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Abstract Molecular recognition of proteins is key to their biological functions and processes such as protein–protein interactions (PPIs). The large binding interface involved and an often relatively flat binding surface make the development of selective protein-binding materials extremely challenging. A general method is reported in this work to construct protein-binding polymeric nanoparticles from cross-linked surfactant micelles. Preparation involves first dynamic covalent chemistry that encodes signature surface lysines on a protein template. A double molecular imprinting procedure fixes the binding groups on the nanoparticle for these lysine groups, meanwhile creating a binding interface complementary to the protein in size, shape, and distribution of acidic groups on the surface. These water-soluble nanoparticles possess excellent specificities for target proteins and sufficient affinities to inhibit natural PPIs such as those between cytochrome c (Cytc) and cytochrome c oxidase (CcO). With the ability to enter cells through a combination of energy-dependent and -independent pathways, they intervene apoptosis by inhibiting the PPI between Cytc and the apoptotic protease activating factor-1 (APAF1). Generality of the preparation and the excellent molecular recognition of the materials have the potential to make them powerful tools to probe protein functions in vitro and in cellulo.

Researchers have recently shown a great deal of interest in molybdenum diselenide (MoSe2)-based solar cells due to their outstanding semiconducting characteristics. However, discrepancies in the band arrangement at the MoSe2/ETL (electron transport layer) and hole transport layer (HTL)/MoSe2 interfaces impede performances. In this research, a device combination with Ag/FTO/ETL/MoSe2/HTL/Ni is employed, where 7 HTLs and 3 different ETLs have been utilized to explore which device arrangement is superior. To achieve the most effective device arrangement, the effects of various device variables, such as thickness, donor density, acceptor density, defect density, temperature, series, and shunt resistance, are optimized. The computational evaluation under AM 1.5 light spectrums (100 mW/cm2) is performed using the SCAPS-1D simulator. When the several device parameters were optimized, the device that was correlated with Ag/FTO/SnS2/MoSe2/V2O5/Ni revealed the highest overall performances among the three different ETL (In2S3, SnS2, ZnSe)-based devices, with measuring a PCE of 34.07 %, a VOC of 0.918 V, a JSC of 42.565 mAcm−2, and an FF of 87.19 %. This recommended MoSe2-based solar cell exhibits outstanding efficiency in terms of maintenance and comparison to numerical thin film solar cells, highlighting MoSe2 as an attractive option for solar energy systems while eliminating toxicity challenges.

Conjugated organic single crystals play a pivotal role as donor-acceptor molecules, showcasing nonlinear optical properties due to their unique molecular structure. In the present study, a novel functionalised allylidene malononitrile derivative, (Z)-2-(3-chloro-3-(4-chlorophenyl)allylidene)malononitrile, was synthesised and subjected to various spectroscopic and structural analyses for its optical and structural characterisation. This compound serves as an essential building block in developing photonic and optoelectronic materials. We synthesised the compound through a Vilsmeier-Haack reaction followed by a Knoevenagel condensation reaction and crystallised it using a slow evaporation method. In addition to SCXRD, the structural analysis of the compound was performed using NMR (1H, 13C), mass spectroscopy and FT-IR spectroscopy. The Intermolecular interactions were studied using Hirshfeld surfaces. The optical properties were analysed using UV–visible and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The third-order nonlinearity of the grown crystal was estimated using the NLO coefficients via the widely recognised femtosecond Z-scan technique, equipped with Ti:sapphire-based laser oscillator using laser pulses of 90 fs and a wavelength of 500 nm at various incident powers. It was observed that with increasing laser power, the nonlinear absorption coefficient of the sample also increased. These findings, combined with the calculation of the nonlinear refractive index, conclusively establish the potential of (Z)-2-(3-chloro-3-(4-chlorophenyl)allylidene)malononitrile for optoelectronic applications.

Abstract Disposal of significant tonnages of rice straw is expensive, but using it to mobilise phosphorus (P) from inorganically fixed pools in the soil may add value. This study was carried out to determine whether the use of rice straw mixed with phosphorus-solubilizing microbes could solubilize a sizable portion fixed soil P and affect P transformation, silicon (Si) concentration, organic acid concentrations, and enzyme activity to increase plant growth. Depending on the soil temperature, the application of rice straw at 12 Mg ha−1 with phosphorus-solubilizing microbes could solubilize 3.4–3.6% of inorganic P, and minimised the hysteresis impact by 6–8%. At plant maturity, application of rice straw at 12 Mg ha−1 with phosphorus-solubilizing microbes and 75% of recommended P application raised the activity of dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase activity, cellulase, and peroxidase by 77, 65, 87, and 82% in soil, respectively. It also boosted Si concentration in the soil by 58%. Wheat grain yield was 40% and 18% higher under rice straw at 12 Mg ha−1 with phosphorus-solubilizing microbes with 75% of recommended P application than under no and 100% P application, respectively. Rice grain yield also increased significantly with the same treatment. Additionally, it increased root volume, length, and P uptake by 2.38, 1.74 and 1.62-times above control for wheat and 1.98, 1.67, and 2.06-times above control for rice, respectively. According to path analysis, P solubilisation by Si and organic acids considerably increased (18–32%) P availability in the rhizosphere. Therefore, cultivators could be advised to use rice straw at 12 Mg ha−1 with phosphorus-solubilizing microbes with 75% P of mineral P fertiliser to save 25% P fertiliser without reducing wheat and rice yield.

Abstract The lead-free perovskite halides emerge as the great alternative for highly efficient and environment friendly photovoltaics due to the inherent optoelectronic properties. In this paper, the numerical study of all-inorganic regular n–i–p structured perovskite photovoltaics using solar cells capacitance simulator (SCAPS-1D) has been performed. The optimised device structure using rGO provided best performance compared to the other hole transport layers (HTLs) like CuI, CuSCN, Cu2O, NiO, WSe2, MoO3 with CsSnI3 as an active material and TiO2 as electron transport layer (ETL). Furthermore, WS2 as an ETL compared to TiO2, Li-TiO2, ZnO, Al-ZnO, etc. provided the best performance with rGO as HTL and CsSnI3 as active material. Therefore, the optimized solar cell structure (FTO/WS2/CsSnI3/rGO/Pt) showed best photovoltaic performance with power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 31%, fill factor (FF) of 88.48%, open circuit voltage (VOC) of 1.15 V, and short circuit current density (JSC) of 30.47 mA/cm2, respectively. Consequently, the effect of variation of temperature, thickness, defect density, doping density of active layer and variation of illumination intensity on the photovoltaic performance of the optimised device are also analysed. Furthermore, this study is also focused on the analysis of photovoltaic parameters for the optimized structure using concept of ideality factor associated with the illumination intensity. Therefore, this analysis suggests a route for further development of all-inorganic, lead-free perovskite photovoltaics experimentally with improved photovoltaic performance.

