@article { ISI:000227566200019, title = {Wet-chemical templateless assembly of metal nanowires from nanoparticles}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, number = {11}, year = {2005}, month = {JAN}, pages = {1435-1437}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

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

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

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

}, keywords = {anticancer drug, phosphonate, stereoselectivity, Tamoxifen, Wittig-Horner reaction}, issn = {0039-7911}, doi = {10.1080/00397910500290516}, author = {Pandey, RK and Wakharkar, RD and Kumar, P} } @article { ISI:000237524500009, title = {Well-defined poly(4-vinylbenzocyclobutene): synthesis by living anionic polymerization and characterization}, journal = {Macromolecules}, volume = {39}, number = {10}, year = {2006}, month = {MAY}, pages = {3525-3530}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Living anionic polymerization of 4-vinylbenzocylobutene was performed in benzene at room temperature using sec-butyllithium as the initiator. Results of the kinetic studies indicated the termination- and transfer-free nature of the polymerization. Homopolymers with predictable molecular weights and narrow molecular weight distributions were produced, excluding the interference of the cyclobutene rings during initiation and propagation. Thermogravimetric analysis of poly( 4-vinylbenzocyclobutene) in air showed a small weight gain at similar to 200 degrees C, a rapid decomposition at similar to 455 degrees C, and a gradual decomposition at similar to 566 degrees C. This behavior was attributed to the formation of radicals from the pendent benzocyclobutene functionality through o-quinodimethane intermediates and simultaneous decomposition/ cross-linking reactions at high temperature. The living nature of the polymerization was also examined via sequential copolymerization with butadiene to form diblock copolymers.

}, issn = {0024-9297}, doi = {10.1021/ma060175e}, author = {Sakellariou, G. and Baskaran, D. and Hadjichristidis, Nikos and Mays, Jimmy W.} } @article { ISI:000244006300011, title = {Water-triggered frontal polymerization}, journal = {Macromolecular Rapid Communications}, volume = {28}, number = {1}, year = {2007}, month = {JAN}, pages = {109-115}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 10 11 61, D-69451 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

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

}, issn = {1022-1336}, doi = {10.1002/marc.200600572}, author = {Pujari, Narahari S. and Inamdar, Satish R. and Ponrathnam, Surendra and Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.} } @article { ISI:000260447200004, title = {WO3/70\% TBHP/aqueous NaOH: an efficient catalytic combination for the selective oxidation of methylarenes and alkyl aryl ketones to benzoic acids}, journal = {European Journal of Organic Chemistry}, number = {29}, year = {2008}, month = {OCT}, pages = {4877-4880}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, type = {Article}, address = {COMMERCE PLACE, 350 MAIN ST, MALDEN 02148, MA USA}, abstract = {

A new solvent-free, reusable catalytic combination consisting Of WO3/70\% TBHP/aqueous NaOH has been described for the direct oxidation of methylarenes and acetophenones to the corresponding benzoic acids in high yields. Alkylarenes are oxidized to the corresponding aromatic ketones or benzylic alcohols depending upon whether NaOH is used or not. ((C) Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH \& Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)

}, keywords = {Arenes, Benzoic acids, Ketones, Oxidation, Tungsten}, issn = {1434-193X}, doi = {10.1002/ejoc.200800664}, author = {Shaikh, Tanveer Mahammad Ali and Sudalai, Arumugam} } @article { ISI:000266364000003, title = {Wind tunnel investigation of the distortion of polluted water drops in the horizontal electric fields}, journal = {Journal of Geophysical Research-Atmospheres}, volume = {114}, year = {2009}, month = {MAY}, pages = {D10205}, publisher = {AMER GEOPHYSICAL UNION}, address = {2000 FLORIDA AVE NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20009 USA}, abstract = {

Distortion of the water drops freely suspended in a vertical wind tunnel is investigated when these drops are polluted with sulphate/nitrate salt and are also subjected to the horizontal electric fields. Results show that although the drops{\textquoteright} average shape is not significantly affected, the magnitudes of drop oscillations decrease when these are formed from the water polluted with sulphate/nitrate salt. However, when these polluted drops are placed in a horizontal electric field, their oblateness increases with respect to that of the distilled water drops, and this increase in oblateness is more in higher electric fields. Results can possibly be explained because of the increase in surface tension, viscosity and density, and a more dominant effect due to the increase in electrical conductivity of the polluted water. Significance of the results is discussed in view of the possible modification of lightning activity in clouds formed over big cities.

}, issn = {2169-897X}, doi = {10.1029/2008JD011102}, author = {Bhalwankar, Rohini V. and Kamra, A. K.} } @article { ISI:000263397000011, title = {Winged bean chymotrypsin inhibitors retard growth of Helicoverpla anmigera}, journal = {Gene}, volume = {431}, number = {1-2}, year = {2009}, month = {FEB}, pages = {80-85}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Two putative Kunitz-type chymotrypsin inhibitor genes (WC12 and WC15) were isolated from winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC). While WC12 has previously been characterized, WC15 represents a new member of the WC1 family. WC15 was exclusively expressed in winged bean seeds. Theoretical translation of both the genes resulted into polypeptides of 207 amino acids with 86\% sequence similarity. The polypeptide sequences contain four half-cysteine residues and a well-conserved Leu(65)-Ser(66) reactive site, typical for chymotrypsin inhibitors. WC15 and WC12 were expressed in Pichia pastoris and the recombinant proteins were assayed against various proteinases. Both the inhibitors strongly inhibited commercially available bovine chymotrypsin. More importantly, gut proteinases of Helicoverpa armigera larvae that damage many important crop plants, were inhibited by WC12 and WC15. In addition, both proteinase inhibitors demonstrated significant reduction of growth of H. armigera larvae after feeding on inhibitor incorporated artificial diets. The inhibitory effects of WC12 and WC15 on activity of proteinases and larval growth make these proteins and their genes promising candidates for enhancing plant defense against H. armigera using transgenic plants. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Antimetabolic effect, Digestive gut proteinases, Kunitz-type proteinase inhibitor, Organ-specific mRNA expression, Psophocarpus tetragonolobus}, issn = {0378-1119}, doi = {10.1016/j.gene.2008.10.026}, author = {Telang, Manasi A. and Giri, Ashok P. and Pyati, Prashant S. and Gupta, Vidya S. and Tegeder, Mechthild and Franceschi, Vincent R.} } @article { ISI:000284555600009, title = {Water-induced switching of beta-structure to polyproline II conformation in the 4s-aminoproline polypeptide via H-bond rearrangement}, journal = {Organic Letters}, volume = {12}, number = {23}, year = {2010}, month = {DEC}, pages = {5390-5393}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

4S-Aminoproline polypeptide 2 forms unusual beta-structure in trifluoroethanol that switches to the polyproline II (PPII) form in aqueous medium. while 4R-aminoproline peptide 1 retains PPII form in both solvents. This first instance of a polyproline derivative showing a beta-structure is attributed to competitive pH-dependent (4-NH3+/NH2) stereoelectronic effect (4R vs 4S) and the overriding importance of stercospecific intra/intermolecular H-bonding in (2,4)-cis-4S-aminoproline in contrast to (2,4)-trans-4R-aminoproline oligomers.

}, issn = {1523-7060}, doi = {10.1021/ol1021993}, author = {Sonar, Mahesh V. and Ganesh, Krishna N.} } @article {43239, title = {What drives the redox properties of model green fluorescence protein chromophores?}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters}, volume = {2}, year = {2011}, month = {SEP}, abstract = {We report the first experimental determination of the oxidation potentials E-ox(0). (relative to the standard hydrogen electrode, SHE) of model green fluorescent protein (GFP) chromophores. Para-, meta, and ortho-hydroxy (4-hydroxybenzylidene-2,3-dimethylimidazolinone, HBDI) and methoxy (MeOBDI) derivatives were studied. E-ox(0) of the three isomers in acetonitrile are -1.31, -1.52, and -1.39 V, respectively. Electronic structure calculations reproduce the observed differences between the isomers and reveal that E-ox(0) follows the ionization energies (IEs), that is, p-MeOBDI has the lowest IE (6.96 eV in the gas phase) due to resonance stabilization of its cation, whereas the resonance is detuned in m-MeOBDL resulting in more-negative E-ox(0). The observed meta and ortho effects in E-ox(0) are similar to the trends in pK(a). The effect of increased solvent polarity on absolute.E-ox(0) (and especially on para-meta-ortho differences) was found to be small. The redox properties of GFP chromophores are driven by their structure and can be correlated with IEs, which can be exploited in predicting the properties of other fluorescent protein chromophores.}, doi = {10.1021/jz2011397}, author = {Solntsev, Kyril M. and Ghosh, Debashree and Amador, Adrian and Josowicz, Mira and Krylov, Anna I.} } @article { ISI:000308089500003, title = {Water and a protic ionic liquid acted as refolding additives for chemically denatured enzymes}, journal = {Organic \& Biomolecular Chemistry}, volume = {10}, number = {37}, year = {2012}, month = {JUN}, pages = {7475-7478}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

In this communication, we present the ability of water and a protic ionic liquid, triethyl ammonium phosphate (TEAP) to act as refolding additives for the urea-induced chemical denaturated state of the two enzymes, alpha-chymotrypsin and succinylated Con A. We show that the enzymatic activity is regained and in certain circumstances enhanced.

}, issn = {1477-0520}, doi = {10.1039/c2ob26001h}, author = {Attri, Pankaj and Venkatesu, P. and Kumar, Anil} } @article { ISI:000314651800003, title = {Weak becomes strong: remarkable strength of C-H center dot center dot center dot pi hydrogen bond in the presence of O-H center dot center dot center dot O hydrogen bonds in the crystal stabilization}, journal = {CrystEngComm}, volume = {15}, number = {9}, year = {2013}, month = {JAN}, pages = {1676-1679}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, type = {Article}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We report crystallographic evidence for the significance of C-H center dot center dot center dot pi hydrogen bonds in the crystal stabilization of 1,4-di-O-benzoyl-myo-inositol. The strength of this otherwise weak hydrogen bond matches with the strength of O-H center dot center dot center dot O hydrogen bonds.

}, issn = {1466-8033}, doi = {10.1039/c3ce26894b}, author = {Sureshan, Kana M. and Gonnade, Rajesh G.} } @article { ISI:000317032400005, title = {Why does water accelerate organic reactions under heterogeneous condition?}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry A}, volume = {117}, number = {12}, year = {2013}, month = {MAR}, pages = {2446-2454}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

An exhaustive kinetic analysis has been carried out to offer the convincing evidence of the involvement of the oil water interface in guiding {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}on water organic reaction{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} mechanism. We have tuned the interface to prove its indispensable efficacy to make on water reaction a unique type among water mediated organic reactions. Sensitive techniques have established the preferential salvation of polarizable ions at the water surface. The experimental methods have been developed to control the molecular structure of oil water interface in situ. Temperature-dependent analyses have also been presented to understand the enthalpic and entropic modifications of the interfacial water molecules during a heterogeneous reaction. Both of our kinetic and thermodynamic outcomes have univocally established that the hydrogen-bonding ability of the surface water molecules plays a critical role in deciding the on water organic reaction mechanism. The results have important implications on understanding the role of small water molecules adjacent to the reactants during the reactions discussed in this investigation.

