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Late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins, the space fillers or molecular shields, are the hydrophilic protective proteins which play an important role during plant development and abiotic stress. The systematic survey and characterization revealed a total of 68 LEA genes, belonging to 8 families in Sorghum bicolor. The LEA-2, a typical hydrophobic family is the most abundant family. All of them are evenly distributed on all 10 chromosomes and chromosomes 1, 2, and 3 appear to be the hot spots. Majority of the S. bicolor LEA (SbLEA) genes are intron less or have fewer introns. A total of 22 paralogous events were observed and majority of them appear to be segmental duplications. Segmental duplication played an important role in SbLEA-2 family expansion. A total of 12 orthologs were observed with Arabidopsis and 13 with Oryza sativa. Majority of them are basic in nature, and targeted by chloroplast subcellular localization. Fifteen miRNAs targeted to 25 SbLEAs appear to participate in development, as well as in abiotic stress tolerance. Promoter analysis revealed the presence of abiotic stress-responsive DRE, MYB, MYC, and GT1, biotic stress-responsive W-Box, hormone-responsive ABA, ERE, and TGA, and development-responsive SKn cis-elements. This reveals that LEA proteins play a vital role during stress tolerance and developmental processes. Using microarray data, 65 SbLEA genes were analyzed in different tissues (roots, pith, rind, internode, shoot, and leaf) which show clear tissue specific expression. qRT-PCR analysis of 23 SbLEA genes revealed their abundant expression in various tissues like roots, stems and leaves. Higher expression was noticed in stems compared to roots and leaves. Majority of the SbLEA family members were up-regulated at least in one tissue under different stress conditions. The SbLEA3-2 is the regulator, which showed abundant expression under diverse stress conditions. Present study provides new insights into the formation of LEAs in S. bicolor and to understand their role in developmental processes under stress conditions, which may be a valuable source for future research.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare manual dynamic agitation with sonic agitation on removal of intra radicular Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) biofilm. Material and Methods: Extracted mandibular premolars for orthodontic purpose were sectioned at cervical level and divided into three groups (n = 30). The root canals were instrumented using Protaper rotary instruments up to apical file F4. Roots were sterilized and E. faecalis bacteria were incubated within their root canal space for four weeks. Confirmation of biofilm was done using scanning electron microscopy and Gram staining. All groups were irrigated with side vented needle by using three percent sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) for 60 seconds. Two experimental groups were agitated with manual dynamic agitation (with master gutta-percha cone) and sonic agitation (EndoActivator). Remaining bacteria were collected using sterile paper point, which were incubated inside brain-heart infusion (BHI) broth to check turbidity. The turbid broth was streaked on blood agar plate for colony counts. Result: Both experimental groups showed highly significant difference in their mean colony count when compared with control group; with P < 0.001. Conclusion: Passive sonic agitation with EndoActivator has proven to be the best irrigating system followed by manual dynamic agitation and conventional needle irrigation.

