@article { ISI:000233214300008, title = {Facile direct conversion of aldehydes to esters and amides using acetone cyanohydrin}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {46}, number = {48}, year = {2005}, month = {NOV}, pages = {8303-8306}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Aromatic aldehydes with electron-withdrawing groups undergo rapid reactions with a variety of alcohols and secondary amines to afford the corresponding esters and amides, respectively, in high yields, when treated with NaCN or acetone cyanohydrin and base under ambient reaction conditions. In case of alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes, simultaneous reduction of the C=C bond along with esterification occurred to produce the saturated esters in high yields. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {amidation, esteritication, reduction, sodium cyanide}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2005.09.173}, author = {Raj, I. V. P. and Sudalai, A.} } @article { ISI:000229476800007, title = {Facile oxidation of flavanones to flavones using [hydroxy(tosyloxy)iodo]benzene in an ionic liquid}, journal = {Mendeleev Communications}, volume = {15}, number = {3}, year = {2005}, month = {MAY}, pages = {100-101}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

A method for the oxidation of flavationes to flavones has been developed using [hydroxy(tosyloxy)iodo] benzene (HTIB) in the room-temperature ionic liquid 1,3-di-n-butylimidazolium bromide ([bbim]Br-+(-)).

}, issn = {0959-9436}, doi = {10.1070/MC2005v015n03ABEH001997}, author = {Muthukrishnan, Murugan and Patil, P. S. and More, Shivaji V. and Joshi, Ramesh A.} } @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:000226532100006, title = {Factors affecting activation and utilization of carbon dioxide in cyclic carbonates synthesis over Cu and Mn peraza macrocyclic complexes}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Catalysis A - Chemical}, volume = {226}, number = {2}, year = {2005}, month = {FEB}, pages = {199-205}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The catalytic activities of several Cu and Mn aza complexes for cyclic carbonate synthesis from CO2 and epoxides are reported. The various factors affecting activation of CO2 by metal complexes and its utilization in cyclic carbonate synthesis have been investigated. Fr-IR, UV-vis and EPR spectroscopic investigations reveal that CO2 coordinates to Cu in eta(1)-C mode of coordination. Nature of the ligand and substitution influence the lability of metal-CO2 bonding. The differences in the catalytic activities are correlated with the mode and strength of CO2 binding. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {benign synthesis, Carbon dioxide, catalysis by Cu and Mn complexes, CO2 activation, CO2 fixation, CO2 utilization, cyclic carbonates, polycarbonates, spectroscopy}, issn = {1381-1169}, doi = {10.1016/j.molcata.2004.10.034}, author = {Srivastava, R. and Bennur, T. H. and Srinivas, D.} } @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:000227158100004, title = {Formation of BaCrO4 nano crystallites within thermally evaporated sodium bis-2-ethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate and stearic acid thin films}, journal = {Journal of the American Ceramic Society}, volume = {88}, number = {1}, year = {2005}, month = {JAN}, pages = {24-27}, publisher = {AMER CERAMIC SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {735 CERAMIC PLACE, PO BOX 6136, WESTERVILLE, OH 43086-6136 USA}, abstract = {

This paper describes the growth of barium chromate (BaCrO4) nanocrystallites within thermally evaporated thin films of stearic acid (StA) and sodium bis-2-ethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate by a process of Ba2+ ion entrapment followed by in situ reaction CrO42- ions. Dense spherical assemblies of BaCrO4 nanocrystallites of very uniform size (similar to50 nm) were obtained within the two different host matrices. The spherical assemblies were composed of smaller (ca. 5-10 nm size) BaCrO4 crystals indicating that efficient size control over crystal size may be exercised by the matrix. Contact angle measurements of the BaCrO4-StA and BaCrO4-sodium bis-2-ethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate films indicated that they were hydrophobic, thus pointing to the possible role of hydrophobic interaction between the StA and sodium bis-2-ethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate monolayer-covered BaCrO4 crystals in the assembly process.

}, issn = {0002-7820}, doi = {10.1111/j..1551-2916}, author = {Rautaray, D. and Sinha, K. and Sainkar, S. R. and Pasricha, R. and Pavaskar, N. R. and Sastry, M.} } @article { ISI:000232815700010, title = {Formation of nanosized zirconia-supported 12-tungstophosphoric acid in mesoporous silica SBA-15: a stable and versatile solid acid catalyst for benzylation of phenol}, journal = {Journal of Catalysis}, volume = {235}, number = {2}, year = {2005}, month = {OCT}, pages = {341-352}, publisher = {ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE}, type = {Article}, address = {525 B ST, STE 1900, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101-4495 USA}, abstract = {

A nanosized zirconia-supported 12-tungstophosphoric acid (TPA) in SBA-15 composite was prepared by wet impregnation of TPA/ZrO2 nanoparticles inside the mesoporous channels of SBA-15. The resulting composite material was calcined at 1123 K and characterized by elemental analysis, powder X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption isotherms, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), solid-state P-31 CP-MAS NMR, Si-29 MAS NMR, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra, FTIR, TPD of ammonia, FTIR pyridine adsorption, and thermogravimetric analysis (TG-DTG). The synthesized TPA/ZrO2/SBA-15 showed a well-ordered hexagonal inesoporous structure and mesoporous support SBA-15 stabilized ZrO2-t (tetragonal) phase with crystal size in the range of 3-4 nm. SBA-15 was a better support than MCM-41 and MCM-48 because it retained its mesostructure even after high TPA loading and high calcination temperatures. Mesoporous silica support plays an important role in stabilizing the catalytically active tetragonal phase of zirconia, which gave the most active catalysts. The catalysts were examined for their catalytic activities in the liquid phase benzylation of phenol with benzyl alcohol and the catalyst 15 wt\% TPA/ 22.4 wt\% ZrO2/SBA-15 calcined at 1123 K was found to have high acidity and to be 10 times more active than neat TPA/ZrO2 Under the reaction conditions studied in benzylation of phenol. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {nanosized, phenol benzylation reaction, terragonal phase, TPA/ZrO2}, issn = {0021-9517}, doi = {10.1016/j.jcat.2005.08.010}, author = {Sawant, D. P. and Vinu, A. and Jacob, Nalini E. and Lefebvre, F. and Halligudi, Shivappa B.} } @article { ISI:000233789900025, title = {Free-standing nanogold membranes as supports for the growth of calcium phosphate crystals}, journal = {Biotechnology Progress}, volume = {21}, number = {6}, year = {2005}, month = {NOV}, pages = {1759-1767}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, type = {Article}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

Current strategies for bone tissue regeneration focus on the development of implantable matrices that mimic biological tissues. Inorganic composites are of special interest for bone substitute applications. It is necessary to create an artificial three-dimensional scaffold-like porous material with certain geometrical structure to induce bone growth. We report here the growth of calcium phosphate crystals on free-standing carboxylic acid functionalized gold nanoparticle membranes. The gold nanoparticle membrane is synthesized by the spontaneous reduction of aqueous chloroaurate ions by a diamine molecule at a liquid-liquid interface. This membrane is robust and malleable, and most importantly, the gold nanoparticles in the membrane may be functionalized with suitable ligands. In this study, the amino acids aspartic acid and cysteine together with an aromatic bifunctional molecule, anthranilic acid, were used to modify the surface of the gold nanoparticles in the membrane. The free carboxylic acid groups on the gold nanoparticles further to functionalization with these molecules were then used to bind Ca2+ ions and reacted with phosphate ions to yield calcium phosphate. The nature of the nanogold surface modifier directed the formation of either crystalline hydroxyapatite or amorphous calcium phosphate. The nanogold membrane thus suggests potential biomedical application as biocompatible implants and grafts.

}, issn = {8756-7938}, doi = {10.1021/bp050144n}, author = {Rautaray, D and Sastry, M} } @article { ISI:000229066800041, title = {Functional copolymers of p-cumyl phenyl methacrylate and glycidyl methacrylate: synthesis, characterization, and reactivity ratios}, journal = {Journal Applied Polymer Science}, volume = {97}, number = {1}, year = {2005}, month = {JUL}, pages = {336-347}, publisher = {JOHN WILEY \& SONS INC}, type = {Article}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN, NJ 07030 USA}, abstract = {

Free-radical polymerization of p-cumyl phenyl methacrylate (CPMA) was performed in benzene using bezoyl peroxide as an initiator at 80\° C. The effect of time on the molecular weight was studied. Functional copolymers of CPMA and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) with different feed ratios were synthesized by free-radical polymerization in methyl ethyl ketone at 70\° C, and they were characterized by FTIR and H-1-NMR spectroscopy. The molecular weights and polydispersity indexes of the polymers and copolymers were determined by gel permeation chromatography. The copolymer composition was determined by H-1-NMR. The glass-transition temperature of the polymer and the copolymers was determined by differential scanning calorimetry. The reactivity ratios of the monomers were determined by the Fineman-Ross and Kelen-Tudos methods. {\textcopyright} 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

}, keywords = {copolymerization, functionalization of polymers, glass-transition, synthesis}, issn = {0021-8995}, doi = {10.1002/app.21732}, author = {Ratnaprabha, K. and Daliya, P. K.} } @article { ISI:000230286900008, title = {Fungus-mediated biosynthesis of silica and titania particles}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry}, volume = {15}, number = {26}, year = {2005}, month = {MAY}, pages = {2583-2589}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The synthesis of inorganic materials by biological systems is characterized by processes that occur at close to ambient temperatures, pressures and neutral pH. This is exemplified by biosilicification in marine organisms such as diatoms while laboratory-based synthesis of silica involves extreme temperature and pH conditions. We show here that silica and titania particles may be produced by challenging the fungus Fusarium oxysporum with aqueous anionic complexes SiF62- and TiF62- respectively. Extra-cellular protein-mediated hydrolysis of the anionic complexes results in the facile room temperature synthesis of crystalline titania particles while calcination at 300 degrees C is required for crystallization of silica.

}, issn = {0959-9428}, doi = {10.1039/b503008k}, author = {Bansal, Vipul and Rautaray, D. and Bharde, Atul A. and Ahire, Kedar C. and Sanyal, A. and Ahmad, Absar and Sastry, Murali} } @article { ISI:000238312300038, title = {Facile synthesis of 1,3,7-trihydroxyxanthone and its regioselective coupling reactions with prenal: simple and efficient access to osajaxanthone and nigrolineaxanthone F}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {71}, number = {13}, year = {2006}, month = {JUN}, pages = {4992-4995}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

A facile five-step synthesis of naturally occurring 1,3,7-trihydroxyxanthone has been described starting from 1,3,5-trimethoxybenzene via NBS-induced nuclear bromination, lithiation followed by an in situ benzoylation with methyl 2,5-dibenzyloxybenzoate, selective deprotection of the two benzyl groups, base-catalyzed intramolecular cyclization, and demethylations pathway with 62\% overall yield. The regioselective coupling reactions of 1,3,7-trihydroxyxanthone with prenal in the presence of calcium hydroxide at room temperature and under thermal conditions at 140-150 degrees C have been demonstrated to exclusively obtain the natural products osajaxanthone in 75\% yield and nigrolineaxanthone F in 98\% yield, respectively.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/jo0606655}, author = {Mondal, Mukulesh and Puranik, Vedavati G. and N. P. Argade} } @article { ISI:000236256600002, title = {Facile two-step chemoenzymatic access to natural germination inhibitor (+)-erigeronic acid A}, journal = {Tetrahedron}, volume = {62}, number = {13}, year = {2006}, month = {MAR}, pages = {2999-3003}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A facile two-step synthesis of natural germination inhibitor 5-butyl-3-oxo-2,3-dihydrofuran-2-yl-acetic acid [(+)-erigeronic acid A, 1] has been described via highly regioselective ring opening of (R)-acetoxysuccinic anhydride with the primary enolate of butyl methyl ketone, followed by an enzymatic hydrolysis and ail in situ dehydrative cyclization pathway with 77\% overall yield. Oil the basis of the present chemoenzymatic approach, (R)-configuration has been assigned to the C-2 chiral centre of the natural erigeronic acid. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {(+)-erigeronic acid, (R)acetoxysuccinic anhydride, natural germination inhibitor, primary enolate of butyl methyl ketone, synthesis}, issn = {0040-4020}, doi = {10.1016/j.tet.2006.01.044}, author = {Gogoi, Sanjib and N. P. Argade} } @article { ISI:000242327500019, title = {Factors influencing decomposition of H2O2 over supported Pd catalyst in aqueous medium}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Catalysis A-Chemical}, volume = {260}, number = {1-2}, year = {2006}, month = {DEC}, pages = {115-120}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Since H2O2 decomposition can result in selectivity/yield loss in the direct H2O2 synthesis process from H-2 and O-2 over supported Pd catalysts, it is important to have an enhanced understanding about the factors affecting the H2O2 decomposition reaction. Herein, detailed studies have been undertaken to investigate the influence of different factors, such as (a) nature and concentration of acid in reaction medium, (b) nature and concentration of halide in presence and absence of acid in reaction medium, (c) pretreatment procedures and (d) catalyst modification by incorporation of different halides, on the H2O2 decomposition reaction over a 5\% Pd/C catalyst in aqueous medium at 25 degrees C. This study has shown that the H2O2 decomposition activity is profoundly influenced by all the above factors. The effectiveness of the acids in suppressing the H2O2 decomposition activity decreased in the following order: hydroiodic acid \> hydrobromic acid \> hydrochloric acid \>\> acetic acid \> phosphoric acid \> sulfuric acid \> perchloric acid. The ability of the acid to decrease the H2O2 decomposition activity was found to very strongly depend on the nature of its associated anion. Halides, such as iodide, bromide and chloride were particularly effective in suppressing the H2O2 decomposition activity. Oxidation pretreatment of the catalyst was found to strongly suppress its H2O2 decomposition activity, while a reduction treatment was found to promote its activity. A gradual decrease in the H2O2 decomposition activity of the catalyst was observed with each successive usage due to in situ sub-surface oxidation of Pd by H2O2. Halide incorporation either via the reaction medium or prior catalyst modification had a similar qualitative effect on the H2O2 decomposition activity. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {acid, H2O2 decomposition, H2O2 synthesis, halides, Pd catalysts, pretreatment}, issn = {1381-1169}, doi = {10.1016/j.molcata.2006.07.009}, author = {Choudhary, Vasant R. and Samanta, C. and Choudhary, Tushar V.} } @article { ISI:000239174100073, title = {Ferromagnetism induced by hydrogen in polycrystalline nonmagnetic Zn0.95Co0.05O}, journal = {Applied Physics Letters}, volume = {89}, number = {3}, year = {2006}, month = {JUL}, pages = {Article No. 032508}, publisher = {AMER INST PHYSICS}, type = {Article}, address = {CIRCULATION \& FULFILLMENT DIV, 2 HUNTINGTON QUADRANGLE, STE 1 N O 1, MELVILLE, NY 11747-4501 USA}, abstract = {

Polycrystalline Zn0.95Co0.05O is found to be paramagnetic at room temperature and down to 12 K. Optical measurements prove the incorporation of Co2+ ions inside the ZnO lattice in the tetrahedral site. When the paramagnetic sample is heated in Ar/H-2 at 1125 K for 2 h, ferromagnetism with a very high value of magnetization is observed at room temperature. Hydrogen reduction does not affect the substituted Co2+ ions inside the wurtzite crystal lattice as evidenced from optical studies. X-ray diffraction studies show the presence of Co metal after the reduction process which is the origin of room temperature ferromagnetism. (c) 2006 American Institute of Physics.

}, issn = {0003-6951}, doi = {10.1063/1.2227642}, author = {Deka, Sasanka and Joy, Pattayil Alias} } @article { ISI:000239326400005, title = {Fe-Zn double-metal cyanide complexes as novel, solid transesteritication catalysts}, journal = {Journal of Catalysis}, volume = {241}, number = {1}, year = {2006}, month = {JUL}, pages = {34-44}, publisher = {ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE}, type = {Article}, address = {525 B ST, STE 1900, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101-4495 USA}, abstract = {

Fe-Zn double-metal cyanide complexes are currently used as catalysts for the ring-opening polymerization of epoxides, as well as the coupling of epoxides and CO2 for the production of polycarbonates. We report their novel application as highly efficient solid catalysts for the transesterification reactions of carbonates. The catalysts were prepared from aqueous solutions of ZnCl2 and K4Fe(CN)(6) in the presence of tert-butanol (complexing agent) and tri-block copolymer EO20PO70EO20 (average molecular weight, 5800; co-complexing agent). They were characterized by chemical analysis, XRD, thermal analysis, N-2 adsorption, magnetic susceptibility, SEM, and FTIR, diffuse reflectance UV-visible, EPR, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies. Their acidity was determined from the IR spectra of adsorbed pyridine and the temperature-programmed desorption of NH3. Catalyst samples prepared with both complexing and co-complexing agents were found to be more acidic and catalytically active than those prepared without these agents. These catalysts are more active/selective than other solid catalysts hitherto reported. Dimethyl carbonate, for example, could be synthesized with 100\% selectivity and an isolated yield of \>86\% by the reaction of propene carbonate with methanol. The catalysts can be recycled without significant loss in activity. Lewis acidic Zn ions are the possible active sites for the transesterification reaction. (c) 2006 Published by Elsevier Inc.

}, keywords = {cyclic carbonate, Dimethyl carbonate, double metal cyanide Fe-Zn complexes, organic carbonate, transesterification catalyst}, issn = {0021-9517}, doi = {10.1016/j.jcat.2006.04.002}, author = {Srivastava, R. and Srinivas, D. and Ratnasamy, P.} } @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:000238250300028, title = {Field emission studies of novel ZnO nanostructures in high and low field regions}, journal = {Nanotechnology}, volume = {17}, number = {11}, year = {2006}, month = {JUN}, pages = {2730-2735}, publisher = {IOP PUBLISHING LTD}, address = {DIRAC HOUSE, TEMPLE BACK, BRISTOL BS1 6BE, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A study of the field emission characteristics of novel structures of ZnO, namely marigolds, multipods and microbelts, has been carried out in both the close proximity configuration and the conventional field emission microscope. The use of a conventional field emission microscope overcomes the drawback of arc formation at high field values. The nonlinearity in the Fowler - Nordheim ( F - N) plot, a characteristic feature of semiconductors has been observed and explained on the basis of electron emission from both the conduction and the valence bands. The current stability exhibited by these structures is also promising for future device applications.

}, issn = {0957-4484}, doi = {10.1088/0957-4484/17/11/003}, author = {Ramgir, Niranjan S. and Late, Dattatray J. and Bhise, Ashok B. and Mulla, Imtiaz S. and More, Mahendra A. and Joag, Dilip S. and Pillai, Vijayamohanan K.} } @article { ISI:000236784200028, title = {Finite size effects on the structural and magnetic properties of sol-gel synthesized NiFe2O4 powders}, journal = {Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials}, volume = {302}, number = {1}, year = {2006}, month = {JUL}, pages = {190-195}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Nanoparticles of nickel ferrite have been synthesized by the sol-gel method and the effect of grain size oil its structural and magnetic properties have been Studied in detail. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies revealed that all the samples are single phasic possessing the inverse spinel structure. Grain size of the sol-gel synthesized powders has been determined from the XRD data and the strain graph. A grain size of 9 nm was observed for the as prepared powders of NiFe2O4 obtained through the sol-gel method. It was also observed that strain was induced during the firing process. Magnetization measurements have been carried out on all the samples prepared in the present series. It was found that the specific magnetization of the nanosized NiFe2O4 powders was lower than that of the corresponding coarse-grained counterparts and decreased with a decrease in grain size. The coercivity of the sol-gel synthesized NiFe2O4 nanoparticles attained a maximum value when the grain size was 15 nm and then decreased as the grain size was increased further. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {grain size, magnetic properties, Nanoparticles, Nickel ferrite, strain}, issn = {0304-8853}, doi = {10.1016/j.jmmm.2005.08.029}, author = {George, M. and John, A. M. and Nair, S. S. and Joy, Pattayil Alias and Anantharaman, Maliemadom R.} } @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:000236119700015, title = {First study of metal hybrids of boronic acids: second-sphere coordination networks in the structures of 4-carboxyphenylboronic acid with some transition metals}, journal = {Inorganic Chemistry}, volume = {45}, number = {6}, year = {2006}, month = {MAR}, pages = {2400-2402}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Metal-organic hybrids of a boronic acid (4-carboxylphenylboronic acid) with Co(II), Mn(II), and Ni(II) salts have been reported for the first time. In all of the complexes, there is no interaction between the metal and boronic acid through dative bonds. Furthermore, second-sphere coordination, along with water clusters in the form of octamers, was observed in the absence of any other additional ligands. However, in the presence of aza-donor molecules such as 1, 2-bis(4-pyridyl) ethane, metal ions formed coordination polymers with those ligands, replacing the second-sphere coordination.

}, issn = {0020-1669}, doi = {10.1021/ic052100h}, author = {Seethalekshmi, N. and Pedireddi, V. R.} } @article { ISI:000240238100085, title = {Flexible ring polymers in an obstacle environment: Molecular theory of linear viscoelasticity}, journal = {Physical Review E}, volume = {74}, number = {2, 1}, year = {2006}, month = {AUG}, pages = {Article No. 021805}, publisher = {AMERICAN PHYSICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {ONE PHYSICS ELLIPSE, COLLEGE PK, MD 20740-3844 USA}, abstract = {

We formulate a coarse-grained mean-field approach to study the dynamics of the flexible ring polymer in any given obstacle (gel or melt) environment. The similarity of the static structure of the ring polymer with that of the ideal randomly branched polymer is exploited in formulating the dynamical model using aspects of the pom-pom model for branched polymers. The topological constraints are handled via the tube model framework. Based on our formulation we obtain expressions for diffusion coefficient D, relaxation times tau, and dynamic structure factor g(k,t). Further, based on the framework we develop a molecular theory of linear viscoelasticity for ring polymers in a given obstacle environment and derive the expression for the relaxation modulus G(t). The predictions of the theoretical model are in agreement with previously proposed scaling arguments and in qualitative agreement with the available experimental results for the melt of rings.

}, issn = {1539-3755}, doi = {10.1103/PhysRevE.74.021805}, author = {Iyer, Balaji V. S. and Lele, Ashish K. and Juvekar, Vinay A.} } @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 { ISI:000236648800046, title = {Formation of poly(o-anisidine) coatings on copper from aqueous salicylate solution}, journal = {Surface \& Coatings Technology}, volume = {200}, number = {18-19}, year = {2006}, month = {MAY}, pages = {5557-5565}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Poly(o-anisidine) coatings have been electrosynthesized by using cyclic voltammetry on copper from an aqueous salicylate medium. Cyclic voltammetry, UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to characterize these coatings, which indicates that the aqueous salicylate solution is a suitable medium for the electrochemical polymerization of o-anisidine on copper substrate. Cyclic voltammetry accompanied by the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to characterize the surface modifications induced by polarizing the copper substrate in the aqueous salicylate solution (without monomer). It was shown that the polarization of the copper in the aqueous salicylate medium results into the passivation of its surface via the formation of Cu(2)O and/or copper salicylate complex. It was found that the electrochemical polymerization of o-anisidine takes place after the passivation of the copper substrate via fort-nation of Cu(2)O and/or copper salicylate complex and results into the formation of shiny, uniform and strongly adherent poly(o-anisidine). The optical absorption spectroscopy reveals the formation of emraldine salt form of poly(o-anisidine). This study offers an electrochemical polymerization recipe to synthesize strongly adherent poly(o-anisidine) coating on copper from aqueous media for possible use in corrosion protection application. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {conducting polymers, Copper, corrosion protective coatings, cyclic voltammetry, poly(o-anisidine) coatings}, issn = {0257-8972}, doi = {10.1016/j.surfcoat.2005.07.071}, author = {Chaudhari, Sudeshna and Mandale, A. B. and Patil, K. R. and Sainkar, S. R. and Patil, P. P.} } @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:000241519600041, title = {Fungus-mediated biotransformation of amorphous silica in rice husk to nanocrystalline silica}, journal = {Journal of American Chemical Society}, volume = {128}, number = {43}, year = {2006}, month = {NOV}, pages = {14059-14066}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Rice husk is a cheap agro-based waste material, which harbors a substantial amount of silica in the form of amorphous hydrated silica grains. However, there have been no attempts at harnessing the enormous amount of amorphous silica present in rice husk and its room-temperature biotransformation into crystalline silica nanoparticles. In this study, we address this issue and describe how naturally deposited amorphous biosilica in rice husk can be bioleached and simultaneously biotransformed into high value crystalline silica nanoparticles. We show here that the fungus Fusarium oxysporum rapidly biotransforms the naturally occurring amorphous plant biosilica into crystalline silica and leach out silica extracellularly at room temperature in the form of 2-6 nm quasi-spherical, highly crystalline silica nanoparticles capped by stabilizing proteins; that the nanoparticles are released into solution is an advantage of this process with significant application and commercial potential. Calcination of the silica nanoparticles leads to loss of occluded protein and to an apparently porous structure often of cubic morphology. The room-temperature synthesis of oxide nanomaterials using microorganisms starting from potential cheap agro-industrial waste materials is an exciting possibility and could lead to an energy-conserving and economically viable green approach toward the large-scale synthesis of oxide nanomaterials.

}, issn = {0002-7863}, doi = {10.1021/ja062113+}, author = {Bansal, Vipul and Ahmad, Absar and Sastry, Murali} } @article { ISI:000250234900007, title = {Fabrication of an effusive molecular beam instrument for surface reaction kinetics - CO oxidation and NO reduction on Pd(111) surfaces}, journal = {Catalysis Letters}, volume = {119}, number = {1-2}, year = {2007}, month = {NOV}, pages = {50-58}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, type = {Article}, address = {233 SPRING STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

A simple molecular beam instrument (MBI) was fabricated for measuring the fundamental parameters in catalysis such as, sticking coefficient, transient and steady state kinetics and reaction mechanism of gas/vapor phase reactions on metal surfaces. Important aspects of MBI fabrication are given in detail. Nitric oxide (NO) decomposition and NO reduction with carbon monoxide (CO) on Pd(111) surfaces were studied. Interesting results were observed for the above reactions and they support the efficiency of the MBI to derive the fundamental parameters of adsorption and catalysis. Sustenance of CO oxidation at 400 K is dependent mostly on the absence of CO-poisoning; apparently, CO + O recombination is the rate determining step \<= 400 K. NO adsorption measurements on Pd(111) surface clearly indicating a typical precursor kinetics. Displacement of the chemisorbed CO by NO on Pd(111) surfaces was observed directly with NO + CO beams in the transient kinetics. It is also relatively easy to identify the rate-determining step directly from the MBI data and the same was demonstrated for the above reactions.

}, keywords = {carbon monoxide, catalysis, kinetics, molecular beam, nitric oxide, Pd(111)}, issn = {1011-372X}, doi = {10.1007/s10562-007-9184-8}, author = {Thirunavukkarasu, Kandasamy and Gopinath, Chinnakonda S.} } @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:000243735500042, title = {Facile chemo-, regio-, and diastereoselective approach to cis-3,5-disubstituted gamma-butyrolactones and fused gamma-butyrolactones}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {72}, number = {3}, year = {2007}, month = {FEB}, pages = {1009-1012}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Chemoselective S(N)2{\textquoteright} condensation of primary enolates of alkyl methyl ketones 2a-e with dimethyl bromomethylfumarate ( 1) followed by highly diastereoselective NaBH4 reduction of the ketone function in the formed ketodiesters 3a-e and the regioselective in situ lactonization of the unisolable intermediates 4a-e exclusively furnished the cis-3,5-disubstituted gamma-butyrolactones (+/-)-5a-e in very good yields. Similarly, the face-selective coupling reaction of cyclohexanone enolate with 1 to form a mixture of diastereomers in an 8: 2 ratio followed by a highly selective reductive cyclization of 9 plus 10 exclusively provided the cis-octahydrobenzofuran (+/-)- 12 in 70\% overall yield.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/jo0619128}, author = {Baag, Md. Merajuddin and Puranik, Vedavati G. and N. P. Argade} } @article { ISI:000244773600022, title = {Facile phenol-driven intramolecular diastereoselective thermal/base-catalyzed dipolar [2+2] annulation reactions: an easy access to complex bioactive natural and unnatural benzopyran congeners}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {72}, number = {6}, year = {2007}, month = {MAR}, pages = {2068-2076}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The complex bioactive natural and unnatural benzopyran congeners have been synthesized using one-/two-step approaches in very good yields from the reactions of two different dihydroxyphthalides, natural resorcyclic acid derivative, and trihydroxybenzophenone with citral and/or farnesal, via the phenol-driven intramolecular diastereoselective thermal/base-catalyzed dipolar [2 + 2] cycloaddition reactions and three different thermal intramolecular cyclization reactions. The effects of the nature and the position of phenolic groups in the starting materials on the course of these cycloaddition reactions have also been described. Depending upon the absence or presence of intramolecular hydrogen bonding of the phenolic group with the carbonyl moiety in the starting materials, these phenol-driven intramolecular thermal/base-catalyzed dipolar [2 + 2] cycloaddition reactions either furnished the kinetically controlled products or directly formed the thermodynamically controlled rearranged products, respectively.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/jo0624344}, author = {Mondal, Mukulesh and Puranik, Vedavati G. and N. P. Argade} } @article {42603, title = {Facile S(N)2 {\textquoteright} coupling reactions of wittig reagents with dimethyl bromomethylfumarate: synthesis of enes, dienes, and related natural products}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {72}, year = {2007}, month = {JUL}, pages = {4900-4904}, type = {Article}, doi = {10.1021/jo070728z}, author = {Patel, Ramesh M. and N. P. Argade} } @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:000245301300004, title = {Ferroelectric and ferromagnetic properties of (x)BaTiO3+(1-x)Ni0.94Co0.01Cu0.05Fe2O4 composite}, journal = {Journal of Physics D-Applied Physics}, volume = {40}, number = {7}, year = {2007}, month = {APR}, pages = {1864-1868}, publisher = {IOP PUBLISHING LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {DIRAC HOUSE, TEMPLE BACK, BRISTOL BS1 6BE, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A group of elastically coupled ferroelectric and ferrite composites with the general formula (x) BaTiO3 + (1 - x) Ni0.94Co0.01Cu0.05Fe2O4 (where x = 0.85, 0.70 and 0.55) was prepared by the standard ceramic reaction method. The x-ray diffraction pattern of the composite reveals a spinel phase formation for the ferrite and perovskite phase formation for the ferroelectric phase without any other phase. The SEM micrographs were taken to determine the average grain size. The sintered composites exhibit typical hysteresis loops at room temperature. The effect of constituent phase variation on the hysteresis behaviour and the dielectric properties was examined. The parameters such as spontaneous polarization (P-s), breakdown voltage (E-b) and saturation magnetization (M-s) of the composites vary with the ferroelectric/ ferrite content. The temperature dependence of dielectric behaviour at a frequency of 1 kHz was also studied. With increasing content of BaTiO3, the dielectric constant increases and the Curie temperature decreases.

}, issn = {0022-3727}, doi = {10.1088/0022-3727/40/7/004}, author = {Devan, R. S. and Deshpande, S. B. and Chougule, B. K.} } @article {42684, title = {Ferromagnetic resonance in nanomagnetic metal core and noble metal shell systems}, journal = {Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology}, volume = {9}, year = {2007}, month = {SEP}, pages = {3134-3139}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The change in the line widths in the ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) spectra of Co and Ni nanoparticles upon shell formation with noble metals like gold or silver are described. The NicoreAgshell, CocoreAgshell, and CocoreAushell nanoparticles were prepared by a simple transmetallation reaction between the Co and Ni nanoparticles and the Ag+ or AuCl-4 ions. It is revealed that the FMR line width decreases upon Ag shell formation whereas it increases upon core{\textendash}shell composite formation with Au. Several probable explanations such as the differences in size distributions before and after the reaction or the changes occurring in shape anisotropy of the particles due to the shell formation or the different extents of electronic interaction between the core and shell materials have been offered for this observation.

}, keywords = {Fmr Study; Line Width Comparison; Magnetic Core-Noble Metal Shell Nanoparticles}, doi = {10.1166/jnn.2007.664}, author = {Bala, Tanushree and Enoki, Toshiaki and Bhagavatula L. V. Prasad} } @article { ISI:000249834900020, title = {Field emission investigations of RuO2-doped SnO2 wires}, journal = {Applied Surface Science}, volume = {253}, number = {23}, year = {2007}, month = {SEP}, pages = {9159-9163}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Field emission studies of a bunch and a single isolated RuO2:SnO2 wire have been performed. A current density of 5.73 x 10(4) A/cm(2) is drawn from the single wire emitter at an applied field of 8.46 x 10(4) V/mu m. Nonlinearity in the Fowler-Nordheim (F-N) plot has been observed and explained on the basis of electron emission from both the conduction and the valence bands of the semiconductor. The current stability recorded at the preset value of 1.5 LA is observed to be good. Overall the high emission current density, good stability and mechanically robust nature of the RuO2:SnO2 wires offer advantages as field emitters for many potential applications. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {doped semiconductor, field emission, field enhancement factor, RuO2, SnO2}, issn = {0169-4332}, doi = {10.1016/j.apsusc.2007.05.058}, author = {Bhise, Ashok B. and Late, Dattatray J. and Ramgir, Niranjan S. and More, Mahendra A. and Mulla, Imtiaz S. and Pillai, Vijayamohanan K. and Joag, Dilip S.} } @article { ISI:000245291700016, title = {Finite size effects on the electrical properties of sol-gel synthesized CoFe2O4 powders: deviation from Maxwell-Wagner theory and evidence of surface polarization effects}, journal = {Journal of Physics D-Applied Physics}, volume = {40}, number = {6}, year = {2007}, month = {MAR}, pages = {1593-1602}, publisher = {IOP PUBLISHING LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {DIRAC HOUSE, TEMPLE BACK, BRISTOL BS1 6BE, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Fine particles of cobalt ferrite were synthesized by the sol-gel method. Subsequent heat treatment at different temperatures yielded cobalt ferrites having different grain sizes. X-ray diffraction studies were carried out to elucidate the structure of all the samples. Dielectric permittivity and ac conductivity of all the samples were evaluated as a function of frequency, temperature and grain size. The variation of permittivity and ac conductivity with frequency reveals that the dispersion is due to Maxwell-Wagner type interfacial polarization in general, with a noted variation from the expected behaviour for the cold synthesized samples. High permittivity and conductivity for small grains were explained on the basis of the correlated barrier-hopping model.

}, issn = {0022-3727}, doi = {10.1088/0022-3727/40/6/001}, author = {George, Mathew and Nair, Swapna S. and Malini, K. A. and Joy, Pattayil Alias and Anantharaman, Maliemadom R.} } @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 { ISI:000250755100004, title = {Fluorescence quenching and time-resolved fluorescence studies of alpha-Mannosidase from Aspergillus fischeri (NCIM 508)}, journal = {Journal of Fluorescence}, volume = {17}, number = {6}, year = {2007}, month = {NOV}, pages = {599-605}, publisher = {SPRINGER/PLENUM PUBLISHERS}, type = {Article}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Apart from the vital role in glycoprotein biosynthesis and degradation, alpha-mannosidase is currently an important therapeutic target for the development of anticancer agents. Fluorescence quenching and time-resolved fluorescence of alpha-mannosidase, a multitryptophan protein from Aspergillus fischeri were carried out to investigate the tryptophan environment. The tryptophans were found to be differentially exposed to the solvent and were not fully accessible to the neutral quencher indicating heterogeneity in the environment. Quenching of the fluorescence by acrylamide was collisional. Surface tryptophans were found to have predominantly positively charged amino acids around them and differentially accessible to the ionic quenchers. Denaturation led to more exposure of tryptophans to the solvent and consequently in the significant increase in quenching with all the quenchers. The native enzyme showed two different lifetimes, tau (1) (1.51 ns) and tau (2) (5.99 ns). The average lifetime of the native protein (tau) (3.187 ns) was not affected much after denaturation (tau) (3.219 ns), while average lifetime of the quenched protein samples was drastically reduced (1.995 ns for acrylamide and 1.537 ns for iodide). This is an attempt towards the conformational studies of alpha-mannosidase.

}, keywords = {alpha-Mannosidase, Denaturation, fluorescence, lifetime, Solute quenching}, issn = {1053-0509}, doi = {10.1007/s10895-007-0227-8}, author = {Shashidhara, K. S. and Gaikwad, Sushama M.} } @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:000243831600013, title = {Formation from direct oxidation of H-2 and destruction by decomposition/hydrogenation of H2O2 over Pd/C catalyst in aqueous medium containing different acids and halide anions}, journal = {Applied Catalysis A-General}, volume = {317}, number = {2}, year = {2007}, month = {FEB}, pages = {234-243}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Direct oxidation of H-2 by O-2 to H2O2 and decomposition/hydrogenation of H2O2 (at 27 degrees C and atmospheric pressure) over Pd/C catalyst in an aqueous acidic reaction medium have been thoroughly investigated using different mineral acids (viz. 0.1 N H2SO4, H3PO4, H3BO3, HNO3, HCl, HBr or HI) and/or halide anions (viz. F-, Cl-, Br- or I-), covering their wide concentration range (0-24 mmol/dm(3)), in the reaction medium. In the absence of any externally added halide, appreciable H2O2 formation in the H2 oxidation occurred only when the medium contained HCl. However, the rates of H2O2 decomposition and hydrogenation are greatly reduced because of the presence of any acid; the influence on the H2O2 decomposition was, however, much larger for the halo acids. In the presence of acid (0.1 N H3PO4 or H2SO4), the H-2-to-H2O2 formation reaction is greatly enhanced by the externally added halide anions up to their optimum concentrations. However, above the optimum halide anion concentration, it is inhibited more than the H-2-to-water formation (parallel) reaction, causing a decrease in both the H2O2 yield and selectivity. Whereas, the H-2 conversion and H2O2 destruction activities of the catalyst are decreased continuously with increasing the halide anion (except F-) concentration. Among the halides, chloride is the best halide promoter for Pd/C catalyst in the H-2-to-H2O2 oxidation. At the optimum Cl-concentration (5.4 mmol/dm(3)), both the H-2 conversion and H2O2 yield are passed through a maximum and the H2O2 decomposition is greatly inhibited with increasing the phosphoric acid concentration. In the absence of either the chloride anions or the acid (or both) in the reaction medium, only a little or no H2O2 is formed in the H-2 oxidation and also the rate of H2O2 destruction is very fast, particularly in the presence of H-2; the rapid destruction of H2O2 is mainly due to its decomposition rather than its hydrogenation. The best H-2-to-H2O2 oxidation results are obtained at the optimum concentrations of both the acid and halide anions. In the presence of acid and chloride (or bromide) promoter, the H2O2 hydrogenation dominates the H2O2 destruction and hence the net H2O2 formation is mainly controlled by the H2O2 hydrogenation. (c) 2006 Published by Elsevier B.V.

}, keywords = {H2O2 decomposition, H2O2 hydrogenation, halide anion promoters, Hydrogen peroxide, oxidation of H-2-to-H2O2, Pd/C catalyst}, issn = {0926-860X}, doi = {10.1016/j.apcata.2006.10.022}, author = {Choudhary, Vasant R. and Samanta, Chanchal and Jana, Prabhas} } @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:000253620600025, title = {Facile air-oxidation of N-homopiperonyl-5,6-dimethoxyhomophthalimide: simple and efficient access to nuevamine}, journal = {Tetrahedron}, volume = {64}, number = {8}, year = {2008}, month = {FEB}, pages = {1786-1791}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A facile six-step synthesis of naturally occurring (+/-)-nuevamine with 55\% overall yield has been described, starting from methyl 2-(6-formyl-2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)acetate via the quantitative benzylic air-oxidation of the corresponding N-homopiperonyl-5,6-dimethoxy-homophthalimide to N-homopiperonyl-5,6-dimethoxyisoquinoline-1,3,4-trione as the key reaction, followed by base catalyzed regioselective alcoholysis of the trione with ring contraction, acid catalyzed dehydrative ring closure of the formed lactamol and decarboxylation pathway. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0040-4020}, doi = {10.1016/j.tet.2007.11.104}, author = {Wakchaure, Prasad B. and Easwar, Srinivasan and Puranik, Vedavati G. and N. P. Argade} } @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:000258374700003, title = {Facile biogenetic synthesis of pulcheotine A}, journal = {Synthesis-Stuttgart}, number = {15}, year = {2008}, month = {AUG}, pages = {2321-2322}, publisher = {GEORG THIEME VERLAG KG}, type = {Article}, address = {RUDIGERSTR 14, D-70469 STUTTGART, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Starting from homopiperonylamine and 4-methoxyphenylacetic acid, a facile biogenetic route to naturally occurring pulcheotine A has been demonstrated via Pictet-Spengler cyclization and two different air oxidation processes.