}, issn = {1089-5639}, doi = {10.1021/jp4002934}, author = {Manna, Arpan and Kumar, Anil} } @article {46366, title = {Water electrolysis with a conducting carbon cloth: subthreshold hydrogen generation and superthreshold carbon quantum dot formation}, journal = {ChemSusChem}, volume = {7}, year = {2014}, month = {MAR}, pages = {883-889}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A conducting carbon cloth, which has an interesting turbostratic microstructure and functional groups that are distinctly different from other ordered forms of carbon, such as graphite, graphene, and carbon nanotubes, was synthesized by a simple one-step pyrolysis of cellulose fabric. This turbostratic disorder and surface chemical functionalities had interesting consequences for water splitting and hydrogen generation when such a cloth was used as an electrode in the alkaline electrolysis process. Importantly, this work also gives a new twist to carbon-assisted electrolysis. During electrolysis, the active sites in the carbon cloth allow slow oxidation of its surface to transform the surface groups from COH to COOH and so forth at a voltage as low as 0.2V in a two-electrode system, along with platinum as the cathode, instead of 1.23V (plus overpotential), which is required for platinum, steel, or even graphite anodes. The quantity of subthreshold hydrogen evolved was 24mLcm(-2)h(-1) at 1V. Interestingly, at a superthreshold potential (\>1.23V+overpotential), another remarkable phenomenon was found. At such voltages, along with the high rate and quantity of hydrogen evolution, rapid exfoliation of the tiny nanoscale (5-7nm) units of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are found in copious amounts due to an enhanced oxidation rate. These CQDs show bright-blue fluorescence under UV light.

}, keywords = {Carbon, electrolysis, Hydrogen, photoluminescence, quantum dots}, issn = {1864-5631}, doi = {10.1002/cssc.201300827}, author = {Biswal, Mandakini and Deshpande, Aparna and Kelkar, Sarika and Ogale, Satishchandra} } @article { ISI:000344906500001, title = {Way toward {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}dietary pesticides{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}: molecular investigation of insecticidal action of caffeic acid against helicoverpa armigera}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry}, volume = {62}, number = {45}, year = {2014}, month = {NOV}, pages = {10847-10854}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Bioprospecting of natural molecules is essential to overcome serious environmental issues and pesticide resistance in insects. Here we are reporting insights into insecticidal activity of a plant natural phenol. In silico and in vitro screening of multiple molecules supported by in vivo validations suggested that caffeic acid (CA) is a potent inhibitor of Helicoverpa armigera gut proteases. Protease activity and gene expression were altered in CA-fed larvae. The structure-activity relationship of CA highlighted that all the functional groups are crucial for inhibition of protease activity. Biophysical studies and molecular dynamic simulations revealed that sequential binding of multiple CA molecules induces conformational changes in the protease(s) and thus lead to a significant decline in their activity. CA treatment significantly inhibits the insect{\textquoteright}s detoxification enzymes, thus intensifying the insecticidal effect. Our findings suggest that CA can be implicated as a potent insecticidal molecule and explored for the development of effective dietary pesticides.

}, keywords = {Caffeic acid, Helicoverpa armigera, insecticidal activity, protease inhibitor}, issn = {0021-8561}, doi = {10.1021/jf503437r}, author = {Joshi, Rakesh S. and Wagh, T. P. and Sharma, N. and Mulani, Fayaj A. and Sonavane, U. and Thulasiram, H. V. and Joshi, Rakesh S. and Gupta, Vidya S. and Giri, Ashok P.} } @article { ISI:000344997100001, title = {When gold meets chiral bronsted acid catalysts: extending the boundaries of enantioselective gold catalysis}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {50}, number = {96}, year = {2014}, month = {AUG}, pages = {15124-15135}, publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY}, address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

This review describes the development in the use of Au(I)/Bronsted acid binary catalytic systems to enable an enantioselective transformation in one-pot that cannot be achieved by gold catalysts alone. The examples discussed herein are promising since apart from using chiral ligands there exists a possibility of using chiral Bronsted acids. Clearly, the horizon for enantioselective gold catalysis has been expanded as more options to make the gold-catalyzed reactions enantioselective have become available.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c4cc04633a}, author = {Inamdar, Suleman M. and Konala, Ashok and Patil, Nitin T.} } @article {42917, title = {Water-dispersible ascorbic-acid-coated magnetite nanoparticles for contrast enhancement in MRI}, journal = {Applied Nanoscience}, volume = {5}, year = {2015}, month = {JAN}, pages = {435-441}, doi = {10.1007/s13204-014-0335-0}, author = {Sreeja, V. and Jayaprabha, Kunnoth N. and Joy, Pattayil Alias} } @article { ISI:000365445500001, title = {Water-promoted diels-alder reaction in quaternary ammonium salts}, journal = {Journal of Physical Organic Chemistry}, volume = {28}, number = {11}, year = {2015}, month = {NOV}, pages = {665-673}, publisher = {WILEY-BLACKWELL}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {

{Prevailing classification of salts based on their effect in solubility and stability of proteins in aqueous solution predicts that tetraalkylammonium salts, guanidinium chloride (GnCl), LiClO4 act as salting-in (S/I) and LiCl, NaCl act as salting-out (S/O) in aqueous conditions. In the same context the behaviour of GnCl, LiClO4 and LiCl are contradictory in polar solvents like ethylene glycol and formamide. In these solvents, expected salt effect shows just opposite nature from their usual expectation. However, in the aqueous solution salts like tetraalkylammonium halide (R4NX

}, keywords = {Delta G(solvation), Diels-Alder reaction, k(s), kinetic study, solubility, tetraalkylammonium salts, viscosity}, issn = {0894-3230}, doi = {10.1002/poc.3469}, author = {Nagare, Amit S. and Manna, Arpan and Sonawane, Pramod D. and Kumar, Anil} } @article {42699, title = {Well-defined palladium(II) complexes for ligand enabled C(sp3)-alkynylation}, journal = {Dalton Transactions}, volume = {44}, year = {2015}, month = {JUL}, pages = {15382-15386}, abstract = {

The first example of ligand-enabled C(sp3)-alkynylation of 8-methylquinoline is reported. The reaction is catalysed by well-defined Pd(II) complexes. The present C(sp3)-alkynylation has a broad substrate scope as well as functional group tolerance and proceeds efficiently under mild conditions.

}, doi = {10.1039/C5DT02772A}, author = {Landge, Vinod Gokulkrishna and Sahoo, Manoj Kumar and Midya, Siba Prasad and Jaiswal, Garima and Balaraman, Ekambaram} } @article { ISI:000362106000010, title = {What will it take for Indian science, technology and innovation to make global impact?}, journal = {Current Science}, volume = {109}, number = {6}, year = {2015}, month = {SEP}, pages = {1021-1024}, publisher = {INDIAN ACAD SCIENCES}, address = {C V RAMAN AVENUE, SADASHIVANAGAR, P B \#8005, BANGALORE 560 080, INDIA}, issn = {0011-3891}, author = {Mashelkar, Raghunath Anant} } @article { ISI:000356845800051, title = {Whole-cell mediated 11 beta-hydroxylation on the basic limonoid skeleton by cunninghamella echinulata}, journal = {Journal of Organic Chemistry}, volume = {80}, number = {12}, year = {2015}, month = {JUN}, pages = {6490-6495}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

Regio- and stereoselective 11 beta-hydroxylation was achieved on the basic limonoid skeleton through microbial transformation. Whole cells of Cunninghamella echinulata efficiently converted basic limonoids such as epoxyazadiradione, azadiradione, and gedunin to their 11 beta-hydroxy analogues as the sole metabolite. Fermentation conditions affecting the efficiency (96\%) of biotransformation including substrate concentration, incubation period, pH, and temperature were optimized. The position and stereochemistry of hydroxyl functionality on the isolated metabolites were established through extensive spectroscopic and spectrometric studies (1D, 2D NMR, ESI-MS, and MS/MS).

}, issn = {0022-3263}, doi = {10.1021/acs.joc.5b00417}, author = {Haldar, Saikat and Mulani, Fayaj A. and Aarthy, Thiagarayaselvam and Thulasiram, Hirekodathakallu V.} } @inbook { ISI:000375719300020, title = {What can simulations tell us about GPCRs: integrating the scales}, booktitle = {G Protein-Coupled Receptors: Signaling, Trafficking and Regulation}, series = {Methods in Cell Biology}, volume = {132}, year = {2016}, pages = {429-452}, publisher = {Elsevier Academic Press Inc.}, organization = {Elsevier Academic Press Inc.}, address = {525 B Street, Suite 1900, San Diego, CA 92101-4495 USA :}, abstract = {

The functional dynamics of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) encompasses multiple spatiotemporal scales, ranging from femtoseconds to seconds and Angstroms to micrometers. Computational approaches, often in close collaboration with experimental methods, have been invaluable in unraveling GPCR structure and dynamics at these various hierarchical levels. The binding of natural and synthetic ligands to the wild-type and naturally occurring variant receptors have been analyzed by several computational methods. The activation of receptors from the inactive to the active state has been investigated by atomistic simulations and ongoing work on several receptors will help uncover general and receptor-specific mechanisms. The interaction of GPCRs with complex membranes that contain phospholipids and cholesterol have been probed by coarse-grain methods and shown to directly influence receptor association. In this chapter, we discuss computational approaches that have been successful in analyzing each scale of GPCR dynamics. An overview of these approaches will allow a more judicious choice of the appropriate method. We hope that an appreciation of the power of current computational approaches will encourage more critical collaborations. A comprehensive integration of the different approaches over the entire spatiotemporal scales promises to unravel new facets of GPCR function.

