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For many industrial applications, an extensive research of the stabilization and destabilization mechanisms of aqueous suspensions of fine particles is crucial. The flocculation of charged particles from their aqueous suspensions is greatly influenced by the surface characteristics of the particles. For the purpose of improving the flocculation efficiency of kaolin suspensions, the impact of the proposed mechanochemical treatment, which includes homogenization and/or ultrasonication followed by the addition of polycation such as poly (diallyl dimethyl‐ammonium chloride) (PDADMAC), was examined under standard conditions. It was demonstrated that parameters including kaolin's specific surface area, surface charge density, and particle size reduction are all affected by the duration of the ultrasonication. While ultrasonication (10 min) has a significant impact on particle size distributions, 300 and 200 nm‐sized particles were also seen. A narrow flocculation window was obtained by PDADMAC at a Cp/Cs ratio of 0.1 mg/g (Cp/Cs means the ratio of mass polymer/mass substrate), while the mechanical treatment via homogenization with magnetic stirring (60 min) resulted in a larger flocculation window of kaolin caused by the polyelectrolyte used. However, mechanochemical treatment via ultrasonication followed by the addition of aforementioned polyelectrolyte played a significant role in achieving the highest turbidity removal. Hence, the settling behavior of kaolin suspension depends upon the pH, ultra‐sonication time, and the concentration of polyelectrolyte. The combination of ultra‐sonication, PDADMAC dosage, and pH (mechanic‐chemical treatment) played an excellent role in the maximum removal of turbidity, and the broadest flocculation window comprising of 0.4 to 1.6 mg/g was observed at pH 8. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the potential benefits of using cellulose ethers and their combination with other polysaccharides and proteins in the creation of reduced-fat water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions, research in this specific area is currently limited. Further studies are needed to explore the optimal combinations and concentrations of these materials to achieve emulsions with desired texture and higher rheological properties. To address this research gap, seven W/O emulsions with a 40 wt% water phase at pH 3.5 are prepared. The water phase consisted of 2 wt% methylcellulose (MC) or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) combined with 10 wt% whey protein isolate (WPI) and/or kappa-carrageenan (kC). The oil phase, comprising 60 wt%, contained 8 wt% polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) in soybean oil. The emulsions were initially prepared at room temperature and subsequently subjected to a heating process at an elevated temperature of 90 °C for a duration of 30 min. Following this heating step, the emulsions were then cooled back to room temperature. This sequential temperature treatment was employed with the intention of inducing aggregation and gelation within the emulsions. The temperature oscillation measurements (G* versus temperature) provide further evidence for the role of covalent and noncovalent bonding in the rheology and gelation of WPI-based emulsions. The viscosity and moduli of unheated and heated emulsions containing combinations of HPMC were found to be higher compared to those containing MC combinations. This behavior can be attributed to the stronger intermolecular interaction between HPMC, WPI, and/or kC, as well as their attachment with PGPR. These interactions lead to the formation of a more viscous and firmer W–O interface in emulsions. [Display omitted] • W/O emulsions prepared using cellulose ethers, WPI, and/or kappa carrageenan aggregation in the aqueous phase. • They exhibit high viscosity and elasticity and form compact microstructures when undergoing heat treatment. • HPMC combinations showed higher rheological properties compared to the equivalent MC emulsions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quite a high percentage of newly discovered drugs are discarded due to their low aqueous solubility and variable bioavailability. Therefore, it is necessary to explore new methodologies for increasing the aqueous solubility of such drugs. Several procedures have been proposed for this purpose, including salt formation, particle size reduction or using surfactants. In this report, we have improved the aqueous solubility of flurbiprofen by employing aqueous solution of anionic (SDS, SDBS), cationic (DTAB, CTAB, TTAB), non-ionic (Triton X-100 and Triton X-114 and DDAO) and zwitterionic DDAPS surfactants. It is concluded that all of the surfactants increased the solubility of flurbiprofen which increased with the increasing surfactant concentration. The reason behind such a trend was that the drug is partitioned between micelles and the aqueous phase. An increase in aqueous solubility of the drug was correlated with the (molar) solubilization ratio (χ), partition coefficient of drug (KM) between micelle and water, binding constant (K1) and standard state Gibbs energy of solubilization ( Δ G s o ) of the drug in the micelles. The order of drug solubilization in nonionic and zwitterionic surfactants was found as Triton X-114 > Triton X-100 > DDAO > DDAPS. In the case of anionic surfactants, it was noted as SDBS > SDS, whereas cationic surfactants solubilized the drug in the order of CTAB > TTAB > DTAB. The differences in χ and log10KM are attributed to the structural features of the surfactants. The aggregation number, HLB, core volume of micelles and electrostatic interaction between drug and micelles play important roles in solubilization of drugs in micellar solutions. The nonionic surfactants proved to be better, due to their low critical micelle