Search

Ferroelectric flexible polymer composite films of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) with different weight percentages (10.0%, 20.0%, 30.0%, 40.0%, and 50.0%) of (Bi0.5Ba0.25Sr0.25) (La0.5Ti0.5) O3 were synthesized by solvent casting method. Analysis using the x‐ray diffractometer and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy tools revealed the presence of the different phases (α, β) of PVDF. Scanning electron microscope morphology illustrates the homogenous dispersion of ceramics particles in the matrix. The differential scanning calorimetry curve (under 25–400°C) gives the value of melting temperature (Tm=169.98°C) and percentage crystallinity is about 29.45% for 50 wt.% composite. The findings demonstrated that the composite has good thermal stability up to 169.98°C. Dielectric analysis shows ferroelectric and dielectric behavior and also distinguishes α and β phases of PVDF. It was found that the composite film containing 50 wt.% (Bi0.5Ba0.25Sr0.25) (La0.5Ti0.5) O3 had a dielectric constant (εr) of 38 (at 100 Hz) and dielectric loss of 0.059, which are the maximum among the samples. The relative permittivity rises with an increase in filler content due to electrostatics and interfacial polarization between PVDF (CH2CF2 dipole) and ceramic. The real and imaginary part of impedance spectroscopy with frequency (Cole–Cole plots) for composite (10.0–50.0 wt.%) at 25°C are also investigated. The current study provides a fresh perspective on the fact that PVDF‐(Bi0.5Ba0.25Sr0.25) (La0.5Ti0.5) O3 composite system has improved thermal stability and dielectric characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this modern age of industrialization, waste from houses and factories has a major impact on the environment, and its management has become one of the most difficult tasks for the whole world. This study attempts to locate suitable sites for disposing of solid waste using geospatial techniques in Ranchi, Jharkhand. Moreover, as Ranchi is a part of the smart city project, it is important to find new sites for dumping to control the environmental issue that arises due to the increasing pressure of population growth and the rate of human migration. Site selection of solid waste dumping considers several parameters, such as land use, land cover, road, geomorphology, soil, slope, water bodies, forest, and built‐up. The present study has taken a multicriteria decision approach and used the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to delineate the suitable landfill site for the medium‐sized city of Ranchi. The study adopts the overlay analysis operation for several factors and geospatial techniques to perform site suitability analysis. The result shows four classes of suitable dumping sites, where low or restricted area covers 1145.52 km2 (63.92%), moderately restricted covers 477.74 km2 (26.65%), whereas about 140 km2 (7.81%) of the area can be constructed but with restrictions, and 28.79 km2 (1.60%) of the area is highly recommended for dumping site construction. The site suitability map and the identified four new dumping sites are highly useful to the municipality corporation and decision‐makers to alleviate environmental pollution and human health problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prodigious employment of fossil fuels to conquer the global energy demand is becoming a dreadful threat to the human society. This predicament is appealing for a potent photocatalyst that can generate alternate energy sources via solar to chemical energy conversion. With this interest, we have fabricated a ternary heterostructure of Ti3C2 nanosheet modified g‐C3N4/Bi2O3 (MCNRBO) Z‐scheme photocatalyst through self‐assembly process. The morphological analysis clearly evidenced the close interfacial interaction between g‐C3N4 nanorod, Bi2O3 and Ti3C2 nanosheets. The oxygen vacancy created on Bi2O3 surface, as suggested by XPS and EPR analysis, supported the Z‐scheme heterojunction formation between g‐C3N4 nanorod and Bi2O3 nanosheets. The collaborative effect of Z‐scheme and Schottky junction significantly reduced charge transfer resistance promoting separation efficiency of excitons as indicated from PL and EIS analysis. The potential of MCNRBO towards photocatalytic application was investigated by H2O2 and H2 evolution reaction. A superior photocatalytic H2O2 and H2 production rate for MCNRBO is observed, which are respectively around 5 and 18 folds higher as compared to pristine CNR nanorod. The present work encourages for the development of a noble, eco‐benign and immensely efficient dual heterojunction based photocatalyst, which can acts as saviour of human society from energy crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Textile‐based wearable triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have emerged as viable power sources for wearable electronics. However, it is still a daunting challenge to realize a high‐performing textile‐based nanogenerator without compromising its intrinsic textile‐like properties, such as stretchability, breathability, and conformability. The above challenge is addressed by fabricating a record high‐performing wearable, breathable and stretchable nanogenerator based on polarization‐induced ultra‐stretchable EVA/Nylon‐11 micro/nano‐fibers (1250%) as the triboelectric positive layer and polarization‐induced ultra‐stretchable EVA/PVDF/BA2CsAgBiBr7 micro/nano‐fibers (1480%) as the triboelectric negative layer. The excellent stretchability, breathability (1.15 Kgm−2d−1) and high energy‐harvesting performance (650 V, 19.5 µAcm−2) are attributed to the mechanically‐socketed structure of the aligned stretchable EVA microfibers with the polarized nanofibers, thus providing a universal framework to fabricate stretchable piezoelectric fibers. Compositional engineering and polarization‐induced surface charges coupled with triboelectric‐induced surface charges enabled enhanced performance compared to other wearable stretchable textile‐based nanogenerators. Additionally, it is utilized as a stretchable self‐powered pressure sensor with an ultra‐wide pressure sensing range (0.05–500 kPa) and high sensitivity (2.5 VkPa−1) even under deformations. To the best of the knowledge, PI‐STENG stands out amongst various stretchable self‐powered pressure sensors in terms of pressure sensing range and stretchability. The PI‐STENG is demonstrated as a machine learning‐enabled intellisensor for workforce safety monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing utilization of terahertz (THz) bandwidth in both industrial and private sectors highlights the significance of efficient terahertz shielding and absorption devices. These devices play a crucial role in safeguarding electronic components from disruptive effects and rendering objects less detectable by radar systems. However, the limited availability of materials and devices hinders progress in this field. In this study, a strain engineering route is presented for the active control of terahertz shielding and absorption properties in 3D graphene through the application of mechanical strain. A straintronic modulator based on 3D graphene is demonstrated, capable of modulating absorption and reflection of THz radiation in real‐time over a wide range of 0.1–3 THz. The modulator can be tuned to exhibit either shielding capability with a specific shielding effectiveness of 0.3 × 105 dB cm2 g−1 or stealth characteristics with an average reflection loss of 25 dB and 99.4% absorption. These findings open new avenues for leveraging 2D materials in their 3D porous form, where strain‐induced changes in interlayer interactions enable control over the properties of these materials. This discovery unveils vast unexplored physical phenomena with immense potential for advanced THz imaging, radar, and electromagnetic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insulin resistance, the hallmark of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), has emerged as a pathological feature in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Given the shared role of insulin resistance in T2DM and AD, repurposing peripheral insulin sensitizers is a promising strategy to preserve neuronal insulin sensitivity and prevent AD. 1‐Deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), a bioactive iminosugar, exhibited insulin‐sensitizing effects in metabolic tissues and was detected in brain tissue post‐oral intake. However, its impact on brain and neuronal insulin signaling has not been described. Here, we investigated the effect of DNJ treatment on insulin signaling and AD markers in insulin‐resistant human SK‐N‐SH neuroblastoma, a cellular model of neuronal insulin resistance. Our findings show that DNJ increased the expression of insulin signaling genes and the phosphorylation status of key molecules implicated in insulin resistance (Y1146‐pIRβ, S473‐pAKT, S9‐GSK3B) while also elevating the expression of glucose transporters Glut3 and Glut4, resulting in higher glucose uptake upon insulin stimuli. DNJ appeared to mitigate the insulin resistance‐driven increase in phosphorylated tau and Aβ1‐42 levels by promoting insulin‐induced phosphorylation of GSK3B (a major tau