}, isbn = {978-0-12-803612-9; 978-0-12-803595-5}, issn = {0091-679X}, doi = {10.1016/bs.mcb.2015.11.007}, author = {Sengupta, Durba and Joshi, Manali and Athale, Chaitanya A. and Chattopadhyay, Amitabha}, editor = {Shukla, AK} } @article {43430, title = {Wide band gap and conducting tungsten carbide(WC) thin films prepared by hot wire chemical vapor deposition(HW-CVD) method}, journal = {Materials Letters}, volume = {183}, year = {2016}, month = {NOV}, pages = {315-317}, abstract = {

In this letter, we report synthesis of tungsten carbide (WC) thin films having wide band gap(3.22-3.3 eV) with high electrical conductivity (80-1260 S/cm) by HW-CVD using heated using heated W filament and Tetra-fluoro-methane (CF4) gas. Formation of WC was confirmed by low angle XRD, Raman spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. UV-Visible spectroscopy analysis revealed that the synthesized films have high transmission at wavelength 500 nm. Electrical properties measured using Hall measurement show that these films are semiconductor. The obtained results imply that the growth of WC thin films is mainly from the atomic species(W and C) evaporated from the hot filament. The HW-CVD opens a novel route to synthesize wide band gap and conducting WC at a cost-efficient way for DSSCs and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). (C) 2016 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.matlet.2016.07.132}, author = {Pawbake, Amit and Waykar, Ravindra and Jadhavar, Ashok and Kulkarni, Rupali and Waman, Vaishali and Date, Abhijit and Late, Dattatray J. and Pathan, Habib and Jadkar, Sandesh} } @article {43814, title = {Water mediated deactivation of Co3O4 naonrods catalyst for CO oxidation and resumption of activity at and above 373 K: electronic structural aspects by NAPPES}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {121}, year = {2017}, month = {SEP}, pages = {20296{\textendash}20305}, type = {Journal Article}, chapter = {20296-20305}, abstract = {

The catalytic activity of the Co3O4 nanorods (NRs) for the CO oxidation reaction and the effect of water on the catalytic reaction have been explored with near-ambient pressure photoelectron spectroscopy (NAPPES) and mass spectral analysis. Comparative NAPPES studies have been employed to understand the elucidation of the catalytic reaction pathway and the evolution of various surface species. The results confirm the suppression of the CO oxidation activity on the Co3O4 NRs in the presence of water vapor. Various type of surface species, such as CO(ads), hydroxyl, carbonate, formate, are found to be present on the catalyst surface depending on the reaction conditions. Vibrational features of CO, O-2, and CO, were observed and shift in binding energy of these features under the reaction conditions directly suggests a change in work function of the catalyst surface. Under dry conditions, CO couples with labile 0 atoms to form CO2; however, under wet conditions, CO predominantly interacts with surface OH groups resulting in the formation of carbonate and formate intermediates. In situ studies of oxidation of CO on Co3O4 shows that CO oxidation depends not only on surface Co3+ concentration but also influenced by Co-3/Co{\textquoteright} ratio on the catalyst surface. The carbonate was found to be a reaction inhibitor at room temperature; however, it acts as an active intermediate at 375 K and above. Above the boiling point of water, Co3O4 NR surfaces begin to show the oxidation activity even in the presence of water vapor. The intrinsic role of intermediate species was used to derive a possible reaction mechanism under different reaction conditions.

}, keywords = {Ambinent-temprature, carbon monoxide, Gas Shift, H Activation, In-situ, Low-temprature oxidation, Molecular-beam, Performance enhancement, Ray Photoelectron-Spectroscopyu, Thin-films}, issn = {1932-7447}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpcc.7b05480}, author = {Jain, Ruchi and Reddy, Kasala Prabhakar and Ghosalya, Manoj Kumar and Gopinath, Chinnakonda S.} } @article {44207, title = {Water induced morphological transformation of a poly(aryl ether) dendron amphiphile: helical fibers to nanorods, as light-harvesting antenna systems}, journal = {Nanoscale}, volume = {10}, year = {2018}, month = {JAN}, pages = {1464-1473}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Self-assembly of suitable molecular building blocks is an efficient and convenient approach to generate nanomaterials with various morphologies and functions. Moreover, understanding the nature of molecules and controlling factors of their self-assembly process is crucial in fundamental aspects of molecular self-assembly which provide insights into the design of new assemblies with functional nano-architectures. To this end, the present study reports water induced self-assembled multifaceted morphology formation and the plausible pathway of the morphology transformation of a single poly(aryl ether) dendron amphiphile 1(D). In THF, 1(D) self-assembles into helical fibers. However, with an increase in the water fraction in its THF solution, the morphology changes to nanorods through an intermediate scroll-up pathway of exfoliated fibers. The nanorod formation and transformation of 1(D) are investigated using various microscopy and spectroscopy techniques, which indicate that it has highly ordered multilayered arrays of 1(D) molecules. Finally, these multilayered arrays of 1(D) nanorods are exploited for constructing a model light-harvesting system via the incorporation of small quantities of two newly designed BODIPY based molecules as energy acceptors and 1(D) as an antenna chromophore.

}, issn = {2040-3364}, doi = {10.1039/c7nr07663k}, author = {Maity, Arunava and Dey, Ananta and Gangopadhyay, Monalisa and Das, Amitava} } @article {44425, title = {Water mediated proton conductance in a hydrogen-bonded Ni(II)-bipyridine-glycoluril chloride self-assembled framework}, journal = {CrystEngComm}, volume = {20}, year = {2018}, month = {JAN}, pages = {1094-1100}, type = {Journal Article}, abstract = {

Proton conducting properties have been investigated in a new Ni(II)-based hydrogen-bonded porous framework synthesized using a urea-fused bipyridine-glycoluril (BPG) tecton. This hydrogen-bonded self-assembled structure encapsulates water molecules in the channels with hydrogen-bonding networks which exhibits a significant temperature dependent proton conductance of 1.5 \× 10\−4\ S cm\−1\ at 95 \°C and 95\% RH with a low activation energy (Ea) of 0.54 eV, implying a Grotthuss proton hopping mechanism mediated by hydrogen-bonded water molecules in the channels. In addition, this framework exhibited a very high water uptake under humid conditions. A continuous array of water molecules and chloride ions embedded in the highly hydrophilic porous channels of the hydrogen-bonded framework acts as the proton conducting medium.

}, issn = {14668033}, doi = {10.1039/c7ce01814b}, author = {Tayade, Sakharam B. and Bhat, Satish S. and Illathvalappil, Rajith and Dhavale, Vishal M. and Kawade,Vitthal A. and Kumbhar, Avinash S. and Kurungot, Sreekumar and N{\"a}ther, Christian} } @article {45449, title = {Water-in-acid gel polymer electrolyte realized through a phosphoric acid-enriched polyelectrolyte matrix toward solid-state supercapacitors}, journal = {ACS Sustainable Chemistry \& Engineering}, volume = {6}, year = {2018}, month = {OCT}, pages = {12630-12640}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A new concept of water-in-acid gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) is introduced. The simple and scalable UV-light-assisted synthesis of a copolymer matrix possessing polyelectrolyte behavior, followed by swelling in minimally diluted H3PO4 (15.1 M/88 wt \% aqueous solution), effects formation of a high proton-conducting, self-standing, and mechanically stable polyelectrolyte GPE (PGPE). Retention of high mechanical stability despite the presence of a large amount of liquid species makes it a promising candidate for replacing conventional GPEs. The high proton conductivity (9.8 X 10(-2) S cm(-1)) of the PGPE at an ambient temperature of 303 K is attributed to the high concentration of the conducting species present in the polymer matrix. The PGPE-based polyaniline (PANI) supercapacitor device (PANI-1) with a mass loading of 1 mg cm(-2) exhibits a high specific gravimetric capacitance of 385 F g(-1) at a current density of 0.25 mA cm(-2). At the same current density, the PANI-5 device retains high gravimetric and areal capacitance values of 258 F g(-1) and 1288 mF cm(-2), respectively. The low equivalent series resistance value of 0.78 Omega (for the PANI-5 device) further proves the excellent electrode-electrolyte interface formed by the water-in-acid GPE. A 100\% capacitance retention even after 9000 continuous charge-discharge cycles strongly indicates the feasibility of adopting water-in-acid GPEs in future supercapacitors.}, issn = {2168-0485}, doi = {10.1021/acssuschemeng.8b01175}, author = {Vijayakumar, Vidyanand and Ghosh, Meena and Torris, Arun A. T. and Chandran, Nikhil M. K. and Nair, Sanoop B. and Badiger, Manohar V. and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {45461, title = { Wet chemical synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles: a review}, journal = {Crystengcomm}, volume = { 20 }, year = {2018}, month = {SEP}, pages = {5091-5107}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Metal oxide nanoparticles are an important class of nanomaterials that have found several applications in science and technology. Through wet chemical synthesis, it is possible to achieve selective surface structures, phases, shapes, and sizes of metal oxide nanoparticles, leading to a set of desired properties. Wet chemical synthesis routes allow fine tuning of the reaction conditions (temperature, concentration of substrate, additives or surfactants, pH, etc.) to afford the desired nanomaterials. In this review article, we highlight recent developments in the wet chemical synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles to provide great control over the quality of the obtained nanomaterials. The review critically evaluates the different wet chemical methods for scalable production of metal oxide nanoparticles to satisfy the growing industrial demand for nanomaterials. Special attention is paid to continuous flow synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles.}, doi = {10.1039/c8ce00487k}, author = {Nikam, A. V. and Bhagavatula L. V. Prasad and Kulkarni, A. A.} } @article {44558, title = {What drives the H-abstraction reaction in bio-mimetic oxoiron-bTAML complexes? A computational investigation}, journal = {Physical Chemistry and Chemical Physics}, volume = {20}, year = {2018}, month = {APR }, pages = {13845-13850 }, type = {Journal Article}, abstract = {Monomeric iron-oxo units have been confirmed as intermediates involved in the C{\textendash}H bond activation in various metallo-enzymes. Biomimetic oxoiron complexes of the biuret modified tetra-amido macrocyclic ligand (bTAML) have been demonstrated to oxidize a wide variety of unactivated C{\textendash}H bonds. In the current work, density functional theory (DFT) has been employed to investigate the hydrogen abstraction (HAT) reactivity differences across a series of bTAML complexes. The cause for the differences in the HAT energy barriers has been found to be the relative changes in the energy of the frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs) induced by electronic perturbation.}, issn = {14639076}, doi = {10.1039/C8CP01333K}, author = {Mukherjee, Anagh}, editor = {Pattanayak, Santanu} } @article {44610, title = {WRKY1 acts as a key component improving resistance against Alternaria solani in wild tomato, Solanum arcanum Peralta}, journal = {Plant Biotechnology Journal }, volume = {16}, year = {2018}, month = {AUG}, pages = {1502-1513}, abstract = {

Early blight (EB), caused by Alternaria solani, is a major threat to global tomato production. In comparison with cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), a wild relative, S.arcanum exhibits strong resistance against EB. However, molecular cascades operating during EB resistance in wild or cultivated tomato plants are largely obscure. Here, we provide novel insight into spatio-temporal molecular events in S.arcanum against A.solani. Transcriptome and co-expression analysis presented 33-WRKYs as promising candidates of which 12 SaWRKYs displayed differential expression patterns in resistant and susceptible accessions during EB disease progression. Among these, SaWRKY1 exhibited induced expression with significant modulation in xyloglucan endotrans hydrolase 5 (XTH5) and MYB2 expressions that correlated with the disease phenotypes. Electro-mobility shift assay confirmed physical interaction of recombinant SaWRKY1 to SaXTH5 and SaMYB2 promoters. Comparative WRKY1 promoter analysis between resistant and susceptible plants revealed the presence of crucial motifs for defence mechanism exclusively in resistant accession. Additionally, many defence-related genes displayed significant expression variations in both the accessions. Further, WRKY1 overexpressing transgenic plants exhibited higher levels of EB resistance while RNAi silencing lines had increased susceptibility to A.solani with altered expression of XTH5 and MYB2. Overall, these findings demonstrate the positive influence of WRKY1 in improving EB resistance in wild tomato and this could be further utilized as a potential target through genetic engineering to augment protection against A.solani in crop plants.

