Molecular precursor mediated selective synthesis of phase pure cubic InSe and hexagonal In2Se3 nanostructures: new anode materials for Li-ion batteries.

Indium selenides (InSe and In2Se3) have earned a special place among the 2D layered metal chalcogenides owing to their nontoxic nature and favourable carrier mobility. Additionally, they are also being projected as next generation battery anodes with high theoretical lithium-ion storage capacities. While the development of indium selenide-based batteries is still in its embryonic stage, a simple and easily scalable synthetic pathway to access these materials is highly desirable for energy storage applications. This study reports a controlled synthetic route to nanometric cubic InSe and hexagonal In2Se3 materials through proper choice of coordinating solvents from a structurally characterized air and moisture stable single source molecular precursor: tris(4,6-dimethyl-2-pyrimidylselenolato)indium(III). The crystal structure, phase purity, composition, morphology and band gap of the nanomaterials were thoroughly evaluated by pXRD, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), respectively. The pristine InSe and In2Se3 nanostructures have been employed as anode materials in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Both the cells deliver reasonably high initial discharge capacities with a cyclability of 200 and 620 cycles for cubic InSe and hexagonal In2Se3 respectively with ∼100% coulombic efficiency.

Molecular precursor-mediated facile synthesis of phase pure metal-rich digenite (Cu1.8S) nanocrystals: an efficient anode for lithium-ion batteries.

Copper sulfides have gained significant attention as alternative electrodes for rechargeable batteries. A simple and easily scalable synthetic pathway to access these materials is highly desirable. This paper describes the facile synthesis of metal-rich digenite Cu1.8S nanocrystals from a structurally characterized new single-source molecular precursor in various high boiling solvents of varied polarity. The as-prepared nanostructures were thoroughly characterized by PXRD, Raman spectroscopy, EDS, XPS, electron microscopy techniques and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy to understand the crystal structure, phase purity, elemental composition, morphology and band gap. It was found that the reaction solvent has a profound role on their crystallite size, morphology and band gap, however the crystal structure and phase purity remained unaffected. Pristine Cu1.8S nanostructures have been employed as an anode material in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The cell delivers a high initial charge capacity of ∼462 mA h g-1 and retains a capacity of 240 mA h g-1 even after 300 cycles at 0.1 A g-1. DFT calculations revealed that multi-size polyhedron layers in the direction perpendicular to the two Li movement channels aid in the sustainable uptake of Li atoms with controlled volume expansion. The structure-mediated flexibility of the metal-rich Cu1.8S lattice during lithiation permits high cyclability with reasonable retention of capacity.

Mixed infection of a new begomovirus, Jatropha leaf curl Guntur virus and recombinant/chimeric jatropha leaf curl Gujarat virus in Jatropha gossypiifolia.

The Jatropha gossypiifolia plant showing the severe leaf curl symptoms grown in the borders of chilli fields in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India was collected. The infection of begomovirus was detected using the degenerate primers followed by rolling circle amplification (RCA). The RCA products digested with KpnI and EcoRI showing the unit length of the begomovirus genome were cloned in pUC19 and sequenced to obtain the complete begomoviral genome. The sequence information of DNA-A of the two clones GuWC10 contained 2794 nt (MZ217773) and an incomplete genome GuWC3 with 2337 nt (MZ217772). The BLAST analysis of GuWC3 and GuWC10 sequence showed 85·57% identity with jatropha leaf curl Gujarat virus (JLCGV) and 82·68% identity with croton yellow vein mosaic virus (CroYVMV), respectively. The sequence analysis also showed that the GuWC10 clone had a 177 bp recombinant/chimeric sequence of JLCGV while the other region containing 2611 bp showed 92·63% identity with papaya leaf curl virus (PaLCuV/PK). However, the global alignment of the GuWC10 sequence showed a maximum of 80·60% identity with croton yellow vein virus (CroYVV) (FN645902), CroYVMV (JN817516) and PaLCuV/PK (KY978407). The second clone GuWC3 although shorter in length had recombinant sequences of JLCGV, jatropha leaf curl virus (JLCuV/ND) and okra enation leaf curl virus (OELCuV). The nucleotide sequence identity among the GuWC10 and GuWC3 was 71·9%. The phylogenetic analysis placed both the viral strains in the same clade located between PaLCuV/PK and JLCuV clades. According to the ICTV species demarcation criteria of 91% DNA-A sequence identity, the present isolate was considered as a new species of begomovirus and the name Jatropha leaf curl Guntur virus was proposed. This is the first report of a new begomovirus species infecting J. gossypiifolia and the study also reports a mixed infection of Jatropha leaf curl Guntur virus with a recombinant/chimeric JLCGV in the host J. gossypiifolia. Present study suggests the role of weed Jatropha in harbouring begomoviruses and probable source for viral recombination.