Aim: The study aims to determine whether oxidative stress contributes significantly to the development of Senile cataract by comparing serum levels of oxidative stress marker Malondialdehyde and antioxidants Ascorbic acid, Alpha Tocopherol and Uric acid among Senile cataract patients and healthy controls. Materials and Methods: A total of 86 subjects were included in the study, out of which 49 were senile cataract patients and 37 were age and gender matched healthy controls. Estimation of Malondialdehyde, Ascorbic acid, Alpha- Tocopherol and Uric acid was done in the serum samples of all subjects included in the study. Results: Mean MDA level in cases was significantly higher at 4.41nmol/ml compared to controls which was 3.88nmol/ml. Mean ascorbic acid level among cases was 10.99 mg/L whereas in controls it was significantly higher at 13.69 mg/L. α-tocopherol level among cases was 7.98 mg/L whereas in controls it was significantly higher at 8.76 mg/L. Mean uric acid level among cases was 4.29mg/dl whereas in controls it was 4.55mg/dl, the difference was statistically insignificant. Conclusion: Oxidative stress and antioxidant status contributes significantly to the development and progression of senile cataract. Clinical Significance: Measures to monitor oxidative stress and improve antioxidant status in the population can be helpful in delaying the onset and progression of senile cataract. Keywords: Oxidative stress, Senile cataract, Malondialdehyde, Antioxidants

We report a study of longitudinal resistivity, anisotropic magnetoresistance (MR), and Hall effect on epitaxial Nd2Ir2O7 (111) thin films grown by the solid phase epitaxy technique, in which spin–orbit coupling, electronic correlation, magnetic frustration, and f-d exchange interaction are present. Temperature-dependent longitudinal resistivity (ρxx) data indicate semimetallic charge transport in the low-temperature region. Field-cooled longitudinal resistivity measurements detect negligible domain-wall conductance compared to the polycrystal or single-crystal samples. Angle-dependent MR measurement shows that the magnetic structure of Ir4+ 5d moments can be finely tuned by applying a magnetic field along different crystallographic directions. MR measurements show a field-induced modification of the Nd3+ 4f spin structure from all-in-all-out/all-out-all-in (AIAO/AOAI) (4-in-0-out) to 1-in-3-out for the applied field (H) along the [111] direction, resulting in field-induced plastic deformation of the Ir4+ domain distribution. In contrast, the application of field (H) along the [001] and [011] directions could not modify any domain distribution. A large spontaneous Hall effect (SHE) signal has been observed on Nd2Ir2O7 (111) thin film with AIAO/AOAI antiferromagnetic ordering for the application of field (H) along [001], [1̄1̄0], and [111] directions. The appearance of a large spontaneous Hall signal for the applied field along [001] and [1̄1̄0] directions rules out domain switching as the origin of the Hall effect and confirms the presence of the Weyl semimetallic phase in Nd2Ir2O7 (111) thin films. In addition to SHE, a large topological-like Hall signal is also observed, possibly due to the presence of multiple Weyl nodes in the electronic band structure.

Eddy current sensors are an attractive choice due to their high resolution, reliability, and durability in harsh environments while being able to measure in a noncontact manner. This article presents a novel design to realize a thin eddy-current-based angle sensor. It is realized by converting the shaft, whose rotation angle is to be measured, into the sensing element. The modification to the shaft is minimal; a small surface groove is introduced without affecting the mechanical strength. The stationary part of the sensor consists of two layers of flexible square-planar coils. Depending on the angular position of the shaft, the inductances of the planar coils get modified. These are measured using a specially designed circuitry, optimized for this sensor. The output for the entire circle range (360°) is derived from the inductance values of each coil using a successive approximation algorithm developed for this purpose. Finite-element analysis was employed to design the sensor and analyze the axial/radial misalignment of the rotor. A sensor prototype was built and tested. The output showed a resolution of 0.1° and the worst case linearity error of 0.9%. The prototype sensor dimensions are designed to fit in a standard steering column. The proposed sensor is thin, easy to manufacture at low cost, tolerant to axial vibration by design, and has a 360° sensing range.

Potassium (K+) is the most abundant cation that plays a crucial role in various cellular processes in plants. Plants have developed an efficient mechanism for the acquisition of K+ when grown in K+ deficient or saline soils. A total of 47 K+ transport gene homologs (27 HAKs, 4 HKTs, 2 KEAs, 9 AKTs, 2 KATs, 2 TPCs, and 1 VDPC) have been identified in Sorghum bicolor. Of 47 homologs, 33 were identified as K+ transporters and the remaining 14 as K+ channels. Chromosome 2 has been found as the hotspot of K+ transporters with 9 genes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the conservation of sorghum K+ transport genes akin to Oryza sativa. Analysis of regulatory elements indicates the key roles that K+ transport genes play under different biotic and abiotic stress conditions. Digital expression data of different developmental stages disclosed that expressions were higher in milk, flowering, and tillering stages. Expression levels of the genes SbHAK27 and SbKEA2 were higher during milk, SbHAK17, SbHAK11, SbHAK18, and SbHAK7 during flowering, SbHAK18, SbHAK10, and 23 other gene expressions were elevated during tillering inferring the important role that K+ transport genes play during plant growth and development. Differential transcript expression was observed in different tissues like root, stem, and leaf under abiotic stresses such as salt, drought, heat, and cold stresses. Collectively, the in-depth genome-wide analysis and differential transcript profiling of K+ transport genes elucidate their role in ion homeostasis and stress tolerance mechanisms.