}, keywords = {Alternaria solani, early blight, Solanum arcanum, Tomato, WRKY1, XTH5}, issn = {1467-7644}, doi = {10.1111/pbi.12892}, author = {Shinde, Balkrishna A. and Dholakia, Bhushan B. and Hussain, Khalid and Aharoni, Asaph and Giri, Ashok P. and Kamble, Avinash C.} } @article {44557, title = {Waste to wealth: a Case study of papaya peel}, journal = {Waste and Biomass Valorization}, volume = {10}, year = {2019}, month = {JUN}, pages = {1755-1766}, type = {Journal Article}, abstract = {

Papaya is a popular fruit consumed worldwide and well-known for its food and nutritional values. It is used in food industries for the production of jams, jellies, etc. As a result, these industries generate huge amounts of papaya peel (PP) and seeds as by-products, which are typically considered a waste, and thus discarded. However, our current investigation indicates that PP is a valuable source of bioactive compounds, which can be converted into many value-added products. In this article, we review the physicochemical composition and valorization of PP. PP can be utilized to obtain many value-added products by fermentation (e.g., biofuels, adsorbents, dietary fibers, biomedicine, biomaterials). The biorefinery approach for PP will definitely increase the value of this waste by producing an array of value-added products and achieving zero waste generation.

}, keywords = {Bioactive compounds, Biorefinery, Papaya peel, Valorization, Value-added products}, issn = {18772641}, doi = {10.1007/s12649-017-0181-x}, author = {Pathak, Pranav D.}, editor = {Mandavgane, Sachin A.} } @article {46431, title = {Water-assisted stability of carbene: cyclic voltammetric investigation of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethylsulfate ionic liquid}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics}, volume = {21}, year = {2019}, month = {NOV }, pages = {24126-24131}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In this work, we report electrochemical studies on imidazolium-based ionic liquids with an objective to explore the possibility of carbene formation in their dilute aqueous solutions. Conventionally, water plays a detrimental role during investigations involving ionic liquids, and this role has been investigated via electrochemical studies in aqueous ionic liquid solutions. There are varying opinions regarding the influence of water on the physicochemical behaviour of ionic liquids that require an in-depth understanding. To eludicate the role of water, we attempted to evaluate the electrochemical performance of ionic liquids in water as a solvent, and the influence of water on ionic liquids was explored through feasibility and stability studies on carbene formed in an aqueous imidazolium-based ionic liquid solution. The electrochemical investigation of an aqueous solution of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethylsulfate ([EMIM][EtSO4]) revealed a redox couple. Detailed investigations suggest that reduction of the imidazolium cation occurs at the C2 position, with subsequent formation of carbene. Furthermore, an anodic peak was found to be associated with the oxidation of carbene. The coulometric process associated with the anodic peaks indicated that the two-electron oxidation of carbene occurred. The stability of carbene in water was evaluated through the use of different protic and aprotic solvents. The hydrogen bond-forming ability of carbene with water seems to be responsible for its improved stability in water.

}, issn = {1463-9076}, doi = {10.1039/c9cp05033g}, author = {Jain, Preeti and Chaudhari, Vijay R. and Kumar, Anil} } @article {46340, title = {Water-promoted surface basicity in FeO(OH) for the synthesis of pseudoionones (PS) and their analogues}, journal = {Journal of Catalysis}, volume = {378}, year = {2019}, month = {OCT}, pages = {80-89}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Use of Iron oxyhydroxide (gamma-FeO(OH)) as a robust catalyst for the synthesis of important intermediates like pseudoionones and their analogues through the C-C bond formation reactions like knoevenagel and aldol condensation is explored. These motifs are the building blocks for the construction of the sesquiterpenes as well as the diterpenes such as retinoic acid, Vitamin A etc. Iron oxyhydroxide (gamma-FeO(OH)) was synthesized and well characterized using XRD, FT-IR, TEM, XPS and adsorption studies to establish the catalytic activity. A thorough investigation on the nature of basic sites and the role of water as a promoter was explored based on dye adsorption, in situ methanol dissociation and CO2 adsorption studies. The catalyst also showed a wide range of substrate scope with active methylene groups involving various functional groups such as cyanides, esters and acetophenones along with its stability and reproducibility. (C) 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Bronsted basicity, Iron (III) oxyhydroxide, Knoevenagel condensation, Pseudoionones, Surface hydroxyl groups}, issn = {0021-9517}, doi = {10.1016/j.jcat.2019.08.026}, author = {Vernekar, Dnyanesh and Sakate, Sachin S. and Rode, Chandrashekhar V. and Jagadeesan, Dinesh} } @article {46231, title = {Weak intermolecular interactions in covalent organic framework-carbon nanofiber based crystalline yet flexible devices}, journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces}, volume = {11}, year = {2019}, month = {AUG}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The redox-active and porous structural backbone of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) can facilitate high-performance electrochemical energy storage devices. However, the utilities of such 2D materials as supercapacitor electrodes in advanced self-charging power-pack systems have been obstructed due to the poor electrical conductivity and subsequent indigent performance. Herein, we report an effective strategy to enhance the electrical conductivity of COF thin sheets through the in situ solid-state inclusion of carbon nanofibers (CNF) into the COF precursor matrix. The obtained COF-CNF hybrids possess a significant intermolecular π{\textperiodcentered}{\textperiodcentered}{\textperiodcentered}π interaction between COF and the graphene layers of the CNF. As a result, these COF-CNF hybrids (DqTp-CNF and DqDaTp-CNF) exhibit good electrical conductivity (0.25 {\texttimes} 10{\textendash}3\ S cm{\textendash}1), as well as high performance in electrochemical energy storage (DqTp-CNF: 464 mF cm{\textendash}2\ at 0.25 mA cm{\textendash}2). Also, the fabricated, mechanically strong quasi-solid-state supercapacitor (DqDaTp-CNF SC) delivered an ultrahigh device capacitance of 167 mF cm{\textendash}2\ at 0.5 mA cm{\textendash}2. Furthermore, we integrated a monolithic photovoltaic self-charging power pack by assembling DqDaTp-CNF SC with a perovskite solar cell. The fabricated self-charging power pack delivered excellent performance in the areal capacitance (42 mF cm{\textendash}2) at 0.25 mA cm{\textendash}2\ after photocharging for 300 s.

}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.9b08625}, author = {Mohammed, Abdul Khayum and Vijayakumar, Vidyanand and Halder, Arjun and Ghosh, Meena and Addicoat, Matthew and Bansode, Umesh and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Banerjee, Rahul} } @article {46188, title = {Web-gLV: a web based platform for lotka-volterra based modeling and simulation of microbial populations}, journal = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, volume = {10}, year = {2019}, month = {FEB }, pages = {288}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The affordability of high throughput DNA sequencing has allowed us to explore the dynamics of microbial populations in various ecosystems. Mathematical modeling and simulation of such microbiome time series data can help in getting better understanding of bacterial communities. In this paper; we present Web-gLV- a GUI based interactive platform for generalized Lotka-Volterra (gLV) based modeling and simulation of microbial populations. The tool can be used to generate the mathematical models with automatic estimation of parameters and use them to predict future trajectories using numerical simulations. We also demonstrate the utility of our tool on few publicly available datasets. The case studies demonstrate the ease with which the current tool can be used by biologists to model bacterial populations and simulate their dynamics to get biological insights. We expect Web-gLV to be a valuable contribution in the field of ecological modeling and metagenomic systems biology.

}, keywords = {lotka-volterra, microbial population, Microbiome, Modeling, numerical-simulation, time-series, visualization, web-server}, issn = {1664-302X}, doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2019.00288}, author = {Kuntal, Bhusan K. and Gadgil, Chetan and Mande, Sharmila S.} } @article {45510, title = {What news in the surface chemistry of bulk and supported vanadia based SCR-catalysts: improvements in their resistance to poisoning and thermal sintering}, journal = {Chemical Record}, volume = {19}, year = {2019}, month = {OCT}, pages = {1813-1828}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

This paper reports a short review on the impact of poisoning effects and thermal aging on the reactivity of surface vanadate species on benchmark V2O5-WO3/TiO2 Selective-Catalytic-Reduction catalysts. A renewed interest of this SCR technology is related to its diversification notably as after-treatment systems to treat the exhaust from Diesel engines with higher running temperature especially when SCR catalysts are coated on Diesel Particulates Filters. Particular attention is also paid to poisoning effects in conjunction with the progressive replacement of fossil fuels by bio-fuels containing alkaline contaminants which drastically deactivate the catalyst through neutralization of strong acid sites. Most of the investigations show that better insight into the mechanisms of poisoning and aging processes is needed especially to understand the relative sensibility of various vanadate species. This could provide original guidelines to catalyst preparation and or the developments of more stable bulk systems as exemplified.

}, doi = {10.1002/tcr.201800092}, author = {Granger, P. and Siaka, H.W. and Umbarkar, S.B.} } @article {46325, title = {Whole proteome analysis of GA(3) response at panicle stage in Grape (Vitis vinifera) CV. Thompson seedless}, journal = {Journal of Plant Growth Regulation}, year = {2019}, month = {OCT}, type = {Article; Early Access}, abstract = {

Rachis elongation is a crucial process in producing good quality table grapes. In compact clustered grape variety like Thompson Seedless, treating the flower panicles with a mild dose of GA(3) results in loose clusters. We sprayed GA(3) on Thompson Seedless panicles immediately after emergence, and the samples were collected at 6 h and 24 h after application. Whole proteome analysis revealed significant differential expression of 530 proteins of the total 1288 expressed proteins at two time-points. GO term enrichment analysis revealed enrichment of GO terms related to translation, biosynthetic processes, and photosynthesis in GA(3)-treated samples. As the process of rachis elongation requires enhanced carbon metabolism and accumulation of sugars through the expansion of phloem area, we attribute this to the overexpression of several proteins involved in these processes. Significantly highly expressed proteins also belonged to biological processes like the generation of precursor metabolites, cellular protein metabolic processes, response to abiotic stimulus, and protein metabolic processes. This study might be the first of its kind in deciphering the contribution of a different group of proteins during rachis elongation as an early response to GA(3) application in seedless grapes. These results provide quality information on various physiological and biochemical changes occurring during early stages of rachis elongation.