CoFe2O4 ceramic was fabricated using a sol-gel auto-combustion process. The cubic spinel structure with F d −3 m space group symmetry was confirmed through the Rietveld refinement of the XRD pattern of CoFe2O4 sintered at 800 °C for 4 h. The cobalt vacancies at the tetrahedral site were verified by electron density distribution calculated through the maximum entropy method. The impedance spectroscopy study revealed that the grain boundary was dominant compared to the grain in the electrical properties of CoFe2O4. The total dc resistivity was fitted by the variable range hopping (VRH) model, demonstrating that the charge carriers for conduction mechanism confirm to the VRH model. The density of localized states (N(EF)) near the Fermi level was found to be 1.07 × 1019 eV−1-cm−3. The hopping energy (EH) and hopping length (R) of the charge carriers were estimated to be 0.29 eV and 2.28 nm, respectively, at 473 K.

Sustainable management of municipal solid waste (MSW) is the utmost importance not only because of the health and environmental concerns but also due to its disposal issues of large quantities of waste generated and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Improper management of MSW causes hazards to inhabitants. Environmental and economic implications linked with the proper eco-friendly disposal of modern-day waste, has made it essential to come up with alternative waste management practices. Several studies revealed that approximately 90% of MSW disposed of unscientific manner as open dumps and landfilling, and created severe enigma to human health and the environment as well as contaminating the food chain cycle. It has been observed that urban local bodies (ULBs) in India have a big challenge in handling huge quantities of MSW; due to high density of population and insufficient infrastructure. Door to door collection of waste, methodologies for recycling MSW, and scientific treatments are some of the challenges. Considering these facts, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) India notified the new Solid Waste Management Rules (SWM), 2016 which would be revamped solid waste management in the country. Several steps of waste management/treatments are being adopted, i.e., incineration, pyrolysis, bio-refining and biogas plants, recycling and composting, composting is a sustainable low-cost option for MSW management, however, very less amount 6–7% of MSW was recycled through it. The present study emphasized a comprehensive review of the characteristics, production, collection, disposal and effective treatment technologies of MSW practiced in India.

Inclusive tourism is a specialized branch of tourism emphasizing the inclusion of the disabled, who otherwise could not participate in tourism, despite having wealth to spend for leisure and recreation. There exists a research gap in analyzing scope of geotourism in this context. Disabilities affecting access to geosites affect geotourism since most of the geosites all over the world are situated in difficult terrain from the stand point of accessibility. It is inclusive tourism, also called accessible tourism, that facilities the consumers to reach the desired destinations. The present study assesses such destinations in Ajodhya hills, located in West Bengal, India, a geotourist’s paradise in terms of rarity and diversity, aesthetic appeal, and cultural value. The study derives an accessibility–attraction model to identify inclusive tourism planning priorities from tourism marketing perspectives. Extensive field work followed by the application of qualitative methods of data analysis yield results dedicated to sustainable geotourism development. The discussion reveals the scope of developing specific facilities, using GIS, which encourage physically challenged people to visit geosites and simultaneously fulfil the objective of guiding planners and policy makers to identify and develop more suitable sites for introducing inclusive tourism facilities.

The influences of legume diversification on soil carbon (C) pools and sequestration, particularly in Himalayan pastureland, remain poorly understood. Moreover, the impact of legume diversification activities and the stoichiometry of soil enzymes in C biogeochemistry at the ecosystem level remains largely overlooked. The purpose of this study is to investigate the influences of legume diversification on activities and the stoichiometry of soil enzymes and their control of C sequestration in pasturelands. Four experimental fertilized species combinations, namely, SG (50% Festuca arundinacea + 50% Dactylis glomerata), SGL1 (25% Festuca arundinacea + 25% Dactylis glomerata + 50% Onobrychis viciifolia), SGL2 (25% Festuca arundinacea + 25% Dactylis glomerata + 50% Trifolium pratense), SGL12 (25% Festuca arundinacea + 25% Dactylis glomerata + 25% Onobrychis viciifolia + 25% Trifolium pratense), and natural pasture (NG) were compared. Soils under SGL1, SGL2, and SG12 had ~18, 36, and 22% greater soil C than SG, respectively. Among the pastures with fertilization, the C mineralization was suppressed by legume diversification. C sequestration under SGL1, SGL2, and SG12 was ~27, 22, and 38% higher than SG, respectively, at the 0–30 cm soil layer. The ratios of DHA are as follows: for PhOX and DHA, PerOX significantly decreased with an increasing grass–legume mixture, suggesting greater C sequestration. PCA analysis revealed that C sequestration under legume diversification and enzymatic stoichiometry had an indirect but substantial impact on C sequestration. The increasing C sequestration under SGL12 was complemented by higher productivity. Data suggested that increasing legumes in pastureland might greatly enhance ecosystem functions such as soil C storage, productivity, ecorestoration efficiency, and biological activity in Indian Himalayan pastureland.

