and FRAqL enhanced RNA levels by 500\% and 300\%, respectively. FRAqB and FRAqL increased wound healing area to about 60\% and FRAqAR by 50\%. All three extracts demonstrated astringent activity which is significant for skin tightening. The study proves that extracts of\ F. religiosa\ are prominent candidates for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications such as skin anti-ageing and wound healing.

}, doi = {10.1007/s42535-019-00094-5}, author = {Pandey, Prem and Seo, Hyo Hyun and Kim, Hye-In and Ryu, Seung Hwan and Dingre, Medini and Moh, Sang Hyun and Kulkarni, Atul and Parasharami, Varsha A.} } @article {46929, title = {Enhancing titers and productivity of rCHO clones with a combination of an optimized fed-batch process and ER-stress adaptation}, journal = {Journal of Biotechnology}, volume = {311}, year = {2020}, month = {MAR}, pages = {49-58}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

To increase the productivity of rCHO cells, many cell engineering approaches have been demonstrated that over-express or knockout a specific gene to achieve increased titers. In this work, we present an alternate approach, based on the concept of evolutionary adaptation, to achieve cells with higher titers. rCHO cells, producing a monoclonal antibody, are adapted to ER-stress, by continuous culturing under increasing concentration of tunicamycin. A sustained higher productivity of at-least 2-fold was achieved in all the clones, in a concentration-dependent manner. Similarly, a 1.5-2 fold increase in final titers was also achieved in the batch culture. Based on metabolic analysis of the adapted cells, a fed-batch process was designed where significantly higher titersare achieved as compared to control. Metabolic flux analysis is employed in addition with gene expression analysis of key genes to understand the basis of increased performance of the adapted cells. Overall, this work illustrates how process modifications and cellular adaptation can be used in synergy to drive up product titers.

}, keywords = {Adaptive laboratory evolution, CHO cells, ER-stress, Fed-batch, Increased productivity and titers, Recombinant protein production, UPR pathway}, issn = {0168-1656}, doi = {10.1016/j.jbiotec.2020.02.008}, author = {Chandrawanshi, Vikas and Kulkarni, Rohan and Prabhu, Anuja and Mehra, Sarika} } @article {46989, title = {Enzymatic and non-enzymatic detoxification of reactive carbonyl compounds improves the oxidative stress tolerance in cucumber, tobacco and rice seedlings}, journal = {Journal of Plant Growth Regulation}, volume = {39}, year = {2020}, month = {SEP}, pages = {1359-1372}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Detoxification of reactive carbonyl compounds (RCC) is crucial to sustain cellular activity to improve plant growth and development. Seedling growth is highly affected by accumulation of RCC under stress. We report non-enzymatic, enzymatic mechanisms of detoxification of RCC in the cucumber, tobacco and rice seedling systems exposed to glucose, NaCl, methyl viologen (MV) induced oxidative stress. The cucumber seedlings exposed to carbonyl stress had higher levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyls (PCs) and advanced glycation end-product N-carboxymethyl-lysine (AGE-CML) that negatively affected the seedling growth. The overexpression of enzyme encoding aldo-keto reductase-1 (AKR1) in tobacco and rice showed detoxification of RCC, MDA and methylglyoxal (MG) with improved seedling growth under glucose, NaCl and MV-induced oxidative stress. Further, small molecules like acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), aminoguanidine (AG), carnosine (Car), curcumin (Cur) and pyridoxamine (PM) showed detoxification of RCC non-enzymatically and rescued the cucumber seedling growth from glucose, NaCl and MV-stress. In autotrophically grown rice seedlings these molecules substantially improved seedling growth under MV-induced oxidative stress. Seedlings treated with the small molecules sustained higher guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) enzyme activity signifying the role of small molecules in reducing carbonyl stress-induced protein inactivation and AGE-CML protein modifications. The results showed that besides enzymatic detoxification of RCC, the small molecules also could reduce cytotoxic effect of RCC under stress. The study demonstrates that small molecules are attractive compounds to improve the seedling growth under stress conditions.

}, keywords = {Oxidative stress, plant growth, Reactive carbonyl scavengers, Seed germination, small molecules}, issn = {0721-7595}, doi = {10.1007/s00344-020-10072-w, Early Access Date = JAN 2020}, author = {Nareshkumar, Ambekar and Subbarao, Sindhu and Vennapusa, Amarnatha Reddy and Ashwin, Vargheese and Banarjee, Reema and Kulkarni, Mahesh J. and Ramu, Vemanna S. and Udayakumar, Makarla} } @article {46765, title = {Evaluation of biomolecular interactions and cytotoxic activity of organometallic binuclear Ru(II) complexes of ferrocenyl thiosemicarbazones}, journal = {Journal of Biomolecular Structure \& Dynamics}, year = {2020}, month = {JUL}, type = {Article; Early Access}, abstract = {

{Four new ferrocenyl substituted thiosemicarbazone ligands (L1-L4) and their corresponding binuclear ruthenium(II) arene complexes of the general type [(eta(6)-pcym)(L)Ru(mu-im)Ru(L)(eta(6)-p-cym)]Cl (C1-C4) and [(eta(6)-pcym)(L)Ru(mu-azpy)Ru(L)(eta(6)-p-cym)]Cl-2(C5-C8) (cym = cymene

}, keywords = {binuclear ruthenium(II) complexes, BSA binding interactions, DNA, Ferrocenyl thiosemicarbazone, HeLa human cervical carcinoma}, issn = {0739-1102}, doi = {10.1080/07391102.2020.1798284}, author = {Khanvilkar, Priyanka and Dash, Soumya R. and Vohra, Alisagar and Devkar, Ranjitsinh and Chakraborty, Debjani} } @article {46654, title = {EviMass: a literature evidence-based miner for human microbial associations (vol 10, 849, 2019)}, journal = {Frontiers in Genetics}, volume = {11}, year = {2020}, month = {NOV }, pages = {614051}, type = {Correction}, keywords = {Human Disease, literature mining, microbial association, Microbiome, Web server}, doi = {10.3389/fgene.2020.614051}, author = {Srivastava, Divyanshu and Baksi, Krishanu D. and Kuntal, Bhusan K. and Mande, Sharmila S.} } @article {47331, title = {Examining the compatibility of energetic plasticizer DNDA-5 with energetic binders}, journal = {Journal of Macromolecular Science Part A-Pure and Applied Chemistry}, volume = {57}, year = {2020}, month = {JAN 2}, pages = {46-54}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The requirement of developing energetic binders with suitable energetic plasticizers is to enhance the mechanical properties and to reduce glass transition temperature of propellant and explosive formulations. Compatibility of energetic plasticizer 2,4-dinitro-2,4-diazapentane (DNDA-5) with four different energetic binders viz. poly glycidyl nitrate (PGN), poly(3-nitratomethyl-3-methyloxetane) (PLN), glycidyl azide polymer (GAP) and tetra functional glycidyl azide polymer (t-GAP) was studied by using differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and density functional theory (DFT) methods. Results obtained for the pure binder was compared with the results obtained for binder/plasticizer blend in the parameters of decomposition temperature and the format of the peak which indicated the compatibility or incompatibility of DNDA-5 with the studied binders. Glass transition temperatures of all these blends were determined by low temperature DSC and showed desirable lowering of glass transition temperature with single peak in the case of PLN. The proposed energetic plasticizer DNDA-5 has displayed its compatibility with three binders PGN, PLN and GAP employing thermal techniques. DNDA-5 has been found as incompatible when it is mixed with t-GAP. The predicted relative trend of interaction energies between plasticizer and binder has provided concurrence to results drawn from thermal studies.

}, keywords = {Computational study, DNDA-5, Glass transition temperature, plasticizing effect, thermal}, issn = {1060-1325}, doi = {10.1080/10601325.2019.1669458}, author = {Vijayalakshmi, R. and Agawane, N. T. and Talawar, M. B. and Khan, Md Abdul Shafeeuulla} } @article {46684, title = {Fabrication of mesoporous carbon supported Ni-Mo catalysts for the enhanced conversion of glucose to ethylene glycol}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {44}, year = {2020}, month = {OCT}, pages = {15958-15965}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Mesoporous carbon (MC)-supported Ni-Mo catalysts with varying amounts of Ni (x= 0, 3, 6 and 9 wt\%) and Mo (y= 0, 10, 15 and 20 wt\%) were prepared using the wet-impregnation method and characterized. Their catalytic activity in the selective conversion of aqueous glucose solution (15 wt\%) to ethylene glycol (EG) in a batch reaction was investigated. A catalyst, with 3\% Ni and 15\% Mo on MC showed the highest activity and selectivity. The complete conversion of glucose with 63.2\% yield of EG was obtained in a reaction conducted for 6 h at 200 degrees C and 40 bar hydrogen pressure. A synergistic enhancement in catalytic performance was found when both Ni and Mo were present in the catalyst composition. The dispersion of Mo enhanced in presence of Ni and a part of Mo was reduced from +6 to lower oxidation states (+5 and +4), which imparted the acidity of the catalyst. Ni facilitated the hydrogenation activity and acid sites on Mo led to the retro-aldol reaction forming higher amounts of EG. The catalyst was found to be reusable.

}, issn = {1144-0546}, doi = {10.1039/d0nj03196h}, author = {Kirali, Arun Arunima and Sreekantan, Sreejith and Marimuthu, Banu} } @article {46911, title = {Fe3+ stabilized 3D cross-linked glycine-melamine formaldehyde networks as precursor for highly efficient oxygen reduction catalyst in alkaline media}, journal = {Materials Letters}, volume = {264}, year = {2020}, month = {APR 1}, pages = {127365}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Development of inexpensive oxygen reduction electrocatalyst with high activity and durability is very important. Herein, iron carbide encapsulated pod-like graphitic carbon structures were prepared by simple pyrolysis involving Fe-glycine complex integrated melamine-formaldehyde resin precursor. The best catalyst among those studied, Fe-Gly 2 MF-C, possessing high degree of graphitization (I-D /I-G = 0.99) and enhanced specific surface area (205 m(2)/g) exhibited the highest ORR activity with a half-wave potential of 0.80 V in alkaline medium through the four-electron reduction pathway. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {fuel cell, Graphitic carbon alloy, Iron carbide, ORR}, issn = {0167-577X}, doi = {10.1016/j.matlet.2020.127365}, author = {Kottarathil, Shijina and Illathvalappil, Rajith and Nisa, S. and Sailaja, G. S. and Mohamed, Peer A. and Nair, Balagopal N. and Gopinathan, Anilkumar M. and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Yamaguchi, Takeo and Hareesh, U. S.} } @article {46940, title = {FeNx/FeSx-anchored carbon sheet-carbon nanotube composite electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction}, journal = {ACS Applied Nano Materials}, volume = {3}, year = {2020}, month = {MAR}, pages = {2234-2245}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Even though various Pt-free electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) have been introduced, many of them are found to be active only in alkaline conditions. Considering Nafion, phosphoric acid-doped polybenzimidazole (PBI), and so on as the prominent ionomer membranes, used in the commercially available polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), it becomes important that any development on the Pt-free catalysts should ensure the better ORR performance under acidic conditions. The present work effectively tackles this issue, where an ORR-based catalyst could be prepared with simultaneous incorporation of both Fe-N and Fe-S active sites on in situ generated carbon sheets which are spatially separated by the carbon nanotube (CNT) network. This catalyst shows ability to perform under both acidic and basic conditions. This has been achieved by growing a polyethylenedioxythiophene polymer network in the presence of CNT and melamine followed by its pyrolysis under an inert atmosphere. The catalyst formed at 900 degrees C (PMCNT-900) displays 0.94 V onset potential for ORR under acidic electrolyte conditions, which corresponds to 60 mV overpotential compared to its 40 wt \% Pt/C counterpart. Interestingly, in single cell demonstration of Nafion-based PEMFC with PMCNT-900 as the cathode catalyst, the system delivered a maximum power density (PD) of 500 and 275 mW/cm(2) at 60 degrees C under H-2-O-2 and H-2-air feed conditions, respectively. On the other hand, in a single cell test in the anion exchange membrane fuel cell (AEMFC) mode, a maximum power density of 65 mW/cm(2) at 50 degrees C could be achieved with the same cathode catalyst, which is a comparable value obtained while employing Pt/C as the cathode. These results, thus, infer to the efficiency of the catalyst to facilitate ORR under the extreme pH conditions, and particularly its performance under acidic condition reveals its prospect as a potential Pt-free electrocatalyst to serve in the Nafion-based systems.

}, keywords = {carbon nanotube, electrocatalyst, fuel cell, oxygen reduction reaction, Pt-free ORR}, issn = {2574-0970}, doi = {10.1021/acsanm.9b02335}, author = {Bhange, Siddheshwar N. and Soni, Roby and Singla, Gourav and Ajithkumar, T. G. and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {46663, title = {Flim-MAP: gene context based identification of functional modules in bacterial metabolic pathways (vol 9, 2183, 2018)}, journal = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, volume = {11}, year = {2020}, month = {OCT}, pages = {605419}, type = {Correction}, keywords = {annotation, Bacteria, functional potential, gene context, genome, metabolic pathway}, issn = {1664-302X}, doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2020.605419}, author = {Bhatt, Vineet and Mohapatra, Anwesha and Anand, Swadha and Kuntal, Bhusan K. and Mande, Sharmila S.} } @article {47338, title = {Fluoride release and fluoride-recharging ability of three different sealants}, journal = {Journal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry}, volume = {38}, year = {2020}, month = {JUL}, pages = {247-252}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Background: We aimed to determine the fluoride release and fluoride-recharging ability of a sealant containing surface pre-reacted glass (S-PRG) ionomer filler particles (BeautiSealant) with a fluoride-releasing resin sealant (Helioseal F), and a glass-ionomer sealant (Fuji VII). Materials: And: Methodology: Forty-eight disc-shaped specimens of each material were immersed in deionized water to determine the fluoride release utilizing a fluoride ion-selective electrode. After 21 days, 8 specimens were soaked in 0.22\% Sodium Fluoride solution for 2 min; 8 specimens were coated with 1.23\% Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride (APF) gel for 4 min, and the fluoride-recharging ability was evaluated for 40 days. Data were analyzed using one way-ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests. Results: Total fluoride release over the 21-day period was: Fuji VII \> BeautiSealant \> Helioseal F, (P = 0.000). After refluoridation of the specimens with 0.22\% Sodium Fluoride solution, the cumulative fluoride release during the 40-day period for each material was: BeautiSealant \> Fuji VII \> Helioseal (P = 0.000). After exposure to 1.23\% APF gel, the cumulative fluoride release during the 40-day period for each material was: BeautiSealant \> Fuji VII \> Helioseal F (P = 0.000). Conclusion: Glass ionomer-based sealants (Fuji VII) exhibited higher initial fluoride release whilst the surface pre-reacted glass-ionomer filler containing sealant (BeautiSealant) demonstrated superior fluoride recharging properties.

}, doi = {10.4103/JISPPD.JISPPD_345_19}, author = {Patil, Sneha and Kontham, Ujwal R. and Kontham, Rakesh K. and Patil, Smita S. and Kamble, Sanjay P.} } @article {46994, title = {Functionalization of alkynes and alkenes using a cascade reaction approach: synthesis of beta-keto sulfones under metal-free conditions}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {85}, year = {2020}, month = {JAN}, pages = {716-725}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Here, we are reporting a multicomponent cascade reaction approach for the synthesis of beta-keto sulfones by exploiting differential reactivity pattern of substrates under open-atmosphere and metal-free conditions. The coupling partners are aryldiazonium salts, unsaturated compounds, and DABSO. The optimized conditions worked well with both alkenes and alkynes. Moreover, the reaction also works with metabisulfite for the source of sulfone. The controlled liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and O-18-labelled experiments suggested that air is a source of the incoming oxygen atom of the keto group of beta-keto sulfones.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/acs.joc.9b02779}, author = {Kumar, Mukesh and Ahmed, Riyaz and Singh, Maninder and Sharma, Shweta and Thatikonda, Thanusha and Singh, Parvinder Pal} } @article {46890, title = {FunGeCo: a web-based tool for estimation of functional potential of bacterial genomes and microbiomes using gene context information}, volume = {36}, year = {2020}, month = {APR }, pages = {2575-2577}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Motivation: Functional potential of genomes and metagenomes which are inferred using homology-based methods are often subjected to certain limitations, especially for proteins with homologs which function in multiple pathways. Augmenting the homology information with genomic location of the constituent genes can significantly improve the accuracy of estimated functions. This can help in distinguishing cognate homolog belonging to a candidate pathway from its other homologs functional in different pathways. Results: In this article, we present a web-based analysis platform {\textquoteleft}FunGeCo{\textquoteright} to enable gene-context-based functional inference for microbial genomes and metagenomes. It is expected to be a valuable resource and complement the existing tools for understanding the functional potential of microbes which reside in an environment.

}, issn = {1367-4803}, doi = {10.1093/bioinformatics/btz957}, author = {Anand, Swadha and Kuntal, Bhusan K. and Mohapatra, Anwesha and Bhatt, Vineet and Mande, Sharmila S.} } @article {46992, title = {Furan-derived chiral bicycloaziridino lactone synthon: collective syntheses of oseltamivir phosphate (Tamiflu), (S)-pipecolic acid and its 3-hydroxy derivatives}, journal = {Chemistry-An Asian Journal}, volume = {15}, year = {2020}, month = {FEB }, pages = {415-424}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A unified synthetic strategy for oseltamivir phosphate (tamiflu), (S)-pipecolic acid, and its 3-hydroxy derivatives from furan derived common chiral bicycloaziridino lactone synthon is described here. Key features are the short (4-steps), enantiopure, and decagram-scale synthesis of common chiral synthon from furan and its first-ever application in the total synthesis of biologically active compounds by taking the advantages of high functionalization ability of chiral synthon.

}, keywords = {Aziridine synthon, Chiral auxiliary, collective synthesis, Pipecolic acid, Tamiflu}, issn = {1861-4728}, doi = {10.1002/asia.201901523, Early Access Date = JAN 2020}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Kadam, Appasaheb L. and Shinde, Shrikrishna S. and Gonnade, Rajesh G.} } @article {46780, title = {General and concise asymmetric synthesis of sphingosine, safingol and phytosphingosines via tethered aminohydroxylation (vol 8, pg 5074, 2010)}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {18}, year = {2020}, month = {JUL}, pages = {5265}, type = {Correction}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/d0ob90089c}, author = {Kumar, Pradeep and Dubey, Abhishek and Puranik, Vedavati G.} } @article {46925, title = {Geometrical isomerism directed electrochemical sensing}, journal = {Analytical Chemistry}, volume = {92}, year = {2020}, month = {MAR}, pages = {4541-4547}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We report the independent role of isomerism of secondary sphere substituents over their nature, a factor often overlooked in molecular electrocatalysis pertaining to electrochemical sensing, by establishing that isomerism redefines the electronic structure at the catalytic reaction center via geometrical factors. UV-vis spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy suggest that a substituent{\textquoteright}s isomerism in molecular catalysts conjoins molecular planarity and catalytic activation through competing field effects and resonance effects. As a classical example, we demonstrate the influence of isomerism of the -NO2 substituents for the electrocatalytic multi electron oxidation of As(III), a potentially important electrochemical pathway for water remediation and arsenic detection. The isomerism dependent oxidative activation of catalytic center leads to a nonprecious molecular catalyst capable for direct As(III) oxidation with an experimental detection limit close to WHO guidelines. This work opens up an unusual approach in analytical chemistry for developing various sensing platforms for challenging chemical and electrochemical reactions.

}, issn = {0003-2700}, doi = {10.1021/acs.analchem.9b05753}, author = {Kottaichamy, Alagar Raja and Begum, Shabbah and Devendrachari, Mruthyunjayachar Chattanahalli and Bhat, Zahid Manzoor and Thimmappa, Ravikumar and Kotresh, Harish Makri Nimbegondi and Vinod, Chathakudath Prabhakaran and Thotiyl, Musthafa Ottakam} } @article {46604, title = {Green catalyst Fe(OTs)(3)/SiO2 for the synthesis of 4-Pyrrolo-12-oxoquinazolines}, journal = {ChemistrySelect}, volume = {5}, year = {2020}, month = {DEC}, pages = {14721-14728}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

An efficient and eco-friendly diversity-oriented synthetic protocol has been presented to synthesize structurally versatile drug-like molecules under solvent-free grinding in the presence of Fe(OTs)(3)/SiO2 as a catalyst. The use of Fe(OTs)(3)/SiO2 as a recyclable and reusable catalyst has been explored in the synthetic domino protocol involving one-pot, three component reaction for the synthesis of 4-pyrrolo-12-oxoquinazolines with special features of the protocol like high atom-economy, operational simplicity, short reaction time and high selectivity with excellent yields.

}, keywords = {4-Pyrrolo-12-oxoquinazolines, Fe(OTs)(3), Green methodology, Liquid Assisted Grinding (LAG), SiO2 catalyst, Solvent-free grinding}, issn = {2365-6549}, doi = {10.1002/slct.202004012}, author = {Allaka, Bhargava Sai and Basavoju, Srinivas and Krishna, Gamidi Rama} } @article {46772, title = {Hexaaminobenzene derived two-dimensional polymer supercapacitor with high specific capacitance and energy density}, journal = {ACS Applied Energy Materials}, volume = {3}, year = {2020}, month = {JUL }, pages = {6352-6359}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Recent research interest has been shifted toward energy storage devices, especially supercapacitors, which provide high specific power and long cycle life. In this context, two-dimensional organic polymers are a class of versatile materials found to be useful in energy storage applications. However, the performance is not promising due to the low capacitance, energy density, and cyclic stability. Here, we report a two-dimensional polymer derived from hexaaminobenzene and pyromellitic dianhydride and its excellent supercapacitor performance. The specific capacitance of the two-dimensional polymer is found to be 805 F g(-1) at 0.5 A g(-1) current density in galvanostatic charge-discharge, which is the highest among the organic twodimensional polymer and most of the carbon-based materials. The superior performance of the 2D-polymer compared to a model derivative (350 F g(-1) at 0.5 A g(-1) current density) points to the critical role of a 2D-platform to excel. The high energy density, excellent cyclic stability, and low self-discharge rate support the 2D-polymer supercapacitor as a promising candidate for futuristic applications.

}, keywords = {2D-polymer, energy density, Energy storage, hexaaminobenzene, supercapacitor}, issn = {2574-0962}, doi = {10.1021/acsaem.0c00569}, author = {Wakchaure, Vivek C. and Kottaichamy, Alagar R. and Nidhankar, Aakash D. and Ranjeesh, Kayaramkodath C. and Nazrulla, Mohammed A. and Thotiyl, Musthafa O. and Babu, Sukumaran S.} } @article {46845, title = {Hierarchical nanoflower arrays of Co9S8-Ni3S2 on nickel foam: a highly efficient binder-free electrocatalyst for overall water splitting}, journal = {Chemistry-A European Journal}, volume = {26}, year = {2020}, month = {JUN }, pages = {7900-7911}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Hydrogen production is vital for meeting future energy demands and managing environmental sustainability. Electrolysis of water is considered as the suitable method for H-2 generation in a carbon-free pathway. Herein, the synthesis of highly efficient Co9S8-Ni3S2 based hierarchical nanoflower arrays on nickel foam (NF) is explored through the one-pot hydrothermal method (Co9S8-Ni3S2/NF) for overall water splitting applications. The nanoflower arrays are self-supported on the NF without any binder, possessing the required porosity and structural characteristics. The obtained Co9S8-Ni3S2/NF displays high hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), as well as oxygen evolution reaction (OER), activities in 1 m KOH solution. The overpotentials exhibited by this system at 25 mA cm(-2) are nearly 277 and 102 mV for HER and OER, respectively, in 1 m KOH solution. Subsequently, the overall water splitting was performed in 1 m KOH solution by employing Co9S8-Ni3S2/NF as both the anode and cathode, where the system required only 1.49, 1.60, and 1.69 V to deliver the current densities of 10, 25, and 50 mA cm(-2), respectively. Comparison of the activity of Co9S8-Ni3S2/NF with the state-of-the-art Pt/C and RuO2 coated on NF displays an enhanced performance for Co9S8-Ni3S2/NF both in the half-cell as well as in the full cell, emphasizing the significance of the present work. The post analysis of the material after water electrolysis confirms that the surface Co(OH)(2) formed during the course of the reaction serves as the favorable active sites. Overall, the activity modulation achieved in the present case is attributed to the presence of the open-pore morphology of the as formed nanoflowers of Co9S8-Ni3S2 on NF and the simultaneous presence of the surface Co(OH)(2) along with the highly conducting Co9S8-Ni3S2 core, which facilitates the adsorption of the reactants and subsequently its conversion into the gaseous products during water electrolysis.

}, keywords = {cobalt sulfide, electrocatalysts, Hydrogen evolution, overall water splitting, oxygen evolution}, issn = {0947-6539}, doi = {10.1002/chem.202000839, Early Access Date = MAY 2020}, author = {Illathvalappil, Rajith and Walko, Priyanka S. and Kanheerampockil, Fayis and Bhat, Suresh K. and Devi, R. Nandini and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {46995, title = {Highly enantioselective synthesis of sitagliptin}, journal = {Asian Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {9}, year = {2020}, month = {FEB}, pages = {189-191}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A highly enantioselective synthesis of sitagliptin, a potent DPP-4 inhibitor, is reported. Explicitly identified chiral FerroLANE ligands in the presence of rhodium catalyze the asymmetric hydrogenation of an enamine to yield sitagliptin with excellent enantioselectivity (98\% ee). The process was scaled up to 5 g and the final product was isolated as a phosphate salt with \>99\% ee.

}, keywords = {asymmetric hydrogenation, catalysis, FerroLANE ligands, Rhodium, sitagliptin}, issn = {2193-5807}, doi = {10.1002/ajoc.201900709, Early Access Date = JAN 2020}, author = {Khopade, V. Kishor and Sen, Anirban and Birajdar, Rajkumar S. and Paulbudhe, Uday P. and Kavale, Dattatry S. and Shinde, Prashant S. and Mhaske, Santosh B. and Chikkali, Samir H.} } @article {46602, title = {Highly reproducible, simple and selective analytical method for extractive UV-visible spectrophotometric determination of ruthenium (III): analysis of catalyst, fissium alloy and sequential separation}, journal = {Spectrochimica Acta Part A-Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy}, volume = {243}, year = {2020}, month = {DEC}, pages = {118814}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

An easy and selective method has been developed for the extractive spectrophotometric determination of ruthenium(III) with 4-(4{\textquoteright}-flurobenzylideneimino)-3-methyl-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole (FBIMMT) as a chelating reagent. The basis of the method is the formation of stable complex of {\textquoteleft}soft base{\textquoteright} FBIMMT with {\textquoteleft}soft acid{\textquoteright} ruthenium(M). The reagent FBIMMT in n-butanol easily forms extractable yellow coloured complex with ruthenium(III) in acetate buffer of pH 4.8. The absorbance of [Ru(III)-FBIMMT] complex is measured at 394 nm against the reagent blank. Good linearity range of concentration up to 27.0 mu g mL(-1) of ruthenium(III) is attained with correlation coefficient R-2 = 0.998. The optimum concentration range is 6 to 27.0 mu g mL(-1) which is deduced by Ringbom{\textquoteright}s plot. The apparent molar absorptivity found to be 2.75 x 10(3) L mol(-1) cm(-1). Some additional characteristics such as limit of detection (LOD = 0.48 mu g mL(-1)), limit of quantification (LOQ = 1.19 mu g mL(-1)), and Sandell{\textquoteright}s sensitivity (SS = of 0.0367 mu g cm(-2)) arc also estimated. The composition of [Ru (III)-FBIMMT1 complex has been established from Job{\textquoteright}s continuous variation method, mole ratio method, and log-log plot method. The specificity towards ruthenium(III) is well studied and appropriate masking agents are applied wherever required to boost it. The intra-day and inter-day precision values are found to be brilliant with \% relative standard deviation of 0.52 and 0.68 respectively with \% accuracy within the range of 99.00-100. The method is effectively used for determination of ruthenium(III) from water samples, binary and ternary synthetic mixtures, fissium alloy samples and catalyst materials. A scheme for sequential group separation of ruthenium(III), palladium(II) and osmium (VIII) has also been developed. The reproducible results of the present method confirm that the method has a good potential for quantitative determination of ruthenium(III) from various matrices. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Alloy samples, FBIMMT, Ruthenium(III), Spectrophotometric determination, Synthetic mixtures}, issn = {1386-1425}, doi = {10.1016/j.saa.2020.118814}, author = {Shaikh, Abdul B. and Barache, Umesh B. and Khogare, Balaji T. and Goswami, Ritusmita and Kokare, Balasaheb N. and Wadgaonkar, Prakash P. and Gaikwad, Shashikant H.} } @article {46658, title = {Hydrophobic interpenetrating polyamide-PDMS membranes for desalination, pesticides removal and enhanced chlorine tolerance}, journal = {Chemosphere}, volume = {258}, year = {2020}, month = {NOV}, pages = {127179}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Hydrophobic membranes for desalination and toxic organic pollutant removal have been fabricated using polyamide - PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) chemistries in a one-step protocol. The curing of polyamide and PDMS are orthogonal and co-curing both networks imparts hydrophobicity to the thin film composite membranes. The membranes exhibit increased adsorption of pesticides from the feed water along with maintaining excellent salt rejection capability (97\% NaCl rejection), thus giving the membranes a multifunctional character. Three toxic pesticides have been used in this study to demonstrate the viability of combining osmosis desalination technology with organic matter adsorption. The membranes also show excellent resistance to fouling by toxic pesticides (85\% salt rejection vs 67\% for commercial membranes in the presence of pesticides) and significantly improved chlorine tolerance (93.8\% salt rejection vs 86.5\% for commercial membranes after 20 h of exposure to sodium hypochlorite solution). (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane), Pesticide rejection, Salt rejection, Water purification membranes}, issn = {0045-6535}, doi = {10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127179}, author = {Khairkar, Shyam R. and Pansare, V, Amol and Shedge, Amol A. and Chhatre, Shraddha Y. and Suresh, A. K. and Chakrabarti, Subhananda and Patil, Vishwanath R. and Nagarkar, Amit A.} } @article {46775, title = {Ice templated nanocomposites containing rod-like hematite particles: Interplay between particle anisotropy and particle-matrix interactions}, journal = {Journal of Applied Physics}, volume = {128}, year = {2020}, month = {JUL }, pages = {034702}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We demonstrate that the mechanical response of ice templated nanocomposite scaffolds prepared from ellipsoidal hematite particles is determined by both the particle aspect ratio and the interaction between the particles and the matrix polymer. We ice template aqueous dispersions of hematite particles, polyethyleneimine, and diepoxy crosslinker and crosslink the polymer in the frozen state. This protocol results in the formation of elastic macroporous monoliths capable of complete recovery from large compressive strains. Hematite particles show an inversion of their surface charge with pH: they are negatively charged at a basic pH and positively charged under acidic conditions. This allows us to change the interaction between hematite particles and crosslinked matrix polymer that they are embedded in, simply by immersing the monoliths in aqueous solutions with different pH{\textquoteright}s. We report that under basic conditions, viz, when polyethyleneimine adsorbs on the particle surface, there is a decrease in the monolith modulus with an increase in the particle aspect ratio. We demonstrate that this correlates with a change in the mechanism of monolith response: from wall compression for isotropic particles to wall bending for anisotropic particles with an aspect ratio of 4. Under acidic conditions (pH=2), where hematite particles show a positive zeta potential, the monolith modulus increases with the aspect ratio of the ellipsoidal fillers. Understanding the interplay between filler aspect ratio and filler-matrix interaction has important implications for the control of nanocomposite mechanical properties.

}, issn = {0021-8979}, doi = {10.1063/1.5144217}, author = {Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy and Suresh, Karthika and Lama, Hisay and Basavaraj, Madivala G. and Satapathy, Dillip K.} } @article {46761, title = {In situ cross-linked nonaqueous polymer electrolyte for zinc-metal polymer batteries and hybrid supercapacitors}, journal = {Small}, volume = {16}, year = {2020}, month = {SEP}, pages = {2002528}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

This work reports the facile synthesis of nonaqueous zinc-ion conducting polymer electrolyte (ZIP) membranes using an ultraviolet (UV)-light-induced photopolymerization technique, with room temperature (RT) ionic conductivity values in the order of 10(-3)S cm(-1). The ZIP membranes demonstrate excellent physicochemical and electrochemical properties, including an electrochemical stability window of \>2.4 V versus Zn|Zn(2+)and dendrite-free plating/stripping processes in symmetric Zn||Zn cells. Besides, a UV-polymerization-assisted in situ process is developed to produce ZIP (abbreviated i-ZIP), which is adopted for the first time to fabricate a nonaqueous zinc-metal polymer battery (ZMPB; VOPO4|i-ZIP|Zn) and zinc-metal hybrid polymer supercapacitor (ZMPS; activated carbon|i-ZIP|Zn) cells. The VOPO(4)cathode employed in ZMPB possesses a layered morphology, exhibiting a high average operating voltage of approximate to 1.2 V. As compared to the conventional polymer cell assembling approach using the ex situ process, the in situ process is simple and it enhances the overall electrochemical performance, which enables the widespread intrusion of ZMPBs and ZMPSs into the application domain. Indeed, considering the promising aspects of the proposed ZIP and its easy processability, this work opens up a new direction for the emergence of the zinc-based energy storage technologies.

}, keywords = {nonaqueous electrolytes, polymer electrolytes, postlithium batteries, Supercapacitors, zinc-metal batteries}, issn = {1613-6810}, doi = {10.1002/smll.202002528, Early Access Date = JUL 2020}, author = {Vijayakumar, Vidyanand and Ghosh, Meena and Kurian, Maria and Torris, Arun and Dilwale, Swati and Badiger, V. Manohar and Winter, Martin and Nair, Jijeesh Ravi and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @inbook {47146, title = {Indole-based subincanadine alkaloids and their biogenetic congeners }, booktitle = {Indole-based subincanadine alkaloids and their biogenetic congeners }, volume = {83}, number = {Alkaloids-Chemistry and Biology}, year = {2020}, pages = {187-223}, abstract = {

The tryptamine-derived polycyclic bridged bioactive indole alkaloids subincanadines A-G were isolated in 2002 by Ohsaki and coworkers from the bark of the Brazilian medicinal plant Aspidosperma subincanum. Kobayashi proposed that subincanadines D-F could be biosynthetically resulting from stemmadenine via two different pathways and, furthermore, that the subincanadines A-C could be biogenetically resulting from subincanadines D and E. Kam and coworkers, in their focused efforts, isolated five indole alkaloids from Malaysian Kopsia arborea species, namely valparicine, apparicine, arboridinine, arborisidine, and arbornamine in combination with subincanadine E. On the basis of structural features, it has been proposed and proved in some examples that subincanadine E is a biogenetic precursor of these five different bioactive indole alkaloids bearing complex structural architectures. All important information on isolation, characterization, bioactivity, probable biogenetic pathways, and more specifically racemic and enantioselective total synthesis of subincanadine alkaloids and their biogenetic congeners are summarized in the present chapter. Special importance is given to the total synthesis and the synthetic strategies intended therein, comprising a set of main reactions.

}, keywords = {Aspidosperma subincanum species; Bioactive indole alkaloids; Biogenesis; Congeners; Subincanadines A{\textendash}G; Total syntheses}, doi = {10.1016/bs.alkal.2019.12.001 }, author = {Kalshetti, Manojkumar Gulabrao and Argade, Narshinha Panditrao} } @article {46909, title = {Influence of fluorine substitution on the molecular conformation of 3 {\textquoteleft}-deoxy-3 {\textquoteleft}-fluoro-5-methyluriaine}, journal = {Acta Crystallographica Section C-Structural Chemistry}, volume = {76}, year = {2020}, month = {APR}, pages = {346+}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

{Fluorine substitutions on the furanose ring of nucleosides are known to strongly influence the conformational properties of oligonucleotides. In order to assess the effect of fluorine on the conformation of 3{\textquoteright}-deoxy-3{\textquoteright}-fluoro-5-methyluridine (T-R(F)), C-10 H13FN2O5, we studied its stereochemistry in the crystalline state using X-ray crystallography. The compound crystallizes in the chiral orthorhombic space group P2(1)2(1)2(1) and contains two symmetry-independent molecules (A and B) in the asymmetric unit. The furanose ring in molecules A and B adopts conformations between envelope (E-2, 2{\textquoteright}-endo

}, keywords = {crystal structure, fluoro nucleoside, pseudorotation parameter, sugar puckering, uridine}, issn = {2053-2296}, doi = {10.1107/S2053229620003083}, author = {Aher, Manisha N. and Erande, Namrata D. and Kumar, Vaijayanti A. and Fernandes, Moneesha and Gonnade, Rajesh G.} } @article {46968, title = {Insights into the catalytic activity of Ru/NaY catalysts for efficient H-2 production through aqueous phase reforming}, journal = {Sustainable Energy \& Fuels}, volume = {4}, year = {2020}, month = {FEB }, pages = {678-690}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Ruthenium nanoparticles supported on NaY zeolite catalysts were synthesized by a simple ion exchange method. The structural and morphological features of the catalysts were systematically investigated using numerous techniques such as N-2-sorption, XRD, CO2-TPD, H-2-TPR, TEM, SEM, ICP-OES, TGA, CHN analysis, XPS, in situ CO-FTIR and NMR spectroscopy. These novel Ru-NaY catalysts were highly active and selective for H-2 production through aqueous phase reforming (APR) of glycerol and ethylene glycol. Among the various catalysts evaluated for H-2 production, the 3 wt\% Ru-NaY catalyst demonstrated the highest catalytic performance with excellent H-2 selectivity and this catalyst exhibits better activity as compared to many state of the art catalysts reported so far. The superior catalytic activity of 3 wt\% Ru-NaY was attributed to the appropriate Ru metal loading, good metal dispersion, small size of Ru nanoparticles, better metal-support interaction, and higher availability of catalytically active sites (Ru-0) and facilitated water gas shift (WGS) reaction. This catalytic activity result clearly shows that NaY zeolite supported Ru nanoparticles catalysts have excellent potential for H-2 production from biomass-derived compounds.

}, issn = {2398-4902}, doi = {10.1039/c9se00797k}, author = {Gogoi, Pranjal and Nagpure, Atul S. and Kandasamy, Prabu and Satyanarayana, C. V. V. and Raja, Thirumalaiswamy} } @article {46828, title = {Insights of Bipolaris sorokinianasecretome-anin silicoapproach}, journal = {Biologia}, volume = {75}, year = {2020}, month = {DEC}, pages = {2367-2381}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The plant pathogen,Bipolaris sorokiniana(teleomorph:Cochliobolus sativus), is of global concern as it attacks many economically important cereals and grasses. During the infection process, phytopathogenic fungi are known to secrete a variety of proteins collectively known as the secretome, analyzing which can help in deciphering the mechanism of fungal pathogenesis. In this study, we performedin silicosecretome analysis ofC. sativusstrain ND90Pr using established secretome prediction pipeline involving software tools such as SignalP, TargetP, TMHMM, big-PI Fungal Predictor, ProtComp, and WoLF PSORT. Using these software and other prediction criteria, we identified 196 probable secretory proteins from theB. sorokinianaproteome. Characterization of the predicted secretome revealed proteins that may have probable functions in degradation of the plant cell wall, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, as well as in pathogenesis and metabolism. Further, the PHI-base analysis identified 38 proteins having a possible role in pathogenicity and virulence. This study helped to predict the composition of the secretome ofB. sorokinianaand extrapolate its role in plant infection and pathogen survival. It may provide clues for developing new control strategies targeting the vital fungal secretory proteins.

}, keywords = {Cochliobolus sativus, pathogenesis, Phytopathogenic fungi, Secretory proteins, Virulence}, issn = {0006-3088}, doi = {10.2478/s11756-020-00537-4, Early Access Date = JUN 2020}, author = {Pathak, Gauri M. and Gurjar, Gayatri S. and Kadoo, Narendra Y.} } @article {46640, title = {Investigation of bond topological and electrostatic properties of plumbagin molecule: an experimental and theoretical charge density study}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Structure}, volume = {1220}, year = {2020}, month = {NOV}, pages = {128714}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Plumbagin is a naturally occurring derivative with several medicinal properties including antioxidants, antifungal, antimalarial, leprosy and antitumor properties; their structural and electrostatic properties are yet to be determined. The crystal structure of plumbagin has been solved; it shows that the compound crystallizes in P2(1)/c space group with two molecules in the asymmetric unit. The electron density distribution of both molecules have determined from multipole model refinement. Among all the C-O bonds of both molecules (I \& II), the OH group connected C-O bond and the methyl group connected C-C bond exhibits less electron density and the negative Laplacian of electron density as well. Further, the electrostatic potential (ESP) surface of two plumbagin molecules show some difference in their electronegative regions. The carbonyl O-atoms exhibit high electronegative ESP regions which are the key reactive locations of plumbagin when bind with the active site of target protein and in the ESP map, an aromatic pi-cloud also observed in one of the molecule. The electron density distribution of O-H center dot center dot center dot O intermolecular interactions between the molecules I and II, reveals that these interactions are found very stronger than the other interactions in the crystal. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Dipole moment, Electron density, Electrostatic potential, intermolecular interactions, Plumbagin}, issn = {0022-2860}, doi = {10.1016/j.molstruc.2020.128714}, author = {Kalaiarasi, Chinnasamy and Sivanandam, Magudeeswaran and Suganya, Suresh and Christy, George and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Hathwar, Venkatesha R. and Kumaradhas, Poomani} } @article {46798, title = {Iron-catalyzed C(sp(2))-H alkylation of indolines and benzo[h]quinoline with unactivated alkyl chlorides through chelation assistance}, journal = {ACS Catalysis}, volume = {10}, year = {2020}, month = {JUL }, pages = {7312-7321}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Regioselective C-H bond alkylation of indolines and benzo[h]quinoline with a wide range of unactivated and highly demanded primary and secondary alkyl chlorides is accomplished using a low-cost iron catalyst. This reaction tolerates diverse functionalities, such as C(sp(2))-Cl, fluoro, alkenyl, silyl, ether, thioether, pyrrolyl, and carbazolyl groups including cyclic and acyclic alkyls as well as alkyl-bearing fatty-alcohol and polycyclic-steroid moieties. The demonstrated iron-catalyzed protocol proceeded via either a five-membered or a six-membered metallacycle. Intriguingly, the C-7-alkylated indolines can be readily functionalized into free-NH indolines/indoles and tryptamine derivatives. A detailed mechanistic investigation highlights the participation of an active Fe(I) catalyst and the involvement of a halogen-atom transfer process via a single-electron-based mechanism. Deuterium labeling and kinetics analysis indicate that the C-H metalation of indoline is the probable turnover-limiting step. Overall, the experimental and theoretical studies supported an Fe(I)/Fe(III) pathway for the alkylation reaction comprising the two-step, one-electron oxidative addition of alkyl chloride.

}, keywords = {alkyl chlorides, Alkylation, C-H activation, chelation assistance, indolines, iron}, issn = {2155-5435}, doi = {10.1021/acscatal.0c02030}, author = {Jagtap, Rahul A. and Samal, Pragnya Paramita and Vinod, C. P. and Krishnamurty, Sailaja and Punji, Benudhar} } @article {46719, title = {LHRH-conjugated, PEGylated, poly-lactide-co-glycolide nanocapsules for targeted delivery of combinational chemotherapeutic drugs Docetaxel and Quercetin for prostate cancer}, journal = {Materials Science \& Engineering C-Materials for Biological Applications}, volume = {114}, year = {2020}, month = {SEP}, pages = {111035}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

One of the major challenges in effective cancer chemotherapy is the severe systemic cytotoxicities of anticancer drugs on healthy tissues. The present study reports chemically modified polymeric nanocapsules (NCs) encapsulating combination of chemotherapeutic drugs Docetaxel (DTX) and Quercetin (QU) for its active targeting to prostate cancer (PCa). The active targeting was achieved by conjugating Luteinizing-hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) ligand to poly-lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) using polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a spacer. The structure of the conjugates was characterized and confirmed using H-1 NMR and ATR-FTIR. The drug encapsulated NCs showed a homogenous size distribution with their size ranging between 120 and 150 nm, and exhibited a negative zeta potential in the range of - 20 to - 40 mV. The in vitro release studies highlighted the sustained drug release pattern from the respective NCs; while the PEG coating to polymeric NCs provided serum stability to the NCs. The in vitro biological evaluation of the NCs was conducted using PC-3 and LNCaP cell lines. The results of the cellular uptake studies showed a significantly higher untake of the LHRH targeted NCs, while the LHRH-targeted-PEGylated DTX: QU NCs exhibited higher caspase-3 activity. The cell viability assay results showed the enhanced cell inhibition activity of the combinatorial DTX: QU when compared to individual DTX. Further, higher cell cytotoxicity was achieved by LHRH-targeted DTX: QU NCs as compared to their free-form or non-targeted NCs. Finally, the results of in vivo tumor localization and in vivo antitumor activity studies complimented and upheld the in vitro results, demonstrating the beneficial role of PLGA-PEG-LHRH NCs encapsulating combination of DTX and QU in combating prostate cancer (PCa).

}, keywords = {Active targeting, Anticancer, Controlled release, EPR effect, Hydrophobic, Prostate}, issn = {0928-4931}, doi = {10.1016/j.msec.2020.111035}, author = {Shitole, Ajinkya A. and Sharma, Neeti and Giram, Prabhanjan and Khandwekar, Anand and Baruah, Meghna and Garnaik, Baijayantimala and Koratkar, Santosh} } @article {46991, title = {Ligand structure directed dimensionality reduction (2D -> 1D) in lead bromide perovskite}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {124}, year = {2020}, month = {JAN}, pages = {1888-1897}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Low dimensional (2D, 1D) lead halide perovskites are currently attracting huge research interest due to their enabling properties. Demonstrating synthetic control on the dimensionality/ structure of these perovskites is highly challenging. Dimensionality in these perovskites is largely dictated by the nature/structure and composition of the incorporating ligands and the utilized synthetic conditions. Here, we demonstrate chemical composition based control on reduction of dimensionality (2D -\> 1D) for lead bromide perovskite utilizing 2-(2-aminoethyl)isothiourea dihydrobromide as a common precursor ligand (Isothio Bromide). Controlling the hydrothermal reaction parameters (temperature, time) at a fixed precursor ratio affords corner-shared, contorted 2D sheet perovskite and corner-shared, contorted, chiral 1D chain perovskite. Such dimensionality reduction leads to contrasting photophysical properties: 1D chain perovskite shows long-lived and self-trapped broad band emission, whereas 2D perovskite shows short-lived, band edge emission with a long tail. Mechanistic studies and single crystal structure analysis reveal the incorporation of the utilized precursor ligand (Isothio Bromide) in 2D perovskite. Surprisingly, the 1D perovskite is found to be chiral (P2(1) space group) incorporating 2-(2-aminoethyldisulfanyl)ethanamine and ammonium ions as the achiral ligands generated in situ due to hydrothermal cleavage of the precursor (Isothio Bromide) ligand. Such structural and compositional change of the ligands, which manifests a different hydrogen bonding network in the resultant perovskite structure, plays a decisive role in dictating the final molecular formula and dimensionality/structure of the perovskite which largely controls their photophysical properties.

}, issn = {1932-7447}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpcc.9b11033}, author = {Bakthavatsalam, Rangarajan and Haris, Muhammed P. U. and Shaikh, Samir R. and Lohar, Amruta and Mohanty, Ashutosh and Moghe, Dhanashree and Sharma, Shivani and Biswas, Chinmoy and Raavi, Sai Santhosh Kumar and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Kundu, Janardan} } @article {46627, title = {Macro and molecular level insights on gas hydrate growth in the presence of hofmeister salts}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {59}, year = {2020}, month = {NOV }, pages = {20591-20600}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The effect of few monovalent salts (NaCl, NH4Cl, and GdmCl) as additives, according to the Hofrneister series on the growth of methane gas hydrates, has been studied using experiments as well as molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Further, the Hofmeister effects on hydrate crystallization have been correlated with the methanol as an additive, which is a known thermodynamic hydrate inhibitor for hydrate growth. One of the previous studies (discussed later in this article) available in the literature concludes that methane hydrate formation from ice might show enhanced kinetics in the presence of salts; this behavior is contrary to the general usage of such salts as hydrate inhibitors. This conclusion may not necessarily be true for experiments done with liquid water, and therefore, this work explores the behavior of these salts in a lab-scale setup. In addition, current work reports detailed MD simulation studies to gain insight into the mechanism of hydrate formation in the presence of Hofmeister series salts at two different concentrations of 1 and 10 wt \% in water and compare the results with hydrate formation in the methanol-water system. Our study suggests that the presence of these additives at low concentrations (1 wt \%) does enhance the hydrate growth kinetics. However, at higher concentrations (10 wt \%), inhibition by these additives persisted, and prolonged nucleation, as well as retarded growth, was observed.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/acs.iecr.0c04389}, author = {Choudhary, Nilesh and Kushwaha, Omkar Singh and Bhattacharjee, Gaurav and Chakrabarty, Suman and Kumar, Rajnish} } @article {47024, title = {Magnetic and luminescent multifunctional nanohybrid: Fe3O4@CaF2:Tb3+: a facile synthesis and characterization}, journal = {Indian Journal of Pure \& Applied Physics}, volume = {58}, year = {2020}, month = {JAN}, pages = {31-35}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In the present study, bi-functional hybrid nanomaterial has been synthesized and characterized via facile method and characterized. The synthesized nanomaterial shows both magnetic and luminescent properties which are confirmed by VSM (vibrating sample magnetometer), UV-Vis spectra and the photoluminescence emission spectra. For the magnetic phase, i.e., nanocrystalline magnetite, Fe3O4 is used as the core which is then functionalized using polyethylene glycol (PEG) and for the luminescent phase, polyethylenimine (PEI) functionalized CaF2 doped with Tb3+ is used as the emitter. Wherein, both PEG and PEI serve the dual purpose of functionalization as well as stabilization by steric repulsion. The structure and morphology of the synthesized bifunctional hybrid nanomaterial are studied with the help of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray powder diffraction.

}, keywords = {Biocompatible, CaF2, Co-precipitation, Fe3O4, Luminescent nanoparticle, Magnetic nanoparticles, Nanohybrid, Tb3+ doping}, issn = {0019-5596}, author = {Vats, Monika and Kumar, Rakesh and Sharma, Jyotsna and Luwang, Meitram Niraj} } @article {47315, title = {Metagenome sequencing to unveil microbial community composition and prevalence of antibiotic and metal resistance genes in hypersaline and hyperalkaline Lonar Lake, India}, journal = {Ecological Indicators}, volume = {110}, year = {2020}, month = {MAR}, pages = {105827}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Lonar Lake (India) is a hyperalkaline and hypersaline soda lake encompassing unique microbial composition and functions. This ecosystem has not been explored for taxonomic diversity and functional aspects (with emphasis on antibiotic and metal resistance genes) using whole metagenome sequencing for multiple years. Bacterial diversity analysis during year 2013, 2016, and 2018 depicted differences in the dominance of Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. For archaeal diversity, a similar pattern persisted with higher abundance of Euryarchaeota. Functional metagenome analyses, indicated presence of antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) and metal resistance gene (MRG) profiles in the lake. A wider continuum of resistance genes with dominant ARG types as multidrug resistance efflux pumps and beta-lactams were also observed. The lake resistome demonstrated fluoroquinolone and acriflavine resistance genes indicating sewage water contamination in the lake. The MRGs linked with resistance to toxic metals (arsenic, cobalt, cadmium, copper, and zinc) and cation efflux protein CusA and cobalt-zinc-cadmium resistance protein revealed metal contamination. This study could be a baseline for understanding prevalence of antibiotic and metal resistance mechanisms resulting from various anthropogenic activities nearby lake, and find integrated approaches for conservation of the precious Lonar Lake ecosystem.

}, keywords = {Archaeal diversity, ARGs, Bacterial diversity, Illumina sequencing, Lonar lake, MRGs}, issn = {1470-160X}, doi = {10.1016/j.ecolind.2019.105827}, author = {Chakraborty, Jaya and Sapkale, Vibhavari and Shah, Manan and Rajput, Vinay and Mehetre, Gajanan and Agawane, Sachin and Kamble, Sanjay and Dharne, Mahesh} } @article {46999, title = {Methoxymethyl threofuranosyl thymidine (4 {\textquoteleft}-MOM-TNA-T) at the T7 position of the thrombin-binding aptamer boosts anticoagulation activity, thermal stability, and nuclease resistance}, journal = {ACS Omega}, volume = {5}, year = {2020}, month = {JAN }, pages = {498-506}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The synthesis of 4{\textquoteright}-methoxymethyl threofuranosyl (4{\textquoteright}-MOM-TNA) thymidine and derived oligomers of the G-rich thrombin-binding aptameric (TBA) sequence is reported. The G-quadruplex stability, anticoagulation activity, and the enzymatic stability of these oligomers bearing the 2{\textquoteright}-3{\textquoteright}-phosphodiester backbone as single substitutions in the loop regions are studied. Amongst all the oligomers, TBA-7T bearing the 4{\textquoteright}-MOM-TNA unit at the T7 position formed a quadruplex with the highest thermal stability. It also resulted in enhanced anticlotting activity that allowed a one-third reduction in the dose, relative to TBA. Further, TBA-7T exhibited enhanced nuclease resistance properties to both endo- and exonucleases.

}, issn = {2470-1343}, doi = {10.1021/acsomega.9b03042}, author = {Varada, Manojkumar and Aher, Manisha and Erande, Namrata and Kumar, Vaijayanti A. and Fernandes, Moneesha} } @article {46972, title = {Microstructural differences between Viscose and Lyocell revealed by in-situ studies of wet and dry fibers}, journal = {Cellulose}, volume = {27}, year = {2020}, month = {FEB}, pages = {1195-1206}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Regenerated cellulose fibers manufactured using Lyocell and Viscose processes exhibit differences in their structural response to mechanical deformation. Here, we study the effect of stretching and stress relaxation on the orientation of crystal and amorphous phases. Our results show that on stretching, orientation in both crystal and amorphous phases increases linearly with strain, correlating with the increase in stress and with the stretching of the crystalline unit cell along the c-axis. On holding after stretching to a particular strain, the stress relaxes logarithmically in time, correlating with a decrease in the strain along the c-axis of the crystal unit cell. The stress relaxation is also correlated with a logarithmic increase in amorphous orientation, while crystalline orientation stays constant. We attribute the stress development during stretching to deformation of the crystal unit cell, while crystal reorientation in the fiber direction results in increase in the crystalline orientation parameter. On holding the fiber at a fixed total strain, the stress relaxes as strain is transferred from crystal to amorphous regions. Thus, the strain on the unit cell c-axis decreases and amorphous orientation increases. There are quantitative differences between the rate of increase in amorphous phase orientation during stress relaxation for Lyocell and Viscose fibers. For dry fibers, Lyocell shows a slower increase in orientation during stress relaxation. On wetting the fibers, their structural response changes qualitatively. We combine wide angle x ray diffraction and birefringence experiments with our model to infer that that on stretching the wet fiber, the crystalline phase is neither strained nor oriented. However, orientation develops in the amorphous phase. During stress relaxation in wet condition, Lyocell fibers shows a faster increase in amorphous orientation than Viscose fibers, in line with the comparison of relaxation time spectra for wet Viscose and Lyocell fibers. Graphic abstract

}, keywords = {birefringence, Crystal-amorphous orientation, In-situ WAXD, Regenerated cellulose}, issn = {0969-0239}, doi = {10.1007/s10570-019-02863-6}, author = {Sharma, Aakash and Thakre, Shirish and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy} } @article {46595, title = {Mixed metal oxide: a new class of catalyst for methanol activation}, journal = {Applied Surface Science}, volume = {534}, year = {2020}, month = {DEC}, pages = {147449}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In this work, we propose a mixed metal oxide as a catalyst and demonstrate it{\textquoteright}s ability to not only activate the MeOH molecule upon adsorption but also dissociate O-H and one of it{\textquoteright}s C-H bonds. MeOH activation is compared on two prominent facets of ZnAl(2)O(4 )viz. (2 2 0) and (31 1). While spontaneous O-H bond dissociation is observed on both facets, C-H bond dissociates only on the (3 1 1) surface. Multiple factors like atomic arrangement and steps on the surface, coordination of surface atoms, and their effective charges have a combined effect on MeOH activation. The (3 1 1) surface offers higher catalytic activity in comparison with (2 2 0) surface. Having a stepped surface, availability of multiple sites, and variation in the charge distribution are some of the reasons for better catalytic performance of (3 1 1) facet. Effect of orientation of MeOH with respect to the surface adds both, information and complexity to the problem. Observations pertinent to understanding this effect are also reported. A detailed analysis of atomic arrangement on the two surfaces provides a rationale as to why MeOH gets dissociated spontaneously on the mixed metal oxide. The promising results reported here opens up a new class of catalyst for research.

}, keywords = {DFT, MeOH, Spontaneous dissociation, ZnAl2O4}, issn = {0169-4332}, doi = {10.1016/j.apsusc.2020.147449}, author = {Mehta, Shweta and Agarwal, Sheena and Kenge, Nivedita and Mekala, Siva Prasad and Patil, Vipul and Raja, T. and Joshi, Kavita} } @inbook {47149, title = {Molecular determinants of GPCR oligomerization}, booktitle = {Molecular determinants of GPCR oligomerization}, number = {GPCRs}, year = {2020}, pages = {97-108}, doi = {10.1016/B978-0-12-816228-6.00006-4}, author = {Mohole, Madhura and Kumar, G. Aditya and Sengupta, Durba and Chattopadhyay, Amitabha} } @article {46922, title = {Molecular networking and whole-genome analysis aid discovery of an angucycline that inactivates mTORC1/C2 and induces programmed cell death}, journal = {ACS Chemical Biology}, volume = {15}, year = {2020}, month = {MAR}, pages = {780-788}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Rediscovery of known compounds and time consumed in identification, especially high molecular weight compounds with complex structure, have let down interest in drug discovery. In this study, whole-genome analysis of microbe and Global Natural Products Social (GNPS) molecular networking helped in initial understanding of possible compounds produced by the microbe. Genome data revealed 10 biosythethic gene clusters that encode for secondary metabolites with anticancer potential. NMR analysis of the pure compound revealed the presence of a four-ringed benz[a]anthracene, thus confirming angucycline; molecular networking further confirmed production of this class of compounds. The type II polyketide synthase gene identified in the microbial genome was matched with the urdamycin duster by BLAST analysis. This information led to ease in identification of urdamycin E and a novel natural derivative, urdamycin V, purified from Streptomyces sp. OA293. Urdamycin E (Urd E) induced apoptosis and autophagy in cancer cell lines. Urd E exerted anticancer action through inactivation of the mTOR complex by preventing phosphorylation at Ser 2448 and Ser 2481 of mTORC1 and mTORC2, respectively. Significant reduction in phosphorylation of the major downstream regulators of both mTORC1 (p70s6k and 4e-bp1) and mTORC2 (Akt) were observed, thus further confirming complete inhibition of the mTOR pathway. Urd E presents itself as a novel mTOR inhibitor that employs a novel mechanism in mTOR pathway inhibition.

}, issn = {1554-8929}, doi = {10.1021/acschembio.0c00026}, author = {Dan, Vipin Mohan and Vinodh, J. S. and Sandesh, C. J. and Sanawar, Rahul and Lekshmi, Asha and Kumar, R. Ajay and Kumar, T. R. Santhosh and Marelli, Uday Kiran and Dastager, Syed G. and Pillai, M. Radhakrishna} } @article {46904, title = {Morphological evolution of two-dimensional porous hexagonal trimesic acid framework}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {12}, year = {2020}, month = {APR }, pages = {15588-15594}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Hexagonal single crystal structure (Form II) of trimesic acid (TMA) has been isolated by dissolving the interpenetrated Form I of TMA in tetrahydrofuran. Form II (hexagonal) was converted to Form I (interpenetrated) at room temperature through some intermediate structures. A detailed time-dependent FESEM study shows that the external morphology of Form II (hexagonal) is a hollow hexagonal tube that mimics its crystal structure. The block-shaped (morphology) of Form I (interpenetrated) was converted to the hollow hexagonal tube through some intermediate morphologies which are corresponding to particular crystal structures. Here, we have established a strong correlation between crystal structures with the morphology. These hollow tubes have been employed for Rhodamine B dye adsorption studies and showed an uptake of 82\%, much more significant than Form I (interpenetrated) (39\%) due to the presence of a pore channel in the crystal structure.

}, keywords = {dye adsorption, hollow hexagonal rod, hydrogen-bonded organic framework, morphology evaluation, trimesic acid}, issn = {1944-8244}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.0c01398}, author = {Tothadi, Srinu and Koner, Kalipada and Dey, Kaushik and Addicoat, Matthew and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article {46618, title = {Morphology and dynamics of self-assembled structures in mixed surfactant systems (SDS plus CAPB) in the context of methane hydrate growth}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Liquids}, volume = {319}, year = {2020}, month = {DEC }, pages = {114296}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Presence of small dosages of surfactants in the aqueous phase has been reported to enhance the rate of gas hydrate (clathrate) formation. In this work, using extensive atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we have investigated how SDS (surfactant) aggregates in the presence/absence of CAPB (co-surfactant) at ambient conditions (temperature 298 K and pressure 1 bar) and at hydrate forming conditions (temperature 275 K and pressure 50 bar) resulting in altered growth kinetics of methane hydrate. We observe that SDS forms aggregates of different sizes and shapes depending on the thermodynamic condition starting from random distributions of the surfactants. In the presence of the CAPB co-surfactant, tightly packed mixed aggregates are formed. Using various structural order parameters, we demonstrate that shape of the aggregates deviates from spherical as well as cylindrical symmetry. During the aggregation process in presence of methane, the methane molecules get absorbed into the aggregates, enhance the aggregation kinetics and provide structural flexibility to the aggregates. This result is partly in agreement with previous experimental observations that SDS (with or without a co-surfactant) may form micelle-like structures under hydrate forming conditions and that methane gets absorbed by these aggregates leading to enhanced solubility of methane in the aqueous phase. Further, we have investigated the dynamics of shape fluctuations of the aggregates and observed that several distinct relaxation timescales exist in these heterogenous systems. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0167-7322}, doi = {10.1016/j.molliq.2020.114296}, author = {Hande, Vrushali and Choudhary, Nilesh and Chakrabarty, Suman and Kumar, Rajnish} } @article {46659, title = {NADP-dependent glutamate dehydrogenases in a dimorphic zygomycete Benjaminiella poitrasii: purification, characterization and their evaluation as an antifungal drug target}, journal = {Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta-General Subjects}, volume = {1864}, year = {2020}, month = {NOV}, pages = {129696}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Background: It has been reported that the genes coding for NADP-dependent glutamate dehydrogenases (NADP-GDHs) showed a cause-effect relationship with Yeast-Hypha (Y-H) reversible transition in a zygomycete Benjaminiella poitrasii. As Y-H transition is significant in human pathogenic fungi for their survival and proliferation in the host, the NADP-GDHs can be explored as antifungal drug targets. Methods: The yeast-form specific BpNADPGDH I and hyphal-form specific BpNADPGDH II of B. poitrasii were purified by heterologous expression in E. coll. BL-21 cells and characterized. The structural analogs of L-glutamate, dimethyl esters of isophthalic acid (DMIP) and its derivatives were designed, synthesized and screened for inhibition of NADP-GDH activity as well as Y-H transition in B. poitrasii, and also in human pathogenic Candida albicans strains. Results: The BpNADPGDH I and BpNADPGDH II were found to be homo-hexameric proteins with native molecular mass of 282 kDa and 298 kDa, respectively and subunit molecular weights of 47 kDa and 49 kDa, respectively. Besides the distinct kinetic properties, BpNADPGDH I and BpNADPGDH II were found to be regulated by cAMP-dependent- and Calmodulin (CaM) dependent- protein kinases, respectively. The DMIP compounds showed a more pronounced effect on H-form specific BpNADPGDH II and inhibited Y-H transition as well as growth in B. poitrasii and C. albicans strains. Conclusion: The present study will be useful to design and develop antifungal drugs against dimorphic human pathogens using glutamate dehydrogenase as a target. Significance: Glutamate dehydrogenases can be explored as a target against human pathogenic fungi.

}, keywords = {Antifungal compound, Benjaminiella poitrasii, Candida albicans, Dimethyl esters and amides of isophthalic acid, dimorphism, Enzyme inhibition, NADP-glutamate dehydrogenases}, issn = {0304-4165}, doi = {10.1016/j.bbagen.2020.129696}, author = {Pathan, Ejaj K. and Kulkarni, Anand M. and Prasanna, Nallaballe V. L. and Ramana, V, Chepuri and Deshpande, V, Mukund} } @article {46898, title = {Nafion lonomer-based single component electrolytes for aqueous Zn/MnO2 batteries with long cycle life}, journal = {ACS Sustainable Chemistry \& Engineering}, volume = {8}, year = {2020}, month = {APR }, pages = {5040-5049}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Recently, aqueous rechargeable Zn/MnO2 batteries are emerging as promising energy storage aids owing to their improved safety, low cost of fabrication, and high energy density. However, the rapid decay of capacity during extended charge- discharge cycles hinders the prospect of this technology beyond lab-scale. In the conventional Zn/MnO2 cell, additives such as Mn2+ have been used to tackle the stability issue. Here, we demonstrate that cycling performance of the Zn/MnO2 cell can be improved substantially by using Nafion ionomer as the separator in combination with zinc-ion conducting electrolytes. The Nafion ionomer-based Zn/MnO2 cells do not require any Mn{\textquoteright} additive in the electrolyte and hence termed as {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}single component{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} electrolytes. The postmortem study of the post-cycled electrodes reveals that the structural evolution of both the anode and cathode in various electrolytes (1 M Zn(CF3SO3)(2), 1 M ZnSO4 center dot 7H(2)O, and 3 M ZnSO4 center dot 7H(2)O) during prolonged cycling significantly influences the cycle life of the respective cells. Optimizing the Nafion ionomer membrane with a suitable electrolyte could render the desired combination of high capacity and high cycle life for a Zn/MnO2 cell.

}, keywords = {aqueous Zn-ion batteries, Cycling stability, dendrite suppression, Electrodeposition, MnO2, Nafion ionomer separator, single component electrolyte}, issn = {2168-0485}, doi = {10.1021/acssuschemeng.9b06798}, author = {Ghosh, Meena and Vijayakumar, Vidyanand and Anothumakkool, Bihag and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {46655, title = {Nanocomposite of functional silver metal containing curcumin biomolecule model systems: Protein BSA bioavailability}, journal = {Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry}, volume = {212}, year = {2020}, month = {NOV}, pages = {111210}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Curcumin, a constituent of Curcuma longa L-Zingiberaceae is used in traditional Indian and worldwide medicine and shows anticancer and antioxidant properties. Curcumin has numerous biological and pharmacological ac-tivities but due to its hydrophobic nature, the major drawback is poor absorption and rapid elimination, rendering curcumin with the tag of a poor biomaterial. Hence, there is a need to develop functional metal containing curcumin model systems (FMCCMS) as a metallo-biomolecule to enhance the bioavailability of curcumin. We designed the interaction of silver metal ion with curcumin to form curcumin-silver nanocomposite (CURC-AgNCP) via ultrasonic synthetic route. Formations of FMCCMS were characterized by spectroscopic techniques. The crystalline face-centered cubic pattern and particle size of the nanocomposite was evaluated using X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The bonding of silver metal to curcumin was confirmed by X-ray photon spectroscopy. Interaction of the nanocomposite with bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein was performed using excitation, emission, and circular dichroism spectroscopy. In binding interaction of BSA, the negative value of Delta S degrees (-358.04 J mol(-1) K-1) and Delta H degrees (-129.42 KJ mol(-1)) demonstrates the hydrophilic nature of the nanocomposite. The binding distance r evaluated according to the Forster resonance energy transfer theory and was 4.69 nm for CURC-AgNCP, which suggested non-radiative transfer of energy between CURC-AgNCP and BSA. The role of FMCCMS metallo-biomolecule CURC-AgNCP in medicine for cancer activity can have immense importance and hence we performed Sulphorhodamine B based in-vitro cytotoxicity assay on human breast cancer Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 cell line.

}, keywords = {Ag-based CURC biomaterials, Breast cancer, Metal in medicine, Metallobiomolecules, Nanocomposite}, issn = {0162-0134}, doi = {10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2020.111210}, author = {Shedge, Amol A. and Pansare, Shubham V. and Khairkar, Shyam R. and Chhatre, Shraddha Y. and Chakrabarti, S. and Nagarkar, Amit A. and Pansare, Amol V. and Patil, Vishwanath R.} } @article {47158, title = {Nanoparticle size-fractionation through self-standing porous covalent organic framework films}, journal = {Angewandte Chemie-International Edition}, volume = {59}, year = {2020}, month = {JAN}, pages = {1161-1165}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have attracted attention due to their ordered pores leading to important industrial applications like storage and separation. Combined with their modular synthesis and pore engineering, COFs could become ideal candidates for nanoseparations. However, the fabrication of these microcrystalline powders as continuous, crack-free, robust films remains a challenge. Herein, we report a simple, slow annealing strategy to construct centimeter-scale COF films (Tp-Azo and Tp-TTA) with micrometer thickness. The as-synthesized films are porous (SA(BET)=2033 m(2) g(-1) for Tp-Azo) and chemically stable. These COFs have distinct size cut-offs (ca. 2.7 and ca. 1.6 nm for Tp-Azo and Tp-TTA, respectively), which allow the size-selective separation of gold nanoparticles. Unlike, other conventional membranes, the durable structure of the COF films allow for excellent recyclability (up to 4 consecutive cycles) and easy recovery of the gold nanoparticles from the solution.

}, keywords = {covalent organic frameworks, films, nanofilter, Nanoparticles, size-selective separation}, issn = {1433-7851}, doi = {10.1002/anie.201912381, Early Access Date = DEC 2019}, author = {Dey, Kaushik and Kunjattu, Shebeeb H. and Chahande, Anurag M. and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article {47318, title = {Nanoporous covalent organic framework embedded with Fe/Fe3O4 nanoparticles as air-stable low-density nanomagnets}, journal = {ACS Applied Nano Materials}, volume = {3}, year = {2020}, month = {SEP }, pages = {9088-9096}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) made of light atoms such as H, C, N, and O with a significant void-to-framework ratio are excellent low-density supports for nanoparticles (nPs). Their framework can be precoded with heteroatoms to ensure binding with metallic nanoclusters. With these advantages, if controlled amounts of magnetic nPs are anchored to them, they can yield low-density organic-inorganic nanomagnets. Their organic nature facilitates fusion with bulk materials such as paper/textile to enable bulk composites with well-dispersed low-density magnets, which have potential for defense and next-generation aviation applications. Herein, we have grown small Fe/Fe3O4 nPs (5-18 wt \%) inside a COF. Interestingly, 300 mg of this organic-inorganic framework material (containing 50 mg of nPs) can lift a vial of similar to 15,000 mg (300 times heavier). Also, the hydrophobic COF wraps around the Fe/Fe3O4 nanocluster retaining its room-temperature magnetic character even after 1 year, while the naked nPs lose it within a few days because of air oxidation. Bulk composites with paper and polymers have been made using this low-density Fe-COF to demonstrate their processability.

}, keywords = {air-stable nanomagnets, Covalent organic framework, Fe/Fe3O4 nanoparticles, low-density nanomagnets, magnetic rayon, nanoporous COF}, issn = {2574-0970}, doi = {10.1021/acsanm.0c01762}, author = {Kushwaha, Rinku and Kaleeswaran, Dhananjayan and Haldar, Sattwick and Chakraborty, Debanjan and Mullangi, Dinesh and Borah, Aditya and Vinod, Chathakudath P. and Murugavel, Ramaswamy and Vaidhyanathan, Ramanathan} } @article {46852, title = {NetConfer: a web application for comparative analysis of multiple biological networks}, journal = {BMC Biology}, volume = {18}, year = {2020}, month = {MAY}, pages = {53}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Background Most biological experiments are inherently designed to compare changes or transitions of state between conditions of interest. The advancements in data intensive research have in particular elevated the need for resources and tools enabling comparative analysis of biological data. The complexity of biological systems and the interactions of their various components, such as genes, proteins, taxa, and metabolites, have been inferred, represented, and visualized via graph theory-based networks. Comparisons of multiple networks can help in identifying variations across different biological systems, thereby providing additional insights. However, while a number of online and stand-alone tools exist for generating, analyzing, and visualizing individual biological networks, the utility to batch process and comprehensively compare multiple networks is limited. Results Here, we present a graphical user interface (GUI)-based web application which implements multiple network comparison methodologies and presents them in the form of organized analysis workflows. Dedicated comparative visualization modules are provided to the end-users for obtaining easy to comprehend, insightful, and meaningful comparisons of various biological networks. We demonstrate the utility and power of our tool using publicly available microbial and gene expression data. Conclusion NetConfer tool is developed keeping in mind the requirements of researchers working in the field of biological data analysis with limited programming expertise. It is also expected to be useful for advanced users from biological as well as other domains (working with association networks), benefiting from provided ready-made workflows, as they allow to focus directly on the results without worrying about the implementation. While the web version allows using this application without installation and dependency requirements, a stand-alone version has also been supplemented to accommodate the offline requirement of processing large networks.

}, keywords = {Bioinformatics, biological networks, Interaction networks, Network comparison, visualization}, doi = {10.1186/s12915-020-00781-9}, author = {Nagpal, Sunil and Baksi, Krishanu Das and Kuntal, Bhusan K. and Mande, Sharmila S.} } @article {46668, title = {NetConfer: a web application for comparative analysis of multiple biological networks (vol 18, 53, 2020)}, journal = {BMC Biology}, volume = {18}, year = {2020}, month = {OCT}, pages = {147}, type = {Correction}, abstract = {

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

}, doi = {10.1186/s12915-020-00898-x}, author = {Nagpal, Sunil and Das Baksi, Krishanu and Kuntal, Bhusan K. and Mande, Sharmila S.} } @article {46803, title = {New TBAF complex, highly stable, facile and selective source for nucleophilic fluorination: applications in batch and flow chemistry}, journal = {Asian Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {9}, year = {2020}, month = {JUL}, pages = {1022-1026}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Natural polysaccharides supported tetrabutylammonium fluoride (TBAF) complexes are prepared and found to be highly stable and selective fluoride source for well-renowned nucleophilic (SN2 type) fluorination reactions for the first time. Bacterial cellulose, plant cellulose, pectin, and starch derived TBAF complexes are synthesized, characterized (using SEM, TEM, and NMR techniques) and studied for their stability and reactivity. Heterogeneous bacterial cellulose-TBAF complex (NBu4(Bac-cell-OH)F) 1 was found to be highly stable and non-hygroscopic among all complexes, which gave high yields of fluorinated products in multi-gram scale in shorter reaction time. The primarily developed batch protocol was extended to solid-solid continuous flow reaction using an in-house built screw reactor, which furnished products in a few seconds of residence time (tR=20-25 sec) and excellent yields.

}, keywords = {Flow synthesis, fluorination, green chemistry, Sustainable Chemistry}, issn = {2193-5807}, doi = {10.1002/ajoc.202000235}, author = {Said, Madhukar S. and Khonde, Nilesh S. and Thorat, Meghana N. and Atapalkar, Ranjit S. and Kulkarni, Amol A. and Gajbhiye, Jayant and Dastager, Syed G.} } @article {46899, title = {N-heterocyclic carbene catalysis exploiting oxidative imine umpolung for the generation of imidoyl azoliums}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {85}, year = {2020}, month = {APR }, pages = {5114-5121}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Although NHC-catalyzed umpolung of imines are known, the related reactions under oxidative conditions are limited. Described herein is the two-step process involving the initial formation of aldimines from the corresponding aldehydes and 2-amino benzyl alcohols followed by NHC-catalyzed cyclization proceeding via the imidoyl azoliums under oxidative conditions. The reaction allowed the synthesis of trifluoromethylated 3,1-benzoxazines in good yields and broad scope. The role of NHC in the intramolecular cyclization and preliminary mechanistic experiments are also provided.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/acs.joc.0c00360}, author = {Das, Tamal Kanti and Madica, Krishnaprasad and Krishnan, Jagadeesh and Marelli, Udaya Kiran and Biju, Akkattu T.} } @article {46903, title = {NiFe layered double hydroxide-decorated N-doped entangled-graphene framework: a robust water oxidation electrocatalyst}, journal = {Nanoscale Advances}, volume = {2}, year = {2020}, month = {APR }, pages = {1709-1717}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Three dimensional (3D) porous carbon materials are highly desirable for electrochemical applications owing to their high surface area and porosity. Uniformly distributed porosity in the 3D architecture of carbon support materials allows reactant molecules to access more electrochemically active centres and simultaneously facilitate removal of the product formed during electrochemical reactions. Herein, we have prepared a nitrogen-doped entangled graphene framework (NEGF), decorated with NiFe-LDH nanostructures by an in situ solvothermal method followed by freeze-drying at high vacuum pressure and low temperature. The freeze-drying method helped to prevent the restacking of the graphene sheets and the formation of a high surface area nitrogen-doped entangled graphene framework (NEGF) supported NiFe-LDHs. The incorporation of the NEGF has significantly reduced the overpotential for the electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in 1 M KOH solution. This corresponds to an overpotential reduction from 340 mV for NiFe-LDHs to 290 mV for NiFe-LDH/NEGF to reach the benchmark current density of 10 mA cm(-2). The preparation of the catalyst is conceived through a low-temperature scalable process.

}, issn = {2516-0230}, doi = {10.1039/c9na00808j}, author = {Manna, Narugopal and Ayasha, Nadeema and Singh, Santosh K. and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {46709, title = {Novel flow reactor for handling suspensions: hydrodynamics and performance evaluation}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {59}, year = {2020}, month = {SEP }, pages = {16462-16472}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A novel reactor concept that can handle solid particles without any moving components in the reactor is proposed and demonstrated in this work. The proposed reactor is designed by arranging the unique shape cavities in a sequence where inlet and outlets are positioned off-center to each other at specific angles and distance. Detailed flow simulation suggested that cavities with diameter D, having aspect ratio H/D similar to 1.53, outlet (having a diameter of 0.2D) positioned at 0.3D from the center and at 180 degrees with reference to the inlet is suitable for the expected performance. The proposed geometry of the reactor with the optimal geometrical configuration was fabricated and hydrodynamics (viz. pressure drop, mass transfer, and heat transfer, and residence time distribution) were studied. The reactor also offered high mass transfer coefficients and is useful for liquid-liquid reactions and extraction. A variety of solid suspensions (glass particles, activated carbon, starch particles, magnesium hydroxide) were tested over a wide range of flow rates for checking the solid handling capability of the reactor. The neutralization reaction of NaOH (with dissolved a-naphthol) with concentrated HCl that results in almost instantaneous precipitation of a-naphthol from the solution is used as a test reaction for a range of a-naphthol concentrations to change the suspension loading. It is shown that the proposed reactor can handle up to 22\% (w/v) solid concentration without any clogging for a longer duration of the operation. However, for sticky solid particles, the same reactor would get clogged at the outlet ports for smaller diameters.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/acs.iecr.9b06864}, author = {Sharma, Mrityunjay K. and Suru, Aditya and Joshi, Anuj and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article {47010, title = {Ovalbumin-mediated synthesis and simultaneous functionalization of graphene with increased protein stability}, journal = {Green Chemistry Letters and Reviews}, volume = {13}, year = {2020}, month = {JAN }, pages = {60-67}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In this article, we have shown an easy, one-step, protein-directed approach for the synthesis of water-soluble and functional graphene using ovalbumin. The obtained ovalbumin functionalized graphene was characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Atomic force microscopy was used to check the attachment/functionalization of ovalbumin on grapheme sheets. It was shown that the functionalization of ovalbumin on grapheme sheets makes the protein more thermally stable compare to free ovalbumin, which has been shown by using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

}, keywords = {Atomic force microscopy, graphene, graphene oxide, Ovalbumin, SDS-PAGE, thermal degradation}, issn = {1751-8253}, doi = {10.1080/17518253.2020.1725150}, author = {Ullah, Riaz and Khan, Shadab Ali and Aladresi, Aref Ali Mohammed and Alharbi, Sulaiman Ali and Chinnathambi, Arunachalam} } @article {46888, title = {Overturning the peribysin family natural products isolated from periconia byssoides OUPS-N133: synthesis and stereochemical revision of peribysins A, B, C, F, and G}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {22}, year = {2020}, month = {APR}, pages = {3104-3109}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Herein we report the stereochemical revision of peribysins A, B, C, F, and G, guided by enantiospecific total synthesis starting from (+)-nootkatone. Furthermore, we reconfirmed the absolute stereochemistry of peribysin Q The highlights of the synthesis are enone transposition and kinetic iodination resulting in separation of diastereomers. Our findings coupled with synthetic and biological data previously reported by Danishefsky{\textquoteright}s group suggest that the original stereochemistries of peribysins A, B, C, F, and G were misassigned.

}, issn = {1523-7060}, doi = {10.1021/acs.orglett.0c00857}, author = {Athawale, Paresh R. and Kalmode, Hanuman P. and Motiwala, Zenia and Kulkarni, Kiran A. and Reddy, D. Srinivasa} } @article {46686, title = {Oxidative rearrangement of stilbenes to 2,2-diaryl-2-hydroxyacetaldehydes}, journal = {ACS Omega}, volume = {5}, year = {2020}, month = {OCT }, pages = {25199-25208}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A one-pot oxone-mediated/iodine-catalyzed oxidative rearrangement of stilbenes leading to 2,2-diary1-2-hydroxyacetaldehydes is described. Control experiments revealed that a 2,2-diarylacetaldehyde was initially formed that undergoes subsequent alpha-hydroxylation. The resulting alpha-hydroxyaldehydes have been subjected to a one-pot Still Gennari olefination followed by cyclization, leading to S,S-diaryl-y-butenolides.

}, issn = {2470-1343}, doi = {10.1021/acsomega.0c03328}, author = {Kalshetti, Rupali G. and Ramana, V. Chepuri} } @article {46610, title = {P2O5-mediated Friedel-Crafts acylation of activated arenes with carboxylic acid as acylating agent}, journal = {Indian Journal of Chemistry Section B-Organic Chemistry Including Medicinal Chemistry}, volume = {59}, year = {2020}, month = {DEC}, pages = {1861-1867}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

P2O5 has been found to be a highly efficient and environmental friendly catalyst for the liquid-phase acylation of activated aromatic substrates giving aromatic ketones (45-93\%) in a regioselective manner. Both aromatic and aliphatic carboxylic acids can be employed as acylating source. The process is particularly demonstrated at 100 g scale in the case of anisole and acetic acid to produce 4-methoxyacetophenone.

}, keywords = {4-methoxyacetophenone, Carboxylic acid, Friedel-Crafts acylations, phosphorus pentoxide}, issn = {0376-4699}, author = {Kalshetti, Rupali G. and Mandle, Ram D. and Kamble, Sanjay P. and Sudalai, Arumugam} } @article {46951, title = {Pd-catalyzed annulation of beta-iodovinyl sulfones with 2-halophenols: a general route for the synthesis of 3-sulfonyl benzofuran derivatives}, journal = {Advanced Synthesis \& Catalysis}, volume = {362}, year = {2020}, month = {MAR}, pages = {1317-1322}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The palladium-catalyzed annulation between beta-iodovinyl sulfones and 2-halophenols or 1-bromo-2-naphthol or 2-bromo-3-pyridinol is presented. The annulation process involving oxa-Michael addition-elimination and intramolecular Heck reaction leading to form 2,3-disubstituted benzofurans (aryl benzofuryl sulfones) in good to high yields. The regioselective tandem construction of C-O and C-C bonds has been achieved with a variety of substitution patterns. Moreover, the tandem process is reliable at gram-scale reactions and a plausible mechanism is also proposed.

}, keywords = {Benzofurans, beta-Iodovinyl sulfones, Heck reaction, Naphthofurans, oxa-Michael addition}, issn = {1615-4150}, doi = {10.1002/adsc.201901550, Early Access Date = FEB 2020}, author = {Reddy, Raju Jannapu and Kumar, Jangam Jagadesh and Kumari, Arram Haritha and Krishna, Gamidi Rama} } @article {46616, title = {Penicillium janthinellum NCIM1366 shows improved biomass hydrolysis and a larger number of CAZymes with higher induction levels over Trichoderma reesei RUT-C30}, journal = {Biotechnology for Biofuels}, volume = {13}, year = {2020}, month = {DEC }, pages = {196}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Background Major cost of bioethanol is attributed to enzymes employed in biomass hydrolysis. Biomass hydrolyzing enzymes are predominantly produced from the hyper-cellulolytic mutant filamentous fungus Trichoderma reesei RUT-C30. Several decades of research have failed to provide an industrial grade organism other than T. reesei, capable of producing higher titers of an effective synergistic biomass hydrolyzing enzyme cocktail. Penicillium janthinellum NCIM1366 was reported as a cellulase hyper producer and a potential alternative to T. reesei, but a comparison of their hydrolytic performance was seldom attempted. Results Hydrolysis of acid or alkali-pretreated rice straw using cellulase enzyme preparations from P. janthinellum and T. reesei indicated 37 and 43\% higher glucose release, respectively, with P. janthinellum enzymes. A comparison of these fungi with respect to their secreted enzymes indicated that the crude enzyme preparation from P. janthinellum showed 28\% higher overall cellulase activity. It also had an exceptional tenfold higher beta-glucosidase activity compared to that of T. reesei, leading to a lower cellobiose accumulation and thus alleviating the feedback inhibition. P. janthinellum secreted more number of proteins to the extracellular medium whose total concentration was 1.8-fold higher than T. reesei. Secretome analyses of the two fungi revealed higher number of CAZymes and a higher relative abundance of cellulases upon cellulose induction in the fungus. Conclusions The results revealed the ability of P. janthinellum for efficient biomass degradation through hyper cellulase production, and it outperformed the established industrial cellulase producer T. reesei in the hydrolysis experiments. A higher level of induction, larger number of secreted CAZymes and a high relative proportion of BGL to cellulases indicate the possible reasons for its performance advantage in biomass hydrolysis.

}, keywords = {Bioethanol, CAZymes, Cellulase, Penicillium janthinellum, Secretome, Trichoderma reesei}, doi = {10.1186/s13068-020-01830-9}, author = {Sreeja-Raju, Athiraraj and Christopher, Meera and Kooloth-Valappil, Prajeesh and Kuni-Parambil, Rajasree and Gokhale, Digambar Vittal and Sankar, Meena and Abraham, Amith and Pandey, Ashok and Sukumaran, Rajeev K.} } @article {46866, title = {Phenylboronic acid-catalyzed tandem construction of S-S and C-S bonds: a new method for the synthesis of benzyl disulfanylsulfone derivatives from S-benzyl thiosulfonates}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {18}, year = {2020}, month = {MAY }, pages = {3243-3248}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A unique phenylboronic acid-catalyzed dimerization-sulfonylation of S-benzyl thiosulfonates has been disclosed. A metal-free tandem construction of S-S and C-S bonds is an operationally simple method to access a wide range of benzyl disulfanylsulfone derivatives in high to excellent yields. Moreover, the robustness of this tandem transformation has been demonstrated by gram-scale reactions, and a plausible mechanism is also proposed.

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/d0ob00442a}, author = {Reddy, Raju Jannapu and Waheed, Md and Krishna, Gamidi Rama} } @article {46702, title = {Photocatalytic hydrogen generation and CO2 conversion using g-C3N4 decorated dendritic fibrous nanosilica: role of interfaces between silica and g-C3N4}, journal = {ACS Applied Energy Materials}, volume = {3}, year = {2020}, month = {SEP }, pages = {8150-8158}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We have synthesized g-C3N4 decorated over dendritic fibrous nanosilica (DFNS). The generation of C-N-Si interfaces by coating each fiber of DFNS with g-C3N4 not only provided high surface area but also affected the optical and electronic properties of the composite. The catalyst synthesis reproducibility issue of g-C3N4 was resolved using a vacuum-sealed quartz tube. The extended light absorption in the visible region, enhanced lifetime of photogenerated charge carriers due to the formation of interfaces between silica and g-C3N4 (confirmed by solid-state NMR), and increased surface area result in the improved photocatalytic activity of DFNS/g-C(3)N(4)for hydrogen generation and CO2 conversion.

}, keywords = {CO2 conversion, DFNS, g-C3N4, Hydrogen generation, nanocatalysts, photocatalysts, Solid-state NMR}, issn = {2574-0962}, doi = {10.1021/acsaem.0c01265}, author = {Rawool, Sushma A. and Samanta, Anupam and Ajithkumar, T. G. and Kar, Yusuf and Polshettiwar, Vivek} } @article {46769, title = {Photoresponse properties of CdSe thin film photodetector}, journal = {Journal of Materials Science-Materials in Electronics}, volume = {31}, year = {2020}, month = {SEP}, pages = {15061-15069}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In the present investigation, the performance of highly sensitive photodetector based on CdSe thin film has been demonstrated. The cadmium selenide (CdSe) films were deposited successfully by spray pyrolysis method on glass substrate. The as-deposited films were used as visible light detector. Further, the structural, morphological, and optical properties of CdSe films were investigated through X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy, and optical absorption spectrophotometer. The XRD studies show that the produced samples are polycrystalline in nature. A UV-Visible absorbance spectrum indicates direct allowed transition with bandgap about 1.75 eV. The SEM micrographs depict uniformly distributed well defined uneven hexagonal grains. The CdSe film-based photodetector exhibits high responsivity, detectivity and shows an ultrafast photoresponse. The excellent photoresponse and high photosensitivity of CdSe film makes it a strong candidate for high-performance photodetectors.

}, issn = {0957-4522}, doi = {10.1007/s10854-020-04069-0, Early Access Date = JUL 2020}, author = {Shelke, Nitin T. and Karle, S. C. and Karche, B. R.} } @article {46727, title = {Plant-pathogen interactions: microRNA-mediated trans-kingdom gene regulation in fungi and their host plants}, journal = {Genomics}, volume = {112}, year = {2020}, month = {SEP}, pages = {3021-3035}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been prevalently studied in plants, animals, and viruses. However, recent studies show evidences of miRNA-like RNAs (milRNAs) in fungi as well. It is known that after successful infection, pathogens hijack the host machinery and use it for their own growth and multiplication. Alternatively, resistant plants can overcome the pathogen attack by a variety of mechanisms. Based on this prior knowledge, we computationally predicted milRNAs from 13 fungi, and identified their targets in transcriptomes of the respective fungi as well as their host plants. The expressions of the milRNAs and targets were confirmed using qRT-PCR. We found that plant miRNAs targeted fungal virulence genes, while fungal milRNAs targeted plant resistance genes; corroborating miRNA-mediated trans-kingdom gene regulation and the roles of miRNAs in plantpathogen interactions. Transgenic plants with miRNAs targeting fungal virulence genes, or anti-sense of fungal milRNAs, would be expected to be highly resistant to the fungal pathogens.

}, keywords = {Disease resistance, Fungal miRNAs, qRT-PCR, Resistance genes, Target prediction, Virulence genes}, issn = {0888-7543}, doi = {10.1016/j.ygeno.2020.05.021}, author = {Mathur, Monika and Nair, Aswathy and Kadoo, Narendra} } @article {46955, title = {Plausible diagnostic value of urinary isomeric dimethylarginine ratio for diabetic nephropathy}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {10}, year = {2020}, month = {FEB}, pages = {2970}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Altered circulatory asymmetric and symmetric dimethylarginines have been independently reported in patients with end-stage renal failure suggesting their potential role as mediators and early biomarkers of nephropathy. These alterations can also be reflected in urine. Herein, we aimed to evaluate urinary asymmetric to symmetric dimethylarginine ratio (ASR) for early prediction of diabetic nephropathy (DN). In this cross-sectional study, individuals with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), newly diagnosed diabetes (NDD), diabetic microalbuminuria (MIC), macroalbuminuria (MAC), and normal glucose tolerance (NGT) were recruited from Dr. Mohans{\textquoteright} Diabetes Specialties centre, India. Urinary ASR was measured using a validated high-throughput MALDI-MS/MS method. Significantly lower ASR was observed in MIC (0.909) and MAC (0.741) in comparison to the NGT and NDD groups. On regression models, ASR was associated with MIC [OR: 0.256; 95\% CI: 0.158-0.491] and MAC [OR 0.146; 95\% CI: 0.071-0.292] controlled for all the available confounding factors. ROC analysis revealed ASR cut-point of 0.95 had C-statistic of 0.691 (95\% CI: 0.627-0.755) to discriminate MIC from NDD with 72\% sensitivity. Whereas, an ASR cut-point of 0.82 had C-statistic of 0.846 (95\% CI: 0.800 - 0.893) had 91\% sensitivity for identifying MAC. Our results suggest ASR as a potential early diagnostic biomarker for DN among the Asian Indians.

}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-020-59897-1}, author = {Parmar, Dharmeshkumar and Bhattacharya, Nivedita and Kannan, Shanthini and Vadivel, Sangeetha and Pandey, Gautam Kumar and Ghanate, Avinash and Ragi, Nagarjuna Chary and Prabu, Paramasivam and Pramodkumar, Thyparambil Aravindakshan and Manickam, Nagaraj and Mohan, Viswanathan and Sripadi, Prabhakar and Kuppan, Gokulakrishnan and Panchagnula, Venkateswarlu} } @article {46877, title = {Poly (vinylpyrrolidone)-iodine engineered poly (epsilon-caprolactone) nanofibers as potential wound dressing materials}, journal = {Materials Science \& Engineering C-Materials for Biological Applications}, volume = {110}, year = {2020}, month = {MAY}, pages = {110731}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Facilitating the process of wound healing and effective treatment of wounds remains a serious challenge in healthcare. Wound dressing materials play a major role in the protection of wounds and in accelerating the natural healing process. In the present study, novel core/shell (c/s) nanofibrous mats of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)-iodine (PVPI) and polycaprolactone (PCL) were fabricated using a co-axial electrospinning process followed by their surface modification with poly-L-lysine. The developed nanofibrous mats were extensively characterized for their physicochemical properties using various analytical techniques. The core/shell structure of the PVP-I/PCL nanofibers was confirmed using TEM analysis. The PVP-I release studies showed an initial burst phase followed by a sustained release pattern of PVP-I over a period of 30 days. The developed nanofibers exhibited higher BSA and fibrinogen adsorption as compared to pristine PCL. Cytotoxicity studies using MTT assay demonstrated that the PVP-I/PCL (c/s) nanofibers were cytocompatible at optimized PVP-I concentration (3 wt\%). The PCL-poly-L-lysine and PVP-I/PCL-poly-L-lysine nanofibers exhibited higher cell viability (24.2\% and 21.4\% higher at day 7) when compared to uncoated PCL and PVP-I/PCL nanofibers. The PVP-I/PCL nanofibers showed excellent antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive (S. aureus) and Gram-negative (E. coli) bacteria. The inflammatory response of Mouse RAW 264.7 macrophage cells towards the nanofibers was studied using RTPCR. It revealed that the pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta) were significantly upregulated on PCL nanofibers, while their expression was comparatively lower on poly-L-lysine coated PCL or PVP-I/PCL(c/s) nanofibers. Overall, the study highlights the ability of poly-L-lysine coated PVP-I/PCL (c/s) nanofibers as potential wound dressing materials effectively facilitating the early stage wound healing and repair process by virtue of their selective modulation of inflammation, cell adhesion and antimicrobial properties.

}, keywords = {biodegradable, Controlled release, Core/shell, electrospinning, scaffolds, tissue engineering}, issn = {0928-4931}, doi = {10.1016/j.msec.2020.110731}, author = {Shitole, Ajinkya A. and Raut, Piyush and Giram, Prabhanjan and Rade, Priyanka and Khandwekar, Anand and Garnaik, Baijayantimala and Sharma, Neeti} } @article {46666, title = {Polymer nanorings with uranium specific clefts for selective recovery of uranium from acidic effluents via reductive adsorption}, journal = {ACS Sensors}, volume = {5}, year = {2020}, month = {OCT}, pages = {3254-3263}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Nanostructured polymeric materials, functionalized with an appropriate receptor, have opened up newer possibilities for designing a reagent that shows analyte-specific recognition and efficient scavenging of an analyte that has either a detrimental influence on human physiology and environment or on its recovery for further value addition. Higher active surface area, morphological diversity, synthetic tunability for desired surface functionalization, and the ease of regeneration of a nanostructured material for further use have provided such materials with a distinct edge over conventional reagents. The use of a biodegradable polymeric backbone has an added significance owing to the recent concern over the impact of polymers on the environment. Functionalization of biodegradable sodium alginate with AENA (6.85\% grafting) as the receptor functionality led to a unique open framework nanoring (NNRG) morphology with a favorable spatial orientation for specific recognition and efficient binding to uranyl ions (U) in an aqueous medium over a varied pH range. Nanoring morphology was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy images. The nanoscale design maximizes the surface area for the molecular scavenger. A combination of all these features along with the reversible binding phenomenon has made NNRG a superior reagent for specific, efficient uptake of UO22+ species from an acidic (pH 3-4) solution and compares better than all existing UO22+-scavengers reported till date. This could be utilized for the recovery of uranyl species from a synthetic acidic effluent of the nuclear power. The results of the U uptake experiments reveal a maximum adsorption capacity of 268 mg of U per g of NNRG in a synthetic nuclear effluent. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies revealed a reductive complexation process and stabilization of U(IV)-species in adsorbed uranium species (U@NNRG).

}, keywords = {biodegradable polymeric backbone, molecular recognition, nanostructured material, sodium alginate, uranium, uranyl-specific receptor}, issn = {2379-3694}, doi = {10.1021/acssensors.0c01684}, author = {Kushwaha, Shilpi and Mane, Manoj and Ravindranathan, Sapna and Das, Amitava} } @article {46840, title = {Porphyrin-based conducting polymer hydrogel for supercapacitor application}, journal = {Energy Technology}, volume = {8}, year = {2020}, month = {JUN}, pages = {2000061}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Herein, the electrochemical properties and energy storage capability of a flexible, all-solid-state supercapacitor based on the supramolecular assembly of polypyrrole (PPy) and the anion of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)-21H,23H-porphine manganese(III) chloride (MnTSPP) are reported. The electrode material consists of a conductive polymer hydrogel formed through the gelation initiated by cross-linking of the dopant MnTSPP anion in the PPy chains. The morphology of the cross-linked polymer hydrogel is that of a particle-decorated nanofiber, which can perform as a flexible supercapacitor electrode material with a specific capacitance of 300 Fg(-1) and capacitance retention of 78\% up to 10 000 cycles. The anion of MnTSPP plays a pivotal role in enhancing the charge storage capability by facilitating the electron transfer between the polymer interchains. In addition, the steric hindrance due to the large size of the dopant counter ions of MnTSPP reduces the counterion drain effect and structural pulverization of PPy, thereby improving the capacitive retention.

}, keywords = {conductive hydrogels, energy storage devices, Flexible Supercapacitors, nanofibers, porphyrin-based polymers}, issn = {2194-4288}, doi = {10.1002/ente.202000061}, author = {Das, Debasree and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {46723, title = {Possible role of glycation in the regulation of amyloid beta precursor protein processing leading to amyloid beta accumulation}, journal = {Medical Hypotheses}, volume = {142}, year = {2020}, month = {SEP}, pages = {109799}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s disease (AD) is one of the most common forms of neurodegenerative diseases amongst the aged population. The disease is multifactorial, and diabetes has been considered as one of the major risk factors for the development of AD. Chronic hyperglycemic condition in diabetes promotes non-enzymatic protein modification by glucose termed as glycation, which affects protein structure and function. Previous studies have shown that many of the enzymes, including proteases, are affected by glycation. Conversely, glycated proteins are known to become resistant to protease action. In these hypotheses, we have extended these two concepts to the regulation of amyloid-beta protein precursor (A beta PP) by secretases leading to amyloid-beta (Af3) accumulation. The first hypothesis deals with the glycation of alpha-secretases leading to its reduced activity, while in the second hypothesis, A beta PP glycation may prevent a-secretases action, rendering its processing by beta secretase. As diabetes is a risk factor for the development of AD, either or both these pathways may operate, leading to the manifestation of AD.

}, keywords = {Alpha-secretase, Alzheimer {\textquoteleft}s disease, Amyloid-beta, Amyloid-beta protein precursor, Beta-secretase, Diabetes, glucose, Glycation, Type-3 diabetes}, issn = {0306-9877}, doi = {10.1016/j.mehy.2020.109799}, author = {Patil, Gouri V. and Joshi, Rakesh S. and Kazi, Rubina S. and Kulsange, Shabda E. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @article {46612, title = {Preparation, spectroscopic characterization, theoretical investigations, and in vitro anticancer activity of Cd(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), and Cu(II) complexes of 4(3H)-quinazolinone-derived schiff base}, journal = {Molecules}, volume = {25}, year = {2020}, month = {DEC}, pages = {5973}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of a new Schiff base ligand 3-[[(E)-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-methylidene]amino]-2-methyl-quinazolin-4(3 H)-one (HAMQ) and its Cd(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), and Cu(II) complexes (C-1-C-4). The ligand HAMQ was synthesized by reacting 3-hydroxybenzaldehyde and 3-amino-2-methyl-4(3H)-quinazolinone in a 1:1 molar ratio. The structure of the ligand and its complexes (C-1-C-4) were evaluated using ultraviolet (UV)-visible (Vis) light spectroscopy, H-1-NMR, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, MS, elemental analysis, conductance data, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The characterization results suggested that the bidentate ligand, HAMQ, coordinated to the metal center through the lactum oxygen and the azomethine nitrogen. Moreover, all the metal complexes were analyzed using powder X-ray diffraction studies, which revealed that all of them belong to a triclinic crystal system. The research was supplemented by density functional theory (DFT) studies on the IR and UV-Vis spectra, as well as the chemical reactivity of the HAMQ and its four metallic derivatives making use of conceptual density functional theory (CDFT) by means of KID (Koopmans in DFT) methodology. The synthesized complexes displayed significant in vitro anticancer activity against human cancer cell lines (HeLa and HCT-115).

}, keywords = {3-quinolin-4(3H)-one, chemical reactivity properties, conceptual DFT, Metal complexes, spectral studies}, doi = {10.3390/molecules25245973}, author = {Ashok, Ubale Panchsheela and Kollur, Shiva Prasad and Anil, Nishad and Arun, Bansode Prakash and Jadhav, Sanjay Namdev and Sarsamkar, Sanjay and Helavi, Vasant Baburao and Srinivasan, Asha and Kaulage, Sandeep and Veerapur, Ravindra and Al-Rashed, Sarah and Syed, Asad and Ortega-Castro, Joaquin and Frau, Juan and Flores-Holguin, Norma and Glossman-Mitnik, Daniel} } @article {46762, title = {Proteomic analysis detects deregulated reverse cholesterol transport in human subjects with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (vol 222, 103796, 2020)}, journal = {Journal of Proteomics}, volume = {224}, year = {2020}, month = {JUL}, pages = {103828}, type = {Correction}, issn = {1874-3919}, doi = {10.1016/j.jprot.2020.103828}, author = {Das, Apabrita Ayan and Choudhury, Kamalika Roy and Jagadeeshaprasad, M. G. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J. and Mondal, Prakash Chandra and Bandyopadhyay, Arun} } @article {46810, title = {Proteomic analysis detects deregulated reverse cholesterol transport in human subjects with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction}, journal = {Journal of Proteomics}, volume = {222}, year = {2020}, month = {JUN}, pages = {103796}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) plays a critical role in removing cholesterol from the arterial wall. However, very few reports directly relate chronic inflammation and RCT with atherosclerosis. The present study was undertaken to investigate clinical implications of significantly altered circulating proteins in subjects with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in the manifestation of atherosclerotic events. Using a casecontrol design, more than 2500 proteins in both STEMI and healthy control subjects were identified by Orbitrap mass spectrometer. Quantitative proteomics study revealed downregulation of 26 proteins while expression of 38 proteins increased significantly in STEMI subjects compared to healthy controls. Pathway enrichment analyses indicated that most of the identified proteins were related to chronic inflammation, atherosclerosis, and RCT. Altered proteins such as AZGP1, ABCA5, Calicin, PGLYRP2, HAVCR2 and C17ORF57 were further validated by Western blotting analysis of human plasma. Pathophysiological significance was studied using macrophage derived foam cell for their critical role in RCT which indicated the imbalance of RCT via the interaction of AZGP1 with CD36. In summary, this study revealed a unique relationship of some novel proteins apparently responsible for impaired RCT and chronic inflammation leading to atherothrombosis and myocardial infarction. Significance: In the present study we identified \>= 2500 unique circulating proteins in healthy control and clinically diagnosed STEMI subjects among which 423 proteins were found to be common in both the groups. We further show 64 proteins significantly different between healthy control and STEMI subjects. Proteomic analyses reveal a panel of proteins associated with atherosclerosis and STEMI. One of the proteins, AZGP1, an adipokine, is likely to act as the missing link between chronic inflammation and cholesterol transport. Deregulation of reverse cholesterol transport might be orchestrated by AZGP1, CD36, ABCA5, and PPARy in STEMI subjects. The present study employs shotgun and quantitative proteomics followed by in vitro validations demonstrating a biochemical basis for reverse cholesterol transport in the local milieu of the luminal wall of the artery which are critical for plaque build-up and atherosclerosis.

}, keywords = {Atherosclerosis, AZGP1, CD36, Plasma proteomics, Reverse cholesterol transport, STEMI}, issn = {1874-3919}, doi = {10.1016/j.jprot.2020.103796}, author = {Das, Apabrita Ayan and Choudhury, Kamalika Roy and Jagadeeshaprasad, M. G. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J. and Mondal, Prakash Chandra and Bandyopadhyay, Arun} } @article {46651, title = {Protonation-induced dynamic allostery in PDZ domain: evidence of perturbation-independent universal response network}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters}, volume = {11}, year = {2020}, month = {NOV }, pages = {9026-9031}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Dynamic allostery is a relatively new paradigm where certain external perturbations may lead to modulation of conformational dynamics at a distant part of a protein without significant changes in the overall structure. While most well-characterized examples of dynamic allostery involve binding with other entities like small molecules, peptides, or nucleic acids, in this work we demonstrate that chemical modifications like protonation may lead to significant dynamical allosteric response in a PDZ domain protein. Tuning the protonation states of two histidine residues (H317 and H372), we identify the allosteric pathways responsible for the dynamic response. Interestingly, the same set of residues that constitute the allosteric response network upon ligand binding seem to be responsible for protonation-induced dynamic allostery. Thus, we propose the existence of an inherent universal response network in signaling proteins, where the same set of residues can respond to varying types of external perturbations in terms of rearrangement of hydrogen-bonded network and redistribution of electrostatic interaction energies.

}, issn = {1948-7185}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpclett.0c02885}, author = {Kumawat, Amit and Chakrabarty, Suman} } @article {46855, title = {PVDF/BaTiO3 films with nanocellulose impregnation: investigation of structural, morphological and mechanical properties}, journal = {Journal of Alloys and Compounds}, volume = {823}, year = {2020}, month = {MAY}, pages = {153701}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) composite films have witnessed widespread applications in biomedical and flexible electronic devices in recent years. These applications require a material that has enhanced electrical properties, mechanical flexibility along with sufficient strength. A lot of research has been carried out to enhance the piezoelectric and dielectric properties of the PVDF composite films. However, the improvements in the mechanical properties of nano filler reinforced PVDF composite films has not received due attention. In this regard, the present work focuses towards enhancing the mechanical strength and load-bearing capability of PVDF, by preparing composites of PVDF films impregnated with Cellulose Nanocrystals (CNC) and Barium Titanate (BTO) nanoparticles. Solution casting method was adapted to fabricate the PVDF/BTO/CNC films. X-ray diffractograms and FTIR (Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy) corroborate the presence of ferroelectric gamma phase in PVDF. Mechanical and viscoelastic measurements have been carried out to examine the influence of CNC and BTO nano fillers in the PVDF matrix. The addition of CNC and BTO in PVDF film has improved the mechanical strength significantly. The stress achieved for PVDF/5\% BTO and PVDF/5\% BTO with 0.9\% of CNC at 5\% strain was 17\% and 130\% higher than the pristine PVDF, respectively. This study can be helpful for the design engineers to meet custom/specific requirements for a myriad of end- user applications such as piezoelectric nanogenerators. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {BaTiO3, Composite films, Mechanics, Morphology, Nanocellulose, PVDF}, issn = {0925-8388}, doi = {10.1016/j.jallcom.2020.153701}, author = {Ram, Farsa and Kaviraj, P. and Pramanik, R. and Krishnan, Amrutha and Shanmuganathan, Kadhiravan and Arockiarajan, A.} } @article {47017, title = {Recent advances in plant nanobionics and nanobiosensors for toxicology applications}, journal = {Current Nanoscience}, volume = {16}, year = {2020}, month = {JAN}, pages = {27-41}, type = {Review}, abstract = {

Emerging applications in the field of nanotechnology are able to solve a gamut of problems surrounding the applications of agroecosystems and food technology. Nano Engineered Material (NEM) based nanosensors are important tools for monitoring plant signaling pathways and metabolism that arc nondestructive, minimally invasive, and can provide real-time analysis of biotic and abiotic threats for better plant health. These sensors can measure chemical flux even at the single molecule level. Therefore, plant health could be monitored through nutrient management, disease assessment, plant hormones level, environmental pollution, etc. This review provides a comprehensive account of the current trends and practices for the proposed NEM related research and its (i) structural aspect, (ii) experimental design and performance as well as (iii) mechanisms of field application in agriculture and food system. This review also discusses the possibility of integration of data from NEM based nanosensors in current and emerging trends of precision agriculture, urban farming, and plant nanobionics to adopt a sustainable approach in agriculture,

}, keywords = {agro-ecosystems, engineered nanomaterials, nanobionics, Nanosensors, nanotechnology, nanotoxicology}, issn = {1573-4137}, doi = {10.2174/1573413715666190409101305}, author = {Ansari, Mohammad Hasan Dad and Lavhale, Santosh and Kalunke, Raviraj M. and Srivastava, Prabhakar L. and Pandit, Vaibhav and Gade, Subodh and Yadav, Sanjay and Laux, Peter and Luch, Andreas and Gemmati, Donato and Zamboni, Paolo and Singh, Ajay Vikram} } @article {46857, title = {Removal of fluoride from aqueous solution by mesoporous silica nanoparticles functionalized with chitosan derived from mushroom}, journal = {Journal of Macromolecular Science Part A-Pure and Applied Chemistry}, volume = {57}, year = {2020}, month = {SEP }, pages = {619-627}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In the present study, chitosan functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles have been synthesized. Chitosan derived from an edible mushroom, Agaricus bisporus was used during synthesis of chitosan functionalized silica nanoparticles. The functionalized silica nanoparticles were subjected to fluoride sorption using a batch method which subsequently showed removal efficiency of 95\% with maximum sorption capacity, 58.8 mg/g. The characterization of nanoparticles was carried out by SEM, EDAX, XRD and FTIR analysis respectively. EDAX analysis suggested that oxygen, 51.83\% and silica 37.24\% was main constituent of the functionalized nanomaterials. XRD yielded characteristic diffraction pattern corresponding to the lattice planes (100), (110), (112), (120), (200) and (220) respectively. Sorption data was used to study equilibrium isotherm namely Langmuir and Freundlich model. The adsorption capacity increased with temperature while kinetics studies revealed that the adsorption process followed a pseudo-second-order rate equation. The enthalpy change (Delta H) and entropy change (Delta S) was found to be -31.36 kJmol(-1) and -7.75 Jmol(-1) K-1, showing endothermic and spontaneous nature of the fluoride adsorption. Data suggested that the nature of adsorption belonged to chemisorptions. The overall results suggested that the synthesized nanoparticles showed strong and specific affinity for fluoride and could be excellent adsorbents for defluoridation.

}, keywords = {Adsorption, Chitosan, EDAX, Fluoride, SEM}, issn = {1060-1325}, doi = {10.1080/10601325.2020.1738896, Early Access Date = MAY 2020}, author = {Srivastava, Anushree and Kumari, Madhu and Ramanathan, Alagappan and Selvaraj, Kaliaperumal and Prasad, Bablu and Prasad, Kumar Suranjit} } @article {47453, title = {Reply to {\textquotedblleft}comment on {\textquoteleft}arresting an unusual amide tautomer using divalent cations{\textquoteright}{\textquotedblright}}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, volume = {125}, year = {2020}, month = {DEC}, pages = {479{\textendash}483}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In our publication, we assigned the blue-shifted shoulder of\ N-methylacetamide (NMA) in the infrared (IR) spectrum (\~{}1645 cm{\textendash}1) to an iminolate tautomer stabilized in the presence of divalent metal cations (e.g., 5 M Ca2+).(1)\ Cremer and co-workers comment that this shoulder arises from the dehydration of the amide oxygen upon interaction with the metal cations.(2,3)\ Their assignment is based on three interesting experimental observations: (1) the IR spectrum of\ 15N-isotope-labeled NMA does not show any considerable red-shift compared to that of NMA; (2) a new peak appears for NMA at 1680 cm{\textendash}1\ in the presence of 1 M DCl, which shows a 17 cm{\textendash}1\ red-shift for\ 15N-labeled NMA; and (3) the IR spectrum of acetone C=O stretch also demonstrates a blue-shifted shoulder in the presence of a high concentration of CaCl2.

}, issn = {1520-6106}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpcb.0c06005}, author = {Kashid, Somnath M. and Singh, Reman K. and Kwon, Hyejin and Seol, Jin Gyu and Kim, Yung Sam and Mukherjee, Arnab and Bagchi, Sayan} } @article {46777, title = {Role of B site ions in bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysis: a structure-property correlation study on doped Ca(2)Fe(2)O(5)brownmillerites}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics}, volume = {22}, year = {2020}, month = {JUL }, pages = {15520-15527}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The role of B site doping with transition metals in brownmillerites, a perovskite related family of compounds, in bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysis,viz., simultaneous reduction and evolution reactions, is analysed. Ca2Fe1.9M0.1O5(M = Mn, Co, Ni, and Cu) is synthesised and structurally characterised by powder XRD and Rietveld refinement. Valence states of the surface B site ions are identified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Bifunctional oxygen electrochemistry is studied with the RDE and RRDE techniques and correlated with the structural and electronic parameters like oxygen non-stoichiometry and B site catalytic activity. Since the widely accepted electronic descriptors like e(g)filling may not be sufficient for explaining the bifunctional activity, B site electron donating capability as well as the extent of oxygen vacancies enhancing O(2)adsorption is also considered. Such structural parameters are also found to influence both the ORR and OER and based on this, Ni doping is proposed as advantageous for the bifunctional activity.

}, issn = {1463-9076}, doi = {10.1039/d0cp02391d}, author = {Thundiyil, Shibin and Vinod, C. P. and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Devi, R. Nandini} } @article {46634, title = {Scalable synthesis of 3-Ethyl-4-methyl-1,5-dihydro-2H-pyrrol-2-one: an important building block of the antidiabetic drug glimepiride}, journal = {Synthesis-Stuttgart}, volume = {52}, year = {2020}, month = {NOV}, pages = {3480-3484}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A four-step, practical, and easily scalable synthesis of 3-ethyl-4-methyl-1,5-dihydro-2H-pyrrol-2-one, an important building block of the antidiabetic drug glimepiride, has been accomplished. Key features are the synthesis of 3-methyl-4-hydroxy-2-butenolide in water and triflic acid mediated N-benzyl lactam N-deprotection. The main advantages of this process are the scalable synthetic route and decreased number of reaction steps, which paves the way for the industrial-scale synthesis of 3-ethyl-4-methyl-1,5-dihydro-2H-pyrrol-2-one.

}, keywords = {antidiabetic drug, Butenolide, glimepiride, lactams, scalable synthesis}, issn = {0039-7881}, doi = {10.1055/s-0040-1707344}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Pawar, Ambaji A. and Patil, Niteen B. and Kadam, Appasaheb L. and Shinde, Shrikrishna S.} } @article {46664, title = {Scalable synthesis of manganese-doped hydrated vanadium oxide as a cathode material for aqueous zinc-metal battery}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {12}, year = {2020}, month = {OCT }, pages = {48542-48552}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Rechargeable aqueous zinc-metal batteries (ZMBs) are considered as potential energy storage devices for stationary applications. Despite the significant developments in recent years, the performance of ZMBs is still limited due to the lack of advanced cathode materials delivering high capacity and long cycle life. In this work, we report a low-temperature and scalable synthesis method following a surfactant-assisted route for preparing manganese-doped hydrated vanadium oxide (MnHVO-30) and its application as the cathode material for ZMB. The as-prepared material possesses a porous architecture and expanded interlayer spacing. Therefore, the MnHVO-30 cathode offers fast and reversible insertion of Zn2+ ions during the charge/discharge process and delivers 341 mAh g(-1) capacity at 0.1 A g(-1). Moreover, the MnHVO-30 parallel to Zn cell retains 82\% of its initial capacity over 1200 stability cycles, which is higher compared to that of the undoped system. Besides, a quasi-solid-state home-made pouch cell with an area of 3.3 x 1.6 cm(2) and 3.6 mg cm(-2) loading is assembled, achieving 115 mAh g(-1) capacity over 100 stability cycles. Therefore, this work provides an easy and attractive way for preparing efficient cathode materials for aqueous ZMBs.

}, keywords = {anionic surfactant, hydrated vanadium pentoxide, Nafion ionomer membrane, post-lithium battery, quasi-solid-state battery}, issn = {1944-8244}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.0c13221}, author = {Ghosh, Meena and Dilwale, Swati and Vijayakumar, Vidyanand and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {46808, title = {Screening of zero valent mono/bimetallic catalysts and recommendation of Raney Ni (without reducing agent) for dechlorination of 4-chlorophenol}, journal = {Chemosphere}, volume = {250}, year = {2020}, month = {JUL}, pages = {126298}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Chlorophenol (CP) is considered as environmentally hazardous material due to its acute toxicity, persistent nature and strong bioaccumulation. The dechlorination of 4-CP was investigated by using various catalysts such as bimetallic (Fe-0/Cu-0, Al-0/Fe-0), Pd/C, Raney Ni and Fe-0 at room temperature. Among the catalysts studied, Raney Ni proved to be very economical and efficient catalyst that worked without the use of an external reducing agent. The dechlorination of 4-CP by Raney Ni was therefore further explored. Complete dechlorination of 4-CP (30 mg L-1) was achieved in 6 hat an optimum Raney Ni catalyst loading of 3 g L-1. The effect of triethylamine (TEA) and tripropylamine (TPA) was also investigated and it was observed that 100\% dechlorination is possible in presence of 45 mg L-1 of TEA. The kinetics of dechlorination of 4-CP was investigated and found to be first order with a rate constant of 0.017 min(-1) at 50 degrees C, and it enhances to 0.109 min(-1) with addition of TEA. In the absence of a reducing agent, acidic to neutral pH favors dechlorination of 4-CP. The final product of dechlorination was estimated to be phenol by performing HPLC, LCMS and NMR analysis. Based on the results, a probable dechlorination mechanism of 4-CP is also proposed. It can be concluded that the catalytic hydrodechlorination is an effective and economical technique for dechlorination of 4-CP and it has a potential for the dechlorination of other toxic derivatives of chlorinated aromatics. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {4-Chlorophenol, Cl- scavenger, Hydrodechlorination, Raney Ni, Recycling of catalyst, Without reducing agent}, issn = {0045-6535}, doi = {10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.126298}, author = {Raut, Sandesh S. and Shetty, Rohit and Raju, Nikhi Maria and Kamble, Sanjay P. and Kulkarni, Prashant S.} } @article {46906, title = {Selectivity engineering of Meerwein arylation in a continuous flow reactor: a modelling approach}, journal = {Reaction Chemistry \& Engineering}, volume = {5}, year = {2020}, month = {APR }, pages = {736-746}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

This paper presents a methodology for selectivity engineering of Meerwein arylation in a flow reactor. The reaction was optimized in batch mode and reaction kinetics were obtained over a range of temperatures and catalyst concentrations. A lumped kinetic model was formulated and the parameters were estimated using nonlinear regression. Furthermore, telescopic flow synthesis for Meerwein arylation via in situ diazonium salt generation and coupling was demonstrated. A non-isothermal model was developed and experimentally validated. The effect of initial concentration and inlet temperature on the yield of the desired product was estimated for various catalyst concentrations. The results from the simulations in terms of nondimensional numbers were used to find suitable operating conditions for Meerwein arylation.

}, issn = {2058-9883}, doi = {10.1039/c9re00477g}, author = {Shukla, Chinmay A. and Atapalkar, Ranjit S. and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article {46833, title = {Self-assembled helical arrays for the stabilization of the triplet state}, journal = {Angewandte Chemie-International Edition}, volume = {59}, year = {2020}, month = {JUL}, pages = {13079-13085}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Room-temperature phosphorescence of metal and heavy atom-free organic molecules has emerged as an area of great potential in recent years. A rational design played a critical role in controlling the molecular ordering to impart efficient intersystem crossing and stabilize the triplet state to achieve room-temperature ultralong phosphorescence. However, in most cases, the strategies to strengthen phosphorescence efficiency have resulted in a reduced lifetime, and the available nearly degenerate singlet-triplet energy levels impart a natural competition between delayed fluorescence and phosphorescence, with the former one having the advantage. Herein, an organic helical assembly supports the exhibition of an ultralong phosphorescence lifetime. In contrary to other molecules, 3,6-phenylmethanone functionalized 9-hexylcarbazole exhibits a remarkable improvement in phosphorescence lifetime (\>4.1 s) and quantum yield (11 \%) owing to an efficient molecular packing in the crystal state. A right-handed helical molecular array act as a trap and exhibits triplet exciton migration to support the exceptionally longer phosphorescence lifetime.

}, keywords = {carbazole, helicity, phenylmethanone, ultralong phosphorescence, waveguiding}, issn = {1433-7851}, doi = {10.1002/anie.202005105, Early Access Date = JUN 2020}, author = {Nidhankar, Aakash D. and Goudappagouda and Kumari, Divya S. Mohana and Chaubey, Shailendra Kumar and Nayak, Rashmi and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Kumar, G. V. Pavan and Krishnan, Retheesh and Babu, Sukumaran Santhosh} } @article {46781, title = {Self-assembly of novel Fmoc-cardanol compounds into hydrogels - analysis based on rheological, structural and thermal properties}, journal = {Soft Matter}, volume = {16}, year = {2020}, month = {JUL }, pages = {6294-6303}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Hydrogels of low molecular weight molecules are particularly appealing for various biomedical applications such as drug delivery, tissue engineering, and antitumor therapy due to their excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and easy availability. Fmoc-peptide hydrogels form an essential category of these hydrogels. Herein we report a new class of Fmoc hydrogels in which cardanol (3-pentadecyl phenol (PDP)) is covalently linked with fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl group. Cardanol is a plant-based renewable raw material, readily obtained from Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL). The long aliphatic chain of pentadecyl phenol helps in bringing a structural incompatibility and generates different nanostructures such as nanospheres, nanotapes, and nanofibers depending on Fmoc substitution and the solvents used. Stable hydrogels were formed from Fmoc-PDP in DMSO/H2O, and the critical aggregation concentration (CAC) and critical gelation concentration (CGC) were determined. The role of non-covalent forces such as hydrogen-bonding, hydrophobicity, and pi-pi stacking interactions in governing self-assembly to hydrogel formation was studied for Fmoc, DiFmoc and Boc groups attached to PDP. The thermal properties were analyzed, and smectic and nematic phases were identified for the molecules depending on the substitutions involved. Overall the study supports the mechanisms of aggregation and gelation in novel Fmoc-cardanol derivatives.

}, issn = {1744-683X}, doi = {10.1039/d0sm00670j}, author = {Kadeeja, Aliya and Joseph, Seena and Abraham, Jancy Nixon} } @article {46823, title = {"Shape-coding{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}: morphology-based information system for polymers and composites}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {12}, year = {2020}, month = {JUN}, pages = {27555-27561}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Fiber-reinforced composites have become the material of choice for aerospace structures because of their favorable strength-to-weight ratio. Given the increasing amounts of counterfeit composite parts showing up in the complex aerospace supply chain, it is absolutely vital to track a composite part throughout its lifecycle-from production to usage and to disposal. Existing barcoding methods are invasive, affect the structural properties of composites, and/or are vulnerable to tampering. We describe a universal method to store information in fiber-reinforced composites based on solid-state in situ reduction leading to embedded nanoparticles with controlled morphologies. This simple, cost-effective, mild, surfactant-free, and one-step protocol for the fabrication of embedded platinum nanostructures leads to morphology-based barcodes for polymeric composites. We also describe a coding methodology wherein a 1 x 1 cm code can represent 3.4 billion parts to 95 trillion parts, depending on the resolution required along with access to morphology-based chemical encryption systems.

}, keywords = {barcoding chemical encryption, epoxy composites, nanoparticle morphology control, solid-state synthesis}, issn = {1944-8244}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.0c05314}, author = {Pansare, V, Amol and Chhatre, Shraddha Y. and Khairkar, Shyam R. and Bell, Jeffrey G. and Barbezat, Michel and Chakrabarti, Subhananda and Nagarkar, Amit A.} } @article {46882, title = {Shotgun metagenome guided exploration of anthropogenically driven resistomic hotspots within Lonar soda lake of India}, journal = {Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety}, volume = {194}, year = {2020}, month = {MAY}, pages = {110443}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Anthropogenic activities mediated antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the pristine aquatic bodies (lakes) is raising concern worldwide. Long read shotgun sequencing was used to assess taxonomic diversity, distribution of ARGs and metal resistance genes (MRGs) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in six sites within hypersaline Lonar soda lake (India) prone to various anthropogenic activities. Proteobacteria and Euryarchaeota were dominant phyla under domain Bacteria and Archaea respectively. Higher abundance of Bacteroidetes was pragmatic at sites 18LN5 and 18LN6. Functional analysis indicated 26 broad-spectrum ARGs types, not reported earlier in this ecosystem. Abundant ARG types identified were multidrug efflux, glycopepetide, bacitracin, tetracycline and aminogylcoside resistance. Sites 18LN1 and 18LN5 depicted 167 and 160 different ARGs subtypes respectively and rpoB2, bcrA, tetA(48), mupA, ompR, patA, vanR and multidrug ABC transporter genes were present in all samples. The rpoB2 gene was dominant in 18LN1, whereas bcrA gene in 18LN2-18LN6 sites. Around 24 MRGs types were detected with higher abundance of arsenic in 18LN1 and copper in 18LN2-18LN6, signifying metal contamination linked to MRGs. The bacterial taxa Pseudomonas, Thioalkalivibrio, Burkholderia, Clostridium, Paenibacillus, Bacillus and Streptomyces were significantly associated with ARGs. This study highlights the resistomic hotspots in the lake for deploying policies for conservation efforts.

}, keywords = {ARGs, diversity, Lonar lake, MGEs, MRGs, Nanopore sequencing}, issn = {0147-6513}, doi = {10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.110443}, author = {Chakraborty, Jaya and Sapkale, Vibhavari and Rajput, Vinay and Shah, Manan and Kamble, Sanjay and Dharne, Mahesh} } @article {47784, title = {Simultaneous determination of anthraquinone, flavonoids, and phenolic antidiabetic compounds from cassia auriculata seeds by validated UHPLC based MS/MS method}, journal = {Mass Spectrometry Letters}, volume = {11}, year = {2020}, month = {DEC}, pages = {82-89}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A systematic isolation and characterization study for Cassia auriculata (CA) seeds resulted in identifying antidiabetic compounds 1,3,8-trihydroxyanthraquinone and quercetin, quercetin-3-O-rutinoside, gallic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and ellagic acid. The ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography based triple quadrupole mass spectrometry methodology was developed and validated for simultaneous identification and confirmation of these compounds from CA seeds. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) based quantification method was developed with MRM optimizer software for MS1 and MS2 mass analysis. The method was optimized on precursor ions and product ions with the ion ratio of each compound. The calibration curves of seven bioactive analytes showed excellent linearity (r2 >= 0.99). The quantitation results found precise (RSD, < 10 \%) with good recoveries (84.58 to 101.42\%). The matrix effect and extraction recoveries were found within the range (91.66 to 102.11\%) for the CA seeds. This is the first MS/MS-based methodology applied to quantifying seven antidiabetic compounds in CA seeds and its extract for quality control purposes.}, doi = {10.5478/MSL.2020.11.4.82}, author = {Girme, Aboli and Saste, Ganesh and Chinchansure, Ashish and Joshi, Swati and Kunkulol, Rahul and Hingorani, Lal and Patwardhan, Bhushan} } @article {47137, title = {Simultaneous identification and estimation of glycyrrhizin, glabridin, and 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid in de-glycyrrhized Ayurvedic lipid-based formulation of Glycyrrhiza glabra using dual wavelength reverse phase-high-performance liquid chromatography }, journal = {Separation Science Plus}, volume = {3}, year = {2020}, month = {AUG}, pages = {460-471}, abstract = {

Plant-based Ayurvedic formulations such as medicated oils, confectioneries, etc. are developed with a rationale of selecting specific compounds for targeted action and minimal side effects. It is imperative to develop an analytical method to simultaneously identify and quantify the targeted compounds for good resolution with low retention time. The present assay using reverse phase-high-performance liquid chromatography is optimized to resolve glycyrrhizin, glabridin, and 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid simultaneously at retention times of 6.6, 8.1, and 10.2\ min, respectively, using acidified mobile phase from Glycyrrhiza glabra utilized in Ayurvedic lipid (cow{\textquoteright}s ghee and sesame oil) based formulations. Raw material, its decoction, and residues formed during preparation steps were extracted in methanol while lipid formulations were extracted using a binary solvent system of methanol and n-hexane. The separation was performed on Hypersil gold column maintained at 40{\textdegree}C using 0.2\% ortho-phosphoric acid with pH 3.5 in water and acetonitrile as binary gradient mobile phase. The compounds were detected at wavelengths 230 (glabridin) and 254 (glycyrrhizin and 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid) nm. The method revealed de-glycyrrhized finished products containing glabridin and 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid having medicinal value.

}, doi = {10.1002/sscp.202000015}, author = {Kumbhalkar, Bhagyashri and Walunj, Tanhaji and Chavan, Sandeep and Gupta, Vidya and Deshmukh, Vineeta and Sardeshmukh, Sadanand} } @article {46678, title = {Solvent extraction of butanol from synthetic solution and fermentation broth: batch and continuous studies}, journal = {Separation and Purification Technology}, volume = {249}, year = {2020}, month = {OCT}, pages = {117058}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Product recovery is one of the essential finishing steps to any commercial fermentation process. In acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) fermentation, butanol recovery is quite tedious mainly due to dilute product and multiple byproduct formation in complex media. Among different recovery methods, extraction has attracted considerable attention in biofuel recovery owing to its high selectivity, low energy consumption, and ease of operation. In present work, the butanol extraction performance from synthetic solvent mixture containing ABE was tested in batch and continuous operations using 20\% (v/v) decanol in oleyl alcohol. The optimized extraction conditions were then validated using actual fermentation broth to confirm effectiveness of the extraction operation. The distribution coefficient (K-d) and batch extraction efficiency (E) were in the range of 5.60-9.80 and 87.70-86.90\% for fermentation broth and synthetic solution, respectively for a given initial concentration of butanol in the aqueous phase. Further, E was relatively improved by supplementing different inorganic salts. Sodium hydroxide (5\%, w/v) was highly effective to recover butanol from fermentation broth (E similar to 97.70\%) with K-d of 33.10. Besides, the continuous counter current extraction of butanol in a packed column was performed. The volumetric mass transfer coefficient (kLa) was estimated to be 0.025 1/min at an optimized superficial velocity of the aqueous phase (0.28 cm/min) and sodium hydroxide concentration (5\%, w/v). Height of the extraction column was estimated to be 28.32 cm using height of transfer unit (HTU) and number of transfer unit (NTU) concept for extraction efficiency of 97.20\%. Overall, the present study has demonstrated an enhanced extraction efficiency of butanol from fermentation broth.

}, keywords = {Biobutanol, Equilibrium stages, Height of transfer unit, liquid-liquid extraction, mass transfer coefficient, Number of transfer unit}, issn = {1383-5866}, doi = {10.1016/j.seppur.2020.117058}, author = {Khedkar, Manisha A. and Nimbalkar, Pranhita R. and Gaikwad, Shashank G. and Chavan, V, Prakash and Bankar, Sandip B.} } @article {46715, title = {Spectroscopic evidences for the size dependent generation of pd species responsible for the low temperature CO oxidation activity on Pd-SBA-15 nanocatalyst}, journal = {Applied Catalysis B-Environmental}, volume = {272}, year = {2020}, month = {SEP }, pages = {118934}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A comprehensive size dependent CO oxidation activity has been demonstrated for Pd-SBA-15 catalysts with Pd NPs of varying sizes such as 1-2, 4-6 and 7-10 nm. Pd-SBA-15 catalyst with smallest sized NPs (Pd-S-N) has been synthesized by modified deposition precipitation method recently developed in our lab. Pd-S-N catalyst (reduced at 400 degrees C) demonstrated CO oxidation activity with lower light off temperature (50 degrees C), clearly one of the best reported for a Pd-silica system. A detailed XPS and in-situ DRIFTS analyses further supported by XAS and DFT calculations reveal the presence of easily decomposable highvalent Pd-oxide on co-ordinatively unsaturated Pd sites (Pdcus). Weak binding of CO on Pdcus sites in small Pd NPs leaving sites for oxygen activation is attributed to the low temperature activity of Pd-S-N for CO oxidation.