}, keywords = {Bunch architecture, Gibberellic acid, Proteome, Rachis elongation, Vitis vinifera}, issn = {0721-7595}, doi = {10.1007/s00344-019-10041-y}, author = {Maske, Smita and Upadhyay, Anuradha and Jogaiha, Satisha and Patil, Sucheta S. and Kadoo, Narendra Y. and Gupta, Vidya S.} } @article {46189, title = {Why the thin film form of a photocatalyst is better than the particulate form for direct solar-to-hydrogen conversion: a poor man{\textquoteright}s approach}, journal = {RSC Advances}, volume = {9}, year = {2019}, month = {FEB}, pages = {6094-6100}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We demonstrated an easy method to improve the efficiency of photocatalysts by an order of magnitude by maximizing light absorption and charge carrier diffusion. Degussa titania (P25) and Pd/P25 composite photocatalyst thin films coated over regular glass plates were prepared and evaluated for solar hydrogen production in direct sunlight with aqueous methanol. It is worth noting that only UV light present in direct sunlight (similar to 4\%) was absorbed by the catalysts. The hydrogen production activities of catalysts were compared for thin film and particulate forms at 1 and 25 mg levels. The hydrogen yield values suggested that 1 mg thin film form of Pd/P25 provided 11-12 times higher activity than 25 mg powder form. Comparable light absorption throughout the entire thickness of photocatalyst device and better contact of nanostructures that enabled the charge diffusion and charge utilization at redox sites are the reasons for high efficiency. While solar cells require charge carriers to diffuse through long distances of microns, they are utilized locally in an ensemble of particles (of nanometres) for hydrogen generation in photocatalyst thin films; this concept was used effectively in the present work.

}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/c8ra09982k}, author = {Nalajala, Naresh and Patra, Kshirodra Kumar and Bharad, Pradnya A. and Gopinath, Chinnakonda S.} } @article {46670, title = {Wavelength dependent luminescence decay kinetics in {\textquoteleft}quantum-confined{\textquoteright} g-C(3)N(4)nanosheets exhibiting high photocatalytic efficiency upon plasmonic coupling}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry A}, volume = {8}, year = {2020}, month = {OCT }, pages = {20581-20592}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Serendipitous observations offer newer insights into materials properties. Here we describe g-C(3)N(4)nanosheets exhibiting remarkably blue-shifted photoluminescence within the 390-580 nm range centred at 425 nm which matches more closely with its {\textquoteleft}quantum-dots{\textquoteright}, and yet is excitation-wavelength independent. Moreover, surprisingly, the luminescence decay becomes increasingly slow at higher emission wavelengths, by up to 10 times. The nanosheets absorb only a fraction of visible-light. To improve this, when we designed a nanocomposite of g-C(3)N(4)and Au nanoparticles (NPs), it retained the PL characteristics and also exhibited excellent light-harvesting and photocatalytic efficiency for benzylamine (BA) oxidation. The surface plasmon resonance of the Au NPs is responsible for the high visible-light response and assisting the reaction by the {\textquoteleft}hot-electron{\textquoteright} injection mechanism, while an uncharacteristic, pronounced co-catalytic effect by them further improves the efficiency. The conversion is 98\% with \>99\% selectivity over 1.5 h of natural sunlight and open-air, probably the highest efficiency for BA photo-oxidation reactions. Even though such a dual role by plasmonic NPs has remained unscrutinized, we argue that the charge-transfer processes for the {\textquoteleft}hot-carrier{\textquoteright} injection and co-catalytic events are well-separated in time due to a much slower photon incident frequency on a catalyst particle, enabling both to occur simultaneously in the same particle.

}, issn = {2050-7488}, doi = {10.1039/d0ta08001b}, author = {Mondal, Sanjit and Sahoo, Lipipuspa and Vaishnav, Yuvraj and Mishra, Samita and Roy, Raj Sekhar and Vinod, C. P. and De, Arijit K. and Gautam, Ujjal K.} } @article {46878, title = {Whole-cell phenotypic screening of medicines for malaria venture pathogen box identifies specific inhibitors of plasmodium falciparum late-stage development and egress}, journal = {Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy}, volume = {64}, year = {2020}, month = {MAY}, pages = {e01802-19}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We report a systematic, cellular phenotype-based antimalarial screening of the Medicines for Malaria Venture Pathogen Box collection, which facilitated the identification of specific blockers of late-stage intraerythrocytic development of Plasmodium falciparum. First, from standard growth inhibition assays, we identified 173 molecules with antimalarial activity (50\% effective concentration [EC50] \<= 10 mu M), which included 62 additional molecules over previously known antimalarial candidates from the Pathogen Box. We identified 90 molecules with EC50 of \<= 1 mu M, which had significant effect on the ring-trophozoite transition, while 9 molecules inhibited the trophozoite-schizont transition and 21 molecules inhibited the schizontring transition (with \>= 50\% parasites failing to proceed to the next stage) at 1 mu M. We therefore rescreened all 173 molecules and validated hits in microscopy to prioritize 12 hits as selective blockers of the schizont-ring transition. Seven of these molecules inhibited the calcium ionophore-induced egress of Toxoplasma gondii, a related apicomplexan parasite, suggesting that the inhibitors may be acting via a conserved mechanism which could be further exploited for target identification studies. We demonstrate that two molecules, MMV020670 and MMV026356, identified as schizont inhibitors in our screens, induce the fragmentation of DNA in merozoites, thereby impairing their ability to egress and invade. Further mechanistic studies would facilitate the therapeutic exploitation of these molecules as broadly active inhibitors targeting late-stage development and egress of apicomplexan parasites relevant to human health.

}, keywords = {DNA fragmentation, egress, Medicines for Malaria Venture, MMV, Pathogen Box, phenotypic screening, Plasmodium falciparum, schizonts, stage-specific inhibition}, issn = {0066-4804}, doi = {10.1128/AAC.01802-19}, author = {Patra, Alok Tanala and Hingamire, Tejashri and Belekar, Meenakshi A. and Xiong, Aoli and Subramanian, Gowtham and Bozdech, Zbynek and Preiser, Peter and Shanmugam, Dhanasekaran and Chandramohanadas, Rajesh} } @article {46743, title = {Wide thermal range, exclusive occurrence of technically significant chiral nematic phase: synthesis and mesomorphism of cholesterol-based non-symmetric dimers}, journal = {Bulletin of Materials Science}, volume = {43}, year = {2020}, month = {AUG }, pages = {188}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Fifteen new non-symmetric chiral dimers belonging to three different series have been synthesized and evaluated for their mesomorphic properties. They are formed by interlinking cholesterol with salicylaldimine (SAN) cores (with reverse imine groups) via an omega-oxyalkanoyloxy spacer. Within a series, the length of the terminaln-alkoxy tails has been varied for a fixed even-parity spacer. Three even-parity spacers such as 4-oxybutanoyloxy, 6-oxyhexanoyloxy and 8-oxyoctanoyloxy have been used to join two cores, whereas the terminal tails such asn-butyloxy,n-hexyloxy,n-octyloxy,n-decyloxy andn-dodecyloxy chains have been attached to the SAN core. Microscopic and calorimetric experimental results show that all the dimers behave identically exhibiting the chiral nematic (N*) phase solely, which was authenticated by powder X-ray diffraction studies carried out on some selected samples. In the vast majority of the cases, this phase is thermodynamically stable, and while cooling, it exists over a wide thermal range covering room temperature (RT) due to supercooling. This finding is notable given the fact that the N* phase possesses technologically significant optical properties. At RT, the N* phase displayed one of the iridescent colours characteristically caused by interference and diffraction of the reflected and scattered light. A comparative study reveals that the lengths of both the terminal chain and central spacer influence the clearing temperature of the dimers, and also the temperature range of the N* phase. The selective reflection measurements revealed that the pitch of the N* phase is either temperature sensitive or temperature insensitive. Temperature-dependent circular dichroism (CD) spectra were recorded for the planar texture of the N* phase formed by a dimer, as a representative case. The presence of an intense negative CD band suggests the left-handed screw sense of the N* phase helix.

}, keywords = {CD activity, cholesteric phase, dimers, liquid crystals, selective reflection}, issn = {0250-4707}, doi = {10.1007/s12034-020-02120-8}, author = {Nayak, Rashmi Ashwathama and Bhat, Sachin A. and Rao, D. S. Shankar and Yelamaggad, V. C.} } @article {46970, title = {WO3 nanorods bearing interconnected Pt nanoparticle units as an activity-modulated and corrosion-resistant carbon-free system for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells}, journal = {ACS Applied Energy Materials}, volume = {3}, year = {2020}, month = {FEB}, pages = {1908-1921}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Commercial platinum-supported carbon (Pt/C) catalyst is the most widely used oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalyst in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). However, carbon oxidation in Pt/C during the operation of PEMFCs poses serious issues, particularly in meeting long-term durability of the cells. Although carbon-free Pt-based catalysts are considered to be the best alternatives, the single-cell performances reported for many such systems are found to be inferior to that of the carbon-based systems. As a practical way to realize a carbon-free electrocatalyst, we have developed a system by dispersing an interconnected Pt nanoparticle network on the nanorods of tungsten oxide (WO3). Uniform dispersion of the WO3 nanorods by fine and more or less interconnected Pt nanoparticles (20 wt \%) is a key feature of the electrocatalyst. This has helped the system to achieve an intrinsic ORR characteristics which is very similar to that of Pt/C, as reflected from the comparative analysis of the onset potential, half-wave potential, limiting current density, and the number of electrons transferred in the ORR process. Pt/WO3 also shows better stability under start-stop accelerated potential cycling after 10 000 cycles, compared to Pt/C. The relative decrement in the electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) for Pt/WO3 nanorods was negligible, compared to the similar to 26\% decrement registered by Pt/C under the identical testing conditions. Finally, a system-level validation in a single-cell model of PEMFC by fabricating a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) with Pt/WO3 as both the anode and cathode catalyst delivered comparable output power density as that of a similar system fabricated by using Pt/C. ECSA comparison in MEA shows the potential use of Pt/WO3-400 as the catalyst for the fuel cells, since it is exhibiting an ECSA value that is 3.4 greater than that of Pt/C at a Pt loading of 0.5 mg cm(-2).