}, keywords = {4-methoxyphenylacetic acid, homopiperonylamine, Pictet-Spengler cyclization, pulcheotine A, regioselective air oxidations}, issn = {0039-7881}, doi = {10.1055/s-2008-1067162}, author = {Wakchaure, Prasad B. and N. P. Argade} } @article { ISI:000254017900032, title = {Facile single-step technique for simultaneous in situ fabrication of Ag/Ag2S-polymer nanocomposites via PPS cyclization route}, journal = {Chemistry Letters}, volume = {37}, number = {2}, year = {2008}, month = {FEB}, pages = {194-195}, publisher = {CHEMICAL SOC JAPAN}, type = {Article}, address = {1-5 KANDA-SURUGADAI CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO, 101-8307, JAPAN}, abstract = {

We herein propose a facile single-step approach involving solid-state reaction between silver salt and engineering thermoplastic polyphenylene sulfide for simultaneous in situ generation of nanoscale metallic silver as well as semiconducting silver sulfide.

}, issn = {0366-7022}, doi = {10.1246/cl.2008.194}, author = {Waghmare, Sujata and Shinde, Manish and Gholap, Ramkrishna S. and Rao, N. Koteswara and Seth, Tanay and Amalnerkar, Dinesh P.} } @article { ISI:000259420300006, title = {Facile synthesis and gas sensing properties of nanotriangular tin oxide}, journal = {Materials Letters}, volume = {62}, number = {28}, year = {2008}, month = {NOV}, pages = {4328-4331}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

In the present study we report a simple and convenient chemical route using pentaerythritol as a structure-directing agent for the synthesis of crystalline nanotriangular SnO2. We propose the scheme for the formation of nanotriangular structures wherein the preliminary spherical nanocrystallites are formed due to the low surface energy associated with them. These spherical nanocrystallites grow into the various linear intermediate shapes like Y, bi and tripods, which finally lead to the triangles, pyramids and bipyramids. Such variation in the structure occurs due to the structure directing pentaerythritol. These polycrystalline SnO2 nanomaterials with structural peculiarities were tested for the gas sensing characteristics. Their response towards ethanol vapor, H-2 and LPG were investigated. It was found to exhibit high response towards ethanol vapors at the operating temperature of 250 degrees C. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Nanomaterials, Oxides, Semiconductors, sensors}, issn = {0167-577X}, doi = {10.1016/j.matlet.2008.07.021}, author = {Deshmukh, Rupali G. and Badadhe, Satish S. and Vaishampayan, Mukta V. and Mulla, Imtiaz S.} } @article { ISI:000253366100013, title = {Factors influencing the in situ generation of hydrogen peroxide from the reduction of oxygen by hydroxylamine from hydroxylammonium sulfate over Pd/alumina}, journal = {Applied Catalysis A-General}, volume = {335}, number = {1}, year = {2008}, month = {FEB}, pages = {95-102}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Influence of the concentration of bromide (KBr) promoter, reaction period, temperature, catalyst loading and initial concentration of hydroxylammonium sulfate on the formation of H2O2 due to the reaction between hydroxylamine from the hydroxylammonium salt and molecular oxygen over Pd (1 wt\%)/Al2O3 catalyst in a neutral aqueous medium at close to the ambient conditions has been investigated. Effect of pH and temperature on the destruction of H2O2, Occurring in the consecutive reactions, over the catalyst in the presence or absence of bromide promoter and hydroxylamine has also been studied. In the absence of O-2, the conversion of hydroxylamine by its decomposition over the catalyst increases sharply with increasing the pH, particularly above the pH of 7.0; at or below the pH of 7.0, it is quite small. The H2O2 destruction increases markedly with increasing the pH of medium and reaction temperature but it is found to decrease in the presence of hydroxylamine. For the highest net H2O2 formation, not only the optimum pH (7.0) of reaction medium but also the optimum other reaction conditions (viz. bromide promoter concentration, reaction period, temperature or catalyst loading) are necessary. The reaction path and mechanism for the generation of H2O2 have also been suggested. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {H2O2 destruction, Hydrogen peroxide, hydroxylamine, Hydroxylammonium sulfate, Pd/Al2O3 catalyst, reduction of O-2}, issn = {0926-860X}, doi = {10.1016/j.apcata.2007.11.015}, author = {Choudhary, Vasant R. and Jana, Prabhas} } @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:000255692100010, title = {Fe-doped SnO(2) nanomaterial: a low temperature hydrogen sulfide gas sensor}, journal = {Materials Chemistry and Physics}, volume = {109}, number = {2-3}, year = {2008}, month = {JUN}, pages = {230-234}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

The effect of Fe-doping on the surface chemistry and gas-sensing properties of nanocrystalline tin oxide is analyzed. The pristine and Fe-doped SnO(2) are synthesized by the modified Pechini citrate route that produces around 40 and 18 nm sized nanoparticles, respectively. 1 at.\% Fe-doped SnO(2) shows significantly high selectivity towards hydrogen sulfide gas with capability to detect even 10 ppm of hydrogen sulfide at room temperature, with change of about one order of magnitude in the resistance within 5-15 s. In comparison, pristine SnO(2) shows negligible response towards H(2)S at room temperature. The ideal response and recovery of Fe-doped SnO(2) at low concentration of gas suggests Fe-doped SnO(2) nanomaterial as a potential low cost, low temperature H(2)S gas sensor. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Fe-doping, H(2)S, nanomaterial, Sensor, tin oxide}, issn = {0254-0584}, doi = {10.1016/j.matchemphys.2007.11.024}, author = {Vaishampayan, Mukta V. and Deshmukh, Rupah G. and Walke, Pravin and Mulla, Imtiaz S.} } @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:000257719700006, title = {Functionalized SBA-15 and its catalytic applications in selective organic transformations}, journal = {Catalysis Surveys from Asia}, volume = {12}, number = {2}, year = {2008}, month = {JUN}, pages = {114-130}, publisher = {SPRINGER/PLENUM PUBLISHERS}, type = {Article}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Ordered, mesoporous SBA-15 functionalized with organic and inorganic moieties exhibits efficient catalytic activity in a variety of organic transformations. In this account, reviewing our own work, three-sets of surface-modified SBA-15 materials have been investigated. The first-set of materials consists of SBA-15 modified with organo-acidic (propyl thiol and propyl sulfonic acid) and basic (propyl amine and propyl adenine) moieties. The second-set of materials was prepared by grafting Mn complexes to the organo-functionalized SBA-15. The third-set composes of nanocrystalline metal oxides supported on SBA-15. All these catalysts have been characterized by structural and spectroscopic techniques. Catalytic activities of the first-set of solid materials have been investigated in acid/base-catalyzed reactions viz., ring-opening of epoxides with amines (producing beta-amino alcohols), esterification, three-component-Mannich reactions and cycloaddition of CO(2) to epoxides. The Mn complexes grafted on organofunctionalized SBA-15 are efficient catalysts for the chemo-, regio- and stereoselective aerial oxidation of monoterpenes at ambient conditions. TiO(x), VO(x), MoO(x) and WO(x) supported on SBA-15 catalyzed biomimetic oxyhalogenation of aromatic compounds. In all these reactions, the functionalized SBA-15 showed high selectivity.

}, keywords = {grafted Mn-Salen complexes, Ordered mesoporous silica, organofunctionalized SBA-15, oxidation catalysts, Oxyhalogenation of aromatics}, issn = {1571-1013}, doi = {10.1007/s10563-008-9044-6}, author = {Srinivas, Darbha and Saikia, Lakshi} } @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: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:000271843400019, title = {Ferromagnetic properties of glucose coated Cu2O nanoparticles}, journal = {Solid State Communications}, volume = {149}, number = {47-48}, year = {2009}, month = {DEC}, pages = {2199-2201}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Magnetic properties of glucose coated cuprous oxide nanoparticles of different sizes have been studied. Unlike bulk Cu2O, which shows diamagnetic behavior, the nanoparticles show superparamagnetic behavior. A superparamagnetic blocking temperature of 21 K is observed for 5 nm particles. A magnetic hysteresis loop with a coercivity of 406 Oe is observed for these particles at 5 K. The magnetization and the coercivity increase with decreasing particle size. The superparamagnetic behavior, along with the increase in magnetization and coercivity with decreasing particle size, is due to the enhanced surface contributions to the magnetism. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Chemical synthesis, Cuprous oxide, magnetic properties, Nanoparticles}, issn = {0038-1098}, doi = {10.1016/j.ssc.2009.09.013}, author = {Mahajan, Mangesh B. and Pavan, M. S. and Joy, Pattayil Alias} } @article { ISI:000264644800018, title = {Ferromagnetic to spin glass cross over in (La,Tb)(2/3)Ca1/3MnO3}, journal = {Solid State Sciences}, volume = {11}, number = {3}, year = {2009}, month = {MAR}, pages = {714-718}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

In the series La2/3-xTbxCa1/3MnO3, it is known that the compositions are ferromagnetic for smaller values of x and show spin glass characteristics at larger values of x. Our studies on the magnetic properties of various compositions in the La2/3-xTbxCa1/3MnO3 series show that the cross over from ferromagnetic to spin glass region takes place above x approximate to 1/8. Also, a low temperature anomaly at 30 K, observed in the ac susceptibility curves, disappears for compositions above this critical value of x. A mixed phase region coexists in the narrow compositional range 0.1 \<= x \<= 0.125, indicating that the ferromagnetic to spin glass cross over is not abrupt. (C) 2008 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Ferromagnetism, Magnetic clusters, Manganites, perovskite, Spin glass}, issn = {1293-2558}, doi = {10.1016/j.solidstatesciences.2008.10.002}, author = {Sankar, C. Raj and Vijayanand, S. and Joy, Pattayil Alias} } @article { ISI:000271103500001, title = {Festschrift in Honor of Dr. B. D. Kulkarni}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {48}, number = {21}, year = {2009}, month = {NOV}, pages = {9355-9356}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/ie901367r}, author = {Yadav, Ganapati D. and Jayaraman, Valadi K. and Ravikumar, V.} } @article { ISI:000267498700010, title = {Field emission investigation of single Fe-doped SnO2 wire}, journal = {Solid State Sciences}, volume = {11}, number = {6}, year = {2009}, month = {JUN}, pages = {1114-1117}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Tin oxide submicronwires doped with Fe element were prepared by the thermal evaporation method. Morphological and structural characterizations revealed wires with sub micron size and crystalline in nature. The field electron emission from the single Fe:SnO2 wire was carried out in conventional field emission microscope. The Fowler-Nordheim plot obtained from I-V characteristics of the wire showed a linear behavior typical that of metal. The field enhancement factor estimated from the slope of the F-N plot is 7455 cm(-1), indicating that the field emission is from nanometric features of the emitter. A current density of 10 A/cm(2) has been obtained at an applied field of 4.845 x 10(3) V/mu m. The field emission current-time record at a current level of 1 mu A for more than 3 h duration is promising for various field emissions based applications. (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

}, keywords = {Current stability, Fe doped, field emission, SnO2}, issn = {1293-2558}, doi = {10.1016/j.solidstatesciences.2009.02.011}, author = {Bhise, Ashok B. and Late, Dattatray J. and Sathe, Bhaskar R. and More, Mahendra A. and Mulla, Imtiaz S. and Pillai, Vijayamohanan K. and Joag, Dilip S.} } @article { ISI:000271238900027, title = {Field emission properties of Al-doped ZnO nanostructures}, journal = {Journal of Nano Research}, volume = {5}, year = {2009}, month = {JAN}, pages = {231-237}, publisher = {TRANS TECH PUBLICATIONS LTD}, address = {LAUBISRUTISTR 24, STAFA-ZUERICH, CH-8712, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Field emission from Al-doped ZnO nanostrcutures has been investigated in planar diode configuration under ultra high vacuum conditions. The Al-doped ZnO nanostructures were synthesized by co-precipitation method with varying aluminium concentrations. The as- synthesized product was characterized by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive x-ray analysis. The threshold field required to draw a current density of similar to 1 mu A/cm(2) was observed to be similar to 2.0 V/mu m and similar to 2.3 V/mu m for Al-doped ZnO nanostructures synthesized with aluminium concentrations of 1\% and 3\%, respectively. The Fowler- Nordheim (F-N) plots for both the specimens exhibit non-linear behaviour, which is observed to be specimen dependent. The nonlinearity observed in the F-N plots has been interpreted on the basis of the theory of electron emission from semiconductor emitters. The field enhancement factors, estimated from the slope of the F-N plots, are found to be similar to 9.3 x 10(3) and 3.9 x 10(3) for 1\% and 3\% Al-doped ZnO emitters, respectively. The high values of the field enhancement factor Suggest that the emission is from the nanostructures. The emission current stability measured at the preset value of similar to 2 mu A over a period of more than three hours is found to be fairly stable. The results indicate use of Al-doped ZnO nanostructures as promising emitters for field emission based devices.

}, keywords = {field emission, Fowler-Nordheim plots, Nanostructures, ZnO}, issn = {1662-5250}, author = {Navale, Shalaka C. and Sheini, Farid Jamali and Patil, Sandip S. and Mulla, Imtiaz S. and Joag, Dilip S. and More, Mahendra A. and Gosavi, Suresh W.} } @article { ISI:000267983100004, title = {First- and second-order electrical properties computed at the FSMRCCSD level for excited states of closed-shell molecules using the constrained-variational approach}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Physics}, volume = {131}, number = {2}, year = {2009}, month = {JUL}, pages = {024102}, publisher = {AMER INST PHYSICS}, address = {CIRCULATION \& FULFILLMENT DIV, 2 HUNTINGTON QUADRANGLE, STE 1 N O 1, MELVILLE, NY 11747-4501 USA}, abstract = {

Fock space multireference coupled-cluster (FSMRCC) method emerged as an efficient tool to describe the electronic structure of nearly degenerate cases. Development of linear response has been one of the challenging problems in FSMRCC due to the multiple-root nature of the effective Hamiltonian. A response from any of the roots would span the space for getting the properties. Hence, all roots perturbed by the external field would proliferate the excited states. We recently developed the FSMRCC method for the efficient evaluation of analytic response properties using a constrained variation approach. In this paper, we present analytic dipole moments and polarizabilities of H2O, O-3, and CH+ molecules in low-lying excited states along with brief discussion of singlet triplet decoupling of (1,1) sector of FSMRCC resulting from spin adaptation. (C) 2009 American Institute of Physics. [DOI: 10.1063/1.3167796]

}, issn = {0021-9606}, doi = {10.1063/1.3167796}, author = {Bag, Arijit and Manohar, Prashant Uday and Vaval, Nayana and Pal, Sourav} } @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:000265958900008, title = {First ionic liquid-promoted Kabbe condensation reaction for an expeditious synthesis of privileged bis-spirochromanone scaffolds}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {50}, number = {22}, year = {2009}, month = {JUN}, pages = {2643-2648}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A variety of privileged bis-spirochromanones were synthesized for the First time from 4,6-diacetyl resorcinol in one-pot by carrying out the Kabbe condensation in loom temperature ionic liquid [bbim]Br. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Bis-spirochromanone, Ionic liquid, Kabbe condensation, Morpholine}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2009.03.104}, author = {Muthukrishnan, Murugan and Basavanag, U. M. V. and Puranik, Vedavati G.} } @article { ISI:000272174500004, title = {Fluorescence study on interactions of alpha-crystallin with the molten globule state of 1, 4-beta-D-glucan glucanohydrolase from thermomonospora sp induced by guanidine hydrochloride}, journal = {Journal of Fluorescence}, volume = {19}, number = {6}, year = {2009}, month = {NOV}, pages = {967-973}, publisher = {SPRINGER/PLENUM PUBLISHERS}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

In this paper, the interaction between alpha- crystallin and molten globule structure of 1,4-beta-D-Glucan Glucohydrolase (TSC) from an alkalothermophilic Thermomonospora sp. was investigated mainly by fluorescence quenching spectra, circular dichroism and three dimensional fluorescence spectra under simulative physiological conditions. Denaturation studies using GdnCl indicated that TSC folds through a partially folded state that resembles molten globule at 1.8 M GdnCl. The chaperone activity of alpha- crystallin was employed to study refolding of TSC. Here we studied the refolding of GdnCl denatured TSC from its molten globule state (TSC-m complex) in the presence and absence of alpha-crystallin to elucidate the molecular mechanism of chaperone-mediated in vitro folding. Our results, based on intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence and ANS binding studies, suggest that alpha-crystallin formed a complex with a putative intermediate molten globule - like intermediate in the refolding pathway of TSC. Reconstitution of the active TSC was observed on cooling the alpha-crystallin aEuro cent TSC -m complex to 4A degrees C. Addition of alpha-crystallin to the molten globule - like intermediate of TSC (TSC-m complex) complex initiated the refolding of TSC with 69 \% recovery of the biological activity of the enzyme.

}, keywords = {ANS, Cellulase, Guanidine hydrochloride, Protein folding}, issn = {1053-0509}, doi = {10.1007/s10895-009-0496-5}, author = {Jagtap, Sharmili and Rao, Mala} } @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:000263152800005, title = {Formal synthesis of (+)-didemniserinolipid B employing a Pd-mediated 6-endo selective alkynediol cycloisomerization}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {50}, number = {3}, year = {2009}, month = {JAN}, pages = {271-273}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Herein, we describe a concise assembly of central 6,8-dioxabicyclo[3,2,1]octane core of didemniserino-lipid by employing a Pd-mediated alkynediol cycloisomerization and a formal total synthesis of didemniserinolipid (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Alkynol cycloisomerization, Bridged bicyclic ketal, Didemniserinolipid, Yamaguchi oxirane alkyne coupling, Zipper reaction}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2008.10.137}, author = {Ramana, C. V. and Induvadana, Boddeti} } @article { ISI:000269988600011, title = {Fullerenol-cytotoxic conjugates for cancer chemotherapy}, journal = {ACS Nano}, volume = {3}, number = {9}, year = {2009}, month = {SEP}, pages = {2505-2514}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

In the present study, we report the novel application of polyhydroxylated fullerenes (fullerenols) in cancer drug delivery. The facile synthetic procedure for generating multiple hydroxyl groups on the fullerene cage offers scope for high drug loading in addition to conferring hydrophilicity. Doxorubicin, a first line cancer chemotherapeutic, was conjugated to fullerenols through a carbamate linker, achieving ultrahigh loading efficiency. The drug-fullerenol conjugate was found to be relatively stable in phosphate buffer saline but temporally released the active drug when incubated with tumor cell lysate. The fullerenol-doxorubicin conjugate suppressed the proliferation of cancer cell-lines in vitro through a G2-M cell cycle block, resulting in apoptosis. Furthermore, in an in vivo murine tumor model, fullerenol-doxorubicin exhibited Comparable antitumor efficacy as free drug without the systemic toxicity of free doxorubicin. Additionally, we demonstrate that the fullerenol platform can be extended to other chemotherapeutic agents, such as the slightly water-soluble cisplatin, and can emerge as a new paradigm in the management of cancer.

}, keywords = {chemotherapy, doxorubicin, drug delivery, fullerenol, nanoparticle}, issn = {1936-0851}, doi = {10.1021/nn900318y}, author = {Chaudhuri, Padmaparna and Paraskar, Abhimanyu and Soni, Shivani and Mashelkar, Raghunath Anant and Sengupta, Shiladitya} } @article {42757, title = {Functional delivery of siRNA in mice using dendriworms}, journal = {ACS Nano}, volume = {3}, year = {2009}, month = {SEP}, pages = {2495-2504}, doi = {10.1021/nn900201e}, author = {Agrawal, Amit C. and Min, Dal-Hee and Singh, Neetu and Zhu, Haihao and Birjiniuk, Alona and von Maltzahn, Geoffrey and Harris, Todd J. and Xing, Deyin and Woolfenden, Stephen D. and Sharp, Phillip A. and Charest, Alain and Bhatia, Sangeeta N.} } @article { ISI:000275363900023, title = {Fabrication, characterization and electrochemical performance of single strand carbon fiber prepared by catalytic chemical vapor decomposition method}, journal = {Electrochimica Acta}, volume = {55}, number = {6}, year = {2010}, month = {FEB}, pages = {2022-2028}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Preparation, fabrication and voltammetric characterizations of a single strand of carbon fiber (SSCF) electrode and their potential applications for biosensor are presented. SSCFs of diameter ca. 10 +/- 2 mu m and few millimeters in length are prepared by catalytic chemical vapor decomposition (CCVD) method. Voltammetry with potassium ferricyanide. alpha-methylferrocene methanol and hexaammineruthenium(III) chloride on SSCF electrode are used as bench marks to validate the electrode properties. Quasi-steady state voltammograms obtained were fitted into a cylindrical diffusion model From which, the standard rate constant (k(0)) and electron transfer coefficient (alpha) are obtained. The use of SSCF electrode is demonstrated for the voltammetric detection of the micromolar quantity of dopamine in the presence of large excess (ca. 200 times) of ascorbic acid, without any fouling of electrode surface. The kinetics of electron transfer are investigated. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {alpha-Methylferrocene methanol, Ascorbic acid, Catalytic chemical vapor decomposition (CCVD), Cylindrical diffusion, dopamine, Hexaammineruthenium(III) chloride, Single strand carbon fiber (SSCF) electrode}, issn = {0013-4686}, doi = {10.1016/j.electacta.2009.11.025}, author = {Joshi, Vrushali S. and Gokhale, Suresh P. and Patil, Kashinath R. and Haram, Santosh K.} } @article { ISI:000284238000010, title = {Fabrication of homogeneous nanoparticle/nanoneedle BaTiO3 and Ba0.8Sr0.2TiO3 smooth thin films by simple dip coating}, journal = {International Journal of Nanotechnology}, volume = {7}, number = {9-12, SI}, year = {2010}, month = {DEC}, pages = {919-931}, publisher = {INDERSCIENCE ENTERPRISES LTD}, address = {WORLD TRADE CENTER BLDG, 29 ROUTE DE PRE-BOIS, CASE POSTALE 896, CH-1215 GENEVA, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Ferroelectric BaTiO3 (BTO) and Ba0.8Sr0.2TiO3 (BSTO) thin film materials have been successfully prepared by sol-gel processing and simple dip coating on glass and silicon supports. Above thin films were characterised by x-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, photoelectron spectroscopy, thermal analysis, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and spectroscopic ellipsometry. Phase identification of BaTiO3 and Ba0.8Sr0.2TiO3 was performed by XRD. XRD and Raman spectroscopy investigations demonstrate that thc Ba0.8Sr0.2TiO3 film exhibits tetragonal structure. AFM analysis demonstrates the elongated nanospherical particles on glass substrate and nanowires on silicon substrate, which represent a strong influence of the crystallinity of underlying substrate on the grain morphology in this technique. The thin films on both the substrates are uniformly coated without any pinhole to significant area (similar to 2.5 cm(2)), and this method might be extended to large area uniform coating. Spectroscopic ellipsometric measurements reveal the exact thickness, refractive index and extinction coefficient of the thin films.

}, keywords = {barium strontium titanate, barium titanate, dip coating, fabrication, ferroelectric material, large area coating, nanotechnology, thin film}, issn = {1475-7435}, author = {Saini, Mamta and Vivekanand, K. and Poddar, Pankaj and Murty, K. V. G. K. and Thushara, K. S. and Gopinath, Chinnakonda S.} } @article { ISI:000285413300005, title = {Fabrication of In-doped SnO2 nanowire arrays and its field emission investigations}, journal = {Journal of Experimental Nanoscience}, volume = {5}, number = {6}, year = {2010}, month = {DEC}, pages = {PII 931283663}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS LTD}, address = {4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The field emission of In-doped SnO2 wire array has been performed in parallel plate diode configuration. A maximum current density of 60 mu A/cm2 is drawn from the emitter at an applied field of 4 V/mu m. The nonlinearity in the Fowler-Nordheim plot, characteristics of semiconductor emitter has been observed and explained on the basis of electron emission from both the conduction and the valence bands. The current stability recorded at a preset value of 1 mu A is observed to be good. The high emission current density, good current stability and mechanically robust nature of the wires offer unprecedented advantages as promising cold cathodes for many potential applications based on field emission.

}, keywords = {cold cathodes, device, Doping, field emission, Nanowires, SnO2}, issn = {1745-8080}, doi = {10.1080/17458081003671683}, author = {Bhise, Ashok B. and Late, Dattatray J. and Sathe, B. and More, Mahendra A. and Mulla, Imtiaz S. and Pillai, Vijayamohanan K. and Joag, Dilip S.} } @article { ISI:000286862600011, title = {Facile enantioselective synthesis of enantiomerically pure (R)-phenoxybenzamine hydrochloride using the hydrolytic kinetic resolution method}, journal = {Tetrahedron-Asymmetry}, volume = {21}, number = {23}, year = {2010}, month = {DEC}, pages = {2825-2829}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A practical and highly efficient enantioselective synthesis of (R)-phenoxybenzamine hydrochloride has been described for the first time using Jacobsen{\textquoteright}s hydrolytic kinetic resolution of a terminal epoxide as a key step and source of chirality. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0957-4166}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetasy.2010.11.011}, author = {Nikalje, Milind D. and Sasikumar, Murugesan and Muthukrishnan, Murugan} } @article { ISI:000285370100022, title = {Facile enantioselective synthesis of (S)-N-(5-chlorothiophene-2-sulfonyl)-beta,beta-diethylalaninol via proline-catalyzed asymmetric alpha-aminooxylation and alpha-amination of aldehyde}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {51}, number = {50}, year = {2010}, month = {DEC}, pages = {6565-6567}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A high-yielding enantioselective synthesis of the bioactive (S)-N-(5-chlorothiophene-2-sulfonyl)beta,beta-diethylalaninol (1), a Notch-1-sparing gamma-secretase inhibitor metabolite (with EC50 = 28 nM) effective in reduction of All production in vivo, has been realized starting from readily available 3-pentanone. The key steps of the synthesis are proline-catalyzed alpha-aminooxylation and alpha-amination of aldehyde: the latter contributing an overall yield of 45.2\% and 98\% ee. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {alpha-Amination, alpha-Aminooxylation, Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s disease, Amino alcohol, Proline}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2010.10.029}, author = {Rawat, Varun and Chouthaiwale, Pandurang V. and Chavan, Vilas B. and Suryavanshi, Gurunath and Sudalai, Arumugam} } @article { ISI:000284018100044, title = {Facile synthesis of N- and S-incorporated nanocrystalline TiO2 and direct solar-light-driven photocatalytic activity}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {114}, number = {45}, year = {2010}, month = {NOV}, pages = {19473-19482}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Sulfur- and nitrogen-incorporated mesoporous TiO2 (SNT) nanocomposites have been synthesized by a template-free homogeneous coprecipitation technique. The above nanocomposites have been thoroughly characterized by physicochemical and spectroscopy methods to explore the structural, electronic, and optical properties. The photocatalytic activities of the catalysts were evaluated for the degradation of methyl orange and phenol under direct solar light. SNT shows about a 2-fold higher photocatalytic activity than singly N-doped or S-doped mesoporous TiO2 and 3-fold higher than Degussa P25. The higher activity might be attributed to the synergetic interaction of sulfate and nitrogen with the TiO2 lattice. N-Ti-O and O-Ti-N-O environments are responsible for a red shift, and the sulfate group on TiO2 acts as a cocatalyst, for increasing surface acidity as well as for sustaining the redox cycles for high stability.

}, issn = {1932-7447}, doi = {10.1021/jp1083345}, author = {Naik, Brundabana and Parida, K. M. and Gopinath, Chinnakonda S.} } @article { ISI:000277129300005, title = {Facile synthesis of N-substituted maleimides}, journal = {Indian Journal of Chemistry Section B-Organic Chemistry Including Medicinal Chemistry}, volume = {49}, number = {4}, year = {2010}, month = {APR}, pages = {487-488}, publisher = {COUNCIL SCIENTIFIC \& INDUSTRIAL RES}, address = {ANUSANDHAN BHAWAN, 2 RAFI MARG, NEW DELHI, 110001, INDIA}, abstract = {

A simple and efficient method for the synthesis of N-substituted malemides from the corresponding maleamie acids under the phase transfer catalysis has been described

}, keywords = {Maleamic acids, maleimides, phase transfer catalysis, synthesis}, issn = {0376-4699}, author = {Deshpande, Sunita R. and Maybhate, Shailaja P. and Likhite, Anjali P. and Chaudhary, Preeti M.} } @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:000277834300107, title = {Field dependence of the magnetocaloric effect in core-shell nanoparticles}, journal = {Journal of Applied Physics}, volume = {107}, number = {9}, year = {2010}, note = {11th Joint MMM-Intermag Conference, Washington, DC, JAN 18-22, 2010}, month = {MAY}, pages = {09A902}, publisher = {AMER INST PHYSICS}, address = {CIRCULATION \& FULFILLMENT DIV, 2 HUNTINGTON QUADRANGLE, STE 1 N O 1, MELVILLE, NY 11747-4501 USA}, abstract = {

The field dependence of the magnetic entropy change peak at the low temperature surface spin freezing transition in chemically synthesized, monodispersed Co, Co-Ag, and Ni-Ag core-shell nanoparticles is studied, with the aim of gaining insight into the critical exponents of this transition. It is evidenced that although the magnitude of the peak entropy change and position of the peak can be tuned by changing the composition and nature (metallic or organic) of the shell and surfactant layers, the characteristics of the spin freezing transition are not altered. The field dependence of the refrigerant capacity also confirms this finding. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3335514]

}, issn = {0021-8979}, doi = {10.1063/1.3335514}, author = {Franco, V. and Conde, A. and Sidhaye, Deepti and Bhagavatula L. V. Prasad and Poddar, P. and Srinath, S. and Phan, M. H. and Srikanth, H.} } @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:000284635100022, title = {Fock space multi-reference coupled-cluster method for energies and energy derivatives}, journal = {Molecular Physics}, volume = {108}, number = {21-23, SI}, year = {2010}, month = {OCT}, pages = {PII 927961714}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS LTD}, address = {4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

In this article, the development of Fock space multi-reference coupled-cluster method is reviewed. Molecular applications of the method for excitation and ionisation energies which took place at Quantum Theory Project have been discussed. Later developments of the method for energy derivatives have been presented along with pilot applications of molecular properties of radicals and excited states.

}, keywords = {coupled-cluster, difference energies, energy derivatives, Fock space, Multi-reference}, issn = {0026-8976}, doi = {10.1080/00268976.2010.522205}, author = {Pal, Sourav} } @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:000283453700016, title = {Fowler-nordheim plot behavior and mechanism of field electron emission from ZnO tetrapod structures }, journal = {ACS Nano}, volume = {4}, number = {10}, year = {2010}, month = {OCT}, pages = {5585-5590}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Field emission measurements of current-voltage characteristics are reported for tetrapod structures of ZnO. The nonlinear Fowler-Nordheim (FN) plot is analyzed according to a model of calculation based on saturation of conduction band current and predominance of valence band current at high-field values. The simulated FN plot exhibits similar features to those observed experimentally. The model of calculation suggests that the slope variation of the FN plot, in the high-field and low-field regions, does not depend on the magnitude of saturation. Instead, it is a characteristic of the energy band structure and voltage-to-barrier-field conversion factor of the emitting material.

}, keywords = {field emission, Fowler-Nordheim plot, Nanostructures, nonlinearity, ZnO}, issn = {1936-0851}, doi = {10.1021/nn1008403}, author = {Al-Tabbakh, Ahmed A. and More, Mahendra A. and Joag, Dilip S. and Mulla, Imtiaz S. and Pillai, Vijayamohanan K.} } @article { ISI:000280574600029, title = {Free radical graft copolymerization of N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone onto k-carrageenan in aqueous media and applications}, journal = {Carbohydrate Polymers}, volume = {82}, number = {2}, year = {2010}, month = {SEP}, pages = {424-431}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

In the present article, the graft copolymer of k-carrageenan with N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone (NVP) has been synthesized using PMS/maleic acid as a redox initiator in aqueous medium and reaction conditions have been optimized to obtain maximum \% grafting ratio (\%G). The optimum conditions of maximum grafting have been found by varying the different parameters. On increasing the concentration of maleic acid and peroxymonosulphate from 1.6 x 10(-3) to 4.8 x 10(-3) mol dm(-3) and 0.6 x 10(-2) to 2.2 x 10(-2) mol dm(-3) respectively, the initially grafting parameters increased and after a certain range of concentration grafting parameters showed decreasing trend. The small increment of concentration in hydrogen ion causes increment in percentage grafting. It was observed that the grafting parameters increase as the concentration of N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone increases up to 16 x 10(-2) mol dm(-3) after that it decreased. The optimum condition for maximum grafting has obtained at concentration 1.0 g dm(-3) of k-carrageenan at 40 degrees C and 120 min, respectively. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {flocculation, Graft copolymer, k-Carrageenan, Metal ion uptake, N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone, swelling}, issn = {0144-8617}, doi = {10.1016/j.carbpol.2010.04.080}, author = {Mishra, Madan Mohan and Sand, Arpit and Mishra, Dinesh Kumar and Yadav, Mithilesh and Behari, Kunj} } @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:000288979400008, title = {Facile synthesis of N-benzylated 3-alkyl-2,6-diarylpiperidin-4-ones: Stereochemical investigation by 1D/2D NMR and single-crystal XRD}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Structure}, volume = {990}, number = {1-3}, year = {2011}, month = {MAR}, pages = {44-56}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

A series of thirteen 1-benzyl-3-alkyl-2,6-diarylpiperidin-4-ones 14-26 were conveniently synthesized in high yields 87-92\%. In order to find the impact on piperidone stereochemistry, beside the N-benzylation, methyl/ethyl/isopropyl groups at C-3 and halo/alkyl/alkoxy/benzyloxy groups on the phenyl rings at C-2/C-6 were introduced. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by mass, (1)H and (13)C NMR spectral studies. Of them, the 1-benzyl-3-ethyl-2,6-diphenylpiperidin-4-one 22 was completely characterized by 2D NMR techniques such as (1)H-(1)H COSY, (1)H-(13)C COSY and NOESY to assign the signals, unambiguously. The proton coupling constants and NOE correlations provided the complete stereochemistry of 22, which is further witnessed by its single-crystal XRD analysis. The NMR and XRD studies revealed that the compound 22 exists in a chair conformation with equatorial orientation of all the substituents in both solution and solid states. On the basis of their vicinal coupling constants, the chair conformation with equatorial orientation of the substituents at C-2, C-3, C-6 and N is proposed for all compounds 14-26; moreover, a considerable population of boat conformation also suggested for the compound 26 along with the predominant chair conformation, in solution. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {2D NMR, Conformation, N-benzylation, Piperidin-4-one, single-crystal XRD, Stereochemistry}, issn = {0022-2860}, doi = {10.1016/j.molstruc.2010.12.054}, author = {Dindulkar, Someshwar D. and Parthiban, Paramasivam and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Jeong, Yeon Tae} } @article { ISI:000293756800010, title = {Facile synthesis of unusual glycosyl carbamates and amino acid glycosides from propargyl 1,2-orthoesters as glycosyl donors}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {9}, number = {17}, year = {2011}, month = {MAR}, pages = {5951-5959}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Propargyl 1,2-O-orthoesters are exploited for the synthesis of 1,2-trans O-glycosides of protected amino acids. N-Fmoc- and N-Cbz protected serine/threonine - benzyl/methyl esters reacted well with glucosyl-, galactosyl-, mannosyl- and lactosyl- derived propargyl 1,2-orthoesters affording respective 1,2-trans glycosides in good yields under AuBr(3)/4 angstrom MS Powder/CH(2)Cl(2)/rt. t-Boc serine derivative gave serine 1,2-orthoester and glycosyl carbamate. Optimized conditions enabled preparation of new glycosyl carbamates from N-Boc protected amines in a single step using gold catalysts and propargyl 1,2-orthoesters in excellent yields.

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/c1ob05056g}, author = {Shaikh, Ashif Y. and Sureshkumar, Gopalsamy and Pati, Debasish and Sen Gupta, Sayam and Hotha, Srinivas} } @article { ISI:000294874800029, title = {Factors Influencing the Kinetics of Esterification of Fatty Acids over Solid Acid Catalysts}, journal = {Energy \& Fuels}, volume = {25}, number = {9}, year = {2011}, month = {SEP}, pages = {4106-4112}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The kinetics of esterification of fatty acids with alcohols over three different solid acid catalysts, viz., large pore zeolite-beta (H beta), micro-mesoporous Fe-Zn double-metal cyanide (DMC), and mesoporous Al-MCM-41, have been reported. Hydrophobicity of these catalysts increases in the order: Al-MCM-41 \< H beta \< DMC. The chain lengths of the fatty acid (C(8.0)-C(18.1)) and alcohol (C(1)-C(8)) molecules have been varied, and their influence on kinetic parameters has been studied. The present study reveals that porosity and surface hydrophobicity of the catalyst are the two important factors other than acid properties (concentration and strength of acid centers) that influence the esterification reaction.

}, issn = {0887-0624}, doi = {10.1021/ef2009138}, author = {Satyarthi, Jitendra Kumar and Radhakrishnan, Sambhu and Srinivas, Darbha} } @article { ISI:000293464100028, title = {Fe(III) complex of biuret-amide based macrocyclic ligand as peroxidase enzyme mimic}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {47}, number = {28}, year = {2011}, month = {JUN}, pages = {8016-8018}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An Fe(III) complex of a biuret-amide based macrocyclic ligand that exhibits both excellent reactivity for the activation of H(2)O(2) and high stability, especially at low pH and high ionic strength, is reported.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c1cc12686e}, author = {Panda, Chakadola and Ghosh, Munmun and Panda, Tamas and Banerjee, Rahul and Sen Gupta, Sayam} } @article { ISI:000288677200073, title = {Ferrocene based organometallic gelators: a supramolecular synthon approach}, journal = {Soft Matter}, volume = {7}, number = {7}, year = {2011}, month = {FEB}, pages = {3634-3641}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The supramolecular synthon namely primary ammonium dicarboxylate (PAD) synthon has been exploited to generate a new series of salt based low molecular weight gelators (LMWGs) derived from ferrocenedicarboxylic acid (FDCA) and primary amines Me-(CH2)(n)-NH2 (n = 3-15). While most of the salts are capable of forming gels with DMSO and DMF, nearly all of them show a tendency to form gels with at least one of the solvents studied. Structure property correlation based on single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction data in combination with optical-, scanning-, and transmission-electron microscopy reveals that the supramolecular synthon approach adopted herein for designing LMWGs is indeed useful and allows one to get an easy access to a new series of organometallic gelators.

}, issn = {1744-683X}, doi = {10.1039/c0sm01148g}, author = {Sahoo, Pathik and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Patra, A. K. and Sastry, P. U. and Dastidar, Parthasarathi} } @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:000290015600029, title = {Field emission studies of silver nanoparticles synthesized by electron cyclotron resonance plasma}, journal = {Applied Surface Science}, volume = {257}, number = {16}, year = {2011}, month = {JUN}, pages = {7184-7189}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Field emission has been studied for silver nanoparticles (25-200 nm), deposited within a cylindrical silver target in an electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) plasma. Particle size distribution was controlled by optimum biasing voltages between the chamber and the target. Presence of non-oxidized silver was confirmed from the X-Ray diffraction analysis; however, thin protective layer of oxide was identified from the selective area electron diffraction pattern obtained with transmission electron microscopy. The silver nanoparticles were seen to exhibit hilly pointed like structures when viewed under the atomic force microscopy (AFM). The emissive properties of these particles were investigated by field emission microscopy. It is found that this technique of deposition is ideal for formation of nanoparticles films on different substrate geometries with size controllability as well as its application to emission devices. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Cold plasma, field emission, Nanoparticles, thin film}, issn = {0169-4332}, doi = {10.1016/j.apsusc.2011.03.088}, author = {Purohit, Vishwas and Mazumder, Baishakhi and Bhise, Ashok B. and Poddar, Pankaj and Joag, Dilip S. and Bhoraskar, S. 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:000295444000015, title = {First asymmetric synthesis of the antiepileptic drug lacosamide (Vimpat (R)) based on a hydrolytic kinetic resolution strategy}, journal = {Tetrahedron-Asymmetry}, volume = {22}, number = {12}, year = {2011}, month = {JUN}, pages = {1353-1357}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An efficient asymmetric synthesis of the new antiepileptic drug, Lacosamide is described in high enantiopurity (\>98\% ee), using Jacobsen{\textquoteright}s hydrolytic kinetic resolution strategy as a key step. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0957-4166}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetasy.2011.07.024}, author = {Muthukrishnan, Murugan and Mujahid, Mohammad and Sasikumar, M. and Mujumdar, P.} } @article { ISI:000290297800015, title = {First total synthesis of 5-hydroxy-3-methyl-4-propylsulfanyl-5H-furan-2-one: a cancer chemopreventive agent}, journal = {Synthesis-Stuttgart}, number = {10}, year = {2011}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1595-1598}, publisher = {GEORG THIEME VERLAG KG}, address = {RUDIGERSTR 14, D-70469 STUTTGART, GERMANY}, abstract = {

The first total synthesis of 5-hydroxy-3-methyl-4-propylsulfanyl-5H-furan-2-one, a newly discovered natural product with anticancer property is described by two different routes. A sequence involving an incorporation of a methyl group via a Gilman reagent and a chemoselective reduction of a cyclic anhydride functionality are the key steps. The methods proposed start from easily available starting materials and allow ready preparation of the final compound in good overall yield.