}, keywords = {CO oxidation, high-valent Pd species, Pd nanoparticles, SBA-15, under coordinated Pd atoms}, issn = {0926-3373}, doi = {10.1016/j.apcatb.2020.118934}, author = {Soni, Yogita and Pradhan, Sumanta and Bamnia, Mahesh K. and Yadav, A. K. and Jha, S. N. and Bhattacharyya, D. and Khan, Tuhin Suvra and Haider, M. A. and Vinod, C. P.} } @article {46815, title = {Sphingomyelin effects in caveolin-1 mediated membrane curvature published as part of the journal of physical chemistry virtual special issue {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}computational and experimental advances in biomembranes{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, volume = {124}, year = {2020}, month = {JUN}, pages = {5177-5185}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The caveolin-1 (cav-1) protein is an integral component of caveolae and has been reported to colocalize with cholesterol and sphingomyelin-rich curved membrane domains. Here, we analyze the molecular interactions between cav-1 and sphingomyelin containing bilayers using a series of coarse-grain simulations, focusing on lipid clustering and membrane curvature. We considered a palmitoylated-cav-1 construct interacting with phospholipid/cholesterol membranes with asymmetrically distributed sphingomyelin, varying between 5 and 15\% in total. We observe that cav-1 binds to the intracellular leaflet and induces a small positive curvature in the leaflet to which it is bound and an opposing negative curvature in the extracellular leaflet. Both cholesterol and sphingomyelin are observed to cluster in cav-1 bound membranes, mainly in the extracellular leaflet. Due to their negative spontaneous curvature, clustering of cholesterol and sphingomyelin facilitates membrane curvature such that the extent of either cholesterol or sphingomyelin clustering is dependent on the curvature induced. Our results suggest that cav-1 binding induces concentration-dependent curvature effects in sphingomyelin-rich membranes. Overall, our work is an important step in understanding the molecular basis of curvature and lipid clustering in cav1 bound cellular membranes.

}, issn = {1520-6106}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpcb.0c02962}, author = {Krishna, Anjali and Prakash, Shikha and Sengupta, Durba} } @article {46599, title = {Stepwise nucleophilic substitution to access saturated N-heterocyclic carbene haloboranes with boron-methyl bonds}, journal = {Organometallics}, volume = {39}, year = {2020}, month = {DEC}, pages = {4696-4703}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Compounds of boranes with N-heterocyclic carbenes are known, yet little attention has been paid to NHC compounds of boron bearing methyl and halogen moieties together. The reason can be attributed to the hazardous methyldichloroborane (MeBCl2), which ignites in air. We describe here convenient solution-phase access to SIDipp.MeBCl2 (SIDipp = 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazolin-2-ylidene) (3) by a salt metathesis reaction of SIDipp.BCl3 (2) with MeLi. Replacement of the chlorine atoms of 3 with stepwise addition of AgOTf led to the formation of SIDipp.MeBCl(OTf) (4) and SIDipp.MeB(OTf)2 (5). In the case of 4, all of the substituents on the boron atom are different. Subsequently, we extended our synthetic approach to the amidinate system and prepared PhC(NtBu)2B(Me)Cl (7) from the reaction of PhC(NtBu)2BCl2 (6) with MeLi.

}, issn = {0276-7333}, doi = {10.1021/acs.organomet.0c00691}, author = {Kundu, Gargi and Pahar, Sanjukta and Tothadi, Srinu and Sen, Sakya S.} } @article {46695, title = {Stronger transcription regulatory circuit of HIV-1C drives the rapid establishment of latency with implications for the direct involvement of tat}, journal = {Journal of Virology}, volume = {94}, year = {2020}, month = {OCT}, pages = {e00503-20}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The magnitude of transcription factor binding site variation emerging in HIV-1 subtype C (HIV-1C), especially the addition of NF-kappa B motifs by sequence duplication, makes the examination of transcriptional silence challenging. How can HIV-1 establish and maintain latency despite having a strong long terminal repeat (LTR)? We constructed panels of subgenomic reporter viral vectors with varying copy numbers of NF-kappa B motifs (0 to 4 copies) and examined the profile of latency establishment in Jurkat cells. Surprisingly, we found that the stronger the viral promoter, the faster the latency establishment. Importantly, at the time of commitment to latency and subsequent points, Tat levels in the cell were not limiting. Using highly sensitive strategies, we demonstrate the presence of Tat in the latent cell, recruited to the latent LTR. Our data allude, for the first time, to Tat establishing a negative feedback loop during the late phases of viral infection, leading to the rapid silencing of the viral promoter. IMPORTANCE Over the past 10 to 15 years, HIV-1 subtype C (HIV-1C) has been evolving rapidly toward gaining stronger transcriptional activity by sequence duplication of major transcription factor binding sites. The duplication of NF-kappa B motifs is unique and exclusive to HIV-1C, a property not shared with any of the other eight HIV-1 genetic families. What mechanism(s) does HIV-1C employ to establish and maintain transcriptional silence despite the presence of a strong promoter and concomitant strong, positive transcriptional feedback is the primary question that we attempted to address in the present manuscript. The role that Tat plays in latency reversal is well established. Our work with the most common HIV-1 subtype, HIV-1C, offers crucial leads toward Tat possessing a dual role in serving as both a transcriptional activator and repressor at different phases of viral infection of the cell. The leads that we offer through the present work have significant implications for HIV-1 cure research.

}, keywords = {HIV-1C, latency, LTR, NF-kappa B, positive feedback, Tat}, issn = {0022-538X}, doi = {10.1128/JVI.00503-20}, author = {Chakraborty, Sutanuka and Kabi, Manisha and Ranga, Udaykumar} } @article {46712, title = {Structural and electrical characterization studies for ternary composite of polypyrrole}, journal = {Journal of Materials Science-Materials in Electronics}, volume = {31}, year = {2020}, month = {NOV}, pages = {18400-18411}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In this work, temperature dependence of alternate current (AC) and direct current (DC) conductivities of optimized polypyrrole/silver-tantalum oxide (PPy/Ag-Ta2O5), a ternary conducting polymer composite is comparatively studied with those of PPy and PPy/Ag. For the purpose, silver (Ag) nanoparticles were encapsulated with polypyrrole (PPy) by in situ oxidative polymerization to form core-shell structured PPy/Ag composite for which Ag nanoparticles were extracted from green tea. The PPy/Ag composite was then mechanically mixed with tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5) to form PPy/Ag-Ta(2)O(5)ternary composite. Increase in depth of delocalization band of PPy in ternary composite as compared to those of PPy/Ag composite and PPy, indicating its increased AC conductivity confirmed from the comparative FTIR analyses. Interaction between PPy/Ag composite and Ta(2)O(5)in the ternary composite was confirmed from XRD studies. The formation of core-shell structured PPy/Ag composite and Ta(2)O(5)particles embedded in such PPy/Ag composite to form PPy/Ag-Ta(2)O(5)ternary composite confirmed from TEM and Raman studies. The frequency- and temperature-dependent electrical conductivity studies revealed increase in AC conductivity of the ternary composite as compared to those of PPy/Ag composite and pure PPy attributed mainly to interfacial effects. The charge transport in these samples predicted to be due to correlated barrier hopping of charges was confirmed by calculating their respective AC and DC activation energies.

}, issn = {0957-4522}, doi = {10.1007/s10854-020-04386-4, Early Access Date = SEP 2020}, author = {Megha, R. and Ravikiran, Y. T. and Kumari, S. C. Vijaya and Prakash, H. G. Raj and Revanasiddappa, M. and Manjunatha, S. and Dastager, Syed G. and Thomas, S.} } @article {46914, title = {Structural studies on 10-hydroxygeraniol dehydrogenase: a novel linear substrate-specific dehydrogenase from Catharanthus roseus}, journal = {Proteins-Structure Function and Bioinformatics}, volume = {88}, year = {2020}, month = {SEP}, pages = {1197-1206}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Conversion of 10-hydroxygeraniol to 10-oxogeranial is a crucial step in iridoid biosynthesis. This reaction is catalyzed by a zinc-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase, 10-hydroxygeraniol dehydrogenase, belonging to the family of medium-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (MDR). Here, we report the crystal structures of a novel 10-hydroxygeraniol dehydrogenase from Catharanthus roseus in its apo and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP(+)) bound forms. Structural analysis and docking studies reveal how subtle conformational differences of loops L1, L2, L3, and helix alpha 9{\textquoteright} at the orifice of the catalytic site confer differential activity of the enzyme toward various substrates, by modulating the binding pocket shape and volume. The present study, first of its kind, provides insights into the structural basis of substrate specificity of MDRs specific to linear substrates. Furthermore, comparison of apo and NADP(+) bound structures suggests that the enzyme adopts open and closed states to facilitate cofactor binding.

}, keywords = {10-hydroxygeraniol dehydrogenase, iridoid biosynthesis, medium-chain dehydrogenase, monoterpene indole alkaloids, reductase, X-ray crystallography}, issn = {0887-3585}, doi = {10.1002/prot.25891, Early Access Date = MAR 2020}, author = {Sandholu, Anand S. and Mujawar, Sharmila P. and Ramakrishnan, Krithika and Thulasiram, Hirekodathakallu V. and Kulkarni, Kiran} } @article {46665, title = {Surface functionalization: an efficient alternative for promoting the catalytic activity of closed shell gold clusters}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics}, volume = {22}, year = {2020}, month = {OCT }, pages = {23351-23359}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

{Surface functionalization through adsorption of ligands or non-metal atoms is considered to be an interesting and viable approach for tuning the physicochemical properties of gold clusters. Highly stable and magic numbered electronic configurations of thiolate protected gold clusters such as Au-25(SR)(18), Au-38(SR)(24)etc. with intriguing properties are the direct manifestation of the rich chemistry of the Au-S interface. The present investigation discerns the CO oxidation activity of structurally well characterized sulphur functionalized gold cluster anions AumS4-

}, issn = {1463-9076}, doi = {10.1039/d0cp01918f}, author = {Joshi, Krati and Krishnamurty, Sailaja and Dar, Manzoor Ahmad} } @article {46786, title = {SWATH-MS based quantitative proteomics analysis to evaluate the antileishmanial effect of Commiphora wightii- Guggul and Amphotericin B on a clinical isolate of Leishmania donovani}, journal = {Journal of Proteomics}, volume = {223}, year = {2020}, month = {JUL }, pages = {103800}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The present study provides comprehensive proteomics analyses of the response of L. donovani parasite to pharamacological stress in vitro. Identification of differentially expressed proteins with associated molecular functions and metabolic pathways, clearly provides an insight into the potential mechanism of the antileishmanial effects as well as a comparative response of the parasite to Guggul and AmB. Treatment of parasite with AmB results in an enhanced modulatory mechanism to counteract the drug induced stress which may have contributed to relapse. In the case of Guggul treatment, an effective antipromastigote activity was observed, which is being reported for the first time. Thus, a deeper understanding of the molecular pathways in the Leishmania parasite in response to pharmacological stress would help in designing novel and effective strategies in targeting the key molecules essential for parasite survival. It will also help in screening of new lead molecules targeting these vital pathways which could be used as an adjunct therapy along with the limited repertoire of antileishmanial drugs.

}, issn = {1874-3919}, doi = {10.1016/j.jprot.2020.103800}, author = {Bar Routaray, Chinmayee and Bhor, Renuka and Bai, Shakuntala and Kadam, Nitin Suryakant and Jagtap, Surabhi and Doshi, Pooja Jignesh and Sundar, Shyam and Sawant, Sangeeta and Kulkarni, Mahesh J. and Pai, Kalpana} } @article {47138, title = {Synthesis and characterization of nylon 6 polymer nanocomposite using organically modified Indian bentonite}, journal = {SN Applied Sciences}, volume = {2}, year = {2020}, month = {JUL}, pages = {Article number: 1412}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In this present research work two different organic compounds are applied for the modification of Indian origin bentonite. One\ is with n-hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), intercalated with an\ interlayer of bentonite via cation exchange mechanism. Whereas, another with 3-Aminopropyl trimethoxysilane (APTES) interlayer functionalization with bentonite {\textendash}OH group. APTES and CTAB{\textendash}intercalated bentonites samples were further cross modified with CTAB and APTES to obtain novel co-surfactant locked organo bentonite modeling (CLOM) like matrices. Original and modified bentonite samples were comparatively evaluated by advanced characterization techniques such as, powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Moreover,\ the\ applicability of the developed CLOM like materials were investigated in nylon 6 nanocomposite preparation by melt compounding method using a micro twin co-rotated extruder. Additionally, CLOM-nylon-6 polymer nanocomposites were characterized by wide angle X-ray diffraction, TGA, differential scanning calorimetry, atomic force microscopy and tensile strength measurement. The observed thermograph results confirmed no significant difference in the thermal properties of the developed composites. Whereas, the significant variation observed in the tensile strength results particularly for developed composite 5\% of N6-OAMSB and N6 AMOSB 5 showed 111.5 and 76.6\% respective enhancement in tensile strength results when compared with a bare nylon-6 polymer.

}, doi = {10.1007/s42452-020-2579-5}, author = {Kumaresan, S. and Rokade, Dhammaraj S. and Marathe, Yogesh N. and Ingole, Pravin G. and Pawar, Radheshyam R. and Pol, Harshawardhan V. and Bajaj, Hari C.} } @article {46960, title = {Synthesis, characterisation, Hirshfeld surface and in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation of new N-aryl-N {\textquoteleft}-Alkoxycarbonyl thiocarbamide derivatives}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Structure}, volume = {1202}, year = {2020}, month = {FEB}, pages = {127269}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Four new compounds N-(4-nitrophenyl)-N{\textquoteright}-(isobutoxycarbonyl) thiocarbamide (1), N-(2, 4-nitrophenyl)-N{\textquoteright}-(isobutoxycarbonyl) thiocarbamide (2), N-(4-nitrophenyl)-N{\textquoteright}-(ethoxycarbonyl) thiocarbamide (3) and N-(2-Chloro- 4-nitrophenyl)-N{\textquoteright}-(ethoxycarbonyl) thiocarbamide (4) were prepared and their structures confirmed by using various spectroscopic (FT-IR, UV-Visible, H-1 and C-13 NMR) and single crystal X-ray studies of 1 and 3. The presence of intramolecular (N-H center dot center dot center dot O=C) hydrogen bond in the crystal structure of both the compounds causes planarity of carbonyl thiocarbamide unit and trans orientation of C=O and C=S group. The intermolecular contacts (C-H center dot center dot center dot S, C-H center dot center dot center dot O and N-H center dot center dot center dot S) present in crystal structures have been examined by Hirshfeld surface analysis and their associated 2D fingerprint plots. All the compounds were assessed for their in vitro cytotoxic properties against a panel of seven human cancer cells such as cervical carcinoma (2008, C13*), colorectal (HT29 and HCT116) and ovarian carcinoma (A2780, A2780/CP and IGROV-1). Among them, compounds 2 and 4 exhibited better activity than 1 and 3 against all the cell lines tested. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Hirshfeld surface analysis, In vitro cytotoxicity, Thiocarbamide, X-ray crystal structure}, issn = {0022-2860}, doi = {10.1016/j.molstruc.2019.127269}, author = {Pandey, Sunil K. and Pratap, Seema and Rai, Sunil K. and Marverti, Gaetano and Kaur, Manpreet and Jasinski, Jerry P.} } @article {46647, title = {Synthesis, characterization and catalytic study of mesoporous carbon materials prepared via mesoporous silica using non-surfactant templating agents}, journal = {Journal of Porous Materials}, year = {2020}, month = {NOV}, type = {Article; Early Access}, abstract = {

Mesostructured silica materials with surface area in the range of similar to 700-900 m(2)/g have been prepared using hydroxy-carboxylic acid compounds such as tartaric acid, malic acid and citric acid (low cost non-surfactant template/pore forming agents) and tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) as silica source by sol-gel reaction. The templates were removed by either soxhlet extraction or calcination method. Mesoporous carbon molecular sieves were then prepared by carbonizing sucrose inside the pores of the above prepared mesoporous silica using sulfuric acid as a catalyst. The materials were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), N-2-sorption studies, microanalysis, thermal analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The resulting carbon material shows relatively higher surface area (similar to 1100 m(2)/g), narrow pore size distribution and pore diameter of 4-5 nm. The mesoporosity of carbon material arises from interconnecting channels arrangements of mesoporous silica template. The mesoporous carbon material was used as a support for the immobilization of rhodium complex [HRhCO(TPPTS)(3)] by ossification method. The prepared catalyst has been tested for the hydroformylation of higher olefins. The activity of the catalyst was improved by 20-30\% as compared to the catalyst prepared from a conventional activated carbon support.

}, keywords = {Carbonization, Hydroformylation, Immobilization, Low cost templates, mesoporous carbon, Mesoporous silica}, issn = {1380-2224}, doi = {10.1007/s10934-020-01003-x}, author = {Pagar, Nitin S. and Karandikar, Prashant R. and Chandwadkar, Asha J. and Deshpande, Raj M.} } @article {46912, title = {Synthesis of artemisinic acid derived glycoconjugates and their anticancer studies}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {18}, year = {2020}, month = {MAR}, pages = {2252-2263}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Glycoconjugates, due to their diverse functions, are widely regarded as biologically important molecules. Artemisinic acid 1 occurs naturally in the plant Artemisia annua and is considered to be the biogenetic precursor of the antimalarial drug, artemisinin 2. We report herein the design and synthesis of diverse artemisinic acid derived glycoconjugates. We have synthesized 12-O-artemisinic acid-glycoconjugates (7a-k) and 12-N-artemisinic acid-glycoconjugates (8a-k) by utilizing Cu(i)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition reactions (Click chemistry) with various synthesized sugar azides (6a-k) in good to excellent yields along with two fluorescently labeled compounds, 12-O-artemisinic acid-glycoconjugate 11 and 12-N-artemisinic acid-glycoconjugate 12, to investigate the mode of action of these compounds in biological systems. All the synthesized artemisinic acid glycoconjugates were assayed for their efficacy against the MCF7 cell line. Our anticancer studies indicated that all the synthesized compounds inhibited the growth of MCF7 cells in a dose dependent manner, barring compounds 4 and 7d. However, these compounds exhibit moderate cytotoxicity, as is evident from their IC50 values.

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/d0ob00216j}, author = {Kotammagari, Tharun K. and Paul, Sayantan and Barik, Ganesh K. and Santra, Manas K. and Bhattacharya, Asish K.} } @article {46826, title = {Synthesis of novel of 2, 5-disubstituted 1, 3, 4-oxadiazole derivatives and their in vitro anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant evaluation, and molecular docking study}, journal = {Bioorganic \& Medicinal Chemistry Letters}, volume = {30}, year = {2020}, month = {JUN}, pages = {127136}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A series of novel 2, 5-disubstituted 1, 3, 4-Oxadiazole derivatives as a potential anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant agent were synthesized via cyclisation. Hydrazide molecule treated with substituted acids in the presence of phosphorus oxychloride (POCl3) as an efficient reagent as well as solvent by conventional method with shorter reaction time and excellent yield. The newly synthesized 1, 3, 4-oxadiazole derivatives exhibited excellent to good anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities compaired to the standard drugs. Molecular docking study on the crucial anti-inflammatory target-cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) revealed the ability of the scaffold to correctly recognize the active site and achieve significant bonded and non-bonded interactions with key residues therein. This study could identify potential compounds which can be pertinent starting points for structure-based drug design to obtain newer anti-inflammatory agents.

}, keywords = {1, 3, 4-Oxadiazole, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-Oxidant, Biological activity, computational chemistry}, issn = {0960-894X}, doi = {10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.127136}, author = {Kashid, Bharat B. and Salunkhe, Pravin H. and Dongare, Balasaheb B. and More, Kishor R. and Khedkar, Vijay M. and Ghanwat, Anil A.} } @article {46946, title = {Synthesis of silver nanoparticles colloids in imidazolium halide ionic liquids and their antibacterial activities for gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria}, journal = {Chemosphere}, volume = {243}, year = {2020}, month = {MAR}, pages = {125302}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Four 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium halide ionic liquids were synthesized via metathesis and anion exchange reactions. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) colloids were synthesized in four ionic liquids in the pressurized reactor by reduction of silver nitrate with hydrogen gas, without adding solvents or stabilizing agents. Antibacterial activities of base ionic liquids and AgNPs colloids in ionic liquids were reviewed by well-diffusion method for gram-positive Bacillus cereus (NCIM-2155) and gram-negative Escherichia coli (NCIM-2931) bacteria. Antibacterial activities of ionic liquids and AgNPs colloids in ionic liquids were observed to be controlled by ionic liquids anions and AgNPs particle size. The 1 -butyl-3-methylimidazolium iodide ionic liquid exhibited higher antibacterial activities among the studied ionic liquids. Further, the presence of AgNPs in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium iodide, ionic liquid enhanced its antibacterial activity for Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli bacteria. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Anion effect, antibacterial activity, Imidazolium halides, ionic liquids, silver nanoparticles}, issn = {0045-6535}, doi = {10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125302}, author = {Patil, Virendra and Mahajan, Swapnil and Kulkarni, Mohan and Patil, Kashinath and Rode, Chandrashekhar and Coronas, Alberto and Yi, Gi-Ra} } @article {46956, title = {Tale of biphenyl and terphenyl substituents for structurally diverse ketiminato magnesium, calcium and germanium complexes}, journal = {Chemistry-An Asian Journal}, volume = {15}, year = {2020}, month = {MAR}, pages = {820-827}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In this paper, we have used two N,O-ketiminato ligands (L1 and L2) with biphenyl and terphenyl substituent on the nitrogen atom. Deprotonation of L1 with KN(SiMe3)(2) and subsequent reaction with MgI2 led to a homoleptic dinuclear magnesium complex (1) with a Mg2O2 four-membered ring. Deprotonation with nBuLi and subsequent reaction with MgI2 afforded a unusual dinuclear magnesium complex (2) with a Mg2O2 ring. Extension of the ligand for calcium resulted in a trinuclear calcium complex (3) with six four-membered Ca2O2 rings. We could not isolate any chelating complex when L2 was used as a ligand, and only oxygen bound magnesium (4) and calcium (5) adducts were isolated. DFT studies were performed to understand this dissimilar behavior. More diverse results were obtained when lithiated L1 and L2 were treated with germanium dichloride. We were able to stabilize a monomeric germylene monochloride (7) with L1. However, with L2, an unusual ligand scrambling, and a C-C coupling take place, leading to the formation of a secondary carbocation with GeCl3- as a counter-anion (8). Besides, a germanium dichloride adduct (9) bound to the oxygen center of the ligand was obtained as the minor product.

}, keywords = {calcium, Germylene, ligand, Magnesium, X-ray Structure}, issn = {1861-4728}, doi = {10.1002/asia.201901801, Early Access Date = FEB 2020}, author = {Kumar, Rohit and Yadav, Sandeep and Gour, Kritika and Sangtani, Ekta and Ranjan Dash, Soumya and Raja, Abhishekram and Vanka, Kumar and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Sen, Sakya S.} } @article {46770, title = {Template assisted synthesis of Ni,N co-doped porous carbon from Ni incorporated ZIF-8 frameworks for electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {44}, year = {2020}, month = {JUL }, pages = {12343-12354}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A heteroatom doped porous carbon electrocatalyst with enhanced oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance in alkaline medium was obtained by high temperature treatment of Ni incorporated ZIF-8 frameworks and its composite with g-C(3)N(4)as a supporting matrix template. The morphology and porosity of this heteroatom containing carbon were tuned by varying the Ni : Zn molar ratio in Ni/Zn ZIF-8 and Ni/Zn ZIF-8@g-C(3)N(4)composites. The template aided synthetic strategy using g-C(3)N(4)helped in the controlled decomposition of composites leading to a heteroporous sheet like architecture with increased nitrogen content. The Ni/Zn ZIF-8 sample on heat treatment in the 800-1000 degrees C temperature range led to the formation of Ni,N co-doped porous carbon (Ni-NPC) with Ni-C active sites. The defective sites induced by nickel carbide along with the distributed N atoms on the carbon surface enabled active O(2)adsorption sites. The high surface area, high degree of graphitisation as well as the defects created by well dispersed N and Ni on porous carbon matrices favoured charge separation leading to higher electrochemical ORR activity. The Ni,N co-doped carbon catalyst in alkaline medium exhibited a limiting current density of 5.2 mA cm(-2)with a half-wave potential of 0.76 Vvs.RHE in 0.1 M KOH. The catalyst also showed improved methanol tolerance and better stability compared to the standard Pt/C catalyst.

}, issn = {1144-0546}, doi = {10.1039/d0nj01373k}, author = {Priya K., Vaishna and Thomas, Minju and Illathvalappil, Rajith and K., Shijina and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Nair, Balagopal N. and Mohamed, A. Peer and Anilkumar, Gopinathan M. and Yamaguchi, Takeo and Hareesh, U. S.} } @article {47022, title = {Theoretical study on cyclophane amide molecular receptors and its complexation behavior with TCNQ}, journal = {Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B-Biology}, volume = {203}, year = {2020}, month = {JAN}, pages = {111735}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Complexation behavior of cyclophane amide molecular receptors towards 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) studied. TD-B3LYP/6-31 + G(d,p) based density functional theory was employed to investigate the photophysical characteristics of the complexes obtained. Syn isomers of cyclophane amide molecular hosts show preferred conformation over other conformations. Molecular Orbital analysis indicates the electronic structure change, which reflects in the absorption spectra of the cyclophane amide-1@TCNQ, and cyclophane amide-2@TCNQ charge-transfer (CT) complexes. Binding energy studies with B3LYP-D3/6-31 + G (d,p) theory demonstrated that the more effective binding of the pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide macrocycles than for their isophthalamide analogs. Both the CT complexes show intermolecular bifurcated hydrogen bonding (N-H-(host)center dot center dot center dot N-(guest)center dot center dot center dot H-N-(host)) interactions (2.06 to 2.08 angstrom), and pi((host))center dot center dot center dot pi((guest)) interactions (3.2 to 3.4 angstrom). Calculated BSSE corrected complexation energy (Delta E) be associated with the formation of the inclusion complexes in the range - 28 to similar to 37 kJ mol(-1), indicating spontaneity of host-guest complex formation in both the cases. From the calculated vibrational spectra of these complexes, the formation of inclusion complexes via N - H-(host)center dot center dot center dot N-(guest) and pi((host))center dot center dot center dot pi((guest)) intermolecular interactions established by the frequency shift in the N - H vibrations. Mulliken population analysis performed to recognize the CT process and the variation in charges between the free and complex TCNQ molecules suggests the intermolecular charge transfer. This study indicates that these cyclophane amides can be a decent CT complexation host for the guests like TCNQ.

}, keywords = {Absorption, Charge transfer complex, Cyclophane amides, Electrostatic potential surface, Host-guest, Molecular orbitals, Time-dependent density functional theory}, issn = {1011-1344}, doi = {10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2019.111735}, author = {Sundaram, Soma Sundaram Meenakshi and Karthick, Selvam and Sailaja, Krishnamurty and Karkuzhali, Rajendran and Gopu, Gopalakrishnan} } @article {46793, title = {TIAs pathway genes and associated miRNA identification in Vinca minor: supporting aspidosperma and eburnamine alkaloids linkage via transcriptomic analysis}, journal = {Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants}, volume = {26}, year = {2020}, month = {AUG}, pages = {1695-1711}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

V. minorcontains monomeric eburnamine-type of indole alkaloids having utilization as a neuro-medicinal plant. The biosynthetic pathway studies using miRNAs has been the focal point for plant genomic research in recent years and this technique is utilized to get an insight into a possible pathway level study inV. minoras understanding of genes in this prized medicinal plant is meagrely understood. The de novo transcriptomic analysis using Illumina Next gen sequencing has been performed in glasshouse shifted plant and transformed roots to elucidate the possible non confirmed steps of terpenoid indole alkaloids (TIAs) pathway inV. minor. A putative TIA pathway is elucidated in the study including twelve possible TIAs biosynthetic genes. The specific miRNA associated with TIAs pathway were identified and their roles were discussed for the first time inV. minor. The comparative analysis of transcriptomic data of glasshouse shifted plant and transformed roots showed that the raw reads of transformed roots were higher (83,740,316) compared to glasshouse shifted plant (67,733,538). The EST-SSR prediction showed the maximum common repeats among glasshouse shifted plant and transformed roots, although small variation was found in trinucleotide repeats restricted to glasshouse shifted plant. The study reveals overall 37 miRNAs which were observed to be true and can have a role in pathway as they can regulate the growth and alkaloid production. The identification of putative pathway genes plays an important role in establishing linkage between Aspidosperma and Eburnamine alkaloids.

}, keywords = {de novo transcriptomic analysis, EST-SSR, miRNA, Terpenoid indole alkaloids, Vinca minor}, issn = {0971-5894}, doi = {10.1007/s12298-020-00842-x, Early Access Date = JUL 2020}, author = {Verma, Priyanka and Singh, Noopur and Khan, Shamshad Ahmad and Mathur, Ajay Kumar and Sharma, Ashok and Jamal, Farrukh} } @article {47336, title = {Time: a web application for obtaining insights into microbial ecology using longitudinal microbiome data (vol 9, 36, 2018)}, journal = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, volume = {11}, year = {2020}, month = {NOV}, pages = {605295}, type = {Correction}, keywords = {clustering, community state, Granger causality algorithm, Microbiome, time series, visualization, Web server}, issn = {1664-302X}, doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2020.605295}, author = {Baksi, Krishanu D. and Kuntal, Bhusan K. and Mande, Sharmila S.} } @article {47008, title = {Ti-superoxide catalyzed oxidative amidation of aldehydes with saccharin as nitrogen source: synthesis of primary amides}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {10}, year = {2020}, month = {JAN}, pages = {724-728}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A new heterogeneous catalytic system (Ti-superoxide/saccharin/TBHP) has been developed that efficiently catalyzes oxidative amidation of aldehydes to produce various primary amides. The protocol employs saccharin as amine source and was found to tolerate a wide range of substrates with different functional groups. Moderate to excellent yields, catalyst reusability and operational simplicity are the main highlights. A possible mechanism and the role of the catalyst in oxidative amidation have also been discussed.

}, doi = {10.1039/c9ra10413e}, author = {Kamble, Rohit B. and Mane, Kishor D. and Rupanawar, Bapurao D. and Korekar, Pranjal and Sudalai, A. and Suryavanshi, Gurunath} } @article {46631, title = {Total synthesis and absolute configuration determination of Ktedonoketone, a benzenoid metabolite from Thermophilic bacterium}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {61}, year = {2020}, month = {NOV }, pages = {152526}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The successful total synthesis of both enantiomers of ktedonoketone allowed us to decipher an unambiguous assignment of absolute configuration of the natural product. The concise synthesis highlights Wacker oxidation and aldol condensation as key steps. In addition to this, the current synthetic route is suitable to access a library of compounds on the similar skeleton as one can use readily available amino acids and Grignard reagents as variants. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Absolute configuration, Ktedonoketone, Total synthesis, Wacker oxidation}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2020.152526}, author = {Dandawate, Monica and Choudhury, Rahul and Krishna, Gamidi Rama and Reddy, D. Srinivasa} } @article {46795, title = {Total synthesis of (-)-2-methoxy-2-butenolide-3-cinnamate and its antimicrobial potentials}, journal = {Natural Product Research}, year = {2020}, month = {JUL}, type = {Article; Early Access 2020}, abstract = {

The first total synthesis of (-)-2-methoxy-2-butenolide-3-cinnamate (butenolide cinnamate) was achieved using commercially available starting material. The synthesized compound was found to have promising antibacterial activity against Gram-negative strainsEscherichia coli(ATCC 8739),Salmonella typhimurium(ATCC 23564) andPseudomonas aeruginosa(ATCC 19154) with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 2.0 mu g/mL, 1.0 mu g/mL and 2.0 mu g/mL, respectively. Notably, the compound was more potent against Gram-negative test strains than the Gram-positive test strains.

}, keywords = {antibacterial activity, butenolide cinnamate, Total synthesis}, issn = {1478-6419}, doi = {10.1080/14786419.2020.1789979, Early Access Date = JUL 2020}, author = {Said, Madhukar S. and Udavant, Rohini and Sahu, Amit Kumar and Khan, Abujunaid and Nayak, Rashmi and Dastager, Syed G. and Kumar, Pradeep and Gajbhiye, Jayant} } @article {46650, title = {Total synthesis of beshanzuenone D and its epimers and abiespiroside A}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {22}, year = {2020}, month = {NOV }, pages = {8561-8565}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A unified and protecting-group-free six-step total synthesis of bisabolane-type sesquiterpenoid beshanzuenone D and its stereoisomers and abiespiroside A using S-(+)-carvone as a common chiral-pool building block is disclosed. This synthetic route features chemoselective allylic chlorination of carvone, Au(I)-catalyzed cydoisomerization induced construction of furan from homopropargylic diol, substrate-controlled selective hydroxylation using Davis-oxaziridine, and dye-sensitized photo-oxidation (through O-1(2)) of hydroxyalkyl tethered furan to access oxaspirolactone as key transformations. A comprehensive set of NMR data along with DFT calculations, ECD spectra, and optical rotation measurements of the synthesized beshanzuenone D and its epimers were obtained to confirm absolute configurations.

}, issn = {1523-7060}, doi = {10.1021/acs.orglett.0c03157}, author = {Borade, Balasaheb R. and Dixit, Ruchi and Kontham, Ravindar} } @article {46692, title = {Towards lignin-derived chemicals using atom-efficient catalytic routes}, journal = {Trends in Chemistry}, volume = {2}, year = {2020}, month = {OCT}, pages = {898-913}, type = {Review}, abstract = {

Lignin is a potential non-fossil resource of diverse functionalized phenolic units. The most important lignin- derived monomers are 4-alkylphenols, 4- hydroxybenzaldehydes, 4-hydroxybenzoic acids, and 4-hydroxycinnamic acids/esters. Efficient transformation of lignin and/or its monomers into valuable aromatics and their derivatives is crucial, not only for a sustainable lignocellulose biorefinery, but also to reduce our dependence on fossil feedstocks. This review provides a concise account of the recent advances in lignocellulose fractionation/lignin depolymerization processes towards lignin-derived monomers. Subsequently, numerous potential atom-efficient catalytic routes for upgrading lignin monomers into drop-in chemicals and new polymer building blocks are discussed.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.trechm.2020.07.011}, author = {Sudarsanam, Putla and Ruijten, Dieter and Liao, Yuhe and Renders, Tom and Koelewijn, Steven-Friso and Sels, Bert F.} } @article {46811, title = {Triethyl phosphite/benzoyl peroxide mediated reductive dealkylation of O-benzoylhydroxylamines: a cascade synthesis of secondary amides}, journal = {European Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {2020}, year = {2020}, month = {JUL}, pages = {4235-4238}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A new triethyl phosphite/benzoyl peroxide (BPO) mediated system has been developed for the synthesis of secondary amides with good to excellent yields in a single step. This unprecedented cascade process involves sequential reduction of N-O bond and benzoylation followed by dealkylation of N-C bond ofO-benzoylhydroxylamines (O-BHA). The methodology is versatile as it tolerates a variety of aromatic and aliphaticO-BHA as substrates to access secondary amides.

}, keywords = {Amides, Cascade reactions, O-Benzoylhydroxylamines, Redox reactions, synthetic methods}, issn = {1434-193X}, doi = {10.1002/ejoc.202000611, Early Access Date = JUN 2020}, author = {Aegurla, Balakrishna and Mandle, Ram D. and Shinde, Prasad G. and Parit, Ratan S. and Kamble, Sanjay P. and Sudalai, Arumugam and Senthilkumar, Beeran} } @article {46982, title = {Tris-heteroleptic ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes: Synthesis, structural characterization, photophysical, electrochemistry and biological properties}, journal = {Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry}, volume = {203}, year = {2020}, month = {FEB}, pages = {110903}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

{Three water-soluble tris-heteroleptic ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes [Ru(bpy)(phen)(bpg)](2+) (1), [Ru (bpy)(dppz)(bpg)]2+ (2), and [Ru(phen)(dppz)(bpg)]2+ (3) (where bpy = 2,2{\textquoteright}-bipyridine

}, keywords = {Circular dichroism, Cytotoxicity, fluorescence, Polypyridyl, ruthenium}, issn = {0162-0134}, doi = {10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2019.110903}, author = {Bhat, Satish S. and Kumbhar, Avinash S. and Purandare, Neeraja and Khan, Ayesha and Grampp, Gunter and Loennecke, Peter and Hey-Hawkins, Evamarie and Dixit, Ruchi and Vanka, Kumar} } @article {46708, title = {Triton X-114 fractionated subcellular proteome ofleptospira interrogansshows selective enrichment of pathogenic and outer membrane proteins in the detergent fraction}, journal = {Proteomics}, volume = {20}, year = {2020}, month = {OCT}, pages = {2000170}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The Triton X-114-based solubilization and temperature-dependent phase separation of proteins is used for subcellular fractionation where, aqueous, detergent, and pellet fractions represents cytoplasmic, outer membrane (OM), and inner membrane proteins, respectively. Mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis of Triton X-114 fractions of proteomic analysis ofLeptospira interrogansidentified 2957 unique proteins distributed across the fractions. The results are compared with bioinformatics predictions on their subcellular localization and pathogenic nature. Analysis of the distribution of proteins across the Triton X-114 fractions with the predicted characteristics is performed based on {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}number{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} of unique type of proteins, and {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}quantity{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} which represents the amount of unique protein. The highest number of predicted outer membrane proteins (OMPs) and pathogenic proteins are found in aqueous and pellet fractions, whereas detergent fraction representing the OM has the highest quantity of OMPs and pathogenic proteins though lower in number than the aqueous and pellet fractions. This leaves the possibility of an upsurge in pathogenic proteins and OMPs on the OM under pathogenic conditions suggesting their potential use to combat leptospirosis. Further, the Triton X-114 subcellular fractions are more correlated to enrichment of pathogenic proteins predicted by MP3 software than predicted localization.

}, keywords = {intensity-based absolute quantification, Leptospira, outer membrane protein, subcellular localization, Triton X-114}, issn = {1615-9853}, doi = {10.1002/pmic.202000170, Early Access Date = SEP 2020}, author = {Thoduvayil, Sikha and Dhandapani, Gunasekaran and Brahma, Rahul and Devasahayam Arokia Balaya, Rex and Mangalaparthi, Kiran K. and Patel, Krishna and Kumar, Manish and Tennyson, Jebasingh and Satheeshkumar, P. K. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J. and Pinto, Sneha M. and Prasad, T. S. Keshava and Madanan, Madathiparambil G.} } @article {46984, title = {Tuning phosphorescence features of triphenylamines by varying functional groups and intermolecular interactions}, journal = {Dyes and Pigments}, volume = {173}, year = {2020}, month = {FEB}, pages = {107931}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Organic room temperature phosphorescent materials are known for their synthetic feasibility, tunable phosphorescence wavelength and lifetime, etc. Hence new design strategies have been applied on various fluorophores to improve phosphorescence features. Among those, triphenylamines are phosphorescence active due to the presence of nitrogen atom, propeller molecular structure, and intermolecular interactions in the crystal state. Here we have studied the room temperature phosphorescence of a series of triphenylamines with various functional groups. Detailed studies have shown that the phosphorescence can be fine-tuned by functional group modification. A long phosphorescence lifetime around 100 ms at room temperature in air can be achieved by the interplay of intermolecular interactions, singlet-triplet energy gap and extent of intersystem crossing using functional group variation. Interestingly, an exciplex assisted ultralong phosphorescence lifetime (more than 20 times) is observed for a combination of triphenylamine and naphthalenemonoimide in air.

}, keywords = {Exciplex, fluorescence, Phosphorescence, triphenylamine}, issn = {0143-7208}, doi = {10.1016/j.dyepig.2019.107931}, author = {Goudappagouda and Asokan, Kiran and Nayak, Rashmi and Krishnan, Retheesh and Babu, Sukumaran Santhosh} } @article {46771, title = {Tweaking palladium electronic structure to attain oxygen reduction activity superior to platinum/C}, journal = {ACS Applied Energy Materials}, volume = {3}, year = {2020}, month = {JUL}, pages = {6127-6132}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Enhancing oxygen reduction (ORR) activity through alloying is crucial to improve the performance of a fuel-cell catalysts. In this work, we have studied the alloying effects of 4f rare-earth (RE) metals with palladium. The modified catalyst exhibits better activity (E-onset = 1 V and E-1/2 = 0.88 V) and higher selectivity toward H2O (similar to 97\%) compared to the state-of-the-art catalysts due to complete dissociation of O-2. Hirshfeld charge analysis and 2D-electron localization function reveal improved adsorbate-adsorbent interaction on the catalyst surface. This work paves a strategy to design highly selective non-Pt-based catalysts for the ORR by controlling electronic structures and surface oxide formation.

}, keywords = {d-band center, DFT calculation, durability, EuPd, oxygen reduction reaction, YbPd}, issn = {2574-0962}, doi = {10.1021/acsaem.0c01241}, author = {Sarma, Saurav Ch. and Kaja, Sai Manoj and Mishra, Vidyanshu and Vinod, Chathakudath Prabhakaran and Peter, Sebastian C.} } @article {46648, title = {Ultrahigh sensitive carbon-based conducting rubbers for flexible and wearable human-machine intelligence sensing}, journal = {Advanced Materials Technologies}, volume = {5}, year = {2020}, month = {DEC}, pages = {2000690}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The wearable strain sensors with multifunctional applications can fuel the rapid development of human-machine intelligence for various sectors like healthcare, soft robotics, and Internet of Things applications. However, achieving the low-cost and mass production of wearable sensors with ultra-high performance remains challenging. Herein, a simple, cost-effective, and scalable methodology to fabricate the flexible and highly sensitive strain sensors using carbon black and latex rubbers (LR) is presented. The LR-based strain sensor demonstrates excellent flexibility, fast response (approximate to 600 ms), ultra-high sensitivity (maximum gauge factor of 1.2 x 10(4) at 250\% strain), and long-term stability over 1000 cycles. The LR-based strain sensors are sensitive to monitor subtle human motions such as heart pulse rate and voice recognition along with high-strain human joint operations. Additionally, the sensing mechanism of LR bands is investigated by surface topographies and electromechanical response under various strained/unstrained conditions. Further, a smart glove-based sensor module made of LR strain bands with an Arduino reader for the human-machine intelligence device for non-verbal communication in military applications is demonstrated.

}, keywords = {conducting rubbers, gauge factor, human\&\#8211, machine interfacing, voice recognition, wearable strain sensors}, issn = {2365-709X}, doi = {10.1002/admt.202000690, Early Access Date = NOV 2020}, author = {Ajeev, Arya and Javaregowda, Bharathkumar H. and Ali, Ashik and Modak, Mrudul and Patil, Shreya and Khatua, Saumyakanta and Ramadoss, Marimuthu and Kothavade, Premkumar Anil and Arulraj, Arul Kashmir} } @article {46791, title = {Uncovering the origin of enhanced field emission properties of rGO-MnO(2)heterostructures: a synergistic experimental and computational investigation}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {10}, year = {2020}, month = {JUL }, pages = {25988-25998}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The unique structural merits of heterostructured nanomaterials including the electronic interaction, interfacial bonding and synergistic effects make them attractive for fabricating highly efficient optoelectronic devices. Herein, we report the synthesis of MnO(2)nanorods and a rGO/MnO(2)nano-heterostructure using low-cost hydrothermal and modified Hummers{\textquoteright} methods, respectively. Detailed characterization and confirmation of the structural and morphological properties are doneviaX-ray Diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Compared to the isolated MnO(2)nanorods, the rGO/MnO(2)nano-heterostructure exhibits impressive field emission (FE) performance in terms of the low turn-on field of 1.4 V mu m(-1)for an emission current density of 10 mu A cm(-2)and a high current density of 600 mu A cm(-2)at a relatively very low applied electric field of 3.1 V mu m(-1). The isolated MnO(2)nanorods display a high turn-on field of 7.1 for an emission current density of 10 mu A cm(-2)and a low current density of 221 mu A cm(-2)at an applied field of 8.1 V mu m(-1). Besides the superior FE characteristics of the rGO/MnO(2)nano-heterostructure, the emission current remains quite stable over the continuous 2 h period of measurement. The improvement of the FE characteristics of the rGO/MnO(2)nano-heterostructure can be ascribed to the nanometric features and the lower work function (6.01 and 6.12 eV for the rGO with 8\% and 16\% oxygen content) compared to the isolated alpha-MnO2(100) surface (phi= 7.22 eV) as predicted from complementary first-principles electronic structure calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) methods. These results suggest that an appropriate coupling of rGO with MnO(2)nanorods would have a synergistic effect of lowering the electronic work function, resulting in a beneficial tuning of the FE characteristics.

}, doi = {10.1039/d0ra03360j}, author = {Rondiya, Sachin R. and Karbhal, Indrapal and Jadhav, Chandradip D. and Nasane, Mamta P. and Davies, Thomas E. and Shelke, V. Manjusha and Jadkar, Sandesh R. and Chavan, Padmakar G. and Dzade, Nelson Y.} } @article {46677, title = {Understanding the role of solvent properties on reaction kinetics for synthesis of silica nanoparticles}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Journal}, volume = {398}, year = {2020}, month = {OCT}, pages = {125427}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The effect of various alcoholic solvents and their compositions on the size of silica particles synthesized through hydrolysis and condensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) is studied. The alcohols used are: Methanol, ethanol, propanol, i-propanol, butanol, pentanol, hexanol, octanol, decanol and do-decanol. Ethanol was used as a co-solvent with the higher molecular weight alcohols. Silica particles of size between 100 nm and 2 mu m were obtained by changing solvent composition. Concentrations of total soluble silica and silicic acid were measured and used for exploring the kinetics of hydrolysis and condensation reactions. Polarity, steric hindrance and viscosity of solvent were found to have a strong influence on the rate constants and size of silica nanoparticles. An attempt is made to correlate both final particle size and rate constants with dielectric constant, Wiener index and viscosity of the solvent.

}, keywords = {condensation, Hydrolysis, kinetics, silica particles, Solvents, Stober process}, issn = {1385-8947}, doi = {10.1016/j.cej.2020.125427}, author = {Bari, Atul H. and Jundale, Rajashri B. and Kulkarni, Amol. A.} } @article {46601, title = {Understanding unfolding and refolding of the antibody fragment (Fab). I. In-vitro study}, journal = {Biochemical Engineering Journal}, volume = {164}, year = {2020}, month = {DEC}, pages = {107764}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In-vitro protein refolding is a major rate-limiting step in the large scale production of antibody fragments expressed using a microbial source like E. coli. This investigation is focused on understanding the in-vitro unfolding and refolding of the multi-domain protein involving inter-domain disulfide linkage, like antibody fragment (Fab). Solubilization behavior of the inclusion bodies and unfolding events of Fab fragment (Biosimilar rHu Ranibizumab) were studied using nano-differential scanning fluorimetry (nano-DSF). Fab unfolding behavior was studied by fitting experimental data with the two-state and three-state thermodynamic model. Based on the Fab unfolding understanding, a two-stage design of experiment (DoE) strategy was used for the optimization of the in-vitro refolding condition of a Fab fragment. Refolding yield of 56.03 +/- 1.15 \% was achieved using the optimized oxidative refolding conditions maintained by appropriate dilution factor and redox reagent ratio. Refolding kinetics of the rHu Ranibizumab was analyzed using a three-parameter kinetic model showing rate constant k(1) :7.05e(-6) l/mg.min, k(2) :0.57 l/mg.min, and k(3) :310.19 l/mg.min. Based on observed refolding kinetics, it was concluded that the Fab refolding follows a three-state mechanism with the refolding intermediate/(s) formation from light and heavy chain of the Fab fragment as an overall rate-limiting step. The method described here is a useful tool to identify high-yield scalable refolding conditions for multi-domain proteins involving inter-domain disulfide bonds.

}, keywords = {Antibody fragment, In-vitro refolding, Refolding kinetics, rHu Ranibizumab, Two-state and Three-state models}, issn = {1369-703X}, doi = {10.1016/j.bej.2020.107764}, author = {Gani, Kayanat and Bhambure, Rahul and Deulgaonkar, Prashant and Mehta, Deepa and Kamble, Manoj} } @article {46885, title = {Unique N doped Sn3O4 nanosheets as an efficient and stable photocatalyst for hydrogen generation under sunlight}, journal = {Nanoscale}, volume = {12}, year = {2020}, month = {APR}, pages = {8502-8510}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Unique N doped Sn3O4 nanosheets have been demonstrated successfully using a facile hydrothermal method. Investigations of the triclinic phase and the impurities were performed using powder X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. The morphological analysis demonstrated a rectangular intra- and inter-connected nanosheet-like structure. The length of the nanosheets was observed to be in the range of 200-300 nm and the thickness of the nanosheets was less than 10 nm. The optical study reveals an extended absorption edge into the visible region, owing to the incorporation of nitrogen into the lattice of Sn3O4, which was further confirmed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Considering the band structure in the visible region, the photocatalytic activities of pristine and N doped Sn3O4 nanosheets for hydrogen evolution from water under natural sunlight were investigated. 4\% N-Sn3O4 showed a higher photocatalytic activity (654.33 mu mol(-1) h(-1) 0.1 g(-1)) for hydrogen production that was eight times that of pristine Sn3O4. The enhanced photocatalytic activity is attributed to the inhibition of charge carrier separation owing to the N doping, morphology and crystallinity of the N-Sn3O4 nanostructures. A stable efficiency was observed for three cycles, which clearly shows the stability of N-Sn3O4.

}, issn = {2040-3364}, doi = {10.1039/c9nr10439a}, author = {Balgude, Sagar and Sethi, Yogesh and Gaikwad, Aarti and Kale, Bharat and Amalnerkar, Dinesh and Adhyapak, Parag} } @article {47011, title = {Unprecedented isomerism-activity relation in molecular electrocatalysis}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters}, volume = {11}, year = {2020}, month = {JAN }, pages = {263-271}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The role of electrocatalysts in energy storage/conversion, biomedical and environmental sectors, green chemistry, and much more has generated enormous interest in comprehending their structure-activity relations. While targeting the surface-to-volume ratio, exposing reactive crystal planes and interfacial modifications are time-tested considerations for activating metallic catalysts; it is primarily by substitution in molecular electrocatalysts. This account draws the distinction between a substituent{\textquoteright}s chemical identity and isomerism, when regioisomerism of the -NO2 substituent is conferred at the {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}alpha{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} and {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}beta{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} positions on the macrocycle of cobalt phthalocyanines. Spectroscopic analysis and theoretical calculations establish that the beta isomer accumulates catalytically active intermediates via a cumulative influence of inductive and resonance effects. However, the field effect in the alpha isomer restricts this activation due to a vanishing resonance effect. The demonstration of the distinct role of isomerism in substituted molecular electrocatalysts for reactions ranging from energy conversion to biosensing highlights that isomerism of the substituents makes an independent contribution to electrocatalysis over its chemical identity.

}, issn = {1948-7185}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpclett.9b02689}, author = {Kottaichamy, Alagar Raja and Begum, Shabbah and Nazrulla, Mohammed Azeezulla and Dargily, Neethu Christudas and Devendrachari, Mruthyunjayachari Chattanahalli and Bhat, Zahid Manzoor and Thimmappa, Ravikumar and Kotresh, Harish Makri Nimbegondi and Vinod, Chathakudath Prabhakaran and Thotiyl, Musthafa Ottakam} } @article {46892, title = {Unravelling the distinct surface interactions of modified graphene nanostructures with methylene blue dye through experimental and computational approaches}, journal = {Journal of Hazardous Materials}, volume = {388}, year = {2020}, month = {APR}, pages = {121755}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Nanoscopic modifications leading to multi-dimensional graphene structures are known to significantly influence their candidature for several applications including catalysis, energy storage, molecular sensing and most significantly adsorption and remediation of harmful materials such as dyes. The present work attempts to identify the key trajectories that connect the structural qualification with a chosen application, viz., the interactive forces in dye remediation. Various physico-chemically Modified Graphene Nanostructures (MGNs) such as 2 dimensional Graphite, Graphene Oxide (GO), reduced GO (rGO), holey rGO, and 3 dimensional GO hydrogel and Holey GO hydrogel are chosen and synthesised herein. These represent varieties of physicochemical features with respect to their dimensionality, surface features such as oxygen functionality, nanoscopic holes etc., that contribute to their characteristic overall surface interactions. Methylene Blue (MB), a popular industrial effluent posing major environmental concern is chosen to be a probe adsorbate in this case study. An exclusive real time in-situ UV visible spectral experiment provides the revealing reasons behind the outstanding performance of 2D GO sheets with an adsorption capacity of greater than 92 \% even at high MB concentrations (\>2000 ppm). A complex dependency of various factors such as surface oxygen, morphology, nanoporosity etc. on the unique overall interaction with an adsorbent such as MB by all these adsorbates is demonstrated using experimental and DFT based computational studies. Electrostatics and hydrogen bonding are understood to be the two dominant forces driving the MB adsorption on the best performing GO here.

}, keywords = {Density functional theory, In-situ UV-vis spectroscopy, Interactions, Methylene blue, Modified Graphene Nanostructures}, issn = {0304-3894}, doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.121755}, author = {Manappadan, Zinoy and Kumar, Shubham and Joshi, Krati and Govindaraja, Thillai and Krishnamurty, Sailaja and Selvaraj, Kaliaperumal} } @article {46731, title = {Unsymmetrical squaraine dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells: position of the anchoring group controls the orientation and self-assembly of sensitizers on the TiO2 surface and modulates its flat band potential}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {124}, year = {2020}, month = {AUG}, pages = {18436-18451}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The position of the anchoring group is systematically changed with a series of alkyl group wrapped donor-acceptor-donor (D-A-D) based squaraine dyes, 4-SQ to 7-SQ, for the use in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). By this approach, the orientation as well as the self-assembly of the sensitizers can be controlled on the semiconducting TiO2 surface. All of the dyes functionalized with hydrophobic alkyl groups at sp(3)-C and N atoms of the indoline units that is far away from the TiO2 surface to control the self-assembly of dyes and passivate the surface. Controlling both the orientation as well as the self-assembly of the sensitizers synergistically enhances the V-oc of the DSSC device by imparting the dipole moment on the TiO2 surface and minimizing the interfacial charge recombination process of electrons from TiO2 to the oxidized electrolyte, respectively. Further, the presence of a meta-carboxyl group with respect to the N atom of the indoline donor unit for the dyes 4-SQ and 6-SQ makes them nonconductive for the charge injection process, which sheds light on the importance of through-space electron transfer for the device performance. Emission from the relaxed twisted state was found to be a deactivation pathway for 4-SQ on TiO2 and ZrO2, which revealed the importance of structural factors that promote spatial interaction between the sensitizer and metal oxide surface. Computational studies showed the systematic changes in the dipole moment for the sensitizers 4-SQ, 5-SQ, and 6-SQ upon anchoring to the TiO2 surface. The DSSC device performance varied with the position of anchoring groups in the sensitizers. The DSSC device performance of 5-SQ indicates a J(sc) value of 11.35 mA cm(-2), V-oc of 0.698 V, and ff of 77\% corresponding to a power conversion efficiency of 6.08\% in the presence of 3 equiv of coadsorbent CDCA, which is nearly 1.5 times higher than 6-SQ (V-oc 0.7 V, J(sc) 7.76 mA cm(-2), ff 76\%, and eta 4.14\%) and 2.6 times higher than 4-SQ (V-oc 0.658 V, J(sc) 4.42 mA cm(-2), ff 78\%, and eta 2.28\%). IPCE studies revealed the importance of orientation for the charge injection and self-assembly of dyes, as devices with 5-SQ and 6-SQ as a sensitizer showed 94 and 77\% response at 578 nm, respectively, which correspond to the aggregated structure of the dye. Mott-Schottky and IPCE experiments showed that the orientation of sensitizers could modulate the V-oc due to the shift in the flat band potential of TiO2.

}, issn = {1932-7447}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpcc.0c05176}, author = {Singh, Ambarish Kumar and Maibam, Ashakiran and Javaregowda, Bharathkumar H. and Bisht, Rajesh and Kudlu, Ashwath and Krishnamurty, Sailaja and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam and Nithyanandhan, Jayaraj} } @article {47023, title = {Untargeted metabolomics reveals alterations in metabolites of lipid metabolism and immune pathways in the serum of rats after long-term oral administration of Amalaki rasayana}, journal = {Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry}, volume = {463}, year = {2020}, month = {JAN}, pages = {147-160}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Amalaki rasayana, a traditional preparation, is widely used by Ayurvedic physicians for the treatment of inflammatory conditions, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Metabolic alterations induced by Amalaki rasayana intervention are unknown. We investigated the modulations in serum metabolomic profiles in Wistar rats following long-term oral administration of Amalaki rasayana. Global metabolic profiling was performed of the serum of rats administered with either Amalaki rasayana (AR) or ghee + honey (GH) for 18 months and control animals which were left untreated. Amalaki rasayana components were confirmed from AR extract using HR-LCMS analysis. Significant reductions in prostaglandin J2, 11-dehydrothromboxane B2, and higher levels of reduced glutathione and glycitein metabolites were observed in the serum of AR administered rats compared to the control groups. Eleven different metabolites classified as phospholipids, glycerophospholipids, glucoside derivatives, organic acids, and glycosphingolipid were exclusively observed in the AR administered rats. Pathway analysis suggests that altered metabolites in AR administered rats are those associated with different biochemical pathways of arachidonic acid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, leukotriene metabolism, G-protein mediated events, phospholipid metabolism, and the immune system. Targeted metabolomics confirmed the presence of gallic acid, ellagic acid, and arachidonic acid components in the AR extract. The known activities of these components can be correlated with the altered metabolic profile following long-term AR administration. AR also activates IGF1R-Akt-Foxo3 signaling axis in heart tissues of rats administered with AR. Our study identifies AR components that induce alterations in lipid metabolism and immune pathways in animals which consume AR for an extended period.

}, keywords = {Amalaki rasayana, Ayurvedic medicines, Leukotriene metabolism, Lipid metabolism, Metabolic profiling}, issn = {0300-8177}, doi = {10.1007/s11010-019-03637-1}, author = {Kumar, Vikas and Kumar, A. Aneesh and Joseph, Vinod and Dan, Vipin Mohan and Jaleel, Abdul and Kumar, T. R. Santhosh and Kartha, Chandrasekharan C.} } @article {45504, title = {Valorization of cow urine and dung: A model biorefinery (2018)}, journal = {Waste and Biomass Valorization}, volume = {11}, year = {2020}, month = {MAR}, pages = {1-14}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Cow is one of the most common livestock of Indian farmers. Small farm households are strongly dependent on livestock for income as it contributes nearly 16\% of their total earnings. As much as two-thirds of rural community depends on livestock for their livelihood. Farmers in India maintain a hybrid farming system, that is, a combination of crop cultivation and livestock, which are complementary to each other. Traditionally, the output of one enterprise is the input of another enterprise. Recent research suggests that in addition to milk, urine and dung obtained from cow are valuable resources of bioactive compounds, which can be converted into value-added products. In this review, we provide an outline for the physicochemical composition and valorization of cow urine and dung. They are utilized in agriculture as a pesticide, manure, and acts as a soil rejuvenator. Cow dung is used for bio energy production by fermentation and gasification. Medicinal and cosmetic products are prepared following ayurvedic formulations described in {\textquoteleft}Panchagavya{\textquoteright}. Cow dung ash is used as adsorbent, construction material, mosquito repellent and electrolyte. A case study of manufacturing unit producing arrays of products from cow urine and dung is also presented.

}, keywords = {Bio gas, Cow dung, Cow urine, Waste utilization}, doi = {10.1007/s12649-018-0406-7}, author = {Mandavgane, S. A. and Kulkarni, B. D.} } @article {46718, title = {Vinylogous michael addition of 3-alkylidene-2-oxindoles to beta,gamma-unsaturated alpha-keto esters by bifunctional cinchona alkaloids}, journal = {European Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {2020}, year = {2020}, month = {SEP }, pages = {5690-5694}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A highly enantioselective vinylogous Michael addition of 3-alkylidene-2-oxindoles with beta,gamma-unsaturated alpha-keto esters using a bifunctional tertiary-amine thiourea catalyst is demontsrated. The challenging Michael reaction with the beta,gamma-unsaturated alpha-keto esters has been accomplished due to the synchronized H-bond guided dual activation of vinylogous nucleophile and electrophile by catalyst. The reaction afforded product in high yield while resulting in excellent stereocontrol (\> 19:1E/Zand upto 99 \%ee).

}, keywords = {3-Alkylidene-2-oxindoles, Asymmetric synthesis, beta, gamma-Unsaturated alpha-keto esters, Michael adduct, Vinylogous Michael addition}, issn = {1434-193X}, doi = {10.1002/ejoc.202000835, Early Access Date = SEP 2020}, author = {Jaiswal, Manish K. and Kumar, Rajesh and Singh, Sanjay and Jain, Shailija and Vanka, Kumar and Singh, Ravi P.} } @article {46674, title = {Visual exploration of microbiome data (vol 44, 119, 2019)}, journal = {Journal of Biosciences}, volume = {45}, year = {2020}, month = {OCT}, pages = {134}, type = {Correction}, abstract = {

In the October 2019 Special Issue of theJournal of Bioscienceson Current Trends in Microbiome Research, in the Review article titled {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteright}Visual exploration of microbiome data{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} by Bhusan K. Kuntal and Sharmila S. Mande (DOI: 10.1007/s12038-019-9933-z; Vol. 44, Article No. 119), affiliation 3 for Bhusan K. Kuntal was incorrectly mentioned as {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteright}Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory Campus, Pune 411008, India{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}. The correct affiliation should read as {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteright}Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201 002, India{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}.

}, issn = {0250-5991}, doi = {10.1007/s12038-020-00103-9}, author = {Kuntal, Bhusan K. and Mande, Sharmila S.} } @article {46970, title = {WO3 nanorods bearing interconnected Pt nanoparticle units as an activity-modulated and corrosion-resistant carbon-free system for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells}, journal = {ACS Applied Energy Materials}, volume = {3}, year = {2020}, month = {FEB}, pages = {1908-1921}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Commercial platinum-supported carbon (Pt/C) catalyst is the most widely used oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalyst in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). However, carbon oxidation in Pt/C during the operation of PEMFCs poses serious issues, particularly in meeting long-term durability of the cells. Although carbon-free Pt-based catalysts are considered to be the best alternatives, the single-cell performances reported for many such systems are found to be inferior to that of the carbon-based systems. As a practical way to realize a carbon-free electrocatalyst, we have developed a system by dispersing an interconnected Pt nanoparticle network on the nanorods of tungsten oxide (WO3). Uniform dispersion of the WO3 nanorods by fine and more or less interconnected Pt nanoparticles (20 wt \%) is a key feature of the electrocatalyst. This has helped the system to achieve an intrinsic ORR characteristics which is very similar to that of Pt/C, as reflected from the comparative analysis of the onset potential, half-wave potential, limiting current density, and the number of electrons transferred in the ORR process. Pt/WO3 also shows better stability under start-stop accelerated potential cycling after 10 000 cycles, compared to Pt/C. The relative decrement in the electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) for Pt/WO3 nanorods was negligible, compared to the similar to 26\% decrement registered by Pt/C under the identical testing conditions. Finally, a system-level validation in a single-cell model of PEMFC by fabricating a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) with Pt/WO3 as both the anode and cathode catalyst delivered comparable output power density as that of a similar system fabricated by using Pt/C. ECSA comparison in MEA shows the potential use of Pt/WO3-400 as the catalyst for the fuel cells, since it is exhibiting an ECSA value that is 3.4 greater than that of Pt/C at a Pt loading of 0.5 mg cm(-2).

}, keywords = {Carbon-free, electrocatalyst, fuel cell, oxygen reduction reaction, tungsten oxide}, issn = {2574-0962}, doi = {10.1021/acsaem.9b02333}, author = {Kumar, Sachin and Bhange, Siddheshwar N. and Soni, Roby and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {47609, title = {Acid mediated sulfonylation of para-quinone methides with tosylmethyl isocyanides for the synthesis of diarylmethyl sulfones}, journal = {ChemistrySelect}, volume = {6}, year = {2021}, month = {JUL }, pages = {7158-7161}, type = {Article}, abstract = {An efficient, hydrochloric acid promoted reaction for the synthesis of diarylmethyl sulfones has been developed via unprecedented 1, 6-conjugate addition reaction of tosylmethyl isocyanide (TosMIC) with para-quinone methides.This catalyst free reaction provides various diarylmethyl sulfones in good to excellent yields in an operationally simple method under metal free conditions. Further transformations of the productsare also demonstrated.}, keywords = {1, 6-Conjugate addition, aromatization, Diarylmethylsulfone, para-Quinonemethide, TosMIC}, issn = {2365-6549}, doi = {10.1002/slct.202102272}, author = {Kumar, Pawan and Kale, Someshwar B. and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Das, Utpal} } @article {47581, title = {Antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of a standardized ayurvedic formulation explains its clinical efficacy as gargles in post-radiotherapy oral cancer patients}, journal = {Journal of Herbal Medicine}, volume = {30}, year = {2021}, month = {DEC}, pages = {100510}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Introduction: Exploring the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of a standardized proprietary poly-herbal powder and evaluating its clinical efficacy as an Ayurvedic gargle (Gandush) for reducing oral microbial load and side effects of radiotherapy in oral cavity cancer patients was the aim of this pilot study. Methods: Formulation (Gandush Churna) comprising Terminalia chebula Retz., Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb., Phyllanthus emblica L. and Curcuma longa L. and its decoction (Gandush Kwath) were standardized. In-vitro antioxidant potential and antimicrobial activity against selective bacterial and fungal strains were studied. Oral cavity cancer patients who had undergone radiotherapy were enrolled. The decoction was prepared by soaking Gandush Churna in water, boiling and reducing by 50 \%; and was used for gargling, twice a day, for 7 days. Total microbial count and identification of microbiota in the oral cavity as well as symptoms graded as per Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, were noted before and after the treatment. Change in microbial load and shift in symptom gradations were analyzed. Results: A monograph with physicochemical, chromatography, safety and stability parameters was developed. The decoction possessed good in-vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Gargling therapy significantly reduced bacterial load while mildly controlled the fungal infection in oral cavity cancer patients. It significantly reduced the severity of symptoms viz. stomatitis and local pain, with considerably decreased xerostomia and dysphagia. Conclusions: Intervention of gargle therapy using poly-herbal formulation may serve as an effective complementary treatment to improve oral hygiene and reduce side effects of radiotherapy in oral cancer patients.}, keywords = {Anti-microbial, Antioxidant, Gandush, Gargle therapy, Oral cavity cancers, Radiotherapy side effects}, issn = {2210-8033}, doi = {10.1016/j.hermed.2021.100510}, author = {Chavan, Sandeep and Bhuvad, Sushama and Kumbhlakar, Bhagyashri and Auti, Jyoti and Walunj, Tanhaji and Pathak, Shridevi and Tanpure, Rahul and Gujar, Shweta and Shinde, Jagdish and Kulkarni, Arvind and Gupta, Vidya and Deshmukh, Vineeta and Sardeshmukh, Sadanand} } @article {47090, title = {Antimicrobial synergy of silver-platinum nanohybrids with antibiotics}, journal = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, volume = {11}, year = {2021}, month = {FEB }, pages = {610968}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Various bacterial pathogens are responsible for nosocomial infections resulting in critical pathophysiological conditions, mortality, and morbidity. Most of the bacterial infections are associated with biofilm formation, which is resistant to the available antimicrobial drugs. As a result, novel bactericidal agents need to be fabricated, which can effectively combat the biofilm-associated bacterial infections. Herein, for the first time we report the antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of silver-platinum nanohybrids (AgPtNHs), silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), and platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. The AgPtNHs were synthesized by a green route using Dioscorea bulbifera tuber extract at 100 degrees C for 5 h. The AgPtNHs ranged in size from 20 to 80 nm, with an average of similar to 59 nm. AgNPs, PtNPs, and AgPtNHs showed a zeta potential of -14.46, -1.09, and -11.39 mV, respectively. High antimicrobial activity was observed against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus and AgPtNHs exhibited potent antimicrobial synergy in combination with antibiotics such as streptomycin, rifampicin, chloramphenicol, novobiocin, and ampicillin up to variable degrees. Interestingly, AgPtNHs could inhibit bacterial biofilm formation significantly. Hence, co-administration of AgPtNHs and antibiotics may serve as a powerful strategy to treat bacterial infections.

}, keywords = {antibiofilm, antimicrobial synergy, biogenic synthesis, Characterization, silver-platinum nanohybrids}, issn = {1664-302X}, doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2020.610968}, author = {Ranpariya, Bansi and Salunke, Gayatri and Karmakar, Srikanta and Babiya, Kaushik and Sutar, Santosh and Kadoo, Narendra and Kumbhakar, Pathik and Ghosh, Sougata} } @article {47121, title = {Antisolvent based ultrasound-assisted batch and continuous flow precipitation of metformin hydrochloride particles}, journal = {Journal of Flow Chemistry}, volume = {11}, year = {2021}, month = {JUN}, pages = {181-192}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Small sized particles of the antidiabetic drug metformin hydrochloride (MET.HCl) were produced by antisolvent based precipitation using an ultrasound assisted inverted jet reactor (IJR). This novel approach was implemented as a small passive mixer in which intensified turbulent mixing of the solution and the antisolvent occurred under controlled conditions. The optimized conditions for antisolvent precipitation (ASP) were investigated by studying the effect of solute concentration, antisolvent to solvent ratio and antisolvent temperature in batch systems. The optimized batch precipitation conditions were successfully translated into continuous flow process for the ultrasound assisted inverted jet reactor. The ability of the proposed clogging free inverted jet reactor approach can provide a scaled up alternative pathway to micro and millifluidic devices for manufacturing of small sized API particles, such as, MET.HCl for the formulations and encapsulations on an industrial scale.

}, keywords = {Continuous antisolvent precipitation, Jet-reactor, Metformin, supersaturation, Ultrasound}, issn = {2062-249X}, doi = {10.1007/s41981-020-00137-y, Early Access Date = JAN 2021}, author = {Pal, Sayan and Nikam, Arun V. and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article {47362, title = {Antiviral drugs prioritization for COVID-19 management based on rational selection}, journal = {Current Science}, volume = {120}, year = {2021}, month = {MAY }, pages = {1464-1470}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The SARS-CoV-2 infection has resulted in COVID-19 pandemic worldwide. It has infected around 0.1 billion individuals and caused 2 million fatalities across the globe till mid-January 2021. Drug repurposing has been utilized as the most preferred therapeutic intervention for COVID-19 mitigation due to its necessity and feasibility. To prioritize therapeutic regime against COVID-19, we used 61 antiviral drugs and their combinations. Selected molecules were subjected to virtual screening against: (i) human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor binding domain (hACE-2) which serves as an anchor for virus attachment and entry, (ii) SARS-CoV-2 RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) responsible for viral RNA replication, and (iii) SARS-CoV-2 main protease (M-Pro) needed for viral polyprotein slab proteolytic processing. Based on docking score, pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic parameters, combinations of Daclatasvir, Elbasvir, Indinavir, Ledipasvir, Paritaprevir and Rilpivirine were analysed further. Our analysis suggested Sofosbuvir in combination with Ledipasvir and Daclatasvir as potential therapeutic agents for SARS-CoV-2. The combined score suggests that these combinations have superior anti-SARS-CoV-2 potential than Remdesivir and other investigational drugs. The present work provides a rationale-based approach to select drugs with possible anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity for further clinical evaluation.

}, keywords = {Drug repurposing, hACE-2, main protease, RNA dependent RNA polymerase, SARS-CoV-2}, issn = {0011-3891}, doi = {10.18520/cs/v120/i9/1464-1470}, author = {Joshi, Rakesh S. and Giri, Ashok P. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J. and Gupta, Mahesh and Verma, Savita and Chaudhry, Dhruva and Deshmukh, Narendra and Chugh, Anita} } @article {47349, title = {Application of allylic amine formation from aziridine-2-ol under appel reaction condition: synthesis of N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-D-vinyl glycine methyl ester}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {73}, year = {2021}, month = {JUN }, pages = {153119}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

PPh3/I-2/imidazolde mediated allyl amine formation from aziridine-2-alcohol was explored for the synthesis of N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-D-vinyl glycine methyl ester. (C) 2021 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

}, keywords = {Allyl amine, Aziridine-2-alcohol, Aziridinium ion, Birch reaction, Ring opening}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2021.153119}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Kawale, Sanket A. and Patil, Niteen B. and Kalbhor, Dinesh B.} } @article {47340, title = {Architecture of NaFe(MoO4)2 as a novel anode material for rechargeable lithium and sodium ion batteries}, journal = {Applied Surface Science}, volume = {559}, year = {2021}, month = {SEP }, pages = {149903}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In recent decades, particular focus has been given to enhance the capacity of LIBs and SIBs either by developing new materials or by modifying existing materials. Hence, we have demonstrated a new anode material i.e. sodium iron molybdate [NaFe(MoO4)2] for both LIBs and SIBs. NaFe(MoO4)2 has been successfully synthesized by solid-state combustion technique and tested as a promising new anode material for both LIBs and SIBs. A detailed analysis of the crystal structure has been performed using DFT calculations. NaFe(MoO4)2 crystallizes in the monoclinic phase with the space group C2/c (\#15). FESEM also shows highly crystalline monoclinic shaped crystals of micron size. When evaluated as an anode material for LIBs, NaFe(MoO4)2 electrode exhibited electrochemical capacity of 920 mAhg- 1 in the second cycle at the current density of 50 mAg-1. Though capacity decreases on further cycling, the coulombic efficiency was maintained at 99\% for 50 cycles. Significantly, a high discharge capacity of 100 mAhg- 1 was maintained at a very high rate of 1 Ag-1. On the other hand, we have also tested NaFe(MoO4)2 for SIBs which shows excellent reversible specific capacity i.e. 100 mAhg- 1 at the current density of 100 mAg-1 even after 500 cycles. This novel system has shown good stability for LIBs and SIBs which is hitherto unattempted.

}, keywords = {Electrochemical study, lithium-ion battery, Morphology, NaFe(MoO4)2, Sodium-ion battery}, issn = {0169-4332}, doi = {10.1016/j.apsusc.2021.149903}, author = {Tamboli, Asiya M. and Tamboli, Mohaseen S. and Praveen, C. S. and Dwivedi, Pravin Kumari and Karbhal, Indrapal and Gosavi, Suresh W. and Shelke, V, Manjusha and Kale, Bharat B.} } @article {47092, title = {Assessing the impact of deviations in optimized multistep flow synthesis on the scale-up (vol 5, pg 838, 2020)}, journal = {Reaction Chemistry \& Engineering}, volume = {6}, year = {2021}, month = {FEB }, pages = {353}, type = {Correction}, issn = {2058-9883}, doi = {10.1039/d1re90004h}, author = {Sharma, M. K. and Raval, J. and Ahn, Gwang-Noh and Kim, Dong-Pyo and Kulkarni, A. A.} } @article {47374, title = {Auxin: an emerging regulator of tuber and storage root development}, journal = {Plant Science}, volume = {306}, year = {2021}, month = {MAY}, pages = {110854}, type = {Review}, abstract = {

Many tuber and storage root crops owing to their high nutritional values offer high potential to overcome food security issues. The lack of information regarding molecular mechanisms that govern belowground storage organ development (except a tuber crop, potato) has limited the application of biotechnological strategies for improving storage crop yield. Phytohormones like gibberellin and cytokinin are known to play a crucial role in governing potato tuber development. Another phytohormone, auxin has been shown to induce tuber initiation and growth, and its crosstalk with gibberellin and strigolactone in a belowground modified stem (stolon) contributes to the overall potato tuber yield. In this review, we describe the crucial role of auxin biology in development of potato tubers. Considering the emerging reports from commercially important storage root crops (sweet potato, cassava, carrot, sugar beet and radish), we propose the function of auxin and related gene regulatory network in storage root development. The pattern of auxin content of stolon during various stages of potato tuber formation appears to be consistent with its level in various developmental stages of storage roots. We have also put-forward the potential of three-way interaction between auxin, strigolactone and mycorrhizal fungi in tuber and storage root development. Overall, we propose that auxin gene regulatory network and its crosstalk with other phytohormones in stolons/roots could govern belowground tuber and storage root development.

}, keywords = {Auxin, Potato, Storage root, Sweet potato, Tuber}, issn = {0168-9452}, doi = {10.1016/j.plantsci.2021.110854}, author = {Kondhare, Kirtikumar R. and Patil, Aruna B. and Giri, Ashok P.} } @article {47792, title = {Bibliometric analysis of emerging technologies in the field of computer science helping in ovarian cancer research}, journal = {Library Philosophy and Practice}, year = {2021}, month = {APR}, type = {Article}, abstract = {This study is carried out to provide an analysis of the literature available at the intersection of ovarian cancer and computing. A comprehensive search was conducted using Scopus database for English-language peer-reviewed articles. The study administers chronological, domain clustering and text analysis of the articles under consideration to provide high-level concept map composed of specific words and the connections between them.}, url = {https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/5590/}, author = {Kothari, Dr. Sonali and Gupta, Anvita and Agrawal, Muskaan and Jaggi, Kajal and Goswami, Adhiraj and Kotecha, Ketan and Dr, Karthikeyan and Khedkar, Vijayhsri} } @article {47793, title = {Bibliometric analysis of named entity recognition for chemoinformatics and biomedical information extraction of ovarian cancer}, journal = {Library Philosophy and Practice }, year = {2021}, month = {APR}, type = {Article}, abstract = {With the massive amount of data that has been generated in the form of unstructured text documents, Biomedical Named Entity Recognition (BioNER) is becoming increasingly important in the field of biomedical research. Since currently there does not exist any automatic archiving of the obtained results, a lot of this information remains hidden in the textual details and is not easily accessible for further analysis. Hence, text mining methods and natural language processing techniques are used for the extraction of information from such publications.Named entity recognition, is a subtask that comes under information extraction that focuses on finding and categorizing specific entities in text. In this paper, bibliometric analysis of named entity recognition of ovarian cancer is carried out using information about publications from Scopus. The most productive journals, countries and authors are determined. The most frequently cited article and its citation history has been described. Also bibliometric maps based on citation network among countries are constructed. This study can assist people in the medical field to get a comprehensive understanding of the study of BioNER. It can also be utilized for reference works, for the research and application of the BioNER visualization methods. }, url = {https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/5536/}, author = {Khedkar, Vijayhsri and Fernandes, Charlotte and desai, Devshi and Shinde, Mansi and Dr, Chavan, and Dr, Tidke, and Dr, Karthikeyan} } @article {47082, title = {Bimetallic nano alloy architecture on a special polymer: Ni or Cu merged with Pd for the promotion of the Mizoroki-Heck reaction and the Suzuki-Miyaura coupling}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Sciences}, volume = {133}, year = {2021}, month = {FEB }, pages = {8}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Novel Ni-Pd and Cu-Pd bimetallic nano alloys was designed and heterogenized on the highly robust ABPBI [poly(2,5-benzimidazole)] polymer in high yields using NaBH4 as reducing agent. These were versatile ligand free catalysts for the Mizoroki-Heck reaction and Suzuki-Miyaura coupling. The bimetallic Ni-Pd-ABPBI catalyst for the Mizoroki-Heck reaction of 4-iodo anisole could be recycled 5 times with high yields. Aryl bromides could also be activated for the Mizoroki-Heck reaction using Cu-Pd-ABPBI NP catalysts, with moderate yields. Graphic abstractSynopsis Novel bimetallic Ni-Pd and Cu-Pd nano alloys, heterogenized on the robust ABPBI [poly(2,5-benzimidazole)] polymer using NaBH4 as reducing agent, is described. These were versatile ligand free, noble metal conservative catalysts, for the Mizoroki-Heck reaction and the Suzuki-Miyaura coupling. Aryl bromides were activated for the Mizoroki-Heck reaction using the Cu-Pd-ABPBI catalyst.

}, keywords = {Bimetallic nano alloys, Cu-Pd-ABPBI, Mizoroki-Heck reaction, Ni-Pd-ABPBI, Suzuki coupling}, issn = {0974-3626}, doi = {10.1007/s12039-020-01870-6}, author = {Patil, Vijay P. and Kashid, Abhijit A. and Solanki, Bhanupratap S. and Kharul, Ulhas K. and Iyer, Suresh} } @article {46754, title = {Bimetallic Ni-Pd synergism-mixed metal catalysis of the mizoroki-heck reaction and the suzuki-miyaura coupling of aryl bromides}, journal = {Catalysis Letters}, volume = {151}, year = {2021}, month = {FEB}, pages = {353-358}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A combination of Pd and Ni complexes activated aryl bromides for the thermal Mizoroki-Heck reaction and Suzuki coupling giving high yields in short reaction times. A thermal redox mechanism probably occurs whereby Ni complex transfers electron and reduces the Pd (II) to Pd (0) which then takes the reactants through the standard protocol of oxidative-addition, migratory insertion and reductive elimination, typical for the Mizoroki-Heck reaction and the Suzuki coupling. [GRAPHICS] .

}, keywords = {Bimetallic catalysis, Mizoroki-Heck, Nickel complexes, Pd(OAc)2, Suzuki coupling}, issn = {1011-372X}, doi = {10.1007/s10562-020-03330-9, Early Access Date = AUG 2020}, author = {Kashid, Abhijit A. and Patil, Dharmaraj J. and Mali, Ramling D. and Patil, Vijay P. and Neethu, T. V. and Meroliya, Heena K. and Waghmode, Shobha A. and Iyer, Suresh} } @article {47794, title = {Bimetallic Ni{\textendash}Pd synergism{\textemdash}mixed metal catalysis of the mizoroki-heck reaction and the suzuki{\textendash}miyaura coupling of aryl bromides}, journal = {Catalysis Letters}, volume = {151}, year = {2021}, month = {FEB}, pages = {353 - 358}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A combination of Pd and Ni complexes activated aryl bromides for the thermal Mizoroki-Heck reaction and Suzuki coupling giving high yields in short reaction times. A thermal redox mechanism probably occurs whereby Ni complex transfers electron and reduces the Pd (II) to Pd (0) which then takes the reactants through the standard protocol of oxidative-addition, migratory insertion and reductive elimination, typical for the Mizoroki-Heck reaction and the Suzuki coupling.}, isbn = {1572-879X}, doi = {10.1007/s10562-020-03330-9}, author = {Kashid, Abhijit A. and Patil, Dharmaraj J. and Mali, Ramling D. and Patil, Vijay P. and Neethu, T. V. and Meroliya, Heena K. and Waghmode, Shobha A. and Iyer, Suresh} } @article {47341, title = {Bimetallic ZnFe2O4 nanosheets prepared via electrodeposition as binder-free high-performance supercapacitor electrodes}, journal = {Applied Surface Science}, volume = {559}, year = {2021}, month = {SEP }, pages = {149951}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Binder-free bimetallic ZnFe2O4 nanosheets were fabricated using one-step electrodeposition, which facilitated excellent electrical contact between the ZnFe2O4 nanosheets and the nickel substrate. The resultant numerous ZnFe2O4 nanosheets with their cubic spinel structures promote interfacial activity to enhance the electrochemical and Faradaic redox reactions. The metallic Zn and Fe from the cubic spinel structure of ZnFe2O4 attract electrolytic ions and increase the energy-storage capability, thus yielding a specific capacitance of 1093 F.g(-1) at a current rate of 1 A.g(-1). Different samples were prepared by varying the amount of metal salts in the electrodeposition solution while maintaining a constant ZnNt:FeSO4 concentration ratio of 1:2 for all cases. The optimal electrode composition, which yielded an energy density of 54 Wh.kg(-1) and a capacitance retention of 93.5\% at N = 5000 charge-discharge cycles, was identified.

}, keywords = {Bimetallic, Electrodeposition, Energy storage device, supercapacitor, ZnFe2O4 nanosheet}, issn = {0169-4332}, doi = {10.1016/j.apsusc.2021.149951}, author = {Joshi, Bhavana and Samuel, Edmund and Park, Chanwoo and Kim, Yongil and Lee, Hae-Seok and Yoon, Sam S.} } @article {46671, title = {Biological process of lysine-tRNA charging is therapeutically targetable in liver cancer}, journal = {Liver International}, volume = {41}, year = {2021}, month = {JAN }, pages = {206-219}, type = {Article }, abstract = {

Background \& Aims Mature transfer RNAs (tRNA) charged with amino acids decode mRNA to synthesize proteins. Dysregulation of translational machineries has a fundamental impact on cancer biology. This study aims to map the tRNAome landscape in liver cancer patients and to explore potential therapeutic targets at the interface of charging amino acid with tRNA. Methods Resected tumour and paired tumour-free (TFL) tissues from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients (n = 69), and healthy liver tissues from organ transplant donors (n = 21), HCC cell lines, and cholangiocarcinoma (CC) patient-derived tumour organoids were used. Results The expression levels of different mature tRNAs were highly correlated and closely clustered within individual tissues, suggesting that different members of the tRNAome function cooperatively in protein translation. Interestingly, high expression of tRNA-Lys-CUU in HCC tumours was associated with more tumour recurrence (HR 1.1;P = .022) and worse patient survival (HR 1.1;P = .0037). The expression of Lysyl-tRNA Synthetase (KARS), the enzyme catalysing the charge of lysine to tRNA-Lys-CUU, was significantly upregulated in HCC tumour tissues compared to tumour-free liver tissues. In HCC cell lines, lysine deprivation, KARS knockdown or treatment with the KARS inhibitor cladosporin effectively inhibited overall cell growth, single cell-based colony formation and cell migration. This was mechanistically mediated by cell cycling arrest and induction of apoptosis. Finally, these inhibitory effects were confirmed in 3D cultured patient-derived CC organoids. Conclusions The biological process of charging tRNA-Lys-CUU with lysine sustains liver cancer cell growth and migration, and is clinically relevant in HCC patients. This process can be therapeutically targeted and represents an unexplored territory for developing novel treatment strategies against liver cancer.

}, keywords = {Cladosporin, liver cancer, lysine, Lysyl-tRNA Synthetase, tRNA-Lys-CUU, tRNAome}, issn = {1478-3223}, doi = {10.1111/liv.14692}, author = {Zhang, Ruyi and Noordam, Lisanne and Ou, Xumin and Ma, Buyun and Li, Yunlong and Das, Pronay and Shi, Shaojun and Liu, Jiaye and Wang, Ling and Li, Pengfei and Verstegen, Monique M. A. and Reddy, D. Srinivasa and van Der Laan, Luc J. W. and Peppelenbosch, Maikel P. and Kwekkeboom, Jaap and Smits, Ron and Pan, Qiuwei} } @article {47745, title = {Biological synthesis of alpha-Ag2S composite nanoparticles using the fungus Humicola sp. and its biomedical applications}, journal = {Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology}, volume = {66}, year = {2021}, month = {DEC}, pages = {102770}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Synthesis of alpha-Ag2S (silver sulfide) is a highly challenging task, usually attempted using synthetic, hazardous chemical processes. This report puts efforts to exploring microbial-based eco-friendly alternatives. A facile, onepot biological method for the synthesis of alpha-Ag2S composite nanoparticles (NPs) in an aqueous medium at ambient conditions was established. As prepared alpha-Ag2S composite NPs were efficiently produced from precursors silver nitrate and sodium sulfite. The extracellular biomolecules produced by Humicola sp. reduced the precursor solution and at the same time it capped the formed Ag2S NPs. The characterization performed by different techniques revealed excellent optical, morphological, and structural properties (size, shape distribution, and crystallinity) of the alpha-Ag2S NPs. The change in color from colorless to dark brown indicated the formation of alpha-Ag2S, which was further confirmed by fluorescence and UV-Visible spectroscopy, showing a sharp peak at 410 nm. Morphological analysis of alpha-Ag2S NPs confirmed the spherical shape, and narrow size distribution. alpha-Ag2S NPs were found to be potent in antimicrobial applications owing to their high dispersibility in water and capping by extracellular biomolecules secreted by Humicola sp. The anti-cancer activity for alpha-Ag2S performed using human breast cancer cell line (ZR-75-1) and human Burkitt{\textquoteright}s lymphoma cancer (Daudi). The biocompatibility test was performed using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) for alpha-Ag2S NPs. The anti-leishmania activity was also determined for alpha Ag2S NPs in-vitro using the standard anti-promastigote protocol (Leishmania donovani promastigotes). This extracellular system is an economically and environmentally benign route for the biosynthesis of alpha-Ag2S NPs having desired surface, structure and biomedical properties.}, keywords = {Cytotoxicity, Fungus, Hemolysis, Humicolasp, Silver sulfide(alpha-Ag2S)}, issn = {1773-2247}, doi = {10.1016/j.jddst.2021.102770}, author = {Syed, Asad and Saedi, Marzouq Hussain Al and Bahkali, Ali H. and Elgorban, Abdallah M. and Kharat, Maheshkumar and Pai, Kalpana and Ghodake, Gajanan and Ahmad, Absar} } @article {47434, title = {Biomass-derived activated carbon material from native European deciduous trees as an inexpensive and sustainable energy material for supercapacitor application}, journal = {Journal of Energy Storage}, volume = {34}, year = {2021}, month = {FEB}, pages = {102178}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Activated carbons are one of the possible electrode materials for supercapacitors (SCs), which are widely used in commercial applications. Herein, we reported the synthesis of a novel activated carbon derived through a cavitation process from the mixture of native European deciduous trees, Birch, Fagaceae, and Carpinus betulus (commonly known as European hornbeam), which was employed as the electrode material in SC. From the morphological and structural characterization, we observed that the prepared sample is a desirable carbon with good porosity and high specific surface area of about 614 m(2) g(-1). The electrochemical properties of the synthesized material were evaluated with a three-electrode configuration in 1.0 M H2SO4 electrolyte. It was found that in device mode, the carbon material delivers a specific capacitance of 24 F g(-1) at 0.25 A g(-1) with excellent cycling stability of over 10000 consecutive charge/discharge cycles. Thus, our studies demonstrate the facile synthesis of biomass-derived carbon and its application as a versatile electrode material for SC applications.

}, keywords = {Biomass, Carbon material, Deciduous trees, Electrode material, supercapacitor}, issn = {2352-152X}, doi = {10.1016/j.est.2020.102178}, author = {Jain, Amrita and Ghosh, Meena and Krajewski, Marcin and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Michalska, Monika} } @article {47633, title = {Bismuth(iii)-catalyzed bis-cyclization of propargylic diol-esters: a unified approach for the synthesis of [5,5]- and [6,5]-oxaspirolactones}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {19}, year = {2021}, month = {AUG }, pages = {6618-6622}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Herein we disclose an unprecedented intramolecular cascade strategy for the construction of alpha,beta-unsaturated [5,5]- and [6,5]-oxaspirolactones that capitalizes on the pi-electrophilic Lewis acid-catalyzed 5-exo-dig or 6-exo-dig mode of cyclization of propargylic diol esters, followed by dehydration and spirolactonization steps. Moreover, semi-protected substrates also delivered the respective oxaspirolactones with the same ease and in appreciable yields under optimal reaction conditions.}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/d1ob00974e}, author = {Kambale, Digambar A. and Borade, Balasaheb R. and Kontham, Ravindar} } @article {47645, title = {Carbazole substituted amidinato silylene: synthesis, bonding, and coordination behavior with coinage metals}, journal = {Organometallics}, volume = {40}, year = {2021}, month = {SEP}, pages = {3201-3210}, type = {Article}, abstract = {In this work, the synthesis and characterization of a new carbazole substituted amidinatosilylene (1) and its coinage metal complexes 3-8 are being reported. Before the complexation reactions, we prepared [PhC(N+Bu)(2)Si(Cbz)-> Co(CO)Cp] complex (2) to estimate the sigma-donating strength of the newly synthesized silylene 1. Further, several commonly available coinage metal salts were utilized for the complexation reactions with 1, which afforded complexes 3-8. The solid-state structures of 1-8 have been validated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies, NMR spectroscopy, and mass spectroscopy. DFT studies were also performed to understand the bonding scenario of 1 and 3-7. Of note, 1 consists of a HOMO on its carbazolide moiety, and the HOMO-1 features the silylene character. We also compared the HOMO-LUMO gap of 1 with other amidinato silylenes having different N-substitutions.}, issn = {0276-7333}, doi = {10.1021/acs.organomet.1c00399}, author = {Ghosh, Moushakhi and Tothadi, Srinu and Khan, Shabana} } @article {47574, title = {Caveolin induced membrane curvature and lipid clustering: two sides of the same coin?}, journal = {Faraday Discussions}, volume = {232}, year = {2021}, month = {DEC}, pages = {218-235}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Caveolin-1 (cav-1) is a multi-domain membrane protein that is a key player in cell signaling, endocytosis and mechanoprotection. It is the principle component of cholesterol-rich caveolar domains and has been reported to induce membrane curvature. The molecular mechanisms underlying the interactions of cav-1 with complex membranes, leading to modulation of membrane topology and the formation of cholesterol-rich domains, remain elusive. In this study, we aim to understand the effect of lipid composition by analyzing the interactions of cav-1 with complex membrane bilayers comprised of about sixty lipid types. We have performed a series of coarse-grain molecular dynamics simulations using the Martini force-field with a cav-1 protein construct (residue 82-136) that includes the membrane binding domains and a palmitoyl tail. We observe that cav-1 induces curvature in this complex membrane, though it is restricted to a nanometer length scale. Concurrently, we observe a clustering of cholesterol, sphingolipids and other lipid molecules leading to the formation of nanodomains. Direct microsecond timescale interactions are observed for specific lipids such as cholesterol, phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethanolamine lipid types. The results indicate that there is an interplay between membrane topology and lipid species. Our work is a step toward understanding how lipid composition and organization regulate the formation of caveolae, in the context of endocytosis and cell signaling.}, issn = {1359-6640}, doi = {10.1039/d0fd00062k}, author = {Prakash, Shikha and Krishna, Anjali and Sengupta, Durba} } @article {47431, title = {Caveolin mediated curvature and clustering: from simple to complex membrane}, journal = {Biophysical Journal}, volume = {120}, year = {2021}, month = {FEB }, pages = {232A-233A}, type = {Meeting Abstract}, issn = {0006-3495}, doi = {10.1016/j.bpj.2020.11.1542}, author = {Prakash, Shikha and Krishna, Anjali and Sengupta, Durba} } @article {47369, title = {Characterization of a novel nanocomposite film based on functionalized chitosan-Pt-Fe3O4 hybrid nanoparticles}, journal = {Nanomaterials}, volume = {11}, year = {2021}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1275}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The development of organic-inorganic hybrids or nanocomposite films is increasingly becoming attractive in light of their emerging applications. This research focuses on the formation of a unique nanocomposite film with enhanced elasticity suitable for many biomedical applications. The physical property measurement system and transmission electron microscopy were used to analyze Pt-Fe3O4 hybrid nanoparticles. These nanohybrids exhibited magnetic effects. They were further exploited to prepare the nanocomposite films in conjunction with a chitosan-g-glycolic acid organic fraction. The nanocomposite films were then examined using standard techniques: thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Tensile strength testing demonstrated a significantly greater elastic strength of these nanocomposite films than pure chitosan films. The water absorption behavior of the nanocomposites was evaluated by measuring swelling degree. These nanocomposites were observed to have substantially improved physical properties. Such novel nanocomposites can be extended to various biomedical applications, which include drug delivery and tissue engineering.

}, keywords = {Chitosan, nanocomposite films, Pt-Fe3O4 hybrid nanoparticles, tensile strength testing, Thermogravimetric analysis}, doi = {10.3390/nano11051275}, author = {Kumari, Sangeeta and Singh, Raj Pal and Chavan, Nayaku N. and Sahi, Shivendra V. and Sharma, Nilesh} } @article {47045, title = {Chemistry, anti-diabetic activity and structural analysis of substituted dihydropyrimidine analogues}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Structure}, volume = {1227}, year = {2021}, month = {MAR }, pages = {129412}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In an effort to identify an anti-diabetic agent, a series of methyl/ethyl 4-(hydroxyphenyl)-6-methyl-2-oxo/thioxo-1,2,3,4 tetrahydropyrimidine-5-carboxylate analogues (4a-h) have been synthesized, purified, and characterized by using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and NMR (H-1 and C-13). The synthesized compounds were screened for anti-hyperglycemic activity using Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rat model. The anti-hyperglycemic activity of dihydropyrimidine (DHPM) compound is mainly analyzed with the variation of substituents present on the phenyl ring and urea/thiourea group on pharmacophoric features. Further, the crystal structure and supramolecular characteristics of two compounds 4c and 4f were analyzed through a single-crystal X-ray method and the Hirshfeld Surface Analysis, which shows hydrogen bonding through N-H center dot center dot center dot O and N-H center dot center dot center dot S interactions with the formation of ring motif in the crystal structure. It is interesting to note that among the title compounds, the 4a, 4e, 4f, and 4g significantly displayed a better hypoglycemic effect in vivo rat model study. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Dihydropyrimidine (DHPM), Hypoglycemia, Streptozotocin (STZ), Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)}, issn = {0022-2860}, doi = {10.1016/j.molstruc.2020.129412}, author = {Bairagi, Keshab M. and Younis, Nancy Safwat and Emeka, Promise Madu and Venugopala, Katharigatta N. and Alwassil, I, Osama and Khalil, Hany Ezzat and Sangtani, Ekta and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Mohanlall, Viresh and Nayak, Susanta K.} } @article {47387, title = {Colloidal assembly by directional ice templating}, journal = {Soft Matter }, volume = {17}, year = {2021}, month = {APR }, pages = {4098-4108}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We investigate directional ice templating of dilute aqueous colloidal particle dispersions and examine the nature of the assemblies that result. We coat micron-size polystyrene colloids with cross-linkable polymer (polyethyleneimine, PEI), add cross-linker, and subject this dispersion to unidirectional freezing. We work at sufficiently low colloid concentrations, such that the particles do not percolate on freezing. When the aqueous dispersion freezes, ice crystals force polymer-coated particles and cross-linker into close proximity. This results in the formation of cross-linked clusters of particles at ice crystal boundaries. We vary the particle volume fraction from phi similar to 2.5 x 10(-3) to phi similar to 5.0 x 10(-2) and observe that there is a transition from isolated single particles to increasingly large sized clusters. Most of the clusters formed under these conditions are either linear, two-particle wide chains, or sheet-like aggregates. The probability (P-n) of clusters containing n particles (n \> 2) obeys a power law P-n similar to n(-eta), where eta strongly depends on the particle concentration in the dispersion, varying from 2.10 (for phi similar to 5.0 x 10(-2)) to 3.03 (for phi similar to 2.5 x 10(-3)). This change in eta is qualitatively different from the case of isotropic freezing, where eta is particle concentration-independent and depends only on the ice nucleation density. To understand the differences between isotropic and directional ice templating, we performed lattice simulations of a highly simplified model, where ice crystals grow at a constant rate to force clustering. We ignore hydrodynamic interactions and ice growth instabilities. Despite ignoring these experimental details, the simulations capture the experimental results, nearly quantitatively. As the ice crystals grow and the space available to the colloids {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}closes up{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} so that the particles cluster to form aggregates, crystallization protocol-induced differences in the geometry of these {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}closed up{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} spaces determine the scaling behaviour of P-n.

}, issn = {1744-683X}, doi = {10.1039/d0sm02057e}, author = {Biswas, Bipul and Misra, Mayank and Bisht, Anil Singh and Kumar, Sanat K. and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy} } @article {47444, title = {Combating multi-drug resistant malaria parasite by inhibiting falcipain-2 and heme-polymerization: Artemisinin-peptidyl vinyl phosphonate hybrid molecules as new antimalarials}, journal = {European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry}, volume = {220}, year = {2021}, month = {AUG}, pages = {113454}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) have been able to reduce the clinical and pathological malaria cases in endemic areas around the globe. However, recent reports have shown a progressive decline in malaria parasite clearance in South-east Asia after ACT treatment, thus envisaging a need for new artemisinin (ART) derivatives and combinations. To address the emergence of drug resistance to current antimalarials, here we report the synthesis of artemisinin-peptidyl vinyl phosphonate hybrid molecules that show superior efficacy than artemisinin alone against chloroquine-resistant as well as multidrug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum strains with EC50\ in pico-molar ranges. Further, the compounds effectively inhibited the survival of ring-stage parasite for laboratory-adapted artemisinin-resistant parasite lines as compared to artemisinin. These hybrid molecules showed complete parasite clearance in vivo using P. berghei mouse malaria model in comparison to artemisinin alone. Studies on the mode of action of hybrid molecules suggested that these artemisinin-peptidyl vinyl phosphonate hybrid molecules possessed dual activities: inhibited falcipain-2 (FP-2) activity, a P. falciparum cysteine protease involved in hemoglobin degradation, and also blocked the hemozoin formation in the food-vacuole, a step earlier shown to be blocked by artemisinin. Since these hybrid molecules blocked multiple steps of a pathway and showed synergistic efficacies, we believe that these lead compounds can be developed as effective antimalarials to prevent the spread of resistance to current antimalarials.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113454}, author = {Aratikatla, Eswar K. and Kalamuddin, Md and Rana, Kalpeshkumar C. and Datta, Gaurav and Asad, Mohd and Sundararaman, Srividhya and Malhotra, Pawan and Mohmmed, Asif and Bhattacharya, Asish K.} } @article {47449, title = {Comparison of glycoprofiles of rituximab versions licensed for sale in India and an analytical approach for quality assessment}, journal = {Journal of Proteomics }, volume = {244}, year = {2021}, month = {JUL}, pages = {104267}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Glycosylation affects clinical efficacy and safety; therefore, is a critical quality attribute of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. Glycans are often labile and complex in patterns, giving rise to macro- and micro-heterogeneity. Recombinant production, diverse geographical locations, associated transportation and storage conditions further compound the problem. Two-way studies comparing glycoprofile of the originator and its given biosimilar are aplenty. However, the extent of analytical variation and similarity in glycoprofile across all approved versions of a drug is hardly explored. Using UHPLC and mass spectrometry, we compared the glycoprofiles of eight rituximab drug samples licensed for sale in India. While the types of glycans were found identical, the abundance of some glycans varied significantly within the tested population. The quality range of glycosylation parameters of the tested sample population differed significantly from the previously established values for US/EU licensed rituximab. As the mean abundance of the 90\% of identified glycans falls within {\textpm}3SD, the extent of mutual variations amongst tested lots is less significant compared to the extreme deviation from previously established QR limits. Thus, we propose this approach as an orthogonal method to capture glycan variations in licensed versions of mAbs for quality surveillance and in cases where originator samples{\textquoteright} are limiting. SIGNIFICANCE: As fluctuation in glycosylation may be of clinical significance, we identify that a one-to-one comparison with originator alone is insufficient in sensing the extent of variations in glycosylation parameters in licensed biosimilars of a given therapeutic mAb. Here we propose that future biosimilarity analysis may include an orthogonal approach of generating an additional combined QR range representing variations across the originator and its biosimilars. The glycosylation profiles of eight rituximab drug samples of different make obtained from the point of sale in India were found identical amongst the tested rituximab versions. However, the QR limits corresponding to important glycosylation parameters differed significantly across all tested samples from the previously established QR limits of US- and EU-licensed rituximab in statistical terms. Such an approach may be useful in defining the true range of glycan variations in licensed versions of therapeutic mAbs.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.jprot.2021.104267}, author = {Kaur, Tejinder and Shukla, Bhupendra Nath and Yadav, Vinay Kumar and Kulkarni, Mahesh J. and Rao, Alka} } @article {47772, title = {Comprehensive tutorial on the pulsed laser deposition technique and developments in the fabrication of low dimensional systems and nanostructures}, journal = {Emergent Materials}, volume = {4}, year = {2021}, month = {JAN}, pages = {737{\textendash}754}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Pulsed laser deposition (PLD) is a simple and extremely versatile technique to grow thin films and nanomaterials of a wide variety of materials. PLD allows the deposition of profoundly different materials, including high-temperature superconductors, oxides, nitrides, carbides, semiconductors, metals, and even polymers or fullerenes with high deposition rates. Growing thin films using PLD is now being used around the world for prototyping thin films of many inorganic materials and even in device fabrication protocols. This article covers the detailed development, versatility, and reliability of the ultraviolet (UV) excimer laser. It is envisioned that this review article is of interest for both the materials and chemical scientists engaged in more fundamental aspects of pulsed laser ablation and deposition. The present article highlights the historical developments of PLD technique, complete mechanism of thin film fabrication, optimization of the quality of thin films and the fabrication of thin films of the materials like ZnO, Graphene, MoS2, and WS2 which are being explored for various potential applications.}, doi = {10.1007/s42247-020-00155-5}, author = {Masood, Khalid Bin and Kumar, Pushpendra and Malik, Mushtaq Ahmad and Singh, Jai} } @article {47462, title = {Conformational plasticity and dynamic interactions of the N-terminal domain of the chemokine receptor CXCR1}, journal = {Plos Computational Biology}, volume = {17}, year = {2021}, month = {MAY}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The dynamic interactions between G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and their cognate protein partners are central to several cell signaling pathways. For example, the association of CXC chemokine receptor 1 (CXCR1) with its cognate chemokine, interleukin-8 (IL8 or CXCL8) initiates pathways leading to neutrophil-mediated immune responses. The N-terminal domain of chemokine receptors confers ligand selectivity, but unfortunately the conformational dynamics of this intrinsically disordered region remains unresolved. In this work, we have explored the interaction of CXCR1 with IL8 by microsecond time scale coarse-grain simulations, complemented by atomistic models and NMR chemical shift predictions. We show that the conformational plasticity of the apo-receptor N-terminal domain is restricted upon ligand binding, driving it to an open C-shaped conformation. Importantly, we corroborated the dynamic complex sampled in our simulations against chemical shift perturbations reported by previous NMR studies and show that the trends are similar. Our results indicate that chemical shift perturbation is often not a reporter of residue contacts in such dynamic associations. We believe our results represent a step forward in devising a strategy to understand intrinsically disordered regions in GPCRs and how they acquire functionally important conformational ensembles in dynamic protein-protein interfaces.

}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pcbi.1008593}, author = {Kharche, Shalmali and Joshi, Manali and Chattopadhyay, Amitabha and Sengupta, Durba} } @article {47043, title = {Connecting real glasses to mean-field models}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Physics}, volume = {154}, year = {2021}, month = {MAR}, pages = {094506}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We propose a novel model for a glass-forming liquid, which allows us to switch in a continuous manner from a standard three-dimensional liquid to a fully connected mean-field model. This is achieved by introducing k additional particle-particle interactions, which thus augments the effective number of neighbors of each particle. Our computer simulations of this system show that the structure of the liquid does not change with the introduction of these pseudo-neighbors and by means of analytical calculations, and we determine the structural properties related to these additional neighbors. We show that the relaxation dynamics of the system slows down very quickly with the increase in k and that the onset and the mode-coupling temperatures increase. The systems with high values of k follow the mode-coupling theory power law behavior for a larger temperature range compared to the ones with lower values of k. The dynamic susceptibility indicates that the dynamic heterogeneity decreases with the increase in k, whereas the non-Gaussian parameter is independent of it. Thus, we conclude that with the increase in the number of pseudo-neighbors, the system becomes more mean-field-like. By comparing our results with previous studies on mean-field-like systems, we come to the conclusion that the details of how the mean-field limit is approached are important since they can lead to different dynamical behavior in this limit.

}, issn = {0021-9606}, doi = {10.1063/5.0038749}, author = {Nandi, Ujjwal Kumar and Kob, Walter and Bhattacharyya, Sarika Maitra} } @article {47631, title = {Construction of two-component chemically reactive supramolecular assemblies-acyl migration reactions in cocrystals of napthalene-2,3-diol and its diesters}, journal = {ChemPlusChem}, volume = {86}, year = {2021}, month = {AUG}, pages = {1128-1134}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Reactions in solids are of contemporary interest due to applications in pharmaceutical industries to environmental sustainability. Although several reactive crystals that support chemical reactions have been identified and characterized, the same cannot be said about reactive cocrystals. Earlier we correlated the facile acyl group transfer reactions in crystals with supramolecular parameters obtained from the crystal structures. The structure-reactivity correlation revealed the requirement of proper juxtaposition of electrophile (C=O) and the nucleophile (OH) with distance (similar to 3.2 angstrom) and angle (similar to 90 degrees) along the chain structure. The current article describes the preparation of cocrystals that are capable of supporting intermolecular acyl group transfer reactions in a group of structurally similar molecules. The cocrystals of naphthalene 2,3-diol and its corresponding diesters showed a facile solid state acyl transfer reaction, which has been well correlated with their crystal structures.}, keywords = {Acylation, domino reactions, intermolecular interactions, reaction in cocrystal, solid-state reactions, X-ray diffraction}, issn = {2192-6506}, doi = {10.1002/cplu.202100139}, author = {Bahadur, Vir and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Tamboli, I. Majid and Krishnaswamy, Shobhana and Shashidhar, Mysore S.} } @article {47739, title = {Continuous citrate-capped gold nanoparticle synthesis in a two-phase flow reactor}, journal = {Journal of Flow Chemistry}, volume = {11}, year = {2021}, month = {SEP}, pages = {553-567}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A continuous manufacturing platform was developed for the synthesis of aqueous colloidal 10-20 nm gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) in a flow reactor using chloroauric acid, sodium citrate and citric acid at 95 degrees C and 2.3 bar(a) pressure. The use of a twophase flow system - using heptane as the continuous phase - prevented fouling on the reactor walls, while improving the residence time distribution. Continuous syntheses for up to 2 h demonstrated its potential application for continuous manufacturing, while live quality control was established using online UV-Vis photospectrometry that monitored the particle size and process yield. The synthesis was stable and reproducible over time for gold precursor concentration above 0.23 mM (after mixing), resulting in average particle size between 12 and 15 nm. A hydrophobic membrane separator provided successful separation of the aqueous and organic phases and collection of colloidal Au NPs in flow. Process yield increased at higher inlet flow rates (from 70\% to almost 100 \%), due to lower residence time of the colloidal solution in the separator resulting in less fouling in the PTFE membrane. This study addresses the challenges for the translation of the synthesis from batch to flow and provides tools for the development of a continuous manufacturing platform for gold nanoparticles.}, keywords = {Continuous manufacturing, Nanomaterials, Online analysis, phase separation, segmented flow}, issn = {2062-249X}, doi = {10.1007/s41981-021-00172-3}, author = {Damilos, Spyridon and Alissandratos, Ioannis and Panariello, Luca and Radhakrishnan, Anand N. P. and Cao, Enhong and Wu, Gaowei and Besenhard, Maximilian O. and Kulkarni, Amol A. and Makatsoris, Charalampos and Gavriilidis, Asterios} } @article {47787, title = {Convenient and mild protocol for preparation of α {\textendash}trimethylsilyloxyphosphonates using sulfamic acid and their oxidation to α {\textendash} ketophosphonates in the presence of N-bromosuccinimide}, journal = {Arkivoc}, volume = {2021}, year = {2021}, month = {SEP}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A convenient and mild protocol was developed for the trimethylsilylation of α-hydroxyphosphonates using hexamethyldisilazane as the silylating agent in the presence of sulfamic acid (SA) as a heterogeneous solid acid catalyst in dichloromethane as the reaction medium. The utility of SA as the catalyst for deprotection of α-trimethylsilyloxyphosphonates to parent α-hydroxyphosphonates by making a switch to a protic solvent such as methanol was also demonstrated. Furthermore, the oxidation of α{\textendash}trimethylsilyloxyphosphonates to corresponding α{\textendash}ketophosphonates was achieved in excellent yields employing N-bromosuccinimide in the presence of catalytic quantity of AIBN.}, doi = {10.24820/ark.5550190.p011.603}, author = {Mitragotri, Satish and Kulkarni, Makarand and Desai, Uday and Wadagaonkar, Prakash} } @article {47734, title = {Copolymers of bipyridinium and metal (Zn \& Ni) porphyrin derivatives; theoretical insights and electrochemical activity towards CO2}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {11}, year = {2021}, month = {JUN}, pages = {19844-19855}, type = {Article}, abstract = {This study reports the electropolymerization of novel keto functionalized octaethyl metal porphyrins (Zn2+ and Ni2+) in the presence of 4,4 {\textquoteleft}-bipyridine (4,4 {\textquoteleft}-bpy) as a bridging nucleophile. The polymer films were characterized by electrochemical, spectroscopic (UV-Vis, XPS, FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy) and imaging (AFM and SEM) techniques. The absorption and electronic spectra confirm the presence of both porphyrin and 4,4 {\textquoteleft}-bipyridine units in the film. The surface morphology reveals homogeneous film deposition with average roughness values of approx. 8 nm. The theoretical studies performed offered insights into the interplay of different metal centres (Zn2+ and Ni2+) and the keto functionality of the porphyrin unit in the formation of copolymer films. The electrochemical interaction of polymer films with CO2 suggests a reversible trap and release of CO2 with low energy barriers for both the polymers.}, doi = {10.1039/d1ra01945g}, author = {Kochrekar, Sachin and Kalekar, Ajit and Mehta, Shweta and Damlin, Pia and Salomaki, Mikko and Granroth, Sari and Meltola, Niko and Joshi, Kavita and Kvarnstrom, Carita} } @article {47700, title = {Cotton fabric decorated with manganese oxide nanorods as a supercapacitive flexible electrode for wearable electronics}, journal = {Applied Surface Science}, volume = {568}, year = {2021}, month = {DEC 1}, pages = {150968}, type = {Article}, abstract = {We present the fabrication (using a hydrothermal process) and the properties of wearable fabrics decorated with ultrathin manganese oxide (MnO2) nanorods for supercapacitor applications. The superior mechanical durability of the supercapacitor was confirmed by cyclic voltammetry (CV) curves, which showed little change during 1000 bending cycles. The pseudocapacitive properties of the ultrathin MnO2 nanorods were confirmed by recording the CV curves at various scan rates. The galvanostatic charge-discharge curves at various specific currents confirmed the pseudocapacitance of MnO2. The ultrathin MnO2 nanorods exhibited a superior capacitance of 508 F.g(-1) and an energy density of 35.3 Wh.kg(-1). The MnO2 electrode with optimal properties demonstrated stable long-term cycling performance with 90\% retention after 10,000 galvanostatic cycles.}, keywords = {Cotton fabric, Manganese oxide, Ultrafine nanostructures, Wearable supercapacitors}, issn = {0169-4332}, doi = {10.1016/j.apsusc.2021.150968}, author = {Samuel, Edmund and Joshi, Bhavana and Kim, Yongil and Park, Chanwoo and Aldalbahi, Ali and El-Newehy, Mohamed and Lee, Hae-Seok and Yoon, Sam S.} } @article {47035, title = {CsPbBr3/Cs4PbBr6 perovskite@COF nanocomposites for visible-light-driven photocatalytic applications in water}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry A}, volume = {9}, year = {2021}, month = {MAR}, pages = {6819-6826}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

For the first time, we have synthesized all-inorganic CsPbBr3/Cs4PbBr6 perovskite@COF nanocomposites under atmospheric conditions and tuned the crystal structures of the perovskite as well. The nanocomposite is reasonably stable and maintains its crystalline properties even when dipped into water for 60 minutes. The perovskite@COF nanocomposite shows efficient visible-light-driven photocatalytic performance to degrade Methyl orange (10 mL; 20-100 ppm). The rate of photodegradation was about 0.245 min(-1) with high catalytic activity and recyclability for three to six cycles.

}, issn = {2050-7488}, doi = {10.1039/d1ta00201e}, author = {Kour, Prachi and Mukherjee, Shatabdi Porel} } @article {47746, title = {CuO as a reactive and reusable reagent for the hydrogenation of nitroarenes}, journal = {Applied Catalysis B-Environmental}, volume = {297}, year = {2021}, month = {NOV}, pages = {120417}, type = {Article}, abstract = {{Copper oxide (CuO) is used as a reusable solid reagent for hydrogenation of nitroarenes to aminoarenes. The use of CuO resulted in 100 \% conversion of 2.9 mmol of nitrobenzene to aniline in 45 s at room temperature using hydrazine hydrate as the reducing agent. During the reaction, CuO is converted to inactive metallic Cu which can be regenerated to active CuO by thermal oxidation. DFT simulations indicated facile formation of oxygen vacancies (EO}, keywords = {Copper vacancy, CuO, Hydrogenation, Nitroarene reduction, Oxygen defects, Reactive solids}, issn = {0926-3373}, doi = {10.1016/j.apcatb.2021.120417}, author = {Rajendran, K. and Pandurangan, N. and Vinod, C. P. and Khan, Tuhin S. and Gupta, Shelaka and Haider, M. Ali and Jagadeesan, D.} } @article {47678, title = {DBU/O-2-mediated oxidation of dienones}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {86}, year = {2021}, month = {JUL }, pages = {9200-9205}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Herein, we describe a DBU/O-2-promoted novel method for oxidation of dienones to 2,6-dione derivatives. The reaction involves treatment of a dienone with DBU in acetonitrile employing molecular oxygen as the oxidant. Metal free conditions and an eco-friendly reagent are the striking features of this protocol. This transformation proceeds through a peroxide intermediate that upon Kornblum-DeLaMare rearrangement produces 2,6-diones. The method was successfully utilized for the synthesis of (+/-)-pleodendione with improved yields versus those of the traditional PDC-TBHP method.}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/acs.joc.1c00529}, author = {Athawale, Paresh R. and Kalmode, Hanuman P. and Reddy, D. Srinivasa} } @article {47644, title = {Deoxygenative hydroboration of primary and secondary amides: a catalyst-free and solvent-free approach}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {57}, year = {2021}, month = {OCT }, pages = {10596-10599}, type = {Article}, abstract = {In contrast to the recent reports on catalytic hydroboration of amides to amines with pinacolborane (HBpin), a simple catalyst-free and solvent-free method for the hydroboration of a variety of amides has been realized. To get the mechanistic insights, DFT calculations have been performed.}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/d1cc04148g}, author = {Kumar, Rohit and Bisai, Milan Kumar and Jain, Shailja and Vanka, Kumar and Sen, Sakya S.} } @article {47591, title = {Design and scale-up of continuous di-nitration reaction using pinched tube flow reactor}, journal = {Journal of Flow Chemistry}, volume = {11}, year = {2021}, month = {SEP}, pages = {611-624}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Scale-up of the di-nitration reaction for synthesis of selective herbicide pendimethalin using only nitric acid in continuous flow is presented in this work. This work showcases an approach for smooth scale-up for an herbicide for a production capacity of 50 kg/day using a pinched tube reactor. The approach begins with the batch experiments followed by flow synthesis using a 1/8-inchSS316 helical coil tube where kinetics of the di-nitration was determined, and process optimization was done. Systematic approach was followed for quantification of heat transfer, mass transfer and residence time distribution and scale-up. Detailed scale-up methodology is presented with effect of relevant parameters for successful scale-up. Modular pilot plant with inline quenching, extraction and separation are some of the salient features presented in this work.}, keywords = {continuous flow, nitration, Pinched tube, RTD, scale-up}, issn = {2062-249X}, doi = {10.1007/s41981-021-00182-1}, author = {Hussain, Arshad and Sharma, Mrityunjay and Patil, Suneha and Acharya, Roopashree B. and Kute, Mahesh and Waghchaure, Aishwarya and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article {47707, title = {Development of aerial and belowground tubers in potato is governed by photoperiod and epigenetic mechanism}, journal = {Plant Physiology}, volume = {187}, year = {2021}, month = {NOV}, pages = {1071-1086}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Plants exhibit diverse developmental plasticity and modulate growth responses under various environmental conditions. Potato (Solanum tuberosum), a modified stem and an important food crop, serves as a substantial portion of the world{\textquoteright}s subsistence food supply. In the past two decades, crucial molecular signals have been identified that govern the tuberization (potato development) mechanism. Interestingly, microRNA156 overexpression in potato provided the first evidence for induction of profuse aerial stolons and tubers from axillary meristems under short-day (SD) photoperiod. A similar phenotype was noticed for overexpression of epigenetic modifiers-MUTICOPY SUPRESSOR OF IRA1 (StMSI1) or ENAHNCER OF ZESTE 2 (StE[z]2), and knockdown of B-CELL-SPECIFIC MOLONEY MURINE LEUKEMIA VIRUS INTEGRATION SITE 1 (StBMI1). This striking phenotype represents a classic example of modulation of plant architecture and developmental plasticity. Differentiation of a stolon to a tuber or a shoot under in vitro or in vivo conditions symbolizes another example of organ-level plasticity and dual fate acquisition in potato. Stolon-to-tuber transition is governed by SD photoperiod, mobile RNAs/proteins, phytohormones, a plethora of small RNAs and their targets. Recent studies show that polycomb group proteins control microRNA156, phytohormone metabolism/transport/signaling and key tuberization genes through histone modifications to govern tuber development. Our comparative analysis of differentially expressed genes between the overexpression lines of StMSI1, StBEL5 (BEL1-LIKE transcription factor [TF]), and POTATO HOMEOBOX 15 TF revealed more than 1,000 common genes, indicative of a mutual gene regulatory network potentially involved in the formation of aerial and belowground tubers. In this review, in addition to key tuberization factors, we highlight the role of photoperiod and epigenetic mechanism that regulates the development of aerial and belowground tubers in potato.}, issn = {0032-0889}, doi = {10.1093/plphys/kiab409}, author = {Kondhare, Kirtikumar R. and Kumar, Amit and Patil, Nikita S. and Malankar, Nilam N. and Saha, Kishan and Banerjee, Anjan K.} } @article {47576, title = {Development of enhanced hypericin yielding transgenic plants and somaclones: high throughput direct organogenesis from leaf and callus explants of Hypericum perforatum (Retraction of Vol 111, Pg 544, 2018)}, journal = {Industrial Crops and Products}, volume = {171}, year = {2021}, month = {NOV }, pages = {113863}, type = {Retraction}, issn = {0926-6690}, doi = {10.1016/j.indcrop.2021.113863}, author = {Khan, A. Shamshad and Verma, Priyanka and Arbat, Akshata and Gaikwad, Sushma and Parasharami, A. Varsha} } @article {47756, title = {Direct oxidation of cyclohexane to adipic acid by a WFeCoO(OH) catalyst: role of bronsted acidity and oxygen vacancies}, journal = {ACS Catalysis}, volume = {11}, year = {2021}, month = {SEP }, pages = {10754-10766}, type = {Article}, abstract = {This work reports the catalytic activity of the trimetallic mixed-metal oxyhydroxide WFeCoO(OH) for the direct oxidation of cyclohexane to adipic acid (AA) without the use of concentrated HNO3. WFeCoO(OH) displayed a 40\% conversion of cyclohexane and a 67\% selectivity to AA under relatively milder conditions of temperature (90 degrees C) and pressure (1 atm). Experimental evidence confirmed the presence of acidic, basic, and redox sites on WFeCoO(OH). The detailed investigation revealed that doping W in the Co-FeO(OH) matrix increased the amount of surface lattice oxygen (OS-L) and caused a significant surge in acidity (5.1 mmol/g). The calculated deprotonation energy of WFeCoO(OH) was 1434 kJ/mol, and the trend in acidity was WCoO(OH) < WFeCoO(OH) < FeCoO(OH) similar to CoO(OH). Energy calculations showed that WFeCoO(OH) had a high propensity to generate oxygen vacancies by the loss of either a water molecule or an oxygen atom (-132.2 or -140.9 kJ/mol, respectively). Basicity was generated due to the presence of conjugate pairs of the surface hydroxyl groups. The combined action of the trifunctional acidic, basic, and redox-active metal centers along with the oxygen vacancies was responsible for the enhanced catalytic performance.}, keywords = {Adipic Acid, deprotonation energy, metal oxyhydroxides, multifunctional catalysts, oxygen vacancies}, issn = {2155-5435}, doi = {10.1021/acscatal.1c01464}, author = {Vernekar, Dnyanesh and Dayyan, Mohammad and Ratha, Satyajit and Rode, V, Chandrashekhar and Haider, M. Ali and Khan, Tuhin Suvra and Jagadeesan, Dinesh} } @article {47097, title = {Divergent approach to the synthesis of (-)-balanol heterocycle and cis-3-hydroxypipecolic acid based on chiral 2-aminoalkanol equivalent}, journal = {Tetrahedron}, volume = {80}, year = {2021}, month = {JAN}, pages = {131773}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Enantioselective synthesis of the hexahydroazepine core of (-)-balanol and formal synthesis of cis-3hydroxypipecolic acid from a common intermediate have been accomplished by a divergent path. The common intermediate was accessed from a favorably protected enantiomerically pure 2-amino-1,3,4-butanetriol (ABT) equivalent via oxidation and Wittig olefination. The synthesis of (-)-balanol heterocycle featured tandem reduction/acetal-deprotection/gamma-lactonization reaction and a one-pot azide reduction followed by seven membered aza-heterocycle formation while the route to cis-3-hydroxypipecolic acid highlighted the base induced piperidine ring formation and regioselective benzylidine-acetal cleavage. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Amino-alcohol, desymmetrization, Hexahydroazepine, Piperidine alkaloids, Protein kinase}, issn = {0040-4020}, doi = {10.1016/j.tet.2020.131773}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Kalbhor, Dinesh B. and Gonnade, Rajesh G.} } @article {47422, title = {Diverse reactivity of carbenes and silylenes towards fluoropyridines}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {57}, year = {2021}, month = {MAY }, pages = {4428-4431}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The reaction of IDipp with C5F5N led to functionalization of all three carbon atoms of the imidazole ring with HF2- as the counter-anion (1). Reactivity with 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoropyridine gives only C-F bond activation leaving C-H bonds intact (5b). The reaction of SIDipp with C5F5N in the presence of BF3 afforded the ring cleavage product (3). Analogous reactions with silylene led to oxidative addition at the Si(II) center.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/d1cc01401c, Early Access Date = MAR 2021}, author = {Kundu, Gargi and Ajithkumar, V. S. and Bisai, Milan Kumar and Tothadi, Srinu and Das, Tamal and Vanka, Kumar and Sen, Sakya S.} } @article {47379, title = {Diverse reactivity of NOBF4 towards silylene, disilene, germylene and stannylene}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {57}, year = {2021}, month = {MAY}, pages = {5008-5011}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

{The reactivity of NOBF4 towards silylene, disilene, germylene, stannylenes has been described. Smooth syntheses of compounds of composition [PhC(NtBu)(2)E(= O -\> BF3)N(SiMe3)(2)

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/d1cc01034d, Early Access Date = APR 2021}, author = {Parvin, Nasrina and Sen, Nilanjana and Muhasina, Puthan Veetil and Tothadi, Srinu and Parameswaran, Pattiyil and Khan, Shabana} } @article {47499, title = {Diversity in chemical structures and biological properties of plant alkaloids}, journal = {Molecules}, volume = {26}, year = {2021}, month = {JUN}, pages = {3374}, type = {Review}, abstract = {Phytochemicals belonging to the group of alkaloids are signature specialized metabolites endowed with countless biological activities. Plants are armored with these naturally produced nitrogenous compounds to combat numerous challenging environmental stress conditions. Traditional and modern healthcare systems have harnessed the potential of these organic compounds for the treatment of many ailments. Various chemical entities (functional groups) attached to the central moiety are responsible for their diverse range of biological properties. The development of the characterization of these plant metabolites and the enzymes involved in their biosynthesis is of an utmost priority to deliver enhanced advantages in terms of biological properties and productivity. Further, the incorporation of whole/partial metabolic pathways in the heterologous system and/or the overexpression of biosynthetic steps in homologous systems have both become alternative and lucrative methods over chemical synthesis in recent times. Moreover, in-depth research on alkaloid biosynthetic pathways has revealed numerous chemical modifications that occur during alkaloidal conversions. These chemical reactions involve glycosylation, acylation, reduction, oxidation, and methylation steps, and they are usually responsible for conferring the biological activities possessed by alkaloids. In this review, we aim to discuss the alkaloidal group of plant specialized metabolites and their brief classification covering major categories. We also emphasize the diversity in the basic structures of plant alkaloids arising through enzymatically catalyzed structural modifications in certain plant species, as well as their emerging diverse biological activities. The role of alkaloids in plant defense and their mechanisms of action are also briefly discussed. Moreover, the commercial utilization of plant alkaloids in the marketplace displaying various applications has been enumerated.}, keywords = {alkaloid, Biological activity, classification, defense, Enzyme, modification}, doi = {10.3390/molecules26113374}, author = {Bhambhani, Sweta and Kondhare, Kirtikumar R. and Giri, Ashok P.} } @article {47085, title = {Dual-catalyst engineered porous organic framework for visible-light triggered, metal-free and aerobic sp(3) C-H activation in highly synergistic and recyclable fashion}, journal = {Journal of Catalysis}, volume = {394}, year = {2021}, month = {FEB}, pages = {40-49}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Photoredox and organo-catalysis denote powerful construction tools for new classes of carbon-carbon bonds, where incisive amalgamation of both the approaches over a single, recyclable platform can bring about synergic and eco-friendly reactions under mild conditions. Aiming at enamine-based photoredox catalysis for atom-economic and metal-free sp(3 )C-H activation, an amide-based two-dimensional (2D) porous organic framework (POF) is devised. The pendent -NH2 groups are judiciously anchored with two catalytic stations viz. Rose Bengal and L-proline, through stepwise variation of solid phase peptide synthesis. The dual-catalyst engineered POF represents a fully organic material that synergistically performs visible-light triggered oxidative Mannich reaction to produce biorelevant heterocycle beta-amino ketone in excellent yield at room temperature, using oxygen as clean and selective oxidant. Importantly, activity of this bi-functionalized catalyst compares favorably well to individual homogeneous counterparts. The covalently modified framework demonstrates economic viability via gram-scale synthesis besides admirable reusability, and proves to be effective for nineteen varieties of substrates. The photocatalytic path is detailed from efficient energy transfer from host polymer to substrate in light of experimental and theoretical studies, which provides proof-of-concept to the photo-organo combined mechanism. The material benefits heterogenising two homogeneous catalysts, besides excluding additional steps of conventional Mannich reactions, and offers a step-forward to smart and green cross-dehydrogenative coupling reactions. (C) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Atom-economy, C-H activation, Dual-catalyst engineering, Metal-free reaction, Photo-organo catalysis, Porous organic framework}, issn = {0021-9517}, doi = {10.1016/j.jcat.2020.12.013}, author = {Kumar, Gaurav and Dash, Soumya Ranjan and Neogi, Subhadip} } @article {47066, title = {Durable metalloporphyrin 2D-polymer for photocatalytic hydrogen and oxygen evolution from river and sea waters}, journal = {ChemCatChem}, volume = {13}, year = {2021}, month = {APR}, pages = {1717-1721}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

It is highly imaginary that the outcome of a combination of two complementary resources leads to answer an alarming global issue. One such possible example is the solar seawater splitting for {\textquoteleft}clean fuel{\textquoteright} H-2 generation. Since the catalytic activity and stability of the photocatalysts are substantially challenged in seawater, the design of an efficient and stable photocatalyst is highly desirable. Herein, we demonstrate the solar seawater splitting by a two-dimensional polymer catalyst derived from metalloporphyrin bearing multi-hydroxyl groups. A bimetallic (Co and Ni) porphyrin 2D-polymer exhibits excellent long-term durability of 15 cycles of H-2 and O-2 generation in 200 days from pure water without a considerable decrease in efficiency. Detailed studies using river and seawaters also show the reliable performance of the catalyst over repeated cycles. Here the deactivation modes of catalytic activity have been nullified by the layered metalloporphyrin polymer structure through stable pi-pi stacking, signifying the molecular design of 2D-polymer photocatalyst.