kinase) and enhancing mRNA expression of the insulin‐degrading enzyme (IDE) pivotal for insulin and Aβ clearance. Overall, our study unveils probable mechanisms underlying the potential benefits of DNJ for AD, wherein DNJ attenuates tau and amyloid pathologies by reversing neuronal insulin resistance. This provides a scientific basis for expanding the use of DNJ‐containing products for neuroprotective purposes and prompts further research into compounds with similar mechanisms of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) is a category of 2D materials that possess excellent physicochemical properties for enhancing photocatalytic (PC), electrocatalytic (EC), and photoelectrochemical (PEC) performances. However, pristine LDH encounters challenges like sluggish charge–carrier mobility, high rate of electron–hole recombination, low conductivity, and tendency to agglomerate, making them unsuitable for practical applications. Therefore, modifications such as composite preparations, co‐catalyst integration, semiconductor coupling, and ternary heterostructure engineering have been explored to disclose new possibilities for LDHs in PC, EC, and PEC applications. In the realm of semiconducting materials aimed at enhancing LDH productivity, quantum dots (QDs) i. e., 0D materials have proven to be effective due to their advantages, including abundant reserves, affordability, and environmental friendliness. This review explores the role of QDs as interlayer support, co‐catalyst, mediator, semiconductor, and sensitizer in QDs@LDH heterostructures to achieve superior photocatalytic activities. These QD‐infused heterostructures also deliver improved EC and PEC water–splitting performance coupled with long–term stabilities. Additionally, this review delves into characterization techniques, intrinsic structural features, and designing of the QD@LDH heterostructures. Future scopes and challenges in constructing and cutting–edge theoretical anticipations of QD@LDH are also discussed. This review may be a guiding light to a sustainable approach to outperform QD‐modified LDH for versatile catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study is to provide comprehensive and efficient pre‐anesthesia counseling (PAC) utilizing audiovisual aids and to examine their effect on parental anxiety. Methods: For this prospective, controlled study, 174 parents were recruited and randomized into three groups of 58 (Group A: video, Group B: brochure, and Group C: verbal). During pre‐anesthesia counseling, the parent was provided with a detailed explanation of preoperative preparation, fasting instructions, transport to the operating room, induction, the emergence of anesthesia, and nursing in the post‐anesthesia care unit based on their assigned group. We evaluated parental anxiety using Spielberger's State–Trait Anxiety Inventory before and after the pre‐anesthesia counseling. Results: The results of our study show a statistically significant difference in the final mean STAI scores among the three groups (Group A: 34.69 ± 5.31, Group B: 36.34 ± 8.59, and Group C: 43.59 ± 3.39; p <.001). When compared to the brochure and verbal groups, the parents in the video group have the greatest difference in mean baseline and final Spielberger's State–Trait Anxiety Inventory scores (12.207 ± 5.291, p.001). Conclusion: The results of our study suggest that pre‐anesthesia counseling by video or a brochure before the day of surgery is associated with a higher reduction in parental anxiety when compared to verbal communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dermatophytosis is a cutaneous infection that is able to degrade the keratinized tissues of the animal/human body, like skin, nails, and hair, causing chronic or subacute infection with the contact of some specific fungal strains. Trichophyton mentagrophytes are the most potential fungal pathogen causing dermatophytoses. The present study focuses on computationally based in silico antifungal activity of selected phytocompounds of Leucas aspera (Willd.) Link. against dermatophytic fungus, T. mentagrophytes. Validation and screening of derived phytocompounds is performed using Lipinski rule of five and toxicity test through Protox‐II. Five target genes involved in dermatophytosis, induced by T. mentagrophytes are retrieved from the UniProt Database, and the corresponding proteins such as glucan 1,3‐beta‐glucosidase ARB_02797, Probable class II chitinase ARB_00204, squalene monooxygenase, actin, and ubiquitin are selected for in silico study. Three‐dimensional structures of the target protein were computationally determined and validated through modeling tools and techniques due to the lack of validated protein structures in the database. Then, these proteins are used for in silico molecular docking through the AutoDock Vina tool to find out the promising phytocompounds. This study could be utilized in designing more effective drugs against T. mentagrophytes. Based on this work, a plant‐based natural alternative can be added to the treatment of dermatophytosis rather than synthetic supplements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer composites with high dielectric constant and minimal dielectric losses have wide ranging prospects for advanced applications in the flexible electronics and electrical industry. In this study, we used the advantages of carbonaceous hybrid nanofillers to develop a flexible dielectric material. Herein, a set of hybrid nanocomposites were successfully fabricated by incorporating the Ti3C2Tx (MXene) and MWCNTs (multi‐walled carbon nanotubes) hybrid mixture as the conductive moiety into the poly(ethylene‐co‐methyl acrylate) (EMA)/ethylene‐octene co‐polymer (EOC) binary blend as the matrices using solution mixing technique followed by compression molding. As prepared, EMA/EOC/Ti3C2Tx/MWCNTs hybrid composites have been characterized by FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) spectroscopy, XRD (X‐ray diffraction), TGA (thermogravimetric analysis), FESEM (field emission scanning electron microscopy), and DSC (differential scanning calorimetry). We studied the effects of Ti3C2Tx and MWCNTs contents in the hybrid composites on the thermal, dielectric, and electrical properties. Among all the 15 wt% hybrid mixture containing 2 wt% MWCNTs loaded composite has the highest dielectric constant (ℇr = 122.21) and the lowest dissipation loss (tan δ = 0.030) at 100 Hz. The present studies recommend the EMA/EOC/Ti3C2Tx/MWCNTs hybrid composites can be used in smart and flexible electronic storage material. Highlights: EMA‐EOC blend composites with hybrid Ti3C2Tx/MWCNTs were processed.2.5 wt% MWCNTs loaded hybrid composite shows excellent thermal stability.Composite with 2 wt% MWCNTs has ℇ' = 122.21 and tanδ = 0.03 at 100 Hz.2.5 wt% MWCNTs composite has electrical conductivity of 3.26 × 10−8 Ω−1 m−1.This composite can be used in smart and flexible electronic storage material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Development of protein‐enriched chickpea varieties necessitates an understanding of specific genes and key regulatory circuits that govern the synthesis of seed storage proteins (SSPs).Here, we demonstrated the novel involvement of Ca‐miR164e‐CaNAC100 in regulating SSP synthesis in chickpea.Ca‐miRNA164e was significantly decreased during seed maturation, especially in high‐protein accessions. The miRNA was found to directly target the transactivation conferring C‐terminal region of a nuclear‐localized transcription factor, CaNAC100 as revealed using RNA ligase‐mediated‐rapid amplification of cDNA ends and target mimic assays. The functional role of CaNAC100 was demonstrated through seed‐specific overexpression (NACOE) resulting in significantly augmented seed protein content (SPC) consequential to increased SSP transcription. Further, NACOE lines displayed conspicuously enhanced seed weight but reduced numbers and yield. Conversely, a downregulation of CaNAC100 and SSP transcripts was evident in seed‐specific overexpression lines of Ca‐miR164e that culminated in significantly lowered SPC. CaNAC100 was additionally demonstrated to transactivate the SSP‐encoding genes by directly binding to their promoters as demonstrated using electrophoretic mobility shift and dual‐luciferase reporter assays.Taken together, our study for the first time established a distinct role of CaNAC100 in positively influencing SSP synthesis and its critical regulation by CamiR164e, thereby serving as an understanding that can be utilized for developing SPC‐rich chickpea varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this communication, the synthesis and characterizations of modified strontium manganate (SrCu1/3Mn1/3W1/3O3) (SCMWO) by high‐temperature solid‐state method are reported. The structural analysis predicts a monoclinic structure with a crystallite size of 36.8 nm. The analysis of the Raman active modes reveals the presence of all the constituent atomic vibrations. The study of the ultraviolet–visible spectrum provides a bandgap energy of 1.71 eV, which may be suitable for photovoltaic applications. A Maxwell‐Wanger type of polarization effect is observed at low frequency while low dielectric loss makes the material