The 20-year study investigated the effects of conservation practices (CPs) and farmers' practices (FPs) on various soil quality parameters, yield, and economics of horticultural land use systems. CPs demonstrated significant improvements in soil organic carbon (SOC), available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), compared to FPs. Horticultural systems exhibited higher SOC and available N and P contents than FPs, with substantial variations among different fruit species. CPs also enhanced soil quality index, functional diversity, culturable microbial populations, enzyme activity, and soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC) compared to FPs. It was observed that the SMBC values were 25.0–36.6% and 4.12–25.7% higher in 0–15 cm and 15–30 cm, respectively, under CPs compared to FPs for all the land use systems. In CPs, dehydrogenase activities (DHAs) in surface soils were 9.30 and 7.50 times higher under mango- and citrus-based horticultural systems compared to FPs. The CPs adopted in aonla, guava, mango, litchi, and citrus-based horticultural systems increased SOC by ~27.6, 32.6, 24.4, 26.8, and 22.0%, respectively, over FPs. Canopy spread, fruit yield, litter yield, and soil moisture were significantly higher in fruit-based horticultural systems under CPs. Economic viability analysis indicated higher net present values (NPVs), benefit-cost ratio (BCR), and shorter payback periods (PBPs) for horticultural land use systems under CPs. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that CPs had a more positive influence on soil parameters, particularly DHA, acid and alkali phosphatase activity, available N, P, and K contents, soil microbial load, and organic carbon. The maximum ecosystem services were contributed through mango-based land uses among all land uses. Mango-based horticultural systems exhibited the least impact from both CPs and FPs, while peach-based systems were most affected by CPs. Overall, the findings highlight the benefits of conservation practices in improving soil quality, microbial populations, enzyme activity, and crop productivity in horticultural systems.

Although agro-geotextile (AGT) emplacement shows potential to mitigate soil loss and, thus, increase carbon sequestration, comprehensive information is scanty on the impact of using agro-geotextiles on soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration, aggregate-associated C, and soil loss in the foothills of the Indian Himalayan Region. We evaluated the impacts of Arundo donax AGT in different configurations on SOC sequestration, aggregate stability, and carbon management index (CMI) since 2017 under maize-based cropping systems on a 4% land slope, where eight treatment procedures were adopted. The results revealed that A. donax placement at 0.5-m vertical-interval pea–wheat (M + AD10G0.5-P-W) treatment had ∼23% increase in SOC stock (27.87 Mg·ha−1) compared to the maize–wheat (M-W) system in the 0–30-cm soil layer. M + AD10G0.5-P-W and maize–pea–wheat treatments under bench terracing (M-P-W)BT had similar impacts on SOC stocks in that layer after 5 years of cropping. The total SOC values in bulk soils, macroaggregates, and microaggregates were ∼24, 20, and 31% higher, respectively, in plots under M + AD10G0.5-P-W treatment than M-W in the topsoil (0–5 cm). The inclusion of post-rainy season vegetable pea in the maize–wheat cropping system, along with AGT application and crop residue management, generated additional biomass and enhanced CMI by ∼60% in the plots under M + AD10G0.5-P-W treatment over M-W, although M + AD10G0.5-P-W and (M-P-W)BT had similar effects in the topsoil. In the 5–15-cm layer, there was no significant effect of soil conservation practices on CMI values. Under the M + AD10G0.5-P-W treatment, the annual mean soil loss decreased by ∼92% over M-W treatment. We observed that CMI, proportion of macroaggregates, aggregate-associated C, labile C, total SOC concentration (thus, SOC accumulation rate), and mean annual C input were strongly correlated with the mean annual soil loss from 2017 to 2021. The study revealed that the emplacement of an A. donax mat and incorporation of a legume in a cropping system (M-W), conservation tillage, and crop residue retention not only prevented soil loss but also enhanced C sequestration compared to farmers’ practice (M-W) in the Indian Himalayas. The significance of this study is soil conservation, recycling of residues and weeds, and climate change adaptation and mitigation, as well as increasing farmers’ income.

Abstract In this report, the effect of rare-earth (RE3+) ion substitution on structural, microstructural, and electrical properties in barium bismuth titanate (BaBi4Ti4O15) (BBTO) Aurivillius ceramics has been investigated. The Rietveld refinements on X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirm that all the samples have an orthorhombic crystal system with A21am space group. Meanwhile, temperature dependent synchrotron XRD patterns reveal that the existence of dual phase in higher temperature region. The randomly oriented plate-like grains are experimentally strived to confirm the distinctive feature of bismuth layered Aurivillius ceramics. The broad band dielectric spectroscopic investigation signifies a shifting of ferroelectric phase transition (Tm) towards low temperature region with a decrease of the RE3+-ionic radii in BBTO ceramics. The origin of diffuse ferroelectric phase transitions followed by stabilization of the relaxor ferroelectric nature at high frequency region is explained using suitable standard models. The temperature dependent ac and dc conductivity results indicate the presence of double ionized oxygen vacancies in BBTO ceramics, whereas the dominance of single ionized oxygen vacancies is observed in RE-substituted BBTO ceramics. The room temperature polarization vs. electric field (P–E) hysteresis loops are shown to be well-shaped symmetric for BBTO ceramics, whereas slim asymmetric ferroelectric characteristics developed at RE-substituted BBTO ceramics.

Sustainability of contemporary crop establishment and management practices is questioned due to soil degradation, higher carbon emission and declining soil productivity. Hence, this study was conducted to address the impacts of conservation agriculture (CA) practices like permanent broad beds (PBB), permanent narrow beds (PNB) and zero tilled flat beds (ZT) with residue retention on soil organic carbon (SOC) protection within aggregates in the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP). Compared to conventionally tilled (CT) plots, the total SOC content was ∼27%–33% higher in the CA plots on equivalent mass basis. The soil physical properties, such as soil aggregation and mean weight diameter were considerably improved under the CA practices. The macroaggregates were ∼41, 37% and 27% higher in the PBB with residue (PBB + R), PNB with residue (PNB + R) and ZT with residue (ZT + R) plots (CA plots), respectively, than the CT plots in the surface soil (0–15 cm). The plots under PBB + R had ∼31% higher microaggregates within macroaggregates than the CT plots (24.4 g 100 g−1) soil. An increase in SOC content by ∼72, 55% and 69% was observed in the PBB + R, PNB + R and ZT + R plots over the CT plots in microaggregates within macroaggregates (3.02 Mg ha−1). However, plots under PBB + R, PNB + R and ZT + R had only ∼11, 3% and 23% more SOC within silt + clay fraction, respectively, than CT plots (5.85 Mg ha−1). Thus, SOC stabilization within microaggregates inside macroaggregates was the major mechanism, and not the chemical stabilization within silt + clay, of C sequestration under CA. As aggregate-associated carbon is an ecosystem property that strongly affects organic carbon stabilization, water holding capacity and resistance to erosion, growing maize/cotton–wheat system under PBB + R practice is a viable option for carbon sequestration in the IGP and similar agro-ecologies.