Dimethyltin(IV)-4,6-dimethyl-2-pyridylselenolate: an efficient single source precursor for the preparation of SnSe nanosheets as anode material for lithium ion batteries.

The air stable tin(IV) complex [Me2Sn{2-SeC5H2(Me-4,6)2N}2] has been synthesized, characterized by NMR, elemental analysis, and single crystal XRD, and employed as a single source molecular precursor (SSP) for the facile synthesis of orthorhombic SnSe nanosheets. The crystal structure, phase purity, morphology and band gap of the nanosheets were investigated by pXRD, EDS, electron microscopy and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy techniques, respectively. It was found that the preferential orientation of planes and the morphology of the nanosheets rely upon the reaction conditions. The band gaps of the nanosheets were blue shifted with respect to the bulk band gap of the material. The synthesized SnSe nanosheets have been employed as an anode material in lithium ion batteries (LIBs). The material exhibits an initial specific capacity of 1134 mA h g-1 at a current density of 50 mA g-1 and was found to retain a capacity of 380 mA h g-1 even after 70 cycles with 100% efficiency.

Di-tert-butyltin(IV) 2-pyridyl and 4,6-dimethyl-2-pyrimidyl thiolates: versatile single source precursors for the preparation of SnS nanoplatelets as anode material for lithium ion batteries.

New air and moisture stable di-tert-butyltin complexes derived from 2-mercaptopyridine (HSpy), [tBu2Sn(Spy)2], [tBu2Sn(Cl)(Spy)] and 4,6-dimethyl-2-mercaptopyrimidine (HSpymMe2) [tBu2Sn(Cl)(SpymMe2)], have been prepared and utilized as single-source molecular precursors for the preparation of orthorhombic SnS nanoplatelets by a hot injection method and thin films by aerosol assisted chemical vapour deposition (AACVD). The complexes were characterized by NMR (1H, 13C, 119Sn) and elemental analysis and their structures were unambiguously established by the single crystal X-ray diffraction technique. Thermolysis of these complexes in oleylamine (OAm) produced SnS nanoplatelets. The morphologies, elemental compositions, phase purity and crystal structures of the resulting Oam-capped nanoplatelets were determined by electron microscopy (SEM, TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and pXRD, while the band gaps of the nanoplatelets were evaluated by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and were blue shifted relative to the bulk material. The morphology and preferential growth of the nanoplatelets were found to be significantly altered by the nature of the molecular precursor employed. The synthesized SnS nanoplatelets were evaluated for their performance as anode material for lithium ion batteries (LIBs). A cell comprised of an SnS electrode could be cycled for 50 cycles. The rate capability of SnS was investigated at different current densities in the range 0.1 to 0.7 A g-1 which revealed that the initial capacity could be regained.

Analysis of recently duplicated TYRP1 genes and their effect on the formation of black patches in Oujiang-color common carp (Cyprinus carpio var. color).