concentrations higher solubilization capability and nontoxic nature; they were also found to have better drug release profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present invention relates, in general, to methods developed of diagnosing and monitoring to binding with Zn-α-2- glycoprotein in order to design rational drugs. Zinc-alpha-2-glycoprotein (ZAG) is a secreted protein that is present in most bodily fluids. It is interesting because of its ability to play many important functions in the human body, including fertilization and lipid mobilization. After the discovery of this molecule, during the last 5 decades, various studies have been documented on its structure and functions but still it is considered as a protein with an unknown function. Its expression is regulated by glucocorticoids. Due to its high sequence homology with lipid-mobilizing factor and high expression in cancer cachexia, it is considered as a novel adipokine. On the other hand, its X-ray crystal structure and folding structure is similar to MHC class I antigen-presenting molecule; hence ZAG may have a role in the expression of the immune response and providing defined binding-altered mutants for cellular signaling studies and potential medical application. Spectrofluorimetry and MALDI-TOF Mass Spectroscopy showed that ZAG binds DAUDA with Kdin the micro molar range. This study will examine removal of histidine residue from recombinant ZAG protein by enzymes through Spectrofluorimetry and MALDI-TOF Mass Spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to get long time stability in Water-in- Soybean oil emulsion the impact of selfstructuring lipid, polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) has been investigated. The rheological and microstructural techniques were employed to characterize the stability and flow behavior of the material. Emulsions were prepared from 10- 40 wt.% water having 2-8 wt. % Polyglycerol polyricinoleate in phosphate buffer (pH 7, NaCl 100mM). It has been observed that an increase in water contents led to decrease in stability of emulsion while the impact of Polyglycerol polyricinoleate was other way round. The shear viscosity of the system was increased with the increase in water as well as polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) contents. The stated observations were also in accord with the optical micrographs and were helpful to explain the stability as well as the rheological results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solvent dependent miscibility, morphology, thermal, and mechanical behavior of polystyrene (PS) + poly (styrene-co-acrylonitrile) (PSAN) blend films cast from dimethyl form amide (DMF), and chloroform (CHCl 3 ) solvents, were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and tensile testing techniques. Morphological analyzes revealed better interfacial adhesion between the blend components in DMF than CHCl 3 . Almost no signs of miscibility were detected in PS/PSAN blends irrespective of the type of casting-solvent by FTIR probably due to very weak intermolecular interactions. All the blend films, irrespective of the type of solvent, showed two glass transition temperatures that were composition-dependent in the case of PS + PSAN from DMF. However, in the case of PS/PSAN/chloroform blend system, almost all the blend compositions retained the T g values of their components. The T g results suggested partial miscibility of the components in the DMF and almost immiscibility in the CHCl 3 . Thermal degradation behavior also verified DSC results as PS/PSAN/DMF blend film having composition, 25/75 indicated greater thermal stability than the neat polymers, and other blend compositions. However, in the case of PS + PSAN from chloroform, all the blend compositions were thermally less stable as compared to the neat polymers. Mechanical properties also corroborated SEM, DSC, and TGA results for both the blend systems thereby confirming partial miscibility of PS + PSAN from DMF, and immiscibility of PS + PSAN from chloroform blend systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of solvent and temperature on the miscibility of polystyrene (PS) and poly (styrene-co-acrylonitrile) (PSAN) was examined by the dilute-solution viscometry (DSV) method. The extent of miscibility of different PS/PSAN blend compositions (30/70, 50/50, and 70/30) in chloroform (CHCl3) and N, N- dimethyl formamide (DMF) was discussed in terms of the signs of various viscosity (ΔB, μ, Δ[η], α, and β) parameters. Based on the sign convention of these interaction parameters, partial miscibility in DMF and almost immiscibility in CHCl3was indicated for the examined blend. The data obtained from the DSV method were then correlated with the ones obtained through density and refractive index measurements; good agreement was obtained. The study also revealed a relatively greater influence of temperature and composition on the miscibility of the blend in DMF than in CHCl3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to investigate the stability of W/O emulsions with respect to coalescence time. The various concentrations of water were dispersed in oil phase (soybean oil). The compositions of organic and aqueous phases were varied by adding emulsifier (Monoglyceride), sodium chloride and thickening agent (mango's pulp). The technique employed for the mixing of two phases was homogenization. The Emulsion Stability Index (ESI), Viscosity changes, separation of organic and aqueous phases as a function of storage time have been studied. It has been found that monoglyceride increases the stability and decreases the emulsion stability index (ESI) and also decreases the viscosity changes with storage time while electrolytes and mango's pulp encourage the coalescence process and enhance the instability of the system. On the other hand the system that contained all the