Soil function encompasses numerous functions and services the soil provides and can be measured using physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. In any event, research on fertility and biological activity is increasingly being stressed as indices of ecosystem services. Rangeland degradation is one of the world's most widespread land use changes, with serious consequences for soil processes and ecosystem services. The influence of uncontrolled grass cover on soil functioning in semiarid environments is little understood. In the current study, the following seven varieties of grass coverings were studied in a semiarid area of central India: Cenchrus ciliaris (CC), Megathyrsus maximus (MM), Chrysopogon fulvus (CF), Heteropogon contortus (HC), Sehima nervosum (SN), Vetiveria zizanioides (VZ), and Tri-Specific Hybrid (TSH). The carbon accumulation proficiency of TSH, MM, and HC was ~2.23, 2.17, and 2.07 times greater than fallow. The nutrient cycling capacity of grasses was ~1.1 to 1.6 times greater than that of fallow, despite the grasses' depleted macronutrients in the soil. The biological activity under MM and HC was ~1.23 and 1.67 times higher than fallow. Overall soil functionality under TSH and HC was 83 and 25% greater than MM, respectively. These soil functions augment ecosystem services like climate regulation, biomass production, nutrient recycling, water, and airflow. However, more attention should be paid to the management of inputs for greater ecosystem services from this grass cover in semiarid, degraded land.

Recently, inorganic perovskite materials have been attracting increasing attention owing to their exceptional structural, electronic, and optical characteristics in photovoltaic technology. Ca3AsI3 is a semiconductor material that shares similarities with the group of inorganic metal halide perovskites. Ca3AsI3 possesses a perovskite crystal structure that is cubic, which is classified under the space group Pm-3m (no. 221). Our research aims to analyze how the optical and electronic properties of Ca3AsI3 are influenced by spin–orbit coupling (SOC) and strain using the first-principles density-functional theory. The inorganic Ca3AsI3 perovskite has an electronic band structure that possesses a direct bandgap of roughly 1.58 eV at the Γ(gamma)-point. However, when the SOC relativistic effect is introduced, this value decreases to around 1.27 eV. As the level of compressive strain is increased, the bandgap becomes narrower, whereas with increasing tensile strain, the bandgap becomes wider. It has been observed through analysis of the dielectric functions, absorption coefficient, and electron loss function of these materials that the optical properties give Ca3AsI3 the ability to effectively absorb visible light. According to the study, the dielectric constant peaks of Ca3AsI3 shift toward a lower photon energy (redshift) as the level of compressive strain increases. On the other hand, when subjected to increased tensile strain, these peaks have a tendency to shift toward a higher photon energy (blueshift), as per the same study. Modifying the energy gap of Ca3AsI3 perovskites to suit optoelectronic and solar cell needs could be achieved by using techniques involving the SOC effect and by applying strain. These approaches have the potential to enable utilization of Ca3AsI3 in such applications in the future.

In recent years, inorganic perovskite materials have attracted a lot of attention in the field of solar technology due to their exceptional structural, optical, and electronic properties. This study thoroughly investigated, using first-principles density-functional theory (FP-DFT), the impact of compressive and tensile strain on the structural, optical, and electrical properties of the inorganic cubic perovskite Sr3AsI3. The unstrained planar Sr3AsI3 molecule exhibits a direct bandgap of 1.265 eV value at Γ point. The bandgap of the Sr3AsI3 perovskite is lowered to 1.212 eV when the relativistic spin-orbital coupling (SOC) effect is subjected in the observations. In addition, the structure's bandgap exhibits a falling prevalence due to compressive strain and a slight rise due to tensile strain. The optical indicators such as dielectric functions, absorption coefficient, reflectivity, and electron loss function show that this component has a great ability to absorb in the visible range in accordance with band characteristics. When compressive strain is raised, it is discovered that the spikes of the dielectric constant of Sr3AsI3 move to lower photon energy (redshift), and conversely, while growing tensile strain, it exhibits increased photon energy changing behavior (blueshift). As a result, the Sr3AsI3 perovskite is regarded as being ideal for use in solar cells for the production of electricity and light management.

Massive amounts of rice straw (RS) provide a significant problem for in situ and instant management at a low cost. On the other hand, mobilizing soil phosphorus (P) from inorganically fixed pools may increase its effectiveness over time. To address both of these issues at once as well as to decide the optimum rate of RS for P mobilization, this study was carried out to determine whether the use of RS + P solubilizing microbes (PSMs) could solubilize a sizable portion of the soil's fixed P and affect P transformation, silicon (Si) concentration, organic acid (OA) concentration, and enzyme activity to increase wheat yield. Depending on the soil temperature, the application of RS (at 12 Mg ha−1) + PSM could solubilize 3.40–3.66% of the inorganic P. Over control, it minimized the hysteresis impact by 6–8%. The soils of wheat included the acids oxalic acid, citric acid, formic acid, malic acid, and tartaric acid. At maturity stage of wheat, application of RS (at 12 Mg ha−1) + PSM + 75%P raised the activity of dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase activity, cellulase, and peroxidase by 1.77, 1.65, 1.87, and 1.82 times above control in soil, respectively. It also boosted Si concentration in the soil increased by 58% over control. Wheat grain yield was 40 and 18% higher under RS (at 12 Mg ha−1) + PSM + 75%P application than under control and 100% P application. Additionally, it increased root volume, length, and P uptake by 2.38, 1.74, and 1.62 times above control, respectively. According to path analysis, P solubilisation by Si and OAs considerably increased P availability in the wheat root zone. Therefore, cultivators could be advised to use RS (at 12 Mg ha−1) + PSM + 75% P of mineral P fertilizer to save 25% P fertilizer without reducing yield.