Tyrp1 gene, as a member of the tyrosinase family, has undergone a recent duplication event during fourth-round whole genome duplication in common carp. In this research, three Tyrp1 genes were identified in Oujiang-color common carp (Cyprinus carpio var. color). The similar expression patterns and close phylogenetic relationship indicated that Tyrp1c is homologous to Tyrp1b and possibly originated from the ancient Tyrp1b. The rates of synonymous and non-synonymous substitution (Ka /Ks ) in Tyrp1 across teleost phylogeny indicated that Tyrp1a is more likely to be in the process of purifying selection. The CRISPR/Cas9 system was used to disrupt the Tyrp1 genes in zebrafish and the WB (black patches on white skin) strain of Oujiang-color common carp. The Tyrp1 loss of function variants in zebrafish and WB carp showed severe melanin deficiency in the skin. Meanwhile, inactivation of a single Tyrp1 gene did not obstruct melanin synthesis, which proved that the functional redundancy of Tyrp1 genes existed in both zebrafish and Oujiang-color common carp. Among the mosaic individuals with Tyrp1 genes in disrupted-color common carp, various mutations in Tyrp1b gene induced gray or brown phenotypes, suggesting that it may be bifunctional in Oujiang-color common carp. In addition, the phenotype of WB variants was different from that of WW (whole white skin), suggesting that Tyrp1 genes were not the key factor that caused the difference between WB and WW.

Probiotic Pediococcus pentosaceus GS4 shields brush border membrane and alleviates liver toxicity imposed by chronic cadmium exposure in Swiss albino mice.

AIMS: To evaluate the protective efficacy of Pediococcus pentosaceus GS4 in cadmium (Cd)-induced toxicity in Swiss albino mice. METHODS AND RESULTS: The previously reported probiotic P. pentosaceus GS4 interaction with Cd was evaluated experimentally. Swiss albino mice were segregated randomly into three different groups containing nine animals each. The binding ability of P. pentosaceus GS4 and Cd was demonstrated by atomic absorption spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy analysis respectively. Cd challenge was attenuated by the P. pentosaceus GS4 treatment and was evaluated by estimating Cd level in liver and faeces, corresponding biomarkers for toxicity in liver and intestines and histopathological analysis with brush border membrane (BBM) integrity. Results showed that P. pentosaceus GS4 bound Cd effectively. Pediococcus pentosaceus GS4 intervention significantly enhanced faecal evacuation of Cd with an effect of reduced tissue deposition. Histologically, Cd-induced gut was found significantly replenished with lactobacilli in addition to reduced hyperplasia, lowered lymphocytes infiltration and enhancement of BBM-based disaccharidases, proving its role in protecting membrane integrity. CONCLUSIONS: Probiotic P. pentosaceus GS4 efficiently alleviated toxicity from vital organs such as liver and intestine caused by Cd exposure in a murine model. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Intervention of P. pentosaceus GS4 alleviated Cd-induced toxicity, and thus it may be employed therapeutically to protect Cd toxicity.

Preparation of colourless phosphate glass by stabilising higher Fe[II] in microwave heating.

Iron impurity in raw material remains a major challenge in producing colourless glass. In this investigation, we report microwave (MW) heating capable of altering Fe-redox ratio (Fe2+/∑Fe) enabling preparation of colourless phosphate glass. The effect of Sn concentration in retention of Fe[II] in glass melted in MW was compared with conventional glasses. Colourimetric study developing Fe2+-ferrozine colour complex reveals Fe-redox ratio ≥0.49 required to obtain colourless phosphate glass. In microwave heating, addition of 1 wt.% Sn metal powder can impart the desired effect whereas addition of 1.9 wt.% Sn metal powder is required in conventional heating. The correlation equation of Fe-redox ratio with concentration of Sn metal is found to be different in microwave and conventional heating. Thus, exploiting this different redox changes in MW heating optical properties can be tailored. Preservation of higher Fe[II] in MW melted glass is also confirmed by XPS and TGA. 31P MAS NMR spectra suggest that transition from cross linked ultra phosphate to linear polymer metaphosphate network in incorporation of Sn is found different in glass prepared adopting microwave irradiation. 27A1 MAS NMR spectra suggest higher relative content of Al6+ in glass obtained from MW heating. Energy consumption analysis revels 3.4 kWh in MW heating while 14 kWh in conventional glass melting using resistance heating. Further, glass melting in MW can be completed within 2 h unlike ~5 h needed in conventional. MW heating plays a significant role in improving properties to make colourless phosphate glass in addition to significant energy and time saving.