}, keywords = {Allium cepa, chemopreventive, Gilman reagent, selective, synthesis}, issn = {0039-7881}, doi = {10.1055/s-0030-1260004}, author = {Borikar, Sanjay P. and Paul, Vincent and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Sathe, Vilas T. and Lagunas-Rivera, Selene and Ordonez, Mario} } @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.} } @inbook {43387, title = {Fluoride contamination of water: origin, health effects and remediation methods}, booktitle = {Fluoride}, year = {2011}, pages = {159-176}, publisher = {Nova Publishers Inc., New York}, organization = {Nova Publishers Inc., New York}, chapter = {Fluoride contamination of water: origin, health effects and remediation methods}, address = {New York}, abstract = {

Fluorine is the 13th most abundant element in the earth?s crust. It exists in trace amounts in ground water all over the world. Drinking water is the primary source through which fluoride enters the human body, especially in regions where fluoride concentrations in groundwater and/or surface water are high. It is estimated that more than 200 million people worldwide depend on drinking water with fluoride concentration exceeding the present World Health Organization (WHO) guideline (Maximum contaminant level of 1.5 mg/l). Fluoride bearing foodstuffs and fumes from burning of coal also significantly contribute to the daily intake of people in some regions. Prolonged consumption of excess fluoride may lead to different types of fluorosis (dental and skeletal) depending on the level and period of exposure. Presence of fluoride in drinking water above permissible level has been related to increased incidence of fluorosis among the people all over the world including China, India, Australia, Mexico, Argentina, Egypt and Kenya. In India, the problem of excessive fluoride in groundwater was first reported in 1937 in the state of Andhra Pradesh. More than 6 million people all over India are known to be seriously affected by fluorosis and another 62 million are exposed to it. The best choice for combating fluorosis is to have alternative source of water with low fluoride level. In absence of alternative source of water, defluoridation of excess fluoride in water is the only option. Different methods are available for defluoridation of water. But the selection of the appropriate method for achieving a sustainable solution to the fluorosis problem is very important. Defluoridation of drinking water by adsorption is the most simple and effective technology that can work in household as well as community level drinking water treatment. It is also the most widely studied method for defluoridation of water, as the fluoride concentration in groundwater is usually very low (10 mg/l). A wide variety of adsorbents have been explored for this purpose. Synthetic layered double hydroxides are comparatively new materials examined for the adsorption of fluorides and they exhibit good fluoride adsorption capacity. A discussion on various defluoridation methods, adsorbents for defluoridation and recent developments are presented in this chapter.

}, author = {Mandal, Sujata and Mayadevi, S.} } @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:000295564100011, title = {Formal synthesis of valiolamine from myo-inositol}, journal = {Tetrahedron}, volume = {67}, number = {41}, year = {2011}, month = {OCT}, pages = {7963-7970}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An efficient formal synthesis of racemic valiolamine starting from readily available myo-inositol is reported. In all the synthetic steps only one regioisomer is formed, which circumvents laborious purification of products. Regioselective benzylation of myo-inositol orthoformate, super-hydride mediated deoxygenation of a cyclitol derivative and stereoselective addition of dichloromethyllithium to an inosose are the key reactions in the synthesis. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Amino sugar, Carbohydrate, Cyclitol, Inositol, Natural product, Valiolamine}, issn = {0040-4020}, doi = {10.1016/j.tet.2011.08.027}, author = {Jagdhane, Rajendra C. and Shashidhar, Mysore S.} } @article { ISI:000292892700066, title = {Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic method for monitoring hydroprocessing of vegetable oils to produce hydrocarbon-based biofuel}, journal = {Energy \& Fuels}, volume = {25}, number = {7}, year = {2011}, month = {JUL}, pages = {3318-3322}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

A novel Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic method is reported, for the first time, to estimate the conversion of vegetable oil (soybean oil, for example) to hydrocarbon-based biofuel via hydroprocessing. The infrared peak attributed to the carboxyl group (O-C=O) is used as a marker to determine the conversion of fatty acid glycerides in soybean oil to hydrocarbons. Unlike the conventional gas chromatographic method, this new method of estimation is fast and requires no derivatization of the sample and predetermination of response factors of each chemical component in vegetable oil/product samples. H-1 and C-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy techniques are also reported to substantiate and confirm the purity and product formation in the hydroprocessing reaction.

}, issn = {0887-0624}, doi = {10.1021/ef200722q}, author = {Satyarthi, Jitendra K. and Srinivas, Darbha} } @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:000293518300007, title = {From graphite oxide to highly water dispersible functionalized graphene by single step plant extract-induced deoxygenation}, journal = {Green Chemistry}, volume = {13}, number = {8}, year = {2011}, month = {JUL}, pages = {1990-1996}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We report a single step facile synthesis of highly water dispersible functionalized graphene nanosheets by plant extract-induced deoxygenation of graphite oxide (GO). The results of various characterizations reveal that the properties of such plant extract-converted graphene nanosheets (PCGN) are comparable to chemically converted graphene nanosheets (CCG). These results open a green route to the emerging graphene-based technologies.

}, issn = {1463-9262}, doi = {10.1039/c1gc15393e}, author = {Mhamane, Dattakumar and Ramadan, Wegdan and Fawzy, Manal and Rana, Abhimanyu and Dubey, Megha and Rode, Chandrashekhar and Lefez, Benoit and Hannoyer, Beatrice and Ogale, Satishchandra} } @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:000306946500013, title = {Facile synthesis of oxyavicine}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {2}, number = {18}, year = {2012}, month = {JUL}, pages = {7087-7090}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Starting from dimethyl 3,4-methylenedioxyhomophthalate, a concise total synthesis of oxyavicine has been described via the base catalyzed monoalkylation, homophthalimide formation, oxidative selective iodination, regioselective reductive dehydration and an intramolecular Heck coupling reaction followed by the oxidation pathway with 16\% overall yield in six steps.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c2ra20915b}, author = {Jangir, Ravi and N. P. Argade} } @article { ISI:000301990100016, title = {Factors affecting the production of H-2 by water splitting over a novel visible-light-driven photocatalyst GaFeO3}, journal = {International Journal of Hydrogen Energy}, volume = {37}, number = {6}, year = {2012}, month = {MAR}, pages = {4897-4907}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A d(10) photocatalyst, GaFeO3 having a band gap of similar to 2.7 eV, exhibits significant activity for the overall splitting of water under visible light (\>395 nm) irradiation, in the absence of sacrificial reagent or a noble metal co-catalyst. The doping of an anion led to considerable enhancement in activity, the S-doped catalysts displaying better activity compared to the samples containing nitrogen. Even though the H-2/O-2 yields were affected by preparation-dependent grain morphology, no direct relationship was observed between the photoactivity of a sample and its specific surface area. The techniques of HRTEM, SEM, XPS, Laser Raman, UV-visible and photoluminescence spectroscopy have enabled to demonstrate that, besides the grain morphology, certain lattice imperfections and microstructure may also play a crucial role in water splitting activity of a photocatalyst. The factors responsible for catalyst deactivation are examined. Copyright (C) 2011, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {GaFeO3, hydrogen production, Microstructure, Photocatalyst, water splitting}, issn = {0360-3199}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijhydene.2011.12.068}, author = {Dhanasekaran, P. and Gupta, N. M.} } @article { ISI:000306946500009, title = {FeCl3/Montmorillonite K10 as an efficient catalyst for solvent-free aza-Michael reaction between amine and alpha,beta-unsaturated compounds}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {2}, number = {18}, year = {2012}, month = {JUN}, pages = {7061-7065}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A highly efficient, inexpensive and greener protocol for aza-Michael addition reaction of different aromatic and aliphatic/cyclic amines to alpha,beta-unsaturated compounds using a FeCl3/MontK10 catalyst under solvent-free conditions has been developed. The Michael addition products are obtained in good to excellent yields. The catalyst was insensitive to moisture and it also showed excellent reusability in the reaction. Its high activity is attributed mostly to redox properties of FeCl3.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c2ra01323a}, author = {Choudhary, Vasant R. and Dumbre, Deepa K. and Patil, S. K.} } @article { ISI:000306215900022, title = {Fine-tuning the balance between crystallization and gelation and enhancement of CO2 uptake on functionalized calcium based MOFs and metallogels}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry}, volume = {22}, number = {30}, year = {2012}, month = {MAY}, pages = {14951-14963}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The synthesis, structure, gas adsorption and catalytic properties of a new 3D porous, crystalline metal-organic framework (Ca-5TIA-MOF) as well as stable viscoelastic metallogels (Ca-5TIA-Gel) are reported. Remarkably, the preparation of both types of materials can be carried out starting from the same organic ligand (i.e. 5-(1,2,4-triazoleyl) isophthalic acid (5TIA)), divalent metal ion (i.e. Ca(II)) and organic solvent (i.e. DMF). In this particular case, the presence of water in the solvent system favors the formation of a crystalline MOF, whereas a pure organic solvent induces gelation. The characterization of the materials was carried out using a series of techniques including XRD, FT-IR, TGA, TEM, SEM, SAXS and dynamic rheology. Experimental PXRD peaks of both Ca-5TIA-xerogel and Ca-5TIA-MOF matched reasonably well with simulated PXRD, suggesting the presence of, at least, some common structural elements in the 3D networks of both xerogel and crystalline phases. Moreover, the nature of the metal counteranion was found to have a critical influence on the gelation phenomenon. To the best of our knowledge, this report describes unprecedented Ca-based LMW-metallogels, as well as the first porous Ca-based MOF, which shows adsorption capacity for CO2 at 1 atm pressure. Interestingly, Ca-5TIA-xerogel presented 20\% higher CO2-uptake than the crystalline Ca-5TIA-MOF at 1 atm and 298 K. Both Ca-5TIA-MOF and Ca-5TIA-Gel also displayed a modest catalytic activity towards the hydrosilylation of benzaldehyde, with slightly better performance for the gel phase material.

}, issn = {0959-9428}, doi = {10.1039/c2jm30866e}, author = {Mallick, Arijit and Schoen, Eva-Maria and Panda, Tamas and Sreenivas, K. and Diaz, David Diaz and Banerjee, Rahul} } @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:000312111500001, title = {Fluorescent superparamagnetic iron oxide core-shell nanoprobes for multimodal cellular imaging}, journal = {Materials Express}, volume = {2}, number = {4}, year = {2012}, month = {DEC}, pages = {265-274}, publisher = {AMER SCIENTIFIC PUBLISHERS}, address = {26650 THE OLD RD, STE 208, VALENCIA, CA 91381-0751 USA}, abstract = {

Multimodal imaging agents that combine magnetic and fluorescent imaging capabilities are desirable for the high spatial and temporal resolution. In the present work, we report the synthesis of multifunctional fluorescent ferrofluids using iron oxide as the magnetic core and rhodamine B as fluorochrome shell. The core-shell structure was designed in such a way that fluorescence quenching due to the inner magnetic core was minimized by an intermediate layer of silica. The intermediate passive layer of silica was realized by a novel method which involves the esterification reaction between the epoxy group of prehydrolysed 3-Glyidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane and the surfactant over iron oxide. The as-synthesized ferrofluids have a high saturation magnetization in the range of 62-65 emu/g and were found to emit light of wavelength 640 nm (lambda(excitation) = 446 nm). Time resolved life time decay analysis showed a bi-exponential decay pattern with an increase in the decay life time in the presence of intermediate silica layer. Cytotoxicity studies confirmed the cell viability of these materials. The in vitro MRI imaging illustrated a high contrast when these multimodal nano probes were employed and the R2 relaxivity of these sample was found to be 334 mM(-1)s(-1) which reveals its high potential as a T2 contrast enhancing agent.

}, keywords = {GPTMS, MRI Imaging, Multimodal Imaging, SPION, T2 Contrast Agent}, issn = {2158-5849}, doi = {10.1166/mex.2012.1083}, author = {Smitha, Sasidharan and Haseena, Vadakkenchery S. and Narayanan, Tharangattu N. and Mary, Antony P. Reena and Ajayan, Pulickel M. and Puthumana, Jayesh and Aziz, Anas A. and Aburto, Rebeca R. and Mani, Sendurai A. and Joy, Pattayil Alias and Anantharaman, Maliemadom R.} } @article { ISI:000298731200036, title = {Fluorinated metal-organic frameworks: advantageous for higher H-2 and CO2 adsorption or not?}, journal = {Chemistry-A European Journal}, volume = {18}, number = {2}, year = {2012}, month = {JAN}, pages = {688-694}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {BOSCHSTRASSE 12, D-69469 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

The synthesis, structure, and gas adsorption properties of three new metalorganic frameworks (MOFs) designed from isonicotinic acid (INA) and its fluorinated analogue 3-fluoroisonicotinic acid (FINA) along with CoII as the metal center have been reported. Co-INA-1 ([Co3(INA)4(O)(C2H5OH)3][NO3].C2H5OH.3?H2O; INA=isonicotinic acid) and Co-INA-2 ([Co(INA)2].DMF) are structural isomers as are Co-FINA-1 ([Co3(FINA)4(O)(C2H5OH)2].H2O; FINA=3-fluoroisonicotinic acid) and Co-FINA-2 ([Co(FINA)2].H2O), but the most important thing to note here is that Co-INA-1 and Co-FINA-1 are isostructural as are Co-INA-2 and Co-FINA-2. The effect of partial introduction of fluorine atoms into the framework on the gas uptake properties of MOFs having similar structures has been analyzed experimentally and computationally in isostructural MOFs.

}, keywords = {cobalt, fluorine, Hydrogen storage, metal-organic frameworks, microporous materials, X-ray diffraction}, issn = {0947-6539}, doi = {10.1002/chem.201102295}, author = {Pachfule, Pradip and Chen, Yifei and Jiang, Jianwen and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article {42679, title = {Foam based synthesis of metal carbonates: establishing the role of spatial confinement for obtaining interesting morphologies}, journal = {Journal of Computational and Theoretical Nanoscience}, volume = {11}, year = {2012}, month = {MAY}, pages = {91-97}, abstract = {

The crystallization of different carbonates namely lead carbonate, cadmium carbonate and strontium carbonate in aqueous foam stabilized by the surfactant sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) by a method of cation entrapment is described. Reaction of ammonium carbonate with the respective cations electrostatically entrapped in the foam results in the formation of minerals, possibly in the Plateau border and Plateau junction regions of the foam. The unusual morphology of the crystals obtained from foam based synthetic method as compared to the crystals prepared in aqueous solution shows the utility of the template for the growth of crystals with an unusual morphology due to constrained environment. The materials are well characterized using TEM, SEM, EDAX and FTIR techniques. The large interfacial area of the liquid lamellae in the foam provides a striking possibility for the large-scale synthesis for not only minerals but also other nanoscale materials.

}, doi = {10.1166/asl.2012.2175}, author = {Bala, Tanushree and Sanyal, Ambarish and Pant, Jayashree and Bhagavatula L. V. Prasad} } @article {42666, title = {Fock-space multi-reference coupled-cluster response with the effect of triples on dipole moment of ClO and SF radicals}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Sciences}, volume = {124}, year = {2012}, month = {JAN}, pages = {223-232}, doi = {10.1007/s12039-012-0220-x}, author = {Ravichandran, Lalitha and Bhattacharya, Debarati and Vaval, Nayana and Pal, Sourav} } @article { ISI:000303001000003, title = {Foldamers: they{\textquoteright}re not just for biomedical applications anymore}, journal = {Angewandte Chemie-International Edition}, volume = {51}, number = {17}, year = {2012}, month = {APR}, pages = {4006-4008}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {POSTFACH 101161, 69451 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, keywords = {Foldamers, foldaxanes, molecular shuttles, nanotechnology}, issn = {1433-7851}, doi = {10.1002/anie.201107521}, author = {Prabhakaran, Panchami and Priya, Gowri and Sanjayan, Gangadhar J.} } @article { ISI:000303429600017, title = {Formal synthesis of (-)-stemoamide using a useful epimerization at C-8}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {53}, number = {21}, year = {2012}, month = {MAY}, pages = {2647-2650}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The formal synthesis of (-)-stemoamide was achieved starting from L-pyroglutamic acid. The key steps used are the allylation using BF3 center dot OEt2, ring closing metathesis, allylic oxidation and a novel epimerization at C8. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Allylation, Allylic oxidation, Pyroglutamic acid, Ring closing metathesis, Stemoamide}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2012.03.054}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Harale, Kishor R. and Puranik, Vedavati G. and Gawade, Rupesh 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:000305831300031, title = {From small aromatic molecules to functional nanostructured carbon by pulsed laser-induced photochemical stitching}, journal = {AIP Advances}, volume = {2}, number = {2}, year = {2012}, month = {JUN}, pages = {Article No. 022130}, publisher = {AMER INST PHYSICS}, type = {Article}, address = {CIRCULATION \& FULFILLMENT DIV, 2 HUNTINGTON QUADRANGLE, STE 1 N O 1, MELVILLE, NY 11747-4501 USA}, abstract = {

A novel route employing UV laser pulses (KrF Excimer, 248 nm) to cleave small aromatic molecules and stitch the generated free radicals into functional nanostructured forms of carbon is introduced. The process differs distinctly from any strategies wherein the aromatic rings are broken in the primary process. It is demonstrated that this pulsed laser-induced photochemical stitching (PLPS) process when applied to routine laboratory solvents (or toxic chemical wastes when discarded) Chlorobenzene and o-Dichlorobenzene yields Carbon Nanospheres (CNSs) comprising of graphene-like sheets assembled in onion-like configurations. This room temperature process implemented under normal laboratory conditions is versatile and clearly applicable to the whole family of haloaromatic compounds without and with additions of precursors or other nanomaterials. We further bring out its applicability for synthesis of metal-oxide based carbon nanocomposites. Copyright 2012 Author(s). This article is distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4721268]

}, issn = {2158-3226}, doi = {10.1063/1.4721268}, author = {Gokhale, R. R. and Thakare, V. P. and Warule, S. and Lefez, Benoit and Hannoyer, Beatrice and Jog, Jyoti Prakash and Ogale, S. B.} } @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:000312974000005, title = {Functionalized metal organic frameworks (MOFs) for reversible gas storage and sequestration applications}, journal = {Journal of the Indian Chemical Society}, volume = {89}, number = {9}, year = {2012}, month = {SEP}, pages = {1197-1202}, publisher = {SCIENTIFIC PUBL-INDIA}, address = {5-A, NEW PALI RD, PO BOX 91, NEAR HOTEL TAJ HARI MAHAL, JODHPUR, 342 003, INDIA}, abstract = {

The decreasing amount of fossil fuels and increasing threat of global warming from the pollutants have driven the search for clean energy source. Energy sources from fossil fuels still remain in the forefront despite being a major source of increased CO2 content in the atmosphere. Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as promising materials for hydrogen storage and CO2 sequestration. Several factors influencing the hydrogen uptake of porous MOFs such as surface area, catenation, ligand functionalization, doping with alkali metals and unsaturated metal centers have been extensively studied. Similarly, well defined periodicity and tunable pore sizes along with less basic amino-functionalized MOFs enables them favorable for fast and reversible CO2 gas adsorption at low partial pressure and room temperature. In this review we present diverse aspects of metal organic frameworks like fluorination, amino functionalization for high hydrogen storage and CO2 sequestration capabilities.

}, keywords = {carbon capture, CO2 adsorption, fluorination, Hydrogen storage, Metal-organic framework, structural isomerism}, issn = {0019-4522}, author = {Banerjee, Rahul} } @article { ISI:000314149000005, title = {Facile one-pot reactive solution blending approach for main-chain donor-acceptor polymeric materials}, journal = {Journal of Polymer Science Part A-Polymer Chemistry}, volume = {51}, number = {3}, year = {2013}, month = {FEB}, pages = {509-524}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

A high-temperature solution blending process has been used to synthesize a series of copolymers incorporating varying mole ratios of perylenebisimide (PBI) into the backbone of an engineering thermoplastic polyester [poly(1,4-cyclohexylenedimethylene-1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate)] (PCCD). A random donor-acceptor copolymer incorporating oligo(p-phenylene vinylene) (OPV) and PBI was also synthesized. The chemical incorporation of these chromophores into PCCD was confirmed by carrying out the melt condensation using 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol and 1,4-dimethylcyclohexane dicarboxylate with hydroxyl-functionalized PBI and OPV derivatives. Higher extent of incorporation of PBI (35 mol \%) could be achieved using the blending approach retaining solubility, film-forming ability, and higher molecular weights. The PBI polymers produced using the two different approaches exhibited structural variations. The polymers formed from the solution blending approach had a semicrystalline nature with blocks of PCCD separating the PBI units, whereas those produced using the melt condensation route were amorphous polymers. This structural variation was reflected in their photophysical properties also with the reactive solution-blended polymers exhibiting higher fluorescence quantum yields. These results demonstrate the easy incorporation of suitably functionalized donor and acceptor moieties into a completely aliphatic polyester backbone to produce free-standing films of hitherto nonprocessable polymers. (C) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 509-524

}, keywords = {blending, conjugated polymers, fluorescence, PCCD, Perylenebisimide, reactive blending, transesterification}, issn = {0887-624X}, doi = {10.1002/pola.26412}, author = {Nisha, S. Kumari and Asha, S. K.} } @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:000314807800001, title = {Ferromagnetism in metal oxide systems: interfaces, dopants, and defects}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry C}, volume = {1}, number = {8}, year = {2013}, month = {DEC}, pages = {1545-1557}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Ferromagnetism in metal oxide systems has always attracted scientific attention in view of the intriguing and interesting interplay of spin, charge, orbital and lattice degrees of freedom that such systems display. This trend appears to be continuing with enhanced focus on interface systems, multiferroics, diluted magnetic semiconducting oxides (DMSOs) and nanomaterial magnetism. Newer techniques are being applied to bring out materials issues that are critical to the precise understanding of the origin of magnetism in certain cases. Interest is also beginning to grow in exploring application potential of some such systems. In this article we review the developments in this field by late 2011 and 2012.

}, issn = {2050-7526}, doi = {10.1039/c2tc00172a}, author = {Thakare, Vishal P. and Game, Onkar S. and Ogale, Satishchandra B.} } @article { ISI:000314931900004, title = {Fine control of nanoparticle sizes and size distributions: temperature and ligand effects on the digestive ripening process}, journal = {Nanoscale}, volume = {5}, number = {5}, year = {2013}, month = {OCT}, pages = {1768-1771}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

It is demonstrated that a fine control over the size and size distribution of nanoparticles could be achieved using digestive ripening at different temperatures. Such variations in size and size distributions hugely influence the self-assembled processes in nanoparticles, and result in superlattice structures that are controlled by subtle interplay between ligand orientational entropy and their interdigitation and the van der Waals attraction between the metal cores.

}, issn = {2040-3364}, doi = {10.1039/c2nr32855k}, author = {Sahu, Puspanjali and Bhagavatula L. V. Prasad} } @article {42490, title = {First demonstration of two-step FRET in a synthetic supramolecular assembly}, journal = {Chemical Science}, volume = {4}, year = {2013}, month = {MAR}, pages = {2380-2386}, abstract = {

We report a trichromophoric pseudorotaxane (3NPC) that demonstrates a two-step FRET-based relay comprising of primary donor{\textendash}primary acceptor/secondary donor{\textendash}secondary acceptor pairs. To achieve this, naphthalene (1) and coumarin (3) were used as the primary donor and secondary acceptor, respectively; while pyrene (2 or T) unit, having spectral overlap with both 1 and 3, was used as the primary acceptor as well as the secondary donor. Results of time resolved and steady-state emission studies reveal that sequential resonance energy transfer (FRET 1 {\textrightarrow} 2 {\textrightarrow} 3) and direct resonance energy transfer (FRET 1 {\textrightarrow} 3) processes are operational simultaneously. In the sequential energy transfer process (1 {\textrightarrow} 2 {\textrightarrow} 3) of the triad system, pyrene acts as a transmitter and makes the whole supramolecular assembly behave as a linear energy transferring wire. Sensitised emission of the coumarin moiety, i.e. the secondary and eventual final acceptor, offers the possibility of evaluating the performance of this linear trichromophoric system by one and two-step FRET mechanisms. Formation of an interwoven complex between the host (NCC24O8) and the guest (T) components, utilizing various non-bonding interactions (intercomponent [N+{\textendash}H...O], [C{\textendash}H...O] and π{\textendash}π stacking interactions) has been confirmed by 1H NMR studies in solution and a single crystal X-structural study in the solid state. The formation constant (Kf = 2.31 {\texttimes} 103 M-1) for the [2]pseudorotaxane was evaluated using isothermal titration calorimetric studies. The complex gives rise to the first crystal structure of a self-assembled [2]pseudorotaxane that demonstrates sequential two-step FRET based energy transfer in a self-assembled triad that is held in an assembly through non-covalent interactions, such as hydrogen bonding and π{\textendash}π stacking.

}, doi = {10.1039/C3SC50282A}, author = {Suresh, Moorthy and Mandal, Amal Kumar and Suresh, E. and Das, Amitava} } @article { ISI:000328864800072, title = {First total synthesis of hunanamycin A}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {15}, number = {17}, year = {2013}, month = {SEP}, pages = {4556-4559}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The first total synthesis of hunanamycin A, an antibiotic natural product with a pyrido[1,2,3-de]quinoxaline-2,3-dione core from a marine-derived Bacillus hunanensis, is disclosed. The present effort provides access to sufficient amounts of scarce hunanamycin A for further biological evaluation and confirmation of the assigned absolute configuration. In addition, four new analogues of the natural product are reported.

}, issn = {1523-7060}, doi = {10.1021/ol402110e}, author = {Shingare, Rahul D. and Velayudham, R. and Gawade, Jalindar R. and Reddy, D. Srinivasa} } @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:000327812300097, title = {Fluorescent cross-linked polystyrene perylenebisimide/oligo(p-phenylenevinylene) microbeads with controlled particle size, tunable colors, and high solid state emission}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {5}, number = {22}, year = {2013}, month = {NOV}, pages = {12205-12214}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

A series fo cross-linked fluorescent polystyrene (PS) microbeads with narrow size distribution and intense solid state emission was developed. Fluorophores based on perylene bisimide (PBI) and oligo(p-phenylenevinylene) (OPV) designed as acrylic cross-linkers were introduced into the polymerization recipe in a twostage dispersion polymerization, carried out in ethanol in the presence of poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) as stabilizer. The structural design permitted introduction of up to 10(-5) moles of the fluorophores into the polymerization medium without fouling of the dispersion. The particle size measured using dynamic light scattering (DLS) indicated that they were nearly monodisperse with size in the range 2-3 mu m depending on the amount of fluorophore incorporated. Fluorescence microscope images of ethanol dispersion of the sample exhibited intense orange red emission for PS-PBI-X series and green emission for PS-OPV-X series. A PS incorporated with both OPVX and PBIX exhibited dual emission upon exciting at the OPV wavelength of 350 nm and PBI wavelength of 490 nm, respectively. The low incorporation of fluorophore resulted in almost complete absence of aggregation induced reduction in fluorescence as well as red-shifted aggregate emission. The solid state emission quantum yield measured using integrating-sphere setup indicated a very high quantum yield of phi(powder) = 0.71 for PSOPV-X and phi(powder) = 0.25 for PS-PBI-X series. The cross-linked PS microbeads incorporating both OPV and PBI chromophores had a phi(powder) = 0.33 for PBI emission and phi(powder) = 0.20 for OPV emission. This strategy of introducing fluorophore as crosslinkers into the PS backbone is very versatile and amenable to simultaneous addition of different suitably designed fluorophores emitting at different wavelengths.

}, keywords = {dispersion polymerization, dual emission, fluorescent cross-linker, oligo(p-phenylenevinylene), Perylenebisimide, solid state fluorescence}, issn = {1944-8244}, doi = {10.1021/am404354q}, author = {Sonawane, Swapnil L. and Asha, S. K.} } @article { ISI:000316691100012, title = {Fluorescent sophorolipid molecular assembly and its magnetic nanoparticle loading: a pulsed laser process}, journal = {Green Chemistry}, volume = {15}, number = {4}, year = {2013}, month = {JAN}, pages = {943-953}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We report realization of strong green fluorescence in a fully biocompatible highly spherical mesoscale molecular assembly of sophorolipid created by pulsed UV laser processing of a water-based dispersion of sophorolipid. Remarkably, the said fluorescence is totally absent in the original molecule of sophorolipid and is thus the property of the pulsed laser induced modifications in the molecule and the assembly. We have separately examined the consequences of laser irradiation for glucose and oleic acid components which form the sophorolipid. This fluorescence character appears to be driven by the oleic acid component while the assembly process is assisted by the glucose component. Importantly the laser synthesized mesostructures can be easily redispersed in an aqueous medium after being dried and can also be loaded with magnetic nanoparticles (magnetite) for inducing the hyperthermia effect.

}, issn = {1463-9262}, doi = {10.1039/c3gc40108a}, author = {Singh, Pradeep Kumar and Mukherji, Ruchira and Joshi-Navare, Kasturi and Banerjee, Abhik and Gokhale, Rohan and Nagane, Satyawan and Prabhune, Asmita and Ogale, Satishchandra} } @article { ISI:000318538100003, title = {Fock space multireference coupled cluster theory: study of shape resonance}, journal = {International Journal of Quantum Chemistry}, volume = {113}, number = {12}, year = {2013}, month = {JUN}, pages = {1690-1695}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

The complex absorbing potential along with correlated independent particle potential (CIP) Fock space multireference coupled cluster method is used for the study of resonances. We have studied shape resonance of e(-) - F-2, e(-) - N2O and e(-) -CO molecules. In particular, we have studied e(-) - F-2 scattering at different bond lengths to know whether F-2(-) is bound at the equilibrium bond length of F-2. (C) 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

}, keywords = {correlated independent particle potential, Fock-space multireference coupled cluster theory, shape resonance}, issn = {0020-7608}, doi = {10.1002/qua.24387}, author = {Bhattacharya, Sumantra and Vaval, Nayana and Pal, Sourav} } @article {42701, title = {Formation of tertiary amides and H2 by dehydrogenative coupling of primary alcohols with secondary amines catalyzed by ruthenium bipyridine-based pincer complexes}, journal = {Advanced Synthesis \& Catalysis}, volume = {355}, year = {2013}, month = {SEP}, pages = {2525{\textendash}2530}, abstract = {

Dehydrogenative coupling of primary alcohols with secondary amines to form tertiary amides and dihydrogen (H2) is efficiently catalyzed by bipyridyl-based ruthenium pincer complexes (0.2{\textendash}1 mol\%) under neutral conditions (in case of the dearomatized complexes), or with added catalytic amount of base. The reaction is sensitive to steric hindrance; in the case of amidation of bulky secondary amines a less sterically hindered complex is more efficient. Selective acylation of primary amines in the presence of secondary amines was also demonstrated.

}, doi = {10.1002/adsc.201300620}, author = {Srimani, Dipankar and Balaraman, Ekambaram and Hu, Peng and Ben-David, Yehoshoa and Milstein, David} } @article { ISI:000314795300042, title = {Four 3D Cd(II)-based metal organic hybrids with different N,N {\textquoteleft}-donor spacers: syntheses, characterizations, and selective gas adsorption properties}, journal = {Crystal Growth \& Design}, volume = {13}, number = {2}, year = {2013}, month = {FEB}, pages = {731-739}, abstract = {

{Four new metal organic frameworks with bivalent cadmium, disodium succinate (Na(2)suc), and four different N,N{\textquoteright}-donor ligands, i.e., {[Cd(L1)(suc)]center dot(H2O)(3)}(n) (1), {[Cd(L2)(suc)]center dot(H2O)(2)\

}, author = {Bhattacharya, Biswajit and Dey, Rajdip and Pachfule, Pradip and Banerjee, Rahul and Ghoshal, Debajyoti} } @article { ISI:000316812000002, title = {Fractal nature of protein surface roughness: a note on quantification of change of surface roughness in active sites, before and after binding}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Recognition}, volume = {26}, number = {5}, year = {2013}, month = {MAY}, pages = {201-214}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

Year 2010 marked the 25th year since we came to know that roughness of a protein surface has fractal symmetry. Ever since the publication of Lewis and Rees{\textquoteright} paper, hundreds of works from a spectrum of perspectives have established that fractal dimension (FD) can be considered as a reliable marker that describes roughness of protein surface objectively. In this article, we introduce readers to the fundamentals of fractals and present categorical biophysical and geometrical reasons as to why FD-based constructs can describe protein surface roughness more accurately. We then review the commonality (and the lack of it) between numerous approaches that have attempted to investigate protein surface with fractal measures, before exploring the patterns in the results that they have produced. Apart from presenting the genealogy of approaches and results, we present an analysis that quantifies the difference in surface roughness in stretches of protein surface containing the active site, before and after binding to ligands, to underline the utility of FD-based measures further. It has been found that surface stretches containing the active site, in general, undergo a significant increment in its roughness after binding. After presenting the entire repertoire of FD-based surface roughness studies, we talk about two yet-unexplored problems where application of FD-based techniques can help in deciphering underlying patterns of surface interactions. Finally, we list the limitations of FD-based constructs and put down several precautions that one must take while working with them. Copyright (c) 2013 John Wiley \& Sons, Ltd.

}, keywords = {active site roughness, fractal dimension, protein surface roughness, statistical self-similarity, van der Waals contacts}, issn = {0952-3499}, doi = {10.1002/jmr.2264}, author = {Banerji, Anirban and Navare, Charudatta} } @article { ISI:000319027400029, title = {Functional and disordered meso-macroporous gamma-Al2-xMxO3 +/- y (M = Cu and/or Ce)}, journal = {Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology}, volume = {13}, number = {4, SI}, year = {2013}, month = {APR}, pages = {2682-2688}, publisher = {AMER SCIENTIFIC PUBLISHERS}, address = {26650 THE OLD RD, STE 208, VALENCIA, CA 91381-0751 USA}, abstract = {Disordered meso-macro porous Cu-Ce-Al2O3 nanocomposite (gamma-Al2-xMxO3 +/- y, M = Cu and or Ce) with different compositions has been synthesized. In situ templated sol-gel method has been adopted with simple EDTA ethylenediamine tetra aceticacid and ethylenediamine molecules to prepare gamma-Al2-xMxO3 +/- y, (M = Cu and or Ce). Above meso-macro porous materials were characterized by structural, spectroscopy, microscopy and textural techniques. Detailed characterization indicates that Cu2+ ions are introduced into the ceria and alumina lattice positions. Nano composite nature of the gamma-Al2-xMxO3 +/- y has been confirmed by detailed microscopy investigations. Catalytic activity of the above nanocomposite materials have been screened for environmentally important CO oxidation reaction. 30\% Ce-60\% Al and 10\% Cu containing material shows the best activity among other meso-nnacroporous material with (50\%) 100\% CO oxidation at (107 degrees C) 145 degrees C.}, keywords = {Alumina, CO oxidation, heterogeneous catalysis, Meso-Macroporous Material, Nanocomposite, Sol-gel synthesis}, issn = {1533-4880}, doi = {10.1166/jnn.2013.7384}, author = {Gnanakumar, Edwin S. and John, Jino C. and Raja, Thirumalaiswamy and Gopinath, Chinnakonda S.} } @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:000324265500024, title = {Functional nanoparticles obtained from cellulose: engineering the shape and size of 6-carboxycellulose}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {49}, number = {78}, year = {2013}, month = {AUG}, pages = {8818-8820}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Agricultural residue derived cellulose and cotton cellulose were used to synthesize quasi-spherical nanoparticles of 6-carboxycellulose having diameter 25-35 nm. This provides a new range of functionalized nanostructured celluloses with increased versatility and applications. The nanoparticles were efficient in stabilizing carbon nanotube dispersions and were effective anti-microbial agents against E. coli.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c3cc44551h}, author = {Sharma, Priyanka R. and Varma, Anjanikumar} } @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: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 { ISI:000340306500026, title = {Facile esterification of carboxylic acid using amide functionalized benzimidazolium dicationic ionic liquids}, journal = {Applied Catalysis A-General}, volume = {482}, year = {2014}, month = {JUL}, pages = {214-220}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Herein, we report the synthesis of a new series of amide functionalized dicationic benzimidazolium based ionic liquids (DBimILs) and appraised their efficacy towards perceptive esterification of carboxylic acids with alkyl/allyl/aryl halides in presence of triethylamine. The amide groups present in this new series of DBimILs are expected to form hydrogen bonding with the carboxylic acids and this could facilitate the esterification reactions under mild conditions devoid of any added catalyst or organic solvent. The plausible mechanism for the enhanced catalytic activity in presence of this new series of ILs has been proposed. The corresponding alkyl/allyl/aryl esters isolated from this reaction were of high purity after simple extraction, which wipe out the necessity for further purification. This protocol addresses clean methodology and the efficient recyclability as well as reusability of the catalyst. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Benzimidazolium, Dicationic ionic liquids, Esterification, Homogenous catalysis}, issn = {0926-860X}, doi = {10.1016/j.apcata.2014.06.004}, author = {Muskawar, Prashant Narayan and Thenmozhi, K. and Gajbhiye, Jayant M. and Bhagat, Pundlik Rambhau} } @article {45972, title = {Facile gamma radiolytic synthesis of synergistic Co3O4-rGO nanocomposite: direct use in photocatalytic water splitting}, journal = { Materials Research Express}, volume = {1}, year = {2014}, month = {DEC}, pages = {045507}, type = {Artical}, abstract = {

Nanostructured Co3O4 was synthesized through a gamma (gamma)-radiolysis technique using alcoholic (iso-propanol) salt solutions of cobalt ions with and without suspended graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles, respectively. Formation of Co3O4 accompanied with GO reduction takes place simultaneously (in situ) upon.-ray exposure carried out at a rate of 5.1 KGy h(-1). Reduction of GO and formation of Co3O4 were confirmed by XRD, Raman and UV-vis spectroscopy. XRD and HRTEM results supports the embedding of nano-crystalline Co3O4 in an amorphous matrix. Relatively larger crystallites of cobalt oxide obtained in the presence of rGO proved to be a decisive supporting material for the directional growth of Co3O4. Electrochemical characterization established the fact that rGO is indeed considered as a proficient medium for electrochemical electron transfer process. Photo-assisted H-2 generation studies using Co3O4 and Co3O4-rGO nano-composite yielded 3 and 30 mu mol h(-1) g(-1) of hydrogen (H-2) generation, respectively, supports the action of rGO as an electron trap.

}, keywords = {nano cobalt oxide, photocatalytic hydrogen production, Reduced graphene oxide}, issn = {2053-1591}, doi = {10.1088/2053-1591/1/4/045507}, author = {Gupta, Bhavana and Melvin, Ambrose A. and Matthews, Tom and Dash, S. and Tyagi, A. K.} } @article { ISI:000341065800011, title = {Facile method for the synthesis of Co-core Au-shell nanohybrid}, journal = {New Journal Of Chemistry}, volume = {38}, number = {9}, year = {2014}, month = {SEP}, pages = {4107-4114}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Heterostructured Co-Au core-shell nanoparticles have been synthesized by reducing AuCl4- ions on cobalt nanoparticles after a minor but effective modification of cobalt surface by an amine. The core shell morphology is emphatically confirmed by thorough investigation through UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and transmission electron microscopic analysis (TEM). The chemical composition and topography were determined using STEM-HAADF analysis and EFTEM imaging. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirms the surface modification of Co nanoparticles and the interactions involved between the ligands and the core and shell metals at various steps of the synthetic process. The magnetic properties confirm the material to be superparamagnetic in nature.