}, keywords = {2D-polymer, Photocatalyst, porphyrin, Self-assembly, water splitting}, issn = {1867-3880}, doi = {10.1002/cctc.202002039, Early Access Date = FEB 2021}, author = {Ranjeesh, Kayaramkodath Chandran and George, Leena and Maibam, Ashakiran and Krishnamurty, Sailaja and Babu, Sukumaran Santhosh} } @article {47106, title = {Dynamic coupling analysis on plant sesquiterpene synthases provides leads for the identification of product specificity determinants}, journal = {Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications}, volume = {536}, year = {2021}, month = {JAN }, pages = {107-114}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Sesquiterpene synthases catalyse cyclisation of farnesyl pyrophosphate to produce diverse sesquiterpenes. Despite utilising the same substrate and exhibiting significant sequence and structural homology, these enzymes form different products. Previous efforts were based on identifying the effect of divergent residues present at the catalytic binding pocket on the product specificity of these enzymes. However, the rationales deduced for the product specificity from these studies were not generic enough to be applicable to other phylogenetically distant members of this family. To address this problem, we have developed a novel approach combining sequence, structural and dynamical information of plant sesquiterpene synthases (SSQs) to predict product modulating residues (PMRs). We tested this approach on the SSQs with known PMRs and also on sesquisabinene synthase 1 (SaSQS1), a SSQ from Indian sandalwood. Our results show that the dynamical sectors of SSQs obtained from molecular dynamics simulation and their hydrophobicity and vicinity indices together provide leads for the identification of PMRs. The efficacy of the technique was tested on SaSQS1 using mutagenesis. To the best of our knowledge, this is a first technique of this kind which provides cues on PMRs of SSQs, with divergent phylogenetic relationship. (C) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {molecular dynamics, Product specificity, Sesquiterpene synthases, Statistical coupling analysis, X-ray crystallography}, issn = {0006-291X}, doi = {10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.12.041}, author = {Singh, Sneha and Thulasiram, V, Hirekodathakallu and Sengupta, Durba and Kulkarni, Kiran} } @article {47737, title = {Editorial special issue in the journal of flow chemistry: engineering aspects of flow chemistry}, journal = {Journal of Flow Chemistry}, volume = {11}, year = {2021}, month = {SEP}, pages = {211-212}, type = {Editorial Material}, issn = {2062-249X}, doi = {10.1007/s41981-021-00197-8}, author = {Kockmann, Norbert and Hartman, Ryan and Kulkarni, Amol} } @article {47404, title = {Effect of Mn2+ substitution into the hst lattice of ZnO via sol-gel route for boosting the dye-sensitized solar cells performance}, journal = {Chemical Papers}, volume = {75}, year = {2021}, month = {AUG}, pages = {4001-4017}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In this study, Mn2+ ion is doped in ZnO lattice framework at 1, 3 and 5 wt \% by a simple and low-cost sol-gel route to attain improved optoelectronic response. The structural investigation by XRD and Raman analysis explores the formation of hexagonal wurtzite framework with variations in lattice parameters comprising peak intensities favors the Mn doping. The extent of doping was supported by EDS analysis, while XPS confirms doping in + 2 chemical state. The optical investigation by UV-visible and PL provides prominent peaks that also specify peak shifting in order of doping level, while the significant hexagon-shaped nanoparticle (NP) formation was deduced in SEM and TEM micrographs. These proficient ZnO NPs have been deposited on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) conducting glass plate by doctor-blade technique to get photoanodes. The electrical performance of these photoanodes especially photocurrent generation was investigated under standard AM 1.5 one sun illuminations. The highest photoconversion efficiency was attained for 3\% Mn-doped ZnO photoanode after xanthene-based organic dye sensitization with output efficiency (eta\%) of 0.25\% higher than 0.03\% of bare ZnO. The comparable ionic radii with exactly half-filled 3d orbital simply overlap with the ZnO valence bond responsible for enhanced overall structural and optical properties that beneficial for DSSCs performance.

}, keywords = {gel, Mixed dye, Mn-doped ZnO, Photoelectrochemical cell, Sol\&\#8211}, issn = {2585-7290}, doi = {10.1007/s11696-021-01615-w, Early Access Date = APR 2021}, author = {Kumbhar, Deepak and Delekar, Sagar and Kumbhar, Sarita and Dhodamani, Ananta and Harale, Namdev and Nalawade, Rekha and Nalawade, Avinash} } @article {47666, title = {Effect of Mn2+ substitution into the hst lattice of ZnO via sol-gel route for boosting the dye-sensitized solar cells performance (Apr, 10.1007/s11696-021-01615-w, 2021)}, journal = {Chemical Papers}, volume = {75}, year = {2021}, month = {AUG}, pages = {4019}, type = {Correction}, issn = {2585-7290}, doi = {10.1007/s11696-021-01658-z}, author = {Kumbhar, Deepak and Delekar, Sagar and Kumbhar, Sarita and Dhodamani, Ananta and Harale, Namdev and Nalawade, Rekha and Nalawade, Avinash} } @article {47089, title = {Effect of object shape on the flow past microstructures in small channel}, journal = {Fluid Dynamics Research}, volume = {53}, year = {2021}, month = {FEB}, pages = {015505}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Flow past objects in microfluidics and microscale devices are used to perturb the flow and thereby achieve effective mixing and heat transfer. This paper presents the observations on the flow past bluff (elliptical, rectangular and triangular) cylindrical micropillars (objects) having different cross-sectional area in a micro-channel through 2D simulations. The pertinent range of Re based on object dimension (0.1 Re 150) was chosen to understand the wake dynamics that would remain relevant for comparison with literature data. Drag coefficient, recirculation region, critical Reynolds number for flow oscillations and vortex strength in a channel were studied. The drag coefficient was found to increase with aspect ratio of the object. The critical Re for flow oscillations was found to increase with the cross-sectional area of the object. The vortex strength in a channel was seen highest for triangular cylinder compared to elliptical and rectangular cylinder.

}, keywords = {2D simulations, flow past objects, micro and mini-channels, micropillars, wake dynamics}, issn = {0169-5983}, doi = {10.1088/1873-7005/abcd8b}, author = {Mule, Gunwant M. and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article {47370, title = {Effect of wettability on hydrodynamics and mass transfer in small capillaries}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Research \& Design}, volume = {169}, year = {2021}, month = {MAY}, pages = {265-274}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The wettability of the reactor wall has a significant effect on the interfacial liquid?liquid mass transfer rates in segmented flow. This work quantitatively demonstrates the importance of choosing the right material of construction of flow reactors to achieve the desired mass transfer performance. Glass and PTFE capillaries of identical diameter were used to study the effect of hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces on the hydrodynamics and mass transfer of the system. It was observed that for the overall mass transfer coefficient (kLa) changed by two orders of magnitude depending on the wettability of the continuous phase. The observations indicated that it is essential to achieve complete wetting of the capillary walls by the continuous phase for significant mass transfer enhancement. The observations are discussed on the basis of film thickness and slip velocity at the wall as well as the slip velocity at liquid?liquid interface. Predictions of the mass transfer coefficient using a model based on the interfacial and fluid properties showed excellent match with the experiments thereby allowing us to explore the effects of wettability on the overall mass transfer coefficient in greater detail. ? 2021 Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Liquid?liquid slug flow, Mass transfer, Slip velocity, Wettability}, issn = {0263-8762}, doi = {10.1016/j.cherd.2021.03.023}, author = {Sampat, Chaitanya and Pal, Sayan and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article {47110, title = {Efficient electrochemical oxygen reduction to hydrogen peroxide by transition metal-doped silicate Sr0.7Na0.3SiO3-delta}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {13}, year = {2021}, month = {JAN}, pages = {382-390}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Electrochemical oxygen reduction in a selective two-electron pathway is an efficient method for onsite production of H2O2. State of the art noble metal-based catalysts will be prohibitive for widespread applications, and hence earth-abundant oxide-based systems are most desired. Here we report transition metal (Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu)-doped silicates, Sr0.7Na0.3SiO3-delta, as potential electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction to H2O2 in alkaline conditions. These novel compounds are isostructural with the parent Sr0.7Na0.3SiO3-delta and crystallize in monoclinic structure with corner-shared SiO4 groups forming cyclic trimers. The presence of Na stabilizes O vacancies created on doping, and the transition metal ions provide catalytically active sites. Electrochemical parameters estimated from Tafel and Koutechy-Levich plots suggest a two-electron transfer mechanism, indicating peroxide formation. This is confirmed by the rotating ring disc electrode method, and peroxide selectivity and Faradaic efficiency are calculated to be in the range of 65-82\% and 50-68\%, respectively, in a potential window 0.3 to 0.6 V (vs RHE). Of all the dopants, Ni imparts the maximum selectivity and efficiency as well as highest rate of formation of H2O2 at 1.65 mu mol s(-1).

}, keywords = {H2O2, mixed metal oxide, ORR, silicate}, issn = {1944-8244}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.0c16311}, author = {Thundiyil, Shibin and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Devi, R. Nandini} } @article {47357, title = {Elastic piezoelectric aerogels from isotropic and directionally ice-templated cellulose nanocrystals: comparison of structure and energy harvesting}, journal = {Cellulose}, volume = {28}, year = {2021}, month = {JUL}, pages = {6323-6337}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We report the preparation of highly compressible and elastic piezoelectric aerogels of carboxylated cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). Aqueous CNC dispersions containing polyethyleneimine and crosslinker were frozen isotropically to yield isotropic aerogels, while oriented aerogels were prepared by directional freezing. These aerogels were highly flexible and porous (similar to 85\% void fraction), exhibiting greater than 90\% recovery at 50\% compressive strain even after 100 compression-decompression cycles. Since such aerogels with low bulk modulus and high anisotropy would be an ideal platform for leveraging the piezoelectric properties of CNCs, we used them to prepare piezoelectric nanogenerator devices and determined their energy transduction behavior. Anisotropic aerogels led to an enhanced open-circuit voltage of 840 mV (at similar to 8 N applied force), which is over 2.6 times higher than isotropic aerogels (320 mV). The energy density of anisotropic aerogels was around 52 nW/cm(2), representing outstanding piezoelectric performance for cellulose-based aerogels. Such aerogels with high compressibility, elastic recovery and exceptional piezoelectric performance could have potential applications in sensors, wearable electronics, etc.

}, keywords = {Aerogel, Anisotropic, Cellulose nanocrystals, energy harvesting, Piezoelectricity}, issn = {0969-0239}, doi = {10.1007/s10570-021-03896-6, Early Access Date = MAY 2021}, author = {Ram, Farsa and Biswas, Bipul and Torris, Arun and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy and Shanmuganathan, Kadhiravan} } @article {47774, title = {Electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction directed through the p-band center of boron on BSAC@Mo2C}, journal = {Materials Advances}, year = {2021}, month = {NOV}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Greener modes of ammonia synthesis via the electrocatalytic route have been investigated on pristine and defective Mo2C based monolayers anchored with metal-free boron atom catalysts. Boron single atom catalysts (SACs) on the defective Mo2C monolayer has been found to activate N2 strongly with an adsorption energy of -1.92 eV and reduce it to NH3 efficiently with a significantly low overpotential of 0.41 eV. The exothermic adsorption of N2 and low overpotential for the nitrogen reduction reduction (NRR) appertain to the p-band center of the boron atom catalyst and charge transfer between the adsorbed N2 and the catalyst, respectively. This work brings forth the correlation between electron occupancy on the boron center and NRR catalytic efficiency on a metal-free SACs@Mo2C monolayer couple, thereby serving as a lead in designing metal free electrocatalysts for the NRR.}, doi = {10.1039/D1MA00953B}, author = {Maibam, Ashakiran and Krishnamurty, Sailaja and Dar, Manzoor Ahmad} } @article {47420, title = {Electronic and optical properties of vacancy ordered double perovskites A(2)BX(6) (A=Rb, Cs; B=Sn, Pd, Pt; and X=Cl, Br, I): a first principles study}, journal = {Scientific Reports }, volume = {11}, year = {2021}, month = {MAR }, pages = {6965}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The highly successful PBE functional and the modified Becke-Johnson exchange potential were used to calculate the structural, electronic, and optical properties of the vacancy-ordered double perovskites A(2)BX(6) (A=Rb, Cs; B=Sn, Pd, Pt; X=Cl, Br, and I) using the density functional theory, a first principles approach. The convex hull approach was used to check the thermodynamic stability of the compounds. The calculated parameters (lattice constants, band gap, and bond lengths) are in tune with the available experimental and theoretical results. The compounds, Rb2PdBr6 and Cs2PtI6, exhibit band gaps within the optimal range of 0.9-1.6 eV, required for the single-junction photovoltaic applications. The photovoltaic efficiency of the studied materials was assessed using the spectroscopic-limited-maximum-efficiency (SLME) metric as well as the optical properties. The ideal band gap, high dielectric constants, and optimum light absorption of these perovskites make them suitable for high performance single and multi-junction perovskite solar cells.

}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-021-86145-x}, author = {Faizan, Muhammad and Bhamu, K. C. and Murtaza, Ghulam and He, Xin and Kulhari, Neeraj and AL-Anazy, Murefah Mana and Khan, Shah Haidar} } @article {47736, title = {Elucidating the effect of CaF2 on structure, biocompatibility and antibacterial properties of S53P4 glass (vol 831, 154704, 2020)}, journal = {Journal of Alloys and Compounds}, volume = {883}, year = {2021}, month = {NOV}, pages = {161253}, type = {Correction}, issn = {0925-8388}, doi = {10.1016/j.jallcom.2021.161253}, author = {Prasad, Sakthi and Ganisetti, Sudheer and Jana, Anuradha and Kant, Shashi and Sinha, P. K. and Tripathy, Sucheta and Illath, Kavya and Ajithkumar, T. G. and Annapurna, K. and Allu, Amarnath R. and Biswas, Kaushik} } @article {47738, title = {Engineering microstructure of LiFe(MoO4)(2) as an advanced anode material for rechargeable lithium-ion battery}, journal = {Journal of Materials Science-Materials In Electronics}, volume = {32}, year = {2021}, month = {OCT}, pages = {24273-24284}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Graphite is considered as an ideal anode material for lithium-ion battery (LIB) due to its high stability, good conductivity and wide source of availability. However, the low energy density and theoretical capacity of graphite cannot meet the needs of high performance anode materials. To circumvent this issue, alternative materials have been sought for many years now. Herein, we report the synthesis of highly crystalline lithium iron molybdate LiFe(MoO4)(2) by combustion method and evaluated its performance as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries. Triclinic LiFe(MoO4)(2) crystals having particle size 2-5 mu m with good crystallinity were obtained. The material shows long cycle life and high rate performance than commercial graphite and exhibits first reversible discharge capacity of 931.6 mAh/g at a current density of 100 mA/g which is three times higher than commercial graphite. The high specific capacity together with the outstanding rate and cycle performance makes LiFe(MoO4)(2) a promising anode material for LIB. A detailed analysis on the crystal structure and electronic properties of LiFe(MoO4)(2) is presented based on DFT studies to complement the experimental observations.}, issn = {0957-4522}, doi = {10.1007/s10854-021-06892-5}, author = {Tamboli, Asiya M. and Tamboli, Mohaseen S. and Dwivedi, Pravin Kumari and Praveen, C. S. and Karbhal, Indrapal and Shelke, V, Manjusha and Kim, Bomyung and Park, Chinho and Kale, Bharat B.} } @article {47029, title = {Enhanced electrocatalytic activity of PtRu/nitrogen and sulphur co-doped crumbled graphene in acid and alkaline media}, journal = {Journal of Colloid and Interface Science}, volume = {590}, year = {2021}, month = {MAY }, pages = {154-163}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The low mass activity and high price of pure platinum (Pt)-based catalysts predominantly limit their large-scale utilization in electrocatalysis. Therefore, the reduction of Pt amount while preserving the electrocatalytic efficiency represents a viable alternative. In this work, we prepared new PtRu2 nanoparticles supported on sulphur and nitrogen co-doped crumbled graphene with trace amounts of iron (PtRu2/PF) electrocatalysts. The PtRu2/PF catalysts exhibited enhanced electrocatalytic performance and stability for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at pH = 0. Moreover, the prepared PtRu2/PF electrocatalyst displayed higher HER activity than commercial 20\% Pt/C. The PtRu2/PF catalyst achieved a current density of 10 mA cm(-2) at an overpotential value of only 22 mV for HER, performing better activity than many other Pt-based electrocatalysts. Besides, the PtRu2/PF revealed a good performance for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline media. The PtRu2/PF catalyst recorded a current density of 10 mA cm(-2) at an overpotential of only 270 mV for OER in KOH (1.0 M) solution and an onset potential of 0.96 V vs. RHE (at 1 mA cm(-2)) for ORR in KOH (0.1 M) solution. (C) 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {HER, OER, ORR, PtRu2, Sulphur and nitrogen co-doped crumbled graphene}, issn = {0021-9797}, doi = {10.1016/j.jcis.2021.01.049}, author = {Pang, Liuqing and Miao, Yuanyuan and Bhange, Siddheshwar N. and Barras, Alexandre and Addad, Ahmed and Roussel, Pascal and Amin, Mohammed A. and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Szunerits, Sabine and Boukherroub, Rabah} } @article {47628, title = {Enhanced one-pot selective conversion of cellulose to ethylene glycol over NaZSM-5 supported metal catalysts}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {45}, year = {2021}, month = {OCT}, pages = {19244-19254}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The mesopores interconnected with microporous NaZSM-5 was synthesised by sol-gel method. Reactions involving cellulose using different bimetallic and trimetallic combinations of nickel, aluminium, and tungsten metals supported on NaZSM-5 have been carried out. Different weight percentages (wt\%) of Al, Ni, and W were loaded onto the NaZSM-5 support via a wet impregnation method. The prepared catalysts were characterized using PXRD, FE-SEM, HR-TEM, BET, and XPS studies to investigate the presence of mesopores, the textural properties, the metal loading, and the active oxidation states. The catalytic activities of the xAl-yNi-zW/NaZSM-5 (where x, y, and z are the wt\% values of Al, Ni, and W, respectively) supported catalysts were studied during the one-pot conversion of cellulose into ethylene glycol at 220 degrees C and with a pressure of 70 bar H-2 (at the reaction temperature) in water (as a solvent). The 5\%Al-8\%Ni-25\%W/NaZSM-5 catalyst exhibited the highest cellulose conversion of 100\%, with an ethylene glycol yield as high as 89\% (C mol\%) under moderate reaction conditions being reported for the first time. Al3+ in the catalyst hydrolyzed cellulose, and W5+ species acted as acid centres that facilitated the retro-aldol condensation reaction and eventually led to an increased EG yield in the presence of Ni. The catalyst was moderately stable after four consecutive runs for 6 h at 220 degrees C and at a H-2 reaction pressure of 70 bar, though a 12 h reaction resulted in the highest EG yield. The high yields under moderate reaction conditions promise an energy-efficient and economically feasible process.}, issn = {1144-0546}, doi = {10.1039/d1nj03257g}, author = {Sreekantan, Sreejith and Kirali, Arun Arunima and Marimuthu, Banu} } @article {47389, title = {Enhanced photocatalytic properties of a chemically modified blue phosphorene}, journal = {RSC Advances }, volume = {11}, year = {2021}, month = {APR }, pages = {13348-13358}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

It is high time to placate the peak demand for an efficient, economic and green fuel in the form of H-2 through photocatalytic water splitting. Several low dimensional materials have been explored for their photocatalytic properties on account of their surface to volume ratio. The present study illustrates the excellent photocatalytic potential of a two-dimensional material, viz. a chemically tempered blue-phosphorene sheet, with single atom thickness and high carrier mobility. Metal-free element, sulphur, is explored as a dopant in a 32-atom blue-phosphorene sheet. The dopant is inserted at three locations viz. central, edge and central edge positions with varying concentrations from 3.125\% to 18.75\% (corresponding to n = 1 to 6 sulphur atoms within a 32-atom blue-phosphorene sheet, P32-nSn). The cohesive energy studies predict the higher stability of even number S doped sheets as compared to their odd counterparts. Photocatalytic activity is studied in terms of band gap and band alignment for different concentrations of the former. Studies reveal that edge doping demonstrates better water molecule activation independent of S atom concentration. The edge doped systems not only provide the chemical activity to activate water, but also show feasible HER overpotentials of 1.24-1.29 eV at neutral medium. Finally, this work opens up a driving lead of non-corrosive catalysts for water molecule splitting.

}, doi = {10.1039/d0ra10829d}, author = {Maibam, Ashakiran and Das, Sawan Kumar and Samal, Pragnya Paramita and Krishnamurty, Sailaja} } @article {46669, title = {Enhanced photoelectrochemical cell performance of Co doped ZnO nanoparticles sensitized by affordable mixed dyes as sensitizer}, journal = {Inorganic and Nano-Metal Chemistry}, volume = {51}, year = {2021}, month = {SEP}, pages = {1258-1271}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In the present investigation, a simple sol-gel approach has been employed for the synthesis of hexagonal wurtzite ZnO nanoparticles (NPs). X-ray diffraction (XRD) rietveld study and Raman analysis reveal the mislaid of the mixed phases of ZnO NPs after doping. The scanning electron micrographs and transmission electron microscopy confirm the formation of hexagonal disk-shaped NPs. FTIR, PL, EDX, XPS validate optical and stoichiometric concentration of Co in ZnO lattice. UV-visible DRS study shows absorption edge with humps to the red region of the spectrum with increasing the absorption strength and shortening of band gap as the content of Co (II) increases. Finally, the prepared samples were coated on the surface of cleaned FTO substrate through a simple doctor blade technique and sensitized with prepared dye. The ZnO photoanode shows 0.036\% of efficiency (eta\%) while the photoanodes of Co doped samples expose the enhanced efficiencies of 0.29\%, 0.389\%, 0.089\%.

}, keywords = {Co doped ZnO, mixed dyes as sensitizer, Photoelectrochemical cell, sol-gel}, issn = {2470-1556}, doi = {10.1080/24701556.2020.1835963}, author = {Kumbhar, Deepak and Kumbhar, Sarita and Dhodamani, Anant and Delekar, Sagar and Harale, Namdev and Nalawade, Rekha and Nalawade, Avinash} } @article {46660, title = {Estimation of reaction kinetics for aromatic and heterocycles nitration in mixed acids through computational chemistry approach}, journal = {International Journal of Chemical Kinetics}, volume = {53}, year = {2021}, month = {MAR}, pages = {319-332}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Nitration of aromatic compounds and heterocycles in mixed acid environment is one of the regularly performed large-scale reactions in the chemical industry. Although the reaction mechanism of nitration of aromatics in mixed acid is well established, the development of a methodology for the evaluation of kinetics of exothermic aromatic nitrations in a simplified and accurate way is necessary. Here we evaluate the applicability of a kinetic evaluation methodology based on Hammett{\textquoteright}s acidity function, acidity function, and empirical activity coefficient for the nitration reaction. The contributions from the functional groups on the aromatic ring and quantitative structure-activity relationships technique are considered for these evaluations. Natural bond orbital and magnetic index nucleus independent chemical shift analyses were carried out to obtain the substitution constants. The rate constant and activation energy values were evaluated at various temperatures and sulfuric acid strengths. The results were validated by comparing with the experimental data from the literature for several molecules. The effect of various functional groups (viz carbonyl, carboxyl, methyl, and amine) substituted on the benzene ring was also evaluated. For a few identified substrates, the data were used for estimation of residence time needed for complete conversion in continuous stirred tank reactor and in a plug flow reactor to quantify the effect of substitution constant and strength of sulfuric acid. The approach will help select a suitable reactor.

}, keywords = {Aromatic nitration, computational chemistry, Hammett analogy, mixed acids, Reaction kinetics, reactor selection}, issn = {0538-8066}, doi = {10.1002/kin.21445, Early Access Date = OCT 2020}, author = {Jadhav, Pandurang M. and Pandey, Raj K. and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article {47067, title = {Exceptional capacitance enhancement of a non-conducting COF through potential-driven chemical modulation by redox electrolyte}, journal = {Advanced Energy Materials}, volume = {11}, year = {2021}, month = {APR}, pages = {2003626}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Capacitors are the most practical high-storage and rapid charge-release devices. The number of ions stored per unit area and their interaction strength with the electrode dictates capacitor-performance. Microporous materials provide a high storage surface and optimal interactions. Adsorbing electron-rich and easily polarizable molecules into microporous electrodes is expected to boost Faradaic pseudo-activity. If such electrode-electrolyte interactions can be made as a potential-driven reversible process, the resulting capacitors would be adaptable and device-friendly. A composite covalent organic framework (COF)-carbon electrode with redox-active KI is combined in an H2SO4 electrolyte for the first time. This composite electrode benefits from the redox-functionality of COF and electronic conductivity of carbon, leading to superior capacitative activity. Operando spectro-electrochemical measurements reveal the existence of multiple polyiodide species, although the I-3(-) is the predominantly electroactive species adsorbing on the microporous triazine-phenol COF electrode. A systematic fabrication of the flexible solid-state devices using the COF-redox-electrolyte reveals a high areal capacitance of 270 +/- 11 mF cm(-2) and gravimetric capacitance of 57 +/- 8 F g(-1). The inclusion of KI in H2SO4 (electrolyte) yields an approximately eight-fold enhancement in solid-state gravimetric specific capacitance. The imine-COF retains 89\% of its capacity even after 10 000 cycles.

}, keywords = {covalent organic frameworks, polyiodide, redox electrolytes, solid\&\#8208, state capacitors, Supercapacitors}, issn = {1614-6832}, doi = {10.1002/aenm.202003626, Early Access Date = FEB 2021}, author = {Kushwaha, Rinku and Haldar, Sattwick and Shekhar, Pragalbh and Krishnan, Akshara and Saha, Jayeeta and Hui, Pramiti and Vinod, Chathakudath Prabhakaran and Subramaniam, Chandramouli and Vaidhyanathan, Ramanathan} } @article {47059, title = {Exploring edge functionalised blue phosphorene nanoribbons as novel photocatalysts for water splitting}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {45}, year = {2021}, month = {FEB}, pages = {3570-3580}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Hydrogen gas, a highly combustible and eco-friendly fuel is stealing the limelight and its production is one of the major areas of research. An efficient and green method for producing clean hydrogen gas with no harmful by-product is water splitting. With the introduction of low dimensional materials, water splitting has become an easier and cost-effective process. The present work demonstrates the application of one such low dimensional material viz., edge functionalised Blue Phosphorene Nano-Ribbons (BPNRs) as potential photocatalysts. With a carrier mobility of 10(3) cm(2) V-1 s(-1) and a band gap of 1.5-3.0 eV, BPNRs are an attractive candidate for photocatalysis. BPNRs with different edge oreintations, viz. zigzag and armchair are functionalised with CH3O, COOCH3, CHO, COOH, OH, NH2, CONH2, SH, C6H5, and NO2 groups. Their performance towards activating water molecules at different sites on the nanoribbon is studied. The functionalised edges of the BPNRs are the active sites showing similar to 1.2\% to 3.2\% efficiency in activating the O-H bond of the water molecule. Among the different groups explored, CONH2 functionalised zigzag BPNR clearly exhibits a higher potential towards the adsorption of water molecules (-0.98 eV) and activation of O-H bonds with an elongation of 3.2\% and a red shift of 500.6 cm(-1). This is attributed to the lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom contributing to the electron donating nature of the CONH2 functional group.

}, issn = {1144-0546}, doi = {10.1039/d0nj03950k}, author = {Maibam, Ashakiran and Chakraborty, Debalina and Joshi, Krati and Krishnamurty, Sailaja} } @article {47111, title = {Expression, purification and crystallization of Asrij, A novel scaffold transmembrane protein}, journal = {Journal of Membrane Biology}, volume = {254}, year = {2021}, month = {FEB}, pages = {65-74}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Asrij/OCIAD1 is a scaffold transmembrane protein belonging to the Ovarian Carcinoma Immunoreactive Antigen Domain containing protein family. In Drosophila and mouse models, Asrij localizes at the endosomal and mitochondrial membrane and is shown to regulate the stemness of hematopoietic stem cells. Interaction of Asrij with ADP Ribosylation Factor 1 (Arf1) is shown to be crucial for hematopoietic niche function and prohemocyte maintenance. Here, we report the heterologous expression, standardization of detergents and purification methodologies for crystallization of Asrij/OCIAD1. To probe the activity of bacterially expressed Asrij, we developed a protein complementation assay and conclusively show that Asrij and Arf1 physically interact. Further, we find that sophorolipids improve the solubility and monodispersibility of Asrij. Hence, we propose that sophorolipids could be novel additives for stabilization of membrane proteins. To our knowledge, this is the first study detailing methodology for the production and crystallization of a heterologously expressed scaffold membrane protein and will be widely applicable to understand membrane protein structure and function. Graphic

}, keywords = {Asrij/OCIAD1, Membrane protein crystallography, sophorolipids}, issn = {0022-2631}, doi = {10.1007/s00232-020-00166-7, Early Access Date = JAN 2021}, author = {Motiwala, Zenia and Darne, Priti and Prabhune, Asmita and Inamdar, Maneesha S. and Kulkarni, Kiran} } @article {47384, title = {Facile access to functional polyacrylates with dual stimuli response and tunable surface hydrophobicity}, journal = {Polymer Chemistry}, volume = {12}, year = {2021}, month = {MAY }, pages = {3042-3051}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Magnetically separable and reusable Ni-Co alloy nanoparticles were employed to achieve ambient temperature reversible deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) of methyl acrylate (MA), for the first time, yielding well-defined PMA (at least up to 124 500 g mol(-1)) with a low dispersity (D \<= 1.20). The controlled polymerization character of RDRP of MA was confirmed from the linear semilogarithmic plot exhibiting pseudo first order kinetics, a linear increase of the molecular weight of the polymer with monomer conversion maintaining low D and the synthesis of PMAs of varying molecular weights from 2200 to 124 500 g mol(-1) with low D. In addition, linear PMA-Br was used as a macroinitiator for the synthesis of several well-defined PMA-b-poly(M) block copolymers (where {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}M{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} stands for (2-dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA), tert-butyl methylacrylate (TBMA) and 2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-octafluoropentyl acrylate (OFPA)), with acceptable Ds (\<= 1.24), demonstrating the high chain-end fidelity of the macroinitiator. The synthesized PMA-b-PDMAEMA demonstrated dual pH- and thermo-responsive properties. Upon hydrolysis, the synthesized PMA-b-PTBMA leads to the formation of unprecedented carboxylic acid-functionalized PMA derivatives. PMA-b-POFPA copolymers with varying OFPA mol\% in the copolymer led to polymers with tunable surface hydrophobicity, as revealed by the water contact angle measurements.

}, issn = {1759-9954}, doi = {10.1039/d1py00378j, Early Access Date = APR 2021}, author = {Mohammad, Sk Arif and Dolui, Subrata and Kumar, Devendra and Mane, Shivshankar R. and Banerjee, Sanjib} } @article {47052, title = {Facile synthesis of CNT interconnected PVP-ZIF-8 derived hierarchically porous Zn/N co-doped carbon frameworks for oxygen reduction dagger}, journal = {Nanoscale}, volume = {13}, year = {2021}, month = {MAR}, pages = {6248-6258}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In this work, a strategy has been adopted to construct an architecture through the coordination of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and a monodisperse zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8), which was entwined by carbon nanotubes (CNTs) firstly, followed by a pyrolysis process to obtain the hybrid catalyst. The meticulous design of the hybrid material using CNTs to interconnect the PVP assisted ZIF-8 derived porous carbon frameworks together produces a hierarchical pore structure and dual-heteroatom (Zn/N) doping (Zn-N/PC@CNT). Without further acid treatment, the hybrid material prepared after pyrolysis at 900 degrees C (PVP-ZIF-8@CNT-900) has been demonstrated as an efficient non-precious metal catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) with its superior stability compared to the commercial 20 wt\% Pt/C catalyst in alkaline media. The catalyst shows better performance towards the ORR, with its more positive onset and half-wave potentials (E-onset = 0.960 V vs. RHE and E-1/2 = 0.795 V vs. RHE) than the counterpart system which is free of both CNT and PVP. The high performance of the hybrid catalyst can be ascribed to the co-existence of dual-active sites with hierarchical pore structures originating from the synergistic effects between Zn/N co-doped porous carbon and CNTs. We further demonstrated the single-cell performance by using the homemade system as the cathode catalyst for the Alkaline Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (AEMFC) system, which showed a maximum power density of 45 mW cm(-2) compared to 60 mW cm(-2) obtained from the 40 wt\% Pt/C catalyst.

}, issn = {2040-3364}, doi = {10.1039/d0nr09156a, Early Access Date = FEB 2021}, author = {Singla, Gourav and Bhange, Siddheshwar N. and Mahajan, Mani and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {47414, title = {Finite temperature behavior of carbon atom-doped silicon clusters: depressed thermal stabilities, coexisting isomers, reversible dynamical pathways and fragmentation channels}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {45}, year = {2021}, month = {MAY}, pages = {8217-8227}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Silicon carbide clusters are significant due to their predominant occurrence in meteoric star dust, particularly in carbon-rich asymptotic giant branch stars. Of late, they have also been recognized as nanoclusters with potential applications in technology. Them both being elements of the same group, there is excellent potential for precise control over the physico-chemical properties of such molecular length-scale materials through atomic engineering and this has been explored recently by various experimentalists. This report simulates one of the significant physical properties, viz. conformational stability, of various carbon-doped silicon clusters as a function of temperature using Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamics methodology. Single carbon atom-doped silicon clusters with 4-9 atoms (i.e., Si3C-Si8C) are chosen for this study as the gas phase geometries of these clusters have been characterized using a combination of experimental and theoretical methods in the recent past. The simulations ratify that various conformations do not interconvert among themselves at 300 K. The interconversion occurs at 500 K or above, thereby ratifying the possibility of the coexistence of multiple conformations of a given cluster, which are generally synthesized under subroom temperature conditions. Furthermore, the above single carbon atom-doped silicon clusters: (a) have depressed thermal stabilities as compared to their pristine counterparts with the exception of a Si5C conformation; (b) undergo multifarious evolution of the cluster, through the reversible dynamical and fragmentation pathways as a function of temperature and (c) single carbon atom-doped silicon clusters with 7 atoms (starting from Si6C) and above undergo a fragmentation at nearly 2000 K. The underlying electronic and structural properties of various clusters are discussed to explain the above observations with a note on critical fragmentation energy barriers required for the segmentation of clusters with seven or more atoms.

}, issn = {1144-0546}, doi = {10.1039/d0nj04515b, Early Access Date = MAR 2021}, author = {Joshi, Krati and Maibam, Ashakiran and Krishnamurty, Sailaja} } @article {47747, title = { Flexible energy harvester from an organic ferroelectric ammonium salt}, journal = {Chemistry-An Asian Journal}, volume = {16}, year = {2021}, month = {DEC }, pages = {4122-4129}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Organic ferroelectrics due to their low cost, easy preparation, light weight, high flexibility and phase stability are gaining tremendous attention in the field of portable electronics. In this work, we report the synthesis, structure and ferroelectric behavior of a two-component ammonium salt 2, containing a bulky [Bn(4-BrBn)NMe2](+) (Bn=benzyl and 4-BrBn=4-bromobenzyl) cation and tetrahedral (BF4)(-) anion. The structural analysis revealed the presence of rich non-classical C-H...F and C-H...Br interactions in this molecule that were quantified by Hirshfeld surface analysis. The polarization (P) vs. electric field (E) hysteresis loop measurements on 2 gave a remnant polarization (P-r) of 14.4 mu C cm(-2) at room temperature. Flexible polymer composites with various (5, 10, 15 and 20) weight percentages (wt\%) of 2 in thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) were prepared and tested for mechanical energy harvesting applications. A notable peak-to-peak output voltage of 20 V, maximum current density of 1.1 mu A cm(-2) and power density of 21.1 mu W cm(-2) were recorded for the 15 wt\% 2-TPU composite device. Furthermore, the voltage output generated from this device was utilized to rapidly charge a 100 mu F capacitor, with stored energies and measured charges of 156 mu J and 121.6 mu C, respectively.}, keywords = {Dielectric, energy harvesting, ferroelectricity, organic composites, piezoelectric}, issn = {1861-4728}, doi = {10.1002/asia.202101128}, author = {Gupta, Rishabh and Sahoo, Supriya and Deswal, Swati and Kothavade, Premkumar and Dixit, Prashant and Zareba, Jan K. and Shanmuganathan, Kadhiravan and Boomishankar, Ramamoorthy} } @article {47441, title = {Flexible metallized carbon nanofibers decorated with two-dimensional NiGa2S4 nanosheets as supercapacitor electrodes}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Journal }, volume = {420}, year = {2021}, month = {SEP }, pages = {130497}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Herein, high-power flexible supercapacitor electrodes were fabricated by decorating Ni-electroplated carbon nanofibers (Ni@CNF) with two-dimensional NiGa2S4\ nanosheets. The electrical conductivity of carbon nanofibers was enhanced by the addition of nickel, and the energy storage capability was enhanced by decoration with NiGa2S4. The impact of metal (Ni/Ga) ratio on the overall electrochemical performance of the supercapacitor was studied by varying the Ga concentration. The NiGa2S4\ nanosheets promoted diffusion of the electrolyte into the electrode, thereby improving the electrochemical activity. The nanosheets also intensified the charge transfer rate within the composite electrode, which contributed to the overall improvement in the electrochemical performance. The optimal Ga concentration was the concentration at which the specific capacitance was the highest at 488 F{\textperiodcentered}g-1\ with a potential window of 1.1\ V and current rate of 0.5 A{\textperiodcentered}g-1. The long-term stability test revealed that the capacitance retention of the electrode with this optimal Ni/Ga ratio was 109\% after 20,000 cycles. This flexible supercapacitor electrode was subjected to 2000 bending cycles, and the corresponding cyclic voltammetry performance was assessed. In combination, the outstanding electrochemical performance and durable mechanical properties render the NiGa2S4/Ni@CNF electrode highly suitable for flexible energy storage applications.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.cej.2021.130497}, author = {Kim, Yongil and Samuel, Edmund and Joshi, Bhavana and Park, Chanwoo and Lee, Hae-Seok and Yoon, Sam S.} } @article {47694, title = {FnCas9-based CRISPR diagnostic for rapid and accurate detection of major SARS-CoV-2 variants on a paper strip}, journal = {eLife}, volume = {10}, year = {2021}, month = {JUN }, pages = {e67130}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic originating in the Wuhan province of China in late 2019 has impacted global health, causing increased mortality among elderly patients and individuals with comorbid conditions. During the passage of the virus through affected populations, it has undergone mutations, some of which have recently been linked with increased viral load and prognostic complexities. Several of these variants are point mutations that are difficult to diagnose using the gold standard quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) method and necessitates widespread sequencing which is expensive, has long turn-around times, and requires high viral load for calling mutations accurately. Here, we repurpose the high specificity of Francisella novicida Cas9 (FnCas9) to identify mismatches in the target for developing a lateral flow assay that can be successfully adapted for the simultaneous detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as for detecting point mutations in the sequence of the virus obtained from patient samples. We report the detection of the S gene mutation N501Y (present across multiple variant lineages of SARS-CoV-2) within an hour using lateral flow paper strip chemistry. The results were corroborated using deep sequencing on multiple wild-type (n = 37) and mutant (n = 22) virus infected patient samples with a sensitivity of 87\% and specificity of 97\%. The design principle can be rapidly adapted for other mutations (as shown also for E484K and T716I) highlighting the advantages of quick optimization and roll-out of CRISPR diagnostics (CRISPRDx) for disease surveillance even beyond COVID-19. This study was funded by Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, India.}, issn = {2050-084X}, doi = {10.7554/eLife.67130}, author = {Kumar, Manoj and Gulati, Sneha and Ansari, Asgar H. and Phutela, Rhythm and Acharya, Sundaram and Azhar, Mohd and Murthy, Jayaram and Kathpalia, Poorti and Kanakan, Akshay and Maurya, Ranjeet and Vasudevan, Janani Srinivasa and Aparna, S. and Pandey, Rajesh and Maiti, Souvik and Chakraborty, Debojyoti} } @article {47664, title = {Formal synthesis of (-)-quinagolide: diastereoselective ring expansion via a bicyclic aziridinium ion strategy to access the octahydrobenzo[g]quinoline architecture}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {86}, year = {2021}, month = {JUL }, pages = {9344-9352}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The diastereoselective formal synthesis of (-)-quinagolide, a D-2 receptor agonist, has been achieved. The synthesis started from L-pyroglutamic acid and relied on utilization of (a) a stereospecific catalytic hydrogenation and diastereoselective Horner-Emmons-Michael cascade to obtain functionalized prolinate, (b) a Lewis acid mediated Pummerer cyclization to construct a tricyclic fused ring system, and (c) a diastereoselective ring expansion via a bicyclic aziridinium intermediate to access the required 3-substituted piperidine scaffold.}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/acs.joc.1c00603}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Kawale, Sanket A. and Pisal, Mahesh M. and Kadam, Appasaheb L. and Gonnade, Rajesh G.} } @article {47347, title = {Functional insights into two Ocimum kilimandscharicum 4-coumarate-CoA ligases involved in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis}, journal = {International Journal of Biological Macromolecules}, volume = {181}, year = {2021}, month = {JUN }, pages = {202-210}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Plant 4-coumarate-CoA ligase (4CL) catalyzes the ligation of CoA to cinnamic acid and its derivatives. Activated CoA esters are utilized for the biosynthesis of phenolic metabolites and lignin that play essential function in plants. Here, we characterize the diversity of Ocimum kilimandscharicum 4CLs (Ok4CLs). Phylogenetic analysis suggest that Ok4CLs could be grouped into three classes, class I -enzymes mostly involved in lignin biosynthesis, class II -non-structural phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and class III -yet to be characterized for specific role(s). We selected two Ok4CLs namely Ok4CL7 and Ok4CL15 for further characterization. Gene expression analysis sug-gested that Ok4CL7 is highly expressed in leaf trichomes, whereas Ok4CL15 is abundant in the roots. The recom-binant Ok4CL7 and Ok4CL15 had optimal enzyme activities at 40 degrees C in pH 8 and 7, respectively. Ok4CL7 showed substrate preference towards p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid and caffeic acid. While, Ok4CL15 preferredp-coumaric acid, ferulic acid and sinapic acid. Feruloyl adenylate showed higher number of contacts and lowers binding en-ergy with Ok4CL7 and 15 compared to cinnamoyl adenylate. Based on root-specific expression and preference for sinapic acid, Ok4CL15 might be involved in lignin biosynthesis. Further exploration is needed to unravel the role of diverse Ok4CLs in O. kilimandscharicum. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {4-Coumarate-CoA ligase, Flavonoids, lignin, Ocimum kilimandscharicum, Phenylpropanoids}, issn = {0141-8130}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.03.129}, author = {Lavhale, Santosh G. and Joshi, Rakesh S. and Kumar, Yashwant and Giri, Ashok P.} } @article {47802, title = {Gibberellic acid induces unique molecular responses in {\textquoteleft}thompson seedless{\textquoteright} grapes as revealed by non-targeted metabolomics}, journal = {Journal of Plant Growth Regulation}, volume = {40}, year = {2021}, month = {FEB}, pages = {293 - 304}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Compact clusters and small berry size are the major problems associated with the commercialization of table grapes. The application of gibberellic acid 3 (GA3) has been a long-followed practice to overcome these issues. To analyze the molecular response of {\textquoteleft}Thompson Seedless{\textquoteright} grapes to GA3 treatment, we investigated the metabolomes of its rachises, clusters, and berries, 6~h and 24~h after the treatment. Metabolite profiling using non-targeted metabolomics approach revealed several metabolites, including arginine, proline, tyrosine, kaempferol, resveratrol, catechin, and so on as possible biomarkers of GA3 treatment in grapes. GA3 treatment greatly impacted the alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism pathways, and the GA3-mediated alterations in the levels of certain plant growth regulators and primary metabolites were in accordance with important growth and developmental processes in grapes. This study highlights the effect of GA3 on the profiles of certain polyphenols impacting the flavone and flavonol biosynthesis pathways and hence the nutritional aspect of grapes. The results of this study would be useful to develop self-elongating varieties simplifying the grape cultivation.}, isbn = {1435-8107}, doi = {10.1007/s00344-020-10102-7}, author = {Jadhav, Uma and Mundhe, Swapnil and Kumar, Yashwant and Jogaiah, Satisha and Upadhyay, Anuradha and Gupta, Vidya S. and Kadoo, Narendra Y.} } @article {46917, title = {Gibberellic acid induces unique molecular responses in {\textquoteleft}thompson seedless{\textquoteright} grapes as revealed by non-targeted metabolomics}, journal = {Journal of Plant Growth Regulation}, volume = {40}, year = {2021}, month = {FEB}, pages = {293-304}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Compact clusters and small berry size are the major problems associated with the commercialization of table grapes. The application of gibberellic acid 3 (GA(3)) has been a long-followed practice to overcome these issues. To analyze the molecular response of {\textquoteleft}Thompson Seedless{\textquoteright} grapes to GA(3) treatment, we investigated the metabolomes of its rachises, clusters, and berries, 6 h and 24 h after the treatment. Metabolite profiling using non-targeted metabolomics approach revealed several metabolites, including arginine, proline, tyrosine, kaempferol, resveratrol, catechin, and so on as possible biomarkers of GA(3) treatment in grapes. GA(3) treatment greatly impacted the alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism pathways, and the GA(3)-mediated alterations in the levels of certain plant growth regulators and primary metabolites were in accordance with important growth and developmental processes in grapes. This study highlights the effect of GA(3) on the profiles of certain polyphenols impacting the flavone and flavonol biosynthesis pathways and hence the nutritional aspect of grapes. The results of this study would be useful to develop self-elongating varieties simplifying the grape cultivation.

}, keywords = {Biosynthetic pathways, GA(3) response, GA(3) signaling, Sultana grapes, Untargeted metabolomics}, issn = {0721-7595}, doi = {10.1007/s00344-020-10102-7, Early Access Date = MAR 2020}, author = {Jadhav, Uma and Mundhe, Swapnil and Kumar, Yashwant and Jogaiah, Satisha and Upadhyay, Anuradha and Gupta, Vidya S. and Kadoo, Narendra Y.} } @article {47653, title = {Glycerol-triazole conjugated rhodamine as colorimetric and fluorimetric sensor for Cu2+}, journal = {ChemistrySelect}, volume = {6}, year = {2021}, month = {SEP}, pages = {9288-9292}, type = {Article}, abstract = {{A glycerol-triazole tethered rhodamine based colorimetric and fluorimetric sensor 3 {\textquoteleft},6 {\textquoteleft}-bis(diethylamino)-2-(((1-(1,3-dihydroxypropan-2-yl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4 -yl)methylene)aminospiro [isoindoline-1,9 {\textquoteleft}-xanthen]-3-one (L1) is designed and synthesized for the selective recognition of Cu2+ ion. The sensor L1 allows naked eye detection of Cu2+ ion with a fast response (<1 min). Among the various metal ions tested, the sensor L1 shows selective binding with Cu2+ through turn-on fluorescence mechanism. The sensor shows 1 : 2 binding stoichiometry with binding constant}, keywords = {Cu2+ Sensor, DFT, Glycerol, Rhodamine B, Triazole}, issn = {2365-6549}, doi = {10.1002/slct.202102145}, author = {Verma, Abhishek and Gahlyan, Parveen and Bawa, Rashim and Dash, Soumya Ranjan and Prasad, Ashok K. and Kumar, Rakesh} } @article {47460, title = {GPCRs that Rh oar the Guanine nucleotide exchange factors}, journal = {Small GTPases}, year = {2021}, month = {APR}, pages = {1-16}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Cell migration, a crucial step in numerous biological processes, is tightly regulated in space and time. Cells employ Rho GTPases, primarily Rho, Rac, and Cdc42, to regulate their motility. Like other small G proteins, Rho GTPases function as biomolecular switches in regulating cell migration by operating between GDP bound {\textquoteright}OFF{\textquoteright} and GTP bound {\textquoteright}ON{\textquoteright} states. Guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) catalyse the shuttling of GTPases from OFF to ON state. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of cell surface receptors that are involved in many signalling phenomena including cell survival and cell migration events. In this review, we summarize signalling mechanisms, involving GPCRs, leading to the activation of RhoGEFs. GPCRs exhibit diverse GEF activation modes that include the interaction of heterotrimeric G protein subunits with different domains of GEFs, phosphorylation, protein-protein interaction, protein-lipid interaction, and/or a combination of these processes.

}, doi = {10.1080/21541248.2021.1896963}, author = {Omble, Aishwarya and Kulkarni, Kiran} } @article {47366, title = {Graphene-based frustrated Lewis pairs as bifunctional catalysts for CO2 reduction via the dissociative chemisorption of molecular H-2: a periodic density functional perspective}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {45}, year = {2021}, month = {JUN }, pages = {9959-9966}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Nanocarbon-based frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) bifunctional catalysts, on account of their unquenched electron transfer property, are becoming increasingly attractive as catalysts for the CO2 reduction reaction via the dissociative chemisorption of H-2. In the present study, we propose a nanocarbon-based FLP catalyst. The pair comprises nitrogen doped/phosphorus doped graphene as Lewis bases and M(C6F5)(3) (M = B, Al, Ga, and In) as Lewis acids. The computational investigation reveals that the carbon atoms adjacent to the doped N and P atoms are the active sites towards the dissociative chemisorption of hydrogen molecule. The analyses of the Bader charges and difference charge densities validate the dissociative chemisorption of H-2 molecule and the fact that a significant electron redistribution promotes the polarization of the hydrogen molecule. Density of states confirms the hybridization between the p-states of the nitrogen/phosphorus atom and the s-state of hydrogen atom in all FLPs. The dissociative chemisorption of hydrogen is noted in all FLP complexes, thereby facilitating a low barrier reaction path for CO2 reduction. Between P-doped and N-doped FLPs, N-doped FLP catalysts prove to be a more promising counterpart with considerably low activation barriers, ranging between 0.01 and 0.11 eV, towards CO2 reduction. Thus, the present study demonstrates the great potential of doped carbon-based FLPs as novel nanostructure catalysts for CO2 reduction via the direct utilization of molecular hydrogen.

}, issn = {1144-0546}, doi = {10.1039/d1nj00970b, Early Access Date = MAY 2021}, author = {Senthamaraikannan, Thillai Govindaraja and Krishnamurty, Sailaja and Kaliaperumal, Selvaraj} } @article {47804, title = {Green antibacterial molecules: sophorolipids with varying fatty acid chain}, journal = {Trends in Biomaterials and Artificial Organs}, volume = {35}, year = {2021}, month = {NOV}, pages = {431+}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Antibiotic resistance is a rising problem of over the last decade making it difficult to treat infections caused by various pathogenic bacteria. To tackle this problem, newer antimicrobial strategies are being explored. Sophorolipids (SLs) are a class of biomolecules produced by a non-pathogenic yeast Starmarella bombicola (S. bombicold) with surfactant as well as potent broad spectrum antibacterial activity. In this work, we have successfully synthesized sophorolipids using different fatty acids with increasing chain length of hydrophobic tail; Lauric acid (C12)-LASL, Myristic acid (C14)-MASL, Palmitic acid (C16)-PASL and Stearic acid (C18)-SASL. We have used various techniques like FTIR, HRMS to characterize the synthesized SL. Further, we have measured properties like the critical micellar concentration for these biosurfactants and the SL{\textquoteright}s showed CMC less than or equal to 100 mg/L indicating excellent surface-active property. We have studied the antibacterial activity against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Interestingly, the antibacterial activity was found to be more potent as the chain length of the fatty acid in the SL decreased. This trend was found to be reverse for toxicity towards mammalian cells. The shorter chain fatty acid SL{\textquoteright}s were found to be less cytotoxic. These results indicate that the sophorolipid candidates with shorter chain lengths would be beneficial for various biomedical applications such as tissue engineering, regenerative medicine and wound healing. Keywords: sophorolipid, biosurfactant, short chain fatty acid, antibacterial}, keywords = {Antibacterial agents, Cells (Biology), Infection, Microbial drug resistance, Saturated fatty acids, Surface active agents}, isbn = {09711198}, url = {https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A684660702/AONE?u=anon~d0cd1b4e\&sid=googleScholar\&xid=1a6d61d9}, author = {Hirlekar, Swarali and Abhyankar, Isha and Kane, Kartiki and Trimukhe, Kalpana and Prabhune, Asmita and Nisal, Anuya} } @article {47440, title = {Green route for carbonylation of amines by CO2 using Sn-Ni-O bifunctional catalyst and theoretical study for finding best suited active sites}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Journal }, volume = {419}, year = {2021}, month = {SEP}, pages = {129439}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Reaction between n-alkylamine and CO2\ has gained interest due to the demand for the dialkylurea for various applications. For the first time, the tool\ Mathematica\ was used to analyze the experimental data with an idea to derive an equation which determines the best suited active sites for any given input set of dependent parameters. The equation can further be used to predict the product yield with the known values of active sites for a reaction. Among several Sn containing mixed oxides, Sn-Ni oxide (Sn-Ni-O) was found to be the better performing catalyst. The studies indicate that the formation of new defect sites when NiO and SnO2\ are in the mixed state and possibly a solid solution enhances the catalytic efficiency. There are two main reasons for improved catalytic performance; one, mixing of SnO2\ into NiO which reduces the number of holes (h+) localized on lattice oxygen (O2-+ h+{\textrightarrow} O{\textbullet}-) and two, smaller SnO2\ particles are dispersed on the bigger particle NiO which alters the acidic and basic active sites in the catalyst. FT-IR adsorption study with amine and CO2\ helped in deriving a plausible mechanism for this reaction. Under optimized reaction condition, Sn1.1-Ni-O-600 gave 77.3\% of n-butylamine conversion and 75.7\% of yield for 1,3-dibutylurea. The versatility of the catalyst was tested for carbonylation of different aliphatic and aromatic amines, diamine and hydroxy amine with CO2.

}, keywords = {amines, CO2, Mixed oxide catalyst and bi-functional catalyst, Substituted urea}, issn = {1385-8947}, doi = {10.1016/j.cej.2021.129439}, author = {Kulal, Nagendra and Vetrivel, Rajappan and Gopinath, Chinnakonda S. and Ravindran, Rahul K. and Rao, Vinod N. and Shetty, Manjunath and Shrikanth, R. and Rangappa, Dinesh and Shanbhag, Ganapati V.} } @article {47413, title = {Green synthesis of xanthene and acridine-based heterocycles of pharmaceutical importance: a review}, journal = {Environmental Chemistry Letters}, year = {2021}, month = {MAR}, type = {Review; Early Access}, abstract = {

Xanthene and acridine-based heterocyclic compounds find applications in cancer chemotherapy, biological staining and laser dyes and are known for their antibacterial and anti-tumor properties. Here we review green catalytic routes for the synthesis of 1,8-dioxo-octahydroxanthenes, 1,8-dioxo-decahydroacridines and related heterocyclic molecules with catalysts such as metal oxides, mixed metal oxides, resins, supported organocatalysts, heteropolyacids, carbon-based materials, zeolites, sulfides and ionic liquids. We compare protocols for their catalytic activities, and proposed mechanisms are discussed.

}, keywords = {green chemistry, heterocycles, heterogeneous catalysis, Metal oxides, nanocatalysis}, issn = {1610-3653}, doi = {10.1007/s10311-021-01223-w, Early Access Date = MAR 2021}, author = {Burange, Anand S. and Gadam, Komal G. and Tugaonkar, Prajyot S. and Thakur, Seema D. and Soni, Ravish K. and Khan, Rubej R. and Tai, Mubashira S. and Gopinath, Chinnakonda S.} } @article {47630, title = {Heterogeneous C-H functionalization in water via porous covalent organic framework nanofilms: a case of catalytic sphere transmutation}, journal = {Journal of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {143}, year = {2021}, month = {JUN }, pages = {8426-8436}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Heterogeneous catalysis in water has not been explored beyond certain advantages such as recyclability and recovery of the catalysts from the reaction medium. Moreover, poor yield, extremely low selectivity, and active catalytic site deactivation further underrate the heterogeneous catalysis in water. Considering these facts, we have designed and synthesized solution-dispersible porous covalent organic framework (COF) nanospheres. We have used their distinctive morphology and dispersibility to functionalize unactivated C-H bonds of alkanes heterogeneously with high catalytic yield (42-99\%) and enhanced regioand stereoselectivity (3 degrees:2 degrees = 105:1 for adamantane). Further, the fabrication of catalyst-immobilized COF nanofilms via covalent self-assembly of catalytic COF nanospheres for the first time has become the key toward converting the catalytically inactive homogeneous catalysts into active and effective heterogeneous catalysts operating in water. This unique covalent self-assembly occurs through the protrusion of the fibers at the interface of two nanospheres, transmuting the catalytic spheres into films without any leaching of catalyst molecules. The catalyst-immobilized porous COF nanofilms{\textquoteright} chemical functionality and hydrophobic environment stabilize the high-valent transient active oxoiron(V) intermediate in water and restricts the active catalytic site{\textquoteright}s deactivation. These COF nanofilms functionalize the unactivated C-H bonds in water with a high catalytic yield (45-99\%) and with a high degree of selectivity (cis:trans = 155:1; 3 degrees:2 degrees = 257:1, for cis-1,2-dimethylcyclohexane). To establish this approach{\textquoteright}s {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}practical implementation{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}, we conducted the catalysis inflow (TON = 424 +/- 5) using catalyst-immobilized COF nanofilms fabricated on a macroporous polymeric support.}, issn = {0002-7863}, doi = {10.1021/jacs.1c02425}, author = {Sasmal, Himadri Sekhar and Bag, Saikat and Chandra, Bittu and Majumder, Poulami and Kuiry, Himangshu and Karak, Suvendu and Sen Gupta, Sayam and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article {47313, title = {Heterogeneous nucleation in citrate synthesis of AgNPs: effect of mixing and solvation dynamics}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Journal}, volume = {421}, year = {2021}, month = {OCT}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The heterogeneity issues in silver nanoparticle nucleation (Lee-Meisel route) have been investigated. The final polydispersity and sphericity of the nanoparticles in the Lee-Meisel scheme are shown to depend upon the early time dynamics of silver-citrate complexation. The formation of macromolecular intermediary complexes in the early stages of the reaction is visualized based on online DLS data, TEM analysis, and the mass balances of silver and citrate ions. The reversible complexation between citrate ions and silver citrate is shown to be the limiting step that governs the directional growth of the nanoparticles. The dynamics of the complexation of citrate are seen to form a very rapid step and intense mixing was required for the complexation to happen uniformly across the reaction. This specific observation is also confirmed from the MD simulations. Thus, to get particles of high sphericity, irrespective of the reaction concentration, temperature, or reactor geometry, the mixing time should be \<4\ s and\ Da\ ~\ 0.1. Optimal mixing conditions for isotropic growth are suggested based on the reaction kinetics and are also demonstrated with experimental evidence.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.cej.2020.127753}, author = {Deshpande, J. B. and Chakrabarty, S. and Kulkarni, A. A.} } @article {47353, title = {Highly compressible ceramic/polymer aerogel-based piezoelectric nanogenerators with enhanced mechanical energy harvesting property}, journal = {Ceramics International}, volume = {47}, year = {2021}, month = {JUN }, pages = {15750-15758}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Ceramic piezoelectric materials have orders of magnitude higher piezoelectric coefficients compared to polymers. However, their brittleness precludes imposition of large strains in mechanical energy harvesting applications. We report here that ice templating affords low bulk modulus lead-free aerogel piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENG) with unprecedented combination of flexibility and high piezoelectric response (voltage and power density). A modified ice templating protocol was used to fabricate piezoelectric nanocomposites of surface modified BaTiO3 (BTO) nanoparticles in crosslinked polyethylene imine. This protocol allowed incorporating a significantly high fraction of BTO particles (up to 83 wt \%) in the aerogel, while retaining remarkably high compressibility and elastic recovery up to 80\% strain. The output voltage, at an applied compressive force of 20 N (100 kPa), increased with BTO loading and a maximum output voltage of 11.6 V and power density of 7.22 ?W/cm2 (49.79 ?W/cm3) was obtained for PENG aerogels containing 83 wt\% BTO, which is orders of magnitude higher than previously reported values for foam-based piezoelectric energy harvesters. The BTO/PEI PENGs also showed cyclic stability over 900 cycles of deformation. PENGs with higher porosity showed better elastic recovery and piezoelectric properties than lower porosity and higher BTO content aerogels. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to demonstrate the piezoelectric properties of high ceramic content aerogels having very high compressibility and elastic recovery.

}, keywords = {Ceramic polymer aerogels, energy harvesting, ice templating, piezoelectric}, issn = {0272-8842}, doi = {10.1016/j.ceramint.2021.02.147}, author = {Ram, Farsa and Suresh, Karthika and Torris, Arun and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy and Shanmuganathan, Kadhiravan} } @article {47335, title = {Highly efficient and extremely simple protocol for the oxidation α-hydroxyphosphonates to α-ketophosphonates using Dess-Martin periodinane}, journal = {ARKIVOC}, volume = {4}, year = {2021}, month = {JAN}, type = {Article}, doi = {10.24820/ark.5550190.p011.213}, author = {Kupwade, Ravindra and Mitragotri, Satish D. and Kulkarni, Makarand A. and Desai, Uday V. and Wadagaonkar, Prakash P.} } @article {47310, title = {Highly efficient and reusable Ru-NaY catalyst for the base free oxidation of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-Furandicarboxylic acid}, journal = {Catalysis Today}, volume = {375}, year = {2021}, month = {SEP}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) is an important reaction for the production of recyclable bio-based polymers. Herein, we report a series of Ru nanoparticles supported on NaY zeolites catalysts for the oxidation of HMF to FDCA. The catalysts were prepared by simple ion exchanged method. Among all the catalysts, the optimized 3 wt \% Ru-NaY catalyst showed superior catalytic activity under base free conditions with a shorter period of reaction time. The conversion of HMF was 100 \% with 94 \% FDCA yield. This catalyst was reused for fourth cycles, with an insignificant decrease in the yield of FDCA. H2-chemisorption and HRTEM studies confirmed that high metal dispersion and small size of Ru nanoparticles play vital roles for the HMF oxidation. In addition, the acidic hydroxyl groups of the supercage as well as higher amount of metallic Ru{\textdegree} are also responsible for the high yield and productivity of FDCA.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.cattod.2020.05.009}, author = {Kandasamy, Prabu and Gogoi, Pranjal and Venugopalan, Aswathy Thareparambil and Raja, Thirumalaiswamy} } @article {47665, title = {High-voltage non-aqueous hybrid supercapacitor based on the N2200 polymer supported over multiwalled carbon nanotubes}, journal = {Nanoscale}, volume = {13}, year = {2021}, month = {JUL}, pages = {12314-12326}, type = {Article}, abstract = {P(NDI2OD-T2), also known as Polyera ActivInk N2200, is a widely accepted non-fullerene acceptor polymer that is used prominently in the energy harvesting application due to its ease of synthesis, high electron mobility, and other desirable semiconducting properties. With its recent foray into energy storage applications, there is tremendous potential for developing composites of N2200 with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to improve its electrical properties and extend its applicability. Here we report a facile synthesis of an N2200 composite with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) following an in situ approach to include MWCNTs into the polymer matrix, improving its electrochemical performance in an organic electrolyte (1 M LiClO4/propylene carbonate). The composite material with an optimum MWCNT content exhibits prominent redox behavior delivering a specific capacity of 80 mA h g((polymer))(-1) in a standard three-electrode cell. Moreover, the N2200/MWCNT composite material showing a battery-type electrochemical signature could perform as an efficient negative electrode in a high-voltage (2.4 V) hybrid supercapacitor device comprising capacitive activated carbon as the positive electrode.}, issn = {2040-3364}, doi = {10.1039/d1nr01422f}, author = {Wavhal, Bhaiyyasaheb Anurath and Ghosh, Meena and Sharma, Sandeep and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Asha, S. K.} } @article {47611, title = {Historical overview of long-distance signalling in plants}, journal = {Journal of Experimental Botany}, volume = {72}, year = {2021}, month = {MAY}, pages = {4218-4236}, type = {Review}, abstract = {Be it a small herb or a large tree, intra- and intercellular communication and long-distance signalling between distant organs are crucial for every aspect of plant development. The vascular system, comprising xylem and phloem, acts as a major conduit for the transmission of long-distance signals in plants. In addition to expanding our knowledge of vascular development, numerous reports in the past two decades revealed that selective populations of RNAs, proteins, and phytohormones function as mobile signals. Many of these signals were shown to regulate diverse physiological processes, such as flowering, leaf and root development, nutrient acquisition, crop yield, and biotic/abiotic stress responses. In this review, we summarize the significant discoveries made in the past 25 years, with emphasis on key mobile signalling molecules (mRNAs, proteins including RNA-binding proteins, and small RNAs) that have revolutionized our understanding of how plants integrate various intrinsic and external cues in orchestrating growth and development. Additionally, we provide detailed insights on the emerging molecular mechanisms that might control the selective trafficking and delivery of phloem-mobile RNAs to target tissues. We also highlight the cross-kingdom movement of mobile signals during plant-parasite relationships. Considering the dynamic functions of these signals, their implications in crop improvement are also discussed.}, keywords = {Long-distance signalling, mobile RNAs, phloem, plasmodesmata, RNA-binding proteins, small RNAs}, issn = {0022-0957}, doi = {10.1093/jxb/erab048}, author = {Kondhare, Kirtikumar R. and Patil, Nikita S. and Banerjee, Anjan K.} } @article {47049, title = {Hydrate-based carbon capture process: assessment of various packed bed systems for boosted kinetics of hydrate formation}, journal = {Journal of Energy Resources Technology-Transactions of the ASME}, volume = {143}, year = {2021}, month = {MAR }, pages = {033005}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The case for developing novel technologies for carbon dioxide (CO2) capture is fast gaining traction owing to increasing levels of anthropogenic CO2 being emitted into the atmosphere. Here, we have studied the hydrate-based carbon dioxide capture and separation process from a fundamental viewpoint by exploring the use of various packed bed media to enhance the kinetics of hydrate formation using pure CO2 as the hydrate former. We established the fixed bed reactor (FBR) configuration as a superior option over the commonly used stirred tank reactor (STR) setups typically used for hydrate formation studies by showing enhanced hydrate formation kinetics using the former. For the various packing material studied, we have observed silica gel with 100 nm pore size to return the best kinetic performance, corresponding to a water to hydrate conversion of 28 mol\% for 3 h of hydrate growth. The fundamental results obtained in the present study set up a solid foundation for follow-up works with a more applied perspective and should be of interest to researchers working in the carbon dioxide capture and storage and gas hydrate fields alike.

}, keywords = {air emissions from fossil fuel combustion, Carbon dioxide capture, combustion of waste, Fixed bed reactor, fuel combustion, Gas hydrate, hydrates, kinetics, Silica gel}, issn = {0195-0738}, doi = {10.1115/1.4048304}, author = {Arora, Amit and Kumar, Asheesh and Bhattacharjee, Gaurav and Balomajumder, Chandrajit and Kumar, Pushpendra} } @article {47437, title = {Ice-colloidal templated carbon host for highly efficient, dendrite free Li metal anode}, journal = {Carbon}, volume = {179}, year = {2021}, month = {JUL}, pages = {256-265}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

With its high theoretical specific capacity value, lithium metal itself would be an ideal anode material for rechargeable Li-ion batteries (LIBs). However, practical application of lithium metal is obstructed due to lithium dendrite growth during cycling leads to unstable SEI formation, volume fluctuation and safety hazard. Herein, we have developed a novel high surface area carbon network with both meso (\~{}20 nm) and micron (\~{}1{\textendash}2 μm) size porosity, via ice-colloidal templating, as a scaffold for stable lithium metal anode mitigating lithium dendrite formation. The 3D porous nitrogen doped carbon (3D PNC) network is capable of lithium deposition equivalent to 10 mAhcm-2 at 2 mAcm-2 current density with 99.96\% coulombic efficiency for 100 cycles. Moreover, 3D PNC when subjected to 3000 h of continuous plating-stripping measurements (\~{}700 cycles) depicts the coulombic efficiency of 99.84\% with no observable dendrite growth at the current density of 2 mAcm-2 and lithium intake capacity of 5 mAhcm-2. A full cell of lithium plated 3D PNC anode with LiFePO4 shows an excellently stable performance up to 50 cycles at an input current density of 50 mAg-1, with a coulombic efficiency retention of 99.73\%.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.carbon.2021.04.021}, author = {Patrike, Apurva and Kaniyamparambil, Karthika and Wahid, Malik and Chaturvedi, Vikash and Shelke, Manjusha} } @article {47806, title = {Identification of a novel series of potent organosilicon mosquito repellents}, journal = {ACS Omega}, volume = {6}, year = {2021}, month = {NOV}, pages = {31236-31243}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Mosquito control by personal protection is one of the most efficient ways of curtailing deadly diseases such as malaria and dengue with the potential to save millions of lives per year. DEET (N,N-diethyl-3-methyl benzamide) is currently considered as the gold standard for mosquito repellents, being used for the past several decades. Control by DEET, however, is being threatened by emerging resistance among mosquitoes. To address this concern and also to improve protection times, we synthesized a novel series of 25 silicon-containing acyl piperidines using acid{\textendash}amine coupling protocol and tested their activity against Aedes aegypti in mosquito-repellent assays. Several compounds from this series appear to possess good mosquito-repellent properties. Most notably, at 0.5 mg/cm2 concentrations, the mean protection time for NDS100100 was 756 min, which was higher than that of DEET (616 min). The details of design, synthesis, and biological evaluation are discussed herein.}, doi = {10.1021/acsomega.1c04961}, author = {Kulkarni, Akshay S. and Ramesh, Remya and Walia, Safal and Sayyad, Shahebaz I. and Gathalkar, Ganesh B. and Balamkundu, Seetharamsing and Joshi, Manali and Sen, Avalokiteswar and Reddy, D. Srinivasa} } @article {47355, title = {Imidazole/4,4 {\textquoteleft}-azopyridine bridging binuclear Ru(II) complexes: design, synthesis, bimolecular interactions and cytotoxicity against HeLa cell line}, journal = {Journal of the Iranian Chemical Society}, volume = {18}, year = {2021}, month = {DEC}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Binuclear Ru(II)-arene complexes [(eta(6)-pcym)(Flq)Ru(mu-im/mu-azpy)Ru(Flq)(eta(6)-p-cym)]Cl (C1-C8) (cym = cymene; Flq = fluoroquinolones; im = imidazole; azpy = 4,4 {\textquoteleft} azo pyridine) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductivity and various spectral techniques (ESI-MS, IR, UV-Vis and H-1-NMR). The geometry of the complexes was optimized by DFT calculations, which revealed a pseudo-octahedral coordination around each metal centre. Binding of the synthesized complexes with CT-DNA and BSA was studied spectroscopically, and it has been established that the presence of two hydrophobic planar arene moieties enhances the binding efficacies of the binuclear complexes to the macromolecules, compared to their mononuclear analogues. The results of competitive binding between C1-C8 and ethidium bromide (EB) towards DNA have shown that the complexes are able to displace EB from DNA-EB adduct and interact with DNA via intercalation. The complexes display cytotoxicity against the HeLa human cervical cancer cell lines with IC50 values in the range of 30.1-120.9 mu M.

}, keywords = {Binuclear ruthenium (II) complexes, BSA binding interactions, DFT calculations, DNA, Fluoroquinolones (FQs), HeLa human cervical carcinoma}, issn = {1735-207X}, doi = {10.1007/s13738-021-02271-3, Early Access Date = MAY 2021}, author = {Khanvilkar, Priyanka and Dash, Soumya R. and Pulipaka, Ramadevi and Shirsath, Kavita and Devkar, Ranjitsinh and Chakraborty, Debjani} } @article {47103, title = {Impingement dynamics of jets in a confined impinging jet reactor}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {60}, year = {2021}, month = {JAN}, pages = {969-979}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The interaction of two impinging liquid jets in a confined impinging jet reactor (CUR) is explored. Multiphase flow simulations were performed using the volume of fluids (VOF) approach to investigate the impingement dynamics of liquid impinging jets, and single-phase CFD simulations have been performed to understand the turbulence and the mixing performance in the system. At identical inlet velocities, the liquid sheet formed on the impingement axis was found to move toward the liquid jet inlet of the lesser density fluid until reaching equilibrium. The formation and transient movement of liquid sheets are characterized for different jet velocities. An improved reactor geometry is proposed that reduces the wall effect on sheet formation and wall deposition on discharge points of jets. Upon breaking away from the impinging film, the two liquid phases are found to be intertwined in the form of ligaments and droplets after fragmentation of the sheet, providing a higher interfacial confirmed by performing high-throughput continuous antisolvent precipitation.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/acs.iecr.0c04717}, author = {Pal, Sayan and Madane, Ketan and Mane, Mayur and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article {47122, title = {Improved photocatalytic efficiency of TiO2 by doping with tungsten and synthesizing in ionic liquid: precise kinetics-mechanism and effect of oxidizing agents}, journal = {Environmental Science and Pollution Research}, volume = {28}, year = {2021}, month = {APR}, pages = {17532-17545}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The degradation of nitroaromatics/toxic energetic compounds contaminated water is a major cause of concern. W-doped TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized in ionic liquid, ethyl methyl imidazolium dicyanamide (EMIM-DCA) by a solvothermal method. The developed NPs were sintered at 500 degrees C and characterized by UV-Vis-DRS, FT-IR, FE-SEM, XRD, XPS, and BET techniques. The 30-40-nm-sized NPs were subjected to photocatalytic degradation of the toxic energetic compound, tetryl (2,4,6-trinitrophenylmethylnitramine) under UV-Vis light. Various operating parameters such as the effect of concentration of catalyst, pH of feed phase, oxidizing agents, and recycling of catalyst were studied in detail. For the first time, the degradation-mechanism pathway and kinetics of tetryl were evaluated. The degradation products were precisely analyzed by using HPLC, GC-MS, and TOC techniques. The USEPA has prescribed a drinking water limit of 0.02 mg L-1, and it was found that 0.5 g of 4\% W-TiO2 could totally degrade tetryl (50 mg L-1) within 8 h. The kinetic rate constant of 4\% W-TiO2 was 0.356 h(-1), whereas pure TiO2 showed 0.207 h(-1).

}, keywords = {Ionic liquid, Nitroaromatics, Photocatalysis, Recycling of catalyst, W-doped TiO2, wastewater}, issn = {0944-1344}, doi = {10.1007/s11356-020-12107-x, Early Access Date = JAN 2021}, author = {Raut, Sandesh S. and Kamble, Sanjay P. and Kulkarni, Prashant S.} } @article {47072, title = {Improving the optical and thermoelectric properties of Cs2InAgCl6 with heavy substitutional doping: a DFT insight}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {11}, year = {2021}, month = {FEB }, pages = {5521-5528}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The next-generation indium-based lead-free halide material Cs2InAgCl6 is promising for photovoltaic applications due to its good air stability and non-toxic behavior. However, its wide bandgap (\>3 eV) is not suitable for the solar spectrum and hence reduces its photoelectronic efficiency for device applications. Here we report a significant bandgap reduction from 2.85 eV to 0.65 eV via substitutional doping and its effects on the optoelectronic and opto-thermoelectric properties from a first-principles study. The results predict that Sn/Pb and Ga and Cu co-doping will enhance the density of states significantly near the valence band maximum (VBM) and thus reduce the bandgap via shifting the VBM upward, while alkali metals (K/Rb) slightly increase the bandgap. A strong absorption peak near the Shockley-Queisser limit is observed in the co-doped case, while in the Sn/Pb-doped case, we notice a peak in the middle of the visible region of the solar spectrum. The nature of the bandgap is indirect with Cu-Ga/Pb/Sn doping, and a significant reduction in the bandgap, from 2.85 eV to 0.65 eV, is observed in the case of Ga-Cu co-doping. We observe a significant increase in the power factor (PF) (2.03 mW m(-1) K-2) for the n-type carrier after Pb-doping, which is similar to 3.5 times higher than in the pristine case (0.6 mW m (-1) K-2) at 500 K.

}, doi = {10.1039/d0ra01840f}, author = {Bhamu, K. C. and Haque, Enamul and Praveen, C. S. and Kumar, Nandha and Yumnam, G. and Hossain, Md. Anwar and Sharma, Gautam} } @article {47125, title = {In silico studies, synthesis and antitubercular activity of some novel quinoline - azitidinone derivatives}, journal = {Current Computer-Aided Drug Design}, volume = {17}, year = {2021}, month = {JAN}, pages = {134-143}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Background: Diarylquinolines like Bedaquiline have shown promising antitubercular activity by their action of Mycobacterial ATPase. Objective: The structural features necessary for a good antitubercular activity for a series of quinoline derivatives were explored through computational chemistry tools like QSAR and combinatorial library generation. In the current study, 3-Chloro-4-(2-mercaptoquinoline-3-yl)-1-substitutedphenylazitidin-2-one derivatives have been designed and synthesized based on molecular modeling studies as anti-tubercular agents. Methods: 2D and 3D QSAR analyses were used to designed compounds having a quinoline scaffold. The synthesized compounds were evaluated against active and dormant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) H37 Ra and Mycobacterium bovis BCG. The compounds were also tested for cytotoxicity against MCF-7, A549 and Panc-1 cell lines using MTT assay. The binding affinity of designed compounds was gauged by molecular docking studies. Results: Statistically significant QSAR models generated by the SA-MLR method for 2D QSAR exhibited r(2) = 0.852, q(2) = 0.811, whereas 3D QSAR with SA-kNN showed q(2) = 0.77. The synthesized compounds exhibited MIC in the range of 1.38-14.59(mu g/ml). These compounds showed some crucial interaction with MTB ATPase. Conclusion: The present study has shown some promising results which can be further explored for lead generation.

}, keywords = {combilib, Molecular docking, mycobacterial ATPase, QSAR, Quinoline}, issn = {1573-4099}, doi = {10.2174/1573409916666200129095952}, author = {Chitre, Trupti S. and Asgaonkar, Kalyani D. and Vikhe, Amrut B. and Patil, Shital M. and Garud, Dinesh R. and Khedkar, Vijay M. and Sarkar, Dhiman and Nawale, Laxman U. and Yeware, Amar} } @article {47432, title = {In situ polymerization process: an essential design tool for lithium polymer batteries dagger}, journal = {Energy \& Environmental Science}, volume = {14}, year = {2021}, month = {MAY }, pages = {2708-2788}, type = {Review}, abstract = {

Polymer electrolytes (PEs), a type of solid-state electrolytes (SSEs), have been in contention for nearly half a century to replace organic liquid electrolytes (LEs) that are used in state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). They are envisaged to accelerate the industrial-scale production of safe, energy-dense, flexible, and thin lithium polymer batteries (LPBs). LPBs are expected to be widely employed for electric propulsion and other futuristic applications, such as flexible electronics and the Internet of Things (IoT). Even though several polymer architectures and chemistries have been attempted so far, PEs that can outperform LEs remain a real challenge. Apart from inadequate Li+-ion transport properties, challenges concerning the integration of PEs and the engineering of compatible, robust, and durable interfaces and interphases at both the electrodes of LPBs must be appropriately addressed. Recently, the in situ polymerization process has been widely employed as a robust fabrication tool for surpassing the intricacies related to the integration of PEs in LPBs. Hence, in this review, we focus on the in situ polymerization processes that employ various polymerization methods (e.g., free-radical polymerization, ionic polymerization, electropolymerization, condensation polymerization, etc.), functional monomers and oligomers (e.g., acrylate, methacrylate, allyl and vinyl ethers, epoxides, etc.), and PE integration strategies for the fabrication of lithium (ion and metal) polymer batteries (LIPBs and LMPBs). Additionally, this review also evaluates the approaches that have been developed until now to implement the in situ processing of LPBs from large-sized pouch cells to flexible-/printable-batteries and even microbatteries.

}, issn = {1754-5692}, doi = {10.1039/d0ee03527k, Early Access Date = FEB 2021}, author = {Vijayakumar, Vidyanand and Anothumakkool, Bihag and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Winter, Martin and Nair, Jijeesh Ravi} } @article {46766, title = {In situ preparation of ionomer as a tool for triple-phase boundary enhancement in 3D graphene supported Pt catalyst}, journal = {Advanced Sustainable Systems}, volume = {5}, year = {2021}, month = {JAN}, pages = {2000125}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

For improving the performance of platinum electrocatalysts in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), it is important to enhance the Pt utilization level in the catalyst systems. A high performing electrocatalyst (Pt/3DNG) is developed for PEMFC applications by using nitrogen-doped 3D graphene (3DNG) as the support material and an in situ grafted active {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}triple-phase boundary{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} to more precisely control the formation of the proton conducting ionomer interface at the active sites. Considering the 3D morphology of the system, during the electrode fabrication for realistic single-cell evaluation, the concept of in situ generation of the proton conducting-ionomer based {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}active triple-phase boundary{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} is introduced, which could potentially replace the conventional method of using Nafion ionomer for the electrode preparation. The monomers owing to their small-size can access the pores and inner regions of the 3DNG support, which on UV-curing, undergo polymerization and transform into an ionomer with an extended interfacial network into the nanoregimes of 3DNG. Single cell evaluation of the membrane electrode assembly in a high-temperature PEMFC by using phosphoric acid doped polybenzimidazole membrane demonstrates the utility of the present strategy.

}, keywords = {electrocatalysts, fuel cells, graphene, oxygen reduction reaction}, issn = {2366-7486}, doi = {10.1002/adsu.202000125, Early Access Date = JUL 2020}, author = {Gangadharan, Pranav K. and Vijayakumar, Vidyanand and Nediyirakkal, Shijil A. and Fernandez, Roshni Tresa and Siddharthan, V. Adhrika and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {47807, title = {In vitro antitubercular screening and in silico study of germacradienolide from blainvillea latifolia}, journal = {Asian Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {33}, year = {2021}, month = {JAN}, pages = {3129-3133}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Bioassay-guided isolation from acetone extract of Blainvillea latifolia yielded one compound. The acetone extract, fractions and the compound 1 were investigated for antitubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra. Compound 1 showed the activity with IC50 and MIC values at 8.9 and >100 μg/mL. However, the acetone extract of Blainvillea latifolia was inactive against two Gram negative (E. coli, P. flurescence) and two Gram-positive (S. aureus, B. subtilis) bacterial strains. Hence, it was concluded that the extract and the compound 1 are specifically active against MTB and not against bacterial strains. Molecular docking study was performed against crucial mycobacterial target MtInhA to gain an insight into the binding mode and the thermodynamic interactions governing the binding affinity of this molecule. }, doi = {10.14233/ajchem.2021.23537}, author = {Honmore, Varsha and Kalyankar, Vidya and Natu, Arun and Khedkar, Vijay and Sarkar, Dhiman and Rojatkar, Supada} } @article {47083, title = {Influence of domestication on specialized metabolic pathways in fruit crops}, journal = {Planta}, volume = {253}, year = {2021}, month = {FEB }, pages = {61}, type = {Review}, abstract = {

Main conclusionDuring the process of plant domestication, the selection and traditional breeding for desired characters such as flavor, juiciness and nutritional value of fruits, probably have resulted in gain or loss of specialized metabolites contributing to these traits. Their appearance in fruits is likely due to the acquisition of novel and specialized metabolic pathways and their regulation, driven by systematic molecular evolutionary events facilitated by traditional breeding.AbstractPlants change their armory of specialized metabolism to adapt and survive in diverse ecosystems. This may occur through molecular evolutionary events, such as single nucleotide polymorphism, gene duplication and transposition, leading to convergent or divergent evolution of biosynthetic pathways producing such specialized metabolites. Breeding and selection for improved specific and desired traits (fruit size, color, taste, flavor, etc.) in fruit crops through conventional breeding approaches may further alter content and profile of specialized metabolites. Biosynthetic routes of these metabolites have been studied in various plants. Here, we explore the influence of plant domestication and breeding processes on the selection of biosynthetic pathways of favorable specialized metabolites in fruit crops. An orderly clustered arrangement of genes associated with their production is observed in many fruit crops. We further analyzed selection-based acquisition of specialized metabolic pathways comparing first the metabolic profiles and genes involved in their biosynthesis, followed by the genomic organization of such genes between wild and domesticated horticultural crops. Domestication of crop plants favored the acquisition and retention of metabolic pathways that enhanced the fruit value while eliminated those which produced toxic or unfavorable metabolites. Interestingly, unintentional reorganization of complex metabolic pathways by selection and traditional breeding processes has endowed us with flavorful, juicy and nutritionally rich fruits.

}, keywords = {Aroma, Domestication, Flavour, Fruit crops, Gene cluster, Specialized metabolites, Taste}, issn = {0032-0935}, doi = {10.1007/s00425-020-03554-4}, author = {Dar, M. Saleem and Dholakia, Bhushan B. and Kulkarni, Abhijeet P. and Oak, Pranjali S. and Shanmugam, Dhanasekaran and Gupta, Vidya S. and Giri, Ashok P.} } @article {46705, title = {Injectabledextran-fluorenylmethoxycarbonylphenylalanine composite hydrogels with improved mechanical properties}, journal = {Polymer International}, volume = {70}, year = {2021}, month = {FEB}, pages = {222-229}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Low molecular weight hydrogels are recently gaining importance owing to their applications in material sciences and biology. A new class of composite hydrogel was developed using polysaccharides such as dextran and fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl phenylalanine (FmocF) in a phosphate buffer. The molecular weight and concentration of the dextran were varied to obtain rigid but injectable hydrogels without using other crosslinking agents. From the different molecular weights of dextran studied (5k, 40k and 70k), a combination of FmocF (0.6\% w/v) and dextran 40k (0.012\% w/v) composite gels yielded a maximum value of storage modulus of approximately 1500 Pa, which is 3.5 times higher than the storage modulus of pure FmocF gels. Scanning electron microscopy of FmocF/dextran composite gels revealed highly tangled fibrous structures with dense branches and lower fiber diameter compared to pure FmocF gels. The high-intensity hydrogen-bonded N-H peak in the infrared spectra showed enhanced hydrogen bonding in FmocF/dextran composite gels compared to pure FmocF gels. The dextran acts as an impurity in the process of fibrillation, leading to a crystallographic mismatch, and densely packed thin fibers are formed. These gels exhibited gel to sol and sol to gel conversion with temperature or external stress and showed injectable behavior. (c) 2020 Society of Industrial Chemistry

}, keywords = {Dextran, Fmoc-Phe, hydrogels, injectable gels, Rheology}, issn = {0959-8103}, doi = {10.1002/pi.6118, Early Access Date = SEP 2020}, author = {Abraham, Jancy N. and Joseph, Seena and Trivedi, Rishabh and Karle, Mrunal} } @article {47117, title = {Inkjet printing of silver nanowires on flexible surfaces and methodologies to improve the conductivity and stability of the printed patterns}, journal = {Nanoscale Advances}, volume = {3}, year = {2021}, month = {JAN }, pages = {240-248}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Silver nanowires (AgNWs) are known to be used for printing on rigid as well as flexible surfaces. Here we have developed a systematic approach for using AgNWs synthesized by the polyol method for printing on flexible surfaces using a simple inkjet printing method. Optimized ink formulation used in this work comprises a mixture of Ag NWs suspended in ethylene glycol directly taken after synthesis and isopropyl alcohol. Using such formulation saves time and loss of material while transferring to other solvents, which is the usual practice. The printed patterns demonstrate high conductivity and stability over many months, which can revolutionize the applications of functional nanomaterials in low-cost printed electronics. The importance of fragmentation of nanowires only to achieve specific aspect ratios, to facilitate easy jetting and to prevent clogging is demonstrated. Varied concentrations (10 mg mL(-1) to 50 mg mL(-1)) of Ag NWs are used in ink formulations in order to print highly conductive patterns (resistance \< 50 Omega sq(-1)) in a minimal number of passes. The same composition was also seen to facilitate simple and time-efficient nano-welding at room temperature, which improves the conductivity and stability of the printed patterns.

}, issn = {2516-0230}, doi = {10.1039/d0na00684j}, author = {Patil, Prathamesh and Patil, Suneha and Kate, Prachi and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article {47708, title = {An innovative light assisted production of acetic acid from CO2 and methanol: a first photocatalytic approach using a reusable cobalt(ii) molecular hybrid at atmospheric pressure}, journal = {Green Chemistry}, volume = {23}, year = {2021}, month = {NOV}, pages = {9048-9060}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Acetic acid is an important commodity chemical that is produced either by fermentation processes, or more commonly, through chemical routes such as methanol carbonylation with CO and H-2, acetaldehyde oxidation, or hydrocarbon oxidation. More recently, methanol hydrocarboxylation with CO2 and H-2 under thermal catalytic conditions has attracted interest. The synthesis of acetic acid from easily available CO2 is of great significance yet rarely reported. The present paper describes the first photocatalytic approach for the synthesis of acetic acid from methanol and CO2 under ambient reaction conditions without using molecular hydrogen. The maximum conversion of methanol achieved is 60\% with a selectivity of 81\% towards acetic acid using an octa-sulfur bound cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc/S8) photocatalyst without an additional sacrificial electron donor. Product analysis, controlled experiments and DFT calculations suggest the formation of methylene carbene as a reactive intermediate. The developed methodology represents a potentially exciting approach for synthesizing acetic acid utilizing CO2 in a sustainable manner.}, issn = {1463-9262}, doi = {10.1039/d1gc02728j}, author = {Saini, Sandhya and Samal, Pragnya Paramita and Krishnamurty, Sailaja and Ray, Anjan and Jain, Suman L.} } @article {47390, title = {Insights from a pan India Sero-epidemiological survey (Phenome-India Cohort) for SARS-CoV2}, journal = {eLife}, volume = {10}, year = {2021}, month = {APR }, pages = {e66537}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

To understand the spread of SARS-CoV2, in August and September 2020, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (India) conducted a serosurvey across its constituent laboratories and centers across India. Of 10,427 volunteers, 1058 (10.14\%) tested positive for SARS-CoV2 anti-nucleocapsid (anti-NC) antibodies, 95\% of which had surrogate neutralization activity. Three-fourth of these recalled no symptoms. Repeat serology tests at 3 (n = 607) and 6 (n = 175) months showed stable anti-NC antibodies but declining neutralization activity. Local seropositivity was higher in densely populated cities and was inversely correlated with a 30-day change in regional test positivity rates (TPRs). Regional seropositivity above 10\% was associated with declining TPR. Personal factors associated with higher odds of seropositivity were high-exposure work (odds ratio, 95\% confidence interval, p value: 2.23, 1.92-2.59, \<0.0001), use of public transport (1.79, 1.43-2.24, \<0.0001), not smoking (1.52, 1.16-1.99, 0.0257), non-vegetarian diet (1.67, 1.41-1.99, \<0.0001), and B blood group (1.36, 1.15-1.61, 0.001).

}, issn = {2050-084X}, doi = {10.7554/eLife.66537}, author = {Naushin, Salwa and Sardana, Viren and Ujjainiya, Rajat and Bhatheja, Nitin and Kutum, Rintu and Bhaskar, Akash Kumar and Pradhan, Shalini and Prakash, Satyartha and Khan, Raju and Rawat, Birendra Singh and Tallapaka, Karthik Bharadwaj and Anumalla, Mahesh and Chandak, Giriraj Ratan and Lahiri, Amit and Kar, Susanta and Mulay, Shrikant Ramesh and Mugale, Madhav Nilakanth and Srivastava, Mrigank and Khan, Shaziya and Srivastava, Anjali and Tomar, Bhawana and Veerapandian, Murugan and Venkatachalam, Ganesh and Vijayakumar, Selvamani Raja and Agarwal, Ajay and Gupta, Dinesh and Halami, Prakash M. and Peddha, Muthukumar Serva and Sundaram, Gopinath M. and Veeranna, Ravindra P. and Pal, Anirban and Agarwal, Vinay Kumar and Maurya, Anil Ku and Singh, Ranvijay Kumar and Raman, Ashok Kumar and Anandasadagopan, Suresh Kumar and Karuppanan, Parimala and Venkatesan, Subramanian and Sardana, Harish Kumar and Kothari, Anamika and Jain, Rishabh and Thakur, Anupama and Parihar, Devendra Singh and Saifi, Anas and Kaur, Jasleen and Kumar, Virendra and Mishra, Avinash and Gogeri, Iranna and Rayasam, Geethavani and Singh, Praveen and Chakraborty, Rahul and Chaturvedi, Gaura and Karunakar, Pinreddy and Yadav, Rohit and Singhmar, Sunanda and Singh, Dayanidhi and Sarkar, Sharmistha and Bhattacharya, Purbasha and Acharya, Sundaram and Singh, Vandana and Verma, Shweta and Soni, Drishti and Seth, Surabhi and Vashisht, Sakshi and Thakran, Sarita and Fatima, Firdaus and Singh, Akash Pratap and Sharma, Akanksha and Sharma, Babita and Subramanian, Manikandan and Padwad, Yogendra S. and Hallan, Vipin and Patial, Vikram and Singh, Damanpreet and Tripude, Narendra Vijay and Chakrabarti, Partha and Maity, Sujay Krishna and Ganguly, Dipyaman and Sarkar, Jit and Ramakrishna, Sistla and Kumar, Balthu Narender and Kumar, Kiran A. and Gandhi, Sumit G. and Jamwal, Piyush Singh and Chouhan, Rekha and Jamwal, Vijay Lakshmi and Kapoor, Nitika and Ghosh, Debashish and Thakkar, Ghanshyam and Subudhi, Umakanta and Sen, Pradip and Chaudhury, Saumya Ray and Kumar, Rashmi and Gupta, Pawan and Tuli, Amit and Sharma, Deepak and Ringe, Rajesh P. and Amarnarayan, D. and Kulkarni, Mahesh and Shanmugam, Dhansekaran and Dharne, Mahesh S. and Dastager, Sayed G. and Joshi, Rakesh and Patil, Amita P. and Mahajan, Sachin N. and Khan, Abujunaid Habib and Wagh, Vasudev and Yadav, Rakesh Kumar and Khilari, Ajinkya and Bhadange, Mayuri and Chaurasiya, Arvindkumar H. and Kulsange, Shabda E. and Khairnar, Krishna and Paranjape, Shilpa and Kalita, Jatin and Sastry, Narahari G. and Phukan, Tridip and Manna, Prasenjit and Romi, Wahengbam and Bharali, Pankaj and Ozah, Dibyajyoti and Sahu, Ravi Kumar and Babu, Elapavalooru Vssk and Sukumaran, Rajeev and Nair, Aiswarya R. and Valappil, Prajeesh Kooloth and Puthiyamadam, Anoop and Velayudhanpillai, Adarsh and Chodankar, Kalpana and Damare, Samir and Madhavi, Yennapu and Aggarwal, Ved Varun and Dahiya, Sumit and Agrawal, Anurag and Dash, Debasis and Sengupta, Shantanu} } @article {46630, title = {Insights into the nature of self-extinguishing external donors for ziegler-natta catalysis: a combined experimental and DFT study}, journal = {ChemCatChem}, volume = {13}, year = {2021}, month = {JAN }, pages = {674-681}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Developing donors for Ziegler-Natta (ZN) catalysis to control the polymerization reaction and produce polymers with desirable properties has always been challenging due to the multi-component nature of the catalytic systems. Here, we have developed a new synthetic protocol for making two external donors, D-1 (2,2,2-trifluoroethyl myristate) and D-2 (2,2,2-trifluoroethyl palmitate) that show self-extinguishing properties, followed by a systematic DFT study to understand this peculiar property of these donors. D-1 and D-2 can undergo parallel reactions with aluminum and titanium species present in the system to produce ketones and aldehydes, which are poisons for ZN catalytic systems, thus explaining their self-extinguishing nature. The non-covalent interaction between the long alkyl chain of the donors with the surface plays a vital role in determining the donors {\textquoteleft} self-extinguishing nature. There is a significant thermodynamic preference for the binding of the donor with the longer alkyl chain at the titanium center. The current work, therefore, provides interesting insights into how self-extinguishing donors function in ZN catalytic systems.

}, keywords = {DFT, donors, non-covalent interactions, self-extinguishing, Ziegler-Natta catalysis}, issn = {1867-3880}, doi = {10.1002/cctc.202001493, Early Access Date = NOV 2020}, author = {Vipin Raj, K. and Kumawat, Jugal and Dhamaniya, Sunil and Subaramanian, Murugan and Balaraman, Ekambaram and Kumar Gupta, Virendra and Vanka, Kumar and Grubbs, Robert H.} } @article {47754, title = {In-situ experimental and computational approach to investigate the nature of active site in low-temperature CO-PROX over CuOx-CeO2 catalyst}, journal = {Applied Catalysis A-General}, volume = {624}, year = {2021}, month = {AUG }, pages = {118305}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Preferential oxidation (PROX) of carbon monoxide (CO) in presence of excess hydrogen is a necessity to prevent poisoning of the Pt-anode by CO in PEMFCs (Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell). A highly active catalyst, 5 wt\% Cu-CeO2 showed 100 \% CO conversion at 65 degrees C without any undesirable oxidation of H-2. The catalyst showed no deactivation even after 100 h on stream, making it viable for practical fuel cell application. Operando EPR in the PROX reaction condition revealed highly dispersed mixed valent cations with oxygen vacancies, responsible for the low-temperature PROX activity. At the active site, both Cu and Ce ions were shown to reversibly change their valence states to facilitate the abstraction of bridging lattice oxygen for CO oxidation to CO2. This surface oxygen mediated CO oxidation was found to be much faster than that of H-2 to H2O, which could explain the complete selectivity of oxygen for CO2 formation.}, keywords = {CuOx-CeO2, interface, Oxygen vacancy, PROX, Synergistic}, issn = {0926-860X}, doi = {10.1016/j.apcata.2021.118305}, author = {Adak, Shubhadeep and Rabeah, Jabor and Ranjan, Ravi and Khan, Tuhin Suvra and Poddar, Mukesh Kumar and Gupta, Rishi Kumar and Sasaki, Takehiko and Kumar, Sagar and Bordoloi, Ankur and Gopinath, Chinnakonda S. and Bruckner, Angelika and Bal, Rajaram} } @article {47120, title = {Interconnected polyaniline nanostructures: enhanced interface for better supercapacitance retention}, journal = {Polymer}, volume = {212}, year = {2021}, month = {JAN }, pages = {123169}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Polyaniline and its nanocomposites have emerged as desirable electrode materials for supercapacitors. However, achieving specific capacitance with long-term cyclic stability is still a challenge. The present study reports on novel hierarchically porous and cross-linked polyaniline synthesized by a method employing aniline (monomer) and phytic acid (dopant acid) in the presence of octyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (OTAB) surfactant. The electrochemical performance of the phytic acid doped sample has been compared with HCl doped samples, the former being superior, i.e., a specific capacitance of 523 and 325 F g(-1) at current densities of 0.25 and 10 A g(-1), respectively. Additionally, the same possess excellent cycling stability with retention of similar to 88\% of its initial capacitance over 10,000 charge-discharge cycles. Further, the phytic acid doped sample exhibited a lower equivalent series resistance (0.98 Omega cm(2)) than the HCl doped sample (1.26 Omega cm(2)). These results reveal the capability of the phytic acid doped hierarchical polyaniline sample as a promising active material for electrochemical applications.

}, keywords = {Cyclic stability, Hierarchical polyaniline, Supercapacitance retention}, issn = {0032-3861}, doi = {10.1016/j.polymer.2020.123169}, author = {Mooss, Vandana A. and Vijayakumar, Vidyanand and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Athawale, Anjali A.} } @article {47587, title = {Intramolecularly double-donor-stabilized stannylene and its coordination towards Ag(I) and Au(I) centers}, journal = {Chemistry-An Asian Journal}, volume = {16}, year = {2021}, month = {AUG }, pages = {2118-2125}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The intramolecularly double-donor-stabilized stannylene 1 has been synthesized from the salt-metathesis reaction between two equivalents of lithium pyridine ene-amide L1 and SnCl2. Compound 1 exhibits dipolar behavior when reacted with B(C6F5)(3) leading to the zwitterionic compound 2. The reaction of 1 with one equivalent and 0.5 equivalent of AgOTf (OTf=trifluoromethane sulfonate) result in the formation of a stannylene-AgOTf complex 3 and a homoleptic distannylene-silver ionic complex 4, respectively. Analogous to complex 4, the gold(I) complex 5 has been synthesized from the reaction between two equivalents of 1 and 0.5 equivalent of AuCl.SMe2/Me3SiOTf. Complex 5 is the first example of homoleptic stannylene-Au(I) ionic complex among the very scarce reports on stannylene-gold(I) coordination complexes. All compounds have been structurally characterized using single crystal X-ray crystallography. Solution-state characterization have been performed using multinuclear NMR techniques. Detailed DFT calculations on the optimized geometries 1 o, 3 o-5 o reveal the change in sp- hybridization on the pyramidal Sn(II) center upon metal coordination and their bonding overlaps.}, keywords = {coordination, gold cation, hybridization, intramolecular donor, stannylene}, issn = {1861-4728}, doi = {10.1002/asia.202100523}, author = {Chibde, Purva and Raut, Ravindra K. and Kumar, Vikas and Deb, Rahul and Gonnade, Rajesh and Majumdar, Moumita} } @article {47751, title = {Ionic conductivity of Na3Al2P3O12 glass electrolytes role of charge compensators}, journal = {Inorganic Chemistry}, volume = {60}, year = {2021}, month = {SEP }, pages = {12893-12905}, type = {Article}, abstract = {In glasses, a sodium ion (Na+) is a significant mobile cation that takes up a dual role, that is, as a charge compensator and also as a network modifier. As a network modifier, Na+ cations modify the structural distributions and create nonbridging oxygens. As a charge compensator, Na+ cations provide imbalanced charge for oxygen that is linked between two network-forming tetrahedra. However, the factors controlling the mobility of Na+ ions in glasses, which in turn affects the ionic conductivity, remain unclear. In the current work, using high-fidelity experiments and atomistic simulations, we demonstrate that the ionic conductivity of the Na3Al2P3O12 (Si0) glass material is dependent not only on the concentration of Na+ charge carriers but also on the number of charge-compensated oxygens within its first coordination sphere. To investigate, we chose a series of glasses formulated by the substitution of Si for P in Si0 glass based on the hypothesis that Si substitution in the presence of Na+ cations increases the number of SiOAl bonds, which enhances the role of Na as a charge compensator. The structural and conductivity properties of bulk glass materials are evaluated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, magic angle spinning-nuclear magnetic resonance, Raman spectroscopy, and impedance spectroscopy. We observe that the increasing number of charge-imbalanced bridging oxygens (BOs) with the substitution of Si for P in Si0 glass enhances the ionic conductivity by an order of magnitudefrom 3.7 x 10(-8) S.cm(-1) to 3.3 x 10(7) S.cm(-1) at 100 degrees C. By rigorously quantifying the channel regions in the glass structure, using MD simulations, we demonstrate that the enhanced ionic conductivity can be attributed to the increased connectivity of Na-rich channels because of the increased charge-compensated BOs around the Na atoms. Overall, this study provides new insights for designing next-generation glass-based electrolytes with superior ionic conductivity for Na-ion batteries}, issn = {0020-1669}, doi = {10.1021/acs.inorgchem.1c01280}, author = {Keshri, Shweta R. and Ganisetti, Sudheer and Kumar, Rajesh and Gaddam, Anuraag and Illath, Kavya and Ajithkumar, Thalasseril G. and Balaji, Sathravada and Annapurna, K. and Nasani, Narendar and Krishnan, N. M. Anoop and Allu, Amarnath R.} } @article {47728, title = {Lamellar bimetallic thiolates: synthesis, characterization, and their utilization for the preparation of bimetallic chalcogenide nanocrystals through mechanochemical grinding}, journal = {Advanced Materials Interfaces}, volume = {8}, year = {2021}, month = {DEC}, pages = {2100898}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Thiolates of single metal ions are known to exist as lamellar structures in the neat state and some of these metal thiolates can be delaminated into individual molecular sheets simply by adding a nonpolar organic solvent. It is established here that even bimetallic thiolates such as copper-indium thiolate and silver-indium thiolate exist as lamellar sheets. Each of these sheets consists of both metal ions arranged in a random fashion. It is also demonstrated that these bimetallic thiolates can be employed as single source precursors to prepare phase pure bimetallic chalcogenide nanocrystals (NCs) through mechanochemical routes by grinding them with an appropriate chalcogenide source. Notably, these bimetallic chalcogenide NCs, though synthesized in the absence of any solvent, get easily dispersed in nonpolar solvents as their surface is protected by the thiolate molecules released during the grinding process. These ternary NCs display a strong and tunable photoluminescence in the visible to near-infrared region. Based on detailed systematic studies it is concluded that to obtain phase pure bimetallic sulfide/selenide NCs bimetallic thiolates, consisting of both metal ions in each sheet, must be used as single source precursors and physical mixtures of individual thiolates do not afford such phase pure materials.}, keywords = {bimetallic chalcogenide nanocrystals, bimetallic thiolate, mechanochemical grinding}, issn = {2196-7350}, doi = {10.1002/admi.202100898}, author = {Bera, Abhijit and Pathak, Sushil S. and Kotha, Vishal and Prasad, V, Bhagavatula L.} } @article {47130, title = {Laser patterning of boron carbon nitride electrodes for flexible micro-supercapacitor with remarkable electrochemical stability/capacity}, journal = {Carbon}, volume = {171}, year = {2021}, month = {JAN}, pages = {750-757}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

High performance, all solid-state planar micro-supercapacitor (MSC) with interdigitated Boron carbon Nitride (BCN) electrodes are fabricated via fast, scalable laser patterning technique. Heteroatom doping desirably enhances the electrochemical activity of carbon electrodes. This BCN based micro-supercapacitor showed comparatively very high specific capacitance of 72 mFcm(-2) at a current density of 0.15 mAcm(-2). Even at a high current density of 1 mAcm(-2) device showed specific capacitance as high as 17 mFcm(-2). It has demonstrated excellent electrochemical stability when tested up to 80000 cycles without any sign of further decay in capacity/efficiency. This device showed stable capacity even after bending at 150 degrees angle, for 1500 times during cycling showing remarkable flexibility. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {BCN, Co-doping, Energy storage, Flexible, Laser patterning, Micro-supercapacitor}, issn = {0008-6223}, doi = {10.1016/j.carbon.2020.09.053}, author = {Karbhal, Indrapal and Basu, Aniruddha and Patrike, Apurva and Shelke, Manjusha V.} } @article {47418, title = {Lead-free zero dimensional tellurium(iv) chloride-organic hybrid with strong room temperature emission as a luminescent material}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry C}, volume = {9}, year = {2021}, month = {MAR }, pages = {4351-4358}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Despite the current progress in {\textquoteleft}Pb-free{\textquoteright} low dimensional main group metal halide based luminescent materials, it is challenging to synthesize Te(iv) halide hybrids with strong ambient emission with excitation features in the visible range as efficient and stable phosphors for potential lighting applications. Reported here is a (benzyltriethylammonium)(2)TeCl6 zero dimensional hybrid material with excitation features in the visible range and strong room temperature, broadband, intrinsic luminescence (PLQY similar to 15\%) arising due to self-trapped excitons (STEs). Furthermore, a proof-of-concept LED architecture demonstrates successful optical down-conversion with a visible light excitation source. Here, exclusive adoption of a {\textquoteleft}regular{\textquoteright} octahedral Te(iv)-halide unit structure with minimal static distortion provides a unique opportunity to unmask the role played by 5s(2) lone pair electrons in shaping the emissive properties. This effort may open up new avenues towards unravelling the role of lone pair stereoactivity in controlling the PLQY in low dimensional hybrids that has proven to be challenging for the reported (Sb, Sn) based low dimensional 5s(2) metal halide hybrid materials.

}, issn = {2050-7526}, doi = {10.1039/d0tc05752e}, author = {Biswas, Anupam and Bakthavatsalam, Rangarajan and Bahadur, Vir and Biswas, Chinmoy and Mali, Bhupendra P. and Raavi, Sai Santosh Kumar and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Kundu, Janardan} } @article {47685, title = {L-Histidine-derived smart antifouling biohybrid with multistimuli responsivity}, journal = {Biomacromolecules}, volume = {22}, year = {2021}, month = {SEP}, pages = {3941-3949}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A novel dual pH/thermoresponsive amphiphilic poly(histidine methacrylamide)-block-hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene-block-poly(histidine methacrylamide) (PHisMAM-b-PB-b-PHisMAM) triblock copolymer biohybrid, composed of hydrophobic PB and ampholytic PHisMAM segments, is developed via direct switching from living anionic polymerization to recyclable nanoparticle catalyst-mediated reversible-deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP). The transformation involved in situ postpolymerization modification of living polybutadiene-based carbanionic species, end-capped with ethylene oxide, into dihydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene and a subsequent reaction with 2-bromo-2-methylpropionyl bromide resulting in a telechelic ATRP macroinitiator (Br-PB-Br). Br-PB-Br was used to mediate RDRP of an L-histidine-derived monomer, HisMAM, yielding a series of PHisMAM-b-PB-b-PHisMAM triblock copolymers. The copolymer{\textquoteright}s stimuli response was assessed against pH and temperature changes. The copolymer is capable of switching among its zwitterionic, anionic, and cationic forms and exhibited unique antifouling properties in its zwitterionic form. These novel triblock copolymers are expected to be show promising potential in biomedical applications.}, issn = {1525-7797}, doi = {10.1021/acs.biomac.1c00748}, author = {Mohammad, Sk Arif and Dolui, Subrata and Kumar, Devendra and Mane, Shivshankar R. and Banerjee, Sanjib} } @article {47343, title = {Limonoid biosynthesis 3: functional characterization of crucial genes involved in neem limonoid biosynthesis (vol 184, 112669, 2021)}, journal = {Phytochemistry}, volume = {187}, year = {2021}, month = {JUL}, pages = {112751}, type = {Correction}, issn = {0031-9422}, doi = {10.1016/j.phytochem.2021.112751}, author = {Pandreka, Avinash and Chaya, Patil S. and Kumar, Ashish and Aarthy, Thiagarayaselvam and Mulani, Fayaj A. and Bhagyashree, Date D. and Shilpashree, H. B. and Jennifer, Cheruvathur and Ponnusamy, Sudha and Nagegowda, Dinesh and Thulasiram, Hirekodathakallu V.} } @article {47033, title = {Limonoid biosynthesis 3: functional characterization of crucial genes involved in neem limonoid biosynthesis}, journal = {Phytochemistry}, volume = {184}, year = {2021}, month = {APR}, pages = {112669}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Neem (Azadirachta indica L.) is well known for its medicinal, agricultural, and pesticidal applications since ages. The secondary metabolites, limonoids, confer these biological properties, wherein over 150 different limonoids have been reported from neem. To understand limonoid biosynthesis, we analyzed tissue-specific (kernel, pericarp, leaves, and flower) transcriptome that resulted in the identification of one farnesyl diphosphate synthase (AiFDS), one squalene synthase (AiSQS), three squalene epoxidases (AiSQE1, AiSQE2, and AiSQE3), two triterpene synthases (AiTTS1 and AiTTS2), cycloartenol synthase (AiCAS), two cytochrome P450 reductases, and ten cytochrome P450 systems. Comparative tissue-expression analysis indicated that AiFDS, AiSQS, AiSQE3, and AiTTS1 are expressed higher in the kernel than in the other tissues. Heterologously expressed recombinant AiTTS1 produced tirucalla-7,24-dien-3 beta-ol as the sole product. Expression profile data, phylogeny with triterpene synthases from Meliaceae and Rutaceae families, real-time PCR of different tissues, and transient transformation revealed the involvement of tirucalla-7,24-dien-3 beta-ol synthase (AiTTS1) in limonoid biosynthesis. Further, mutagenesis studies of AiTTS1 indicated that Y125 and F260 are probably involved in stabilization of dammarenyl cation. A 2.6-fold increase in production of tirucalla-7,24-dien-3 beta-ol was observed when AiSQE1 was coexpressed with mutant AiTTS1 in a yeast system. Furthermore, we functionally characterized the highly expressed cytochrome P450 reductases and cycloartenol synthase. This study helps in further analysis and identification of genes involved in limonoid biosynthesis in Meliaceae/Rutaceae and their production in a metabolically tractable heterologous system.

}, keywords = {24-dien-3 beta-ol, Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Cytochrome P450 system, Limonoids, Meliaceae, Tirucalla-7, Transcriptome}, issn = {0031-9422}, doi = {10.1016/j.phytochem.2021.112669}, author = {Pandreka, Avinash and Chaya, Patil S. and Kumar, Ashish and Aarthy, Thiagarayaselvam and Mulani, Fayaj A. and Bhagyashree, Date D. and Shilpashree, H. B. and Jennifer, Cheruvathur and Ponnusamy, Sudha and Nagegowda, Dinesh and Thulasiram, V. Hirekodathakallu} } @article {47392, title = {Machine learning classifiers aid virtual screening for efficient design of mini-protein therapeutics}, journal = {Bioorganic \& Medicinal Chemistry Letters}, volume = {38}, year = {2021}, month = {APR }, pages = {127852}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

De novo design of mini-proteins (4-12 kDa) has recently been shown to produce new candidates for protein therapeutics. They are temperature stable molecules that bind to the drug target with high affinity for inhibiting its interactions. The development of mini-protein binders requires laboratory screening of tens of thousands of molecules for effective target binding. In this study we trained machine learning classifiers which can distinguish, with 90\% accuracy and 80\% precision, mini-protein binders from non-binding molecules designed for a particular target; this significantly reduces the number of mini protein candidates for experimental screening. Further, on the basis of our results we propose a multi-stage protocol where a small dataset (few hundred experimentally verified target-specific mini-proteins) can be used to train classifiers for improving the efficiency of mini-protein design for any specific target.

}, keywords = {Drug design, machine learning, Mini-proteins, Protein therapeutics, virtual screening}, issn = {0960-894X}, doi = {10.1016/j.bmcl.2021.127852}, author = {Gaur, Neeraj K. and Goyal, Venuka Durani and Kulkarni, Kiran and Makde, Ravindra D.} } @article {47622, title = {Manipulating hydrophobicity of polyester nanofiber mats with egg albumin to enhance cell interactions}, journal = {Polymer Engineering and Science}, volume = {61}, year = {2021}, month = {OCT}, pages = {2496-2510}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A hybrid of poly-l-lactic acid (PLA) and poly-epsilon-caprolactone (PCL) system was designed using hydrophilic generally regarded as safe (GRAS) protein, egg albumin (EA), and fabricated as nanofiber mats (NM) to facilitate improved cell interactions and functionality. Our studies include, preparation and analysis of physicochemical properties of NM. Surface morphology of NM was smooth with the diameter ranging from 250 to 400 nm. The contact angle of NM decreased from 80 to 45 degrees with the increase in EA concentration. The rate and extent of swelling was increased 3-folds with the addition of EA. Release studies of NM showed maximum amount of MTz was released with the increase in MTz concentration (>85\%). The MTz interaction with EA and structure stability of EA was confirmed from fluorescence and circular dichroism studies. NM showed increase in inhibition of bacterial growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli with the increase in MTz concentration. Cell viability of the NM was >80\% and also, the cell proliferation increased as EA content increased. NM hemolytic activity was less than 5\% suggesting compatibility. Hence, results concluded that EA had regulated hydrophobicity, promoted cell interactions, and proliferation and therefore, NM is considered safe for tissue regeneration.}, keywords = {Biocompatibility, Biomaterials, drug delivery systems, egg albumin, electrospinning, nanofibers, polyesters}, issn = {0032-3888}, doi = {10.1002/pen.25776}, author = {Patel, Pratikshkumar R. and Pandey, Komal and Killi, Naresh and Gundloori, Rathna Venkata Naga} } @article {47435, title = {Mechanical properties of anodic titanium dioxide nanostructures}, journal = {Materiali in Tehnologije}, volume = {55}, year = {2021}, month = {JAN}, pages = {19-24}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Highly ordered and uniform titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotubes (NTs) with different morphologies (15 nm, 50 nm and 100 nm in diameter) were prepared by the electrochemical anodization of Ti substrates. The TiO2 NTs{\textquoteright} surface properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The elastic modulus (E) and the Vickers hardness (HV) of the Ti foil and of the different-morphology TiO2 NTs were evaluated with the nano-indentation technique. E and HV increase with the decreasing length/diameter of the NTs, meaning that NTs with smaller diameters are more resistant to mechanical wear. The elastic modulus of the TiO2 NTs with 15-nm and 50-nm diameters is similar to that of the human bone.

}, keywords = {Elastic modulus, mechanical properties, titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotubes, Vickers hardness}, issn = {1580-2949}, doi = {10.17222/mit.2020.109}, author = {Kulkarni, Mukta and Sepitka, Josef and Junkar, Ita and Bencina, Metka and Rawat, Niharika and Mazare, Anca and Rode, Chandrashekhar and Gokhale, Suresh and Schmuki, Patrik and Daniel, Matej and Iglic, Ales} } @article {47627, title = {Mechanistic investigations on the catalytic transfer hydrogenation of lignin-derived monomers over Ru catalysts: theoretical and kinetic studies}, journal = {ACS Sustainable Chemistry \& Engineering}, volume = {9}, year = {2021}, month = {OCT}, pages = {14040-14050}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) reaction of oxygenated compounds such as lignin-derived phenolics is well studied using molecular H-2 as a hydrogen source, yet the use of high pressures discourages its use on an industrial scale. As an alternative, the catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) pathway provides in situ hydrogenation species, which reduces the need for the high-pressure infrastructure required when molecular hydrogen is used. Nevertheless, this strategy is scantly studied, and in lieu with this, herein we report the kinetic and mechanistic investigations of the CTH strategy for the HDO of guaiacol, phenol, anisole veratrole, and eugenol to their respective products. For potential commercialization purposes, low loading of metal, milder reaction conditions, and high selectivity toward desired products with a high H/C ratio were considered while designing catalysts (0.5 wt \% Ru on SiO2-Al2O3, SiO2, Al2O3-acidic, Al2O3-basic, and Al2O3-neutral) for these reactions. As high as 74\% cyclohexanol yield from guaiacol was achieved at 225 degrees C in the presence of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) as the hydrogen source and over the Ru/Al2O3-acidic catalyst reduced at 150 degrees C. A detailed kinetic study is carried out to understand the interaction of the substrate and intermediates with the catalyst and the influence of reaction parameters on the product formation. It was observed that the cisisomer of 2-methoxycyclohexanol rapidly undergoes further conversion than the trans-isomer. The experimental observations are substantiated through density functional theory (DFT) studies on Ru(0001) and guaiacol molecule complexes. DFT studies indicate that the adsorption of the cis-isomer is more exothermic as compared to that of the trans counterpart, and the underlying electronic factors are elucidated using charge density difference and density of states plots.}, keywords = {catalytic transfer hydrogenation, Cyclohexanol, DFT, Hydrodeoxygenation, kinetics, lignin monomers, Supported metal catalysts}, issn = {2168-0485}, doi = {10.1021/acssuschemeng.1c02942}, author = {Khan, Tufeil Sartaj and Singh, Dheerendra and Samal, Pragnya Paramita and Krishnamurty, Sailaja and Dhepe, Paresh Laxmikant} } @article {47119, title = {Metal halide structure and the extent of distortion control the photo-physical properties of luminescent zero dimensional organic-antimony(iii) halide hybrids}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry C}, volume = {9}, year = {2021}, month = {JAN }, pages = {348-358}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Antimony(iii) halide based zero dimensional hybrids have gained attention as broadband emitters. Until now, quadrangular pyramidal SbX5 based and octahedral SbX6 based 0D hybrids have been reported utilizing different organic ligands demonstrating some structural tunability affecting their emissive properties. Utilizing a common organic ligand, here we demonstrate the structural tunability (quadrangular pyramidal, octahedral, or a combination thereof) of the metal halide unit in Sb(iii)Cl 0D hybrids with contrasting photo-physical properties (broadband, Stokes shift, strong/weak colored emission). The structure-property-mechanism correlation of the synthesized compounds [1 (C12H52Cl18N8O4Sb3; tris Sb green); 2 (C12H50Cl14N8O3Sb2; tris Sb red); 3 (C24H88Cl25N16O4Sb3; tris Sb yellow)] identifies crucial factors that control their emissive properties. The X-ray analysis reveals the structure (1-octahedral; 2-quadrangular pyramidal; 3-combination thereof) and the order of the extent of structural distortion as 1-3 MUCH LESS-THAN 2. The metal halide coordination environment asymmetry and its structure are observed to dictate PL emission energy (1-green; 2-red; 3-yellow) as supported by a qualitative Molecular Orbital scheme. The extent of structural distortion guides the observed Stokes shifts (1-165 nm; 2-290 nm; 3-200 nm; 1-3 \< 2). Interestingly, the extent of distortion is found to be well correlated with the observed PLQY (1-45\%; 2-6\%; 3-43\%; 1-3 \>\> 2). This report clearly demonstrates the structural tunability and the effect of the metal halide unit structure/distortion in shaping the emissive properties of 0D organic Sb(iii) halide hybrids.

}, issn = {2050-7526}, doi = {10.1039/d0tc03440a}, author = {Biswas, Anupam and Bakthavatsalam, Rangarajan and Mali, Bhupendra P. and Bahadur, Vir and Biswas, Chinmoy and Raavi, Sai Santosh Kumar and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Kundu, Janardan} } @article {47588, title = {Metal-free, Tf2NH-catalyzed 1, 6-conjugate addition of imidazopyridine to para-quinone methides: easy access to C3-functionalized triarylmethane imidazopyridine}, journal = {Tetrahedron}, volume = {101}, year = {2021}, month = {NOV}, pages = {132510}, type = {Article}, abstract = {An inexpensive and commercially available Tf2NH-catalyzed 1,6-conjugate addition of imidazopyridine (IMPY) heterocycles to para-quinone methides (p-QMs) is reported. The present transformation provides a diverse class of C3-functionalized triarylmethanes heterocyclic derivatives of imidazopyridine. These metal-free transformations provided a very broad substrate scope of conjugate addition product with a high yield up to 97\% within a short duration. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.}, keywords = {1, 6-Conjugate addition, Bronsted acid, C3-functionalization, Imidazopyridine, para-Quinone methide}, issn = {0040-4020}, doi = {10.1016/j.tet.2021.132510}, author = {Khonde, Nilesh S. and Said, Madhukar S. and Sabane, Jagjivan K. and Gajbhiye, Jayant M. and Kumar, Pradeep} } @article {47709, title = {Methyl esters of fungal biomass-derived lipids produced via solid-state fermentation of sugarcane bagasse and assessment as a blend component in diesel fuel.}, journal = {Journal of the American Oil Chemists Society}, volume = {98}, year = {2021}, month = {SEP}, pages = {164-165}, type = {Meeting Abstract}, issn = {0003-021X}, author = {Khot, Mahesh and RaviKumar, Ameeta and Kumar, V. Ravi} } @article {47337, title = {Micro-computed tomographic analysis of the marginal adaptation of a calcium silicate-based cement to radicular dentin after removal of three different intracanal medicaments - an in vitro study}, journal = {Journal of Conservative Dentistry}, volume = {23}, year = {2021}, month = {FEB}, pages = {598-603}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Context:\ This study focuses on the marginal adaptation of a calcium silicate-based cement to the root dentin after retrieval of different intracanal medicaments.

Aim:\ This study compared the marginal adaptation of a calcium silicate-based cement to radicular dentin in the apical third of the root canal following the use of three different intracanal medicaments.

Materials and methods:\ Forty single-rooted premolar teeth (n\ = 40) were decoronated 13 mm above the root apices; then, 3 mm of the root tips were resected to standardize the root length. Orthograde cleaning and shaping were done using the rotary files and apical enlargement using peeso reamers. Depending on the intracanal medicament used, the samples were equally divided into four groups: Group 1 - control, Group 2 - Metapex, Group 3 - triple antibiotic paste (TAP), and Group 4 - calcium hydroxide with Propolis. Subsequently, the medicament was removed and a 3 mm apical barrier of BiodentineTM\ was placed and later scanned using an ex vivo micro-computed tomography scanner.

}, doi = {10.4103/JCD.JCD_561_20}, author = {Jain, Ruchika Nirmal and Abraham, Sathish and Karad, Rohini Ramesh and Najan, Harshal Balasaheb and Vaswani, Sneha Dhruvkumar and Torris, Arun} } @article {47354, title = {Molecular interplay at the membrane and impact on cellular physiology}, journal = {Journal of Membrane Biology}, volume = {254}, year = {2021}, month = {JUN}, pages = {239-242}, type = {Editorial Material}, issn = {0022-2631}, doi = {10.1007/s00232-021-00183-0, Early Access Date = MAY 2021}, author = {Pucadyil, Thomas and Kulkarni, Kiran and Sengupta, Durba} } @article {47095, title = {Molecular investigation of glycated insulin-induced insulin resistance via insulin signaling and AGE-RAGE axis}, journal = {Biochimica ET Biophysica Acta-Molecular Basis of Disease}, volume = {1867}, year = {2021}, month = {FEB }, pages = {166029}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Hyperglycemic condition in diabetes promotes glycation of various plasma proteins including insulin. Glycation of insulin has been reported to reduce its biological activity. Reduced biological activity of glycated insulin could be either due to reduced affinity for the insulin receptor and impaired insulin signaling, or it can act as a ligand for the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and activates oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory pathways leading to insulin resistance. This study investigates the effect of glycated insulin on both insulin and RAGE signaling. Glycated insulin treatment to Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-IR-GLUT4) cells stably expressing insulin receptor (IR) and glucose transporter fused with a green fluorescent protein (GLUT4-GFP) resulted in the impairment of insulin signaling, as the phosphorylation of IR and AKT significantly reduced, which affected GLUT4 translocation and glucose uptake. Moreover, it also activated RAGE signaling as observed by increased expression of NADPH oxidase accompanied by an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS). Immunofluorescence study indicated the translocation of NF-kappa B to the nucleus upon treatment of glycated insulin. This was associated with increased RAGE expression, Caspase 3, and cell death. Downregulation of RAGE with the losartan treatment restored the impaired insulin signaling and glucose uptake. Additionally, in silico study demonstrated that glycated insulin has reduced binding affinity to insulin receptor and increased binding affinity to RAGE. Overall, this study demonstrates the role of glycated insulin in exacerbating insulin resistance by impairing insulin signaling as well as stimulating AGE-RAGE signaling.

}, keywords = {AGE, Diabetes, Glycation, Hyperglycemia, insulin, RAGE}, issn = {0925-4439}, doi = {10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.166029}, author = {Walke, Prachi B. and Bansode, Sneha B. and More, Nikita P. and Chaurasiya, Arvindkumar H. and Joshi, Rakesh S. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @article {47717, title = {MoS2 and CdMoS4 nanostructure-based UV light photodetectors}, journal = {Nanoscale Advances}, volume = {3}, year = {2021}, month = {AUG}, pages = {4799-4803}, type = {Article}, abstract = {We have developed MoS2 nanosheets and CdMoS4 hierarchical nanostructures based on a UV light photodetector. The surface morphologies of the as-prepared samples were investigated via field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The performance parameters for the present photodetectors are investigated under the illumination of UV light having a wavelength of similar to 385 nm. Upon the illumination of UV light, the CdMoS4-based photodetector device showed a better response to UV light compared to the MoS2 device in terms of photoresponsivity, response time (similar to 72 s) and recovery time (similar to 94 s). Our results reveal that CdMoS4 hierarchical nanostructures are practical for enhancing the device performance.}, issn = {2516-0230}, doi = {10.1039/d1na00326g}, author = {Pawar, Mahendra S. and Kadam, Sunil R. and Kale, Bharat B. and Late, Dattatray J.} } @article {47342, title = {MoSx surface-modified, hybrid core-shell structured LiFePO4 cathode for superior Li-ion battery applications}, journal = {Journal of Alloys and Compounds}, volume = {872}, year = {2021}, month = {AUG}, pages = {159718}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A hybrid core-shell cathode, composed of MoSx shell and carbon-coated lithium iron phosphate core (MoSx@cLiFePO(4) or MoSx@c-LFP) is obtained by the post-annealing of a thermally decomposable ammonium thiomolybdate and commercial carbon-coated LiFePO4 (c-LFP) powder. The specific capacity of the commercially available amorphous carbon-coated LFP (c-LFP) is typically around 120-160 mAhg(-1), which is usually lower than the theoretical values similar to 170 mAhg(-1) due to the limited Li+ phase-boundary diffusion and low electrical conductivity. In the present investigation, we report that the specific capacity of surfacemodified (similar to 1.2 wt\% of layered MoSx) c-LFP (MoSx@c-LFP) material can reach as high as similar to 228 mAhg(-1) delivering high gravimetric energy density similar to 750-770 Whkg(-1). The excess capacity can be attributed to the partial Li-ions intercalated/de-intercalated through the MoSx layers within a specific potential range (2.0-3.8 V). MoSx coating helps increase the c-LFP surface{\textquoteright}s stability by forming strong covalent bonding and is believed to enhance the electronic conduction by reducing the interparticle contact. During charge and discharge the hysteresis is substantially reduced by MoSx coating. The approach may open up a universal route to increase the cathode capacity, potentially attractive for further Li-ion battery research and industrial applications. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Ammonium thiomolybdate, Coulombic efficiency, Hybrid core-shell cathode, hysteresis, MoSx}, issn = {0925-8388}, doi = {10.1016/j.jallcom.2021.159718}, author = {Hu, Lung-Hao and Kumar, Pushpendra} } @article {47074, title = {Multiple-parallel-protease digestion coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry: an approach towards comprehensive peptide mapping of therapeutic mAbs}, journal = {Journal of Proteomics}, volume = {232}, year = {2021}, month = {FEB}, pages = {104053}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are structurally large and complex molecules. To be safe and efficacious, a biosimilar mAb must show high similarity to its reference product in Critical Quality Attributes (CQA). mAbs are highly sensitive to protein expression, production, manufacturing, supply chain, and storage conditions. All these factors make biosimilar mAbs intrinsically susceptible for variability during production. Accordingly, several lots of references and tests are required to establish the biosimilarity of a test mAb. The primary structure is a CQA of a mAb affecting its safety and efficacy. Here, we apply peptide mapping as an analytical method to decipher the primary structure and associated modifications for a quick quality assessment of TrastuzumAb and RituximAb innovator and biosimilar. A multiple-parallel-protease digestion strategy followed by high-resolution mass spectrometric analysis consistently achieved 100\% sequence coverage along with reliable detection of post-translational modifications. Additionally, the use of supporting methods such as intact mass analysis and circular dichroism helped us to decipher the primary and higher order structures of these mAbs. We identify discernible variations in the profile of the innovator and biosimilar mAbs and validate the method for quick yet deep comparability analysis of the primary structure of biosimilar mAbs sold in the market. Significance: Peptide mapping using bottom-up approach is one of the most common methods for the characterization of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. Herein, we describe a multi-parallel-protease digestion strategy using a combination of five different proteases followed by high-resolution mass spectrometric analysis with TrastuzumAb and RituximAb as an example. This resulted in a comprehensive identification of peptides with increased reliability and identification of different PTMs. Additional supporting orthogonal methods like intact mass and higher-order structure analysis helped evaluate broader conformational properties.

}, keywords = {LC-MS/MS, PTM, RituximAb, Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, TrastuzumAb}, issn = {1874-3919}, doi = {10.1016/j.jprot.2020.104053}, author = {Pradhan, Gauri and Sneha, J. M. and Sonwane, Babasaheb P. and Santhakumari, B. and Rao, Alka and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @article {47615, title = {Multi-step synthesis of miltefosine: integration of flow chemistry with continuous mechanochemistry}, journal = {Chemistry-A European Journal}, volume = {27}, year = {2021}, month = {DEC }, pages = {17695-17699}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Herein we report for the first time, an advanced continuous flow synthesis of the blockbuster Leishmaniasis drug miltefosine from simple starting materials by a sequence involving four steps of chemical transformation including a continuous mechanochemical step. First three reaction steps were performed in simple tubular reactors in a telescopic mode, while in the last step the product precipitated from the 3(rd) step was used for a continuous mechanochemical synthesis of miltefosine. When compared to a typical batch protocol that takes 15 h, miltefosine was obtained in 58 \% overall yield in flow synthesis mode at the laboratory scale in a total residence time 34 min at synthesis rate of 10 g/hr, which is sufficient to treat 4800 patients per day.}, keywords = {continuous flow, continuous mechanochemistry, miltefosine, multistep synthesis, reactive intermediates}, issn = {0947-6539}, doi = {10.1002/chem.202103499}, author = {Patil, Niteen B. and Atapalkar, Ranjit S. and Chavan, Subhash P. and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article {47419, title = {Naphthalene dianhydride organic anode for a {\textquoteleft}rocking-chair{\textquoteright} zinc-proton hybrid ion battery}, journal = {Dalton Transactions}, volume = {50}, year = {2021}, month = {MAR }, pages = {4237-4243}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Rechargeable batteries consisting of a Zn metal anode and a suitable cathode coupled with a Zn2+ ion-conducting electrolyte are recently emerging as promising energy storage devices for stationary applications. However, the formation of high surface area Zn (HSAZ) architectures on the metallic Zn anode deteriorates their performance upon prolonged cycling. In this work, we demonstrate the application of 1,4,5,8-naphthalenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (NTCDA), an organic compound, as a replacement for the Zn-metal anode enabling the design of a {\textquoteleft}rocking-chair{\textquoteright} zinc-proton hybrid ion battery. The NTCDA electrode material displays a multi-plateau redox behaviour, delivering a specific discharge capacity of 143 mA h g(-1) in the potential window of 1.4 V to 0.3 V vs. Zn|Zn2+. The detailed electrochemical characterization of NTCDA in various electrolytes (an aqueous solution of 1 M ZnOTF, an aqueous solution of 0.01 M H2SO4, and an organic electrolyte of 0.5 M ZnOTF/acetonitrile) reveals that the redox processes leading to charge storage involve a contribution from both H+ and Zn2+. The performance of NTCDA as an anode is further demonstrated by pairing it with a MnO2 cathode, and the resulting MnO2||NTCDA full-cell (zinc-proton hybrid ion battery) delivers a specific discharge capacity of 41 mA h g(total)(-1) (normalized with the total mass-loading of both anode and cathode active materials) with an average operating voltage of 0.80 V.