}, keywords = {Carbon-free, electrocatalyst, fuel cell, oxygen reduction reaction, tungsten oxide}, issn = {2574-0962}, doi = {10.1021/acsaem.9b02333}, author = {Kumar, Sachin and Bhange, Siddheshwar N. and Soni, Roby and Kurungot, Sreekumar} } @article {47735, title = {Wastewater treatment and process intensification for degradation of solvents using hydrodynamic cavitation}, journal = {Chemical Engineering and Processing-Process Intensification}, volume = {166}, year = {2021}, month = {SEP}, pages = {108485}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Industrial wastewater treatment for removal of small concentrations of harmful solvents is pertinent issue in many chemical and pharmaceutical industries. The present work evaluates removal of three common solvents by hydrodynamic cavitation (nominal capacity, 1m(3)/h). Solvent degradation of three solvents viz. octanol, dimethyl formamide and cyclohexanol was studied in the concentration range of 50-200 mg/L and for the pressure drop range of 0.5-5 bar. The vortex based cavitation device (vortex diode) was compared with that of linear flow based device (orifice). Process intensification in the form of aeration and addition oxidizing agent-hydrogen peroxide was also evaluated for synergistic effect. The vortex diode required lower pressure drop and is superior to orifice and process intensification using aeration is most effective. A reduction in TOC to the extent of 74\% could be achieved for octanol (200 ppm) using aeration with cavitational yield of 1202x10(-4) mg/J for vortex diode, yield similar to 10 times of orifice. The degradation depends on the nature of solvent and it was revealed that low values of dielectric constant (epsilon<10) favour degradation. The kinetics was evaluated using rate model based on per-pass degradation factor. The process techno-economic feasibility is useful in industrial wastewater treatment.}, keywords = {Cavitation, Effluent, Organics removal, Oxidation, pollution}, issn = {0255-2701}, doi = {10.1016/j.cep.2021.108485}, author = {Patil, Pravin B. and Bhandari, Vinay M. and Ranade, Vivek V.} } @article {47726, title = {Water mediated allosteric network in beta 2AR T164I variant modulates agonist binding affinity}, journal = {European Biophysics Journal with Biophysics Letters}, volume = {50}, year = {2021}, month = {JUL}, pages = {162}, type = {Meeting Abstract}, issn = {0175-7571}, author = {Nikte, Siddhanta V. and Sonar, Krushna and Tandale, Aditi and Sengupta, Durba and Joshi, Manali} } @article {47112, title = {Web-gLV: a web based platform for lotka-volterra based modeling and simulation of microbial populations (vol 10, 288, 2019)}, journal = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, volume = {11}, year = {2021}, month = {JAN }, pages = {605308}, type = {Correction}, keywords = {lotka-volterra, microbial population, Microbiome, Modeling, numerical-simulation, time-series, visualization, web-server}, issn = {1664-302X}, doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2020.605308}, author = {Kuntal, Bhusan K. and Gadgil, Chetan and Mande, Sharmila S.} } @article {47828, title = {Wittig reactions of maleimide-derived stabilized ylides with alkyl pyruvates: concise approach to methyl ester of ({\textpm})-chaetogline A}, journal = {Synthesis}, volume = {53}, year = {2021}, month = {APR}, pages = {2897{\textendash}2902}, type = {Article}, abstract = {A facile synthesis of methyl ester of chaetogline A is reported starting from the corresponding methyl 1-methyltryptophanate-derived- maleimide. A stereoselective Wittig olefination with a carbonyl function in methyl pyruvate followed by phosphorous pentoxide-induced- regioselective dehydrative cyclization are the essential reactions. An acid-induced thermodynamically driven stereoselective β- to α-position migration of the exocyclic C=C bond unit in ethyl{\textellipsis} }, doi = {10.1055/A-1477-6043}, author = {Argade, Narshinha P. and Shelar, Santosh V.} } @article {47403, title = {Wittig reactions of maleimide-derived stabilized ylides with alkyl pyruvates: concise approach to methyl ester of (+/-)-chaetogline A}, journal = {Synthesis-Stuttgart}, volume = {53}, year = {2021}, month = {APR }, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A facile synthesis of methyl ester of chaetogline A is reported starting from the corresponding methyl 1-methyltryptophanate-derived- maleimide. A stereoselective Wittig olefination with a carbonyl function in methyl pyruvate followed by phosphorous pentoxide-induced- regioselective dehydrative cyclization are the essential reactions. An acid-induced thermodynamically driven stereoselective beta- to alpha-position migration of the exocyclic C=C bond unit in ethyl tetrahydroindolizinoindolylidenepropanoate is described.

}, keywords = {Amino acid, chaetogline A, dehydrative cyclization, maleimide, methyl pyruvate, Natural product, Wittig reaction}, issn = {0039-7881}, doi = {10.1055/a-1477-6043, Early Access Date = APR 2021}, author = {Shelar, Santosh V. and Argade, Narshinha P.} } @article {48437, title = {Water-controlled keto-enol tautomerization of a prebiotic nucleobase}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, volume = {126}, year = {2022}, month = {JUL}, pages = {5735{\textendash}5743}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Barbituric acid is believed to be a proto-RNA nucleobase that was used for biological information transfer on prebiotic earth before DNA and RNA in their present forms evolved. Nucleobases have various tautomeric forms and the relative stability of these forms is critical to their biological function. It has been shown that barbituric acid has a tri-keto form in the gas phase and an enol form in the solid state. However, its dominant tautomeric form in aqueous medium that is most relevant for biology has been investigated only to a limited extent and the findings are inconclusive. We have used multiple approaches, namely, molecular dynamics, quantum chemistry, NMR, and IR spectroscopy to determine the most stable tautomer of barbituric acid in solution. We find a delicate balance in the stability of the two tautomers, tri-keto and enol, which is tipped toward the enol as the extent of solvation by water increases.

}, issn = {1520-6106}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c02507}, author = {Datar, Avdhoot and Paithankar, Harshad and Deb, Pranab and Chugh, Jeetender and Bagchi, Sayan and Mukherjee, Arnab and Hazra, Anirban} } @article {48140, title = {Wearable fabric supercapacitors based on CNTs and polyhedral ZnO with a wide potential window}, journal = {International Journal of Energy Research}, volume = {46}, year = {2022}, month = {MAY}, pages = {8186-8200}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Wearable electronic devices such as health monitors, sensors, and e-skin can be powered by lightweight, high-power supercapacitors. Using a binder-free and low-temperature hydrothermal method, polyhedral ZnO nanoparticles were grown on carbon nanotube (CNT)-decorated cotton fabric, which is friendly to human skin and highly wearable, inexpensive, and thus commercially viable. The concentration of the starting material, zinc acetate, was varied to optimize the electrochemical performance. The evenly spaced polyhedral ZnO facilitated efficient permeation of the electrolyte into the active material. The fabric filaments were decorated with CNTs to enhance electron transfer and the overall electrochemical processes. The symmetric cell comprised of cotton fabric decorated with ZnO polyhedron/CNT showed no discernible change in the cyclic voltammetry curves even after 500 bending cycles, demonstrating the mechanical durability of the electrode. The potential window of 1.6 V using a Na2SO4/K2SO4 aqueous dual-ion electrolyte improved the long-term electrochemical stability and increased the energy storage capacity. The capacitance retention was 94\% after 5000 cycles at a current density of 1 A center dot g(-1), indicating long-term electrochemical stability. A specific capacitance of 375 F center dot g(-1) at a current density of 5 A center dot g(-1) and energy density of 33.3 Wh center dot kg(-1) at a power density of 2000 W center dot kg(-1) were recorded for the optimized electrode. Highlights Polyhedral ZnO was grown on cotton fabric using a hydrothermal process. The electrochemical performance was optimized by varying the zinc acetate concentration. The highest specific capacitance was 375 F center dot g(-1) at a current density of 5 A center dot g(-1). Under optimal conditions, the capacitance retention was 94\% at N = 5000 cycles. The energy density of the electrode was as high as 33.3 Wh center dot kg(-1).

}, keywords = {carbon nanotube, Cotton fabric, hydrothermal process, wearable supercapacitor, ZnO polyhedron}, issn = {0363-907X}, doi = {10.1002/er.7720}, author = {Samuel, Edmund and Joshi, Bhavana and Park, Chanwoo and Aldalbahi, Ali and El-Newehy, Mohamed and Lee, Hae-Seok and Yoon, Sam S.} } @article {48032, title = {Well-defined calcium compound catalyzes trimerization of arylisocyanates into 1,3,5-triarylisocyanurates}, journal = {ChemCatChem}, volume = {14}, year = {2022}, month = {JUN }, pages = {e202101788}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We report the synthesis of a calcium complex (2) bearing a tetradentate monoanionic ligand with a diaminoethane core and phenolate and pyridine peripheral donors. Single crystal X-ray studies on 2 revealed that LiI was also co-crystallized, leading to a four-membered ring with four different elements. 2 was found to be an efficient catalyst for the cyclotrimerization of a variety of aromatic isocyanates under mild conditions.

}, keywords = {calcium, Cyclotrimerization, Isocyanurates, Tetradentate ligand}, issn = {1867-3880}, doi = {10.1002/cctc.202101788}, author = {Kumar, Rohit and Sharma, Vishal and Jain, Shailja and Sharma, Himanshu and Vanka, Kumar and Sen, Sakya S.} } @article {48196, title = {Well-defined hierarchical teddy bear sunflower-like NiCo2O4 electrocatalyst for superior water oxidation}, journal = {Sustainable Energy \& Fuels}, volume = {6}, year = {2022}, month = {DEC}, pages = {5491-5502}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The development of a robust and efficient electrocatalyst for water oxidation is challenging due to the large overpotential requirement to transfer four electrons. Herein, a novel spinel-type hierarchical teddy bear sunflower-like NiCo2O4 electrocatalyst was synthesized through the facile solvothermal process and evaluated for the challenging and demanding oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in the water electrolysis process. The teddy bear sunflower-like NiCo2O4 supported on nickel foam (NF) delivers a current density of 50 mA cm(-2) at a small water oxidation overpotential (eta(50) = 319 mV) which is significantly lower than that of the corresponding spherical NiO/NF (eta(50) = 338 mV), and sea-urchin like Co3O4/NF (eta(50) = 357 mV). A large specific and electroactive surface area, as well as a high TOF value exhibited by the hierarchical teddy bear sunflower-like NiCo2O4 electrocatalyst, demonstrates the potential of NiCo2O4 to catalyze the water oxidation reaction efficiently. The impact of the near-Fermi-level d-orbital states in NiCo2O4 electrocatalyst for boosting OER activity was unveiled by the density functional theory calculation. The stable performance even after 16 h and high catalyst utilization of the hierarchical teddy bear sunflower-like NiCo2O4 through the OER indicates that the catalyst is highly suitable for the large-scale water oxidation process.

}, issn = {2398-4902}, doi = {10.1039/d2se01111e}, author = {Bodhankar, Pradnya M. M. and Dhawale, Dattatray S. S. and Giddey, Sarbjit and Kumar, Ravi and Sarawade, Pradip B. B.} } @article {48491, title = {Wadsworth-emmons reaction by using the fluorapatite catalyst: kinetic studies}, journal = {Industrial \& Engineering Chemistry Research}, volume = {62}, year = {2023}, month = {MAY }, pages = {7901-7911}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Wadsworth-Emmons reaction was successfully carriedout byusing the fluorapatite (FAP) catalyst. The reaction of 2-methoxybenzaldehydeand triethylphosphonoacetate using FAP afforded \& alpha;,\& beta;-unsaturatedester with 100\% conversion and 80\% selectivity. A kinetic model wasvalidated at different temperatures by Langmuir-Hinshelwood-Hougen-Watson(LHHW), and the absence of mass transfer resistance was verified bythe Weisz Prater criterion. The effect of different catalysts, temperature,catalyst loading, solvent, mole ratio, and speed of stirring was studied.The FAP catalyst was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method, nitrogen adsorption-desorption,transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy,temperature programmed desorption (TPD-NH3), X-ray diffraction,and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The FAP catalyst was found tobe stable up to three recycles with no loss in activity.