}, issn = {1144-0546}, doi = {10.1039/c4nj00733f}, author = {Sardar, Debasmita and Neogi, S. K. and Bandyopadhyay, Sanjoy and Satpati, Biswarup and Jain, Ruchi and Gopinath, Chinnakonda S. and Bala, Tanushree} } @article { ISI:000329040500055, title = {Facile room temperature methods for growing ultra thin films of graphene nanosheets, nanoparticulate tin oxide and preliminary assessment of graphene-tin oxide stacked layered composite structure for supercapacitor application}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {4}, number = {8}, year = {2014}, month = {DEC}, pages = {4094-4104}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We report a novel, facile, single step process for growing highly uniform few layer graphene nanosheet (FLGNS) thin films over a micrometer scale, formed at the liquid-air interface. The process is further extended to form monolayer graphene nanosheets (GNS). The films are characterized by Raman spectroscopy, Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results indicate that very few chemical and/or physical defects are introduced during formation of films. Further, an innovative single step method to form tin oxide (SnO2) films at the liquid-air interface is presented. A special feature of the method is that entire process is completed at room temperature. The film can be suitably transferred to the desired substrates by Blodgett technique. Characterization by various techniques such as XPS, TEM and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) shows that the films are made up of uniform spherical, crystalline SnO2 particles with the size in the range of 3-5 nm. Layer-by-layer (LbL) techniques can be exploited to stack graphene and SnO2 films alternately, in a desired sequence, forming a stacked composite structure. The composite structure is subjected to characterization by XPS, FE-SEM, TEM and EDS. The results show that the structure consists of a stack of predetermined thickness consisting of alternate layers of both the components. Such a structure is subjected to cyclic voltammetry (CV) studies. The results suggest LbL grown SnO2-GNS stacked composites exhibit better electrochemical performance in terms of specific capacitance and cycling ability which are primary requirements for the supercapacitor application. The coating techniques of few layer graphene nanosheets, SnO2 film and their stacked composite film are simple and inexpensive. A suitable explanation of the formation of both GNS and SnO2 films is discussed. The proposed methods extend the scope for production of high quality and defect free graphene nanosheets (GNS) and other components for forming LbL stacking of composite films.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c3ra46576d}, author = {Patil, Sagar and Patil, Virendra and Sathaye, Shivaram and Patil, Kashinath} } @article { ISI:000337507100014, title = {Facile room temperature synthesis of ZnO nanoflower thin films grown at a solid-liquid interface}, journal = {Journal of Materials Science}, volume = {49}, number = {17}, year = {2014}, month = {SEP}, pages = {5945-5954}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, type = {Article}, address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Hierarchical ZnO films consisting of nanoflower particulates are successfully grown by a solid-liquid interface reaction technique at room temperature without additives like surfactants, capping agent, or complexing agent. The structural, morphological, and photocatalytic properties of these films are studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The nucleation, growth processes and hence the resulting morphology of the end product can be regulated by changing the concentration of LiOH and the time of reaction. SEM throws light on the chronology of the flower formation by studying the intermediate morphology. Electron microscopy results indicated that these ZnO nanostructures self-assembled to produce flower-like nanostructures. The highest photocatalytic efficiency was observed for the films prepared at the concentration of LiOH 0.5 mg/mL in ethanol at 24 h. On the basis of the results, a plausible growth mechanism for the formation of flower-like ZnO nanostructures is discussed.

}, issn = {0022-2461}, doi = {10.1007/s10853-014-8313-1}, author = {Jadhav, Aarti H. and Patil, Sagar H. and Sathaye, Shivaram D. and Patil, Kashinath R.} } @article { ISI:000332144600065, title = {Facile single-step synthesis of nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide-Mn3O4 hybrid functional material for the electrocatalytic reduction of oxygen}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {6}, number = {4}, year = {2014}, month = {FEB}, pages = {2692-2699}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Development of efficient electrocatalyst based on non-precious metal that favors the four-electron pathway for the reduction of oxygen in alkaline fuel cell is a challenging task. Herein, we demonstrate a new facile route for the synthesis of hybrid functional electrocatalyst based on nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide (N-rGO) and Mn3O4 with pronounced electrocatalytic activity towards oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline solution. The synthesis involves one-step in situ reduction of both graphene oxide (GO) and Mn(VII), growth of Mn3O4 nanocrystals and nitrogen doping onto the carbon framework using a single reducing agent, hydrazine. The X-ray photoelectron (XPS), Raman and FTIR spectral, and X-ray diffraction measurements confirm the reduction of GO and growth of nanosized Mn3O4. The XPS profile reveals that N-rGO has pyridinic (40\%), pyrrolic (53\%), and pyridine N oxide (7\%) types of nitrogen. The Mn3O4 nanoparticles are single crystalline and randomly distributed over the wrinkled N-rGO sheets. The hybrid material has excellent ORR activity and it favors the 4-electron pathway for the reduction of oxygen. The electrocatalytic performance of the hybrid catalyst is superior to the N-rGO, free Mn3O4 and their physical mixture. The hybrid material shows an onset potential of -0.075 V, which is 60-225 mV less negative than that of the other catalyst tested. It has excellent methanol tolerance and high durability. The catalytic current density achieved with the hybrid material at 0.1 mg cm(-2) is almost equivalent to that of the commercial Pt/C (10\%). The synergistic effect of N-rGO and Mn3O4 enhances the overall performance of the hybrid catalyst. The nitrogen in N-rGO is considered to be at the interface to bridge the rGO framework and Mn3O4 nanoparticles and facilitates the electron transfer.

}, keywords = {electrocatalysis, hybrid material, Mn3O4, nitrogen-doped graphene, oxygen reduction, synergistic effect}, issn = {1944-8244}, doi = {10.1021/am405213z}, author = {Bag, Sourav and Roy, Kanak and Gopinath, Chinnakonda S. and Raj, C. Retna} } @article { ISI:000342117600027, title = {Facile synthesis of gamma-ketophosphonates by an intermolecular stetter reaction onto vinylphosphonates}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {16}, number = {18}, year = {2014}, month = {SEP}, pages = {4798-4801}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The atom-economic and practical N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalyzed Stetter reaction for the synthesis of gamma-ketophosphonates by the reaction of aromatic aldehydes with vinylphosphonates is reported. The NHC derived from N-mesitylimidazolium salt (IMes) was an effective catalyst for this transformation, and the products were formed in moderate to good yields.

}, issn = {1523-7060}, doi = {10.1021/ol502262d}, author = {Patra, Atanu and Bhunia, Anup and Biju, Akkattu T.} } @article { ISI:000340152000016, title = {Facile synthesis of the isoquinoline alkaloids doryanine and oxyhydrastinine}, journal = {Synthesis-Stuttgart}, volume = {46}, number = {14}, year = {2014}, month = {JUL}, pages = {1954-1956}, publisher = {GEORG THIEME VERLAG KG}, address = {RUDIGERSTR 14, D-70469 STUTTGART, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Starting from 4,5-(methylenedioxy)homophthalic acid, a concise and efficient synthesis of the isoquinoline alkaloids dory-anine and oxyhydrastinine is described via the corresponding homophthalimide utilizing a one-pot regioselective reductive dehydration and catalytic hydrogenation pathway.

}, keywords = {dehydration, homophthalic acid, homophthalimide, isoquinoline alkaloids, regioselective reduction}, issn = {0039-7881}, doi = {10.1055/s-0033-1341158}, author = {Jangir, Ravi and Gadre, Smita R. and N. P. Argade} } @article {43348, title = {Factors influence on growth, don and niv production by two species of fusarium isolated from finger millets [eleusine coracana l.]}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences}, volume = {6}, year = {2014}, month = {DEC}, pages = {312-317}, abstract = {ABSTRACT Objective: The present investigations (In vitro) on an influence of different synthetic and food based [flour] media, pH, temperature and microbial nutrients on growth, Deoxynivalenol [DON] and Nivalenol [NIV] production by Fusarium aethiopicum and F. culmorum was carried out. Methods: Fusarium species associated with the finger millets were isolated and identified phenotypically and further confirmed by molecular methods by Polymerase Chain Reaction [PCR]. Monosporic seven day old F. aethiopicum and F. culmorum were grown in CYA broth and incubated at 27{\textpm}2{\textdegree}C on rotary shaker for 21 days at 120 rpm. At the end of 21 day incubation period, cultures were harvested for determination of fungal biomass. The resultant culture filtrates were extracted twice with ethyl acetate and concentrated to get and final concentration of 1 ml in methanol and employed for RP-HPLC analysis for detection of DON and NIV production. Results: Finger millets flour medium induced the highest amount of mycelial growth, DON and NIV production by F. aethiopicum. However, F. culmorum achieved highest amount of hyphal growth, DON and NIV production under the influence of yeast extract sucrose [YES] medium. Maize flour medium, rice flour medium and sorghum flour medium was next preffered substrates. Optimum pH of 5.5-6.5 and temperature of 20-35{\textdegree}C for growth, DON and NIV production was observed. Both the species of Fusarium failed to grow and produce toxins at pH 2.5-3.5 and temperature of 40{\textdegree}C. Yeast extract was most favorable for maximum DON and NIV production, which increased with an increase in its concentration. On the other hand, malt extract and beef extract induced good growth and mycotoxin production at comparatively higher concentration in both the species of Fusarium under study. Conclusion: Comparatively food based media were the better substrates than synthetic media for both growth and DOIN and NIV production by two species of Fusarium under investigation. A positive correlation coefficient [r] on growth [0.458], DON [0.744] and NIV [0.882] was recorded among the media and both the species of Fusarium. Keywords: Finger millets, F. aethiopicum, F. culmorum, Synthetic media, pH, Temperature, Microbial nutrients, DON, NIV, HPLC}, author = {Vankudoth, Koteswara Rao and Penugonda, Shilpa and Sivadevuni, Girisham and Reddy, S. M.} } @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:000338401900019, title = {Ferromagnetism at room temperature in activated graphene oxide}, journal = {Chemical Physics Letters}, volume = {605}, year = {2014}, month = {JUN}, pages = {89-92}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

High room temperature ferromagnetic moment with high Curie temperature (\>700 K) for graphene oxide (GO) is obtained by a simple chemical activation using phosphoric acid followed by heat treatment at 800 degrees C. The field and temperature variations of the magnetization data indicate ferromagnetic, paramagnetic and diamagnetic contributions in the acid/heat treated sample. IR spectroscopic studies suggest hydrogenation (reduction) of GO after the acid and heat treatments. The results point to the role of defects, extent of hydrogenation, changes in the bonding characteristics and the nature of the functional groups in determining the different magnetic contributions. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0009-2614}, doi = {10.1016/j.cplett.2014.05.027}, author = {Raj, K. Govind and Joy, Pattayil Alias} } @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:000330953700003, title = {Fictibacillus enclensis sp nov., isolated from marine sediment}, journal = {Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek International Journal of General and Molecular Microbiology}, volume = {105}, number = {3}, year = {2014}, month = {MAR}, pages = {461-469}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

A novel Gram-positive strain, designated NIO-1003(T), was isolated from a marine sediment sample collected from the Chorao Island, Goa Provence, India. Strain NIO-1003(T) was found to be strictly aerobic, motile, endospore-forming rods. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain NIO-1003(T) belongs to the genus Fictibacillus and to be most closely related to Fictibacillus rigui KCTC 13278(T), Fictibacillus solisalsi KCTC 13181(T) and Fictibacillus barbaricus DSM 14730(T) with 98.2, 98.0 and 97.2 \% similarity and 25, 28, 39 nucleotide differences respectively. Strain NIO-1003(T) was characterized by having cell-wall peptidoglycan based on meso-diaminopimelic acid and MK-7 as the predominant menaquinone. The polar lipid profile exhibited the major compounds diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. In addition, minor amounts of an aminophospholipid were detected. The major fatty acids were identified as ai-C-15:0, iso-C-15:0, ai-C-17:0 and C-16:0, supporting the grouping of strain NIO-1003(T) into the family Bacillaceae. The DNA G+C content of strain NIO-1003(T) was determined to be 42.6 mol\%. On the basis of phenotypic properties, phylogeny and DNA-DNA hybridisation analysis, strain NIO-1003(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Fictibacillus for which the name Fictibacillus enclensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NIO-1003(T) (= NCIM 5458(T) = DSM 25142(T)).

}, keywords = {Chorao Island, Fictibacillus sp., Polyphasic taxonomy}, issn = {0003-6072}, doi = {10.1007/s10482-013-0097-9}, author = {Dastager, Syed Gulam and Mawlankar, Rahul R. and Srinivasan, Krishnamurthi and Tang, Shan-Kun and Lee, Jae-Chan and Ramana, V. Venkata and Shouche, Yogesh S.} } @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:000332208200024, title = {Flexible dicarboxylate based pillar-layer metal organic frameworks: differences in structure and porosity by tuning the pyridyl based N, N {\textquoteleft} linkers}, journal = {CrystEngComm}, volume = {16}, number = {11}, year = {2014}, month = {DEC}, pages = {2305-2316}, abstract = {

{Dicarboxylate supported metal organic hybrids of Co(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) have been synthesized using two different pyridyl based N, N{\textquoteright} linkers having Schiff base functionalized site. The use of flexible dicarboxylate glutarate in designing such frameworks has created a marked diversity in topology. The different N, N{\textquoteright} donor linkers also played an active part in the channel modification in the synthesized MOFs. The structural and topological diversity has been analyzed from the single crystal X-ray structure. Five compounds, {[Co(azpy)(glut)]center dot(CH3OH)}(n) (1), {[Co(meazpy)(glut)(H2O)(2)]center dot (H2O)(3)

}, author = {Dey, Rajdip and Bhattacharya, Biswajit and Pachfule, Pradip and Banerjee, Rahul and Ghoshal, Debajyoti} } @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:000338980500002, title = {Formation of a room temperature stable Fe-V(O) complex: reactivity toward unactivated C-H bonds}, journal = {Journal of American Chemical Society}, volume = {136}, number = {27}, year = {2014}, month = {JUL}, pages = {9524-9527}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, type = {Article}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

An Fe-V(O) complex has been synthesized from equimolar solutions of (Et4N)(2)[Fe-III(Cl)(biuretamide)] and mCPBA in CH3CN at room temperature. The Fe-V(O) complex has been characterized by UV-vis, EPR, Mossbauer, and HRMS and shown to be capable of oxidizing a series of alkanes having C-H bond dissociation energies ranging from 99.3 kcal mol(-1) (cyclohexane) to 84.5 kcal mori (cumene). Linearity in the Bell-Evans-Polayni graph and the finding of a large kinetic isotope effect suggest that hydrogen abstraction is engaged the rate-determining step.

}, issn = {0002-7863}, doi = {10.1021/ja412537m}, author = {Ghosh, Munmun and Singh, Kundan K. and Panda, Chakadola and Weitz, Andrew and Hendrich, Michael P. and Collins, Terrence J. and Dhar, Basab B. and Sen Gupta, Sayam} } @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 {43368, title = {Function of metals and supports on the hydrodeoxygenation of phenolic compounds}, journal = {ChemPlusChem}, volume = {79}, year = {2014}, month = {NOV}, pages = {1573-1583}, abstract = {

Hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) is an important process for removing oxygen from lignin-derived phenolic monomers to obtain chemicals that can be used as fuel or fuel additives. A systematic study is performed to check the effects of supports (acidic, neutral, basic) and noble metals (Pd, Pt, Ru) on the HDO of phenol, guaiacol, and eugenol. Evaluation of the combinations of metals and supports under the similar reaction conditions shows that the metals supported on a highly acidic support (SiO2-Al2O3) yield complete hydrogenation products with the possibility of C[BOND]O bond cleavage to achieve a real HDO activity, whereas on a mildly acidic support (gamma-Al2O3), a complicated product distribution is achieved, and neutral (C) and basic (HT) supports give restricted hydrogenation activity but yield the products with very high selectivity. On the basis of the results, reaction pathways are suggested and deliberated. The catalysts show reproducible activity in recycle runs. The catalysts are characterized by various techniques (XRD, TEM, TPD, ICP-OES) to establish the catalyst activityproperty relationship.

}, doi = {10.1002/cplu.201402145}, author = {Deepa, Ayillath K. and Dhepe, Paresh L.} } @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:000334440200001, title = {Functional silicon nanostructures derived from drying-mediated self-assembly of gold nanoparticles}, journal = {Journal of Nanoparticle Research}, volume = {16}, number = {5}, year = {2014}, month = {APR}, pages = {2372}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Self-assembly of nanoparticles is an efficient technique where nanobuilding blocks spontaneously organize into ordered structures by thermodynamic and other constraints. We demonstrate that multifunctional Silicon (Si) nanostructures with unique morphologies like sheets, plates and flakes can be etched chemically by taking an advantage of natural self-assembly of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) characterized with drying kinetics under external stimuli. We further demonstrated antireflection properties of the as-synthesized Si nanostructures.

}, keywords = {Antireflective material, gold nanoparticles, Metal-assisted chemical etching, Self-assembly, Si Nanostructures}, issn = {1388-0764}, doi = {10.1007/s11051-014-2372-8}, author = {Deshmukh, Ashvini B. and Devarapalli, Rami Reddy and Shelke, Manjusha V.} } @article { ISI:000333581400004, title = {Functionalization of cardanol: towards biobased polymers and additives}, journal = {Polymer Chemistry}, volume = {5}, number = {9}, year = {2014}, month = {OCT}, pages = {3142-3162}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Among the renewable resource materials, cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) is considered as an important starting material due to its unique structural features, abundant availability and low cost. A large number of chemicals and products have been developed starting from CNSL by taking advantage of the three reactive sites, namely, phenolic hydroxyl, aromatic ring and unsaturation(s) in the alkenyl side chain. This comprehensive review deals with general information on CNSL, its purification and separation methods, reactivity and applications in polymer chemistry.

}, issn = {1759-9954}, doi = {10.1039/c3py01194a}, author = {Voirin, Coline and Caillol, Sylvain and Sadavarte, Nilakshi V. and Tawade, Bhausaheb V. and Boutevin, Bernard and Wadgaonkar, Prakash P.} } @article { ISI:000333787700019, title = {Functionalized celluloses and their nanoparticles: morphology, thermal properties, and solubility studies}, journal = {Carbohydrate Polymers}, volume = {104}, year = {2014}, month = {APR}, pages = {135-142}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Agricultural residues derived cellulose was used to synthesize a new series of carboxy functionalized cellulosic nanoparticles (quasi-spherical shaped, 13.2-21.5\% carboxyl content) and macro-sized 6-carboxycelluloses (long-fibril shaped, 1.7-22\% carboxyl content). The DP (50-70) and yield (upto 46\%) of nanoparticles were manipulated by controlling the reaction temperature and time. TGA/DTG thermographs of the carboxycelluloses gave thermostability data and co-related well with the residual crystalline, amorphous, and anhydroglucuronic acid content. The particle shape and size had no effect on the thermal stability. Some derivatives were fully or partially soluble in aqueous alkali and non-aqueous solvents, which can lead to increased versatility of these polymers. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {6-Carboxycellulose, cellulose, DTG, Morphology, Nanoparticles, TGA}, issn = {0144-8617}, doi = {10.1016/j.carbpol.2014.01.015}, author = {Sharma, Priyanka R. and Varma, Anjanikumar} } @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:000353097100022, title = {Facile biological approach for immobilization, physicochemical characterization and antibacterial activity of noble metals nanocomposites}, journal = {Materials Letters}, volume = {148}, year = {2015}, month = {JUN}, pages = {86-90}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

The use of biopolymer as template to regulate metallic nanoparticles is promising field in green nanotechnology. We have designed a facile biological way for rapid synthesis and immobilization of gold and silver nanoparticles on alginate films using leaf extract of Cassia auriculata. The prepared gold bio-nanocomposite (Au-BNC) and silver bio-nanocomposite (Ag-BNC) were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Transmission electron microscopy and Thermal analysis. The bio-nanocomposites exhibited good antibacterial activity against both gram positive (Bacillus subtilis) and gram negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. The metal nanoparticle embedded films have number of applications in catalysis, optical biosensors, electronic, biomedical devices and environmental remediation. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Alginate, Antibacterial, Bio-nanocomposites, Cassia auriculata, Characterization, Nanoparticles}, issn = {0167-577X}, doi = {10.1016/j.matlet.2015.02.059}, author = {Parveen, Asra and Ali, Tayyab and Wahid, Malik and Rao, Srinath} } @article { ISI:000353753200006, title = {Facile gamma radiolytic methodology for TiO2-rGO synthesis: effect on photo-catalytic H-2 evolution}, journal = {International Journal of Hydrogen Energy}, volume = {40}, number = {17}, year = {2015}, month = {MAY}, pages = {5815-5823}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

TiO2 (P25) decorated reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is synthesized by gamma-radiolytic technique using water-ethanol solvent medium. Visible light absorpdon was confirmed by UV-Visible spectroscopy. Photoluminescence (PL) study revealed a decline in electron-hole recombination rate signalled by a sharp fall in luminescence of TiO2. Under such scenario, electron transfer from TiO2 conduction band to the conjugated sheet becomes a preferred pathway in the presence of rGO, which is further confirmed by photocurrent measurement. TiO2 -rGO composite with 1 wt. \% rGO was found to be the best composition in terms of visible light absorption, while retaining TiO2 crystallinity. Transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopic studies confirmed the coating of rGO sheet with TiO2 nanoparticles. TiO2 -rGO was found to show about 150 times higher photocatalytic H-2 generation under 250 W UV-Visible light irradiation than pristine TiO2. In addition to this, TiO2 -rGO composite shows hydrogen production yield of 35 mu mol/h.g under visible light (lambda = 400 nm) irradiation. Thus gamma-radiolysis can be considered to be a viable technique, which helps in synthesizing photocatalytically active nanocomposite with high H-2 evolution rate. In the light of these interesting aspects, a detail investigation is carried out to study the effect of rGO concentration and illumination time on photocatalytic yield. Copyright (C) 2015, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {gamma-radiolysis, H-2 production, Photocatalysis, Reduced graphene oxide, TiO2}, issn = {0360-3199}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijhydene.2015.02.102}, author = {Gupta, Bhavana and Melvin, Ambrose A. and Matthews, Tom and Dhara, S. and Dash, Sitaram and Tyagi, A. K.} } @article { ISI:000354445900067, title = {Facile synthesis of Ag nanowire-rGO composites and their promising field emission performance}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {5}, number = {52}, year = {2015}, month = {APR}, pages = {41887-41893}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Crystalline, ultra long silver nanowires (Ag NWs), few-layered rGO (reduced graphene oxide) and their rGO-Ag NW nanocomposite have been synthesized using a polyol reflux technique under optimized experimental conditions. The field emission performance of the rGO-Ag NW nanocomposite, rGO and Ag NW emitters was investigated. The turn on field required to draw an emission current density of similar to 1 mA cm(-2) was found to be similar to 5.00, 3.92 and 2.40 V mu m(-1) for the Ag NW, rGO and rGO-Ag NW nanocomposite emitters, respectively. The combined contribution of the sharp edges of the thin graphene sheets and high aspect ratio of the Ag nanowires, and their synergetic effect in the rGO-Ag NW nanocomposite, are responsible for the enhanced field emission behavior. First-principles density functional calculations show that the enhanced field emission may also be due to the overlapping of the electronic structures of the Ag NWs and rGO nanosheets.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c5ra00308c}, author = {Samantara, Aneeya K. and Mishra, Dillip Kumar and Suryawanshi, Sachin R. and More, Mahendra A. and Thapa, Ranjit and Late, Dattatray J. and Jena, Bikash Kumar and Rout, Chandra Sekhar} } @article { ISI:000364886500019, title = {Factors influencing catalytic activity of Co-Zn double-metal cyanide complexes for alternating polymerization of epoxides and CO2}, journal = {Applied Catalysis A-General}, volume = {506}, year = {2015}, month = {OCT}, pages = {163-172}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Co-Zn double-metal cyanides (DMCs) show good catalytic activity towards copolymerization of epoxides and CO2. A deep insight into the structural aspects of the catalysts that control their catalytic performance is addressed in this work. Method of preparation of DMC catalysts was found to have influence on their structure, which in turn dictated their catalytic activity. Complexing agent (t-BuOH) and density of strong acid sites of DMC catalysts were found critical factors responsible for their activity. Selectivity of DMC towards polycarbonates depends on the amount of alkali ion content in their composition. Induction period of the catalysts was governed by the strength of acid sites and by the presence of dispersed ZnCl2 in the composition. This study provides an understanding of the prime features of DMC catalysts that can be tuned for high productivity of polycarbonates. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {CO2 utilization, Copolymerization of epoxides and CO2, Double-metal cyanide, Polycarbonate}, issn = {0926-860X}, doi = {10.1016/j.apcata.2015.09.010}, author = {Sebastian, Joby and Srinivas, Darbha} } @article {43021, title = {Factors influencing L-asparaginase production by three thermophilic caprophilous fungi}, journal = {International Journal of Pharma Sciences}, volume = {5}, year = {2015}, month = {SEP}, pages = {1242-1248}, abstract = {

Influence of medium, pH and temperature on L-asparaginase production by Thielavia terrestris, Malbranchea cinnamomea and Scytalidium thermophilum in submerged fermentation process was investigated. Maximum Lasparaginase production was recorded in the glucose medium supplemented with 0.5\% L-asparagine monohydrate on 8th day of incubation. Czapek-dox medium was the next proffered medium for both biomass and L-asparaginase production by the fungi under investigation. Among different pH tried, pH 7.0 was optimum for L-asparaginase production, while enzyme production was marginal in medium with 6.0-8.0. Temperature of 45{\textdegree}C and 50{\textdegree}C were optimum for T. terrestris for growth of M. cinnamomea and S. thermophilum respectively. Maximum Lasparaginase activity of all three fungi was recorded at 45{\textdegree}C with varying extent was recorded. Analysis of variance of the data revealed significant differences (p-0.05) among the different culture media, pH and temperature on the production of L-asparaginase. A significant and positive correlation coefficient (R) was also observed between the growth and L-asparaginase activity of T. terrestris (0.570), M. cinnamomea (0.947) and S. thermophilum (0.948). Conclusion the culture medium and factors like pH, incubation temperature and incubation period play an important role in the L-asparaginase production by all the three thermophilic caprophilous fungi.

}, author = {Shanthipriya, A. and Rao, Vankudoth Koteswara and Sivadevuni, Girisham and Reddy, Solipuram Madhusudhan} } @article { ISI:000363916400006, title = {Feasibility of ionization-mediated pathway for ultraviolet-induced melanin damage}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, volume = {119}, number = {42}, year = {2015}, month = {OCT}, pages = {13288-13293}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Melanin is the pigment found in human skin that is responsible for both photoprotection and photodamage. Recently there have been reports that greater photodamage of DNA occurs when cells containing melanin are irradiated with ultraviolet (UV) radiation, thus suggesting that the photoproducts of melanin cause DNA damage. Photoionization processes have also been implicated in the photodegradation of melanin. However, not much is known about the oxidation potential of melanin and its monomers. In this work we calculate the ionization energies of monomers, dimers, and few oligomers of eumelanin to estimate the threshold energy required for the ionization of eumelanin. We find that this threshold is within the UV-B region for eumelanin. We also look at the charge and spin distributions of the various ionized states of the monomers that are formed to understand which of the ionization channels might favor monomerization from a covalent dimer.

}, issn = {1520-6106}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpcb.5b08750}, author = {Mandal, Mukunda and Das, Tamal and Grewal, Baljinder K. and Ghosh, Debashree} } @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:000355354100003, title = {First enantioselective synthesis of (2S,3S)-3-hydroxy-L-arginine via proline catalyzed alpha-aminooxylation of aldehyde and Pd-catalyzed ether-directed aza-Claisen rearrangement}, journal = {Tetrahedron-Asymmetry}, volume = {26}, number = {10-11}, year = {2015}, month = {MAY}, pages = {548-552}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A concise enantioselective synthesis of (2S,3S)-3-hydroxy-L-arginine with an overall yield of 10.9\% and 98\% ee, starting from commercially available 1,4-butanediol in ten linear steps has been achieved. The key chiral inducing steps are D-proline catalyzed sequential alpha-aminooxylation/Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons olefination of an aldehyde and the subsequent diastereoselective MOM-ether-directed Pd-catalyzed aza-Claisen rearrangement of allylic trichloroacetimidate. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0957-4166}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetasy.2015.03.011}, author = {Ahuja, Brij Bhushan and Sudalai, Arumugam} } @article { ISI:000364968800017, title = {First enantioselective synthesis of surinamensinol B and a non-natural polysphorin analogue by a two-stereocentered hydrolytic kinetic resolution}, journal = {European Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {33}, number = {33}, year = {2015}, month = {NOV}, pages = {7344-7351}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {POSTFACH 101161, 69451 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

An efficient and economical approach to the synthesis of antitumor and anti-inflammatory surinamensinol B (1) and antimalarial polysphorin analogue 2 has been achieved with high enantiomeric purity (96\% ee) by starting from commercially available 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzaldehyde. The key steps of the strategy include a Co-catalyzed two-stereocentered hydrolytic kinetic resolution (HKR) of racemic 2[( methoxymethoxy)(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)methyl] oxirane (13) as the chiral inducing step followed by a Mitsunobu reaction. Chiral epoxide 14 and chiral diol 15 were utilized in the syntheses of both compounds.

}, keywords = {Biological activity, Enantioselectivity, Kinetic resolution, Natural products, Total synthesis}, issn = {1434-193X}, doi = {10.1002/ejoc.201501009}, author = {Lalwani, Komal G. and Sudalai, Arumugam} } @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 { ISI:000359956500020, title = {First regioselective iodocyclization reaction of 3-aryl-5-(prop-2-ynylthio)-1H-1,2,4-triazoles}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {56}, number = {36}, year = {2015}, month = {SEP}, pages = {5140-5144}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The regioselective iodocyclization reaction of 3-aryl-5-(prop-2-ynylthio)-1H-1,2,4-triazoles is described for the first time. The iodocyclization reaction of 3-aryl-5-(prop-2-ynylthio)-1H-1,2,4-triazoles using molecular iodine afforded diiodo-compound which on Cul-catalyzed intramolecular C-N coupling reaction gave six-membered 2-aryl-51141,2,4]triazolo[5,1-b][1,3]thiazines, whereas, the five membered 3-aryl-5,6-dihydrothiazolo[2,3-c][1,2,4]triazoles were obtained exclusively when the iodocyclization reaction of 3-aryl-5-(prop-2-ynylthio)-1H-1,2,4-triazoles was carried out using NIS. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Iodocyclization, Regloselective, Thiazine, Triazole}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2015.07.006}, author = {Rode, Navnath D. and Sonawane, Amol D. and Garud, Dinesh R. and Joshi, Rohini R. and Joshi, Ramesh A. and Likhite, Anjali P.} } @article { ISI:000350528300019, title = {First synthesis of nitrosporeusines, alkaloids with multiple biological activities}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {56}, number = {10}, year = {2015}, month = {MAR}, pages = {1252-1254}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Synthesis of nitrosporeusines A and B, thioester-bearing alkaloids from the Arctic Streptomyces nitrosporeus with exceptional biological activity is disclosed for the first time. In addition, we have prepared another biologically important natural product, maleimycin, in optically pure form using a gram-scale enzymatic resolution method. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Enzymatic resolution, Influenza H1N1 virus, Maleimycin, Michael reaction, Nitrosporeusine}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2015.01.143}, author = {Philkhana, Satish Chandra and Jachak, Gorakhnath R. and Gunjal, Vidya B. and Dhage, Nagsen M. and Bansode, Ajay H. and Reddy, D. Srinivasa} } @article { ISI:000362615700025, title = {Flow in vortex diodes}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Research \& Design}, volume = {102}, year = {2015}, month = {OCT}, pages = {274-285}, publisher = {INST CHEMICAL ENGINEERS}, address = {165-189 RAILWAY TERRACE, DAVIS BLDG, RUGBY CV21 3HQ, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A vortex diode is used as a cavitation device for treatment of industrial waste water and also, as a leaky non-return valve in nuclear applications. It consists of a vortex chamber with an axial and tangential port. When the fluid is injected through the tangential port, a strong vortex flow is set up in the diode chamber. This flow is characterized by phenomena such as vortex transition, precessing vortex core, toroidal recirculation zone, reverse flow core and recirculation zone in the axial port. Although studies have been conducted on the {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}confined vortex{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} class of flows (and some of them on vortex diodes), none of them provides a collective account of key nuances of the flow in a vortex diode. The flow in the diode differs from other confined-vortex flows on account of the axial-velocity deficit, due to which, direct correlations from other confined vortex flows cannot be applied to the diode. This work attempts to address the aforementioned flow characteristics in the diode using results primarily from CFD simulations. The reported methodology, computational model and results will be useful to gain better understanding of flows in vortex diodes and to optimize designs of vortex diodes for variety of applications. (C) 2015 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of The Institution of Chemical Engineers.

}, keywords = {CFD, Confined vortex, Diode, Precessing vortex core, Recirculation}, issn = {0263-8762}, doi = {10.1016/j.cherd.2015.05.028}, author = {Pandare, Aditya and Ranade, Vivek V.} } @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 {45884, title = {Fluorescent probe for specific detection of cysteine in the lipid dense region of cells}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {51}, year = {2015}, month = {SEP}, pages = {16932-16935}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A new cysteine (Cys) specific chemodosimetric reagent (ER-F) is used in imaging of endogenous Cys localized in the lipid dense region of the live Hct116 cells and the release of Cys within HepG2 cells from a drug following a biochemical transformation. A silica surface, modified with ER-F, could be used for quantitative estimation of Cys present in aqueous solution (pH 7.2) and in a human blood plasma (HBP).

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c5cc07450a}, author = {Ali, Firoj and Anila, H. A. and Taye, Nandaraj and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Chattopadhyay, Samit and Das, Amitava} } @article { ISI:000365532000008, title = {Fluorescent probes for the detection of cyanide ions in aqueous medium: cellular uptake and assay for beta-glucosidase and hydroxynitrile lyase}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry B}, volume = {3}, number = {47}, year = {2015}, month = {OCT}, pages = {9148-9156}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A chemodosimteric reagent (1) for the efficient detection of cyanide species (CN- and/or HCN) in aq. medium as well as under physiological conditions has been described. Selective reaction of the cyanide species with this reagent in the presence of all common interfering anions, amino acids and glutathione (GSH) led to the generation of the corresponding cyanohydrin derivative. The formation of the cyanohydrin derivative of the probe is associated with a visually detectable change in solution fluorescence in aq. buffer medium with 1.9 mu M NaCN, the threshold limit set by WHO for the safe drinking water and this makes this fluorogenic sensor an ideal candidate for in-field applications. An apparent switch on the luminescence response, ultralow detection limit, low response time, cell membrane permeability and insignificant toxicity are key features of a probe molecule, which gives it a distinct edge over previously reported chemodosimetric reagents for the detection of cyanide species (CN- or HCN) in an aqueous environment. This methodology could be used for developing a generalized and efficient fluorescence-based assay for crucial enzymes like beta-glucosidase and hydroxynitrile lyase. Furthermore, spectrally-resolved fluorescence microscopy measurements on single-cells revealed that this sensor molecule could also be used for imaging the cellular uptake of cyanide species from aq. solution contaminated with NaCN. Our results confirmed that statistical analysis of integrated intensity and transition energy obtained from the emission spectra collected over various microscopic sub-cellular regions can potentially be used to discriminate the effects of local cellular environments and that due to cyanide detection.

}, issn = {2050-750X}, doi = {10.1039/c5tb01853f}, author = {Agarwalla, Hridesh and Gangopadhyay, Monalisa and Sharma, Dharmendar Kumar and Basu, Santanu Kumar and Jadhav, Sameer and Chowdhury, Arindam and Das, Amitava} } @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:000349061500011, title = {Formal syntheses of (2R,3R)-3-hydroxy pipecolic acid and (2R,3S)-3-hydroxy pipecolic acid from L-ascorbic acid}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {56}, number = {6}, year = {2015}, month = {FEB}, pages = {805-807}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Formal syntheses of both cis and trans 3-hydroxy pipecolic acids is achieved from L-ascorbic acid. Present synthesis describes use of chiral pool approach in which epimerization, Staudinger reaction and Cyclization reactions were employed as key steps. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {3-Hydroxy pipecolic acid, cyclization, Epimerization, L-Ascorbic acid}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2014.12.103}, author = {Chavan, Subhash P. and Dumare, Nilesh B. and Pawar, Kailash P.} } @article { ISI:000363080800011, title = {Formal total synthesis of (-)-kumausallene}, journal = {Tetrahedron}, volume = {71}, number = {45}, year = {2015}, month = {NOV}, pages = {8577-8584}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Deacetylkumausyne-a penultimate intermediate in Tang{\textquoteright}s total synthesis of (-)-kumausallene has been synthesized employing a chiral pool approach and thus culminating in a formal total synthesis of kumausallene. The opening of an epoxide with alkyne (use of Birch reduction for the selective construction of E-pent-3-enyl group) and C-allylation have been used to introduce the pendant alkenyl side chains. Initial attempts to execute an alternative to Tang{\textquoteright}s route comprising a prior installation of the bromoallene unit via bromoetherification and subsequent S(N)2 displacement are unsuccessful. To overcome this, an alternative approach was developed to arrive at Deacetylkumausyne (another natural product that has been synthesized and characterized by Tang{\textquoteright}s group). Thus, this overall exercise has culminated in a formal total synthesis of (-)-kumausallene. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Bis-THF natural products, Chiral pool, Deacetylkumausyne, Total synthesis, Wittig reaction}, issn = {0040-4020}, doi = {10.1016/j.tet.2015.09.027}, author = {Das, Shyamsundar and Ramana, Chepuri V.} } @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:000365462900005, title = {FRET-based probe for monitoring pH changes in lipid-dense region of Hct116 cells}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {17}, number = {22}, year = {2015}, month = {NOV}, pages = {5532-5535}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

A rhodamine conjugate (L) with a pseudo Stokes shift of 165 nm is used for probing changes in solution pH under physiological conditions. This reagent is found to be nontoxic, and the luminescence response could be used for imaging changes in endogenous pH induced by dexamethanose (DMT) in the endoplasmic reticulum.

}, issn = {1523-7060}, doi = {10.1021/acs.orglett.5b02568}, author = {Reddy, Upendar G. and Anila, H. A. and Ali, Firoj and Taye, Nandaraj and Chattopadhyay, Samit and Das, Amitava} } @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:000365930300028, title = {Furosemide cocrystals with pyridines: an interesting case of color cocrystal polymorphism}, journal = {Crystal Growth \& Design}, volume = {15}, number = {12}, year = {2015}, month = {DEC}, pages = {5858-5872}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Furosemide (FS), a loop diuretic drug commonly used for the treatment of hypertension and edema, exhibited color cocrystal polymorphism with coformer 4,4{\textquoteright}-bipyridine (4BPY) in the stoichiometry 2:1, albeit both the API and the cocrystal former are colorless. Crystallization from ethanol, isopropanol, ethanol-water (v/v, 1/1) mixture, and acetonitrile yielded pale yellow (form II, thin needles) and orange (form 1II, blocks) cocrystals concomitantly. Needles appeared from solution within a day, while the blocks were obtained after 1-2 days from the same flask, indicating that yellow needles were formed faster and the orange blocks were perhaps formed under thermodynamic conditions. Form 1I cocrystals could also be produced from the variety of common solvents. Cocrystallization of FS with 2,2{\textquoteright}-bipyridine (2BPY) and 4-aminopyridine (4AP) gave colorless cocrystals 2 and 3, respectively, and did not exhibit polymorphism. The single-crystal X-ray structures, powder X-ray diffraction, photophysical characterization, differential scanning calorimetry, hot stage microscopy studies, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations provide insight into the structure property relationship. The common structural features observed in all of the structures is the formation of sandwich motifs comprising FS and pyridines through pi-stacking interactions. These motifs are linked differently through hydrogen bonding interactions in all three directions. The significant color difference between the two cocrystals dimorphs could be attributed to the different pi-stacking patterns and hydrogen bonding interactions between molecules of FS and 4BPY in their cocrystal structures. Investigation on the origin of the color difference using DFT calculations revealed the decrease in HOMO-LUMO gap for form 1II cocrystals (orange) compared to form 1I crystals (light yellow). The crystal-to-crystal thermal transformation of form 1I crystals to form 1II crystals of 1 suggests the role of pi-stacking assemblies in driving the self-assembly.