}, issn = {1477-9226}, doi = {10.1039/d0dt04404k}, author = {Ghosh, Meena and Vijayakumar, Vidyanand and Kurian, Maria and Dilwale, Swati and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {47727, title = {New 1,2,3-triazole-appended bis-pyrazoles: synthesis, bioevaluation, and molecular docking}, journal = {ACS Omega}, volume = {6}, year = {2021}, month = {SEP}, pages = {24879-24890}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The present work describes design of a small library of new 1,2,3-triazole-appended bis-pyrazoles by using a molecular hybridization approach, and the synthesized hybrids were evaluated for their antifungal activity against different fungal strains, namely, Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Candida glabrata, Candida tropicalis, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus fumigatus. All the compounds exhibited broad-spectrum activity against the tested fungal strains with excellent minimum inhibitory concentration values. The molecular docking study against sterol 14 alpha-demethylase (CYP51) could provide valuable insights into the binding modes and affinity of these compounds. Furthermore, these compounds were also evaluated for their antioxidant activity, which also resulted in promising data.}, issn = {2470-1343}, doi = {10.1021/acsomega.1c03734}, author = {Danne, Ashruba B. and Deshpande, V, Mukund and Sangshetti, Jaiprakash N. and Khedkar, Vijay M. and Shingate, Bapurao B.} } @article {47676, title = {Ni-catalyzed highly enantioselective synthesis of sulfur protected P-stereogenic supramolecular phosphine}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Sciences}, volume = {133}, year = {2021}, month = {DEC}, pages = {119}, type = {Article}, abstract = {As phosphines readily invert, the synthesis of P-chiral phosphines is a challenging task and has been rarely investigated. We report the synthesis of a nickel complex [Ni-((S,S)Me-FerroLANE)(phenyl)(I)] (Ni-Cat.1) and its performance in a P-C coupling reaction to generate P-chiral phosphine. The Ni-Cat.1 was synthesized by mixing ligand (S,S) Me-FerroLANE with the metal precursor [(diphenylphosphanyl)nickel(phenyl)(I)] in good yield. Ni-Cat.1 was characterized using different spectroscopic and analytical techniques. Treatment of racemic methyl(phenyl)phosphine (1) with 1-(3-iodophenyl)urea (2) produced the corresponding P-chiral supramolecular phosphine (3). Optimization of reaction parameters produced sulfur protected phosphine N-(3-(methyl(phenyl)phosphorothioyl)phenyl)formamide (3{\textquoteright}) with excellent enantiomeric excess (99\% ee) and moderate conversion (51\%).}, keywords = {Asymmetric synthesis, Nickel catalyst, P-C coupling, P-Stereogenic phosphine, supramolecular ligands}, issn = {0974-3626}, doi = {10.1007/s12039-021-01978-3}, author = {Koshti(S), Vijay S. and Chandanshive, Amol C. and Mote, Nilesh R. and Chikkali, Samir H.} } @article {47396, title = {Nickel-catalyzed difunctionalization of alkynyl bromides with thiosulfonates and N-arylthio succinimides: a convenient synthesis of 1,2-thiosulfonylethenes and 1,1-dithioethenes}, journal = {Synthesis-Stuttgart}, year = {2021}, month = {APR }, type = {Article; Early Access}, abstract = {

An efficient nickel-catalyzed vicinal thiosulfonylation of 1bromoalkynes with thiosulfonates in the presence of cesium carbonate is described. An operationally simple and highly regioselective atom transfer radical addition (ATRA) of alkynyl bromides provides a wide range of (E)-1,2-thiosulfonylethenes (alpha-aryl-beta-thioarylvinyl sulfones) in moderate to high yields. The extensive substrate scope of both alkynyl bromides and thiosulfonates is explored with a broad range of functional groups. Indole-derived 1,1- bromoalkenes were also successfully explored in this 1,2-thiosulfonylation process. Moreover, the nickel-catalyzed geminal- dithiolation of alkynyl bromides with N-arylthio succinimides provides 1,1-dithioalkenes in high yields. The present protocol is reliable on gram scale, and a sequential one-pot bromination and thiosulfonylation of phenylacetylene is achieved in a scale-up synthesis. Following control experiments, a plausible mechanism is proposed to rationalize the experimental outcome and the vicinal thiosulfonylation.

}, keywords = {alkynyl bromides, atom transfer radical addition (ATRA), thiosulfonates, thiosulfonylation, vinyl thiosulfones}, issn = {0039-7881}, doi = {10.1055/a-1482-2486, Early Access Date = APR 2021}, author = {Kumari, Arram Haritha and Kumar, Jangam Jagadesh and Krishna, Gamidi Rama and Reddy, Raju Jannapu} } @article {47638, title = {Ni(II)-catalyzed intramolecular C-H/C-H oxidative coupling: an efficient route to functionalized cycloindolones and indenoindolones}, journal = {ACS Catalysis}, volume = {11}, year = {2021}, month = {OCT }, pages = {12384-12393}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Nickel(II)-catalyzed intramolecular C(sp(2))-H/C(sp(3))-H and C(sp(2))-H/C(sp(2))-H oxidative couplings in indoles are achieved via chelation assistance. These reactions provide access to biologically relevant five- and six-membered substituted cyclopentaindolones, carbazolones, and indenoindolones in high yields and good chemoselectivity employing an air-stable and defined nickel catalyst, (bpy)Ni(OAc)(2). The oxidative cyclizations proceeded either through a six-membered or an unconventional seven-membered nickelacycle. An extensive mechanistic investigation by experiments and theoretical calculations revealed a facile indole{\textquoteright}s C(2)-H nickelation and a rate-limiting reductive elimination process. This intramolecular oxidative cyclization operates via a probable Ni(II)/Ni(III) pathway involving single-electron oxidation of nickel without the participation of a carbon-based radical.}, keywords = {C-H activation, cycloindolones, indenoindolones, indoles, Mechanism, Nickel, oxidative coupling}, issn = {2155-5435}, doi = {10.1021/acscatal.1c03314}, author = {Ankade, Shidheshwar B. and Samal, Pragnya Paramita and Soni, Vineeta and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Krishnamurty, Sailaja and Punji, Benudhar} } @article {47447, title = {Nitrogen activation to reduction on a recyclable V-SAC/BN-graphene heterocatalyst sifted through dual and multiphilic descriptors}, journal = {Journal of Colloid and Interface Science}, volume = {600}, year = {2021}, month = {MAY}, pages = {480-491}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Efficient reduction of nitrogen to ammonia at a minimal cost would require a recherche catalyst tailored by assimilating the inherent electronic and reactive nature of Single Atom Catalysts (SACs) on heteroatom doped-graphene. A full-scale DFT study accounting for disparate descriptions of atomic orbitals and representation of support, has been carried out to identify the most active and recyclable SAC/B-graphene composite as catalyst for Nitrogen Reduction Reaction (NRR). Dual and Multiphilic descriptors derived reactivity pattern of six different metal SACs V, Fe, Ni, Ru, W and Re on periodic and non-periodic paradigms of pristine and BN-pair doped graphene supports, align with the calculated chemisorption efficacy and activation of N2. The enzymatic route of nitrogen reduction on three most ideal metal SACs (V, W and Re) culminates Vanadium SAC, a relatively cheaper metal, anchored on BNring-graphene with an energy barrier of ⩽1.24 eV as a highly active and recyclable catalyst for NRR.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.jcis.2021.05.027}, author = {Maibam, Ashakiran and Krishnamurty, Sailaja} } @article {47380, title = {One-dimensional multichannel g-C3N4.7 nanostructure realizing an efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction and its theoretical investigations}, journal = {ACS Applied Energy Materials}, volume = {4}, year = {2021}, month = {APR }, pages = {3118-3129}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The emerging metal-free carbon nitride (C3N4) offers prominent possibilities for realizing the highly effective hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, its poor surface conductivity and insufficient catalytic sites hinder the HER performance. Herein, a one-dimensional vermicular rope-like graphitic carbon nitride nanostructure is demonstrated that consists of multichannel tubular pores and high nitrogen content, which is fabricated through a cost-effective approach having the final stoichiometry g-C3N4.7 for HER application. The present g-C3N4.7 is unique owing to the presence of abundant channels for the diffusion process, modulated surface chemistry with rich- electroactive sites from N-electron lone pairs, greatly reduced recombination rate of photoexcited exciton pairs, and a high donor concentration (4.26 x 10(17) cm(3)). The catalyst offers a visible-light-driven photocatalytic H-2 evolution rate as high as 4910 mu mol h(-1)g(-1) with an apparent quantum yield of 14.07\% at band gap absorption (2.59 eV, 479 nm) under 7.68 mW cm(-2) illumination. The number of hydrogen gas molecules produced is 1.307 x 10(15) s(-1) cm(-2), which remained constant for a minimum of 18 h of repeated cycling in the HER without any degradation of the catalyst. In density functional theory calculations, a significant change in the band offset is observed due to N doping into the system in favor of electron catalysis. The theoretical band gap of a monolayer of g-C3N4.7 was enormously reduced because of the presence of additional densities of states from the doped N atom inside the band gap. These impurity or donor bands are formed inside the band gap region, which ultimately enhance the hydrogen ion reduction reaction enormously.

}, keywords = {carbon nitride, Density functional theory, hydrogen evolution reaction, nitrogen-rich, Photocatalyst}, issn = {2574-0962}, doi = {10.1021/acsaem.0c02858}, author = {Antil, Bindu and Kumar, Lakshya and Ranjan, Ravi and Shenoy, Sulakshana and Tarafder, Kartick and Gopinath, Chinnakonda S. and Deka, Sasanka} } @article {47650, title = {One-pot bioconversion of tomato waste into poly-gamma-glutamic acid (gamma-PGA) biopolymer by a novel biocatalyst}, journal = {ACS Sustainable Chemistry \& Engineering}, volume = {9}, year = {2021}, month = {NOV }, pages = {14330-14334}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Landfilling of rotten tomatoes can lead to environmental instability and a huge economic loss to the producers. This letter reports an effective valorization of tomato waste into a promising biopolymer, i.e., poly-gamma-glutamic acid (gamma-PGA) by a novel biocatalyst Bacillus paralicheniformis NCIM 5769. The gamma-PGA is one of the most expensive biopolymers with multifarious applications in wound healing, drug delivery, and regenerative medicine fields. However, its adoption into various applications is finite due to its exorbitant production cost. Herein, rotten tomatoes (without additional nutrient supplementation) served as the chassis for the fermentative production of 40 g/L of highly pure gamma-PGA within 48 h at ambient temperature. Further, NMR, DSC, and TGA confirmed the purity of synthesized gamma-PGA identical to standard gamma-PGA. This process has potential in the commercialization of.-PGA by significantly reducing the production cost, followed by the effective utilization of tomato waste leading to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12 (i.e., ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns).}, keywords = {Commercialization, Poly-gamma-glutamic acid, Rotten tomatoes, United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Waste utilization}, issn = {2168-0485}, doi = {10.1021/acssuschemeng.1c05362}, author = {Nair, Pranav G. and Joseph, Emmanuel and Killi, Naresh and Konchada, Sravanya and Nisal, Anuya and Gundloori, Rathna Venkata Naga and Dharne, Mahesh S.} } @article {47680, title = {One-pot oxidation of secondary alcohols to alpha-hydroxy ketones: application to synthesis of oxoaplysinopsin D, E, F, \& G}, journal = {European Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {2021}, year = {2021}, month = {APR }, pages = {2188-2192}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A simple one-pot transformation of secondary alcohols to alpha-hydroxy ketones using pyridinium dichromate (PDC) in DMF has been developed and substrate scope tested with 25 compounds of hydantoin derivatives. Using this method, we have devised a common dihydroxy intermediate and synthesized four natural products oxoaplysinopsins D, E, F, and G for the first time.}, keywords = {alpha-Hydroxylation, Hydantoin, Natural product, Oxoaplysinopsin, Retro-aldol}, issn = {1434-193X}, doi = {10.1002/ejoc.202100184}, author = {Kulkarni, Akshay S. and Ramesh, Eagala and Reddy, D. Srinivasa} } @article {47409, title = {Orc4 spatiotemporally stabilizes centromeric chromatin}, journal = {Genome Research}, volume = {31}, year = {2021}, month = {APR}, pages = {607-621}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The establishment of centromeric chromatin and its propagation by the centromere-specific histone CENPA is mediated by epigenetic mechanisms in most eukaryotes. DNA replication origins, origin binding proteins, and replication timing of centromere DNA are important determinants of centromere function. The epigenetically regulated regional centromeres in the budding yeast Candida albicans have unique DNA sequences that replicate earliest in every chromosome and are clustered throughout the cell cycle. In this study, the genome-wide occupancy of the replication initiation protein Orc4 reveals its abundance at all centromeres in C. albicans. Orc4 is associated with four different DNA sequence motifs, one of which coincides with tRNA genes (tDNA) that replicate early and cluster together in space. Hi-C combined with genome-wide replication timing analyses identify that early replicating Orc4-bound regions interact with themselves stronger than with late replicating Orc4-bound regions. We simulate a polymer model of chromosomes of C. albicans and propose that the early replicating and highly enriched Orc4-bound sites preferentially localize around the clustered kinetochores. We also observe that Orc4 is constitutively localized to centromeres, and both Orc4 and the helicase Mcm2 are essential for cell viability and CENPA stability in C. albicans. Finally, we show that new molecules of CENPA are recruited to centromeres during late anaphase/telophase, which coincides with the stage at which the CENPA-specific chaperone Scm3 localizes to the kinetochore. We propose that the spatiotemporal localization of Orc4 within the nucleus, in collaboration with Mcm2 and Scm3, maintains centromeric chromatin stability and CENPA recruitment in C. albicans.

}, issn = {1088-9051}, doi = {10.1101/gr.265900.120}, author = {Sreekumar, Lakshmi and Kumari, Kiran and Guin, Krishnendu and Bakshi, Asif and Varshney, Neha and Thimmappa, Bhagya C. and Narlikar, Leelavati and Padinhateeri, Ranjith and Siddharthan, Rahul and Sanyal, Kaustuv} } @article {47742, title = {Organic-inorganic perovskitoid with zwitterion cysteamine linker and its crystal-crystal transformation to ruddlesden-popper phase}, journal = {Angewandte Chemie-International Edition}, volume = {60}, year = {2021}, month = {AUG }, pages = {18750-18760}, type = {Article}, abstract = {We demonstrate synthesis of a new low-D hybrid perovskitoid (a perovskite-like hybrid halide structure, yellow crystals, P21/n space group) using zwitterion cysteamine (2-aminoethanethiol) linker, and its remarkable molecular diffusion-controlled crystal-to-crystal transformation to Ruddlesden-Popper phase (Red crystals, Pnma space group). Our stable intermediate perovskitoid distinctly differs from all previous reports by way of a unique staggered arrangement of holes in the puckered 2D configuration with a face-sharing connection between the corrugated-1D double chains. The PL intensity for the yellow phase is 5 orders higher as compared to the red phase and the corresponding average lifetime is also fairly long (143 ns). First principles DFT calculations conform very well with the experimental band gap data. We demonstrate applicability of the new perovskitoid yellow phase as an excellent active layer in a self-powered photodetector and for selective detection of Ni2+ via On-Off-On photoluminescence (PL) based on its composite with few-layer black phosphorous.}, keywords = {Crystal growth, organic-inorganic hybrid composites, perovskite phases, photodetectors, zwitterions}, issn = {1433-7851}, doi = {10.1002/anie.202105918}, author = {Kour, Prachi and Reddy, Mallu Chenna and Pal, Shiv and Sidhik, Siraj and Das, Tisita and Pandey, Padmini and Mukherjee, Shatabdi Porel and Chakraborty, Sudip and Mohite, Aditya D. and Ogale, Satishchandra} } @article {47648, title = {Organoruthenium (II) complexes featuring pyrazole-linked thiosemicarbazone ligands: synthesis, DNA/BSA interactions, molecular docking, and cytotoxicity studies}, journal = {Applied Organometallic Chemistry}, volume = {35}, year = {2021}, month = {OCT}, pages = {e6343}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A series of pyrazol-derived thiosemicarbazone ligands (L1-L4) were synthesized and reacted with [Ru(p-cymene)(mu-Cl)Cl](2) to yield a series of {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}piano-stool{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}-type binuclear ruthenium (II)-arene-thiosemicarbazone complexes (C1-C8) of the general type [(Ru(eta(6)-p-cym)L)(2)(mu-im/azpy)] Cl1-2 (L = diphenylpyrazole thiosemicarbazone; cym = p-cymene; im = imidazole; azpy = 4,4 {\textquoteleft}-azopyridine). The thiosemicarbazone ligands act as N and S donors binding to the Ru(II) center via the imine nitrogen and the thione sulfur atoms. The complexes were characterized by NMR, FTIR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and ESI+ mass spectrometry. The binding of the complexes to calf thymus deoxyribonucleic acid (CT-DNA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was evaluated, and it has been established that the binuclear complexes have good binding efficacies with DNA (K-b = 10(4)-10(5) M-1) and BSA (K-a = 10(5)-10(6) M-1). This is attributed to the arene moieties present in the ligands of the complexes that can have hydrophobic interactions with DNA/BSA. Ethidium bromide (EB) displacement studies and DNA viscosity measurements revealed intercalative interaction of the complexes with DNA. Static interaction of the complexes with BSA was revealed by fluorescence quenching studies. Molecular docking studies confirmed base stacking, H-bonding, and hydrophobic interactions with the biomolecules. In vitro antiproliferative studies of the complexes affirmed that the complexes are cytotoxic towards the HeLa (human cervical cancer) cell line with IC50 values in range of 17.3-41.3 mu M.}, keywords = {Binuclear ruthenium (II) complexes, BSA binding interactions, DNA, HeLa human cervical carcinoma, pyrazole-derived thiosemicarbazone}, issn = {0268-2605}, doi = {10.1002/aoc.6343}, author = {Khanvilkar, Priyanka and Dash, Soumya R. and Banerjee, Devjani and Vohra, Aliasgar and Devkar, Ranjitsinh and Chakraborty, Debjani} } @article {47080, title = {Oxidative radical-mediated addition of ethers to quinone imine ketals: an access to hemiaminals}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {86}, year = {2021}, month = {FEB }, pages = {2107-2116}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The highly regioselective synthesis of substituted hemiaminal via addition of ethers to quinone imine ketals (QIKs) has been developed under metal-free conditions. In the presence of tetrabutylammonium chloride and potassium persulfate (K2S2O8), QIKs couple efficiently with cyclic and acyclic ethers to give hemiaminals. This strategy offers an easy access to substituted hemiaminal ethers with high functional group tolerance in good to excellent yields.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/acs.joc.0c02254}, author = {More, Satish G. and Kamble, Rohit B. and Suryavanshi, Gurunath} } @article {47461, title = {Oxidative stress induced by piperine leads to apoptosis in Candida albicans}, journal = {Medical Mycology}, volume = {59}, year = {2021}, month = {APR}, pages = {366-378}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Candida albicans is a member of pathogens with potential drug resistance threat that needs novel chemotherapeutic strategies. Considering the multifarious biological activities including bioenhancer activity, anti-Candida potential of piperine was evaluated against planktonic/biofilm and hyphal growth of C. albicans alone or in combination as a synergistic agent with fluconazole. Piperine inhibits planktonic growth at or less than 15 mu g/ml, hyphae induction at 5 mu g/ml concentration, and exhibits stage-dependent activity against biofilm growth of a fluconazole-resistant strain of C. albicans (ATCC10231). Though piperine couldn{\textquoteright}t kill inoculum completely at minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), it is fungicidal at higher concentrations, as shown in apoptosis assay. FIC index values indicate that piperine exhibits excellent synergistic activity with fluconazole against planktonic (0.123) and biofilm (0.215) growth of an FLC resistant strain. Mode of anti-Candida activity was studied by identifying piperine responsive proteins wherein the abundance of 25 proteins involved in stress response, signal transduction and cell cycle were modulated (22 up and 3 downregulated) significantly in response to piperine (MIC50). Modulation of the proteins involved suggests that piperine affectsmembrane integrity leading to oxidative stress followed by cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in C. albicans. Flow cytometry-basedmitochondrialmembrane potential (MMP), cell cycle and apoptosis assay, as well as real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of selected genes, confirms piperine induced oxidative stress (TRR1), cell cycle arrest and apoptosis (CaMCA1). Based on our results, we conclude that piperine inhibits planktonic and difficult-to treat-biofilm growth of C. albicans by affecting membrane integrity thereby inducing oxidative stress and apoptosis. Lay Abstract Piperine inhibit Candida albicans growth (planktonic and biofilm) significantly in our study. Piperine exhibits excellent synergistic potential with fluconazole The proteome analysis suggests that piperine induced membrane damage leads to oxidative stress followed by cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.

}, keywords = {Apoptosis, C. albicans, drug resistance, piperine, proteomics, synergy}, issn = {1369-3786}, doi = {10.1093/mmy/myaa058}, author = {Thakre, Archana and Jadhav, Vyankatesh and Kazi, Rubina and Shelar, Amruta and Patil, Rajendra and Kharat, Kiran and Zore, Gajanan and Karuppayil, S. Mohan} } @article {47758, title = {Palladium supported on magnesium hydroxyl fluoride: an effective acid catalyst for the hydrogenation of imines and N-heterocycles}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {45}, year = {2021}, month = {OCT }, pages = {19572-19583}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Palladium catalysts supported on acidic fluorinated magnesium hydroxide Pd/MgF2-x(OH)(x) were prepared through precipitation or impregnation methods. Applications to the hydrogenation of various aldimines and ketimines resulted in good catalytic activities at mild temperatures using one atmosphere of hydrogen. Quinolines, pyridines and other N-heterocycles were successfully hydrogenated at higher temperature and hydrogen pressure using low palladium loadings and without the use of any acid additive. Such reactivity trend confirmed the positive effect of the Bronsted and Lewis acid sites from the fluorinated magnesium hydroxide support resulting in the effective pre-activation of N-heterocycle substrates and therefore in the good catalytic activity of the palladium nanoparticles during the hydrogenations. As demonstrated in the hydrogenation of imines, the catalyst was recycled up to 10 times without either loss of activity or palladium leaching.}, issn = {1144-0546}, doi = {10.1039/d1nj03760a}, author = {Kokane, Reshma and Corre, Yann and Kemnitz, Erhard and Dongare, Mohan K. and Agbossou-Niedercorn, Francine and Michon, Christophe and Umbarkar, Shubhangi B.} } @article {46596, title = {Partially bio-based furyl-functionalized organosoluble poly(ether ether ketone)s}, journal = {Polymer International}, volume = {70}, year = {2021}, month = {AUG}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A new series of partially bio-based (co)poly(ether ether ketone)s bearing pendent furyl groups was synthesized by nucleophilic aromatic substitution polycondensation of varying molar proportions of 4,4 {\textquoteleft}-(furan-2-ylmethylene)bis(2-methoxyphenol) and bisphenol-A with 4,4 {\textquoteleft}-difluorobenzophenone. The chemical structures, compositions and random nature of (co)poly(ether ether ketone)s were confirmed by NMR spectroscopy. Inherent viscosities and number-average molecular weights of the (co)poly(ether ether ketone)s were in the range 0.74-2.90 dL g(-1) and 33 500-46 300 g mol(-1), respectively, indicating the formation of reasonably high molecular weight polymers. (Co)poly(ether ether ketone)s were readily soluble in common organic solvents and could be cast into tough, transparent and flexible films from chloroform solutions. (Co)poly(ether ether ketone)s exhibited 10\% weight loss and glass transition temperatures in the range 429-464 and 152-156 degrees C, respectively. A representative copoly(ether ether ketone) was crosslinked with 1,1 {\textquoteleft}-(methylenedi-1,4-phenylene)bismaleimide via Diels-Alder reaction to form a crosslinked polymer which showed improved mechanical properties and was recycled twice without significant loss of mechanical properties. Diels-Alder/retro Diels-Alder reaction was demonstrated by studies of sol-gel transformation, solubility tests, DSC and stress-strain measurements. (c) 2020 Society of Chemical Industry

}, keywords = {aromatic poly(ether ether ketone)s, bio-based, crosslinking, Diels-Alder reaction, pendent furyl groups}, issn = {0959-8103}, doi = {10.1002/pi.6160}, author = {Kuhire, Sachin S. and Talanikar, Aniket A. and Tawade, V, Bhausaheb and Nagane, Samadhan S. and Wadgaonkar, Prakash P.} } @article {47725, title = {PdP/WO3 multi-functional catalyst with high activity and stability for direct liquid fuel cells (DLFCs)}, journal = {Sustainable Energy \& Fuels}, volume = {5}, year = {2021}, month = {SEP}, pages = {4758-4770}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Direct liquid fuel cells are energy conversion devices which utilize formate and methanol as fuels. These systems are relieved of the problem of H-2 transport and storage, making them highly desirable for various practical applications. However, the low stability and activity of carbon supported catalysts such as Pt/C both in the anode and cathode is a critical hindering factor towards their further development. As a practical solution to overcome this issue, in this work, we report on the development of phosphorus-doped palladium (PdP) nanoparticle-supported tungsten oxide (WO3) nanorods (PdP/WO3) as a versatile multifunctional catalyst for facilitating the oxidation of formate and methanol in the anode and the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in the cathode. Strong metal-support interactions and electronic modifications incurred by the doped phosphorus help this system to achieve desirable properties to enable it to effectively function both for the anode and cathode applications. PdP/WO3 showed 16-times higher mass activity compared to Pt/C even after 3000 start/stop cycles for the ORR. For formate and methanol oxidation, PdP/WO3 exhibited current densities of 0.50 and 0.734 A mg(Pd)(-1), respectively, outperforming the state-of-the-art catalysts. With these bifunctional features, PdP/WO3 stands out as a potential system to be used as an anode and cathode catalyst in direct liquid fuel cells, all the while offering an opportunity for the development of carbon-free electrocatalysts.}, issn = {2398-4902}, doi = {10.1039/d1se00584g}, author = {Kumar, Sachin and Soni, Roby and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {47583, title = {PEGylated ethyl cellulose micelles as a nanocarrier for drug delivery}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {11}, year = {2021}, month = {NOV }, pages = {30532-30543}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Natural polymers provide a better alternative to synthetic polymers in the domain of drug delivery systems (DDSs) because of their renewability, biocompatibility, and low immunogenicity; therefore, they are being studied for the development of bulk/nanoformulations. Likewise, current methods for engineering natural polymers into micelles are in their infancy, and in-depth studies are required using natural polymers as controlled DDSs. Accordingly, in our present study, a new micellar DDS was synthesized using ethyl cellulose (EC) grafted with polyethylene glycol (PEG); it was characterized, its properties, cell toxicity, and hemocompatibility were evaluated, and its drug release kinetics were demonstrated using doxorubicin (DOX) as a model drug. Briefly, EC was grafted with PEG to form the amphiphilic copolymers EC-PEG1 and EC-PEG2 with varying PEG concentrations, and nano-micelles were prepared with and without the drug (DOX) via a dialysis method; the critical micelle concentrations (CMCs) were recorded to be 0.03 mg mL(-1) and 0.00193 mg mL(-1) for EC-PEG1 and EC-PEG2, respectively. The physicochemical properties of the respective nano-micelles were evaluated via various characterization techniques. The morphologies of the nano-micelles were analyzed via transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the average size of the nano-micelles was recorded to be similar to 80 nm. In vitro, drug release studies were done for 48 h, where 100\% DOX release was recorded at pH 5.5 and 52\% DOX release was recorded at pH 7.4 from the micelles. In addition, cytotoxicity studies suggested that DOX-loaded micelles were potent in killing MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cancer cells, and the blank micelles were non-toxic toward cancerous and normal cells. A cellular uptake study via fluorescence microscopy indicated the internalization of DOX-loaded micelles by cancer cells, delivering the DOX into the cellular compartments. Based on these studies, we concluded that the developed material should be studied further via in vivo studies to understand its potential as a controlled DDS to treat cancer.}, doi = {10.1039/d1ra04242d}, author = {Singam, Amarnath and Killi, Naresh and Patel, Pratikshkumar R. and Gundloori, Rathna V. N.} } @article {47778, title = {Performance of Aspergillus niger (NCIM 563) phytase based feed supplement for broiler growth and phosphorus excretion}, journal = {Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology}, volume = {31}, year = {2021}, month = {JAN}, pages = {101887}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Despite availability of commercial enzymes, the phytase produced from relatively inexpensive systems with high yields are gaining global attention in the feed industries in post-antibiotic era. We studied A. niger NCIM 563 Phytase produced in solid state fermentation (SSF) derived Koji powder and evaluated its utility in the poultry feed for broiler growth performance and phosphorous (P) excretion. The ability of phytase in the dried powder was estimated to dephytinize the poultry feed under simulated gastric conditions. Poultry feed was formulated using A. niger NCIM 563 phytase followed by a 42 days feed trial on broilers. After supplementation of phytase to the diet, there was a reduction of dietary P, maintained growth performance, skeletal development of broilers and reduced levels of phytic acid and available P in the litter. Extracellular phytase was able to replace up to 0.1\% P in poultry feed. Minimal downstream processing a low-cost feed supplement with significant phytase activity could provide added advantage for anti-nutrition free poultry feed.}, keywords = {Phosphorus, Phytase, Poultry feed, Solid state fermentation}, isbn = {1878-8181}, doi = {10.1016/j.bcab.2020.101887}, url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1878818120319186}, author = {Puppala, Kumar Raja and Buddhiwant, Priyanka G. and Agawane, Sachin B. and Kadam, Avinash S. and Mote, Chandrashekhar S. and Lonkar, Vijaysinh D. and Khire, Jayant M. and Dharne, Mahesh S.} } @article {47329, title = {Pharmacore maping based on docking, ADME/toxicity, virtual screening on 3,5-dimethyl-1,3,4-hexanetriol and dodecanoic acid derivates for anticancer inhibitors}, journal = {Journal of Biomolecular Structure \& Dynamics}, volume = {39}, year = {2021}, month = {JAN}, pages = {4490-4500}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Plants produced natural generating products play a significant role in drug discovery of new bioactive compounds and these are used for advancement of innovative curative drugs for specific target health diseases. In this study Docking and ADME/T virtual screening method are apply for in drug discovery and can be divided into ligand- and target structure-based. The aim of this study was to analyze theDecalepis hamiltoniiisolated compounds by using the evaluation of molecular docking and virtual screening of anticancer drugs. MOE docking ADME/Toxicity and virtual screening approaches. A docking energy -12.97 kcal/mol; -9.93- kcal/mol on cancer responsible protein was targeted. Further, the compounds were filtered through the rule of five, ADME/Toxicity risk and synthetic accessibility. The active compound were then docked to recognize the possible target binding pocket to obtain a set of a ligand poses and to prioritize the predicted active compounds. The scrutinize compounds, as well as their metabolites were evaluated for different pharmacokinetics parameter such as ADME/Toxicity. Therefore, the result shows that a large number of compounds were found to be ADME/toxicity positive to be a positive drug molecule against cancer, selected compounds under study satisfies parameters for ADME and Toxicity properties. The present study demonstrate to identifying the novel structures which are having similar structural feature with like activity with respect to the compounds 3,5-Dimethyl-1,3,4-Hexanetriol and Dodecanoic acid that are shown best binding energy with the receptors 4igk and 4b3z respectively. This study may provide significant clues for discovery novel drug inhibitors for cancer properties.

}, keywords = {ADME, Decalepis hamiltonii, docking, drug discovery, Toxicity, virtual screening}, issn = {0739-1102}, doi = {10.1080/07391102.2020.1778533}, author = {Prakash, Palanisamy and Vijayasarathi, Durairaj and Selvam, Kuppusamy and Karthi, Sengodan and Manivasagaperumal, Rengarajan} } @article {47038, title = {Phosphorus ligands in hydroformylation and hydrogenation: a personal account}, journal = {Chemical Record}, year = {2021}, month = {MAR}, type = {Article; Early Access}, abstract = {

Metal-catalyzed hydroformylation and hydrogenation heavily rely on ligands, among which phosphorous ligands play a pivotal role. This personal account presents a selection of three distinct classes of phosphorous ligands, namely, monodentate meta-substituted phosphinites, bis-phosphites, and P-chiral supramolecular phosphines, developed in our group. The synthesis of these ligands, isolation, characterization, and their performance in transition metal-catalyzed hydroformylation, isomerizing hydroformylation, and asymmetric hydrogenation of olefins is summarized. The state of the art development in iron-catalyzed hydroformylation of alkenes and our contributions to the field is discussed. Use of phosphines enabled iron-catalyzed hydroformylation of alkenes under mild conditions. Thus, this account demonstrates the central role of phosphorus ligands in industrially relevant transformations such as hydrogenation and hydroformylation. The seemingly matured field of ligand discovery still holds significant potential and will steer the field of homogeneous catalysis.

}, keywords = {Homogeneous catalysis, Hydroformylation, Hydrogenation, Olefins, Phosphorus ligands}, issn = {1527-8999}, doi = {10.1002/tcr.202100007, Early Access Date = MAR 2021}, author = {Tewari, Tanuja and Kumar, Rohit and Chandanshive, Amol C. and Chikkali, Samir H.} } @article {47687, title = {Photoinduced multicomponent regioselective synthesis of 1,4,5-trisubstituted-1,2,3-triazoles: transition metal-, azide- and oxidant-free protocol}, journal = {Advanced Synthesis \& Catalysis}, volume = {363}, year = {2021}, month = {JUL }, pages = {3560-3565}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A transition metal- and azide-free approach is explored to synthesize 1,4,5-trisubstituted-1,2,3-triazoles under sunlight. The reaction proceeds via C-N and N-N bond formations. These regioselective 1,2,3-triazoles are obtained from isatin Schiff bases, benzaldehydes and tosylhydrazine in the presence of base. This protocol offers the structurally diverse 1,2,3-triazole derivatives with 75-90\% yields.}, keywords = {1, 2, 3-triazoles, 4, 5-trisubstituted-1, azide- and oxidant free protocol, Cycloaddition, milder reaction conditions, molecular diversity, Multicomponent reaction, Regioselectivity, transition metal-}, issn = {1615-4150}, doi = {10.1002/adsc.202100321}, author = {Sai Allaka, Bhargava and Basavoju, Srinivas and Rama Krishna, Gamidi} } @article {47710, title = {Plasma-derived extracellular vesicles reveal galectin-3 binding protein as potential biomarker for early detection of glioma}, journal = {Frontiers in Oncology}, volume = {11}, year = {2021}, month = {NOV 26}, pages = {778754}, type = {Article}, abstract = {{Gliomas are the most common type of the malignant brain tumor, which arise from glial cells. They make up about 40\% of all primary brain tumors and around 70\% of all primary malignant brain tumors. They can occur anywhere in the central nervous system (CNS) and have a poor prognosis. The average survival of glioma patients is approximately 6-15 months with poor aspects of life. In this edge, identification of proteins secreted by cancer cells is of special interest because it may provide a better understanding of tumor progression and provide early diagnosis of the diseases. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) were isolated from pooled plasma of healthy controls (n=03) and patients with different grades of glioma (Grade I or II or III}, keywords = {blood-based biomarker, early detection, galectin-3 binding protein, plasma-derived extracellular vesicles, proteomics}, issn = {2234-943X}, doi = {10.3389/fonc.2021.778754}, author = {Rana, Rashmi and Chauhan, Kirti and Gautam, Poonam and Kulkarni, Mahesh and Banarjee, Reema and Chugh, Parul and Chhabra, Satnam Singh and Acharya, Rajesh and Kalra, Samir Kumar and Gupta, Anshul and Jain, Sunila and Ganguly, Nirmal Kumar} } @article {47433, title = {Polycomb group methyltransferase StE(z)2 and deposition of H3K27me3 and H3K4me3 regulate the expression of tuberization genes in potato}, journal = {Journal of Experimental Botany}, volume = {72}, year = {2021}, month = {FEB }, pages = {426-444}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Polycomb repressive complex (PRC) group proteins regulate various developmental processes in plants by repressing target genes via H3K27 trimethylation, and they function antagonistically with H3K4 trimethylation mediated by Trithorax group proteins. Tuberization in potato has been widely studied, but the role of histone modifications in this process is unknown. Recently, we showed that overexpression of StMSI1, a PRC2 member, alters the expression of tuberization genes in potato. As MSI1 lacks histone-modification activity, we hypothesized that this altered expression could be caused by another PRC2 member, StE(z)2, a potential H3K27 methyltransferase in potato. Here, we demonstrate that a short-day photoperiod influences StE(z)2 expression in the leaves and stolons. StE(z)2 overexpression alters plant architecture and reduces tuber yield, whereas its knockdown enhances yield. ChIP-sequencing using stolons induced by short-days indicated that several genes related to tuberization and phytohormones, such as StBEL5/11/29, StSWEET11B, StGA2OX1, and StPIN1 carry H3K4me3 or H3K27me3 marks and/or are StE(z)2 targets. Interestingly, we observed that another important tuberization gene, StSP6A, is targeted by StE(z)2 in leaves and that it has increased deposition of H3K27me3 under long-day (non-induced) conditions compared to short days. Overall, our results show that StE(z)2 and deposition of H3K27me3 and/or H3K4me3 marks might regulate the expression of key tuberization genes in potato.

}, keywords = {ChIP-sequencing, Epigenetics, PcG, photoperiod, polycomb repressive complex, potato tuberization, short-day, Solanum tuberosum, StE(z)2}, issn = {0022-0957}, doi = {10.1093/jxb/eraa468}, author = {Kumar, Amit and Kondhare, Kirtikumar R. and Malankar, Nilam N. and Banerjee, Anjan K.} } @article {47819, title = {Practical synthesis of 5-hydroxy-2(5H)-furanone from furan}, journal = {Results in Chemistry}, volume = {3}, year = {2021}, month = {JAN}, pages = {100170}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A simple, efficient and scalable method for the synthesis of 5-hydroxy-2(5H)-furanone from furan has been developed on a multigram scale. Oxidation of furan has been performed using oxone as the sole oxidant and water as a solvent, which makes this protocol practical and thus industrially applicable.}, keywords = {5-Hydroxy-2(5)-furanone, Furan oxidation, On-water reaction, Oxone, scalable synthesis}, issn = {2211-7156}, doi = {10.1016/j.rechem.2021.100170}, author = {Subhash P. Chavan and Appasaheb L. Kadam} } @article {47360, title = {Process-induced microstructure in viscose and lyocell regenerated cellulose fibers revealed by SAXS and SEM of acid-etched samples}, journal = {ACS Applied Polymer Materials}, volume = {3}, year = {2021}, month = {MAY }, pages = {2598-2607}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Regenerated cellulose fibers represent an important class of bioderived commercial fibers. The traditional viscose process requires the use of environmentally harmful carbon disulfide solvent to produce fibers. Lyocell fibers, produced using a more sustainable recent process, exhibit differences in properties from viscose. These differences arise from their semicrystalline microstructure, formed during fiber spinning. It is widely believed that regenerated cellulose fibers predominantly form fringed fibrillar crystals. We optimize acid etching, followed by SEM as an experimental tool to visualize this fibrillar structure. Acid etching provides sufficient topological contrast to directly visualize similar to O(10 nm) fibrils using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We combine SEM with small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) to reveal other microstructural details. We observe a Bragg peak, indicating the coexistence of stacked lamellar structure with crystalline fibrils for viscose fibers, but not for lyocell. Viscose and lyocell fibers are characterized by partially oriented semicrystalline microstructure. We present a methodology to calculate the Lorentz correction for such microstructure and employ this to analyze the lamellar scattering from viscose fibers using a 1D correlation function approach. We characterize the lamellar microstructure after swelling viscose fibers with water and observe expansion of the Bragg spacing due to water absorption in the amorphous regions. Our data suggest that the water-induced plasticization of amorphous regions is inhomogeneous. Lamellar stacks that are more misoriented from the fiber direction exhibit lower swelling than those along the fiber direction. The experimental methods described in this work reveal interesting details of semicrystalline microstructure in regenerated cellulose fibers, with important implications for the mechanical response of dry and wet fibers. The methods developed here might find use in investigations of other polymer fibers as well.

}, keywords = {acid etching, crystalline lamellae, fibers, fibrils, Lorentz correction, Regenerated cellulose, SAXS}, issn = {2637-6105}, doi = {10.1021/acsapm.1c00204}, author = {Sharma, Aakash and Wankhede, Parnashri and Samant, Roopali and Nagarkar, Shailesh and Thakre, Shirish and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy} } @article {47094, title = {Promoted mesoporous Fe-alumina catalysts for the non-oxidative dehydrogenation of isobutane}, journal = {Catalysis Communications}, volume = {150}, year = {2021}, month = {FEB}, pages = {106263}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Production of isobutene is commercially consequential and highly demanding from the end-use industries being a key platform molecule as well as an intermediate for a variety of value-added chemicals. Traditionally, isobutene is prepared via steam cracking and fluid catalytic cracking methods. However, the catalysts used in these conventional methods have disadvantages like coke formation, sintering, etc. In this study, the catalytic non-oxidative dehydrogenation of isobutane over acidic, alkaline, and noble metal promoted mesoporous iron-doped catalysts was investigated. Iron doping has a significant function in controlling isobutene selectivity. The synthesis method is crucial to achieve successful metal doping in the mesoporous alumina matrix. Promoted catalysts exhibited a notable difference in isobutane conversion with a marginal change in dehydrogenation selectivity. Silver promoted catalyst showed slightly higher isobutene yield due to the optimal catalytic properties. This catalyst was stable for a considerable duration, and coke deposition, as well as particle agglomeration, were observed to faintly inhibit the catalytic activity.

}, keywords = {iron, Isobutane, Isobutene, Mesoporous alumina, Non-oxidative dehydrogenation}, issn = {1566-7367}, doi = {10.1016/j.catcom.2020.106263}, author = {Venugopalan, Aswathy Thareparambil and Kandasamy, Prabu and Gupta, Nikitra Nihalchand and Thirumalaiswamy, Raja} } @article {47050, title = {Protriptyline improves spatial memory and reduces oxidative damage by regulating NF kappa B-BDNF/CREB signaling axis in streptozotocin-induced rat model of Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s disease}, journal = {Brain Research}, volume = {1754}, year = {2021}, month = {MAR }, pages = {147261}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Antidepressants are well known to exert their role via upregulation of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF has been reported to exerts its neuroprotective effect in rodent and primate models as well as in patients of Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s disease (AD). The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of protriptyline (PRT), a tricyclic antidepressant, in streptozotocin (STZ)- induced rat model of AD. Total 10 mu l of STZ was injected into each ventricle (1 mg/kg). PRT (10 mg/kg, i.p.) treatment was started 3-day post STZ administration and continued till 21 days. We found that STZ treatment significantly increased pTau, A beta 42 and BACE-1 expression, oxidative stress and neurodegeneration in hippocampus and cortex of adult rats. STZ induced impairment in spatial learning and retention memory was associated with increased WO and reduced CREB and BDNF expression in cortex and hippocampus. Interestingly, PRT treatment significantly reduced pTau, A beta 42 and BACE-1 levels, neurodegeneration, oxidative stress and glial activation, contributing to the improved spatial learning and retention memory in STZ treated rats. Moreover, PRT treatment significantly improved p-ERK/ERK ratio and enhanced BDNF and CREB levels by reducing NFXB and GFAP expression in STZ treated rats. Our data suggest that impaired NFXB and CREB signaling potentially contribute in AD pathogenesis by elevating oxidative stress and neuroinflammation mediated neurodegeneration. Our study has established protriptyline as a multi target molecule in pre-clinical model of AD and further investigations on PRT like molecules could pave way for further development of effective new treatments in neurodegenerative disorders.

}, keywords = {Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s disease, antidepressant, BDNF, Memory, Oxidative stress, Protriptyline}, issn = {0006-8993}, doi = {10.1016/j.brainres.2020.147261}, author = {Tiwari, Virendra and Mishra, Akanksha and Singh, Sonu and Mishra, Sandeep Kumar and Sahu, Kiran Kumari and Parul and Kulkarni, Mahesh J. and Shukla, Rakesh and Shukla, Shubha} } @article {47348, title = {Quantitative understanding of nucleation and growth kinetics of silver nanowires}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Journal}, volume = {414}, year = {2021}, month = {JUN}, pages = {128711}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We have demonstrated that using polyol synthesis, it is possible to prepare high aspect ratio silver nanowires by controlling the experiments for process related issues which are usually ignored, viz. the overhead space in the batch reactor. It is found that by controlling the presence/absence of NOx gases with refluxing of nitric acid in the batch reactor with an overhead space of 80\% volume, near complete conversion (-99\%) of high aspect ratio NWs (-1000) can be attained. We provide a detailed understanding of other factors assisting in rapid polyol synthesis like temperature, stirring rate, Chloride ion concentration, optimal PVP weight ratios and PVP/AgNO3 ratio that can lead to high aspect ratio NWs. Besides the process parameters and reagent concentration effects, kinetic studies based on our nucleation and R-C Model evaluate the overall reaction rate constants for silver nanowires and the JMAK approach is used to theoretically validate our experimental results of the reactor headspace having strongest effect on the aspect ratios. Our study highlights the importance of various complications in the polyol synthesis, through detailed kinetic modelling and affixes values of temperature, reactor headspace, stirring rate and residence time in order to achieve reproducible synthesis of nanowires with complete conversion along with a method to separate these nanowires.

}, keywords = {Conducting inks, growth, Nucleation, Reaction kinetics, Redox-crystallization, Silver Nanowires}, issn = {1385-8947}, doi = {10.1016/j.cej.2021.128711}, author = {Patil, Suneha and Kate, Prachi R. and Deshpande, Jaydeep B. and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article {47346, title = {Rapid and accurate nucleobase detection using FnCas9 and its application in COVID-19 diagnosis}, journal = {Biosensors \& Bioelectronics}, volume = {183}, year = {2021}, month = {JUL }, pages = {113207}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Rapid detection of DNA/RNA pathogenic sequences or variants through point-of-care diagnostics is valuable for accelerated clinical prognosis, as witnessed during the recent COVID-19 outbreak. Traditional methods relying on qPCR or sequencing are tough to implement with limited resources, necessitating the development of accurate and robust alternative strategies. Here, we report FnCas9 Editor Linked Uniform Detection Assay (FELUDA) that utilizes a direct Cas9 based enzymatic readout for detecting nucleobase and nucleotide sequences without transcleavage of reporter molecules. We also demonstrate that FELUDA is 100\% accurate in detecting single nucleotide variants (SNVs), including heterozygous carriers, and present a simple web-tool JATAYU to aid end-users. FELUDA is semi-quantitative, can adapt to multiple signal detection platforms, and deploy for versatile applications such as molecular diagnosis during infectious disease outbreaks like COVID-19. Employing a lateral flow readout, FELUDA shows 100\% sensitivity and 97\% specificity across all ranges of viral loads in clinical samples within 1hr. In combination with RT-RPA and a smartphone application True Outcome Predicted via Strip Evaluation (TOPSE), we present a prototype for FELUDA for CoV-2 detection closer to home.

}, keywords = {CRISPRDx, FELUDA, FnCas9, LFA, SARS-CoV2, SNV detection}, issn = {0956-5663}, doi = {10.1016/j.bios.2021.113207}, author = {Azhar, Mohd and Phutela, Rhythm and Kumar, Manoj and Ansari, Asgar Hussain and Rauthan, Riya and Gulati, Sneha and Sharma, Namrata and Sinha, Dipanjali and Sharma, Saumya and Singh, Sunaina and Acharya, Sundaram and Sarkar, Sajal and Paul, Deepanjan and Kathpalia, Poorti and Aich, Meghali and Sehgal, Paras and Ranjan, Gyan and Bhoyar, Rahul C. and Singhal, Khushboo and Lad, Harsha and Patra, Pradeep Kumar and Makharia, Govind and Chandak, Giriraj Ratan and Pesala, Bala and Chakraborty, Debojyoti and Maiti, Souvik and Indian CoV2 Genomics Genetic Epide} } @article {47618, title = {Reactivity of (TMS)(2)N(eta(1)-Cp*)Si=Si(eta(1)-Cp*)N(TMS)(2) toward the Halides of Groups 13-15}, journal = {Organometallics}, volume = {40}, year = {2021}, month = {JUN }, pages = {1874-1883}, type = {Article}, abstract = {In this paper, we have demonstrated the unique reactivity of a previously reported disilene [(TMS)(2)N(eta(1)-Me5C5)Si=Si(eta(1)-Me5C5)N(TMS)(2)] (1) with the halides of groups 13-15, which resulted in the formation of silicon-E (E = B, Al, Ge, P) bonds. Treatment of 1 with Lewis acidic BCl3 led to the formation of a cationic boron species [Cp*BSi(Cl)(2)N(TMS)(2))][BCl3SiCl3] (2). In contrast, the reaction of 1 with BCy2Cl afforded an oxidative addition product [(TMS)(2)N(eta(1)-Me5C5)Si(BCy2)(Cl)] (3) via the insertion of a Si(II) atom into the B-Cl bond. Extending the reaction with its higher congener led to classical Lewis acid-base adducts, (TMS)(2)N(eta(1)-Me5C5)Si -> AlCl3 (4) and (TMS)(2)N(eta(1)-Me5C5)Si -> AlBr3 (5), respectively. The reaction of GeCl2 with 1 proceeded in a completely different manner and resulted in a hybrid dendrimeric compound [HGe(Si(Cl)(2)N(TMS)(2))(3)] (6), whereas, with SnCl2, it led to Cp*SnCl (7). Lastly, the reaction of Ph2PCl followed the same pattern like Cy2BCl and led to the formation of an oxidative addition product [(TMS)(2)N(eta(1)-Me5C5)Si(PPh2)(Cl)] (9) with a Si-P bond.}, issn = {0276-7333}, doi = {10.1021/acs.organomet.1c00203}, author = {Sen, Nilanjana and Parvin, Nasrina and Tothadi, Srinu and Khan, Shabana} } @article {47773, title = {Review on liquid chromatographic analysis of colchicine in the forensic and medical perspective}, journal = {Toxicologie Analytique et Clinique}, volume = {33}, year = {2021}, month = {DEC}, pages = {276-287}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Colchicine is a tricyclic alkaloid extracted from the family of plants called Colchicaceae. Colchicine is pharmacologically active and works as an anti-mitotic agent. The alkaloid has a narrow therapeutic index, and a slight increase in colchicine concentration can lead to toxicity, and an overdose can be fatal to the individual. This nature of the alkaloid has made the scientific community interested in the analysis of colchicine. This critical review mainly comprises an analytical overview of the extraction and the liquid chromatographic (LC) analysis of colchicine in the field of forensic and medical toxicology. The prominent extraction techniques, detectors, and liquid chromatographic parameters favorable for colchicine estimation have been discussed in this paper. This review has covered the relevant research works within a timeline of two decades based on the scope of the literature and the scientific importance.}, doi = {10.1016/j.toxac.2021.07.007}, author = {Krishna, Rohith and Shivankar, Bhavana} } @article {47051, title = {Rhamonolipids produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa promotes methane hydrates formation in fixed bed silica gel medium}, journal = {Marine Geophysical Research}, volume = {42}, year = {2021}, month = {MAR}, pages = {5}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Natural gas hydrates are seen as an alternative future energy source. They have also been valued for their carbon dioxide capturing capability, gas separation, desalination, natural gas storage and transportation. Developing economical and viable gas hydrate based technology is one of the most promising research areas of present decade. Successful commercialization of gas hydrate based technology is often curtailed due to slow formation rate. The present study evaluates biosurfactant as a kinetic promoter of methane hydrates formation in a fixed bed C type silica gel medium. Biosurfactant was produced by growing Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain A11 in glycerol supplemented mineral salt medium. Biosurfactant characterization with FTIR, NMR and MALDI-TOF spectroscopy reveled it to be a glycolipids type biosurfactant namely rhamnolipids. Saturating C type silica gel with of 100 ppm rhamnolipids solution enhanced the rate of methane hydrates formation by reducing the induction time. Mole of methane consumed and percentage of water to hydrate conversion was observed to be more in 1000 ppm rhamnolipids saturated C type silica gel as compared to quiescent water system and water saturated silica gel system. Overall results suggest that rhamonolipids produced by strain A11 in combination with silica gel can be utilized as environmentally safe kinetic promoter for methane hydrate formation.

}, keywords = {Biosurfactant, Energy, Glycolipids, Induction time, Kinetic promoter}, issn = {0025-3235}, doi = {10.1007/s11001-020-09426-6}, author = {Arora, Amit and Cameotra, Swaranjit Singh and Balomajumder, Chandrajit and Kumar, Rajnish and Singh, Anil Kumar and Santhakumari, B. and Kumar, Pushpendra and Laik, Sukumar} } @article {47831, title = {Rigidity dictates spontaneous helix formation of thermoresponsive colloidal chains in poor solvent}, journal = {ACS Nano}, volume = {15}, year = {2021}, month = {DEC}, pages = {19702-19711}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The formation of helical motifs typically requires specific directional interactions. Here, we demonstrate that isotropic interparticle attraction can drive self-assembly of colloidal chains into thermo-reversible helices, for chains with a critical level of backbone rigidity. We prepare thermoresponsive colloidal chains by cross-linking PNIPAM microgel-coated polystyrene colloids ({\textquotedblleft}monomers{\textquotedblright}), aligned in an AC electric field. We control the chain rigidity by varying cross-linking time. Above the LCST of PNIPAM, there is an effective attraction between monomers so that the colloidal chains are in a bad solvent. On heating, the chains decrease in size. For the most rigid chains, the decrease is modest and is not accompanied by a change in shape. Much less rigid chains form relatively compact structures, resulting in a large increase in the local monomer density. Unusually, chains with intermediate rigidity spontaneously assemble into helical structures. The chain helicity increases with temperature and plateaus above the collapse transition temperature of the microgel particles. We simulate a minimal model that captures the spontaneous emergence of the helical conformations of the polymeric chain and provides insight into this shape transition. Our work suggests that a purely mechanical instability for semiflexible filaments can drive helix formation, without the need to invoke directional interactions.}, doi = {10.1021/acsnano.1c07048}, author = {Biswas, Bipul and Mitra, Debarshi and KP, Fayis and Bhat, Suresh and Chatterji, Apratim and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy} } @article {47823, title = {Role of chemical structure of support in enhancing the catalytic activity of a single atom catalyst toward NRR: a computational study}, journal = {Frontiers in Chemistry}, volume = {9}, year = {2021}, month = {SEP}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Using the periodic density functional theory{\textendash}based methodology, we propose a potential catalytic system for dinitrogen activation, viz., single metal atoms (Mo, Fe, and V) supported on graphene-based sheets. Graphene-based sheets show an excellent potential toward the anchoring of single atoms on them (Mo, Fe, and V) with adsorption energies ranging between 1.048 and 10.893~eV. Factors such as defects and BN doping are noted to enhance the adsorption energies of single metal atoms on the support. The adsorption of a dinitrogen molecule on metal atom{\textendash}anchored graphene-based supports is seen to be highly favorable, ranging between 0.620 and 2.278~eV. The adsorption is driven through a direct hybridization between the d orbitals of the metal atom (Mo, Fe, and V) on the support and the p orbital of the molecular nitrogen. Noticeably, BN-doped graphene supporting a single metal atom (Mo, Fe, and V) activates the N2 molecule with a red shift in the N{\textendash}N stretching frequency (1,597~cm-1 as compared to 2,330~cm-1 in the free N2 molecule). This red shift is corroborated by an increase in the N{\textendash}N bond length (1.23~{\r A} from 1.09~{\r A}) and charge transfer to an N2 molecule from the catalyst.}, issn = {2296-2646}, doi = {10.3389/fchem.2021.733422}, author = {Senthamaraikannan, Thillai Govindaraja and Kaliaperumal, Selvaraj and Krishnamurty, Sailaja} } @article {47641, title = {Role of preparation parameters of Cu-Zn mixed oxide catalyst in solvent free glycerol carbonylation with urea}, journal = {Journal of the Indian Chemical Society}, volume = {98}, year = {2021}, month = {JUL}, pages = {100090}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Solvent-free carbonylation of glycerol with urea to glycerol carbonate (GC) was achieved over heterogeneous Cu-Zn mixed oxide catalyst. Cu-Zn catalysts with different ratios of Cu:Zn were prepared using co-precipitation (CP) and oxalate gel (OG) methods. As compared to CuO-ZnO(2:1) catalyst prepared by oxalate gel (OG) method, much higher conversion of glycerol and highest selectivity towards glycerol carbonate (GC) was achieved with CuO-ZnO_CP(2:1) catalyst. Physicochemical properties of prepared catalysts were investigated by using XRD, FT-IR, BET, TPD of CO2 and NH3 and TEM techniques. The effect of stoichiometric ratio of Cu/Zn, calcination temperature of CuO-ZnO catalysts and effect of reaction parameters such as molar ratio of substrates, time and temperature on glycerol conversion to GC were critically studied. Cu/Zn of 2:1 ratio, glycerol-urea 1:1 molar ratio, 145 degrees C reaction temperatures were found to be optimized reaction conditions to achieve highest glycerol conversion of 86\% and complete selectivity towards GC. The continuous expel of NH 3 from reaction the mixture avoided formation of ammonia complex with CuO-ZnO catalyst. As a result of this, CuO-ZnO catalyst could be recycled up to three times without losing its initial activity.}, keywords = {Co-precipitation (CP), Glycerol, Glycerol carbonate, Oxalate gel (OG)}, issn = {0019-4522}, doi = {10.1016/j.jics.2021.100090}, author = {Charate, Shrinivas and Shinde, Suhas and Kondawar, Sharda and Desai, Uday and Wadgaonkar, Prakash and Rode, Chandrashekhar} } @article {47047, title = {Ru-catalyzed asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of alpha-acyl butyrolactone via dynamic kinetic resolution: asymmetric synthesis of bis-THF alcohol intermediate of darunavir}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {66}, year = {2021}, month = {MAR }, pages = {152831}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The Ru-catalyzed enantio- and diastereoselective dynamic kinetic resolution of alpha-(benzyloxy/benzoyloxy)acyl-gamma-butyrolactones has been examined via transfer hydrogenation. Employing the in situ prepared (R,R)-Ru-FsDPEN catalyst, the transfer hydrogenation of using formic acid/triethylamine at rt gave the corresponding (S)-3-((S)-2-(benzyloxy/benzoyloxy)-1-hydroxyethyl)dihydrofuran-2(3H)-on e with good to excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivity. One of the resulting hydrogenation product prepared on gram scales was utilized for the synthesis of (3R,3aS,6aR)-hexahydrofuro[2,3-b]furan-3-ol (1), a key synthetic intermediate of various HIV protease inhibitors such as darunavir with excellent enantio-(95\% ee) and diastereoselectivities (dr 95:5). (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Bis-THF-OH intermediate, Darunavir, Dynamic kinetic resolution, Ru-catalysis, transfer hydrogenation}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2021.152831}, author = {More, V. Ganesh and Malekar, V. Pushpa and Kalshetti, Rupali G. and Shinde, Mahesh H. and Ramana, V. Chepuri} } @article {47423, title = {Scalable, sustainable and catalyst-free continuous flow ozonolysis of fatty acids}, journal = {Green Chemistry}, volume = {23}, year = {2021}, month = {MAR}, pages = {2391-2396}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A simple and efficient catalyst-free protocol for continuous flow synthesis of azelaic acid is developed from the renewable feedstock oleic acid. An ozone and oxygen mixture was used as the reagent for oxidative cleavage of double bond without using any metal catalyst or terminal oxidant. The target product was scaled up to more than 100 g with 86\% yield in a white powder form. Complete recycling and reuse of the solvent were established making it a green method. The approach is significantly energy efficient and also has a very small chemical footprint. The methodology has been successfully tested with four fatty acids making it a versatile platform that gives value addition from renewable resources.

}, issn = {1463-9262}, doi = {10.1039/d0gc04021e}, author = {Atapalkar, Ranjit S. and Athawale, Paresh R. and Reddy, D. Srinivasa and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article {47674, title = {Seed-mediated growth of Pt on high-index faceted Au nanocrystals: the ag lining and implications for electrocatalysis}, journal = {ACS Applied Nano Materials}, volume = {4}, year = {2021}, month = {SEP }, pages = {9155-9166}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Bimetallic Au@Pt nanocrystals (NCs) offer a unique combination of plasmonic and catalytic properties and are a growing field of research. Herein, we report an unusual observation in the behavior of silver ions (Ag+) which was found to play a dominant role in dictating the Pt deposition in a seed-mediated growth method. {\textquoteleft}While the literature is replete with various instances of Ag-assisted Pt deposition whereby higher concentration of Ag+ translates into a thicker Pt shell, in the present study, contradictory observations were made. In the presence of lower amounts of Ag+, thick Pt shells were visualized, while at higher concentrations of Ag+, the extent of Pt deposition via the galvanic replacement reaction was reduced. Additionally, the presence of Ag was deemed necessary for the Pt deposition to take place, either in the form of an underpotential deposition layer on the Au NCs or by introducing Ag+ in the growth solution. We have demonstrated our findings on two different Au NCs enclosed with high-index facets, concave cuboid, and elongated tetrahexahedra, which mirror similar observations and provide generality to our claim. To the best of our knowledge, the time required for Pt deposition on the Au core in the present work is the least among the reported seed-mediated routes. Furthermore, this work, besides presenting a facile and general route for the amalgamation of catalytic and plasmonic properties in hybrid Pt-Au NCs, sheds light on the mechanistic aspects of Ag-assisted wet-chemical generation of bimetallic Au@Pt NCs. The overall electrocatalytic performance of our Au@Pt NCs toward the oxygen reduction reaction was realized to be impressive.}, keywords = {bimetallic nanostructure, galvanic replacement reaction, high-index facet, oxygen reduction reaction, seed-mediated growth, underpotential deposition}, doi = {10.1021/acsanm.1c01714}, author = {Roy, Debashree and Rajendra, Ranguwar and Gangadharan, Pranav K. and Pandikassala, Ajmal and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Ballav, Nirmalya} } @article {47427, title = {Short enantioselective total synthesis of (+)-tofacitinib}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {67}, year = {2021}, month = {MAR}, pages = {152838}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

An enantioselective total synthesis of Tofacitinib (CP-690,550), a Janus tyrosine kinase (JAK3) specific inhibitor has been achieved from the readily available 4-piperidone. Proline catalysed hydroxylation is the key step for the synthesis of enantiopure 1-benzyl-4-methylpiperidin-3-ol. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {aminohydroxylation, Hydrogenation, L-proline, piperidone}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2021.152838}, author = {Mane, Kishor D. and Kamble, Rohit B. and Suryavanshi, Gurunath} } @article {47345, title = {Significance of secondary forces toward improving the charge carrier mobility of Isoindigo based conjugated small molecules}, journal = {Chemical Physics Letters}, volume = {774}, year = {2021}, month = {JUL}, pages = {138621}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The charge carrier mobility of conjugated small molecules (CSMs) depends on the intermolecular interactions and morphology. Herein, we report the synthesis of CSMs having different side chains. Hydrogen bonding, lipophilic imbalance and van der Waals interactions are imparted through the asymmetric substitution of Isoindigo. The secondary forces impact thin film morphology, and charge carrier mobility. The CSMs having van der Waals interaction further shows higher charge carrier mobility as a function of improved morphology, and increased temperature. The highest mobility of 0.15 cm2/Vs has been achieved for CSMs with van der Waals interaction.

}, keywords = {Conjugated small molecules, Isoindigo, mobility, OFET, Secondary force}, issn = {0009-2614}, doi = {10.1016/j.cplett.2021.138621}, author = {Dharmapurikar, Satej S. and Kashmir, Arulraj Arul and Kumari, Tanya and Kalalawe, Virbhadra and Kanetkar, Maruti and Chini, Mrinmoy Kumar} } @article {47580, title = {Single-pot alcoholysis of furfuryl alcohol to alkyl levulinates using heterogenized p-TSA catalyst**}, journal = {ChemistrySelect}, volume = {6}, year = {2021}, month = {JUL }, pages = {6636-6643}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Synthesis of levulinate esters which are known to be excellent sustainable fuel additives, was achieved by alcoholysis of furfuryl alcohol over strong solid acid catalyst, prepared by copolymerization of p-toluenesulfonic acid with paraformaldehyde. Our catalyst possessed Bronsted acidity (3 mmol/g) with an excellent stability up to 220 degrees C. XPS, FT-IR and Pyridine-IR along with microanalysis studies confirmed the presence of terminal -SO3H functional groups responsible for Bronsted acidity in the catalyst. The catalyst was found to efficiently catalyze the alcoholysis of furfuryl alcohol to give alkyl levulinates under mild reaction conditions. The complete conversion of furfuryl alcohol with 96 \% and 97 \% selectivities to ethyl and butyl levulinates could be achieved using ethanol and butanol, respectively. Detailed study on effect of various reaction parameters like catalyst loading, reaction time and reaction temperature on conversion and product distribution was also carried out for the ethanolysis of furfuryl alcohol to ethyl levulinate. The catalyst could be easily recovered and recycled for five times successfully, with no loss in its original activity.}, keywords = {Biomass, ethyl levulinate, Fuel additive, Furfuryl alcohol, heterogeneous catalysis}, issn = {2365-6549}, doi = {10.1002/slct.202101392}, author = {Patil, Chetana R. and Kamble, Sanjay P. and Rode, Chandrashekhar V.} } @article {47459, title = {Slip behavior during pressure driven flow of Laponite suspension}, journal = {Physics of Fluids}, volume = {33}, year = {2021}, month = {MAY}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We investigate pressure driven pipe flow of Laponite suspension, as a model thixotropic fluid. The tendency of the suspension to age is controlled by addition of sodium chloride salt to vary the ionic strength. We use a syringe pump to prescribe the flow and observe that a steady state flow is obtained. Unusually, the steady state pressure drop required to maintain a constant flow rate decreases with an increase in the flow rate, in qualitative contrast to the expectation for Poiseuille flow. We demonstrate that experimental results obtained by varying the flow rate, salt concentration, and flow geometry (pipe diameter and length) can be collapsed onto a single universal curve that can be rationalized by invoking slip of the suspension at the tube walls. The Laponite suspension exhibits plug-like flow, yielding at the tube walls. Our results suggest that the slip length varies linearly with the flow rate and inversely with the tube diameter.

}, doi = {10.1063/5.0051044}, author = {Kamdi, Prophesar M. and Orpe, Ashish V. and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy} } @article {47695, title = {Solvent extraction of copper enhanced by mixing cavities in micromixer}, journal = {Solvent Extraction Research and Development-Japan}, volume = {28}, year = {2021}, month = {JUL}, pages = {37-47}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A Y micromixer with a macroscopic mixing cavity at the inlet junction was developed. The effects of the mixing cavity on the improvement of extraction of copper by LIX 841 were investigated. The investigated parameters and their ranges were: overall flow rate: 10 - 200 mL/min; microchannel size: 0.5 - 1 mm and mixing cavity diameter: 5 - 20 mm. Extraction efficiency, volumetric mass transfer coefficient, kinetics and pressure drop were investigated. The extraction efficiency and the volumetric mass transfer coefficient in the cavity micromixer were significantly higher than the Y micromixer. The volumetric mass transfer coefficient ranged between 1 - 93 s(-1), and the pressure drop between 50 - 500 kPa. The residence time required in the micromixers was two orders of magnitude lesser than that of an agitated batch reactor.}, issn = {1341-7215}, doi = {10.15261/serdj.28.37}, author = {Sheik, Abdul Rauf and Kulkarni, Amol A. and Sanjay, Kali} } @article {47377, title = {Solvent free, environment benign synthesis of 1,4-dihydropyridines and polyhydroquinolines by using heterogeneous Zn/MCM-41 catalyst}, journal = {Research on Chemical Intermediates}, volume = {47}, year = {2021}, month = {AUG}, pages = {3263-3287}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Heterogeneous catalysis has been utilized in number of efficient reactions with higher selectivity of the product, more stable, reusable and easy for separation as compared to homogeneous catalysts. Generally, heterogeneous catalysts are prepared by using mesoporous materials, microporous materials, metal oxides and metal organic framework. The mesoporous materials have small particle size and high surface area as compared to the microporous materials. The adsorbent mesoporous materials have highly efficient for the therapeutic applications in chemistry hence it has best as compared to other heterogeneous materials. Herein, we have reported synthesis of 1,4-dihydropyridines and polyhydroquinolines at solvent free and environmental benign condition in the presence of Zn/MCM-41 catalyst. The present protocol gives excellent yield (89-96\%) of the product within short reaction time by easy work up procedure and no need of further purification of product. The catalyst was characterized by XRD diffractometer, SEM, EDAX, TGA-DTA, BET surface area analysis and FT-IR Spectroscopy. The synthesized organic compounds were characterized by FT-IR, H-1 NMR, C-13 NMR, LC-MS spectrometry.

}, keywords = {High activity, High selectivity, mesoporous materials, microporous materials, Reusability of catalyst}, issn = {0922-6168}, doi = {10.1007/s11164-021-04473-z, Early Access Date = APR 2021}, author = {Dhengale, Shankar D. and Naik, Vaibhav M. and Kolekar, Govind B. and Rode, Chandrashekhar V. and Anbhule, Prashant V.} } @article {47442, title = {Spatio-temporal resolution of taxonomic and functional microbiome of Lonar soda lake of India reveals metabolic potential for bioremediation}, journal = {Chemosphere}, volume = {264}, year = {2021}, month = {FEB}, pages = {128574}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Lonar Lake, India; a hypersaline and hyperalkaline extremophilic ecosystem having a unique microbial population has been rarely explored for bioremediation aspects. MinION-based shotgun sequencing was used to comprehensively compare the microbial diversity and functional potential of xenobiotic degradation pathways with seasonal changes. Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were prevalent bacterial phyla in the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon samples. Functional analysis from SEED-subsystem and KEGG database revealed 28 subsystems and 18 metabolic pathways for the metabolism of aromatic compounds and xenobiotic biodegradation respectively. Occurrence of N-phenyl alkanoic, benzoate, biphenyl, chloroaromatic, naphthalene, and phenol degradation genes depicted varied abundance in the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon samples. Further, KEGG analysis indicated nitrotoluene degradation pathway (ko00633) abundant in post-monsoon samples, and the benzoate degradation pathway (ko00362) predominant in 19LN4S (pre-monsoon) than 18LN7S (post-monsoon) samples. The abundant genes for benzoate degradation were pcaI: 3-oxoadipate CoA-transferase, alpha subunit, pcaH: protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase, beta subunit, and pcaB: 3-carboxy-cis, cis-muconate cycloisomerase, and 4-oxalocrotonate tautomerase. This metagenomic study provides a unique blueprint of hitherto unexplored xenobiotic biodegradation genes/pathways in terms of seasonal variations in the Lonar Lake, and warrants active exploitation of microbes for bioremediation purposes.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128574}, author = {Chakraborty, Jaya and Rajput, Vinay and Sapkale, Vibhavari and Kamble, Sanjay and Dharne, Mahesh} } @article {47714, title = {Stabilization of the elusive antimony(I) cation and its coordination complexes with transition metals}, journal = {Angewandte Chemie-International Edition}, volume = {60}, year = {2021}, month = {NOV}, pages = {25522-25529}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Upon stabilization by 5,6-bis(diisopropylphosphino)acenaphthene to form compound 1, the fugitive antimony (I) cation exhibited nucleophilic behavior towards coinage metals. Compound 1 was strategically synthesized at room temperature from SbCl3, the bis(phosphine), and trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate taken in a 1:2:3 ratio, whereby the bis(phosphine) plays the dual role of a reductant and a supporting ligand. The generation of 1 involves two-electron oxidation of the ligand to form a P-P bonded diphosphonium dication. Compound 1 was separated from this dication to give both products in pure form in moderate yields. Despite the overall positive charge, the Sb-I site in 1 was found to bind to metal centers, forming complexes with Au-I, Ag-I and Cu-I. Compound 1 reduced Cu-II to Cu-I and formed a coordination complex with the resulting Cu-I species. The effects of the electron-rich bis(phosphine) and the constrained peri geometry in stabilizing and enhancing the nucleophilicity of 1 have been rationalized through computational studies.}, keywords = {antimony(I) cation, coordination modes, nucleophilicity, phosphine ligands, reduction}, issn = {1433-7851}, doi = {10.1002/anie.202111339}, author = {Kumar, Vikas and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Yildiz, Cem B. and Majumdar, Moumita} } @article {47659, title = {Stereoselective total synthesis of (+/-)-pleurospiroketals A and B}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {86}, year = {2021}, month = {OCT }, pages = {13572-13582}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A full account of our efforts toward the stereoselective total synthesis of sesquiterpenoid-derived natural products (+/-)-pleurospiroketals A and B is described. Commercially available 3-methyl-2-cyclohexenone and 2,2-dimethyloxirane were used as key building blocks, and the substrate-controlled stereoselection was exploited to access the entire stereochemistry of these natural products. Initially, a planned synthetic route involving a [6,5]-bicyclic lactone intermediate was found to be insurmountable, and the later strategy comprising OsO4-NMO-mediated dihydroxylation of 3-methyl-2-cyclohexenone, followed by Luche reduction, Eschenmoser methylenation, and Bronsted acid-induced spiroketalization steps, was ultimately identified as the reliable strategy.}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/acs.joc.1c01634}, author = {Thorat, Sagar S. and Krishna, Gamidi Rama and Kontham, Ravindar} } @article {47363, title = {Strategies for the synthesis of furo-pyranones and their application in the total synthesis of related natural products}, journal = {Organic Chemistry Frontiers}, volume = {8}, year = {2021}, month = {MAY}, pages = {2110-2162}, type = {Review}, abstract = {

The furo-pyranone framework is widely present in the molecular structure of various biologically potent natural products and un-natural small molecules, and it represents a valuable target in synthetic organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry. In the last five decades, numerous innovative synthetic methodologies have been disclosed for these bis-oxacyclic fused heterocycles, expanding the scope of accessible building blocks, efficient and affordable catalysis, facile reaction conditions, and overall practicality of the process. In this comprehensive review article, we focus on showcasing the complete spectrum (from the first report in the 1970s to the latest disclosure in 2020) of efforts devoted towards the synthesis of diverse classes of furo-pyranones through systematization and critical analysis of the accumulated experimental knowledge and their elegant applications in total syntheses of biologically interesting related natural products.

}, issn = {2052-4129}, doi = {10.1039/d0qo01421d}, author = {Thorat, Sagar S. and Kontham, Ravindar} } @article {47661, title = {Substrate augmented catalytic activity towards NRR: a case study of Li doped Al clusters on defective graphene}, volume = {566}, year = {2021}, month = {NOV}, pages = {150586}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Density Functional Theory (DFT) based methods are applied to examine the potential of lithium doped aluminium clusters consisting of 3-13 atoms for dinitmgen molecule activation in terms of N N bond length, redshift in N N bond stretching frequency, nitrogen interaction energy and frontier molecular orbitals analysis. The present work highlights the role of monovacant C-3 defective graphene as a support in fine tuning the catalytic activity of Li doped Al clusters for reduction of N-2. Fundamental insights to synergic binding of clusters with defective graphene is brought out and its role in enhancing activation of dinitmgen molecule is explained. Supported Aln-1Li clusters with six or more atoms are noted to be more active towards N-2 molecule activation as compared to the clusters without support. Dinitrogen molecule undergoes a maximum bond elongation of 1.56 angstrom corresponding to redshift of 1690 cm(-1) on Al7Li@graphene and Al12Li@graphene. This is maximum value reported in context of activation for N-2 molecule till date.}, keywords = {Al clusters, Al12Li, C-3 defective graphene, DFT, Li Doping, N-2 activation, Red-shift}, issn = {0169-4332}, doi = {10.1016/j.apsusc.2021.150586}, author = {Samal, Pragnya Paramita and Poonam and Krishnamurty, Sailaja} } @article {47603, title = {Sulfonated polyvinyl alcohol ionomer membrane favoring smooth electrodeposition of zinc for aqueous rechargeable zinc metal batteries}, journal = {Sustainable Energy \& Fuels}, volume = {5}, year = {2021}, month = {OCT}, pages = {5557-5564}, type = {Article}, abstract = {One of the failure mechanisms of aqueous rechargeable zinc metal batteries (AZMBs) involves high surface area zinc (HSAZ)/dendrite-like deposits over the Zn-metal anode during long-term cycling. Negatively charged (anionic) polymeric ionomer electrolyte membranes and separators are known for suppressing the dendrite-/HSAZ-induced failure of AZMBs. However, the preparation of cost-effective and non-fluorinated ionomers from cheap and environmentally friendly polymers is essential to leverage the feasibility of AZMBs. The current work demonstrates the potential of an ionomer electrolyte membrane (P-AS-C-Zn) made by the crystallization-induced physical cross-linking of sulfonated poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVS) and poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as a dendrite-/HSAZ-inhibiting separator for AZMBs. The P-AS-C-Zn membranes exhibited excellent Zn plating/stripping behavior with a stable voltage vs. time profile beyond 1100 h, compared to their neutral PVA-C-Zn counterpart without any ionomer character (cell failure at close to 280 h). Applying the optimized P-AS-C-Zn membrane in a MnO2||Zn full cell helps retain about 50\% of the initial capacity close to 600 cycles in the absence of extra manganese salt in the electrolyte, which is indeed promising.}, issn = {2398-4902}, doi = {10.1039/d1se00865j}, author = {Vijayakumar, Vidyanand and Torris, Arun and Kurian, Maria and Mathew, Megha Mary and Ghosh, Meena and Khairnar, Ajay B. and Badiger, Manohar V. and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {47753, title = {Supported MoOx and WOx solid acids for biomass valorization: interplay of coordination chemistry, acidity, and catalysis}, journal = {ACS Catalysis}, volume = {11}, year = {2021}, month = {NOV}, pages = {13603-13648}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Supported molybdenum oxide (MoOx) and tungsten oxide (WOx) materials are a vital class of solid acid catalysts for the chemical industry because of their nontoxic nature, strong acidity, remarkable stability in water, hydrogen, and oxygen atmospheres, and excellent reusability performance. These fascinating solid acids play a pivotal role in developing sustainable catalytic routes for renewable biomass processing to produce value-added fuels, chemicals, and platform molecules. The coordination chemistry of MoOx and WOx on the support materials (oxides, carbons, or zeolites) controls their acidic strength, active site accessibility, and catalytic activity. Hence, significant efforts have been made toward optimizing the conditions used for catalyst synthesis and biomass processing to tune the coordination chemistry of MoOx and WOx with the substrate molecules and, thus, their acid-activity/selectivity performance. This Review provides a comprehensive overview of supported MoOx and WOx solid acids for biomass valorization. The importance of the biomass and the role of solid acids for biomass valorization were emphasized, followed by a brief discussion of supported MoOx and WO(x )solid acids. Afterward, the interplay of coordination chemistry, acidic strength, and catalytic activity of supported MoOx and WOx solid acids was discussed. Finally, their catalytic applications for the valorization of several biomass substrates and their derivatives were summarized. This Review will provide valuable insights for developing advanced supported WOx and MoOx solid acids for catalytic biomass valorization and other challenging acid-catalyzed processes.}, keywords = {Acidity, biomass valorization, catalysis, Coordination chemistry, molybdenum oxide, tungsten oxide}, issn = {2155-5435}, doi = {10.1021/acscatal.1c03326}, author = {Sudarsanam, Putla and Gupta, Navneet Kumar and Mallesham, Baithy and Singh, Nittan and Kalbande, Pavan Narayan and Reddy, Benjaram M. and Sels, Bert F.} } @article {47075, title = {SWATH-MS based quantitative proteomics analysis to evaluate the antileishmanial effect of Commiphora wightii- Guggul and amphotericin B on a clinical isolate of Leishmania donovani (vol 223, 103800, 2020)}, journal = {Journal of Proteomics}, volume = {232}, year = {2021}, month = {FEB }, type = {Correction}, abstract = {

Drug resistance and relapse after treatment of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) with the chemotherapeutic drugs has impeded the VL elimination programme especially, in the endemic region of Bihar, India. Currently, Antimonials (Sbv) have been rendered obsolete (Bihar) as frequent treatment failure and relapse in Sbv treated patient{\textquoteright}s warrants greater vigilance and attention to the limited drugs. A clinical isolate of L.donovani obtained from an Amphotericin B (AmB) relapse patient was evaluated for its susceptibility to AmB and a hyperlipidemic drug Guggul. The evaluation of susceptibility or resistance to any drug still relies on in vitro assay on promastigote and amastigote stages of Leishmania spp. as there are no validated markers which can ascertain drug resistance in Leishmania. The anti-promastigote effect of AmB and Guggul were demonstrated by significant cellular and morphological changes exhibiting apoptosis-mediated cell death. To further illustrate the molecular mechanism of the parasite{\textquoteright}s response upon exposure to either AmB and Guggul, sequential window acquisition of all theoretical fragment ion spectra mass spectrometry (SWATH-MS) for quantitative proteomics analysis was performed along with computational data analysis; revealing considerable differences in the proteome profiles which could be regarded as putative markers for resistance or drug targets for development of therapeutic antileishmanials.

}, issn = {1874-3919}, doi = {10.1016/j.jprot.2020.104017}, author = {Routaray, Chinmayee Bar and Bhor, Renuka and Bai, Shakuntala and Kadam, Nitin Suryakant and Jagtap, Surabhi and Doshi, Pooja Jignesh and Sundar, Shyam and Sawant, Sangeeta and Kulkarni, Mahesh J. and Pai, Kalpana} } @article {47311, title = {Synergistic effect of B site co-doping with Co and Ce in bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysis by oxygen deficient brownmillerite Ba2In2O5}, journal = {Catalysis Today}, volume = {375}, year = {2021}, month = {SEP}, pages = {494-500}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Specificity in oxygen reduction and evolution reactions is pivotal in bifunctional catalysts in advanced energy devices which are expected to be active in a wide potential window and stable in both electrochemically reducing and oxidising atmospheres. State of the art noble metal catalysts for these reactions are fraught with issues whereas, metal oxides are expected to be stable in large potential window and can be tuned to have better bifunctional activity. Catalytically active metals, redox centres, oxygen vacancies etc. are some of the features of structured oxides which can be exploited in oxygen electrocatalysis. Brownmillerite family of compounds with general formula, A2B2O5\ has high concentrations of ordered oxygen vacancy in a layer and can be promising bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts, by appropriate B site doping. Ba2In2O5\ is a well-studied system for its oxide ion conductivity and proximity of active B sites to O vacancies provide good O adsorption sites which are catalytically active. Here, cobalt and cerium are co-doped in Ba2In2O5, anticipating a synergistic effect of Ce(III)/Ce(IV) redox centre in ORR and Co activity in OER along with O vacancies providing adsorption sites. We have studied the structural changes associated with the doping by Rietveld refinement of the XRD patterns and correlated the structure to bifunctional oxygen electrocatalytic activity which is found to enhance on increasing the Co and Ce content.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.cattod.2020.05.046}, author = {Thundiyil, Shibin and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Devi, R. Nandini} } @article {47740, title = {Synergistic electronic coupling/cross-talk between the isolated metal halide units of zero dimensional heterometallic (Sb, Mn) halide hybrid with enhanced emission}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry C}, volume = {10}, year = {2021}, month = {DEC }, pages = {360-370}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Heterometallic 0D metal halide hybrids, consisting of more than one kind of metal halide units, are anticipated to manifest synergistic effects on the photo-physical properties of the constituent metal halide units. Such architectures hold great promise for design and development of function-targeted materials. However, heterometallic 0D hybrids, featuring isolated metal halide units, typically do not show any synergistic effects due to large inter-unit spatial separations that inhibit interactions/coupling between the constituent metal halide units. It remains challenging to design synthetic strategies that would support structural modifications to allow synergistic electronic coupling between the metal halide units in heterometallic 0D hybrids. Here, we report synthesis and characterization of heterometallic (Sb, Mn) 0D hybrid, namely Tris SbMnCl, with isolated MnCl5 units, (Sb/Mn)Cl-6 units, dispersed in the organic ligand matrix and layer of dynamic and networked water molecules. Steady state and time resolved emission spectra (TRES) analysis suggests strong synergistic interaction between the isolated metal halide units. Efficient energy transfer from the strongly absorbing Sb centres to emissive Mn centres results in the observed enhanced emission. Proton conductivity measurements together with first-principles calculations suggest the unique role of the networked water molecules in mediating the electronic coupling/energy transfer between the separated metal halide units in Tris SbMnCl hybrid. This report highlights the role of structure/composition of the synthesized heterometallic 0D hybrid in attaining electronic dimensionality higher than 0D through synergistic electronic interaction between the isolated metal halide units.}, issn = {2050-7526}, doi = {10.1039/d1tc04704c}, author = {Biswas, Anupam and Bakthavatsalam, Rangarajan and Das, Deep K. and Sam, Jisvin and Mali, Bhupendra P. and Biswas, Chinmoy and Maana, Narugopal and Thomson, Stuart and Raavi, Sai Santosh Kumar and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Dutta, Sudipta and Kundu, Janardan} } @article {47057, title = {Synergistic nanostructured MnOx/TiO2 catalyst for highly selective synthesis of aromatic imines}, journal = {ChemCatChem}, volume = {13}, year = {2021}, month = {APR}, pages = {1990-1997}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

This work reports the development of a synergistic nanostructured MnOx/TiO2 catalyst, with highly dispersed MnOx nanoparticles (4.5 +/- 1 nm) on shape-controlled TiO2 nanotubes (8-11 nm width and 120-280 nm length), for selective synthesis of valuable aromatic imines at industrially important conditions. Pristine TiO2 nanotubes exhibited 97 \% imine selectivity at a 38.3 \% benzylamine conversion, whereas very low imine selectivity was obtained over commercial TiO2 materials, indicating the catalytic significance of shape-controlled TiO2 nanotubes. The MnOx nanoparticle/TiO2 nanotube (10 wt\% Mn) catalyst calcined at 400 degrees C showed the best activity with 95.6 \% benzylamine conversion and 99.9 \% imine selectivity. This catalyst exhibited good recyclability for four times and is effective for converting numerous benzylamines into higher yields of imines. The high catalytic performance of MnOx/TiO2 nanotubes was attributed to higher number of redox sites (Mn3+), high dispersion of Mn species, and shape-controlled structure of TiO2, indicating that this catalyst could be a promising candidate for selective oxidation reactions.

}, keywords = {Acid-redox properties, aerobic oxidation, Nanostructured catalyst, Selective catalysis, Synergistic metal-oxide interaction}, issn = {1867-3880}, doi = {10.1002/cctc.202001870, Early Access Date = FEB 2021}, author = {Sudarsanam, Putla and Kockritz, Angela and Atia, Hanan and Amin, Mohamad Hassan and Bruckner, Angelika} } @article {47724, title = {Synthesis and application of silylene-stabilized low-coordinate Ag(I)-arene cationic complexes}, journal = {Organometallics}, volume = {40}, year = {2021}, month = {JUN }, pages = {1626-1632}, type = {Article}, abstract = {We report the first examples of N-heterocyclic silylene-stabilized monocoordinate Ag(I) cationic complexes weakly bound to the free arene rings (C6H6, C6Me6, and C7H8). Further, the application of these electrophilic Ag(I) complexes as catalysts has been investigated toward A(3)-coupling reactions, which afforded a series of propargylamines in good to excellent yields with low catalyst loading under a solvent-free condition (19 examples).}, issn = {0276-7333}, doi = {10.1021/acs.organomet.1c00083}, author = {Parvin, Nasrina and Sen, Nilanjana and Tothadi, Srinu and Muhammed, Shahila and Parameswaran, Pattiyil and Khan, Shabana} } @article {47108, title = {Synthesis and cell imaging applications of fluorescent mono/di/tri-heterocyclyl-2,6-dicyanoanilines (vol 27, pg 979, 2017)}, journal = {Bioorganic \& Medicinal Chemistry Letters}, volume = {32}, year = {2021}, month = {JAN }, pages = {127737}, type = {Correction}, issn = {0960-894X}, doi = {10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.127737}, author = {Pisal, Mahesh M. and Annadate, Ritesh A. and Athalye, Meghana C. and Kumar, Deepak and Chavan, Subhash P. and Sarkar, Dhiman and Borate, Hanumant B.} } @article {47031, title = {Synthesis and characterization of LAGP-glass-ceramics-based composite solid polymer electrolyte for solid-state Li-ion battery application}, journal = {Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids}, volume = {558}, year = {2021}, month = {APR }, pages = {120654}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Solid State Electrolytes (SSEs) are the future alternatives of the present conventional liquid electrolytes in terms of safety, high temperature stability and also good electrochemical performance. Glass (G), based on Lithium Aluminium Germanium Phosphate (LAGP) was prepared and converted into glass-ceramics (GC) by optimized heating schedule. The crystalline LAGP has Na Super Ionic CONductor (NASICON) type unit cell where the lithium ions hop between two different positions providing long range ionic motion. To improve the inter electrode surface resistance and cell performance, Composite Solid Electrolyte (CSE) was prepared with poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-hexaflurophoaphate) (P(VDF-HFP)), 20wt\% LAGP, Lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) and 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis-(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)-imide (EMITFSI). X-ray diffraction patterns confirm the formation of the NASICON phase in LAGP GC and the amorphous nature of the CSE. NMR studies confirm formation of the Ge/AlO6 octahedra and PO4 tetrahedra inside the crystal. 7Li NMR also confirmed two different Lithium sites in LAGP crystal. The ionic conductivity values of CSE and LAGP GC are (4.49 +/- 0.31) x 10(-3)Scm(-1) and (2.70 +/- 0.04) x 10(-4)Scm(-1), respectively. The thermal stability of the prepared CSE is tested upto 315 degrees C without any degradation. Two cells (Cell-I \& Cell-II) were fabricated using the LAGP GC and CSE respectively. Cell-II shows the specific discharge capacity of 151mAhg1 at 50th cycle which is higher as compared to Cell-I (129mAhg(-1)) when tested at the C-rate of 0.05 degrees C.

}, keywords = {Lithium germanium phosphate, NASICON, Solid state electrolyte, Solid state NMR}, issn = {0022-3093}, doi = {10.1016/j.jnoncrysol.2021.120654}, author = {Das, Anurup and Goswami, Madhumita and Illath, Kavya and Ajithkumar, T. G. and Arya, A. and Krishnan, M.} } @article {47723, title = {Synthesis, crystal structures, dielectric and magnetic properties of manganese sulfonyldibenzoates}, journal = {Crystengcomm}, volume = {23}, year = {2021}, month = {OCT }, pages = {6703-6723}, type = {Article}, abstract = {{A systematic investigation of the system manganese(II) salt-H(2)SBA-auxiliary ligand-solvent successfully led to the isolation of six new multidimensional coordination polymers: [Mn-5(2-pic)(2)(DMA)(4)(SBA)(4)]center dot 4DMA (1), [Mn-3(pyzc)(2)(DMF)(H2O)(SBA)(2)]center dot DMF center dot H2O (2), [Mn-5(pyzc)(2)(DMA)(4)(SBA)(4)]center dot 4DMA (3), [Mn-5(mpyzc)(2)(DMA)(4)(SBA)(4)]center dot 4DMA (4), [Mn-2(phen)(2)(H2O)(SBA)(2)]center dot 2DMA (5) and [Mn-3(phen)(2)(SBA)(3)]center dot 5DMF (6), where SBA = 4,4{\textquoteright}-sulfonyldibenzoate 2-pic = 2-picolinate}, doi = {10.1039/d1ce00810b}, author = {Balendra and Singh, Bharti and Banday, Azeem and Tewari, Shailabh and Kumar, Vineet and Murugavel, Sevi and Joy, P. A. and Ramanan, Arunachalam} } @article {47400, title = {Synthetic heparan sulfate ligands for vascular endothelial growth factor to modulate angiogenesis}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {57}, year = {2021}, month = {APR }, pages = {3516-3519}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We report the discovery of a potential heparan sulfate (HS) ligand to target several growth factors using 13 unique HS tetrasaccharide ligands. By employing an HS microarray and SPR, we deciphered the crucial structure-binding relationship of these glycans with the growth factors BMP2, VEGF(165), HB-EGF, and FGF2. Notably, GlcNHAc(6-O-SO3-)-IdoA(2-O-SO3-) (HT-2,6S-NAc) tetrasaccharide showed strong binding with the VEGF(165) growth factor. In vitro vascular endothelial cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis was inhibited in the presence of VEGF(165) and HT-2,6S-NAc or HT-6S-NAc, revealing the potential therapeutic role of these synthetic HS ligands.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/d1cc00964h}, author = {Jain, Prashant and Shanthamurthy, Chethan D. and Leviatan Ben-Arye, Shani and Yehuda, Sharon and Nandikol, Sharvani S. and Thulasiram, V, Hirekodathakallu and Padler-Karavani, Vered and Kikkeri, Raghavendra} } @article {47629, title = {Thermal stability of an endohedrally doped aluminum nanoclusters: a BOMD study}, journal = {Theoretical Chemistry Accounts}, volume = {140}, year = {2021}, month = {SEP}, pages = {132}, type = {Article}, abstract = {In this article, thermal stability of doped Al-13 nanoclusters has been systematically investigated within the framework of density functional theory (DFT). To explain thermal stability, simulations have been carried out over a temperature range from 300 to 1100 K using Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamics (BOMD). The atomic displacements have been quantified by calculating delta(rms,) MSD and epsilon(pro.) The thermal stability of different clusters is explained using underlined electronic properties such as HOMO-LUMO, charges and bond length.}, keywords = {BOMD, Bond length fluctuations, Endohedral doping, Mean squared ionic displacements (MSD), Nanoclusters, Root mean squared}, issn = {1432-881X}, doi = {10.1007/s00214-021-02829-7}, author = {Singh, Chandrodai Pratap and Samal, Pragnya Paramita and Krishnamurty, Sailaja} } @article {47055, title = {Toward pH independent oxygen reduction reaction by polydopamine derived 3D interconnected, iron carbide embedded graphitic carbon}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {13}, year = {2021}, month = {FEB }, pages = {8147-8158}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Recent advancements on the development of nonprecious electrocatalysts with iron (Fe) incorporated active centers have generated confidence on realizing cost-effective proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). However, most of these catalysts that emerged as a substitution for the platinum supported on carbon (Pt/C) catalysts in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are active under basic conditions, and their feasibility in PEMFCs remains as a challenge. In this scenario, this work reports the synthesis of a Pt-free oxygen reduction electrocatalyst prepared by the annealing of polydopamine grown melamine foam. The prepared catalyst has a three-dimensional (3D) interconnected bilayer network structure possessing the carbon nitride backbone wrapped by graphitic carbon layer bearing iron carbides and nitrides as the active centers (3DFePDC). Interestingly, the 3D-FePDC catalyst displayed an ORR activity both under acidic and basic conditions. Whereas the ORR performance of 3D-FePDC closely matches that of the commercial Pt/C in the basic medium, it displays only a low overpotential value of 60 mV under acidic conditions compared to its Pt counterpart. The kinetics of ORR on 3DFePDC is found to be similar to the four-electron (4e) reduction pathway displayed by Pt/C. Testing of a PEMFC in a single cell mode by using 3D-FePDC as the cathode catalyst and Nafion membrane delivered a maximum power density of 278 mW cm(-2), which is a promising value expected from a system based on the nonprecious metal cathode. Ultimately, as a cost-effective catalyst that can effectively perform irrespective of the pH conditions, 3D-FePDC offers significant prospects in the areas like fuel cells and metal-air batteries which work in acidic and/or basic conditions.

}, keywords = {acidic medium, electrocatalyst, fuel cell, graphitic carbon, Iron carbide, nitrogen doping, nonprecious metal, oxygen reduction reaction}, issn = {1944-8244}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.0c18036}, author = {Gangadharan, Pranav K. and Pandikassala, Ajmal and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {47623, title = {Towards sustainable continuous production of azo dyes: possibilities and techno-economic analysis}, journal = {Green Chemistry}, volume = {23}, year = {2021}, month = {SEP }, pages = {6614-6624}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A novel continuous process for synthesizing azo dyes using a bubble column reactor is reported. Continuous experiments were successfully performed for Sudan-I dye and Solvent Yellow 16 dye with a yield [and productivity] of 92.04 +/- 3.50\% [1.68 +/- 0.13 kg day(-1)] and 96.60 +/- 2.18\% [1.92 +/- 0.04 kg day(-1)], respectively. Experiments were performed at a higher slurry concentration similar to 5\% (w/w) without any clogging. The results were extended for performing a detailed techno-economic analysis for 5 TPD Sudan-I azo dye production as a case study. The results indicate that the cost of the continuous process is almost 4.68 times lower than that of the corresponding batch process. Furthermore, the footprint for a continuous plant can be lowered by 2.4 to 4.5 times when compared to the batch process depending on different refilling strategies for feed storage tanks. A continuous process may require 39-42\% less water than the industrial batch process.}, issn = {1463-9262}, doi = {10.1039/d1gc01133b}, author = {Shukla, Chinmay A. and Kute, Mahesh S. and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article {47064, title = {Triazine-based janus G-C nucleobase as a building block for self-assembly, peptide nucleic acids, and smart polymers}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {86}, year = {2021}, month = {FEB }, pages = {3186-3195}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

This communication reports on the utility of a triazine-based self-assembling system, reminiscent of a Janus G-C nucleobase, as a building block for developing (1) supramolecular polymers, (2) peptide nucleic acids (PNAs), and (3) smart polymers. The strategically positioned self-complementary triple H-bonding arrays DDA and AAD facilitate efficient self-assembly, leading to a linear supramolecular polymer.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/acs.joc.0c02530}, author = {Meena, Chhuttan L. and Singh, Dharmendra and Kizhakeetil, Bhavya and Prasad, Manasa and George, Malini and Tothadi, Srinu and Sanjayan, Gangadhar J.} } @article {47683, title = {Tuning of alpha-silyl carbocation reactivity into enone transposition: application to the synthesis of peribysin D, E-volkendousin, and E-guggulsterone}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {23}, year = {2021}, month = {SEP }, pages = {6642-6647}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A reliable method for enone transposition has been developed with the help of silyl group masking. Enantio-switching, substituent shuffling, and Z-selectivity are the highlights of the method. The developed method was applied for the first total synthesis of peribysin D along with its structural revision. Formal synthesis of E-guggulsterone and E-volkendousin was also claimed using a short sequence.}, issn = {1523-7060}, doi = {10.1021/acs.orglett.1c02173}, author = {Athawale, Paresh R. and Zade, Vishal M. and Krishna, Gamidi Rama and Reddy, D. Srinivasa} } @article {47592, title = {Tuning the selectivity of CO2 hydrogenation using ceramic hollow fiber catalytic modules}, journal = {Reaction Chemistry \& Engineering}, volume = {6}, year = {2021}, month = {SEP }, pages = {1655-1665}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The unique structural features and advantageous pore distributions of alumina hollow fibers can be exploited to tune the selectivity in heterogeneous catalysis. Formation of a finger-like cavity structure is the unique characteristic of the phase inversion method, which provides a larger surface area to volume ratio desirable for catalytic reactions. This feature, along with a highly porous sandwiched skin layer, makes this architecture superior to conventional powder catalysts or other structured catalyst forms like monoliths. Alumina hollow fibers are prepared by the modified phase inversion method and characterized for their pore size and distribution. Ni metal nanoparticles are uniformly deposited in the Al2O3 hollow fibers to prepare a Ni/Al2O3 catalyst and tested for the CO2 methanation reaction. Suitable reactor and catalyst loading methods are designed and optimized to achieve higher CO2 to methane conversion in a temperature range of 225 to 400 degrees C. The alpha-alumina phase, which is usually reported to be a poor support for Ni in CO2 methanation in the conventional fixed bed configuration, showed high activity when modulated as hollow fibers. Also, the selectivity to CH4 is enhanced and minimal CO formation is observed. The kinetic rate expressions are simulated for the prediction of methane and CO gas evolution at the outlet with temperature. The experimental results for the gas composition are in good agreement with the model predictions. The advantage of such a module reactor is explained based on the mass transfer limitations and consequently the reaction time constants arrived at from the predicted gas compositions.}, issn = {2058-9883}, doi = {10.1039/d1re00076d}, author = {Jogdand, Shunottara M. and Bedadur, Prachiti R. and Torris, Arun and Kharul, Ulhas K. and Naidu, V. Satyam and Devi, R. Nandini} } @article {47713, title = {On the use of electronegativity and electron affinity based pseudo-molecular field descriptors in developing correlations for quantitative structure-activity relationship modeling of drug activities}, journal = {Chemical Biology \& Drug Design}, volume = {98}, year = {2021}, month = {AUG}, pages = {258-269}, type = {Article}, abstract = {For quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) modeling in ligand-based drug discovery programs, pseudo-molecular field (PMF) descriptors using intrinsic atomic properties, namely, electronegativity and electron affinity are studied. In combination with partial least squares analysis and Procrustes transformation, these PMF descriptors were employed successfully to develop correlations that predict the activities of target protein inhibitors involved in various diseases (cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, HIV, and malaria). The results show that the present QSAR approach is competitive to existing QSAR models. In order to demonstrate the use of this algorithm, we present results of screening naturally occurring molecules with unknown bioactivities. The pIC(50) predictions can screen molecules that have desirable activity before assessment by docking studies.}, keywords = {drug discovery, electron affinity, Electronegativity, molecular field descriptors, partial least squares, QSAR}, issn = {1747-0277}, doi = {10.1111/cbdd.13895}, author = {Kunde, Pushkar D. and Ramkumar, Sudha and Kamble, Sanjay P. and RaviKumar, Ameeta and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D. and Kumar, V. Ravi} } @article {47076, title = {Utilizing the oxygen carrier property of cerium iron oxide for the low-temperature synthesis of 1,3-butadiene from 1-butene}, journal = {Catalysis Letters}, volume = {151}, year = {2021}, month = {OCT}, pages = {3057-3066}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Low-temperature oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of 1-butene to 1,3-butadiene is one of the challenging reactions in the polymer industry. Towards this a highly dispersed cerium iron oxide was synthesized by citrate gel combustion method and employed for the synthesis of 1,3-butadiene (BD) from 1-butene. The reaction was carried out at low temperature under an oxygen-free atmosphere in a continuous flow mode fixed bed reactor. A decrease in the lattice parameters observed from PXRD and high-resolution TEM analysis proved that iron occupies cerium sites in the crystal lattice. XPS, TPR, and oxygen uptake studies quantified the nature and abundance of different oxygen species. ODH was observed through consuming lattice oxygens. The vacancies generated could be filled by re-oxidation with an external supply of oxygen which will restore the catalytic activity demonstrating the Mars van Krevelen mechanism. [GRAPHICS] .

}, keywords = {1, 1-butene, 3-butadiene, Cerium, iron, Lattice oxygen, oxidative dehydrogenation}, issn = {1011-372X}, doi = {10.1007/s10562-020-03512-5, Early Access Date = FEB 2021}, author = {Venugopalan, Aswathy T. and Kandasamy, Prabu and Gogoi, Pranjal and Ratneshkumar, Jha and Thirumalaiswamy, Raja} } @article {47112, title = {Web-gLV: a web based platform for lotka-volterra based modeling and simulation of microbial populations (vol 10, 288, 2019)}, journal = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, volume = {11}, year = {2021}, month = {JAN }, pages = {605308}, type = {Correction}, keywords = {lotka-volterra, microbial population, Microbiome, Modeling, numerical-simulation, time-series, visualization, web-server}, issn = {1664-302X}, doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2020.605308}, author = {Kuntal, Bhusan K. and Gadgil, Chetan and Mande, Sharmila S.} } @article {47668, title = {ZCTs knockdown using antisense LNA GapmeR in specialized photomixotrophic cell suspensions of Catharanthus roseus: Rerouting the flux towards mono and dimeric indole alkaloids}, journal = {Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants}, volume = {27}, year = {2021}, month = {JUL}, pages = {1437-1453}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The present study was carried out to silence the transcription factor genes ZCT1, ZCT2 and ZCT3 via lipofectamine based antisense LNA GapmeRs transfection into the protoplasts of established photomixotrophic cell suspensions. The photomixotrophic cell suspensions with a threshold of 0.5\% sucrose were raised and established using two-tiered CO2 providing flasks kept under high light intensity. The photomixotrophic cell suspensions showed morphologically different thick-walled cells under scanning electron microscopic analysis in comparison to the simple thin-walled parenchymatous control cell suspensions. The LC-MS analysis registered the vindoline production (0.0004 +/- 0.0001 mg/g dry wt.) in photomixotrophic cell suspensions which was found to be absent in control cell suspensions. The protoplasts were isolated from the photomixotrophic cell suspensions and subjected to antisense LNA GapmeRs silencing. Three lines, viz. Z1A, Z2C and Z3G were obtained where complete silencing of ZCT1, ZCT2 and ZCT3 genes, respectively, was observed. The Z3G line was found to show maximum production of vindoline (0.038 +/- 0.001 mg/g dry wt.), catharanthine (0.165 +/- 0.008 mg/g dry wt.) and vinblastine (0.0036 +/- 0.0003 mg/g dry wt.). This was supported by the multifold increment in the gene expression of TDC, SLS, STR, SGD, d4h, dat, CrT16H and Crprx. The present work indicates the master regulation of ZCT3 knockdown among all three ZCTs transcription factors in C. roseus to enhance the terpenoid indole alkaloids production. The successful silencing of transcription repressor genes has been achieved in C. roseus plant system by using photomixotrophic cell cultures through GapmeR based silencing. The present study is a step towards metabolic engineering of the TIAs pathway using protoplast transformation in C. roseus.}, keywords = {Catharanthine, LC-MS, Protoplast, TIAs, Vinblastine, Vindoline}, issn = {0971-5894}, doi = {10.1007/s12298-021-01017-y}, author = {Verma, Priyanka and Khan, Shamshad Ahmad and Parasharami, Varsha and Mathur, Ajay Kumar} } @article {47456, title = {Zinc-air batteries catalyzed using Co3O4 nanorod-supported N-doped entangled graphene for oxygen reduction reaction}, journal = {ACS Applied Energy Materials}, volume = {4}, year = {2021}, month = {MAY }, pages = {4570-4580}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The work reported here deals with the development of an efficient non-platinum electrocatalyst for electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) through a sequential pathway involving hydrothermal treatment followed by freeze-drying to build the desired structural architecture of the catalyst. The designed catalyst (Co3O4/nitrogen-doped entangled porous 3D graphene (NEGF)), which contains Co3O4 nanorods anchored on the surface of three-dimensional (3D)-structured N-doped graphene, was found to display higher ORR activity during single-electrode testing and demonstrate a Zn-air battery (ZAB) system. Under the hydrothermal treatment at 180 degrees C, in the presence of ammonia, nitrogen was doped into the carbon framework of graphene, which subsequently formed a self-assembled entangled 3D structure of graphene after freeze-drying. The hydrothermal treatment and freeze-drying processes were found to play vital roles in tuning the morphological and structural features of the catalyst. The doped nitrogen, apart from its favorable contribution toward ORR, helped facilitate efficient dispersion of oxide nanorods on graphene. Co3O4/NEGF displayed remarkable ORR activity in 0.1 M KOH solution, as evident from the 60 mV onset potential shift compared to the state-of-the-art Pt/C catalyst and the Tafel slope value of 74 mV dec(-1) vs 68 mV dec(-1) for Pt/C. The ZAB fabricated by employing Co3O4/NEGF as the cathode catalyst was found to be an efficient competitor for the system based on the Pt/C cathode. This high performance has been credited to the controlled interplay of the governing factors such as the interfacial interactions leading to the efficient dispersion of metal oxide nanorods, increased catalyst surface area, the cooperative effect arising from the defects present in the N-doped porous 3D graphene, and the synergetic interactions operating in the system.

}, keywords = {cobalt-oxide nanorod, freeze-drying, hydrothermal, N-doped entangled graphene, oxygen reduction reaction, zinc-air battery}, issn = {2574-0962}, doi = {10.1021/acsaem.1c00210}, author = {Manna, Narugopal and Singh, Santosh K. and Kharabe, Geeta Pandurang and Torris, Arun and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {48108, title = {2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol (2,4-DTBP) purified from streptomyces sp. KCA1 from phyllanthus niruri: isolation, characterization, antibacterial and anticancer properties}, journal = {Journal of King Saud University Science}, volume = {34}, year = {2022}, month = {JUL}, pages = {102088}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Objectives: The present study reports the bioactivity of 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol (2,4-DTBP) purified from an endophytic Streptomyces species KCA1 isolated from the leaves of Phyllanthus niruri and its antibacterial and anticancer properties. Methods: The extracellular metabolites were produced from the strain KCA1 by submerged fermentation using ethyl acetate. The crude extract was further evaluated for antibacterial activity against set of pathogens. Active metabolite from the extract was purified using chromatography techniques and detected its antibacterial activity by disc diffusion assay. The molecular structure of the active molecule was identified through various spectral study. Moreover, the bioactive metabolite 2,4-DTBP was analyzed antibacterial and anti-proliferative activity. Results: Strain KCA1 was identified as Streptomyces sp. In the preliminary screening, the crude extract exhibited broad spectrum activity against various bacterial pathogens. Based on the spectral properties, the active metabolite was identified as 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol. The MIC of active compound 2,4-DTBP inhibited E. coli ATCC 25922 and S. aureus ATCC 29213 at 50 lg/ml and 0.78 lg/ml, respectively. The IC50 value of 2,4-DTBP was found to be 11.0 lg/ml and 116.8 lg/ml, against breast cancer cell line (MCF7) and normal VERO cell line, respectively. Conclusions: This study concluded that 2,4-DTBP, produced from the endophytic Streptomyces sp. KCA1, is the potential candidate to develop as promising antibacterial and anticancer agent. (C) 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of King Saud University.

}, keywords = {2, 4-Di-tert-butylphenol, Antibacterial, antiproliferative activity, Endophytic Streptomyces}, issn = {1018-3647}, doi = {10.1016/j.jksus.2022.102088}, author = {Seenivasan, Ayswarya and Manikkam, Radhakrishnan and Kaari, Manigundan and Sahu, Amit Kumar and Said, Madhukar and Dastager, Syed G.} } @article {48228, title = {2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases drive expansion of steroidal alkaloid structural diversity in the genus Solanum}, journal = {New Phytologist}, volume = {234}, year = {2022}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1394-1410}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Solanum steroidal glycoalkaloids (SGAs) are renowned defence metabolites exhibiting spectacular structural diversity. Genes and enzymes generating the SGA precursor pathway, SGA scaffold and glycosylated forms have been largely identified. Yet, the majority of downstream metabolic steps creating the vast repertoire of SGAs remain untapped. Here, we discovered that members of the 2-OXOGLUTARATE-DEPENDENT DIOXYGENASE (2-ODD) family play a prominent role in SGA metabolism, carrying out three distinct backbone-modifying oxidative steps in addition to the three formerly reported pathway reactions. The GLYCOALKALOID METABOLISM34 (GAME34) enzyme catalyses the conversion of core SGAs to habrochaitosides in wild tomato S. habrochaites. Cultivated tomato plants overexpressing GAME34 ectopically accumulate habrochaitosides. These habrochaitoside enriched plants extracts potently inhibit Puccinia spp. spore germination, a significant Solanaceae crops fungal pathogen. Another 2-ODD enzyme, GAME33, acts as a desaturase (via hydroxylation and E/F ring rearrangement) forming unique, yet unreported SGAs. Conversion of bitter alpha-tomatine to ripe fruit, nonbitter SGAs (e.g. esculeoside A) requires two hydroxylations; while the known GAME31 2-ODD enzyme catalyses hydroxytomatine formation, we find that GAME40 catalyses the penultimate step in the pathway and generates acetoxy-hydroxytomatine towards esculeosides accumulation. Our results highlight the significant contribution of 2-ODD enzymes to the remarkable structural diversity found in plant steroidal specialized metabolism.

}, keywords = {Solanum, specialized metabolism, steroidal glycoalkaloids (SGAs), structural diversity, Tomato}, issn = {0028-646X}, doi = {10.1111/nph.18064}, author = {Sonawane, Prashant D. and Jozawiak, Adam and Barbole, Ranjit and Panda, Sayantan and Abebie, Bekele and Kazachkova, Yana and Gharat, Sachin A. and Ramot, Ofir and Unger, Tamar and Wizler, Guy and Meir, Sagit and Rogachev, Ilana and Doron-Faigenboim, Adi and Petreikov, Marina and Schaffer, Arthur and Giri, Ashok P. and Scherf, Tali and Aharoni, Asaph} } @article {48353, title = {Addressing challenges in sealing of scalable multifiber module for O-2 enrichment using LSCF membranes}, journal = {International Journal of Applied Ceramic Technology}, volume = {19}, year = {2022}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1561-1571}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Scalable and multifiber modules in oxygen separation face huge challenges due to difficulty in integrating all the necessary components, especially in sealing the fibers in a gas tight module. Here, we report our findings on design and fabrication of a multifiber La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-delta (LSCF)-based module, which can be scaled up. The focus is on sealing ceramic-metal interfaces by layering of sealants of varying thermal properties. We have also incorporated the use of dead ended fibers to minimize ceramic-metal interfaces in the hot zones and present a new method for dead ending by flame melting. Pressurizing the air inlet feed from either bore side or shell side is detrimental to the structural integrity of the fibers. A thorough characterization of the fresh and spent fibers is also carried out using X-ray tomography and electron microscopy, which indicates effect of temperature and pressure on the fibers.

}, keywords = {Characterization, permeability, Perovskites}, issn = {1546-542X}, doi = {10.1111/ijac.13967}, author = {Jogdand, Shunottara M. and Bedadur, Prachiti R. and Torris, Arun and Agrawal, Ravi and Kharul, Ulhas K. and Devi, R. Nandini} } @article {46626, title = {Adsorption of toxic Pb(II) on activated carbon derived from agriculture waste (Mahogany fruit shell): isotherm, kinetic and thermodynamic study}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry}, volume = {102}, year = {2022}, month = {DEC}, pages = {8270-8286}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

An adsorbent, mahogany fruit shell activated carbon(MFSAC), was derived from environmental friendly raw material, i.e. agriculture waste and explored for bench scale adsorption of toxic Pb(II). A facile MFSAC material was synthesised using a chemical activation method using concentrated sulphuric acid as an impregnating (activating) reagent. So derived adsorbent material was characterised by FTIR, XRD, BET, SEM, EDAX, TGA and XPS techniques to know the properties and plausible adsorption mechanism. Bench scale adsorption of toxic Pb(II) and maximum adsorption capacity of MFSAC were exhibited through batch adsorption experiments. The effect of physico-chemical parameters such as pH (1-7), MFSAC amount (0.5-5.0 g L-1), Pb(II) concentration (200-1000 mgL(-1)), contact period (60-600 min) and orbital shaking speed (60-200 rpm) was studied for maximum removal of Pb(II) upto 99.70 +/- 0.17\%. The experimental data follow the Langmuir adsorption isotherm with a maximum monolayer adsorption capacity 322.28 mg g(-1)and pseudo-second-order kinetic uptake rate. The thermodynamic and temperature study revealed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic in nature (Delta H-o = 43.37 kJ mole(-1), Delta S-o = 158.02 J mol(-1)K(-1)). Most importantly, the MFSAC adsorbent was successfully regenerated and reused with conspicuous performance up to five consecutive cycles. The bench-scale adsorption with simple synthesis route, good stability and remarkable regeneration capability makes the MFSAC as an encouraging adsorbent for wastewater treatment.

}, keywords = {activated carbon, Adsorption, mahogany fruit shell, Pb(II), sulphuric acid}, issn = {0306-7319}, doi = {10.1080/03067319.2020.1849648}, author = {Patil, Suryakant A. and Suryawanshi, Umesh P. and Harale, Namdev S. and Patil, Sandip K. and Vadiyar, Madgonda M. and Luwang, Meitram N. and Anuse, Mansing A. and Kim, Jin H. and Kolekar, Sanjay S.} } @article {47425, title = {Advanced genome editing strategies for manipulation of plant specialized metabolites pertaining to biofortification}, journal = {Phytochemistry Reviews}, volume = {21}, year = {2022}, month = {FEB}, pages = {81-99}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Emerging trends in molecular biology have progressed the knowledge of plant specialized metabolites with respect to diversity in structure, function and biosynthetic pathways. Being powerful genome-editing tools, Zinc Finger Nuclease, Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nuclease, and Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) systems have found potential application in genome and epigenome engineering. CRISPR/Cas9 is being used for studying the functions of multiple genes and gene families in plants. Our analysis suggests that although a rapid progress has occurred for utilization of CRISPR/Cas9 tool in crop improvement, limited studies are available for its application in manipulation of gene clusters of useful specialized metabolites in plants. In this review, after describing briefly about the recent advancements in genome editing techniques, we have further discussed their applicability in the modulation of metabolite production and biofortification of food crops. We have also emphasized the importance of CRISPR/Cas9-based targeted deletion of larger chromosomal fragments or gene clusters towards value addition of crop plants. The current policies for CRISPR/Cas9-edited crop plants in different countries and their acceptability in market place is also discussed. We propose that advanced genome editing techniques, including a multiplex CRISPR/Cas9 system could serve as a versatile tool for rewiring of metabolite gene clusters and improving the levels of useful metabolites in plants.

}, keywords = {Cas9, Chromosomal fragment, CRISPR, Gene cluster, Genome editing, Plant specialized metabolites}, issn = {1568-7767}, doi = {10.1007/s11101-021-09749-1}, author = {Bhambhani, Sweta and Kondhare, Kirtikumar R. and Giri, Ashok P.} } @article {48174, title = {Air-cathode interface-engineered electrocatalyst for solid-state rechargeable zinc-air batteries}, journal = {ACS Applied Energy Materials}, volume = {5}, year = {2022}, month = {JUL }, pages = {8756-8768}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Solid-state rechargeable zinc-air batteries (ZABs) are gaining interest as a class of portable clean energy technology due to their advantages such as high theoretical energy density, intrinsic safety, and low cost. It is expected that an appropriately triple-phase boundary (TPB) engineered, bifunctional oxygen reaction (OER and ORR) electrocatalyst at the air- electrode of ZABs can redefine the performance characteristics of these systems. To explore this possibility, an electrode material consisting of manganese- cobalt-based bimetallic spinel oxide (MnCo2O4)-supported nitrogen-doped entangled graphene (MnCo2O4/NEGF) with multiple active sites responsible for facilitating both OER and ORR has been prepared. The porous 3D graphitic support significantly affects the bifunctional oxygen reaction kinetics and helps the system display a remarkable catalytic performance. The air electrode consisting of the MnCo2O4/NEGF catalyst coated over the gas diffusion layer (GDL) ensures the effective TPB, and this feature works in favor of the rechargeable ZAB system under the charging and discharging modes. As an important structural and functional attribute of the electrocatalyst, the porosity and nitrogen doping in the 3D conducting support play a decisive aspect in controlling the surface wettability (hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity) of the air electrode. The fabricated solid-state rechargeable ZAB device with the developed electrode displayed a maximum peak power density of 202 mW cm(-2), which is significantly improved as compared to the one based on the Pt/C + RuO2 standard catalyst pair (124 mW cm(-2)). The solid-state device which displayed an initial charge-discharge voltage gap of only 0.7 V at 10 mA cm(-2) showed only a small increment of 86 mV after 50 h.

}, keywords = {air-cathode interface, bifunctional oxygen catalyst, N-doped entangled graphene, solid-state zinc-air battery, spinel oxides}, issn = {2574-0962}, doi = {10.1021/acsaem.2c01266}, author = {Manna, Narugopal and Singh, Santosh K. and Kurian, Maria and Torris, Arun and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {48221, title = {Algal biomass-loaded hydrogel scaffolds as a biomimetic platform with antibacterial and wound healing activities}, journal = {ACS Applied Polymer Materials}, volume = {4}, year = {2022}, month = {AUG}, pages = {5800-5812}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The confluence of hydrogel scaffolds and dried algal biomass (AB), consisting of all the bioactive compounds, offers the possibility to facilitate wound healing while simultaneously instilling antibacterial benefits. For this purpose, a single-step synthesis of algal (Chlorella sorokiniana) biomass-loaded hydrogel scaffolds (AHS) was achieved. C. sorokiniana has been used in different areas for several years and has proved attractive to the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Of note, the presence of phytochemicals and various bioactive compounds provides an added health benefit. Hitherto, we report AHS with accelerated wound healing along with potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. AHS consisting of different concentrations of AB was applied for 14 days on excisional wounds in mice. Microscopic analyses, assessment of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and histological studies were performed to investigate wound healing. These scaffolds were extensively characterized and studied using Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, Raman, atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, swelling, rheological, thermal, and mechanical analyses. AHS have excellent biocompatibility in addition to significant antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (99\%) and Staphylococcus aureus (98\%). We believe that the as-synthesized AHS have the potential to broaden the arsenal of more effective wound healing processes along with antibacterial activities.

}, keywords = {antibacterial activity, Biomass, hydrogel scaffold, microalgae, wound Healing}, issn = {2637-6105}, doi = {10.1021/acsapm.2c00722}, author = {Agarwal, Aakanksha and Kumar, Arun and Garg, Piyush and Chakraborty, Arnab and Verma, Ranjan and Sarwat, Maryam and Gupta, Ajay and Sasmal, Pijus K. and Verma, Yogesh Kumar and Chowdhury, Chiranjit and Mukherjee, Monalisa} } @article {47989, title = {Allosteric modulation of the chemokine receptor-chemokine CXCR4-CXCL12 complex by tyrosine sulfation}, journal = {International Journal of Biological Macromolecules}, volume = {206}, year = {2022}, month = {MAY }, pages = {812-822}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The chemokine receptor CXCR4 and its cognate ligand CXCL12 mediate pathways that lead to cell migration and chemotaxis. Although the structural details of related receptor-ligand complexes have been resolved, the roles of the N-terminal domain of the receptor and post-translational sulfation that are determinants of ligand selectivity and affinity remain unclear. Here, we analyze the structural dynamics induced by receptor sulfation by combining molecular dynamics, docking and network analysis. The sulfotyrosine residues, 7YsN-term, 12Ys(N-term) and 21Ys(N-term) allow the N-terminal domain of the apo-sulfated receptor to adopt an {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}open {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft} conformation that appears to facilitate ligand binding. The overall topology of the CXCR4-CXCL12 complex is independent of the sulfation state, but an extensive network of protein-protein interactions characterizes the sulfated receptor, in line with its increased ligand affinity. The altered interactions of sulfotyrosine residues, such as 21Ys(N-term)- 47R(CXCL12) replacing the 21Y(N-term)-13F(CXCL12) interaction, propagate via allosteric pathways towards the receptor lumen. In particular, our results suggest that the experimentally-reported receptor-ligand interactions 262D(6.58)- 8R(CXCL12) and 277E(7.28)-12R(CXCL12) could be dependent on the sulfation state of the receptor and need to be carefully analyzed. Our work is an important step in understanding chemokine-receptor interactions and how post-translational modifications could modulate receptor-ligand complexes.

}, keywords = {Allosteric communication pathway, Atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, G protein-coupled receptor, Ligand binding, Post-translational modification, Protein-protein interface}, issn = {0141-8130}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.03.078}, author = {Sonawani, Archana and Kharche, Shalmali and Dasgupta, Debjani and Sengupta, Durba} } @article {47743, title = {Alpha Au2S nanoparticles: fungal-mediated synthesis, structural characterization and bioassay}, journal = {Green Chemistry Letters and Reviews}, volume = {15}, year = {2022}, month = {JAN }, pages = {59-68}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Luminescent nanoparticles synthesized via bio-based protocols that generate nanoparticles having different chemical compositions along with other functionalities (size and morphology) have received huge attention. We have focused our research on gold sulfide nanoparticles (Au2S NPs) and have biosynthesized these NPs using the fungus Humicola sp. The nanoparticles were characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy, which showed spherical morphology of Au2S. UV-Visible-NIR spectrophotometry, luminescence spectrophotometry, Selected Area Electron Diffraction, Energy Dispersive Analysis of X-rays, and X-ray diffraction were performed. FTIR confirmed that the fungal metabolites including biomolecules secreted in the reaction medium are primarily responsible for nanoparticle synthesis and stabilization. The fungus reduced the precursor solution (HAuCl4 and Na2SO3) and at the same time capped them with secreted biomolecules. The anti-leishmanial activity of Au2S NPs was determined against L. donovani promastigote (Ag83 strain). Au2S NPs displayed less cytotoxicity towards both normal and cancer (Daudi, ZR-75-1) cell lines. Hemocompatibility was determined via hemolysis assays. This novel fungal-based system demonstrates an economical and environmentally benign process for biosynthesis of Au2S nanoparticles which may find application in bioimaging and labeling studies.}, keywords = {Biosynthesis, Cytotoxicity, Gold sulfide, Hemolysis, humicola sp, promastigote}, issn = {1751-8253}, doi = {10.1080/17518253.2021.1999509}, author = {Syed, Asad and Al Saedi, Marzouq H. and Bahkali, Ali H. and Elgorgan, Abdallah M. and Kharat, Mahesh and Pai, Kalpana and Pichtel, John and Ahmad, Absar} } @article {47987, title = {Alpha-angelica lactone catalyzed oxidation of pyrrolidines to lactams}, journal = {European Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {2022}, year = {2022}, month = {AUG}, pages = {e202200712}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Herein, we report an efficient protocol for the synthesis of gamma-lactams from pyrrolidines and oxygen. The strategy follows a two-step process involving an initial generation alpha-amino alkyl radicals from pyrrolidines and oxygen in presence of 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) followed by trapping of the radical with oxygen species. This protocol demonstrates good functional group acceptance and provides a direct method to access gamma-lactams. The lactam derivatives were obtained in up to 98 \% yield.

}, keywords = {alpha-Amino alkyl radicals, alpha-Angelica lactone, lactams, Oxidation, Pyrrolidines}, issn = {1434-193X}, doi = {10.1002/ejoc.202200712}, author = {Deepake, Siddharth K. and Kumar, Manish and Kumar, Pawan and Das, Utpal} } @article {47766, title = {Alternative splicing modulation mediated by G-quadruplex structures in MALAT1 lncRNA}, journal = {Nucleic Acids Research}, volume = {50}, year = {2022}, month = {JAN}, pages = {378-396}, type = {Article}, abstract = {MALAT1, an abundant lncRNA specifically localized to nuclear speckles, regulates alternative-splicing (AS). The molecular basis of its role in AS remains poorly understood. Here, we report three conserved, thermodynamically stable, parallel RNAG-quadruplexes (rG4s) present in the 3{\textquoteright} region of MALAT1 which regulates this function. Using rG4 domain-specific RNA-pull-down followed by mass-spectrometry, RNA-immuno-precipitation, and imaging, we demonstrate the rG4 dependent localization of Nucleolin (NCL) and Nucleophosmin (NPM) to nuclear speckles. Specific G-to-A mutations that abolish rG4 structures, result in the localization loss of both the proteins from speckles. Functionally, disruption of rG4 in MALAT1 phenocopies NCL knockdown resulting in altered pre-mRNA splicing of endogenous genes. These results reveal a central role of rG4s within the 3{\textquoteright} region of MALAT1 orchestrating AS.}, issn = {0305-1048}, doi = {10.1093/nar/gkab1066}, author = {Ghosh, Arpita and Pandey, Satya Prakash and Ansari, Asgar Hussain and Sundar, Jennifer Seematti and Singh, Praveen and Khan, Yasmeen and Ekka, Mary Krishna and Chakraborty, Debojyoti and Maiti, Souvik} } @article {48123, title = {Amino acid-derived ABCBA-type antifouling biohybrid with multi-stimuli responsivity and contaminant removal capability}, journal = {Polymer Chemistry}, volume = {13}, year = {2022}, month = {APR}, pages = {1960-1969}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Multi-stimuli (pH/thermo/redox)-responsive amphiphilic poly(cysteine methacrylamide)-block-poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)-block-polybutadiene-block-poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)-block-poly(cysteine methacrylamide) (PCysMAM-b-PDMAEMA-b-PB-b-PDMAEMA-b-PCysMAM) pentablock copolymer biohybrids, based on hydrophobic PB, ampholytic redox responsive PCysMAM and dual (pH and temperature) stimuli responsive PDMAEMA segments, are synthesized via a four-step synthesis protocol. The synthesis protocol involves: (1) in situ post polymerization modification of living polybutadiene-based carbanionic species to prepare hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene (HTPB); (2) introduction of an initiating functionality (capable of acting as an ATRP initiator) to HTPB, yielding a telechelic ATRP macroinitiator (Br-PB-Br); (3) recyclable alloy-mediated successive RDRP of DMAEMA and CysMAM, yielding a series of PCysMAM-b-PDMAEMA-b-PB-b-PDMAEMA-b-PCysMAM (A-B-C-B-A) pentablock copolymers with various chain lengths; and (4) conversion of the PDMAEMA block to poly(quaternary ammonium) (PQA) via quaternization. The stimuli responsiveness of the copolymer is investigated against changes in pH, temperature and redox. The pentablock copolymer self-assembles into spherical nanospheres, can switch between its monocationic, zwitterionic and monoanionic charged states, exhibits antifouling behaviour and is capable of removing ionic contaminants from water. These pentablock copolymers may emerge as a promising material for emerging applications.

}, issn = {1759-9954}, doi = {10.1039/d2py00280a}, author = {Kumar, Devendra and Mohammad, Sk Arif and Kumar, Anand and Mane, Shivshankar R. and Banerjee, Sanjib} } @article {48014, title = {Antifungal compound from marine Serratia marcescens BKACT and its potential activity against Fusarium sp.}, journal = {International Microbiology}, volume = {25}, year = {2022}, month = {NOV}, pages = {851-862}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Ecofriendly biocontrol agents to control pathogenic fungi are in demand globally. The present study evaluated the antifungal potentials of marine bacteria Serratia marcescens BKACT against eight different Fusarium species. A highest 75.5 +/- 0.80\% of mycelial inhibition was observed against Fusarium foetens NCIM 1330. Structural characterization of the purified compound was analyzed by GC-MS and NMR techniques; based on the analysis, it is confirmed as 2, 4-di-tert butyl phenol (2, 4-DTBP) with chemical structure C14H22O. At 0.53 mM concentration, purified compound inhibited complete spore germination of F. foetens NCIM 1330. In vitro assay showed complete inhibition of F. foetens NCIM 1330 on the wheat seeds. Tested concentration does not show any toxic effect on germination of the seeds. By this study, we conclude that, 2, 4-DTBP is a suitable candidate to be used as biocontrol agent against Fusarium infection.

}, keywords = {2, 4, di-tert butyl phenol, Fusarium sp, marine, Serratia marcescens}, issn = {1139-6709}, doi = {10.1007/s10123-022-00268-3}, author = {Kharat, Bharat A. and Said, Madhukar S. and Dastager, Syed G.} } @article {48056, title = {Assessment of a multipoint dosing approach for exothermic nitration in CSTRs in series}, journal = {Reaction Chemistry \& Engineering}, volume = {7}, year = {2022}, month = {JUN}, pages = {1671-1679}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The exothermic aromatic nitration of a biaryl compound is studied using various configurations of CSTRs in series. The relative rates of heat generation and heat removal in different configurations are compared to identify safer options while taking scale-up-related decisions. The effects of different parameters on the steady-state temperatures of the CSTRs are demonstrated through simulations. The use of multipoint dosing in three different CSTRs of increasing volume in series was compared with the use of standard CSTRs of equal volume in series. The distribution of the nitrating agent in three different CSTRs in series helped to distribute the heat duty and thereby helped maximise the throughput almost 2.4-fold when compared with a conventional approach based on the co-addition of all the reactants in the first CSTR. Various feed combinations were studied, and suitable designs that fall within the safe operating range of CSTRs for highly exothermic reactions are given.

}, issn = {2058-9883}, doi = {10.1039/d2re00045h}, author = {Mule, G. M. and Kulkarni, S. and Kulkarni, A. A.} } @article {48379, title = {Association-dissociation dynamics of ionic electrolytes in low dielectric medium}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, volume = {126}, year = {2022}, month = {JAN}, pages = {239-248}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Ionic electrolytes are known to form various complexes which exist in dynamic equilibrium in a low dielectric medium. However, structural characterization of these complexes has always posed a great challenge to the scientific community. An additional challenge is the estimation of the dynamic association-dissociation time scales (lifetime of the complexes), which are key to the fundamental understanding of ion transport. In this work, we have used a combination of infrared absorption spectroscopy, two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy, molecular dynamics simulations, and density functional theory calculations to characterize the various ion complexes formed by the thiocyanate-based ionic electrolytes as a function of different cations in a low dielectric medium. Our results demonstrate that thiocyanate is an excellent vibrational reporter of the heterogeneous ion complexes undergoing association-dissociation dynamics. We find that the ionic electrolytes exist as contact ion pairs, dimers, and clusters in a low dielectric medium. The relative ratios of the various ion complexes are sensitive to the cations. In addition to the interactions between the thiocyanate anion and the countercation, the solute-solvent interactions drive the dynamic equilibrium. We have estimated the association-dissociation dynamics time scales from two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy. The exchange time scale involving the cluster is faster than that between a dimer and an ion pair. Moreover, we find that the dynamic equilibrium between the cluster and another ion complex is correlated to the solvent fluctuations.