}, issn = {0888-5885}, doi = {10.1021/acs.iecr.3c00407}, author = {Vishwakarma, Rakhi and Vinod, Chathakudath P. and Rathod, Virendra and Kantam, Mannepalli Lakshmi} } @article {48673, title = {Wavelet coherence phase analysis decodes the universal switching mechanism of Ras GTPase superfamily}, journal = {iScience}, volume = {26}, year = {2023}, month = {JUL}, pages = {107031}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The Ras superfamily of GTPases regulate critical cellular processes by shuttling between GTP-bound ON and GDP-bound OFF states. This switching mechanism is attributed to the conformational changes in two loops, SWI and SWII, upon GTP binding and hydrolysis. Since these conformational changes vary across the Ras superfamily, there is no generic parameter to define their functional states. A unique wavelet coherence (WC) analysis-based approach developed here shows that the structural changes in switch regions could be mapped onto the wavelet coherence phase couplings (WPCs). Thus, WPCs could serve as unique parameters to define their functional states. Disentanglement of WPCs in oncogenic GTPases shows how breakdown of structural allostery leads to their aberrant function. These observations stand out even for simulated ensemble of switch region conformers. Overall, for the first time, we show that WPCs could unravel the latent structural deviations in Ras proteins to decode their universal switching mechanism.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.isci.2023.107031}, author = {Motiwala, Zenia and Sandholu, Anand S. and Sengupta, Durba and Kulkarni, Kiran} } @article {48714, title = {"Weak" C-H{\textbullet}{\textbullet}{\textbullet}S interaction drives enantioselectivity in cinchona alkaloid complex catalyzed thiocyanation}, journal = {Chemistry-An Asian Journal}, volume = {18}, year = {2023}, month = {JUL}, pages = {e202300321}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The great success of asymmetric organocatalysis has made it one of the most important advancements made in chemistry in the past two decades. A significant achievement in this context is the asymmetric organocatalysis of the thiocyanation reaction. In the current study, computational studies with density functional theory have been done in order to understand an interesting experimental finding: the reversal of enantioselectivity from R to S when the electrophile is changed from beta-keto ester to oxindole for the thiocyanation reaction with the cinchona alkaloid complex catalyst. The calculations reveal an unusual fact - the principal reason for the reversal is the presence of the C-H center dot center dot center dot S noncovalent interaction, which is present only in the major transition states in each of the two nucleophile cases. Only recently has it been realized that the supposedly weak C-H center dot center dot center dot S noncovalent interaction has the properties of a hydrogen bond, and the fact that this interaction is the cause of enantioselectivity has relevance, because of the large number of asymmetric transformations involving the sulphur heteroatom.

}, keywords = {Density functional calculations, Enantioselectivity, noncovalent interactions, organocatalysis, reaction mechanisms}, issn = {1861-4728}, doi = {10.1002/asia.202300321}, author = {Banerjee, Subhrashis and Vanka, Kumar} } @article {48331, title = {Whole genome sequencing and comparative genomics of Indian isolates of wheat spot blotch pathogen bipolaris sorokiniana reveals expansion of pathogenicity gene clusters}, journal = {Pathogens}, volume = {12}, year = {2023}, month = {JAN}, pages = {1}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Spot blotch is a highly destructive disease in wheat caused by the fungal pathogen Bipolaris sorokiniana (teleomorph, Cochliobolus sativus). It is prevalent in warm and humid areas, including Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the USA. In the present study, twelve isolates of B. sorokiniana were collected from wheat fields in three different geographical locations in India. The pathogenicity of seven sporulating isolates was assessed on {\textquoteleft}DDK 1025{\textquoteright}, a spot blotch-susceptible wheat variety under greenhouse conditions. The isolate {\textquoteleft}D2{\textquoteright} illustrated the highest virulence, followed by {\textquoteleft}SI{\textquoteright} and {\textquoteleft}BS52{\textquoteright}. These three isolates were sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq1000 platform. The estimated genome sizes of the isolates BS52, D2, and SI were 35.19 MB, 39.32 MB, and 32.76 MB, with GC contents of 48.48\%, 50.43\%, and 49.42\%, respectively. The numbers of pathogenicity genes identified in BS52, D2, and SI isolates were 2015, 2476, and 2018, respectively. Notably, the isolate D2 exhibited a relatively larger genome with expanded arsenals of Biosynthetic Gene Clusters (BGCs), CAZymes, secretome, and pathogenicity genes, which could have contributed to its higher virulence among the tested isolates. This study provides the first comparative genome analysis of the Indian isolates of B. sorokiniana using whole genome sequencing.

}, keywords = {Bipolaris sorokiniana, CAZyme, comparative genomics, spot blotch, whole genome sequencing}, doi = {10.3390/pathogens12010001}, author = {Yadav, Sagar and Raazi, Zarrine and Shivaraj, Sheelavanta Matha and Somani, Deepika and Prashant, Ramya and Kulkarni, Abhijeet and Kumar, Rajeev and Biradar, Suma and Desai, Shreenivas and Kadoo, Narendra} } @article {48962, title = {Wurtzite CuGaS2 with an in-situ-formed CuO layer photocatalyzes CO2 conversion to ethylene with high selectivity}, journal = {Angewandte chemie-international edition}, volume = {62}, year = {2023}, month = {FEB 20}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

We present surface reconstruction-induced C-C coupling whereby CO2 is converted into ethylene. The wurtzite phase of CuGaS2. undergoes in situ surface reconstruction, leading to the formation of a thin CuO layer over the pristine catalyst, which facilitates selective conversion of CO2 to ethylene (C2H4). Upon illumination, the catalyst efficiently converts CO2 to C2H4 with 75.1 \% selectivity (92.7 \% selectivity in terms of R-electron) and a 20.6 mu mol g(-1) h(-1) evolution rate. Subsequent spectroscopic and microscopic studies supported by theoretical analysis revealed operando-generated Cu2+, with the assistance of existing Cu+, functioning as an anchor for the generated *CO and thereby facilitating C-C coupling. This study demonstrates strain-induced in situ surface reconstruction leading to heterojunction formation, which finetunes the oxidation state of Cu and modulates the CO2 reduction reaction pathway to selective formation of ethylene.

}, keywords = {C-C coupling, charge polarization, CO2 reduction, Photocatalysis}, issn = {1433-7851}, doi = {10.1002/anie.202216613}, author = {Chakraborty, Subhajit and Das, Risov and Riyaz, Mohd and Das, Kousik and Singh, Ashutosh Kumar and Bagchi, Debabrata and Vinod, Chathakudath P. and Peter, Sebastian C.} } @article {49056, title = {Water-chain mediated proton conductivity in mechanically flexible redox-active organic single crystals}, journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry A}, volume = {12}, year = {2024}, month = {MAR }, pages = {5866-5874}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Investigating electrochemical features of proton-conducting organic crystalline materials is relevant in developing efficient energy storage and conversion devices. However, the poor structural flexibility of the crystalline materials at the molecular level often impedes hydrogen bond reorganization of the proton carriers during proton migration, ultimately leading to low ionic conductivity. Here, we report crystals of azobenzene, functionalized with dipicolylamine at both ends (Azo-DPA), which contain an extended hydrogen-bonding network with water molecules in its structure. Interestingly, the crystals display remarkable mechanical flexibility explicitly probed by the nanoindentation technique. The mechanically flexible neutral organic crystals devoid of any acidic moieties (-COOH, -PO3H2, etc.) within the system, exhibit promising proton conductivity (1.63 x 10-4 S cm-1 at 30 degrees C under 95\% relative humidity) which is almost 100 times better compared to the neutral organic systems reported to date. Mechanically flexible redox-active crystalline organic material (Azo-DPA) capable of impressive proton conduction was employed as an electrode material for the first time in an aqueous battery containing Zn2+ ions. The experimental and theoretical studies on the charge storage mechanism revealed the redox activity of the azo (-N 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 11111111 00000000 11111111 00000000 00000000 00000000 N-) centers involving reversible insertion/extraction of protons and Zn2+ ions. Ultimately, the electrode displayed a specific capacity similar to 49 mA h g-1 with almost 100\% retention after 1400 cycles, encouraging the scope of redox-active organic crystalline materials for energy storage applications. Investigating the electrochemical features of proton-conducting flexible organic crystalline materials is crucial for the development of efficient energy storage and conversion devices.

}, issn = {2050-7488}, doi = {10.1039/d3ta05797f}, author = {Hossain, Munshi Sahid and Ghosh, Meena and Mondal, Amit and Ajmal, P. and Saha, Monochura and Reddy, C. Malla and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Bandyopadhyay, Subhajit} } @article {49033, title = {What leads to direct epoxidation? an exhaustive DFT investigation of electrophilic oxygen mediated epoxidation of ethylene on Ag(100)}, journal = {Computational Materials Science }, volume = {239}, year = {2024}, month = {APR}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Extensive research has contributed to a better understanding of the commercially important epoxidation reaction. Selectivity, a crucial aspect of this reaction, has received significant attention in both experimental and theoretical investigations. However, a consensus regarding the role of electrophilic oxygen in epoxidation is yet to be reached. The present study is a theoretical examination of the prerequisites necessary for direct epoxidation to occur on the Ag(100) surface, at varied monolayer concentrations. Additionally, the study investigates the characteristics of various oxygen species interacting with ethylene to promote the direct epoxidation pathway. Based on the effective charges and projected density of states (pDOS) analysis, three oxygen variants were identified on the Ag(100) surface: atomic oxygen, dissociatively adsorbed molecular oxygen, and O 3 . The investigation reveals that all oxygen species, despite their physical and electronic differences, are electrophilic and undergo direct epoxidation. This work provides insights into the complex nature of epoxidation reaction and discusses electronic factors influencing the selective oxidation route on different Ag-O complexes.

}, keywords = {Ag(100), DFT, Direct epoxidation, Electrophilic oxygen, Ethylene Oxide (EtO), OMC}, issn = {0927-0256}, doi = {10.1016/j.commatsci.2024.112959}, author = {Nair, Aathira and Joshi, Kavita} } @article {49112, title = {Wide temperature enhanced sodium storage in tailored, sustainable sodiophilic biphasic N-doped carbon}, journal = {Materials Today Chemistry }, volume = {37}, year = {2024}, month = {APR}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Alternative to Li-ion batteries(LIB), Na-ion batteries (NIB) and Na metal batteries (NMB) are gaining significant attention due to their low cost, abundance, and safety. By modulating microstructural properties such as graphitization, heteroatom doping, surface-rich functional groups, and interlayer d-spacing, Na-ion storage in NIB and Na plating/striping in NMB can be ameliorated. This study reports sodiophilic N-doped polymer-derived carbon (PDC) as an anode for NIB and host for Na metal in NMB. As NIB anode, PDC provides a storage capacity of 173 mAh g- 1 at 1 A g- 1 in half-cell and 84 mAh g- 1 at 1C (1C = 128 mAhg- 1) in full-cell with Na3V2(PO4)2F3 (NVPF) cathode. As Na metal anode (NMA) host, a high columbic efficiency (C.E.) of 99.45\% for over 1000 cycles at 6 mA cm- 2_4 mAh cm-2 is obtained. Furthermore, fascinating wide temperature (50 degrees C and -20 degrees C) sodiumion storage is successfully demonstrated by PDC. Advanced X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the formation of stable and uniform solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) composed of inorganic and organic components, X-ray microtomography confirmed uniform Na plating throughout the volume of the electrode analogous to Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) results. A sustainable and scalable promising biphasic NIB anode and sodiophilic host for Na metal was possible due to larger d-spacing, partial graphitization, high mesoporosity, N-doping, presence of surface functional groups, better charge transfer, and diffusion properties.