organic and aqueous ingredients showed high stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mango fruits being climacteric have a short shelf life, and coating is considered as one of the most popular techniques to prolong its shelf life. Coatings based on starch, olive oil, beeswax and sodium benzoate have been evaluated with reference to the shelf life and quality of mango ( Langra and Samar Bahisht Chaunsa) fruit harvested at hard green stage of maturity. The fruit was stored at various temperatures until they ripen. The fruit analyzed for quality parameters at the harvest stage, at the time of ripening of control and at the ripened stage indicated that every coating has a significant impact on the quality and shelf life of the fruit in most of the cases under the limit of P < 0.05. The weight loss and waste percent were the lowest, and the shelf life was the longest in beeswax coating, whereas the quality was best in the case of starch-based coating as compared with others. Practical Applications Mango ( Mangifera indica L.) fruit being a climacteric has a short shelf life. Due to this reason, a significant percentage of this fruit is wasted. The following steps have been taken to prolong the shelf life and reduce the wastage. Two varieties of mango fruit, namely Langra and Samar Bahisht Chaunsa, were harvested at hard green stage of maturity. The samples were coated with starch-, olive oil-, beeswax- and sodium benzoate-based coatings. Based on the results obtained for weight loss, waste percent, organoleptic and chemical characteristics, it was concluded that the impact of coating as well as storage temperature on the quality and shelf life of the fruit was significantly different in most of the cases. It was also noted that the shelf life was the longest, and weight loss and waste percentage were the lowest in the case of fruit coated with beeswax, whereas the starch-coated fruit was best in quality as compared with others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The objective of this work was to prepare novel microstructures and textures by controlled osmotic swelling and gelation of multiple (W1/O/W2) emulsions. Initially, multiple emulsions were prepared: internal aqueous phase (W1) containing 20wt.% whey protein isolate (WPI) in buffer solution (pH7, 250mM NaCl); oil phase (O) containing 6wt.% polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) in soybean oil; and external aqueous phase (W2) containing 250mM NaCl and 1wt.% Tween 80. These W1/O/W2 emulsions were then subjected to different degrees of dilution (1:0 to 1:5 with salt-free buffer) and thermal treatment (30 to 90°C) to induce swelling and/or gelation of the internal aqueous phase. W1/O/W2 emulsions had appreciably higher viscosities than O/W emulsions with similar fat contents, which was attributed to the increase in effective particle volume associated with the water droplets trapped inside the fat droplets. Heat treatment increased the apparent shear viscosity of the emulsions, which was attributed to thermal denaturation and aggregation of the globular proteins altering the structure and interactions in the system. The strategies used to alter the microstructure and rheology of the multiple emulsions utilized in this study may be useful for the production of foods with novel textures or reduced-fat products. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

ABSTRACT Langra and Samar Bahisht Chaunsa varieties of mango fruit were harvested at hard green stage of maturity. The samples were coated with coconut oil, natural ghee (clarified butter) and potassium metabisulphite; and stored at 20, 30 and 40C till their ripening. The fruit was analyzed for various physical and chemical characteristics at the harvest as well as at the ripened stage. In addition, ethylene production rate, weight loss and waste percent were measured. The obtained results indicated that every coating has significantly different impact over the quality and shelf life of the fruit under the limit of P ≤ 0.05. The ripening rate, weight loss and waste percentage were low, whereas the shelf life was longer and the quality was better for a particular storage temperature in case of natural ghee coating as compared with others, concluding that this novel coating was better than all we applied. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Mango fruit ( Mangifera indica L.) is one of the most popular fruits all over the world as it has attractive color, delicious taste and excellent nutritional properties. However, mangoes are climacteric and ripe rapidly after it is harvested that limits its storage, handling and transport potential. Therefore, we have coated the fruit with three different materials to prolong the shelf life while keeping the quality of the fruit high. Therefore, our research work has lot of potential in food and fruit industry and can be exploited by farmers, industrialists and exporters of mango fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Mango fruit has high nutritional values, nice flavor, taste, etc. and hence is known as king of fruits. However, it faces number of challenges such as attack of microorganisms, having short shelf life, mismanagement during transportation and storage. Therefore, two varieties of Pakistani mango fruits namely, Langra and Sammar Bahisht Chaunsa, were harvested and endeavored to prolong the shelf life while keeping the quality up to the requirement. For the purpose, the mango fruit was harvested at hard green stage of maturity; it was cleaned and subjected to analysis for different parameters. The rest of the fruit was kept in water and/or in air, maintained at 15°C, for different time periods and stored at 30°C till ripening. The fruit was analyzed for different parameters at the time when the control was ripened and at the ripening stage of each sample. The results obtained were correlated with/the heat removed during the pre-storage treatment and was observed that the impact of these treatments upon the quality and shelf life of the fruit was significantly under the limit P ≤0.05. It was also observed that the heat removed as per treatment T2 enhanced the quality of the fruit and prolonged the shelf life more than others. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Methanolic extract of Euphorbia cornigera shoots was separated using HPLC, affording compounds 1-4. Their structures and relative stereochemistry were established after obtaining their spectroscopic (IR, 1H, 13C NMR COSY-45°, HOHAHA, HSQC, HMBC, NOESY, and mass measurement) data. On the basis of these data, the compounds were characterized as 3-O-(2,3-dimethylbutanoyl)-13-O-dodecanoyl-20-O-tetradecanoylingenol (1), 3-O-decanoyl-20-O-hexanoylingenol (2), 3-O-(2,3-dimethylbutanoyl)-13-O-dodecanoyl-20-O-hexadecanoylingenol (3), and 13-O-dodecanoyl-20-O-hexanoylingenol (4); among these compounds, two (1 and 2) were new metabolites while the rest (3 and 4) were known. The MTT cytotoxicity assay was carried out using amrubicin hydrochloride as a positive control. Compound 1 displayed IC50 as 5.0 and 2.9 μM against RAW and HT-29 cell lines, respectively, which is 5- and 1.5-folds stronger than the control with IC50 values of 25 and 4.36 μM, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ten (1-10) irritant and mild co-carcinogenic diterpene esters were isolated from the latex of Euphorbia cauducifolia L. using bioassay-guided countercurrent distribution and other chromatographic techniques. The isolated compounds were characterized on the basis of spectroscopic results and mass measurements. As an outcome, the ingenane-type esters were established with the following structures: 3-O-angeloyl-17-O-palmatoylingenol (1), 3-O-palmatoyl-5-O-angeloylingenol (2), 5-O-angeloyl-17-O-palmatoylingenol (3), 3-O-angeloyl-5-O-palmatoylingenol (4), 17-O-(2Z,4E,6Z)-2,4,6-tetradecatrienoyl-20-O-palmatoylingenol (5), 5-O-angeloyl-17-O-benzoylingenol (6), 5-O-angeloyl-17,20-diacetoxyingenol (7), 3-O-angeloyl-17-O-benzoyl-20-acetoxyingenol (8), 3-acetoxy-5-O-angeloyl-17-O-benzoylingenol (9), and 5-O-angeloyl-3,17,20-triacetoxyingenol (10). Their biological screening revealed that they are moderate irritants, and low to moderate tumor promoters compared to TPA, but hardly showed any solitary carcinogenic activity. The isolated esters represent new compounds and were not reported before from any source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Euphorbia cornigera Boiss. (Euphorbiaceae) roots extracted in various organic solvents were tested against Biomphalaria glabrata snails as molluscicide using Bayluscide as a control. Among these, acetone extract was found to be the most active (LC50 =17.5μgL−1) as compared to Bayluscide. The application of HPLC fractionation yielded ten (1–10) N-(2-aminobenzoyl)anthraniloy esters. Structure and the relative configuration of all the compounds were established through spectroscopic (UV, IR 1H, 13C NMR, 2-D NMR, HSQC, HMQC, HMBC, COSY-45°, TOCSY, HOHAHA, HOESY, ROESY, NOESY, SECSY, NOE and mass measurements) techniques. On these basis the esters are named as: 3-O-[N-(2-aminobenzoyl)]-5-O-acetyl-20-O-angelylingenol (1), 3-O-[N-(2-aminobenzoyl)]anthraniloyl-5-O-angelyl-20-O-acetylingenol (2), 3-O-acetyl-5-O-[N-(2-aminobenzoyl)]anthraniloyl-20-O-angelylingenol (3), 3-O-acetyl-5-O-angelyl-20-O-[N-(2-aminobenzoyl)]anthraniloylingenol (4), 3-O-angelyl-5-O-acetyl-20-O-[N-(2-aminobenzoyl)]-anthraniloylingenol (5), 3-O-angelyl-5-O-[N-(2-aminobenzoyl)]anthraniloyl-20-O-acetylingenol (6), 3,20-O-diacetyl-5-O-[N-(2-aminobenzoyl)]anthraniloylingenol (7), 5,20-O-diacetyl-3-O-[N-(2-aminobenzoyl)]anthraniloylingenol (8), 3-O-[N-(2-aminobenzoyl)]anthraniloyl-20-O-acetylingenol (9) and 20-O-[N-(2-aminobenzoyl)]anthraniloyl-3-O-acetylingenol (10). The literature reveals that compounds 1–8 are new from plant kingdom, whereas 9 and 10 are known but not reported from this source earlier. Their molluscicidal activity (in terms of LC50) showed that all the compounds were 1.3–2.2 times more toxic than Bayluscide except 5 and 6. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Five novel organotin(IV) derivatives have been synthesized by refluxing trimethyl, triethyl, tributyl, and triphenyl and tribenzyltin chloride with Schiff base derived from salicylaldehyde and adenine. These compounds were characterized by spectroscopic (IR, 1H, 13C, 119Sn-NMR, 119mSn Mössbauer) techniques and elemental analysis. Based on these results, trigonal bipyramidal geometry is suggested. The synthesized compounds were also treated with various microorganisms and found to be active. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nine (1–8 and 10) new and two (9 and 11) known compounds have been isolated from roots of Euphorbia cornigera Boiss. Their structure and relative stereochemistry were acquired through NMR (1H, 13C, COSY-45, HOHAHA, HMQC, HMBC, NOE and HMBC) spectroscopic measurements. Compounds 1–10 were identified as diesters of 13,20-O-diacyl and 11 as 13-O-acetyl of 12-deoxyphorbol. Cytotoxic activity of the compounds was investigated on human KB cells by reduction of MTT. Compounds 8–10 displayed IC50 of 0.8, 0.5, and 1.0μgmL−1, respectively, whereas the activity of rest of the compounds (1–7) was either very low or (11) zero even up to 1000μgmL−1. The inhibition of DNA synthesis through Trypan blue exclusion and Brd-U assay was investigation to figure out the role of compounds 8–10 and concluded that these were responsible for the death of KB cells. Significant correlation has been found between the cytotoxicity and DNA cross-link and DNA strand-break formation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The refractive index increment, dynamic and static laser light scattering, intrinsic viscosity [η] and Huggins