}, issn = {1528-7483}, doi = {10.1021/acs.cgd.5b01240}, author = {Sangtani, Ekta and Sahu, Sanjay Kumar and Thorat, Shridhar H. and Gawade, Rupesh L. and Jha, Kunal K. and Munshi, Parthapratim and Gonnade, Rajesh G.} } @article {43610, title = {F and CF3 substituted solution processable oligo para-phenylenevinylene for ambipolar and hole-transporting organic field effect transistors}, journal = {Chemical Physics Letters}, volume = {657}, year = {2016}, month = {JUL}, pages = {26-32}, abstract = {We have synthesized benzotrifluoromethyl group substituted para-phenylenevinylene oligomer (denoted as PI) and a cooligomer (denoted as PII) by Gilch polymerization route. The ambipolar field-effect transistor (FET) material PI shows hole and electron mobility 1 x 10 (4) cm(2) V (1) s (1) and 2 x 10 (5) cm(2) V (1) s (1) respectively. PII shows only hole mobility as high as 0.05 cm(2) V (1) s (1) as p-type material. This work highlights the progress of hole-transporting as well as ambipolar material for para-phenylenevinylene derivatives. The results are enlightened on the basis of presence of electronegative substituents and structural modification of the oligomer backbone. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.}, doi = {10.1016/j.cplett.2016.05.042}, author = {Chini, Mrinmoy Kumar and Das, Chayanika and Chatterjee, Shyambo} } @article { ISI:000378295200030, title = {Facile access to a Ge(II) dication stabilized by isocyanides}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {52}, number = {50}, year = {2016}, month = {MAY}, pages = {7890-7892}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Herein, we introduce isocyanide as a ligand in main group chemistry and describe the facile isolation of a Ge(II) dication. The reaction of 2,6-dimethylphenylisocyanide with GeCl2 leads to the formation of a Ge(II) dication with two [GeCl3](-) molecules as counter anions. The dicationic Ge(II) center is bound to four isocyanide ligands and also holds a lone pair of electrons. DFT calculations reveal that the dication is stabilized only by sigma-donation from the four isocyanide ligands. Natural population analysis gives a charge of +0.74 on the Ge(II) center, indicating that the positive charge is shared by the isocyanide substituents.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c6cc03789e}, author = {Swamy, V. S. V. S. N. and Yadav, Sandeep and Pal, Shiv and Das, Tamal and Vanka, Kumar and Sen, Sakya S.} } @article {43604, title = {Facile approach towards fabrication of GdB6-ZnO heteroarchitecture as high currentdensity cold cathode}, journal = {Chemistryselect}, volume = {1}, year = {2016}, month = {AUG}, pages = {3723-3729}, abstract = {Three dimensional (3D) GdB6-ZnO heteroarchitecture comprised of thin coating of GdB6 on self aligned ZnO urchins with pointed apex has been synthesized employing optimized Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) technique. The self aligned ZnO urchins on Zn substrate were obtained using hydrothermal route. The as-synthesized GdB6-ZnO heteroarchitecture was characterized using XRD, SEM, TEM XPS, and UPS in order to reveal its structural, morphological, chemical, and electronic properties. Interestingly, the GdB6-ZnO heteroarchitecture exhibits superior field emission (FE) behviour in contrast to the pristine ZnO urchins envisaged by extraction of very high emission current density of similar to 4.6 mA/cm(2) at an applied field of similar to 4.5 V/mm, against similar to 1.5 mA/cm(2) at an applied field of similar to 5.6 V/mm from the pristine ZnO urchins emitter. Furthermore, the GdB6-ZnOemitter exhibits good emission stability at pre-set value of similar to 5 mA over duration of more than 3 hours. The superior FE behaviour of the GdB6-ZnO is attributed to low work-function of GdB6 and presence of nanometric protrusions on the emitter surface, further enhancing the aspect ratio provided by the ZnO urchins. The present results demonstrate a facile approach towards fabrication of high current density cold cathodes due to rare earth hexaborides via designing hetero-architectures comprised of their well adherent ultrathin coating on high aspect ratio metal oxide nanostructures.}, doi = {10.1002/slct.201600956}, author = {Suryawanshi, Sachin R. and Mistari, Chetan D. and Singh, Anil K. and Phase, Deodatta M. and Late, Dattatray J. and Sinha, Sucharita and More, Mahendra A.} } @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 {45857, title = {Facile O-glycosylation of glycals using Glu-Fe3O4-SO3H, a magnetic solid acid catalyst}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {6}, year = {2016}, month = {AUG}, pages = {30846-30851}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A new glucose derived magnetic solid acid catalyst (Glu-Fe3O4-SO3H) was synthesized in a convenient and ecofriendly manner and well characterized using FTIR, PXRD, EDAX, SEM, and XPS which showed the presence of Fe3O4 embedded on the surface of the catalyst along with -SO3H, -OH and -COOH functional groups. This new heterogeneous catalyst was studied for synthesis of 2-deoxy galactosides/glucosides with good yields and selectivity. Moreover, the catalyst can be easily separated from the reaction with an external magnetic force and reused for a minimum of four times without any significant decrease in the yields of the products after every recycle}, doi = {10.1039/c6ra03305a}, author = {Thombal, R. S. and Jadhav, V. H.} } @article {42847, title = {Facile strategy for accessing 3-alkynylchromones through gold-catalyzed alkynylation/cyclization of o-hydroxyarylenaminones}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {52}, year = {2016}, month = {SEP}, pages = {12306-12309}, abstract = {

A strategy based on tandem alkynylation of o-hydroxyarylenaminones followed by intramolecular cyclization has been developed to generate a diverse array of 3-alkynyl chromones. The functionality embedded in these key intermediates enables their facile elaboration into more diverse structures by a variety of functionalizations and ring-forming processes.

}, doi = {10.1039/C6CC07119H}, author = {Akram, Manjur O. and Bera, Saibal and Patil, Nitin T.} } @article { ISI:000371344600012, title = {Facile synthesis of 1,3-thiazolidin-4-ones as antitubercular agents}, journal = {Bioorganic \& Medicinal Chemistry Letters}, volume = {26}, number = {7}, year = {2016}, month = {APR}, pages = {1704-1708}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We have developed, highly efficient, one-pot, solvent-free, [Et3NH][HSO4] catalyzed multicomponent reaction protocol for the synthesis of 1,3-thiazolidin-4-ones in excellent yields. For the first time, the 1,3-thiazolidin-4-ones were evaluated in vitro for their antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis dormant MTB H37Ra and Mycobacterium bovis BCG strains. Among the synthesized basic 1,3-thiazolidin-4-ones, particularly the compounds 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4h, 4i and 4j displays promising antitubercular activity along with no significant cytotoxicity against the cell lines MCF-7, A549 and HCT-116. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Antitubercular, Cytotoxicity, Green protocol, Multicomponent reaction}, issn = {0960-894X}, doi = {10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.02.056}, author = {Subhedar, Dnyaneshwar D. and Shaikh, Mubarak H. and Arkile, Manisha A. and Yeware, Amar and Sarkar, Dhiman and Shingate, Bapurao B.} } @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.} } @conference {45825, title = {Field emission investigation of composites of polypyrrole with graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide and graphene nanoribbons}, booktitle = {2016 29th International Vacuum Nanoelectronics Conference (IVNC)}, year = {2016}, month = {JUL}, publisher = {IEEE; IEEE Electron Devices Soc; ZEISS; Modern Electron; Amer Vacuum Soci; Paul Scherrer Inst; Elect \& Comp Engn; Univ British Columbia, Peter Wall Inst Adv Studies; Dept Elect \& Comp Engn}, organization = {IEEE; IEEE Electron Devices Soc; ZEISS; Modern Electron; Amer Vacuum Soci; Paul Scherrer Inst; Elect \& Comp Engn; Univ British Columbia, Peter Wall Inst Adv Studies; Dept Elect \& Comp Engn}, address = {345 E 47th St, New York,NY 10017 USA}, abstract = {

The monomer pyrrole has been polymerized by chemical route in the presence of graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and graphene nanoribbons (GNR) separately to prepare nanocomposites as Polypyrrole-GO (PGO), PPy-rGO (PRGO), PPy-GNR (PGNR), respectively. The morphological, chemical and structural characterization of the as-synthesized products was carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman and fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Field emission (FE) studies of PGO, PRGO, PGNR emitters were performed at the base pressure of 1x10(-8) mbar in planar {\textquoteleft}diode{\textquoteright} configuration. Onset and threshold field values corresponding to emission current densities of 1 and 100 mu A/cm(2) are observed to be 1.5 and 2.3V/mu m for PGO, 1.4 and 2.2 V/mu m for PRGO and lowest for PGNR as 0.9 and 1.2V/mu m, respectively. The maximum emission current density of 2.5 mA/cm(2) drawn for PGO at the applied electric field of 3.2V/mu m, 1.2 mA/cm(2) at 3.6V/mu m from the PRGO and 8 mA/cm(2) at the field of 2.2 V/mu m from the PGNR emitters. An emission current versus time (I-t) plot shows stable emission behavior for the preset current values.

}, keywords = {field emission, FTIR, polypyrrole, Raman}, isbn = {978-1-5090-2419-3}, author = {Harpale, Kashmira and Bansode, Sanjeewani and More, Mahendra and Late, D. J.} } @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 {42990, title = {Fine tuning the composition and nanostructure of Fe-based core-shell nanocatalyst for efficient CO2 hydrogenation}, journal = {Chemnanomat}, volume = {2}, year = {2016}, month = {OCT}, pages = {989-996}, abstract = {

Hydrogenation of CO2 to hydrocarbons is one of the crucial technologies to address the energy deficit and increasing environmental pollution. In this work, we have synthesized and systematically studied the influence of composition and nanostructure of a Fe-based, carbon-coated core shell nanocatalyst. The synthesis method offered good control over the thickness of the carbon coating in the core shell catalyst, which in turn controlled the chemical composition of the core. The results emphasized an optimal amount of Fe3O4, Fe5C2 in the core and partially graphitized carbon in the shell for a high catalytic activity in the conversion of CO2 at atmospheric pressure with higher selectivity to C-2-C-4 olefins.

}, doi = {10.1002/cnma.201600234}, author = {Gupta, Sharad and Jain, Vivek K. and Jagadeesan, Dinesh} } @article { ISI:000374595500025, title = {Fingering instability in the flow of a power-law fluid on a rotating disc}, journal = {Physics of Fluids}, volume = {28}, number = {1}, year = {2016}, month = {JAN}, pages = {Article Number: 013102}, publisher = {AMER INST PHYSICS}, address = {1305 WALT WHITMAN RD, STE 300, MELVILLE, NY 11747-4501 USA}, abstract = {

A computational study of the flow of a non-Newtonian power law fluid on a spinning disc is considered here. The main goal of this work is to examine the effect of non-Newtonian nature of the fluid on the flow development and associated contact line instability. The governing mass and momentum balance equations are simplified using the lubrication theory. The resulting model equation is a fourth order non-linear PDE which describes the spatial and temporal evolutions of film thickness. The movement of the contact line is modeled using a constant angle slip model. To solve this moving boundary problem, a numerical method is developed using a Galerkin/finite element method based approach. The numerical results show that the spreading rate of the fluid strongly depends on power law exponent n. It increases with the increase in the shear thinning character of the fluid (n \< 1) and decreases with the increase in shear thickening nature of the fluid (n \> 1). It is also observed that the capillary ridge becomes sharper with the value of n. In order to examine the stability of these ridges, a linear stability theory is also developed for these power law fluids. The dispersion relationship depicting the growth rate for a given wave number has been reported and compared for different power-law fluids. It is found that the growth rate of the instability decreases as the fluid becomes more shear thinning in nature, whereas it increases for more shear thickening fluids. (C) 2016 AIP Publishing LLC.

}, issn = {1070-6631}, doi = {10.1063/1.4939665}, author = {Arora, Akash and Doshi, Pankaj} } @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:000375245100060, title = {Fluorescent polystyrene microbeads as invisible security ink and optical vapor sensor for 4-nitrotoluene}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {8}, number = {16}, year = {2016}, month = {APR}, pages = {10590-10599}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Color-tunable solid-state emitting polystyrene (PS) microbeads were developed by dispersion polymerization, which showed excellent fluorescent security ink characteristics along with sensitive detection of vapors of nitro aromatics like 4 nitro toluene (4-NT). The fluorophores pyrene and perylenebisimide were incorporated into the PS backbone as acrylate monomer and acrylate cross-linker, respectively. Solid state quantum yields of 94 and 20\% were observed for the pyrene and perylenebisimide, respectively, in the PS/Py and PS/PBI polymers. The morphology and solid state fluorescence was measured by SEM, fluorescence microscopy, and absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopy techniques. The ethanol dispersion of the polymer could be used directly as a fluorescent security {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}invisible{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} ink, which became visible only under ultraviolet light. The color of the ink could be tuned depending on the amounts of the pyrene and perylenebisimide incorporated with blue and orange-green for pyrene alone or perylenebisimide alone beads respectively and various shades in between including pure white for beads incorporating both the fluorophores. More than 80\% quenching of pyrene emission was observed upon exposure of the polymer in the form of powder or as spin-coated films to the vapors of 4-NT while the emission of perylenebisimide was unaffected. The limit of detection was estimated at 10(-5) moles (2.7 ppm) of 4-NT vapors. The ease of synthesis of the material along with its invisible ink characteristics and nitro aromatic vapor detection opens up new opportunities for exploring the application of these PS-based materials as optical sensors and fluorescent ink for security purposes.

}, keywords = {dispersion polymerization, invisible security ink, Perylenebisimide, pyrene, solid state detection}, issn = {1944-8244}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.5b12325}, author = {Sonawane, Swapnil L. and Asha, S. K.} } @article {43402, title = {Fluorescent probe for bisulfite ions: its application to two-photon tissue imaging}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry B}, volume = {4}, year = {2016}, month = {DEC}, pages = {7888-7894}, abstract = {A benzoxazinone based fluorescent probe for the specific and efficient detection of bisulfite ions in aqueous medium is described. The probe formed a bisulfite/sulphite adduct with an associated turn-on fluorescence response in the red wavelength region. No interference was observed in the detection process from all possible competing anions and molecules, including cyanide ion, cysteine, homocysteine and glutathione. In addition, the probe showed a fast response time, low detection limit, and cell membrane permeability. Furthermore, the probe was two-photon excitable, enabling imaging of endogenous bisulfite ions in HeLa cells as well as in deep tissues from different organs of mouse.}, doi = {10.1039/c6tb02637k}, author = {Agarwalla, Hridesh and Pal, Suman and Paul, Anirban and Jun, Yong Woong and Bae, Juryang and Ahn, Kyo Han and Srivastava, Divesh N. and Das, Amitava} } @article { ISI:000381847500009, title = {Fluoride-assisted synthesis of 1,4,5,6-tetrahydropyridazines via [4+2] cyclodimerization of in situ-generated azoalkenes followed by a C-N bond cleavage}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {18}, number = {16}, year = {2016}, month = {AUG}, pages = {3968-3971}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

An unexpected CsF-assisted C-N bond cleavage was exploited to synthesize highly functionalized and biologically important 1,4,5,6-tetralrydropyridazine derivatives from alpha-halo N-acylhydrazohes in excellent yields. The extrusion of nitrogen and the [4 + 2] cycloaddition between in situ-generated azoalkenes is a key reaction in the process. The identified methodology is suitable for synthesizing a wide variety of analogues of tetrahydropyridazines, which are prevalent in many medicinally important small molecules. The reaction conditions are mild, high-yielding, and amenable for the gram scale.

}, issn = {1523-7060}, doi = {10.1021/acs.orglett.6b01551}, author = {Shelke, Anil M. and Suryavanshi, Gurunath} } @article {43166, title = {Fluoride-mediated dephosphonylation of α-diazo-β-carbonyl phosphonates}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {19}, year = {2016}, month = {DEC}, pages = {372 - 375}, abstract = {The possibility of fluoride-mediated selective dephosphonylation of α-diazo-β-carbonyl phosphonates such as the Ohira-Bestmann reagent has been proposed and executed. The resulting α-diazocarbonyl intermediates undergo a (3 + 2)-cycloaddition at room temperature with conjugated olefins and benzynes. Interestingly, under the current conditions, the resulting cycloaddition products underwent either N-acylation (with excess α-diazo-β-carbonyl phosphonates) or Michael addition (with conjugated olefins).}, author = {Phatake, Ravindra S. and Mullapudi, Venkanna Babu and Wakchaure, Vivek Chandrakant and Ramana, Chepuri V.} } @article { ISI:000379437100016, title = {Formal enantioselective synthesis of (-)-epiquinamide by proline-catalyzed one-pot sequential -amination/propargylation of aldehyde and asymmetric dihydroxylation of olefin}, journal = {Synlett}, volume = {27}, number = {11}, year = {2016}, month = {JUL}, pages = {1699-1702}, publisher = {GEORG THIEME VERLAG KG}, address = {RUDIGERSTR 14, D-70469 STUTTGART, GERMANY}, abstract = {

Two independent routes to the formal synthesis of (-)-epiquinamide, have been described: the first route utilizes an l-proline-catalyzed one-pot sequential -amination/propargylation of aldehyde, while the second one employs asymmetric dihydroxylation as the key reaction to install the stereochemistry. While the first synthesis was accomplished in nine steps with 24.4\% overall yield and dr 9:1, the second strategy resulted in the synthesis in eight steps with 36.4\% overall yield and with perfect enantiocontrol.

}, keywords = {Amination, diastereoselective, Dihydroxylation, Proline, quinolizidine}, issn = {0936-5214}, doi = {10.1055/s-0035-1561956}, author = {Ahuja, Brij Bhushan and Emmanuvel, Lourdusamy and Sudalai, Arumugam} } @article { ISI:000370108700010, title = {Formal synthesis of pinolide via L-proline-catalyzed sequential alpha-aminooxylation, horner-wadsworth-emmons olefination and sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation}, journal = {Tetrahedron-Asymmetry }, volume = {27}, number = {2-3}, year = {2016}, month = {FEB}, pages = {142-147}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A convergent, formal enantioselective synthesis of pinolide, a new nonenolide, has been achieved with high enantiomeric purity (99\% ee) starting from readily available raw materials. The main highlight of the synthetic strategy is the application of L-proline catalyzed sequential alpha-aminooxylation and Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons olefination of an aldehyde, Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation and Steglich esterification as the key steps for the construction of a key chiral intermediate of the target molecule. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {0957-4166}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetasy.2016.01.005}, author = {Shelke, Anil M. and Suryavanshi, Gurunath} } @article { ISI:000368207600006, title = {Formal total synthesis of anti-helicobacter pylori agent (+)-spirolaxine methyl ether}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {57}, number = {1}, year = {2016}, month = {JAN}, pages = {25-28}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A convergent, formal enantioselective synthesis of anti-Helicobacter pylori agent, (+)-spirolaxine methyl ether 2 has been achieved in high enantiomeric purity starting from commercially available 1,5-pentanediol. The strategy mainly comprises of the Noyori{\textquoteright}s asymmetric reduction and Brown allylation/Cu-catalyzed lactonization as the key step for the construction of key chiral intermediates, spiroketal 3 and phthalide fragment 4. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Brown allylation, Cu-catalyzed lactonization, Noyori{\textquoteright}s asymmetric reduction, Phthalide, Spiroketal}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2015.11.047}, author = {Gadakh, Sunita K. and Sudalai, Arumugam} } @article {43438, title = {Free energy of bare and capped gold nanoparticles permeating through a lipid bilayer}, journal = {Chemphyschem}, volume = {17}, year = {2016}, month = {NOV}, pages = {3504-3514}, abstract = {Herein, we study the permeation free energy of bare and octane-thiol-capped gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) translocating through a lipid membrane. To investigate this, we have pulled the bare and capped AuNPs from bulk water to the membrane interior and estimated the free energy cost. The adsorption of the bare AuNP on the bilayer surface is energetically favorable but further loading inside it requires energy. However, the estimated free-energy barrier for loading the capped AuNP into the lipid membrane is much higher compared to bare AuNP. We also demonstrate the details of the permeation process of bare and capped AuNPs. Bare AuNP induces the curvature in the lipid membrane whereas capped AuNP creates an opening in the interacting monolayer and get inserted into the membrane. The insertion of capped AuNP induces a partial unzipping of the lipid bilayer, which results in the ordering of the local lipids interacting with the nanoparticle. However, bare AuNP disrupts the lipid membrane by pushing the lipid molecules inside the membrane. We also analyze pore formation due to the insertion of capped AuNP into the membrane, which results in water molecules penetrating the hydrophobic region.}, doi = {10.1002/cphc.201600690}, author = {Mhashal, Anil R. and Roy, Sudip} } @article { ISI:000369572000029, title = {From insertion to multicomponent coupling: temperature dependent reactions of arynes with aliphatic alcohols}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {52}, number = {8}, year = {2016}, month = {NOV}, pages = {1665-1668}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The temperature dependent selectivity switch in the reaction of arynes with aliphatic alcohols in THF has been reported. At -20 degrees C, arynes smoothly insert into the O-H bond of alcohols to form alkyl aryl ethers. Interestingly, at 60 degrees C, a highly selective multicomponent coupling occurs with the solvent THF acting as the nucleophilic trigger affording (4-(alkoxy)butoxy)arenes.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c5cc08307a}, author = {Thangaraj, Manikandan and Bhojgude, Sachin Suresh and Mane, Manoj V. and Biju, Akkattu T.} } @article {45655, title = {Functional additives derived from structurally well-defined poly(olefin)s: Structure - function relationships}, journal = {Abstracts of Papers of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {252}, year = {2016}, month = {AUG }, type = {Meeting Abstract}, issn = {0065-7727}, author = {Sivaram, Swaminathan} } @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:000380864900003, title = {Functionalization and isoreticulation in a series of metal-organic frameworks derived from pyridinecarboxylates}, journal = {Inorganic Chemistry}, volume = {55}, number = {15}, year = {2016}, month = {AUG}, pages = {7200-7205}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

The partially fluorinated metal-organic frameworks (F-MOFs) have been constructed from 3-fltoro-4-pyridinecarboxylic acid and trans-3-fluoro-4-pyridineacrylic acid linkers using Mn2+, Co2+, and, Cd2+ metals via the solvothetrnal method, which show isostructural isomerism with their nonfluorinated counterparts synthesized using 4-pyridinecarboxylic acid and trans-4-pyridineacrylic acid, respectively. The simultaneous effect of partial fluorination and isoreticulation on structure and H-2 adsorption has been studied systematically in isostructural nonfluorinated and partially fluorinated MOFs, which shows that the increment in the hydrogen uptake properties in F-MOFs is not a universal phenomenon but is rather system-specific and changes from one system to another.

}, issn = {0020-1669}, doi = {10.1021/acs.inorgchem.6b00758}, author = {Pachfule, Pradip and Garai, Bikash and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article {43409, title = {Fungal cell membrane-promising drug target for antifungal therapy}, journal = {Journal of Applied Microbiology}, volume = {121}, year = {2016}, month = {DEC}, pages = {1498-1510}, abstract = {Increase in invasive fungal infections over the past few years especially in immunocompromised patients prompted the search for new antifungal agents with improved efficacy. Current antifungal armoury includes very few effective drugs like Amphotericin B; new generation azoles, including voriconazole and posaconazole; echinocandins like caspofungin and micafungin to name a few. Azole class of antifungals which target the fungal cell membrane are the first choice of treatment for many years because of their effectiveness. As the fungal cell membrane is predominantly made up of sterols, glycerophospholipids and sphingolipids, the role of lipids in pathogenesis and target identification for improved therapeutics were largely pursued by researchers during the last few years. Present review focuses on cell membrane as an antifungal target with emphasis on membrane biogenesis, structure and function of cell membrane, cell membrane inhibitors, screening assays, recent advances and future prospects.}, doi = {10.1111/jam.13301}, author = {Sant, D. G. and Tupe, Santosh Genba and Ramana, Chepuri V. and Deshpande, Mukund V.} } @article {42998, title = {Fungal mediated kinetic resolution of racemic acetates to (R)-alcohols using fusarium proliferatum}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {57}, year = {2016}, month = {OCT}, pages = {4563-4567}, abstract = {

Fungal mediated kinetic resolution of seven acyclic/aromatic acetates was achieved using Fusarium proliferatum to furnish (R)-alcohols in high enantiomeric excess (\>95\%). The kinetic resolution was established as one-pot two-step de-esterification/oxidation biocatalytic process. Further, the preparative scale synthesis of (R)-(+)-1-phenylethanol was accomplished through de-esterification/oxidation of (+/-)-1-phenylethyl acetate using the whole cell of F. proliferatum NCIM 1105. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2016.08.084}, author = {Jadhav, Dipesh D. and Patil, Harshal S. and Chaya, Patil S. and Thulasiram, Hirekodathakallu V.} } @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 {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 {44177, title = {Facile one-pot multi-component synthesis of spirooxindoles and 3, 3 {\textquoteleft}-disubstituted oxindoles via sp(3) C-H activation/functionalization of azaarenes}, journal = {Chemistryselect}, volume = {2}, year = {2017}, month = {SEP}, pages = {9147-9152}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A novel one-pot multicomponent reaction (MCR) protocol has been demonstrated for the first time for sustainable and facile synthesis of spirooxindoles and 3, 3 {\textquoteleft}-disubstituted oxindoles in an excellent yield via sp(3) C-H activation/functionalization of 2-methyl azaarenes and (2-azaaryl)methanes with isatin, active methylene compounds using eco-friendly heterogeneous, reusable silica-supported dodecatungstophosphoric acid (DTP/SiO2) catalyst.

}, keywords = {3, 3{\textquoteright}-disubstituted oxindoles, azaarenes, silica-supported dodecatungstophosphoric acid (DTP/SiO2) catalyst, sp(3) C-H activation/functionalization, spirooxindoles}, issn = {2365-6549}, doi = {10.1002/slct.201701507}, author = {Pathan, Mohsinkhan Y. and Chavan, Santosh S. and Shaikh, Taufeekaslam M. Y. and Thorat, Shridhar H. and Gonnade, Rajesh G. and Mulla, Shafeek A. R.} } @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 {44138, title = {Facile synthesis of Al2O3-Pt nanocomposite and its catalytic activity}, journal = {Materials Research Express}, volume = {4}, year = {2017}, month = {NOV}, pages = {Article Number: 115002}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Pt nanoparticles were synthesized on gamma-alumina support in presence of oleic acid which was found to prevent clustering of Pt nanoparticles on the support. Various percentage of Pt loading on the alumina changed the catalytic activity for preferential oxidation of CO at relatively low temperature in H-2 rich stream. Pt nanoparticles when synthesized in absence of oleic acid, were all clustered and did not have any catalytic activity. The presence of oleic acid promoted stability preventing agglomeration of Pt nanoparticles. The catalyst thus prepared was characterized thoroughly and their catalytic activity was studied in details.}, doi = {10.1088/2053-1591/aa9441}, author = {Das, Subhasis and Bordoloi, Ankur and Ghosalya, Manoj Kumar and Gopinath, Chinnakonda S. and Bala, Tanushree} } @article {43353, title = {Facile synthesis of N-acyl 2-aminobenzothiazoles by NHC-catalyzed direct oxidative amidation of aldehydes}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {53}, year = {2017}, month = {JAN}, pages = {1478 - 1481}, abstract = {A mild, general, and high yielding synthesis of N-acyl 2-aminobenzothiazoles has been demonstrated by N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-organocatalyzed direct amidation of aldehydes with 2-aminobenzothiazoles proceeding via acyl azolium intermediates. The carbene generated from the triazolium salt under oxidative conditions was the key for the success of this reaction. The method was subsequently applied to the synthesis of various biologically important N-acyl 2-aminobenzothiazoles.}, doi = {10.1039/C6CC08640C}, author = {Premaletha, Sethulekshmi and Ghosh, Arghya and Joseph, Sumi and Reddy, Santhi Vardhan and Biju, Akkattu T.} } @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 {43705, title = {Facile synthesis of ZnO-Ag nanocomposite and its photocatalytic activity}, journal = {Materials Research Express}, volume = {4}, year = {2017}, month = {MAY}, pages = {Article Number: 055011}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The evolution of photoactive hybrid materials (e.g. noble metal-semiconductor) has resulted in heterogeneous photocatalysis. We report a facile route for the synthesis of ZnO-Ag nanocomposites with varying percentage of loading of the noble metal, expecting a great boost in the photocatalytic behavior of ZnO. The as prepared material was thoroughly characterized by UV-Vis, FTIR, TEM, FESEM, XRD, XPS analyses. The photocatalytic activities of the nanocomposites have been assessed from the ability to degrade methylene blue dye in aqueous solution. The results suggest that incorporation of Ag nanoparticles on the surface of ZnO particles can enhance catalytic activity in comparison to pure ZnO particles under visible light by minimizing the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs.

}, doi = {10.1088/2053-1591/aa6df1}, author = {Sardar, Debasmita and Maity, Jayeta and Ghosalya, Manoj Kumar and Gopinath, Chinnakonda S. and Bala, Tanushree} } @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 {43521, title = {Factors affecting the efficiency of a water splitting photocatalyst: a perspective}, journal = {Renewable \& Sustainable Energy Reviews}, volume = {71}, year = {2017}, month = {MAY}, pages = {585-601}, abstract = {To design an efficient photocatalyst (PC) for semiconductor (SC)-mediated, solar-driven water dissociation to generate hydrogen, a host of strategies has been adopted, including the fabrication of semiconductor composites, substitution of impurities for achieving extended absorbance, and coating with a metal to promote charge transfer. Despite these efforts, a photocatalyst exhibiting requisite efficiency has not been developed. This article reviews the factors governing the water splitting photoactivity of an SC material, and provides an account of our recent research on this subject. As per our investigations, the mode of adsorption of the water molecules on the semiconductor surface and their subsequent interaction with the charge carriers play a crucial role in the overall performance of a water splitting photocatalyst, rather than the much-discussed SC SC or SC -> metal charge transfer effects alone. The water to-SC binding is controlled by a combination of several physicochemical properties of a composite PC, such as the preparation-dependent grain morphology, doping affected grain nucleation, pore structure-dependent water adsorption/desorption kinetics, exposure of specific facets, and SC/SC or SC/metal interfacial characteristics. Our studies revealed strong particle size dependence and the facet-based sensitivity of modified metal sulfide and metal oxide photocatalysts. Additionally, the effect of lattice impurity on quantum efficiency of wide gap metal oxides, such as TiO2, In2TiO5, InVO4, FeNbO4, GaNbO4, GaFeO3, and LaInO3, is related to the lattice-defect-induced intra-bandgap energy levels rather than the doping-induced extension of visible region absorbance. Furthermore, the dispersed gold natoparticles served as distinct reaction sites over the surface of a TiO2 photocatalyst besides their contribution to the plasmonic effect. Our study revealed that under certain spectral overlap conditions, the inter-semiconductor charge transfer might cause quenching of the water splitting photoactivity Of a composite photocatalyst. We surmise that considering the aforementioned factors should assist in designing an efficient water splitting PC, eventually triggering technological advancements in this field.}, doi = {10.1016/j.rser.2016.12.086}, author = {Gupta, Narendra M.} } @conference {44037, title = {Fault detection and analysis of Kapton film in fuel cells using image processing}, booktitle = {International Conference on Computing, Analytics and Security Trends, CAST 2016}, year = {2017}, month = {28 April 2017}, abstract = {

Fuel cell is one of the best alternatives of fossil energy in the modern scenario. But still there are some shortcomings such as durability and reliability, which block the wide application of fuel cells. To overcome these barriers, fault diagnosis is an efficient solution. This paper proposes a method for finding dimensional accuracies in Kapton films in membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) of fuel cells using image processing tools for offline fault analysis. {\textcopyright} 2016 IEEE.

}, keywords = {Dimensional accuracy, Fault analysis, fault detection, Fossil energy, fuel cell, Gas fuel purification, image analysis, Image processing, Image processing tools, Kapton films, Membrane electrode assemblies, Offline, polyimides}, isbn = {978-150901338-8}, doi = {10.1109/CAST.2016.7915032}, author = {Firdous, R. and Aherrao, S. and Narute, B. and Borkar, V.} } @article {43835, title = {ffects of cations, anions and H+ concentration of acidic ionic liquids on the valorization of polysaccharides into furfural}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {41}, year = {2017}, month = {JUL}, pages = {6137-6144}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The valorization of hemicellulose into valuable chemicals, such as C5 sugars and furfural, in a one-pot fashion is crucial. In this work, acidic ionic liquids in the presence of water showed high yields of C5 sugars (>80\%) with >99\% conversion of hemicelluloses at 160 degrees C. With a water + toluene biphasic solvent system, within 4 h, an 85\% furfural yield was obtained directly from hemicellulose in a one-pot fashion using a catalytic amount of 1-methyl-3-(3-sulfopropyl)-imidazolium hydrogen sulfate. It was seen that Bronsted acidic ionic liquids (BAILs) perform better than solid acid [Faujasite and Mordenite zeolites; ion exchange resin, Amberlyst-15] and mineral catalysts [HCl and H2SO4]. The higher activity of BAILs compared to solid acids and mineral acids was correlated to the Hammett acidity function (Ho) and ion-dipole type of interactions. The catalysts were characterized using NMR (H-1 and C-13), elemental analysis and TGA to confirm that they were stable under reaction conditions and were thus recyclable.}, doi = {10.1039/c7nj00342k}, author = {Matsagar, Babasaheb M. and Dhepe, Paresh L.} } @article {45717, title = {Fickian yet non-Gaussian behaviour: A dominant role of the intermittent dynamics}, journal = {Journal Of Chemical Physics}, volume = {146}, year = {2017}, month = {APR }, pages = {134504}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We present a study of the dynamics of small solute particles in a solvent medium where the solute is much smaller in size, mimicking the diffusion of small particles in crowded environment. The solute exhibits Fickian diffusion arising from non-Gaussian Van Hove correlation function. Our study shows that there are at least two possible origins of this non-Gaussian behaviour: the decoupling of the solute-solvent dynamics and the intermittency in the solute motion, the latter playing a dominant role. In the former scenario when averaged over time long enough to explore different solvent environments, the dynamics recovers the Gaussian nature. In the case of intermittent dynamics the non-Gaussianity remains even after long averaging and the Gaussian behaviour is obtained at a much longer time. Our study further shows that only for an intermediate attractive solute-solvent interaction the dynamics of the solute is intermittent. The intermittency disappears for weaker or stronger attractions. Published by AIP Publishing.

}, issn = {0021-9606}, doi = {10.1063/1.4979338}, author = {Acharya, Sayantan and Nandi, Ujjwal Kumar and Bhattacharyya, Sarika Maitra} } @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 {43341, title = {Flexible epoxy novolac coatings: use of cardanol-based flexibilizers}, journal = {Journal of Applied Polymer Science}, year = {2017}, month = {FEB}, abstract = {Flexible epoxy novolac coatings were developed by reacting an epoxy novolac resin, Poly[(phenylglycidyl ether)-co-formaldehyde] (PPGEF) with an amine curing agent, 4,4'-diamino-3,3'-dimethyldicyclohexyl methane (BMCHA), cardanol based reactive diluent (Cardolite NC-513) and two different cardanol-based flexibilizers (Cardolite NC-514 and Cardolite NC-547). The flexibilizer content was varied from 5 to 10\% by weight of the resin. These resins were coated onto the stainless steel panels and tested for their gloss, cross-hatch adhesion, falling weight impact resistance, flexibility, abrasion, scratch hardness, solvent scrub resistance, and chemical resistance. The thermo-mechanical properties of these coatings were determined by TGA, DSC, DMTA, and tensile strength measurements. The cryofractured specimens were subjected to SEM analysis. The influence of structural differences of two flexibilizers on the coating properties was investigated. These coatings exhibited excellent properties and have great potential in industrial applications. {\textcopyright} 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44920.}, doi = {10.1002/app.44920}, author = {Gour, Rajeshwari S. and Raut, Kundalik G. and Badiger, Manohar V.} } @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 {43481, title = {Fluoride-mediated dephosphonylation of alpha-diazo-beta-carbonyl phosphonates}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {19}, year = {2017}, month = {JAN}, pages = {372-375}, abstract = {The possibility of fluoride-mediated selective dephosphonylation of alpha-diazo-beta-carbonyl phosphonates such as the Ohira-Bestmann reagent has been proposed and executed. The resulting alpha-diazocarbonyl intermediates undergo a (3 + 2)pcycloaddition at room temperature with conjugated olefins and benzynes. Interestingly, under the current conditions, the resulting cycloaddition products underwent either N-acylation (with excess alpha-diazo-beta-carbonyl phosphonates) or Michael addition (with conjugated olefins).}, doi = {10.1021/acs.orglett.6b03573}, author = {Phatake, Ravindra S. and Mullapudi, Venkannababu and Wakchaure, Vivek C. and Ramana, Chepuri V.} } @article {43834, title = {Formal [2+1] annulation (Spiro-Cyclopropanation) reaction between sulfur ylides derived from baylis-hillman bromides and arylidene indane-1,3-dione}, journal = {Chemistryselect}, volume = {2}, year = {2017}, month = {JUL}, pages = {6159-6162}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The sulfonium salts derived from the Baylis-Hillman bromides have been successfully employed for the selective cycloproporanation of arylidene indane-1,3-diones to synthesize densely substituted spiro-cyclopropanes in good to excellent yields (upto 94\%). Products were obtained mostly in 1:1 diastereomeric ratio and were isolated in pure form. Diastereoselectivity has been improved by using suitably substituted starting materials. In this case a formal [2+1] annulation reaction competes over a probable [3+2] cycloaddition reaction. The reaction proceeds through a Michael initiated ring closure process of S-ylides to the activated olefins for the formation of structurally strained spiro-cyclopropanes.

}, doi = {10.1002/slct.201701221}, author = {Roy, Suparna and Piradhi, Venkatesh} } @article {45732, title = {Formal synthesis of bioactive indole alkaloids eburnamonine, eburnaminol, and vindeburnol}, journal = {Synthesis-Stuttgart}, volume = {49}, year = {2017}, month = {APR}, pages = {1849-1856}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Starting from (+/-)-3-acetoxyglutarimide, diastereoselective formal synthesis of indole alkaloids (+/-)-eburnamonine, (+/-)-eburnaminol, and (+/-)-vindeburnol have been demonstrated via a common intermediate (+/-)-1-hydroxy-12-tosyl-2,3,6,7,12,12b-hexahydroindolo[2,3a] quinolizin-4(1H)-one in very good overall yields. The acetoxy group from (+/-)-3-acetoxyglutarimide was first used to induce the diastereoselectivity and also as a latent source of ketone carbonyl group. The stereoselective eliminations, reductions, and intramolecular cyclizations were the involved key steps.

}, keywords = {cyclizations, eburnaminol, eburnamonine, elimination, hexahydroindoloquinolizinone, reduction, vindeburnol}, issn = {0039-7881}, doi = {10.1055/s-0036-1588386}, author = {Mondal, Pravat and Argade, Narshinha P.} } @article {42948, title = {From lignocellulosic biomass to furfural: insight into the active species of a silica-supported tungsten oxide catalyst}, journal = {ChemCatChem}, volume = {9}, year = {2017}, month = {JUL}, pages = {2709-2716}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A sol{\textendash}gel-synthesized silica-supported tungsten oxide catalyst that has Lewis acidity was characterized and employed as a solid acid catalyst in the synthesis of furfural directly from lignocellulosic biomass (isolated xylans and crop wastes). In a one-pot method, 71 \% furfural formation from isolated xylan was possible using a water/toluene (1:2 v/v) biphasic solvent system at 170 {\textdegree}C after 10 h over 10 wt \% WO3/SiO2. The WO3/SiO2 catalyst in the selective conversion of pentosan from crop wastes (bagasse, wheat straw, and rice husk) yielded 72{\textendash}87 \% furfural under the optimum reaction conditions. Additionally, the catalyst presented excellent recyclability in at least eight runs after simple water washing. From the catalyst characterization studies, it was suggested that silicotungstic-type acid species are anchored on the WO3/SiO2 catalyst that help to achieve a good catalytic activity.

}, doi = {10.1002/cctc.201600784}, author = {Bhaumik, Prasenjit and Dhepe, Paresh Laxmikant} } @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.} } @inbook {45817, title = {Fungal differentiation: a model phenomenon to screen antifungal drugs}, booktitle = {Developments in Fungal Biology and Applied Mycology}, year = {2017}, pages = { 227-246}, publisher = {Springer}, organization = {Springer}, chapter = {Fungal differentiation: A model phenomenon to screen antifungal drugs}, address = {Singapore}, abstract = {Pathogenic fungi change the morphology to a suitable vegetative form such as unicellular yeast or filamentous mycelium for the survival and proliferation in the host as well as to defeat cellular and physiological defences of the host. The microenvironment of the pathogen triggers different biochemical processes finally leading to differentiation. These biochemical processes, which correlate with morphological change from saprophytic/less virulent to pathogenic form, can be targeted for the development of novel antifungal agents. The present chapter deals with the role of differentiation in fungal pathogenesis and discusses different biochemical events as target for the antifungal strategies.}, isbn = {978-981-10-4767-1}, doi = {10.1007/978-981-10-4768-8_12}, author = {Pathan, E.K. and Tupe, S.G. and Deshpande, M.V.} } @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} } @proceedings {44477, title = {Facile one-pot hydrothermal approach for the preparation of CuO/rGO nanocomposites with different morphologies}, volume = {1953}, year = {2018}, month = {MAY}, publisher = {2nd International Conference on Condensed Matter and Applied Physics (ICC 2017)}, address = {Bikaner; India.}, abstract = {

Graphene-based metal oxides such as Cu2O, SnO2, CuO, Fe3O4, MnO2 are promising candidates for many applications because of their advantageous properties. Amongst all, CuO has been widely studied because of its excellent electrocatalytic activity. Although many methodologies have been developed for the synthesis of CuO/graphene nanostructures with different morphologies including nanorods, nanoparticles, nanosheets, flower, urchin; not many investigations have been done on one pot synthesis method for CuO/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposites to achieve different morphologies. Therefore in the present work effort has been made to synthesize various CuO-rGO nanocomposites via surfactant (CTAB) assisted hydrothermal method. Detailed study was performed to monitor the effect of various reaction parameters like temperature, reaction time, reactant concentration on the synthesized nanocomposites. Several analytical tools, including XRD, SEM, FTIR and UV-Vis spectroscopy have been utilized to characterize the samples. XRD results showed formation of monoclinic structure of CuO along with presence of rGO. Calculated optical bandgap studies indicate decrease in the bandgap of synthesized CuO (Eg=4.5eV-4.34eV) with increase in temperature from 120{\textdegree}C to 180{\textdegree}C. Our results clearly demonstrate that reaction parameters play a key role to bring out the optical and morphological changes in the CuO-rGO nanocomposites.