}, issn = {1520-6106}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c08613}, author = {Ghosh, Deborin and Sakpal, Sushil S. and Chatterjee, Srijan and Deshmukh, Samadhan H. and Kwon, Hyejin and Kim, Yung Sam and Bagchi, Sayan} } @article {48419, title = {Behavioral and proteomic studies reveal methylglyoxal activate pathways associated with alzheimer{\textquoteright}s disease}, journal = {ACS Pharmacology \& Translational Science}, volume = {6}, year = {2022}, month = {DEC}, pages = {65{\textendash}75}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Diabetes is one of the major risk factors for Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s disease (AD) development. The role of elevated levels of glucose, methylglyoxal (MGO), and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in the pathogenesis of AD is not well understood. In this pursuit, we studied the role of methylglyoxal in the pathogenesis of AD in rat models. The elevated plus-maze (EPM) behavioral study indicated that MGO induces anxiety. Treatment of telmisartan (RAGE expression inhibitor) and aminoguanidine (MGO quencher) attenuated MGO induced anxiety. Further, hippocampal proteomics demonstrated that MGO treated rats differentially regulate proteins involved in calcium homeostasis, mitochondrial functioning, and apoptosis, which may affect neurotransmission and neuronal plasticity. The hippocampal tau phosphorylation level was increased in MGO treated rats, which was reduced in the presence of aminoguanidine and telmisartan. The plasma fructosamine level was increased upon MGO treatment. Hippocampal histochemistry showed vascular degeneration and neuronal loss upon MGO treatment. This study provides mechanistic insight into the role of MGO in the diabetes-associated development of AD.

}, doi = {10.1021/acsptsci.2c00143}, author = {Patil, Gouri and Kulsange, Shabda and Kazi, Rubina and Chirmade, Tejas and Kale, Vaikhari and Mote, Chandrashekhar and Aswar, Manoj and Koratkar, Santosh and Agawane, Sachin and Kulkarni, Mahesh} } @article {48370, title = {BESFA: bioinformatics based evolutionary, structural \& functional analysis of prostate, Placenta, Ovary, Testis, and Embryo (POTE) paralogs}, journal = {Heliyon}, volume = {8}, year = {2022}, month = {SEP}, pages = {e10476}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The POTE family comprises 14 paralogues and is primarily expressed in Prostate, Placenta, Ovary, Testis, Embryo (POTE), and cancerous cells. The prospective function of the POTE protein family under physiological conditions is less understood. We systematically analyzed their cellular localization and molecular docking analysis to elucidate POTE proteins{\textquoteright} structure, function, and Adaptive Divergence. Our results suggest that group three POTE paralogs (POTEE, POTEF, POTEI, POTEJ, and POTEKP (a pseudogene)) exhibits significant variation among other members could be because of their Adaptive Divergence. Furthermore, our molecular docking studies on POTE protein revealed the highest binding affinity with NCI-approved anticancer compounds. Additionally, POTEE, POTEF, POTEI, and POTEJ were subject to an explicit molecular dynamic simulation for 50ns. MM-GBSA and other essential electrostatics were calculated that showcased that only POTEE and POTEF have absolute binding affinities with minimum energy exploitation. Thus, this study{\textquoteright}s outcomes are expected to drive cancer research to successful utilization of POTE genes family as a new biomarker, which could pave the way for the discovery of new therapies.

}, keywords = {(MMGBSA), Adaptive divergence, Evolution, generalized born surface area, Homology, Mechanics, Molecular docking, Molecular dynamic simulation molecular, POTE paralogs}, doi = {10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10476}, author = {Qazi, Sahar and Jit, Bimal Prasad and Das, Abhishek and Karthikeyan, Muthukumarasamy and Saxena, Amit and Ray, M. D. and Singh, Angel Rajan and Raza, Khalid and Jayaram, B. and Sharma, Ashok} } @article {48373, title = {Biological macromolecule chitosan grafted co-polymeric composite: bio-adsorption probe on cationic dyes}, journal = {Polymer Bulletin}, volume = {79}, year = {2022}, month = {NOV}, pages = {9441-9455}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Chitosan biological macromolecule is a versatile polymer; chemical modification has been carried out that lead to the formation of chitosan grafted polymers composites (Chito-g-PC). We proposed synthesis of six various Chito-g-PC as sorbents for toxic dyes. A novel graft copolymerization method based on radical polymerization with vinyl monomer like acrylic acid, acrylamide, N-isopropylacrylamide, methacrylic acid and polyacrylonitrile were utilized in order to address the large amount of swelling at four different pH buffers solution. The effect of initiator and monomer concentration, time and temperature on \% grafting and \% grafting efficiency were performed. Comparative characterization of Chito and Chito-g-PC were evaluated by SEM, XRD and FTIR, as well as solubility characteristics of the composites were determined by various pH buffer solution. Cationic toxic dyes Malachite green (MG) and Methylene blue (MB) were selected as the sorbet, and Chito-g-PC were used as biosorbents. Thermodynamic analysis showed that the sorption process was spontaneous and endothermic with an increased randomness. The sorption experiments were realized with six different Chito-g-PC for MG and MB at various pH.

}, keywords = {Acrylamide, acrylic acid, Bio sorbent, Chitosan biological macromolecule}, issn = {0170-0839}, doi = {10.1007/s00289-021-03954-w}, author = {Khairkar, Shyam R. and Pansare, V. Shubham and Shedge, Amol A. and Chhatre, Shraddha and Kulal, Dnyaneshwar K. and Patil, Vishwanath R. and Pansare, V. Amol} } @article {48218, title = {Boosting electrochemical CO2 reduction to methane via tuning oxygen vacancy concentration and surface termination on a copper/ceria catalyst}, journal = {ACS Catalysis}, volume = {12}, year = {2022}, month = {SEP}, pages = {10973-10983}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Metal oxides are a promising material for designing highly active and selective catalysts for the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2RR). Here, we designed a Cu/ceria catalyst with high selectivity of methane production at single-atomic Cu active sites. Using this, we report favorable design concepts that push the product selectivity of methane formation by combining detailed structural analysis, density functional theory (DFT), in situ Raman spectroscopy, and electrochemical measurements. We demonstrate that a higher concentration of oxygen vacancies on the catalyst surface, resulting from more available Cu+ sites, enables high selectivity for methane formation during CO2RR and can be controlled by the calcination temperature. The DFT calculation and in situ Raman studies indicate that pH controls the surface termination; a more alkaline pH generates hydroxylated surface motifs with more active sites for the hydrogen evolution reaction. These findings provide insights into designing an efficient metal oxide electrocatalyst by controlling the atomic structure via the reaction environment and synthesis conditions.

}, keywords = {copper-ceria, electrochemical CO2 reduction, electrolyte pH, gas diffusion electrode, methane production, Oxygen vacancy}, issn = {2155-5435}, doi = {10.1021/acscatal.2c02669}, author = {Patra, Kshirodra Kumar and Liu, Zhu and Lee, Hojeong and Hong, Seungwon and Song, Hakhyeon and Abbas, Hafiz Ghulam and Kwon, Youngkook and Ringe, Stefan and Oh, Jihun} } @article {48205, title = {BQ-AurIPr: a redox-active anticancer Au(i) complex that induces immunogenic cell death}, journal = {Chemical Science}, volume = {13}, year = {2022}, month = {SEP}, pages = {10779-10785}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Immunogenic Cell Death (ICD) is a unique cell death mechanism that kills cancer cells while rejuvenating the anticancer immunosurveillance, thereby benefiting the clinical outcomes of various immuno-chemotherapeutic regimens. Herein, we report development of a library of benzo[a]quinolizinium-based Au(i) complexes through an intramolecular amino-auration reaction of pyridino-alkynes. We tested 40 candidates and successfully identified BQ-AurIPr as a novel redox-active Au(i) complex with potent anticancer properties. BQ-AurIPr efficiently triggered generation of DAMPs - the hallmarks of ICD - and was superior in terms of efficiency compared to FDA-approved drugs known to induce ICD. BQ-AurIPr significantly increased immunogenicity of cancer cells enhancing their phagocytosis when co-cultured with immune cells. Our investigation reveals that BQ-AurIPr induces oxidative stress inside mitochondria leading to mitophagy, as the mechanism for immunogenic cell death in A549 cells.

}, issn = {2041-6520}, doi = {10.1039/d2sc03756d}, author = {Mule, Ravindra D. and Kumar, Akhilesh and Sancheti, Shashank P. and Senthilkumar, B. and Kumar, Himanshu and Patil, Nitin T.} } @article {48192, title = {Case report: a fatal case of babesiosis in a splenectomized male patient from Western India}, journal = {American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene}, volume = {106}, year = {2022}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1421-1425}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Human babesiosis is a rare disease, caused by Babesia species and commonly transmitted by tick bite. Although human babesiosis is known to be asymptomatic in immunocompetent hosts, clinical cases of severe babesiosis have been reported from splenectomized or immunocompromised individuals. To our knowledge, only one case of human babesiosis in India has been previously reported. Here, we report a case of severe babesiosis with high parasitemia (similar to 70\%) in a 30-year-old asplenic farmer. The patient presented with fever, yellowish discoloration of skin, oliguria, and anemia; he eventually developed multiorgan failure syndrome and died. Peripheral blood films were prepared and used to confirm the presence of piroplasms by microscopy. Total DNA isolated from blood was used for 18S ribosomal RNA gene fragment amplification by polymerase chain reaction, which was subjected to Sanger sequencing. Although 18S sequence indicated that the Babesia species infecting the patient was similar to that of other Babesia species originating from wild mammals, species identification could not be done. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the patientderived pathogen is distinct because it forms a separate clade in the cladogram.

}, issn = {0002-9637}, doi = {10.4269/ajtmh.20-1118}, author = {Godbole, Ravi and Gaur, Avantika and Nayar, Priyanka and Kiruthiga, Kala and D{\textquoteright}Costa, Pradeep and Manchanda, Rumma and Khilari, Ajinkya and Shanmugam, Dhanasekaran and Muglikar, Kalpana D. and Kundu, Krishnendu} } @article {48023, title = {Catalytic conversion of sucrose to 1,2-propanediol over alumina-supported Ni-Mo bimetallic catalysts}, journal = {Sustainable Energy \& Fuels}, volume = {6}, year = {2022}, month = {JUL}, pages = {3681-3689}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Ni-Mo supported on gamma-Al2O3 catalysts were synthesized to test its catalytic activity towards sucrose to 1,2-propanediol (1,2-PDO) conversion. The catalyst system was characterized using various physicochemical methods, including XRD, BET, py-FTIR, XPS, FE-SEM, HR-TEM and ICP. The metal combination of 8\%Ni-20\%Mo/gamma-Al2O3 is found to be effective in producing a good yield of 1,2-propanediol (similar to 74\%) under mild reaction conditions of 180 degrees C, 40 bar H-2 pressure and a run time of 4.5 h in a batch reaction. The activity of the active catalyst over various substrates such as cellulose, glucose, fructose and real-source biomass has also been investigated. XPS analysis of the active catalyst confirms the various oxidation states of the metals Ni and Mo in the active catalyst. The py-IR results show that the optimum Lewis to Bronsted acidic site ratio is responsible for the selective conversion of sucrose to 1,2-PDO. The presence of interparticle mesopores on gamma-Al2O3 helps in the high conversion of sucrose. Furthermore, the catalyst has been found reusable for four consecutive runs without any structural or morphological changes.

}, issn = {2398-4902}, doi = {10.1039/d2se00610c}, author = {Sreekantan, Sreejith and Kirali, Arun Arunima Balachandran and Marimuthu, Banu} } @article {47767, title = {CdS cubane type clusters encapsulated by rolling of single layer reduced graphene oxide sheets for enhanced mechanical energy harvesting}, journal = {Materials Science and Engineering B-Advanced Functional Solid-State Materials}, volume = {276}, year = {2022}, month = {FEB}, pages = {115528}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Composites with Single Layer Graphene Oxide (SLGO) sheets are extremely difficult to achieve, irrespective of the current advancements in graphene composites research. The difficulties in exfoliating the graphite oxide (GO) was associated with a strong interaction among the edge sides of the adjacent layers. This in-turn barricades the foreign intruders to interact with the basal plane, thereby restraining one to form composites with SLGO sheets. In this work, we had successfully exfoliated GO through a spacer [Cd(OAc)(2) + polyethylene glycol (PEG)] to result in nano-engineered CdS cubane-type clusters in rolled up SLGO to form graphene oxide complex compound (GOCC), resembling carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The CdS cubane-type clusters were found to interacting with the carbon skeleton of rolled reduced SLGO sheet through a Manogate{\textquoteright} structures, which was supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Our theoretical study reveals that the obtained complex compound (GOCC) is thermodynamically more favourable than its ancestor materials (CdS cubane and empty CNT). Flexible piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs) fabricated from GOCC and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) resulted in output voltage (V-oc) of 4.5 V and output current of 0.4 mu A at applied force of 13 N. The nanoengineering helps to achieve superior mechanical energy harvesting performance for GOCC compared to pristine CdS, which demonstrate the potential of nanogate structures to enhance the intrinsic properties of materials.}, keywords = {Graphene oxide complex compound, Nanogate structure, New material, Novel procedure, Piezoelectric nanogenerator, SLGO}, issn = {0921-5107}, doi = {10.1016/j.mseb.2021.115528}, author = {Kumar, Praveen and Ram, Farsa and Shanmuganathan, Kadhiravan and Luwang, Meitram Niraj} } @article {48038, title = {Ce promoted Cu/?-Al2O3 catalysts for the enhanced selectivity of 1,2-pro-panediol from catalytic hydrogenolysis of glucose}, journal = {Catalysis Communications}, volume = {165}, year = {2022}, month = {MAY}, pages = {106447}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Ce promoted Cu/gamma-Al2O3 catalysts were prepared with varying amounts of Cu (x = 0-10 wt\%) and Ce (y = 0-15 wt\%). The prepared catalysts were characterized and tested for the conversion of aqueous glucose (5 wt\%) to 1,2propanediol in a batch reactor. 10\%Ce-8\%Cu/gamma-Al2O3 \& nbsp;showed the complete conversion of glucose with 62.7\% selectivity of 1,2-propanediol and total glycols (1,2-propanediol, ethylene glycol \& 1,2-butanediol) of 81\% at milder reaction conditions. Cu facilitated the hydrogenation activity and Ce loading optimize the acid/base sites of Cu/gamma-Al2O3 which obtain high selectivity of 1, 2-propanediol. Catalyst reusability is reported.

}, keywords = {2-Propanediol

,

1, Cu-Ce catalyst, ethylene glycol, Gamma alumina, Glucose hydrogenolysis}, issn = {1566-7367}, doi = {10.1016/j.catcom.2022.106447}, author = {Kirali, Arun Arunima Balachandran and Sreekantan, Sreejith and Marimuthu, Banu} } @article {48173, title = {Characterization of axial dispersion in a vertical helical coil for gas-liquid-liquid flow at low Reynolds numbers}, journal = {Reaction Chemistry \& Engineering}, volume = {7}, year = {2022}, month = {MAY }, pages = {1083-1095}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Gas-liquid-liquid (GLL) slug flow reactors offer several advantages like higher interfacial area, excellent mass transfer, and lower backmixing. Mesoscale (diameter similar to a few mm) helical coiled reactors operating in a slug flow regime can be used as GLL reactors even for reactions with long residence times. The long residence time invariably leads to low Reynolds number flows, which makes the backmixing or axial dispersion an important parameter influencing reactor performance. In this work, we have characterized the residence time distribution (RTD) and axial dispersion for single, gas-liquid, liquid-liquid, and gas-liquid-liquid flows through a vertical helical coil. Slow flows with low Reynolds numbers (\<100) were considered. RTD measurements were carried out with a step input and the outlet concentration was tracked by measuring light absorbance using a spectrophotometer. The applicability of the axial dispersion model was examined and verified for the studied systems. The axial dispersion was quantified in terms of dispersion coefficients. A significant reduction in the axial dispersion was observed by virtue of multiphase operation, in the order single \> gas-liquid \> liquid-liquid \> gas-liquid-liquid flow. This characterization of backmixing for multiphase flows in curved geometries will be helpful in the optimization of slow reactions in flow and also for processes like nanoparticle synthesis, crystallization, etc.

}, issn = {2058-9883}, doi = {10.1039/d1re00309g}, author = {Khan, Muzammil and Joshi, Sunil and Ranade, Vivek} } @article {47706, title = {Characterized constituents of insect herbivore oral secretions and their influence on the regulation of plant defenses}, journal = {Phytochemistry}, volume = {193}, year = {2022}, month = {JAN}, pages = {113008}, type = {Article}, abstract = {For more than 350 million years, there have been ongoing dynamic interactions between plants and insects. In several cases, insects cause-specific feeding damage with ensuing herbivore-associated molecular patterns that invoke characteristic defense responses. During feeding on plant tissue, insects release oral secretions (OSs) containing a repertoire of molecules affecting plant defense (effectors). Some of these OS components might elicit a defense response to combat insect attacks (elicitors), while some might curb the plant defenses (suppressors). Few reports suggest that the synthesis and function of OS components might depend on the host plant and associated microorganisms. We review these intricate plant-insect interactions, during which there is a continuous exchange of molecules between plants and feeding insects along with the associated microorganisms. We further provide a list of commonly identified inducible plant produced defensive molecules released upon insect attack as well as in response to OS treatments of the plants. Thus, we describe how plants specialized and defense-related metabolism is modulated at innumerable phases by OS during plant-insect interactions. A molecular understanding of these complex interactions will provide a means to design eco-friendly crop protection strategies.}, keywords = {Effector, Elicitor, Herbivore insects, Oral secretion, Plant defense, Suppressor}, issn = {0031-9422}, doi = {10.1016/j.phytochem.2021.113008}, author = {Kallure, Gopal S. and Kumari, Archana and Shinde, Balkrishna A. and Giri, Ashok P.} } @article {48026, title = {Choline-amino acid-derived bio-ionic liquids for solubility enhancement of zafirlukast}, journal = {AAPS Pharmscitech}, volume = {23}, year = {2022}, month = {MAY}, pages = {146}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

This study investigated the application of bio-ionic liquids (ILs) prepared from choline as cation and amino acid as anion for solubility enhancement of poorly water-soluble drug, Zafirlukast (ZFL). Herein, the solubility of ZFL in water and mixtures of water and ILs was assessed using UV spectroscopy at two temperature points 25 degrees C and 37 degrees C with increasing concentrations of IL. ZFL solubility was found to improve linearly with increasing concentration of [Ch][Pro] in water, representing 35- to 37-fold improvement in ZFL solubility at maximum concentration of [Ch][Pro] (1\% w/v) compared to when only pure water was present. Also, the effect of IL on ZFL solubility was analyzed using NMR, DSC, and TGA. These results clearly suggest that ZFL solubility was increased by forming hydrogen bonds with selected [Ch][Pro] IL. Toxicity study of ILs was tested against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Since IL solvent was found to increase the solubility of ZFL, this may serve as {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}functional excipient solvent{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} for solubility enhancement in its commercialized formulations.

}, keywords = {Amino acids, choline chloride, Ionic liquid, solubility, zafirlukast}, issn = {1530-9932}, doi = {10.1208/s12249-022-02296-8}, author = {Gaikwad, Namrata and Kudal, Swapna and Avachat, Amelia M.} } @article {48009, title = {cis-aziridine synthon based synthetic investigation for tamiflu employing horner-wadsworth-emmons reaction}, journal = {European Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {2022}, year = {2022}, month = {JUL }, pages = {e202200384}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Synthetic investigations to achieve a novel intermediate of Tamiflu by using cis-aziridine as a chiral building block, which is readily synthesized from (D)-mannitol as a renewable starting material, has been presented. The present approach utilizes the intramolecular Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reaction as the key step for the synthesis of Tamiflu. On the other hand, diene containing allylic aziridine framework is found to be inefficient to furnish the six-membered core skeleton of Tamiflu through ring-closing metathesis reaction.

}, keywords = {Aziridine, cyclization, HWE reaction, Metathesis, Tamiflu}, issn = {1434-193X}, doi = {10.1002/ejoc.202200384}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Kawale, Sanket A. and Gonnade, Rajesh G.} } @article {48420, title = {Cobalt-immobilized carbon-based nano-catalyst for Csingle bondN cross coupling reaction}, journal = {Results in Chemistry}, volume = {4}, year = {2022}, month = {JAN}, pages = {100682}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Csingle bondN\ cross coupling reaction\ is very important in synthesis of pharmaceuticals,\ natural products,\ agrochemicals, fine chemicals and functional materials. Traditionally,\ palladium\ or copper metals are used for Csingle bondN coupling reaction. As palladium is expensive, we developed cobalt immobilized carbon-based nano-catalyst Co@CC for Csingle bondN coupling. In this work, we synthesized non-noble metal-based Co@CC nano-catalyst by\ carbonization\ of glucose, it{\textquoteright}s functionalization followed by immobilization of cobalt on the surface of the catalyst. The catalyst was well characterized. The Csingle bondN cross coupling reaction of various aryl\ halides\ \& amines using Co@CC nano-catalyst was optimized for solvent, reaction temperature \& catalyst\ concentration conditions. The catalyst showed high catalytic activity for Csingle bondN coupling of various aryl halides \& amines to form aryl amines in good to excellent yield up to 91\ \% in\ sulfolane\ as a solvent at 150\ {\textdegree}C. The catalyst showed recyclability up to 5 times. The method developed for Csingle bondN coupling reaction was noble metal free, ligand free, recyclable, sustainable, economical \& environmentally friendly.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.rechem.2022.100682}, author = {Bankar, Shubham R. and Kirdant, Swapnali P. and Jadhav, Vrushali H.} } @article {47671, title = {Combinatorial therapy using RNAi and curcumin nano-architectures regresses tumors in breast and colon cancer models}, journal = {Nanoscale}, volume = {14}, year = {2022}, month = {JAN }, pages = {492-505}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Cancer is a debilitating disease and one of the leading causes of death in the world. In spite of the current clinical management being dependent on applying robust pathological variables and well-defined therapeutic strategies, there is an imminent need for novel and targeted therapies with least side effects. RNA interference (RNAi) has gained attention due to its precise potential for targeting multiple genes involved in cancer progression. Nanoparticles with their enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect have been found to overcome the limitations of RNAi-based therapies. With their high transportation capacity, nanocarriers can target RNAi molecules to tumor tissues and protect them from enzymatic degradation. Accumulating evidence has shown that tyrosine kinase Ephb4 is overexpressed in various cancers. Therefore, we report here the development and pre-clinical validation of curcumin-chitosan-loaded: eudragit-coated nanocomposites conjugated with Ephb4 shRNA as a feasible bio-drug to suppress breast and colon cancers. The proposed bio-drug is non-toxic and bio-compatible with a higher uptake efficiency and through our experimental results we have demonstrated the effective site-specific delivery of this biodrug and the successfull silencing of their respective target genes in vivo in autochthonous knockout models of breast and colon cancer. While mammary tumors showed a considerable decrease in size, oral administration of the biodrug conjugate to Apc knockout colon models prolonged the animal survival period by six months. Hence, this study has provided empirical proof that the combinatorial approach involving RNA interference and nanotechnology is a promising alliance for next-generation cancer therapeutics.}, issn = {2040-3364}, doi = {10.1039/d1nr04411g}, author = {Kumar, Aviral and Singam, Amarnath and Swaminathan, Guruprasadh and Killi, Naresh and Tangudu, Naveen Kumar and Jose, Jedy and Gundloori, Rathna V. N. and Kumar, Lekha Dinesh} } @article {48233, title = {Comparative analysis and structural modeling of elaeis oleifera FAD2, a fatty acid desaturase involved in unsaturated fatty acid composition of american oil palm}, journal = {Biology-Basel}, volume = {11}, year = {2022}, month = {APR}, pages = {529}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Simple Summary Palm oil has become the world{\textquoteright}s most important vegetable oil in terms of production quantity, and its overall demand is exponentially growing with the global population. The fatty acid composition and particularly the oleic/linoleic acid ratio are major factors influencing palm oil quality. In this study, we focused on FAD2, a fatty acid desaturase enzyme involved in the desaturation and conversion of oleic acid to linoleic acid in Elaeis oleifera, identified through in silico annotation analysis. Our phylogenetic and comparative studies revealed two SNP markers, SNP278 and SNP851, significantly correlated with the oleic/linoleic acid contents. Our study provides fundamental insights into the mechanism of fatty acids synthesis in oil palm and could support the application of molecular biology techniques to enhance the enzymatic activity and substrate affinity of EoFAD2. American oil palm (Elaeis oleifera) is an important source of dietary oil that could fulfill the increasing worldwide demand for cooking oil. Therefore, improving its production is crucial and could be realized through breeding and genetic engineering approaches aiming to obtain high-yielding varieties with improved oil content and quality. The fatty acid composition and particularly the oleic/linoleic acid ratio are major factors influencing oil quality. Our work focused on a fatty acid desaturase (FAD) enzyme involved in the desaturation and conversion of oleic acid to linoleic acid. Following the in silico identification and annotation of Elaeis oleifera FAD2, its molecular and structural features characterization was performed to better understand the mechanistic bases of its enzymatic activity. EoFAD2 is 1173 nucleotides long and encodes a protein of 390 amino acids that shares similarities with other FADs. Interestingly, the phylogenetic study showed three distinguished groups where EoFAD2 clustered among monocotyledonous taxa. EoFAD2 is a membrane-bound protein with five transmembrane domains presumably located in the endoplasmic reticulum. The homodimer organization model of EoFAD2 enzyme and substrates and respective substrate-binding residues were predicted and described. Moreover, the comparison between 24 FAD2 sequences from different species generated two interesting single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with the oleic/linoleic acid contents.

}, keywords = {FAD2, Fatty acids, in silico annotation, linoleic acid ratio, oil palm, oleic, SNP, structural modeling}, doi = {10.3390/biology11040529}, author = {Ben Ayed, Rayda and Chirmade, Tejas and Hanana, Mohsen and Khamassi, Khalil and Ercisli, Sezai and Choudhary, Ravish and Kadoo, Narendra and Karunakaran, Rohini} } @article {48421, title = {Comparison of hydrodynamic characteristics of Tulsion and Siran immobilised beads in a fluidised bed bioreactor}, journal = {Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology}, volume = {43}, year = {2022}, month = {AUG}, pages = {102428}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The fluidised bed reactors are successfully utilised in various bioprocesses to produce\ high value products\ using\ immobilised cells\ and enzymes. The present work aims at evaluating hydrodynamic characteristics of a three phase fluidised bed\ bioreactor\ using Tulsion{\textregistered} A-1X MP, Tulsion{\textregistered} ADS-400 and Tulsion{\textregistered} ADS-800,\ polystyrene\ and polyacrylic based three types of free and\ immobilised cells\ solid carriers viz. and comparing their performance with Siran{\textregistered} SIKUG41 glass beads. The hydrodynamic parameters such as particle density (cells and beads), drag coefficient, minimum and maximum\ fluidisation\ velocity, particle settling velocity were estimated and compared in water and biological media (E2 and MSM) having varying rheological properties. The relationships between drag coefficient (CD){\textendash}Reynolds numbers (NRe), superficial liquid velocity (Uf){\textendash}void fraction(ε), expansion index(n){\textendash}NRe\ were obtained.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.bcab.2022.102428}, author = {Kashid, Shweta and Joshi, Kalpana and Nene, Sanjay} } @article {48355, title = {Concise total synthesis of (+)-lanceolactone a: revision of absolute stereochemistry}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {87}, year = {2022}, month = {OCT}, pages = {12867-12876}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A chiral-pool protecting-group-free five-step total synthesis of tetranorsesquiterpenoide (+)-lanceolactone A and all of its four stereoisomers using (S)-(+)-, and (R)-(-)-linalool (coriandrol) as building blocks is disclosed. The key steps involved in this synthetic route are regioselective ozonolysis, Au(I)-catalyzed cycloisomerization-induced construction of furan from alleneone, and dye-sensitized photo-oxidation (through O-1(2) ; singlet oxygen) of hydroxyalkyl-tethered furan to access oxaspirolactone. After a thorough evaluation of electronic circular dichroism (ECD) and optical rotation data of all possible stereoisomers, the absolute configuration of natural lanceolactone A at the C4 and C7 positions has been assigned as (+)-(4S,7S), which is an enantiomer to the initially proposed structure (+)-(4R,7R). Further, these investigations led us to extend Feringa and Gawronski{\textquoteright}s CD correlation method to [5,5]- and [6,5]-oxaspirolactones.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/acs.joc.2c01450}, author = {Borade, Balasaheb R. and Kontham, Ravindar} } @article {48374, title = {Concurrent polyvalent interaction and electrocatalysis to improve lithium-sulfur battery performance}, journal = {Batteries \& Supercaps}, volume = {5}, year = {2022}, month = {FEB}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Batteries with improved efficiency are desired. Li-S batteries are attractive due to their high specific capacity and energy density. However, sluggish sulfur redox reaction and polysulfide dissolution are significant challenges in Li-S batteries. In this work, we report graphene with doped layer to electrocatalyze the sluggish sulfur redox reaction. The doped layer comprises heteroatoms such as either N or N and S. The doped layer also comprises cations of Ni. We have chosen a {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}doped layer on graphene{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} over {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}doped graphene{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} to avoid defects in the basal plane of graphene. We found the doped layer comprising graphene (DLC-G) to electrocatalyze the polysulfide redox reaction. However, the interaction between the doped layer and polysulfide is still weak, hence the dissolution is not suppressed. To circumvent the polysulfide dissolution, graphene with cationic layer was prepared. We found that cations in the layer electrostatically attract the polysulfides due to the polyvalent interaction. Thus, the dissolution is suppressed. While using this material in the Li-S batteries, the specific capacity, energy density and power density were found to be 1345 mAh g(-1), 782 Wh kg(-1) and 4437 W kg(-1), respectively.

}, keywords = {electrocatalysis, graphene, lithium-sulfur battery, mechanical exfoliation, polyvalent interaction}, doi = {10.1002/batt.202100229}, author = {Kumar, Subramani and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam} } @article {48122, title = {Co-Ni layered double hydroxide for the electrocatalytic oxidation of organic molecules: an approach to lowering the overall cell voltage for the water splitting process}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {14}, year = {2022}, month = {APR}, pages = {16222-16232}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Electrocatalytic oxidation of simple organic molecules oilers a promising strategy to combat the sluggish kinetics of the water oxidation reaction (WOR). The low potential requirement, inhibition of the crossover of gases, and formation of value-added products at the anode are benefits of the electrocatalytic oxidation of organic molecules. Herein, we developed cobalt-nickel-based layered double hydroxide (LDH) as a robust material for the electrocatalytic oxidation of alcohols and urea at the anode, replacing the WOR. A facile synthesis protocol to form LDHs with different ratios of Co and Ni is adapted. It demonstrates that the reactants could be efficiently oxidized to concomitant chemical products at the anode. The half-cell study shows an onset potential of 1.30 V for benzyl alcohol oxidation reaction (BAOR), 1.36 V for glycerol oxidation reaction (GOR), 1.33 V for ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR), and 1.32 V for urea oxidation reaction (UOR) compared with 1.53 V for WOR. Notably, the hybrid electrolyzer in a full-cell configuration significantly reduces the overall cell voltage at a 20 mA cm(-2) current density by similar to 15\% while coupling with the BAOR, EOR, and GOR and similar to 12\% with the UOR as the anodic half-cell reaction. Furthermore, the efficiency of hydrogen generation remains unhampered with the types of oxidation reactions (alcohols and urea) occurring at the anode. This work demonstrates the prospects of lowering the overall cell voltage in the case of a water electrolyzer by integrating the hydrogen evolution reaction with suitable organic molecule oxidation.

}, keywords = {electrocatalytic oxidation, energy conversion, imidazole mediated, Layered compounds, water splitting}, issn = {1944-8244}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.2c00982}, author = {Shilpa, Nagaraju and Pandikassala, Ajmal and Krishnaraj, Perayil and Walko, Priyanka S. and Devi, R. Nandini and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {48222, title = {Controlled modulation of the structure and luminescence properties of zero-dimensional manganese halide hybrids through structure-directing metal-ion (Cd2+ and Zn2+) centers}, journal = {Inorganic Chemistry}, volume = {61}, year = {2022}, month = {APR}, pages = {5363-5372}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Zero-dimensional (0D) metal halide hybrids with high exciton binding energy are excellent materials for lighting applications. Controlling/modulating the structure of the con-stituent metal halide units allows tunability of their photo-luminescence properties. 0D manganese halide hybrids are currently attracting research efforts in lighting applications due to their eco-friendly and strong emission. However, structural transformation-induced tunability of their photophysical propertieshas rarely been reported. Herein, we demonstrate a rationalsynthetic strategy to modulate the structure and luminescenceproperties of 0D Mn(II) halide hybrids utilizing the structure-directing d10metal ions (Cd2+/Zn2+). 0D metal halide hybrids ofCd2+/Zn2+, which act as hosts with tunable structures, accept Mn2+ions as substitutional dopants. This structural flexibility of thehost d10metal ions is realized by optimizing the metal-to-ligand ratio (Cd/AEPip). This reaction parameter allows structuraltransformation from an octahedral (AEPipCdMnBrOh) to a tetrahedral (AEPipCdMnBrTd) 0D Mn halide hybrid with tunableluminescence (orange -\> green) with high photoluminescence quantum yield. Interestingly, when Zn2+is utilized, a tetrahedralAEPipZnMnBr structure forms exclusively with strong green emission. Optical and single-crystal X-ray diffraction structural analysisof the host and the doped system supports our experimental data and confirms the structure-directing role played by Cd2+/Zn2+centers. This work demonstrates a rational strategy to modulate the structure/luminescence properties of 0D Mn(II) halide hybrids, which can further be implemented for other 0D metal halide hybrids

}, issn = {0020-1669}, doi = {10.1021/acs.inorgchem.2c00160}, author = {Das, Deep Kumar and Bakthavatsalam, Rangarajan and Anilkumar, Vishnu and Mali, Bhupendra P. and Ahmed, Md Soif and Raavi, Sai Santosh Kumar and Pallepogu, Raghavaiah and Kundu, Janardan} } @article {48372, title = {Conventional and microwave-assisted organic synthesis of novel antimycobacterial agents bearing furan and pyridine hybrids}, journal = {Drug Development Research}, volume = {83}, year = {2022}, month = {APR}, pages = {416-431}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Drug resistance in tuberculosis poses a serious threat to humanity because currently available antitubercular drugs are ineffective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis). As a result, the approval of Bedaquiline and Delamanid for the treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis was accelerated. Still, there is an urgent need to search for new antitubercular drugs with novel mechanisms of action (MoA). Due to this, we have designed a synthetic strategy by utilizing microwave-assisted organic synthesis. We have compared our method with the conventional procedure, and the data show that our procedure is more effective in the preparation of title compounds. A unique series of 1-(2-(furan-2-yl)-5-(pyridin-4-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-3(2H)-yl)-3-(aryl)-pr op-2-en-1-ones (5a-o) was synthesized utilizing conventional and microwave-assisted techniques. Synthetic compounds were investigated for antitubercular activity against Mycobacterium TB H37Ra and Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis). Compound 5b was reported to be the most effective against M. tuberculosis H37Ra (97.69 percent inhibition at 30 mu g/ml) and M. bovis (97.09 percent inhibition at 30 mu g/ml). An in silico binding affinity study of mycobacterial enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase (InhA) reveals the binding mechanism and thermodynamic interactions that determine these molecule{\textquoteright}s binding affinity. Compound 5b had a high glide score of -8.991 and low glide energy of -49.893 kcal/mol.

}, keywords = {Antitubercular activity, microwave-assisted organic synthesis, Molecular docking}, issn = {0272-4391}, doi = {10.1002/ddr.21872}, author = {Desai, Nisheeth C. and Bhatt, Kandarp and Jadeja, Dharmpalsinh J. and Mehta, Harsh K. and Khedkar, Vijay M. and Sarkar, Dhiman} } @article {48207, title = {Copper(II) import and reduction are dependent on His-Met clusters in the extracellular amino terminus of human copper transporter-1}, journal = {Journal of Biological Chemistry}, volume = {298}, year = {2022}, month = {MAR}, pages = {101631}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Copper(I) is an essential metal for all life forms. Though Cu(II) is the most abundant and stable state, its reduction to Cu(I) via an unclear mechanism is prerequisite for its bioutilization. In eukaryotes, the copper transporter-1(CTR1) is the primary high-affinity copper importer, although its mechanism and role in Cu(II) reduction remain uncharacterized. Here we show that extracellular amino-terminus of human CTR1 contains two methionine-histidine clusters and neighboring aspartates that distinctly bind Cu(I) and Cu(II) preceding its import. We determined that hCTR1 localizes at the basolateral membrane of polarized MDCK-II cells and that its endocytosis to Common-Recycling-Endosomes is regulated by reduction of Cu(II) to Cu(I) and subsequent Cu(I) coordination by the methionine cluster. We demonstrate the transient binding of both Cu(II) and Cu(I) during the reduction process is facilitated by aspartates that also act as another crucial determinant of hCTR1 endocytosis. Mutating the first Methionine cluster ((7)Met-Gly-Met(9)) and Asp(13)( )abrogated copper uptake and endocytosis upon copper treatment. This phenotype could be reverted by treating the cells with reduced and nonreoxidizable Cu(I). We show that histidine clusters, on other hand, bind Cu(II) and are crucial for hCTR1 functioning at limiting copper. Finally, we show that two N-terminal His-Met-Asp clusters exhibit functional complementarity, as the second cluster is sufficient to preserve copper-induced CTR1 endocytosis upon complete deletion of the first cluster. We propose a novel and detailed mechanism by which the two His-Met-Asp residues of hCTR1 amino-terminus not only bind copper, but also maintain its reduced state, crucial for intracellular uptake.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101631}, author = {Kar, Sumanta and Sen, Samarpita and Maji, Saptarshi and Saraf, Deepashri and Ruturaj and Paul, Rupam and Dutt, Sohini and Mondal, Basudeb and Rodriguez-Boulan, Enrique and Schreiner, Ryan and Sengupta, Durba and Gupta, Arnab} } @article {48121, title = {Crystalline xylitol production from corncob biomass with oral toxicity analysis}, journal = {Industrial Crops and Products}, volume = {187}, year = {2022}, month = {NOV }, pages = {115407}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Xylitol, a five-carbon sugar alcohol, has a steady global market and finds application as a natural sugar substitute in various food and confectionery products. Biocatalytic xylitol production, although touted as a greener alternative to conventional chemical catalysis, suffers from certain challenges, the primary being high cost of production. This study demonstrates a process for food-grade xylitol production from corncob biomass with energy reduction through two major process modifications. A non-conventional fermentation strategy was adopted whereby adjusting aeration without agitation, xylitol with high yield (0.86 +/- 0.015 g/g), and productivity (0.74 gL(-1)h(-1)) could be produced by a GRAS Pichia caribbica MTCC 5703 strain. Xylitol was recovered from the broth in the form of crystals using a combination of membrane-based filtration and crystallization. The crystals demonstrated similar to 98 \% purity when quantified with H-1 NMR. Oral toxicity analysis of the crystals demonstrated no adverse effect in female Winstar rats (at a loading of 2000 mg/kg body weight of animals). Overall process statistics showed that 0.584 kg of food-grade xylitol crystals could be produced from 3.5 kg of corncob biomass. The two-process modifications during fermentation and xylitol recovery enabled an energy saving of similar to 20.842 kW/kg of crystals, providing tremendous advantages for biorefinery-based large-scale xylitol production from corncob biomass.

}, keywords = {Biomass, Fermentation, Oral toxicity analysis, Wastewater treatment, xylitol}, issn = {0926-6690}, doi = {10.1016/j.indcrop.2022.115407}, author = {Ahuja, Vishal and Dasgupta, Diptarka and Kshirsagar, Siddheshwar and Ghosh, Prasenjit and More, Snehal and Gupta, Piyush and Behera, Babita and Bhaskar, Thallada} } @article {48388, title = {[DBUH][OAc]-catalyzed domino synthesis of novel benzimidazole incorporated 3,5-Bis (Arylidene)-4-piperidones as potential antitubercular agents}, journal = {Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds}, volume = {42}, year = {2022}, month = {NOV}, pages = {7010-7024}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A series of new benzimidazole incorporated 3,5-bis (arylidene)-4-piperidones were synthesized by using aryl aldehydes, piperidinone, 2-(chloromethyl)-benzimidazole and DBU acetate [DBUH][OAc] act as a catalyst under solvent free condition in excellent yields. The synthesized compounds were screened for their in vitro antimycobacterial activity against M. tuberculosis H37Ra (MTB) and M. bovis BCG strains. The compounds 4a, 4b, 4e, 4i, 4k and 4l are highly potent against both the strains. Most of the active compounds are non-cytotoxic against MCF-7, A549, HCT 116 and THP-1 cell lines. Furthermore, a molecular docking study of these compounds was carried out to investigate their binding pattern with the target, active site of mycobacterial enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase (Inh A). Therefore, these compounds can be subjected for further optimization and drug development which could give promising chemical leads for treatment of TB.

}, keywords = {Antitubercular activity, curcumin, Cytotoxicity, Ionic liquid, multicomponent reactions}, issn = {1040-6638}, doi = {10.1080/10406638.2021.1995008}, author = {Subhedar, Dnyaneshwar D. and Shaikh, Mubarak H. and Nagargoje, Amol A. and Sarkar, Dhiman and Khedkar, Vijay M. and Shingate, Bapurao B.} } @article {48105, title = {Decay processes in cationic alkali metals in microsolvated clusters: a complex absorbing potential based equation-of-motion coupled cluster investigation}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Theory and Computation}, volume = {18}, year = {2022}, month = {FEB }, pages = {807-816}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We have employed the highly accurate complex absorbing potential based ionization potential equation-of-motion coupled cluster singles and doubles (CAP-IP-EOM-CCSD) method to study the various intermolecular decay processes in ionized metals (Li+, Na+, K+) microsolvated by water molecules. For the Li atom, the electron is ionized from the 1s subshell. However, for Na and K atoms, the electron is ionized from 2s and both 2s and 2p subshells, respectively. We have investigated decay processes for the Li+-(H2O)(n) (n = 1-3) systems, as well as Na+-(H2O)(n) (n = 1, 2), and K+-H2O. The lithium cation in water can decay only via electron transfer mediated decay (ETMD) as there are no valence electrons in lithium. We have investigated how the various decay processes change in the presence of different alkali metal atoms and how the increasing number of water molecules play a significant role in the decay of microsolvated systems. To see the effect of the environment, we have studied Li+-NH3 in comparison to Li+-H2O. In the case of Na+-H2O, we have studied the impact of bond distance on the decay width. The effect of polarization on decay width was checked for the X+-H2O (X = Li, Na) systems. We used the PCM model to study the polarization effect. We have compared our results with existing theoretical and experimental results wherever available in the literature.

}, issn = {1549-9618}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jctc.1c01036}, author = {Kumar, Ravi and Ghosh, Aryya and Vaval, Nayana} } @article {47768, title = {Deciphering the sensing of alpha-amyrin acetate with hs-DNA: a multipronged biological probe}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {12}, year = {2022}, month = {JAN}, pages = {1238-1243}, type = {Article}, abstract = {In this study, we focus on the biomimetic development of small molecules and their biological sensing with DNA. The binding of herring sperm deoxyribonucleic acid (hs-DNA) with naturally occurring bioactive small molecule alpha-amyrin acetate (alpha-AA), a biomimetic - isolated from the leaves of Ficus (F.) arnottiana is investigated. Collective information from various imaging, spectroscopic and biophysical experiments provides evidence that alpha-AA is a minor groove sensor of hs-DNA and preferentially binds to the A-T-rich regions. Interactions of different concentrations of small molecule alpha-AA with hsDNA were evaluated via various analytical techniques such as UV-Vis, circular dichroism (CD) and fluorescence emission spectroscopy. Fluorescence emission spectroscopy results suggest that alpha-AA decreases the emission level of hsDNA. DNA minor groove sensor Hoechst 33258 and intercalative sensor EB, melting transition analysis (T-M) and viscosity analysis clarified that alpha-AA binds to hs-DNA via a groove site. Biophysical chemistry and molecular docking studies show that hydrophobic interactions play a major role in this binding. The present research deals with a natural product biosynthesis-linked chemical-biology interface sensor as a biological probe for alpha-AA: hs-DNA.}, doi = {10.1039/d1ra07195e}, author = {Pansare, V. Amol and Shedge, Amol A. and Sonawale, Maryappa C. and Pansare, V. Shubham and Mahakal, Akshay D. and Khairkar, Shyam R. and Chhatre, Shraddha Y. and Kulal, Dnyaneshwar K. and Patil, Vishwanath R.} } @article {48224, title = {Design, synthesis of anticancer and anti-inflammatory 4-(1-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-6-(methylthio) pyrimidine-5-carbonitriles}, journal = {Synthetic Communications}, volume = {52}, year = {2022}, month = {MAR }, pages = {733-744}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A novel series of 4-(1-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-6-(methylthio) pyrimidine-5-carbonitriles (4a-i) was synthesized and evaluated for anticancer potential against cell lines for breast cancer. Compounds 4b, 4e, and 4h exhibited prominent cytotoxicity against human breast carcinoma MCF-7 cell line with GI(50 )of 2.0, 0.5, and 0.5 mu M, respectively. Molecular docking study against EGFR tyrosine kinase could provide valuable insights into the plausible mechanism of action. The compounds could bind with significantly high binding affinity and their binding affinity scores could correlate well with the observed anticancer activity. Furthermore, compounds 4a, 4c, 4e, 4g, and 4i exhibited significant inflammatory activities as well which could expand the therapeutic domain of this novel series.

}, keywords = {Anti-inflammatory, Anticancer, Antioxidant, Indole, pyrimidine}, issn = {0039-7911}, doi = {10.1080/00397911.2022.2048860}, author = {Bhale, Pravin S. and Chavan, V. Hemant and Shringare, Sadanand N. and Khedkar, Vijay M. and Tigote, Radhakrishna M. and Mali, Nikita N. and Jadhav, Tukaram D. and Kamble, Nitin B. and Kolat, Swati P. and Bandgar, Babasaheb P. and Patil, Harshal S.} } @article {48349, title = {Detection of a target protein (GroEl2) in Mycobacterium tuberculosis using a derivative of 1,2,4-triazolethiols}, journal = {Molecular Diversity}, volume = {26}, year = {2022}, month = {OCT}, pages = {2535-2548}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Herein, we identified a potent lead compound RRA2, within a series of 54 derivatives of 1,2,4-triazolethiols (exhibit good potency as an anti-mycobacterial agents) against intracellular Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Compound RRA2 showed significant mycobactericidal activity against active stage Mycobacterium bovis BCG and Mtb with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 2.3 and 2.0 mu g/mL, respectively. At MIC value, RRA2 compound yielded 0.82 log reduction of colony-forming unit (cfu) against non-replicating Mtb. Furthermore, RRA2 compound was selected for further target identification due to the presence of alkyne group, showing higher selectivity index (\> 66.66 +/- 0.22, in non-replicating stage). Using {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}click{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} chemistry, we synthesized the biotin linker-RRA2 conjugate, purified with HPLC method and confirmed the conjugation of biotin linker-RRA2 complex by HR-MS analysis. Furthermore, we successfully pulled down and identified a specific target protein GroEl2, from Mtb whole-cell extract. Furthermore, computational molecular modeling indicated RRA2 could interact with GroEl2, which explains the structure-activity relationship observed in this study.

}, keywords = {1, 2, 4-triazolethiols, GroEl2, Mycobactericidal activity, Mycobacterium bovis BCG, Mycobacterium tuberculosis}, issn = {1381-1991}, doi = {10.1007/s11030-021-10351-y}, author = {Sarkar, Sampa and Swami, Sagar and Soni, Sarvesh Kumar and Holien, Jessica K. and Khan, Arshad and Korwar, Arvind M. and Likhite, Anjali P. and Joshi, Ramesh A. and Joshi, Rohini R. and Sarkar, Dhiman} } @article {47798, title = {Dietary influence on modulation of Helicoverpa armigera oral secretion composition leading to differential regulation of tomato plant defense}, journal = {Plant Science}, volume = {314}, year = {2022}, month = {JAN}, pages = {111120}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Little is known about how different plant-based diets influence the insect herbivores{\textquoteright} oral secretion (OS) composition and eventually the plant defense responses. We analyzed the OS composition of the generalist Lepidopteran insect, Helicoverpa armigera feeding on the host plant tomato (OSH), non-host plant capsicum (OSNH), and artificial diet (OSAD) using Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry. Higher numbers and levels of alkaloids and terpenoids were observed in OSH and OSNH, respectively while OSAD was rich in phospholipids. Interestingly, treatment of H. armigera OSAD, OSH and OSNH on wounded tomato leaves showed differential expression of (i) genes involved in JA and SA biosynthesis and their responsive genes, and (ii) biosynthetic pathway genes of chlorogenic acid (CGA) and trehalose, which exhibited increased accumulation along with several other plant defensive metabolites. Specifically, high levels of CGA were detected after OSH and OSNH treatments in tomato leaves. There was higher expression of the genes involved in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, which may lead to the increased accumulation of CGA and related metabolites. In the insect bioassay, CGA significantly inhibited H. armigera larval growth. Our results underline the differential accumulation of plant and insect OS metabolites and identified potential plant metabolite(s) affecting insect growth and development.}, keywords = {Chlorogenic acid, defense, Metabolites, Non-host, Oral secretion, trehalose}, issn = {0168-9452}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plantsci.2021.111120}, url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168945221003162}, author = {Gopal S. Kallure and Balkrishna A. Shinde and Vitthal T. Barvkar and Archana Kumari and Ashok P. Giri} } @article {48197, title = {Dietary influence on modulation of Helicoverpa armigera oral secretion composition leading to differential regulation of tomato plant defense.}, journal = {Plant Science}, volume = {314}, year = {2022}, month = {JAN}, pages = {111120}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Little is known about how different plant-based diets influence the insect herbivores{\textquoteright} oral secretion (OS) composition and eventually the plant defense responses. We analyzed the OS composition of the generalist Lepidopteran insect, Helicoverpa armigera feeding on the host plant tomato (OSH), non-host plant capsicum (OSNH), and artificial diet (OSAD) using Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry. Higher numbers and levels of alkaloids and terpenoids were observed in OSH and OSNH, respectively while OSAD was rich in phospholipids. Interestingly, treatment of H. armigera OSAD, OSH and OSNH on wounded tomato leaves showed differential expression of (i) genes involved in JA and SA biosynthesis and their responsive genes, and (ii) biosynthetic pathway genes of chlorogenic acid (CGA) and trehalose, which exhibited increased accumulation along with several other plant defensive metabolites. Specifically, high levels of CGA were detected after OSH and OSNH treatments in tomato leaves. There was higher expression of the genes involved in phenyl-propanoid biosynthesis, which may lead to the increased accumulation of CGA and related metabolites. In the insect bioassay, CGA significantly inhibited H. armigera larval growth. Our results underline the differential accumulation of plant and insect OS metabolites and identified potential plant metabolite(s) affecting insect growth and development.

}, keywords = {Chlorogenic acid, defense, Metabolites, Non-host, Oral secretion, trehalose}, issn = {0168-9452}, doi = {10.1016/j.plantsci.2021.111120}, author = {Kallure, Gopal S. and Shinde, Balkrishna A. and Barvkar, Vitthal T. and Kumari, Archana and Giri, Ashok P.} } @article {47898, title = {Diethyl phosphite-mediated switchable synthesis of bis(imidazoheterocycles) derived disulfanes and sulfanes using imidazoheterocycles and octasulfur}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {46}, year = {2022}, month = {MAR }, pages = {4784-4791}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A practical and highly efficient oxidative dual C-H sulfenylation of imidazoheterocycles using odorless, inexpensive elemental sulfur in DMSO to synthesize sulfur-bridged imidazoheterocycles under metal-free conditions is reported. The amount of diethyl phosphite and sulfur powder most attractively permits a tunable synthesis of bis(imidazoheterocycle)disulfanes and bis(imidazoheterocycle)sulfanes in good to high yields. A comprehensive substrate scope with a broad range of functional group tolerance was realized, and the efficacy of the process was proved at gram-scale reactions. Next, the bis(imidazopyridine)disulfanes were smoothly reacted with various indoles under similar conditions to form the corresponding imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-indole-derived thioethers in high yields. A plausible mechanism has been proposed based on the control experiments.

}, issn = {1144-0546}, doi = {10.1039/d1nj05226h}, author = {Reddy, Raju Jannapu and Shankar, Angothu and Kumar, Jangam Jagadesh and Sharadha, Nunavath and Krishna, Gamidi Rama} } @article {47799, title = {Dimerization of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein affects sensitivity of ELISA based diagnostics of COVID-19}, journal = {International Journal of Biological Macromolecules}, volume = {200}, year = {2022}, month = {MAR}, pages = {428-437}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Nucleocapsid protein (N protein) is the primary antigen of the virus for development of sensitive diagnostic assays of COVID-19. In this paper, we demonstrate the significant impact of dimerization of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) N-protein on sensitivity of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based diagnostics. The expressed purified protein from E. coli is composed of dimeric and monomeric forms, which have been further characterized using biophysical and immunological techniques. Indirect ELISA indicated elevated susceptibility of the dimeric form of the nucleocapsid protein for identification of protein-specific monoclonal antibody as compared to the monomeric form. This finding also confirmed with the modelled structure of monomeric and dimeric nucleocapsid protein via HHPred software and its solvent accessible surface area, which indicates higher stability and antigenicity of the dimeric type as compared to the monomeric form. The sensitivity and specificity of the ELISA at 95\% CI are 99.0\% (94.5-99.9) and 95.0\% (83.0-99.4), respectively, for the highest purified dimeric form of the N protein. As a result, using the highest purified dimeric form will improve the sensitivity of the current nucleocapsid-dependent ELISA for COVID-19 diagnosis, and manufacturers should monitor and maintain the monomer-dimer composition for accurate and robust diagnostics.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.01.094}, author = {Khan, Wajihul and Khan, Nida and Mishra, Avinash and Gupta, Surbhi and Bansode, Vikrant and Mehta, Deepa and Bhambure, Rahul and Rathore, Anurag} } @article {48069, title = {Direct (hetero)arylation (DHAP) polymerization of conjugated polymers - new A-B-A monomer design for P(NDI2OD-T2) \& the challenges of adopting DHAP for continuous flow processes}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry C}, volume = {10}, year = {2022}, month = {SEP}, pages = {13025-13039}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

P(NDI2OD-T2), also known as Polyera ActivInk N2200, was synthesized by the atom-economic direct hetero arylation polymerization (DHAP) route using a newly designed A-B-A monomer. The new monomer design involved flanking naphthalene diimide with bithiophene units in the bay position, which was further polymerized with bay substituted 1,4-dibromo naphthalene diimide, to afford the same polymer structure as P(NDI2OD-T2). The new monomer design resulted in a very high molecular weight (M-n: 99.5 kDa, D-M: 2.8) defect-free polymer in a quantitative yield by the DHAP batch process using 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene (TCB) as the solvent. DFT studies revealed that the abstraction of the alpha-proton from the naphthalene diimide substituted 2,2 {\textquoteleft}-bithiophene was favorable by 2.6 kcal mol(-1) (Delta Delta G) as compared to that from 2,2 {\textquoteleft}-bithiophene. The reason for this improved C-H activation at the alpha position can be attributed to the presence of C-HMIDLINE HORIZONTAL ELLIPSIS pi stabilizing interactions in naphthalene diimide substituted 2,2 {\textquoteleft}-bithiophene, which strengthens upon the extended charge delocalization throughout the ring, thus stabilizing the conjugate base generated after the proton abstraction. Continuous flow polymerization was carried out by pumping the DHAP reaction mixture including the monomers, catalyst, and additive (pivalic acid) solubilized in degassed TCB through a pre-heated glass condenser packed with K2CO3 and Celite under aerobic conditions. Reproducible molecular weights of M-n: 29.5 kDa, D-M: 1.7 were obtained at much lower concentrations of reactant mixture compared to that for batch polymerization. This is the first report of the synthesis of P(NDI2OD-T2) by a Continuous Flow Process adopting the DHAP route to obtain a defect-free polymer with reasonable molecular weights. P(NDI2OD-T2) was also synthesized by Stille polymerization as a reference control sample to compare the thermal and charge carrier transport properties of the DHAP polymers. Organic field-effect (OFET) mobility measurements indicated mobility values in the order of 10(-3) cm(2) V-1 s(-1) for the DHAP batch polymer (using the novel monomer design). The P(NDI2OD-T2) synthesized by DHAP batch using the commonly used starting materials - bisbromo naphthalene diimide and bithiophene, exhibited OFET mobilities which were one order less, similar to 10(-4) cm(2) V-1 s(-1). This observation highlights the importance of structural design in the monomer to enhance reactivity and thereby the bulk properties using the DHAP route.

}, issn = {2050-7526}, doi = {10.1039/d2tc02514k}, author = {Kakde, Navnath R. and Bharathkumar, H. J. and Wavhal, Bhaiyyasaheb A. and Nikam, Arun and Patil, Suneha and Dash, Soumya Ranjan and Vanka, Kumar and Krishnamoorthy, K. and Kulkarni, Amol and Asha, S. K.} } @article {48194, title = {Diversity assessment of Gloriosa superba accessions from Western Ghats of India based on morphological traits, ISSR markers and metabolite content}, journal = {Journal of Applied Research on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants}, volume = {30}, year = {2022}, month = {SEP}, pages = {100388}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Gloriosa superba L. (glory lily) is a medicinally and horticulturally important plant used as a commercial source of the alkaloid colchicine. The Western Ghats in India is mostly unexplored for the morphological, genetic, and metabolite diversity of the species. In the current study, three methodologies were employed to assess the diversity among 50 established accessions of G. superba collected from several locations in the Western Ghats. The morphological analysis revealed that, among the studied traits, seed yield per vine and dry seed weight per 100 seeds for the established accessions were the most diverse traits. The former exhibited a significantly positive correlation with four vegetative and five yield traits. The first three principal components showed nine traits contributing to the variation. Intra-specific molecular variation based on inter simple sequence repeat markers distributed the accessions in three clusters with high polymorphism and low genetic diversity indices. Liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis revealed significant variation among the screened accessions for colchicine content in tuber and seed tissue. Interestingly, an unexplored tissue, pod shell, was found to contain significantly high colchicine, which could be explored for commercial colchicine extraction. The morphogenetic and metabolite variation revealed by the study would be useful to develop elite varieties to expand the cultivation of glory lily across the country, fulfilling the increasing demand for colchicine and providing remunerative income to the farmers.

}, keywords = {Colchicine, Genetic diversity, Gloriosa superba, Metabolite diversity, Morphological diversity, Western Ghats}, doi = {10.1016/j.jarmap.2022.100388}, author = {Mahajan, Yogesh A. and Shinde, Balkrishna A. and Mulani, Fayaj A. and Gade, Akshay B. and Kasodekar, Amol K. and Thulasiram, H. V. and Kadoo, Narendra Y. and Nikam, Tukaram D.} } @article {48193, title = {Doped 2D VX2 (X = S, Se, Te) monolayers as electrocatalysts for ammonia production: a DFT based study}, journal = {Applied Surface Science}, volume = {602}, year = {2022}, month = {NOV}, pages = {154401}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Electrocatalytic nitrogen fixation under ambient conditions on vanadium dichalcogenides (VX2) with non-metal dopants has been explored herein. Understanding the interface chemistry, inherent electronic and acute synergistic nature of non-metal dopants on two unique phases of VX2 has been meticulously explored through a scrutiny of several non-metal atoms as catalytic centers. The efficacity of N-2 chemisorption and N-N bond activation has been implemented as crucial parameters to realize boron and carbon doped VX2 monolayers to be electrocatalytically active for nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR). Detailed investigation on the NRR mechanism brings out the pivotal role of thermodynamic favourability for product formation obtained from Gibbs free energy differences. The charge transfer on N and pi-pi* orbital hybridization and electron {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}donor-acceptor {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft} mechanism between the non-metal and N-2 has been found to modulate the electrocatalytic barrier for NRR on VX2 monolayers. This study proposes boron doped VS2 as an efficient chemically feasible, earth abundant sustainable electrocatalyst for NRR with an overpotential as low as 0.06 eV.

}, keywords = {1T and 2H phases, DFT, electrocatalysts, Nitrogen Reduction Reaction, Non metal dopants, Vanadium dichalcogenides}, issn = {0169-4332}, doi = {10.1016/j.apsusc.2022.154401}, author = {Maibam, Ashakiran and BabaRao, Ravichandar and Krishnamurty, Sailaj A.} } @article {48025, title = {Effect of ionic interactions on crystallization of star telechelic poly (L-lactide) ionomers}, journal = {Polymer}, volume = {252}, year = {2022}, month = {JUN}, pages = {124939}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Effect of ionic interactions on crystallization properties of star telechelic poly(L-lactide) ionomers was studied by performing isothermal crystallization experiments. We report a comparison between star PLLA and star telechelic PLLA ionomer. It was evident that the ionic interactions in the ionomer affected the crystallization rate as well as modified the spherulitic morphology. Employing Avrami analysis on the isothermal crystallization data we show that star PLLA shows faster crystallization at higher temperatures (closer to melting point) than the star PLLA ionomer. However, a reversal of this trend in crystallization is observed at lower temperatures (closer to glass transition temperature). The origin of high temperatures behaviour comparison is explained in terms of the higher secondary nucleation barrier for ionomers using the famous Lauritzen- Hoffman secondary nucleation theory. However, we point out that the assumption of equal diffusion barrier in this theory limits its range of applicability. In order to explain the low temperature behaviour, we invoke the activation energy comparison in PLLA and ionomer using rheological studies. We show that although the presence of ions in the polymer impede the secondary nucleation process, its effect is only observed at higher temperatures.

}, keywords = {Crystallization, Ionomer, Poly( L -lactide), Star polymer, Telechelic}, issn = {0032-3861}, doi = {10.1016/j.polymer.2022.124939}, author = {Kulkarni, Amruta} } @article {48231, title = {Effect of oxalic acid and sulphuric acid hydrolysis on the preparation and properties of pineapple pomace derived cellulose nanofibers and nanopapers}, journal = {International Journal of Biological Macromolecules}, volume = {209}, year = {2022}, month = {JUN }, pages = {1745-1759}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Nanocellulose is the {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}green magnet{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} which attracts a wide spectrum of industries towards it due to its availability, biodegradability, and possible smart applications. For the first time, pineapple pomace was being explored as an economic precursor for cellulose nanofibers. Nanofiber isolation was accomplished using a chemo-mechanical method and solution casting was adopted for the development of nanopapers. Moreover, the study examines the structural, optical, crystalline, dimensional, and thermal features of nanofibers isolated using different acid hydrolysis (oxalic acid and sulphuric acid) methods. Fourier-transform infra-red spectroscopy, 13C solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis indicated the presence of type I cellulose. The transmittance, crystallinity index, and thermal stability of PPNFS (sulphuric acid treated fiber) were greater than PPNFO (oxalic acid treated fiber). The transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering analysis confirmed the nanodimension of PPNFO and PPNFS. While comparing the optical and mechanical properties of nanopapers, PPNFS outperforms PPNFO. The tensile strength of the prepared nanopapers (64 MPa (PPNFO) and 68 MPa (PPNFS)) was found to be high compared to similar works reported in the literature. The prepared nanopaper is proposed to be used for food packaging applications.

}, keywords = {cellulose nanofibers, Cellulosic nanopapers, Pineapple pomace}, issn = {0141-8130}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.04.138}, author = {Neenu, K. V. and Dominic, C. D. Midhun and Begum, P. M. Sabura and Parameswaranpillai, Jyotishkumar and Kanoth, Bipinbal Parambath and David, Deepthi Anna and Sajadi, S. Mohammad and Dhanyasree, P. and Ajithkumar, T. G. and Badawi, Michael} } @article {48169, title = {Efficient cascade C-N coupling reactions catalyzed by a recyclable MoOx/ Nb2O5 nanomaterial for valuable N-heterocycles synthesis}, journal = {Molecular Catalysis}, volume = {532}, year = {2022}, month = {NOV}, pages = {112742}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The efficient cascade synthesis of pharmaceutically valuable N-heterocycles at solvent-free conditions was achieved using a robust, recyclable MoOx/Nb2O5 nanocatalyst. The results of catalyst screening revealed that the MoOx/Nb2O5 nanorods, calcined at 500 degrees C (MoNb5), exhibit excellent catalytic activity in the oxidative coupling of benzylamine with 96.5\% conversion and \>99.6\% selectivity to the desirable imine product. The uniform dispersion of Mo-oxide nanoparticles (average particle size: 5.2 +/- 0.5 nm) on shape-controlled Nb2O5 nanorods (width: 5.3 +/- 0.5 nm and length: 23-38 nm) in MoNb5 catalyst led to improved structural and acid properties, beneficial for the cascade C-N bond construction. The shape-controlled MoNb5 catalyst showed versatile activity in various cascade C-N coupling reactions to obtain 2-phenylbenzimidazole, 2-phenyl-quinaxoline, and 2-phenyl-2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-one with good to excellent yields at solvent-free con-ditions. The optimum ratio of Lewis/Bronsted acid sites, the unique structure of Nb2O5 nanorods, and the strong MoO3-Nb2O5 interaction are the key reasons for the higher activity of MoNb5 catalyst. The efficient reusability of MoNb5 catalyst, its remarkable activity in diverse N-heterocycles synthesis, and efficient gram-scale synthesis emphasize its practical application for the cascade C-N coupling reactions under benign conditions.

}, keywords = {Acid sites optimization, Cascade C-N bond formation, Diverse nitrogenous chemicals, Heterogeneous nanosized catalyst, MoO3-Nb2O5 interaction, Nb2O5 nanorods}, issn = {2468-8231}, doi = {10.1016/j.mcat.2022.112742}, author = {Singh, Nittan and Kalbande, Pavan Narayan and Umbarkar, Shubhangi and Sudarsanam, Putla} } @article {48018, title = {Electrocatalytic alcohol oxidation by a molecular iron complex}, journal = {Faraday Discussions}, volume = {234}, year = {2022}, month = {MAY}, pages = {42-57}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

An efficient electrochemical method for the selective oxidation of alcohols to their corresponding aldehydes/ketones using a biomimetic iron complex, [(bTAML)Fe-III-OH2](-), as the redox mediator in an undivided electrochemical cell with inexpensive carbon and nickel electrodes using water as an oxygen source is reported. The substrate scope also includes alcohols that contain O and N heteroatoms in the scaffold, which are well tolerated under these reaction conditions. Mechanistic studies show the involvement of a high-valent Fe-V(O) species, [(bTAML)Fe-V(O)](-), formed via PCET (overall 2H(+)/2e(-)) from [(bTAML)Fe-III-OH2](-) at 0.77 V (vs. Fc(+)/Fc). Moreover, electrokinetic studies of the oxidation of C-H bonds indicate a second-order reaction, with the C-H abstraction by Fe-V(O) being the rate-determining step. The overall mechanism, studied using linear free energy relationships and radical clocks, indicates a {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}net hydride{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} transfer, leading to the oxidation of the alcohol to the corresponding aldehyde or ketone. When the reaction was carried out at pH \> 11, the reaction could be carried out at a similar to 500 mV lower potential than that at pH 8, albeit with reduced reaction rates. The reactive intermediate involved at pH \> 11 is the corresponding one-electron oxidized [(bTAML)Fe-IV(O)](2-) species.

}, issn = {1359-6640}, doi = {10.1039/d1fd00074h}, author = {Kuiry, Himangshu and Das, Debasree and Das, Soumadip and Chakraborty, Soham and Chandra, Bittu and Sen Gupta, Sayam} } @article {48186, title = {Electrodeposited layered sodium vanadyl phosphate (NaxVOPO4 center dot nH(2)O) as cathode material for aqueous rechargeable zinc metal batteries}, journal = {Energy \& Fuels}, volume = {36}, year = {2022}, month = {JUN }, pages = {6520-6531}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Aqueous rechargeable zinc metal batteries (ARZMBs) present a safer and cost-effective solution for energy storage in stationary applications. However, a major challenge is the lack of suitable cathode materials simultaneously exhibiting high operating voltage and long cycling stability. Herein, we report the polyanionic sodium-intercalated layered vanadyl phosphate [NaxVOPO4 center dot nH(2)O (NVP)] as a suitable high-voltage and stable cathode for ARZMBs. This work employs a simpler electrochemical route (electrodeposition) for the synthesis of NVP over functionalized carbon fiber substrates and its application as a binder-free cathode in ARZMBs. The electrodeposited NVP possesses a morphology of vertically aligned well-separated nanosheet bundles resembling a flower. When used as the ARZMB cathode, the NVP electrode delivers a specific discharge capacity of 100 mA h g(-1) at 0.033 A g(-1) and high cycling stability (98\% retention of the initial capacity over 1100 cycles at 0.333 A g(-1)) in a mild aqueous electrolyte with moderate zinc salt concentration. The observed electrochemical performance of NVP is credited to the synergistic effect of unique nanoflower morphology, the pillaring effect offered by the intercalated Na, and the intimate contact of the active material with the carbon fiber network. These factors are favorable for enhancing the transport of the electrolyte ions and electrons and maintaining the structural stability of the electrode during long-term cycling. The NVP electrode could also deliver appreciable performance (a discharge capacity of 73 mA h g(-) 1 and a current density of 0.033 A g(-1)) in quasi-solidstate ARZMB cells employing PVA/Zn(CF3SO3)(2) gel electrolyte.

}, issn = {0887-0624}, doi = {10.1021/acs.energyfuels.2c00831}, author = {Dilwale, Swati and Ghosh, Meena and Vijayakumar, Vidyanand and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {48359, title = {Electronic structure evolution from metallic vanadium to metallic VxOy: a nappes study for o2+v gas-solid interaction}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {126}, year = {2022}, month = {NOV}, pages = {19136-19146}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Gas-solid interactions between molecular oxygen and metallic vanadium surfaces and the systematic evolution in the electronic structure of vanadium oxide (VOx) surfaces have been explored in the present work by near-ambient pressure photo-electron spectroscopy (NAPPES). The current article studies the evolution of various oxides of vanadium as a function of partial pressure of O2 (ultrahigh vacuum to 1 mbar), temperature (298- 875 K), and the exposure time to oxygen (up to 18 h). Valence -band (VB) and core-level spectral measurements recorded with UV (He-I = 21.2 eV) and Al K alpha (1486.6 eV) photons, respectively, show interesting changes. (1) Oxidation is limited to the top layers of vanadium at 298 K and up to a partial pressure of 1 mbar O2. About 50\% of vanadium gets oxidized, and the remaining amount exists as metal within the top 10 nm. (2) Metallic vanadium disappears above 625 K, and it is predominantly oxidized to a mixture of V4+ and V5+ oxidation states at a 0.1 mbar partial pressure of O2. Points 1 and 2 suggest the predominantly thermodynamically controlled nature of vanadium oxidation through oxygen diffusion into the subsurface and bulk layers. (3) The Fermi-level (EF) feature observed first at \>= 725 K at a 0.1 mbar O2 pressure demonstrates the formation of metallic VO2; however, its metallic nature is preserved even at ambient temperature due to interweaving nanodomains of VOx with VO2. (4) Only partial conversion of surface layers to V5+ (V2O5) along with VO2 and V2O3 (within the probing depth of 8-10 nm by near-ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (NAP-XPS)) was observed even after prolonged heating (18 h) in 1 mbar O2 pressure. (5) The nature of the surface changes between metal and semiconducting/ insulator oxides is substantiated by the observation of changes in work function (phi) and EF features. Typical VB features and Fermi intensity of V-metal and vanadium oxides were observed, and the results were corroborated with core-level and VB spectra. The present results extend the capabilities of NAPPES to explore the electronic structure evolution as a function of reaction conditions and underscore its relevance to areas such as heterogeneous catalysis and sensing.

}, issn = {1932-7447}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpcc.2c05212}, author = {Ranjan, Ravi and Mhamane, Nitin B. and Kolekar, Sadhu K. and Gopinath, Chinnakonda S.} } @article {48412, title = {Electrospun zinc-manganese bimetallic oxide carbon nanofibers as freestanding supercapacitor electrodes}, journal = {International Journal of Energy Research}, volume = {46}, year = {2022}, month = {DEC}, pages = {22100-22112}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Flexible, lightweight, and freestanding zinc-manganese oxide carbon nanofibers are promising materials for the fabrication of portable electronic devices. Composite nanofibers were synthesized using terephthalic acid and sodium dodecyl sulfate. Terephthalic acid improves the flexibility of the composite fibers and facilitates the diffusion of electrolytic ions. Meanwhile, sodium dodecyl sulfate aids to elevate the metal (zinc) oxide particles to the surface of the nanofibers during annealing. The texturing of the carbon nanofiber surface with ZnO enhances the electrochemical activity of the composite fibers. Parametric studies were conducted by varying the weight ratio of zinc and manganese acetates from zero to unity. The optimal case with a ratio of 0.75 produces specific capacitances of 1080 and 817 F center dot g(-1) at current densities of 1 and 10 A center dot g(-1), respectively, with a wide potential window of 1.6 V, indicating outstanding energy storage capabilities. The capacitance retention was 92\% after 10 000 galvanostatic charge-discharge cycles. The bending angle test confirmed the mechanical durability of the freestanding carbon nanofiber electrodes, and the corresponding change in the cyclic voltammetry curve was negligible.

}, keywords = {electrospinning, freestanding electrode, high-energy-density, supercapacitor, ZnMn2O4}, issn = {0363-907X}, doi = {10.1002/er.7719}, author = {Joshi, Bhavana and Samuel, Edmund and Kim, Yongil and Kim, Taegun and El-Newehy, Mohamed and Aldalbahi, Ali and Yoon, Sam S.} } @article {48229, title = {Elucidating the influence of structure and Ag+ -Na+ ion-exchange on crack-resistance and ionic conductivity of Na3Al1.8Si1.65 P-1.8 O-12 glass electrolyte}, journal = {Acta Materialia}, volume = {227}, year = {2022}, month = {APR }, pages = {117745}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Glasses are emerging as promising and efficient solid electrolytes for all-solid-state sodium-ion batteries. However, they still suffer from poor ionic conductivity and crack-resistance, which need to be improved for better battery performance, reliability, and service life. The current study shows a significant enhancement in crack resistance (from 11.3 N to 32.9 N) for Na3Al (1.8) Si-1.65 P1.8O12 glass (Ag-0 glass) upon Na+ -Ag+ ion-exchange (IE) due to compressive stresses generated in the glass surface while the ionic conductivity values (similar to 10(-5) S/cm at 473 K) were retained. In this study, magic angle spinning-nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS-NMR), molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, Vickers micro hardness, and impedance spectroscopic techniques were used to evaluate the intermediate-range structure, atomic structure, crack resistance and conductivity of the glass. MAS-NMR and MD simulations confirm the presence of Si-OAl-O-P groups in the glass, thus enabling formation of Na percolated channel regions. AC-conductivity analysis for Ag-0 and ion-exchanged Ag-0 glass suggests that the mobility of Na+ ion increases with increasing temperature. It is observed that the measured mean square displacement (root \< R-2(t(p))\>) for sodium cations using AC-conductivity isotherms is nearly constant up to 448 K and then increases with increasing temperature up to 523 K. From the impedance spectra for ion-exchanged Ag-0 glass, it is identified that the increase in root \< R-2 (t(nu))\> and thereby, the mobility of sodium-ions for Ag-0 glass is due to the structural variations in the Ag-0 glass with increasing the temperature. Overall, the mechanisms presented in this article helps in formulating better glass based electrolyte materials for room temperature or high temperature sodium-ion batteries. (C) 2022 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {amorphous, Ion-exchange, Ionic-conductivity, MD simulations, Mechanical property}, issn = {1359-6454}, doi = {10.1016/j.actamat.2022.117745}, author = {Keshri, Shweta R. and Mandal, Indrajeet and Ganisetti, Sudheer and Kasimuthumaniyan, S. and Kumar, Rajesh and Gaddam, Anuraag and Shelke, Ankita and Ajithkumar, Thalasseril G. and Gosvami, Nitya Nand and Krishnan, N. M. Anoop and Allu, Amarnath R.} } @article {48423, title = {Enantioselective separation of amino acids using chiral polystyrene microspheres synthesized by a post-polymer modification approach}, journal = {ACS Polymers Au}, volume = {2}, year = {2022}, month = {MAR}, pages = {257{\textendash}265}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The enantioselective separation of a racemic mixture of amino acids was achieved by chiral amino acid-modified polystyrene (PS) that was developed by a post-polymer modification approach. Styrene was polymerized using the reversible addition{\textendash}fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization technique and further post-polymer modification was applied by Friedel{\textendash}Crafts acylation reaction with chiral\ N-phthaloyl-l-leucine acid chloride to obtain the protected PS-l-Leu. The chiral PS (protected PS-l-Leu) was assembled into microspheres using a surfactant and was used for carrying out the enantioselective separation of amino acid racemic mixtures by enantioselective adsorption followed by a simple filtration process. Compared to as-precipitated chiral PS (protected PS-l-Leu) powder, the protected PS-l-Leu microspheres exhibited a better enantioselective separation efficiency (ee \%). Furthermore, the protected PS-l-Leu was deprotected to obtain the amine-functionalized deprotected PS-l-Leu chiral PS, which was also assembled into microspheres and used for carrying out enantioselective separation. Deprotected PS-l-Leu-functionalized chiral PS microspheres could achieve up to 81.6 ee \% for the enantioselective separation of a racemic mixture of leucine. This is one of the first reports of the synthesis of amino acid-modified chiral PS microspheres and their application to the simple filtration-based enantioselective separation of native amino acids from their racemic mixtures.

}, doi = {10.1021/acspolymersau.2c00004}, author = {Nikam, Shrikant B. and Asha S. K} } @article {48114, title = {Enceleamycins A-C, furo-naphthoquinones from amycolatopsis sp. MCC0218: isolation, structure elucidation, and antimicrobial activity}, journal = {Journal of Natural Products}, volume = {85}, year = {2022}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1267-1273}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Three novel furo-naphthoquinones, enceleamycins A-C (1-3), and a new N-hydroxypyrazinone acid (4) were identified from the strain Amycolatopsis sp. MCC 0218, isolated from a soil sample collected from the Western Ghats of India. Their chemical structure and absolute and relative configurations were established by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, single-crystal X-ray crystallography, and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Compounds 1 and 3 were active against methicillin-susceptible and -resistant Staphylococcus aureus with MIC values of 2-16 mu g/mL.

}, issn = {0163-3864}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jnatprod.1c01160}, author = {Khan, Abujunaid and Said, Madhukar S. and Borade, Balasaheb R. and Gonnade, Rajesh and Barvkar, Vitthal and Kontham, Ravindar and Dastager, Syed G.} } @article {47983, title = {Enhanced anisole hydroxylation over a hierarchical micro/mesoporous TS-1 catalyst}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {46}, year = {2022}, month = {AUG}, pages = {14667-14675}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Hierarchical TS-1 materials were synthesized using hydrothermal synthesis and a post modification technique through desilication. They were evaluated for hydroxylation of anisole to produce industrially important chemicals, o-methoxyphenol (OMP) and p-methoxyphenol (PMP). The detailed characterization of the prepared catalysts, such as morphology, structure, nature of Ti and surface area were obtained by SEM, HR-TEM, XRD, UV-VIS spectroscopy and the BET technique. The effects of various operational parameters such as substrate/H2O2 molar ratio, reaction temperature, catalyst concentration and solvent effect on the hydroxylation of anisole have been studied in detail. The microporous TS-1 catalyst showed 32\% anisole conversion with 34\% selectivity to PMP, while the micro/mesoporous DTS-1 catalyst showed enhanced activity for anisole hydroxylation, i.e. 54\% conversion with 55\% selectivity towards PMP. The increased framework Ti and improved accessibility of the active sites located in the channels of DTS-1, which permit the mass transfer of reactants, transition states and products from the mesopores of DTS-1, were responsible for the enhanced catalytic activity and selectivity towards p-methoxyphenol.

}, issn = {1144-0546}, doi = {10.1039/d2nj01556k}, author = {Patil, Chetana R. and Niphadkar, Prashant and Kamble, Sanjay P. and Rode, V. Chandrashekhar} } @article {48190, title = {Enhanced field emission behaviour from ethylene glycol mediated synthesis of 2D hexagonal SnS2 disc with nanoparticle}, journal = {Materials Science and Engineering B-Advanced Functional Solid-State Materials}, volume = {284}, year = {2022}, month = {OCT}, pages = {115865}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Herein, octahedron and stacked 2D hexagonal disc - like nanostructures of SnS2 were obtained by hydrothermal and ethylene glycol mediated hydrothermal methods, respectively. Attempt has been made to shade light on the plausible growth mechanism. Liquid phase exfoliation followed by centrifugation process leads to presence of tiny single crystalline SnS2 nanoparticles (similar to 5 nm) on the hexagonal discs over C substrate, characterized by preferred growth along {001} direction. The observed Raman shift and enhanced intensities of A(1g) and E-g modes infer charge interactions between the SnS2 disc and C substrate. Interestingly, the SnS2-C emitter exhibited superior field emission (FE) behaviour due to the unique morphology, excellent charge transfer, and reduced work function (similar to 4.1 eV). Here the extraction of large current density of similar to 1137 mu A/cm(2) at an applied field of 3.72 V/mu m, with good emission current stability. The present strategy is beneficial to design architectured morphology for multi-functionality.

}, keywords = {2D layered materials, Field Emission (FE), SnS2, SnS2 on C}, issn = {0921-5107}, doi = {10.1016/j.mseb.2022.115865}, author = {Mutadak, Pallavi R. and Chaudhari, Nilima S. and Gadhave, Dattatraya C. and Rajput, Parikshit K. and Kolekar, Sadhu K. and Late, Dattatray J. and More, Mahendra A. and Warule, Sambhaji S.} } @article {48135, title = {Enhanced proton conductivity in amino acid based self-assembled non-porous hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {58}, year = {2022}, month = {MAY}, pages = {5972-5975}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

beta-Alaninium oxalate hemihydrate, glycinium oxalate, and L-leucinium oxalate salt-cocrystals as non-porous self-assembled hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks afforded proton conductivity of 2.43 x 10(-2) S cm(-1) (60 degrees C, 95\% RH), 3.03 x 10(-2) S cm(-1) (60 degrees C, 95\% RH), and 1.19 x 10(-2) S cm(-1) (80 degrees C, 95\% RH), respectively. These materials possess an extensive 3-dimensional network of hydrogen bonds in their crystal structures, making them efficient proton conducting membranes. The reduction in conductivity values over 10(-1) S cm(-1) order upon exposure of the samples to a D2O atmosphere in extreme conditions ratified the role of humidity for the conduction of protons. This work explores the relationship between structural features and proton conductivity for the design of proton conducting membranes that are easy to synthesize, eco-friendly, and cheap with potential for futuristic applications.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/d2cc00948j}, author = {Pramanik, Titas and Anand, Ashish and Pandikassala, Ajmal and Illathvalappil, Rajith and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Row, T. N. Guru} } @article {48062, title = {Evaluating suitability of confined impinging jet reactor for exothermic reactions: hydrodynamics, residence time distribution, and heat transfer}, journal = {AICHE Journal}, volume = {68}, year = {2022}, month = {OCT}, pages = {e17792}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Effect of confinement (wall proximity) of a confined impinging jet reactor (CIJR) on the flow field, residence time distribution and heat transfer are explored, through experiments and CFD simulations. Hydrodynamic characteristics are evaluated for different parameters namely confinement, impinging jet velocity, temperature gradient, and so on. For 2 mm confinement, highest values of dispersion number and overall heat transfer coefficient are observed due to interaction of turbulent eddies followed by the effect of reactor wall proximity. For the CIJR having confinements above 10 mm, jet velocity need to be greater than 3 m/s to achieve both, excellent mixing efficiency and high heat removal rate. Empirical correlations for Dispersion and Nusselt numbers as a function of Re-j and L/D are obtained, over a range of 500 \<= Rej \<= 3000\$\$ 500\textbackslashle {\textbackslashmathit{\textbackslashoperatorname{Re}}}_j\text backslashle 3000 \$\$ and 5 \<= L/D \<= 35\$\$ 5\textbackslashle L/D\textbackslashle 35 \$\$, which correspond to jet velocity of 0.5-3 m/s. The present study gives a basis for designing CIJR suitable for rapid, homogeneous, exothermic reactions.

}, keywords = {confinement, exothermic reactions, heat transfer, impinging jets, residence time distribution}, issn = {0001-1541}, doi = {10.1002/aic.17792}, author = {Khan, Muzammilanwar S. and Mane, Mayur and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article {47759, title = {Facile fabrication of nano silver phosphate on B-doped g-C3N4: an excellent p-n heterojunction photocatalyst towards water oxidation and Cr (VI) reduction}, journal = {Journal of Alloys and Compounds}, volume = {898}, year = {2022}, month = {MAR}, pages = {162853}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A photostable Ag3PO4/BCN type-II p-n heterojunction has been demonstrated by loading nano Ag3PO4 on B-doped g-C3N4 nanosheet (BCN). The photocatalysts were successfully characterized by various physicochemical techniques and their photocatalytic activities were tested towards the water oxidation reaction to produce oxygen and Cr (VI) reduction under visible light. The HRTEM confirms Ag3PO4 with a particle size of 15 nm has been deposited on BCN to construct a p-n heterojunction. The BCNS-50 absorbs more visible light in the solar spectrum as compared to other catalyst, demonstrating the ability to generate 587 mu mol h(-1)g(-1) O-2 and reduces 98\% of 20 ppm Cr (VI) solution in 1 h. The lower PL intensity as well as lower arc value in case of BCNS-50 suggests the maximum e-h separation and lower charge transfer resistance across the semiconductor/electrolyte interface. The BCN sheet provides a compact heterojunction where the oxidation peak of Ag3PO4 decreases gradually and disappear in case of BCNS-50 suggesting the enhance stability of Ag3PO4 in the heterojunction. BCNS-50 could able to produce -139 and 3087.5 mu A photocurrent both in cathodic and anodic direction which is approximately 7 and 2.4 folds higher as compared to nano Ag3PO4. The generation of photocurrent in both cathodic and anodic direction confirms the formation of p-n heterojunction which further supported by Mott-Schottky analysis. Furthermore the construction of the p-n heterojunction is verified via Mott-Schottky study. DFT calculation explains the contribution of various atomic orbital of Ag3PO4 and BCN towards the formation of hybrid orbital in the heterojunction and the path for charge delocalization between them. This work may provide a limelight and alternative pathway for enhanced photocatalytic performance on construction of the p-n heterojunction in a simple way. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.}, keywords = {Cr (VI) reduction, Density functional theory, Interfacial zone, p-n heterojunction, Photocatalyst, Water oxidation}, issn = {0925-8388}, doi = {10.1016/j.jallcom.2021.162853}, author = {Sahoo, Mitarani and Babu, Pradeepta and Singh, Chandrodai Pratap and Krishnamurty, Sailaja and Parida, Kulamani} } @article {48391, title = {First-principles investigation of the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 on zirconium-based single-, double-, and triple-atom catalysts anchored on a graphitic carbon nitride monolayer}, journal = {ACS Applied Nano Materials}, volume = {5}, year = {2022}, month = {OCT}, pages = {15409-15417}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) with the help of an appropriate electrocatalyst with high stability, low onset potential, and exceptional selectivity is still one of the great tasks in the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to valuable chemicals. Herein, by means of systematic first-principles simulations, we investigate the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) activity of zirconium-based single-, double-, and triple-atom (Zrn@C2N; n = 1-3) catalysts anchored on a graphitic carbon-nitride monolayer. In tune with the Sabatier principle, our results reveal that a moderate CO2 binding is vital for a low onset potential for the CO2RR. Consequently, based on rigorous free energy calculations, the Zr-based single-atom catalyst (SAC) is found to be most effective to convert CO2 to valuable products such as HCOOH and CH3OH. It is worth noting that CO2 reduction to HCOOH is spontaneous via the *HCOO intermediate on Zr1@C2N and involves a low onset potential of -0.23 V with respect to the reversible hydrogen electrode from the *COOH intermediate. Among all the catalysts evaluated computationally, the Zr SAC further reveals the lowest onset potential of -0.89 V for CH3OH formation. The results show that the Zr-based catalysts especially Zr1@C2N are found to effectively suppress the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction and promote the CO2RR. Moreover, all three catalysts exhibit high kinetic and thermal stability with negligible distortion due to which their structures can be retained very well up to 600 K. Thus, the current work may provide effective catalyst-design strategies for enhancing the electrocatalytic CO2RR performance of Zr-based materials.

}, keywords = {C1 and C2 products, CO2 reduction, first-principles simulations, hydrogen evolution reaction, onset potential, single-atom catalysts (SACs), Zrn@C2N catalysts}, doi = {10.1021/acsanm.2c03464}, author = {Hassan, Afshana and Anis, Insha and Shafi, Sadaf and Assad, Assif and Rasool, Anjumun and Khanam, Romana and Bhat, Gulzar Ahmad and Krishnamurty, Sailaja and Dar, Manzoor Ahmad} } @article {48215, title = {First-row transition metal complexes of a phosphine-silylene- based hybrid ligand}, journal = {Inorganic Chemistry}, volume = {61}, year = {2022}, month = {AUG}, pages = {13330-13341}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We have prepared two new silylene-phosphine-based hybrid ligands Si{N(R)C6H4(PPh2)}{PhC((NBu)-Bu-t)(2)} [R = TMS {trimethylsilyl} (1) and TBDMS {tert-butyldimethylsilyl} (2)], which possess two donor sites. Furthermore, the treatment of the bidentate ligand 1 with base metal halides {FeBr2, CoBr2, NiCl(2)middotdme [nickel chloride(II) ethylene glycol dimethyl ether]} and 2 with NiBr(2)middotdme [nickel bromide(II) ethylene glycol dimethyl ether] afforded four-coordinate six-membered metal complexes 3-6, respectively, which feature coordination from both Si(II) and P(III) sites. Subsequently, complexes 3 [(FeBr2)Si{N(SiMe3)C6H4(PPh2)}{PhC((NBu)-Bu-t)(2)}], 4 [(CoBr2)Si{N(SiMe3)C6H4(PPh2)}{PhC((NBu)-Bu-t)(2)}], 5 [(NiCl2)Si{N(SiMe3)C6H4(PPh2)}{PhC((NBu)-Bu-t)(2)}], and 6 [(NiBr2)Si{N((SiBuMe2)-Bu-t)C6H4(PPh2)}{PhC((NBu)-Bu-t)(2)}] are studied for their redox and magnetic properties with the help of UV-vis spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, SQUID magnetometry, and theoretical calculations. Complexes 3-6 were found to display a paramagnetic behavior. All the compounds are well established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies.

}, issn = {0020-1669}, doi = {10.1021/acs.inorgchem.2c01233}, author = {Akhtar, Ruksana and Kaulage, Sandeep H. and Sangole, Mayur P. and Tothadi, Srinu and Parvathy, Parameswaran and Parameswaran, Pattiyil and Singh, Kirandeep and Khan, Shabana} } @article {48107, title = {Free base phthalocyanine coating as a superior corrosion inhibitor for copper surfaces: a combined experimental and theoretical study}, journal = {Colloids and Surfaces A-Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects}, volume = {648}, year = {2022}, month = {SEP }, pages = {129138}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In the quest of novel, eco-benign copper corrosion inhibitors, free base and a set of six metal Phthalocyanine (Pc) coatings (where metal is Zn, Cu, Fe, Co, Ni, Mn) are systematically evaluated for their corrosion inhibition efficiency. The study demonstrates that the free base Phthalocyanine coatings are superior corrosion inhibitors for Cu surface in HCl with a corrosion inhibition efficiency of 88\% as compared to its metal counterparts. A detailed and indepth study involving concerted electrochemical polarisation, impedance measurements at various concentrations of HCl assert the superior corrosion inhibition efficiency of free base Pc coatings as compared to its metal counterparts. Underlying factors/interface chemistry contributing to it is brought out using first principle based studies. First principles based computational studies establish that superior corrosion inhibition ability of free base phthalocyanine molecule is attributed to its innate binding ability with copper surface and its better inter-molecular packing. Thus, the theoretical adsorption trends of various studied phthalocyanine molecules while clearly following the experimental corrosion inhibition efficiency trends undermine the importance of contribution of chelating factors for the formation of a stable and efficient corrosion inhibition coating on a surface and that the adhesion/adsorption strength of a molecule correlates directly to its corrosion inhibition efficiency. The experimental observations are further substantiated through FE-SEM, EDAX and XPS studies. The corrosion inhibition efficiency of free base phthalocyanine is followed by its zinc based counterpart at 85\%.

}, keywords = {Copper surface, Corrosion inhibitors, DFT studies, Impedance, Phthalocyanine coatings}, issn = {0927-7757}, doi = {10.1016/j.colsurfa.2022.129138}, author = {Samal, Pragnya Paramita and Dekshinamoorthy, Amuthan and Arunachalam, Shivakami and Vijayaraghavan, Saranyan and Krishnamurty, Sailaja} } @article {48129, title = {From {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}Cosmic Cooking{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} to chemistry of the future: a collective dialogue on chemistry as a tribute to Prof. Sourav Pal.}, journal = {Frontiers in Chemistry}, volume = {10}, year = {2022}, month = {APR}, pages = {908165}, type = {Editorial Material}, keywords = {cosmic cooking, coupled cluster and density functional calculations, dialogue on chemistry, pincers porphyrinoids and oxometalates, small molecule activation, Theoretical chemistry}, issn = {2296-2646}, doi = {10.3389/fchem.2022.908165}, author = {Roy, Soumyajit and Krishnamurty, Sailaja and Schoefberger, Wolfgang} } @article {48164, title = {Functional diversity of the lepidopteran ATP-binding cassette transporters}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Evolution}, volume = {90}, year = {2022}, month = {AUG}, pages = {258-270}, type = {Review}, abstract = {

The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter gene family is ubiquitous in the living world. ABC proteins bind and hydrolyze ATP to transport a myriad of molecules across various lipid-containing membrane systems. They have been studied well in plants for transport of a variety of compounds and particularly, in vertebrates due to their direct involvement in resistance mechanisms against several toxic molecules/metabolites. ABC transporters in insects are found within large multigene families involved in the efflux of chemical insecticides and toxic/undesired metabolites originating from food and endogenous metabolism. This review deals with ABC transporter subfamilies of few agronomically important Lepidopteran pests. The transcriptional dynamics and regulation of ABC transporters during insect development emphasizes their functional diversity against insecticides, Cry toxins, and plant specialized metabolites. To generate insights about molecular function and physiological roles of ABCs, functional and structural characterization is necessary. Also, expansion and divergence of ABC transporter gene subfamilies in Lepidopteran insects needs more systematic investigation. We anticipate that newer methods of insect control in agriculture can benefit from an understanding of ABC transporter interactions with a vast range of natural specialized molecules and synthetic compounds.

}, keywords = {ABC transporters, Bt, insecticide resistance, Lepidoptera, Plant metabolites}, issn = {0022-2844}, doi = {10.1007/s00239-022-10056-2}, author = {Barve, Pranoti R. and Tellis, Meenakshi B. and Barvkar, Vitthal T. and Joshi, Rakesh S. and Giri, Ashok P. and Kotkar, Hemlata M.} } @article {48363, title = {Graphical Biology Insights into the dynamic interactions at chemokine-receptor interfaces and mechanistic models of chemokine binding}, journal = {Journal of Structural Biology}, volume = {214}, year = {2022}, month = {SEP}, pages = {107877}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Chemokine receptors are the central signaling hubs of several processes such as cell migration, chemotaxis and cell positioning. In this graphical review, we provide an overview of the structural and mechanistic principles governing chemokine recognition that are currently emerging. Structural models of chemokine-receptor cocomplexes with endogenous chemokines, viral chemokines and therapeutics have been resolved that highlight multiple interaction sites, termed as CRS1, CRS1.5 etc. The first site of interaction has been shown to be the Nterminal domain of the receptors (CRS1 site). A large structural flexibility of the N-terminal domain has been reported that was supported by both experimental and simulation studies. Upon chemokine binding, the Nterminal domain appears to show constricted dynamics and opens up to interact with the chemokine via a large interface. The subsequent sites such as CRS1.5 and CRS2 sites have been structurally well resolved although differences arise such as the localization of the N-terminus of the ligand to a major or minor pocket of the orthosteric binding site. Several computational studies have highlighted the dynamic protein-protein interface at the CRS1 site that seemingly appears to resolve the differences in NMR and mutagenesis studies. Interestingly, the differential dynamics at the CRS1 site suggests a mixed model of binding with complex signatures of both conformational selection and induced fit models. Integrative experimental and computational approaches could help unravel the structural basis of promiscuity and specificity in chemokine-receptor binding and open up new avenues of therapeutic design.

}, keywords = {Chemokine receptors, GPCRs, Intrinsically disordered protein domains, protein-protein interactions}, issn = {1047-8477}, doi = {10.1016/j.jsb.2022.107877}, author = {Sonawani, Archana and Kharche, Shalmali and Dasgupta, Debjani and Sengupta, Durba} } @article {47988, title = {Green synthesis of highly dispersed Cu metal nanoparticles catalysts}, journal = {Inorganic Chemistry Communications}, volume = {146}, year = {2022}, month = {DEC}, pages = {110118}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Bionanotechnology approach for metal nanoparticles (NPs) synthesis is cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Organic molecules present in plant extracts can be efficiently utilized for bio-reduction of metal ions into metal NPs in a one-step green synthesis methodology. The biosynthesis procedure for metal NPs synthesis is quick, easy to scale up and can be perform at ambient conditions. The present investigations propose the biosynthesis of highly dispersed and stable copper NPs (Cu NPs) supported on NaY zeolite using plant extract of Tinospora cordifolia and Andrographis paniculata for the first time. The structural and morphological attributes of Cu NPs were explored by adopting various physico-chemical techniques, for example Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Temperature Programmed Desorption (CO2-TPD and NH3-TPD), Temperature Programmed Reduction (H2-TPR), N2 sorption, Electron Microscopy (SEM, TEM and HR-TEM), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), etc. The experimental study (XRD, SEM, TEM, and HR-TEM) recommend that the green synthesis method by using plant extract has promising effect for the synthesis of nano-sized, stable and homogeneously dispersed Cu NPs catalysts (Cu NPs average size of 1.6 and 1.8 nm) as compared to chemical synthesis approach. The present result is better than those of many state-ofthe art techniques reported for green synthesis of Cu NPs using plant extract. According to the current study, it is advantageous to prepare highly dispersed metal NPs with desired size, shape, morphology and the required properties by using plant extract.

}, keywords = {Biosynthesis of nanomaterials, Cu nanoparticles, Heterogeneous catalysts, Support -Metal interaction, Zeolite supported catalysts}, issn = {1387-7003}, doi = {10.1016/j.inoche.2022.110118}, author = {Nagpure, Atul S. and Mohture, Vikas M. and Kayarkar, Ankush} } @article {47763, title = {High throughput sequencing based direct detection of SARS-CoV-2 fragments in wastewater of Pune, West India}, journal = {Science of the Total Environment}, volume = {807}, year = {2022}, month = {FEB }, pages = {151038}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Given a large number of SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals, clinical detection has proved challenging. The wastewater-based epidemiological paradigm would cover the clinically escaped asymptomatic individuals owing to the faecal shedding of the virus. We hypothesised using wastewater as a valuable resource for analysing SARS-CoV-2 mutations circulating in the wastewater of Pune region (Maharashtra; India), one of the most affected during the covid-19 pandemic. We conducted study in open wastewater drains from December 2020- March 2021 to assess the presence of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid and further detect mutations using ARTIC protocol of MinION sequencing. The analysis revealed 108 mutations across six samples categorised into 39 types of mutations. We report the occurrence of mutations associated with Delta variant lineage in March-2021 samples, simultaneously also reported as a Variant of Concern (VoC) responsible for the rapid increase in infections. The study also revealed four mutations; S:N801, S:C480R, NSP14:C279F and NSP3:L550del not currently reported from wastewater or clinical data in India but reported worldwide. Further, a novel mutation NSP13:G206F mapping to NSP13 region was observed from wastewater. Notably, S:P1140del mutation was detected in December 2020 samples while it was reported in February 2021 from clinical data, indicating the instrumentality of wastewater data in early detection. This is the first study in India to demonstrate utility of sequencing in wastewater based epidemiology to identify mutations associated with SARS-CoV-2 virus fragments from wastewater as an early warning indicator system. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.}, keywords = {ARTIC protocol, Epidemiology, Metagenomics, Nanopore sequencing, SARS-CoV-2, wastewater}, issn = {0048-9697}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151038}, author = {Dharmadhikari, Tanmay and Rajput, Vinay and Yadav, Rakeshkumar and Boargaonkar, Radhika and Patil, Dhawal and Kale, Saurabh and Kamble, Sanjay P. and Dastager, Syed G. and Dharne, Mahesh S.} } @article {48031, title = {Highly efficient chemoselective hydrogenation of 5-HMF to BHMF over reusable bimetallic Pd-Ir/C catalyst}, journal = {ChemistrySelect}, volume = {7}, year = {2022}, month = {JUN}, pages = {e202200456}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Catalytic synergism was observed for a bimetallic Pd-Ir catalyst supported on activated carbon for chemoselective hydrogenation of 5-hydroxymetahyl furfural (5-HMF) to 2, 5-(bishydroxymethyl) furan (BHMF) with complete conversion and 97 \% selectivity under very mild reaction conditions. The structural characterization like XRD, N-2 sorption, FE-SEM and TEM suggested formation of fine nanoparticles (1.95-3.08 nm) having very higher surface area, uniform distribution and mesoporous nature of the material. XPS spectra and Pyridine-IR spectroscopy revealed formation of Pd-PdO and Ir/IrO2/IrO3 interface on the catalytic surface along with strong Bronsted acidic sites which were responsible for high efficiency of catalyst at 80 degrees C, 100 psig H-2 pressure at 5-HMF/Catalyst=20 and within 2.5 h of reaction time. A plausible reaction mechanism is also elucidated based on structure activity correlation.

}, keywords = {5-HMF, Carbon, Catalytic synergism, Selective hydrogenation, Valorization}, issn = {2365-6549}, doi = {10.1002/slct.202200456}, author = {Ratrey, Geetanjali and Solanki, Bhanupratap S. and Kamble, Sanjay P. and Rode, V. Chandrashekhar} } @article {46653, title = {Homo and heterologous expression of the HpPKS2 gene in Hypericum perforatum and Bacopa monnieri}, journal = {Plant Cell Tissue and Organ Culture}, year = {2022}, month = {JAN}, pages = {215-215}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Hypericum perforatum has been known to produce hypericin and hyperforin that are used in treating mild to moderate depression. The HpPKS2 (H. perforatum polyketide synthase 2) gene is assumed to play a role in hypericin biosynthesis. The HpPKS2 gene was overexpressed in homologous H. perforatum in vitro grown plants through Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated genetic transformations. It leads to the establishment of seven glass house acclimatized transgenic lines. Among them, the HP12 transgenic plant showed 9.8 fold enhancement in hypericin content (379.4 +/- 10.3 mu g/g dry wt) followed by 3-fold in HP41 (117.1 +/- 4.5 mu g/g dry wt) as compared to control plants. This was further supported by the real-time PCR studies where it registered up to 5 fold enhancement of HpPKS2 gene expression. On the other hand, the heterologous expression of the HpPKS2 gene in Bacopa monnieri resulted in the establishment of five transgenic plant clones that were successfully acclimatized under glasshouse conditions. Among them, BT4 was found to be very slow-growing. The BT3 line showed maximum expression of the HpPKS2 gene which surprisingly also upregulates the expression of the other metabolic pathway genes of B. monierri namely isopentyl- diphosphate delta isomerase (IDDI), squaline synthase (SQS) and acetyl CoA C acetyltransferase (AA). The HPLC analysis in the heterologous system revealed the maximum production of bacopaside I (9.86 +/- 1.0 mg/g dry wt), bacopaside II (5.89 +/- 0.9 mg/g dry wt) and bacopasaponin C (3.59 +/- 0.3 mg/g dry wt) by transgenic lines BT8, BT3 and BT4, respectively. This enhancement in bacopaside I, bacopaside II and bacopasaponin C production was more than 26-fold, 5-fold and 21-fold, respectively in comparison to the control non transformed plants. Key message Overexpression of the HpPKS2 gene in H. perforatum led to higher hypericin content in the native system while its expression in the heterologous system i.e. B. monnieri also improves bacopaside I, bacopaside II and bacopasaponin C production.

}, keywords = {Agrobacterium tumefacience, Bacopa monnieri, Bacopasides, Heterologous expression, HpPKS2, Hypericin, Hypericum perforatum, Transgenics}, issn = {0167-6857}, doi = {10.1007/s11240-020-01965-5}, author = {Khan, Shamshad Ahmad and Verma, Priyanka and Parasharami, Varsha A.} } @article {48010, title = {Honeycomb boron carbon nitride as high-performance anode material for li-ion batteries}, journal = {ChemNanoMat}, volume = {8}, year = {2022}, month = {JUL}, pages = {e202200056}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

3D Porous carbon-based materials are well known for their excellent mechanical and electrochemical properties for various energy storage applications including Li-ion Battery (LIB) anodes. However, their commercial application is limited due to their low theoretical specific capacity. Heteroatom doping in carbonaceous networks proved an efficient way to modify the surface properties, which considerably improves the Li intake capacity and Li diffusion in porous carbon materials. In this work, we have synthesized 3D honeycomb boron carbon nitride (HBCN) from boric acid, glucose, and cyanamide. Silica nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) are used as structure-directing agents to replicate well-organized honeycomb structures. HBCN possesses a high specific surface area (SSA) of similar to 597 m(2) g(-1), with a uniform porosity distribution, low charge transfer resistance, and steady Li flux. When analyzed as an anode material for LIB, HBCN demonstrated an excellent specific capacity of similar to 652 mAhg(-1) and 408 mAhg(-1) at an input current density of 100 mAg(-1) and 1 Ag-1 respectively and an energy density of 227 Wh kg(-1) at 1 C rate in a full cell LIB. These results indicate that the doping of B and N hetero atoms is significantly advantageous for LIBs application.

}, keywords = {3D-Architecture, Heteroatom Doping, High-Performance Anode, Honeycomb boron carbon nitride (HBCN), Li-ion battery}, issn = {2199-692X}, doi = {10.1002/cnma.202200056}, author = {Karbhal, Indrapal and Chaturvedi, Vikash and Patrike, Apurva and Yadav, Poonam and Shelke, V, Manjusha} } @article {48184, title = {Hydrodechlorination of 4-chloro-2-aminophenol into a recyclable product using Ni- and Cu-based catalysts}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {61}, year = {2022}, month = {OCT}, pages = {14433-14445}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The 4-chloro-2-amino phenol (4C2AP) bearing wastewater is produced while manufacturing dyes and pharma-ceutical ingredients. Ni-and Cu-based cost-effective catalysts were developed, typically characterized, and subjected to hydrodechlori-nation (HDC) of 4C2AP. The role of reducing agents, concentration, pH of wastewater, presence of salt, reaction temperature, catalyst reuse, and the kinetics was investigated. A selective makeover of 2-amino phenol (2AP) was analyzed by HPLC, LCMS, and NMR. A complete HDC of 4C2AP with remarkable selectivity (98\%) toward 2AP was achieved using a Ni0 catalyst and NaBH4 at room temperature. It is observed that the alkaline condition, the presence of salt, and a high reaction temperature favor the HDC process. A maximum of 1 g L-1 of the Ni0 loading is found to be sufficient to dechlorinate the pollutant. It can be concluded that the catalytic HDC is a technically viable and inexpensive process for the conversion of 4C2AP into a valuable product, 2AP.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/acs.iecr.2c00848}, author = {Shetty, Rohit R. and Raut, Sandesh S. and Kulkarni, Prashant S. and Kamble, Sanjay P.} } @article {47805, title = {Hydroformylation of olefins by metals other than rhodium}, journal = {Journal of Organometallic Chemistry}, volume = {960}, year = {2022}, month = {FEB}, pages = {122231}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Metal catalyzed hydroformylation of alkenes is an atom economic transformation to construct useful aldehydes and is being industrially practiced for decades. The most commonly used metal for this transformation on an industrial scale is rhodium. However, rhodium is rare, costly, and is depleting at a skyrocketing rate. Therefore, finding a suitable alternative to rhodium for metal-catalyzed hydroformylation has been on the radar of many academic and industrial researchers. This review presents the scientific advancements reported in the hydroformylation reaction using metals other than rhodium. An overview of recent progress in palladium, iridium, ruthenium, cobalt, platinum, and iron-catalyzed hydroformylation is presented. Hydroformylation of alkenes and alkynes, using syngas as well as syngas surrogates is examined. The evaluation of the current status of non-rhodium metals in hydroformylation suggests that the field is still in a nascent stage and, except cobalt, no other metal poses a significant challenge to the dominance of rhodium. Deep mechanistic understanding of rate-limiting elementary steps in the non-rhodium metals is largely missing and thus only limited success is reported. Intense research on ligand design, mechanistic understanding, and choice of non-rhodium metal precursors may change this scenario in near future.}, keywords = {aldehydes, alkenes, catalysis, Hydroformylation, Non-rhodium metals}, issn = {0022-328X}, doi = {10.1016/j.jorganchem.2021.122231}, author = {Kumar, Rohit and Chikkali, Samir H.} } @article {47722, title = {Hydrogen solubility in biphasic liquid reaction mixture of cinnamaldehyde hydrogenation: experimental and mathematical modeling study}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Sciences}, volume = {134}, year = {2022}, month = {MAR}, pages = {1}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The solubility of hydrogen in the biphasic reaction mixture of cinnamaldehyde hydrogenation at 298 to 353 K has been determined in this work experimentally and by using a thermodynamic model. It is evident from many studies that the addition of extra phase, aqueous KOH as the fourth phase, to the three-phase cinnamaldehyde hydrogenation mixture [gas (hydrogen)-liquid (cinnamaldehyde + toluene)-solid (catalyst)] leads to enhancement of cinnamyl alcohol selectivity to a great extent. Determination of hydrogen solubility in this biphasic (organic-aqueous) reaction mixture is crucial to understand the intrinsic reaction kinetics of this reaction. The solubility of hydrogen was experimentally determined using a pressure drop method and reported in terms of Henry{\textquoteright}s constant. Firstly, hydrogen solubility was determined in pure components viz. toluene, cinnamaldehyde, and water followed by determination of its solubility in the cinnamaldehyde-toluene mixture, aqueous KOH, and eventually, in the reaction mixture containing the two immiscible liquid phases. The effect of changing concentrations in these mixtures and changing phase holdups in the total reaction mixture on hydrogen solubility was studied. Starting from pure components to the reaction mixture, the hydrogen solubility was predicted using a two-step thermodynamic approach involving regular solution theory and the theory of corresponding states. The solubility predictions from this thermodynamic model will be helpful in the accurate estimation of kinetic parameters.}, keywords = {biphasic liquid mixture, gas-liquid-liquid-solid [GLLS], hydrogen solubility, Hydrogenation, thermodynamic model}, issn = {0974-3626}, doi = {10.1007/s12039-021-01987-2}, author = {Khan, Muzammil Y. and Joshi, Sunil S. and Ranade, Vivek V.} } @article {48340, title = {Hyperthermia and doxorubicin release by Fol-LSMO nanoparticles induce apoptosis and autophagy in breast cancer cells}, journal = {Nanomedicine}, volume = {17}, year = {2022}, month = {OCT}, pages = {1929-1949}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Background: Studies on the anticancer effects of lanthanum strontium manganese oxide (LSMO) nanoparticles (NPs)-mediated hyperthermia at cellular and molecular levels are scarce. Materials \& methods: LSMO NPs conjugated with folic acid (Fol-LSMO NPs) were synthesized, followed by doxorubicin-loading (DoxFol-LSMO NPs), and their effects on breast cancer cells were investigated. Results: Hyperthermia (45 degrees C) and combination treatments exhibited the highest (similar to 95\%) anticancer activity with increased oxidative stress. The involvement of intrinsic mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathway and induction of autophagy was noted. Cellular and molecular evidence confirmed the crosstalk between apoptosis and autophagy, involving Beclin1, Bcl2 and Caspase-3 genes with free reactive oxygen species presence. Conclusion: The study confirmed hyperthermia and doxorubicin release by Fol-LSMO NPs induces apoptosis and autophagy in breast cancer cells.

}, keywords = {Apoptosis, Autophagy, Breast cancer, combination therapy, doxorubicin, Folic acid, hyperthermia, LSMO, MDA-MB231 cells, PEG}, issn = {1743-5889}, doi = {10.2217/nnm-2022-0171}, author = {Kulkarni-Dwivedi, Neha and Patel, Pratikshkumar R. and Shravage, V. Bhupendra and Umrani, Rinku D. and Paknikar, Kishore M. and Jadhav, Sachin H.} } @article {48397, title = {Identification and characterization of the key enzyme in the biosynthesis of the neurotoxin beta-ODAP in grass pea}, journal = {Journal of Biological Chemistry}, volume = {298}, year = {2022}, month = {MAY}, pages = {101806}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) is a grain legume commonly grown in Asia and Africa for food and forage. It is a highly nutritious and robust crop, capable of surviving both droughts and floods. However, it produces a neurotoxic compound, beta-N- oxalyl-L-alpha,beta-diaminopropionic acid (beta-ODAP), which can cause a severe neurological disorder when consumed as a primary diet component. While the catalytic activity associated with beta-ODAP formation was demonstrated more than 50 years ago, the enzyme responsible for this activity has not been identified. Here, we report on the identity, activity, 3D structure, and phylogenesis of this enzyme-beta-ODAP synthase (BOS). We show that BOS belongs to the benzylalcohol O-acetyltransfer-ase, anthocyanin O-hydroxycinnamoyltransferase, anthranilate N-hydroxycinnamoyl/benzoyltransferase, deacetylvindoline 4-O-acetyltransferase superfamily of acyltransferases and is structurally similar to hydroxycinnamoyl transferase. Using molecular docking, we propose a mechanism for its catalytic activity, and using heterologous expression in tobacco leaves (Nicotiana benthamiana), we demonstrate that expression of BOS in the presence of its substrates is sufficient for beta-ODAP production in vivo. The identification of BOS may pave the way toward engineering beta-ODAP-free grass pea cultivars, which are safe for human and animal consumption.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101806}, author = {Goldsmith, Moshe and Barad, Shiri and Knafo, Maor and Savidor, Alon and Ben-Dor, Shifra and Brandis, Alexander and Mehlman, Tevie and Peleg, Yoav and Albeck, Shira and Dym, Orly and Ben-Zeev, Efrat and Barbole, Ranjit S. and Aharoni, Asaph and Reich, Ziv} } @article {48406, title = {Improved mucoadhesion, permeation and in vitro anticancer potential of synthesized thiolated acacia and karaya gum combination: a systematic study}, journal = {Molecules}, volume = {27}, year = {2022}, month = {OCT}, pages = {6829}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Thiolation of polymers is one of the most appropriate approaches to impart higher mechanical strength and mucoadhesion. Thiol modification of gum karaya and gum acacia was carried out by esterification with 80\% thioglycolic acid. FTIR, DSC and XRD confirmed the completion of thiolation reaction. Anticancer potential of developed thiomer was studied on cervical cancer cell lines (HeLa) and more than 60\% of human cervical cell lines (HeLa) were inhibited at concentration of 5 mu g/100 mu L. Immobilized thiol groups were found to be 0.8511 mmol/g as determined by Ellman{\textquoteright}s method. Cytotoxicity studies on L929 fibroblast cell lines indicated thiomers were biocompatible. Bilayered tablets were prepared using Ivabradine hydrochloride as the model drug and synthesized thiolated gums as mucoadhesive polymer. Tablets prepared using thiolated polymers in combination showed more swelling, mucoadhesion and residence time as compared to unmodified gums. Thiol modification controlled the release of the drug for 24 h and enhanced permeation of the drug up to 3 fold through porcine buccal mucosa as compared to tablets with unmodified gums. Thiolated polymer showed increased mucoadhesion and permeation, anticancer potential, controlled release and thus can be utilized as a novel excipient in formulation development.

}, keywords = {buccal tablets, enhanced permeation, ivabradine HCl, mucoadhesion, thiolated gums}, doi = {10.3390/molecules27206829}, author = {Munot, Neha and Kandekar, Ujjwala and Rikame, Chaitali and Patil, Abhinandan and Sengupta, Poulomi and Urooj, Shabana and Bilal, Anusha} } @article {48028, title = {In situ direct transesterification process optimization for biodiesel production from aspergillus terreus wet biomass}, journal = {Journal of the American Oil Chemists Society}, volume = {99}, year = {2022}, month = {OCT}, pages = {52-53}, type = {Meeting Abstract}, issn = {0003-021X}, author = {Bed, Rashmi Karamchand and Ravi-Kumar, Ameeta and Kumar, V. Ravi} } @article {48132, title = {Incorporating conducting polypyrrole into a polyimide COF for carbon-free ultra-high energy supercapacitor}, journal = {Advanced Energy Materials}, volume = {12}, year = {2022}, month = {SEP}, pages = {2200754}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Redox-active covalent organic frameworks (COFs) store charges but possess inadequate electronic conductivity. Their capacitive action works by storing H+ ions in an acidic electrolyte and is typically confined to a small voltage window (0-1 V). Increasing this window means higher energy and power density, but this risks COF stability. Advantageously, COF{\textquoteright}s large pores allow the storage of polarizable bulky ions under a wider voltage thus reaching higher energy density. Here, a COF-electrode-electrolyte system operating at a high voltage regime without any conducting carbon or redox active oxides is presented. Conducting polypyrrole (Ppy) chains are synthesized within a polyimide COF to gain electronic conductivity (approximate to 10 000-fold). A carbon-free quasi-solid-state capacitor assembled using this composite showcases high pseudo-capacitance (358 mF cm(-2)@1 mA cm(-2)) in an aqueous gel electrolyte. The synergy among the redox-active polyimide COF, polypyrrole and organic electrolytes allows a wide-voltage window (0-2.5 V) leading to high energy (145 mu Wh cm(-2)) and power densities (4509 mu W cm(-2)). Amalgamating the polyimide-COF and the polypyrrole as one material minimizes the charge and mass transport resistances. Computation and experiments reveal that even a partial translation of the modules/monomers intrinsic electronics to the COF imparts excellent electrochemical activity. The findings unveil COF-confined polymers as carbon-free energy storage materials.

}, keywords = {carbon free capacitors, cation-anion co-storage, conductivity, high energy capacitors, polypyrrole doped COFs}, issn = {1614-6832}, doi = {10.1002/aenm.202200754}, author = {Haldar, Sattwick and Rase, Deepak and Shekhar, Pragalbh and Jain, Chitvan and Vinod, Chathakudath Prabhakaran and Zhang, En and Shupletsov, Leonid and Kaskel, Stefan and Vaidhyanathan, Ramanathan} } @article {48356, title = {Influence of ice templating on oxygen reduction catalytic activity of metal-free heteroatom-doped mesoporous carbon derived from polypyrrole for zinc-air batteries}, journal = {Energy Technology}, volume = {10}, year = {2022}, month = {DEC}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The development of highly active, cost-effective, and durable, noble metal-free oxygen reduction electrocatalysts is inevitable for the full-fledged implementation of fuel cells and zinc-air batteries. This work reports the synthesis of heteroatom (N, P, S)-doped metal-free mesoporous carbon-based electrocatalyst derived from polypyrrole by combining the ice templating, freeze-drying, and carbonization processes. The correlation between the structure and electrochemical activity of the polypyrrole-derived carbon-based electrocatalyst in the presence and absence of ice templating is investigated. The optimized electrocatalyst, aided by the ice-templating and freeze-drying step, shows an onset and half-wave potential (E-1/2) of 0.94 and 0.78 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode, respectively, in an alkaline electrolyte (0.1 m KOH). Later, the application of the optimized electrocatalyst is demonstrated in a primary zinc-air battery (ZAB) cell. The results prove that the ZAB device performance based on the homemade catalyst is on par with that of the state-of-the-art Pt/C cathode. The catalyst performance is correlated with the heteroatom doping and the enhanced porosity of the sample benefitted from ice templating. Ultimately, this work depicts a facile and rational synthesis of a truly metal-free electrocatalyst for the primary ZABs that can be a potential replacement for state-of-the-art systems.

}, keywords = {metal-free electrocatalysts, oxygen reduction reaction, zinc-air batteries}, issn = {2194-4288}, doi = {10.1002/ente.202200840}, author = {Kurian, Maria and Ghosh, Meena and Vijayakumar, Vidyanand and Puthiyaveetil, Priyanka Pandinhare and Torris, Arun and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {48188, title = {Influence of support textural property on CO2 to methane activity of Ni/ SiO2 catalysts}, journal = {Applied Catalysis B-Environmental}, volume = {317}, year = {2022}, month = {NOV}, pages = {121692}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In this work, we elucidated the role of physicochemical textural properties of inert support on the catalyst ac-tivity by impregnating Ni on ordered mesoporous silica (SBA-15 and MCM-41) and non-mesoporous silica (nMPS). The catalyst Ni/SBA-15 exhibited the best CO2 conversion (83\%) and product selectivity (99.9 \%) followed by Ni/MCM-41 and the least by Ni/nMPS. The difference in the nature of the catalyst, degree of nanoparticle distribution and nanoparticle encapsulation by different silica support were studied by N2 adsorption-desorption and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) experiments. The Operando Diffused Reflec-tance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy were used to understand the variance in reaction pathway which is accredited to the textural properties of the support. The SBA-15 supported Ni catalyst followed dissociative CO pathway while MCM-41 and nMPS reacted through associative formate mechanism as major pathway. These findings provide a novel perspective on CO2 hydrogenation over Ni-silica, allowing us to tune both activity and selectivity.

}, keywords = {CO2 methanation, DRIFTS, Mesoporous silica support, Textural properties}, issn = {0926-3373}, doi = {10.1016/j.apcatb.2022.121692}, author = {Cherevotan, Arjun and Ray, Bitan and Churipard, Sathyapal R. and Kaur, Komalpreet and Gautam, Ujjal K. and Vinod, Chathakudath P. and Peter, Sebastian C.} } @article {48087, title = {Instabilities as the origin of large-area self-assembled and aligned organic semiconductor nanocrystals}, journal = {ACS Applied Electronic Materials}, volume = {4}, year = {2022}, month = {APR}, pages = {1815-1822}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Aligned nanocrystals of organic semiconductors (OSCs) are highly desirable for electronic devices and biomedical and photonic applications. Solution-based wet processing routes have the potential to produce aligned nanocrystals over large areas in small time frames. Herein, we demonstrate that by optimizing the hydrodynamic evaporative processes, controlled long-range crystalline assemblies of OSCs can be achieved (longest nanocrystal similar to 3 mm) purely through physical processes: namely, from fingering instabilities. Self-assembly is achieved here without strong noncovalent interactions such as hydrogen-bonding interactions. Experimentally our approach involves just placing a drop of a solution on an inclined substrate. Nanocrystals with widths of 300-800 nm and lengths of millimeters (length/width aspect ratios \>10(5)) are formed in less than 2-8 s. A hydrazine chemiresistive sensor based on the aligned crystalline patterns show unprecedented responsivity (similar to 10(-6)), 2 orders greater than those of stick-slip patterns. Finally, experimental parameters that need optimization to achieve nanocrystal patterns are investigated in detail and pointers to fabricate such OSC nanocrystals are provided.

}, keywords = {aligned fibers, diketopyrrolopyrrole, fingering instability, nanocrystal arrays, naphthalenediimide, organic semiconductors}, doi = {10.1021/acsaelm.2c00061}, author = {Venugopalan, Vijay and Jain, Bhanprakash and Mahale, Rajashree Y. and Subramani, Kumar and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam} } @article {48128, title = {Interplay of anion-pi(+) and pi(+)-pi(+) interactions in novel pyrido[2,1-a]isoquinolinium-based aiegens - substituent- and counterion-dependent fluorescence modulation and applications in live cell mitochondrial imaging}, journal = {Chemistry-A European Journal}, volume = {28}, year = {2022}, month = {JUL }, pages = {e202200632}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Recently, the concept of anion-pi(+) interactions has witnessed unique applications in the field of AIEgen development. In this contribution, we disclose a consolidated study of a library of N-doped ionic AIEgens accessed through silver-mediated cyclization of pyridino-alkynes. A thorough photophysical, computational and crystallographic study has been conducted to rationalize the observed substituent- and counterion-dependent fluorescence properties of these luminogens. We further elucidate the prominent role of anion-pi(+) interactions, pi(+)-pi(+) interactions and other non-covalent interactions, in inhibiting the undesired ACQ effect. Finally, we have also demonstrated the application of selected AIEgens for imaging of mitochondria in live cells.

}, keywords = {1-a]isoquinolinium, AIEgens, anion-pi(+), crystal structure, mitochondrial imaging, pyrido[2}, issn = {0947-6539}, doi = {10.1002/chem.202200632}, author = {Mule, Ravindra D. and Roy, Rupam and Mandal, Koushik and Chopra, Deepak and Dutta, Tanoy and Sancheti, Shashank P. and Shinde, Popat S. and Banerjee, Somsuvra and Lal Koner, Apurba and Bhowal, Rohit and Senthilkumar, Beeran and Patil, Nitin T.} } @article {47599, title = {Interrupted CuAAC-thiolation for the construction of 1,2,3-triazole-fused eight-membered heterocycles from O-/N-propargyl derived benzyl thiosulfonates with organic azides}, journal = {Advanced Synthesis \& Catalysis}, volume = {364}, year = {2022}, month = {JAN}, pages = {319-325}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A copper(I)-catalyzed interrupted click-sulfenylation of O-/N-propargyl benzyl thiosulfonates with organic azides has been disclosed. The unified CuAAC-thiolation provides a wide range of triazole-fused eight-membered heterocycles in good to high (51-94\%) yields under mild reaction conditions. Moreover, a three-component reaction is also achieved involving O-/N-propargyl benzyl thiosulfonates, benzyl bromide, and sodium azide to deliver fused-triazoles in 61-74\% yields. From a synthetic point of view, the present protocol has been demonstrated at gram-scale reactions. A plausible mechanism is also proposed based on experimental results and control experiments.}, keywords = {Eight-Membered Heterocycles, Fused-Triazoles, Interrupted-Click Reaction, Thiolation, thiosulfonates}, issn = {1615-4150}, doi = {10.1002/adsc.202101256}, author = {Reddy, Raju Jannapu and Waheed, Md and Kumari, Arram Haritha and Krishna, Gamidi Rama} } @article {48387, title = {Introduction to the themed collection on digitalization in reaction engineering}, journal = {Reaction Chemistry \& Engineering}, volume = {7}, year = {2022}, month = {MAR}, pages = {792-794}, type = {Editorial Material}, issn = {2058-9883}, doi = {10.1039/d2re90011d}, author = {Galvanin, Federico and Hartman, Ryan L. and Kulkarni, Amol A. and Nieves-Remacha, Maria Jose} } @article {48082, title = {Investigation of the captopril-insulin interaction by mass spectrometry and computational approaches reveals that captopril induces structural changes in insulin}, journal = {ACS Omega}, volume = {7}, year = {2022}, month = {JUL}, pages = {23115-23126}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

ABSTRACT: Post-translational modifications remarkably regulate proteins{\textquoteright} biological function. Small molecules such as reactive thiols, metabolites, and drugs may covalently modify the proteins and cause structural changes. This study reports the covalent modification and noncovalent interaction of insulin and captopril, an FDA-approved antihypertensive drug, through mass spectrometric and computation-based approaches. Mass spectrometric analysis shows that captopril modifies intact insulin, reduces it into its {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}A{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} and {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}B{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} chains, and covalently modifies them by forming adducts. Since captopril has a reactive thiol group, it might reduce the insulin dimer or modify it by reacting with cysteine residues. This was proven with dithiothreitol treatment, which reduced the abundance of captopril adducts of insulin A and B chains and intact Insulin. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometric analysis identified the modification of a total of four cysteine residues, two in each of the A and B chains of insulin. These modifications were identified to be Cys6 and Cys7 of the A chain and Cys7 and Cys19 of the B chain. Mass spectrometric analysis indicated that captopril may simultaneously modify the cysteine residues of intact insulin or its subunits A and B chains. Biophysical studies involving light scattering and thioflavin T assay suggested that the binding of captopril to the protein leads to the formation of aggregates. Docking and molecular dynamics studies provided insights into the noncovalent interactions and associated structural changes in insulin. This work is a maiden attempt to understand the detailed molecular interactions between captopril and insulin. These findings suggest that further investigations are required to understand the long-term effect of drugs like captopril.

}, issn = {2470-1343}, doi = {10.1021/acsomega.2c00660}, author = {Ghosh, Amrita and Pawar, Aiswarya B. and Chirmade, Tejas and Jathar, Swaraj M. and Bhambure, Rahul and Sengupta, Durba and Giri, Ashok P. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @article {47935, title = {Ionic liquids for the sustainable transformation of levulinic acid to gamma-valerolactone (GVL)}, journal = {Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry}, volume = {35}, year = {2022}, month = {JUN}, pages = {100607}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

This short review is focused on recent findings on the role of ionic liquids (ILs) in catalysing the hydrogenation of levulinic acid (LA) to gamma valerolactone (GVL), which is a cascade reaction involving more than one type of reaction. A brief introduction on green aspects of IL as a catalyst followed by various types of ILs being used for hydrogenation of LA to GVL are discussed. The unique characteristics of ILs responsible for hydrogenation reaction are also explained along with the current and upcoming scenario of IL catalysed hydrogenation of LA to GVL.

}, keywords = {Biomass, Gamma valerolactone, Hydrogenation, Ionic liquid, levulinic acid}, issn = {2452-2236}, doi = {10.1016/j.cogsc.2022.100607}, author = {Kondawar, Sharda and Rode, Chandrashekhar} } @article {48371, title = {Iridium-catalyzed synthesis of pyrazolone fused 1,4-dihydrocinnolin-3-one employing alpha-diazotized Meldrum{\textquoteright}s acid}, journal = {ARKIVOC}, year = {2022}, month = {JAN}, pages = {179-190}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The [Iri-catalysed carbenoid insertion and cyclization of N-arylpyrazolones has been carried out with alpha-diazotized Meldrum{\textquoteright}s acid to access tricyclic pyrazolone fused 1,4-dihydrocinnolin-3-one derivatives. Further, the selective reduction of these tricyclic derivatives has been studied under Birch reduction conditions.