constant (KH) of nylon 12 have been measured in m-cresol and sulphuric acid/water system at 10–60°C. The intrinsic viscosity, RH, Rg, A2, and (< S >2)1/2 (calculated from viscosity data) and "a" values of nylon 12 are found to be higher in m-cresol than in sulphuric acid. All these parameters decrease with the increase in water contents in sulphuric acid. The refractive index increment, KH and activation energy show an opposite trend to that of [η]. The intrinsic viscosity, RH, Rg, A2, and (< S >2)1/2 have maximum values around 30–40°C in sulphuric acid/water system, whereas in m-cresol they fall at about 20°C. It has been concluded that the variation in size, interaction parameter (second virial coefficient), [η] and KH of the polymer solutions with the alteration in solvent composition and temperature are the out come of change in thermodynamic quality of solvents, selective adsorption, hydrogen bonding and conformational transitions. It has also been concluded that the increase in temperature first enhances the quality of the solvent, encourages hydrogen bonding and specific adsorption, and then deteriorates, bringing conformational transitions in the polymer molecules. However, the addition of water to sulphuric acid continuously deteriorates the solvent quality. This characteristic of the solvent system brings conformational changes in the polymer especially at low temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The interaction among the reacting species in the NO–CO reaction on a metal catalytic surface that proceeds according to the Langmuir–Hinshelwood thermal mechanism is studied by means of Monte Carlo simulations. The study of this system is essential for the understanding of the influence of impurities on the catalytic oxidation of NO by CO. It is found that this complex system exhibits irreversible phase transitions between active states with sustained reaction and poisoned states without reaction. The same system has also been investigated by non-thermal (Eley-Rideal) mechanism. Both the phase diagrams of the surface coverage and the steady state production of CO2 and N2 are evaluated as a function of the partial pressures of the reactants in the gas phase. From this study, it is observed that with the increase of impurities, the production rate reduces and the reaction stops at a certain point. Moreover, the first order transition in the phase diagram converts into second order phase transition that is in accordance with the experimental findings. Therefore, the first order phase transition, which is a characteristic of such catalytic reactions, is eliminated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Six novel triorganotin(IV) 2-maleimidopropanoato complexes: R3SnOCOCH3(CH)(COCH)2, (R: Me(1), Et(2), n-Pr(3), n-Bu(4), Ph(5), Bz(6) have been synthesized. Their solid-state configuration has been determined by FT IR and 119mSn Mössbauer spectroscopy. The tin(IV) atom is five-coordinated in all the complexes with 2-maleimidopropanoic acid behaving as a monoanionic bidentate ligand coordinating the tin(IV) atom through a chelating or bridging carboxylate group. The solution-state configuration has been elucidated by means of 1H-, 13C- and 119Sn-NMR spectroscopy which assigned a tetrahedron. Elemental analysis and FAB MS data also supported a 1:1 metal to ligand stoichiometry. The title complexes have been screened in vitro for anti-tumour, anti-fungal, anti-leishmanial and urease inhibition activities and displayed promising results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The synthesis and characterization of new coordination compounds of some organotin(IV) chlorides with monomethyl phthalate is reported; the ligand molecules appear to be bound to the tin atom through carbonyl oxygen atoms. Their structures have been characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductance, and bonding in these complexes is discussed in terms of their IR, 1H, 13C, 119Sn NMR and 119mSn Mössbauer spectral studies. The spectroscopic results obtained are in full agreement with the proposed 2:1 stoichiometry. The complexes soluble in DMSO have been screened against a wide spectrum of bacteria and the results obtained are quite promising. The LD50 values have also been determined in the albino rats. Some of the complexes also exhibit high anti-inflammatory activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The intrinsic viscosity [η], Huggins constant (KH), [η]0, α3 and flow activation energy values of nylon 6 have been measured in water/m-cresol (0/100–20/80) systems at different temperatures (20–60°C). It has been found that the intrinsic viscosity, [η]0 and α3 increase with the increase in water contents in m-cresol up to 15% and then decrease. They increase with the increase in temperature irrespective of solvent composition. It has been noted that the percent increase of α3 is the highest at 60°C and the lowest at 20°C for a particular solvent system. The intrinsic viscosity data obey Arrhenius equation over the considered conditions. The activation energy and the KH values decrease very sharply with the addition of water, giving a minimum value at 15% of water and then increase slowly. The variation of all the parameters has been explained in terms of variation in thermodynamic quality of solvent with the addition of water to m-cresol and change in temperature, resulting in the change of conformational and orientational properties of polymer molecules. This change of solvent quality also results in variation of selective sorption of solvent over the polymer, such as hydrogen bonding, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Multinuclear NMR (1H, 13C and 119Sn), FT-IR, 119mSn Mössbauer spectroscopy, elemental analysis and MS have been carried out for five newly synthesized triorganotin(IV) esters of N-maleoyl-protected tranexamic acid. As per spectroscopic