}, doi = {10.1063/1.5032517}, author = {Ajit, Akshata V. and Gawli, Yogesh P. and Ethiraj, Anita Sagadevan} } @article {44359, title = {Facile one-pot multicomponent synthesis and molecular docking studies of steroidal oxazole/thiazole derivatives with effective antimicrobial, antibiofilm and hemolytic properties}, journal = {Steroids}, volume = {134}, year = {2018}, month = {JUN}, pages = {22-36}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A series of steroidal oxazole and thiazole derivatives have been synthesized employing thiosemicarbazide/semicarbazide hydrochloride and ethyl 2-chloroacetoacetate with a simple and facile one-pot multicomponent reaction pathway. The antimicrobial activity of newly synthesized compounds were evaluated against four bacterial strains namely Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes) in addition to pathogenic fungi (Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neofonnans). Bioactivity assay manifested that most of the compounds exhibited good antimicrobial activity. To provide additional insight into antimicrobial activity, the compounds were also tested for their antibiofilm activity against S. aureus biofilm. Moreover, molecular docking study shows binding of compounds with amino acid residues of DNA gyrase and glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase (promising antimicrobial target) through hydrogen bonding interactions. Hemolytic activity have been also investigated to ascertain the effect of compounds over RBC lysis and results indicate good prospects for biocompatibility. The expedient synthesis of steroidal heterocycles, effective antibacterial and antifungal behavior against various clinically relevant human pathogens, promising biocompatibility offer opportunities for further modification and potential applications as therapeutic agents.}, doi = {10.1016/j.steroids.2018.04.003}, author = {Ansari, Anam and Ali, Abad and Asif, Mohd and Rauf, Mohd Ahmar and Owais, Mohammad and Shamsuzzaman} } @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 {45393, title = { Fast dissolving moxifloxacin hydrochloride antibiotic drug from electrospun Eudragit L-100 nonwoven nanofibrous mats}, journal = {Materials Science \& Engineering C-Materials For Biological Applications }, volume = {92}, year = {2018}, month = {NOV}, pages = { 526-539}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Antimicrobial electrospun nonwoven Eudragit L-100 nanofibrous mats containing Moxifloxacin hydrochloride (MOX-HCL) were fabricated for fast dissolving drug delivery systems (DDSs) associated with wound infection. The morphological characterization of nanofibers using ESEM revealed that the average diameter of non-woven nanofibrous mats ranges 200-600 nm. The nanofiber showed cylindrical shape with crack on the surface. Differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) and Wide Angle X-ray diffraction (WAXRD) demonstrate that the drug exists in an amorphous state in the nanofibers. Nanofibrous mats were also tested for mechanical strength, contact angle, swelling assay, haemolysis and disintegration test. In vitro disintegration tests demonstrated that the dissolution of Eudragit L-100 fiber mats was within 25 s which was higher compared to the pure drug. The Eudragit nanofibers showed pH-dependent drug release profiles, with slow release at pH 1.2 and burst release (around 30 s) at pH 6.8. The in-vitro quantitative and qualitative antimicrobial assay showed that the developed Eudragit L-100 nanofibrous mats with MOX-HCL concentration of 1\%, 5\% and 15 wt\% exhibited antibacterial activities against both gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. The invitro cytotoxicity assay using mouse fibroblast NIH/3T3 cells demonstrated significant biocompatibility of nanofiber mats. As per the results of biological evaluation, Eudragit L-100 nanofibrous mats with 1wt\% MOX-HCL could be a suitable substrate for biomedical applications. Eudragit L-100 nanofibrous mats containing Moxifloxacin hydrochloride (MOX-HCL) showed immediate DDSs for localized drug release in the wound infection at slightly acidic or alkaline conditions where faster drug release rate is required for wound healing.}, issn = {0928-4931}, doi = {10.1016/j.msec.2018.06.031}, author = {Giram, Prabhanjan S. and Shitole, Ajinkya and Nande, Smita S. and Sharma, Neeti and Garnaik, Baijayantimala} } @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 {44199, title = {First total synthesis of (+/-)-rhodoconferimide}, journal = {Synthesis-Stuttgart}, volume = {50}, year = {2018}, month = {FEB}, pages = {658-662}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Starting from vanillin and dimethyl maleate, a concise and efficient racemic total synthesis of the potent antioxidant marine natural product (+/-)-rhodoconferimide has been carried out via the Wittig reaction, catalytic hydrogenation, selective brominations, and imide formation. An appropriate regioselective double bromination of the aromatic ring was a key step in the synthesis.

}, keywords = {(+/-)-rhodoconferimide, Antioxidants, Bromination, Natural products, Total synthesis, Vanillin}, issn = {0039-7881}, doi = {10.1055/s-0036-1590944}, author = {Pandhade, Kailas R. and N. P. Argade} } @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 {45497, title = {Flexible and free-standing reduced graphene oxide thick films with PMMA stabilized silver nanoparticles, as a potential probe for cancer thermal therapy}, journal = {Biomedical physics and engineering express}, volume = {4}, year = {2018}, month = {OCT }, pages = {65032}, type = {Article }, abstract = {hermal therapy is an efficient, cost-effective method for treating different types of cancers and hence flexible, light weight, biocompatible heating materials with low power consumption are of utmost importance. Partially reduced flexible, robust and bio-compatible thick graphene oxide films with, mostly edge functionalized Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and in situ grown silver nanoparticles were prepared using simple soak and dry strategy. Larger distribution of silver nanoparticles with a mean diameter of 2.5 nm were anchored towards the edges of these thick films. The electrothermal (Joule heating) performance were found to increase in the presence of silver nanoparticles due to decrease in sheet resistance (0.33 {\texttimes} 104 Ωm) and increase in electron-phonon interaction. These free-standing, flexible films exhibited stable Joule heating behavior under repeated voltage on/off cycles. In-vitro studies performed on breast cancer cells in the presence of the prepared films, with an external applied voltage of 10 VDC, shows 67\% cell death. This work proves the potentiality of thick heterogeneous (partially) reduced graphene oxide films towards site specific destruction of solid tumors by utilizing its Joule heating properties.}, doi = {10.1088/2057-1976/aae90c}, author = {Asha, S. and Nimrodh Ananth, A. and Jose, S. P. and Rajan, M. A. J.} } @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 {44608, title = {Fluorescent chemodosimeter for quantification of Cystathionine-y-synthase activity in plant extracts and imaging of endogenous biothiols}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {54}, year = {2018}, month = {AUG}, pages = {9079-9082}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A new reagent for quantification of CgS in plant extracts using a generalized methodology suitable for recognition of homocysteine (Hcy) with luminescence ON response.

}, doi = {10.1039/C8CC04296A}, author = {Agarwalla, Hridesh and Hoskere, Anila A. and Ali, Firoj and Pradhan, Swaraj Rashmi and Ganguly, Bishwajit and Pramanik, Sumit kumar and Das, Amitava} } @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} } @proceedings {45574, title = {Framework for building a portfolio of disruptive technologies for sustainable mobility}, year = {2018}, month = {OCT}, publisher = {FISITA}, address = {Chennai; India}, abstract = {We provide a framework that would help the CTO to (a) assess the disruptive power of new technologies at an early stage (b) systematically track its evolution and (c) build a sustainable plan for the company to respond to the disruption. We have applied our framework to illustrate how the CTO of an automotive OEM can build a portfolio of disruptive technologies in electric, autonomous and connected vehicles to create sustainable mobility for the future. We describe qualitative and quantitative tools and metrics that would help the CTO to make investment decisions on new disruptive technologies and communicate to the stakeholders}, url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85057984300\&partnerID=40\&md5=9cdbb097550a6ed6e2d126140aba0ad3}, author = {Venugopal, S. and Shankar, S.} } @article {44478, title = {Friedel{\textendash}crafts alkylation over Zr-mont catalyst for the production of diesel fuel precursors}, journal = {ACS Omega}, volume = {3}, year = {2018}, month = {MAY}, pages = {5491{\textendash}5501}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Heterogeneous Zr-Mont catalyst prepared by a simple protocol was employed for the production of diesel fuel precursors via Friedel{\textendash}Crafts (FC) alkylation of petroleum-derived arenes (e.g., mesitylene, xylene, and toluene) with biomass-derived 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF), HMF derivatives, and carbohydrates. Initially, several acidic catalysts were screened for the FC alkylation of mesitylene with HMF in nitroethane solvent. Among all, Zr-Mont catalyst gave an exceptionally high yield (80\%) of mesitylmethylfurfural (MMF). The catalytic activity of Zr-Mont was also evaluated for the alkylation of different petroleum-derived arenes with ester/halogen derivatives of HMF. Suitable acid strength and high surface area of Zr-Mont were its major attributes to make it the most efficient solid acid catalyst for this FC reaction. Even after several reuses, the catalytic activity of Zr-Mont was found to be consistent, which was also evidenced by the acidity measurements of fresh and reused Zr-Mont catalysts by temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia and pyridine Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy techniques. Direct conversion of glucose to diesel fuel precursors was also attempted over Zr-Mont catalyst in mesitylene and polar nonacidic solvents at 150 {\textdegree}C. However, the activity of Zr-Mont catalyst was limited for glucose dehydration to HMF and MMF did not form. When the same experiment was performed in formic acid medium, MMF was produced in 34\% yield. After the addition of formic acid, the reaction becomes biphasic which contains mesitylene as an organic phase and formic acid as an aqueous phase. Formic acid worked as a solvent, reactant, and cocatalyst, whereas mesitylene worked as a reactant and product extraction phase to enable easy product isolation. With this strategy, other diesel fuel precursors were also produced in 26{\textendash}30\% yields from glucose and different arenes. Similar strategy was successfully extended for the conversion of sucrose to diesel fuel precursors.}, doi = {10.1021/acsomega.8b00560}, author = {Shinde, Suhas and Rode, Chandrashekhar Vasant} } @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 {44345, title = { Functionalized carbon nanotube reinforced polymer nanocomposite microcapsules with enhanced stiffness}, journal = {Colloids and Surfaces A-Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects}, volume = {550}, year = {2018}, month = {AUG}, pages = {82-89}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Microcapsules with tunable mechanical properties are highly desirable in pressure sensitive applications. We report here a facile approach to prepare polyurea/multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNTs) nanocomposite microcapsules (MICs) with enhanced stiffness. A model compound dimethyl phthalate (DMP) was used as core material. MWCNTs were modified with reactive functional groups namely carboxyl (-COOH), amines (-NH2), and isocyanates (-NCO) to ensure a stronger interface between polymer wall and MWCNTs. Functionalization of MWCNTs was corroborated by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to study the surface morphology of MICs. The presence of MWCNTs in the microcapsule wall was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). MICs with functionalized MWCNTs show almost 100\% increase in stiffness with respect to pristine capsules. All MICs show 92-97 +/- 1\% encapsulation efficiency. The approach used in this paper can be broadly utilized to tune the mechanical properties of the microcapsules.}, doi = {10.1016/j.colsurfa.2018.04.028}, author = {Jagtap, Siddheshwar B. and Patil, Vishal D. and Suresh, Karthika and Ram, Farsa and Mohan, Muthu Subramanian and Rajput, Shatruhan S. and Patil, Shivprasad and Shukla, Parshuram G. and Shanmuganathan, Kadhiravan} } @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} } @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 {45501, title = {Facile production of mesoporous WO3-rGO hybrids for high-performance supercapacitor electrodes: an experimental and computational study}, journal = {ACS Sustainable Chemistry \& Engineering}, volume = {7}, year = {2019}, month = {JAN}, pages = {2350-2359}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

This work explored a promising supercapacitor electrode material (WO3-rGO hybrids) synthesized via a simplistic one-pot hydrothermal synthesis route. Various analytical studies (X-ray diffraction study, Raman spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis) were employed in furtherance to explore the structural, morphological, compositional, and surface areal properties of the prepared materials. The enhancement in electrochemical supercapacitive properties were evaluated from pure hexagonal phase WO3 to the various hybrids, depending on the concentration of GO introduced into it, using cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The WG-80 composite revealed the high rise in capacitance value of 801.6 F/g overcoming the individual capacitance of rGO (71.11 F/g) and WO3 (94.22 F/g) at a current density of 4 A/g with good cycling stability (75.7\%) over 5000 cycles. We have presented quantum capacitance from ab initio calculations and provided theoretical explanation from the orbital interactions.

}, keywords = {Density functional theory, Hydrothermal method, supercapacitor, WO3-rGO hybrids}, issn = {2168-0485}, doi = {10.1021/acssuschemeng.8b05132}, author = {Samal, Rutuparna and Chakraborty, Brahmananda and Saxena, Manav and Late, Dattatray J. and Rout, Chandra Sekhar} } @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 {46092, title = {Facilitator roles of viruses in enhanced insect resistance to biotic stress}, journal = {Current Opinion in Insect Science}, volume = {33}, year = {2019}, month = {JUN}, pages = {111-116}, type = {Review}, abstract = {

Virus-insect interactions are primarily parasitic, yet diverse mutualistic interactions, some of which are symbiogenic, also occur. These viruses can modify insect physiology and behavior so that hosts can gain resistance against various biotic challenges like pathogen and parasites. In the recent past, many insect mutualistic viruses have been reported. Viruses can show symbiogenic interactions with some insects, which have been explored at the molecular level. However, understanding about molecular mechanisms for many of the mutualistic viruses is still enigmatic. Exploration of these interactions and its mechanism can shed light on phenomenon of virus mediated biotic stress resistance in insects.

}, issn = {2214-5745}, doi = {10.1016/j.cois.2019.05.008}, author = {Jagdale, Shounak S. and Joshi, Rakesh 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 {46355, title = {Ferets diameter estimation of activated carbon for effluent treatment application}, journal = {Journal of the Indian Chemical Society}, volume = {96}, year = {2019}, month = {AUG}, pages = {1067-1074}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In this paper, activated carbon was produced of by chemical activation with phosphoric acid of agricultural wastes such as Arecanut shell of 25 micronmeter at 400 degrees C by slow pyrolysis. The BET surface area and iodine number surface area is calculated and compared. The FTIR spectra show the presence of activated carbon. The TGA revealed, activated carbon is thermally stable at 480 degrees C. The SEM shows the incorporation of activated carbon particles leads to the systematic change in morphology of activated carbon. Surface area plot shows the details of morphological change caused by iodine number surface area. Ferets diameter is estimated to know circularity of the particle. Methylene blue number, acid adsorption value is calculated to know adsorption capacity of the carbon. Thus results proves selection of ferets diameter, activation temperature, and impregnation ratio is important in determining the quality of activated carbon obtained and its use in industrial waste water treatment.

}, keywords = {activated carbon, Arecanut shell, Phosphoric acid, teret diameter}, issn = {0019-4522}, author = {Jadhav, Abhijit and Mohanraj, Govindraj and Gokarn, Ashok and Mayadevi, Susheeladevi} } @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 {46246, title = {Fickian yet non-Gaussian behaviour: A dominant role of the intermittent dynamics (vol 146, 134504, 2017)}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Physics}, volume = {151}, year = {2019}, month = {AUG}, type = {Article}, doi = {10.1063/1.5120313}, author = {Acharya, Sayantan and Nandi, Ujjwal Kumar and Bhattacharyya, Sarika Maitra} } @article {46017, title = {Fine-tuning of Terahertz resonances in hydrogen-bonded organic molecular complexes}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Structure}, volume = {1184}, year = {2019}, month = {MAY}, pages = {495-502}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Novel organic molecular complexes have been designed and synthesized to obtain prominent Terahertz (THz) resonances in the low-frequency region. Intermolecular hydrogen bonds give rise to low-frequency THz resonances and hence binary organic molecular complexes of pyridyl alkylamide/benzamide (DAP) and hexyl thymine (C6THY) with multiple strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds (N-H{\textendash}-O and N-H{\textendash}-N) are designed and synthesized. THz resonances of the complexes are fine-tuned by varying the number of benzene rings in the DAP moiety (PrDAP + C6THY, PrPhDAP + C6THY and PhDAP + C6THY). DFT simulation studies of two molecule clusters have been carried out to understand the origin of low-frequency THz resonances. It has been observed that the lowest THz resonances (\< 2 THz) originate due to translation/rotation of the whole crystal structure and the resonances from 2 to 4 THz are mainly due to intermolecular hydrogen bond bending/stretching vibrations. In order to understand the individual hydrogen bond strengths, compliance constants, which are inverse of the force constants are calculated and Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) analysis has been carried out. Comparison of the experimental THz spectra of different complexes shows that there is a small but tunable variation in THz resonances from one complex to another. Tuning of THz resonances has potential applications in designing THz tags, which can be used in various anti-counterfeiting applications such as currency notes, pharmaceutical tablets. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Compliance constant, Natural bond orbital analysis, Organic molecular complex, Terahertz spectroscopy}, issn = {0022-2860}, doi = {10.1016/j.molstruc.2019.02.002}, author = {Dash, Jyotirmayee and Ray, Shaumik and Devi, Nirmala and Basutkar, Nitin and Ambade, Ashootosh V. and Pesala, Bala} } @article {45475, title = {Flocculation of kaolin from aqueous suspension using low dosages of acrylamide-based cationic flocculants}, journal = {Journal of Applied Polymer Science}, volume = {136}, year = {2019}, month = {APR}, pages = {Article Number: 47286}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Flocculation of kaolin from aqueous streams has become very important in view of its wide range of applications. In this work, cationic flocculants based on copolymers of acrylamide (AM) and 3-acrylamidopropyltrimethylammonium chloride (APTMAC) were synthesized with two different mole ratios of monomers, 80 mol \% of AM (CP-8020) and 40 mol \% of AM (CP-4060). The chemical structures of copolymers were confirmed by H-1 and carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (C-13 NMR) spectroscopy. The molecular weight (MW) and zeta potential of the copolymers were determined. High MW was obtained for copolymer with high content of AM (CP-8020) and high zeta potential was observed for copolymer with high content of APTMAC (CP-4060). Flocculation of kaolin suspension was performed using both CP-8020 and CP-4060 and the flocculation was correlated to the zeta potential and MW of the copolymers. The optimum dosages of flocculants were determined. The mechanism of flocculation was discussed in terms of charge neutralization and bridging. The flocs of kaolin were characterized in terms of moisture content and size. To the best of our knowledge, this copolymer system was used for the first time for kaolin flocculation and found out to be efficient. (c) 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47286.

}, keywords = {copolymers, hydrophilic polymers, polyelectrolytes}, issn = {0021-8995}, doi = {10.1002/app.47286}, author = {Suresha, P. R. and Badiger, Manohar V.} } @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 {46054, title = {Flower bud proteome reveals modulation of sex-biased proteins potentially associated with sex expression and modification in dioecious Coccinia grandis}, journal = {BMC Plant Biology}, volume = {19}, year = {2019}, month = {JUL}, pages = {330}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

BackgroundDioecy is an important sexual system wherein, male and female flowers are borne on separate unisexual plants. Knowledge of sex-related differences can enhance our understanding in molecular and developmental processes leading to unisexual flower development. Coccinia grandis is a dioecious species belonging to Cucurbitaceae, a family well-known for diverse sexual forms. Male and female plants have 22A+XY and 22A+XX chromosomes, respectively. Previously, we have reported a gynomonoecious form (22A+XX) of C. grandis bearing morphologically hermaphrodite flowers (GyM-H) and female flowers (GyM-F). Also, we have showed that foliar spray of AgNO3 on female plant induces morphologically hermaphrodite bud development (Ag-H) despite the absence of Y-chromosome.ResultsTo identify sex-related differences, total proteomes from male, female, GyM-H and Ag-H flower buds at early and middle stages of development were analysed by label-free proteomics. Protein search against the cucumber protein sequences (Phytozome) as well as in silico translated C. grandis flower bud transcriptome database, resulted in the identification of 2426 and 3385 proteins (FDR \<= 1\%), respectively. The latter database was chosen for further analysis as it led to the detection of higher number of proteins. Identified proteins were annotated using BLAST2GO pipeline. SWATH-MS-based comparative abundance analysis between Female_Early_vs_Male_Early, Ag_Early_vs_Female_Early, GyM-H_Middle_vs_Male_Middle and Ag_Middle_vs_ Male_Middle led to the identification of 650, 1108, 905 and 805 differentially expressed proteins, respectively, at fold change \>= 1.5 and P \<= 0.05. Ethylene biosynthesis-related candidates as highlighted in protein interaction network were upregulated in female buds compared to male buds. AgNO3 treatment on female plant induced proteins related to pollen development in Ag-H buds. Additionally, a few proteins governing pollen germination and tube growth were highly enriched in male buds compared to Ag-H and GyM-H buds.ConclusionOverall, current proteomic analysis provides insights in the identification of key proteins governing dioecy and unisexual flower development in cucurbitaceae, the second largest horticultural family in terms of economic importance. Also, our results suggest that the ethylene-mediated stamen inhibition might be conserved in dioecious C. grandis similar to its monoecious cucurbit relatives. Further, male-biased proteins associated with pollen germination and tube growth identified here can help in understanding pollen fertility.

}, keywords = {Coccinia grandis, Dioecy, Pollen fertility, proteomics, Sex modification, Stamen arrest}, issn = {1471-2229}, doi = {10.1186/s12870-019-1937-1}, author = {Devani, Ravi Suresh and Chirmade, Tejas and Sinha, Sangram and Bendahmane, Abdelhafid and Dholakia, Bhushan B. and Banerjee, Anjan Kumar and Banerjee, Jayeeta} } @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 {47153, title = {Fluorescent carbon-dots thin film for fungal detection and bio-labeling applications}, journal = {ACS Applied Bio Materials}, volume = {2}, year = {2019}, month = {NOV}, pages = {5829{\textendash}5840}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The fluorescence properties of CDs, such as high quantum yield, tunability of emission color, and so on, make a strong potential material in various fields. These applications are mainly derived from in situ formation of surface functional groups, high chemical stability, biocompatibility, and easy interaction with substrates, etc. Mostly, the research applications of CDs concentrate on the labeling of biological species, drug delivery, and sensing in consequent biomedical applications. However, the detection of the fungal species/spores present in the environment by using CDs is rarely reported. Herein, we demonstrate CDs-based thin film as a sensor for detection of fungal spores from the environment. The procedure of detection is based on fluorescence, observed in the film of carbon dots deposited on quartz plates by using the Blodgett technique. It is observed that the CDs film shows quenching in the fluorescence intensity by the substrate, namely, fungal spores{\textquoteright} (Aspergillus niger, Penicillium chrysogenum, Alternaria alternata). The effective features of the present detector system are easy fabrication, low cost, high stability, and a green and economical procedure of synthesis. The process of detecting fungal spores even at low concentration from the atmosphere is relatively fast when compared to presently used methods. Finally, real-world feasibility of the sensor film is tested by its successful application for the determination of the presence fungal spores in the environment. Furthermore, CDs have been also successfully applied for the bio-labeling of Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) bacterial systems.

}, author = {Gaikwad, Aarti and Joshi, Meenal and Patil, Kashinath and Sathaye, Shivaram and Rode, Chandrashekhar V.} } @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 {46199, title = {Folding and aggregation energy landscapes of tethered RRM domains of human TDP-43 are coupled via a metastable molten globule-like oligomer}, journal = {Biochemistry}, volume = {58}, year = {2019}, month = {FEB }, pages = {608-620}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Stress-induced misfolding and intraneuronal aggregation of the highly conserved nucleic acid binding protein TDP-43 (transactive response DNA binding protein 43 kDa) and its fragments have been implicated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and several other neurodegenerative diseases. However, the physicochemical mechanism of its misfolding from the functional folded state is poorly understood. TDP-43 is a four-domain protein and performs the essential nucleic acid binding function with the help of its two tandem RNA recognition motif domains naturally tethered by a linker (called here the tethered RRM domain of TDP-43 or TDP-43(tRRM)). Here, we show that the monomeric native form of TDP-43(tRRM) remains in a pH-dependent and reversible thermodynamic equilibrium with a protonated, nanosized, 40-merit form (the A form). Under the stress-like low-pH condition, the A form becomes predominantly populated. In the A form, protein molecules have restricted dynamics of surface side-chain residues but native-like secondary structure. This self-assembled form possesses a loosely packed core in which the intrinsically disordered and aggregation-prone regions are in the proximity. The A form is metastable and swiftly aggregates into a highly stable amyloid-like protofibrillar form (beta form) mediated by the disorder-to-order transition of intrinsically disordered regions upon small environmental perturbations. Interestingly, the A form and the beta form are not formed when TDP-43(tRRM) is bound to DNA, indicating that the nucleic acid binding regions of the protein participate in their formation. Our results reveal how the energy landscapes of folding and aggregation of TDP-43(tRRM) are coupled by a metastable molten-globule like oligomeric form and modulated by stress-like conditions.

}, issn = {0006-2960}, doi = {10.1021/acs.biochem.8b01013}, author = {Pillai, Meenakshi and Jha, Santosh Kumar} } @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 {46424, title = {Formic-acid-induced using recyclable-ionic liquids as catalysts for lignin conversion into aromatic co-products}, journal = {Waste and Biomass Valorization}, year = {2019}, month = {NOV}, type = {Article; Early Access}, abstract = {

Lignin has been widely named as a sustainable and renewable bioresource of energy, fuels, chemicals and materials, particularly phenolic chemicals production on Earth. These bio-derived compounds are in great potential need of biorefinery to valorize complete plant biomass. Lignin depolymerization showed a great promise approach to convert into low molecular aromatic products. In this report, high molecular weight (54,000 Da) lignin depolymerization into maximum yields (87\%), (\>= 95 +/- 6\% mass balance) using a formic acid along with dual (-SO3H) functionalized imidazole-based recyclable (4 times) Bronsted acidic ionic liquids (BAILs) as catalysts have been investigated in H2O-CH3OH (1:5, v/v) at 120 degrees C for 1 h. The structural correlations between the lignin and aromatic products were studied by bulk (CHNS, GPC, etc.) and molecular (UV-Vis, FT-IR, NMR (1D/2D) levels experimental techniques. Additionally, the identification of aromatic products was carried out by applying HPLC, GC and GC-MS techniques. Graphic Addition of a formic acid into Bronsted acidic ionic liquids improved the catalytic efficiency significantly for lignin depolymerization into 87\% low molecular weight aromatic products. [GRAPHICS] .

}, keywords = {Bulk and molecular levels analysis, depolymerization, Dual functionalized ionic liquids, Formic acid, lignin}, issn = {1877-2641}, doi = {10.1007/s12649-019-00896-3}, author = {Singh, Sandip K. and Dhepe, Paresh L.} } @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} } @article {46067, title = {Friction-mediated flow and jamming in a two-dimensional silo with two exit orifices}, journal = {Physical Review E}, volume = {100}, year = {2019}, month = {JUL }, pages = {012901}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We show that the interparticle friction coefficient significantly influences the flow and jamming behavior of granular materials exiting through the orifice of a two-dimensional silo in the presence of another orifice located in its vicinity. The fluctuations emanating from a continuous flow through a larger orifice results in an intermittent flow through the smaller orifice consisting of sequential jamming and flowing events. The mean time duration of jammed and flow events, respectively, increase and decrease monotonically with increasing interparticle friction coefficient. The frequency of unjamming instances (n(u)), however, shows a nonmonotonic behavior comprising an increase followed by a decrease with increasing friction coefficient. The decrease on either side of the maximum, then, represents a system moving progressively towards a permanently jammed or a permanently flowing state. The overall behavior shows a systematic dependence on the interorifice distance, which determines the strength of the fluctuations reaching the smaller orifice leading to unjamming instances. The probability distributions of jamming and flowing times are nearly similar for different combinations of friction coefficients and interorifice distances studied and, respectively, exhibit exponential and power-law tails.

}, issn = {2470-0045}, doi = {10.1103/PhysRevE.100.012901}, author = {Orpe, Ashish V. and Doshi, Pankaj} } @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} } @inbook {47475, title = {Fundamentals and properties of 2D materials in general and sensing applications}, booktitle = {Fundamentals and Sensing Applications of 2D Materials}, number = {Woodhead Publishing Series in Electronic and Optical Materials}, year = {2019}, pages = {5-24}, publisher = {Elsevier}, organization = {Elsevier}, abstract = {The chapter focuses on the various forms of graphene, such as two-dimensional (2D) layered structures and their properties, and explores fundamentals and various sensing applications. It emphasizes the bandgap engineering of these materials when reduced to a few layer structures from bulk counterparts. The effect of synthesis routes and the development of such monolayers as components of sensing devices is also discussed. Furthermore this chapter discusses a generic overview of sensors and their performance-determining parameters along with the principles by which the operation of gas, humidity, and biosensing are differentiated. This chapter sheds light on the individual properties of 2D materials that have been developed as sensors and compares the performances. The main purpose of this chapter is to highlight the progress of applications of 2D materials in sensing devices and to show how they perform better when compared to their silicon and graphene counterparts, owing to better control and their remarkable electronic properties. }, doi = {10.1016/B978-0-08-102577-2.00002-6} } @inbook {47481, title = {Fundamentals and sensing applications of 2D materials}, number = {A volume in Woodhead Publishing Series in Electronic and Optical Materials}, year = {2019}, publisher = {Elsevier}, organization = {Elsevier}, abstract = {Fundamentals and Sensing Applications of 2D Materials provides a comprehensive understanding of a wide range of 2D materials. Examples of fundamental topics include: defect and vacancy engineering, doping and advantages of 2D materials for sensing, 2D materials and composites for sensing, and 2D materials in biosystems. A wide range of applications are addressed, such as gas sensors based on 2D materials, electrochemical glucose sensors, biosensors (enzymatic and non-enzymatic), and printed, stretchable, wearable and flexible biosensors. Due to their sub-nanometer thickness, 2D materials have a high packing density, thus making them suitable for the fabrication of thin film based sensor devices.}, doi = {10.1016/C2017-0-02396-0}, author = {Hywel, Morgan and Rout, Chandra Sekhar and Late, Dattatray J.} } @inbook {47469, title = {Fungi the crucial contributors for nanotechnology: a green chemistry perspective}, booktitle = {Advancing Frontiers in Mycology \& Mycotechnology}, year = {2019}, pages = {279-298}, publisher = {Springer}, organization = {Springer}, abstract = {Myconanotechnology has gained an exceptional momentum in today{\textquoteright}s world. It encompasses a wide range of applications like in agriculture, biomedical, electronics, textiles, cell and molecular biology, nanodevices, and many more. This fast-growing research field has a list of many nanoparticles that have been synthesized from different kinds of fungi. It is an eco-friendly approach that has sidelined the conventional methods of chemical and physical synthesis that require high energy and are toxic and expensive. The fungal-based synthesis gains functionality due to its discrete and diversified advantages that are being explored. Various parameters like temperature, pH, time and concentrations of fungal biomass or extract as well as of the precursor play a vital role in the protocols. These factors have to be optimized for the laboratory as well as industrial scale production. A greater importance to the use of cell-free extracts for nanosynthesis has been given. They contain the enzymes that are reported to be involved in the synthesis mechanisms as reducing agents and capping agents. The role of fungi in nanosynthesis and nanotechnology per se has many patents under its name. Although there are voids in the existing synthesis methods as well as lacunae in the application part that need to be addressed and filled. With an extensive research and work, myconanoparticles can be exploited to the maximum and lead its advancement in new areas.}, doi = {10.1007/978-981-13-9349-5_11}, author = {Moudgil, Aliesha and Chaudhari, Bhushan P.} } @inbook {47477, title = {Future prospects of 2D materials for sensing applications}, booktitle = {Fundamentals and Sensing Applications of 2D Materials}, number = {Woodhead Publishing Series in Electronic and Optical Materials}, year = {2019}, pages = {481-482}, publisher = {Elsevier}, organization = {Elsevier}, abstract = {Two-dimensional (2D) material attracted significant research interest from the discovery of graphene in 2004. These 2D materials allow a platform for artificial integration of heterostructures with unique platforms that show exotic physical attributes and phenomenon as well as properties and applications. Each layer in 2D materials consist of a covalent bond, a dangling bond-free lattice, and weak van der Waals (vdWs) interaction. This makes it feasible to fabricate lateral and vertical vdWs heterostructures without the constraints of lattice matching and processing compatibility. These vdWs heterostructures open a door for a broad range of applications in electronics, optoelectronics, flexible devices, sensors, and photovoltaics. In this chapter, we have critically assessed the recent developments in 2D materials, the fabrication of heterostructures, and their application for sensing purposes. We conclude with current challenges and ideas concerning future developments in this merging field.}, doi = {10.1016/B978-0-08-102577-2.00014-2}, author = {Morgan, Hywel and Rout, Chandra S. and Late, Dattatray J.} } @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 {46649, title = {FeCl3-catalyzed oxidative decarboxylation of aryl/heteroaryl acetic acids: preparation of selected API impurities}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {18}, year = {2020}, month = {NOV }, pages = {8459-8466}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

There is an ever-increasing demand for impurity compounds for use in impurity profiling as regulatory agencies seek information during registration. Herein, we report the FeCl3-catalyzed oxidative decarboxylation of aryl- and heteroaryl acetic acids to the corresponding carbonyl compounds. A variety of useful aldehydes and ketones were prepared in a simple one-pot transformation by employing an environmentally benign, low-cost, and readily available iron salt. The utility of this method has been demonstrated by preparing five valuable API impurities including a multi-gram-scale synthesis of ketorolac impurity B for the first time.

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/d0ob01790f}, author = {Gangadurai, Chinnakuzhanthai and Illa, Giri Teja and Reddy, D. Srinivasa} } @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 {46689, title = {Five concomitant polymorphs of a green fluorescent protein chromophore (GFPc) analogue: understanding variations in photoluminescence with pi-stacking interactions}, journal = {Acta Crystallographica Section B-Structural Science Crystal Engineering and Materials}, volume = {76}, year = {2020}, month = {OCT}, pages = {850-864}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The synthetically modified green fluorescent protein chromophore analogue 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzylidene imidazolinone (1) yielded five polymorphs (I, II, III, IV, V) concomitantly irrespective of the solvent used for crystallization. The pentamorphic modification of 1 is solely due to the interplay of iso-energetic weak intermolecular interactions in molecular associations as well as the conformational flexibility offered by a C-C single bond, which connects the electron-deficient moiety imidazolinone with the electron-rich trimethoxybenzylidene group. A common structural feature observed in all the polymorphs is the formation of a {\textquoteleft}zero-dimensional{\textquoteright} centrosymmetric dimeric unit through a short and linear C-H center dot center dot center dot O hydrogen bond engaging phenyl C-H and imidazolinone carbonyl oxygen. However, the networking of these dimeric units showed a subtle difference in all the polymorphs. The 2D isostructurality was observed between polymorphs I, II and III, while the other two polymorphs IV and V revealed only {\textquoteleft}zero-dimensional{\textquoteright} isostructurality. The different fluorescence emissions of Form I (blue) and Forms II to V (yellow) were attributed to the differences in pi-stacking interactions. It shows that one can modulate the photophysical properties of these smart materials by slightly altering their crystal structure. Such an approach will aid in developing new multi-colour organic fluorescent materials of varying crystal structures for live-cell imaging and fluorescent sensing applications.

}, keywords = {green fluorescent protein, hydrogen bonds, isostructurality, photoluminescence, pi-stacking, Polymorphs}, doi = {10.1107/S2052520620010343}, author = {Mali, Bhupendra P. and Dash, Soumya Ranjan and Nikam, Shrikant B. and Puthuvakkal, Anisha and Vanka, Kumar and Manoj, Kochunnoonny and Gonnade, Rajesh G.} } @article {46883, title = {Flexible energy storage device based on poly(N-phenylglycine), an incentive-energy pseudocapacitive conducting polymer, and electrochemically exfoliated graphite sheets}, journal = {ACS Sustainable Chemistry \& Engineering}, volume = {8}, year = {2020}, month = {APR}, pages = {6433-6441}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Poly(N-phenylglycine) (PNPG), an original pseudocapacitive conjugative conducting polymer (CP), was synthesized by the electro-oxidative polymerization method. The synthesis process involves in situ polymerization and electro-deposition of N-phenylglycine onto the surface of highly conductive, few-layered, exfoliated flexible graphite sheets (EFGSs). At first, the promising features of the conjugative structure of the as-prepared protonated PNPG were thoroughly investigated by UV-vis absorption spectrophotometry, micro-Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. The protonated nitrogen groups facilitate the rapid accessibility of counter ions from the electrolyte. Electrochemical studies revealed that the PNPG/E-FGS electrode exhibits an extraordinary areal specific capacitance of 367 mF cm(-2) at 10 mV s(-1). A flexible solid-state symmetrical supercapacitor was further fabricated using PNPG/E-FGS electrodes, exhibiting a specific capacitance as high as 199 mF cm(-2) at 1 mA cm(-2) with an operating voltage of 1.1 V. Furthermore, the device delivered an excellent specific energy of 8.36 mu W h cm(-2) at a power density of 1.65 mW cm(-2) in a working potential window of 1.1 V. More significantly, the energy density was nearly doubled to 16.1 mu W h cm(-2) upon extending the potential window from 1.1 to 1.5 V. The extremely redox-active CP electrode is highly suitable for applications in high-energy electrochemical capacitors with wide operating potential window.

}, keywords = {conducting polymer, electro-polymerization, exfoliated graphite, flexible supercapacitor, poly(N-phenylglycine)}, issn = {2168-0485}, doi = {10.1021/acssuschemeng.0c00880}, author = {Muniraj, Vedi Kuyil Azhagan and Boukherroub, Rabah and Shelke, Manjusha Vilas} } @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 {46785, title = {Functional stability and structural transitions of a kunitz trypsin inhibitor from chickpea (CaTI2)}, journal = {Protein Journal}, volume = {39}, year = {2020}, month = {AUG}, pages = {350-357}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Enzymes are important tools for various applications. We have studied structural transitions and functional stability of a Kunitz trypsin inhibitor from Chickpea (CaTI2), a potent insect gut-protease inhibitor, under different stress conditions like non-neutral pH, elevated temperature and co-solvent concentrations. CaTI2 was cloned and expressed in an eukaryotic systemP. pastorisand was investigated for conformational transitions using circular dichroism spectroscopy, differential scanning fluorimetry and activity assay. Native CaTI2 has a sheet dominant structure with 40\% beta sheets and possess a single tryptophan residue situated in the hydrophobic core of the enzyme. The recombinant inhibitor maintained its maximum activity under alkaline pH with its secondary structure intact between pH 6-10. CaTI2 was observed to be thermally stable up to 55 degrees C with aT(m) of 61.3 degrees C above which the protein unfolds. On treating with chemical denaturant (urea), the CaTI2 lost its inhibitory potential and native conformation beyond 2 M urea concentration. Moreover, the protein unfolded at lower temperatures as the concentration of denaturant increased, suggesting more complex structural changes. Further, the stability of the inhibitor was found to be directly proportional to the solvent polarity. The data, herein offers significant information of inhibitor stability and activity which could be exploited for its further development into an effective pesticide. [GRAPHICS] .

}, keywords = {Chickpea, Circular dichroism spectroscopy, Differential scanning fluorimetry, Functional stability, Kunitz trypsin inhibitor}, issn = {1572-3887}, doi = {10.1007/s10930-020-09911-2, Early Access Date = JUL 2020}, author = {Bendre, Ameya D. and Shukla, Ekta and Ramasamy, Sureshkumar} } @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 {46850, title = {Functionalized magnetic nanosized materials for efficient biodiesel synthesis via acid-base/enzyme catalysis}, journal = {Green Chemistry}, volume = {22}, year = {2020}, month = {MAY}, pages = {2977-3012}, type = {Review}, abstract = {

According to the principles of green chemistry, the rapid recovery and reuse of catalysts after a catalytic reaction are important factors to realize the sustainable management of chemical production processes. The functionalization of magnetic nanoparticles is the basis for the efficient separation of heterogeneous catalysts from the reaction system by using the magnetic separation technology as well as for effectively bridging heterogeneous and homogeneous catalytic processes. This can considerably improve the production efficiency and reduce energy consumption as well. Owing to important applications as a potential biofuel or fuel additive, the synthesis of biodiesel mainly from low-cost biomass feedstocks has received considerable attention in the current biorefinery research. A simple synthesis process coupled with the application of functionalized magnetic catalysts can remarkably reduce the production cost and minimize waste generation, thereby promoting the potential development of green catalytic processes for the large-scale synthesis of biodiesel. In this review, the preparation methods, structural and performance control, and protection and functionalization of magnetic nanoparticles as well as the consequent catalytic effects in the synthesis of biodiesel (mainly long-chain fatty acid methyl esters) have been reported. In addition, various representative reaction mechanisms are discussed, emphasizing the existing challenges and prospects of industrialization.