Optimization of lithium content in LiFePO4 for superior electrochemical performance: the role of impurities.

Carbon coated Li x FePO4 samples with systematically varying Li-content (x = 1, 1.02, 1.05, 1.10) have been synthesized via a sol-gel route. The Li : Fe ratios for the as-synthesized samples is found to vary from ∼0.96 : 1 to 1.16 : 1 as determined by the proton induced gamma emission (PIGE) technique (for Li) and ICP-OES (for Fe). According to Mössbauer spectroscopy, sample Li1.05FePO4 has the highest content (i.e., ∼91.5%) of the actual electroactive phase (viz., crystalline LiFePO4), followed by samples Li1.02FePO4, Li1.1FePO4 and LiFePO4; with the remaining content being primarily Fe-containing impurities, including a conducting FeP phase in samples Li1.02FePO4 and Li1.05FePO4. Electrodes based on sample Li1.05FePO4 show the best electrochemical performance in all aspects, retaining ∼150 mA h g-1 after 100 charge/discharge cycles at C/2, followed by sample Li1.02FePO4 (∼140 mA h g-1), LiFePO4 (∼120 mA h g-1) and Li1.10FePO4 (∼115 mA h g-1). Furthermore, the electrodes based on sample Li1.05FePO4 retain ∼107 mA h g-1 even at a high current density of 5C. Impedance spectra indicate that electrodes based on sample Li1.05FePO4 possess the least charge transfer resistance, plausibly having influence from the compositional aspects. This low charge transfer resistance is partially responsible for the superior electrochemical behavior of that specific composition.

Revealing magnetic ordering and spin-phonon coupling in Y1-x Tb x MnO3 (0.1 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.3) compounds.

The structural and magnetic properties of the Y1-x Tb x MnO3 (0.1 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.3) compounds were investigated. Neutron diffraction patterns for all three samples, recorded at room temperature (RT), were fitted to the nuclear structure confirming the paramagnetic nature of the compounds. At 2.8 K, for the x = 0.1 sample magnetic moments of the Tb3+ ionic as well as Mn3+ ionic were ordered. At 5 K for the x = 0.2 sample only the Mn3+ ionic magnetic moments were ordered. There were six sites for Mn atoms. Three on the z = 0 plane and three on the z = 0.5 plane (where z corresponds to +c axis).The Mn3+ionic moments were confined to the a-b plane with a net magnitude of 2.78(3) µ B, and 2.90(3) µ B for the x = 0.1 and the x = 0.2 samples. The Tb3+ionic moments had a magnitude of 1.36(4) µ B at 2.8 K and were aligned antiferromagnetically along the crystallographic c-axis for the x = 0.1 sample. The low moment in comparison with Mn3+ free ions has been attributed to crystalline electric fields similar to that found in the parent compound YMnO3 and also in another rare earth manganite viz HoMnO3. The x = 0.3 sample was found to be a canonical spin glass. To investigate the role of the above spin ordering in Y1-x Tb x MnO3 in governing the phonon dynamics, temperature dependent Raman measurements were carried out. We observed the deviation of the phonon frequency near 685 cm-1 and its line-width from the expected anharmonic behaviour around magnetic ordering temperature for Tb substituted compounds with x = 0.1 and 0.2. This was attributed to the spin-phonon coupling in these systems. The anomalous behaviour of this phonon mode in the canonical spin glass compound with x = 0.3, indicated that the coupling sustained even in the presence of only local magnetic ordering.

Synthesis, Characterization and Exploration of Multiferroic Properties in Nano-Crystalline Tb1-xYxMnO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4).