outcome these are five-coordinate polymers with bridging carboxylate group in the solid state, while five-coordinated in trigonal bipyramidal geometry in solution form. Elemental analysis and MS data confirmed the 1:1 ligand to metal ratio and spectroscopic data. These complexes were tested in vitro against various human tumoural cell lines, in vivo in mice and found to be active. Further complexes 4 and 5 showed higher toxicity as compared to complexes 1–3 and the ligand. The nature (alkyl/phenyl/aryl) and size of covalently attached R′ groups of Sn(IV) atom and partition coefficients played a key role in the toxicities of the reported complexes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of this investigation was to develop a basic understanding of the emulsification process by considering simple systems such as n-hexane, n-heptane, n-decane, and kerosene oil in water. The technique employed for the purpose was ultrasonification. The effect of ultrasonification time, chain length, viscosity, surface tension, oil content, and ionic strength of the media on the quality of emulsion has been studied. The emulsions were viewed through microscope to measure the number, size, and size distribution of droplets. Quantification of turbidity and viscosity was also used to characterize the emulsions. It has been found that the number and size of the droplets vary with the time of ultrasonification, contents of oils, molecular mass of the oils, and ionic strength of the media, and hence the quality of the emulsion is influenced by these parameters. The droplet size decreases, whereas the number of drops increases with the time of emulsification, approaching an optimum distribution at about 15 min of ultrasonification. Further, the increase in the molecular mass of the oil increases the size of the droplets and hence decreases the stability of the emulsion. The addition of electrolytes encourages coalescence and enhances the instability in the system. The results are in accord with the equations proposed by us. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Four new compounds of organic mono carboxylic acid, 3-maleimidopropionic acid; with Bu2Sn(IV)2+, Ph3Sn(IV)+ and Cychex3Sn(IV)+ having ligand to metal ratio 1:2 and 1:1 were prepared. The spectrophotometric techniques used for structure determination like 1H-, 13C- and 119Sn-NMR, FT IR and 119mSn Mössbauer have demonstrated that the organotin(IV) moieties establish chemical bonding with the ligand through carboxylic oxygen atom. The percent CHN analyses and MS data also corroborates the spectroscopic results. During in vitro LD50, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-yeast bioassays promising results were exhibited. In vitro anti-tumour activity assays against five human tumor cell lines, MCF-7 Breast cancer-EVSA-T Breast cancer-WiDr Colon cancer-IGROV Ovarian cancer-M226 Non small cell lung cancer and anti-inflammatory screenings furnished the significant toxicities of the title complexes. In addition the triorganotin(IV) complexes were comparatively less toxic than the diorganotin(IV) complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis and in vitro antifungal activity of some Schiff bases and their Sn (IV) complexes has been tested against plant pathogenic fungi and it is found that they possess excellent fungicidal activity. On the basis of ¹H-, 13C-, 119Sn NMR-, 119Sn Mössbauer, IR and Elemental analysis the tetrahedral geometry is proposed for the synthesized compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To fabricate and use PDLC-based smart windows, electro-optical (EO) properties such as high transparency at low driving voltages, high contrast ratios (CR), and a wide viewing angle are critical. Thus, there is always a need to either develop new materials with excellent performance or to improve the existing ones. Doping materials (other than the LC and polymeric materials) such as dyes and nanomaterials, can also be used to adjust the EO properties. Sudan black B (SBB) dye and newly available LC material were doped in PDLC material in order to address such a scenario. In our investigation, we found that the doping SBB dye at a weight ratio of 1wt%and LC material with 60 wt% into NOA65 prepolymer PDLC resulted in a great performance of PDLC devices e.g. a high CR response (8.8) and high transmittance even at a low deriving voltage (5 Volt). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer blending is one of the advanced technologies to attain polymeric material with tailored properties. In this work, the miscibility of Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and Polystyrene (PS) blend in benzene was investigated by employing various techniques such as FTIR spectroscopy, viscosity measurement technique, light scattering techniques, DSC and TGA techniques over an extended range of concentrations, compositions, and temperatures. The results revealed that there exist hydrogen bonding and hydrodynamic interactions which led these polymers to get miscible to a large extent. The compatibility increased with the increasing PS contents or increase in temperature of the system. In addition, the thermal stability of blends was found to be improved with the increase in the compatibility of the polymer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study shows that controlled aggregation of acidic whey protein microspheres in water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions can be used to create semi-solid lipids. An acidic aqueous phase (10 g/100 g whey protein isolate, 100 mmol/L NaCl, pH 3.5) was homogenized with an oil phase (8 g/100 g polyglycerol polyricinoleate in soybean oil) to form a W/O emulsion. These emulsions were then heated (90 °C, 30 min) to induce thermal denaturation and gelation of the globular proteins in the internal aqueous phase, which promoted irreversible gelation of