}, keywords = {?-diazotized Meldrum{\textquoteright}s acid, C-H activation, carbene Insertion, cinnoline derivatives, N-arylpyrazolones, [Iri-Catalysis}, issn = {1551-7004}, doi = {10.24820/ark.5550190.p011.841}, author = {Kulkarni, Anand M. and Mullapudi, Venkannababu and Ramana, Chepuri Venkata} } @article {47809, title = {Isolation and characterization of chitosans from different fungi with special emphasis on zygomycetous dimorphic fungus benjaminiella poitrasii: evaluation of its chitosan nanoparticles for the inhibition of human pathogenic fungi}, journal = {Biomacromolecules}, year = {2022}, month = {JAN}, pages = {null}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The cell wall chitosan was extracted from fungi belonging to different taxonomic classes, namely, Benjaminiella poitrasii (Zygomycetes, dimorphic), Hanseniaspora guilliermondii, Issatchenkia orientalis, Pichia membranifaciens, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Ascomycetes, yeasts), and Agaricus bisporus and Pleurotus sajor-caju (Basidiomycetes). The maximum yield of chitosan was 60.89 {\textpm} 2.30 mg/g of dry mycelial biomass of B. poitrasii. The degree of deacetylation (DDA) of chitosan extracted from different fungi, as observed with 1H NMR, was in the range of 70{\textendash}93\%. B. poitrasii chitosan exhibited the highest DDA (92.78\%). The characteristic absorption bands were observed at 3450, 1650, 1420, 1320, and 1035 cm{\textendash}1 by FTIR. Compared to chitosan from marine sources (molecular weight, MW, 585 kDa), fungal chitosans showed lower MW (6.21{\textendash}46.33 kDa). Further, to improve the efficacy of B. poitrasii chitosan (Bp), nanoparticles (Np) were synthesized using the ionic gelation method and characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS). For yeast and hyphal chitosan nanoparticles (BpYCNp and BpHCNp), the average particle size was <200 nm with polydispersity index of 0.341 {\textpm} 0.03 and 0.388 {\textpm} 0.002, respectively, and the zeta potential values were 21.64 {\textpm} 0.34 and 24.48 {\textpm} 1.58 mV, respectively. The B. poitrasii chitosans and their nanoparticles were further evaluated for antifungal activity against human pathogenic Candida albicans ATCC 10231, Candida glabrata NCYC 388, Candida tropicalis ATCC 750, Cryptococcus neoformans ATCC 34664, and Aspergillus niger ATCC 10578. BpHCNps showed lower MIC90 values (0.025{\textendash}0.4 mg/mL) than the chitosan polymer against the tested human pathogens. The study suggested that nanoformulation of fungal chitosan, which has low molecular weight and high \% DDA, is desirable for antifungal applications against human pathogens. Moreover, chitosans as well as their nanoparticles were found to be hemocompatible and are therefore safe for healthcare applications.}, doi = {10.1021/acs.biomac.1c01248}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.biomac.1c01248}, author = {Mane, Shamala and Pathan, Ejaj and Tupe, Santosh and Deshmukh, Sneha and Kale, Deepika and Ghormade, Vandana and Chaudhari, Bhushan and Deshpande, Mukund} } @article {48365, title = {K3PO4-promoted cycloannulation of (E)-beta-Iodovinyl Sulfones with ortho-Hydroxy-chalcones/cinnamates for the synthesis of 2,3,4-trisubstituted 4h-benzopyran derivatives}, journal = {Advanced Synthesis \& Catalysis}, volume = {364}, year = {2022}, month = {DEC }, pages = {4080-4087}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

K3PO4-mediated cycloannulation of (E)-beta-iodovinyl sulfones with ortho-hydroxy chalcones/ortho-hydroxy cinnamates has been realized to access 2,3,4-trisubstituted-4H-benzopyran derivatives. A metal-free tandem oxa-Michael addition and cycloannulation allows the diversity-oriented synthesis of the corresponding 3-sulfonyl-4H-benzopyrans in good to high yields. More importantly, one-pot three-component reaction between (E)-beta-iodovinyl sulfones, 2-hydroxybenzaldehydes, and phosphonium ylides has been established for the synthesis of 4H-chromene derivatives in moderate to good yields. Notably, this metal-free process features a broad substrate scope and easy elaboration into numerous multifaceted chromene products, including bioactive estrone-derivative. The present protocol is sustainable at the gram scale reactions, and post-synthetic applications were also demonstrated. A plausible mechanism is also presented on the basis of existing experimental results.

}, keywords = {(E)-beta-Iodovinyl sulfones, Benzopyrans, Cycloannulation, ortho-Hydroxy Chalcones, Sulfones}, issn = {1615-4150}, doi = {10.1002/adsc.202200763}, author = {Reddy, Raju Jannapu and Kumar, Jangam Jagadesh and Krishna, Gamidi Rama} } @article {48235, title = {Kupyaphores are zinc homeostatic metallophores required for colonization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {119}, year = {2022}, month = {FEB}, pages = {e2110293119}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) endures a combination of metal scarcity and toxicity throughout the human infection cycle, contributing to complex clinical manifestations. Pathogens counteract this paradoxical dysmetallostasis by producing specialized metal trafficking systems. Capture of extracellular metal by siderophores is a widely accepted mode of iron acquisition, and Mtb iron-chelating siderophores, mycobactin, have been known since 1965. Currently, it is not known whether Mtb produces zinc scavenging molecules. Here, we characterize low-molecular-weight zinc-binding compounds secreted and imported by Mtb for zinc acquisition. These molecules, termed kupyaphores, are produced by a 10.8 kbp biosynthetic cluster and consists of a dipeptide core of ornithine and phenylalaninol, where amino groups are acylated with isonitrilecontaining fatty acyl chains. Kupyaphores are stringently regulated and support Mtb survival under both nutritional deprivation and intoxication conditions. A kupyaphore-deficient Mtb strain is unable to mobilize sufficient zinc and shows reduced fitness upon infection. We observed early induction of kupyaphores in Mtb-infected mice lungs after infection, and these metabolites disappeared after 2 wk. Furthermore, we identify an Mtb-encoded isonitrile hydratase, which can possibly mediate intracellular zinc release through covalent modification of the isonitrile group of kupyaphores. Mtb clinical strains also produce kupyaphores during early passages. Our study thus uncovers a previously unknown zinc acquisition strategy of Mtb that could modulate host-pathogen interactions and disease outcome.

}, keywords = {metallophore, nutritional immunity, tuberculosis, zinc}, issn = {0027-8424}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.2110293119}, author = {Mehdiratta, Kritee and Singh, Shubham and Sharma, Sachin and Bhosale, Rashmi S. and Choudhury, Rahul and Masal, Dattatraya P. and Manocha, Alzu and Dhamale, Bhushan Dilip and Khan, Naseem and Asokachandran, Vivekanand and Sharma, Pooja and Ikeh, Melanie and Brown, Amanda C. and Parish, Tanya and Ojha, Anil K. and Michael, Joy Sarojini and Faruq, Mohammed and Medigeshi, Guruprasad R. and Mohanty, Debasisa and Reddy, D. Srinivasa and Natarajan, Vivek T. and Kamat, Siddhesh S. and Gokhale, Rajesh S.} } @article {48364, title = {Lewis acid-catalyzed chemodivergent and regiospecific reaction of phenols with quaternary peroxyoxindoles}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {87}, year = {2022}, month = {NOV }, pages = {14155-14167}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The indium-catalyzed regiospecific coupling of substituted phenol derivatives and quaternary peroxyoxindoles for the synthesis of C2 or C4 benzoxazin-3-one-substituted phenols via skeletal rearrangement is described. This reaction is demonstrated with 17 examples with good yields and diverse aryl substituents. In contrast to the indium-catalyzed reaction, the Cu(OTf)2- catalyzed reaction of the phenol with quaternary peroxyoxindoles afforded C2 or C4 2-oxindole-substituted phenol derivatives. This diverse catalytic reaction generated various biologically important phenol-substituted 2-oxindole derivatives directly without any skeleton rearrangement and was demonstrated with 19 examples in high yield. The regiospecificity and the reaction pathways were explained with the support of density functional theory (DFT).

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/acs.joc.2c01701}, author = {Shaikh, Moseen A. and Samal, Pragnya Paramita and Ubale, Akash S. and Krishnamurty, Sailaja and Gnanaprakasam, Boopathy} } @article {48154, title = {Luminescent magnesium complexes with intra- and inter-ligand charge transfer}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {58}, year = {2022}, month = {OCT}, pages = {11843-11846}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Herein, we report two 2,2{\textquoteright}-pyridylpyrrolide (PyPyrH) ligand supported magnesium complexes (1 and 2), which demonstrate bright luminescence with a quantum yield of 22\% and 14\% in the solid state, respectively. Theoretical calculations reveal that their emissive properties originate from the intra- and inter-ligand charge transfer.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/d2cc04142a}, author = {Kumar, Rohit and Pahar, Sanjukta and Chatterjee, Joy and Dash, Soumya Ranjan and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Vanka, Kumar and Sen, Sakya S.} } @article {48236, title = {Machine learning-based approach to determine infection status in recipients of BBV152 (Covaxin) whole-virion inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine for serological surveys}, journal = {Computers in Biology and Medicine}, volume = {146}, year = {2022}, month = {JUL}, pages = {105419}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Data science has been an invaluable part of the COVID-19 pandemic response with multiple applications, ranging from tracking viral evolution to understanding the vaccine effectiveness. Asymptomatic breakthrough infections have been a major problem in assessing vaccine effectiveness in populations globally. Serological discrimination of vaccine response from infection has so far been limited to Spike protein vaccines since whole virion vaccines generate antibodies against all the viral proteins. Here, we show how a statistical and machine learning (ML) based approach can be used to discriminate between SARS-CoV-2 infection and immune response to an inactivated whole virion vaccine (BBV152, Covaxin). For this, we assessed serial data on antibodies against Spike and Nucleocapsid antigens, along with age, sex, number of doses taken, and days since last dose, for 1823 Covaxin recipients. An ensemble ML model, incorporating a consensus clustering approach alongside the support vector machine model, was built on 1063 samples where reliable qualifying data existed, and then applied to the entire dataset. Of 1448 self-reported negative subjects, our ensemble ML model classified 724 to be infected. For method validation, we determined the relative ability of a random subset of samples to neutralize Delta versus wild-type strain using a surrogate neutralization assay. We worked on the premise that antibodies generated by a whole virion vaccine would neutralize wild type more efficiently than delta strain. In 100 of 156 samples, where ML prediction differed from self-reported uninfected status, neutralization against Delta strain was more effective, indicating infection. We found 71.8\% subjects predicted to be infected during the surge, which is concordant with the percentage of sequences classified as Delta (75.6\%-80.2\%) over the same period. Our approach will help in real-world vaccine effectiveness assessments where whole virion vaccines are commonly used.

}, keywords = {BBV152, Covaxin, COVID-19, Ensemble methods, Infection, machine learning, SARS-CoV-2}, issn = {0010-4825}, doi = {10.1016/j.compbiomed.2022.105419}, author = {Singh, Prateek and Ujjainiya, Rajat and Prakash, Satyartha and Naushin, Salwa and Sardana, Viren and Bhatheja, Nitin and Singh, Ajay Pratap and Barman, Joydeb and Kumar, Kartik and Gayali, Saurabh and Khan, Raju and Rawat, Birendra Singh and Tallapaka, Karthik Bharadwaj and Anumalla, Mahesh and Lahiri, Amit and Kar, Susanta and Bhosale, Vivek and Srivastava, Mrigank and Mugale, Madhav Nilakanth and Pandey, C. P. and Khan, Shaziya and Katiyar, Shivani and Raj, Desh and Ishteyaque, Sharmeen and Khanka, Sonu and Rani, Ankita and Promila and Sharma, Jyotsna and Seth, Anuradha and Dutta, Mukul and Saurabh, Nishant and Veerapandian, Murugan and Venkatachalam, Ganesh and Bansal, Deepak and Gupta, Dinesh and Halami, Prakash M. and Peddha, Muthukumar Serva and Veeranna, Ravindra P. and Pal, Anirban and Singh, Ranvijay Kumar and Anandasadagopan, Suresh Kumar and Karuppanan, Parimala and Rahman, Syed Nasar and Selvakumar, Gopika and Venkatesan, Subramanian and Karmakar, Malay Kumar and Sardana, Harish Kumar and Kothari, Anamika and Parihar, Devendra Singh and Thakur, Anupma and Saifi, Anas and Gupta, Naman and Singh, Yogita and Reddu, Ritu and Gautam, Rizul and Mishra, Anuj and Mishra, Avinash and Gogeri, Iranna and Rayasam, Geethavani and Padwad, Yogendra and Patial, Vikram and Hallan, Vipin and Singh, Damanpreet and Tirpude, Narendra and Chakrabarti, Partha and Maity, Sujay Krishna and Ganguly, Dipyaman and Sistla, Ramakrishna and Balthu, Narender Kumar and Kumar, Kiran A. and Ranjith, Siva and Kumar, B. Vijay and Jamwal, Piyush Singh and Wali, Anshu and Ahmed, Sajad and Chouhan, Rekha and Gandhi, Sumit G. and Sharma, Nancy and Rai, Garima and Irshad, Faisal and Jamwal, Vijay Lakshmi and Paddar, Masroor Ahmad and Khan, Sameer Ullah and Malik, Fayaz and Ghosh, Debashish and Thakkar, Ghanshyam and Barik, S. K. and Tripathi, Prabhanshu and Satija, Yatendra Kumar and Mohanty, Sneha and Khan, Md Tauseef and Subudhi, Umakanta and Sen, Pradip and Kumar, Rashmi and Bhardwaj, Anshu and Gupta, Pawan and Sharma, Deepak and Tuli, Amit and Chaudhuri, Saumya Ray and Krishnamurthi, Srinivasan and Prakash, L. and Rao, V. Ch and Singh, B. N. and Chaurasiya, Arvindkumar and Chaurasiya, Meera and Bhadange, Mayuri and Likhitkar, Bhagyashree and Mohite, Sharada and Patil, Yogita and Kulkarni, Mahesh and Joshi, Rakesh and Pandya, Vaibhav and Mahajan, Sachin and Patil, Amita and Samson, Rachel and Vare, Tejas and Dharne, Mahesh and Giri, Ashok and Mahajan, Sachin and Paranjape, Shilpa and Sastry, G. Narahari and Kalita, Jatin and Phukan, Tridip and Manna, Prasenjit and Romi, Wahengbam and Bharali, Pankaj and Ozah, Dibyajyoti and Sahu, RaviKumar and Dutta, Prachurjya and Singh, Moirangthem Goutam and Gogoi, Gayatri and Tapadar, Yasmin Begam and Babu, Elapavalooru V. S. S. K. and Sukumaran, Rajeev K. and Nair, Aishwarya R. and Puthiyamadam, Anoop and Valappil, Prajeesh Kooloth and Prasannakumari, Adrash Velayudhan Pillai and Chodankar, Kalpana and Damare, Samir and Agrawal, Ved Varun and Chaudhary, Kumardeep and Agrawal, Anurag and Sengupta, Shantanu and Dash, Debasis} } @article {48084, title = {Mapping the finite-temperature behavior of conformations to their potential energy barriers: case studies on Si6B and Si5B clusters}, journal = {ACS Omega}, volume = {7}, year = {2022}, month = {FEB }, pages = {6167-6173}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Dynamical simulations of molecules and materials have been the route to understand the rearrangement of atoms within them at different temperatures. Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamical simulations have further helped to comprehend the reaction dynamics at various finite temperatures. We take a case study of Si6B and Si5B clusters and demonstrate that their finite-temperature behavior is rather mapped to the potential energy surface. The study further brings forth the fact that an accurate description of the dynamics is rather coupled with the accuracy of the method in defining the potential energy surface. A more precise potential energy surface generated through the coupled cluster method is finally used to identify the most accurate description of the potential energy surface and the interconnected finite-temperature behavior.

}, issn = {2470-1343}, doi = {10.1021/acsomega.1c06654}, author = {Maneri, Asma H. and Singh, Chandrodai Pratap and Kumar, Ravi and Maibam, Ashakiran and Krishnamurty, Sailaja} } @article {47899, title = {Mechanistically guided one pot synthesis of phosphine-phosphite and its implication in asymmetric hydrogenation}, journal = {European Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {2022}, year = {2022}, month = {JAN}, pages = {e202101447}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Although hybrid bidentate ligands are known to yield highly enantioselective products in asymmetric hydrogenation (AH), synthesis of these ligands is an arduous process. Herein, a one pot, atom-economic synthesis of a hybrid phosphine-phosphite (L1) is reported. After understanding the reactivity difference between an 0-nucleophile versus C-nucleophile, one pot synthesis of Senphos (L1) was achieved (72\%). When L1 was treated with [Rh], P-31 NMR revealed bidentate coordination to Rh. Senphos, in the presence of rhodium, catalyzes the AH of Methyl-2-acetamido-3-phenylacrylate and discloses an unprecedented turn over frequency of 2289, along with excellent enantio-selectivity (92\%). The generality is demonstrated by hydrogenating an array of alkenes. The AH operates under mild conditions of 1-2 bar H-2 pressure, at room temperature. The practical relevance of Ll is demonstrated by scaling-up the reaction to 1 g and by synthesizing DOPA, a drug widely employed for the treatment of Parkinson{\textquoteright}s disease. Computational insights indicate that the R isomer is preferred by 3.8 kcal/mol over the S isomer.

}, keywords = {asymmetric hydrogenation, catalysis, DOPA synthesis, One pot synthesis, Phosphine-phosphite ligand}, issn = {1434-193X}, doi = {10.1002/ejoc.202101447}, author = {Sen, Anirban and Kumar, Rohit and Pandey, Swechchha and Raj, K. Vipin and Kumar, Pawan and Vanka, Kumar and Chikkali, Samir H.} } @article {48127, title = {Metagenomic mining of Indian river confluence reveal functional microbial community with lignocelluloytic potential}, journal = {3 Biotech}, volume = {12}, year = {2022}, month = {JUN}, pages = {132}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Microbial carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZyme) can be harnessed for valorization of Lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) to value-added chemicals/products. The two Indian Rivers Ganges and the Yamuna having different origins and flow, face accumulation of carbon-rich substrates due to the discharge of wastewater from adjoining paper and pulp industries, which could potentially contribute to the natural enrichment of LCB utilizing genes, especially at their confluence. We analyzed CAZyme diversity in metagenomic datasets across the sacred confluence of the Rivers Ganges and Yamuna. Functional annotation using CAZyme database identified a total of 77,815 putative genes with functional domains involved in the catalysis of carbohydrate degradation or synthesis of glycosidic bonds. The metagenomic analysis detected similar to 41\% CAZymes catalyzing the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass polymers- cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and pectin. The Beta diversity analysis suggested higher CAZyme diversity at downstream region of the river confluence, which could be useful niche for culture-based studies. Taxonomic origin for CAZymes revealed the predominance of bacteria (97\%), followed by archaea (1.67\%), Eukaryota (0.63\%), and viruses (0.7\%). Metagenome guided CAZyme diversity of the microflora spanning across the confluence of Ganges-Yamuna River, could be harnessed for biomass and bioenergy applications.

}, keywords = {CAZymes, Confluence (Sangam), Lignocellulosic, River Ganges, River Yamuna}, issn = {2190-572X}, doi = {10.1007/s13205-022-03190-7}, author = {Rajput, Vinay and Samson, Rachel and Yadav, Rakeshkumar and Dastager, Syed and Khairnar, Krishna and Dharne, Mahesh} } @article {48034, title = {Metal-free approach towards efficient synthesis of FDCA using a p-toluene sulfonic acid (p-TSA)-derived heterogeneous solid acid catalyst and oxone over two steps from HMF, fructose and glucose}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {46}, year = {2022}, month = {MAY}, pages = {10272-10279}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In this work, a metal-free approach towards the synthesis of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) from 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), fructose and glucose is reported over two steps using a p-toluene sulfonic acid (p-TSA)-derived heterogeneous solid acid catalyst (p-TSA-POM) in the first step and oxone as an oxidant in the second step. HMF, fructose and glucose were converted to 2,5-diformylfuran (DFF) using the p-TSA-POM catalyst followed by oxidation of DFF to FDCA using oxone. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first metal-free approach for the synthesis of FDCA directly from glucose. DFF was obtained from HMF in 91\% yield, whereas it was obtained in 85\% and 61\% yields from fructose \& glucose, respectively. DFF was further converted to FDCA using oxone as an oxidant. FDCA was obtained in an overall yield of 84\%, 78\% and 56\% from HMF, fructose \& glucose, respectively.

}, issn = {1144-0546}, doi = {10.1039/d2nj01207c}, author = {Tamboli, Asma T. Biradar and Kirdant, Swapnali P. and Jadhav, Vrushali H.} } @article {47990, title = {MgB2/NaNO2-PVA free-standing polymer composite film as a green firework: a step towards environmental sustainability}, journal = {Bulletin of Materials Science}, volume = {45}, year = {2022}, month = {SEP }, pages = {175}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We have demonstrated a simple fabrication methodology of free-standing polymer composite film firework that sparkles, provides colour display and moderate sound, yet is less polluting. The polymer composite film fireworks are composed of magnesium boride (MgB2), sodium nitrite (NaNO2) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). This study also suggested that a flammable, explosive powder composition can be made of two very common inorganic precursors, mainly NaNO2 and MgB2 . This is the first report demonstrating composite film fireworks with new flammable composition using metal boride as a primary precursor, which can also be used in conventional fireworks fabrication, replacing the traditional fuel, mainly gunpowder. The film fireworks were free from charcoal, sulphur, metal powder and paper. Therefore, they substantially lower the odour and COx, NOx, emissions and minimize the substantial trash generated when burned. Most importantly, film firework{\textquoteright}s minimum ignition temperature and exothermic decomposition temperature are much higher than the ambient temperature; hence are safe to handle.

}, keywords = {Firework, free-standing film, magnesium boride (MgB2), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), sodium nitrite (NaNO2)}, issn = {0250-4707}, doi = {10.1007/s12034-022-02756-8}, author = {Jeyavani, Vijayakrishnan and Kumar, Rajendra and Joy, Pattayil Alias and Mukherjee, Shatabdi Porel} } @article {47118, title = {Molecular elucidation of pancreatic elastase inhibition by baicalein}, journal = {Journal of Biomolecular Structure \& Dynamics}, volume = {40}, year = {2022}, month = {JUL}, pages = {5759-5768}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The serine protease, elastase exists in various forms and plays diverse roles in the human body. Pharmacological inhibition of elastase has been investigated for its therapeutic role in managing conditions such as diabetes, pneumonia and arthritis. Sivelestat, a synthetic molecule, is the only elastase inhibitor to have been approved by any major drug regulatory authority (PMDA, in this case) - but still has failed to attain widespread clinical usage owing to its high price, cumbersome administration and obscure long-term safety profile. In order to find a relatively better-suited alternative, screening was conducted using plant flavonoids, which yielded baicalein, a molecule that showed robust inhibition against Pancreatic Elastase inhibition (IC50: 3.53 mu M). Other than having a considerably lower IC(50)than sivelestat, baicalein is also cheaper, safer and easier to administer. While MicroScale Thermophoresis validated baicalein-elastase interaction, enzyme-kinetic studies, molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation revealed the mode of inhibition to be non-competitive. Baicalein exhibited binding to a distinct allosteric site on the enzyme. The current study demonstrates the elastase inhibition properties of baicalein in an in-vitro and in-silico environment.

}, keywords = {Baicalein, elastase, Enzyme inhibition, molecular interaction, sivelestat}, issn = {0739-1102}, doi = {10.1080/07391102.2021.1873189}, author = {Ghosh, Debajeet and Bansode, Sneha and Joshi, Rakesh and Kolte, Baban and Gacche, Rajesh} } @article {48141, title = {Monomeric magnesium catalyzed alkene and alkyne hydroboration}, journal = {Chemistry-A European Journal}, volume = {28}, year = {2022}, month = {OCT }, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In this work, two monomeric magnesium alkyl complexes (1 and 2) were prepared using bis(phosphino)carbazole framework and among them 1 has been used as a catalyst for hydroboration of alkenes and alkynes with pinacolborane (HBpin). A broad variety of aromatic and aliphatic alkenes and alkynes were efficiently reduced. Anti-Markovnikov regioselective hydroboration of alkenes and alkynes was achieved, which was confirmed by deuterium-labelling experiments. The work represents the first example of the use of magnesium in homogeneous catalytic hydroboration of alkene with broad substrate scope. Experimental mechanistic investigations and DFT calculations provided insights into the reaction mechanism. Finally, the hydroboration protocol was extended to terpenes.

}, keywords = {carbazole, Magnesium, monomeric complexes, phosphorous, X-ray Structure}, issn = {0947-6539}, doi = {10.1002/chem.202201896}, author = {Kumar, Rohit and Dutta, Sayan and Sharma, Vishal and Singh, Praval P. and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Koley, Debasis and Sen, Sakya S.} } @article {47813, title = {Na-montmorillonite to Fe(II)-Mt using ferrous citrate/ascorbate obtained by dissolving iron powder}, journal = {Applied Clay Science}, volume = {217}, year = {2022}, month = {FEB}, pages = {106396}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Bentonite containing montmorillonite (Mt) as the major clay mineral is the potential buffer material of engineered barrier system in the deep geological repository for high-level waste management. The corrosion products of canister/or overpack material (carbon steel) may alter the basic characteristics of bentonite through Fe/clay interaction and formation of FeMt to certain extent. A convenient method is required for quantitative preparation of Fe(II)-Mt because the only few direct methods reported have some limitations. For this, weak ferrous complexes having good solubility to facilitate the cation-exchange with bentonite is essential. Therefore, Fe(II)-citrate, Fe(II)-ascorbate and Fe(II)-citrate/ascorbate were obtained here by dissolving the iron powder (Fe0) in citric acid (CA), ascorbic acid (AA) and their equimolar mixtures from 25~mM to 300~mM at 70~{\textdegree}C under N2 atmosphere. The redox potential was measured to monitor the dissolution of Fe0 in these mild organic acids. Higher dissolution of Fe0 occurred in CA~+~AA mixture. The dissolved iron in the form of ferrous complex was reasonably stable in inert atmosphere, Fe2+/Fetotal~≈~1. The parent clay mineral (bentonite, NaMt) was treated with Fe(II)~-~cit/asc to form Fe(II)~-~Mt. through cation exchange process. The CEC and ferrous to ferric ratio of the Fe(II)-Mt was close to the stoichiometric amount. The XRF, XRD, ac impedance, FT-IR, TGA/DSC, XPS and FE-SEM are used for further characterization. In-situ complexation reaction of interlayer Fe2+ ions in Fe(II)-Mt with o-phenanthroline was also observed.}, keywords = {Ascorbic acid, Bentonite, Citric acid, Cr(VI) reduction, Fe(II)-montmorillonite, Iron dissolution}, issn = {0169-1317}, doi = {10.1016/j.clay.2021.106396}, author = {S. Chikkamath and J. Manjanna and N. Momin and B.G. Hegde and G.P. Nayaka and Aishwarya S. Kar and B.S. Tomar} } @article {48415, title = {Noble-metal-free heterojunction photocatalyst for selective CO2 reduction to methane upon induced strain relaxation}, journal = {ACS Catalysis}, volume = {12}, year = {2022}, month = {JAN }, pages = {687-697}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Sunlight-driven CO2 hydrogenation has drawn tremendous attention. However, selective CH4 formation via CO2 photoreduction is very challenging. Herein, we report a metal oxide semiconductor heterojunction consisting of BiVO4 and WO3 as a photocatalyst for the efficient conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) selectively to methane (105 mu mol g(-1) h(-1)) under visible light in the absence of a sacrificial agent. Wise selection of the reaction medium and the strategically tuned heterojunction upon strain relaxation suppresses the competitive hydrogen generation reaction. The detailed photophysical, photoelectrochemical, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy studies pointed to the Z-scheme mechanism of electron transfer, which favors superior electron and hole separation compared to the individual components of the composite catalyst and other well-known photocatalysts reported for CO2 reduction. The observations are further corroborated by experimental diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy and theoretical density-functional theory calculations, which reveal that the heterojunction has a lower free-energy barrier for CO2 conversion to CH4 due to the larger stabilization of the *CH2O intermediate on the strain-relaxed heterojunction surface, in comparison to the pristine BiVO4 surface. The present work provides fundamental insights for constructing high-performance heterojunction photocatalysts for the selective conversion of CO2 to desired chemicals and fuels.

}, keywords = {CO2 reduction, heterostructure, methane, Photocatalysis, Z-scheme}, issn = {2155-5435}, doi = {10.1021/acscatal.1c04587}, author = {Das, Risov and Sarkar, Shreya and Kumar, Ritesh and Ramarao, Seethiraju D. and Cherevotan, Arjun and Jasil, Mohammed and Vinod, Chathakudath P. and Singh, Abhishek Kumar and Peter, Sebastian C.} } @article {47593, title = {Novel lignin as natural-biodegradable binder for various sectors-A review}, journal = {Journal of Applied Polymer Science}, volume = {139}, year = {2022}, month = {APR }, pages = {e51951}, type = {Review}, abstract = {Lignin functions as an essential polymer in plants that forms the plant body{\textquoteright}s structural framework. The natural glue holds the cellulosic fibers together in the plant body, thereby providing rigidity and strength. Despite this, lignin shows promising relevance for biomaterial production due to its abundance, nontoxic nature and biodegradability. Considerably, adhesive components were derived from petroleum, which is increasingly more expensive. Hence, lignin, the natural glue in plant materials, gained much popularity because of its phenolic nature, making it an attractive substitute for adhesives. Lignin-based binders are produced through phenols substitution in phenol-formaldehyde resins with lignin due to their similar structural framework. Many researchers have confirmed the multifunctional applications of lignin, such as wood adhesive in fiber board, plywood and particleboard, a binder in printed wiring boards, abrasive tools, epoxy asphalts, epoxy wood composites, 3D printing, adhesive hydrogels, soil suppressants, lignocellulosic paper and coatings. This review presents a comprehensive description of the utilization of lignin-based binders for different applications. The present work highlights the discussion on the various methods by which lignin can be used to replace synthetic binders. This review focuses on global research work introducing lignin in different chemical adhesives for a more cost-effective and less harmful alternative.}, keywords = {binder, biodegradable, lignin, multifunctional}, issn = {0021-8995}, doi = {10.1002/app.51951}, author = {Mili, Medha and Hashmi, Sayed Azhar Rasheed and Ather, Madeeha and Hada, Vaishnavi and Markandeya, Nishant and Kamble, Sanjay and Mohapatra, Mamata and Rathore, Sanjai Kumar Singh and Srivastava, Avanish Kumar and Verma, Sarika} } @article {47814, title = {Novel pharmaceutical cocrystal of apalutamide, a nonsteroidal antiandrogen drug: synthesis, crystal structure, dissolution, stress, and excipient compatibility}, journal = {Crystal Growth \& Design}, volume = {22}, year = {2022}, month = {JAN}, pages = {1130-1142}, abstract = {Apalutamide (APA), a second-generation nonsteroidal antiandrogen BCS Class II drug with poor solubility and high permeability. A novel 1:1 cocrystal of Apalutamide (APA) with methylparaben (MP) was identified by cooling crystallization during the cocrystal screening and characterized by various solid-state techniques, such as PXRD, DSC, TGA, FT-IR, and 13C solid-state CP-MAS NMR spectroscopy. The crystal structures of APA and its cocrystal (APA-MP) were determined by the SC-XRD technique. The crystal structure analysis of the APA-MP cocrystal revealed that the APA and MP molecules are connected through strong O{\textendash}H{\textperiodcentered}{\textperiodcentered}{\textperiodcentered}O hydrogen bonds. The novel cocrystal improves the solubility and dissolution rate in different physiological conditions compared to poorly soluble APA due to strong hydrogen bond between the drug and the coformer. The cocrystal is stable (physically and chemically) under stress conditions, such as exposure to the relative humidity, mechanical grinding, open exposure to atmosphere at cRT (critical room temperature) and compression pressure of 10 tons. In addition, the compatibility of the cocrystal with excipients used in the drug product of APA (ERLEADA) was also investigated, and no disproportionation of cocrystal was observed.}, doi = {10.1021/acs.cgd.1c01087}, author = {Saladi, Venkata Narasayya and Kammari, Bal Raju and Mandad, Pratap Reddy and Krishna, Gamidi Rama and Sajja, Eswaraiah and Thirumali, Rajan S. and Marutapilli, Arthanareeswari and Mathad, Vijayavitthal T.} } @article {48142, title = {Nucleophilic substitution at a coordinatively saturated five-membered NHC center dot haloborane centre}, journal = {Inorganics}, volume = {10}, year = {2022}, month = {JUL}, pages = {97}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In this paper, we have used a saturated five-membered N-Heterocyclic carbene (5SIDipp = 1,3-bis-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazolin-2-ylidine) for the synthesis of SNHC-haloboranes adducts and their further nucleophilic substitutions to put unusual functional groups at the central boron atom. The reaction of 5-SIDipp with RBCl2 yields Lewis-base adducts, 5-SIDipp center dot RBCl2 [R = H (1), Ph (2)]. The hydrolysis of 1 gives the NHC stabilized boric acid, 5-SIDipp center dot B(OH)(3) (3), selectively. Replacement of chlorine atoms from 1 and 2 with one equivalent of AgOTf led to the formation of 5-SIDipp center dot HBCl(OTf) (4) and 5-SIDipp center dot PhBCl(OTf) (5a), where all the substituents on the boron atoms are different. The addition of two equivalents of AgNO3 to 2 leads to the formation of rare di-nitro substituted 5-SIDipp center dot BPh(NO3)(2) (6). Further, the reaction of 5-SIDipp with B(C6F5)(3) in tetrahydrofuran and diethyl ether shows a frustrated Lewis pair type small molecule activated products, 7 and 8.

}, keywords = {NHC-haloboranes, nucleophilic substitution, saturated NHC, tetra-coordinate boron}, doi = {10.3390/inorganics10070097}, author = {Kundu, Gargi and Tothadi, Srinu and Sen, Sakya S.} } @article {48409, title = {Overview of erythritol production by yeast strains}, journal = {Fems Microbiology Letters}, volume = {369}, year = {2022}, month = {NOV}, pages = {fnac107}, type = {Review}, abstract = {

Erythritol is a 4-carbon polyol produced with the aid of microbes in presence of hyper-osmotic stress. It is the most effective sugar alcohol that is produced predominantly by fermentation. In comparison to various polyols, it has many precise functions and is used as a flavor enhancer, sequestrant, humectant, nutritive sweetener, stabilizer, formulation aid, thickener, and a texturizer. Erythritol production is a common trait in a number of the yeast genera viz., Trigonopsis, Candida, Pichia, Moniliella, Yarrowia, Pseudozyma, Trichosporonoides, Aureobasidium, and Trichoderma. Extensive work has been carried out on the biological production of erythritol through Yarrowia, Moniliella, Candida, and other yeast strains, and numerous strategies used to improve erythritol productivity through mutagenesis and genetic engineering are discussed in this review.

}, keywords = {Erythritol, erythrose reductase, hyperosmotic stress response, metabolic pathways, Yeast, yeast expression}, issn = {0378-1097}, doi = {10.1093/femsle/fnac107}, author = {Khatape, Anil B. and Dastager, Syed G. and Rangaswamy, Vidhya} } @article {48209, title = {Porous covalent organic nanotubes and their assembly in loops and toroids}, journal = {Nature Chemistry}, volume = {14}, year = {2022}, month = {MAY}, pages = {507+}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Carbon nanotubes, and synthetic organic nanotubes more generally, have in recent decades been widely explored for application in electronic devices, energy storage, catalysis and biosensors. Despite noteworthy progress made in the synthesis of nanotubular architectures with well-defined lengths and diameters, purely covalently bonded organic nanotubes have remained somewhat challenging to prepare. Here we report the synthesis of covalently bonded porous organic nanotubes (CONTs) by Schiff base reaction between a tetratopic amine-functionalized triptycene and a linear dialdehyde. The spatial orientation of the functional groups promotes the growth of the framework in one dimension, and the strong covalent bonds between carbon, nitrogen and oxygen impart the resulting CONTs with high thermal and chemical stability. Upon ultrasonication, the CONTs form intertwined structures that go on to coil and form toroidal superstructures. Computational studies give some insight into the effect of the solvent in this assembly process.

}, issn = {1755-4330}, doi = {10.1038/s41557-022-00908-1}, author = {Koner, Kalipada and Karak, Shayan and Kandambeth, Sharath and Karak, Suvendu and Thomas, Neethu and Leanza, Luigi and Perego, Claudio and Pesce, Luca and Capelli, Riccardo and Moun, Monika and Bhakar, Monika and Ajithkumar, Thalasseril G. and Pavan, Giovanni M. and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article {48345, title = {Possible fine-tuning of methane activation toward C2 oxygenates by 3d-transition metal-ions doped nano-ceria-zirconia}, journal = {Inorganic Chemistry}, volume = {61}, year = {2022}, month = {DEC }, pages = {19577-19587}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In this work, we demonstrate a simple sol-gel technique to prepare metal-ion(s)-doped ceria-zirconia solid solution for efficient catalytic methane activation. The cation -depicting formula units are Ce0.80Zr0.20 (CZ), Ce0.79Zr0.20M0.01 (CZM), and Ce0.79Zr0.20M0.005M10.005 (CZMM1) (M and M1 = V, Mn, Fe, Co, and Cu), employed for undoped, mono-metal-ion -doped, and bi-metal-ion-doped solid solutions, respectively. Methane activation with Mn, Fe, Cu mono-metal-ion-doped CZ favors the C1 product, while CZCo assists C-C coupling with the formation of acetaldehyde. On the other hand, the Co-and Fe -doped bi-metal-ion combination catalyst (CZCoFe) shows significant ethanol but predominant formic acid formation. This is further promoted by the Co + V bi-metal-ion combination (CZCoV) catalyst, and it shows ethanol as the major product along with methyl hydrogen peroxide, methanol, and formic acid as minor products. An impressive ethanol yield of 93 mu mol/g h with 76\% selectivity obtained with the CZCoV catalyst is at par with that obtained with noble-metal-based catalysts under comparable reaction conditions. When Co and V content was increased two and four times from 0.005 to 0.01 and 0.02, ethanol yield increased at the expense of formic acid. The 213 mu mol/g h ethanol yield (86\% selectivity) observed with Ce0.76Zr0.20Co0.02V0.02 is probably the highest observed. The partial oxidation of CH4 in Co-based bi-metal combinations (Co + V or Co + Fe) suggests the synergistic effect of doped metal ions owing to the heterogeneous near -neighbor environment. The present results are attributed to the surface heterogeneity between the host and the dopants, which selectively promotes methane activation as well as C-C coupling. This indicates a large scope to tune the activity of partial oxidation of methane and product selectivity with different metal-ion(s) combinations.

}, issn = {0020-1669}, doi = {10.1021/acs.inorgchem.2c03493}, author = {Kanungo, Subhashree S. and Mishra, Abhaya Kumar and Mhamane, Nitin B. and Marelli, Udaya Kiran and Kumar, Dharmesh and Gopinath, Chinnakonda S.} } @article {48068, title = {Postmodification of voxelotor (GBT 440) via [Rh]-catalyzed cross dehydrogenative coupling with olefins br}, journal = {Bioorganic \& Medicinal Chemistry Letters}, volume = {77}, year = {2022}, month = {DEC}, pages = {129022}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The directed Rh(III)-catalyzed cross dehydrogenative coupling of the pyrazole unit of the GBT-440 scaffold has been explored with simple as well as conjugated olefins to synthesize post-functionalized GBT-440 analogues. The screening of these synthesized compounds for improving the oxygen binding efficiency of the hemoglobin isolated from the sickled red blood cells revealed that some of these compounds are as good as GBT-440.

}, keywords = {CDC Coupling, GBT-440 (Voxelotor), Rh(III) catalysis, sickle cell anemia}, issn = {0960-894X}, doi = {10.1016/j.bmcl.2022.129022}, author = {Kalshetti, Rupali G. and Rajput, Raveena and Motiwala, Zenia and Reddy, D. Srinivasa and Kulkarni, Kiran A. and V. Ramana, Chepuri} } @article {48179, title = {Potassium phosphate catalyzed highly efficient synthesis of structurally diverse thioethers at ambient temperature}, journal = {Indian Journal of Chemistry Section B-Organic Chemistry Including Medicinal Chemistry}, volume = {61}, year = {2022}, month = {FEB}, pages = {154-158}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Commercially available potassium phosphate has been demonstrated to be a highly efficient catalyst for the synthesis of thioethers employing two different routes viz. alkylation of thiols with alkyl/aralkyl halides and by Michael addition of thiols to conjugated alkenes.

}, keywords = {Alkyl halides, Potassium phosphate, thia-Michael reaction, thioethers, thiols}, issn = {0019-5103}, author = {Mitragotri, Satish D. and Kulkarni, Makarand A. and Desai, V. Uday and Wadagaonkar, Prakash P.} } @article {47762, title = {Process development for detoxification of corncob hydrolysate using activated charcoal for xylitol production}, journal = {Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering}, volume = {10}, year = {2022}, month = {FEB}, pages = {107097}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The work describes process development for detoxification of corncob hydrolysate using activated carbon for microbial xylitol production. Activated carbon was used as an adsorbent to completely remove the major fermentation inhibitors obtained during dilute acid and steam explosion of biomass. A xylitol yield of 0.78 g/g was achieved from the detoxified hydrolysate in a 5 L fermenter by Pichia caribbica. The spent carbon was effectively regenerated and used for three consecutive cycles of operation. The successive regeneration and reuse of carbon could reduce the operational cost by similar to 38\% and be used as a reference dataset for process scale-up and cost-effective xylitol production.}, keywords = {Activated charcoal, Detoxification, Fermentation, Regeneration, xylitol}, issn = {2213-2929}, doi = {10.1016/j.jece.2021.107097}, author = {Ahuja, Vishal and Kshirsagar, Siddheshwar and Ghosh, Prasenjit and Sarkar, Bipul and Sutar, Ajit and More, Snehal and Dasgupta, Diptarka} } @article {48002, title = {Process optimization for biodiesel production using agro-waste substrate}, journal = {Journal of the American Oil Chemists Society}, volume = {99}, year = {2022}, month = {OCT}, pages = {44}, type = {Meeting Abstract}, issn = {0003-021X}, author = {RaviKumar, Ameeta and Bed, Rashmi and Kumar, V. Ravi} } @article {47750, title = {Progress and potential of electrospinning-derived substrate-free and binder-free lithium-ion battery electrodes}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Journal}, volume = {430}, year = {2022}, month = {FEB }, pages = {132876}, type = {Review}, abstract = {Carbon nanofibers derived from electrospun precursors show great promise for electronic applications owing to their flexibility, conductivity, high surface area, and open structure. The integration of metal oxides and sulfides in carbon nanofibers, rather than using them with other binders, eliminates many problems caused by poor adhesion, nanomaterial agglomeration, excess mass contributed by inactive binders, and low conductivity of embedded active materials. The engineering of electrospun fibers with novel morphologies, such as core-shell, hollow, or porous structures, and the use of decorated carbon nanofibers (e.g., by electrodeposition or co precipitation) are discussed in this review. Representative schematic illustrations of the lithium-storage mechanism for these binder-free electrodes are presented. We describe how the electrospinning technique can offer a cost-effective strategy for fabrication of lightweight lithium-ion batteries with high capacity and excellent bendability. This review presents the fascinating morphologies of these specially designed carbon nanofiber electrodes, which enhance the electrochemical performance of metal oxides and sulfides, illustrating their enormous potential for use in wearable electronic devices and hybrid electric vehicles.}, keywords = {Carbon nanofibers, Co-axial, composites, core-shell, electrospinning, Flexible}, issn = {1385-8947}, doi = {10.1016/j.cej.2021.132876}, author = {Joshi, Bhavana and Samuel, Edmund and Kim, Yong-il and Yarin, Alexander L. and Swihart, Mark T. and Yoon, Sam S.} } @article {48404, title = {Proteomic profile of candida albicans biofilm}, journal = {Journal of Proteomics}, volume = {265}, year = {2022}, month = {AUG }, pages = {104661}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Candida albicans biofilms are characterized by structural and cellular heterogeneity that confers antifungal resistance and immune evasion. Despite this, biofilm formation remains poorly understood. In this study, we used proteomic analysis to understand biofilm formation in C. albicans related to morphophysiological and architectural features. LC-MS/MS analysis revealed that 64 proteins were significantly modulated, of which 31 were upregulated and 33 were downregulated. The results indicate that metabolism (25 proteins), gene expression (13 proteins), stress response (7 proteins), and cell wall (5 proteins) composition are modulated. The rate of oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) and biosynthesis of UDP-N-acetylglucosamine, vitamin B6, and thiamine increased, while the rate of methionine biosynthesis decreased. There was a significant modification of the cell wall architecture due to higher levels of Sun41, Pir1 and Csh1 and increased glycosylation of proteins. It was observed that C. albicans induces hyphal growth by upregulating the expression of genes involved in cAMP-PKA and MAPK pathways. This study is significant in that it suggests an increase in OxPhos and alteration of cell wall architecture that could be contributing to the recalcitrance of C. albicans cells growing in biofilms. Nevertheless, a deeper investigation is needed to explore it further.Significance: Candida sps is included in the list of pathogens with potential drug resistance threat due to the increased frequency especially colonization of medical devices, and tissues among the patients, in recent years. Significance of our study is that we are reporting traits like modulation in cell wall composition, amino acid and vitamin biosynthesis and importantly energy generation (OxPhos) etc. These traits could be conferring antifungal resistance, host immune evasion etc. and thus survival, in addition to facilitating biofilm formation. These findings are expected to prime the further studies on devising potent strategy against biofilm growth among the patients.

}, keywords = {Biofilm, Candida albicans, Cell wall, LC-MS, Metabolism, MS, proteomics}, issn = {1874-3919}, doi = {10.1016/j.jprot.2022.104661}, author = {Abdulghani, Mazen and Iram, Rasiqua and Chidrawar, Priti and Bhosle, Kajal and Kazi, Rubina and Patil, Rajendra and Kharat, Kiran and Zore, Gajanan} } @article {48201, title = {Pseudo-boehmite AlOOH supported NGr composite-based air electrode for mechanically rechargeable Zn-air battery applications}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry A}, volume = {10}, year = {2022}, month = {MAY}, pages = {10014-10025}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Both mechanically and electrically rechargeable zinc-air batteries (ZABs) have received much interest due to their high energy density and suitability for mobile and stationary applications. However, their commercialization has been impeded by the lack of robust, low-cost and environmentally benign catalyst materials that can be easily scaled up. In this context, the present work introduces a new type of transition metal-free catalytic material (AlOOH/NGr) by anchoring the pseudo-boehmite phase of aluminium oxyhydroxide (AlOOH) nanosheets over nitrogen-doped graphene (NGr) via a single-step and straightforward hydrothermal process. Furthermore, density functional theory (DFT) based computation demonstrates that the nucleation of AlOOH starts from the N-sites and points towards the strong surface interaction between AlOOH and NGr via doped nitrogen. AlOOH/NGr consisting of thin layered pseudo-boehmite sheets uniformly distributed over NGr has displayed an oxygen reduction reaction onset potential of 0.83 V and a half-wave potential of 0.72 V, along with good catalytic durability in alkaline medium. With this, AlOOH/NGr, when used as an air electrode for fabricating a primary Zn-air battery, the system has exhibited an open circuit voltage of similar to 1.27 V with a flat discharge profile at a current rate of 10 mA cm(-2). The fabricated system delivered a specific capacity of similar to 720 mA h g(-1) and a high power density of 204 mW cm(-2) and is comparable to the counterpart system based on the state-of-the-art Pt/C (20 wt\% Pt) cathode. Additionally, the homemade battery was able to maintain its performance after 4 times of mechanical recharging of the battery, which lasted for more than 35 h at a discharge current density of 10 mA cm(-2). Thus, we have uncovered the potential of an earth-abundant metal-based catalytic system for fabricating and demonstrating a robust mechanically rechargeable zinc-air battery.

}, issn = {2050-7488}, doi = {10.1039/d2ta00546h}, author = {Kharabe, Geeta Pandurang and Manna, Narugopal and Nadeema, Ayasha and Singh, Santosh K. and Mehta, Shweta and Nair, Aathira and Joshi, Kavita and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {48006, title = {Rapid synthesis of the epi-biotin sulfone via tandem S,N-carbonyl migration/aza-michael/spirocyclization and haller-bauer reaction}, journal = {ACS Omega}, volume = {7}, year = {2022}, month = {MAY }, pages = {17215-17222}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A synthesis of 2-epi-biotin sulfone was accomplished from commercially available L-cysteine. The synthesis features an unprecedented tandem S,N-carbonyl migration/aza-Michael/spirocyclization reaction from an L-cysteine-derived enone with aq. ammonia, in which three new sigma bonds and two rings are formed. In addition, the synthesis includes a highly diastereoselective late-stage Haller-Bauer reaction of sulfone for direct introduction of the carbon side chain.

}, issn = {2470-1343}, doi = {10.1021/acsomega.2c01030}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Kalbhor, Dinesh B. and Gonnade, Rajesh G.} } @article {48203, title = {Reactive extraction of gluconic acid using trioctylamine in different diluents}, journal = {Chemical Engineering \& Technology}, volume = {45}, year = {2022}, month = {MAR}, pages = {417-424}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Reactive extraction of gluconic acid (GA) from aqueous solutions was investigated using trioctylamine (TOA) as extractant in the presence of benzyl alcohol (BA) and 1-decanol (DE) as diluents. Physical extraction of GA with pure diluents in the absence of TOA was found to be poor. Reactive extraction with an amine-diluent mixture enhanced the separation process. Higher extraction efficiencies and distribution coefficients were achieved in the presence of BA as compared to DE. Further optimization studies were carried out to determine the synergistic effect of amine/diluent ratio. Loading ratios higher than 0.5 suggested 3:1 complex formation of GA with the amine. A reactive extraction mechanism of GA in TOA was proposed, and the equilibrium complexation constant was determined.

}, keywords = {1-Decanol, Benzyl alcohol, Gluconic acid, reactive extraction, Trioctylamine}, issn = {0930-7516}, doi = {10.1002/ceat.202100373}, author = {Kakku, Sivasankar and Gaikwad, Shripal M. and Gaikwad, Shashank and Taralkar, Suyogkumar V. and Billa, Sarath Babu and Chakinala, Anand Gupta and Chakinala, Nandana} } @article {48160, title = {Ready access to benzannulated [5,5]-oxaspirolactones using Au(III)-catalyzed cascade cyclizations}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {87}, year = {2022}, month = {MAR}, pages = {3025-3041}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

This work showcases an unprecedented Au(III)-catalyzed cascade cyclization of 2-(4-hydroxyalkynyl)benzoates to access benzannulated [5,5]-oxaspirolactones related to biologically active natural products. This reaction proceeds through an initial 5-endo-dig mode of hydroalkoxylation of the alkynol segment to give the oxocarbenium species (via cyclic enol-ether) followed by the addition of carboxylate onto the oxocarbenium that delivers the oxaspirolactone scaffold. While testing this method{\textquoteright}s scope, we found that the steric and electronic environment of the hydroxyl group could alter the reaction pathway that delivers isochromenone through a competitive 6-endo-dig mode of attack of the carboxylate onto the tethered alkyne.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/acs.joc.1c02843}, author = {Mankad, Yash and Thorat, Sagar S. and Das, Pronay and Krishna, Gamidi Rama and Kontham, Ravindar and Reddy, D. Srinivasa} } @article {48119, title = {Recent advances in the metal-organic framework-based electrocatalysts for trifunctional electrocatalysis}, journal = {Dalton Transactions}, volume = {51}, year = {2022}, month = {SEP}, pages = {13573-13590}, type = {Review}, abstract = {

The sustainable energy technology is in great demand due to the depletion and the risks associated with the use of fossil fuels. Various energy technologies like regenerative fuel cells, zinc-air batteries, and overall water-splitting devices have a huge scope in the growth of green energy. The efficiency of these devices is reliant upon the multifunctional electrocatalysts, which include both bifunctional and trifunctional electrocatalysts. Among the different categories of the materials used for such multifunctional electrocatalysis, metal-organic-frameworks (MOFs) occupy a very consolidated place because of their high surface area, porosity, and many other unique physicochemical properties. However, the use of MOFs for the trifunctional electrocatalytic applications is in the budding phase and needs to be explored more. Further, most of these MOF-based trifunctional electrocatalysts are derived by pyrolyzing MOFs at high temperatures. Therefore, there is a need to develop more conductive MOFs which can be directly utilized for the trifunctional applications. In this frontier article, we present the latest reports on the MOF-based materials for trifunctional applications. The material design strategies of the MOF-based materials for trifunctional electrocatalysis have been discussed. The progressive improvements made with MOFs in electrocatalytic applications have been provided with emphasis on the structural, active site and compositional requirements. Finally, the challenges and viewpoints on the future development of the MOF-based materials for trifunctional electrocatalysis have been provided.

}, issn = {1477-9226}, doi = {10.1039/d2dt01981g}, author = {Devi, Bandhana and Koner, Rik Rani and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {47992, title = {Recent developments in the applications of biomass-derived sulfonated carbonaceous solid acid catalysts}, journal = {Helvetica Chimica Acta}, volume = {105}, year = {2022}, month = {AUG}, pages = {e202200032}, type = {Review}, abstract = {

Recently, carbon-based materials are gaining a lot of attraction. It is considered as an emerging area of research and has gained significant importance as an efficient catalyst/material in various fields. Biomass is abundantly available, cheap and a renewable carbon resource. Sulfonated carbonaceous solid acid catalyst can be derived by sulfonation of various sources of biomass such as sugars, lignin, fruit waste, agro-waste, bio-char, etc. Sulfonated carbonaceous solid acid catalysts can be used as a substitute to liquid acids. These catalysts possess a stable carbon skeleton and are insoluble in almost all organic solvents as well as under acidic/basic conditions. This review covers details about biomass-derived sulfonated carbonaceous solid acid catalysts and its catalytic activities in many important transformations such as hydrolysis of cellulose, synthesis of biodiesel, synthesis of various important chemicals and for various organic transformations.

}, keywords = {Biodiesel, Biomass, cellulose, Hydrolysis, sulfonated carbonaceous solid acid catalyst}, issn = {0018-019X}, doi = {10.1002/hlca.202200032}, author = {Kirdant, Swapnali P. and Tamboli, Asma T. Biradar and Jadhav, Vrushali H.} } @article {48125, title = {Regio-isomerism directed electrocatalysis for energy efficient zinc-air battery}, journal = {iScience}, volume = {25}, year = {2022}, month = {OCT }, pages = {105179}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We have investigated the role of ligand isomerism in modulating the mechanisms and kinetics associated with charge/ discharge chemistry of an aqueous metal-air battery. The dominant electron-withdrawing inductive effect (-I effect) and the diminished electron-withdrawing resonance effect (-R effect) in the alpha-NO2 isomer noticeably diminishes the rate of oxygen reduction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reactions (OER) on the catalytic Co-center. In their beta-counterpart, the cumulative -I and -R effects noticeably enhance the OER and ORR kinetics on the same catalytic Co-center. Therefore, the regioisomerism of the -NO2 functionality amplifies the kinetics of ORR/OER without influencing their mechanistic pathways. When isomeric electrocatalysts are integrated to aid the charge chemistry of a Zn-air battery, the overpotential could be decreased by similar to 250mV with beta-NO2 isomer leading to a round-trip efficiency as high as 60\%. This work contributes to the design of novel molecular platforms to target the overall round-trip efficiency of energy storage and conversion devices.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.isci.2022.105179}, author = {Mukhopadhyay, Sanchayita and Devendrachari, Mruthyunjayachari Chattanahalli and Kanade, Sandeep C. and Vinod, Chathakudath Prabhakaran and Kotresh, Harish Makri Nimbegondi and Thotiyl, Musthafa Ottakam} } @article {48226, title = {Review of recent progress in electrospinning-derived freestanding and binder-free electrodes for supercapacitors}, journal = {Coordination Chemistry Reviews}, volume = {460}, year = {2022}, month = {JUN }, pages = {214466}, type = {Review}, abstract = {

The versatile electrospinning technique is scalable and suitable to fabricate highly conducting freestanding carbon nanofiber composite electrodes for energy storage devices. Freestanding/flexible electrodes hold enormous potential for use in wearable electronic devices. Carbon-yielding polymers and the optimal use of sacrificial polymers, metal oxides, and sulfides retain the flexibility and enhance the surface area and pseudocapacitance of electrodes. Both as-prepared electrospun fibers and carbonized nanofibers are compatible with surface decoration via various chemical and electrochemical routes. Metal oxides/sulfides with various morphologies, such as nanocones and nanosheets, can be grown on the carbon nanofibers or on the as-prepared electrospun fibers using chemical synthesis methods such as electro-deposition, hydrothermal processes, and chemical impregnation to enhance the pseudocapacitance of the electrodes. Similarly, the deposition of metal organic frameworks on as-prepared electrospun fibers embellishes these fibers with nanostructures of specific morphologies such as dodecahedral and spindle-shaped structures. Under optimal conditions, these morphologies do not hamper the flexibility of the fibers, and binders are not required to retain them or maintain the electrode integrity. The engineering of electrodes with various morphologies and process parameters is presented systematically. Electrospinning-derived electrodes that have demonstrated significant electrochemical performance are highlighted and critically analyzed, and the energy storage mechanisms of these supercapacitors are described in detail. (C) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Carbon nanofibers, Co-axial, composites, core-shell, electrospinning, Flexible, Porous, supercapacitor}, issn = {0010-8545}, doi = {10.1016/j.ccr.2022.214466}, author = {Joshi, Bhavana and Samuel, Edmund and Kim, Yong-il and Yarin, Alexander L. and Swihart, Mark T. and Yoon, Sam S.} } @article {48103, title = {Review on computational analysis of big data in breast cancer for predicting potential biomarkers}, journal = {Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry}, volume = {22}, year = {2022}, month = {SEP}, pages = {1793-1810}, type = {Review}, abstract = {

Breast cancer is the most predominantly occurring cancer in the world. Several genes and proteins have been recently studied to predict biomarkers that enable early disease identification and monitor its recurrence. In the era of high-throughput technology, studies show several applications of big data for identifying potential biomarkers. The review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of big data analysis in breast cancer towards the prediction of biomarkers with emphasis on computational methods like text mining, network analysis, next-generation sequencing technology (NGS), machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), and precision medicine. Integrating data from various computational approaches enables the stratification of cancer patients and the identification of molecular signatures in cancer and their subtypes. The computational methods and statistical analysis help expedite cancer prognosis and develop precision cancer medicine (PCM). As a part of case study in the present work, we constructed a large gene-drug interaction network to predict new biomarkers genes. The gene-drug network helped us to identify eight genes that could serve as novel potential biomarkers.

}, keywords = {Big data, Biomarkers, Breast cancer, Driver genes, Network analysis, text mining}, issn = {1568-0266}, doi = {10.2174/1568026622666220907121942}, author = {Shaikh, Nilofer and Bapat, Sanket and Karthikeyan, Muthukumarasamy and Vyas, Renu} } @article {48075, title = {Revisiting classical pummerer cyclization reaction: a key strategy for the synthesis of (+/-)-quinagolide}, journal = {ChemistrySelect}, volume = {7}, year = {2022}, month = {JUL}, pages = {e202201600}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A formal synthesis of (+/-)-quinagolide using beta-alanine as a starting material has been achieved. Late stage intramolecular classical Pummerer reaction has been used as a key synthetic tool to construct octahydrobenzo[g]quinoline skeleton of quinagolide. Conjugative reduction of olefin, regioselective C-alkylation over O-alkylation of beta-ketoester followed by retro-Dieckmann/ Dieckmann reaction sequence has been used as a key reaction sequence to achieve prerequisite sulfoxide for the Pummerer reaction. While revisiting the classical Pummerer reaction, the one-pot sequential thionium ion induced cyclocarbamation followed by N-carbamate deprotection and Friedel-Crafts type Pummerer cyclization was observed as an important finding of the present work.

}, keywords = {Alkylation, Cyclocarbamation, Hyperprolactinemia, rearrangement, Thionium ion}, issn = {2365-6549}, doi = {10.1002/slct.202201600}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Kawale, Sanket A. and Tripathi, Anupam and Kadam, Appasaheb L. and Gonnade, Rajesh G.} } @article {47656, title = {Role of facet in the competitive pathway of ethylene epoxidation}, journal = {Surface Science}, volume = {716}, year = {2022}, month = {FEB}, pages = {121954}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Ethylene epoxide (EtO) is used as raw material for a broad range of products from pharmaceuticals and plastics to paints and adhesives. Although the reaction of ethylene interacting with preadsorbed oxygen on Ag surface is known for decades, the underlying mechanism of EtO formation is not completely understood. Successful investigation of oxametallacycle (OMC) intermediate common to selective as well as non-selective pathways has ensured at least 50\% selectivity. The current study brings out the electronic signatures of distinct conformers of OMC stabilised on two different facets of Ag viz. (100) and (111). There are subtle differences between OMC conformers observed on these two facets with near-eclipsed on Ag(100) and near-staggered on Ag(111). A detailed analysis of Ag-O, C-O, C-C, and Ag-C interactions along with projected Density of States (pDOS) and projected Crystal Orbital Hamilton Population (pCOHP) imply towards ring closure on Ag(100) and hydrogen transfer on Ag(111). Finally, our understanding based on electronic and structural signatures are backed up by activation barriers computed through NEB calculations. Activation barrier for EtO is lower on (100) as compared to (111) facet. Thus, our study sheds light on how these differences between OMC affect the selectivity towards EtO.}, keywords = {Ag(100), Ag(111), DFT, epoxidation, Ethylene Oxide (EtO), OMC}, issn = {0039-6028}, doi = {10.1016/j.susc.2021.121954}, author = {Nair, Aathira and Kenge, Nivedita and Joshi, Kavita} } @article {48059, title = {Rongalite as a sulfone source: sulfonylation of para-quinone methides and alkyl/allyl halides}, journal = {Chemistry-an Asian Journal}, volume = {17}, year = {2022}, month = {AUG}, pages = {e202200408}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A one-pot three-component reaction using p-quinone methides, rongalite and alkyl/allyl halides has been described. The corresponding unsymmetrical sulfones were obtained in good yields under mild reaction conditions in the absence of any metal, base or any other additive.

}, keywords = {Alkyl halides, diaryl methine, p-Quinone methide, rongalite, sulfonylation}, issn = {1861-4728}, doi = {10.1002/asia.202200408}, author = {Kale, Someshwar B. and Jori, Popat K. and Das, Utpal} } @article {48163, title = {Ru, Pd doped WO3 nanomaterials: a synergistic effect of noble metals to enhance the acetone response properties}, journal = {Ceramics International}, volume = {48}, year = {2022}, month = {JUN}, pages = {17923-17933}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Noble metals (NMs) have an enormous impact on the intrinsic properties of the metal oxides. We report the synergistic effect of Ruthenium (Ru) and Palladium (Pd) noble metals on the enhancement of gas sensing properties of pure tungsten oxide (WO3). The gas sensing material is synthesized by simple and straight forward precipitation route, and its physico-chemical analyses are determined using XRD, FESEM, TEM/HRTEM, FFT, UV-Vis, XPS, EDAX, and BET measurements. Use of the developed material as a gas sensor is evaluated using several target gases (oxidizing as well as reducing), with acetone showing the best selectivity. The noble metal doping and hence catalytic action improved the gas response qualities. The synergistic effect of Ru and Pd on WO3 gas response properties are identified, where the effect is 99.80\% sensitivity, and lower response/recovery time (10 s and 2 min) at 300 degrees C operating temperature. Nonetheless, the sensors displayed better gas sensing properties even at lower operating temperatures ranging from 200 to 275 degrees C. In addition, the synergistic effect has displayed the dramatic enhancement in the sensitivity to 76.44\% at barely 10 ppm acetone concentration. This particular result will undoubtedly be helpful for diagnostic purpose of diabetic patients, and a strong candidate for prospective gas sensing applications, particularly acetone.

}, keywords = {Acetone vapours, Precipitation route, Ru -Pd doping, synergistic effect, WO3}, issn = {0272-8842}, doi = {10.1016/j.ceramint.2022.03.065}, author = {Kodam, Pavan M. and Ghadage, Pandurang A. and Nadargi, Digambar Y. and Shinde, K. P. and Mulla, Imtiaz S. and Park, J. S. and Suryavanshi, Sharad S.} } @article {47731, title = {Selective production of C9 monomeric phenols via hydrogenolysis of lignin using Pd-(W/Zr/Mo oxides)-supported on biochar catalyst}, journal = {Fuel}, volume = {308}, year = {2022}, month = {JAN }, pages = {121818}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Valorizing lignin to phenolic monomers and fine chemicals is an essential component of a sustainable biorefinery that uses lignocellulosic feedstocks. In this study, Pd-metal oxides (ZrO2, WOx, MoO3) supported on activated biochar (ABC) catalysts were developed for hydrogenolysis of lignin. The metals (2\% Pd, 5\% Zr, 5\% W, 5\% Mo) were supported on activated biochar using the wetness impregnation method, and the catalysts were extensively characterized. The effect of addition of secondary metals on active surface properties such as acidity, Pd metal particle size and dispersion were also evaluated. The selectivity to C9 monomeric phenols followed the trend: 2Pd-5Mo/ABC (57.3\%) > 2Pd-5Zr/ABC (49.2\%) > 2Pd-5W/ABC (45\%) > 2Pd/ABC (42.9\%). The maximum C9 phenolic monomer yield achieved in this study was similar to 22 wt\%. The fractional conversion of lignin was 67-69\% with Pd-metal oxide catalysts. The presence of Mo in the catalyst inhibited the hydrogenation of aliphatic C-alpha = C-beta in lignin and led to the formation of t-isoeugenol, while the presence of W and Zr resulted in selective formation of the hydrogenated product, propyl guaiacol. Using model compounds, it is proved that the formation of propyl guaiacol is via hydrogenation of t-isoeugenol, and not through dehydroxylation of propanol guaiacol. The dehydroxylation activity of the catalysts is attributed to the higher Lewis acidity and electropositive nature of the metals. A notable carbon atom economy of 47-50\% towards total phenolic monomers was achieved with 2Pd/ABC, 2Pd-5Mo/ABC and 2Pd-5Zr/ABC catalysts.}, keywords = {Activated biochar, Guaiacol, Hydrogenolysis, lignin, Metal oxides, Palladium}, issn = {0016-2361}, doi = {10.1016/j.fuel.2021.121818}, author = {Gurrala, Lakshmiprasad and Kumar, M. Midhun and Sharma, Shweta and Paek, Changyub and Vinu, R.} } @article {48004, title = {Shape-controlled nanostructured MoO3/CeO2 catalysts for selective cyclohexene epoxidation}, journal = {Catalysis Communications}, volume = {164}, year = {2022}, month = {APR}, pages = {106433}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

This study reported a vital role of CeO2 shape on the structure-activity properties of MoOx/CeO2 catalysts for cyclohexene epoxidation. Uniform dispersion of MoOx on the surface of shape-controlled CeO2 nanocubes (average particle size: 23.5 nm) and nanorods (average width: 6.3 nm and length: 15-95 nm) was found in MoOx/CeO2 nanomaterials. The MoOx/CeO2 nanocubes showed higher epoxide selectivity (97.3\%) with 98.9\% cyclohexene conversion, although it has lower BET surface area (30.2 m(2)/g) compared with MoOx/CeO2 nanorods (72.8 m(2)/g). The presence of more electropositive Mo6+ species and the strong Mo-Ce interaction led to improved catalytic efficacy of MoOx/CeO2 nanocubes in cyclohexene epoxidation.

}, keywords = {CeO2 nanocubes, CeO2 shapes, Nanosized MoOx/CeO2 catalyst, Selective epoxidation, Structure-activity properties}, issn = {1566-7367}, doi = {10.1016/j.catcom.2022.106433}, author = {Sudarsanam, Putla and Singh, Nittan and Kalbande, Pavan Narayan} } @article {48176, title = {Silk fibroin and recombinant elastin blend nano-coatings for implantable medical devices}, journal = {Materials Today Communications}, volume = {33}, year = {2022}, month = {DEC}, pages = {104875}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Silicone breast implants are conventionally used to reconstruct the shape and size of the breast in breast cancer patients. However, rate of failure of implants due to formation of capsular contracture is significantly high. Recent studies have shown that coating the surface of the implant with a biocompatible polymer can mitigate this risk. Here, we have modified the surface of implant using a biocompatible natural biopolymer silk fibroin (SF). Further, we have developed formulations of SF with a recombinantly produced elastin-like-peptide (ELP) and compared their performance with a known anti-fouling hydrophilic polymer - polyethylene oxide (PEO). Microscopic and spectroscopic characterization confirm the formation of uniform coatings. These coatings have been also characterized for their ability to resists crack formation. Further, the coatings have been evaluated for their biological performance. Our studies show that addition of 25 wt\% of ELP to SF significantly enhances the crack resistance for the coatings. In addition, SF/ELP coatings reduce the adsorption of blood plasma proteins by more than 80 \%. Preliminary analysis shows that the SF/ELP blend coatings are non-cytotoxic and support adhesion, growth and proliferation of fibroblast cells. The study therefore demonstrates that SF/ELP coatings have the potential to mitigate the risk of breast implant failure.

}, keywords = {Blood plasma, Crack resistance, Protein adsorption, Recombinant elastin, Silk fibroin}, doi = {10.1016/j.mtcomm.2022.104875}, author = {Joseph, Emmanuel and Kane, Kartiki and Parekh, Nimisha and Nisal, Anuya and Janorkar, V. Amol} } @article {48079, title = {Silk fibroin microparticle scaffold for use in bone void filling: safety and efficacy studies}, journal = {ACS Biomaterials Science \& Engineering}, volume = {8}, year = {2022}, month = {MAR}, pages = {1226-1238}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Silk fibroin (SF) is a natural biocompatible protein polymer extracted from cocoons of silkworm Bombyx mori. SF can be processed into a variety of different forms and shapes that can be used as scaffolds to support bone regeneration. Threedimensional (3D) SF scaffolds have shown promise in bone-void -filling applications. In in vitro studies, it has been demonstrated that a microparticle-based SF (M-RSF) scaffold promotes the differentiation of stem cells into an osteoblastic lineage. The expression of differentiation markers was also significantly higher for M-RSF scaffolds as compared to other SF scaffolds and commercial ceramic scaffolds. In this work, we have evaluated the in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility of M-RSF scaffolds as per the ISO 10993 guidelines in a Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)-certified facility. The cytotoxicity, immunogenicity, genotoxicity, systemic toxicity, and implantation studies confirmed that the M-RSF scaffold is biocompatible. Further, the performance of the MRSF scaffold to support bone formation was evaluated in in vivo bone implantation studies in a rabbit model. Calcium sulfate (CaSO4) scaffolds were chosen as reference material for this study as they are one of the preferred materials for bone-void -filling applications. M-RSF scaffold implantation sites showed a higher number of osteoblast and osteoclast cells as compared to CaSO4 implantation sites indicating active bone remodeling. The number density of osteocytes was double for M-RSF scaffold implantation sites, and these M-RSF scaffold implantation sites were characterized by enhanced collagen deposition, pointing toward a finer quality of the new bone formed. Moreover, the M-RSF scaffold implantation sites had a negligible incidence of secondary fractures as compared to the CaSO4 implantation sites (similar to 50\% sites with secondary fracture), implying a reduction in postsurgical complications. Thus, the study demonstrates that the M-RSF scaffold is nontoxic for bone-void -filling applications and facilitates superior healing of fracture defects as compared to commercial calcium-based bone void fillers.

}, keywords = {Biocompatibility, biological safety, bone void filler, ISO 10993, M-RSF, Serioss, Silk fibroin}, issn = {2373-9878}, doi = {10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c01103}, author = {Deshpande, Rucha and Shukla, Swati and Kale, Amod and Deshmukh, Narendra and Nisal, Anuya and Venugopalan, Premnath} } @article {47834, title = {Silver-catalyzed [3 + 3]-annulation cascade of alkynyl alcohols and α,β-unsaturated ketones for the regioselective assembly of chromanes}, journal = {Organic Chemistry Frontiers}, volume = {9}, year = {2022}, month = {JAN}, pages = {802-809}, type = {Article}, abstract = {An unprecedented Ag(i)-catalyzed [3 + 3]-annulation of alkynyl alcohols (5-hexyn-1-ols) and α,β-unsaturated ketones is reported to construct simple to complex chromanes. This transformation begins with hydroalkoxylation of alkynol through C{\textendash}C triple bond activation to give cyclic-enol ether, followed by intermolecular 1,4-addition and intramolecular 1,2-addition of enol ethers onto the enone and oxidative aromatization or Grob-type elimination steps. Facile reaction conditions, broad substrate scope, good to excellent yields, and atom economy are the salient features of this protocol. Isolation of the active pyran-tethered cyclohexadiene reaction intermediate, additional supporting experiments, and DFT calculations strongly support the experimental findings and corroborate our proposed mechanism.}, issn = {2052-4129}, doi = {10.1039/D1QO01643A}, author = {Nakate, Ashwini K. and Thorat, Sagar S. and Jain, Shailja and Rama Krishna, Gamidi and Vanka, Kumar and Kontham, Ravindar} } @article {47998, title = {Single-step insertion of M-Nx moieties in commercial carbon for sustainable bifunctional electrocatalysis: mapping insertion capacity, mass loss, and carbon reconstruction}, journal = {Carbon}, volume = {196}, year = {2022}, month = {AUG}, pages = {1001-1011}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Atomically dispersed earth-abundant metals in N-doped carbon (M-N-Cs) have emerged as a new class of electroactive materials that can match not only the performance of the precious metals but can catalyze both the cathodic and the anodic reactions due to their bifunctional behaviour. This inspires the development of simpler strategies for scale-up production since the existing ones rely on precursors whose commercial viability is not yet ascertained. Herein, we demonstrate the insertion prospects of M-Nx (M = Fe, Co, Ni) moieties, the electrocatalytic centers in the M-N-Cs, into commercial carbon to establish that a single-step heating of the inexpensive precursors is sufficient to generate bifunctional electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) with efficiencies that bypass the majority of the known catalysts. Further importantly, we quantify both the ORR and OER trends and the metal insertion limits for each metal while maintaining an atomic dispersion, without the formation of surface migration-induced clustering, because such clustering is inevitable in the existing processes to necessitate an extra acid-leaching step to remove them. We further quantify and explain for each metal a negative mass balance originating from anomalous mass loss of both metal and carbon content, and a massive reconstruction of the carbon backbone catalyzed by the very metal, an event documented for the first time though it ought to be associated with other M-N-C syntheses too. The study establishes an incredibly simple and inexpensive strategy for the realization of M-N-Cs and outlines the parameters to be considered during mass-production.

}, keywords = {Bifunctional catalysis, Carbon reconstruction, Commercial carbon, Metal insertion, Oxygen electrocatalysis}, issn = {0008-6223}, doi = {10.1016/j.carbon.2022.06.008}, author = {Garg, Reeya and Sahoo, Lipipuspa and Kaur, Komalpreet and Vinod, C. P. and Gautam, Ujjal K.} } @article {48232, title = {Single-step synthesis of exfoliated Ti3C2Tx MXene through NaBF4/HCl etching as electrode material for asymmetric supercapacitor}, journal = {ChemistrySelect}, volume = {7}, year = {2022}, month = {MAY}, pages = {e202201166}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Two-dimensional Ti3C2Tx MXene, derived from the parent Ti3AlC2 phase, is considered a promising electrode material for electrochemical energy storage applications. Ti3C2Tx MXene synthesis methods often employ concentrated hydrofluoric acid (HF), which is harsh, corrosive, and hazardous to the environment. Herein, we report the preparation of Ti3C2Tx MXene following a new synthetic route under a mild reaction condition comprising an aqueous solution of NaBF4 and HCl. This etching environment at a moderate temperature of 130 degrees C effectively removes the Al layer of the Ti3AlC2 precursor, assisted by the in situ formed HF in the reaction medium. Electron microscopy images of the as-prepared Ti3C2Tx (MX-130) reveal a partially exfoliated nanosheet-like morphology. The material displays a specific capacitance of 262 F g(-1) (three-electrode assembly, 1 A g(-1), -0.85 to -0.25 V vs. Hg/Hg2SO4) in 1 M H2SO4 electrolyte. The achieved specific capacitance is superior to that of Ti3C2Tx prepared via the common HF-treatment (25 F g(-1)). Additionally, the potential application of the optimized MXene as a negative electrode material is demonstrated in a quasi-solid-state RuO2|MX-130 asymmetric supercapacitor device.

}, keywords = {asymmetric supercapacitor, Electrochemistry, Fluoride salt etchant, Layered electrode materials, Transition metal carbides}, issn = {2365-6549}, doi = {10.1002/slct.202201166}, author = {Ghosh, Meena and Szunerits, Sabine and Cao, Ning and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Boukherroub, Rabah} } @article {48126, title = {Six-membered saturated NHC-stabilized borenium cations: isolation of a cationic analogue of borinic acid}, journal = {Inorganic Chemistry}, volume = {61}, year = {2022}, month = {AUG}, pages = {12991-12997}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The reaction of six-membered saturated NHC [1,3-di(2,6-diisopropylphenyl) tetrahydropyrimidine-2-ylidene; henceforth abbreviated as 6-SIDipp] with PhBCl2 yields a Lewis base adduct, 6-SIDipp.PhBCl2 (1), which readily undergoes nucleophilic substitution reaction with AgNO3, leading to the single (2) and double (3) substitution of both chlorides with ONO2 moieties at the boron atom. The reaction of 1 with 1 equiv of AlCl3 resulted in a borenium cation of composition [6-SIDipp.B(Ph)Cl]+ (4) with AlCl4- as the counteranion. Although borenium cations with different substituents on boron have been reported, a structurally characterized phenylchloroborenium cation remains unknown. Similarly, the reaction of 1 with triflic acid provides the first representative of a new class of borenium cations bearing one hydroxyl and one phenyl group on boron (5), a cationic analogue of borinic acid. Ph-BN H Diphenylborinic acid

}, issn = {0020-1669}, doi = {10.1021/acs.inorgchem.2c00611}, author = {Kundu, Gargi and Balayan, Kajal and Tothadi, Srinu and Sen, Sakya S.} } @conference {48195, title = {Skin mimicking solid optical tissue phantom fulfillment and its characterization}, booktitle = {Photonics in Dermatology and Plastic Surgery 2022}, year = {2022}, publisher = {SPIE}, organization = {SPIE}, address = {1000 20TH ST, PO BOX 10, BELLINGHAM, WA 98227-0010 USA}, abstract = {

Skin mimicking optical tissue phantoms are widely used in diagnostics systems for characterization, optimization, routine calibration and validation. In general, solid phantoms are more preferred in comparison to liquid phantoms. Therefore, our aim is to prepare and characterize the solid tissue phantoms having skin equivalent optical properties. In this work, we have used epoxy resin and hardener as a base material and titanium oxide (TiO2) nanoparticles and ink as a scatterer and absorber media, respectively. The total transmission (Tt), collimated transmission (Tc), and diffuse reflectance (Rd) spectra of the developed phantoms were measured with an integrating sphere installed in UV-VIS spectrometer within the wavelength range 400-700 nm. To characterize the optical properties such as absorption (mu(a)), reduced scattering (mu(s){\textquoteright}), and anisotropy factor (g) of the developed tissue phantoms, the numerical model based on Inverse Adding Doubling (IAD) has been used. With various concentrations of absorber and scatterer, a calibration curve was prepared. The calculated experimental optical properties from IAD matched with the predicted intrinsic optical properties of the skin. Thus, the preliminary results suggest that the recipe used in this study may be used as an alternative approach to developing skin mimicking solid optical phantom for diagnostics system applications.

}, keywords = {Absorption, anisotropy factor, scattering, skin mimicking, solid tissue phantom}, isbn = {978-1-5106-4740-4; 978-1-5106-4739-8}, doi = {10.1117/12.2609577}, author = {Kumar, Ajay and Hinge, Sarika and Dixit, Hemant and Kanawade, Rajesh and Kulkarni, Gauri}, editor = {Choi, B and Zeng, H} } @article {48234, title = {SNP discovery and structural insights into OeFAD2 unravelling high oleic/linoleic ratio in olive oil}, journal = {Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal}, volume = {20}, year = {2022}, month = {JUL}, pages = {1229-1243}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Fatty Acid Desaturase 2 (FAD2), a key enzyme in the fatty acid biosynthesis pathway, is involved in the desaturation and conversion of oleic acid to linoleic acid. Therefore, it plays a crucial role in oleic/linoleic acid ratio and the quality of olive oil. DNA sequencing of 19 FAD2 genes from a set of olive oil varieties revealed several single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and highlighted associations between some of the SNPs and saturated fatty acids contents. This was further confirmed by SNP-interaction and machine learning approach. Haplotype diversity analysis led to the discovery of three highly polymorphic SNPs and four haplotypes harboring differential oleic/linoleic acid ratios. Moreover, a combination of molecular modeling and docking experiments allowed a deeper and better understanding of the structure-function relationship of the FAD2 enzyme. Sequence patterns and variations involved in the regulation of the FAD2 activity were also identified. Furthermore, S82C and H213N substitutions in OeFAD2 make the Oueslati variety more interesting in terms of fatty acid profile and oleic acid level. (C) 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Research Network of Computational and Structural Biotechnology.

}, keywords = {docking, Fatty acid desaturase, Haplotype, machine learning, Oleic/linoleic acid ratio, Protein structure}, issn = {2001-0370}, doi = {10.1016/j.csbj.2022.02.028}, author = {Ben Ayed, Rayda and Moreau, Fabienne and Ben Hlima, Hajer and Rebai, Ahmed and Ercisli, Sezai and Kadoo, Narendra and Hanana, Mohsen and Assouguem, Amine and Ullah, Riaz and Ali, Essam A.} } @article {48001, title = {Solvent-driven mono- and bis-sulfenylation of (E)-beta-iodovinyl sulfones with thiols for flexible synthesis of 1,2-thiosulfonylalkenes and 1,2-dithioalkenes}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {87}, year = {2022}, month = {MAR}, pages = {3934-3951}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The nature of solvent is a key factor for stereoselective mono-and bis-thiolation of (E)-beta-iodovinyl sulfones with thiols under basic conditions. A novel and unprecedented vicinal bisthiolation of (E)-beta-iodovinyl sulfones with thiols under the influence of K2CO3/DMSO at room temperature for quick assembly of (E)-1,2-dithio-1-alkenes is presented. Solvent-induced stereoselective monosulfenylation of (E)-beta-iodovinyl sulfones with thiols has also been established for the synthesis of both (E)- and (Z)-1,2-thiosulfonylethenes in MeCN and MeOH, respectively. Moreover, K2CO3-mediated desulfonylative-sulfenylation of (Z)-1,2-thiosulfonylethenes with thiols in DMSO furnished unsymmetrical (Z)-1,2-dithio-1-alkenes for the first time. The solvent-dependent versatile reactivity of (E)-beta-iodovinyl sulfones has been successfully explored to provide a set of (E)-/(Z)-1,2-dithio-1-alkenes and (E)-/(Z)-1,2-thiosulfonyl-1-alkenes in good to high yields with excellent stereoselectivities. Notably, this operationally simple process utilizes a broad substrate scope with good functional group tolerance and compatibility. The efficacy of the process has been proven for gram-scale reactions, and plausible mechanistic models are outlined on the basis of experimental results and control experiments.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/acs.joc.1c02444}, author = {Reddy, Raju Jannapu and Kumari, Arram Haritha and Sharadha, Nunavath and Krishna, Gamidi Rama} } @article {48134, title = {Sponge microflowers of NiCo2O4: a versatile material for high performance supercapacitor}, journal = {Journal of Porous Materials}, volume = {29}, year = {2022}, month = {AUG}, pages = {1239-1252}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We report the development of well optimised NiCo2O4 microflowers for high performance supercapacitor application. The efforts were made to optimise the electrode material by tuning the synthetic as well as electrolyte concentration parameters such as (i) hydrothermal reaction temperature, (ii) hydrothermal reaction time, (iii) sintering temperature, and (iv) electrolyte concentration. The physico-chemical and supercapacitive properties were analysed using TGA, XRD, SEM/TEM/HRTEM, XPS, BET, and electrochemical measurements. The well optimised electrode material was obtained at 150 degrees C hydrothermal reaction temperature, 12 h of hydrothermal reaction time, 300 degrees C sintering temperature, and 3 M KOH electrolyte concentration. The optimised sample displayed high specific -capacitance (1478 F/g), -energy density (16.5 Wh/kg), and -power density (248 W/kg). The specific capacitance can be retained to 97.61\% after 1000 cycles. The developed NiCo2O4 microflower structures are well optimised and offer great promise for future industrial applications.

}, keywords = {hydrothermal, Microflowers, Nickel cobaltite, supercapacitor}, issn = {1380-2224}, doi = {10.1007/s10934-022-01247-9}, author = {Ghadage, Ambar and Kodam, Pavan and Nadargi, Digambar and Shinde, K. P. and Mulla, Imtiaz and Park, J. S. and Suryavanshi, Sharad} } @article {48223, title = {Stacking herbicide detoxification and resistant genes improves glyphosate tolerance and reduces phytotoxicity in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) and rice (Oryza sativa L.)}, journal = {Plant Physiology and Biochemistry}, volume = {189}, year = {2022}, month = {OCT}, pages = {126-138}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Glyphosate residues retained in the growing meristematic tissues or in grains of glyphosate-resistant crops affect the plants physiological functions and crop yield. Removing glyphosate residues in the plants is desirable with no penalty on crop yield and quality. We report a new combination of scientific strategy to detoxify glyphosate that reduces the residual levels and improve crop resistance. The glyphosate detoxifying enzymes Aldo-keto reductase (AKR1) and mutated glycine oxidase (mGO) with different modes of action were co-expressed with modified EPSPS, which is insensitive to glyphosate in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) and rice (Oryza sativa L.). The transgenic tobacco plants expressing individual PsAKR1, mGO, CP4-EPSPS, combinations of PsAKR1:CP4EPSPS, PsAKR1:mGO, and multigene with PsAKR1: mGO: CP4EPSPS genes were developed. The bio-efficacy studies of in-vitro leaf regeneration on different concentrations of glyphosate, seedling bioassay, and spray on transgenic tobacco plants demonstrate that glyphosate detoxification with enhanced resistance. Comparative analysis of the transgenic tobacco plants reveals that double and multigene expressing transgenics had reduced accumulation of shikimic acid, glyphosate, and its primary residue AMPA, and increased levels of sarcosine were observed in all PsAKR1 expressing transgenics. The multigene expressing rice transgenics showed improved glyphosate resis-tance with yield maintenance. In summary, results suggest that stacking genes with two different detoxification mechanisms and insensitive EPSPS is a potential approach for developing glyphosate-resistant plants with less residual content.

}, keywords = {Detoxification, Gene stacking, Glyphosate, Herbicide, Multigene, Residual toxicity, Resistant, rice, Tobacco, Transgenics}, issn = {0981-9428}, doi = {10.1016/j.plaphy.2022.08.025}, author = {Vennapusa, Amaranatha Reddy and Agarwal, Subham and Hm, Hanumanth Rao and Aarthy, Thiagarayaselvam and Babitha, K. C. and Thulasiram, V. Hirekodathakallu and Kulkarni, Mahesh J. and Melmaiee, Kalpalatha and Sudhakar, Chinta and Udayakumar, M. and Vemanna, Ramu S.} } @article {48168, title = {Statistical optimization of media for enhancing intracellular lipid content in Yarrowia lipolytica NCIM 3589 grown on waste cooking oil for biodiesel production}, journal = {Journal of the American Oil Chemists Society}, volume = {99}, year = {2022}, month = {OCT}, pages = {55-56}, type = {Meeting Abstract}, issn = {0003-021X}, author = {Jagtap, Shubhangi Ramling and RaviKumar, Ameeta and Raut, Gouri and Kumar, V. Ravi} } @article {47757, title = {Steroidal alkaloids defence metabolism and plant growth are modulated by the joint action of gibberellin and jasmonate signalling}, journal = {New Phytologist}, volume = {233}, year = {2022}, month = {FEB}, pages = {1220-1237}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Steroidal glycoalkaloids (SGAs) are protective metabolites constitutively produced by Solanaceae species. Genes and enzymes generating the vast structural diversity of SGAs have been largely identified. Yet, mechanisms of hormone pathways coordinating defence (jasmonate; JA) and growth (gibberellin; GA) controlling SGAs metabolism remain unclear. We used tomato to decipher the hormonal regulation of SGAs metabolism during growth vs defence tradeoff. This was performed by genetic and biochemical characterisation of different JA and GA pathways components, coupled with in vitro experiments to elucidate the crosstalk between these hormone pathways mediating SGAs metabolism. We discovered that reduced active JA results in decreased SGA production, while low levels of GA or its receptor led to elevated SGA accumulation. We showed that MYC1 and MYC2 transcription factors mediate the JA/GA crosstalk by transcriptional activation of SGA biosynthesis and GA catabolism genes. Furthermore, MYC1 and MYC2 transcriptionally regulate the GA signalling suppressor DELLA that by itself interferes in JA-mediated SGA control by modulating MYC activity through protein-protein interaction. Chemical and fungal pathogen treatments reinforced the concept of JA/GA crosstalk during SGA metabolism. These findings revealed the mechanism of JA/GA interplay in SGA biosynthesis to balance the cost of chemical defence with growth.}, keywords = {alpha-tomatine, defence, gibberellin (GA), growth, jasmonate (JA), steroidal glycoalkaloids (SGAs), Tomato}, issn = {0028-646X}, doi = {10.1111/nph.17845}, author = {Panda, Sayantan and Jozwiak, Adam and Sonawane, Prashant D. and Szymanski, Jedrzej and Kazachkova, Yana and Vainer, Andrii and Kilambi, Himabindu Vasuki and Almekias-Siegl, Efrat and Dikaya, Varvara and Bocobza, Samuel and Shohat, Hagai and Meir, Sagit and Wizler, Guy and Giri, Ashok P. and Schuurink, Robert and Weiss, David and Yasuor, Hagai and Kamble, Avinash and Aharoni, Asaph} } @article {48368, title = {Structure-property insights into chiral thiophene copolymers by direct heteroarylation polymerization}, journal = {European Polymer Journal}, volume = {181}, year = {2022}, month = {DEC }, pages = {111676}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Chiral thiophene copolymers with fluorene as co monomer are designed having N-Boc-L-glutamic acid-1-tert-butyl ester as a chiral substituent located either on the thiophene unit or the fluorene unit with varying spacer length. The atom-economic direct heteroarylation polymerization (DHAP) method is utilized for the polymerization. Gibb{\textquoteright}s free energy (delta G) for polymerization determined using DFT calculations indicate difficulty in achieving high molar mass when the bulky chiral substituents are attached through short spacer to the backbone. The experimental observations are in agreement with the theoretical calculations with no polymer-ization or very low molar mass sticky compounds obtained for reactions with predicted + \& UDelta;G values. Structure -property relationship are compared for two chiral polymers -P4 and P5 having the chiral substitution on thiophene and fluorene units respectively. No CD signal is observed in THF-a good solvent where the polymers are molecularly dissolved. Intense bisignated CD signal is observed for both polymers upon addition of methanol - a poor solvent, to their THF solution. The bisignate CD signal with maxima at lower wavelength and inflection point associated with the pi-pi* absorption band is characteristic of exciton coupling between polymer chains in a left handed helical orientation. Small differences are observed in the intensity of the CD signal for the polymers P4 and P5 highlighting the impact of steric hindrance of bulky pendant groups on polymer conformation. DHAP is an atom economic polymerization procedure that can be gainfully utilized for developing chiral conjugated polymers.

}, keywords = {chiral, DFT, Direct heteroarylation polymerization, Gibb?s free energy, Steric Hindrance}, issn = {0014-3057}, doi = {10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2022.111676}, author = {Nikam, Shrikant B. and Singh, Chandrodai Pratap and Krishnamurty, Sailaja and Asha, S. K.} } @article {47642, title = {Studies directed toward the synthesis of hedycoropyrans: total synthesis of des-hydroxy (-)-hedycoropyran B (ent-rhoiptelol B)}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {20}, year = {2022}, month = {JAN }, pages = {444-463}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A full account of our efforts directed towards the synthesis of the diarylheptanoid-derived natural products hedycoropyrans that led to the total synthesis of ent-rhoiptelol B is described. In this endeavor, we have attempted two distinct synthetic strategies to access hedycoropyrans A and B, which led us to establish a facile synthetic route for des-hydroxy (-)-hedycoropyran B (ent-rhoiptelol B) from simple and readily accessible building blocks of 4-allylanisole and vanillin, employing Sharpless asymmetric epoxidation, CBS reduction, and an intramolecular AgOTf-catalyzed oxa-Michael reaction of suitably functionalized hydroxy-ynone as key transformations. The investigations disclosed herein will provide insights into designing novel synthetic routes for THP-DAH-derived natural products.}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/d1ob01972d}, author = {Kataria, Priyanka and Nomula, Rajesh and Kontham, Ravindar} } @article {48045, title = {Studies directed toward the total synthesis of nannocystin A}, journal = {ChemistrySelect}, volume = {7}, year = {2022}, month = {NOV}, pages = {e202203893}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A full account of our efforts directed toward the stereoselective total synthesis of nannocystin A, a macrocyclic myxobacterial metabolite, is presented. In this endeavor, we have attempted two distinct synthetic routes to access polyketide fragment (C1-C11) of macrocyclic depsipeptide (21-membered) natural product from readily accessible building blocks 1,3-propanediol and benzaldehyde employing Evans aldol, CBS reduction, Heck cross-coupling, and Sharpless asymmetric epoxidation as key transformations. Ultimately, accomplished the synthesis of the complete skeleton (21-membered precursor for macrocyclic depsipeptide) of the nannocystin A possessing desired stereochemistry and functional groups.

}, keywords = {amidation, Depsipeptide, Evans aldol reaction, Macrocycle, Nannocystins}, issn = {2365-6549}, doi = {10.1002/slct.202203893}, author = {Nomula, Rajesh and Pratapure, Madhukar S. and Kontham, Ravindar} } @article {48055, title = {Subcritical water hydrolysis of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine: hydrolysis mechanism, reaction pathways and optimization for selective production of 5-HMF and levulinic acid}, journal = {Carbohydrate Research}, volume = {516}, year = {2022}, month = {JUN}, pages = {108560}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In this study, the subcritical water hydrolysis of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (NAG), a monomer of abundant renewable marine biopolymer chitin, for production of value-added chemicals is investigated. The enhanced ionization of water at subcritical conditions (200 degrees C; 50-100 bar), provides enough acidity for deacetylation of NAG resulting in 80\% yield of acetic acid along with traces of formic acid, lactic acid, glucose, fructose, 5hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF),etc. The significant humin formation indicates that the self-condensation and polymerisation of 5-HMF is favored in water at subcritical conditions. A catalyst p-toluenesulfonic acid (p-TsOH) was employed to selectively convert NAG to levulinic acid (LA) via ring opening of 5-HMF previously formed during hydrolysis. The maximum yield of 27.13 +/- 1\% and 53.46 +/- 1\% of 5-HMF and LA, respectively, was obtained at process conditions optimized using Box-Behnken design coupled with response surface methodology. Subcritical water enables greener conversion of NAG to platform chemicals wherein the selective production can be achieved by tuning the process conditions.

}, keywords = {5-Hydroxymethylfurfural, chitin, Glucosamine, levulinic acid, Response surface methodology, Subcritical water}, issn = {0008-6215}, doi = {10.1016/j.carres.2022.108560}, author = {Kulkarni, Sphurti Prakash and Dure, Shital N. and Joshi, Sunil S. and V. Pandare, Kiran and Mali, Nilesh A.} } @article {48149, title = {Substitution at sp(3) boron of a six-membered NHC center dot BH3: convenient access to a dihydroxyborenium cation}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {58}, year = {2022}, month = {MAR }, pages = {3783-3786}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Herein, we have undertaken the synthesis and investigated the reactivity of a 6-membered saturated NHC borane adduct (1). Direct electrophilic halogenation of 1 with a stoichiometric amount of I-2 led to NHC boryl iodides, 6-SIDipp center dot BH2I (2) and 6-SIDipp center dot BHI2 (3), which were further reacted with various nucleophiles to give novel 6-SIDipp based mono and disubstituted boranes with OTf (4 and 6) or ONO2 (5 and 7) functional groups. The addition of Br-2/H2O to 1 smoothly results in a dihydroxyborenium cation (8).

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/d1cc06816d}, author = {Kundu, Gargi and Ajithkumar, V. S. and Raj, K. Vipin and Vanka, Kumar and Tothadi, Srinu and Sen, Sakya S.} } @article {48043, title = {Substrate induced dynamical remodeling of the binding pocket generates GTPase specificity in DOCK family of guanine nucleotide exchange factors}, journal = {Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications}, volume = {631}, year = {2022}, month = {NOV}, pages = {32-40}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Dedicator of cytokinesis (DOCK) family of guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) activate two members of Rho family GTPases, Rac1/Cdc42, to exert diverse cellular processes, including cell migration. As DOCK GEFs have been critically implicated in tumour cell migration, understanding their function and specificity is imperative for designing anti-metastatic drugs. Based on their GTPase specificity they have been classified as Rac, Cdc42 and dual specific GEFs. Despite extensive structural studies, the factors that determine GTPase specificity of DOCK GEFs have remained elusive. Here, we show that subtle dynamical coupling between GEF and GTPase structures modulate the binding interface to generate mutual spec-ificity. To cluster the dynamically coupled residues in GEF-GTPase complexes a novel intra-residue backbone-torsion-angles based mutual information (TMI) technique was employed. TMI was calcu-lated from 4500 trajectories obtained from a total of 4.5ms molecular dynamics simulations performed on members of all the three clades of DOCK GEFs. The obtained clusters suggest a specificity generation mechanism that involves optimization of the binding pocket for the crucial divergent residue at the 56th position of Rac/Cdc42 (FCdc42/WRac1). These clusters encompass five residues from the structural segment lobe C -a10 helix of the DOCK proteins and functional SWI region of GTPase, which induce orchestrated structural modulations to generate the specificity. Even the conserved residues from SWI region are seen to augment the specificity defining dynamical rearrangements. Furthermore, the pro-posed dynamical GTPase-DOCK GEF specificity model was verified using mutagenesis studies on Rac1 and dual GTPase specific Dock2 and Dock6, respectively. Thus the current study provides the generic substrate specificity determinants of DOCK GEFs, which are not apparent from the conventional struc-tural analysis.(c) 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Dedicator of cytokinesis, GTPase specificity, Guanine exchange factors, Molecular dynamics simulations, Mutual information, Rho GTPases}, issn = {0006-291X}, doi = {10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.09.059}, author = {Roy, Debopriya and Sengupta, Durba and Kulkarni, Kiran} } @article {48430, title = {Suitability of different supported Ru, Pt and Ni catalysts for the hydrogenolysis of sorbitol}, journal = {Results in Engineering}, volume = {15}, year = {2022}, month = {SEP}, pages = {100594}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In this article, the results of sorbitol\ hydrogenolysis\ (15\% aq. solution), done in an autoclave reactor, over Ru, Pt and Ni loaded on SBA15, carbon coated SBA15 (SBA15C), activated carbon (AcC), Na{\textendash}Y, Fly Ash (FA) and hydroxyapatite (HAP) catalysts by our group, were compared to find the best metal-support combinations. The metal loading was 1\ wt\% for Ru and Pt, 6\ wt\% for Ni and the catalysts{\textquoteright} preparations were carried out by impregnation of respective salts. The catalysts were characterized with nitrogen and hydrogen adsorption measurements and X-ray diffraction. Addition of a base (Calcium hydroxide) to the reactants{\textquoteright} mixture increased the overall conversion and selectivities of the glycols, ethylene glycol (EG) and 1,2-propylene glycol (PG). The catalysts{\textquoteright} performance at 60\ bar and 220\ {\textdegree}C with the presence of base (B), evaluated by the yield of glycols (PG\ +\ EG), showed the following order:

Ni/Na{\textendash}Y\ \>\ Ru/AcC\ \~{}\ Ru/SBA15C\ \>\ Ni/HAP\ \~{}\ Ru/SBA15\ \>\ Ni/SBA15\ \>\ Ru/Na{\textendash}Y\ \>\ Ni/FA\ \~{}\ Ni/AcC and the yields were 57, 40, 39, 33, 31, 29, 26, 22 and 21\ wt\%, respectively.

Na{\textendash}Y appeared to be the best support, especially for Ni metal; AcC and SBA15C were good supports for Ru and Pt respectively.\ Reusability\ studies revealed that Ni on HAP was the best catalyst and exhibited only a small deactivation during four runs of loading it.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.rineng.2022.100594}, author = {Kandasamy, Thirunavukkarasu and Banu, Marimuthu and Shanthi, R. Vijaya and Sivasanker, S.} } @article {48380, title = {Sulfur functionalization via epoxide ring opening on a reduced graphene oxide surface to form metal (II) Organo-bis-[1,2]-oxathiin}, journal = {Inorganic Chemistry}, volume = {61}, year = {2022}, month = {JAN}, pages = {279-286}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The epoxide ring-opening reaction in graphene oxide (GO) by nucleophiles is a very fascinating and advanced methodology to develop novel functional material. Herewith, we report an advanced strategy for opening the epoxide ring on the rGO surface via easily an available nucleophile (Na2S), which is further functionalized with O atom to obtain four-membered rings (FMRs). The Cd coordination with the S atom puts extra stress on the FMR leading to the C-C bond cleavage of the four-membered heteroatomic rings on the rGO surface. This strategic approach leads to the fabrication of an innovative metal organo-bis-[1,2]-oxathiin (MOBOT) chemical moiety (M = Cd, Zn). The MOBOT compound further shows enhanced H-2 generation activity and hence is promising as a potential photocatalyst for solar hydrogen generation. This compound might also be a potential candidate for optoelectronic applications.

}, issn = {0020-1669}, doi = {10.1021/acs.inorgchem.1c02819}, author = {Kumar, Praveen and Bajpai, Himanshu and Gopinath, Chinnakonda S. and Luwang, Meitram Niraj} } @article {48106, title = {Superior processability of Antheraea mylitta silk with cryo-milling: performance in bone tissue regeneration}, journal = {International Journal of Biological Macromolecules}, volume = {213}, year = {2022}, month = {JUL}, pages = {155-165}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Non-mulberry silk polymers have a promising future in biomedical applications. However, the dissolution of nonmulberry silk fiber is a still challenge and this poor processability has limited the use of this material. Here, we report a unique protocol to process the Antheraea mylitta (AM) silk fiber. We have shown that the cryo-milling of silk fiber reduces the beta sheet content by more than 10\% and results in an SF powder that completely dissolves in routine solvents like trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) within few hours to form highly concentrated solutions (\~20 wt \%). Further, these solutions can be processed using conventional processing techniques such as electrospinning to form 3D scaffolds. Bombyx mori (BM) silk was used as a control sample in the study. In-vitro studies were also performed to monitor cell adhesion and proliferation and hMSCs differentiation into osteogenic lineage. Finally, the osteogenic potential of the scaffolds was also evaluated by a 4-week implantation study in rat calvarial model. The in-vitro and in-vivo results show that the processing techniques do not affect the biocompatibility of the material and the AM scaffolds support bone regeneration. Our results, thus, show that cryo-milling facilitates enhanced processability of non-mulberry silk and therefore expands its potential in biomedical applications.

}, keywords = {Bone tissue engineering, Calvarial defect, hMSCs, Non-mulberry silk fiber, Processing technique}, issn = {0141-8130}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.05.122}, author = {Parekh, Nimisha and Bijosh, C. K. and Kane, Kartiki and Panicker, Alaka and Nisal, Anuya and Wangikar, Pralhad and Agawane, Sachin} } @article {48013, title = {Synergetic storage of ammonia over Al quantum dots embedded graphene sheets: a first principles perspective}, journal = {International Journal of Hydrogen Energy}, volume = {47}, year = {2022}, month = {OCT }, pages = {36873-36885}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In view of the increasing energy demand and global warming, it is imperative to search for a renewable and environmental friendly fuel in lieu of non-renewable energy resources. Hydrogen stands out to be the best fuel as both, renewable and clean. Concerning the use of hydrogen as a fuel, its production as well as storage are current global challenges being worked on. In this article, a density functional theory based study is performed to identify the potential of supported Al cluster cages for ammonia storage. In this context, initially, stability of pristine and doped aluminum nanoclusters anchored on graphene sheet is evaluated following which thus supported stable nanoclusters are studied for the adsorption of NH3 to identify their storage capacity. For both, complexes and NH3 adsorbed complexes, Density of States (DOS), Charge Density Difference (CDD) and Bader charge analysis is done to understand their electronic properties.(c) 2022 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Aluminum nanoclusters, Defective graphene, Endohedral doping, NH 3 adsorption}, issn = {0360-3199}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijhydene.2022.08.268}, author = {Singh, Chandrodai Pratap and Krishnamurty, Sailaja} } @article {48183, title = {Synergistic electronic effects in AuCo nanoparticles stabilized in a triazine-based covalent organic framework: a catalyst for methyl orange and methylene blue reduction}, journal = {ACS Applied Nano Materials}, volume = {5}, year = {2022}, month = {APR }, pages = {4744-4753}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Developing stable active catalysts for reducing water-soluble pollutants is a desirable target. In this pursuit, we have functionalized covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with gold (Au) and cobalt (Co) nanoparticles via a one-step aqueous synthesis process, and their catalytic activity in reducing methyl orange and methylene blue is examined. Operando absorbance measurements of methyl orange (anionic dye) reduction revealed AuCoCOF (1.3 Au/1.0 Co) to have superior kinetics over many other catalysts, which typically require additional external stimuli (e.g., photons) and higher catalyst loadings. After confirming the homogeneous dispersion of the nanoparticles on the COF support using three-dimensional (3D) tomography and material stability through powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), infrared (IR), and thermal studies, we investigated their redox activity. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) confirmed the involvement of both metals in the redox process, while spectroelectrochemical measurements show that their activity and kinetics remain unaltered by an applied potential. Solid-state UV measurements reveal that the neat COF is a semiconductor with a large band gap (2.8 eV), which is substantially lowered when loaded with cobalt nanoparticles (2.2 eV for CoCOF). The electronic synergy between Au and Co nanoparticles further reduces the band gap of AuCoCOF (1.9 eV). Thus, there is a definite advantage in doping non-noble metal nanoparticles into a noble metal lattice and nanoconfining them into a porous COF support. Our study highlights the significance of bimetallic COF-supported nanocatalysts, wherein one can engage each component toward targeted applications that demand redox activity with favorable kinetics.

}, keywords = {AuCoCOF, band gaps, Covalent organic framework, methyl orange reduction, Nanoparticles, UV-vis spectroscopy}, doi = {10.1021/acsanm.1c04212}, author = {Devulapalli, Venkata Swaroopa Datta and Kushwaha, Rinku and Ovalle, Edwin and Singh, Himan Dev and Shekhar, Pragalbh and Chakraborty, Debanjan and Vinod, Chathakudath Prabhakaran and Vaidhyanathan, Ramanathan and Borguet, Eric} } @article {48431, title = {Synthesis and ionic conductivity of calcium-doped ceria relevant to solid oxide fuel cell applications}, journal = {Materials Advances}, volume = {3}, year = {2022}, month = {OCT}, pages = {8780-8791}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Towards the development of green energy devices, it is necessary to focus on commercial electrolyte materials for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs). Ca-doped ceria (CDC) samples having a composition of Ce(1-x)CaxO2-δ\ (0.03 <=\ x\ <= 0.1) were synthesized by a facile solid-state route and sintered at a lower temperature (1473 K). X-ray diffraction, Raman, X-ray photoelectron, Fourier-transform infrared, UV{\textendash}VIS diffuse reflectance, field emission scanning electron microscopy {\textendash} energy dispersive X-ray with elemental mapping, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques were used for the characterization of these CDC samples. The 0.10 CDC showed high oxide ion conductivity of 8.01 {\texttimes} 10-3\ S cm-1\ at 973 K with a lower activation energy of 0.78 eV. The 0.03 CDC, 0.05 CDC, and 0.07 CDC samples exhibited ionic conductivities of 1.66 {\texttimes} 10-4, 4.42 {\texttimes} 10-3, and 5.76 {\texttimes} 10-3\ S cm-1\ at 973 K with activation energies of 1.65, 1.01, and 0.92 eV, respectively. The present work aims to develop Ca-doped ceria as economically viable electrolytes for IT-SOFCs.

}, doi = {10.1039/D2MA00868H}, author = {Momin, Naeemakhtar and Manjanna, J. and Kobayashi, Satoru and Aruna, S. T. and Kumar, S. Senthil and Nayaka, G. P.} } @article {48136, title = {Synthesis, characterization and single crystal x-ray structures of trifluroacetylacetonate copper(ii) complexes}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Crystallography}, volume = {52}, year = {2022}, month = {DEC}, pages = {525-533}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

{Three Cu(II) complexes of 1,1,1-trifluoroacetylacetonate, viz. [Cu(TFACAC)(2)(MeOH)] (1), [Cu(TFACAC)(2)(py)] (2) and [Cu(TFACAC)(2)(DABCO)] (3) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV-Visible spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Structures of complexes 1-3 were established by single crystal X-ray diffraction wherein 1 and 2 adapt square pyramidal geometry. Complex 1 crystallizes in triclinic space group P-(1), with a = 8.5059(6) angstrom

}, keywords = {Copper(II) complexes, crystal structure, cyclic voltammetry, DABCO, Pyridine, Trifluoroacetylacetone}, issn = {1074-1542}, doi = {10.1007/s10870-022-00937-1}, author = {Kumari, Neha and Bahadur, Vir and Butcher, Raymond J. and Kumbhar, Anupa A.} } @article {48138, title = {Synthesis, characterization and UV-crosslinking of aromatic (Co)polycarbonates bearing pendant azido groups}, journal = {ChemistrySelect}, volume = {7}, year = {2022}, month = {SEP}, pages = {e202201020}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A new series of (co)polycarbonates bearing pendent azido groups was synthesized by polycondensation of varying molar proportions of 4, 4{\textquoteright}-(5-azidopentane-2, 2-diyl) diphenol and bisphenol-A with triphosgene. The chemical structures, compositions and random nature of (co)polycarbonates were confirmed by NMR spectroscopy. Inherent viscosities and number-average molecular weights of (co)polycarbonates were in the range 0.63-0.77 dL g(-1) and 35,400-43,400 g mol(-1), respectively indicating the formation of reasonably high molecular weight polymers. (Co)polycarbonates could be cast into tough, transparent and flexible films from chloroform solutions. (Co)polycarbonates were further characterized using IR spectroscopy, XRD, TGA and DSC. The thermal crosslinking of (co)polycarbonates bearing pendant azido groups was studied by DSC analysis. Independently, (co)polycarbonates bearing pendant azido groups were exposed to UV irradiation at wavelength of 254 nm and decomposition reaction of azido groups was monitored by FT-IR spectroscopy. The complete decomposition of azido groups was observed with exposure time of 30 min. The formed cross-linked (co)polycarbonates exhibited improved \% char yield values compared to parent (co)polycarbonates. The measurement of mechanical properties of representative crosslinked (co)polycarbonates indicated increase in tensile strength and Young{\textquoteright}s modulus and decrease in \% elongation compared to corresponding parent linear (co)polycarbonates.

}, keywords = {Aromatic polycarbonate, Pendant azido group, solution polycondensation, Triphosgene, UV-crosslinking}, issn = {2365-6549}, doi = {10.1002/slct.202201020}, author = {Nagane, Samadhan S. and Kuhire, Sachin S. and Ichake, Amol B. and Talanikar, Aniket A. and Lochab, Bimlesh and Wadgaonkar, Prakash P.} } @article {48434, title = {Synthesis, crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of a zinc(II) coordination polymer of 5-phenyl-1,3,4-oxa-diazole-2-thiol-ate}, journal = {Acta Crystallographica Section E Crystallographic Communications}, volume = {87}, year = {2022}, month = {AUG}, pages = {794-797}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A new zinc coordination polymer with 5-phenyl-1,3,4-oxa-diazole-2-thiol-ate, namely,\ catena-poly[zinc(II)-bis-(μ2-5-phenyl-1,3,4-oxa-diazole-2-thiol-ato)-κ2N3:S;κ2S:N3], [Zn(C8H5N2OS)2]n, was synthesized. The single-crystal X-ray\ diffraction analysis\ shows that the polymeric structure crystallizes in the centrosymmetric monoclinic\ C2/cspace group.\ The ZnII\ atom is coordinated to two S and two N atoms from four crystallographically independent (L) ligands, forming zigzag chains along the [001] direction. This polymer complex forms an eight-membered [Zn{\textendash}S{\textendash}C{\textendash}N{\textendash}Zn{\textendash}S{\textendash}C{\textendash}N] chair-like ring with two ZnII\ atoms and two ligand mol-ecules. On the Hirshfeld surface, the largest contributions come from the short contacts such as\ van der Waals forces,\ including H...H, C...H and S...H. Inter-actions including N...H, O...H and C...C contacts were also observed; however, their contribution to the overall stability of the\ crystal lattice\ is minor.

}, keywords = {3, 4-oxa-diazole-2-thiol; coordination polymer; Hirshfeld surface analysis, crystal structure; zinc complex; 5-phenyl-1}, doi = {10.1107/S2056989022006922}, author = {Pirimova, Mehribon and Torambetov, Batirbay and Kadirova, Shakhnoza and Ziyaev, Abdukhakim and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Ashurov, Jamshid} } @article {48003, title = {Synthesis of a highly electron-deficient, water-stable, large ionic box: multielectron accumulation and proton conductivity}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {24}, year = {2022}, month = {APR 19}, pages = {3038-3042}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

pi-acidic boxes exhibiting electron reservoir and proton conduction are unprecedented because of their instability in water. We present the synthesis of one of the strongest electron-deficient ionic boxes showing e(-) uptake as well as proton conductivity. Two large anions fit in the box to form anion-pi interactions and form infinite anion-solvent wires. The box with NO3-center dot center dot center dot water wires confers high proton conductivity and presents the first example that manifests redox and ionic functionality in an organic electron-deficient macrocycle.

}, issn = {1523-7060}, doi = {10.1021/acs.orglett.2c00993}, author = {Shukla, Jyoti and Illathvalappil, Rajith and Kumar, Sharvan and Chorol, Sonam and Pandikassala, Ajmal and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Mukhopadhyay, Pritam} } @article {47985, title = {Synthesis of central spiro-bis-THF fragments of symbiospirols A-C}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {46}, year = {2022}, month = {JUL}, pages = {13738-13744}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The gold catalysed alkynediol spiroketalization to assemble the central spiro-bis-THF fragments (C22-C33 and C36-C47) of symbiospirols A-C is documented. The adopted chiral pool approach employed commercially available d-glucose and l-malic acid in the synthesis of key building blocks. In addition, two other possible diastereomers have been synthesized in order to establish the relative stereochemistry of the unassigned THF-center of symbiospirols B/C.

}, issn = {1144-0546}, doi = {10.1039/d2nj02227c}, author = {Shinde, Mahesh H. and Kona, Chandrababu N. and Ramana, V. Chepuri} } @article {47760, title = {Synthesis of indeno-[1,2-b]-quinoline-9,11(6H,10H)-dione and 7,7-dimethyl-10-aryl-7,8-dihydro-5H-indeno[1,2-b]quinoline-9,11(6H,10H )-dione derivatives in presence of heterogeneous Cu/zeolite-Y as a catalyst}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {12}, year = {2022}, month = {JAN }, pages = {2083-2093}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A simple method for the synthesis of indeno-[1,2-b]-quinoline-9,11-(6H,10H)-dione derivatives and 7,7-dimethyl-10-aryl-7,8-dihydro-5H-indeno[1,2-b]quinoline-9,11(6H,10H )-diones through the reaction of aromatic aldehydes, indan-1,3-dione, dimedone, and p-toluidine/ammonium acetate in the presence of heterogeneous CuO supported on a zeolite-Y catalyst has been investigated in ethanol under reflux conditions. By this method, the reaction time has been reduced, giving an excellent yield of the product. The catalyst was prepared by a hydrothermal method followed by a wet impregnation method. The catalyst had shown Bronsted acid sites and Lewis acid sites. The used catalyst could be actively recycled with a marginal decrease in yield up to five recycles. The prepared catalyst was characterized by FT-IR, pyridine FT-IR, XRD, SEM, EDS, XPS, TEM, and BET surface area analysis. The synthesized compounds were characterized by FT-IR, H-1 NMR, C-13 NMR and GC-MS spectroscopy.}, doi = {10.1039/d1ra06637d}, author = {Dhengale, Shankar D. and Rode, V. Chandrashekhar and Kolekar, Govind B. and Anbhule, V. Prashant} } @article {48151, title = {Tailored synthesis of ultra-stable Au@Pd nanoflowers with enhanced catalytic properties using cellulose nanocrystals}, journal = {Carbohydrate Polymers}, volume = {292}, year = {2022}, month = {SEP}, pages = {119723}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A green strategy for the synthesis of bimetallic core-shell Au@Pd nanoflowers (NFs) employing banana pseudostem-derived TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanocrystals (TCNC) as both capping and shape-directing agent via seed-mediated method is presented. Flower-like nanostructures of Au@Pd bound to TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanocrystals (TCNC-Au@Pd) were decorated on amino-functionalized graphene (NH2-RGO) without losing their unique structure, allowing them to be deployed as an efficient, reusable and a green alternative heterogeneous catalyst. The decisive role of TCNC in the structural metamorphosis of nanoparticle morphology were inferred from the structural and morphology analyses. According to our study, the presence of -OH rich TCNC appears to play a pivotal role in the structured evolution of intricate nanostructure morphology. The feasibility of the bio-supported catalyst has been investigated in two concurrently prevalent model catalytic reactions, namely the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the reduction of 4-nitrophenol, the best model reactions in fuel cell and industrial catalytic applications, respectively.

}, keywords = {Au@Pd, catalysis, Cellulose nanocrystals, Nanoflowers, oxygen reduction reaction}, issn = {0144-8617}, doi = {10.1016/j.carbpol.2022.119723}, author = {Hakkeem, Hasna M. Abdul and Babu, Aswathy and Shilpa, Nagaraju and Venugopal, Adithya A. and Mohamed, A. P. and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Pillai, Saju} } @article {47730, title = {Tantalum based single, double, and triple atom catalysts supported on g-C2N monolayer for effective nitrogen reduction reaction: a comparative DFT investigation}, journal = {Catalysis Science \& Technology}, volume = {12}, year = {2022}, month = {JAN }, pages = {310-319}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Design of efficient and low cost electrocatalysts for the reduction of N-2 molecule to NH3 in a green manner remains a great challenge in the 21st century. Herein, we have used density functional theory based first principle simulations to systematically investigate the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) ability of single, double, and triple Ta-atom catalysts anchored to C2N monolayer. Our results demonstrate that the single and triple Ta-atom catalysts anchored to C2N monolayer act as superior catalysts for the NRR via alternating and distal pathways as compared to the Ru(0001) stepped surface. In particular, the triple Ta-atom catalyst anchored to C2N shows enhanced NRR performance with a limiting potential of -0.72 V which is comparable to the experimentally reported Ru based single atom catalyst. Further, all the three catalysts were found to be highly selective for NRR with an enhanced ability to suppress the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction. Electronic structure analysis revealed that the enhanced ability of Ta-3@C2N catalyst to effectively capture and reduce N-2 molecule could be attributed to the built up of localized d states near the fermi level, thereby aiding in strong electron transfer into the antibonding orbitals of N-2. Thus, our findings propose a highly active catalyst for the NRR with an emphasis on the importance of triple atom-based catalysts for electrocatalytic applications.}, issn = {2044-4753}, doi = {10.1039/d1cy01292d}, author = {Rasool, Anjumun and Anis, Insha and Dixit, Mudit and Maibam, Ashakiran and Hassan, Afshana and Krishnamurty, Sailaja and Dar, Manzoor Ahmad} } @article {48403, title = {Temporal analysis of melanogenesis identifies fatty acid metabolism as key skin pigment regulator}, journal = {Plos Biology}, volume = {20}, year = {2022}, month = {MAY}, pages = {e3001634}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Therapeutic methods to modulate skin pigmentation has important implications for skin cancer prevention and for treating cutaneous hyperpigmentary conditions. Towards defining new potential targets, we followed temporal dynamics of melanogenesis using a cell-autonomous pigmentation model. Our study elucidates 3 dominant phases of synchronized metabolic and transcriptional reprogramming. The melanogenic trigger is associated with high MITF levels along with rapid uptake of glucose. The transition to pigmented state is accompanied by increased glucose channelisation to anabolic pathways that support melanosome biogenesis. SREBF1-mediated up-regulation of fatty acid synthesis results in a transient accumulation of lipid droplets and enhancement of fatty acids oxidation through mitochondrial respiration. While this heightened bioenergetic activity is important to sustain melanogenesis, it impairs mitochondria lately, shifting the metabolism towards glycolysis. This recovery phase is accompanied by activation of the NRF2 detoxication pathway. Finally, we show that inhibitors of lipid metabolism can resolve hyperpigmentary conditions in a guinea pig UV-tanning model. Our study reveals rewiring of the metabolic circuit during melanogenesis, and fatty acid metabolism as a potential therapeutic target in a variety of cutaneous diseases manifesting hyperpigmentary phenotype.

}, issn = {1544-9173}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pbio.3001634}, author = {Sultan, Farina and Basu, Reelina and Murthy, Divya and Kochar, Manisha and Attri, Kuldeep S. and Aggarwal, Ayush and Kumari, Pooja and Dnyane, Pooja and Tanwar, Jyoti and Motiani, Rajender K. and Singh, Archana and Gadgil, Chetan and Bhavesh, Neel Sarovar and Singh, Pankaj K. and Natarajan, Vivek T. and Gokhale, Rajesh S.} } @article {46711, title = {Tetrazoloquinoline-1,2,3-triazole derivatives as antimicrobial agents: synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular docking study}, journal = {Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds}, volume = {42}, year = {2022}, month = {SEP}, pages = {1920-1941}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In search of new active molecules, a small focused library of tetrazoloquinoline-based 1,2,3-triazoles has been efficiently preparedviaclick chemistry approach. Several derivatives were found to be exhibiting promising antimicrobial and antioxidant activity characterized by their lower minimum inhibitory concentration values. All the synthesized compounds exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against Gram negative bacteriaE. coliandF. devoransand antifungal activity againstC. albicansandA. niger. Further, these compounds were tested for their antitubercular activity against dormantMTB H37Raand dormantM. bovis BCGusing XRMA assay protocol and showed no significant activity. Also, the synthesized compounds were found to have potential antioxidant activity with IC(50)range = 12.48-50.20 mu g/mL. Furthermore, to rationalize the observed biological activity data, the molecular docking study also been carried out against the active site of fungalC. albicansenzyme P450 cytochrome lanosterol 14 alpha-demethylase, which revealed a significant correlation between the binding score and biological activity for these compounds. The results of thein vitroandin silicostudy suggest that the triazole-incorporated tetrazoloquinolines may possess the ideal structural requirements for further development of novel therapeutic agents.

}, keywords = {1, 2, 3-Triazole, ADME prediction, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Docking study}, issn = {1040-6638}, doi = {10.1080/10406638.2020.1821229}, author = {Shaikh, Mubarak H. and Subhedar, Dnyaneshwar D. and Akolkar, Satish V. and Nagargoje, Amol A. and Khedkar, Vijay M. and Sarkar, Dhiman and Shingate, Bapurao B.} } @article {48113, title = {Thallium(III) p-tosylate (TTS) mediated oxidative rearrangement of 2-naphthyl and 2-heteroarylchromanones}, journal = {Indian Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {61}, year = {2022}, month = {SEP}, pages = {923-927}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A practical and effective approach towards the synthesis of 3-hetroaryl-4H-chromen-4-ones by the oxidative rearrangement of the respective 2-hetroaryl chroman-4-ones using thallium(III) p-tosylate is described. The oxidative rearrangement of alpha and beta-naphthyl and thiophene behave like aryl groups. However, pyridyl groups give only the dehydrogenated product.

}, keywords = {2-(3-pyridyl)chromones, 2-(4-pyridyl)chromones, 2-and 3-(2-theinyl)chromones, 2-and 3-(3-theinyl)chromones, 2-and 3-(?-naphthyl) chromones, Dehydrogenation, Oxidative rearrangements, thallium(III) acetate, thallium(III) p-tosylate}, issn = {0019-5103}, doi = {10.56042/ijc.v61i9.66341}, author = {Kurapati, Chidvilas and Muthukrishnan, M. and Singh, V. Om and Gundla, Rambabu} } @article {47675, title = {Thallium(III) p-tosylate-mediated oxidative [1,2] rearrangement of 2-naphthyl and 2-heteroarylchromanones}, journal = {Journal of Heterocyclic Chemistry}, volume = {59}, year = {2022}, month = {JAN}, pages = {172-177}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A practical and effective approach towards the synthesis of 3-heteroaryl-4H-chromen-4-ones by the oxidative [1,2] rearrangement of the respective 2-heteroaryl chroman-4-ones using thallium(III) p-tosylate is presented. The oxidative rearrangement of alpha- and beta-naphthyl and thiophene substituents behaves like aryl groups; However, pyridyl substituents gave only dehydrogenated products.}, issn = {0022-152X}, doi = {10.1002/jhet.4377}, author = {Kurapati, Chidvilas and Muthukrishnan, Murugan and Singh, V. Om and Gundla, Rambabu} } @article {47771, title = {Thermodynamics and its correlation with dynamics in a mean-field model and pinned systems: a comparative study using two different methods of entropy calculation}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Physics}, volume = {156}, year = {2022}, month = {JAN }, pages = {014503}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A recent study introduced a novel mean-field model system where each particle over and above the interaction with its regular neighbors interacts with k extra pseudo-neighbors. Here, we present an extensive study of thermodynamics and its correlation with the dynamics of this system. We surprisingly find that the well-known thermodynamic integration (TI) method of calculating the entropy provides unphysical results. It predicts vanishing of the configurational entropy at temperatures close to the onset temperature of the system and negative values of the configurational entropy at lower temperatures. Interestingly, well below the temperature at which the configurational entropy vanishes, both the collective and the single-particle dynamics of the system show complete relaxation. Negative values of the configurational entropy are unphysical, and complete relaxation when the configurational entropy is zero violates the prediction of the random first-order transition theory (RFOT). However, the entropy calculated using the two-phase thermodynamics (2PT) method remains positive at all temperatures for which we can equilibrate the system, and its values are consistent with RFOT predictions. We find that with an increase in k, the difference in the entropy computed using the two methods increases. A similar effect is also observed for a system where a randomly selected fraction of the particles are pinned in their positions in the equilibrated liquid. We show that the difference in entropy calculated via the 2PT and TI methods increases with pinning density.}, issn = {0021-9606}, doi = {10.1063/5.0065668}, author = {Nandi, Ujjwal Kumar and Patel, Palak and Moid, Mohd and Nandi, Manoj Kumar and Sengupta, Shiladitya and Karmakar, Smarajit and Maiti, Prabal K. and Dasgupta, Chandan and Bhattacharyya, Sarika Maitra} } @article {48097, title = {Total synthesis of 12, 13-dibenzyl-banistenoside B and analogs}, journal = {European Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {2022}, year = {2022}, month = {MAY}, pages = {e202200222}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Banistenosides A and B possessing a unique {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}azepino(1,2-a)tetrahydro-beta-carboline{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} carbon framework were isolated from the stem of Banisteriopsis caapi and showed MAO-A inhibition. Herein, we report the total synthesis of dibenzyl derivative of the untouched natural product in the last two decades, Banistenoside B. The key steps involve construction of 6.5.6.7 tetracyclic core using Pictet-Spengler reaction and intramolecular amide coupling. The stereoselective glycation was achieved through Hotha{\textquoteright}s protocol using gold catalyst, and silver triflate in the late stage of synthesis. The stereochemistry of most of the essential compounds were confirmed by X-ray crystallography.

}, keywords = {Au-catalyst, Multiple steps total synthesis, Natural products, Pictet-Spengler reaction, Wittig reaction}, issn = {1434-193X}, doi = {10.1002/ejoc.202200222}, author = {Patil, Suhag S. and Jachak, Gorakhnath R. and Krishna, Gamidi Rama and Argade, Narshinha P. and Reddy, D. Srinivasa} } @article {48230, title = {Transcriptional and translational perturbation in abiotic stress induced physiological activities and metabolic pathway networks in spongy tissue disorder of mango fruit}, journal = {Postharvest Biology and Technology}, volume = {188}, year = {2022}, month = {JUN}, pages = {111880}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Spongy tissue formation is economically the most detrimental but agriculturally less focused physiological disorder in mango. {\textquoteleft}Alphonso{\textquoteright} cultivar is highly prone to oxidative stress induced spongy tissue disorder impacting biochemical and metabolic profile, thereby affecting pulp quality and nutritional value of the fruit. In the present study, comparative analysis of spongy and healthy mesocarp tissues of {\textquoteleft}Alphonso{\textquoteright} mango by transcriptomics using Illumina sequencing and proteomics using LC-MS approaches, respectively identified and quantified many genes and proteins in the metabolic pathways responsible for the spongy tissue development. The table green and the mid ripe stages of {\textquoteleft}Alphonso{\textquoteright} fruit ripening were evaluated by the transcriptomic study and outcomes were validated using proteomic investigations for all the four ripening stages. Colossal amount of data including 30,582 transcripts, 10,800 gene ontologies and 387 putative proteins was generated from this analysis. Current multi-omics exploration revealed the development of abiotic stress (mainly oxidative stress) induced perturbations in various metabolic pathways and their interconnections, leading to the spongy tissue formation in mango. This further unfolded the altered cell wall degradation, ethylene and flavonoid biosynthesis, fruit ripening and flavor formation, thus hampering the fruit specific characteristics in mango with spongy tissue disorder.

}, keywords = {Oxidative stress, Proteome, spongy tissue disorder, Transcriptome, {\textquoteleft} Alphonso {\textquoteleft} mango}, issn = {0925-5214}, doi = {10.1016/j.postharvbio.2022.111880}, author = {Oak, Pranjali and Jha, Vineet and Deshpande, Ashish and Tanpure, Rahul and Dawkar, Vishal and Mundhe, Swapnil and Ghuge, Sandeep and Prabhudesai, Shrikant and Krishanpal, Anamika and Jere, Abhay and Giri, Ashok and Gupta, Vidya} } @article {47826, title = {Tuning of oxygen reduction pathways through structural variation in transition metal-doped Ba2In2O5}, journal = {ChemElectroChem}, volume = {9}, year = {2022}, month = {JAN}, pages = {e202101163}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Abstract Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) can take place either through a two-electron pathway to form H2O2 or through a four-electron pathway to form H2O. Both the reactions are important in the respective fields, viz., H2O2 production as well as fuel cell technology, and rational design of catalysts is mandatory to acquire high energy efficiency in both cases. Here, we report the structure-electrochemical property correlation of a series of perovskite related brownmillerite compounds, Ba2In0.75M0.25O5 (M=Mn/Fe/Co/Ni/Cu), synthesized by solid-state method. On transition metal doping, octahedral distortions were observed, and the highly disordered material tends to follow the 4e transfer mechanism. More symmetrical structures followed the 2e pathway to form H2O2 as the product with high peroxide selectivity. The distortion in the octahedral arrangement can be a descriptor to finetune the selectivity of the catalysts towards the 2e and 4e pathways of ORR.}, keywords = {brownmillerite, Descriptors, Electrochemical H2O2 synthesis, Octahedral distortion, oxygen reduction reaction}, doi = {10.1002/celc.202101163}, author = {Thundiyil, Shibin and Pandikassala, Ajmal and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Devi, R. Nandini} } @article {48181, title = {Tuning the hybridization and charge polarization in metal nanoparticles dispersed over Schiff base functionalized SBA-15 enhances CO2 capture and conversion to formic acid}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry A}, volume = {10}, year = {2022}, month = {SEP}, pages = {18354-18362}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Different Schiff base functionalized SBA-15 materials were synthesized through condensation reactions between 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and different aldehydes (glutaraldehyde and butyraldehyde) over a mesoporous silica, SBA-15 (APTES-GLU/SBA-15 and APTES-BUT/SBA-15). Both static and dynamic experiments have been used for testing the CO2 capture efficiency of these materials. The hybridization of the N atom in APTES has been tuned from sp(3) to sp(2) upon condensation facilitating optimum CO2 capture in the direct synthesis of APTES-GLU/SBA-15. The undesirable oxides of nitrogen have been removed during the synthesis process to improve the CO2 capture efficiency. These materials were employed as supports for Pd-Ag and Pd-Ni bimetallic systems for the selective conversion of the captured CO2 to formic acid (FA) in 0.5 M KHCO3 solution. The Pd-Ni catalyst system exhibited enhanced CO2 to FA conversion activity compared to other heterogeneous systems, which is similar to 4 times better than that of the Pd-Ag system in this study. The X-ray absorption studies over the catalyst material confirmed that the relatively electron-deficient Ni in Pd-Ni compared to Ag in Pd-Ag favoured higher charge polarization between the metals in the Pd-Ni system enhancing the CO2 to FA conversion. The experimental observations are well supported by the DFT calculations.

}, issn = {2050-7488}, doi = {10.1039/d2ta03690h}, author = {Cherevotan, Arjun and Ray, Bitan and Yadav, Anish and Bagchi, Debabrata and Singh, Ashutosh Kumar and Riyaz, Mohd and Churipard, Sathyapal R. and Naral, Vinay and Kaur, Komalpreet and Gautam, Ujjal K. and Vinod, Chathakudath P. and Peter, Sebastian C.} } @article {47040, title = {Two antibacterial spiro compounds from the roots of Artemisia pallens wall: evidence from molecular docking}, journal = {Natural Product Research}, volume = {36}, year = {2022}, month = {MAY}, pages = {2465-2472}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Bioassay-guided isolation from acetone extract of the roots of Artemisia pallens Wall yielded two spiro compounds (1 and 2). The structures of these compounds were determined on the basis of spectroscopic techniques such as IR, MS, 1 D and 2 D- NMR. The acetone extract, fractions and the isolated two compounds were investigated for their antibacterial activity against two gram negative (E. coli, P. aeruginosa) and two gram positive (S. aureus, B. subtilis) bacterial strains. Compound (2) showed the best spectra of activity with IC50 and MIC values between 2.48-3.08 and 12.78 - 21.77 mu M and Compound (1) with 2.57-3.69 and 38.17 - 80.57 mu M, respectively, for the four bacterial strains, whereas inactive against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Molecular docking study could further help in understanding the various interactions between these compounds and DNA gyrase active site in detail and thereby could provide valuable insight into the mechanism of action.