suitable for energy storage devices. The study of the impedance plots reveals the negative temperature coefficient of resistance (NTCR) character. The activation energy increases with both frequency and temperature in the modified perovskite suggesting that conductivity of the sample increases and material characters are changing from dielectric to semiconducting. The symmetrical curves in the electrical modulus plots and shift toward higher frequency region agree with the results of the non‐Debye‐type of relaxation mechanism. The semicircular curves in the Cole–Cole plots confirm the semiconducting nature and are also well supported by the results of Nyquist plots. The studied material exhibits a semiconductor nature, which may be found suitable for energy storage device applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(C−X) bonds (X=C, N, O) are the main backbone for making different skeleton in the organic synthetic transformations. Among all the sustainable techniques, electro‐organic synthesis for C−X bond formation is the advanced tool as it offers a greener and more cost‐effective approach to chemical reactions by utilizing electrons as reagents. In this review, we want to explore the recent advancements in electrochemical C−O bond formation. The electrochemically driven C−O bond formation represents an emerging and exciting area of research. In this context, electrochemical techniques offers numerous advantages, including higher yields, cost‐efficient production, and simplified work‐up procedures. This method enables the continuous and consistent formation of C−O bonds in molecules, significantly enhancing overall reaction yields. Furthermore, both intramolecular and intermolecular C−O bond forming reaction provided valuable products of O‐containing acyclic/cyclic analogue. Hence, carbonyl (C=O), ether ‐O‐), and ester (‐COOR) functionalization in both cyclic/acyclic analogues have been prepared continuously via this innovative pathway. In this context, we want to discuss one‐decade electrochemical synthetic pathways of various C−O bond contains functional group in chronological manner. This review focused on all the synthetic aspects including mechanistic path and has also mentioned overall critical finding regarding the C−O bond formation via electrochemical pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma poses a significant challenge in oncology due to its rising incidence and mortality rates. Despite therapeutic progress, understanding molecular intricacies is essential. This study explored the role of PON2, a multifunctional enzyme implicated in antiapoptotic mechanisms. Aberrant PON2 expression in oral cancers raises questions regarding its involvement in evading programmed cell death and treatment resistance. Patients with locally advanced disease were enrolled, and molecular analyses were undertaken on the collected tumor and normal tissues. Utilizing computational datasets, this study used in silico gene expression analysis, differential gene expression analysis in our patient cohort, survival analysis, and gene set enrichment analysis to unravel role of PON2 in disease prognosis. The results showed elevated PON2 levels in advanced tumor stages, correlating with factors such as tobacco exposure, higher tumor grade, and nodal metastasis. Survival analysis revealed prognostic relevance of PON2, with lower expression linked to extended survival rates. Gene set enrichment analysis identified pathways aiding in cancer metastasis influenced by PON2. This study underscores the significance of PON2 expression as a prognostic marker for oral malignancies, with increased expression associated with advanced disease stages. Understanding the molecular profile of the PON2 gene suggests its potential as a valuable biomarker for the management of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blight caused by Ascochyta rabiei is a major constraint in the productivity of chickpea (Cicer arietinum). The mechanisms governing resistance/susceptibility to blight in chickpea are poorly understood. We used a blight‐resistant (HC1) and a blight‐susceptible (GPF2) genotype of chickpea and genes of pathogenesis‐related proteins (PRPs), phenylpropanoid pathway metabolites, abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellic acid (GA) and jasmonic acid (JA) to understand the role of these in A. rabiei resistance/susceptibility. The JA, ABA and GA biosynthesis genes of chickpea were retrieved, characterized and gene‐specific primers were used for transcriptional studies. Gene expression revealed that chickpea activated its defences rather quickly and well before initiation of spore germination. In resistant HC1, the majority of the JA, GA and phenylpropanoid pathway genes had peak maxima at 2 h post‐inoculation (hpi) whereas PRPs/defence genes had peak maxima at 24/36 hpi implying that defence to A. rabiei in chickpea is composed of a two‐tier system separated by time: immediately after spore attachment and at or just prior to host penetration. Unlike HC1, susceptible GPF2 was late in activation of defence responses or did not activate them. Another striking difference between HC1 and GPF2 was up‐regulation of ABA biosynthesis genes in inoculated GPF2 and down‐regulation in HC1. This study revealed that phenylpropanoids, PRPs, JA, 8‐(1R,2R)‐3‐oxo‐2‐(Z)‐pent‐2‐enyl cyclopentyl octanoate, (15Z)‐12‐oxophyto‐10,15‐dienoic acid and methyl‐jasmonate govern resistance to A. rabiei in chickpea whereas ABA governs susceptibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been recognized vastly as stimuli‐responsive materials owing to their extreme sensitivity toward the stimuli that make them flawless nominees for multifunctional device applications. However, MOFs are often oversensitive toward moisture, which significantly affects their stable responses and reproducibility. Herein, a MOF–polymer display (i.e., copper‐based MOF with polydimethylsiloxane) is developed that exhibits high sensitivity toward temperature changes without getting affected by moisture. In response to the thermal gradient, the display exhibits the change in color from sky blue to dark blue when the temperature varies from 30 to 100 ºC, which is attributed to the second‐order phase transition within the time interval 40 s and reversible in 60 s. To provide insights on the mechanism, ex situ UV–vis and temperature‐dependent operando X‐day diffraction are conducted, which unveils that the color change in the display is associated with reversible contraction/expansion of the unit cell parameters. In addition to that, the thermoresponse of the display remains unaffected under mechanical deformations, which indicates that the color display is mechanically and thermally stable. The as‐developed color display is mechanically robust and highly sensitive toward temperature change; it can be utilized as the color indicator in signaling temperature rise in smart mobiles or laptops during discharging to keep the user safe or applications in augmented intelligence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) represent a promising and rapidly evolving technology in the field of photovoltaics due to their easy fabrication, low‐cost materials, and remarkable efficiency improvements over a relatively short period. However, the grain boundaries in the polycrystalline films exhibit a high density of defects, resulting in not only heightened reactivity to oxygen and water but also hampered charge transport and long‐term stability. Herein, an approach involving Zn‐porphyrin (Zn‐PP)‐upgraded antisolvent treatment to enhance the grain size and meanwhile passivate grain boundary defects in FA0.95MA0.05PbI2.85Br0.15 perovskites is presented. The Zn‐PP molecules significantly improve structural and optical properties, effectively mitigating defects and promoting carrier transport at the perovskite/hole transport layer interface. The density functional theory simulation confirms that Zn‐PP forms a strong chemical bonding with the perovskite surface. With Zn‐PP passivation, the total density of state shifts to higher‐energy regions with molecular adsorption, especially near the valence and conduction band edges, indicating that there is an increase in conducting properties of the surface with molecular adsorption. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PSCs increases significantly as a result of this improvement, rising from 15.38% to 19.11%. Moreover, unencapsulated PSCs treated with Zn‐PP exhibit outstanding stability, retaining over 91% of their initial PCE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India is one of the leading producers of rice in the world. Gasification and pyrolysis are two thermochemical processes. In the gasification process, biomass is transformed into syngas, which serves as an energy source. This conversion occurs under high temperatures with a carefully regulated and restricted air supply. On the other hand, pyrolysis, which transpires at lower temperatures without the presence of air, generates pyrolysis oil as a by‐product. This oil can be further refined into liquid fuels. For the purpose of investigating the feasibility of biofuel production, the current study involved the characterization of rice straw biomass using various techniques such as thermogravimetry differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulphur and oxygen (CHNS/O), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP‐OES), among others. These analytical methods were employed to assess the potential of rice straw biomass for the production of biofuels. The existence of a significant amount of cellulose (32.1%), volatiles (approximately 67.06%), and high heating value (HHV) (13.18 MJKg−1) in rice straw inferred their capability to be used as feedstocks in the production of biofuel. The activation energy of approximately 173.20 KJ/Mol (Flynn Wall Ozawa [FWO]) indicated the viability of the burning process. From master plot (Z(α)) analysis, the experimental curve was seen passing through different theoretical curves, indicating the complex nature of the pyrolysis process for rice straw. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing pollution and threat to the environment demand green synthetic methods. Green chemistry mainly focuses on minimizing the waste and utilization of green solvents, energy sources, and catalysts and prefers one‐pot reactions. In this context, humic acid (HA), a natural bioorganic catalyst found in rivers, peat coal and sewage; is a high molecular weight macromolecule containing multifunctional groups, mainly contains quinone, phenolic OH, and COOH groups which make it acidic and activate carbonyl groups by protonation. Owing to its green aspect such as biodegradability, recyclability and reusability, humic acid is considered as sustainable bioorganic catalyst which meets the criteria for industrial requirements. The HA is mild acidic in nature, thus many functional groups tolerate in the HA catalyzed reactions. After few initial reports in 2001 and 2009, the HA catalyzed reactions gained much attention by the organic synthetic community from 2019 in aldol condensation, Knoevenagel condensation, Claisen‐Schmidt reaction, Michael addition, Strecker synthesis, tetrazole synthesis, Hantzsch dihydropyridine synthesis, hydrosilylation of terminal alkenes, hydrogenation, α‐aminophosphonate synthesis, cross coupling reactions such as Heck and Suzuki coupling reactions. Herein we report the comprehensive analysis on the role of HA in organic transformations providing diverse array of molecular scaffolds till date and future perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of chiral organic molecules is a purity‐driven research that has become an essential part of our lives due to their applications in pharmaceuticals. Contemporary research focuses on the exploration of synthetic protocols that obviate the use/generation of hazardous chemicals. In this regard, dioxiranes are readily accessed as a reagent solution or catalyst (in situ) from the reaction of ketone with a co‐oxidant like Oxone® or H2O2; the latter makes the protocol very green and inexpensive. It has shown the potential to replace transition metal‐based oxygenation protocols. The dioxirane‐mediated asymmetric reactions include oxidations, epoxidations, C−H hydroxylations, etc. Both stoichiometric and catalytic protocols of dioxiranes are been explored for the oxyfunctionalization of chiral natural product derivatives such as Penicillin, nucleosides, amino acids, carbohydrates, etc. In addition, these are employed as key oxygenation agents during the synthesis of natural products like (+)‐Plagiogyrin A, Portimine, Taxol, Bryostatin, dafachronic acid, majucinoids, eldecalcitol, Spirochensilide A, etc. The review consolidates the development of both achiral and chiral dioxiranes in application to asymmetric synthesis and oxygenation of chiral molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent advances in high‐throughput next‐generation sequencing technologies have heralded the arrival of the Big Data era. As a result, the use of pharmacogenetics in drug discovery and individualized drug therapy has transformed the field of precision medicine. This paradigm shift in drug development programs has effectively reshaped the old drug development practices, which were primarily concerned with the physiological status of patients for drug development. Pharmacogenomics bridges the gap between pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, advancing current diagnostic and treatment strategies and enabling personalized and targeted drug therapy. The primary goals of pharmacogenetic studies are to improve drug efficacy and minimize toxicities, to identify novel drug targets, to estimate drug dosage for personalized medicine, and to incorporate it as a routine diagnostic for disease susceptibility. Although pharmacogenetics has numerous applications in individualized drug therapy and drug development, it is in its infancy in veterinary medicine. The objective of this review is to present an overview of historical landmarks, current developments in various animal species, challenges and future perspectives of genomics in drug development and dosage optimization for individualized medicine in veterinary subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: PTGS2 encodes cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), which catalyses the committed step in prostaglandin synthesis. Various in vivo and in vitro data suggest that COX‐2 mediates the VEGF signalling pathway. In silico analysis performed in TCGA, PanCancer Atlas for head and neck cancers, demonstrated significant expression and co‐expression of PTGS2 and genes that regulate VEGF signalling. This study was designed to elucidate the expression pattern of PTGS2 and genes regulating VEGF signalling in patients with locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Methodology: Tumour and normal tissue samples were collected from patients with locally advanced OSCC. RNA was isolated from tissue samples, followed by cDNA synthesis. The cDNA was used for gene expression analysis (RT‐PCR) using target‐specific primers. The results obtained were compared with the in silico gene expression of the target genes in the TCGA datasets. Co‐expression analysis was performed to establish an association between PTGS2 and VEGF signalling genes. Results: Tumour and normal tissue samples were collected from 24 OSCC patients. Significant upregulation of PTGS2 expression was observed. Furthermore, VEGFA, KDR, CXCR1 and CXCR2 were significantly upregulated in tumour samples compared with paired normal samples, except for VEGFB, whose expression was not statistically significant. A similar expression pattern was observed in silico, except for CXCR2 which was highly expressed in the normal samples. Co‐expression analysis showed a significant positive correlation between PTGS2 and VEGF signalling genes, except for VEGFB which showed a negative correlation. Conclusion: PTGS2 and VEGF signalling genes are upregulated in OSCC, which has a profound impact on clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein we report the first synthesis of tetrahydrocarbazole embedded styrene atropisomers via the reaction between 1‐(aryl‐ethynyl)‐naphthalen‐2‐ol and 2,3,4,9‐tetrahydro‐1H‐carbazole. The reaction proceeds through in situ vinylidene ortho‐quinone methide (VQM) intermediate formation. The styrene derivatives were obtained in good to high yields with high diastereoselectivities with a catalytic amount of PTSA. A catalytic asymmetric version is also reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Seed color is one of the key target traits of domestication and artificial selection in chickpeas due to its implications on consumer preference and market value. The complex seed color trait has been well dissected in several crop species; however, the genetic mechanism underlying seed color variation in chickpea remains poorly understood. Here, we employed an integrated genomics strategy involving QTL mapping, high‐density mapping, map‐based cloning, association analysis, and molecular haplotyping in an inter‐specific RIL mapping population, association panel, wild accessions, and introgression lines (ILs) of Cicer gene pool. This delineated a MATE gene, CaMATE23, encoding a Transparent Testa (TT) and its natural allele (8‐bp insertion) and haplotype underlying a major QTL governing seed color on chickpea chromosome 4. Signatures of selective sweep and a strong purifying selection reflected that CaMATE23, especially its 8‐bp insertion natural allelic variant, underwent selection during chickpea domestication. Functional investigations revealed that the 8‐bp insertion containing the third cis‐regulatory RY‐motif element in the CaMATE23 promoter is critical for enhanced binding of CaFUSCA3 transcription factor, a key regulator of seed development and flavonoid biosynthesis, thereby affecting CaMATE23 expression and proanthocyanidin (PA) accumulation in the seed coat to impart varied seed color in chickpea. Consequently, overexpression of CaMATE23 in Arabidopsis tt12 mutant partially restored the seed color phenotype to brown pigmentation, ascertaining its functional role in PA accumulation in the seed coat. These findings shed new light on the seed color regulation and evolutionary history, and highlight the transcriptional regulation of CaMATE23 by