the overall W/O emulsion. Rheology measurements indicated that the resulting materials had paste-like properties: they were solid-like below a critical yield stress and fluid-like (shear-thinning) above this value. The apparent shear viscosity of the W/O emulsions increased with thermal treatment, aqueous phase content, and decreasing shear rate. W/O emulsion gels containing acidic aqueous phases were considerably weaker than those containing neutral aqueous phases due to the pH dependence of whey protein gelation. Controlled aggregation of whey protein microspheres within W/O emulsions may be a useful means of producing highly viscous or semi-solid lipids with low saturated and trans-fat contents for use in the food and other industries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effect of heteroaggregation of oppositely charged protein microspheres dispersed within a liquid oil phase on the microstructure and rheological properties of water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions was evaluated. The aqueous phase of the initial W/O emulsions contained either 10% β-lactoglobulin or 10% lactoferrin (pH 7, 100mM NaCl). At this pH, β-lactoglobulin (BLG) is negatively charged while lactoferrin (LF) is positively charged. The oil phase consisted of a lipophilic non-ionic surfactant (8% polyglycerol polyricinoleate, PGPR) dispersed within soybean oil. Three 40% W/O emulsions were formed containing different types of protein microspheres: (i) BLG: 100% BLG droplets; (ii) LF: 100% LF droplets; and (iii) Mixed: 50% BLG droplets and 50% LF droplets. Prior to heating, the mixed emulsions had a higher shear viscosity, yield stress, and shear modulus than the BLG or LF emulsions, which suggested that electrostatic attraction led to the formation of a three-dimensional network of aggregated droplets. All three W/O emulsions underwent an irreversible fluid-to-solid transition when they were heated above ≈70°C. This phenomenon was attributed to thermal denaturation of the globular BLG and LF molecules within the aqueous phase promoting aggregation and network formation of the protein microspheres. After heating, the mixed emulsions had a higher shear viscosity, yield stress and shear modulus than the BLG or LF emulsions, suggesting that a stronger droplet network was formed due to electrostatic attraction. Shear rheology measurements of the W/O emulsions showed that the lipid phases formed after heating were non-ideal plastics characterized by a yield stress and shear thinning behavior. These results may facilitate the design of semi-solid or solid foods with reduced saturated- or trans-fat contents suitable for use in commercial products. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Controlled aggregation of protein microspheres in water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions was used to form semi-solid lipid materials. The aqueous phase consisted of 10wt% whey protein isolate (WPI) in buffer solution (pH 7.0, 100mM NaCl). The oil phase consisted of a lipophilic nonionic surfactant (8 wt % polyglycerol polyricinoleate, PGPR) dispersed in a liquid oil (soybean oil). Lipid phases containing protein microspheres were formed by homogenization of the oil and aqueous phases to form a W/O emulsion followed by heating (90°C for 30min) to promote gelation of the WPI in the aqueous phase. Temperature-scanning dynamic shear measurements showed that the W/O emulsions underwent an irreversible liquid-to-solid transition when heated above the thermal denaturation temperature of WPI, which was attributed to protein gelation and microsphere aggregation. Optical microscopy indicated that a three-dimensional network of aggregated protein microspheres was formed at high aqueous phase contents (>30 wt %). Shear rheology measurements (shear stress versus shear rate) indicated that these structured emulsions were non-ideal plastic-like materials. The apparent shear viscosity increased with thermal treatment, increasing aqueous phase content, and decreasing shear rate. The structured W/O emulsions developed in this study may be useful materials for the development of foods with highly viscous or gel-like lipid phases, but low saturated or trans-fat contents. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effectiveness of sodium chloride and acetic acid for initiation/acceleration of the ripening of Dhakki dates has been investigated. Each treatment was applied individually and/or in combined form at different proportions varying from 0.25% to 3.5% and 0.25% to 2.5% for sodium chloride and acetic acid respectively. Dhakki dates at the Doka stage were immersed in treatment solutions for 5min and then allowed to ripen/cure for 72h in an aerated incubator at 38–40°C. Observing changes in color shade, fruit weight, pulp, texture, total soluble solids, appearance and the extent of ripening assessed the efficiency of the treatment. All of the treatments, whether applied as a single treatment or in combined form, tend to induce ripening by causing changes in the selected quality parameters. Treatments with sodium chloride appeared more effective producing 75% greater ripening than the control and salt at 2% was determined as the optimum for accelerated ripening for quality product. Sodium chloride does not require fruits to attain the Dong (Rutab) stage for ripening initiation; hence the fruits save 2 weeks. Damages caused by monsoon and from insect/bird attacks are likely to be reduced considerably thus increasing the yield of the product. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Zinc-α2-glycoprotein (ZAG) is soluble lipid mobilizing protein and a noval adipokine associated with cancer cachexia. ZAG is an omnipresent protein and represent a fold of MHC class I proteins. Although ZAG's metal binding capacity has already been reported, no other metal has been mapped to date besides the complex formation with zinc. In this study, fluorescence emission spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) were employed to define the putative interaction sites and their accessibility for the biologically important metals of Irving William Series. Several hotspot residues in the ZAG scaffold involved in these interactions were mapped and their binding affinity score for each metal has been determined. Thebinding abilities of these sites and aggregation propensities of ZAG were monitored by fluorescence emission spectroscopy. The prediction of such binding affinity with metals on the active sites and its impact on the conformational states to accelerate aggregation was discussed as an important finding that may be involved in several other biochemical processes such as lipid binding, β-adrenergic receptors, cancer cachexia and association with plasma cholesterol and obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The metal/metal oxide and halide nanocomposites are emerging and effective photo/electrocatalyst to replace very expensive materials. These are remarkably preferred for efficient hydrogen production in energy conversion and storage technologies. Regardless of recent progress, their activity and durability are still far from adequate, due to less visible light effectiveness, wide band gape and high overpotential and low current density. Herein we successfully applied a novel visible light accessible photo/electrocatalyst, silver-silver bromide doped hollow mesoporous silica-titania (Ag-AgBr/HMST) for overall water splitting. The results of the physicochemical characterization indicates that the nanocomposite has exceptional morphology, high surface area, and uniformly distributed particles. These features exhibits the illustrious visible light induced photo/electrocatalytic behavior for overall water splitting. The hollow silica-titania provides incredible quality conducting channel, to get better mass loading and boost the charge transportation. While well-built connection of Ag, AgBr with titania, provides well active sites that accomplish obvious photo/electrocatalytic performance with OER current density of 10 mAcm−2 at 280 mV and HER current density of 65 mAcm−2 at −173 mV. This is almost equal to RuO 2 and Pt/C that are very expensive catalyst for water oxidation. Therefore, the present work establishes the first example of hollow mesoporous photo/electrocatalyst for OER and HER water splitting. The outstanding durability prop up the use of mesoporous material for renewable energy application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The metal/metal oxide and halide nanocomposites are emerging and effective photo/electrocatalyst to replace very expensive materials. These are remarkably preferred for efficient hydrogen production in energy conversion and storage technologies. Regardless of recent progress, their activity and durability are still far from adequate, due to less visible light effectiveness, wide band gape and high overpotential and low current density. Herein we successfully coupled a novel visible light accessible photo/electrocatalyst, silver-silver bromide doped hollow mesoporous silica-titania (Ag-AgBr/HMST). The syntheses of these composites were carried out using a facile one-pot micro-emulsification method at controlled calcination temperature. The results of the physicochemical characterization indicates that the composite obtained at optimal calcination temperature (550 °C), has exceptional morphology, high surface area, and uniformly distributed particles. These features exhibits the illustrious visible light induced photo/electrocatalytic behavior for overall water splitting. The hollow silica-titania provides incredible quality conducting channel, to get better mass loading and boost the charge transportation. While well-built connection of Ag, AgBr with titania, provides well active sites that accomplish obvious photo/electrocatalytic performance with OER current density of 10 mAcm −2 at 280 mV and HER current density of 65 mAcm −2 at −173 mV. This is almost equal to RuO 2 and Pt/C that are very expensive catalyst for water oxidation. Therefore, the present work establishes the first example of hollow mesoporous photo/electrocatalyst for OER and HER water splitting. The outstanding durability prop up the use of mesoporous material for renewable energy application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study describes diethyl cadmium mediated preparation of sixteen (3a-3p) new di- and tri-substitutedbenzyl gamma-ketohexanoates from corresponding sixteen (2a-2p) di- and trisubstitutedbenzyl 4-chloro-4-ketobutanoates. Their formation was proved through structural characterization by modern spectroscopic techniques. The prepared gamma keto esters were subjected to brine shrimp lethality test for cytotoxic activity and all of the gamma keto esters displayed cytotoxic activity. Trichlorobenzyl 4-ketohexanoate (3n) and tribromobenzyl 4- ketohexanoate (3o) displayed highest cytotoxic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel series of diorganotin(IV) complexes of the type R 2 SnL 2 (R = Me, Et, Bu, Ph Bz and L = 2-phenylmonomethylglutarate) has been reported herein. The synthesized compounds has been characterized by elemental analysis and their solid state configuration has been determined by various spectroscopic (IR, 1 H, 13 C, 119 Sn NMR, 119m Sn Mössbauer) techniques. The results obtained are in full agreement with the proposed 2:1 stoichiometry. The title complexes have been screened against various Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria and human cell line KB, the results obtained showed that the diphenyltin(IV) complex exhibited excellent activity against all types of bacteria, while diethyltin(IV) complex was found to have promising antitumor activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]