अस्य शोधनिबन्धस्य प्रस्तावनायामादौ व्याकरणशब्दस्य व्युत्पत्तिं प्रदर्श्य शब्दशास्त्रं कथं वेदाङ्गत्वम्, तस्य प्रयोजनत्वं चोल्लिखितम्। ततः परं मुनित्रयं नमस्कृत्य व्याकरणशास्त्रस्य नैके सम्प्रदायाः प्रोक्ताः। तावत् प्रस्तावनायाम् अस्य शोधनिबन्धस्य प्रतिपाद्यमानः विषयः स्पष्टीकृतः। एवं शोधनिबन्धेऽस्मिन् ‘अल्पाक्षरमसन्दिग्धमिति’ सूत्रलक्षणमुक्त्वा शोधनिबन्धस्य मुख्यविषयः चर्चितः। पाणिनितन्त्रापेक्षया चान्द्रसूत्राणि न्यूनानि भवन्ति, चान्द्रव्याकरणे केवलं लौकिकशब्दानां चर्चा विद्यते परन्तु पाणिनीयव्याकरणे न तथा। चन्द्राचार्येण स्वव्याकरणे त्रयोदशप्रत्याहारसूत्राणि समुपनिबद्धानि।आचार्येण विकल्पसूत्राणां-सूचनावसरे प्रायशः "वा" इति शब्दः प्रयुक्तः। तस्मादेव चन्द्राचार्येण काश्यप-गार्ग्य-शाकल्यादीनामाचार्याणामुल्लेख एव न कृतः। आचार्येण सूत्ररचनायां सर्वदा लघु-पर्यायवाचिनः शब्दाः चिताः। एवं वक्तुं शक्यते यत् पाणिनि-चान्द्र-व्याकरणयोः मध्ये चान्द्रव्याकरणं लघु सरलं स्पष्टं सारवच्चेति। परन्तु सर्वदा इदमवधेयं यद् आचार्यः चन्द्रगोमी पाणिनिव्याकरणं सम्यक् अधीत्य किञ्च भगवतः भाष्यकारस्य सिद्धान्तम् अभिवन्द्य अनुस़ृत्य च स्वव्याकरणं प्रणीतवान्।

Abstract Exploring the gut microbiome is an emerging tool for monitoring wildlife health and physiological conditions which often sustained under the variety of stresses and challenges. We analyzed gut microbiome of Arunachal macaque (Macaca munzala) of two disjunct populations from Arunachal Pradesh, India, to validate whether the geography or the feeding habits plays a principal role in shaping the gut microbiome in natural populations. We observed geography has a mere effect but feeding habits (i.e. feeding upon the leftover food and crop-raiding) significantly influenced the gut microbiome composition. The phylum Proteobacteria found to be enriched in leftover feeding group while phylum Bacteroidetes was differentially abundant in crop-raiding group. We observed predominant phyla Firmicutes followed by Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes with the dominant classes represented by the Clostridia. Interestingly, one individual with known diarrheal/metabolic disorder exhibited complete dominance of the order Bacillales and showed 100% sequence similarity with genus Solibacillus. We raise concern that shift in diet of macaques may compel them to expose for various human diseases as two macaques feeding upon the leftover food exhibited dysbiotic gut microbiome. The present study provides the pragmatic evidences of how the alteration of food resources can harm the physiological condition of the macaques in wild and raises alarm to the forest officials/managers in strategise planting of natural food resources and monitor anthropogenic activities in the distribution of Arunachal macaques.

Use efficiency of direct application of phosphorus (P) hardly exceeds 15-20% because of fixation to soils. The fixed-P could be utilized subsequently if it is brought to plant usable form. An experiment was conducted at Division of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi during 2017-18 to investigate the residual effects of different P sources like di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), rock phosphate (RP), RP+ phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and DAP+RP+PSB on rice yield, P uptake, P dynamics and enzyme activities in an Inceptisol. Results indicated that application of DAP30+RP60+PSB had 20.7, 24.3,19.6, 21.0, 28.1, 33, 15.2, 14.4 and 29.4% higher rice grain and straw yields, grain and straw P uptakes, available and saloid P, dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase activities respectively, as compared to DAP treatment. Thus, it can be inferred that application of DAP+RP+PSB can reduce fertilizer P consumption by 50%, and support the residual (second) crop better than conventional P-fertilizers, and improve soil available and saloid P status as well as enzymatic activities.

Exploration of geoheritage sites is a new venture in tourism studies. The objective of the study is centred around the Geoheritage site conservation for geological and geomorphological interpretation and introduction of Geotourism involving the local people in Puruliya district. The main litho-unit of Puruliya district belongs to Chhotanagpur Granite Gneissic Complex of Archean era. Nine geological/geomorphological important sites are chosen for assessing their geoheritage values and analysing the Geotourism potential. A modified model of Kubalikova (2013) is adopted for the evaluation of the selected nine important sites, where five important criteria i.e. scientific (intrinsic) values, educational values, economical values, conservation values and added (cultural, ecological and aesthetic) values are considered. The result reveals that sites like Durgabera dam, Bhanratongri hill, Garpanchakot and Jaychandi hill can be assumed as top potential Geotourism site occupying highest geoheritage values, whereas Jabar hill, Poradih hill and Tamakhun old mine are quite low in the context of Geoheritage values. Based on the result, few strategies are suggested which can help to develop Geotourism in the study area and raise awareness about the geoheritage values among the students, general visitors and the local residents of the area.

An integrated forage-legume cropping system has immense potential to address the issue of land degradability. It provides a critical understanding of the capacity of diversified species mixes vs. monocultures to boost forage production and the dynamics of soil organic carbon (SOC) and phosphorus (P). In this study, we assessed the performance of Napier Bajra Hybrid (NBH) (Pennisetum glaucum × P. purpureum) + cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and tri-specific hybrid (TSH) (P. glaucum × P. purpureum × P. squamulatum) + cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) as compared to monocultures of NBH and TSH. The legume equivalent yield of NBH + cowpea and TSH + cluster bean intercropping systems were found −31% and −23% higher than monoculture systems. The SOC increased by −5% in the NBH + cowpea system as compared to NBH monoculture. The carbon mineralization rates under NBH + cowpea and TSH + cluster bean were −32% and −38% lower than the NBH and TSH monoculture cropping systems, respectively. It was found that the legume intensification with the forage significantly improved the soil’s P status. The research suggested that coalescing diverse crops (e.g., grass and legume) poses enormous potential for sustaining soil health and productivity in semi-arid regions of India. This study advances the research on characterizing the crucial factors of grass-legume-based cropping systems and helps in assessing the impact of these factors on long-term sustainability.