Roots from salt-susceptible ICSR-56 (SS) sorghum plants display metaxylem elements with thin cell walls and large diameter. On the other hand, roots with thick, lignified cell walls in the hypodermis and endodermis were noticed in salt-tolerant CSV-15 (ST) sorghum plants. The secondary wall thickness and number of lignified cells in the hypodermis have increased with the treatment of sodium chloride stress to the plants (STN). Lignin distribution in the secondary cell wall of sclerenchymatous cells beneath the lower epidermis was higher in ST leaves compared to the SS genotype. Casparian thickenings with homogenous lignin distribution were observed in STN roots, but inhomogeneous distribution was evident in SS seedlings treated with sodium chloride (SSN). Higher accumulation of K+ and lower Na+ levels were noticed in ST compared to the SS genotype. To identify the differentially expressed genes among SS and ST genotypes, transcriptomic analysis was carried out. Both the genotypes were exposed to 200 mM sodium chloride stress for 24 h and used for analysis. We obtained 70 and 162 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) exclusive to SS and SSN and 112 and 26 DEGs exclusive to ST and STN, respectively. Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis unlocked the changes in metabolic pathways in response to salt stress. qRT-PCR was performed to validate 20 DEGs in each SSN and STN sample, which confirms the transcriptomic results. These results surmise that anatomical changes and higher K+/Na+ ratios are essential for mitigating salt stress in sorghum apart from the genes that are differentially up- and downregulated in contrasting genotypes.

Novel electronic structure is central to Kitaev-like quantum spin liquid ground state in the van der Waals antiferromagnet α -RuCl _3 . In this octahedral low-spin $4d^5$ system, the rich bandstructure includes Mott–Hubbard insulating bandgap of ∼1.1 eV and ligand field induced gap of ∼2 eV. Though the bandgap is extensively reported in previous optical and photoemission studies, the latter gap is less understood. In this regard, we probed the ligand field-induced electronic structure of bulk α -RuCl _3 single crystals via unpolarized photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy under linearly polarized excitation in the visible region. We observed the broad principal PL peak at E _PL $\approx$ 1.87 eV, close to the energy required for the optical transition across the ligand field splitting gap (∼2 eV). This gap ( E _PL ) monotonically increases with temperature, described by the thermal expansion of lattice parameters dominating the electron–phonon interaction in this Honeycomb Mott insulator. Moreover, we observed the multiplet structure of the PL spectra, which can be explained by parity-forbidden d–d transitions in the light of single ion ligand-field theory. We attribute the broad PL linewidths to strong vibronic coupling modeled by the Huang–Rhys parameter. Further we observed the signature of structural transitions, indicated by thermal hysteresis in normalized integrated PL intensity.