}, keywords = {antibacterial activity, antimycobacterial activity, Artemisia pallens, Asteraceae, Molecular docking, spiro compound}, issn = {1478-6419}, doi = {10.1080/14786419.2021.1902325}, author = {Honmore, Varsha S. and Natu, Arun D. and Khedkar, Vijay M. and Arkile, Manisha A. and Sarkar, Dhiman and Rojatkar, Supada R.} } @article {48212, title = {Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography Q-Orbitrap MS/MS-based profiling and quantification of limonoids in Meliaceae plants}, journal = {Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry}, volume = {414}, year = {2022}, month = {AUG}, pages = {6093-6106}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Meliaceae plants have been extensively used in agriculture, folklore, and traditional medicine. They are the major storehouses for structurally diverse limonoids (meliacins) possessing various bioactivities like antifeedant, insecticidal, antimicrobial, etc. However accurate detection of these tetranortriterpenes from the vast pool of metabolites in plant tissue extracts or biological sample is a crucial challenge. Though the mass spectrum (MS) provides the molecular mass and the corresponding elemental composition, it cannot be relied precisely. The exact identification of a specific metabolite demands the MS/MS spectrum containing the signature product ions. In the present study, we have developed the UHPLC Q-Orbitrap-based method for identification, quantification, and characterization of limonoids in different plant tissue extracts requiring minimum plant material. Using this method, we carried out the limonoid profiling in different tissue extracts of sixteen Meliaceae plants and the identification of limonoids was performed by comparing the retention time (RT), ESI-(+)-MS spectrum, and HCD-MS/MS of the purified fifteen limonoids used as reference standards. Our results revealed that early intermediates of the limonoid biosynthetic pathway such as azadiradione, epoxyazadiradione, and gedunin occurred more commonly in Meliaceae plants. The MS/MS spectrum library of the fifteen limonoids generated in this study can be utilized for identification of these limonoids in other plant tissue extracts, botanical fertilizers, agrochemical formulations, and bio pesticides.

}, keywords = {LC-HRMS, LC-MS/MS, Limonoids, Meliaceae, Natural product, Quantification}, issn = {1618-2642}, doi = {10.1007/s00216-022-04169-2}, author = {Mulani, Fayaj A. and Nandikol, Sharvani S. and Kajjihundi, Jagadeesh S. and Pathappa, Niranjana and Puttappa, Sharanappa and Thulasiram, V. Hirekodathakallu} } @article {47829, title = {Ultrathin twisty PdNi alloy nanowires as highly active ORR electrocatalysts exhibiting morphology-induced durability over 200 K cycles}, journal = {Nano Letters}, volume = {22}, year = {2022}, month = {JAN}, pages = {246-254}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Even though the anion exchange membrane fuel cells have many advantages, the stability of their electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) has remained remarkably poor. We report here on the ultrathin twisty PdNi-alloy nanowires (NWs) exhibiting a very low reaction overpotential with an E1/2 \~{} 0.95 V versus RHE in alkaline media maintained over 200 K cycles, the highest ever recorded for an electrocatalyst. The mass activity of the used NWs is >10 times higher than fresh commercial Pt/C. Therein, Ni improves the Pd d-band center for a more efficient ORR, and its leaching continuously regenerates the surface active sites. The twisty nanowire morphology imparts multiple anchor points on the electrode surface to arrest their detachment or coalescence and extra stability from self-entanglement. The significance of the NW morphology was further confirmed from the high-temperature durability studies. The study demonstrates that tailoring the number of contact points to the electrode-surface may help realize commercial-grade stability in the highly active electrocatalysts.}, doi = {10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c03704}, author = {Sahoo, Lipipuspa and Garg, Reeya and Kaur, Komalpreet and Vinod, C. P. and Gautam, Ujjal K.} } @article {47732, title = {Unraveling the reaction mechanism of selective C9 monomeric phenols formation from lignin using Pd-Al2O3-activated biochar catalyst}, journal = {Bioresource Technology}, volume = {344}, year = {2022}, month = {JAN}, pages = {126204}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The conversion of biomass-derived lignin to valuable monomeric phenols at high selectivity is of paramount importance for sustainable biorefineries. In this study, a novel Pd-Al2O3 supported on activated biochar catalyst is developed for lignin hydrogenolysis. The catalyst characterization revealed that the (1 1 1) planes of both of Pd-0 and Al2O3 were exposed to the surface. The maximum lignin conversion of 70.4\% along with high liquid yield (similar to 57 wt\%) was obtained at 240 degrees C, 3 h and 3 MPa H-2 pressure. The total monomeric phenols yield in the liquid was 51.6 wt\%, out of which C9 monomeric guaiacols constituted similar to 30.0 wt\% with 38.0\% selectivity to 4-propyl guaiacol. Using the reaction intermediate, coniferyl alcohol, chemoselective hydrogenation of C-alpha=C-beta is proved to occur over the Pd site, while dehydroxylation of C-gamma-OH is shown to occur over the alumina site. An impressive carbon atom economy of 60\% was achieved for the production of monomeric phenols.}, keywords = {Hydrogenolysis, lignin, Mechanism, Pd-Al/activated biochar, Propanol guaiacol, Propyl guaiacol}, issn = {0960-8524}, doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2021.126204}, author = {Gurrala, L. and Kumar, M. M. and Yerrayya, Attada and Kandasamy, Prabu and Castano, Pedro and Raja, T. and Pilloni, Giovanni and Paek, C. and Vinu, R.} } @article {48200, title = {Unravelling faradaic electrochemical efficiencies over Fe/Co spinel metal oxides using surface spectroscopy and microscopy techniques}, journal = {Nanoscale}, volume = {14}, year = {2022}, month = {NOV }, pages = {15928-15941}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Cobalt and iron metal-based oxide catalysts play a significant role in energy devices. To unravel some interesting parameters, we have synthesized metal oxides of cobalt and iron (i.e. Fe2O3, Co3O4, Co2FeO4 and CoFe2O4), and measured the effect of the valence band structure, morphology, size and defects in the nanoparticles towards the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The compositional variations in the cobalt and iron precursors significantly alter the particle size from 60 to \<10 nm and simultaneously the shape of the particles (cubic and spherical). The Tauc plot obtained from the solution phase ultraviolet (UV) spectra of the nanoparticles showed band gaps of 2.2, 2.3, 2.5 and 2.8 eV for Fe2O3, Co3O4, Co2FeO4 and CoFe2O4, respectively. Further, the valence band structure and work function analysis using ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) and core level X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses provided better structural insight into metal oxide catalysts. In the Co3O4 system, the valence band structure favors the HER and Fe2O3 favors the OER. The composites Co2FeO4 and CoFe2O4 show a significant change in their core level (O 1s, Co 2p and Fe 2p spectra) and valence band structure. Co3O4 shows an overpotential of 370 mV against 416 mV for Fe2O3 at a current density of 2 mA cm(-2) for the HER. Similarly, Fe2O3 shows an overpotential of 410 mV against the 435 mV for Co3O4 at a current density of 10 mA cm(-2) for the OER. However, for the ORR, Co3O4 shows 70 mV improvement in the half-wave potential against Fe2O3. The composites (Co2FeO4 and CoFe2O4) display better performance compared to their respective parent oxide systems (i.e., Co3O4 and Fe2O3, respectively) in terms of the ORR half-wave potential, which can be attributed to the presence of the oxygen vacancies over the surface in these systems. This was further corroborated in density functional theory (DFT) simulations, wherein the oxygen vacancy formation on the surface of CoFe2O4(001) was calculated to be significantly lower (similar to 50 kJ mol(-1)) compared to Co3O4 (001). The band diagram of the nanoparticles constructed from the various spectroscopic measurements with work function and band gap provides in-depth understanding of the electrocatalytic process.

}, issn = {2040-3364}, doi = {10.1039/d2nr04170g}, author = {Kashyap, Varchaswal and Pandikassala, Ajmal and Singla, Gourav and Khan, Tuhin Suvra and Haider, M. Ali and Vinod, C. P. and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {48095, title = {Use of isoperibolic reaction calorimeter for the study of reaction kinetics of acetic anhydride hydrolysis reaction: effect of acetic anhydride and water ratio}, journal = {Chemical and Process Engineering-Inzynieria Chemiczna I Procesowa}, volume = {43}, year = {2022}, month = {DEC}, pages = {255-264}, type = {Article; Proceedings Paper}, abstract = {

Reaction kinetics of acetic anhydride hydrolysis reaction is being studied at a fixed reaction temperature and ambient pressure using an isoperibolic reaction calorimeter. Temperature versus time data along with heat and mass balance is used to determine the kinetics parameters i.e. activation energy and Arrhenius coefficient. It has been studied with the varying volumetric ratio of acetic anhydride and water; and kinetics parameters were compared and plotted for each ratio. Such a study has not been done previously to determine the kinetics dependency on varying the acetic anhydride water ratio. As the acetic anhydride hydrolysis reaction is exothermic in nature, the present study will help to decide the safe and suitable operating conditions such as concentration and temperature for conducting this reaction at plant scale. The kinetic data presented can be used further for the mathematical modeling and simulation of such exothermic hydrolysis reactions.

}, keywords = {acetic anhydride, Hydrolysis, kinetics, reaction calorimeter, Water}, issn = {0208-6425}, doi = {10.24425/cpe.2022.140829}, author = {Kumar, Rajendra and Tiwari, Anurag Kumar} } @article {48162, title = {Versatile chemistry of six-membered NHC with boranes: bromination at sp(3) borane, activation of the B-H bond of HBpin, and ring expansion of NHC}, journal = {Dalton Transactions}, volume = {51}, year = {2022}, month = {OCT}, pages = {14452-14457}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The NHC.borane chemistry has been majorly restricted to imidazol-2-ylidene classes of carbenes. In our previous communication, we reported the synthesis of 6-SIDipp center dot BH3 [6-SIDipp = 1,3-di(2,6-diisopropylphenyl) tetrahydropyrimidine-2-ylidene] and its electrophilic substitution reaction with iodine. Here, we have shown selective bromination of a 6-SIDipp stabilized sp(3) B-H bond. Treatment of 1.2 equivalents of N-bromosuccinamide with 6-SIDipp center dot BH3 gives a mixture of mono- and disubstituted products 6-SIDipp center dot BH2Br (1) and 6-SIDipp center dot BHBr2 (2). However, the reactions with alkyl bromides or carbon tetrabromide resulted in 6-SIDipp center dot BH2Br (1) selectively. Exploration of the chemistry of 6-SIDipp with BHCl2 and 9-BBN (9-borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane) led to mono-6-SIDipp adducts 3 and 6a. Furthermore, 6a undergoes ring expansion to afford a seven-membered product, 6b, under mild conditions. Unlike BHCl2 or 9-BBN, the B-H bond of HBpin undergoes oxidative addition upon reaction with 6-SIDipp, epitomizing the first example (7) of a B-H bond insertion at NHCs. The analogous reactivity with HBcat led to a tetra-hydropyrimidinium salt with B(cat)(2) as a counteranion (8).

}, issn = {1477-9226}, doi = {10.1039/d2dt01707e}, author = {Kundu, Gargi and Dixit, Ruchi and Tothadi, Srinu and Vanka, Kumar and Sen, Sakya S.} } @article {48416, title = {Viscoelastic covalent organic nanotube fabric via macroscopic entanglement}, journal = {Journal of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {144}, year = {2022}, month = {SEP }, pages = {16052-16059}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Covalent organic nanotubes (CONTs) are one-dimensional porous frameworks constructed from organic building blocks via dynamic covalent chemistry. CONTs are synthesized as insoluble powder that restricts their potential applications. The judicious selection of 2,2{\textquoteright}-bipyridine-5,5{\textquoteright}-dicarbaldehyde and tetraaminotriptycene as building blocks for TAT-BPy CONTs has led to constructing flexible yet robust and self-standing fabric up to 3 mu m thickness. The TAT-BPy CONTs and TAT-BPy CONT fabric have been characterized by solid-state one-dimensional (1D) C-13 CP-MAS, two-dimensional (2D) C-13-H-1 correlation NMR, 2D H-1-H-1 DQ-SQ NMR, and 2D N-14-H-1 correlation NMR spectroscopy. The mechanism of fabric formation has been established by using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The as-synthesized viscoelastic TAT-BPy CONT fabric exhibits high mechanical strength with a reduced modulus (E-r) of 8 (+/- 3) GPa and hardness (H) of 0.6 (+/- 0.3) GPa. Interestingly, the viscoelastic fabric shows time-dependent elastic depth recovery up to 50-70\%.

}, issn = {0002-7863}, doi = {10.1021/jacs.2c06133}, author = {Koner, Kalipada and Das, Susobhan and Mohata, Shibani and Duong, Nghia Tuan and Nishiyama, Yusuke and Kandambeth, Sharath and Karak, Suvendu and Reddy, C. Malla and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article {48436, title = {Viscoelastic liquid from regenerated silk fibroin in the silk i conformation: a writeable and shapeable material}, journal = {ACS Applied Polymer Materials}, volume = {4}, year = {2022}, month = {JUN}, pages = {4699{\textendash}4708}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Regenerated silk fibroin (RSF) has acquired enormous attention because of its exceptional toughness, strength, and biocompatible nature. These properties make RSF a potential candidate for the fabrication of different types of materials. However, processing even a dilute aqueous solution of RSF leads to a conformational transformation from a random coil/helix-rich (silk I) to a beta-sheetrich (silk II) state. As a consequence, RSF tends to form aggregates and loses its toughness. Working in a direction to address this problem, an aqueous solution of regenerated silk fibroin has been modified with a dual layer of polyethylenimine (PEI) and a PEG-based polymer surfactant (PS). Upon freeze-drying, the RSF-polymer complex forms a solvent-free RSF bioconjugate system and exhibits a soft solid to liquid melting transition at similar to 45 degrees C. The sequential modification with PEI and PS preserves the native-like random coil conformation of RSF up to at least 8 months of storage by not allowing interchain interactions that can lead to aggregation. Rheological and small-angle X-ray scattering measurements show that the solvent-free system is viscoelastic and exhibits a higher order microstructure mediated by the packing of the PS chains, respectively. Temperature-dependent soft solid-liquid-like dual behavior offers applications in injection-based writing, compression molding, and shaping RSF bioconjugates into various types of geometries. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of the RSF bioconjugate system can be modulated by crosslinking with glutaraldehyde vapor at 50 degrees C.

}, keywords = {RSF liquid, RSF soft solid, silk I conformation, silk liquid, viscoelastic}, issn = {2637-6105}, doi = {10.1021/acsapm.2c00290}, author = {Kumar, Raj and Joseph, Emmanuel and Chaudhari, Atul and Nisal, Anuya and Sharma, Kamendra P.} } @article {47827, title = {Vitrimers based on bio-derived chemicals: overview and future prospects}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Journal}, volume = {433}, year = {2022}, month = {APR}, pages = {133261}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The perspective of using recyclable and biobased materials in the vitrimeric concept is attractive, in view of the regulatory guidelines and pressing need to reduce CO2-emissions. The expansion of viable bio-based polymeric materials is gaining increased attention to achieve sustainable development goals. Although durability, cost, and performance still limit their real life applications, these limitations can be overcome through state-of-the-art bio-vitrimeric materials displaying thermoset like mechanical and thermal properties as well as thermoplastic like malleable and thus recyclable properties. Bio-derived chemicals based vitrimers can be of advantage, where material design is made from scratch, allowing to plan material properties in line with their future life cycle from the very beginning. This article emphasizes the current needs of vitrimers based on bio-derived chemicals, including their recycling, reprocessing, and self-healing properties, along with their advantages and potential obstacles from todays{\textquoteright} perspective. The article also identifies potential bio-derivatives as attractive building blocks for vitrimers because of their potential for sustainability.}, keywords = {Recycling, Self-healing, Sustainable materials, Vitrimers}, issn = {1385-8947}, doi = {10.1016/j.cej.2021.133261}, url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1385894721048361}, author = {Balaji Krishnakumar and Andrea Pucci and Prakash P. Wadgaonkar and Indresh Kumar and Wolfgang H. Binder and Sravendra Rana} } @article {48032, title = {Well-defined calcium compound catalyzes trimerization of arylisocyanates into 1,3,5-triarylisocyanurates}, journal = {ChemCatChem}, volume = {14}, year = {2022}, month = {JUN }, pages = {e202101788}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We report the synthesis of a calcium complex (2) bearing a tetradentate monoanionic ligand with a diaminoethane core and phenolate and pyridine peripheral donors. Single crystal X-ray studies on 2 revealed that LiI was also co-crystallized, leading to a four-membered ring with four different elements. 2 was found to be an efficient catalyst for the cyclotrimerization of a variety of aromatic isocyanates under mild conditions.

}, keywords = {calcium, Cyclotrimerization, Isocyanurates, Tetradentate ligand}, issn = {1867-3880}, doi = {10.1002/cctc.202101788}, author = {Kumar, Rohit and Sharma, Vishal and Jain, Shailja and Sharma, Himanshu and Vanka, Kumar and Sen, Sakya S.} } @article {48196, title = {Well-defined hierarchical teddy bear sunflower-like NiCo2O4 electrocatalyst for superior water oxidation}, journal = {Sustainable Energy \& Fuels}, volume = {6}, year = {2022}, month = {DEC}, pages = {5491-5502}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The development of a robust and efficient electrocatalyst for water oxidation is challenging due to the large overpotential requirement to transfer four electrons. Herein, a novel spinel-type hierarchical teddy bear sunflower-like NiCo2O4 electrocatalyst was synthesized through the facile solvothermal process and evaluated for the challenging and demanding oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in the water electrolysis process. The teddy bear sunflower-like NiCo2O4 supported on nickel foam (NF) delivers a current density of 50 mA cm(-2) at a small water oxidation overpotential (eta(50) = 319 mV) which is significantly lower than that of the corresponding spherical NiO/NF (eta(50) = 338 mV), and sea-urchin like Co3O4/NF (eta(50) = 357 mV). A large specific and electroactive surface area, as well as a high TOF value exhibited by the hierarchical teddy bear sunflower-like NiCo2O4 electrocatalyst, demonstrates the potential of NiCo2O4 to catalyze the water oxidation reaction efficiently. The impact of the near-Fermi-level d-orbital states in NiCo2O4 electrocatalyst for boosting OER activity was unveiled by the density functional theory calculation. The stable performance even after 16 h and high catalyst utilization of the hierarchical teddy bear sunflower-like NiCo2O4 through the OER indicates that the catalyst is highly suitable for the large-scale water oxidation process.

}, issn = {2398-4902}, doi = {10.1039/d2se01111e}, author = {Bodhankar, Pradnya M. M. and Dhawale, Dattatray S. S. and Giddey, Sarbjit and Kumar, Ravi and Sarawade, Pradip B. B.} } @article {48335, title = {2D layered nanomaterials as fillers in polymer composite electrolytes for lithium batteries}, journal = {Advanced Energy Materials}, volume = {13}, year = {2023}, month = {APR}, type = {Review}, abstract = {

Polymer composite electrolytes (PCEs), i.e., materials combining the disciplines of polymer chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and electrochemistry, have received tremendous attention within academia and industry for lithium-based battery applications. While PCEs often comprise 3D micro- or nanoparticles, this review thoroughly summarizes the prospects of 2D layered inorganic, organic, and hybrid nanomaterials as active (ion conductive) or passive (nonion conductive) fillers in PCEs. The synthetic inorganic nanofillers covered here include graphene oxide, boron nitride, transition metal chalcogenides, phosphorene, and MXenes. Furthermore, the use of naturally occurring 2D layered clay minerals, such as layered double hydroxides and silicates, in PCEs is also thoroughly detailed considering their impact on battery cell performance. Despite the dominance of 2D layered inorganic materials, their organic and hybrid counterparts, such as 2D covalent organic frameworks and 2D metal-organic frameworks are also identified as tuneable nanofillers for use in PCE. Hence, this review gives an overview of the plethora of options available for the selective development of both the 2D layered nanofillers and resulting PCEs, which can revolutionize the field of polymer-based solid-state electrolytes and their implementation in lithium and post-lithium batteries.

}, keywords = {2D materials, clay minerals, covalent organic frameworks, metal-organic frameworks, MXene, polymer composite electrolyte, solid-state batteries}, issn = {1614-6832}, doi = {10.1002/aenm.202203326}, author = {Vijayakumar, Vidyanand and Ghosh, Meena and Asokan, Kiran and Sukumaran, Santhosh Babu and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Mindemark, Jonas and Brandell, Daniel and Winter, Martin and Nair, Jijeesh Ravi} } @article {48827, title = {3D-printed polymer composite devices based on a ferroelectric chiral ammonium salt for high-performance piezoelectric energy harvesting}, journal = {Materials Horizons}, volume = {10}, year = {2023}, month = {JUL}, pages = {3153-3161}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Three-dimensional printing (3DP) is an emerging technology to fabricate complex architectures, necessary to realize state-of-the-art flexible and wearable electronic devices. In this regard, top-performing devices containing organic ferro- and piezoelectric compounds are desired to circumvent significant shortcomings of conventional piezoceramics, e.g. toxicity and high-temperature device processibility. Herein, we report on a 3D-printed composite of a chiral ferroelectric organic salt {[Me3CCH(Me)NH3][BF4]} (1) with a biodegradable polycaprolactone (PCL) polymer that serves as a highly efficient piezoelectric nanogenerator (PENG). The ferroelectric property of 1 originates from its polar tetragonal space group P4(2), verified by P-E loop measurements. The ferroelectric domain characteristics of 1 were further probed by piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM), which gave characteristic {\textquoteleft}butterfly{\textquoteright} and hysteresis loops. The PFM amplitude vs. drive voltage measurements gave a relatively high magnitude of the converse piezoelectric coefficient for 1. PCL polymer composites with various weight percentages (wt\%) of 1 were prepared and subjected to piezoelectric energy harvesting tests, which gave a maximum open-circuit voltage of 36.2 V and a power density of 48.1 mu W cm(-2) for the 10 wt\% 1-PCL champion device. Furthermore, a gyroid-shaped 3D-printed 10 wt\% 1-PCL composite was fabricated to test its practical utility, which gave an excellent output voltage of 41 V and a power density of 56.8 mu W cm(-2). These studies promise the potential of simple organic compounds for building PENG devices using advanced manufacturing technologies.

}, issn = {2051-6347}, doi = {10.1039/d3mh00444a}, author = {Sahoo, Supriya and Kothavade, Premkumar Anil and Naphade, Dipti R. and Torris, Arun and Praveenkumar, Balu and Zareba, Jan K. and Anthopoulos, Thomas D. and Shanmuganathan, Kadhiravan and Boomishankar, Ramamoorthy} } @article {48317, title = {Accelerated Rauhut-Currier dimerization enabled the synthesis of (+/-)-incarvilleatone and anticancer studies}, journal = {Beilstein Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {19}, year = {2023}, month = {FEB}, pages = {204-211}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The total synthesis of racemic incarvilleatone has been achieved by utilizing unexplored accelerated Rauhut-Currier (RC) dimeriza-tion. The other key steps of the synthesis are oxa-Michael and aldol reactions in a tandem sequence. Racemic incarvilleatone was separated by chiral HPLC and the configuration of each enantiomer was determined by single-crystal X-ray analysis. In addition, a one-pot synthesis of (+/-)-incarviditone has been achieved from rac-rengyolone by using KHMDS as a base. We have also assessed the anticancer activity of all the synthesized compounds in breast cancer cells nonetheless, they exhibited very limited growth suppression activity.

}, keywords = {dimerization, incarviditone, incarvilleatone, oxa-Michael, Rauhut-Currier}, issn = {1860-5397}, doi = {10.3762/bjoc.19.19}, author = {Kotammagari, Tharun K. and Misra, Sweta and Paul, Sayantan and Kunte, Sunita and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Santra, Manas K. and Bhattacharya, Asish K.} } @article {48810, title = {Aptamer tethered bio-responsive mesoporous silica nanoparticles for efficient targeted delivery of paclitaxel to treat ovarian cancer cells}, journal = {Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences}, volume = {112}, year = {2023}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1450-1459}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in female patients. The current therapeutics in ovarian cancer are limited and inefficient in curing the disease. To tackle this, we have synthesized tetrasulfide deriv-ative of silica doped, biodegradable, glutathione-responsive targeted mesoporous silica nanoparticles modi-fied with heterobifunctional polyethylene glycol as a linker and mucin-1 aptamer for triggered paclitaxel delivery to the ovarian cancer cells. Degradable mesoporous silica nanoparticles were synthesized by a modi-fied sol-gel method with tetraethyl orthosilicate and Bis (triethoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulfide. The degradable mesoporous silica nanoparticles were characterized by dynamic light scattering, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy and Transmission electron microscopy. The degradable mesopo-rous silica nanoparticles had good paclitaxel encapsulation efficiency and glutathione-responsive paclitaxel release ability. The glutathione utilization assay and visual destruction observed within 10 days in transmis-sion electron microscopy images confirmed the degradation of the mesoporous silica nanoparticles in the tumor cell environment. The targeted degradable mesoporous silica nanoparticles were efficiently taken up by ovarian cancer cell lines OVACAR-3 and PA-1. The cytotoxicity of bare mesoporous silica nanoparticles evaluated on NIH-3T3 cell line showed good biocompatibility (\>90\% cell viability). Significant toxicity on OVACAR-3 (IC50 25.66 nM) and PA-1 (IC50 42.93 nM) cell lines was observed when treated with paclitaxel-loaded targeted degradable mesoporous silica nanoparticles. Results of this study demonstrated that mucin-1 targeted, glutathione-responsive mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with paclitaxel had a significant antitumor effect on ovarian cancer cells. All these findings demonstrated that developed nano-formulation could be suitable for ovarian cancer treatment. \& COPY; 2023 American Pharmacists Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Degradable, GSH, Mesoporous silica nanoparticles, Mucin-1, Ovarian cancer, Paclitaxel, Stimuli-responsive}, issn = {0022-3549}, doi = {10.1016/j.xphs.2023.01.011}, author = {Salve, Rajesh and Kumar, Pramod and Chaudhari, Bhushan P. and Gajbhiye, Virendra} } @article {48766, title = {Atomically dispersed manganese on graphene nanosheets as biocompatible nanozyme for glutathione detection in liver tissue lysate using microfluidic paper-based analytical devices}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {15}, year = {2023}, month = {OCT }, pages = {47902-47920}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Recently, single atom catalysts (SACs) featuring M-N-x (M = metal) active sites on carbon support have drawn considerable attention due to their promising enzyme-like catalytic properties. However, typical synthesis methods of SACs often involve energy-intensive carbonization processes. Herein, we report a facile one-pot, low-temperature, wet impregnation method to fully utilize M-N-4 sites of manganese phthalocyanine (MnPc) by decorating molecular MnPc over the sheets of graphene nanoplatelets (GNP). The synthesized MnPc@GNP exhibits remarkable peroxidase-mimic catalytic activity toward the oxidation of chromogenic 3,3 {\textquoteleft},5,5({\textquoteright})-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) substrate owing to the efficient utilization of atomically dispersed Mn and the high surface-to-volume ratio of the porous catalyst. A nanozyme-based colorimetric sensing probe is developed to detect important biomarker glutathione (GSH) within only 5 min in solution phase based on the ability of GSH to effectively inhibit the TMB oxidation. The high sensitivity and selectivity of the developed colorimetric assay enable us to quantitatively determine GSH concentration in different biological fluids. This work, for the first time, reports a rapid MnPc@GNP nanozyme-based colorimetric assay in the solid substrate by fabricating microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (mu PADs). GSH is successfully detected on the fabricated mu PADs coated with only 6.0 mu g of nanozyme containing 1.6 nmol of Mn in the linear range of 0.5-10 mu M with a limit of detection of 1.23 mu M. This work also demonstrates the quantitative detection of GSH in mice liver tissue lysate using mu PADs, which paves the way to develop mu PADs for point-of-care testing.

}, keywords = {colorimetricsensing, Glutathione, mu PADs, nanozyme, single atom catalyst, tissue lysate}, issn = {1944-8244}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.3c08762}, author = {Baruah, Diksha J. and Thakur, Ashutosh and Roy, Esha and Roy, Kallol and Basak, Sumanjita and Neog, Dipankar and Bora, Himangsu K. and Konwar, Rituraj and Chaturvedi, Vikash and Shelke, Manjusha V. and Das, Manash R.} } @article {48807, title = {Automated myocardial infarction and angina detection using second derivative of photoplethysmography}, journal = {Physical and Engineering Sciences in Medicine}, volume = {46}, year = {2023}, month = {SEP}, pages = {1259-1269}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Photoplethysmography (PPG) based healthcare devices have gained enormous interest in the detection of cardiac abnormalities. Limited research has been implemented for myocardial infarction (MI) detection. Moreover, PPG-based detection of angina is still a research gap. PPG signals are not always informative. Therefore, this research work presents the use of PPG signals and their second derivative to evaluate myocardial infarction and angina using a novel set of morphological features. The obtained morphological features are fed onto the feed-forward artificial neural network for the identification of the type of MI and unstable angina (UA). The initial experiments have been carried out on non-ambulatory (public) subjects for feature extraction and later evaluated on ambulatory (self-generated) databases. The intended method attains accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 98\%, 97\%, 98\% on the public database and 94\%, 94\%, 94\% on the self-generated database. The result shows that the proposed set of features can detect MI and UA with significant accuracy.

}, keywords = {Artificial neural network, Myocardial infarction detection, PPG, SDPPG, Unstable angina detection}, issn = {2662-4729}, doi = {10.1007/s13246-023-01293-w}, author = {Neha, H. K. and Sardana, H. K. and Dahiya, N. and Dogra, N. and Kanawade, R. and Sharma, Y. P. and Kumar, S.} } @article {48804, title = {Bacopa monnieri reduces Tau aggregation and Tau-mediated toxicity in cells}, journal = {International Journal of Biological Macromolecules}, volume = {234}, year = {2023}, month = {APR}, pages = {123171}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s disease is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive memory loss and behavioral impairments. In the present study, the ethanolic extract of Bacopa monnieri was studied for its potency to inhibit Tau aggregation and rescuing of the viability of Tau-stressed cells. Bacopa monnieri was observed to inhibit the Tau aggregation in vitro. The cells exposed to Bacopa monnieri were also observed to have a low level of ROS and caspase-3 activity. The immunoblot and immunofluorescence analysis showed that Bacopa monnieri acts as an antioxidant and restored the Nrf2 levels in Neuro2a cells. Bacopa monnieri treatment to Neuro2a cells was observed to reduce the phospho-Tau load in formaldehyde-stressed cells. Furthermore, the treatment of Bacopa monnieri reduced the phosphorylation of GSK-3 beta in formaldehyde-stressed cells. Ran and NUP358 are the key proteins involved in nuclear transport. It was observed that formaldehyde treatment impaired the nuclear transport by missorting the NUP358 arrangement in Neuro2a cells. On the contrary, Bacopa monnieri treatment restored the NUP358 arrangement in cells. The overall results of the present study suggested that Bacopa monnieri could be considered a potent herb against Tau phosphorylation and Tau aggregation, which projects it as a promising formulation for Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s disease.

}, keywords = {Bacopa monnieri, GSK-3 beta, Nrf2, Nuclear transport, NUP358, Tau Aggregation, Tau phosphorylation}, issn = {0141-8130}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123171}, author = {Dubey, Tushar and Kushwaha, Preeti and Thulasiram, H. V. and Chandrashekar, Madhura and Chinnathambi, Subashchandrabose} } @article {48473, title = {Bacterial communities and diversity of western ghats soil: a study of a biodiversity hotspot}, journal = {Current Microbiology}, volume = {80}, year = {2023}, month = {APR}, pages = {108}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The Western Ghats is one of India{\textquoteright}s mega-diversity hotspots and an ecologically and geologically important area for the diversity of endemic plants and animals. The present study provides insights into the aerobic bacterial diversity and composition of the soils of North Western Ghats located in Maharashtra state (NWGM), India. The samples for the culture-dependent study were collected from 6 different locations namely Malshej Ghat, Bhimashankar, Lonavala, Mulshi, Tail-Baila, and Mahabaleshwar. A total of 173 isolates were obtained from the different samples, which belonged to Proteobacteria (43\%), Firmicutes (36\%), and Actinobacteria (19\%). Sequences of 15 strains shared \<= 98.7\% similarity (a species cut-off) which represent potential novel species. Metagenomic analysis revealed the presence of Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria as the most dominant phyla at both MB and MG. However, both sites showed variation in the composition of rare phyla and other dominant phyla. This difference in bacterial community composition could be due to differences in altitude or other physicochemical properties. The functional prediction from the amplicon sequencing showed the abundance of carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism which was corroborated by screening the isolated bacterial strains for the same. The present study has a unique take on microbial diversity and defines the importance of community assembly processes such as drift, dispersal, and selection. Such processes are relatively important in controlling community diversity, distribution, as well as succession. This study has shown that the microbial community of NWGM is a rich source of polysaccharide degrading bacteria having biotechnological potential.

}, issn = {0343-8651}, doi = {10.1007/s00284-023-03207-1}, author = {Ghare, Uma and Narvekar, Simran and Lodha, Tushar and Mallebhari, Rubiya and Dastager, Syed and Barvkar, Vitthal T. and Dhotre, Dhiraj and Karmalkar, Nitin R. and Pable, Anupama A.} } @article {48465, title = {Benign strategy toward mesoporous carbon coated Sb nanoparticles: a high-performance Li-ion/Na-ion batteries anode}, journal = {Solid State Ionics}, volume = {396}, year = {2023}, month = {AUG}, pages = {116243}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Antimony (Sb)-based anodes can offer excellent gravimetric capacity (-660 mAhg(1)) in lithium-ion/sodium-ion batteries (LIBs/SIBs) fabricated using carbonate-based electrolytes complexed with lithium/sodium salt. However, high first-cycle irreversible loss (35-40\%) and gradual capacity fade (25-30\%/cycle) originate from solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), and severe volumetric stress (-300\%) associated with alloyed phase(s) impede reallife applications. Herein, we devise a benign strategy to develop mesoporous carbon coating onto antimony nanoparticles (Sb@C) based core-shell architecture for LIBs/SIBs anode. In particular, -30-50 nm thick mesoporous carbon spheres (-1 +/- 0.5 mu m) were obtained from resorcinol-formaldehyde (RF)-based polycondensation reaction by sol-gel chemistry engulfing Sb nanoparticles by suitably controlling Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)-induced steric stabilization and pH modulation during synthesis. The core-shell Sb@C helps faster Li+/Na+-ion migration preventing the structural collapse of Sb during electrochemical cycling and thereby improving the capacity fade. Electrochemical results demonstrate Sb@C can deliver a specific capacity of -536 mAhg(-1) and - 291 mAhg(-1) at 0.1C current rate in LIBs and SIBs, respectively, up to 200 cycles. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) indicates lower charge transfer (Rct) and SEI resistance (RSEI) of Sb@C cycled electrode than the bare Sb-NPs was the probable reason for improved Li/Na-ion storage in Sb@C anode. A detailed galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) and internal resistance measurements during 1st and 2nd cycles shed light on distinguishably different Li-ion/Na-ion storage behavior. The bulk Li+/Na+-ion diffusion coefficients found diminishes at reaction voltages (0.9 V/0.6 V for lithiation and 0.6 V/0.4 V for sodiation) corresponding with alloyed phase(s) concurrent with a drop in internal resistance at the quasi-opencircuit voltage (QOCV) during 1st and 2nd discharge cycle. On the contrary, de-alloying phenomena from the fully lithiated/sodiated phase(s) display an entirely opposite trend. The Li+ diffusion coefficient reaches minima at -1.1 V with a sudden jump in the internal resistance at QOCV during 1st and 2nd charge cycle. However, Na+ diffusion coefficient gradually drops along with a steep increase in the internal resistance, indicating partial Naion trapping and irreversible capacity loss.

}, keywords = {anode, Antimony, lithium-ion batteries, mesoporous carbon, Sodium-ion batteries}, issn = {0167-2738}, doi = {10.1016/j.ssi.2023.116243}, author = {Dashairya, Love and Chaturvedi, Vikash and Kumar, Abhishek and Mohanta, Tandra Rani and Shelke, Manjusha and Saha, Partha} } @article {48709, title = {Bi(III)-catalyzed synthesis of substituted furans from hydroxy-oxetanyl ketones: application to unified total synthesis of shikonofurans J, D, E, and C}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {88}, year = {2023}, month = {MAY}, pages = {7328-7346}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We report an improved synthetic protocol for hydroxymethyl-derivedpolysubstituted furans employing Bi-(III)-catalyzed dehydrative cycloisomerizationof alpha-hydroxy oxetanyl ketones. This procedure provides rapidaccess (within 5 min) to highly substituted furans with exceptionalfunctional group diversity, excellent yields, generality, scalability,and operationally simple reaction conditions. Further, it demonstratedthe utility of this method in the first enantioselective total synthesisof furyl-hydroquinone-derived biologically potent natural productsshikonofurans J, D, E, and C in seven linear steps, starting fromreadily available building blocks of 2,5-dihydroxy acetophenone and3-oxetanone employing chiral-phosphoric acid (TRIP)-catalyzed asymmetricprenylation as a key step to induce the chirality.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/acs.joc.3c00549}, author = {Kataria, Priyanka and Sahoo, Shubhranshu Shekhar and Kontham, Ravindar} } @article {48692, title = {Binder-free and flexible VOPO4/CNT film as cathode for aqueous rechargeable Zn-metal battery}, journal = {Advanced Sustainable Systems}, volume = {7}, year = {2023}, month = {SEP}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Aqueous rechargeable Zn-metal batteries (AZMBs) are promising energy storage aids due to their inherent safety, low cost, and competent performance, with prospects in stationary and portable applications. In this regard, one of the critical requirements is developing electrodes that can adapt to mechanical deformation without compromising the charge storage performance. The current work demonstrates the development of a binder-free and mechanically flexible composite cathode film (VP/fCNT-F, where {\textquoteleft}F{\textquoteright} stands for the film) based on VOPO4 (VP) and functionalized carbon nanotubes (fCNTs). The VP/fCNT-F film processing involves simple vacuum filtration of the composite obtained from the in-situ reaction of the fCNTs and the VP precursor in an aqueous medium. The functionalization of carbon nanotube (CNT) is important for the homogenous dispersion of VP and fCNT. The VP/fCNT-F electrode is used as a monolithic electrode in AZMB cells in combination with both liquid and quasi-solid-state gel polymer electrolytes. Besides, the utility of the VP/fCNT-F electrode in a flexible battery configuration is also demonstrated. Interestingly, in both the coin-cell and flexible configurations, the VP/fCNT-F electrode delivers a comparable discharge capacity of 90 and 78 mAh g(-1), respectively (at 0.1 A g(-1)), validating the advantage of the binder-free VP/fCNT-F electrode for AZMBs.

}, keywords = {binder-free cathodes, flexible batteries, layered VOPO4, polymer gel electrolytes, self-standing flexible films}, issn = {2366-7486}, doi = {10.1002/adsu.202300141}, author = {Dilwale, Swati and Babu, Athira and Puthiyaveetil, Priyanka Pandinhare and Kurian, Maria and Ghosh, Meena and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {48440, title = {Bismuth(III)-catalyzed cascade condensation of alkynyl alcohols with terminal alkynes: a facile construction of propargyl cyclic ethers}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {114}, year = {2023}, month = {JAN }, pages = {154274}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Herein, we report a Bi(OTf)3-catalyzed cascade condensation between alkynols (particularly pent-4-yn-1ols and hex-5-yn-1-ols) and terminal alkynes (aryl alkynes) to facile access to diverse propargyl cyclic ethers (2 alkynyl tetrahydrofurans and 2 alkynyl tetrahydropyrans). This simple and efficient cascade transformation proceeds through initial intramolecular hydroalkoxylation of alkynols to give corresponding cyclic enol ethers (via exo-dig or endo-dig mode of ring-closure) followed by hydroalkynylation. Costeffective, naturally abundant, green Lewis acid catalysis, ambient reaction conditions, short reaction times, good substrate scope, and high yields are salient features of this strategy.(c) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Alkynyl alcohols, Bismuth catalysis, Cascade condensation, Propargyl cyclic ethers, Terminal alkynes}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2022.154274}, author = {Pratapure, Madhukar S. and Kontham, Ravindar} } @article {48441, title = {Cadmium (II) Organo Tetrakis-[1,2]-Oxathiin (CdOTOT): a 3D sandwiched frameworks with efficient hydrogen production}, journal = {Journal of Catalysis}, volume = {417}, year = {2023}, month = {JAN}, pages = {341-350}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

For over a decade, the structure, reactivity, and mechanism of graphene based photocatalysts have been of great interest for hydrogen (H2) generation. Several studies have been done on the edge side groups (ESGs) of graphene oxide (GO), but the basal plane groups (BPGs)-epoxide and hydroxide have acquired far less attention. This is because the GO layers are strongly held with van der waals forces as well as H-bonding which prevents the foreign body from entering inside the layers. To overcome these problems, this study presents the successful synthesis and application of four coordinated sandwiched (FCS) Cadmium (II) Organo Tetrakis-[1,2]-Oxathiin (CdOTOT) in rGO-CdS composite (A 3D sandwiched frame-work). Additionally, experimental outcomes have been further supported using density functional theory (DFT), which suggest that CdOTOT is more stable than its precursors as well as thermodynamically favourable. The CdOTOT shows high H2 production activity -67.5 mmol/g or 13.5 mmol/g/h in presence of 1 \% Pt cocatalyst and sacrificial reagents (Na2S/Na2SO3). It is around 33 times higher than pristine CdS, and stable up to around 15 hrs without adding any cocatalyst. This mesmerising outcome is over with reported various CdS-rGO based photocatalysts. The higher activity was further explained through the proposed mechanism and observed low electronic work function of CdOTOT. This innovative and extend-able (with other metals) approach provides a revolutionary impact on numerous cutting-edge research applications like photocatalysis, water splitting, solar cell, etc.(c) 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {2], 3D sandwiched frameworks, Basal Plane Groups (BPGs), Cadmium (II) Organo Tetrakis-[1, hydrogen production, Oxathiin (CdOTOT)}, issn = {0021-9517}, doi = {10.1016/j.jcat.2022.12.019}, author = {Kumar, Praveen and Bajpai, Himanshu and Luwang, Meitram Niraj} } @article {48490, title = {Can Li atoms anchored on boron- and nitrogen-doped graphene catalyze dinitrogen molecules to ammonia? a DFT study}, journal = {ChemPhysChem}, volume = {24}, year = {2023}, month = {JUN}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The most successful electrochemical conversion of ammonia from dinitrogen molecule reported to date is through a Li mediated mechanism. In the framework of the above fact and that Li anchored graphene is an experimentally feasible system, the present work is a computational experiment to identify the potential of Li anchored graphene as a catalyst for N-2 to NH3 conversion as a function of (a) minimum number of Li atoms needed for anchoring on graphene sheets and (b) the role of chemical modification of graphene surfaces. The studies bring forth an understanding that Li anchored graphene sheets are potential catalysts for ammonia conversion with preferential adsorption of N-2 through end-on configuration on Li atoms anchored on doped and pristine graphene surfaces. This mode of adsorption being characteristic of Nitrogen Reduction Reaction (NRR) through enzymatic pathway, examination of the same followed by analysis of electronic properties demonstrates that tri-Li atoms (Tri Atom Catalysts, TACs) are more efficient as catalysts for NRR as compared to two Li atoms (Di Atom Catalysts, DACs). Either way, the rate determining step was found to be *NH2 -\>*NH3 step (mixed pathway) with Delta G(max)=1.02 eV and *NH2-*NH3 -\>*NH2 step (enzymatic pathway) with Delta G(max)=1.11 eV for 1B doped TAC and DAC on graphene sheet, respectively. Consequently, this work identifies the viability of Li anchored graphene based 2-D sheets as hetero-atom catalyst for NRR.

}, keywords = {computational chemistry, Graphene Sheet, heterogeneous catalysis, Li Nanoparticles, Nitrogen Reduction Reaction}, issn = {1439-4235}, doi = {10.1002/cphc.202200750}, author = {Verma, Tushar Singh and Samal, Pragnya Paramita and Selvaraj, Kaliaperumal and Krishnamurty, Sailaja} } @article {48721, title = {Can metal cations electrocatalyze sulfur redox reaction and suppress polysulfide shuttle?}, journal = {Batteries \& Supercaps}, volume = {6}, year = {2023}, month = {SEP}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries, sulfur undergoes various changes. It switches between cyclic structure and linear structure. The charge on the sulfur varies between a neutral state and a negative charge-bearing state. Due to these changes, the sulfur/polysulfide dissolves in the battery electrolyte. Furthermore, the kinetics of the sulfur redox reaction is sluggish. Therefore, a material that can suppress sulfur/polysulfide dissolution and electrocatalyze sulfur redox reaction is needed. We hypothesize that the polysulfide dissolution can be suppressed if the host exhibits polyvalent electrostatic attraction. Polysulfide is a negative charge-bearing molecule; hence the host must comprise multiple positive charges. Nickel cations with other heteroatoms have been explored as a host in Li-S batteries. The heteroatoms impart additional interactions. The easier way to circumvent the effect of heteroatoms is the addition of metal salts. However, metal salts can either exhibit monovalent or divalent attraction with polysulfides. Those interactions are weak and we must have polyvalent interaction. Towards this objective, we have designed and synthesized a material that comprises multiple divalent cations that is also devoid of heteroatoms. The Li-S batteries fabricated using the metal cation immobilized graphene showed a maximum specific capacity of 1022 mAh/g at 0.1 C rate. Among the metal cations, nickel cations showed better performance than cobalt cations. Thus, we demonstrate that metal cations immobilized on Graphene can efficiently electrocatalyze the sluggish sulfur redox reaction and suppress the polysulfide dissolution.

}, keywords = {electrocatalysis, graphene, lithium-sulfur batteries, metal cations, polysulfides}, doi = {10.1002/batt.202300136}, author = {Kumar, Subramani and Swain, Gitanjali and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam} } @article {48336, title = {Carbon black and chitin nanofibers for green tyres: preparation and property evaluation}, journal = {Carbohydrate Polymers}, volume = {310}, year = {2023}, month = {JUN}, pages = {120700}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

This research highlights the synergistic use of carbon black (CB) and chitin nanofibers (CHNFs) for developing green tyres for the first time. The CHNFs (12-30 nm) were prepared from chitin powder with the help of steam explosion and mild oxalic acid hydrolysis. The CHNFs were uniformly dispersed in natural rubber (NR) latex, dried, and mixed with CB in a two-roll mill to form NR/CB/CHNF composites. The NR/CB/CHNF composite at 1 phr CHNF loading exhibited tensile and tear strengths that were about 47 and 160 \% greater than the NR-Neat, respectively. The dynamic mechanical analysis showed that the loss tangent (tan delta) at 60 degrees C was 50 \% lower for the NR/CB/CHNF 1.0 composite than for the NR/CB50 composite. The study succeeded in developing a new green tyre tread formulation that would be helpful for attaining sustainability and a circular economy.

}, keywords = {carbon black, Chitin nanofibers, Green Tyre, natural rubber latex}, issn = {0144-8617}, doi = {10.1016/j.carbpol.2023.120700}, author = {Mathew, Mariya and Dominic, C. D. Midhun and Neenu, K. V. and Begum, P. M. Sabura and Dileep, P. and Kumar, T. G. Ajith and Sabu, Akshay Alax and Nagane, Dhiraj and Parameswaranpillai, Jyotishkumar and Badawi, Michael} } @article {48678, title = {Catalyst-assisted selective vinylation and methylallylation of a quaternary carbon center using tert-butyl acetate}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {88}, year = {2023}, month = {JUL}, pages = {9686-9703}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The In-(OTf)(3)-catalyzed \& alpha;-vinylationof varioushydroxy-functionalized quaternary carbon centers using in situ generatedisobutylene from tert-butyl acetate is presentedas a novel synthetic methodology. Moreover, tert-butylacetate is a nonflammable feed stock and is a readily available sourcefor the in situ production of vinyl substituents, as demonstratedby the vinylation reaction with quaternary hydroxy/methoxy compounds.Moreover, an excellent selectivity for methylallylation over vinylationwas obtained with Ni-(OTf)(2) as a catalyst. In the case ofperoxyoxindole, methylallyl-functionalized 1,4-benzoxazin-3-one derivativeswere formed through the sequential rearrangement of peroxyoxindolefollowed by the nucleophilic attack by isobutylene. The detailed mechanismfor this reaction and rationalization for the selectivity are providedusing kinetics and density functional theory studies.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/acs.joc.2c03072}, author = {Mohanta, Nirmala and Samal, Pragnya Paramita and Pandey, Akanksha M. and Mondal, Shankhajit and Krishnamurty, Sailaja and Gnanaprakasam, Boopathy} } @article {48818, title = {Chemical bridge-mediated heterojunction electron transport layers enable efficient and stable perovskite solar cells}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces}, volume = {15}, year = {2023}, month = {JUN}, pages = {29597-29608}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) emerged as potential photovoltaicenergy-generating devices developing in recent years because of theirexcellent photovoltaic properties and ease of processing. However,PSCs are still reporting efficiencies much lower than their theoreticallimits owing to various losses caused by the charge transport layerand the perovskite. In this regard, herein, an interface engineeringstrategy using functional molecules and chemical bridges was appliedto reduce the loss of the heterojunction electron transport layer.As a functional interface layer, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)was introduced between PCBM and the ZnO layer, and as a result, EDTAsimultaneously formed chemical bonds with PCBM and ZnO to serve asa chemical bridge connecting the two. DFT and chemical analyses revealedthat EDTA can act as a chemical bridge between PCBM and ZnO, passivatedefect sites, and improve charge transfer. Optoelectrical analysisproved that EDTA chemical bridge-mediated charge transfer (CBM-CT)provides more efficient interfacial charge transport by reducing trap-assistedrecombination losses at ETL interfaces, thereby improving device performance.The PSC with EDTA chemical bridge-mediated heterojunction ETL exhibiteda high PCE of 21.21\%, almost no hysteresis, and excellent stabilityto both air and light.

}, keywords = {charge transfer, chemical bridge, electron transport layer, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, Perovskite solar cells, trap-assisted recombination}, issn = {1944-8244}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.3c04852}, author = {Patil, Pramila and Maibam, Ashakiran and Sangale, Sushil S. and Mann, Dilpreet Singh and Lee, Hyun-Jung and Krishnamurty, Sailaja and Kwon, Sung-Nam and Na, Seok-In} } @article {48268, title = {Chemically modified graphene sheets as potential sensors for organophosphate compounds(pesticide): A DFT study}, journal = {Applied Surface Science}, volume = {619}, year = {2023}, month = {MAY}, pages = {156745}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Owing to the extensive use of pesticides in agriculture and the threat posed to the environment and humankind, attention is drawn toward the need for its remediation from various sources, in particular from water. The adsorption characteristics of hydrophobic graphene and its BN doped counterparts are evaluated using DFT methodology, to assess their sensing potential towards notable pesticide molecules (Organophosphate pesticides (OPs) such as chlorpyriphos, parathion, methyl-parathion, and fenitrothion). To accomplish this, various elec-tronic properties such as band structure, DOS, Bader charge analysis, and CDD have been calculated. Interest-ingly, exothermic interactions (-0.1 eV to-2 eV) have been noted for all the OPs with NB doped single vacancy defect induced graphene surfaces. With an exception of FTN, all the other OPs showed significant changes in the electronic properties of surfaces as apparent from the change in band gap and nature of the band from indirect to direct. The appreciable adsorption energy, higher charge transfer, and notable variation in the band gap are the decisive factors behind the strong interaction exhibited by NB doped surfaces especially dg-(NB-2)2 (except FTN). These findings demonstrate the suitability of NB doped single vacancy defect induced graphene sheets for the detection of the studied OPs.

}, keywords = {Adsorption, BN doped graphene surfaces, Charge density difference, Density functional theory, Organophosphate pesticides}, issn = {0169-4332}, doi = {10.1016/j.apsusc.2023.156745}, author = {Shivankar, Bhavana R. and Singh, Chandrodai Pratap and Krishnamurty, Sailaja} } @article {48728, title = {Chromatography assisted in-vitro refolding and purification of recombinant peptibody: recombinant romiplostim a case study}, journal = {International Journal of Biological Macromolecules}, volume = {249}, year = {2023}, month = {SEP }, pages = {126037}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In-vitro protein refolding is one of the key rate-limiting unit operations in manufacturing of fusion proteins such as peptibodies expressed using E. coli. Dilution-assisted refolding is the most commonly used industrial practice to achieve the soluble, native functional form of the recombinant protein from the inclusion bodies. This study is focused on developing a chromatography-assisted in-vitro refolding platform to produce the biologically active, native form of recombinant peptibody. Recombinant Romiplostim was selected as a model protein for the study. A plug flow tubular reactor was connected in series with capture step affinity chromatography to achieve simultaneous in-vitro refolding and capture step purification of recombinant Romiplostim. Effect of various critical process parameters like fold dilution, temperature, residence time, and Cysteine: DTT ratio was studied using a central composite based design of experiment strategy to achieve a maximum refolding yield of selected peptibody. Under optimum refolding conditions, the maximum refolding yield of 57.0 \& PLUSMN; 1.5 \% and a purity of over 79.73 \& PLUSMN; 3.4 \% were achieved at 25-fold dilution, 15 degrees C temperature, 6 h residence time with 6 mM and 10 mM of cysteine and DTT, respectively. The formation of native peptibody structure was examined using various orthogonal analytical tools to study the protein{\textquoteright}s primary, secondary, and tertiary structure. The amino acid sequence for the disulfide-linked peptide was mapped using collision-induced dissociation (CID) to confirm the formation of interchain disulfide bonds between Cys7-Cys7 and Cys10-Cys10 similarly for intra-chain disulfide bonds between Cys42-Cys102, and Cys148-Cys206. The developed protocol here is a valuable tool to identify high-yield scalable refolding conditions for multi-domain proteins involving inter-domain disulfide bonds.

}, keywords = {CE-SDS, Disulfide bonds, In-vitro refolding, Peptibody, Romiplostim}, issn = {0141-8130}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126037}, author = {Rana, Sunil and Ughade, Santosh and Kumthekar, Rupali and Bhambure, Rahul} } @article {48309, title = {Cobalt-manganese modified theophrastite phase of nickel hydroxide nanoflower arrays on nickel foam as a self-standing bifunctional electrode for overall water electrolysis}, journal = {Sustainable Energy \& Fuels}, volume = {7}, year = {2023}, month = {MAY}, pages = {2428-2440}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Designing and developing self-supported electrodes for water electrolysis is attractive as compared to conventional catalyst-coated electrodes. Herein, a (Co0.3Mn0.1Ni0.6)(OH)(2)/NF nanocomposite is prepared by anchoring (Co0.3Mn0.1Ni0.6)(OH)(2)via simple one-pot hydrothermal synthesis on nickel foam. The presence of Mn induces the external electronic structure of Co(OH)(2), and this also improves the electrochemically active surface area (ECSA). These favor better accessibility of active sites and increased intrinsic activity for the OER and HER. (Co0.3Mn0.1Ni0.6)(OH)(2)/NF has shown promising electrochemical activity toward the OER and HER in a 1 M KOH electrolyte, with an overpotential of 270 mV for the OER and 163 mV for the HER to deliver 10 mA cm(-2) current density. The overall water splitting was performed by employing (Co0.3Mn0.1Ni0.6)(OH)(2)/NF as both the cathode and anode by displaying a voltage of 1.62 V at 10 mA cm(-2), which is comparable to that extracted from a similar system based on the state-of-the-art Pt/C@NF cathode and RuO2@NF anode (1.60 V at 10 mA cm(-2)) standard electrode pair. Interestingly, at high current densities, the (Co0.3Mn0.1Ni0.6)(OH)(2)/NF//(Co0.3Mn0.1Ni0.6)(OH)(2)/NF system displayed better overall water splitting performance (1.78 V at 100 mA cm(-2)) compared to its Pt/C@NF//RuO2@NF (1.89 V at 100 mA cm(-2)) counterpart while displaying a stable output during the evolution period that lasted for 24 h. The amounts of H-2 and O-2 produced are estimated to be 701.2 and 358.6 mmol, respectively, at a time interval of 1 h; these amounts correspond to an similar to 1 : 2 ratio of O-2 and H-2, respectively. This study confirms the capability for employing (Co0.3Mn0.1Ni0.6)(OH)(2)/NF as a bi-functional and self-standing electrode for the realistic demonstrations of overall water splitting applications.

}, issn = {2398-4902}, doi = {10.1039/d3se00233k}, author = {Kharabe, Geeta Pandurang and Illathvalappil, Rajith and Barik, Sidharth and Kanheerampockil, Fayis and Walko, Priyanka S. and Bhat, Suresh K. and Devi, R. Nandini and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {48812, title = {Cocrystallization of multi-kinase inhibitor pazopanib with fenamic acids: improving dissolution and inhibiting cell migration}, journal = {CrystEngComm}, volume = {25}, year = {2023}, month = {OCT }, pages = {5565-5574}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A multi-kinase inhibitor, pazopanib (PAZ) is cocrystallized with cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor fenamic acids to investigate the dissolution rate and inhibition of cell migration in VEGF-triggered HUVEC cells to test the efficacy of stoichiometric drug-drug combinations. Crystallization experiments at the sub-milligram level in an acetonitrile-methanol mixture yielded two drug-drug salt forms of PAZ with flufenamic acid (FFA) and niflumic acid (NFA) as PAZ+center dot FFA-center dot ACN (an acetonitrile solvate named as form I) and PAZ+center dot NFA-. Structures of the crystal forms were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) method. Crystal structures revealed that the presence of a 2-aminopyrimidine group in PAZ is a strong partner for the carboxyl group in all solid forms, forming an acidMIDLINE HORIZONTAL ELLIPSISpyrimidine heterosynthon with COX inhibitor fenamic acids. To perform dissolution experiments and cell line analysis, the scale-up of both salt forms were done in the acetonitrile-methanol mixture through crystallization, which showed a polymorphic transformation in the case of PAZ+center dot FFA-center dot ACN (an acetonitrile solvate named form II). The thermodynamic stability of PAZ+center dot FFA-center dot ACN (form II) and PAZ+center dot NFA- were analysed using slurry experiment under ambient conditions in pH 1.2 (0.1 N HCl) buffer medium and the residual solid phase was characterized by powder XRD, which showed that PAZ+center dot FFA-center dot ACN (form II) was a metastable solid form while PAZ+center dot NFA- was a stable solid form. The dissolution experiments at gastric pH 1.2 showed that the rate of dissolution of PAZ+center dot FFA-center dot ACN was 10 times higher than PAZ+center dot NFA-. The cell migration assay suggested that PAZ+center dot FFA-center dot ACN inhibited similar to 25\% and PAZ+center dot NFA- inhibited similar to 20\% migration of HUVEC cells compared to PAZ alone. These investigations suggested that the drug-drug salts PAZ+center dot FFA- and PAZ+center dot NFA- would be potential combo drug candidates for clinical trials. Multi-drug crystalline salts of pazopanib with fenamic acids exhibit enhanced dissolution and 20\% higher inhibition in the migration of HUVEC cells compared to the reference drug.

}, doi = {10.1039/d3ce00773a}, author = {Rai, Sunil K. and Gunnam, Anilkumar and Roy, Debopriya and Rajput, Raveena and Kulkarni, Kiran and Nangia, Ashwini K.} } @article {48442, title = {Cofilin-membrane interactions: electrostatic effects in phosphoinositide lipid binding}, journal = {ChemPhysChem}, volume = {24}, year = {2023}, month = {FEB }, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The actin cytoskeleton interacts with the cell membrane primarily through the indirect interactions of actin-binding proteins such as cofilin-1. The molecular mechanisms underlying the specific interactions of cofilin-1 with membrane lipids are still unclear. Here, we performed coarse-grain molecular dynamics simulations of cofilin-1 with complex lipid bilayers to analyze the specificity of protein-lipid interactions. We observed the maximal interactions with phosphoinositide (PIP) lipids, especially PIP2 and PIP3 lipids. A good match was observed between the residues predicted to interact and previous experimental studies. The clustering of PIP lipids around the membrane bound protein leads to an overall lipid demixing and gives rise to persistent membrane curvature. Further, through a series of control simulations, we observe that both electrostatics and geometry are critical for specificity of lipid binding. Our current study is a step towards understanding the physico-chemical basis of cofilin-PIP lipid interactions.

}, keywords = {complex membrane, lipid clustering, Martini coarse-grain simulations, Molecular dynamics simulations, Protein-lipid interactions}, issn = {1439-4235}, doi = {10.1002/cphc.202200509}, author = {Prakash, Shikha and Krishna, Anjali and Sengupta, Durba} } @article {48489, title = {Comparative evaluation of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for reducing SARS-CoV-2 viral load from campus sewage water}, journal = {Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering}, volume = {11}, year = {2023}, month = {JUN}, pages = {109673}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Presence of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater is a major concern as the wastewater meets rivers and other water bodies and is used by the population for various purposes. Hence it is very important to treat sewage water in an efficient manner in order to reduce the public health risk. In the present work, various advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have been evaluated for disinfection of SARS-CoV-2 from sewage water collected from STP inlet of academic institutional residential. The sewage water was subjected to ten AOPs, which include Ozone (O3), Hydrodynamic cavitation (HC), Ultraviolet radiation (UV), and their hybrid combinations like HC/O3, HC/O3/ H2O2, HC/H2O2, O3/UV, UV/H2O2, UV/H2O2/O3, and O3/H2O2 to reduce SARS-CoV-2 viral load. Further, AOP treated sewage water was subjected to total nucleic acid isolation followed by RT-qPCR for viral load estimation. The sewage water treatment techniques were evaluated based on their viral concentration-reducing efficiency. It was found that ozone and ozone-coupled hybrid AOPs showed the most promising result with more than 98 \% SARS-CoV-2 viral load reducing efficiency from sewage water. Interestingly, the best six AOPs used in this study significantly reduced both the SARS-CoV-2 and PMMoV (faecal indicator) viral load and improved water quality in terms of increasing DO and decreasing TOC.

}, keywords = {AOPs and hybrid AOPs, Hydrodynamic cavitation, Ozonation, PMMoV, SARS-CoV-2, Sewage water treatment}, issn = {2213-2929}, doi = {10.1016/j.jece.2023.109673}, author = {Pramanik, Rinka and Bodawar, Narendra and Brahme, Aashay and Kamble, Sanjay and Dharne, Mahesh} } @article {48666, title = {Composites of HKUST-1@nanocellulose for gas-separation and dye-sorption applications}, journal = {CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL}, volume = {29}, year = {2023}, month = {JUN}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In this study, composites of HKUST-1 MOF with nanocellulose, HKUST-1@NCs, have been prepared and explored for CO2/N-2 gas-separation and dye-sorption based applications. Our biopolymer-MOF composites are prepared via a copper ion pre-seeding method, in which, the HKUST-1 crystallites are grown in situ on the Cu-seeded and carboxylate anchored NC fibers for a better interfacial integration between the MOF and the polymer matrices. Static gas sorption studies show the capability of one of our HKUST-1@NC composites to reach similar to 300 \% enhancement in the CO2/N-2 sorption selectivity compared to the corresponding MOF alone - blank reference sample prepared at similar conditions. The same composite, C100, in the bulk powder form, shows a remarkable IAST sorption selectivity of 298 (CO2/N-2) at 298 K and 1 bar for the CO2/N-2 (15/85, v/v) gas mixture. The relative position of the C100, in the bound plot visualizations of the CO2/N-2 separation trade-off factors indicate a significant potential. The HKUST-1@NC composites have also been processed along with a polymeric cellulose acetate (CA) matrix as HKUST-1@NC@CA films to study them as free-standing mixed-matrix membranes. The CO2/N-2 sorption selectivity, at 298 K and 1 bar is 600 for one such membrane, C-120@CA, as bulk sample studied by the static gas sorption. The composite, C120, exhibits a good uptake with an enhancement of 11 \% for alizarin and 70 \% for Congo red in comparison to the uptakes of the corresponding blank reference HKUST-1 sample, B120.

}, keywords = {CO2 separation, dye sorption, MOFs, nanocellulose composites, sustainable polymers}, issn = {0947-6539}, doi = {10.1002/chem.202300674}, author = {Muhamed, Shamna and Sunny, Blesson and Kunjattu, Shebeeb H. and Alagarsamy, Thirumurugan} } @article {48480, title = {Comprehensive analysis of physiological and metabolomic responses to drought reveals specific modulation of acquired tolerance mechanisms in rice}, journal = {Physiologia Plantarum}, volume = {175}, year = {2023}, month = {MAY}, pages = {e13917}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Mild stresses induce {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}acquired tolerance traits{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} (ATTs) that provide tolerance when stress becomes severe. Here, we identified the genetic variability in ATTs among a panel of rice germplasm accessions and demonstrated their relevance in protecting growth and productivity under water-limited conditions. Diverse approaches, including physiological screens, association mapping and metabolomics, were adopted and revealed 43 significant marker-trait associations. Nontargeted metabolomic profiling of contrasting genotypes revealed 26 {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}tolerance-related-induced{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} primary and secondary metabolites in the tolerant genotypes (AC-39000 and AC-39020) compared to the susceptible one (BPT-5204) under water-limited condition. Metabolites that help maintain cellular functions, especially Calvin cycle processes, significantly accumulated more in tolerant genotypes, which resulted in superior photosynthetic capacity and hence water use efficiency. Upregulation of the glutathione cycle intermediates explains the ROS homeostasis among the tolerant genotypes, maintaining spikelet fertility, and grain yield under stress. Bioinformatic dissection of a major effect quantitative trait locus on chromosome 8 revealed genes controlling metabolic pathways leading to the production of osmolites and antioxidants, such as GABA and raffinose. The study also led to the identification of specific trait donor genotypes that can be effectively used in translational crop improvement activities.

}, issn = {0031-9317}, doi = {10.1111/ppl.13917}, author = {Doddaraju, Pushpa and Dharmappa, Prathibha M. and Thiagarayaselvam, Aarthy and Vijayaraghavareddy, Preethi and Bheemanahalli, Raju and Basavaraddi, Priyanka A. and Malagondanahalli, Mohan Kumar V. and Kambalimath, Sumanth and Thulasiram, Hirekodathakallu V. and Sreeman, Sheshshayee M.} } @article {48319, title = {Comprehensive molecular and clinical investigation of approved Anti-HCV drugs repurposing against SARS-CoV-2 infection: a glaring gap between benchside and bedside medicine}, journal = {Vaccines}, volume = {11}, year = {2023}, month = {MAR}, pages = {515}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The limited availability of effective treatment against SARS-CoV-2 infection is a major challenge in managing COVID-19. This scenario has augmented the need for repurposing anti-virals for COVID-19 mitigation. In this report, the anti-SARS-CoV-2 potential of anti-HCV drugs such as daclatasvir (DCV) or ledipasvir (LDP) in combination with sofosbuvir (SOF) was evaluated. The binding mode and higher affinity of these molecules with RNA-dependent-RNA-polymerase of SARS-CoV-2 were apparent by computational analysis. In vitro anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity depicted that SOF/DCV and SOF/LDP combination has IC50 of 1.8 and 2.0 mu M, respectively, comparable to remdesivir, an approved drug for COVID-19. Furthermore, the clinical trial was conducted in 183 mild COVID-19 patients for 14 days to check the efficacy and safety of SOF/DCV and SOF/LDP compared to standard of care (SOC) in a parallel-group, hybrid, individually randomized, controlled clinical study. The primary outcomes of the study suggested no significant difference in negativity after 3, 7 and 14 days in both treatments. None of the patients displayed any worsening in the disease severity, and no mortality was observed in the study. Although, the post hoc exploratory analysis indicated significant normalization of the pulse rate showed in SOF/DCV and SOF/LDP treatment vs. SOC. The current study highlights the limitations of bench side models in predicting the clinical efficacy of drugs that are planned for repurposing.

}, keywords = {antiviral, COVID-19, daclatasvir, ledipasvir, SARS-CoV-2, sofosbuvir}, doi = {10.3390/vaccines11030515}, author = {Bansode, Sneha and Singh, Pawan Kumar and Tellis, Meenakshi and Chugh, Anita and Deshmukh, Narendra and Gupta, Mahesh and Verma, Savita and Giri, Ashok and Kulkarni, Mahesh and Joshi, Rakesh and Chaudhary, Dhruva} } @article {48813, title = {Continuous hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde: gas-liquid-liquid-solid helical coil reactor}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {62}, year = {2023}, month = {AUG }, pages = {19250-19261}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The advantages and challenges of using the gas-liquid-liquid-solid(GLLS) hydrogenation system are discussed in this work using the caseof selective hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde to cinnamyl alcohol (animportant ingredient in the perfume and flavoring industry). The fourphases in this system include gas (hydrogen)-liquid (organic, reactant+ solvent)-liquid (aqueous KOH)-solid (5\% Pt/C catalyst). The additionof second liquid phase, i.e., aqueous KOH significantly increasesselectivity toward cinnamyl alcohol compared to the conventional three-phasehydrogenation. The four-phase GLLS reactions were carried out andoptimized in a continuous helical coil reactor. The role of key aspectssuch as gas solubility, kinetics, flow hydrodynamics, axial dispersion,and mass transfer on the performance of a continuous GLLS reactoris presented and discussed in this work. The presented results anddiscussion will be useful for addressing conflicting demands likelong residence time, low axial dispersion, and high mass transfer.The experimental studies and results of the developed mathematicalmodel indicate that the continuous GLLS helical coil reactor outperformsthe batch operation. The production rates (kg day(-1)) of cinnamyl alcohol achieved in continuous operation were at leastdouble in comparison to batch operation, with 32\% less consumptionof precious catalyst (per kg of product). The presented results will open up new opportunities for enhancing selectivity and overall performanceof hydrogenations via introducing a second immiscible liquid phaseand designing continuous tubular reactors for the same.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/acs.iecr.3c00841}, author = {Khan, Muzammil Y. and Joshi, Sunil S. and Ranade, Vivek V.} } @article {48263, title = {Controlled reduction of isocyanates to formamides using monomeric magnesium}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {59}, year = {2023}, month = {FEB}, pages = {2255-2258}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

This work describes a transition metal-free methodology involving an efficient and controlled reduction of isocyanates to only formamide derivatives using pinacolborane (HBpin) as the hydrogenating agent and a bis(phosphino)carbazole ligand stabilized magnesium methyl complex (1) as the catalyst. A large number of substrates undergo selective hydroboration and give exclusively N-boryl formamides.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/d3cc00036b}, author = {Kumar, Rohit and Sharma, Vishal and Banerjee, Subhrashis and Vanka, Kumar and Sen, Sakya S.} } @article {48772, title = {Conversion of benzyl phenyl ether to monoaromatics in high-temperature aqueous ethanol solution under high-pressure carbon dioxide conditions}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {47}, year = {2023}, month = {JUL}, pages = {12561-12569}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Solvolysis of benzyl phenyl ether (BPE), which is a model compound of lignin ether linkage, was studied in an aqueous ethanol solution, which can be obtained from bioethanol, under high-pressure carbon dioxide conditions. A batch study revealed that BPE solvolysis to monoaromatics (benzyl ethyl ether (BEE), benzyl alcohol (BA), and phenol (Ph)) proceeded in aqueous ethanol solution over 523 K and the addition of high-pressure carbon dioxide enhanced the initial solvolysis rate and suppressed the side reaction (hydrogenolysis to toluene (TL)). The ethanol molar fraction (ethanol-water volume ratio) is the key factor for the solvolysis reaction, and the highest monoaromatic yield of 72.9\% (BEE 10.7\%, BA 19.3\%, Ph 37.9\%, and TL 5.1\%) was obtained in aqueous ethanol solution (2 cm(3) : 1 cm(3) = water:ethanol) at 598 K for 3 h under a pressure of 18 MPa of carbon dioxide. The solvolysis reaction proceeded continuously to produce monoaromatics with a flow system. A monoaromatic yield of 76.7\% (BEE 8.6\%, BA 19.7\%, Ph 39.6\%, and TL 8.9\%) was obtained, and the formation rates were 2.7 x 10(-4) mmol min(-1) for BEE, 6.2 x 10(-4) mmol min(-1) for BA, and 12.4 x 10(-4) mmol min(-1) for Ph at 598 K under flowing water (26 mmol min(-1)), ethanol solution (4.1 mmol min(-1)), carbon dioxide (1.2 mmol min(-1)), and BPE (15.6 x 10(-4) mmol min(-1)) under a total pressure of 40 MPa.

}, issn = {1144-0546}, doi = {10.1039/d3nj01773g}, author = {Taniguchi, Kenkichi and Kusumawati, Etty N. and Nanao, Hidetaka and Rode, Chandrashekhar V. and Sato, Osamu and Yamaguchi, Aritomo and Shirai, Masayuki} } @article {48833, title = {Covalent organic framework thin-film photodetectors from solution-processable porous nanospheres}, journal = {Journal of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {145}, year = {2023}, month = {JAN}, pages = {1649-1659}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The synthesis of homogeneous covalent organic framework (COF) thin films on a desired substrate with decent crystallinity, porosity, and uniform thickness has great potential for optoelectronic applications. We have used a solution-processable sphere transmutation process to synthesize 300 +/- 20 nm uniform COF thin films on a 2 x 2 cm2 TiO2-coated fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) surface. This process controls the nucleation of COF crystallites and molecular morphology that helps the nanospheres to arrange periodically to form homogeneous COF thin films. We have synthesized four COF thin films (TpDPP, TpEtBt, TpTab, and TpTta) with different functional backbones. In a close agreement between the experiment and density functional theory, the TpEtBr COF film showed the lowest optical band gap (2.26 eV) and highest excited-state lifetime (8.52 ns) among all four COF films. Hence, the TpEtBr COF film can participate in efficient charge generation and separation. We constructed optoelectronic devices having a glass/FTO/TiO2/COF-film/Au architecture, which serves as a model system to study the optoelectronic charge transport properties of COF thin films under dark and illuminated conditions. Visible light with a calibrated intensity of 100 mW cm-2 was used for the excitation of COF thin films. All of the COF thin films exhibit significant photocurrent after illumination with visible light in comparison to the dark. Hence, all of the COF films behave as good photoactive substrates with minimal pinhole defects. The fabricated out-of-plane photodetector device based on the TpEtBr COF thin film exhibits high photocurrent density (2.65 +/- 0.24 mA cm-2 at 0.5 V) and hole mobility (8.15 +/- 0.64 x10-3 cm2 V-1 S-1) compared to other as synthesized films, indicating the best photoactive characteristics.

}, issn = {0002-7863}, doi = {10.1021/jacs.2c09838}, author = {Bag, Saikat and Sasmal, Himadri Sekhar and Chaudhary, Sonu Pratap and Dey, Kaushik and Blaette, Dominic and Guntermann, Roman and Zhang, Yingying and Poloz, Miroslav and Kuc, Agnieszka and Shelke, Ankita and Vijayaraghavan, Ratheesh K. and Ajithkumar, Thalasseril G. and Bhattacharyya, Sayan and Heine, Thomas and Bein, Thomas and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article {48261, title = {Covalently interconnected layers in g-C3N4: toward high mechanical stability, catalytic efficiency and sustainability}, journal = {Applied Catalysis B: Environmental}, volume = {322}, year = {2023}, month = {MAR}, pages = {122069}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The grim prospects for the industrial utilization of g-C3N4 nanosheets arise from multi-step processing resulting in low material yields and poor visible light response due to quantum confinement. Herein, we introduce a strategy for linking the adjacent layers of g-C3N4 covalently to realize a high surface area without excess mass loss in a one-step process by introducing diethylene glycol as a precursor that produces-(CH2)2-O-(CH2)2-linkers in-situ. Their presence increases interlayer spacing and introduces surface curvatures, discouraging the stacking of a larger number of layers to produce nanosheets with-3 times higher surface area. Interestingly, unlike other layered materials, the linkers also provide extraordinary mechanical stability against exfoliating forces. In addition, the process instills sub-bandgap states and a considerable visible light response at 500 nm to slow down the picosecond exciton recombination dynamics, resulting in-5 times enhancement in H2 generation efficiency from photocatalytic water-splitting over the bulk sample.

}, keywords = {Layer-linkers, Sustainable synthesis, Transient absorption spectroscopy, water-splitting}, issn = {0926-3373}, doi = {10.1016/j.apcatb.2022.122069}, author = {Roy, Raj Sekhar and Mondal, Sanjit and Mishra, Samita and Banoo, Maqsuma and Sahoo, Lipipuspa and Kumar, Amit and Vinod, C. P. and De, Arijit K. and Gautam, Ujjal K.} } @article {48299, title = {D-A-D-based unsymmetrical thiosquaraine dye for the dye-sensitized solar cells(dagger)}, journal = {Photochemistry and Photobiology}, volume = {99}, year = {2023}, month = {MAR}, pages = {529-537}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In dye-sensitized solar cell, modulating the electronic properties of the sensitizer by varying the donor, pi-spacer, acceptor and anchoring groups help optimizing the structure of the dye for better device performance. Here, a donor-acceptor-donor-based unsymmetrical thiosquaraine sensitizer (SQ5S) has been designed and synthesized. Photophysical, electrochemical, theoretical and photovoltaic characterizations of SQ5S dye have been compared with its oxygen analog, SQ5. The incorporation of the sulfur atom in the acceptor unit of SQ5S dye showed an intense peak at 688 nm, which was 38 nm of red-shifted and showed the panchromatic light harvesting response with the onset of 850 nm compared with SQ5 dye. The LUMO and HOMO energy levels are well aligned with the conduction band of TiO2 and the redox potential of electrolyte for the charge injection and the dye-regeneration processes, respectively. Photovoltaic efficiency of 1.51\% (V-OC 610 mV, J(SC) 3.07 mA cm(-2), ff 81\%) has been achieved for SQ5S dye, whereas SQ5 showed the device performance of 5.43\% (V-OC 723 mV, J(SC) 9.3 mA cm(-2), ff 80\%). The decreased device performance for the dye SQ5S has been attributed to the favorable intersystem crossing process associated with the photoexcited SQ5S that reduces the driving force for the charge injection process.

}, issn = {0031-8655}, doi = {10.1111/php.13769}, author = {Jadhav, Avinash P. and Singh, Ambarish Kumar and Maibam, Ashakiran and Krishnamurty, Sailaja and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam and Nithyanandhan, Jayaraj} } @article {48823, title = {Design and development of multi-functional graphitic carbon nitride heterostructures embedded with copper and iron oxide nanoparticles as versatile sensing platforms for environmental and agricultural applications}, journal = {Ceramics International}, volume = {49}, year = {2023}, month = {JUN}, pages = {20688-20698}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In the recent past, agrotechnology has witnessed a tremendous change due to the advent of technologies employed towards enhancing the yield and quality of the crops. The application of nanotechnology in agriculture is promoting sustainable practices and smart farming. Currently, nanomaterial-based sensors are gaining considerable attention in agrotechnology, such sensors can detect the environmental conditions and support for crop growth and enhances the agricultural yield. Graphiticcarbon nitride (g-C3N4), a soft polymer belongs to a class of 2-D semiconductors which are affordable, metal-free, indispensable for sensing applications due to significant changes in their conductivity upon exposure to analyte molecules in nano-regime. Further, this g-C3N4 can be combined with other nano metal oxides to form nanocomposites with remarkable properties and superior performance. In this work we report development of high-performance sensors based on graphitic carbon nitride embedded with copper and iron oxide nanoparticles. These heterostructures offers tremendous improvement in the physical and chemical properties due to the synergetic interactions between various phases. The chemiresistive sensor fabricated from these nanocomposites exhibit excellent sensitivity towards monitoring methane gas @ ppb level, relative humidity (\% RH), and soil moisture content. Owing to their excellent sensitivity, stability and selectivity, this graphitic carbon nitride embedded with Cu and Fe oxide nanoparticles could be potentially used as multifunctional sensors towards environmental monitoring and greenhouse conditions in agricultural applications.

}, keywords = {Agricultural sensors, CuO nanoparticles, Environmental monitoring, FeO nanoparticles, Graphitic carbon nitride}, issn = {0272-8842}, doi = {10.1016/j.ceramint.2023.03.200}, author = {Khasim, Syed and Pasha, Apsar and Dastager, Syed G. and Panneerselvam, Chellasamy and Hamdalla, Taymour A. and Al-Ghamdi, S. A. and Alfadhli, S. and Makandar, Mohammad Basha and Albalawi, Jalal Bassam and Darwish, A. A. A.} } @article {48303, title = {Design and synthesis of photocrosslinker and light blocker based on L-Amino acid polyester and their application in solvent-free resin formulation for DLP/SLA 3D printing}, journal = {Polymers}, volume = {270}, year = {2023}, month = {MAR }, pages = {125781}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Customising material design for new technological applications like additive manufacturing (AM) is a challenging yet promising approach to create a palette of materials suitable for developing eco-friendly products. LGlutamic acid and L-aspartic acid based aliphatic, photocurable polyester crosslinkers were designed and developed and incorporated into a solvent-free photocurable resin formulation with hydroxyl (ethyl)methacrylate (HEMA). Proof-of-concept 3D printing of clear and transparent objects was demonstrated using digital light processing (DLP) and Stereolithography (SLA) techniques. Resolution of the 3D printed objects could be improved by incorporating a Dansyl labelled L-glutamic acid polyester, which not only aided in modulating the viscosity of the resin formulation but could also function as a light blocker, thereby avoiding polymerization of unwanted areas while 3D printing. The curing kinetics of the photocurable formulation was analyzed using photo differential Scanning Calorimetry. Enzymatic degradability studies of 3D printed films were undertaken in PBS buffer containing esterase enzyme and compared with 3D printed samples using HEMA and a commercial crosslinker (Trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA)). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to evaluate the morphology of the 3D printed films before and after enzymatic degradation in the PBS buffer for 60 days. The 3D printed amino acid crosslinked films of HEMA presented high degree of degradation in contrast to the near total absence of any degradation in the 3D printed film crosslinked using TMPTA. The availability of new photocurable formulations that are enzymatically degradable are highly sought after for 3D printing applications.

}, keywords = {3D printing, Crosslinker, L -Amino acid Polyester, Light blocker, Photocurable}, issn = {0032-3861}, doi = {10.1016/j.polymer.2023.125781}, author = {Kamble, Ganesh N. and Joshi, Dheeraj Chandra and Asha, S. K.} } @article {48288, title = {Designing an industrially viable bimetallic catalyst for the polyol synthesis}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {47}, year = {2023}, month = {APR}, pages = {7548-7555}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Designing new catalysts for the hydrogenation of sugars is important since the conventional catalyst RANEY (R) Ni faces issues such as leaching, operation under severe conditions (similar to 100 bar H-2) to achieve better yields and formation of complexes of Ni with polyols. To overcome these issues and to have an industrially acceptable methodology, bimetallic catalysts with varying metal loadings (Ru = 1.5 and 2 wt\% and Co = 1.5, 3, and 4 wt\%) were synthesized in the current work and their hydrogenation activities were evaluated for the synthesis of sugar alcohols from various sugars. It was revealed that the nature of the support plays an important role in deciding the selectivity and activity of the catalyst and amongst all the supports, basic alumina showed the best activity due to its contribution to the ring opening of sugars. C5 and C6 sugars were successfully hydrogenated to their respective sugar alcohols under low H-2 pressures (15 bar) and it was observed that as compared to the monometallic (1.5)Ru/Al-Basic catalyst, the bimetallic (1.5)Ru(3)Co/Al-Basic catalyst showed enhancement in the activity by almost 1.5 times. The improvement in the activity is suggested to be due to (i) observance of the synergistic effect between the base metal (Ru) and the promoter metal (Co); (ii) effect of basicity of the support; and (iii) electronic effect of Ru and Co. Recyclability of the catalysts and their efficiency to hydrogenate higher concentration substrate solutions (10-20 wt\%) make the overall process industrially attractive.

}, issn = {1144-0546}, doi = {10.1039/d3nj00044c}, author = {Kadam, Jyoti R. and Khan, Tufeil Sartaj and Dhepe, Paresh L.} } @article {48679, title = {Direct amidation of acids in a screw reactor for the continuous flow synthesis of amides}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {59}, year = {2023}, month = {JUL }, pages = {9231-9234}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A simple and efficient solvent-free protocol for continuous flow synthesis of amides at room temperature is developed using easily available starting materials. N-(3-Dimethylaminopropyl)-N \& PRIME;-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC.HCl) was used as the reagent for the formation of an amide bond without using any metal catalyst or additives. A jacketed screw reactor when operated over a residence time of 30 300 s helped achieve almost complete conversion. This approach is extended for the synthesis of 36 derivatives and 2 bioactive molecules using different substrates having different aliphatic mono and di-acids as well as aromatic acids, including aromatic hetero-acid compounds and phenyl hydrazine. The target amide was scaled up to 100 g with an average 90\% yield.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/d3cc02402d}, author = {Atapalkar, Ranjit S. and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article {48722, title = {Divergent synthesis of oxepino-phthalides and [5,5]-oxaspirolactones through [2+2+2]- and [2+3]-annulation of alkynyl alcohols with a-ynone-esters}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {88}, year = {2023}, month = {AUG }, pages = {12597-12612}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Unmasking the synthetic potential of alkyne functional group of alkynyl alcohols as surrogates of carbonyl compounds, herein we present the first Bronsted acid (TfOH)-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2]-annulation of 4-pentyn-1-ols (possessing terminal alkyne) with a-ynone-esters to access tricyclic tetrahydro-oxepino-phthalides. Besides, an unprecedented synthesis of a-acetoaryl or a-alkynyl [5,5]-oxaspirolactones has been demonstrated by employing 4-pentyn-1-ols (possessing an internal alkyne) as an annulation partner, which proceeds through a divergent [2 + 3]-annulation pathway.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/acs.joc.3c01301}, author = {Kambale, Digambar A. and Borade, Balasaheb R. and Vinodkumar, Ramavath and Kontham, Ravindar} } @article {48771, title = {Donor strapped perylene bisimide macrocycle and its lemniscate dimer with extended charge separation}, journal = {Inorganic Chemistry Frontiers}, volume = {10}, year = {2023}, month = {OCT }, pages = {5099-5107}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Macrocyclic structures are fascinating due to their unique design and capability to place chromophores in specific orientations, resulting in exciting optoelectronic properties. However, the synthetic challenges limit the broad exploration of such systems. Herein, we report a thiophene-diacetylene-based ring strapped perylene bisimide macrocycle and its notably different electron transfer features. Single-crystal analysis of the macrocycle pointed to the nearly orthogonal placement of donor-acceptor units, facilitating better electronic communication between them. Interestingly, introduction of an alkyl substituent on the peripheral thiophene ring opened the possibility of forming a higher oligomer macrocycle consisting of two strapped perylene bisimide units. Diffusion and two-dimensional NMR experiments provided insight into the structure of the figure-eight-shaped lemniscate dimer. Transient absorption measurements showed faster electron transfer and extended stabilization of the charge-separated state. The thiophene-diacetylene-based ring is a better donor unit to facilitate rapid electron transfer and extended charge separation in the macrocycle and its lemniscate dimer. The new macrocycle design enables the formation of higher analogs equally capable of stabilizing the charge-separated state. Donor-acceptor (D-A) macrocycle designs position the respective units to achieve ultrafast electron transfer precisely and an extended charge-separated state. Here, we report a D-A macrocycle and its lemniscate dimer molecule with exciting electron transfer features.

}, issn = {2052-4129}, doi = {10.1039/d3qo01060k}, author = {Veer, Sairam Dnyaneshwar and Goswami, Tanmay and Ravindranathan, Sapna and Gonnade, Rajesh and Kharbanda, Nitika and Ghosh, Hirendra N. and Babu, Sukumaran Santhosh} } @article {48734, title = {Donor-acceptor-based two-dimensional polymer as a supercapacitor electrode with long cycling stability}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {47}, year = {2023}, month = {OCT }, pages = {18049-18054}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The high demand for energy and energy-storage devices urged organic 2D polymers as a potential candidate in this area. One of the major attractions of 2D polymers in electrochemical applications is their long cycling stability due to their rigid and porous structure. Herein, we developed a 2D polymer comprised of donor-acceptor units exhibiting reasonably good performance as a supercapacitor. The 2D polymer displayed a maximum specific capacitance of 218 F g-1 at a current rate of 0.1 A g-1, a higher power density of 4648.35 W kg-1, and an energy density of 7.05 W h kg-1. In a cycling stability test, it demonstrated a capacitance retention of 70\% over 10 000 continuous charge-discharge cycles at a current rate of 2.5 A g-1. Such long cycling stability was attributed to the donor-acceptor units and the crystalline nature of the polymer. The sensible selection of the building blocks of the 2D polymers is crucial for the performance and hence provides scope for improvement. An organic donor-acceptor-based 2D polymer, a promising candidate for energy storage devices, displays a specific capacitance of 218 F g-1, a power density of 4648.35 W kg-1, an energy density of 7.05 W h kg-1, and a capacitance retention of 70\% over 10 000 cycles.

}, issn = {1144-0546}, doi = {10.1039/d3nj02510a}, author = {Bhagyasree, T. M. and Puthiyaveetil, Priyanka Pandinhare and Kumar, Viksit and Asokan, Kiran and Sreekumar, K. and Babu, Sukumaran Santhosh} } @article {48762, title = {Effect of charge and solvation shell on non-radiative decay processes in s-block cationic metal ion water clusters}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Physics}, volume = {159}, year = {2023}, month = {AUG }, pages = {054304}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Intermolecular Coulombic decay or electron transfer-mediated decay are the autoionization processes through which a molecule can relax. This relaxation is only possible if the inner valence{\textquoteright}s ionization potential (IP) exceeds the system{\textquoteright}s double ionization potential (DIP). To study the effects of charge and solvation shell, we have calculated the IP, DIP values, and lifetime of Na-2s and Mg-2s temporary bound states in various optimized structures of Na+-(H2O)(n) and Mg2+-(H2O)(n) (n = 1-5) micro-solvated clusters, where n water molecules are distributed in a way that some are directly bound to the metal ion and the rest to the water molecules. The first and second solvation shells are the names for the former and the latter water-binding positions, respectively. For a given n, the lifetime of decaying states is longer when water molecules are in the second solvation shell. We found that the Mg-2p state can decay for all n values in Mg2+-(H2O)(n) clusters, whereas the Na-2p state{\textquoteright}s decay is possible for n \>= 2 in Na+-(H2O)(n) clusters. Our findings highlight the influence of metal ions{\textquoteright} charge, different solvation shell structures, and the number of water molecules on the decay rate. These systems are relevant to the human body, which makes this study significant.

}, issn = {0021-9606}, doi = {10.1063/5.0153598}, author = {Kumar, Ravi and Ghosh, Aryya and Vaval, Nayana} } @article {48731, title = {Effect of microwave heating on the residence time distribution in a tubular reactor}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {62}, year = {2023}, month = {AUG }, pages = {19381-19389}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Microwave(MW) heating has been revolutionary in various applications,including chemical synthesis. A nonconventional heating approach reducesthe reaction time significantly. For a continuous flow tubular reactorunder microwaves, the temperature would change from the inlet to theoutlet depending on the dielectric constant of the reaction mass,which would further change the physical properties, viz., the densityand viscosity of the material. Such changes in the physical propertieswould lead to nonideal flows and would affect the conversion as wellas selectivity for reactions. In order to understand the extent ofsuch a nonideality, here for the first time we have done systematicstudies of the residence time distribution in a helical coil reactor.The axial dispersion model has been modified to take into accountthe temperature-dependent physical properties of the fluid. The empiricalcorrelation for the dispersion number is obtained over the range of450 \& LE; P (W) \& LE; 1200 and 60 \& LE; T (\& DEG;C) \& LE; 150. This study will help model thereaction kinetics as well as reactor design under microwave specificallyfor heat sensitive reactions where variations in the overall residencetime would affect the yield and selectivity of the end product.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/acs.iecr.3c01243}, author = {Sonawane, Jayesh R. and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article {48444, title = {Effect of protonation and deprotonation on electron transfer mediated decay and interatomic coulombic decay}, journal = {ChemPhysChem}, volume = {24}, year = {2023}, month = {JAN}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Electronically excited atoms or molecules in an environment are often subject to interatomic/intermolecular Coulombic decay (ICD) and/or electron transfer mediated decay (ETMD) mechanisms. A few of the numerous variables that can impact these non-radiative decay mechanisms include bond distance, the number of nearby atoms or molecules, and the polarisation effect. In this paper, we have studied the effect of protonation and deprotonation on the ionization potential (IP), double ionization potential (DIP), and lifetime (or decay width) of the temporary bound state in these non-radiative decay processes. We have chosen LiH-NH3 and LiH-H2O as test systems. The equation of motion coupled cluster singles and doubles method augmented by complex absorbing potential (CAP-EOM-CCSD) has been used in calculating the energetic position of the decaying state and the system{\textquoteright}s decay rate. Deprotonation of LiH-NH3/LiH-H2O either from the metal center (LiH) or from ammonia/water lowers the IP and DIP compared to the neutral systems. In contrast, protonation increases these quantities compared to neutral systems. The protonation closes the inner valence state relaxation channels for ICD/ETMD. For example, the decay of the O-2s/N-2s state stops in protonated systems (LiH2+-H2O, LiH2+-NH3, and LiH-NH4+). Our study also shows that the efficiency, i. e., the rate of ICD/ETMD, can be altered by protonation and deprotonation. It is expected to have implications for chemical and biological systems.

}, issn = {1439-4235}, doi = {10.1002/cphc.202200340}, author = {Kumar, R. and Vaval, N.} } @article {48821, title = {The effect of substituents on the aggregation-induced emission of 9,10-phenanthraquinone-hydrazones}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {47}, year = {2023}, month = {AUG }, pages = {15066-15075}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Organic luminophores, particularly \& pi;-conjugated systems, have become crucial in modern optoelectronic devices that utilise luminescence as an output signal, requiring aggregate or solid-states, such as nanoparticles, thin films, or crystals. Herein, we report the one-step synthesis of six hydrazone derivatives using condensation reactions between 9,10-phenanthrenedione and different aromatic hydrazines, comprising electron-donating/electron-withdrawing groups and a quinoline moiety. The introduction of a conjugated \& pi;-system leads to complete co-planarization of molecules resulting in large bathochromic shifts in their absorption profile, the maximum red-shifts ever observed for the hydrazones. These hydrazones are weakly fluorescent in dilute acetonitrile solutions. However, they exhibit enhanced emissions of up to 300-fold in aggregated states. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies support nanoaggregate formation. All the compounds exhibit red to NIR emissions in their crystalline state with as high as 75\% quantum efficiency.

}, issn = {1144-0546}, doi = {10.1039/d3nj02198j}, author = {Kumar, M. Naveen and Lyngkhoi, Deikrisha Lyngdoh and Gaikwad, Sudhakar and Samanta, Debabrata and Khatua, Snehadrinarayan and Pramanik, Susnata} } @article {48294, title = {Efficient and convenient heterogeneous Cu/MCM-41 catalyst for the synthesis of 7,10,11,12-tetrahydrobenzo[c]acridin-8(9H)-one derivatives}, journal = {Research on Chemical Intermediates}, volume = {49}, year = {2023}, month = {APR}, pages = {1581-1600}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

An efficient and convenient method for synthesis of 7,10,11,12-tetrahydrobenzo[c]acridin-8(9H)-one derivatives using Cu/MCM-41 (20 mg) as heterogeneous catalyst. The advantages have an excellent product yield within a short time and easy work-up procedure, and the products have directly recrystallized from hot methanol with cost-effective catalyst. One-pot three-component reaction from aromatic aldehydes, cyclic 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds, and 1-naphthyl amine has been carried under ethanol as a solvent with reflux condition. Moreover, the catalyst can be recovered conveniently and reused efficiently, and recyclable. [GRAPHICS] .

}, keywords = {Benzo[c]acridine, dimedone, Heterogeneous Cu/MCM-41 catalyst, Multicomponent one-pot reaction}, issn = {0922-6168}, doi = {10.1007/s11164-023-04962-3}, author = {Dhengale, Shankar D. and Bhosale, Tanaji R. and Shinde, Sachin B. and Rode, Chandrashekhar V. and Kolekar, Govind B. and Anbhule, Prashant V.} } @article {48327, title = {Electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction on defective graphene modulated from single atom catalyst to aluminium clusters}, journal = {Applied Surface Science}, volume = {623}, year = {2023}, month = {JUN }, pages = {157024}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Density Functional Theory (DFT) investigation on the most earth-abundant Al-based catalysts, has been conducted detailing its electronic properties and catalytic efficacy for nitrogen reduction at ambient condition. The Al-based catalysts have been modulated to perform as par a highly performing, but rare, Ru-single atom catalytic center by varying number of Al atoms, shape, and size. The coalesce of band-center, work function and electronic properties in metal atom catalysts along with N-N bond activation has been demonstrated to be responsible for an efficient nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) with Delta Gmax of 0.78 eV in Al5 supported on N-doped double vacancy graphene (Al5@N4-DVG) catalyst. Electron localization function analysis has shown a weak physisorption of N2 in the Al-based catalysts. Projected Density of States (PDOS) illustrates the enhancement of aluminium electron density in Al5@N4-DVG led to enhanced orbital densities overlap of Alp and Np electrons. The Bader charge analysis and electronic analysis of the intermediates show efficient electron gain on the N atoms, leading to formation of NH3 from the NxHy intermediates in Al5@N4-DVG catalyst.

}, issn = {0169-4332}, doi = {10.1016/j.apsusc.2023.157024}, author = {Maibam, Ashakiran and Krishnamurty, Sailaja and BabaRao, Ravichandar} } @article {48676, title = {Electrode|electrolyte interface enhancement in quasi-solid-state zinc-air batteries through an anion conducting polymer electrolyte interlayer by in situ polymerization}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry A}, volume = {11}, year = {2023}, month = {JUL}, pages = {14776-14787}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

This work introduces a novel concept of electrode|electrolyte interface enhancement using an ultraviolet (UV) light-assisted in situ polymerization strategy to improve the performance of quasi-solid-state zinc-air batteries (ZABs). The suitability of the UV polymerization strategy to process a mechanically stable OH- conducting anion exchange polymer electrolyte membrane (AEPEM) reinforced by a glass fiber (GF) separator is also reported. The in situ polymerized ionomer-skin/interlayer (a thin anion-conducting polymer coating over the air-cathode of ZAB) acts as a buffer layer to narrow down the performance gap generally observed between ZABs possessing quasi-solid-state electrolytes and standard liquid electrolytes, respectively. For instance, when combined with the in situ polymerization strategy, a rechargeable ZAB (rZAB) based on an AEPEM-GF composite membrane delivered a high power density of 140 mW cm(-2), higher than that of the one without an in situ polymerized ionomer interlayer (120 mW cm(-2)). Notably, in a flexible rZAB configuration, this new strategy resulted in enhanced rate capability and cycling stability for 14 h at an operating current density of 2 mA cm(-2).

}, issn = {2050-7488}, doi = {10.1039/d3ta02320f}, author = {Kurian, Maria and Vijayakumar, Vidyanand and Manna, Narugopal and Kanheerampockil, Fayis and Bhat, Suresh and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {48748, title = {Elevated level of glycated KQTALVELVK peptide of albumin is associated with the risk of diabetic nephropathy}, journal = {ACS Omega}, volume = {8}, year = {2023}, month = {JUN }, pages = {20654-20660}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Diabetic nephropathyis a leading cause of end-stagerenal disease.Hence, early detection of diabetic nephropathy is essential to mitigatethe disease burden. Microalbuminuria, the currently used diagnosticmarker of diabetic nephropathy, is not efficient in detecting it atan early stage. Therefore, we explored the utility of glycated humanserum albumin (HSA) peptides for risk prediction of diabetic nephropathy.Three glycation-sensitive HSA peptides, namely, FKDLG-EENFK,KQTAL-VELVK, and KVPQVST-PTLVEVSR, with deoxyfructosyllysine(DFL) modification were quantified by targeted mass spectrometry (MS)in a study population comprising healthy and type II diabetes subjectswith and without nephropathy. Mass spectrometry, receiver operatingcharacteristic (ROC) curve, and correlation analysis revealed thatthe DFL-modified KQTALVELVK peptide was better than other glycatedHSA peptides and HbA(1c) for identifying diabetic nephropathy.DFL-modified KQTALVELVK could be a potential marker for risk predictionof diabetic nephropathy.

}, issn = {2470-1343}, doi = {10.1021/acsomega.3c01219}, author = {Chaurasiya, Arvindkumar H. and Jaiswal, Meera R. and Bayatigeri, Santhakumari and Kahar, Shweta and Tiwari, Shalbha and Unnikrishnan, Ambika G. and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @article {48755, title = {Enhancing diradical character of chichibabin{\textquoteright}s hydrocarbon through fluoride substitution}, journal = {ChemPlusChem}, volume = {88}, year = {2023}, month = {AUG}, pages = {e202300273}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In this work, 5-SIDipp [SIDipp=1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-imidazolin-2-ylidene] (1) derived Chichibabin{\textquoteright}s hydrocarbon with an octafluorobiphenylene spacer (3) has been reported. The addition of two equivalents of 5-SIDipp with decafluorobiphenyl in presence of BF3 gives the double C-F bond activated imidazolium salt with two tetrafluoroborate anions, 2. Further reduction of 2 gives the fluorine substituted 5-SIDipp based Chichibabin{\textquoteright}s hydrocarbon, 3. Quantum chemical calculations suggested a singlet state of 3 with a singlet-triplet energy gap (?ES-T) of 3.7 kcal mol(-1), which is substantially lower with respect to the hydrogen substituted NHC-based Chichibabin{\textquoteright}s hydrocarbons (10.7 kcal mol(-1), B3LYP). As a result, the diradical character (y) of 3 (y=0.62) is also noticeably higher than the hydrogen substituted CHs (y=0.41-0.43). The ?ES-T was found to be higher in CASSCF (22.24 kcal mol(-1)) and CASPT2 (11.17 kcal mol(-1)) for 3 and the diradical character (d) is 44.6 \%.

}, keywords = {C-F Bond Activation, Chichibabin \& PRIME, DFT, N-Heterocyclic carbene, s Hydrocarbon}, issn = {2192-6506}, doi = {10.1002/cplu.202300273}, author = {Kundu, Gargi and Dash, Soumya Ranjan and Kumar, Ravi and Vanka, Kumar and Ghosh, Aryya and Sen, Sakya S.} } @article {48682, title = {Evaluation of the adhesive properties of vanillin-derived polyhydroxy urethanes}, journal = {Journal of Applied Polymer Science}, volume = {140}, year = {2023}, month = {Dec}, pages = {e54647}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Poly(hydroxy urethanes) (PHUs) have been considered attractive and safer variants of conventional polyurethanes (PUs). To improve the prerequisites of green and sustainable chemistry herein, we propose the synthesis and utilization of cyclic carbonate monomers majorly derived from vanillin, a lignin derivative, and CO2 for the development of PHUs. Kinetic evaluation on the polymerization temperature ascertained 80 degrees C as the optimum condition for PHU synthesis. The structural evaluation of PHUs was carried out by various spectroscopic techniques, such as FTIR, (HNMR)-H-1, and C-13-NMR, molar masses were determined by gel permeation chromatography (Mn varied between 2500 and 11,100 g/mol), and thermal properties evaluated by differential scanning calorimeter (Tg in the ranges of 28-42 degrees C), and thermogravimetric analysis (stable above 180 degrees C). Since the PHUs are enriched with pendant hydroxyl groups on their backbone which can promote adhesion, lap shear studies on the aluminum substrate exhibited a maximum shear strength of 1.65 +/- 0.37 MPa. This study demonstrates an attractive and environment-friendly pathway for developing novel PHUs network using renewable biobased resources and further explores its applicability as adhesives.

}, keywords = {adhesive, biobased cyclic dicarbonate, diamines, poly(hydroxyurethane)s, Vanillin}, issn = {0021-8995}, doi = {10.1002/app.54647}, author = {Ghuge, Gorakh Hiraman and Kambikanam, Karthika Vayalachery and Nair, Kiran Sukumaran} } @article {48747, title = {Exploration of different solid variants of the anticancer medication Panobinostat (PNB) with improved physicochemical attributes}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Structure}, volume = {1292}, year = {2023}, month = {NOV }, pages = {136086}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Panobinostat (PNB), is a medication used for the treatment of multiple myeloma. It is a BCS Class II drug with strong permeability and poor solubility. Therefore, it is highly desirable to investigate novel PNB variants with improved physiochemical properties. In this regard, several solid forms of PNB have been produced employing mechanochemistry and solution crystallisation techniques using a variety of GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) salt formers, notably oxalic acid (OA), fumaric acid (FA), maleic acid (MA), and succinic acid (SA). Powder X-Ray Diffraction (PXRD), Single Crystal X-Ray Diffraction (SCXRD), and thermal analysis such as Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) were used to characterize all the synthesised molecular adducts. Hirshfeld surfaces and fingerprint plots demonstrate that the molecular entities are stabilized by O \& BULL;\& BULL;\& BULL;H, C \& BULL;\& BULL;\& BULL;H, C \& BULL;\& BULL;\& BULL;C and H \& BULL;\& BULL;\& BULL;H intermolecular interactions. Moreover, the solubility of parent PNB and its molecular adducts in pH 1.2/pH 6.8 was evaluated at room temperature. In every instance, an increase in the solubility of molecular salts relative to the parent medication is seen, notably PNB.MA exhibits enhanced solubility of 0.294 mg/ml, a 73fold increase over the parent PNB. Furthermore, it is observed that this upsurge in solubility of all the forms is static at pH 1.2. A thorough analysis of the recovered residue after solubility showed that most of the molecular adducts were stable at pH 6.8 and did not display any phase change or dissociation (with the exception of PNB.MA), but at pH 1.2 they transferred into a new stable form and extensive analysis confirmed that it converted into PNB.Cl salt. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on novel solid forms of PNB with enhanced physicochemical properties which implies that the obtained PNB molecular adduct may help in the development of improved PNB formulations.

}, keywords = {Hydrogen bond, Molecular adducts, solubility, Solvates}, issn = {0022-2860}, doi = {10.1016/j.molstruc.2023.136086}, author = {Kenguva, Gowtham and Giri, Lopamudra and Rout, Smruti Rekha and Acharya, Achyuta Nanda and Dandela, Rambabu} } @article {48710, title = {Exploring SiliaCat Pd-DPP as a recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for the multi-batch direct heteroarylation polymerization for P(NDI2OD-T2)}, journal = {Polymer Chemistry}, volume = {14}, year = {2023}, month = {JUN}, pages = {2803-2819}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Donor-acceptor (D-A) conjugated polymers like P(NDI2OD-T2) are important constituents of the active layer of energy conversion devices like all-polymer solar cells. A cost-effective and environmentally amiable pathway for the synthesis of this and similar D-A polymers is highly desirable for the large-scale production of these materials. In this report we have combined two cost-effective approaches, namely, direct heteroarylation polymerization (DHAP) and a recyclable heterogeneous catalyst (SiliaCat Pd-DPP), for the multi-batch synthesis of P(NDI2OD-T2). The general applicability of the approach was first established with a series of conjugated small molecules based on naphthalene diimide and bithiophene derivatives (N1 to N6). The Meitlis hot filtration test and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) were conducted to estimate the quantity of leached palladium in the final reaction product. Catalyst recyclability up to five cycles was demonstrated for N1 with \<2 ppm leached palladium impurity. A comparison was made with the homogeneous catalyst Pd(2)dba(3) which indicated the presence of much higher levels of palladium impurity in the final product. The polymerization of P(NDI2OD-T2) was demonstrated using the regular monomers (NDIOD-Br-2 and bithiophene) and also using a modified monomer with activated bithiophene (naphthalene diimide substituted bithiophene) under DHAP conditions employing SiliaCat Pd-DPP as the recyclable heterogeneous catalyst. The modified monomer proved to be amenable to DHAP polymerization using SiliaCat Pd-DPP as the heterogeneous catalyst, which could be consecutively reused four times with reproducible molecular weights in the range of M-n/M-w: 27.1/49.0 to 33.5/61.3.

}, issn = {1759-9954}, doi = {10.1039/d3py00183k}, author = {Kakde, Navnath R. and Asha, S. K.} } @article {48445, title = {Expounding lemonal terpenoids as corrosion inhibitors for copper using DFT based calculations}, journal = {Applied Surface Science}, volume = {614}, year = {2023}, month = {MAR}, pages = {156066}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The most important bottleneck in identifying an innovative and yet viable corrosion inhibitor for copper surfaces is discerning the chemical interactions at the interface of adsorbate and adsorbent. The present work, primarily, discerns the interface chemistry of green corrosion inhibitors, viz., lemonal terpenoids, with the copper surfaces for the first time. The interface chemistry is evaluated for distinct facets of copper, modelled by periodic surfaces to finite sized aggregates, with two stereoisomers viz., citral and neral through density functional calculations. The adsorption/ interaction properties between the surface and the corrosion inhibiting molecule are analysed through the electronic properties such as density of states, charge density difference plots and Bader charges where in distinct bonding mechanisms are identified as a function of varying facets. Apart from the adsorption properties, molecular packing properties are of paramount importance towards the design of an efficient corrosion inhibitor for a surface. Hence, we also analyse the intermolecular stacking energies between the inhibitors when packed among themselves in vacuum and when adhered on to metal surfaces. The studies bring forth an understanding that lemon terpenoids are highly potential corrosion inhibitors for copper surfaces, particularly, for Cu (110) surfaces both in neutral and protonated form.

}, keywords = {Copper surface, Density Functional Theory (DFT), Green corrosion inhibitors, Interface chemistry, Lemonal terpenoids, Molecular stacking}, issn = {0169-4332}, doi = {10.1016/j.apsusc.2022.156066}, author = {Samal, Pragnya Paramita and Singh, Chandrodai Pratap and Krishnamurty, Sailaja} } @article {48266, title = {FeCl2-catalyzed rearrangement of aryl peroxyoxindole into 1,3-benzooxazin-4-One}, journal = {Advanced Synthesis \& Catalysis}, volume = {365}, year = {2023}, month = {FEB}, pages = {515-521}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We report an FeCl2-catalyzed radical rearrangement of aryl peroxyoxindoles into 1,3-benzooxazin-2-ones to obtain a variety of aryl substituted 1,3-benzooxazin-4-ones in moderate to good yields. Mechanistically, this skeletal rearrangement of peroxyoxindoles proceeded via radical pathway and was well supported with a series of experimental findings and DFT studies.

}, keywords = {1, 3-Benzooxazin-4-one, FeCl2, Peroxyoxindole, rearrangement, Ring expansion}, issn = {1615-4150}, doi = {10.1002/adsc.202201308}, author = {Mohanta, Nirmala and Samal, PragnyaParamita and Krishnamurty, Sailaja and Gnanaprakasam, Boopathy} } @article {48295, title = {Food-grade xylitol production from corncob biomass with acute oral toxicity studies}, journal = {World Journal of Microbiology \& Biotechnology}, volume = {39}, year = {2023}, month = {APR}, pages = {102}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Xylitol, a sugar substitute, is widely used in various food formulations and finds a steady global market. In this study, xylitol crystals were produced from corncob by fermentation (as an alternative to the chemical catalytic process) by a GRAS yeast Pichia caribbica MTCC 5703 and characterized in detail for their purity and presence of any possible contaminant that may adversely affect mammalian cell growth and proliferation. The acute and chronic oral toxicity trials demonstrated no gross pathological changes with average weekly weight gain in female Wistar rats at high xylitol loading (LD50 \> 10,000 mg/kg body weight). The clinical chemistry analysis supported the evidence of no dose-dependent effect by analyzing blood biochemical parameters. The finding suggests the possible application of the crystals (\> 98\% purity) as a food-grade ingredient for commercial manufacture pending human trials.

}, keywords = {Acute oral toxicity, Corncob, Fermentation, Shelf life analysis, xylitol}, issn = {0959-3993}, doi = {10.1007/s11274-023-03542-2}, author = {Dasgupta, Diptarka and Ahuja, Vishal and Singh, Raghuvir and More, Snehal and Mudliar, Sandeep and Kumar, Madan} } @article {48258, title = {Functionalized Mo2BX2 (X = H, OH, O) MBenes as a promising sensor, capturer and storage material for environmentally toxic gases: A case study of 1T and 2H phase}, journal = {Applied Surface Science}, volume = {615}, year = {2023}, month = {APR }, pages = {156299}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

MBenes analogous to MXenes, exfoliated from the bulk MAB phase (M = transition metal, A = IIIA and IVA group, and B = boron) have appeared as promising two dimensional (2D) materials due to their intriguing properties. Here, we report the 2D 1T-2H-phase of Mo2B with their functionalized derivatives Mo2BX2 (X= H, OH, O) and investigate their structural, electronic, and adsorption behavior of toxic gases using the first-principles calculations. This study finds that pristine and functionalized MBenes have dynamic and thermal stability and possess metallic nature in both phases. Based on adsorption behavior and comparison with other 2D materials, we find that pristine MBenes are a desirable adsorbent for NO2, SO2, and CO2 capture. In contrast, the moderate adsorption energies for functionalized MBenes-NH3 systems reveal good sensitivity for NH3 gas detection in both phases. In particular, 2H-Mo2BH2 has higher CT (-0.11e) and appropriate adsorption energy (-0.30 eV), leads a shorter recovery time. Further, DOS calculations reveal that the electrical conducting behavior of MBenes makes them suitable for NH3 detection with a short recovery time. Our results would provide the first insight into the surface-functionalized effect on the structural and electronic properties of the MBenes, and shed light on the application of MBenes for the sensing and catalyst of typical toxic and greenhouse gases, respectively.

}, keywords = {Adsorption energy, First-principles study, Functionalization, Gas sensing, MBenes}, issn = {0169-4332}, doi = {10.1016/j.apsusc.2022.156299}, author = {Shukla, Aarti and Sharma, Gautam and Krishnamurty, Sailaja} } @article {48739, title = {Green adeptness in synthesis of non-toxic copper and cobalt oxide nanocomposites with multifaceted bioactivities}, journal = {Cancer Nanotechnology}, volume = {14}, year = {2023}, month = {DEC}, pages = {79}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Background: In the present era, we are facing different health problems mainly concerning with drug resistance in microorganisms as well as in cancer cells. In addition, we are also facing the problems of controlling oxidative stress and insect originated diseases like dengue, malaria, chikungunya, etc. originated from mosquitoes. In this investigation, we unfurled the potential of Achatina fulica mucus in green synthesis of mucus mediated copper oxide bio-nanocomposites (SM-CuONC) and cobalt oxide bio-nanocomposites (SM-Co3O4NC). Herein we carried out the physico-chemical characterization like UV-Vis spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDAX) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) of as synthesized bio-nanocomposites. Both the bio-nanocomposites were tested for their potential as antimicrobial activity using well diffusion assay, anticancer activity by MTT assay, antioxidant activity by phosphomolybdenum assay and mosquito larvicidal activity.Results: The results of this study revealed that, SM-CuONC and SM-Co3O4NC were synthesized successfully using A. fulica mucus. The FESEM and TEM data reveal the formation of nanoparticles with quasi-spherical morphology and average particle size of similar to 18 nm for both nanocomposites. The EDAX peak confirms the presence of elemental copper and cobalt in the analyzed samples. The X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the crystalline nature of the CuO and Co3O4. The result of anti microbial study exhibited that, SM-CuONC showed maximum antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli NCIM 2065 and Aspergillus fumigatus NCIM 902 which were noted as 2.36 +/- 0.31 and 2.36 +/- 0.59 cm resp. at 60 mu g/well concentration. The result of anticancer activity for SM-CuONC was exhibited as, 68.66 +/- 3.72, 62.66 +/- 3.61 and 71.00 +/- 2.36 percent kill, while SM-Co3O4NC exhibited 61.00 +/- 3.57, 72.66 +/- 4.50 and 71.66 +/- 4.22 percent kill against Human colon cancer (HCT-15), Cervical cancer (HeLa), and Breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cell lines, respectively, at 20 mu g/well concentration. Both the nanocomposites also exhibited better antioxidant activity. Total antioxidant activity for SM-CuONC at 50 mu g/ml concentration was found to be highest as 55.33 +/- 3.72 while that of SM-Co(3)O(4)Ns was 52.00 +/- 3.22 mM of ascorbic acid/mu g respectively. Both bio-nanocomposites also exhibited 100\% mosquito larvicidal activity at concentration ranging from 40 to 50 mg/l. During cytotoxicity study it is noted that at 5 mu g/well concentration, SM-CuO and SM-Co3O4NCs suspension showed more than 97\% viability of normal (L929) cell lines. We also studied phytotoxicity of both bio-nanocomposites on Triticum aestivum. In this study, 100\% seed germination was observed when seeds are treated with SM-CuONC and SM-Co3O4NC at 500 mg/l and 250 mg/l concentration respectively.Conclusions: This study concludes that in future as synthesized SM-CuONC and SM-Co3O4NC can be used in pharmaceutical, health care system for betterment and welfare of human life as both bio-nanocomposites exhibits better antimicrobial, anticancer, antioxidant and mosquito larvicidal potential.

}, keywords = {Achatina fulica mucus, Bio-nanocomposites, Biological activities, Characterization, Toxicity}, issn = {1868-6958}, doi = {10.1186/s12645-023-00226-2}, author = {Mane, Pramod C. and Kadam, Deepali D. and Khadse, Ashok N. and Chaudhari, Aditya R. and Ughade, Supriya P. and Agawane, Sachin B. and Chaudhari, Ravindra D.} } @article {48829, title = {High rate, high temperature, dendrite free plating/stripping of Li in 3-dimensional honeycomb boron carbon nitride to realize an ultrastable lithium metal anode}, journal = {Journal of Energy Storage}, volume = {68}, year = {2023}, month = {SEP}, pages = {107547}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Lithium (Li) metal could be the anode of choice for energy dense Li-batteries owing to its high theoretical specific capacity. However, low coulombic efficiency and poor safety on account of the occurrence of the Li-dendrites during charging-discharging pose a bottleneck for practical applications. In this work, we report a high-rate plating and stripping of Li through host engineering to realize ultrastable Li metal anode (LMA). Benchmark plating/stripping efficiency could be achieved via uniquely structured, highly ordered honeycomb boron carbon nitride (HBCN) as a functional scaffold. Boron and nitrogen doping, large surface area and ordered mesoporous structure induce homogeneous solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer formation and provide numerous nucleation sites with subsequent dendrite-free growth with 99.98 \% coulombic efficiency at 8 mA cm(-2) high current and 10 mAh cm(-2) capacity over 3000 cycles. Via post-cycling advanced characterizations techniques of Ex-situ XPS, 3D X-ray micro-tomography analyses and FESEM, we demonstrate the formation of a stable SEI layer and morphological changes that occurred during Li plating cycles in the HBCN structure. Computational studies validate the high lithium plating-stripping efficacy of HBCN to its highly ordered porous nature, exothermic Li-binding and upshift in the Fermi levels. When tested at elevated temperature (50 degrees C), a stable Li plating-stripping in HBCN is realised at 4 mA cm(-2) current and 10 mAh cm(-2) capacity values with similar to 100 \% C.E. Furthermore, we report the results of testing a Li metal cell comprised of Li deposited HBCN anode and LiFePO4 (LFP) cathode.

}, keywords = {Boron carbon nitride, Dendrite-free Li metal anode, Functional scaffold, High temperature plating/stripping of Li, Molecular planarity parameter, X-ray micro-tomography}, issn = {2352-152X}, doi = {10.1016/j.est.2023.107547}, author = {Patrike, Apurva and Karbhal, Indrapal and Wasnik, Kundan and Torris, Arun and Maibam, Ashakiran and Krishnamurty, Sailaja and Shelke, V, Manjusha} } @article {48323, title = {Histidinal-based potent antimalarial agents}, journal = {ChemMedChem}, volume = {18}, year = {2023}, month = {MAY }, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Herein we report the synthesis and evaluation of peptide-histidinal conjugated drug scaffolds, which have the potential to target the hemoglobin-degrading proteases falcipain-2/3 from the human malaria parasite. Scaffolds with various substitutions were tested for antimalarial activity, and compounds 8 g, 8 h, and 15 exhibited EC50 values of similar to 0.018 mu M, similar to 0.069 mu M, and similar to 0.02 mu M, respectively. Structure-based docking studies on falcipain-2/3 proteases (PDB:2GHU and PDB:3BWK) revealed that compounds 8 g, 8 h, and 15 interact strongly with binding sites of falcipain-2/3 in a substrate-like manner. In silico ADME studies revealed that the molecules of interest showed no or minimal violations of drug-likeness parameters. Further, phenotypic assays revealed that compound 8 g and its biotinylated version inhibit hemoglobin degradation in the parasite food vacuole. The identification of falcipain-2/3 targeting potent inhibitors of the malaria parasite can serve as a starting point for the development of lead compounds as future antimalarial drug candidates.

}, keywords = {artemisinin, chloroquine, digestive vacuole, docking, falcipains, falciparum, P}, issn = {1860-7179}, doi = {10.1002/cmdc.202200709}, author = {Meena, Chhuttan L. and Hingamire, Tejashri and Gupta, Tanya and Deshmukh, Bhagyashree and Karmodiya, Krishanpal and Joshi, Rakesh and Shanmugam, Dhanasekaran and Sanjayan, Gangadhar J.} } @article {48774, title = {Hydrogen from catalytic non-thermal plasma-assisted steam methane reforming reaction}, journal = {International Journal of Hydrogen Energy}, volume = {48}, year = {2023}, month = {JUL}, pages = {24328-24341}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Steam methane reforming reaction was carried out in a dielectric barrier plasma reactor. A systematic study is conducted to understand the influence of input power, flow rate, and water for the conversion, yield, and selectivity of the reaction over strategically designed catalysts. In particular, the production rate and selectivity of the products (H2, CO and C2 hydrocarbons) are monitored. CeO2 was used as packing material, mixed with oxides of manganese or copper and their combination. The optimum Cu/CeO2 catalyst illustrated the production rate of 248.7 mmolg-1h-1 and 11.25 mmolg-1h-1 for H2, and CO, respectively at specific energy input of 19.8 JL-1. DFT calculations exhibit apparent change in electronic structure of the CeO2 after inclusion of oxides of manganese and copper that enhance interaction with methane. Based on these findings, a plausible mechanism is elucidatedSteam methane reforming reaction was carried out in a dielectric barrier plasma reactor. A systematic study is conducted to understand the influence of input power, flow rate, and water for the conversion, yield, and selectivity of the reaction over strategically designed catalysts. In particular, the production rate and selectivity of the products (H2, CO and C2 hydrocarbons) are monitored. CeO2 was used as packing material, mixed with oxides of manganese or copper and their combination. The optimum Cu/CeO2 catalyst illustrated the production rate of 248.7 mmolg-1h-1 and 11.25 mmolg-1h-1 for H2, and CO, respectively at specific energy input of 19.8 JL-1. DFT calculations exhibit apparent change in electronic structure of the CeO2 after inclusion of oxides of manganese and copper that enhance interaction with methane. Based on these findings, a plausible mechanism is elucidated which can help to design catalyst for other applications in non-thermal plasma atmosphere. \& COPY; 2023 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {DFT, Dielectric barrier discharge, Non-thermal plasma, selectivity, Specific energy input, Steam methane reforming}, issn = {0360-3199}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijhydene.2023.03.281}, author = {Bajpai, Abhinav and Mehta, Shweta and Joshi, Kavita and Kumar, Sushant} } @article {48271, title = {Hydrogenation of levulinic acid to gamma-valerolactone over nickel supported organoclay catalyst}, journal = {Catalysis Today}, volume = {408}, year = {2023}, month = {JAN }, pages = {36-49}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In this work, a series of Ni/Organoclay catalysts with different Nickel loadings were prepared by the wetimpregnation method for the catalytic hydrogenation of levulinic acid (LA) to gamma-valerolactone (GVL). Reaction parameters such as reaction temperature, pressure, solvent effect, and wt\% of catalyst were optimized to get excellent conversion of levulinic acid selectively to gamma-valerolactone. Ni/Organoclay with 30\% Nickel loading exhibited 100\% conversion of LA with 100\% selectivity towards GVL at 140 degrees C and 3.0 MPa H2 pressure using 1,4-dioxane as a solvent in 5 h. Different bulk and surface characterization techniques such as XRD, BET, FE-SEM, HR-TEM, XPS, XRF, NH3-TPD, and H2-Chemisorption were used to characterize the Ni/Organoclay catalyst. BET and NH3-TPD analysis showed that the pre-treatment of bentonite with surfactant (CTAB) improved the pore volume, surface area, and acidity of Organoclay which assisted in improving the conversion and selectivity of LA and GVL respectively.

}, keywords = {?-Valerolactone (GVL), Bentonite, Hydrogenation, Levulinic acid (LA), Nickel, organoclay}, issn = {0920-5861}, doi = {10.1016/j.cattod.2022.10.004}, author = {Kamble, Paresh A. and Vinod, C. P. and Rathod, Virendra K. and Kantam, Mannepalli Lakshmi} } @article {48754, title = {Identification of G-quadruplex structures in MALAT1 lncRNA that interact with nucleolin and nucleophosmin}, journal = {Nucleic Acids Research}, volume = {51}, year = {2023}, month = {SEP}, pages = {9415-9431}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Nuclear-retained long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) including MALAT1 have emerged as critical regulators of many molecular processes including transcription, alternative splicing and chromatin organization. Here, we report the presence of three conserved and thermodynamically stable RNA G-quadruplexes (rG4s) located in the 3 \& PRIME; region of MALAT1. Using rG4 domain-specific RNA pull-down followed by mass spectrometry and RNA immunoprecipitation, we demonstrated that the MALAT1 rG4 structures are specifically bound by two nucleolar proteins, Nucleolin (NCL) and Nucleophosmin (NPM). Using imaging, we found that the MALAT1 rG4s facilitate the localization of both NCL and NPM to nuclear speckles, and specific G-to-A mutations that disrupt the rG4 structures compromised the localization of both NCL and NPM in speckles. In vitro biophysical studies established that a truncated version of NCL (\& UDelta;NCL) binds tightly to all three rG4s. Overall, our study revealed new rG4s within MALAT1, established that they are specifically recognized by NCL and NPM, and showed that disrupting the rG4s abolished localization of these proteins to nuclear speckles

}, issn = {0305-1048}, doi = {10.1093/nar/gkad639}, author = {Ghosh, Arpita and Pandey, Satya Prakash and Joshi, Dheeraj Chandra and Rana, Priya and Ansari, Asgar Hussain and Sundar, Jennifer Seematti and Singh, Praveen and Khan, Yasmeen and Ekka, Mary Krishna and Chakraborty, Debojyoti and Maiti, Souvik} } @article {48761, title = {Identification of new modulator of DNA repairing pathways based on natural product ({\textpm})-peharmaline A}, journal = {Bioorganic \& Medicinal Chemistry}, volume = {91}, year = {2023}, month = {AUG}, pages = {117365}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The complex heterogenic environment of tumour mass often leads to drug resistance and facilitate chemo insensitivity triggering more malignant phenotypes among cancer patients. Major DNA-damaging cancer drugs have been consistently proven unsuccessful in terms of elevating chemo-resistance. (\& PLUSMN;)-peharmaline A, a hybrid natural product isolated from seeds of Peganum harmala L. possesses significant cytotoxic activities. Herein, we have described the design, and synthesis of a novel library of close and simplified analogues around the anticancer natural product (\& PLUSMN;)-peharmaline A and investigated their cytotoxic activities, which led to the identification of three structurally simplified lead compounds exhibiting better potency than parent natural product. Among them, demethoxy analogue of peharmaline A was further investigated for its anticancer potential eliciting demethoxy analogue as potent DNA-damage inducing agent attenuating the expression of the proteins responsible for the DNA damage repair. Therefore, this demethoxy analogue warrants detailed investigations for the confirmations of the molecular mechanism-based studies responsible for its anticancer activity.

}, keywords = {DNA damage, EMT, Pictet, Spengler reaction, Structure-activity relationship, Total synthesis}, issn = {0968-0896}, doi = {10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117365}, author = {Kulkarni, Akshay S. and Dash, Anshurekha and Shingare, Rahul D. and Chand, Jagdish and Manhas, Diksha and Singh, Aman and Nandi, Utpal and Goswami, Anindya and Reddy, D. Srinivasa} } @article {48458, title = {Imine oxidation catalyzed by zinc hydroxyapatite: kinetic studies}, journal = {ChemistrySelect}, volume = {8}, year = {2023}, month = {MAY}, pages = {e202203503}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The synthesis of N,N-diphenylformamide from N-benzylideneaniline and urea hydrogen peroxide is investigated using a zinc hydroxyapatite (ZnHAP) catalyst. It was found that the catalyst resulted in the highest activity of 91 \% conversion and 40 \% selectivity at 130 degrees C in 2 h. A kinetic model was validated by Langmuir-Hinshelwood-Hougen-Watson (LHHW) at different temperatures and the absence of mass transfer resistance was proved by the Weisz Prater criterion. Effect of different catalysts, catalyst loading, temperature, mole-ratio, and speed of stirring was studied. The as-synthesized catalyst is characterized by FTIR, BET nitrogen adsorption-desorption, TEM, EDX, TPD-NH3, XPS, ICP-MS and XRD. ZnHAP catalyst was found to be stable up to three recycles with no loss in activity.

}, keywords = {heterogeneous catalysis, hydroxyapatite, imines, Oxidation, Reaction kinetics}, issn = {2365-6549}, doi = {10.1002/slct.202203503}, author = {Vishwakarma, Rakhi and Vinod, C. P. and Rathod, Virendra K. and Kantam, Mannepalli Lakshmi} } @article {48680, title = {In silico identification and characterization of the SNPs in the human ASTL gene and their probable role in female infertility}, journal = {Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology}, volume = {11}, year = {2023}, month = {JUN}, pages = {1151672}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Ovastacin (ASTL), a zinc metalloprotease, is released from a fertilized egg during exocytosis of cortical granules which occurs minutes after the sperm and egg fuse. ASTL cleaves ZP2, one of the four primary glycoproteins of human zona pellucida, and this cleavage prevents polyspermy, causes zona pellucida hardening, and also protects the pre-implantation embryo. Any perturbation in the activity of ASTL can thus disturb this process and may lead to infertility without changing the gross morphology of the oocyte. A small amount of ASTL is also released by unfertilized oocytes but its catalytic activity is absent as it is bound by its inhibitor, Fetuin-B (FETUB). Pre-mature release of ASTL when FETUB is absent also causes infertility. To identify and understand the structural and functional effects of deleterious SNPs of ASTL on its interaction with ZP2 and FETUB and hence on fertility, a total of 4,748 SNPs from the dbSNP database were evaluated using a variety of in silico tools. All of the 40 shortlisted nsSNPs were present in the catalytic domain of the protein. Comparison of the wild type with mutants using MutPred2 suggests an alteration in the catalytic activity/zinc binding site in many SNPs. Docking studies show the involvement of hydrophobic interactions and H bonding between ASTL and ZP2 and also between ASTL and FETUB. Four positions in ASTL involved in the hydrophobic interactions (P-105 and D-200 between ASTL and ZP2; D-198 and L-278 etween ASTL and FETUB) and 5 in H bonding (E-75 and R-159 between ASTL and ZP2; and K-93, R-159, and C-281 between ASTL and FETUB) have SNP{\textquoteright}s associated with them validating their importance. Interestingly, a cluster of multiple SNPs was found in the motif (DRD200)-D-198, which is also a well-conserved region among several species. Statistical Coupling Analysis (SCA) suggested that the deleterious SNPs were present in the functionally important amino acid positions of ASTL and are evolutionarily coupled. Thus, these results attempt to identify the regions in ASTL, mutations in which can affect its binding with ZP2 or FETUB and cause female infertility.

}, keywords = {ASTL, female infertility, fertilization, omics, ovastacin, single nucleotide polymorphism}, issn = {2296-634X}, doi = {10.3389/fcell.2023.1151672}, author = {Suri, Kapali and Rajput, Neha and Sharma, Priya and Omble, Aishwarya D. and Kulkarni, Kiran and Gahlay, Gagandeep K.} } @article {48684, title = {Insights into adsorption of various gases on extra-framework cations of zeolite: a dispersion corrected DFT study on zeolite cluster models with Li plus , Na plus and K plus ions}, journal = {Microporous and Mesoporous Materials}, volume = {361}, year = {2023}, month = {Nov}, pages = {112739}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Design of an economical and sustainable gas separation material is relevant in several industrial processes. Zeolites with tunable pore sizes are ideal molecular sieves of many gases. The adsorption centers of these molecular sieves are extra-framework Lewis acid centers. In this study, we attempt to delineate the electronic properties of such centers (Li+, Na+ and K+) and their sorption properties towards N2, O2, CO, CO2 and H2. Negative framework of zeolites are modeled using different cluster models that present distinct electronic environment and role of this environment on the Lewis acidity of the cation. The sorption property towards different gases is evaluated using dispersion corrected DFT studies. The results obtained are benchmarked for one of the studied model using CCSD calculations. The results indicate that while the local environment modulates the adsorption properties, the relative adsorption properties between different ions follow the same order irrespective of the type of negative framework modeled. This reveals that intrinsic atomic properties of the charge compensating cations drive the sorption properties of the zeolites. Adsorption energies compounded with the analysis of IR stretching frequencies of the adsorbed gases reveals that Li centers shows molecular adsorption (charge donation to the cationic centers) towards N2 as compared to O2 and towards CO2/CO as compared to H2, demonstrating the applicability of Li-Zeolites as ideal membranes for oxygen concentrators and syngas separation. These adsorption studies are ratified by the BOMD simulations at 300 K, where H2 and O2 desorbs while N2, CO and CO2 remains adsorbed to the cationic site.