CaFUSCA3 in modulating seed color in chickpea. The functionally relevant InDel variation, natural allele, and haplotype from CaMATE23 are vital for translational genomic research, including marker‐assisted breeding, for developing chickpea cultivars with desirable seed color that appeal to consumers and meet global market demand. Significance Statement: Integrated genomic strategy provides novel insights into the transcriptional regulatory role of functional allele and haplotype delineated in a MATE gene selected during Cicer domestication, in regulating varied seed color of chickpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a significant role in various biological processes. Hence, it is utmost important to elucidate their functions in order to understand the molecular mechanism of a complex biological system. This versatile RNA molecule has diverse modes of interaction, one of which constitutes lncRNA–mRNA interaction. Hence, identifying its target mRNA is essential to understand the function of an lncRNA explicitly. Existing lncRNA target prediction tools mainly adopt thermodynamics approach. Large execution time and inability to perform real‐time prediction limit their usage. Further, lack of negative training dataset has been a hindrance in the path of developing machine learning (ML) based lncRNA target prediction tools. In this work, we have developed a ML‐based lncRNA–mRNA target prediction model‐ 'LncRTPred'. Here we have addressed the existing problems by generating reliable negative dataset and creating robust ML models. We have identified the non‐interacting lncRNA and mRNAs from the unlabelled dataset using BLAT. It is further filtered to get a reliable set of outliers. LncRTPred provides a cumulative_model_score as the final output against each query. In terms of prediction accuracy, LncRTPred outperforms other popular target prediction protocols like LncTar. Further, we have tested its performance against experimentally validated disease‐specific lncRNA–mRNA interactions. Overall, performance of LncRTPred is heavily dependent on the size of the training dataset, which is highly reflected by the difference in its performance for human and mouse species. Its performance for human species shows better as compared to that for mouse when applied on an unknown data due to smaller size of the training dataset in case of mouse compared to that of human. Availability of increased number of lncRNA–mRNA interaction data for mouse will improve the performance of LncRTPred in future. Both webserver and standalone versions of LncRTPred are available. Web server link: http://bicresources.jcbose.ac.in/zhumur/lncrtpred/index.html. Github Link: https://github.com/zglabDIB/LncRTPred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an oxidant, deodorant and bleaching agent, the hypochlorous acid (HClO) and hypochlorite (ClO−) are widely used in corrosion inhibitors, textile dyes, pharmaceutical intermediates and in our daily lives. However, excess usage or aberrant accumulation of ClO− leads to tissue damage or some diseases and even cancer. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a fluorescent probe that specifically identifies ClO−. In this article, we synthesized a deep‐red xanthene‐based fluorescent probe (XA‐CN). The strong electron deficient group dicyano endows the probe XA‐CN deep‐red fluorescent emission with high solubility, selectivity and sensitivity for ClO− detection. Studies showed that the probe demonstrated turn‐off fluorescence (643 nm) at the presence of ClO− in dimethylsulfoxide/phosphate‐buffered saline 1:1 (pH 9) solution with a limit of detection of 1.64 μM. Detection mechanism investigation revealed that the electron deficient group ‐CN and the hydroxyl group was oxidized into aldehyde or carbonyl groups at the presence of ClO−, resulting ultraviolet‐visible absorption of the probe blue shifted and turned‐off fluorescence. Furthermore, XA‐CN was successfully used for the detection of ClO− in tap water samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in the prevalence of multi‐drug‐resistant bacteria poses a significant healthcare challenge. The urgent need to combat the resistant microbes necessitates discovering new antibacterial agents capable of circumventing the existing resistance mechanisms. Targeting DNA gyrase by suitably modifying the fluoroquinolones can lead to antibiotics with better activity and lower incidence of resistance. The substituted diphenyl ethers like triclosan are known to have potent antibacterial activity. In the current study, the hybridisation of diphenyl ether moiety with fluoroquinolones led to the design and synthesis of new compounds with potent inhibitory activity against staphylococcus aureus with MIC 0.5–64 μg/mL and moderately active against mycobacteria with MIC 2–64 μg/mL. The compounds are non‐toxic to Vero cells with a selectivity index >10 to 200. The compounds also inhibited the resistant strains of S. aureus with a MIC ranging from 0.5–64 μg/mL. The synthesised compounds also exhibited potent anti‐biofilm activity against S. aureus. Furthermore, the DNA supercoiling assay revealed the compounds 7 i, 7 o, 7 p and 7 q showed concentration‐dependant DNA‐Gyrase inhibition at 1 μg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Plant Journal is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The environmental performance of green buildings is receiving attention from built environment stakeholders. We introduce the concept of green human resource management (GHRM) to analyze how the performance gap in green buildings can be minimized using a human‐focused design perspective. We utilize signaling theory and abilities–motivation–opportunity (AMO) theory to explain the interactions between environmental proactivity, GHRM, pro‐environmental behaviors, job performance, and environmental performance. Survey data were collected from 460 employees working in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)‐certified green buildings in India and analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). Findings highlight that GHRM is likely to motivate employees to demonstrate pro‐environmental behaviors and be engaged in their jobs. We also find that when organizational‐level goals are effectively communicated, employees can enhance environmental performance in green buildings. Our study makes several contributions, including a framework that developing countries can use to promote environmental sustainability in the workplace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recovery from damage in materials helps extend their useful lifetime and of devices that contain them. Given that the photodamages in HaP materials and based devices are shown to recover, the question arises if this also applies to mechanical damages, especially those that can occur at the nanometer scale, relevant also in view of efforts to develop flexible HaP‐based devices. Here, this question is addressed by poking HaP single crystal surfaces with an atomic force microscope (AFM) tip under both ultra‐high vacuum (UHV) and variably controlled ambient water vapor pressure conditions. Sequential in situ AFM scanning allowed real‐time imaging of the morphological changes at the damaged sites. Using methylammonium (MA) and cesium (Cs) variants for A‐site cations in lead bromide perovskites, the experiments show that nanomechanical damages on methylammonium lead bromide (MAPbBr3) crystals heal an order of magnitude faster than Cs‐based ones in UHV. However, surprisingly, under ≥40% RH conditions, cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr3) shows MAPbBr3‐like fast healing kinetics. Direct evidence for ion solvation on CsPbBr3 is presented, leading to the formation of a surface hydration layer. The results imply that moisture improves the ionic mobility of degradation components and leads to water‐assisted improved healing, i.e., repair of nanomechanical damages in the HaPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(vinylidene fluoride)‐co‐hexafluoropropylene (PVDF‐HFP) co‐polymer films are prepared via solution casting followed by hot‐press method. Two different types of solvents, viz., solvent mixture DMF and acetone and single solvent only DMF are used to prepare two sets of samples which are then hot‐pressed at various temperatures (110, 120, and 130 °C) to study the effect of hot‐press temperature on samples prepared from different types of solvents. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra shows formation of electroactive β‐phase whose fraction remaining above 71% for all the synthesized samples. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is performed to obtain the degree of crystallinity of the as‐prepared samples and the hot‐pressed samples seemed to have a single exothermic melting peak instead of two in case of the casted ones. Dielectric properties and AC conductivity of the samples are also studied. The highest dielectric constant among the synthesized samples is found to be ≈12 at 1 kHz at room temperature. The static hysteresis loops are traced for all the as‐synthesized films. Remnant polarization is found to increase with increase in the hot‐press temperature, the coercive field remaining almost similar for all of them. The PUND analysis is also carried out for the all as‐prepared samples. A comparison study is presented through this report, emphasizing the influence of hot‐press temperature on β‐phase fraction of PVDF‐HFP films prepared from two different types of solvents, intended for energy harvesting and storage applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein we have developed an organocatalytic asymmetric domino [3+2]‐cycloaddition‐acyl transfer reaction between in situ generated azomethine ylides and α‐nitro‐α,β‐unsaturated ketones. The desired penta‐substituted pyrrolidine products were obtained in high yields and in moderate to good enantio‐ and diastereoselectivities. Also, an isomerization reaction in silica gel was performed for the formation of another diastereomer in high yields with retention of enantioselectivities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light‐weight and flexible 2D MXene‐based polymer materials with low dielectric loss and high dielectric constant have drawn great attention in the power systems and modern electronic field. A series of Ti3C2Tx/EMA composites were fabricated via simple solution casting followed by a compression molding method with various mass concentrations of Ti3C2Tx (0, 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, and 15 wt%). Morphological and micro structural properties of the prepared composites were studied via X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and field‐emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), where the distribution of Ti3C2Tx in the Ti3C2Tx/EMA composites was confirmed. Thermal behaviors were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) investigations. The DSC analysis reveals that the % of crystallinity decreases from 11.06 with 1 wt% to 5.68 with 15 wt%, where Ti3C2Tx acts as an efficient nucleating agent. TGA data confirm the enhancement of the thermal stability of the composites upon increasing in Ti3C2Tx loading. The room temperature electrical and dielectric behavior of the studied composites were examined in the frequency range of 100 Hz–5 MHz. In this work, the 10 wt% of Ti3C2Tx loaded poly (ethylene‐co‐methyl acrylate) composite (EMA) showed higher dielectric permittivity (ε′ = 124.22) with lower dissipation loss (tan δ = 0.051) at 100 Hz among all weight percentages. The behavior of charge carriers in the prepared composites was studied by utilizing the impedance spectroscopy technique. The electrical parameters were calculated from the fitted Nyquist plots with a corresponding circuit model. I–V curves confirmed the conduction mechanisms of the composites. This beneficial enhancement in electrical properties recommends the composite can be utilized in flexible electronic storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fast development of wearable electronic systems requires a sustainable energy source that can harvest energy from the ambient environment and does not require frequent charging. Piezoelectric polymer films are a perfect candidate for fabricating piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs) to harvest mechanical energy from the environment due to their flexibility, good piezoelectricity, and environmental‐independent stable performance because of their inherent polarization. However, most of their applications are limited to the pressing mode energy harvesting that is based on the 3‐3‐direction piezoelectric effect due to the molecular polarization and nonstretchability. In this work, by 3D printing an auxetic structure on a polymer film‐based PENG, the bending deformation of the PENG can be transformed into the well‐controlled in‐plane stretching deformation, enabling the 3‐1‐direction piezoelectric effect. The synclastic effect of the auxetic structure is applied in flexible energy harvesting device for the first time, which makes the previously untapped bending deformation on a film a valuable device for energy harvesting and increases the bending output voltage of the PENG by 8.3 times. The auxetic structure‐assisted PENG is also demonstrated as a sensor to sense the bending angle and monitor the motion by mounting on different joints of the human body and soft robotic finger. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current paper, we have prepared Cu0.66‐xZn0.34+xSe materials by varying the concentration of copper and zinc (x=0, 0.085, 0.17, 0.255, 0.34) with the help of a facile one‐step hydrothermal method. The X‐ray diffraction study reveals that the as‐prepared nanomaterials show the polycrystalline property. The crystallinity increases with the variation of Zn concentration, and the average crystallite size was calculated in the 39 to 55 nm range. The morphological analysis shows the uniform and agglomerated particles having an average size of around 596 nm. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction study reveal the crystalline phases of the prepared sample. The energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis confirmed the presence of constituent elements in the sample. The sample shows a high optical bandgap in the range of 3.6 eV to 4.09 eV, which was calculated from absorbance spectra. Photoluminescence measurements of the samples were carried out with 532 nm laser excitation, where the defect‐related emission peaks in the 540–850 nm range are observed. A change in the bandgap and optical emission is observed for different compositions. The magnetic properties analysis through the vibrating sample magnetometer reveals that the prepared sample exhibits ferromagnetic behaviour at room temperature, which can be used in magnetic storage applications. The tuning of the optical properties of the samples by varying the copper and zinc concentrations will be useful for various photonic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) capped AgNPs (AgNPs@PVA) were used as nanocarrier for fabrication of an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) biosensor for organophosphate (OP) pesticide detection. AChE enzyme was immobilized via glutaraldehyde on drop casted AgNPs@PVA layer on glassy carbon electrode (GCE) for fabrication of the electrochemical biosensor. Through differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) the biosensor measured peak current at 0.6 V generated by AChE mediated hydrolysis of acetylthiocholine (ATCl) to thiocholine and its subsequent oxidation to dimer. By hindering AChE hydrolysis activity of the sensor probe by a model OP pesticide, malathion, the pesticide biosensor was developed as the inhibition effect was found to be proportional to the concentration of malathion. The fabricated biosensor exhibits linearity at range of 0.01 to 1 ng/mL of malathion at optimal conditions with detection limit (LOD) of 2.6 pg/mL. The fabricated AChE biosensor showed good selectivity for OP pesticides and exhibited good efficiency in real sample analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrition‐sensitive agriculture (NSA) interventions offer a means to improve the dietary quality of rural, undernourished populations. Their effectiveness could be further increased by understanding how household dynamics enable or inhibit the uptake of NSA behaviours. We used a convergent parallel mixed‐methods design to describe the links between household dynamics—specifically intrahousehold power inequalities and intrahousehold cooperation—and dietary quality and to explore whether household dynamics mediated or modified the effects of NSA interventions tested in a cluster‐randomized trial, Upscaling Participatory Action and Videos for Agriculture and Nutrition (UPAVAN). We use quantitative data from cross‐sectional surveys in 148 village clusters at UPAVAN's baseline and 32 months afterwards (endline), and qualitative data from family case studies and focus group discussions with intervention participants and facilitators. We found that households cooperated to grow and buy nutritious foods, and gendered power inequalities were associated with women's dietary quality, but cooperation and women's use of power was inhibited by several interlinked factors. UPAVAN interventions were more successful in more supportive, cooperative households, and in some cases, the interventions increased women's decision‐making power. However, women's decisions to enter into negotiations with family members depended on whether women deemed the practices promoted by UPAVAN interventions to be feasible, as well as women's confidence and previous cultivation success. We conclude that interventions may be more effective if they can elicit cooperation from the whole household. This will require a move towards more family‐centric intervention models that empower women while involving other family members and accounting for the varied ways that families cooperate and negotiate. Key messages: Household cooperation and intrahousehold power inequalities may influence children's and mothers' dietary diversity in rural OdishaThese factors partly determine the effects of nutrition‐sensitive agriculture (NSA) interventions tested in Upscaling Participatory Action and Videos for Agriculture and Nutrition, indicating that NSA interventions may