In this current study, in pursuit of novel anti-cancer alternative medicines, four medicinal plant extracts were investigated for phytochemical screening and in vitro cytotoxicity studies, and the most potent cytotoxic extract was utilised for qualitative analysis. For preliminary phytochemical screening, three phytochemical extracts, namely ethyl acetate extract (EAE), methanol extract (ME), and distilled water extract (DWE), of four plants, namely Antigonon leptopus Hook. & Arn., Aristolochia bracteolata Lam., Dodonaea viscosa Jacq., and Thespesia populnea (L.) Sol. ex Corr., were screened, and the same were screened for in vitro cytotoxicity by MTT assay against four cell lines: namely Human Colorectal adenocarcinoma (HCT 116), Human Hepatocellular adenocarcinoma (HepG2), Human lung carcinoma (NCIH-460), and Human Prostate adenocarcinoma (PC3). The presence of several phytochemicals was identified during the phytochemical screening. All IC50 values mentioning 17.50 and 29.47 µg/ml of EAE of A. bracteolata were found to have the strongest anticancer activity against NCIH-460 and HCT-116 cell lines, respectively. The EAE at IC50 of 17.50 µg/ml accounts for about 30 compounds after a qualitative GC-MS study, and it includes anticancer chemicals such as pentadeconic acid, phytol, phenol-2,4-bis-1,1-dimethylethyl, 2,6,10-trimethyl-14-ethylene-14-pentadecene, phytol-acetate, and others. The extract of ethyl acetate from A. bracteolata strongly suppressed the growth of malignant cell lines NCIH-460 and HCT-116 and included many physiologically active chemicals. This could be the first evidence of the antitumor efficacy of A. bracteolata in lung and colorectal cancer screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iris biometric is the most common and widely accepted biometric authentication method due to its high accuracy. The iris biometric template should be protected to overcome security and privacy attacks. The two standard iris biometric template protection methods are bloom filter and double bloom filter‐based feature transformations. In this article, we first permuted and then applied the p‐order Hadamard product on the iris template before the bloom filter and double bloom filter‐based transformation to enhance the security. The performance and security are measured using the CASIAv1 iris benchmark database to study the effect of Hadamard multiplication on bloom and double bloom filter‐based transformation. The Hadamard multiplication on the iris template increases the security of the transformed iris template and slightly degrades the matching performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We observe exchange bias (EB) in a single magnetic film Fe3O4 at temperature T < 200 K. Irrespective of crystallographic orientations of grown Fe3O4; they exhibit similar nature of EB for (100) epitaxial, (111) oriented and polycrystalline Fe3O4 thin films. Growth induced defects such as anti-phase boundaries (APBs) in epitaxial Fe3O4 thin film is known to have an influence on the magnetic interaction. But, it is noticed that according to the common consensus of APBs alone cannot explain the origin of EB. If majority of APBs end up with mainly anti-ferromagnetic interactions across these boundaries together with the internal ordering modification in Fe3O4, then EB can emerge at low temperatures. Hence, we propose the idea of directional anti-ferromagnetic APB induced EB in Fe3O4 triggered by internal ordering for T ≤ 200 K. Similar arguments are extended to (111) oriented as well as polycrystalline Fe3O4 films where the grain boundaries can impart same consequence as that of APBs.

The study was undertaken to understand litterfall, litter decomposition and nutrient release pattern of popularly grown bamboo species, Dendrocalamus stocksii, in the moist semi-arid agro-climatic zone of Karnataka, India. The litter production and decomposition were studied using the standard litter trap and bag techniques. The total annual litter production in 2017 was 6.03 Mg ha-1 year-1 for Gottipura and 5.81 t ha-1 year-1 for Nallal. Litter production was continuous, but the quantity of litter produced varied with season and month. Nutrient concentrations in monthly litter samples varied. Peak litter fall was concentrated during the hot-dry period (February-May) as 62.8 per cent at Gottipura and 52.2 per cent at Nallal site. The collected litter from the litter traps was dominated by leaf litter. Litter production followed a similar pattern for both locations, with a major peak in March 2017, it was found that both types of litter and filter paper had an initial rapid phase of decomposition followed by a slower phase. The increase in percentage nutrient content in litter samples found in litter bags collected month -wise have been attributed to the high temperature and increased rates of mineralization assisted by soil microbes over the low immobilization rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and convenient one‐pot method for the synthesis of N‐substituted acridine derivatives from the condensation of 1,3‐cyclohexanedione, substituted aryl amines, and 1,2,3‐triazole aldehydes using a mixture of water/ethanol as a reaction medium is reported. The current protocol delivers numerous advantages such as