}, issn = {1463-9262}, doi = {10.1039/d0gc00924e}, author = {Wang, Anping and Sudarsanam, Putla and Xu, Yufei and Zhang, Heng and Li, Hu and Yang, Song} } @article {46722, title = {Functionalized single-walled carbon nanohorns to reinforce sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) electrolyte for direct methanol fuel cells}, journal = {ChemElectroChem}, volume = {7}, year = {2020}, month = {SEP }, pages = {3632-3636}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Carbon-nanomaterial-based additives are promising materials for improving the physicochemical properties of sulfonated polyether ether ketone (sPEEK) for its use as composite membrane electrolyte in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). In this work, functionalized single-wall carbon nanohorns (f-SWNHs) are realized as an additive in sPEEK. The -COOH groups created on the SWNHs during peroxide treatment improve the dispersion of f-SWNHs in sPEEK and boost the proton conductivity, ion exchange capacity, mechanical properties and reduce the methanol permeability of the electrolyte. The composite membrane with 0.50 wt.\% f-SWNHs shows improved electrochemical selectivity of 17.03x10(-4) Scm(-3)s and delivers the highest peak power density of 230 mW cm(-2)in DMFCs.

}, keywords = {carbon nanohorns, direct methanol fuel cells, membrane electrolyte, proton conductivity, sulfonated poly ether ether ketone}, issn = {2196-0216}, doi = {10.1002/celc.202000866}, author = {Turanelloormana, Parameswaran and Sarmah, Sudeshna and Torris, Arun and Bhat, Santoshkumar D. and Unni, SreeKuttan M.} } @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 {47639, title = {Fabrication of bacterial nanocellulose/polyethyleneimine (PEI-BC) based cationic adsorbent for efficient removal of anionic dyes}, journal = {Journal of Polymer Research}, volume = {28}, year = {2021}, month = {SEP}, pages = {354}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A bacterial cellulose (BC) based adsorbent was prepared by using polyethyleneimine (PEI) using epichlorohydrin as a cross-linker. The physicochemical characterization of the of the developed adsorbent was carried out using FTIR, BET analysis and SEM, respectively. The dye removal efficiency of the adsorbent was assessed towards two anionic model dyes viz. congo red (CR) and reactive red 120(RR). The kinetic data for the removal of both the anionic dyes were fitted better using pseudo-second-order model. Langmuir model describes well the process of adsorption with predicted maximum adsorption capacity (q(max)) 515.46 and 300.3 mg L-1 for CR (at pH 6.0) and RR (at pH 3.0) respectively. The adsorption-desorption study showed that PEI-BC adsorbent is effective with more than 90\% dye removal efficiency even after four cycles. Furthermore, the bactericidal activity of the adsorbent was analysed using Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and adsorbent showed good inhibition against both test organisms. The study reveals that PEI-BC adsorbent can be a good candidate for water remediation purpose bearing multifunctional behaviour.}, keywords = {adsorbent, Anionic dyes, Bacterial cellulose, Bactericidal, Polyethyleneimine}, issn = {1022-9760}, doi = {10.1007/s10965-021-02702-y}, author = {Thorat, Meghana N. and Jagtap, Ashish and Dastager, Syed G.} } @article {47030, title = {Fabrication of high energy density supercapacitor device based on hollow iridium oxide nanofibers by single nozzle electrospinning}, journal = {Applied Surface Science}, volume = {546}, year = {2021}, month = {APR }, pages = {149102}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Herein, we have synthesized iridium oxide (IrO2) nanofibers using electrospinning technique and optimization of annealing temperature is undertaken in order to obtain high quality IrO2 nanofibers. The annealing temperature is varied as 200, 300, 400 and 500 degrees C. The synthesized material has hollow nanofibrous morphology with average diameter similar to 45 nm. The formed nanofibers are amorphous in nature. The X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) result revealed that synthesized iridium is in +4 oxidation state. The electrochemical performance of IrO2 electrodes showed 2 V potential window in three electrode system using 1 M Sodium sulphate (Na2SO4) aqueous electrolyte. The maximum specific capacitance is obtained for sample annealed at 400 degrees C (705F/g at 1 mA/cm(2)) which is due to the well-developed morphology with complete removal of polymer content. Moreover, a novel solid state symmetric IrO2/IrO2 supercapacitor with a high operating voltage of 2 V is built. The symmetric supercapacitor exhibits an energy density of 59 Wh/kg at a power density of 714 W/kg and an excellent cycling stability. These results demonstrate the potentialities of using IrO2 for symmetric supercapacitor for building high energy and power density devices.

}, keywords = {Aqueous electrolyte, Hollow iridium oxide nanofibers, Symmetric supercapacitor}, issn = {0169-4332}, doi = {10.1016/j.apsusc.2021.149102}, author = {Beknalkar, S. A. and Teli, A. M. and Harale, N. S. and Patil, D. S. and Pawar, S. A. and Shin, J. C. and Patil, P. S.} } @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 {47620, title = {Facile synthesis of indolizinoindolone, indolylepoxypyrrolooxazole, indolylpyrrolooxazolone and isoindolopyrazinoindolone heterocycles from indole and imide derivatives}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {19}, year = {2021}, month = {JUL 21}, pages = {6160-6169}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Chemo-, regio- and diastereoselective coupling reactions of indole with imide derivatives leading to unique heterocyclic systems are demonstrated. Acid-induced 3-position coupling reactions of indole with cyclic imide derived lactamols followed by acid promoted 2-position cyclizations with the corresponding aldehydes are described to obtain the indolizinoindolones and benzoindolizinoindolones. Base induced 2-position coupling reactions of N-tosylindole with N-(2-iodoethyl)imides and the subsequent cyclizations provide indolylepoxypyrrolooxazole, indolylpyrrolooxazolone and indolyloxazoloisoindolone. Reductive cleavage of indolyloxazoloisoindolone to the corresponding alcohol followed by mesylation and base promoted N-cyclization affords the in situ air-oxidized pentacyclic product hydroxyisoindolopyrazinoindolone. A regioisomeric structural revision of the natural product from 1,2,5,6,7,11c-hexahydro-3H-indolizino[7,8-b]indol-3-one to 1,2,5,6,11,11b-hexahydro-3H-indolizino(8,7-b)indol-3-one is also reported in the present studies focussed on the methodologies for heterocyclic synthesis.}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/d1ob00754h}, author = {Shelar, Santosh V. and Argade, Narshinha P.} } @article {47028, title = {Facile transfer of excited electrons in Au/SnS2 nanosheets for efficient solar-driven selective organic transformations}, journal = {Applied Catalysis B-Environmental}, volume = {286}, year = {2021}, month = {JUN }, pages = {119927}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Solar driven aerial oxidation processes have gained importance in organic transformations leading to the development of many nanocrystalline photocatalysts. Although such nanomaterials have many potential advantages, they often underperform due to poor visible light absorption and rapid recombination of excitons. Incorporation of plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs) on the catalyst surfaces can extend their response to visible light and improve photocatalytic efficiency by the {\textquoteleft}hot-electron{\textquoteright} injection mechanism. Nanostructures of SnS2 too absorb a part of the visible light to induce many photocatalytic reactions, though their ability to perform the selective and controlled organic transformations has not yet been observed. Herein, we demonstrate the first example of such transformation with the oxidative coupling of various benzylamine (BA) derivatives to imines under ambient conditions using SnS2 nanosheets (NSs). The reaction rate improves manifold and shows similar to 98 \% conversion (\>99 \% selectivity) in 2 h under direct sunlight and open-air when the NSs were decorated with 1.5 wt\% Au NPs on (Au/SnS2), making it one of the best catalysts for this reaction. We found that the large enhancement in activity upon Au loading is accompanied by a noticeable change in photo-induced charge accumulation behaviour in Au/SnS2 from the usual {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}spike and overshoot{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} one and contributed by facile transfer of excited electrons across the Au-SnS2 heterojunction in which Au NPs act as both sources and sinks for the photo-excited electrons. Finally, a detailed mechanism of the oxidation reaction has been proposed.

}, keywords = {Benzylamine oxidation, Hot-electron injection, Plasmonic nanoparticle, SnS2 nanosheet, Solar energy harvesting}, issn = {0926-3373}, doi = {10.1016/j.apcatb.2021.119927}, author = {Mondal, Sanjit and Sahoo, Lipipuspa and Vinod, C. P. and Gautam, Ujjal K.} } @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 {47132, title = {Functional metagenomic landscape of polluted river reveals potential genes involved in degradation of xenobiotic pollutants}, journal = {Environmental Research}, volume = {192}, year = {2021}, month = {JAN}, pages = {110332}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Rapid industrialization contributes substantially to xenobiotic pollutants in rivers. As a result, most of the rivers traversing urban settlements are in significantly deteriorated conditions. These pollutants are recalcitrant, requiring robust catabolic machinery for their complete transformation into bioavailable and non-toxic byproducts. Microbes are versatile dwellers that could adapt to such contaminants by using them as a source of nutrients during growth. However, efficient bioremediation requires an in-depth knowledge of microbial diversity and their metabolism related genes in the polluted niches. We employed MinION shotgun sequencing, to comprehend the biodegradation related genes and their function potential operating in the polluted urban riverine system of Western India. A vast number of catabolic genes were detected for the xenobiotic pollutants such as Benzoate, Nitrotoluene, Aminobenzoate, Drug metabolism, and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons. Aerobic, and anaerobic catabolism genes, were mapped for their ability of degradation of xenobiotics. Interestingly, catabolism profiles of multiple aromatic compounds culminated into the Benzoate degradation pathway, suggesting it as a plausible central pathway for the autochthonous bacterial communities. Further mapping with RemeDB database, predicted plastic and dye degrading enzymes. Moreover, the diversity indices for the pollutant degrading enzymes suggested little variations (R-2 value of 18\%) between the city and non-city (outskirts of city limits) riverine stretch indicating the impact of industrialization in the outskirts of the city stretch as well. Altogether, this study would serve as a preliminary baseline for future explorations concerning river cleaning programs and also exploiting such microbes for bioremediation applications.

}, keywords = {Benzoate, Bioremediation, MinION, Riverine system, Xenobiotics}, issn = {0013-9351}, doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2020.110332}, author = {Yadav, Rakeshkumar and Rajput, Vinay and Dharne, Mahesh} } @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 {48077, title = {Facile, sustainable and unassisted plain water oxidation on Au/Ce0.9Ti0.1O2 nanorods in direct sunlight}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Sciences}, volume = {134}, year = {2022}, month = {JUN}, pages = {61}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Impressive rate of solar water oxidation to molecular oxygen (O-2) has been demonstrated on nanorods (NRs) of Ce0.9Ti0.1O2 (CT-NR) and Au-deposited CT-NR (Au-CT-NR) photocatalysts with a sacrificial agent (Fe3+) and in plain water in one sun condition, direct sunlight and with lambda \>= 455 nm. Probably the highest 0 2 yield of 11 mmol/h.g was observed with Au-CT-NR thin film in plain water in direct sunlight, with no sacrificial agent or applied potential. Photoelectrochemical measurements demonstrate a marked reduction in oxidation onset potential of Au-CT-NR by 150 mV with stable photocurrent (0.75 mA/cm(2)), compared to CT-NR (0.23 mA/cm(2)), indicating the operative of plasmon-induced resonant energy transfer (PIRET) process. Effective electron quenching by nanogold and hence low recombination in the depletion region is a critical step for the observation of a high rate of oxygen evolution. In addition to this, a predominant change in the nature of the valence band from O-2p dominated on CeO2 to Ce-4f dominated with CT-NR (due to Ti4+ introduction in CeO2), the efficient light absorption of photocatalysts in thin-film form, functional and effective PIRET process, and facile E-F alignment, enhances the oxygen evolution with Au-CT-NR in direct sunlight and make it highly sustainable. A possible mechanism of water oxidation is proposed from the observed experimental findings.

}, keywords = {ceria, Electronic integration, Photocatalysis, thin film, water splitting}, issn = {0974-3626}, doi = {10.1007/s12039-022-02055-z}, author = {Dubey, Anjani and Mishra, Abhaya Kumar and Negi, Sanjay Singh and Gopinath, Chinnakonda S.} } @article {48147, title = {Facile synthesis of nanocomposites of CNF-Sn and C-Sn microspheres: Prospective field emitter}, journal = {Journal of Alloys and Compounds}, volume = {907}, year = {2022}, month = {JUN }, pages = {164318}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We report synthesis of Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) and hybrid nanocomposites namely, CNF-Sn and C-Sn microspheres using simple electrospinning technique, followed by annealing in controlled atmosphere. The as-prepared materials were characterized using X-raydiffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Ultra-violet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS), and Raman spectroscopy to reveal their physico-chemical properties. As carbon family members are potential materials for field emission (FE) based applications, owing to their high aspect ratio FE characteristics of the synthesized materials were explored at base pressure of 1 x 10(-8) mbar. Interestingly, the hybrid nanocomposite CNF-Sn and C-Sn emitters showed improved FE behavior (with the turn-on field of 3.4 and 1.36 V/mu m, respectively) in contrast to the pristine CNFs emitter (turn-on field of 5.4 V/mu m). Furthermore, the maximum emission current density is substantially enhanced, 7.75 and 4.6 mA/cm(2) for CNF-Sn and C-Sn emitters, respectively. The improvement in the FE behavior of nanocomposite emitters is attributed to the combined effect of morphology and modulation of electronic properties at the interface of nanocomposites. The results confirm that FE characteristics of pristine nanostructures can be greatly improved upon formation of their nanocomposites and this approach can be extended to other nanostructures for improving their multi-functionalities. (c) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {carbon nanofiber, electrospinning, field emission, Nanocomposite, Tin}, issn = {0925-8388}, doi = {10.1016/j.jallcom.2022.164318}, author = {Badadhe, Satish S. and Yadav, Poonam and Suryawanshi, Sachin and More, Mahendra A.} } @article {48050, title = {Facile synthesis of the spiro-pyridoindolone scaffold via a gold-catalysed intramolecular alkynol cyclisation/hydroindolylation}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {20}, year = {2022}, month = {MAR}, pages = {d1ob02483c}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A simple approach for the synthesis of pyridoindolone scaffolds with a spiroannulated tetrahydrofuran ring is described. The overall process comprises intramolecular sequential gold-catalysed 5-endo-dig alkynol cycloisomerization and subsequent addition of indole C2 to the in situ generated oxocarbenium cation.

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/d1ob02483c}, author = {Shinde, Mahesh H. and Ramana, V. Chepuri} } @article {47062, title = {First synthesis of podocarflavone A and its analogs and evaluation of their antimycobacterial potential against mycobacterium tuberculosis with the support of virtual screening}, journal = {Natural Product Research}, volume = {36}, year = {2022}, month = {AUG}, pages = {3879-3886}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The first synthetic route developed for Podocarflavone A reported from Podocarpus macrophyllus and its analogs in 7 steps. Computational analysis for binding with the pantothenate kinase (3AVO) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis showed their docking score (ds) in the range of -8.9 to -9.3 Kcal/mol. MD simulations delineated the stability of the protein-ligand complexes in the TIP3P model. MMGBSA and MMPBSA values of 8d were -42.46 Kcal/mol and -14.58 Kcal/mol, respectively. Further in-vitro antitubercular screening of compounds 8a, 8d, and 8e against M. tuberculosis H37Ra using XRMA protocol exhibited promising antimycobacterial activity with IC50 values 21.82 mu g/mL, 15.55 mu g/mL, and 16.56 mu g/mL, respectively. Compounds 8a, 8d, and 8e showed antibacterial activity with IC50 values 41.56 mu g/mL, 24.72 mu g/mL, and 72.45 mu g/mL respectively against the Staphylococcus aureus. 8a and 8d showed inhibition with IC50 values 39.6 mu g/mL and 27.64 mu g/mL, respectively, against Bacillus subtilis. The present study could help in the further development of lead molecules against tuberculosis.

}, keywords = {and MMGBSA, antimycobacterial activity, docking, MD simulations, MMPBSA, Podocarflavone A synthesis}, issn = {1478-6419}, doi = {10.1080/14786419.2021.1893317}, author = {Puranik, Ninad V. and Swami, Sagar and Misar, Ashwini V. and Mamgain, Ritu and Gulawani, Swapnaja S. and Dhiman, Sarkar and Srivastava, Pratibha} } @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 {48382, title = {Flexible ultracapacitor device fabricated with an organic electrode material- naphthalene diimide nitrile/reduced graphene oxide}, journal = {Journal of Energy Storage}, volume = {56}, year = {2022}, month = {DEC}, pages = {106036}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In this work, we have demonstrated a high-performance flexible supercapacitor electrode based on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and naphthalene diimide nitrile (NDI-CN) composite. The rGO/NDI-CN composite was prepared by a simple approach. This composite was well characterized using various techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) etc. Besides, the pi -pi stacking of NDI-CN on rGO surface was confirmed using UV-vis and FTIR techniques. As fabricated rGO/NDI-CN composite was examined as an electrode material for the supercapacitor applications. The rGO/NDI-CN electrode has delivered an excellent specific capacitance (C-sp) of 336 F g(-1) at 0.5 A g(-1)current density. The fabricated supercapacitor (SC) displays robustness with 80 \% capacitance retention over 10,000 cycles at higher current density of 10 A g(-1). To further explore the real-world application of electrode materials, the corresponding flexible supercapacitor was designed and examined. The flexible device exhibited an energy density of 9.54 mu Wh cm(-2) at a power density of 0.3 mWcm(-2). These results confirmed that the rGO/NDI-CN electrode material has good potential as an energy storage device. Furthermore, the facile construction and fabrication of flexible device displayed operation of LED when fully charged. The assembled flexible supercapacitor device could be bent and twisted, signifying the potential to be used in practical applications in various high-performance electrochemical devices.

}, keywords = {flexible supercapacitor, Naphthalene diimide, Organic molecule electrodes, pi -pi interaction, rGO}, issn = {2352-152X}, doi = {10.1016/j.est.2022.106036}, author = {Deshmukh, Ashvini B. and Biradar, Madan R. and Pawar, Meenakshi D. and Bhosale, Sidhanath V. and Shelke, Manjusha V.} } @article {48377, title = {Flow of lubricated granular material on an inclined plane}, journal = {Powder Technology}, volume = {409}, year = {2022}, month = {SEP}, pages = {117809}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We have studied the gravity driven flow of spherical shaped, millimetric sized granular material coated with aspherical, micron-sized, near frictionless lubricant particles. Experiments were performed on an inclined plane using two different sized particles for varying concentrations of the lubricant. The particle volumetric flow rate exhibits a non-monotonic behavior with increasing lubricant concentration. It shows an increase at lower lubricant concentration followed by a decrease at higher lubricant concentration. The lubricant particles adhere to the granular particle surface thereby reducing the inter-particle friction. However, presence of lubricant particles at higher concentration damps out inter-particle collision thereby reducing the inter-particle momentum transfer. Non-monotonicity in the observed behavior is then conjectured to arise due to competing effects of inter-particle friction and inter-particle collision. The present work and the overall observed behavior therein provides a simple experimental system to characterize the effects of added lubricant material in pharmaceutical and other relevant industrial applications.

}, keywords = {Friction, granular, Inclined plane, Lubrication, Powder}, issn = {0032-5910}, doi = {10.1016/j.powtec.2022.117809}, author = {Ghodake, Ravindra S. and Doshi, Pankaj and Orpe, V. Ashish} } @article {47801, title = {Flow visualization by Matlab{\textregistered} based image analysis of high-speed polymer melt extrusion film casting process for determining necking defect and quantifying surface velocity profiles}, journal = {Advanced Industrial and Engineering Polymer Research}, volume = {5}, year = {2022}, month = {JAN}, pages = {1-11}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The primary objective of this research paper is to detect and quantify the necking defect and surface velocity profiles in high-speed polymer melt extrusion film casting (EFC) process using Matlab{\textregistered} based image processing techniques. Extrusion film casting is an industrially important manufacturing process and is used on an industrial scale to produce thousands of kilograms of polymer films/sheets and coated products. In this research, the necking defect in an EFC process has been studied experimentally and the effects of macromolecular architecture such as long chain branching (LCB) on the extent of necking have been determined using image processing methodology. The methodology is based on the analysis of a sequence of image frames taken with the help of a commercial CCD camera over a specific target area of the EFC process. The image sequence is then analyzed using Matlab{\textregistered} based image processing toolbox wherein a customized algorithm is written and executed to determine the edges of the extruded molten polymeric film to quantify the necking defect. Alongwith the necking defect, particle tracking velocimetry (PTV) technique is also used in conjunction with the Matlab{\textregistered} software to determine the centerline and transverse velocity profiles in the extruded molten film. It is concluded from this study that image processing techniques provide valuable insights into quantifying both the necking defect and the associated velocity profiles in the molten extruded film.}, keywords = {Edge detection, Extrusion, Film, image analysis, Necking, Velocity measurement}, issn = {2542-5048}, doi = {10.1016/j.aiepr.2021.02.003}, author = {Aarati Vagga and Swapnil Aherrao and Harshawardhan Pol and Vivek Borkar} } @article {48185, title = {Fluorobenzoic acid coformers to improve the solubility and permeability of the BCS class IV drug naftopidil}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {58}, year = {2022}, month = {MAY }, pages = {5582-5585}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Crystalline salts of the low solubility and low permeability drug naftopidil were investigated with mono-, di-, tri-, and tetrafluorobenzoic acids as coformers to show that 245TFBA (2,4,5-trifluorobenzoic acid) is the optimal salt with faster dissolution and high permeability, thereby opening the study of fluorinated coformers in pharmaceutical cocrystals and salts.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/d1cc07187d}, author = {Mannava, M. K. Chaitanya and Bommaka, Manish K. and Dandela, Rambabu and Solomon, K. Anand and Nangia, Ashwini K.} } @article {48366, title = {Formation of the secondary phase domain by multi-cation substitution for the superior electrochemical performance of spinel cathodes for high-voltage li-ion batteries}, journal = {ACS Applied Energy Materials}, volume = {5}, year = {2022}, month = {DEC}, pages = {15345-15355}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

{Disorder-structured spinel oxides are opening frontiers for high-capacity/high-voltage cathodes to meet the challenges of independ-ence on cobalt-containing cathodes toward cheap and sustainable energy storage sources in Li-ion batteries (LIBs). In the present work, a series of Co-free materials: LiMn2-x-y-zNixFeyAlzO4 (x = 0.8-0.5

}, keywords = {5Ni0, cation-doped spinel cathode material, cobalt-free cathode, disorder structured spinel cathode material, high-voltage cathode, li-ion batteries, LiMn1}, issn = {2574-0962}, doi = {10.1021/acsaem.2c02667}, author = {Nayaka, Girish Praveen and Shivamurthy, Bogalera Papaiah and Thripuranthaka, Marulasiddappa and Shelke, V. Manjusha.} } @article {48064, title = {Formation of zircon-type DyCrO4 and its magnetic properties}, journal = {Ceramics International}, volume = {48}, year = {2022}, month = {SEP}, pages = {24666-24676}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The formation mechanism of hydrolytic sol-gel synthesized DyCrO4 with a complexing agent in acidic and basic mediums is thoroughly studied. The role of complexing agents and pH on phase formation temperature is also intensively investigated. The formation temperature for DyCrO4 is similar to 500 degrees C in the absence and presence of complexing agents such as oxalic acid and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) at pH 10. When critic acid is used, the DyCrO4 forms with Cr2O3 impurity. The crystallite size in the presence of a complexing agent in the basic medium is similar to 55 nm which is small as compared to only ammonia solution. The various reaction modes lead to tetragonal zircon-type DyCrO4 at similar to 500 degrees C, transforming into orthorhombic perovskite DyCrO3 at 800 degrees C. The magnetization curve shows the ferromagnetic behavior of DyCrO4 below transition temperature T-c similar to 21 K. This low T-c makes nanocrystalline DyCrO4 a potential material for cryogenic applications.

}, keywords = {Complexing agent, DyCrO4, Formation mechanism, Hydrolytic sol-gel method, pH}, issn = {0272-8842}, doi = {10.1016/j.ceramint.2022.05.113}, author = {Ughade, Supriya and Joshi, Bhavana and Poddar, Pankaj} } @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 {48036, title = {From molecular adsorption to decomposition of methanol on various ZnO facets: a periodic DFT study}, journal = {Applied Surface Science}, volume = {602}, year = {2022}, month = {NOV}, pages = {154150}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Methanol is an interesting and important molecule to study because of its potential to replace existing fuels. It is also a prominent hydrogen source which can be used to generate hydrogen in-situ. ZnO is widely used as catalyst in synthesis of methanol from CO2 at industrial scale. In this work, we demonstrate that the same catalyst could be used for MeOH decomposition. We have investigated interaction of methanol with various flat and stepped facets of ZnO by employing Density Functional Theory (DFT). Two flat [(10(1)overbar 0) and (11(2)overbar 0)] and two stepped [(10(1)overbar 3) and (11(2)overbar 2)] facets are studied in detail for methanol adsorption. Chemisorption of MeOH with varying strength is common to all four facets. Most importantly spontaneous dissociation of O-H bond of methanol is observed on all facets except (11(2)overbar 0). Our DFT calculations reveal that molecular adsorption is favored on flat facets, while dissociation is favored on step facets. Also, (10(1)overbar 0) facet undergoes substantial reconstruction upon MeOH adsorption. Activation of C-H bond along with strengthening of C-O bond on ZnO facets suggest partial oxidation of methanol. With our DFT investigations, we dig deeper into the underlying electronic structure of various facets of ZnO and provide rationale for the observed facet dependent interaction of ZnO with MeOH.

}, keywords = {DFT, MeOH, Surface interactions, ZnO}, issn = {0169-4332}, doi = {10.1016/j.apsusc.2022.154150}, author = {Mehta, Shweta and Joshi, Kavita} } @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 {48980, title = {Facile one-pot synthesis of Cu x O/TiO2 photocatalysts by regulating Cu oxidation state for efficient solar H2 production}, journal = {ACS Applied Energy Materials }, volume = {7}, year = {2023}, month = {DEC }, pages = {104-116}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Development of highly efficient CuxO/TiO2 photocatalysts by regulating the oxidation state of Cu exclusively in either single or mixed oxidation state(s) is desirable but difficult to achieve without employing any external reagents. The present work describes a one-pot synthesis strategy to obtain CuxO/TiO2 photocatalysts with Cu in +1 and/or +2 by using a suitable combination of ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA) and ethylene diamine, carefully varying the Cu content, and heat treatment process. CuxO/TiO2 nanocomposite catalysts were characterized thoroughly by physicochemical methods. Textural analysis indicates a high dispersion of CuxO on porous TiO2 with p-n heterojunctions between them in CuxO/TiO2 catalysts. UV-visible spectral analysis suggests the presence of CuxO on TiO2 with significantly extended absorption from the UV to the visible region. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis indicates a strong synergetic interaction between TiO2 and CuxO due to the comparable CB potential and p-n heterojunction at the interface among them. Photoelectrochemical studies demonstrate excellent charge-carrier separation efficiency, low charge-transfer resistance, and high double-layer capacitance with Cu2O/TiO2 photocatalysts. Photocatalytic efficacy of a CuxO/TiO2 nanocomposite in thin-film form has been demonstrated for solar hydrogen generation in sunlight. The incorporation of Cu+ in TiO2 largely improves the H-2 production, and all of the CuxO/TiO2 nanocomposites in thin-film form exhibited higher efficiency compared to their particulate/suspension counterpart. Among the composite catalysts, TiCu-1 in thin-film form, with Cu exclusively in +1 oxidation state, exhibited a high hydrogen production rate of 7.06 mmol/hg, which is 6 times higher than its suspension counterpart; also catalysts containing mixed Cu-oxidation states exhibited about 60-70\% activity as that of TiCu-1. The superior performance of Cu2O/TiO2 nanocomposites in thin-film form was due to their enhanced light harvesting ability, high mass transfer rate, and easy accessibility of the reactant species to the active sites.

}, keywords = {heterojunction, Photocatalysis, Solar hydrogen, thin film, titania}, issn = {2574-0962}, doi = {10.1021/acsaem.3c02272}, author = {Rajendran, Sivaraj and Mani, Sunesh S. and Nivedhitha, Thazhath R. and Asoka, Anantha Krishnan and Arun, Pushkaran S. and Mathew, Thomas and Gopinath, Chinnakonda S.} } @conference {48799, title = {Fast normalization and despeckled method for skin optical coherence tomography image via deep learning}, booktitle = {Photonics in Dermatology and Plastic Surgery 2023}, year = {2023}, month = {JUL}, publisher = {SPIE}, organization = {SPIE}, address = {1000 20TH ST, PO BOX 10, BELLINGHAM, WA 98227-0010 USA}, abstract = {

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is well-known for its high-resolution, non-invasive imaging modality with many medical uses, including skin imaging. Nevertheless, speckle noise limits the analytical capabilities of this imaging tool, causing deterioration in contrast and less exact detection of tissue microstructural heterogeneity. To address this issue, we proposed OCT despeckling approach by combing it with normalization to reduce the speckle noise more effectively. The proposed method contains multiple steps including phase correlation for alignment of misaligned frames, frame averaging which minimizes speckle noise, region-wise pixels normalization that helps to normalize intensity pixels, a modified BM3D filtering to suppress the white and speckle, and contrast enhancement to improve the contrast appropriately. To establish the approach, we applied 130 distinct B-scan skin OCT images and validate and evaluate the performance using qualitatively and quantitatively. Although the output obtained by the algorithm is promising, the method is time-consuming because of a series of steps. To reduce the time complexity, we also develop a supervised deep learning model by mapping between noisy-despeckled image pairs. The effectiveness and applicability of our DL approach were assessed using 130 skin OCT B-scans from various body areas taken from 45 healthy people between the ages of 20 and 60. With the support of the experimental results, we demonstrate that our DL model is capable to normalize and despeckling OCT images simultaneously.

}, keywords = {CNN, deep learning, denoising, Optical coherence tomography, speckle}, isbn = {978-1-5106-5809-7; 978-1-5106-5810-3}, doi = {10.1117/12.2651211}, author = {Rahaman, Jarjish and Lukas, Brandon and May, Julia and Puyana, Carolina and Tsoukas, Maria and Avanaki, Kamran}, editor = {Choi, B and Zeng, H} } @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 {49140, title = { Ferroelectric aminophosphonium cyanoferrate with a large electrostrictive coefficient as a piezoelectric nanogenerator}, journal = {Angewandte Chemie-International Edition}, volume = {62}, year = {2023}, month = {JAN }, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Hybrid materials possessing piezo- and ferroelectric properties emerge as excellent alternatives to conventional piezoceramics due to their merits of facile synthesis, lightweight nature, ease of fabrication and mechanical flexibility. Inspired by the structural stability of aminophosphonium compounds, here we report the first A(3)BX(6) type cyanometallate [Ph-2((PrNH)-Pr-i)(2)P](3)[Fe(CN)(6)] (1), which shows a ferroelectric saturation polarization (P-s) of 3.71 mu C cm(-2). Compound 1 exhibits a high electrostrictive coefficient (Q(33)) of 0.73 m(4) C-2, far exceeding those of piezoceramics (0.034-0.096 m(4) C-2). Piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) analysis demonstrates the polarization switching and domain structure of 1 further confirming its ferroelectric nature. Furthermore, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) polymer composite films of 1 were prepared and employed as piezoelectric nanogenerators. Notably, the 15 wt \% 1-TPU device gave a maximum output voltage of 13.57 V and a power density of 6.03 mu W cm(-2).

}, keywords = {Cyanometallates, energy conversion, H-bonding, hybrid composites, Phosphorus}, issn = {1433-7851}, doi = {10.1002/anie.202214984}, author = {Vijayakanth, Thangavel and Sahoo, Supriya and Kothavade, Premkumar and Sharma, Vijay Bhan and Kabra, Dinesh and Zareba, Jan K. K. and Shanmuganathan, Kadhiravan and Boomishankar, Ramamoorthy} } @article {48699, title = {Ferroelectric polarization and iron substitution synergistically boost electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction in bismuth oxychloride nanosheets}, journal = {Langmuir}, volume = {39}, year = {2023}, month = {AUG }, pages = {11414-11425}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Ferroelectric materials have gained significant interestin variouskinds of water splitting, but the study of ferroelectric materialsfor electrocatalytic water splitting is in its infancy. Ferroelectricmaterials have spontaneous polarization below their Curie temperaturedue to dipolar alignment, which results in surface charges. In 2Dferroelectric materials, spontaneous polarization depends on thickness.Herein, we report that thickness-dependent ferroelectric polarizationin 2D nanosheets can also accelerate the oxygen evolution reaction(OER) along with the tailored active surface area of exposed crystallinefacets, which improves the electrocatalytic activity relatively. Iron-substitutedBiOCl nanosheets of varying thickness are fabricated by varying thepH using a facile coprecipitation method. The substituted iron enhancespolarization and electrochemical active sites on the surface. Thefindings in this study show that the exposed (001) facet and higherthickness of the nanosheets have high ferroelectric polarization and,in turn, superior electrocatalytic activity and remarkable stability,requiring low overpotentials (348 mV and 270 mV at 100 mA/cm(2) and 10 mA/cm(2)) in alkaline (1.0 M KOH) electrolyte. Asthe thickness of the nanosheets is decreased from 140 to 34 nm, theelectrocatalytic performance of iron-substituted BiOCl nanosheetsstarts to reduce due to the lower Coulomb-Coulomb interactionand the increasing depolarization.

}, issn = {0743-7463}, doi = {10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c01272}, author = {Singh, Dinesh and Joshi, Bhavana and Poddar, Pankaj} } @article {48329, title = {Few-layer graphene lithiophilic and sodiophilic diffusion layer on porous stainless steel as lithium and sodium metal anodes}, journal = {Chemistry-An Asian Journal}, volume = {18}, year = {2023}, month = {APR }, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In order to subdue the obvious problem of uneven electric field distribution on regularly used copper/aluminum current collectors for alkali metal batteries, graphene on porous stainless steel (pSS_Gr) was fabricated using the ion etching technique that is employed as an effective host for lithium and sodium metal anodes. The binder-free pSS_Gr demonstrated stable Li plating and stripping at areal current and capacity of 6 mA cm(-2) and 2.54 mAh cm(-2), respectively, for over 1000 cycles with 98\% coulombic efficiency (C.E.). Also, in the case of Na metal anode, the host has shown stable performance at 4 mA cm(-2) and 1 mAh cm(-2) over 1000 cycles with similar to 100\% C.E.. Further, a full cell composed of Li-plated pSS_Gr as an anode and LiFePO4 as a cathode is electrochemically tested at 50 mA g(-1) current density with stable 100 cycles.

}, keywords = {Few layer graphene, Free-standing, Li and Na metal functional host, Na depth profiles, post-cycling XPS}, issn = {1861-4728}, doi = {10.1002/asia.202300068}, author = {Patrike, Apurva and Wasnik, Kundan and Shelke, Manjusha V.} } @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 {48943, title = {Functionalized CNT-azobenzene-PVA-based self-healing aqueous gel as a conductive photo-responsive actuator}, journal = {Journal of materials chemistry C}, volume = {11}, year = {2023}, month = {DEC }, pages = {16571-16577}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Conductive gels have gained attention from researchers owing to potential applications in flexible displays, implantable medical devices, touch panels, wearable electronic skin, sensors, soft robotics, etc. Photo-responsive conductance switching gels can make their way into various applications, including contact-free remote-controlled manipulation of the materials, implantable synthetic organs, and optical switches. Herein, we report an aqueous gel with boronic acid containing azobenzene crosslinker as the light-responsive part that can undergo reversible cis-trans isomerization on irradiation with UV-vis light and catechol functionalized single-walled carbon nanotube as a conductive part producing a self-healing aqueous gel with PVA. The 3D crosslinked gel network formed through the formation of boronic ester and hydrogen bonding between hydroxyl and boronic acid groups was confirmed using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray microtomography, and rheological experiments. Rheology results show that gel is a viscoelastic material with immediate self-healing properties. The presence of functionalized SWCNT in the gel matrix enhances the stability and results in a conductivity of up to 3.5 S cm-1 with a loading of 5 wt\%. The gel network exhibits a photoresponsive conductance switching from 10 to 60 mu A with UV and visible light irradiation, respectively. The molecular level motions during the isomerization of azobenzene lead to macroscopic dynamic changes that can find applications in soft actuators. The photoresponsive conductivity switching and dynamic movements of the films make the present material suitable for contact-free switching applications. Responsive conductive gels have gained attention owing to potential applications in flexible displays, implantable medical devices, touch panels, wearable electronic skin, sensors, soft robotics, and related areas.

}, keywords = {Cyclodextrins, Supramolecular Hydrogels,}, issn = {2050-7526}, doi = {10.1039/d3tc02942e}, author = {Narayanan, Aswini and Bhagyasree, T. M. and Torris, Arun and Babu, Sukumaran Santhosh} } @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 {49433, title = {Fabrication and evaluation of a spatially resolved fiber-optic probe for diffuse reflectance measurement for noninvasive diabetic foot ulcer diagnosis perspective}, journal = {Optical Engineering}, volume = {63}, year = {2024}, month = {APR }, pages = {044103}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Timely diagnosis and monitoring of wound progression or healing are key to improving the long-term outcome of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) has the potential to noninvasively diagnose the DFU in real time, as it detects changes in local blood volume fraction and oxygenation state level that occur when tissue becomes diseased or ulcerated. Since foot soles have a thicker epidermis and deeper blood vessels/capillaries than other parts of the body, a spatially resolved fiber-optic probe (SRFP) is needed to detect the optimal spatially resolved diffuse reflectance (SRDR) signal from the local site of the ulcer for DFU diagnosis. Therefore, herein, an SRFP consisting of a linear array of seven 400-mu m fibers with detector-source (D-S) fiber separation (rho) ranging from 0.8 to 4.8 mm was designed, fabricated, tested, and evaluated for SRDR measurement from a standard reflectance plate of barium sulfate (BaSO4) and foot sole of 27 healthy human subjects. The variation in SRDR spectra for each detector and source fiber pair measured with BaSO4 was found to be less than 1.6\%. In-vivo measurements from the foot sole demonstrate that the fabricated probe has the ability to spatially resolve and distinguish the SRDR spectra from sites, namely, the fifth metatarsal, ball of great joint, calcaneum, and great toe. Experimentally and theoretically, the detector and source fiber pair of rho=1.6 and 2.4 mm were optimal for SRDR measurements from a human foot. To evaluate and validate the performance of SRFP in a context relevant to DFU diagnosis, further SRDS measurements were performed on the solid tissue phantoms that mimic the optical properties of the normal and diabetic foot sole, and their results are statistically found different. Preliminary results suggest that developed SRFP can be explored for DRS measurement from foot ulcer patients to confirm its potential clinical applicability.

}, keywords = {diabetic foot ulcer, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, foot sole, spatially resolved fiber-optic probe, tissue phantom}, issn = {0091-3286}, doi = {10.1117/1.OE.63.4.044103}, author = {Kumar, Ajay and Hattale, Gangadhar and Pawar, Dnyandeo and Kanawade, Rajesh} } @article {49115, title = {Facile chemical synthesis of BaO:MgO nanorods for designing distinctive solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor device with activated carbon}, journal = {Journal of Energy Storage}, volume = {84}, year = {2024}, month = {APR}, pages = {110776}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) technique was adapted to produce the interconnected complex network of BaO:MgO nanorods on a flexible stainless-steel (SS) substrate surface. The phase and surface morphology of the BaO:MgO electrode were examined from the X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy measurements, respectively, which endowed electrochemical specific capacitance (SC) of 528.77 F/g at a 2 mV/s scan rate with great rate capability and cycling performance of 94.33 \% over 5000 cyclic voltammetry cycles. Fabricated BaO:MgO//AC asymmetric solid-state supercapacitor device, using polyvinyl alcohol and potassium hydroxide gel as an electrolyte, demonstrated distinctive energy storage performance, i.e., a specific capacitance (SC) of 259.07 F/g with an energy density of 57.27 Wh/kg and a power density of 2.34 kW/kg at a current density of 4 mA/cm(2). The results demonstrated the facile method for synthesizing a spherical nanorod network of BaO:MgO and made them promising electrode materials for energy storage applications. The use of a solid-state supercapacitor device to illuminate an LED demonstrated the commercial feasibility of both the materials utilized and the design type.