}, keywords = {BOMD simulation, CO/CO2/H2 separation, Extra-framework cation, N2/O2 separation, zeolites}, issn = {1387-1811}, doi = {10.1016/j.micromeso.2023.112739}, author = {Devasia, George and Kumar, Ravi and Vaval, Nayana and Krishnamurty, Sailaja} } @article {48686, title = {Insights into the synthesis and kinetics of silver-on-silica core-shell particles}, journal = {Langmuir}, volume = {39}, year = {2023}, month = {JUL}, pages = {9681-9692}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In this study, a heterogeneous nucleation and growthmodel hasbeen developed to explore the formation mechanism of silver-depositedsilica core-shell particles based on the reaction kinetics.To validate the core-shell model, the time-dependent experimentaldata were quantitatively examined and in situ reduction,nucleation, and growth rates were estimated by optimizing the concentrationprofiles of reactants and deposited silver particles. Using this model,we also attempted to predict the change in the surface area and diameterof core-shell particles. The concentration of the reducingagent, metal precursor, and reaction temperature were found to havea strong influence on the rate constants and morphology of core-shellparticles. Higher rates of nucleation and growth often produced thick,asymmetric patches that covered the entire surface, whereas lowerrates produced sparsely deposited silver particles with a sphericalshape. The result revealed that by simply tuning the process parametersand controlling the relative rates, the morphology of deposited silverparticles and the surface coverage can be controlled while retainingthe spherical shape of the core. The present study aims to offer comprehensivedata pertaining to the nucleation, growth, and coalescence processesof core-shell nanostructures which will aid in the developmentand understanding of the principles that govern the formation of nanoparticle-coatedmaterials.

}, issn = {0743-7463}, doi = {10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c00624}, author = {Jundale, Rajashri B. and Bari, Atul H. and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article {48259, title = {Investigation of the effect of zeolite supports and the role of W-species for one-pot catalytic conversion of cellulose to ethylene glycol: theoretical \& experimental studies.}, journal = {Chemistry-An Asian Journal}, volume = {18}, year = {2023}, month = {FEB }, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Endeavors were made to study the influence of various zeolite (HY, NaY, NaZSM-5 and HZSM-5) supports with (Al)-Ni-W metal combination catalysts for the ethylene glycol (EG) production, selectively from cellulose. From the experimental results ZSM-5 (NaZSM-5/73.3\% \& HZSM-5/67.7\%) support is superior over HY \& NaY support in selective EG production from cellulose. It was understood that W- species with oxygen vacancies (WO3-x, XPS analysis) plays an important role in producing the glycolaldehyde (GA) intermediate (via C-C cleavages), which on hydrogenation over Ni- sites selectively produce EG. Further, the studies based on the Density Functional Theory (DFT) were conducted to substantiate the involvement of the WO3-x species in the reaction. The adsorption energies and structural changes establish that the C-2-C-3 bond of the glucose elongates and thereby activates on adsorbing to WO3-x sites supporting the formation of GA. Activation of GA on Ni- sites is distinguished by an increase of 0.1 angstrom in C=O bond length, which facilitates the hydrogenation of C=O resulting in EG. The reaction pathway is explained through an analysis of CDD and DOS.

}, keywords = {Cellulose hydrogenolysis, DFT studies, ethylene glycol, zeolites}, issn = {1861-4728}, doi = {10.1002/asia.202201202}, author = {Sreekantan, Sreejith and Singh, Chandrodai Pratap and Krishnamurty, Sailaja and Marimuthu, Banu} } @article {48693, title = {Iron-catalysed highly selective hydroalkoxycarbonylation of alkynes using CO as C1 source}, journal = {Catalysis Science \& Technology}, volume = {13}, year = {2023}, month = {OCT }, pages = {5549-5555}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Though precious and rare, late-transition metals have been extensively used in metal-catalysed carbonylation reactions in organic transformations. On the other hand, base metals are abundant and cheap, but their practical utilization in carbonylation reactions is rarely explored. Here, we report iron-catalysed hydroalkoxycarbonylation of alkynes to alpha,beta-unsaturated esters in one pot. A readily available iron precursor [Fe2(CO)9] in the presence of a diimine ligand L7 catalyzes the conversion of alkynes to alpha,beta-unsaturated esters under 10 bar CO pressure. This operationally simple protocol tolerates various functional groups and allows facile access to about 40 alpha,beta-unsaturated esters. The synthetic utility of the reaction has been demonstrated by scaling up the reaction to 1 g and by preparing sunscreen/antifungal agents. The kinetic study suggests that the reaction is an approximate 1st order with respect to the iron catalyst, and the initial rate of the reaction is 3.6 x 10-2 M h-1. Mechanistic investigations using NMR spectroscopy indicated the existence of an [Fe-H] intermediate, and control experiments using a radical trapping reagent and EPR revealed the absence of any radical species in the reaction. Precious and rare, late transition metals have been extensively used in carbonylation. An earth abundant iron-catalyst is reported here for hydroalkoxycarbonylation of alkynes in the presence of CO as C1 source.

}, issn = {2044-4753}, doi = {10.1039/d3cy00843f}, author = {Tewari, Tanuja and Kumar, Rohit and Chikkali, Samir H.} } @article {48311, title = {Iron-catalyzed magnesium-mediated formal hydroformylation of alkynes and alkenes}, journal = {ChemCatChem}, volume = {15}, year = {2023}, month = {FEB }, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Alkynes and alkenes are routinely converted to corresponding synthetically versatile aldehydes using rhodium-catalyzed hydroformylation. However, rhodium is rare, precious, costly, and depleting at a considerably high rate. Reported here is iron-catalyzed, magnesium-mediated, formal hydroformylation of alkynes and alkenes in the absence of syngas. Readily available FeCl2 in the presence of alkyl magnesium halide, and dimethyl formamide, catalyzes hydroformylation of various alkynes and selectively produces alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes in good to excellent conversion. Mechanistic investigations revealed the presence of vinyl magnesium intermediate, the kinetic study disclosed the first-order dependence of the reaction on iron loading, and the control experiment authenticated the iron catalyst{\textquoteright}s homogeneous nature. The scope of this methodology was amplified, and 20 alkenes were examined. [Fe(acac)(3)] in the presence of ligand, alkyl magnesium halide, and dimethyl formamide catalyzed the hydroformylation of alkenes and displayed good to excellent conversion. An earth-abundant iron catalyst offering a syngas cylinder-free safe alternative to high-pressure hydroformylation has been reported.

}, keywords = {aldehydes, alkenes, Alkynes, Hydroformylation, iron catalysis}, issn = {1867-3880}, doi = {10.1002/cctc.202201394}, author = {Tewari, Tanuja and Kumar, Rohit and Chikkali, Samir H.} } @article {48790, title = {Luminescent 3D printed poly(lactic acid) nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical properties}, journal = {Polymer Engineering and Science}, volume = {63}, year = {2023}, month = {JUL}, pages = {2059-2072}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The three-dimensional (3D) printing of functional composite materials has gained tremendous interest in recent years. Nevertheless, research on 3D printing of luminescent composite materials is very limited, and the mechanical properties of such 3D-printed composites are poor. Herein, we report the preparation and characterization of a poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composite that, when 3D printed, exhibits enhanced toughness and high solid-state fluorescence quantum yield. Incorporation of only 1 wt\% pyrene butyric acid modified cellulose nanofibers (PBA-m-CNF) and l0 wt\% thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) into PLA led to 223\% increase in toughness and 21\% increase in tensile modulus of PLA. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray microcomputed tomography (mu-CT) analysis of the fractured cross-sections of 3D printed composites revealed a ductile failure mode. The PLA/PBA-m-CNF1/TPU10 3D printed composite also exhibited a high solid-state fluorescence quantum yield of 38.35\%. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to show both enhanced mechanical properties and high solid-state fluorescence emission for 3D printable PLA. Such functional PLA composites could have potential applications in the fabrication of complex-shaped sensors, optical light pipes, etc.

}, keywords = {3D printing, Composite, fluorescence, Nanocellulose, poly(lactic acid), toughness}, issn = {0032-3888}, doi = {10.1002/pen.26345}, author = {Kothavade, Premkumar Anil and Yadav, Prashant and Nidhankar, Aakash D. and Torris, Arun and Pol, Harshawardhan and Kafi, Abdullah and Bateman, Stuart and Sukumaran, Santosh Babu and Shanmuganathan, Kadhiravan} } @article {48735, title = {Made to measure squaramide COF cathode for zinc dual-ion battery with enriched storage via redox electrolyte}, journal = {Advanced Energy Materials}, volume = {13}, year = {2023}, month = {SEP}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Aqueous rechargeable batteries are promising grid-scale energy storage devices because of their affordability, operational safety, and environmental benignity. Among these, Zn-ion batteries (ZIBs) have unfolded new horizons. Designing superior cathodes for ZIBs is crucial. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) can be made redox active with a high storage surface. Here, for the first time, a chelating COF with redox-active ZnI2 in a ZnSO4(aq) electrolyte is combined. Including iodide harvests an approximately threefold enhancement in capacity from 208 to 690 mAh g(-1) at 1.5 A g(-1), the highest among all the COF-derived ZIBs. Remarkably, a charge-discharge curve at 1.3 V exhibits very limited dropout voltage and super-flat platform, with a remarkable capacity of 600 mAh g(-1) at 5 A g(-1) stable up to 6000 cycles, confirming that the polyiodide generation and storage are sustainable. The COF{\textquoteright}s dual-ion storage (Zn2+ and polyidode) delivers a ZIB with the highest energy density. Spectro-electrochemical measurements coupled with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy unambiguously unveil the existence of multiple polyiodide species, with I-3(-) and IO3- ions as the prominent species. The latter gets reduced at the COF electrode under an applied potential, leaving I-3(-) as the major species stored on the COF. The prospect of COF-polyiodide((aq)) is a windfall for metal-ion batteries.

}, keywords = {covalent organic frameworks, flexible batteries, polyiodide, redox electrolytes, Zn ion batteries}, issn = {1614-6832}, doi = {10.1002/aenm.202301049}, author = {Kushwaha, Rinku and Jain, Chitvan and Shekhar, Pragalbh and Rase, Deepak and Illathvalappil, Rajith and Mekan, Deep and Camellus, Augastus and Vinod, Chathakudath Prabhakaran and Vaidhyanathan, Ramanathan} } @article {48707, title = {Mapping time dependent disulfide bond formation during in-vitro refolding of recombinant peptibody: a Fc-fusion protein}, journal = {Biochemical Engineering Journal}, volume = {197}, year = {2023}, month = {AUG}, pages = {108969}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Disulfide bonds are commonly found in covalent interactions, which play a vital role in establishing the three-dimensional structure of proteins and maintaining their biological activity. This investigation is focused on time dependant mapping of intra and inter-disulfide bonds during in-vitro refolding of recombinant peptibody using LC-ESI-MS/MS. The selected recombinant peptibody is a homodimeric, aglycosylated Fc-fusion protein expressed in E. coli. The amino acid sequence in the disulfide bond containing peptides was confirmed at MS/MS level using the CID-based fragmentation approach. During in-vitro refolding of peptibody, a peptide with inter -chain disulfide bond is observed post 4 h, with low area intensity, and it reached a maximum in 96 h. How-ever, maximum area intensity was reached for the intra-chain disulfide bond in 72 h. Since cysteine residues responsible for intra-chain disulfide bonds are present in complex part of the Fc domain, formation of intra-chain disulfide bonds may be an overall rate-limiting step in recombinant Romiplostim refolding. Proper folding and contributions by non-covalent interactions will be required to form intra-chain disulfide bond. Monitoring time -based formation of such non-covalent interactions was carried out using intrinsic fluorescence during protein refolding. Observations from intrinsic fluorescence show that 4-6 h is most crucial time for domain formation. Observations from this study will help characterize structural integrity and quality during process and product development for consistent product quality.

}, keywords = {Disulfide bond formation, In -vitro refolding, Intrinsic fluorescence, Mass spectroscopy, Peptibody, Time based mapping}, issn = {1369-703X}, doi = {10.1016/j.bej.2023.108969}, author = {Kumthekar, Rupali and Rana, Sunil and Ughade, Santosh and Bhambure, Rahul} } @article {48733, title = {Metabolites from lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis: isolation, structure elucidation, and antimicrobial activity}, journal = {ACS Omega}, volume = {8}, year = {2023}, month = {SEP}, pages = {36628-36635}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Herein, we disclose the identification of novel metabolites from a potential probiotic strain, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, obtained from traditional dairy milk samples collected in Maharashtra, India (in January 2021). Isolated metabolites include pyrazin-2-carboxamide [1, pyrazinamide, a potential antitubercular drug], 3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-2,3-dihydro-4H-pyran-4-one (2, DDMP), 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (3), and hexadecanoic acid (4, palmitic acid). The chemical structures of these metabolites were elucidated through extensive 1D NMR (H-1 and C-13) and 2D NMR (HSQC, HMBC, and NOESY) analyses, high-resolution mass spectrometry, high-performance liquid chromatography, and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Furthermore, these novel metabolites exhibited potent inhibitory activities against various bacteria, fungi, and yeast strains with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging between 1.56 and 25 mu g/mL, and compounds 1 and 3 were found to be most active against a wide range of microbial strains tested.

}, issn = {2470-1343}, doi = {10.1021/acsomega.3c01662}, author = {Navale, Vishwambar D. and Borade, Balasaheb R. and Rama Krishna, Gamidi and Vamkudoth, Koteswara Rao and Kontham, Ravindar} } @article {48708, title = {Metal-catalyzed plastic depolymerization}, journal = {Cell Reports Physical Science}, volume = {4}, year = {2023}, month = {MAY}, pages = {101341}, type = {Review}, abstract = {

Polymers have become an indispensable part of our daily lives, and today we produce around 370 MT of plastic per year. Only about 20\% of it is being recycled, and the rest, 80\%, is unleashed into the environment without appropriate treatment. This calls forth the evaluation of strategies available for mitigating the menace of {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}after-use{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}plastic waste. Various approaches have evolved over a decade and are at different levels of development. Plastic depolymerization and upcycling are considered some of the most prominent and long-term solutions. The metal-catalyzed depolymerization of plastic waste to chemical feedstocks has emerged as one of the promising ways to address global plastic pollution. Therefore, this review aims to examine the available metal-catalyzed depolymerization methods, notify recent progress, pinpoint current gaps, and gauge the potential of this strategy. Both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts have been reported to depolymerize various polymers over the last decade. Considerable advances have been reported in the metal-mediated depolymerization of polyolefins, polyesters, polycarbonates, polyurethanes, polyamides, and polyethers. The depolymerization of the above polymers produces the monomers or intermediates, which can be used again for polymerization and thus brings the waste polymers back into circularity. The overview debates the usage of high temperaagents, etc., in metal-catalyzed depolymerization. Thus, this review summarizes the current understanding of the fundamental science of metal-catalyzed plastic depolymerization, the remaining scientific challenges, and the potential opportunities.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.xcrp.2023.101341}, author = {Khopade, Kishor V. and Chikkali, Samir H. and Barsu, Nagaraju} } @article {48770, title = {Metal-free isoamyl nitrite mediated efficient synthesis of 1,2,4-oxadiazoles}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {125}, year = {2023}, month = {JUL}, pages = {154616}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We report herein, a metal-free isoamyl nitrite mediated efficient synthesis of 1,2,4-oxadiazoles by one pot cycloaddition reaction of aldoximes with nitriles. The structure of the 1,2,4-oxadiazole derivatives was confirmed by studies of spectral analysis. Current methodology provides a novel pathway to access 1,2,4-oxadiazole derivatives.\& COPY; 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {1, 2, 4-Oxadiazole, Aldoxime, Cycloaddition, Isoamyl nitrite}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2023.154616}, author = {Galave, Sharad A. and Kadam, Kishorkumar S. and Sonawane, Amol D. and Pansare, Vaibhav R. and Garud, Dinesh R.} } @article {48493, title = {Microporous 3D-structured hierarchically entangled graphene-supported Pt3Co alloy catalyst for PEMFC application with process-friendly features}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {15}, year = {2023}, month = {JUN }, pages = {28023-28035}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

To improve the oxygen reduction reaction(ORR) performance in aproton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) cathode with respect tomass activity and durability, a suitable electrocatalyst design strategyis essentially needed. Here, we have prepared a sub-three nm-sizedplatinum (Pt)-cobalt (Co) alloy (Pt3Co)-supportedN-doped microporous 3D graphene (Pt3Co/pNEGF) by usingthe polyol synthesis method. A microwave-assisted synthesis methodwas employed to prepare the catalyst based on the 3D porous carbonsupport with a large pore volume and dense micro-/mesoporous surfaces.The ORR performance of Pt3Co/pNEGF closely matches withthe state-of-the-art commercial Pt/C catalyst in0.1 M HClO4, with a small overpotential of 10 mV. The 3Dmicroporous structure of the N-doped graphene significantly improvesthe mass transport of the reactant and thus the overall ORR performance.As a result of the lower loading of Pt in Pt3Co/pNEGF ascompared to that in Pt/C, the alloy catalyst achieved 1.5 times highermass activity than Pt/C. After 10,000 cycles, the difference in theelectrochemically active surface area (ECSA) and half-wave potential(E (1/2)) of Pt3Co/pNEGF is foundto be 5 m(2) g(Pt) (-1) (Delta ECSA)and 24 mV (Delta E (1/2)), whereas, forPt/C, these values are 9 m(2) g(Pt) (-1) and 32 mV, respectively. Finally, in a realistic perspective, single-celltesting of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) was made by sandwichingthe Pt3Co/pNEGF-coated gas diffusion layers as the cathodedisplayed a maximum power density of 800 mW cm(-2) under H-2-O-2 feed conditions with aclear indication of helping the system in the mass-transfer region(i.e., the high current dragging condition). The nature of the I-V polarization shows a progressivelylower slope in this region of the polarization plot compared to asimilar system made from its Pt/C counterpart and a significantlyimproved performance throughout the polarization region in the caseof the system made from the Pt3Co/NEGF catalyst (withoutthe microwave treatment) counterpart. These results validate the betterprocess friendliness of Pt3Co/pNEGF as a PEMFC electrode-specificcatalyst owing to its unique texture with 3D architecture and well-definedporosity with better structural endurance.

}, keywords = {microwave synthesis, N-doped porous 3D graphene, ORR, PEMFC, polyol synthesis, Pt3Co alloy}, issn = {1944-8244}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.3c03372}, author = {Manna, Narugopal and Singh, Mayank and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {48803, title = {Mitigating dendrite formation on a Zn electrode in aqueous zinc chloride by the competitive surface chemistry of an imidazole additive}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces}, volume = {15}, year = {2023}, month = {MAY}, pages = {23093-23103}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Electrochemical energy storage systems are critical in several ways for a smooth transition from nonrenewable to renewable energy sources. Zn-based batteries are one of the promising alternatives to the existing state-of-the-art Li-ion battery technology, since Li-ion batteries pose significant drawbacks in terms of safety and cost-effectiveness. Zn (with a reduction potential of -0.76 V vs SHE) has a significantly higher theoretical volumetric capacity (5851 mAh/cm3) than Li (2061 mAh/cm3), and it is certainly far less expensive, safer, and more earth-abundant. The formation of dendrites, hydrogen evolution, and the formation of a ZnO passivation layer on the Zn anode are the primary challenges in the development and deployment of rechargeable zinc batteries. In this work, we examine the role of imidazole as an electrolyte additive in 2 M ZnCl2 to prevent dendrite formation during zinc electrodeposition via experimental (kinetics and imaging) and theoretical density functional theory (DFT) studies. To characterize the efficacy and to identify the appropriate concentration of imidazole, linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and chronoamperometry (CA) are performed with in situ monitoring of the electrodeposited zinc. The addition of 0.025 wt \% imidazole to 2 M ZnCl2 increases the cycle life of Zn-symmetric cells cycled at 1 mA/cm2 for 60 min of plating and stripping dramatically from 90 to 240 h. A higher value of the nucleation overpotential is noted in the presence of imidazole, which suggests that imidazole is adsorbed at a competitively faster rate on the surface of zinc, thereby suppressing the zinc electrodeposition kinetics and the formation. X-ray tomography reveals that a short circuit caused by dendrite formation is the main plausible failure mechanism of Zn symmetric cells. It is observed that the electrodeposition of zinc is more homogeneous in the presence of imidazole, and its presence in the electrolyte also inhibits the production of a passivating coating (ZnO) on the Zn surface, thereby preventing corrosion. DFT calculations conform well with the stated experimental observations.

}, keywords = {dendrite, Density functional theory, exchange current density, Imidazole, X-ray computed tomography, zinc metal electrodeposition}, issn = {1944-8244}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.3c01310}, author = {Rana, Ashutosh and Thakare, Anup and Kumar, Nikhil and Mukherjee, Buddhadev and Torris, Arun and Das, Bidisa and Ogale, Satishchandra and Banerjee, Abhik} } @article {48765, title = {MnXWO4 nanostructure-based catalysts for single-step oxidation of cyclohexane and methane to oxygenates}, journal = {ACS Applied Nano Materials}, volume = {6}, year = {2023}, month = {APR}, pages = {7245-7258}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Activation of the C-H bond in cyclohexane (CYH) and methane is a crucial step to obtain desirable oxygenated products using nanostructured catalyst and is a great challenge and an efficient route to mitigate the inauspicious effects of climate change. The active sites were identified using XRD, HR-TEM, SEM, N2 sorption analysis, TPR, Raman, XPS, TGA, in situ DRIFT, XAS, etc. In optimal reaction conditions, 46\% of CYH was converted into adipic acid (AA) on MnxWO4 nanostructures within 6 h. The recyclability test confirmed the catalyst heterogeneity, which revealed no appreciable loss of catalytic activity even after three consecutive reactions. In situ DRIFT study reveals that CYH is oxidized to cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol (KA oil) and is further oxidized to AA via carboxylate intermediates. DFT studies disclosed that MnOx species are responsible for the C-H activation of CYH, and the Mn2+/Mn3+ redox centers play a vital role in the absorption of KA oil to form AA. Herein, we demonstrated the significant role of the {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}MnOx{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} species and that adequate Lewis and Bronsted acidic sites, redox centers of (Mn2+/Mn3+), and lattice oxygen are accountable for the CYH conversion toward the AA. Additionally, we have reported the oxidation of methane to methanol (146 mu mole per gram of catalyst) in the presence of water at 75 degrees C without over-oxidation products.

}, keywords = {Adipic Acid, C-H bond activation, Cyclohexane oxidation, methane activation, MnOx chain, Redox center}, doi = {10.1021/acsanm.3c00319}, author = {Prabu, Marimuthu and Manikandan, Marimuthu and Samal, Pragnya Paramita and Gurrala, Lakshmi Prasad and Mekala, Siva Prasad and Archana, Ramakrishnan and Nayak, Chandrani and Bhattacharyya, D. and Jha, S. N. and Krishnamurty, Sailaja and Raja, Thirumalaiswamy} } @article {48781, title = {Nanopore sequencing of RAGE gene polymorphisms and their association with type 2 diabetes}, journal = {ACS Omega}, volume = {8}, year = {2023}, month = {JUL}, pages = {25727-25738}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The receptor foradvanced glycation end products (RAGE)is a transmembraneprotein that interacts with its ligands, advanced glycation end products(AGEs). AGEs are elevated in diabetes and diabetic complications,leading to increased oxidative stress and activation of pro-inflammatorypathways facilitated by AGE-RAGE signaling. Polymorphisms inthe RAGE gene can potentially affect AGE-RAGEinteraction and its downstream signaling, which plays a crucial rolein the progression of diabetes and its complications. In this study,we used nanopore sequencing for genotyping of RAGE polymorphism and identified a maximum number of 33 polymorphisms,including two previously unreported novel mutations in a cohort ofhealthy, type 2 diabetics without nephropathy and type 2 diabeticswith nephropathy in order to identify associations. Two novel RAGE polymorphisms in the intron 8 and 3 \& PRIME;UTR regionat genomic locations 32181834 and 32181132, respectively, were detectedwith a low frequency. For four previously reported polymorphisms,cross-validation by PCR-RFLP showed 99.75\% concordance with nanoporesequencing. Analysis of genotype distribution and allele frequenciesrevealed that five single nucleotide polymorphisms, i.e., rs1800625,rs3131300, rs3134940, rs2070600, and rs9391855, were associated withan increased risk for type 2 diabetes.

}, issn = {2470-1343}, doi = {10.1021/acsomega.3c00297}, author = {Chaurasiya, Arvindkumar H. and Khilari, Ajinkya A. and Kazi, Rubina and Jaiswal, Meera R. and Bhoite, Gouri M. and Padwal, Meghana K. and Momin, Abdulrahaman A. and Shanmugam, Dhanasekaran and Kulkarni, Mahesh J.} } @article {48667, title = {Non-confined gamma monoclinic sulfur cathode in carbonate electrolyte based room temperature K-S batteries}, journal = {JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A}, volume = {11}, year = {2023}, month = {JUL}, pages = {15924-15930}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Potassium-sulfur cells have garnered a lot of interest in grid storage chemistry due to the high abundance of both elements and hence their low cost. However, their development is hindered by the polysulfide shuttle effect and their dependency on electrolytes with limited commercial viability. The inability to use carbonate electrolytes is due to the irreversible reaction between it and PS, rendering the cell useless in the first few cycles. Here we expand our use of monoclinic \& gamma;-sulfur in carbon nanofibers (\& gamma;S-CNFs) to the potassium-sulfur, K-S, chemistry. Herein we show that using \& gamma;-S enables the cells to run for 500 cycles at \& SIM;900 mA h g(-1) in commercial carbonate electrolytes. We further attempt to understand the role of \& gamma;S-CNFs in K-S cells with electrochemical characterization and postmortem spectroscopy. As far as we are aware this is the first application of \& gamma;-S in K-S cells. Its outstanding performance should lead to new avenues for the development of this promising chemistry.

}, issn = {2050-7488}, doi = {10.1039/d3ta01751f}, author = {Pai, Rahul and Cardoza, Neal Amadeus and Natu, Varun and Barsoum, Michel W. and Kalra, Vibha} } @article {48475, title = {Novel Biogenic Synthesis of Pd/TiO@BC as an electrocatalytic and possible energy storage materials}, journal = {Ceramics International}, volume = {49}, year = {2023}, month = {MAY}, pages = {15874-15883}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The standard approach towards synthesizing nanomaterials exercising chemical or physical techniques generally costs more and necessitates using toxic chemicals, which negatively affect the environment. For the first time, an investigation of a basic green synthesis approach for Phyto fabrication of Pd/TiO@BC nanocomposite via biomass of rice husk (Oryza sativa L) is conducted to sustain the green chemistry for synthesis of less toxic chemicals. XRD analysis revealed that the structure of Phyto synthesized Pd/TiO@BC is crystalline, while UV, FTIR, SEM and EDX analyses marked the victorious nanocomposite biosynthesis. We have investigated the electrocatalytic and biomedical applications of the novel nanocomposite Pd/TiO@BC at different environmental conditions. Testing the potential electrochemical properties of Pd/TiO@BC to eliminate the Congo red (CR) dye from wastewater marked its high removal efficiency, which attained 90\% owing to the higher electron efficiency. Its sensitivity for CR was also examined, and acceptable degradation activity was observed. These Pd/TiO@BC proved to be beneficial in various fields, including electrochemistry, catalysis sensors, wastewater treatment, and nano-devices, and in the transformation of hazardous particles into less harmful substances. Its great potential for use as a supercapacitor is promised by its feature, including durability and compact stability. Significant guidelines could be extracted from the results, which are helpful in material size, synthesis, selection, and configuration design for various energy storage gadgets. The synthesis of high performance and economical materials through green chemistry is a novel approach towards effective energy storage and alteration procedure operation.

}, keywords = {Electro catalytic, Energy storage, Oryza sativa L biochar, Pd, PdNPs and TiONPs, TiO@BC}, issn = {0272-8842}, doi = {10.1016/j.ceramint.2023.01.182}, author = {Khasim, Syed and Dastager, Syed G. and Alahmdi, Mohammed Issa and Hamdalla, Taymour A. and Panneerselvam, Chellasamy and Makandar, Mohammad Basha} } @article {48750, title = {Novel shear thickening fluids possessing high shear rates using monodispersed silica nanoparticles and PEG}, journal = {Polymer Bulletin}, volume = {80}, year = {2023}, month = {DEC}, pages = {13069-13098}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Higher shear rate possessing homogeneous shear thickening fluids were synthesized using monodispersed silica nanoparticles and polyethylene glycol (PEG). Novel homogeneous methodology was developed for the synthesis of shear thickening fluids using monodispersed silica nanoparticles and PEG. Shear rate of shear thickening fluids (STF) was determined using rheometer at room temperature. The normal shear rate was observed in the range of 100 to 1200 s(-1), whereas higher shear rate 2000 s(-1) was obtained using monodispersed silica nanoparticles, PEG and shear rate enhancer. Monodispersed silica nanoparticles were synthesized in a typical one-pot using modified Stober{\textquoteright}s method at room temperature. Precursors were used for the synthesis of monodispersed silica nanoparticles such as tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), ethanol, deionized water and ammonia as catalyst. Particle size of monodispersed silica nanoparticles was in the range of 100-1200 nm, and particle size distribution was varied from 0.000 to 0.221. Synthesis of monodispersed silica nanoparticles was studied by various parameters, namely effect of TEOS concentration, grade of ethyl alcohol, ammonia concentration and water concentration. TEOS concentration effect shows particle size and particle size distribution increases with increase in concentration of TEOS. Even though concentration of TEOS was increased up to 5 times the observation was same for all particle sizes such as 100, 300 and 500 nm. Particularly in the case of 300 nm monodispersed silica nanoparticle synthesis, as TEOS concentration was increased from 1 to 5X (5 times) the particle size was increased from 331.7, 447.8, 497.0, 512.0 and 531.7 nm and particle size distribution was 0.005, 0.000, 0.006, 0.007 and 0.089, respectively. The effect of grade of ethyl alcohol illustrates that Indian rectified spirit shows almost similar results with respect to China make ethyl alcohol. Comparative study of China and Indian rectified spirit shows silica nanoparticle size was 174.6 and 174.2 nm, and particle size distribution was 0.065 and 0.071, respectively. Ammonia concentration effect explains particle size and particle size distribution increases with increase in concentration of ammonia. Water concentration effect shows particle size and particle size distribution increases with increase in concentration of ammonia. Comparative data of water concentration effect for 1316 and 1974 mL shows particle size were 321.7 and 488.0 nm, and particle size distribution was 0.083 and 0.05, respectively, under similar conditions. Morphological studies displayed the shape of the silica nanoparticles was spherical, monodispersed and isolated. A typical TEM image of monodispersed silica nanoparticles for 500 nm was observed with extremely low polydispersity, i.e., 0.000. It is very difficult to get such a type of excellent photograph of monodispersity by Stober{\textquoteright}s method particularly on large scale. Rheology study of homogeneous shear thickening fluids studied by varying the parameters such as composition of silica nanoparticles with PEG, effect of amount of solvent, effect of refluxing time, effect of additive with respect to the mol. wt. of PEG and effect of additive such as Tannin. All these parameters of STF explored with respect to the shear rate and shear viscosity. Effect of ethanol amount on STF demonstrates the shear rate increases with increase in amount of solvent. Effect of refluxing time on STF exhibits the shear rate increases with increase in refluxing time. Effect of composition based on 500 nm monodispersed silica nanoparticles and PEG 200 with respect to 60:40, 65:35 and 70:30 composition was studied and the results predict that shear rate increases with increase in silica percentage in composition, i.e., 118, 265 and 1200 s(-1) for 60:40, 65:35 and 70:30 composition, respectively, whereas maximum viscosity decreases with increase in silica content, i.e., 2.559, 1.420 and 1.200 Pa.s for 60:40, 65:35 and 70:30 composition, respectively. Effect of additive on shear rate and shear viscosity illustrates that shear rate decreases with increase in additive percentage in composition, whereas maximum viscosity increases with increase in additive content. Effect of additives on shear rate and shear viscosity was performed using 65:35 composition with respect to PEG 200 along with PEG 6000 shows shear rate was decreased from 142 to 6.42 s(-1) and maximum viscosity was increased from 56.1 to 571.0 Pa.s when the quantity of PEG 6000 was doubled. In general, additive decreases shear rate and increases shear viscosity (maximum). But effect of Tannin as an additive on 500 nm monodispersed silica nanoparticles with PEG 200 using 70:30 composition showed enormous increase in shear rate, i.e., 2000 s(-1). This is anomalous behavior of additive was observed.

}, keywords = {Monodispersed silica nanoparticles, Nanocomposite, Polyethylene glycol, Shear rate, Shear thickening fluid}, issn = {0170-0839}, doi = {10.1007/s00289-023-04696-7}, author = {Chavan, Nayaku and Dhage, Atul and Wale, Apparav and Thorave, Asmita and Rajdeo, Kishor and Kamble, Sanjay and Ponrathnam, Surendra and Tambe, Sanjeev and Verma, Sanjeevkumar} } @article {48784, title = {One-pot synthesized efficient molybdenum-niobium-oxide nanocatalyst for selective C-O and C-N coupling reactions at mild conditions}, journal = {Catalysis Communications}, volume = {183}, year = {2023}, month = {OCT}, pages = {106766}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

An efficient molybdenum-niobium-oxide nanomaterial was synthesized by a one-pot hydrothermal method for selective C-O (glycerol ketalization) and C-N coupling (benzylamine oxidation) reactions. The catalytically favourable properties, such as defective metal sites, truncated surfaces, and uniform metal dispersion in the MoO3-Nb2O5 nanorods, calcined at 500 degrees C (MoNb OPS-5), were confirmed by Raman, HR-TEM, and STEM-EDX, respectively. Because of improved Lewis/Bronsted acidic strength, the MoNb OPS-5 catalyst showed higher activity in glycerol ketalization and benzylamine oxidation at mild conditions, giving superior selectivity to solketal (97\%) and dibenzylimine (99\%), respectively. The MoNb OPS-5 catalyst showed high structural stability and considerable good reusability efficacy.

}, keywords = {C-O and C-N coupling, Glycerol and benzylamine, Mo-Nb-O nanocatalyst, nanocatalysts, One-pot hydrothermal synthesis}, issn = {1566-7367}, doi = {10.1016/j.catcom.2023.106766}, author = {Kalbande, Pavan Narayan and Singh, Nittan and Swapna, Bhattu and Umbarkar, Shubhangi and Sudarsanam, Putla} } @article {48817, title = {Opaque cell-specific proteome of Candida albicans ATCC 10231}, journal = {Medical Mycology}, volume = {61}, year = {2023}, month = {JUL}, pages = {myad062}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Candida albicans, a polymorphic opportunistic pathogen of humans, can exist in different morphological forms like yeast, hyphae, pseudohyphae, chlamydospores, and white and opaque cells. Proteomic analysis of opaque form of C. albicans ATCC 10231 is carried out in the present study using microflow liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and validated using expression analysis of selected genes using reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR and mitochondrial membrane potential assay. This is the first report identifying opaque cell-specific proteins of C. albicans. A total of 188 proteins were significantly modulated under opaque form compared to white cells, of which 110 were upregulated, and 78 were downregulated. It was observed that oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) and oxidative stress are enhanced in C. albicans cells growing under opaque form as proteins involved in OxPhos (Atp1, Atp3, Atp16, Atp7, Cox6, Nuc2, Qcr7, and Sdh12) and oxidative stress response (Gcs1, Gtt11, Gpx2, Sod1, Ccp1, and Lys7) were significantly upregulated. The maximum upregulation of 23.16- and 13.93-fold is observed in the cases of Ccp1 and Nuc2, respectively. The downregulation of proteins, namely Als1, Csh1, Sap9, and Rho1, determining cell surface chemistry indicates modulation in cell wall integrity and reduced adhesion of opaque cells compared to white cells. This study is significant as it is the first draft of the proteomic profile of opaque cells that suggests enhanced OxPhos, oxidative stress, and modulation in cell surface chemistry indicating reduced adhesion and cell wall integrity, which could be associated with reduced virulence in opaque form. However, a deeper investigation is needed to explore it further. Lay Summary Opaque form is one of the least studied morphological forms of Candida albicans. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report providing opaque cell-specific proteome. It suggests enhanced oxidative phosphorylation, oxidative stress, and modulation in cell surface chemistry, which could be associated with reduced virulence in opaque form.

}, keywords = {albicans, C, LC-MS, MS, opaque, Oxidative stress, OxPhos, protein}, issn = {1369-3786}, doi = {10.1093/mmy/myad062}, author = {Abdulghani, Mazen and Telang, Saraswati and Desai, Manisha and Kadam, Shivdas and Kazi, Rubina and Shelar, Amruta and Patil, Rajendra and Maurya, Radheshyam and Zore, Gajanan} } @article {48290, title = {Organic field effect transistors comprising copolymers synthesized without structure-directing moieties with enhanced carrier mobility}, journal = {ACS Applied Electronic Materials}, volume = {5}, year = {2023}, month = {APR}, pages = {2338-2344}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Conjugated materials are synthesized by C-C bond formation reactions. Trimethyltin and boronic acid are two widely used structure-directing moieties. While using the ethynyl moiety as a part of the monomer, additional structure-directing moieties are not needed. However, ethynylene will be part of the conjugated material. Often, the polymers with an ethynylene moiety negatively impact the polymers{\textquoteright} properties. However, the ethynylene moiety could minimize the dihedral angle if the monomer has steric functionalities. For example, BODIPY is an attractive monomer due to its high molar extinction coefficient, partial quinoidal character, and high quantum yield. However, materials based on BODIPY exhibited poor charge carrier mobility due to steric hindrance generated by four methyl groups. Herein, we copolymerize BODIPY with ethynylene comprising i-indigo and thieno-i-indigo. The copolymer with thieno-i-indigo showed increased molecular weight and significantly reduced band gap compared to the copolymer with i-indigo. The copolymer with i-indigo showed immeasurably low hole transport mobility. On the other hand, the copolymer with thieno-i-indigo exhibited 0.003 cm2V(-1) s(-1). These measurements were made using field effect transistors. We also measured the charge carrier mobility using the space charge-limited current method. Both copolymers exhibited a mobility of 10(-3) cm(2) V-1 s(-1).

}, keywords = {acetylene linkage, BODIPY, field effect transistor, iso-indigo, Sonogashira coupling, thienoisoindigo}, doi = {10.1021/acsaelm.3c00160}, author = {Swain, Gitanjali and Javaregowda, Bharathkumar H. and Dambhare, Neha V. and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam} } @article {48681, title = {Organocatalysed one-pot three component synthesis of 3,3'-disubstituted oxindoles featuring an all-carbon quaternary center and [spiro 2H-pyran-3,4'-indoline]}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {13}, year = {2023}, month = {APR}, pages = {13206-13212}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A simple and efficient methodology for the one-pot synthesis of 3,3 {\textquoteleft}-disubstituted oxindoles featuring an all-carbon quaternary center has been demonstrated through l-proline catalysed three-component reaction based on sequential Knoevenagel condensation/Michael addition and also one-pot synthesis of spiro[2H-pyran-3,4 {\textquoteleft}-indoline] through consecutive Knoevenagel condensation/Michael addition/reduction/cyclization reactions from readily available isatin derivatives, malononitrile, and ketones. The present methodology presents several advantages, including simple reaction set-up, short reaction times, and easy to work-up. Also, this strategy offers broad substrate scope with excellent yields and high atom economy, under mild reaction conditions.

}, doi = {10.1039/d3ra00510k}, author = {Nichinde, Chandrakant B. and Patil, Baliram R. and Chaudhari, Suryakant S. and Mali, Bhupendra P. and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Kinage, Anil K.} } @article {48811, title = {Origin of optoelectronic contradictions in 3,4-cycloalkyl[c]-chalcogenophenes: a computational study}, journal = {Polymers}, volume = {15}, year = {2023}, month = {NOV}, pages = {4240}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The planar morphology of the backbone significantly contributes to the subtle optoelectronic features of pi-conjugated polymers. On the other hand, the atomistic tuning of an otherwise identical pi-backbone could also impact optoelectronic properties systematically. In this manuscript, we compare a series of 3,4-cycloalkylchalcogenophenes by tuning them atomistically using group-16 elements. Additionally, the effect of systematically extending these building blocks in the form of oligomers and polymers is studied. The size of the 3,4-substitution affected the morphology of the oligomers. In addition, the heteroatoms contributed to a further alteration in their geometry and resultant optoelectronic properties. The chalcogenophenes, containing smaller 3,4-cycloalkanes, resulted in lower bandgap oligomers or polymers compared to those with larger 3,4-cycloalkanes. Natural bonding orbital (NBO) calculations were performed to understand the disparity alongside the contour maps of frontier molecular orbitals (FMO).

}, keywords = {chalcogenophene, DFT calculation, Morphology, optoelectronic properties, steric effect}, doi = {10.3390/polym15214240}, author = {Masilamani, Ganesh and Krishna, Gamidi Rama and Debnath, Sashi and Bedi, Anjan} } @article {48308, title = {Pd loaded bismuth ferrite: a versatile perovskite for dual applications as acetone gas sensor and photocatalytic dye degradation of malachite green}, journal = {Ceramics International}, volume = {49}, year = {2023}, month = {FEB}, pages = {5738-5747}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Herein we report the palladium loaded bismuth ferrite for its bidirectional application as acetone gas sensor and photocatalytic dye degradation of malachite green. The motivation for loading Pd on bismuth ferrite (BFO) is due to its fascinating catalytic redox reactions causing faster adsorption and desorption of the oxygen molecules over the metal oxide. The planned perovskites were developed via surfactant assisted sol-gel auto-combustion route, and characterized their physico-chemical properties using XRD, SEM, TEM, HRTEM, EDAX, XPS and BET. The developed BFO showed the best selectivity towards acetone, whose response was 69\% at 300 degrees C operating temperature for 500 ppm gas concentration. By tuning the surface area and catalytic behavior using CTAB and Pd loading, respectively, the enhancement in the gas response properties of BFO was achieved to 95\% with the response and recovery time of 75 s and 104 s. The 1 wt\% Pd loaded BFO showed the highest response (95\%) in comparison to rest of the Pd loadings (0.5, 1.5 and 2.0 wt\%). Moreover, the sunlight driven photocatalytic dye degradation of malachite green is carried out at 1 h exposure time. Here as well, 1 wt\% Pd loaded BFO exhibited the maximum dye degradation efficiency of 51\%. The results of this study demonstrate the developed perovskites have a significant potential for the use in dual applications such as acetone gas sensor and MG photocatalysis.

}, keywords = {Acetone sensor, Bismuth ferrite, Palladium loading, Photo dye -degradation}, issn = {0272-8842}, doi = {10.1016/j.ceramint.2022.10.153}, author = {Ghadage, Pandurang and Kodam, Pavan and Nadargi, Digambar and Patil, Suraj and Tamboli, Mohaseen and Bhandari, Nagesh and Mulla, Imtiaz and Park, Chinho and Suryavanshi, Sharad} } @article {48783, title = {Pd(II)-catalyzed tandem cycloannulative-alkenylation of o-alkynyl-phenols/anilines with (E)-β-Iodovinyl sulfones: a direct strategy to construct 3-(Vinyl sulfonyl)benzoheterole derivatives}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {88}, year = {2023}, month = {JUN }, pages = {8889-8903}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Benzoheterolesand vinyl sulfones are the most promisingpharmaceuticalrelevance motifs, yet the hybrid analogues of these scaffolds stillneed to be explored. We report herein a general and highly efficientPd(OAc)(2)-catalyzed intramolecular cyclization and vinylationof o-alkynylphenols/o-alkynylanilineswith (E)-beta-iodovinyl sulfones under mild reactionconditions. A direct C(sp(2))-C(sp(2)) cross-couplingis enabled for the diversity-oriented synthesis of vinyl sulfone-tetheredbenzofurans and indoles in good to high yields with excellent stereoselectivity.Notably, this tandem process was consistent at the gram scale, andin situ, generation of 2-(phenylethynyl)phenol has also been utilizedin a scalable synthesis. Late-stage synthetic transformations werealso further explored, including isomerization and desulfonylative-sulfenylation.Moreover, several control experiments were accomplished, and we proposeda plausible mechanism based on existing experimental results.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/acs.joc.3c00671}, author = {Reddy, Raju Jannapu and Sharadha, Nunavath and Krishna, Gamidi Rama} } @article {48469, title = {Photocatalytic setup for in situ and operando ambient-pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy at MAX IV Laboratory}, journal = {Journal of Synchrotron Radiation}, volume = {30}, year = {2023}, month = {MAY}, pages = {613-619}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The Ambient-Pressure X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (APXPS) endstation at the SPECIES beamline at MAX IV Laboratory has been improved. The latest upgrades help in performing photo-assisted experiments under operando conditions in the mbar pressure range using gas and vapour mixtures whilst also reducing beam damage to the sample caused by X-ray irradiation. This article reports on endstation upgrades for APXPS and examples of scientific cases of in situ photocatalysis, photoreduction and photo-assisted atomic layer deposition (photo-ALD).

}, keywords = {APXPS, photo-ALD, Photocatalysis, solar simulator}, issn = {0909-0495}, doi = {10.1107/S1600577523002801}, author = {Klyushin, Alexander and Ghosalya, Manoj and Kokkonen, Esko and Eads, Calley and Jones, Rosemary and Nalajala, Naresh and Gopinath, Chinnakonda S. and Urpelainen, Samuli} } @article {48785, title = {Photogating induced high sensitivity and speed from heterostructure of few-layer MoS2 and reduced graphene oxide-based photodetector}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics}, volume = {25}, year = {2023}, month = {NOV}, pages = {30419-30427}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Over the past few years, two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (2D-TMDC) have attracted huge attention due to their high mobility, high absorbance, and high performance in generating excitons (electron and hole pairs). Especially, 2D molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has been extensively used in optoelectronic and photovoltaic applications. Due to the low photo-to-dark current ratio (I-photo/dark) and low speed, pristine MoS2-based devices are unsuitable for these applications. So, they need some improvements, i.e., by adding layers or decorating with materials of complementary majority charges. In this work, we decorated pristine MoS2 with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and got improved dark current, I-photo/dark, and response time. When we compared the performance of pristine MoS2 based device and rGO decorated MoS2 based device, the rGO/MoS2-based device showed an improved performance of responsivity of 3.36 A W-1, along with an I-photo/dark of about 154. The heterojunction device exhibited a detectivity of 4.75 x 10(12) Jones, along with a very low response time of 0.184 ms. The stability is also outstanding having the same device performance even after six months.

}, issn = {1463-9076}, doi = {10.1039/d3cp03518b}, author = {Das, Chayan and Kumar, Ashok and Kumar, Suresh and Dambhare, Neha V. and Kumar, Mahesh and Rath, Arup K. and Sahu, Satyajit} } @article {48320, title = {Photoinduced CO2 and N2 reductions on plasmonically enabled gallium oxide}, journal = {Journal of Colloid and Interface Science}, volume = {629}, year = {2023}, month = {JAN}, pages = {654-666}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Ag-containing ZnO/ b-Ga2O3 semiconductor, which exhibit reduced bandgap, increased light absorption, and hydrophilicity, have been found to be useful for photocatalytic CO2 reduction and N2 fixation by water. The charge-separation is facilitated by the new interfaces and inherent vacancies. The Ag@GaZn demonstrated the highest photocurrent response, about 20-and 2.27-folds that of the Ga and GaZn sam-ples, respectively. CO, CH4, and H2 formed as products for photo-reduction of CO2. Ag@GaZn catalyst exhibited the highest AQY of 0.121 \% at 400 nm (31.2 W/m2). Also, Ag@GaZn generated 740 lmolg-1 of NH4+ ions, which was about 18-folds higher than Ga sample. In situ DRIFTS for isotopic-labelled 13CO2 and 15N2 reaffirmed the photo-activity of as-synthesized catalysts. Density functional theory pro-vided insight into the relative affinity of different planes of heterostructures towards H2O, CO2 and N2 molecules. The structure-photoactivity rationale behind the intriguing Ag@GaZn sample offers a funda-mental insight into the role of plasmonic Ag and design principle of heterostructure with improved pho-toactivity and stability.(c) 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {CO2 reduction, DRIFTS density functional theory, hydrophilicity, Photocurrent response}, issn = {0021-9797}, doi = {10.1016/j.jcis.2022.09.097}, author = {Ojha, Niwesh and Thakkar, Kavita and Bajpai, Abhinav and Joshi, Kavita and Kumar, Sushant} } @article {48328, title = {Photoplethysmograph based arrhythmia detection using morphological features}, journal = {Biomedical Signal Processing and Control}, volume = {81}, year = {2023}, month = {MAR}, pages = {104422}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Photoplethysmography (PPG) is a non-invasive optical technique that is used for the detection of cardiovascular diseases. The paroxysmal nature of arrhythmic events and the lack of timely recorded data emphasize the need to develop an automated method for the identification of arrhythmias. The literature shows the detection of a single type of arrhythmia using PPG. However, limited research has been carried out for the detection of multiple types of arrhythmia. In this research work, a new set of morphological features have been proposed for the automated detection of multiple arrhythmias using rule-based and statistical learning-based approaches. The proposed work has been implemented on the retrospective dataset and validated on the prospective dataset. The results show that the rule-based arrhythmia detection method is equipollent to the statistical learning approach with an accuracy of 98.43\%/94.16\% on the retrospective dataset and 94.16\%/93\% on the prospective dataset.

}, keywords = {Arrhythmia, Machine learning algorithms, Photoplethysmography, Signal processing}, issn = {1746-8094}, doi = {10.1016/j.bspc.2022.104422}, author = {Neha and Sardana, H. K. and Kanawade, R. and Dogra, N.} } @article {48797, title = {Photo-stable, 1D-nanofilaments TiO2-based lepidocrocite for photocatalytic hydrogen production in water-methanol mixtures}, journal = {Matter}, volume = {6}, year = {2023}, month = {SEP}, pages = {2853-2869}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Water and sunlight are the cleanest, most renewable, and abundant resources on Earth. Developing inexpensive, scalable photocatalysts that are highly stable for hydrogen (H-2) production has long been a cherished dream of humanity. Herein, we report on one-dimensional lepidocrocite-based sub-nanofilaments (NFs), approximate to 5 x 7 \& Aring;(2) in cross-section, that generate H-2 from 80:20 v/v water/methanol mixtures when illuminated by simulated sunlight. The NFs were stable in the mixtures for times \>4,300 h, 300 h of which were under irradiation. Apparent quantum yields as high as 11.7\% were obtained. Based on deuterated water results, we conclude that water is the H-2 source. Further, no carbon dioxide (CO2) due to photocatalytic degradation of methanol was detected. Therefore, the NFs have strong green credentials and lucrative economic prospects for large scale up. We expect these NFs will lead to new lines for developing cheap and ultra-stable materials to produce H-2 photochemically for a long time.

}, issn = {2590-2393}, doi = {10.1016/j.matt.2023.05.026}, author = {Badr, Hussein O. and Natu, Varun and Neatu, Stefan and Neatu, Florentina and Kuncser, Andrei and Rostas, Arpad M. and Racey, Matthew and Barsoum, Michel W. and Florea, Mihaela} } @article {48759, title = {Polyethylene-grafted sheet-like silsesquioxane nanocomposites with unprecedented adhesion to polar substrates}, journal = {ACS Applied Polymer Materials}, volume = {5}, year = {2023}, month = {JUL}, pages = {5972-5983}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Polyethylene is a highly apolar polymer with very pooradhesionto most substrates, necessitating the use of tie layers. Therefore,the synthesis of functional polyethylene is a long-standing challengein catalytic ethylene polymerization. Here, we report the preparationof a nanocomposite comprising polyethylene covalently grafted ontosheet-like silsesquioxanes, with unprecedented adhesion to metal andglass. A norbornene-grafted, layered Mg-silsesquioxane is treatedwith Grubbs second-generation catalyst (G-II), and the identity ofcovalently tethered G-II is unambiguously ascertained. Covalentlytethered G-II catalyzes the ring opening metathesis polymerizationof cyclooctene to poly(cyclooctene). The resulting poly(cyclooctene)is catalytically hydrogenated to yield polyethylene. This polyethylenenanocomposite exhibited a bonding strength of the order of 100 MPaon stainless steel and aluminum, 10-fold higher than reported forengineered polyethylene copolymers. The nanocomposite exhibits anincrease in the polar component of surface energy, yet remains compatibleand cocrystallizes with a polyethylene matrix.

}, keywords = {adhesion, clay, Nanocomposite, Polyethylene, silsesquioxane}, issn = {2637-6105}, doi = {10.1021/acsapm.3c00649}, author = {Sharma, Vivek and Paulbudhe, Uday and Bachhar, Nirmalya and Chikkali, Samir H. and Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy} } @article {48800, title = {Possible handle for broadening the catalysis regime towards low temperatures: proof of concept and mechanistic studies with CO oxidation on surface modified Pd-TiO2}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics}, volume = {25}, year = {2023}, month = {AUG }, pages = {22040-22054}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The present work demonstrates the effect of temperature-dependent surface modification (SM) treatment and its influence in broadening the catalysis regime with Pd-TiO2 catalysts prepared by various methods. Due to SM induced changes, a shift in the onset of CO oxidation activity as well as broadening of the oxidation catalysis regime by 30 to 65 K to lower temperatures is observed compared to the temperature required for virgin counterparts. SM carried out at 523 K for Pd-Photo-TiO2 exhibits the lowest onset (10\% CO2 production - T-10) and T-100 for CO oxidation at 360 and 392 K, respectively, while its virgin counterpart shows T-10 and T-100 at 393 and 433 K, respectively. The SMd Pd-TiO2 catalysts were investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), ultra-violet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). It is observed that diffusion of atomic oxygen into Pd-subsurfaces leads to SM and changes the nature of the surface significantly. These changes are demonstrated by work function (\& phi;), surface potential, catalytic activity, and correlation among them. UPS results demonstrate the maximum increase in \& phi; by 0.5 eV for Pd-Photo-TiO2 after SM, compared to all other catalysts. XPS study shows a moderate to severe change in the oxidation states of Pd due to atomic oxygen diffusion into the subsurface layers of Pd. Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) study also reveals corroborating evidence that the surface potential increases linearly with increasing temperature deployed for SM up to 523 K, followed by a marginal decrease at 573 K. The \& phi; measured by KPFM and UPS shows a similar trend and correlates well with the changes in catalysis observed. Our results indicate that there is a strong correlation between surface physical and chemical properties, and \& phi; changes could be considered as a global marker for chemical reactivity.

}, issn = {1463-9076}, doi = {10.1039/d3cp01122d}, author = {Mhamane, Nitin B. B. and Panchal, Suresh and Kolekar, Sadhu K. K. and Ranjan, Ravi and Salgaonkar, Kranti N. N. and Burange, Anand S. S. and Nalajala, Naresh and Datar, Suwarna and Gopinath, Chinnakonda S. S.} } @article {48792, title = {Potential of Y. lipolytica epoxide hydrolase for efficient production of enantiopure (R)-1,2-octanediol}, journal = {AMB Express}, volume = {13}, year = {2023}, month = {JUL }, pages = {77}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The recombinant Yleh from a tropical marine yeast Yarrowia lipolytica NCIM 3589 exhibited a high epoxide hydrolase activity of 9.34 +/- 1.80 mu mol min(-1) mg(-1) protein towards 1,2-epoxyoctane (EO), at pH 8.0 and 30 degrees C. The reaction product was identified as 1,2-Octanediol (OD) by GC-MS using EO and H2O18 as substrate, affirming the functionality of Yleh as an epoxide hydrolase. For EO, the K-m, V-max, and k(cat)/K-m values were 0.43 +/- 0.017 mM, 0.042 +/- 0.003 mM min(-1), and 467.17 +/- 39.43 mM(-1) min(-1), respectively. To optimize the reaction conditions for conversion of racemic EO by Yleh catalyst to enantiopure (R)-1,2-octanediol, initially, Response Surface Methodology was employed. Under optimized reaction conditions of 15 mM EO, 150 mu g purified Yleh at 30 degrees C a maximal diol production of 7.11 mM was attained in a short span of 65 min with a yield of 47.4\%. Green technology using deep eutectic solvents for the hydrophobic substrate (EO) were tested as co-solvents in Yleh catalyzed EO hydrolysis. Choline chloride-Glycerol, produced 9.08 mM OD with an increased OD yield of 60.5\%. Thus, results showed that deep eutectic solvents could be a promising solvent for Yleh-catalyzed reactions making Yleh a potential biocatalyst for the biosynthesis of enantiopure synthons. [GRAPHICS] .

}, keywords = {Deep Eutectic solvents, Optimization, Recombinant epoxide hydrolase, Response surface methodology, Yarrowia lipolytica}, issn = {2191-0855}, doi = {10.1186/s13568-023-01584-1}, author = {Godase, Vijaya P. P. and Kumar, V. Ravi and Kumar, Ameeta Ravi} } @article {48312, title = {PPO-ZIF MMMs possessing metal-polymer interactions for propane/ propylene separation}, journal = {Journal of Membrane Science}, volume = {668}, year = {2023}, month = {FEB}, pages = {121208}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

An assertive formation of ZIF-based mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) with polyphenylene oxide (PPO), a high permeability polymer as a host, is presented. The interfacial interactions between the filler particles and polymer matrix are established by DSC and XPS analyses. The ZIF loading could be achieved up to 40\% without hampering the stability of the resulting MMMs. These membranes were evaluated for pure gas permeability, specifically aiming at C3H6/C3H8 separation, a highly desired application in industry. The ZIF-PPO hybrids display promising pure gas as well as mixed gas permeation performance. The 40\% ZIF-8 and ZIF-67 loaded membrane display promising C3H6/C3H8 selectivity of 27.5 and 25, with a permeability of 12 and 13 barrer, respectively. The enhanced selectivity is attributed to the absence of defects eliminated due to metal-polymer interactions. The permeation study of a 30\% ZIF-8 loaded membrane while varying transmembrane pressure and long-time exposure (150 h) of propylene at 60 psi indicated the excellent stability of the membrane. The sorption analysis further confirmed the molecular sieving characteristics of the ZIF@PPO MMMs. The mixed gas permeation performance showed promising results of high permeability as well as maintaining selectivity over a wide range of compositions.

}, keywords = {Interfacial interactions, Mixed matrix membrane, Olefin-paraffin separation, poly(phenyleneoxide), Zeolitic imidazole framework}, issn = {0376-7388}, doi = {10.1016/j.memsci.2022.121208}, author = {Kunjattu, H. Shebeeb and Kharul, Ulhas K.} } @article {48324, title = {Pt-anchored-zirconium phosphate nanoplates as high-durable carbon-free oxygen reduction reaction electrocatalyst for PEM fuel cell applications}, journal = {Advanced Sustainable Systems}, volume = {7}, year = {2023}, month = {FEB}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Commercially available platinum-supported carbon (Pt/C) catalysts are the most widely used oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). However, inadequate active triple-phase boundary formation and carbon oxidation in Pt/C during PEMFC operation shorten its lifetime and efficiency. In this direction, a new class of carbon-free electrocatalysts for ORR is prepared by dispersing Pt nanoparticles on ZrP (Zirconium phosphates) nanoplates. In one case (ZrP@Pt), the Pt nanoparticles are found to be closely distributed and completely covering the ZrP nanoplates, whereas in the second case (Pt/ZrP), the Pt nanoparticles selectively restrict dispersion along the edges of the support. ZrP as the support displays an intrinsic proton conductivity of approximate to 0.5 x 10(-4) S cm(-1) at 70 degrees C, with an activation energy (E-a) of 0.19 eV. Pt/ZrP shows better durability after 3000 start-stop cycles. The mass activity of Pt/ZrP is increased by 4.6 times compared to Pt/C, which exhibits a loss in mass activity by 1.37 times. The single-cell level validation of ZrP@Pt, Pt/ZrP, and Pt/C as the electrocatalysts in PEMFC at an operating potential of 0.60 V shows the achievable current densities of 0.600, 0.890, and 0.890 A cm(-2).

}, keywords = {carbon-free electrocatalysts, fuel cells, oxygen reduction reaction, zirconium phosphate}, issn = {2366-7486}, doi = {10.1002/adsu.202200330}, author = {Kumar, Sachin and Yoyakki, Athira and Pandikassala, Ajmal and Soni, Roby and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {48740, title = {Quantum dot (Aun/Agn, n=3-8) capped single lipids: interactions and physicochemical properties}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics}, volume = {25}, year = {2023}, month = {AUG}, pages = {22294-22303}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Realizing the potential of nano-hybrid biomaterials in various applications (nanoprobes to drug delivery), special attention has been devoted towards their synthesis and development. Nonetheless, several questions pertaining to the interface chemistry between the constituent entities (biomolecules and organic/inorganic part) of these hybrids, still remain unresolved. Keeping these unsolved issues in mind, the present theoretical investigation focuses on determining the electronic/physicochemical properties and interactions within gold and silver quantum dot-capped single lipid molecules. Quantum dots of varying sizes and shapes have been chosen and then coupled with lipid molecules (1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC), 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DMPE), 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoglycerol, sodium salt (DMPG)), at the choline/glycerol, carboxylate and phosphate site. It has been identified that Au Qds interact strongly as compared to Ag clusters. In addition to the type, the shape and size of the Qd also influences their attachment with lipids. Among various sites, the phosphate site provides a considerably stronger platform for the coupling of Qds. On the other hand, attachment at the choline site leads to significantly lower interaction energies. The trend noted in interaction energies coincides with the structure-electronic property analysis (interatomic bond distances, charge transfer, PO2- stretching frequencies), which further helps in deducing the nature of interactions. The molecular dynamics simulations performed on selected Qd-lipid complexes established that the Qd interacting with lipids at the phosphate site remains fairly stable at room temperature without undergoing fragmentation into individual components. On the other hand, at the choline site, the Qd-to-lipid coupling is unstable and therefore they experience disintegration at 300 K temperature. Additionally, a unique glycerol-to-phosphate site crossover is evidenced, which reaffirms that the phosphate site is selectively preferred by Qds for binding with lipid molecules.

}, issn = {1463-9076}, doi = {10.1039/d3cp01131c}, author = {Maneri, Asma H. H. and Varode, Shruti Suhas and Maibam, Ashakiran and Ranjan, Priyatosh and Krishnamurty, Sailaja and Joshi, Krati} } @article {48703, title = {Radical cascade cyclization of unactivated alkene-tethered indoles with aryldiazonium salt and sodium metabisulfite to access Azo- and Sulfonylated-2,3-Dihyro-1H-pyrrolo[1,2-a]indoles}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {88}, year = {2023}, month = {JUN}, pages = {9123-9129}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A method for the construction ofheterocyclic scaffold2,3-dihyro-1H-pyrrolo[1,2-a]indolesvia arylsulfonylradical-triggered cascade cyclization of unactivated alkene-tetheredindoles in the absence of any external photocatalyst has been developed.This protocol features easily accessible starting materials such assodium metabisulfite and aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates at roomtemperature and offers good functional group compatibility, enablingthe introduction of various functionalized sulfonyl and azo groupsinto pyrrolo[1,2-a]indoles.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/acs.joc.3c00759}, author = {Kumar, Pawan and Rai, Archana and Kumar, Manish and Krishna, Gamidi Rama and Das, Utpal} } @article {48718, title = {Rapid bioinspired N-acyliminium ion strategy for the ABC core of the stemona alkaloids}, journal = {Asian Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {12}, year = {2023}, month = {SEP}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A concise and highly diastereoselective bioinspired key cationic cyclization strategy for the asymmetric synthesis of the tricyclic core of the (-)-stemoamide, together with 8,9-bis-epi-stemoamide has been described. The key N-acyliminium ion precursors were accessed from L-tartaric acid and L-malic acid respectively. The use of ethyl acetoacetate derived bifunctional allylidenetriphenylphosphorane reagent in the early stage of the synthetic strategy is advantageous for the rapid construction of highly functionalized key pyrrolo[1,2-\& alpha;]azepine frameworks.

}, keywords = {alkaloids, Biomimetic synthesis, Claisen rearrangement, cyclization, Regioselectivity}, issn = {2193-5807}, doi = {10.1002/ajoc.202300331}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Kalbhor, Dinesh B. and Gonnade, Rajesh G.} } @article {48289, title = {Reaction pathways and kinetics of N-acetyl-d-glucosamine hydrolysis in sub- and supercritical water}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {8}, year = {2023}, month = {MAY }, pages = {1097-1108}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Subcritical and supercritical water hydrolysis of N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (NAG) to value-added chemicals has been studied in detail. Experiments were carried out using a continuous flow reactor by varying temperature (250-400 degrees C), pressure (5-25 MPa) and residence time (2-60 s). A wide product distribution was obtained during the reactions, including solid, liquid and gaseous compounds, sensitive to the state of water: sub- or supercritical. Subcritical conditions promoted the formation of solid compounds, whereas gasification was favored in supercritical water. The prominent products present in the liquid fraction were glycolic acid, acetic acid, formic acid, 5-HMF and acetamide. The formation of a few distinct nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds was observed only in supercritical water. Following instantaneous deacetylation of NAG, several oxidation, reduction and secondary reactions occur during hydrolysis of NAG in subcritical and supercritical water. A kinetic model for the prediction of yields of acetic acid, glycolic acid and formic acid is developed. The network of reactions showed specifc deviations from conventional understanding. The current findings show that it is possible to develop a suitable process to make a set of value-added chemicals from chitinous biomass.

}, issn = {2058-9883}, doi = {10.1039/d3re00046j}, author = {Kulkarni, Sphurti P. P. and Joshi, Sunil S. S. and Kulkarni, Amol A. A.} } @article {48782, title = {Recyclable Pd nanoparticles immobilized on amine functionalized LDH for the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction}, journal = {Chemical Papers}, volume = {77}, year = {2023}, month = {SEP}, pages = {5555-5569}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In the present work, we invented a Pd nanoparticle immobilized on an amine-functionalized LDH catalyst (PdNP@NH2LDH-Al-MCM-41) for cross-coupling reactions. The palladium was grafted onto the support by treating the Pd(OAc)(2) with NH2-LDH-Al-MCM-41 in acetone at room temperature. The prepared catalyst was characterized by FT-IR, SEM, TGA, TEM, and XPS techniques. The TEM characterization of the catalyst showed the uniform distribution of PdNPs with sizes ranging from 3 to 6 nm located inside the mesoporous. The Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction was used to demonstrate the catalytic efficiency of the prepared PdNPs@NH2-LDH-Al-MCM-41 catalyst. The prepared and analyzed catalyst showed good to excellent activity in the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction of various aryl bromides with different aryl boronic acids in ethanol at 80 degrees C. The catalyst showed TON up to similar to 47 and TOF similar to 47 h(-1). The catalytic results exhibited that the catalyst is completely recoverable with simple filtration. The catalytic efficiency shows a slight decrease in activity for the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions even after five repeated recycles. TEM images of the freshly prepared and reused catalysts (after five catalytic cycles) showed palladium nanoparticles remain unchanged at the end of the reactions. [GRAPHICS] .

}, keywords = {LDH, PdNPs, Recyclability, Suzuki-Miyaura coupling}, issn = {0366-6352}, doi = {10.1007/s11696-023-02885-2}, author = {Patil, Seema P. P. and Jadhav, Sanjay N. N. and Inamdar, Firoz A. A. and Ameen, Mohd Aatif and Rode, Chandrashekhar V. V. and Rajmane, Archana S. S. and Kumbhar, Arjun S. S.} } @article {48763, title = {Regulation of trehalose metabolism in insects: from genes to the metabolite window}, journal = {Glycobiology}, volume = {33}, year = {2023}, month = {MAY }, pages = {262-273}, type = {Review}, abstract = {

Trehalose is a major circulatory sugar in the haemolymph of insects. It provides instant energy and protection against stress. Trehalose metabolism is associated with insect growth and development. The architecture and spatio-temporal expression dynamics of trehalose metabolism and transport genes are key for regulation. These genes are controlled by various transcription factors, largely linked to nutrition, insect development, and metamorphosis. Also, trehalose levels are affected by substrate affinities and modifications of enzymes involved in the pathway. A feedback mechanism involving the precursors and products can regulate trehalose metabolism. Further, the neuroendocrine system controls trehalose levels under normal and stressed conditions by producing different hormones. Hypotrehalosemic hormones work under surplus energy conditions to activate haemolymph trehalose uptake and degradation. In contrast, hypertrehalosemic hormones stimulate trehalose production in the fat body and its transport to the haemolymph. However, trehalose metabolism regulation in insects needs to be studied in detail. This review discusses aspects of trehalose synthesis, transport, and degradation dynamics in developmental transition and stress response. Unraveling the epigenetic factors, transcriptional control and chemical or genetic modulators can provide further insights into the intricate regulation of trehalose in a development- and tissue-specific manner. This molecular information about effectors and regulators of trehalose metabolism can be applied in developing diverse biotechnological applications.

}, keywords = {Hormone, Insect development, Metabolic regulation, Stress, trehalose}, issn = {0959-6658}, doi = {10.1093/glycob/cwad011}, author = {Tellis, Meenakshi B. and Kotkar, Hemlata M. and Joshi, Rakesh S.} } @article {48814, title = {Response of cardiac pulse parameters in humans at various inclinations via 360{\textdegree} rotating platform for simulated microgravity perspective}, journal = {NPJ Microgravity}, volume = {9}, year = {2023}, month = {JUL}, pages = {54}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

On the Earth, the human body is designed and adapted to function under uniform gravitational acceleration. However, exposure to microgravity or weightlessness as experienced by astronauts in space causes significant alterations in the functioning of the human cardiovascular system. Due to limitations in using real microgravity platforms, researchers opted for various ground-based microgravity analogs including head-down tilt (HDT) at fixed inclination. However, in the present study, an investigation of response of various cardiac parameters and their circulatory adaptation in 18 healthy male subjects was undertaken by using an indigenously developed 360 \& DEG; rotating platform. Cardiac pulse was recorded from 0 \& DEG; to 360 \& DEG; in steps of 30 \& DEG; inclination using piezoelectric pulse sensor (MLT1010) and associated cardiac parameters were analyzed. The results showed significant changes in the pulse shape while an interesting oscillating pattern was observed in associated cardiac parameters when rotated from 0 \& DEG; to 360 \& DEG;. The response of cardiac parameters became normal after returning to supine posture indicating the ability of the cardiovascular system to reversibly adapt to the postural changes. The observed changes in cardiac parameters at an inclination of 270 \& DEG;, in particular, were found to be comparable with spaceflight studies. Based on the obtained results and the proposed extended version of fluid redistribution mechanism, we herewith hypothesize that the rotation of a subject to head down tilt inclination (270 \& DEG;) along with other inclinations could represent a better microgravity analog for understanding the cumulative cardiac response of astronauts in space, particularly for short duration space missions.

}, doi = {10.1038/s41526-023-00301-3}, author = {Jagtap, Sagar and Kumar, Ajay and Mahale, Bhoopesh and Dixit, Jyotsana and Kalange, Ashok E. and Kanawade, Rajesh and Gangal, Shashikala and Vidyasagar, Pandit} } @article {48677, title = {Rh-catalyzed C-H functionalization of the (Pyrazol-5-yl)pyridine core of GBT-440}, journal = {Synthesis-Stuttgart}, volume = {55}, year = {2023}, month = {NOV }, pages = {3600-3609}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The Rh-catalyzed cross dehydrogenative coupling (CDC)/alkylation of the pyrazolylpyridine unit of GBT-440 proceeded smoothly under ambient conditions and selectively on the pyrazole unit while directed by the pyridine. The scope of these reactions was established by employing simple as well as conjugated olefins for CDC and various diazo esters and the TIPS-EBX reagent for alkylation. At the outset, a focused small molecule library around the bis-heterocyclic core of GBT440 was developed via C-H functionalization.

}, keywords = {C-H activation, cross dehydrogenative coupling, diazo ester, GBT-440, Rh catalysis, TIPS-EBX}, issn = {0039-7881}, doi = {10.1055/a-2116-6734}, author = {Kalshetti, Rupali G. and Halnor, Swapnil V. and Ramana, Chepuri V.} } @article {48478, title = {Role of ions and their transporters in combating salt stress in Pandanus odorifer (Forssk.) Kuntze}, journal = {Acta Physiologiae Plantarum}, volume = {45}, year = {2023}, month = {MAY}, pages = {66}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Soil salinity is a major environmental constraint causing huge losses in crop production. Pandanus odorifer (Forssk.) Kuntze is an aromatic monocot plant species belonging to the family Pandanaceae, which grows naturally on the saline soils along the coasts of Asia, Southeast Asia, and Polynesia. The plants are dioecious and highly fertile, and the consistent saline sprays, strong winds, and severe soil salinity hardly affect their growth and fertility. Hence, understanding the mechanism of high salinity tolerance in P. odorifer could provide major advances in overcoming salinity stress in crop plants. In the present study, we analyzed control (0 M NaCl) and treated (1 M NaCl treatment for 3 weeks) plants of P. odorifer to understand the role of ion distribution, ion transport, and related mechanisms under salt stress. Using a combination of ionomics and transcriptomics approaches, we identified the molecular mechanisms contributing to the high salinity stress in P. odorifer. Under NaCl stress, there was a significant increase in Na, Cl, and other ions in leaves, while the concentrations of Si, Fe, Ni, and Ti decreased. Similarly, in roots, the levels of Na, Mg, Cd, and Cr were significantly high, while the levels of other ions decreased. Most of the genes related to ion transport and homeostasis, such as NHX1, CLC-C, SOS1, HAK, and ABC transporters, were upregulated in 1 M NaCl stress conditions. This study revealed that vacuolar sequestration of Na+ and the distribution of ions in the roots and shoots play significant roles in the salt-stress tolerance mechanism of P. odorifer.

}, keywords = {Ion transport, Ionomics, Pandanus, Salinity tolerance, Transcriptomics, Vacuolar sequestration}, issn = {0137-5881}, doi = {10.1007/s11738-023-03541-8}, author = {Rashmi, Deo and Ansari, Waquar A. and Kadoo, Narendra Y. and Barvkar, Vitthal T. and Deshmukh, Rupesh and Nadaf, Altafhusain B.} } @article {48333, title = {Salicylaldehydate coordinated two-dimensional-conjugated metal-organic frameworks}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {59}, year = {2023}, month = {FEB }, pages = {2608-2611}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A novel class of copper-based 2D-c-MOF was synthesized from 1,3,5-triformylphloroglucinol using green mechano-chemistry. Herein, metal coordination with the salicylaldehyde functional moiety was explored for the first time in MOFs. Moreover, an intrinsic semiconductive copper-based SA-MOF thin film was fabricated using an in situ salt-free method at room temperature.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/d2cc06283f}, author = {Mohammed, Abdul Khayum and Pena-Sanchez, Pilar and Pandikassala, Ajmal and Gaber, Safa and AlKhoori, Ayesha A. and Skorjanc, Tina and Polychronopoulou, Kyriaki and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Gandara, Felipe and Shetty, Dinesh} } @article {48780, title = {Seasonal dynamics and tree foliar habit drive the rhizobacterial diversity in congeneric Ficus species from Northern Western Ghats, India}, journal = {Rhizosphere}, volume = {28}, year = {2023}, month = {DEC}, pages = {100790}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Tree species, annual climatic cycle, and geochemical properties influence the tree rhizospheric microbiome. However, its understanding in the moist deciduous forest of Northern Western Ghats (NWG), India, is limited. Moreover, the effects of foliar habits of trees and seasonal variations on rhizobacterial communities across congeneric tree species are unexplored. Hence, we employed high throughput 16 S rRNA gene sequencing to examine the effects of foliar habits of congeneric tree species and seasonal influences on the rhizobacterial community. For this study, rhizospheric soil from Ficus arnottiana (deciduous) and Ficus talboti (evergreen) trees from NWG, India, was collected during three seasons (summer, monsoon, and winter) and subjected to high throughput sequencing. A total of 3031 amplicon sequence variants (ASV) were observed, of which 1257 and 1181 ASV were unique to F. arnottiana and F. talboti, respectively, and 593 ASV were common to both species. The phyla Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Chloroflexi were ubiquitous and contributed \>90\% to the rhizobacterial community. Some bacterial phyla were exclusively associated with either of the tree species and seasons. Different bacterial phyla performed similar functions in different seasons, indicating their functional redundancy and emphasizing their resilience and adaptability across seasons. It was observed that seasonal dynamics mainly drove the rhizobacterial diversity; however, it was also influenced by the foliar habits of the trees and geochemical properties. The study enhances the understanding of congeneric tree microbiomes and offers valuable insights into their potential applications through microbiome engineering.

}, keywords = {Amplicon variants, Bacterial diversity, Ficus arnottiana, Ficus talboti, Rhizosphere}, doi = {10.1016/j.rhisph.2023.100790}, author = {Salunkhe, Vaishnavi H. and Kunte, Pooja S. and Paul, Dhiraj and Kasodekar, Amol K. and Kadoo, Narendra Y.} } @article {48273, title = {Selective and generic photocatalytic oxidation of alcohol with Pd-TiO2 thin films: butanols to butanal/butanone with different morphologies of Pd and 0.5 theta(Pt)-Pd counterparts}, journal = {Chemistry-An Asian Journal}, volume = {18}, year = {2023}, month = {MAR}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The present study reports on the photocatalytic oxidation of butanols to butanal/butanone using thin film form of facet-dependent nano-Pd supported on commercial TiO2 under one-sun condition and demonstrates the generic nature. Pd-nanocube (Pd-NC(100)), Pd-truncated octahedron (Pd-TO (100) and (111)), polycrystalline (Pd-PC), and their counterparts with half-a-monolayer Pt-coated on Pd (0.5 theta(Pt)-Pd)) have been used as co-catalyst. A potentially scalable thin film form of Pd/TiO2 photocatalyst, prepared by drop-casting method, has been employed to study oxidation of n-butanol, 2-butanol, and iso-butanol to corresponding aldehyde/ketone. 100\% selectivity is demonstrated to respective aldehyde/ketone with any catalyst used in the present study with varying degree of butanols conversion by NMR. 0.5 theta(Pt)-Pd-TO/TiO2 shows the highest conversion of 2-butanol to butanone (13.6\% in 4 h). Continuous 10 h of reaction with the most active 0.5 theta(Pt)-Pd-TO/P25 catalyst demonstrates 31\% conversion of 2-butanol to butanone, and catalyst recyclability has been demonstrated. The present protocol can be scalable to large scales to maximize the conversion in direct sunlight. Due to its generic nature, the current method can also be applied to many other alcohols and substrate molecules.

}, keywords = {energy conversion, Nanomaterials, Oxidation, Photocatalysis, Sustainability}, issn = {1861-4728}, doi = {10.1002/asia.202201239}, author = {Salgaonkar, Kranti N. and Kale, Sandip R. and Nalajala, Naresh and Mansuri, Sayana and Gopinath, Chinnakonda S.} } @article {48689, title = {Self-powered wearable breath sensor cum nanogenerator using AuNR-rGO-PVDF nanocomposite}, journal = {IEEE Sensors Journal}, volume = {23}, year = {2023}, month = {APR }, pages = {6473-6480}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Breathing is the most important function of living being. It is well known that breath contains 90\% humidity along with various gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These gases are released during various metabolic activities in the body. These gases present in the breath can act as biomarkers to showcase healthiness or abnormalities in the body. Therefore, breath sensors are the need of time to detect diseases at early stages and in noninvasive way. Herein, we report, simple breath sensor using Au nanorods (AuNRs) and its nanocomposite with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). The nanocomposites system is designed in such a way that each component has its advantages for breath sensing. Here, AuNR being a good humidity sensitive material detects the breath efficiently. The ss phased PVDF being a very good ferroelectric material, contributes for voltage generation during sensing and enables the device to be self powered. The highly conducting rGO increases the sensitivity and voltage generation by facilitating the electron transport in the nanocomposite system. The nanocomposite was optimized with respect to PVDF, rGO and Au concentration. The as-synthesized materials were characterized by physiochemical characterization techniques such as field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), UV-Visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The ss phase formation of the PVDF was confirmed from the XRD peak at 20.41 degrees. SEM results revealed that AuNR have length 15-20 nm and aspect ratio similar to 3-4. Breath sensing tests were carried out for as synthesized nanocomposite material. The nanocomposite exhibited high sensitivity towards breath and generated the voltage of similar to 0.7 V within 0.8 s.

}, keywords = {Au nanorods (AuNRs), breath analyzer, breath sensor, nanogenerator}, issn = {1530-437X}, doi = {10.1109/JSEN.2023.3240744}, author = {Bang, Amruta D. and Ghalawat, Monika and Poddar, Pankaj and Kulkarni, Sulabha K. and Adhyapak, Parag V.} } @article {48305, title = {Settling and spreading behaviour of particle clusters in quiescent liquids in confined vessels}, journal = {Particuology}, volume = {83}, year = {2023}, month = {DEC}, pages = {91-100}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Here we report experiments on particle cluster settling at high Reynolds number in quiescent liquid contained in a vessel. The particles were observed to spread at the vessel bottom surface in a nearcircular annular shape after settling irrespective of the shape of the vessel cross-section and particle shape, size, and types. Effect of different parameters such as mass, type and aspect ratio of the particles, height, and viscosity of liquid was investigated on spreading behaviour. Formation of the hemispherical bottom cap of the cluster that bounces upon hitting the vessel bottom surface was found to be responsible for the final circular annular shape of the settled structure. Particle leakage from the cluster was seen in the form of a tail. In the liquid having viscosity beyond 100 cP, cluster breakage was observed that resulted in hindered settling and asymmetric shapes of finally settled particles. The observations are useful to understand the overall area over which settling and spreading of such clusters can be observed. (c) 2023 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Society of Particuology and Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

}, keywords = {Particle cluster, Settling, spreading, Temporal evolution}, issn = {1674-2001}, doi = {10.1016/j.partic.2023.01.019}, author = {Pal, Sayan and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article {48738, title = {Six-membered NHC stabilized monomeric zinc complexes}, journal = {European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry}, volume = {26}, year = {2023}, month = {JUL}, pages = {e202300167}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

This paper describes the rare use of a 6-membered saturated N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) known as 1,3-di(2,6-diisopropylphenyl) tetrahydropyrimidine-2-ylidene (abbreviated as 6-SI-Dipp) as a ligand in zinc chemistry. We report on the investigation of the reactions between 6-SI-Dipp and ZnX2, which resulted in a range of new monomeric 6-SIDipp center dot ZnX2 complexes (X=Et (1), Cl (2), Br (3), and I (4)). We also prepared a new NHC zinc complex where the two substituents of the zinc atom are different, 6-SIDipp center dot Zn(Et)Br (7) through the reaction of the proligand [6-SIDippH]Br with ZnEt2. We have observed that the reactions of complex 1 with sulfur and HBpin led to the removal of the ZnEt2 moiety, resulting in the formation of a C=S double bond and a B H activation product, respectively. Lastly, the reaction of 1 with five-membered NHCs led to the exchange of carbene and the formation of either 5-IDipp center dot ZnEt2 (8) or 5-SIDipp center dot ZnEt2 (9).

}, keywords = {Lewis adduct, NHC, X-ray diffraction, zinc}, issn = {1434-1948}, doi = {10.1002/ejic.202300167}, author = {Gour, Kritika and Kundu, Gargi and Dash, Soumya Ranjan and Vanka, Kumar and Tothadi, Srinu and Sen, Sakya S.} } @article {48831, title = {Solvation structure and dynamics of a small ion in an organic electrolyte}, journal = {Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A-Chemistry}, volume = {440}, year = {2023}, month = {JUN}, pages = {114666}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Organic carbonates are commonly used as electrolytes in commercial lithium-ion batteries. A detailed interpretation of the solvation structure and dynamics of the electrolyte around ions is necessary to understand the charge/discharge process in batteries. This work combines infrared absorption spectroscopy with quantum chemical calculations and molecular dynamics simulations to decipher the solvation structure of propylene carbonate, a cyclic carbonate, around the dissolved thiocyanate ion. Two dimensional infrared spectroscopy and polarization-selective pump probe spectroscopies have been utilized to extract the timescales of solvent fluctuation and the solute reorientational dynamics. The similarity in the slow timescales for the solute and the solvent dynamics signifies that similar processes control both dynamics.

}, issn = {1010-6030}, doi = {10.1016/j.jphotochem.2023.114666}, author = {Kore, Shivshankar and Sahoo, Rudhi Ranjan and Santra, Binit and Sarkar, Archishman and Chowdhury, Tubai and Deshmukh, Samadhan H. and Hazarika, Sulagna and Chatterjee, Srijan and Bagchi, Sayan} } @article {48322, title = {Spatio-temporal variation of the microbiome and resistome repertoire along an anthropogenically dynamic segment of the Ganges River, India}, journal = {Science of the Total Environment}, volume = {872}, year = {2023}, month = {MAY}, pages = {162125}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Aquatic ecosystems are regarded as a hub of antibiotic and metal resistance genes. River Ganges is a unique riverine system in India with socio-cultural and economic significance. However, it remains underexplored for its microbiome and associated resistomes along its anthropogenically impacted course. The present study utilized a nanopore sequenc-ing approach to depict the microbial community structure in the sediments of the river Ganges harboring antibiotic and metal resistance genes (A/MRGs) in lower stretches known for anthropogenic impact. Comprehensive microbiome analyses revealed resistance genes against 23 different types of metals and 28 classes of antibiotics. The most dominant ARG category was multidrug resistance, while the most prevalent MRGs conferred resistance against copper and zinc. Seasonal differences dismally affected the microbiota of the Ganges. However, resistance genes for fosmidomycin and tetracycline varied with season ANOVA, p \< 0.05. Interestingly, 333 and 334 ARG subtypes were observed at all the locations in pre-monsoon and post-monsoon, respectively. The taxa associated with the dominant ARGs and MRGs were Pseudomonas and Burkholderia, which are important nosocomial pathogens. A substantial phage diversity for pathogenic and putrefying bacteria at all locations attracts attention for its use to tackle the dissemination of antibiotic and metal-resistant bacteria. This study suggests the accumulation of antibiotics and metals as the driving force for the emergence of resistance genes and the affiliated bacteria trafficking them. The present metagenomic as-sessment highlights the need for comprehensive, long-term biological and physicochemical monitoring and mitigation strategies toward the contaminants associated with ARGs and MRGs in this nationally important river.

}, keywords = {Antibiotics (ARGs), Bacteriophages, Heavy metals (MRGs), Metagenomics, Microbiome, River Ganges}, issn = {0048-9697}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162125}, author = {Samson, Rachel and Rajput, Vinay and Yadav, Rakeshkumar and Shah, Manan and Dastager, Syed and Khairnar, Krishna and Dharne, Mahesh} } @article {48452, title = {Speed breeding opportunities and challenges for crop improvement}, journal = {Journal of Plant Growth Regulation}, volume = {42}, year = {2023}, month = {JAN}, pages = {46-59}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Crop improvement in light of the rapidly changing climate and the increasing human population continues to be one of the primary concerns for researchers across the globe. The rate at which current crop improvement programs are progressing is essentially inadequate to meet the food demand. There is an urgent need for redesigning the crops for climate resilience and sustainable yield and nutrition. The rate of crop improvement is largely impeded owing to the long generation time taken by crop plants during the breeding process. As a solution in this direction, speed breeding is now being practiced at a large scale to reduce generation time to accommodate multiple generations of crops per year. To enhance the efficiency of breeding, researchers are now adopting an integrated approach where speed breeding is used along with modern plant breeding and genetic engineering technologies. In the present review, we have summarized the technological aspects, opportunities, and limitations associated with speed breeding. The application of speed breeding such as mapping population development, haplotype-based breeding, transgenic breeding, and genome-edited line advancement has also been discussed. Speed breeding is a promising technology that expedites the goals of food and industrial crop improvement by reducing the breeding cycles for establishing nutritional security and sustainable agriculture.

}, keywords = {Genome editing, Genomic selection, Haplotype breeding, Speed breeding, Transgenic breeding}, issn = {0721-7595}, doi = {10.1007/s00344-021-10551-8}, author = {Sharma, Shivani and Kumar, Amit and Dhakte, Priyanka and Raturi, Gaurav and Vishwakarma, Gautam and Barbadikar, Kalyani M. and Das, B. K. and Shivaraj, S. M. and Sonah, Humira and Deshmukh, Rupesh} } @article {48826, title = {Synthesis, biological evaluation and docking studies of silicon incorporated diarylpyrroles as MmpL3 inhibitors: an effective strategy towards development of potent anti-tubercular agents}, journal = {European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry}, volume = {259}, year = {2023}, month = {NOV }, pages = {115633}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Growing global demand for new molecules to treat tuberculosis has created an urgent need to develop novel strategies to combat the menace. BM212 related compounds were found to be potent anti-TB agents and they inhibit mycolic acid transporter, MmpL3, a known potent drug target from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In order to enhance their inhibitory potency, several silicon analogues of diarylpyrroles related to BM212 were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for anti-tubercular activities. In Alamar blue assay, most of the silicon-incorporated compounds were found to be more potent than the parent compound (BM212), against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MIC = 1.7 \& mu;M, H37Rv). Docking results from the crystal structure of MmpL3 and silicon analogues as pharmacophore model also strongly correlate with the biological assays and suggest that the incorporation of silicon in the inhibitor scaffold could enhance their potency by stabilizing the hydrophobic residues at the binding pocket. The best docking hit, compound 12 showed an MIC of 0.1 \& mu;M against H37Rv with an acceptable in vitro ADME profile and excellent selectivity index. Overall, the present study indicates that, the designed silicon analogues, especially compound 12 could be a good inhibitor for an intrinsically flexible drug-binding pocket of MmpL3 and has potential for further development as anti-tubercular agents.

}, keywords = {antibiotic, BM212, docking studies, MmpL3 inhibitor, Silicon analogue, tuberculosis}, issn = {0223-5234}, doi = {10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115633}, author = {Vasudevan, N. and Motiwala, Zenia and Ramesh, Remya and Wagh, Sachin B. and Shingare, Rahul D. and Katte, Revansiddha and Anand, Amitesh and Choudhary, Sushil and Kumar, Ajay and Gokhale, Rajesh S. and Kulkarni, Kiran A. and Reddy, D. Srinivasa} } @article {48713, title = {Synthesis of N-functionalized 2,3-disubstituted benzofurans/naphthofurans from para-quinone methides and isocyanides via the [4+1] annulation pathway}, journal = {Organic Chemistry Frontiers}, volume = {10}, year = {2023}, month = {JUL}, pages = {3746-3751}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A scandium triflate catalyzed [4 + 1] cycloaddition reaction of 2-hydroxy-substituted para-quinone methides and isocyanides has been developed. This operationally simple, efficient and practical protocol provides straightforward access to a variety of N-functionalized 2,3-disubstituted benzofuran/naphthofuran derivatives with broad functional group compatibility and good scalability.

}, issn = {2052-4129}, doi = {10.1039/d3qo00048f}, author = {Kale, Someshwar B. and Kumar, Manish and Shinde, Dinesh R. and Krishna, Gamidi Rama and Das, Utpal} } @article {48819, title = {Tale of two waves: Delineating diverse genomic and transmission landscapes driving the COVID-19 pandemic in Pune, India}, journal = {Journal of Infection and Public Health}, volume = {16}, year = {2023}, month = {AUG}, pages = {1290-1300}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Background: Modern response to pandemics, critical for effective public health measures, is shaped by the availability and integration of diverse epidemiological outbreak data. Tracking variants of concern (VOC) is integral to understanding the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 in space and time, both at the local level and global context. This potentially generates actionable information when integrated with epidemiological outbreak data.Methods: A city-wide network of researchers, clinicians, and pathology diagnostic laboratories was formed for genome surveillance of COVID-19 in Pune, India. The genomic landscapes of 10,496 sequenced samples of SARS-CoV-2 driving peaks of infection in Pune between December-2020 to March-2022, were determined. As a modern response to the pandemic, a {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}band of five{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} outbreak data analytics approach was used. This integrated the genomic data (Band 1) of the virus through molecular phylogenetics with key outbreak data including sample collection dates and case numbers (Band 2), demographics like age and gender (Band 3-4), and geospatial mapping (Band 5).Results: The transmission dynamics of VOCs in 10,496 sequenced samples identified B.1.617.2 (Delta) and BA(x) (Omicron formerly known as B.1.1.529) variants as drivers of the second and third peaks of infection in Pune. Spike Protein mutational profiling during pre and post-Omicron VOCs indicated differential rank ordering of high-frequency mutations in specific domains that increased the charge and binding properties of the protein. Time-resolved phylogenetic analysis of Omicron sub-lineages identified a highly divergent BA.1 from Pune in addition to recombinant X lineages, XZ, XQ, and XM. Conclusions: The band of five outbreak data analytics approach, which integrates five different types of data, highlights the importance of a strong surveillance system with high-quality meta-data for understanding the spatiotemporal evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 genome in Pune. These findings have important implica-tions for pandemic preparedness and could be critical tools for understanding and responding to future outbreaks.\& COPY; 2023 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

}, keywords = {COVID-19, Delta, Omicron, SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance, Variant of concern, Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS)}, issn = {1876-0341}, doi = {10.1016/j.jiph.2023.06.004}, author = {Niveditha, Divya and Khan, Soumen and Khilari, Ajinkya and Nadkarni, Sanica and Bhalerao, Unnati and Kadam, Pradnya and Yadav, Ritu and Kanekar, Jugal B. and Shah, Nikita and Likhitkar, Bhagyashree and Sawant, Rutuja and Thakur, Shikha and Tupekar, Manisha and Nagar, Dhriti and Rao, Anjani G. and Jagtap, Rutuja and Jogi, Shraddha and Belekar, Madhuri and Pathak, Maitreyee and Shah, Priyanki and Ranade, Shatakshi and Phadke, Nikhil and Das, Rashmita and Joshi, Suvarna and Karyakarte, Rajesh and Ghose, Aurnab and Kadoo, Narendra and Shashidhara, L. S. and Monteiro, Joy Merwin and Shanmugam, Dhanasekaran and Raghunathan, Anu and Karmodiya, Krishanpal} } @article {48769, title = {Taming the parent oxoborane}, journal = {Chemical Science}, volume = {14}, year = {2023}, month = {JUN}, pages = {5894-5898}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Despite recent advancements in the chemistry of multiply bound boron compounds, the laboratory isolation of the parent oxoborane moiety, HBO has long remained an unsolved and well-recognized challenge. The reaction of 6-SIDipp(.)BH3 [6-SIDipp = 1,3-di(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)tetrahydropyrimidine2-ylidene] with GaCl3 afforded an unusual boron-gallium 3c-2e compound (1). The addition of water to 1 resulted in the release of H-2 and the formation of a rare acid stabilized neutral parent oxoborane, LB(H)]O (2). Crystallographic and density functional theory (DFT) analyses support the presence of a terminal B=O double bond. Subsequent addition of another equivalent of water molecule led to hydrolysis of the B-H bond to the B-OH bond, but the {\textquoteleft}B=O{\textquoteright} moiety remained intact, resulting in the formation of the hydroxy oxoborane compound (3), which can be classified as a monomeric form of metaboric acid.

}, issn = {2041-6520}, doi = {10.1039/d3sc01544k}, author = {Kundu, Gargi and Amrutha, P. R. and Raj, K. Vipin and Tothadi, Srinu and Vanka, Kumar and Sen, Sakya S.} } @article {48454, title = {Template directed synthesis of boron carbon nitride nanotubes (BCN-NTs) and their evaluation for energy storage properties}, journal = {Advanced Materials Interfaces}, volume = {10}, year = {2023}, month = {JAN}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A unique approach has been applied for the synthesis of 1D boron carbon nitride nanotubes (BCN-NTs) using MnO2 nanowires as templates. BCN-NTs have been evaluated in Na-ion batteries, Li-ion batteries, and supercapacitors as electrode material and exhibited excellent and stable electrochemical performance. BCN-NTs as an anode for Na-ion battery has been shown to be highly stable up to 3000 cycles with capacity retention of 95 mAh g(-1), at a high current density of 1 A g(-1). In the case of the Li-ion battery, these BCN-NTs show a specific capacity of 563 mAh g(-1) at a current density of 50 mA g(-1). Finally, when used as an electrode for a supercapacitor, BCN-NTs display a specific capacity of 221 F g(-1) at a current density of 3 A g(-1) and 168 F g(-1) even at a very high current density of 30 A g(-1) exemplifying the excellent rate performance. The multifunctionality and stable performance of BCN-NTs among various electrochemical energy storage systems highlight the robustness of the material and make it an excellent candidate for scalable production and commercialization.

}, keywords = {1D-nanostructure, boron carbon nitride nanotubes (BCN-NTs), Co-doping, Li-ion battery, Na-ion battery, Supercapacitors}, issn = {2196-7350}, doi = {10.1002/admi.202201560}, author = {Karbhal, Indrapal and Chaturvedi, Vikash and Yadav, Poonam and Patrike, Apurva and Shelke, Manjusha V.} } @article {48737, title = {Tetraalkylammonium-based dicationic ionic liquids (ILs) for CO2 capture}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {47}, year = {2023}, month = {JUL }, pages = {12944-12954}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

This investigation includes the synthesis and characterization of a new series of ionic liquids (ILs) based on the tetraalkylammonium dication for the absorption of CO2, a step towards the development of more efficient and sustainable technologies. It was possible to synthesize amine-substituted PEG diacrylate by modifying poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), which was then quaternized with 1-bromopentane to produce the IL PDBr. The other IL products, PDNTf2, PDBF4 and PDPF6, were synthesized via the metathesis of PDBr with the appropriate salt. The synthesized products were characterized using various techniques, such as FTIR, H-1 and C-13 NMR, elemental analysis, and density and viscosity meters, and evaluated as potential sorbents for CO2 capture. DSC and TGA were used to examine the thermal properties of the ILs. As observed from their thermal degradation behavior, the ILs exhibited two-stage disintegration with thermal stability up to 150 \& DEG;C. The pressure drop method was used to study the sorption capacity of the ILs towards CO2. The sorption investigation showed that when the pressure is increased, the CO2 absorption increases. Equilibrium is reached in 40 minutes, demonstrating a rapid absorption rate. The IL with the [BF4](-) anion (PDBF4) demonstrated a maximum sorption capacity of 0.577 mole fraction of CO2, and can be regenerated and reused efficiently with less than 0.5\% variation from its original absorption capacity. The CO2 absorption capacity for the ILs with other anions follows the trend: Br \& AP; NTf2 \< PF6 \< BF4. This work shows that tetraalkylammonium-based dicationic ILs are adaptable, making them a suitable material for many applications, including sustainable CO2 capture technology.

}, issn = {1144-0546}, doi = {10.1039/d3nj01552a}, author = {Kulkarni, Prashant S. and Ranjane, Prathamesh and Mishra, Karun and Sundararajan, Swati and Kamble, Sanjay} } @article {48307, title = {TGF-beta 1 signalling in Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s pathology and cytoskeletal reorganization: a specialized Tau perspective}, journal = {Journal of Neuroinflammation}, volume = {20}, year = {2023}, month = {MAR}, pages = {72}, type = {Review}, abstract = {

Microtubule-associated protein, Tau has been implicated in Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s disease for its detachment from microtubules and formation of insoluble intracellular aggregates within the neurons. Recent findings have suggested the expulsion of Tau seeds in the extracellular domain and their prion-like propagation between neurons. Transforming Growth Factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) is a ubiquitously occurring cytokine reported to carry out immunomodulation and neuroprotection in the brain. TGF-beta-mediated regulation occurs at the level of neuronal survival and differentiation, glial activation (astrocyte and microglia), amyloid production-distribution-clearance and neurofibrillary tangle formation, all of which contributes to Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s pathophysiology. Its role in the reorganization of cytoskeletal architecture and remodelling of extracellular matrix to facilitate cellular migration has been well-documented. Microglia are the resident immune sentinels of the brain responsible for surveying the local microenvironment, migrating towards the beacon of pertinent damage and phagocytosing the cellular debris or patho-protein deposits at the site of insult. Channelizing microglia to target extracellular Tau could be a good strategy to combat the prion-like transmission and seeding problem in Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s disease. The current review focuses on reaffirming the role of TGF-beta 1 signalling in Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s pathology and cytoskeletal reorganization and considers utilizing the approach of TGF-beta-triggered microglia-mediated targeting of extracellular patho-protein, Tau, as a possible potential strategy to combat Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s disease.

}, keywords = {Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s disease, Cytoskeleton reorganization, Extracellular Tau, microglia, TGF-beta, TGF-beta 1}, doi = {10.1186/s12974-023-02751-8}, author = {Kapoor, Mahima and Chinnathambi, Subashchandrabose} } @article {48809, title = {Theory-directed designing of an intrinsic-activity-modulated metal-doped copper oxide electrode for nitrate to ammonia synthesis}, journal = {ACS Applied Energy Materials}, volume = {6}, year = {2023}, month = {MAY}, pages = {6111-6119}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Synthesis of ammonia via electrochemical reduction ofnitrate isone of the most sustainable routes both for environmental protectionas well as energy saving initiatives. However, this process is limitedto the development of high-performance free-standing catalytic electrodeswith improved selectivity and Faradaic efficiency. Herein, we reporttheory-guided designing and fabrication of free-standing non-noblemetal (Mn, Fe, and Co)-doped copper oxide (CuO) electrodes by usinga simple and scalable electrode preparation method. The density functionaltheory (DFT)-based calculations show that the doped-Co sites in theCu surface facilitate the generation and supply of H+ tothe adsorbed NO3 (-) during the reductionprocess; as a result, the Co-CuO catalyst displays higher selectivitytoward nitrate reduction. The Co-doped Cu electrode (Co-CuO)delivers a higher NH3 yield (5492 mu g cm(-2)) at a reduction potential of -0.91 V vs RHE while maintaininga Faradaic efficiency of \>95\%. The alloying of Co to the coppermetalnot only facilitates the proton donation to the adsorbed reactant(NO3 (-)) but also tunes the Cu d-center,resulting in the active site modulation responsible for the activationof catalysts.

}, keywords = {Active sites, ammonia synthesis, electrocatalysis, Faradaic efficiency, High selectivity, metal-doped electrode}, issn = {2574-0962}, doi = {10.1021/acsaem.3c00617}, author = {Tyagi, Nitin Kumar and Mahapatra, Bikash K. and Ghimire, Suvash and Manna, Narugopal and Kumar, Deepak and Kumar, Vijay and Mukhopadhyay, Kausik and Singh, Santosh K.} } @article {48758, title = {Thermally activated delayed fluorescent solvent-free organic liquid hybrids for tunable emission applications}, journal = {Chemistry-An Asian Journal}, volume = {18}, year = {2023}, month = {JUL }, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The synthetic feasibility and excellent luminescence features of organic molecules attracted much attention and were eventually found useful in lighting applications. In this context, a solvent-free organic liquid having attractive thermally activated delayed fluorescence features in bulk along with high processability has prime importance. Herein, we report a series of naphthalene monoimide-based solvent-free organic liquids exhibiting cyan to red thermally activated delayed fluorescence with luminescence quantum yields up to 80\% and lifetimes between 10 to 45 mu s. An effective approach explored energy transfer between liquid donors with various emitters exhibiting tunable emission colors, including white. The high processability of liquid emitters improved the compatibility with polylactic acid and was used for developing multicolor emissive objects using 3D printing. Our demonstration of the thermally activated delayed fluorescence liquid will be much appreciated as a processable alternate emissive material suitable for large-area lighting, display, and related applications.

}, keywords = {3D printing, Energy Transfer, OLED, Organic Liquids, TADF}, issn = {1861-4728}, doi = {10.1002/asia.202300276}, author = {Nidhankar, Aakash D. D. and Goudappagouda and Kothavade, Premkumar D. and Dongre, Sangram D. and Veer, Sairam Dnyaneshwar and Dash, Soumya Ranjan and Rajeev, Kavya and Unni, K. N. Narayanan and Shanmuganathan, Kadhiravan and Babu, Sukumaran Santhosh} } @article {48332, title = {Thermally constructed stable Zn-doped NiCoOx-z alloy structures on stainless steel mesh for efficient hydrogen production via overall hydrazine splitting in alkaline electrolyte}, journal = {Journal of Colloid and Interface Science}, volume = {640}, year = {2023}, month = {JUN }, pages = {737-749}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Hydrogen has a high energy density of approximately 120 to 140 MJ kg(-1), which is very high compared to other natural energy sources. However, hydrogen generation through electrocatalytic water splitting is a high electricity consumption process due to the sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER). As a result, hydrogen generation through hydrazine-assisted water electrolysis has recently been intensively investigated. The hydrazine electrolysis process requires a low potential compared to the water electrolysis process. Despite this, the utilization of direct hydrazine fuel cells (DHFCs) as portable or vehicle power sources necessitates the development of inexpensive , effective anodic hydrazine oxidation catalysts. Here, we prepared oxygen-deficient zinc-doped nickel cobalt oxide (Zn-NiCoOx-z) alloy nanoarrays on stainless steel mesh (SSM) using a hydrothermal synthesis method followed by thermal treatment. Furthermore, the prepared thin films were used as electrocatalysts , the OER and hydrazine oxidation reaction (HzOR) activities were investigated in three-and two-electrode systems. In a three-electrode system, Zn-NiCoOx-z/SSM HzOR requires-0.116 V (vs RHE) potential to achieve a 50 mA cm(-2) current density, which is dramatically lower than the OER potential (1.493 V vs RHE). In a two-electrode system (Zn-NiCoOx-z/SSM(-)IIZn-NiCoOx-z/SSM(+)), the overall hydrazine splitting potential (OHzS) required to reach 50 mA cm(-2) is only 0.700 V, which is dramatically less than the required potential for overall water splitting (OWS). These excellent HzOR results are due to the binder-free oxygen-deficient Zn-NiCoOx-z/ SSM alloy nanoarray, which provides a large number of active sites and improves the wettability of cat-alysts after Zn doping. (C) 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Hydrazine Oxidation Reaction, hydrogen evolution reaction, Oxygen Evolution Reaction, Oxygen-Deficient Materials, Zinc Doping}, issn = {0021-9797}, doi = {10.1016/j.jcis.2023.02.142}, author = {Kashale, Anil Ashok and Rasal, Akash Sanjay and Hsu, Fei-Chien and Chen, ChangChun and Kulkarni, Sayali Nitin and Chang, Chun Hao and Chang, Jia-Yaw and Lai, Yuekun and Chen, I. -Wen Peter} } @article {48342, title = {Titanium trisulfide nanosheets and nanoribbons for field emission- based nanodevices}, journal = {ACS Applied Nano Materials}, volume = {6}, year = {2023}, month = {JAN}, pages = {44-49}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The field emission (FE) properties of TiS3 nanosheets and nanoribbons, synthesized by direct sulfuration of bulk titanium, are investigated. The nanosheets show an enhanced FE behavior with a low turn-on field of similar to 0.3 V/ mu m, required for drawing an emission current density of similar to 10 mu A/cm2. Interestingly, the TiS3 nanosheet emitter delivered a large emission current density of similar to 0.9 mA/ cm2 at a relatively low applied electric field of similar to 0.4 V/mu m. We have estimated the values of the field enhancement factor (beta), which are found to be similar to 5 x 104 for the TiS3 nanosheet emitter and similar to 4 x 103 for the nanoribbon emitter. We attribute the superior FE performance to the presence of atomically sharp edges and the reduced thickness of TiS3, as reflected in the high value of beta. In fact, the nanosheet sample presents a higher density of ultrathin layers (similar to 12 nm-thick), and thus, they have a larger edge to volume ratio than the nanoribbon samples (which are similar to 19 nm-thick). The superior FE behavior of TiS3 nanosheets over nanoribbons makes them a propitious field emitter and can be utilized for various FE-based applications, demanding large emission currents and lower operational voltages. Moreover, the FE current stability recorded on these samples confirms their promising performance. Thus, the present investigation brings out a great promise of TiS3 nanosheets and nanoribbons as field emitters for vacuum nanoelectronics devices.

}, keywords = {Current stability, field emission, nanoribbon, nanosheets, TiS3}, doi = {10.1021/acsanm.2c03460}, author = {Pawbake, Amit S. and Khare, Ruchita T. and Island, Joshua O. and Flores, Eduardo and Ares, Jose R. and Sanchez, Carlos and Ferrer, Isabel J. and Pawar, Mahendra and Frank, Otakar and More, Mahendra A. and van der Zant, Herre S. J. and Castellanos-Gomez, Andres and Late, Dattatray J.} } @article {48801, title = {Total synthesis and absolute configuration determination of the α-glycosidase inhibitor (3S,4R)-6-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2,2-dimethylchroman-4-yl (Z)-2-Methylbut-2-enoate from Ageratina grandifolia}, journal = {Journal of Natural Products}, volume = {86}, year = {2023}, month = {JUN}, pages = {1878-1883}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Herein, we report the first total synthesis of \& alpha;-glycosidaseinhibitor (3R, 4S)-6-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2,2-dimethylchroman-4-yl(Z)-2-methylbut-2-enoate as well as its enantiomer.Our synthesis confirms the chromane structure separately proposedby Navarro-Vazquez and Mata, on the basis of DFT computations. Furthermore,our synthesis allowed us to determine the absolute configuration ofthe natural compound as (3S, 4R)and not (3R, 4S).

}, issn = {0163-3864}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jnatprod.3c00236}, author = {Dandawate, Monica and Choudhury, Rahul and Krishna, Gamidi Rama and Reddy, D. Srinivasa} } @article {48806, title = {Transient response to perturbations in flow synthesis of citrate capped gold nanoparticles}, journal = {Biochemical Engineering Journal}, volume = {470}, year = {2023}, month = {AUG}, pages = {143890}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

This work reports the transient behavior of continuous flow synthesis of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) when subjected to perturbations in operating conditions using controlled experiments. The intricacies are captured through a detailed mathematical model. Reversed Turkevich protocol was used for synthesis of Au NPs. The synthesis was first studied in batch mode to investigate the reaction kinetics and reproducibility of the process. The optimal set of operating conditions viz., residence time, flow rate, temperature was then used for flow synthesis in a 2 m, 1/16 \& DPRIME;Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) reactor with micromixer. Reactor clogging was avoided by using segmented flow. Inline UV measurement was used for real time monitoring of the process. Transient experiments were performed by abruptly changing the operating conditions. A mathematical model was found to be accurate in predicting the transient behavior of the exit precursor concentration and the particle size for unsteady state synthesis. Even a small change in process variables for short duration was found to disturb the quality of Au NPs for a significantly longer duration. Of the three operating parameters, the effect of temperature variation was seen to have a prolonged effect where the system remained in unsteady state for long time.

}, keywords = {continuous flow synthesis, gold nanoparticles, Particle size, segmented flow, Unsteady behavior}, issn = {1385-8947}, doi = {10.1016/j.cej.2023.143890}, author = {Bari, Atul H. and Shukla, Neerja and Gavriilidis, Asterios and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article {48306, title = {Trehalose transporter-like gene diversity and dynamics enhances stress response and recovery in Helicoverpa armigera}, journal = {Gene}, volume = {862}, year = {2023}, month = {APR}, pages = {147259}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Trehalose is a primary sugar and its distribution across the insect body, regulated by trehalose transporters (TRETs), is essential for sugar metabolism and energy homeostasis. The large diversity of Tret-like sugar trans-porters (ST), belonging to SLC2A transporter family, in polyphagous insects probably contributes to their extremely adaptive nature. We aim to study spatio-temporal expression dynamics and functional relevance of ST transcript variants in the lepidopteran model organism, Helicoverpa armigera. Identification of 69 putative Tret-like HaST transcript variants from databases and their digital gene expression analysis indicated tissue and development-specific expression patterns. Phylogenetic and sequence similarity network analysis of HaSTs signify evolutionary divergence, while motif and structure analysis depicted conserved signatures. In vitro gene expression validation for selected genes depicts that HaST09 and 69 are fat body and haemolymph-specific. While, HaST06, 30, 36 and 57 are developmental stage or sex-specific. HaST69 has high expression in the haemolymph of fifth instar larvae. In the presence of trehalose metabolism inhibitors and abiotic stress, HaSTs expression show dysregulation, indicating their possible association with trehalose metabolism and stress re-covery. In vivo gene silencing of HaST69 resulted in reduced trehalose accumulation in the insect body, sug-gesting its plausible role in sugar metabolism. The overall understanding of HaST diversity and expression dynamics highlights their putative roles in sugar transport during adaptation and stress recovery of insects.

}, keywords = {Gene expression, Helicoverpa armigera, Stress, Transporter-like, trehalose}, issn = {0378-1119}, doi = {10.1016/j.gene.2023.147259}, author = {Tellis, Meenakshi B. and Chaudhari, Bhagyashri Y. and Deshpande, Shweta V. and Nikam, Sanika V. and Barvkar, Vitthal T. and Kotkar, Hemlata M. and Joshi, Rakesh S.} } @article {48274, title = {Ultra-fast electro-reduction and activation of graphene for high energy density wearable supercapacitor asymmetrically designed with MXene}, journal = {Carbon}, volume = {203}, year = {2023}, month = {JAN}, pages = {191-201}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Controlled perforation of graphene is vital to surpass the performance of supercapacitors that rely on their pristine form. However, their practical utilization has been halted by energy-inefficient and lengthy processing. Here, we are reporting a pulse Joule heating strategy for on-site reduction and activation to realize a multimodal porous framework made of perforated graphene using millisecond current pulses. The multimodal porosity and surface functionalities of graphene were regulated at an ultrafast rate by passing a transient current. Asdeveloped ready-to-use electrode composed of nano-to-macro multimodal porosity displays high areal capacitance of 380.2 mF cm-2 in symmetric two-electrode configuration, which is nearly 1.6 times higher than the nonelectro activated counterpart. Furthermore, a high-performance wearable asymmetric supercapacitor with an areal energy density of 107.8 mu Wh cm-2 was realized using this multimodal porous graphene in combination with suitable negative electrodes made of MXene. High energy density, together with stable and repeatable performance of the wearable device for 10000 cycles of charge-discharge and 5000 cycles of bending, signifies the importance of the as-developed device for practical wearable applications. Direct, simple processing of electrodes and orders of magnitude lower cost-and-processing-time can make the process appealing for practical wearable and other energy storage applications.

}, keywords = {asymmetric supercapacitor, Graphene activation, Joule heating, Solid-state supercapacitor, Wearable device}, issn = {0008-6223}, doi = {10.1016/j.carbon.2022.11.054}, author = {Karim, Golam Masud and Dutta, Pronoy and Majumdar, Abhisek and Patra, Amalika and Deb, Sujit Kumar and Das, Snehasish and Dambhare, Neha V. and Rath, Arup K. and Maiti, Uday Narayan} } @article {48296, title = {Ultrasound assisted synthesis of spirooxindolo-1,2,4-oxadiazoles via [3+2] cycloaddition reaction and their anti-cancer activity}, journal = {ARKIVOC}, year = {2023}, month = {MAY}, pages = {S1-S46}, type = {Article}, issn = {1551-7004}, author = {Kanchrana, Madhu and Allaka, Bhargava Sai and Krishna, Gamidi Rama and Basavoju, Srinivas} } @article {48706, title = {Understanding the nucleation and growth kinetics of the microwave-assisted synthesis of silver nanowires}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {62}, year = {2023}, month = {SEP }, pages = {14199-14211}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Here, we present a detailed study of understanding the nucleation and growth kinetics of silver nanowire synthesis under microwave irradiation. The approach includes studying the effect of various parameters (viz., microwave power, reaction temperature, reaction time, substrate concentration, etc.) on the rate of nucleation and growth, as well as on the yield and morphology of silver nanowires. It is found that microwave power is the most important factor in leading to almost complete conversion of the substrate along with high aspect ratio nanowires in a short reaction time. Based on the observations, here, we have proposed a three-step growth kinetics mechanism for the synthesis of silver nanowires under the influence of microwaves. The approach comprises the autocatalytic growth of stable multiple twin particles after the nucleation process and their unidirectional growth to form nanowires. The FW autocatalytic model and the JMAK Avrami model were used to validate the proposed mechanism of AgNW formation based on our experimental results. The model predictions match very well with the conversion and yield of AgNWs. At the optimized conditions, wires with a 42 nm diameter and 94\% yield were achieved within 4 min.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/acs.iecr.3c00322}, author = {Sonawane, Jayesh R. and Patil, Suneha and Kulkarni, Amol A.} } @article {48286, title = {Understanding the stability of an unprecedented Si-Be bond within quantum confinement}, journal = {ACS Omega}, volume = {8}, year = {2023}, month = {APR}, pages = {14814-14822}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

As of today, the Si-Be bond remains underexplored in the literature, and therefore its anomalous behavior continues to be an unsolved puzzle to date. Therefore, the present study aims at evaluating the integrity of an unprecedented Si-Be bond within quantum confinement. To accomplish this, first-principles-based calculation are performed on Be-doped silicon clusters with atomic sizes 6, 7, and 10. Silicon clusters are sequentially doped with one, two, and three Be atoms, and their thermal response is registered in the temperature range of 200-1500 K, which discloses several research findings. During the course of the simulations, the clusters face various thermal events such as solid cluster phase, rapid structural metamorphosis, and fragmentation. Si-Be nanoalloy clusters are noted to be thermally stable at lower temperatures (200-700 K); however, they begins to disintegrate earlier at a temperature as low as 800 K. This lower stability is attributed to the weak nature of Si and Be heteroatomic interactions, which is corroborated from the structural and electronic property analysis of the doped clusters. In addition to this, the performance of Be-doped clusters at finite temperatures is also compared with the thermal response of two other popular systems, viz., C-and B-doped silicon clusters.

}, issn = {2470-1343}, doi = {10.1021/acsomega.3c01133}, author = {Maneri, Asma Harun and Krishnamurty, Sailaja and Joshi, Krati} } @article {48456, title = {Understanding the thermal stability of a 3d, 4d, and 5d element doped aluminium nanocluster through BOMD simulations}, journal = {Molecular Simulation}, volume = {49}, year = {2023}, month = {FEB}, pages = {245-250}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Endohedrally doped atomic clusters have generated considerable interest among computational chemists on account of their tunable chemical properties that mimic a super atom. Such endohedrally doped clusters have also been experimentally realised in the more recent past. The present work explores the practical existence of 3d, 4d and 5d doped aluminium clusters, more specifically doped Al13 cluster, by evaluating systematically their structural stability through the first principle molecular dynamical simulations. Born-Oppenheimer Molecular Dynamics (BOMD) simulations have been carried out on Al12X atomic clusters where X = Ti, V, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Y, Mo, Ru, Rh and W are in endohedral position. The thermal stability of such endohedrally doped clusters is quantified through parameters such as delta(rms), MSD and is an element of(pro). Electronic structure calculations reveal that endohedral doping of only Rh, Cu and Zn is preferred in the Al-13 cluster. Other dopants prefer to remain on the surface positions. However, finite temperature calculations reveal that the Al12Zn cluster undergoes surface modifications from 300K leading to a distorted icosahedral structure. Al12Cu cluster in quartet spin state is the only thermally stable cluster with Cu remaining in the endohedral position and structure retaining icosahedral confirmation till 700K.

}, keywords = {Al-13 atomic cluster, BOMD simulations, DFT, Endohedral doping, super atom}, issn = {0892-7022}, doi = {10.1080/08927022.2022.2153151}, author = {Samudre, Nikhil S. and Singh, Chandrodai Pratap and Krishnamurty, Sailaja} } @article {48802, title = {Unleashing methylammonium-guanidinium lead iodide hybrid perovskite spherulitic microstructures: a structural and morphological investigation}, journal = {MRS Communications}, volume = {13}, year = {2023}, month = {JUN}, pages = {406-415}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Perovskites can offer an attractive replacement option for existing commercial solar technologies. Herein microstructure plays an important role in improving the efficiency and stability of solar cells. Previously unidentified spherulitic microstructures of self-assembled polycrystalline perovskites are explored in this report. For this an intermediate phase of a promising guanidinium (GUAI)-rich perovskite has been investigated for its structural and morphological properties. This study infuses new insight into the evolution of perovskite microstructure from heterogeneity to homogeneity, as a result unravels the structure of perovskite embryonic spherulites, lamellar arrangements, transcrystalline nature, novel spherulites bridging, hole nucleation, impingement, and defects.

}, keywords = {Microstructure, Morphology, Nucleation \& growth, Perovskites, Phase transformation, X-ray diffraction (XRD)}, issn = {2159-6859}, doi = {10.1557/s43579-023-00375-w}, author = {Mukul, Monika and Kaliaperumal, Selvaraj and Rani, Mamta and Tripathi, Surya Kant} } @article {48269, title = {Unlike RNA-TBA (rTBA), iso-rTBA, the 2 {\textquoteleft}-5 {\textquoteleft}-linked RNA-thrombin-binding aptamer, is a functional equivalent of TBA}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {59}, year = {2023}, month = {FEB}, pages = {1461-1464}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

An antiparallel, functional RNA G-quadruplex of the 2 {\textquoteleft}-5 {\textquoteleft}-linked thrombin-binding aptamer (iso-rTBA) is reported for the first time. It can inhibit clotting and is remarkably stable to nuclease-degradation, besides having high thermal stability. It is thus, a superior candidate to TBA, rTBA or isoTBA, for further development as an anticoagulant.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/d2cc05718b}, author = {Wagh, Atish A. A. and Kumar, Vaijayanti A. A. and Ravindranathan, Sapna and Fernandes, Moneesha} } @article {48798, title = {Unlocking the potential of proton conductivity in guanidinium-based ionic covalent organic nanosheets (iCONs) through pore interior functionalization}, journal = {Applied Materials Today}, volume = {33}, year = {2023}, month = {AUG}, pages = {101866}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Recently, scientists have been exploring the incorporation of proton carriers such as water and phosphoric acid (PA) into the pores and channels of porous materials to enhance proton conduction performance. Ionic covalent organic nanosheets (iCONs) have been identified as promising functional materials due to their inbuilt ionic interfaces, which can facilitate strong interaction with counter ions present inside the pore structure and thus shorten ion transport pathways. However, there is a lack of research related to proton conductivity in iCONs loaded with PA. To address this, we prepared three functionalized guanidinium-based iCONs using a solvothermal condensation reaction between guanidinium amine (TG) and functionalized terephthaldehyde (Da, Dha, and Dma). PA was also incorporated into the iCON structure via ex situ loading to observe its effects on proton conduction performance. The results showed that both the iCONs and PA-iCONs were highly stable in water, organic solvents, acidic and basic media. Amongst these PA-iCONs, one with hydroxyl-functionalization (PA-DhaTG) displayed high proton conductivity at 90 degrees C and 95\% relative humidity due to a Grotthuss mechanism for protons. These functionalized guanidinium-based iCONs could prove useful for applications in energy conversion devices.

}, keywords = {chemical stability, Functionalized pore interior, Guanidinium group, ionic covalent organic nanosheets, proton conductivity}, issn = {2352-9407}, doi = {10.1016/j.apmt.2023.101866}, author = {Kumar, Sushil and Hu, Jiahui and Pandikassala, Ajmal and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Addicoat, Matthew A. and Szekely, Gyorgy} } @article {48835, title = {Unprecedented energy storage in metal-organic complexes via constitutional isomerism}, journal = {Chemical Science}, volume = {14}, year = {2023}, month = {JUN}, pages = {6383-6392}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The essence of any electrochemical system is engraved in its electrical double layer (EDL), and we report its unprecedented reorganization by the structural isomerism of molecules, with a direct consequence on their energy storage capability. Electrochemical and spectroscopic analyses in combination with computational and modelling studies demonstrate that an attractive field-effect due to the molecule{\textquoteright}s structural-isomerism, in contrast to a repulsive field-effect, spatially screens the ion-ion coulombic repulsions in the EDL and reconfigures the local density of anions. In a laboratory-level prototype supercapacitor, those with beta-structural isomerism exhibit nearly 6-times elevated energy storage compared to the state-of-the-art electrodes, by delivering similar to 535 F g(-1) at 1 A g(-1) while maintaining high performance metrics even at a rate as high as 50 A g(-1). The elucidation of the decisive role of structural isomerism in reconfiguring the electrified interface represents a major step forward in understanding the electrodics of molecular platforms.

}, issn = {2041-6520}, doi = {10.1039/d3sc01692g}, author = {Kottaichamy, Alagar Raja and Deebansok, Siraprapha and Deng, Jie and Nazrulla, Mohammed Azeezulla and Zhu, Yachao and Bhat, Zahid Manzoor and Devendrachari, Mruthyunjayachari Chattanahalli and Vinod, Chathakudath Prabhakaran and Kotresh, Harish Makri Nimbegondi and Fontaine, Olivier and Thotiyl, Musthafa Ottakam} } @article {48746, title = {Visible-light-active unsymmetrical squaraine dyes with 1 V of open-circuit voltage for dye-sensitized solar cells}, journal = {ChemPhotoChem}, volume = {7}, year = {2023}, month = {MAY}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A series of alkyl-group-functionalized, aniline- and indoline-donor-based, unsymmetrical visible-light-active squaraine dyes, AM1-3, were designed and synthesized. Dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) devices were fabricated with both I-/I-3(-) and [Cu(tmby)(2)](+/2+) electrolytes. DSSC devices sensitized with the AM1 and AM2 dyes showed relatively high-power conversion efficiency of 7.44 \% and 7.22 \%, respectively with I-/I-3(-) in the absence of chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) than those of the AM3 dye (5.41 \%). The [Cu(tmby)(2)](+/2+) electrolyte along with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) as cathode material showed excellent open-circuit potentials (V-OC) of 1030, 1025, and 1001 mV with the DSSC efficiency of 8.05 \%, 7.96 \%, and 5.84 \%, respectively, for the AM1, AM2, and AM3 dyes in the absence of CDCA. Here, the AM1 dye exhibited the maximum DSSC efficiency of 8.05 \% and V-OC of 1030 mV, which is the highest obtained efficiency and V-OC for the visible-light active zwitterionic unsymmetrical-squaraine dye with copper-based electrolyte.

}, keywords = {Cu electrolytes, dihedral angle, Dye-sensitized solar cells, open circuit voltage, squaraine dyes}, issn = {2367-0932}, doi = {10.1002/cptc.202200328}, author = {Singh, Amrita and Kumar Singh, Ambarish and Dixit, Ruchi and Vanka, Kumar and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam and Nithyanandhan, Jayaraj} } @article {48491, title = {Wadsworth-emmons reaction by using the fluorapatite catalyst: kinetic studies}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {62}, year = {2023}, month = {MAY }, pages = {7901-7911}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Wadsworth-Emmons reaction was successfully carriedout byusing the fluorapatite (FAP) catalyst. The reaction of 2-methoxybenzaldehydeand triethylphosphonoacetate using FAP afforded \& alpha;,\& beta;-unsaturatedester with 100\% conversion and 80\% selectivity. A kinetic model wasvalidated at different temperatures by Langmuir-Hinshelwood-Hougen-Watson(LHHW), and the absence of mass transfer resistance was verified bythe Weisz Prater criterion. The effect of different catalysts, temperature,catalyst loading, solvent, mole ratio, and speed of stirring was studied.The FAP catalyst was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method, nitrogen adsorption-desorption,transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy,temperature programmed desorption (TPD-NH3), X-ray diffraction,and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The FAP catalyst was found tobe stable up to three recycles with no loss in activity.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/acs.iecr.3c00407}, author = {Vishwakarma, Rakhi and Vinod, Chathakudath P. and Rathod, Virendra and Kantam, Mannepalli Lakshmi} } @article {48673, title = {Wavelet coherence phase analysis decodes the universal switching mechanism of Ras GTPase superfamily}, journal = {iScience}, volume = {26}, year = {2023}, month = {JUL}, pages = {107031}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The Ras superfamily of GTPases regulate critical cellular processes by shuttling between GTP-bound ON and GDP-bound OFF states. This switching mechanism is attributed to the conformational changes in two loops, SWI and SWII, upon GTP binding and hydrolysis. Since these conformational changes vary across the Ras superfamily, there is no generic parameter to define their functional states. A unique wavelet coherence (WC) analysis-based approach developed here shows that the structural changes in switch regions could be mapped onto the wavelet coherence phase couplings (WPCs). Thus, WPCs could serve as unique parameters to define their functional states. Disentanglement of WPCs in oncogenic GTPases shows how breakdown of structural allostery leads to their aberrant function. These observations stand out even for simulated ensemble of switch region conformers. Overall, for the first time, we show that WPCs could unravel the latent structural deviations in Ras proteins to decode their universal switching mechanism.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.isci.2023.107031}, author = {Motiwala, Zenia and Sandholu, Anand S. and Sengupta, Durba and Kulkarni, Kiran} } @article {48331, title = {Whole genome sequencing and comparative genomics of Indian isolates of wheat spot blotch pathogen bipolaris sorokiniana reveals expansion of pathogenicity gene clusters}, journal = {Pathogens}, volume = {12}, year = {2023}, month = {JAN}, pages = {1}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Spot blotch is a highly destructive disease in wheat caused by the fungal pathogen Bipolaris sorokiniana (teleomorph, Cochliobolus sativus). It is prevalent in warm and humid areas, including Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the USA. In the present study, twelve isolates of B. sorokiniana were collected from wheat fields in three different geographical locations in India. The pathogenicity of seven sporulating isolates was assessed on {\textquoteleft}DDK 1025{\textquoteright}, a spot blotch-susceptible wheat variety under greenhouse conditions. The isolate {\textquoteleft}D2{\textquoteright} illustrated the highest virulence, followed by {\textquoteleft}SI{\textquoteright} and {\textquoteleft}BS52{\textquoteright}. These three isolates were sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq1000 platform. The estimated genome sizes of the isolates BS52, D2, and SI were 35.19 MB, 39.32 MB, and 32.76 MB, with GC contents of 48.48\%, 50.43\%, and 49.42\%, respectively. The numbers of pathogenicity genes identified in BS52, D2, and SI isolates were 2015, 2476, and 2018, respectively. Notably, the isolate D2 exhibited a relatively larger genome with expanded arsenals of Biosynthetic Gene Clusters (BGCs), CAZymes, secretome, and pathogenicity genes, which could have contributed to its higher virulence among the tested isolates. This study provides the first comparative genome analysis of the Indian isolates of B. sorokiniana using whole genome sequencing.

}, keywords = {Bipolaris sorokiniana, CAZyme, comparative genomics, spot blotch, whole genome sequencing}, doi = {10.3390/pathogens12010001}, author = {Yadav, Sagar and Raazi, Zarrine and Shivaraj, Sheelavanta Matha and Somani, Deepika and Prashant, Ramya and Kulkarni, Abhijeet and Kumar, Rajeev and Biradar, Suma and Desai, Shreenivas and Kadoo, Narendra} } @article {48716, title = {Chemodialysis of organic acids using ABPBI-based hollow fiber membranes}, journal = {Journal of Membrane Science}, volume = {689}, year = {2024}, month = {JAN}, pages = {122153}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Organic acids are a class of essential commodity chemicals used in various industries. Their production methods are shifting from conventional chemicals to fermentation, driven by green process strategies, environmental regulations, cost feasibility, etc. Separating formed acid from the fermentation broth is a primary technological barrier. Conventional methods are complex and impose environmental issues. A promising approach, {\textquoteleft}Chemodialysis,{\textquoteright} capable of transforming the techno-economical feasibility of acid recovery scenario by reducing the number of steps, needs further investigation. This work evaluates scalable hollow fiber membranes based on poly(2,5-benzimidazole) (ABPBI) for chemically assisted dialysis, viz., Chemodialysis. Sorption analyses of commercially significant organic acids (acetic, lactic, and glycolic acid) and nonacidic solutes (NaCl and glucose) were performed using conventional flat sheet samples to assess their role in governing permeation characteristics. The transport properties of acids in the presence of NaCl and glucose as co-solutes were analyzed using hollow fiber membranes. The high selectivity of acid over nonacidic solutes ranges from 400-22,400, coupled with high acid permeability, enhances the applicability of Chemodialysis for the separation of acids using hollow fiber membranes. The fluxes of acids (acetic, glycolic, and lactic) through dense, similar to 100 mu m thick, scalable hollow fiber membranes ranging from 10.9 to 13.12 g/m(2)h are highly appreciable.

}, keywords = {5-benzimidazole), Acid separation, Chemodialysis, Hollow fiber membranes, Organic acids, Poly(2}, issn = {0376-7388}, doi = {10.1016/j.memsci.2023.122153}, author = {Gawas, Saroj and Alladi, Lavanya and Kharul, Ulhas K.} }