good yields, short reaction time, easy work‐up, and simplicity in the procedure as it uses a green method and an eco‐friendly catalyst. The target compounds are screened for their in vitro antimicrobial activity and most of the compounds are found to exhibit promising activity compared to standard drugs. The docking studies carried out using Autodock 4.2 were proven that all the molecules exhibited good interactions with protein glucosamine‐6‐phosphate synthase of Escherichia Coli and the secreted aspartic proteinase from Candida albicans and the docking results are in well agreement with antimicrobial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural rubber (NR)/carbon nanotube/ionic liquid nanocomposite membranes, prepared by using sulfur as the crosslinking agent, are tested for their vapor permeation (VP) characteristics. The permeation studies are conducted using three solvents, pentane, hexane and heptane as aliphatic solvents and toluene as aromatic solvent. The effects of the ionic liquid loading, CNT loading, and penetrant size on the vapor permeability of the membranes are investigated. The vapor permeability of the nanocomposite is found to increase with an increase in the ionic liquid content and decreases with CNT loading. Generally, cyclohexane is produced by the catalytical hydrogenation of benzene at high temperature. It is very difficult to purify it by removing unreacted benzene due to the close boiling point of cyclohexane and benzene and their azeotropic mixture formation tendency. By using NR/CNT/IL nanocomposite membrane, VP technique is applied for the separation of benzene/cyclohexane mixtures, including azeotropic composition of the solvents. The gas permeabilities of the NR, NR/CNT3, and NR/CNT3/IL membranes are determined with nitrogen and oxygen. Among these membranes, NR/CNT3/IL shows highest permeability. Compared to nitrogen, oxygen shows higher permeability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oriented Strontium Ferrite films with the c axis orientation were deposited with varying oxygen partial pressure on Al2O3(0001) substrate using Pulsed Laser Deposition technique. The angle dependent magnetic hysteresis, remanent coercivity, and temperature dependent coercivity had been employed to understand the magnetization reversal of these films. It was found that the Strontium Ferrite thin film grown at lower (higher) oxygen partial pressure shows Stoner-Wohlfarth type (Kondorsky like) reversal. The relative importance of pinning and nucleation processes during magnetization reversal is used to explain the type of the magnetization reversal with different oxygen partial pressure during growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study was to investigate the phytoremediation ability of oil seed crop, Arachis hypogaea L. A pot experiment was conducted with different concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) as lead nitrate (Pb (NO3)2, Cadmium chloride (CdCl2) and potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) based upon the threshold level for 30 and 60 days. Generally, the value of heavy metal was found to be in the decreasing order Cd > Pb > Cr. The obtained values were used to evaluate the Bio Concentration Factor (BCF) and Translocation Factor (TF), indicating the ability of phytoextraction and transport of heavy metals in the plant. Results showed that the BCF value of Cd and Cr was greater than 1(BCF>1) in root and shoot after 30 and 60 days of interval while Pb was higher than 1 in the root only after 60 days of interval. This indicates that the plant act as a Pb, Cd and Cr hyperaccumulator. The TF value greater than 1 (TF>1) for Cd, only after 30 days of interval indicates the metal accumulation and transport to different plant parts from root. In order to reduce the oxidative stress with the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), the enzymatic and non enzymatic antioxidant response of A. hypogaea were also evaluated. Pb induced oxidative stress causes a significant increase in the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD; EC 1.15.1.1), catalase (CAT; EC.1.11.1.6), peroxidase (POX; EC.1.11.1.7), ascorbate peroxidase (APX; EC 1.11.1.11), polyphenol oxidase (PPO; EC.1.14.18.1), ascorbic acid and proline than Cd and Cr treated plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Recent studies have proved the biomedical applications of nano-sized cerium oxide due to their typical physicochemical properties and particularly cytoprotective potential due to antioxidant properties. Methods: Cerium oxide nanoparticles in the present study were synthesized using Sapindus Mukorossi extract and were characterized using SEM, XRD, and FTIR. Synthesized particles were evaluated for in vitro antioxidant and proton pump inhibition and in vivo antiulcerogenic activity. Results: Decrease in ulcer index, inhibition of H+K+ATPase and antioxidant potential was identified. Conclusion: Nanoparticles revealed potential cytoprotective and antiulcerogenic activity in Wistar rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Curcuma L. have been used in traditional medicine from ancient times. The essential oil content of the genus is of great importance and has demonstrated a wide variety of properties. Moreover, studies