Abstract Pleistocene glaciations facilitated climatic oscillations that caused for enormous heterogeneity in landscapes, and consequently affected demography and distribution patterns of the mountain endemic species. In this context, we investigated demographic history and population genetic structure of red panda, distributed along the geographical proximity in the southern edge of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Bayesian based phylogeny demonstrated that red panda diverged about 0.30 million years ago (CI 0.23–0.39) into two phylogenetic (sub) species, that correspond to the middle-late Pleistocene transition. The observed intraspecific clades with respect to Himalayan and Chinese red panda indicated restricted gene flow resulting from the Pleistocene glaciations in the eastern and southern Tibetan Plateau. We found Himalayan red panda population at least in KL-India declined abruptly in last 5–10 thousand years after being under demographic equilibrium. We suggest revisiting the ongoing conservation activities through cross border collaboration by developing multi-nationals, and multi-lateral species-oriented conservation action plans to support the red panda populations in transboundary landscapes.

Though soils sequester large amounts of carbon (C), variations in physical and chemical characteristics of top and deep layers necessitate the study of factors governing topsoil and deep soil C sequestration to predict land-use changes to alleviate climate change. Land-use systems involving pasture, trees, trees pasture and fallow were considered. The upper soil (0–15 cm) had ∼12, 34 and 59% higher microbial biomass C than the 15–30, 30–45 and 45–60 cm layers, respectively. Fluorescein diacetate (FDA) and dehydrogenase activities had similar trends. Across the land uses, topsoil layers had ∼17% lower silt + clay (s + c) content than deep layers. Amorphous iron content significantly increased with soil depth. In the top two soil layers, s + c accounted for ∼19–30% of total soil organic carbon (SOC); in the next two layers s + c could store >30% of total SOC. Stepwise regression analysis revealed FDA to be the most significant biological driver for SOC sequestration. Structural equation modeling showed that biological factors controlled C sequestration in topsoil layers, while s + c and amorphous iron were the major factors of C sequestration in deep layers. Current land uses are largely deficient of SOC and have the potential to store an additional22 Mg CO2e per ha.

Conventional tillage practices coupled with irrational use of fertilizer in the rice-wheat cropping system (RWCS) often leads to poor productivity, low nutrient use efficiency, and cause environmental pollution. Conservation tillage with surface residue retention in combination with intelligent nutrient management might improve productivity and use efficiency of water as well as nutrients in zero-till direct-seeded rice (ZTDSR). Keeping this in mind, during the kharif season of 2018 and 2019, a trial was carried out at the ICAR-IARI in New Delhi to investigate the varying nutrient management approaches following a precise manner in DSR. The treatments consisted of soil-test-based NPK (STB-NPK) and Nutrient Expert® (+LCCN) based NPK (NE-NPK) applications, Fertilizer applied at the recommended dose (RDF) [120-60-40 kg/ha NPK], the state recommended NPK (110-50-40 kg/ha) and omission plot technique of NPK [i.e., STB (N0PK, NP0K & NPK0); SR (N0PK, NP0K & NPK0) and NE-(N0PK, NP0K & NPK0)]. The results indicated that STB NPK application led to a 12% higher grain yield over RDF. However, NE-NPK resulted in a 7% and 35% increase in N (AEN) agronomic efficiency and P (AEP) over the STB-NPK application respectively. In contrast, AEk was 24% higher in STB-NPK over NE-NPK treatment. The comparison of two years’ results that the first year performed better than the succeeding year in these respect (productivity and AE) except in the case of AEk. The N2O emission in NE-NPK treatment was also significantly reduced (49%) over the control (no N). STB-NPK treatment also improved profitability by 22% over RDF. Precision nutrient management (PNM) increased the crop yield, income, and use efficiency of nutrients and water and reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of DSR in Southeast Asia.

Uneven distribution and intensity of rainfall in subtropical semi-arid Vertisol creates different hydro-climaticcondition due to its mineralogy and expansive type of clays. Indeed, information on impact of moisture levels onsoil C- and N-mineralization in presence of residue and recommended fertilization is scarce. Thus, this incubationexperiment was conducted at ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal during 2018–19 with four moisture, twofertilizer, and two residue levels to evaluate the effects of fertilization and residue incorporation on moisture sensitivityof soil C- and N-mineralization. Application of fertilizer induced positive priming effect for CO2-C and increased by~ 28%. Residue- and fertilizer × residue accelerated the Ccum by ~108 and 125%, respectively. Residue applicationcaused initial N-immobilization. A significant interaction was observed among fertilizer, residue and moisture contentfor both C- and N-mineralization. C-mineralization was amplified with increase in soil moisture content from 24to 40% moisture levels, but decreased at 48% moisture level. Irrespective of fertilization moisture sensitivity of Cand N mineralization was reduced by residue incorporation. But, fertilization led to highest moisture sensitivity ofN-mineralization. Thus, residue incorporation could be recommended as obligatory practice in sub-tropical Vertisolto decrease its moisture sensitivity and to maintain positive C balance and soil health.

A field experiment was conducted at University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru during kharif 2016 and 2017 on red sandy loam soil and the experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with factorial concept and replicated thrice. There were 15 treatment combinations involving three intercrops and five weed management practices. The results of the experiment revealed that intercropping of maize (Zea mays L.) with cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] has recorded significantly lower total weed density (5.92 No./m2), weed dry weight (6.21 g/ m2), higher WCE (66.97 %), lower WI (17.67 %), higher grain yield (5842 kg/ha) and stover yield (7035 kg/ha) but the higher MEY (8224 kg/ha) was recorded in maize + pole bean intercropping system. Among the different weed management practices, pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 30 % EC @ 1.50 kg/ha recorded significantly lower weed population (5.12 No./m2), weed dry weight (5.05 g/m2), higher WCE (81.81 %), lower WI (7.24 %), higher grain (6589 kg/ha), stover yield (8033 kg/ha) and MEY (8860 kg/ha) compared to other weed management practices.

Though electret materials are attractive for realizing flexible mechanoelectrical devices, these materials are typically solid films. Here, the authors report stretchable ‘liquid-electret’ devices consisting solvent-free liquid porphyrins that show piezoelectric and electroacoustic functionality.

Molecular tools have been used in wildlife forensics for species identification of indiscernible samples and to provide evidence against poaching of wildlife and illegal trade of their products. This study was undertaken in identifying a confiscated material that has been seized under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 of India suspecting that accused has poached a deer species of wild origin for local consumption. The sample was processed for DNA sequencing of the partial fragments of three mitochondrial genes, that is, Cytochrome b, 12S rRNA, and 16S rRNA genes. Surprisingly, generated sequences from the confiscated sample showed 99% homology with Bos indicus, and phylogenetic analysis also clustered the confiscated material with Bos indicus with high bootstrap support. This study upholds the evidence for accused as the suspicion of confiscated material being an illegal product was negated, and the raw meat of cattle was merely for consumption through reliable assessment and validation from a public database. This case study exhibits the value of DNA barcoding and molecular diagnostic techniques to decipher the morphologically altered materials in wildlife forensic cases.