be more effective if they include multiple family members.There is wide heterogeneity in household dynamics and the constraints that families face. Further research is needed to identify how interventions can respond to this heterogeneity so that NSA interventions are effective in an inclusive and empowering way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mpox (previously known as Monkeypox) has recently re‐emerged, primarily through human‐to‐human transmission in non‐endemic countries including India. Virus isolation is still considered as the gold standard for diagnosis of viral infections. Here, the qPCR positive skin lesion sample from a patient was inoculated in Vero E6 cell monolayer. Characteristic cytopathic effect exhibiting typical cell rounding and detachment was observed at passage‐02. The virus isolation was confirmed by qPCR. The replication kinetics of the isolate was determined that revealed maximum viral titre of log 6.3 PFU/mL at 72 h postinfection. Further, whole genome analysis through next generation sequencing revealed that the Mpox virus (MPXV) isolate is characterized by several unique SNPs and INDELs. Phylogenetically, it belonged to A.2 lineage of clade IIb, forming a close group with all other Indian MPXV along with few from USA, UK, Portugal, Thailand and Nigeria. This study reports the first successful isolation and phenotypic and genotypic characterization of MPXV from India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochanin‐A (BCA), is an isoflavonoid, exhibits protective effects against various diseases. This study was conducted to observe the effect of BCA on isoprenaline (ISP)‐induced cardiac fibrosis and explore the underlying mechanism. The curative effect of BCA was investigated with oral administration for 14 days in ISP‐induced cardiac fibrosis in mice. The fibrotic biomarkers, like collagen I and III, were estimated by ELISA. Commercial kits were used to estimate cholesterol, triglycerides, and creatine kinase‐myocardial band (CK‐MB) levels. The messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression studies were performed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Gelatin zymography was used to study the expression of matrix metalloproteinases‐2 (MMP‐2). BCA co‐administration significantly improved the morphometric parameters; including heart weight, heart weight to body weight, heart weight to tibial length, and lipid profile. BCA treatment showed a reduction in inflammatory cells and collagen deposition as depicted in the histopathology of heart tissues. The enhanced levels of collagen‐I, III, and hydroxyproline were significantly decreased by BCA co‐treatment, whereas CK‐MB level was reduced slightly. BCA co‐administration increased the activity of reduced glutathione enzyme, showing the antioxidative effects of BCA. BCA treatment significantly reduced interleukin‐6 (Il6) inflammatory cytokine along with partially decreased mRNA expression of fibrotic signaling markers such as natriuretic peptide type B (Nppb), α‐smooth muscle actin (Acta2), connective tissue growth factor (Ctgf), transforming growth factor β (Tgfb), small mothers against decapentaplegic homolog‐3 (Smad‐3). However, BCA did not modify Mmp‐2 expression, which was significantly increased by ISP. In conclusion, BCA exerts an antifibrotic effect by modulating lipid profile, enhancing antioxidant enzyme, and reducing collagen content and inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypervalent iodine (III and V) compounds exhibit positional isomerization through pseudorotation or twisting; the latter have been invoked for the stability as well as the reactivity of λ3‐ and λ5‐iodanes. By judicious exploitation of sterics, the twisting process in iodanes can be facilitated to promote reactivity. For example, ortho‐substitution in λ3‐ and λ5‐iodanes accelerates α‐tosyloxylation of ketones and oxidation of alcohols. The enhancement of reactivity arises from sterically‐induced non‐planarity and the resultant weakening of the 3c–4e bonds involving the hypervalent iodine atom. The ortho‐substitution constitutes an important strategy to maneuver reactivity, control selectivity, and develop new catalysts, including chiral, for diverse reactions. This review entails coverage of the literature developments in regard to the effect of substituents and twisting/pseudorotation on the stability as well as the reactivity of hypervalent λ3‐ and λ5‐iodanes, and the application of the latter for synthetic transformations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Plants have adapted to different environmental niches by fine‐tuning the developmental factors working together to regulate traits. Variations in the developmental factors result in a wide range of quantitative variations in these traits that helped plants survive better. The major developmental pathways affecting plant architecture are also under the control of such pathways. Most notable are the CLAVATA‐WUSCHEL pathway regulating shoot apical meristem fate, GID1‐DELLA module influencing plant height and tillering, LAZY1‐TAC1 module controlling branch/tiller angle and the TFL1‐FT determining the floral fate in plants. Allelic variants of these key regulators selected during domestication shaped the crops the way we know them today. There is immense yield potential in the 'ideal plant architecture' of a crop. With the available genome‐editing techniques, possibilities are not restricted to naturally occurring variations. Using a transient reprogramming system, one can screen the effect of several developmental gene expressions in novel ecosystems to identify the best targets. We can use the plant's fine‐tuning mechanism for customizing crops to specific environments. The process of crop domestication can be accelerated with a proper understanding of these developmental pathways. It is time to step forward towards the next‐generation molecular breeding for restructuring plant types in crops ensuring yield stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is intended to analyse the effect of heat and mass transfer on boundary layer stagnation point flow of a viscous fluid over a non‐isothermal shrinking sheet subject to transverse magnetic field and variable surface temperature. The medium of flow is considered to be porous. Further, the effect of variable surface temperature and concentration are also taken care of in the present analysis. The governing partial differential equations (PDEs) are transformed into ordinary differential equations (ODEs) by suitable similarity transformations. The numerical simulation is carried out using Runge–Kutta method of fourth order with shooting technique. The physical significance of pertinent parameters of the flow phenomenon is studied with the help of graphs and tables. One striking outcome of the present analysis is that the unstable velocity profiles with inflection points are marked due to power law variation of temperature and concentration of the linearly stretchable bounding surface leaving aside the smooth fall in temperature and concentration (span wise) across the flow field. Further, it is noted that increase in magnetic field intensity, suction and thermal as well as mass buoyancy parameters enhance the skin friction concomitantly favouring the effective momentum transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein we disclose a catalytic asymmetric dearomatization reaction of β‐naphthols with 4‐aryl‐1,2,4‐triazole‐3,5‐diones. A chiral phosphoric acid with spiro motif was found to be effective for this reaction. The chiral urazole embedded naphthalenones having both axial and central chirality were obtained in good to high yields (70–85%) with high diastereo‐ and enantioselectivities (>20:1, 8–96% ees), having C−N rotational energy barrier 31.54 K.Cal.mol−1 and t1/225 °C=589.8 years. The scope of the reaction was broad and few applications including a bromo‐amination reaction have been demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analytical study is performed to investigate the thermal radiation effect on the unsteady two‐dimensional magnetohydrodynamic flow of a viscoelastic incompressible fluid (Walters B′ $B^{\prime} $ fluid model) along an infinite hot vertical sheet embedded in a porous medium. Further, the addition of a heat source in the energy equation as well as a chemical reaction in the concentration equation renders the present analysis realistic in the field of engineering and technology. The governing equations of mass, momentum, energy, and concentration are solved with successive perturbation techniques. The effects of pertinent parameters on fluid velocity, temperature, concentration, and bounding surface coefficients are shown graphically and in tabular form. The salient feature of the present study is to impose control on magnetic field strength vis‐à‐vis electromagnetic force by regulating voltage in the electric circuit. The important findings are: the elasticity property of the fluid is more sensitive to heated bounding surface consequently free convection current in enhancing the velocity near the plate than the inherent property viscosity. This outcome contributes to the design requirement to control