We report the synthesis and electric properties of nano-crystalline Tb1-xYxMnO3 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4) compounds prepared by gel-combustion method. These samples were characterized by a number of techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, specific-heat measurement, neutron diffraction, and magnetic field dependent pyrocurrent measurement. All the samples crystallize in the orthorhombic structure with space group Pnma at room temperature. Anomalies were observed in low temperature specific-heat measurement corresponding to magnetic and electric phase transitions. The magnetic phase transitions occurred at ~35, ~22-28 and ~7 K for all the samples. Signatures of coupling between magnetic and electric order parameters were revealed by pyrocurrent measurements carried out in presence of magnetic fields.

Effect of grain size and microstructure on radiation stability of CeO2: an extensive study.

To investigate the variation in the radiation stability of ceria with microstructure under the electronic excitation regime, ceria samples sintered under different conditions were irradiated with high energy 100 MeV Ag ions. The ceria nanopowders were synthesized and sintered at 800 °C (S800), 1000 °C (S1000) and 1300 °C (S1300), respectively. The samples with widely varying grain size, densities and microstructure were obtained. The pristine and irradiated samples were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). None of the samples amorphized up to the highest fluence of 1 × 10(14) ions per cm(2) employed in this study. XRD and Raman studies showed that the sample with lowest grain size suffered maximum damage while the sample with largest grain size was most stable and showed little change in crystallinity. Raman spectroscopy indicated the enhanced formation of Ce(3+) and related defects in the sample with larger grain size after irradiation. The most intriguing result was the absence of Ce(3+)-related defects in the sample with lowest grain size which actually showed maximum damage upon irradiation. The XPS studies on S800 and S1300 provided concrete evidence for the presence of Ce(3+) and oxygen ion vacancies in S1300. The grain boundaries and grain size dependent stability have been discussed.

Isolation, culture optimization and physico-chemical characterization of laccase enzyme from Pleurotus fossulatus.

Pleurotus fossulatus (Cooke) Sace is member of oyster mushroom can produced extracellular laccase (benzenediol: oxygen oxidoreductase; EC 1.10.3.2) in submerged fermentation. To analyze the optimum production for laccase P. fossulatus was cultured both in stationary and shaking condition in different media. Partial purification of laccase was done after 0-80% ammonium sulphate precipitation, followed by DEAE (Diethylaminoethyl) Sephadex (A-50) anion exchange chromatography. Potato-sucrose peptone (PSP) medium and Potato-dextrose (PD) medium showed highest laccase production in shaking and stationary conditions, respectively. Though the time required for optimum laccase production in stationary condition was much more than the shaking condition but the amount of laccase was about 2.75t greater in former condition. The laccase produced in stationary condition was more stable than the enzyme produced in shaking condition. The partially purified enzyme showed highest affinity towards o-dianisidine than guaiacol and ABTS (2,2'-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) as evidenced by their K(m). The physico-chemical properties of the laccase suggested the significance of this enzyme in industrial applications.

Improved magnetic and ferroelectric properties of Sc and Ti codoped multiferroic nano BiFeO3 prepared via sonochemical synthesis.

The room temperature multiferroic properties of bulk BiFeO3 are not exciting enough for its application in devices. Here, we report the sonochemical synthesis of scandium and titanium codoped BiFeO3 nanoparticles which exhibit improved magnetic and ferroelectric properties at room temperature. The nanoparticles have been checked for phase purity and composition using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The size and morphology of the nanoparticles have been confirmed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and both low and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM/HRTEM). The breaking of the spin cycloid due to the smaller size and slight structural distortion caused by the doping has been found to be instrumental for the enhancement of multiferroic properties. The electrical polarization increases significantly in the case of BiFe(0.925)Sc(0.05)Ti(0.025)O3 nanoparticles. A marked reduction in the leakage current was seen compared to undoped BiFeO3. Magnetoelectric coupling was also observed in the BiFe(0.925)Sc(0.05)Ti(0.025)O3 sample. Our results demonstrate that codoping with Sc and Ti ions is an effective way to rectify and enhance the multiferroic nature of BiFeO3.