}, keywords = {Full-cell, Low and elevated temperatures, Na metal host, Polymer-derived carbon, Sodium-ion battery, X-ray tomography}, issn = {2468-5194}, doi = {10.1016/j.mtchem.2024.101978}, author = {Yadav, Poonam and Das, Anoushka K. and Torris, Arun and Wasnik, Kundan and Koppisetti, Heramba Venkata Sai Rama Murthy and Pol, Vilas G. and Shelke, Vilas and Shelke, Manjusha} } @article {49825, title = {Waste polyethylene to long-chain unsaturated esters and alcohols via alkene cross-metathesis}, journal = {Journal of Macromolecular Science Part A-Pure and Applied Chemistry}, volume = {62}, year = {2025}, month = {AUG }, pages = {660-668}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The conversion of waste polyethylene into valuable long-chain functional molecules offers a contemporary solution to the global plastic waste challenge. This study presents a two-step catalytic approach, comprising of polyethylene (PE) dehydrogenation followed by cross-metathesis with renewable resource-derived functional olefins, catalyzed by the Grubbs-II catalyst (G-II). A dehydrogenated polyethylene (DHP) was subjected to a tandem catalytic cross-alkene metathesis with functional olefins under mild conditions to achieve approximately 36\% conversion of DHP into valuable long-chain building blocks with controlled product distribution. Comprehensive characterization of intermediates and products was performed using NMR, GC, GC-MS, GPC, and DSC. In the alkene cross-metathesis with methyl-10-undecenoate, the product distribution consisted of 23\% lower alkenes (C8-C14), 40\% unsaturated long-chain mono-esters (C12-C18), and 37\% unsaturated di-esters. In the case of 10-undecen-1-ol, the distribution included 20\% lower alkenes (C8-C11), 32\% unsaturated long-chain (C12-C18) mono-alcohols, and 48\% unsaturated di-alcohols. This strategy opens up new opportunities for converting waste polyethylene into high-value chemical intermediates, enabling resource recovery and delivering environmental benefits.

}, keywords = {depolymerization, functional olefins, Metathesis, Recycling, Value-added products}, issn = {1060-1325}, doi = {10.1080/10601325.2025.2533794}, author = {Khopade, K. V. and Bodkhe, D. V. and Chikkali, S. H.} } @article {49920, title = {Water-driven modulation of multiresponsive properties in acylhydrazone-based crystals}, journal = {Chemical Communications}, volume = {61}, year = {2025}, month = {AUG}, pages = {12139-12142}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

A pyrene-substituted acylhydrazone (PyAc) crystal undergoes a water-driven transition from elasticity to thermoplastic bending. The hydrated crystal remains two-dimensional (2D) elastic until heating, after which it becomes brittle and bent upon dehydration. While the hydrated crystal is non-photoresponsive, the anhydrous form exhibits photomechanical bending due to favorable E-Z photoisomerization. These distinct properties, governed by solvent channels, molecular packing, and non-covalent interactions, demonstrate PyAc{\textquoteright}s potential for smart actuators and photoswitchable devices.

}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/d5cc01375e}, author = {Manoharan, Deepak and Bhowmik, Aritra and Mishra, Manish Kumar and Ghosh, Soumyajit} } @article {49855, title = {W/HAP catalyzed terpenic alcohols oxidation: kinetic studies}, journal = {Reaction Chemistry \& Engineering}, volume = {10}, year = {2025}, month = {OCT }, pages = {2696-2710}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The selective oxidation of natural alcohols into carbonyl derivatives is a pivotal transformation in synthetic organic chemistry and industrial applications. This study focuses on the oxidation of borneol, a bicyclic secondary terpenic alcohol, into camphor using a tungsten-exchanged hydroxyapatite (W/HAP) catalyst and hydrogen peroxide as a green oxidant. Hydroxyapatite was synthesized via co-precipitation and functionalized with sodium tungstate to create the W/HAP catalyst, which was characterized using techniques such as SEM, EDS, TPD, XPS, and N2 adsorption-desorption to evaluate its surface morphology, porosity, and chemical composition. Oxidation reactions were conducted under optimized conditions, employing dimethylacetamide (DMA) as a solvent to achieve maximum conversion and selectivity. The W/HAP catalyst demonstrated superior performance, achieving nearly 99\% conversion of borneol with 100\% selectivity for camphor. Reaction parameters, including temperature, reactant stoichiometry, solvent choice, and catalyst loading, were systematically investigated. Higher reaction temperatures and oxidant concentrations favoured rapid conversion while maintaining high selectivity. Solvent effects revealed that DMA stabilized peroxo-tungstate intermediates, enhancing reaction efficiency compared to other solvents. Kinetic studies confirmed a first-order reaction mechanism with respect to borneol, and the activation energy was determined to be 44.23 kJ mol-1, highlighting the catalytic efficiency of W/HAP. Reusability tests confirmed the stability of the W/HAP catalyst over multiple cycles with minimal tungsten leaching. The methodology was extended to other terpenic alcohols, with varying degrees of success, emphasizing the substrate-specific activity of the catalyst. This work underscores the potential of tungsten-based heterogeneous catalysts in sustainable alcohol oxidation and highlights the industrial relevance of camphor synthesis as a renewable and eco-friendly approach to produce fine chemicals, fragrances, and pharmaceuticals.

}, issn = {2058-9883}, doi = {10.1039/d5re00132c}, author = {Poman, Aishwarya and Kamble, Paresh and Vinod, Chathakudath P. and Rathod, Virendra and Kantam, Mannepalli Lakshmi} } @article {49906, title = {WS2 nanoparticle-decorated, vertically aligned SnS2-based high-performance heterostructures for ambient-stable ultrafast photodetection}, journal = {ACS Applied Nano Materials}, volume = {8}, year = {2025}, month = {OCT }, pages = {21047-21056}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The development of visible-light photodetectors with high responsivity, rapid response, and long-term ambient stability remains a critical challenge in optoelectronics. Here, we report a high-performance photodetector based on a vertically aligned SnS2 film interfaced with WS2 nanoparticles, forming a p-n heterojunction. This device is fabricated using a scalable two-step method-chemical vapor deposition (CVD) for SnS2 growth and solution-based drop-casting for WS2 deposition-enabling precise control over the heterointerface, but trap states are inevitable due to the use of thermal CVD and the drop-casting method. The resulting photodetector exhibits remarkable optoelectronic characteristics, including a responsivity of 0.76 A/W, a detectivity of 7.56 x 10(11) Jones, a photo-to-dark current ratio of 119, and a fast rise time of 0.297 ms under visible illumination. These performance metrics are directly attributed to the optimized heterointerface, where the built-in electric field at the nanoscale WS2/SnS2 junctions promotes efficient charge separation and minimizes recombination losses. Notably, the device retains over 95\% of its initial performance even after 1 week of ambient exposure, highlighting its superior environmental robustness. This work introduces an interface-engineering strategy that leverages the unique electronic properties of earth-abundant, nontoxic two-dimensional materials, offering a viable pathway for scalable, high-speed, and stable photodetectors suitable for next-generation optoelectronic systems.

}, keywords = {2D, CVD, heterojunction, photodetector, SnS2, WS2}, doi = {10.1021/acsanm.5c04078}, author = {Das, Chayan and Kumar, Suresh and Sharma, Anjali and Kumar, Mahesh and Rath, Arup K. and Sahu, Satyajit} } @article {49822, title = {Waste-to-sensor: repurposing spent Li-ion battery graphite into reduced graphene oxide for electrochemical detection of ascorbic acid}, journal = {Resources Conservation and Recycling}, volume = {225}, year = {2026}, month = {JAN}, pages = {108610}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Spent lithium-ion batteries (S-LIBs) are typically discarded in landfills after their lifecycle ends, despite containing valuable materials like graphite. While much research focuses on extracting precious metals from the cathode, this study explores the recycling, recovery, and reuse of spent graphite, converting it into reduced graphene oxide (rGO) for electrochemical sensing. The rGO material demonstrated excellent sensitivity to ascorbic acid (AA) in a concentration range of 1 mM to 100 mM at pH 7.6, offering a cost-effective solution for AA detection. The recovered graphite (RG) from S-LIBs and commercial graphite (CG) was first converted into graphene oxide (R-GO, C-GO) and then reduced (R-rGO, C-rGO). This material underwent extensive structural characterization using techniques such as powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). Electrochemical performance was evaluated through cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). This study underscores the {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}waste-to-wealth{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} concept and supports circular economy principles by transforming electronic waste into a valuable resource. The LOD and LOQ for both the material R-rGO and C-rGO were calculated as 3.055 mM, 10.18 mM, and 3.41 mM, 11.36 mM, respectively. The rGO-based sensor not only promotes sustainable recycling but also offers a low-cost, high-performance solution for ascorbic acid detection, with potential applications in food quality monitoring, medical diagnostics, and the cosmetic industry.

}, keywords = {circular economy, Closed loop recycling, Electrochemical sensor, Graphite recovery, Hydrometallurgy, Spent Li-ion batteries}, issn = {0921-3449}, doi = {10.1016/j.resconrec.2025.108610}, author = {Rawat, Purnima and Shivamurthy, B. P. and Patil, Vaibhav J. and Nayaka, G. P.} } @article {50019, title = {When facets meet impurities: Trace gas dominance over CO2 adsorption on ZnO}, journal = {Applied Surface Science}, volume = {729}, year = {2026}, month = {MAY}, pages = {166151}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The catalytic hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol using Cu-ZnO/Al2O3 (CZA) is a key route for sustainable chemical production, when coupled with CO2-rich industrial off-gases. However, trace secondary gases, though present only at ppm levels, can poison active sites and suppress catalytic performance. In this work, we employ periodic density functional theory (DFT) to investigate interactions of H2S, SO2, NO2, NO, CO and CH4 with ZnO surfaces:(10(-)10), (10(-)11), (11(-)20), (10(-)13), and (11(-)22), and compared their adsorption pattern with CO2, the principle component of methanol synthesis. H2S dissociates on all the surfaces, SO2, and NO2 are chemisorbed, CH4 remains physisorbed, and NO, CO, and CO2 exhibit facet-dependent adsorption. Electronic structure analysis reveal that chemisorption occurs when surface energy states near the Fermi level overlap with HOMO of adsorbate, enabling charge transfer, whereas physisorption lacks such overlap. The adsorption strength follows the order: H2S SO2 NO2 NO CO CO2 CH4, suggesting that sulfur and nitrogen containing species exhibit strong chemisorption and compete with CO2 for active sites, potentially impacting the efficiency of methanol synthesis. These insights provide an atomic scale understanding of impurity-surface interactions and highlight potential role of ZnO as an efficient feed stock purifier for CO2-rich gas streams.

}, keywords = {CZA catalyst, flue gases, Valorization of CO2, ZnO}, issn = {0169-4332}, doi = {10.1016/j.apsusc.2026.166151}, author = {Bhati, Meema and Joshi, Kavita} }