the flow near the heated surface, higher values of frequency parameters contribute to the attainment of a free stream state in temperature distribution. Besides the aforesaid outcome, the present model is conducive to thinning of boundary layer as the elasticity, magnetic as well as free convection parameters enhance the force coefficients at the bounding surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most flows which occur in nature/practical applications are fluctuating. The fluctuating motions superimposed on the main motion are complex. Further, the unsteadiness of the flow is an added reality to applications in various fields. The free convection flow of an electrically conducting fluid past different types of vertical bodies subjected to a magnetic field is studied because of its wide range of applications in astrophysics, geophysics, aerodynamics, electromagnetic pumps, the flow of liquid metals, and so forth. In the present analysis, an attempt has been made to study the thermal radiation effect on the unsteady magnetohydrodynamic flow of an incompressible elasticoviscous liquid (Walters‐B' fluid model) along an infinite hot vertical permeable surface embedded in a porous medium with heat source and chemical reaction. The governing equations of motion, energy, and concentration are solved by an approximate analytical method, that is, the successive perturbation technique and numerical method (Runge–Kutta with shooting). The solution procedure rests upon the basic assumption that the unsteady boundary layer involves a steady basic flow superimposed on an unsteady flow. The most striking outcome is that the combined effect of oscillation outflow, the elasticity of the fluid, and thermal as well as mass buoyancy overrides the resistive electromagnetic force and suction at the plate to enhance the velocity so that high values of magnetic strength are not desired. Further, a higher value of the heat source parameter accelerates the momentum diffusion resulting in the escalation of the velocity field. Fall of concentration is relatively faster in cases of heavier species as well as destructive reactions. The heat transfer coefficient assumes positive values indicating the heat flows from the plate to the fluid (cooling of the bounding surface and heating of the fluid). These observations may have industrial (design of heat exchanges) and therapeutic bearings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice being a staple food worldwide necessitates that its production be enhanced to meet the demands of the continuously increasing population. However, the productivity advantages associated with breeding programs have reached their maximum. The production plateau brought on is not due to a lack of genetic potential but rather is due to the inhibition of grain filling by ethylene produced in large quantities in the heavy‐panicle‐ and compact‐panicle‐type varieties developed thus far, as evidenced by the application of ethylene synthesis inhibitors and ethylene action blockers. The inhibition could be a result of the accumulation of HCN, a byproduct of ethylene biosynthesis. In addition, inhibition of grain filling by excessive amounts of ethylene may also be the result of enhanced synthesis/expression of rice starch regulator 1, an ethylene‐responsive element binding protein that inhibits expression of the genes encoding type I starch‐biosynthesizing enzymes. In the past decade, miRNAs have also been found to inhibit grain filling by targeting starch‐biosynthesizing enzymes and the transcription factors required for their expression. Hence, biotechnological interventions should be designed to (1) decrease ethylene production and CN− accumulation and (2) downregulate/knockdown the expression of miRNAs unfavorable to grain filling in a spikelet/seed‐specific manner to enhance rice production. Core Ideas: The breeding program has reached a plateau in increasing rice production.Poor grain filling in the inferior spikelets due to high ethylene production thwarts realizing the yield potential.Poor filling of the rice grains is somewhat mediated by rice starch regulator 1 (RSR1) induced by ethylene.Management of ethylene and miRNAs levels in the spikelets could enhance rice production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In plants, glyoxalase enzymes are activated under stress conditions to mitigate the toxic effects of hyperaccumulated methylglyoxal (MG), a highly reactive carbonyl compound. Until recently, a glutathione‐dependent bi‐enzymatic pathway involving glyoxalase I (GLYI) and glyoxalase II (GLYII) was considered the primary MG‐detoxification system. Recently, a new glutathione‐independent glyoxalase III (GLYIII) mediated direct route was also reported in plants. However, the physiological significance of this new pathway remains to be elucidated across plant species. This study identified the full complement of 22 glyoxalases in tomato. Based on their strong induction under multiple abiotic stresses, SlGLYI4, SlGLYII2 and SlGLYIII2 were selected candidates for further functional characterisation. Stress‐inducible overexpression of both glutathione‐dependent (SlGLYI4 + SlGLYII2) and independent (SlGLYIII2) pathways led to enhanced tolerance in both sets of transgenic plants under abiotic stresses. However, SlGLYIII2 overexpression (OE) plants outperformed the SlGLYI4 + SlGLYII2 OE counterparts for their stress tolerance under abiotic stresses. Further, knockdown of SlGLYIII2 resulted in plants with exacerbated stress responses than those silenced for both SlGLYI4 and SlGLYII2. The superior performance of SlGLYIII2 OE tomato plants for better growth and yield under salt and osmotic treatments could be attributed to better GSH/GSSG ratio, lower reactive oxygen species levels, and enhanced antioxidant potential, indicating a prominent role of GLYIII MG‐detoxification pathway in abiotic stress mitigation in this species. Summary statement: Stress inducible overexpression of glutathione‐independent SlGLYIII2‐mediated MG‐detoxification pathway outperforms glutathione‐dependent SlGLYI4‐SlGLYII2 overexpression mediated stress tolerance by maintaining a better GSH/GSSG ratio and lower ROS levels in tomato seedlings under abiotic stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: The advent of the pangenome era has unraveled previously unknown genetic variation existing within diverse crop plants, including rice. This untapped genetic variation is believed to account for a major portion of phenotypic variation existing in crop plants. However, the use of conventional single reference‐guided genotyping often fails to capture a large portion of this genetic variation leading to a reference bias. This makes it difficult to identify and utilize novel population/cultivar‐specific genes for crop improvement. Thus, we developed a Rice Pangenome Genotyping Array (RPGA) harboring probes assaying 80K single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and presence–absence variants spanning the entire 3K rice pangenome. This array provides a simple, user‐friendly and cost‐effective (60–80 USD per sample) solution for rapid pangenome‐based genotyping in rice. The genome‐wide association study (GWAS) conducted using RPGA‐SNP genotyping data of a rice diversity panel detected a total of 42 loci, including previously known as well as novel genomic loci regulating grain size/weight traits in rice. Eight of these identified trait‐associated loci (dispensable loci) could not be detected with conventional single reference genome‐based GWAS. A WD repeat‐containing PROTEIN 12 gene underlying one of such dispensable locus on chromosome 7 (qLWR7) along with other non‐dispensable loci were subsequently detected using high‐resolution quantitative trait loci mapping confirming authenticity of RPGA‐led GWAS. This demonstrates the potential of RPGA‐based genotyping to overcome reference bias. The application of RPGA‐based genotyping for population structure analysis, hybridity testing, ultra‐high‐density genetic map construction and chromosome‐level genome assembly, and marker‐assisted selection was also demonstrated. A web application (http://www.rpgaweb.com) was further developed to provide an easy to use platform for the imputation of RPGA‐based genotyping data using 3K rice reference panel and subsequent GWAS. Significance Statement: RPGA is a vital tool for diverse genomics‐assisted breeding applications and accelerated crop improvement in rice, as it provides an efficient pangenome‐based genotyping solution to overcome reference bias imposed by conventional single reference genome‐based genotyping strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromosome 6 of common bean did not possess any of the syntenic blocks of the I Vigna i ancestral proto-chromosomes while, proto-chromosome 5 of the I Vigna i ancestral karyotype did not show any presence in common bean chromosomes. With 630.50 Mb as the average size based on k-mer and optical mapping, this assembly covered nearly 99.5% of the estimated genome length, the largest chromosome-scale assembly so far of a crop belonging to I Vigna i genus (https://phytozome-next.jgi.doe.gov, Guan I et al i ., [4]). [Extracted from the article]