on the chemotaxonomical and characterization of Curcuma species have a significant role in the selection of genotype with higher yield and better quality. This study gives the histochemical localization and quantification of the oil cells, and a chromatographic fingerprinting of essential oil from the leaves of six species of Curcuma, validated using HPLC techniques. Further, correlation analysis of the histochemical parameters exhibited high positive correlation (0.886), statistically significant at *p ≤ 0.05 and **p ≤ 0.01, respectively, between the oil content and oil index. The result obtained gives a relative description on the histochemical parameters along with the chromatographic fingerprinting which might be relevantly utilized in species identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendrocalamus stocksii is a potential multiuse bamboo species that can come up well in moist semi-arid zones of Peninsular India. If it is to be introduced to the realm of cultivation with other crops, accurate scientific data has to be generated for better management plans. Analysing the below-ground rooting architecture of bamboo helps in better management decisions. Root architecture study was carried out in 13 year old D. stocksii plantation with the spacing of 5 x 5m and 9 x 9m in Hosekote, Bengaluru Rural District, which experiences moist semi-arid climate under Eastern Dry Zone. To estimate the root distribution pattern, bamboo clumps were selected and excavated using a logarithmic spiral trenching technique. Variation in the number of roots with horizontal and vertical distance from the clump base was done, and the effect of interactions was elucidated by using general linear model univariate analysis. Majority of roots (>95 %) observed were of less than 2 mm diameter in topsoil. The number of D. stocksii roots was significantly higher in 5 x 5m spaced plots compared to that of 9 x 9m plots for the surface horizon of 30 cm depth. Spacing between bamboo clumps played a significant role in the development of root architecture and foraging zone, which ultimately helps in the planning of intercrops to maximize farm output in bamboo-based agroforestry systems of rainfed semi-arid tropics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

S007-867 is a promising novel antiplatelet agent with better efficacy and lesser bleeding risk than existing agents. The present study investigated the absorption, tissue distribution, and excretion of S007-867 in rat model for further advancement of the molecule. A simple and robust ultra fast liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UFLC-MS/MS) bioanalytical method was used to determine S007-867 in various matrices. Following oral administration, the compound was quickly dispersed in the various tissues and peak concentration levels were achieved within 0.5-1 h. Overall, exposure of drug, i.e., AUC in different tissues was found in the order of small intestine > liver > heart > spleen > lungs > kidney > brain. The total recoveries of the S007-867 within 96 h were 3.36% in urine and faeces. This might be due to a first-pass effect by the liver and intestine as most of the drug was eliminated in metabolite form. These findings provide a crucial information about further development of S007-867 as antithrombotic agent. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the apical sealing ability and adaptation of three resin-based sealers to the dentine. Materials and Methods: A total of 66 recently extracted human maxillary anterior teeth were subjected for the study. The teeth were prepared and obturated with gutta-percha by a lateral condensation using AH Plus, Endorez and Epiphany sealers. Fifteen teeth from each group were used for the apical leakage test and the remaining five teeth from each group were used for examination under the scanning electron microscope. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and the Student Newman- Keuls test. Results: Epiphany sealer showed better sealing ability and adaptation to dentine. Conclusion: The Epiphany sealer has a better apical sealing ability and adaptation to dentine than the AH Plus and Endorez sealers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(ethylene- co-vinyl acetate)−clay nanocomposites containing different filler loading were prepared. Transport of gases through the composite membranes was investigated, and the results were compared with the unfilled one. Transport studies revealed that gas transport was considerably reduced by the incorporation of clay filler into the polymer matrix especially at a loading of 3 wt % filler. It was also found that permeability increased for composites containing more than 3 wt %. This is presumably due to aggregation of clay filler at higher loading. The morphology of nanocomposites was analyzed by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Dielectric loss data were also used to understand the uniformity of dispersion of nanoparticles. The effect of free volume on transport behavior was investigated by positron lifetime spectroscopic analysis. The cross-link density values were estimated to correlate with the gas barrier properties. The oxygen/nitrogen selectivity of these membranes was investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organoantimony (III) amides of the type Ar2SbL; (Ar = C6H5, C6F5, C6H4F; L = succinimide and phthallimide) were synthesized and assayed for their biological activities. These compounds exhibited significant in-vitro antitumor activity against human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7), mammary cancer cell line (EVSA-7), and antibacterial activity against human pathogenic bacteria viz. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiela pneumoniae. These compounds also exhibited remarkable antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transport behavior of uncrosslinked and crosslinked poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) membranes has been investigated using normal alkanes as probe molecules, in the temperature range of 30–60 °C. Benzoyl peroxide was used for crosslinking the matrix. It has been observed that, a critical concentration of crosslinker is necessary for maximum solvent uptake, followed by a decrease at higher concentration. The effect of free volume on liquid transport was investigated by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy. The mechanism of transport has been found to deviate from the regular Fickian behavior. The dependence of the transport coefficients on crosslink density, nature of penetrants, and temperature was studied. The polymer–solvent interaction parameter, enthalpy, and entropy of sorption have also been estimated from the transport data. The affine and phantom models for chemical crosslinks were used to predict the nature of crosslinks. Finally, the experimental sorption data were compared with theoretical predictions. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 2470–2480, 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a comparative study of the crystal structure and magnetic properties between (001) oriented epitaxial films grown on and substrates without any magnetic parasitic phase. The 15 nm film deposited on a substrate shows substantially high magnetization as compared to an identically thick film deposited on a substrate. Detailed structural analysis revealed that the high magnetization is associated with a monoclinic (Cm) like distortion of the crystal structure. We corroborated our experimental findings with first principles density functional theory calculations which suggested a saturation magnetization (266 emu/cc) close to the experimentally obtained one and a ferromagnetic ground state with the high spin moment in the Cm phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we demonstrate significant magnetoelectric coupling in ferrimagnetic, NiFe2O4, and ferroelectric, BaTiO3, multiferroic composite bulk materials by measuring temperature dependent magnetization. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy data show that the two phases coexist with a highly crystalline and sharp interface without any detectable impurities, which enables significant magnetoelectric (ME) coupling. The temperature dependent magnetization data of the composite clearly show the jumps in magnetization curves at the structural phase transitions of BaTiO3, thereby indicating their origin in ME coupling. The change in coercivity of composite sample in different ferroelectric phases of BaTiO3 has been observed compared to the NiFe2O4 sample. The different lattice strains corresponding to different ferroelectric phases of BaTiO3 could be the driving force for modulating the magnetization and coercivity of the composite material. This is clear evidence of strain mediated ME coupling in ferrimagnetic and ferroelectric composite materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report in situ Raman scattering studies of electrochemically top gated VO2 thin film to address metal-insulator transition (MIT) under gating. The room temperature monoclinic insulating phase goes to metallic state at a gate voltage of 2.6 V. However, the number of Raman modes do not change with electrolyte gating showing that the metallic phase is still monoclinic. The high-frequency Raman mode Ag(7) near 616 cm−1 ascribed to V-O vibration of bond length 2.06 Å in VO6 octahedra hardens with increasing gate voltage and the Bg(3) mode near 654 cm−1 softens. This shows that the distortion of the VO6 octahedra in the monoclinic phase decreases with gating. The time-dependent Raman data at fixed gate voltages of 1 V (for 50 minutes, showing enhancement of conductivity by a factor of 50) and 2 V (for 130 minutes, showing further increase in conductivity by a factor of 5) show similar changes in high-frequency Raman modes Ag(7) and Bg(3) as observed in gating. This slow change in conductance together with Raman frequency changes show that the governing mechanism for metalization is more likely due to the diffusion-controlled oxygen vacancy formation due to the applied electric field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetocaloric (MC) properties of GdMnO3 single crystals are investigated using magnetic and magneto-thermal measurements. GdMnO3 exhibits a giant MC effect (isothermal change in magnetic entropy (−ΔSM) ~ 31 J (kg K)−1 at 7 K and adiabatic change in temperature ~10 K at 19 K for magnetic field variation 0–80 kOe). Complex interactions between 3d and 4f magnetic sublattices influence MC