Perception towards the wildlife conservation of locals determines the future of conservation programs, hence we assessed the perception of forest communities in East Siang district towards wildlife conservation in their surroundings. We collected questionnaire data from 1079 respondents of East Siang District, Arunachal Pradesh during Nov 2018 to Feb 2019. The influence of different parameters including socio-demographic, socio-economic and human-wildlife interactions on local communities opinions concerning wildlife conservation were examined. The respondents provided wide and diversified responses about the significance of wildlife for different purposes such as food consumption (hunting) to mixed concerns (aesthetic, moral and future values) and ecological balance. The responses were recorded and tested independent variables, namely age, gender, household size, education, house type, crop damages, livestock attacks, human attacks, village, circles and occupation. The ANCOVA test revealed that villages (p = 0.000), circles (p = 0.001), education (p = 0.012), human attacks (p = 0.003) and gender (p = 0.033) were significantly associated with their opinions. Whereas the socio-economic status of locals also had a role in shaping perceptions about the wildlife conservation. The respondents belonging to the lower socio-economic classes have the negative attitude while upper classes have a positive attitude. Our research suggests that primary (adjusted standardized residual: asr = 2.3) and middle school (asr = 2.7) educated male respondents consider wildlife as food resources (asr = 3.7). However, the graduates believed that wildlife has a role in ecological balance (asr = 6.6). The increase in wildlife attacks on humans is unlikely to support conservation (asr = 4.5). It is suggested to enhance awareness creations, adoption of best practices to mitigate wildlife-human conflict and alternative livelihood for promoting wildlife conservation in the study landscape.

Exploring gut microbiome is imperative to comprehend the foraging habits, species health and the various environmental and physiological challenges being experienced by the species in the wild. The present study provides the first report of the gut microbial diversity of Arunachal macaque, Macaca munzala, an endangered cercopithecine macaque discovered recently and confined to Western Arunachal Pradesh of Northeastern India. The observed predominant phyla include Firmicutes followed by Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria with the dominant classes represented by the Clostridia, Betaproteobacteria and Coriobacteriia. The gut microbiome of Arunachal macaques displayed a unique signature and significantly resembled with humans indicating dependency of Arunachal macaque for dietary intake on anthropogenic food. Although results demonstrate dietary plasticity of Arunachal macaque to co-exist with human-mediated habitat change, it raises concerns on the availability of natural food resources and provides evidence of change in dietary habits of Arunachal macaques in Western Arunachal Pradesh. The results highlighted necessity for immediate attention of the forest officials/managers in strategise screening/planting natural food resources and monitoring anthropogenic activities in the distribution of Arunachal macaques. The study offers suggestions in better planning for conflict management to reduce physical interactions and crop losses made by the Arunachal macaques.

The novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic has drastically affected the world economy, raised public anxiety, and placed a substantial psychological burden on the governments and healthcare professionals by affecting over 4.7 million people worldwide. As a preventive measure to minimise the risk of community transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in India, a nationwide lockdown was imposed initially for 21 days to limit the movement of 1.3 billion people. These restrictions continue in most areas, with a conditional relaxation occurring in a few Indian states. In an attempt to assess the emerging mutants of SARS-CoV-2 and determine their spread in India, we analysed 112 complete genomes of SARS-CoV-2 in a time-lapse manner. We found 72 distinct SARS-CoV-2 haplotypes, defined by 143 polymorphic sites and high haplotype diversity, suggesting that this virus possesses a high evolutionary potential. We also demonstrated that early introduction of SARS-CoV-2 into India was from China, Italy and Iran and observed signs of community spread of the virus following its rapid demographic expansion since its first outbreak in the country. Additionally, we identified 18 mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein and a few selected mutations showed to increase stability, binding affinity, and molecular flexibility in the overall tertiary structure of the protein that may facilitate interaction between the receptor binding domain (RBD) of spike protein and the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. The study provides a pragmatic view of haplotype-dependent spread of SARS-CoV-2 in India which could be important in tailoring the pharmacologic treatments to be more effective for those infected with the most common haplotypes. The findings based on the time-lapse sentinel surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 will aid in the development of a real-time practical framework to tackle the ongoing, fast-evolving epidemic challenges in the country.

Poaching of wildlife for local consumption and commercial purposes is a major threat to the loss of the world's biodiversity which has even resulted in the extirpation of the numerous species at local or regional scale. Law enforcement agencies have been working in the implementation of the Wildlife Protection Act to combat illegal trade of wildlife for parts and products all across the world. Nevertheless, several times confiscated materials have been altered and fabricated so much that their morphological identification often got difficult. In the last few decades, DNA technology has revolutionized species identification in forensic investigations and has shown its power in the firm identification of those fabricated materials. We received a confiscated material, appeared to be chopped raw meat with no intact morphological identity. The accused was caught by the officials of the State Forest Department after he put pictures on social media depicting his involvement in cooking and eating of animal meat, suspected to be of wildlife origin. On homology search, we found a 99% identity of the confiscated material with Asian Palm Civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus) and neighbour joining trees based on genetic distances clustered the query sequence with the Asian Palm Civet with 100% bootstrap support. The present study exhibits hope for ascertaining species identification from the processed meat in reliable assessment for wildlife forensics. This case study extends, the role of the authenticated references as available on the public database, highlighting the application of DNA forensics in identifying species even from the phenotypically altered materials.