}, keywords = {activated carbon, ASSD device, BaO:MgO, SILAR, supercapacitor}, issn = {2352-152X}, doi = {10.1016/j.est.2024.110776}, author = {Bobade, Rushikesh G. and Dabke, Niteen B. and Shaikh, Shoyebmohamad F. and Lokhande, Balkrushna J. and Mane, Rajaram S. and Ambare, Revanappa C.} } @article {48987, title = {Facile microwave synthesis of Zinc Ferrite@NCDs for photocatalytic degradation of fluoroquinolone antibiotics}, journal = {Materials Chemistry and Physics}, volume = {314}, year = {2024}, month = {FEB}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) composites have attracted growing interest in photocatalytic water purification. Herein, the hybrids of zinc ferrite and nitrogen-doped carbon dots (ZnF@x\%NCDs) were synthesized via facile micro-wave synthesis. X-ray diffraction and Raman characterization confirm the formation of the spinel structure, and elemental composition has been analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of ZnF@x\%NCDs was evaluated via the decomposition of ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin under visible light illumination. We noted that 20 \% weight loading of NCDs led to the highest (similar to 79.2 \%) ciprofloxacin (CIP) degradation. Diffuse reflectance measurements demonstrate the reduction of the band gap in composites ZnF@20\%NCDs (1.91 eV) compared with bare ZnF (2.03 eV); moreover, the hybridization of zinc ferrites with NCDs results in enhanced photocurrent density and surface area. The effect of experimental parameters, including the role of photocatalyst dosage, pH value, and initial concentration of pollutants on the degradation of CIP, have also been investigated.

}, keywords = {Carbon dots, Ciprofloxacin degradation, Norfloxacin degradation, Photocatalysis, Zinc Ferrite}, issn = {0254-0584}, doi = {10.1016/j.matchemphys.2023.128823}, author = {Kaushal, Neha and Sarraf, Sonu and Basu, Aviru Kumar and Mishra, Sunita and Saha, Avishek} } @article {49113, title = {Facile synthesis of nanostructured Ni/NiO/N-doped graphene electrocatalysts for enhanced oxygen evolution reaction}, journal = {Nanoscale Advances}, volume = {6}, year = {2024}, month = {MAY}, pages = {2813-2822}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Electrocatalysts containing a Ni/NiO/N-doped graphene interface have been synthesised using the ligand-assisted chemical vapor deposition technique. NiO nanoparticles were used as the substrate to grow N-doped graphene by decomposing vapours of benzene and N-containing ligands. The method was demonstrated with two nitrogen-containing ligands, namely dipyrazino[2,3-f:2 {\textquoteleft},3 {\textquoteleft}-h]quinoxaline-2,3,6,7,10,11-hexacarbonitrile (L) and melamine (M). The structure and composition of the as-synthesized composites were characterized by XRD, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, TEM and XPS. The composite prepared using the ligand L had NiO sandwiched between Ni and N-doped graphene and showed an overpotential of 292 mV at 10 mA cm-2 and a Tafel slope of 45.41 mV dec-1 for the OER, which is comparable to the existing noble metal catalysts. The composite prepared using the ligand M had Ni encapsulated by N-doped graphene without NiO. It showed an overpotential of 390 mV at 10 mA cm-2 and a Tafel slope of 78.9 mV dec-1. The ligand-assisted CVD route demonstrates a facile route to control the microstructure of the electrocatalysts. Electrocatalysts containing a Ni/NiO/N-doped graphene interface have been synthesised using the ligand-assisted chemical vapor deposition technique.

}, issn = {2516-0230}, doi = {10.1039/d4na00141a}, author = {Madampadi, Roshni and Patel, Avit Bhogilal and Vinod, C. P. and Gupta, Ritu and Jagadeesan, Dinesh} } @article {49326, title = {Far-red active unsymmetrical squaraine dyes containing N-arylated indoline donors for dye sensitized solar cells}, journal = {Photochemistry and Photobiology}, volume = {100}, year = {2024}, month = {JUL}, pages = {1116-1126}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Squaraine dyes possess sharp far-red active transition with high extinction coefficient and form aggregates on TiO2 surface. Aggregation of dyes on TiO2 has been considered as a detrimental factor for DSSC device performance, which can be controlled by appending alkyl groups to the dye structures. Hence by integrating alkylated (alkyl groups with both in-plane and out-of-plane) aryl group with indoline moiety to make it compatible with other electrolytes and for controlling the dye-aggregation, a series of squaraine acceptor-based dyes SQA4-6 have been designed and synthesized. SQA4-6 dyes showed absorption between 642 and 653 nm (lambda max), photophysical and electrochemical studies indicated that the HOMO energy levels of this sets of dyes are well aligned with the potentials of I-/I3-\$\$ {\textbackslashmathrm{I}}_3\<\^\>{-} \$\$ and [Co(bpy)3]2+/3+ redox shuttles for better dye regeneration process. DSSC device efficiency of 3\% has been achieved for SQA5 dye with iodolyte (I-/I3-\$\$ {\textbackslashmathrm{I}}_3\<\^\>{-} \$\$) electrolyte in the presence of 0.3 mM of chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA). The IPCE profile of DSSC device fabricated with SQA4-6 dyes indicated the contribution of aggregated structures for the photocurrent generation. Dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) device efficiency of 3\% (Jsc 5.72 mA cm-2, Voc 662 mV and ff 79\%) has been achieved for an unsymmetrical squaraine dye, SQA5 with iodolyte electrolyte and the incident photon to current efficiency (IPCE) profile indicates the contribution of aggregated structures for the photocurrent generation.*image

}, keywords = {aggregation of dye, arylation on N-atom of indoline donor, dye-sensitized solar cell, squaraine dye}, issn = {0031-8655}, doi = {10.1111/php.13907}, author = {Jadhav, Avinash P. and Singh, Ambarish Kumar and Pandya, Rinu and Vanka, Kumar and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam and Jayaraj, Nithyanandhan} } @article {49308, title = {F-doped nickel cobalt oxide-carbon composite electrocatalysts paired with mechanically robust anion-conducting chitosan membranes for flexible and rechargeable zinc-air batteries}, journal = {ACS Applied Energy Materials}, volume = {7}, year = {2024}, month = {AUG}, pages = {7037-7054}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

High-performing, cost-effective electrocatalysts and anion-conducting polymer electrolyte membranes are essential for realizing commercially affordable zinc-air batteries (ZABs). In this context, the present work deals with the development of a bifunctional electrocatalyst and an anion-exchange quasi-solid-state electrolyte membrane (based on quaternary ammonium group-grafted chitosan) for demonstrating flexible and rechargeable ZABs. The electrocatalyst composed of NiCoO2 nanoparticles supported on a carbon framework showcased substantial advancements in its ability to catalyze both oxygen reduction and evolution reactions (ORR and OER) due to the heteroatom doping by fluorine. For instance, the optimized electrocatalyst (F-NCO-ADC-600) exhibited an onset potential of 0.96 V vs RHE with a half-wave potential of 0.83 V vs RHE for ORR, a comparable performance with the state-of-the-art Pt/C (1.0 and 0.86 V vs RHE, respectively). On a similar note, the same catalyst also displayed an overpotential of 340 mV vs RHE for OER at a current density of 20 mA cm(-2), close to that of a standard RuO2 catalyst (337 mV vs RHE). In the context of polymer electrolytes, the quaternary ammonium-group-grafted chitosan membrane depicted superior ionic conductivity, liquid electrolyte uptake, and mechanical properties, thereby proving to be an efficient anion-conducting polymer electrolyte membrane. The realistic application of the developed electrocatalyst and the polymer electrolyte membrane is demonstrated in the ZAB prototypes. The assembled rechargeable ZAB (RZAB) delivered a power density of 207 mW cm(-2) and maintained high-rate capability and cycling stability, notably in a flexible configuration (f-RZABs). Thus, this work provides a strategy for the rational design of anion-exchange membranes and bifunctional electrocatalysts for f-RZABs.

}, keywords = {anion-conducting polymer electrolytemembrane, F-doping, flexible and rechargeable zinc-air batteries(f-RZABs), oxygen evolution reaction(OER), oxygen reduction reaction (ORR)}, issn = {2574-0962}, doi = {10.1021/acsaem.4c01261}, author = {Kurian, Maria and Ranganath, Suresha P. and Vijayakumar, Vidyanand and Sivadasan, Sneha and Kurian, Rachna Maria and Badiger, Manohar V. and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {49657, title = {Feedback driven autonomous cycles of assembly and disassembly from minimal building blocks}, journal = {Nature Communications}, volume = {15}, year = {2024}, month = {NOV}, pages = {9980}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The construction of complex systems by simple chemicals that can display emergent network dynamics might contribute to our understanding of complex behavior from simple organic reactions. Here we design single amino acid/dipeptide-based systems that exhibit multiple periodic changes of (dis)assembly under non-equilibrium conditions in closed system, importantly in the absence of evolved biocatalysts. The two-component based building block exploits pH driven non-covalent assembly and time-delayed accelerated catalysis from self-assembled state to install orthogonal feedback loops with a single batch of reactants. Mathematical modelling of the reaction network establishes that the oscillations are transient for this network structure and helps to predict the relative contribution of the feedback loop to the ability of the system to exhibit such transient oscillation. Such autonomous systems with purely synthetic molecules are the starting point that can enable the design of active materials with emergent properties. The study of the network dynamics of complex systems formed by simple chemicals can contribute to our understanding of complex behavior from simple organic reactions. Here, built on the minimal building blocks, the authors describe a system with periodic (dis)assembly utilizing feedback loops controlled by time-delayed catalysis and pH-driven assembly.

}, doi = {10.1038/s41467-024-54197-y}, author = {Reja, Antara and Jha, Sangam and Sreejan, Ashley and Pal, Sumit and Bal, Subhajit and Gadgil, Chetan and Das, Dibyendu} } @article {49085, title = {Ferric oxide nanocatalyst: synthesis, characterization, and application in the one-pot three-component synthesis of 3,4,5-trisubstituted isoxazole derivatives}, journal = {Monatshefte Fur Chemie}, volume = {155}, year = {2024}, month = {JUN}, pages = {631-641}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In this study, we have focused on the preparation and application of a nano-ferric oxide catalyst as a heterogeneous catalyst in the one-pot, three-component synthesis of isoxazole derivatives. The ferric oxide catalyst was synthesized using a simple precipitation method and thoroughly characterized using techniques such as FT-IR, XRD, SEM, EDX, and BET. The effectiveness of the ferric oxide catalyst as a heterogeneous catalyst was investigated in the synthesis of 3,4,5-trisubstituted isoxazole. The results of the synthesis demonstrated that the catalyst exhibited high efficiency in facilitating the three-component, one-pot synthesis of 3,4,5-trisubstituted isoxazole derivatives. The synthesis route employed in this study offers several advantages, including its simplicity, ease of workup, and environmental friendliness. Furthermore, the catalyst was successfully recovered and reused for five cycles without experiencing a significant loss in catalytic activity. This finding highlights the excellent stability and promising potential of the catalyst for organic transformations. Overall, our study showcases the successful preparation and application of the nano-ferric oxide catalyst in the synthesis of isoxazole derivatives, providing valuable insights into its catalytic performance and potential for future applications in organic chemistry.

}, keywords = {Ferric oxide nanoparticles, heterogeneous catalyst, Isoxazole, Multicomponent reaction}, issn = {0026-9247}, doi = {10.1007/s00706-024-03194-4}, author = {Totre, Ganesh and Shinde, Dnyaneshwar and Shirsath, Sachin and Patil, Prakash and Kulkarni, Pramod} } @article {49103, title = {Fictibacillus fluitans sp. nov., isolated from freshwater pond}, journal = {Archives of Microbiology }, volume = {206}, year = {2024}, month = {FEB}, pages = {70}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A Gram-positive, aerobic, rod-shaped, spore-forming bacterium, designated NE201(T), was isolated from a freshwater pond in Village Nerur, India. Growth was observed in the range of 15-45 degrees C temperature with optimum at 30 degrees C, pH range of 5-9 (optimum at 7.0), and at concentrations of NaCl ranging between 0 and 14\% (optimum 0\%, w/v). The 16S rRNA gene sequence showed the highest similarity with Fictibacillus enclensis NIO-1003(T) (JF893461) at 99.01\% followed by F. rigui WPCB074(T) (EU939689) at 98.9\% and F. solisalsi CGMCC 1.6854(T) (EU046268) at 98.66\%. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) and orthoANI values for strain NE201(T) against F. enclensis NIO-1003(T) (GCA_900094955.1) were 33.7\% and 87.68\%, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene, 92 core genes derived from the genome, and 20 proteins involving over 20,236 amino acid positions revealed the distinct phylogenetic position of strain NE201(T) and the formation of a clearly defined monophyletic clade with F. enclensis. The strain NE201(T) showed a unique carbon utilization and assimilation pattern that differentiated it from F. enclensis NIO-1003(T). The major fatty acids were anteiso -C-15:0 (51.42\%) and iso-C-15:0 (18.88\%). The major polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE, and diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG). The antiSMASH analyzed genome of NE201(T) highlighted its diverse biosynthetic potential, unveiling regions associated with terpene, non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS), lassopeptides, NI-siderophores, lanthipeptides (LAP), and Type 3 Polyketide Synthases (T3PKS). The overall phenotypic, genotypic, and chemotaxonomic characters strongly suggested that the strain NE201(T) represents a novel species of genus Fictibacillus for which the name Fictibacillus fluitans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NE201(T) (= MCC 5285 = JCM 36474).

}, keywords = {Bacillus, Fictibacillus, Freshwater bacteria}, issn = {0302-8933}, doi = {10.1007/s00203-023-03794-4}, author = {Yadav, Amit and Maurya, Akanksha and Bhavsar, Yash and Teware, Ruchi and Bhatt, Agrima and DaCosta, Elaine and Thorat, Vipool and Kirdat, Kiran and Dastager, Syed G.} } @article {49303, title = {First-principles simulation of active site selectivity for CO2 and H2 adsorption on Mg(OH)+/Mg2+ and Ca(OH)+/Ca2+ zeolites}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {128}, year = {2024}, month = {DEC }, pages = {21659-21671}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

One very effective strategy for addressing global warming and transitioning to sustainable energy sources is selective CO2 separation over H-2. Porous materials, particularly zeolites, have demonstrated enormous potential for energy-efficient separation techniques combined with storage. By altering interactions at cation-binding sites, zeolite{\textquoteright}s gas adsorption characteristics toward carbon capture can be improved. In this study, Mg and Ca are assessed as extra-framework cations in divalent (Ca2+, Mg2+) and monovalent states (Ca(OH)(+), Mg(OH)(+)) in faujasite and chabazite zeolites for CO2 capture over H-2. The study also explores the impact of mixed cations, viz., a combination of both Ca2+ and Mg2+ in the framework, on their selective adsorption potential. This study uses DFT with dispersion corrections to calculate adsorption energies, enthalpies, and Gibb{\textquoteright}s free energies of adsorbed CO2 and H-2 molecules. Among the dispersion parameters evaluated, viz., D4, TS/HI, and MBD, D4 approaches experimental accuracy. In general, the adsorption trend obtained for CO2 is Mg FAU \> Ca FAU \> Mg CHA \> Ca CHA \> Mg(OH)(+) FAU \> Ca(OH)(+) FAU \> Mg(OH)(+) CHA \> Ca(OH)(+) CHA. The heats of adsorption using PBE+D4 for CO2 are -46 kJ/mol for Ca FAU and -10 kJ/mol for Ca(OH)(+) FAU, respectively. These values closely align with the experimental results of -45 and -6 kJ/mol, respectively, within a chemical accuracy limit of +/- 4 kJ/mol. The relative adsorption energies suggest that for both FAU and CHA, there exists a minimum difference of 26 kJ/mol in adsorption energies between CO2 and H-2. Hence, this piece of work highlights that FAU with Ca and Mg as extra-framework cations in a six-membered cage can be a viable substitute to replace, the current best candidate in literature, viz., Li+, for selective CO2 capture.

}, issn = {1932-7447}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpcc.4c05835}, author = {Samal, Pragnya Paramita and Krishnamurty, Sailaja} } @article {48981, title = {Flagellar motor protein-targeted search for the druggable site of Helicobacter pylori}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics }, volume = {26}, year = {2024}, month = {JAN }, pages = {2111-2126}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The deleterious impact of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) on human health is contingent upon its ability to create and sustain colony structure, which in turn is dictated by the effective performance of flagella - a multi-protein rotary nanodevice. Hence, to design an effective therapeutic strategy against H. pylori, we here conducted a systematic search for an effective druggable site by focusing on the structure-dynamics-energetics-stability landscape of the junction points of three 1 : 1 protein complexes (FliF(C)-FliG(N), FliG(M)-FliM(M), and FliY(C)-FliN(C)) that contribute mainly to the rotary motion of the flagella via the transformation of information along the junctions over a wide range of pH values operative in the stomach (from neutral to acidic). We applied a gamut of physiologically relevant perturbations in the form of thermal scanning and mechanical force to sample the entire quasi - and non-equilibrium conformational spaces available for the protein complexes under neutral and acidic pH conditions. Our perturbation-induced magnification of conformational distortion approach identified pH-independent protein sequence-specific evolution of precise thermally labile segments, which dictate the specific thermal unfolding mechanism of each complex and this complex-specific pH-independent structural disruption notion remains consistent under mechanical stress as well. Complementing the above observations with the relative rank-ordering of estimated equilibrium binding free energies between two protein sequences of a specific complex quantifies the extent of structure-stability modulation due to pH alteration, rationalizes the exceptional stability of H. pylori under acidic pH conditions, and identifies the pH-independent complex-sequence-segment-residue diagram for targeted drug design.

}, issn = {1463-9076}, doi = {10.1039/d3cp05024f}, author = {Tammara, Vaishnavi and Angrover, Ruchika and Sirur, Disha and Das, Atanu} } @article {49078, title = {Flow and clogging behavior of a mixture of particles in a silo}, journal = {Physics of Fluids }, volume = {36}, year = {2024}, month = {MAY}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We investigated the clogging behavior observed during the flow of aspherical particles from a silo in the presence of spherical particles of different sizes and proportions using flow visualization experiments and discrete element method simulations. The size of the avalanche, essentially the tendency of clogging, exhibits non-monotonic dependence on the spherical particle volume fraction. For small enough content of spherical particles, the clogging tendency intensifies, whereas it reduces rapidly for high enough spherical particle fractions, with a minimum in between. The non-monotonic behavior is observed to persist over for different spherical particle sizes. The overall behavior is shown to arise due to competing effects between the localized total particle fraction influencing avalanche strength and mean size of the particles exiting the silo, influencing the probability of arch formation.

}, issn = {1070-6631}, doi = {10.1063/5.0205141}, author = {Bhure, Sukhada C. and Doshi, Pankaj and Orpe, Ashish V.} } @article {49310, title = {From digital blueprint to chemical reality: methanol to formaldehyde at ambient conditions}, journal = {Applied Surface Science}, volume = {669}, year = {2024}, month = {OCT }, pages = {160527}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Partial oxidation of methanol to value added product presents an intriguing yet challenging process. Among these products, formaldehyde is the simplest and one of the most vital aliphatic aldehydes, which has extensive application across various domains. Industrially, silver and iron-molybdenum oxides are used as catalysts for the conversion of methanol to formaldehyde at elevated temperatures (600 degrees C and 250-400 degrees C, respectively). However, in this computational and experimental study, we have demonstrated the efficacy of ZnO as a catalyst. Notably, in the presence of ZnO, methanol readily converts to formaldehyde even under ambient conditions. We employed periodic density functional theory (DFT) to explore (10 1 1) facet of ZnO to elucidate its interaction with methanol. Our comprehensive analysis identified the most active facet (10 1 1) involved in the spontaneous conversion of methanol to formaldehyde. Subsequently, experimental validation supported our theoretical findings, demonstrating the conversion of methanol to formaldehyde with 100\% selectivity at room temperature and atmospheric pressure in the presence of ZnO. This study exemplifies the pivotal role of theory in catalyst design.

}, keywords = {DFT, Formaldehyde, MeOH, ZnO}, issn = {0169-4332}, doi = {10.1016/j.apsusc.2024.160527}, author = {Mehta, Shweta and Kasabe, Mirabai and Umbarkar, Shubhangi B. and Joshi, Kavita} } @article {49116, title = {Fuel from waste: electrosynthesizing ammonia directly from agricultural digestate through ligand isomerization}, journal = {Green Chemistry}, volume = {26}, year = {2024}, month = {JUN}, pages = {6490-6500}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We demonstrate that the catalytic metal centre for ammonia production can be selectively activated with only a slight alteration in ligand isomerization (alpha and beta isomers), making it practical and effective even for agricultural effluents. With almost 90\% faradaic efficiency, the beta isomer generates approximately 0.64 mg h-1 cm-2 of ammonia. Energy-efficient ammonia recovery is made possible by the interfacial proton charge assembly that beta-isomerization creates, which attracts the reacting nitrate and repels the competing hydronium ions. With minimal energy consumption, this isomerization approach can interconvert agricultural effluents into ammonia fuel, reaching up to 84\% of its theoretical yield and maintaining stability over 100 hours of continuous electrolysis. Ligand isomerization driven ammonia electrosynthesis from agricultural waste water.

}, issn = {1463-9262}, doi = {10.1039/d4gc00740a}, author = {Mendhe, Rahul Mahadeo and Mondal, Ritwik and Kottaichamy, Alagar Raja and Haridas, Akshay and Kotresh, Harish Makri Nimbegondi and Vinod, Chathakudath Prabhakaran and Thimmappa, Ravikumar and Thotiyl, Musthafa Ottakam} } @article {49365, title = {Fuel-influenced nanorod-to-nanosphere transformation of vanadium-doped ZnO and its performance in dye-sensitized solar cells}, journal = {NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY}, volume = {48}, year = {2024}, month = {NOV }, pages = {19175-19187}, keywords = {Nanoparticles, Nanowires, Photoanode, Thin-films}, issn = {1144-0546}, doi = {10.1039/d4nj03589e}, author = {Kuppusamy, Sasikumar and Mohan, Theanmozhi and Gnana Kumar, G. and Gopinath, Chinnakonda S. and Saha, Arindam and Michael, Robin Jude Vimal} } @article {49301, title = {Functionalized quinolones and isoquinolones via 1,2-difunctionalization of arynes: synthesis of antagonist agent AS2717638 and floxacin key intermediates}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {61}, year = {2024}, month = {DEC}, pages = {133-136}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Quinolones and isoquinolones are privileged scaffolds in synthetic/medicinal chemistry and drug discovery due to their unique chemical structures and intrinsic properties. Herein, we reveal a transition-metal-free approach for their synthesis from the reaction of dimethyl-2-((phenylamino)methylene)malonate with aryne precursors under mild conditions. The substrate scope is broad, accommodating a wide range of functional groups. The synthetic utility of the developed protocol has been demonstrated in the total synthesis of the potent antagonist agent AS2717638 and key intermediates of floxacin congeners. The gram-scale experiments illustrate its synthetic potential.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/d4cc05671j}, author = {Mahale, Sachin D. and Prasad, Anamika and Mhaske, Santosh B.} } @article {49713, title = {Fabrication of a 3D iron-modified NiCo2S4 structure on nickel foam as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting}, journal = {New Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {49}, year = {2025}, month = {JUN}, pages = {10056-10064}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The development of highly efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts that operate effectively in strong electrolytes, with low overpotentials at defined current densities and excellent durability, has become a central focus in research on overall water splitting. In this study, a three-dimensional (3D) sheet-wrapped wire electrocatalyst, composed of Fe-doped NiCo2S4 on nickel foam (NF), was fabricated. This material demonstrated excellent durability for both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in an alkaline medium. The uniform distribution of Ni, Co, Fe, and S elements significantly enhanced the electro-catalytic performance. The incorporation of Fe improved activity, with the Fe2.5\%-NiCo2S4/NF electrocatalyst achieving overpotentials of 310 mV and 260 mV for the HER and OER, respectively, at a current density of 100 mA cm-2. These results were superior to those of both bare nickel foam and NiCo2S4/NF. The 3D configuration facilitated efficient ion transport and contributed to the remarkable catalytic performance. As a water-splitting electrolyzer in an alkaline electrolyte of 1.0 M KOH, the system delivered a current density of 20 mA cm-2 at a cell voltage of 1.66 V, highlighting the effectiveness of this design strategy.

}, issn = {1144-0546}, doi = {10.1039/d5nj00816f}, author = {Singla, Gourav and Mahajan, Mani and Bhange, Siddheshwar N. and Kashyap, Varchaswal} } @article {49729, title = {Facet dependence for solvent-modulated proton-coupled electron transfer in furfural acetalization on Pd nanostructures}, journal = {Chemical Engineering Journal}, volume = {514}, year = {2025}, month = {JUN}, pages = {163159}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Furfural dialkyl acetals prepared via acetalization reaction of furfural and alcohols are promising biofuels. Using defined experiments and density functional theory (DFT) simulations, the structure-dependent activity and selectivity for furfural acetalization reaction in the presence of alcohols (methanol, ethanol, propanol and butanol) as solvents was studied over well-defined supported Pd nanostructures (octahedra (111), cubes (100) and spheres (both (111) and (100)). Pd cubes supported over TiO2 in the presence of ethanol as a solvent (at 303 K and balloon pressure H-2) exhibited 78 \% conversion and 100 \% selectivity for furfural diethyl acetal product in a short time (similar to 180 min). In contrast, Pd octahedra (111) and Pd spheres showed low conversions (18 \% and 6 \%) at the same reaction conditions. Interestingly, when used as a solvent, methanol showed the highest conversion (90 \%) and selectivity (100 \%) for furfural acetalization over Pd cubes. DFT simulations provided mechanistic insight into the reactivity of the two different Pd facets (111) and (100) in the presence of alcohol molecules towards furfural acetalization reaction. A three-step reaction mechanism was proposed for furfural acetalization with alcohols: (i) alcohol hydroxyl-dehydrogenation (ii) hydrogenation of furfural carbonyl oxygen, and (iii) formation of hemiacetal product. For all three steps, Pd (100) exhibited low activation barriers (51.6, 26.7 and 76.2 kJ/mol) compared to Pd (111) surface (78.6, 35.8 and 92.2 kJ/mol) in the presence of ethanol. The activation barriers for the above steps were further reduced to 47.8, 23.9 and 64.6 kJ/mol on Pd (100) in the presence of methanol, explaining the experimental high reactivity aided by methanol. DFT calculations elucidated the role of the hydrogen bonding network between the solvent molecules and adsorbate, enabling proton-coupled electron transfer for accelerated reactions.

}, keywords = {Acetalization, DFT, facet-dependent reactivity, furfural, Furfural dialkyl acetals, solvent effect}, issn = {1385-8947}, doi = {10.1016/j.cej.2025.163159}, author = {Porwal, Govind and Dandekar, Pallavi and Gorai, Twinkle and Khan, Tuhin Suvra and Haider, M. Ali and Gupta, Shelaka and Vinod, C. P.} } @article {49766, title = {Facile and eco-friendly synthesis of Mn2O3 nanoparticles via microwave-assisted glycerol-thermal method}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Sciences}, volume = {137}, year = {2025}, month = {NOV }, pages = {102}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Microwave-assisted efficient synthesis of nanosized manganese oxide (Mn2O3) is reported using glycerol and manganese acetate. Glycerol in this reported methodology acts as an efficient solvent for this nanomaterial synthesis under microwave radiation. This reported method enables the synthesis of nanosized Mn2O3 without further use of additives, stabilizers, and bases other than glycerol and manganese precursor. Glycerol is a renewable biomaterial derived nonvolatile and nontoxic, safe solvent. It has a high boiling point and dielectric constant, which makes it an ideal solvent for microwave synthesis. The synthesized nanosized Mn2O3 was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman spectroscopy. We examined the catalytic properties of as-synthesized Mn2O3 for cinnamyl alcohol oxidation to cinnamaldehyde. In this oxidation activity experiment, nanosized Mn2O3 exhibits good conversion and selectivity towards the desired product. We also made an attempt to understand the probable mechanism of nanomaterial formation and found some conclusive evidence to support it. This research methodology is facile, energy efficient, and involves minimum chemicals for synthesis. It makes this reported methodology not only economically attractive but also environmentally friendly, which aligns well with green chemistry principles.

}, keywords = {Glycerol, green chemistry, Nanosized Mn2O3, nanostructured catalysis}, issn = {0974-3626}, doi = {10.1007/s12039-025-02429-z}, author = {Yadav, Akash and Jha, Ratnesh and Bhatkar, Akash and Gehlot, Bhavika and Kamble, Aditi and Manikandan, Marimuthu and Bhosale, Hritvik and Vaishnav, Vishal and Rathod, Rutik and Umbarkar, Shubhangi and Raja, Thirumalaiswamy and Bhatte, Kushal D.} } @article {49348, title = {Far-red active squaraine dye-sensitized photoanode for dye-sensitized solar cells with a copper (II/I) electrolyte}, journal = {Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A-Chemistry}, volume = {459}, year = {2025}, month = {FEB }, pages = {116086}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC), controlling the dye-aggregation on TiO2 and charge recombination between electrons present in TiO2 and electrolyte can be achieved by wrapping the long alkyl groups around the dye structure and further introducing bulky donor on the dye is a potential approach to enhance both the open-circuit potential and short-circuit current parameters. Additionally, bulky donor containing dye structures modulates the photophysical and electrochemical properties of the sensitizer which helps reducing the over potentials required for the dye regeneration process by utilizing a multidentate ligand containing [Cu(tme)]2+/+ and I- /I3redox electrolytes. Hagfeldt donor appended far-red NIR active unsymmetrical squaraine dye (SQ-HF) has been designed, synthesized, and characterized. SQ-HF dye showed an intense absorption at 676 nm (epsilon 1.7 x 105 M- 1cm- 1). Photophysical and electrochemical studies indicated that the LUMO and HOMO energy levels of the SQ-HF dye were suited for charge injection (from the LUMO of the dye to the conduction band of TiO2) and dyeregeneration processes, respectively. The DSSC device efficiency of 5.15 \% (JSC of 10.83 mA/cm2 and VOC of 0.690 V) has been achieved for SQ-HF dye by utilizing a literature reported [Cu(tme)]2+/+ and 4.11 \% (JSC of 8.74 mA/cm2 and VOC of 0.702 V) in I- /I3- redox shuttles, respectively.

}, keywords = {aggregation of dyes, Bulky donor, dye-sensitized solar cell, Photocurrent generation, squaraine dye}, issn = {1010-6030}, doi = {10.1016/j.jphotochem.2024.116086}, author = {Nawghare, Indrajeet S. and Deshmukh, Shivdeep Suresh and Joshi, Krati and Krishnamurty, Sailaja and Krishnamoorthy, Kothandam and Nithyanandhan, Jayaraj} } @article {49924, title = {Feasibility study of reactive chromatography for the synthesis of 2-ethoxyethyl acetate using the amberlyst-15 catalyst}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {64}, year = {2025}, month = {DEC}, pages = {23312-23322}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Reactive chromatography is a promising process intensification technology that combines reaction and separation in a single piece of equipment. In this study, the reaction kinetics and adsorption behavior of esterification of 2-ethoxyethanol (EC) with acetic acid (AcOH) using Amberlyst-15 as a catalyst are studied using batch reactions and reactive chromatography. Batch reactions are performed to study the kinetic behavior, and an appropriate kinetic model is proposed. To evaluate adsorption parameters, nonreactive separation experiments are performed in a fixed bed chromatographic reactor (FBCR), and results are compared with model predictions. Further, the MATLAB simulations are performed for reactive separation using kinetics and adsorption data, and results are validated by the experiments. Experimentally obtained breakthrough profiles of FBCR for reaction and desorption reveal the applicability of reactive chromatography for the synthesis of ethyl cellosolve.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/acs.iecr.5c03727}, author = {Gore, Jayram I. and Nadeem, Mohd and Mahajani, Sanjay M. and Mali, Nilesh A.} } @article {49817, title = {Fermi-level equilibrium-driven trap filling in multibandgap PbS quantum dot solids enabling record voltage generation and improved carrier transport in high-performance solar cells}, journal = {ACS Energy Letters}, volume = {10}, year = {2025}, month = {DEC}, pages = {6336-6346}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

To leverage the unique optical properties of quantum dots (QDs) in solar cells, it is crucial to address electronic traps from unsaturated surface states of high surface area QDs. Despite advancements in surface passivation, even the best-coupled QD solids exhibit significant sub-bandgap trap states. This study introduces engineered multibandgap PbS QD solids that achieve passivation of deep traps below the conduction band through electron migration from dopant QDs. Our findings indicate that electron flow, driven by Fermi energy balancing in blend films, fills deep trap states, reducing trap density by half and shifting trap energy positions closer to the conduction band. During electrical transport, trap filling minimizes trapping and detrapping events, enhancing overall carrier mobility, despite higher-bandgap dopant QDs not contributing to carrier transport due to their unfavorable energy positions. Improved trap passivation in coupled QD solids leads to a record V oc of 725 +/- 10 meV for the 1.33 eV excitonic peak of QDs and a power conversion efficiency exceeding 14\% in solar cells.

}, issn = {2380-8195}, doi = {10.1021/acsenergylett.5c03000}, author = {Dambhare, Neha V. and Biswas, Arindam and Sharma, Anjali and Shinde, Dipak Dattatray and Mitra, Anurag and Girade, Vrushali S. and Rath, Arup Kumar} } @article {49256, title = {The first enantioselective total synthesis of the eremophilane-type sesquiterpenoid (-)-peniroqueforin C}, journal = {Tetrahedron Letters}, volume = {154}, year = {2025}, month = {JAN }, pages = {155386}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Herein, we report the first stereoselective total synthesis of the eremophilane-type sesquiterpenoid (-)-peniroqueforin C using a chiral-pool strategy. This synthetic route features the use of readily available (S)-(+)-carvone as a chiral building block, Robinson annulation to construct the decalin system, substrate-controlled stereoselective methylation, single-step annulative construction of a tricyclic gamma-ylidene-butenolide with concomitant alkene transposition, and direct lactone-to-lactam conversion as key transformations.

}, keywords = {annulation reactions, Eremophilanes, Peniroqueforin C, Sesquiterpenoids, Total synthesis}, issn = {0040-4039}, doi = {10.1016/j.tetlet.2024.155386}, author = {Ingale, Sudhir R. and Vinodkumar, Ramavath and Kontham, Ravindar} } @article {49898, title = {Formal Synthesis of Corynanthe Indole Alkaloid ({\textpm})-Mitralactonine: Construction of α-Hydroxy-Keto Functionalized Tetracyclic Skeleton}, journal = {Chemistryselect}, volume = {10}, year = {2025}, month = {DEC }, pages = {e04415}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

An efficient synthesis of a tetracyclic skeleton common to many corynanthe alkaloids was accomplished in 10 linear steps starting from a known tetrahydro beta-carboline intermediate. The tetracyclic alpha-hydroxy keto functionalized advanced precursor of (+/-)-mitralactonine was realized using Wittig olefination, ketohydroxylation of a trisubstituted alkene, and a tandem amine unmasking-intramolecular nucleophilic displacement reaction for C-N bond formation of C/D-rings.

}, keywords = {alpha-hydroxy keto, beta-carboline, corynanthe alkaloid, intramolecular N-alkylation, mitragynine}, issn = {2365-6549}, doi = {10.1002/slct.202504415}, author = {Dumare, Nilesh B. and Sharma, Pallavi and Sivappa, Rasapalli and Chavan, Subhash P.} } @article {49872, title = {From Delocalization to Disruption: The Role of Aromaticity in N-Heterocyclic Carbenes{\textquoteright} Reactions with Diazoalkane and Diazoester}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {90}, year = {2025}, month = {SEP }, pages = {12409-12424}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Aromaticity is a fundamental force shaping molecular stability and reactivity, yet its dynamic role along reaction coordinates remains poorly understood. In this study, we unveil how dynamic changes in aromatic character govern the reactivity of 5-ItBu with diazoalkanes and diazoesters through a multifaceted computational approach. By integrating electronic, magnetic, structural, and energetic aromaticity descriptors, we demonstrate that the retention of aromaticity along the reaction path markedly lowers activation barriers, while its disruption imposes significant energetic penalties. Activation strain model (ASM) and energy decomposition analysis (EDA) further underscore the role of aromatic stabilization in enhancing orbital interactions that drive reactivity. These insights establish a cohesive mechanistic framework, highlighting aromaticity not merely as a static structural feature but as a tunable lever in the design of selective transformations and next-generation catalysts.

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/acs.joc.5c01606}, author = {Sharma, Himanshu and Fernandez, Israel and Vanka, Kumar} } @article {49689, title = {From signals to sustenance: the role of biogenic amines in insect feeding behavior}, journal = {Journal of Insect Behavior}, volume = {38}, year = {2025}, month = {JUN}, pages = {15}, type = {Review}, abstract = {

Insect feeding is a complex and finely-tuned behavior that notably impacts their physiological and metabolic processes. Chemical signals and cues, chemosensation, motor response, and physiological changes govern responses to food resources. The role of biogenic amines in regulating feeding is essential, as they significantly affect locomotory changes and nutrient assimilation. Octopamine, tyramine, dopamine, serotonin, and other biogenic amines are neuromodulators, neurotransmitters, and neurohormones. Octopamine and tyramine have contrasting effects on food-seeking and foraging behavior regulation. The interaction among biogenic amines and their respective receptors initiates diverse signaling pathways by modifying the concentrations of intracellular secondary messengers like Ca2+, AMP, and other molecules. These signal transductions regulate various physical and metabolic processes, directly influencing feeding behavior and digestive physiology. Furthermore, dopamine triggers a negative response, whereas serotonin plays a positive role in regulating feeding behavior. Biogenic amines underlie synchronized and interconnected molecular mechanisms, along with unique individual effects. It is fascinating to consider these interrelated activities and the impacts of bioamine on insect feeding behavior. In this review, we discuss the roles of insect biogenic amines and their cross-talk in insect feeding and foraging behavior.

}, keywords = {Biogenic amines, feeding behavior, octopamine, Signal transduction, tyramine}, issn = {0892-7553}, doi = {10.1007/s10905-025-09879-w}, author = {Patil, Yogita P. and Joshi, Rakesh S.} } @article {49615, title = {Functionalized gold nanorods (GNRs) as a label for the detection of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) through lateral flow assay (LFA)}, journal = { Emergent Materials}, volume = {8}, year = {2025}, month = {JAN}, pages = {601{\textendash}617}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is an important biomarker of thyroid dysfunctions. Different types of nano biosensors have been developed to detect TSH. However, there is a lacuna in the development of sensitive paper-based nano biosensors due to less sensitivity and instability of the labels. Interestingly, the intense color and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) property make gold nanorods (GNRs) an efficient lateral flow assay (LFA) label instead of spherical gold nanoparticles. The rapidity, simplicity and user-friendly functioning of LFAs make them a predominant technique compared to electrochemical techniques for point-of-care diagnosis. This proof-of-concept study underlines the role of stable GNRs as a novel label for LFAs. The TSH antibody functionalized GNRs can semi-quantitatively diagnose hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. The limit of detection (LOD) of the LFA is 0.3 {\textmu}IU/mL, determined by visually analyzing the color development at the test line without employing any quantification method. Moreover, the study provides a comprehensive understanding of seed-mediated synthesis and functionalization of GNRs, which would benefit the researchers in suitably designing the GNRs-based labels for LFAs. Considering their exceptional characteristics, GNR-based LFAs are expected to surpass other labelling nanomaterials in detecting various biological markers. This enhanced sensitivity could significantly improve the clinical utility of diagnostic kits.

}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1007/s42247-024-00976-8}, author = {Varma, Sanjana and Burade, Dimpal K. and Chaudhari, Bhushan P.} } @article {50021, title = {Facile synthesis of fluoride-free mxene nanosheets as an efficient anode for lithium-ion capacitor}, journal = {Chemistry-an Asian Journal}, volume = {21}, year = {2026}, month = {JAN}, pages = {e70562}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

MXenes are a promising class of two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials known for their exceptional metallic conductivity and adjustable surface chemistry. However, the current state-of-the-art synthesis methods rely on the chemical etching of MAX phase (e.g., Ti3AlC2) with HF or fluoride-based compounds, leading to fluorine-terminated MXenes. These MXenes suffer from poor stability in ambient conditions, restricting their applications, particularly in lithium-ion-based batteries and capacitors (LIBs and LICs). In this study, we present a two-step method to produce fluorine-free MXene, addressing the stability issues of MXene in aqueous dispersions and relatively improved performance in LICs. Specifically, an efficient etching process employing hydroiodic acid (HI) with vinegar is used for the selective removal of the A layer from the MAX phase, resulting in F-free exfoliated MXenes (HVM). The HVM shows an outstanding electrical conductivity of 388 S cm(-1), maintaining high stability in aqueous dispersions over two weeks. HVM as electrode shows significantly enhanced Li+ ion storage capabilities, delivering a discharge capacity of 295 mAh g(-1) over 500 cycles at 1 A g(-1), substantially outperforming MXenes derived from F-based etching approaches. Furthermore, the HI-vinegar etching mechanism introduces unique surface functionalities that provide HVM superior cycling stability and rate capability, enabling more stable, high-performance MXene-based energy storage devices.

}, keywords = {2D materials, Electrical conductivity, fluoride-free MXene, HVM anode, Lithium-ion capacitor, lithium-ion diffusion}, issn = {1861-4728}, doi = {10.1002/asia.70562}, author = {Pawar, Meenakshi D. and Shinde, Dhanraj and Shelke, Manjusha} }