properties. The rare-earth antiferromagnetic ordering induces an inverse MC effect (positive ΔSM) along ‘a’ and ‘c’ axes whereas it’s not seen along the ‘b’ axis, revealing complex anisotropic magnetic ordering. The antiferromagnetic ordering possibly changes to ferromagnetic ordering at higher fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) measurements are employed to evaluate the presence of the two magnon scattering contribution in the magnetic relaxation processes of the epitaxial nickel zinc ferrite thin films deposited using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) on the (0 0 1) MgAl2O4 substrate. Furthermore, the reciprocal space mapping reveals the presence of microstructural defects which acts as an origin for the two magnon scattering process in this thin film. The relevance of this scattering process is further discussed for understanding the higher FMR linewidth in the in-plane configuration compared to the out-of-plane configuration. FMR measurements also reveal the presence of competing uniaxial and cubic anisotropy in the studied films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Idiopathic infantile nystagmus (IIN) consists of involuntary oscillations of the eyes. The familial form is most commonly X-linked. We recently found mutations in a novel gene FRMD7 (Xq26.2), which provided an opportunity to investigate a genetically defined and homogeneous group of patients with nystagmus. We compared clinical features and eye movement recordings of 90 subjects with mutation in the gene (FRMD7 group) to 48 subjects without mutations but with clinical IIN (non-FRMD7 group). Fifty-eight female obligate carriers of the mutation were also investigated. The median visual acuity (VA) was 0.2 logMAR (Snellen equivalent 6/9) in both groups and most patients had good stereopsis. The prevalence of strabismus was also similar (FRMD7: 7.8%, non-FRMD7: 10%). The presence of anomalous head posture (AHP) was significantly higher in the non-FRMD7 group (P FRMD7 group being lower at primary position (P FRMD7 group (P = 0.83). Pendular nystagmus waveforms were also more frequent in the FRMD7 group (P = 0.003). Fifty-three percent of the obligate female carriers of an FRMD7 mutation were clinically affected. The VAs in affected females were slightly better compared to affected males (P = 0.014). Subnormal optokinetic responses were found in a subgroup of obligate unaffected carriers, which may be interpreted as a sub-clinical manifestation. FRMD7 is a major cause of X-linked IIN. Most clinical and eye movement characteristics were similar in the FRMD7 group and non-FRMD7 group with most patients having good VA and stereopsis and low incidence of strabismus. Fewer patients in the FRMD7 group had AHPs, their amplitude of nystagmus being lower in primary position. Our findings are helpful in the clinical identification of IIN and genetic counselling of nystagmus patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought restricts plant growth and productivity. Silicon has beneficial effects on imparting drought tolerance in plants. Present work was intended to evaluate the effect of Si on polyethylene glycol-6000 (PEG) induced osmotic stress in local landraces of finger millet. The seeds of stress-tolerant and stress-sensitive landraces of finger millet were treated with distilled water, 15% PEG, and PEG+Si (5-25 ppm). The ameliorative effect of Si was evaluated in terms of percentage seed germination, seedling growth, accumulation of osmolyte and activity of antioxidative enzymes. PEG-induced osmotic stress reduced seed germination, seedling growth, and augmented osmolyte accumulation. It also elevated the levels of antioxidant enzymes. The exogenous supplementation of silicon significantly improved seed germination as well as early seeding growth. Positive effects of Si were reflected in decline in malondialdehyde (MDA) content and improved glycine betaine content and antioxidant enzymes in PEG-induced stress tolerant as well as susceptible landraces. The Si-induced ameliorated effects on all the parameters studied were more pronounced in the stress-tolerant landrace (FM/ST/01) than the stress-sensitive landrace (FM/RT/01). These results clearly indicate advantageous effects of Si in relieving PEG-induced stress during seed germination and early seeding growth and suggest a possibility of better stand establishment by application of silicon containing fertilizer during seed sowing.

Epitaxial ferrimagnetic thin films of (Co, Ru) Fe2O4 were grown on MgO (001) substrate using pulsed laser deposition technique. Ruthenium substitution in cobalt ferrite has increased the conductivity by orders of magnitude, but it has a minimal effect on magnetic properties. The film has a high coercivity and perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA), where the magnetic easy axis points perpendicular to the film surface. We report the magnetic and electrical transport properties here. The temperature variation of resistivity showed different conduction mechanisms at high and low-temperature regimes. Room temperature Hall measurement reveals “n” type carrier with a carrier concentration of 4×1020/cm3. The film showed negative MR and a linear decrement with the magnetic field without any saturation.