Consumption of bush meat is one of the major threats to the loss of biodiversity in developing countries. The present study has been conducted in view of ascertaining the species of origin from fully cooked meat that was confiscated from a restaurant at Murshidabad district of West Bengal in India and suspected to be originated from a Greater Short-toed Lark (Calandrella brachydactyla). However, there was no intact morphological identity, and the owner of the restaurant was booked under the charges of Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 towards killing and selling the meat of a protected species. On sequencing of the partial fragments of mt genes – Cytochrome b and 12S rRNA, the confiscated material showed 99% homology with Common quail (Coturnix coturnix), and the phylogenetic analysis also clustered the confiscated material with Common quail with high bootstrap support. This study exhibits a reliable assessment of species identification using the public database and provides evidence to nullify charges on the accused for his involvement in wildlife killing. This case study exhibits the value of molecular diagnostic techniques using genetic markers to decipher the morphologically altered materials in wildlife forensic cases. Keywords: Wildlife poaching, Species identification, Mitochondrial markers, Cytochrome b, 12S rRNA, Common quail

Emerging illegal trade of bear bile and body parts is a threat to the wild populations of Asian bear species. Many times similar products mimicking bear gall bladders are sold in the markets, and consumers often fooled as they purchase fake products. The present case study was undertaken to suggest the authenticity of the confiscated gall bladders suspecting to be originated from Asiatic black bears and seized by the law enforcement under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 of India. Genomic DNA was extracted from three seized gall bladders, and DNA sequences of two mitochondrial genes, i.e.12S rRNA, and 16S rRNA were generated using the universal primers. Interestingly, two gall bladders showed 100% similarity with Sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) and one with the Cattle (Bos indicus). This indicates the proliferating demand of bear gall bladders in the grey market and in the lack of appropriate supply, poachers kill any species readily available (often domesticated species), extract their gall bladders and sell them to the illegal grey market. This case study exhibits the importance of DNA database in deciphering species identity of gall bladders from the morphologically similar parts. Keywords: Wildlife forensics, Bear gall bladder, Species identification, 12S rRNA gene, 16S rRNA gene, Bos taurus, Rusa unicolor

The knowledge on contribution of potassium (K) from different pools become pertinent for evaluating soil fertility status and providing better interpretation in near future. The present study aims to assess the soil K pools under major land use systems of Assam, viz. mulberry, sugarcane, tea and rice-mustard under three depths (0-15, 15-30 and 30- 60 cm) and categories them, based on the content of exchangeable K (Exch-K) and non-exchangeable K (NEK). In 0-15 cm soil depth, Exch-K content was highest in the rice-mustard land use system (49.7 mg/kg) whereas, NEK content were highest in the mulberry land use system (1351 mg/kg). Both Exch-K and NEK content were found to be highest under mulberry system at 15-30 and 30-60 cm depth. Mulberry and rice-mustard land use systems had higher amounts of NEK but lower in available K, thereby, need maintenance dose of K. The NEK pools were included along with Exch-K in categorising soils into nine groups for evolving better strategies to manage soil K fertility. Results revealed that most of the soils were in category with low Exch-K and NEK content. Irrespective of depths, soils from nine sites were low in both Exch-K and NEK. The third category soils with low Exch-K and high NEK had the second highest number of soils in all the depths.Thus, soils having low levels of both Exch-K and NEK, the K must be applied immediately to sustain crop productivity under different land use systems.

An approach towards effective utilization of fly ash and bottom ash in the construction of energy efficient buildings has been presented in this paper. Two masonry mortar grades MM3 and MM5 were considered for trial mix. Portland pozzolana cement with substitution of sand by fly ash and bottom ash separately in different substitution ratios (SR) were adopted for preparation of test samples. Fly ash and bottom ash with lime dust and marble dust combinations were also tested as sand free mortars. 28 days compressive strength, apparent porosity, bulk density and thermal conductivity parameters were evaluated for all such samples. By analysing the test results, it was observed that all the SR combinations satisfied the minimum masonry mortar grade MM0.7, as per IS 2250. Both the MM3 and MM5 grade mortars could be produced at 60% SR by fly ash, and corresponding reductions in thermal conductivity values were 69%, and 54% respectively, while compared with conventional mortar. Sand less mortar for both the grades resulted around 57% reductions in corresponding thermal conductivity values. Overall heat transfer co-efficient (U-value) for both side plastered and rendered brick masonry wall panel was found to be reduced by 15.58%, while comparison made between conventional mix of MM5 grade and corresponding 50% fly ash substituted mix. Thus such ash blended mortar mix appears to be advantageous in building envelop application for lowering the overall cooling/heating demand of building, besides utilizing the coal ash up to largest extent and saving natural mineral sand from depletion.

The liver X receptors (LXRs) α and β are responsible for the transcriptional regulation of a number of genes involved in cholesterol efflux from cells and therefore may be molecular targets for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. However, the effects of LXR ligands on cholesterol turnover in cells has not been examined comprehensively. In this study, cellular cholesterol handling (e.g., synthesis, catabolism, influx, and efflux) was examined using a stable isotope labeling study and a two-compartment modeling scheme. In HepG2 cells, the incorporation of 13C into cholesterol from [1-13C]acetate was analyzed by mass isotopomer distribution analysis in conjunction with nonsteady state, multicompartment kinetic analysis to calculate the cholesterol fluxes. Incubation with synthetic, nonsteroidal LXR agonists (GW3965, T0901317, and SB742881) increased cholesterol synthesis (∼10-fold), decreased cellular cholesterol influx (71–82%), and increased cellular cholesterol efflux (1.7- to 1.9-fold) by 96 h. As a consequence of these altered cholesterol fluxes, cellular cholesterol decreased (36–39%) by 96 h. The increased cellular cholesterol turnover was associated with increased expression of the LXR-activated genes ABCA1, ABCG1, FAS, and sterol-regulatory element binding protein 1c. In summary, the mathematical model presented allows time-dependent calculations of cellular cholesterol fluxes. These data demonstrate that all of the cellular cholesterol fluxes were altered by LXR activation and that the increase in cholesterol synthesis did not compensate for the increased cellular cholesterol efflux, resulting in a net cellular cholesterol loss.

Molecules of the title macrocycle, C36H22N4O4, are located on an inversion center. The porphyrin ring shows a wave-like conformation with adjacent pyrrole rings tilted above the porphyrin plane and the interporphyrin distance is 3.584 (3) Å. The dihedral angles between the meso-furyl groups and the porphyrin plane are 38.87 (7) and 48.29 (7)°; these are much smaller than those observed for meso-tetraphenylporphyrin, indicating that the meso-furyl groups are more inclined towards the porphyrin plane. The decrease in the dihedral angle is due to the presence of intramolecular hydroden bonding between the meso-fury O atom and the β-pyrrole CH group. Intramolecular N—H...N hydrogen bonds are also present.