Expression of symptoms, viral coat protein and silencing suppressor gene during mixed infection of a N-Wi strain of potato virus Y and an asymptomatic strain of potato virus X.

Potato virus Y (PVY) and potato virus X (PVX), the RNA viruses of two different genera results into synergistic interactions on mixed infection. In this study, a N-Wi strain of PVY and a PVX strain that is asymptomatic on potato were used to study their interactions during mixed infection in Nicotiana benthamiana and Nicotiana tabacum with reference to symptom expression, level of coat protein (CP) using ELISA and suppressor gene using real time PCR under high temperature (26-40 °C) and low temperature (5-25 °C) conditions. Both mixed and single infection caused severe necrosis and death of N. benthamiana plants. Single infection of these viruses in N. tabacum showed mild symptoms but mixed infection caused more severe symptoms. Synergistic symptoms were more pronounced under low temperature conditions than at high temperature. In low temperature conditions, the CP level of PVX in N. benthamiana was twofold higher than PVY and both the viruses reached at peak at 28 dpi in single virus infection. When PVY and PVX inoculated together, the CP levels of both the viruses increased and reached to the peak earlier (within 7-14 days) than that in the single virus inoculation. Although, the CP level of PVX was higher than PVY in mixed infection, at later stage (28 dpi) both the CP level declined to the similar level. The level of p25 suppressor gene was higher than HC-Pro in single inoculation. However, under mixed inoculation of PVY and PVX, expression of p25 was declined to the level of HC-Pro when the CP levels of both the virus also were observed to decline. The expression pattern of CP and suppressor gene was different in plants when mixed infection was created by inoculation of one virus followed by the other. This study showed the level of CP and suppressor gene of specific strain of PVY and PVX during their mixed infection in tobacco.

Statistical mechanics of DNA rupture: theory and simulations.

We study the effects of the shear force on the rupture mechanism on a double stranded DNA. Motivated by recent experiments, we perform the atomistic simulations with explicit solvent to obtain the distributions of extension in hydrogen and covalent bonds below the rupture force. We obtain a significant difference between the atomistic simulations and the existing results in the literature based on the coarse-grained models (theory and simulations). We discuss the possible reasons and improve the coarse-grained model by incorporating the consequences of semi-microscopic details of the nucleotides in its description. The distributions obtained by the modified model (simulations and theoretical) are qualitatively similar to the one obtained using atomistic simulations.

Addison's disease presenting with muscle spasm.

Primary hypoadrenalism has various causes and protean manifestation. We report a young female patient who presented with severe muscle spasm as her primary complaint. On evaluation she was found to be a case of Addison's disease secondary to adrenal tuberculosis. Her muscle spasm disappeared rapidly with replacement dose of glucocorticoid.

Genetic Diversity Based on Coat Protein of Papaya ringspot virus (Pathotype P) Isolates from Bangladesh.

The coat protein (CP) sequences of twelve Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) (pathotype-P) isolates from six major papaya growing areas were determined and compared with those of published PRSV. The CP coding region varied in size from 846-852 nucleotides, encoding a protein of 282-284 amino acids. Comparative CP sequence analysis revealed that the PRSV-P isolates originating from Bangladesh were divergent up to 14 % at amino acids level. Further, the isolates from Bangladesh shared 86-95 % amino acid sequence identity with those reported from rest 21 of the Asia and 83-93 % amino acid sequence identity with isolates from the other parts of the world. A number of KE repeats were observed in the N terminus of the CP coding region of all Bangladesh isolates. Phylogenetic branching pattern revealed that the PRSV-P isolates originating from Bangladesh formed a distinct clade from those from the rest of the world. This forms the first report on the genetic diversity of PRSV-P isolates from Bangladesh.

Leprosy mimicry of lupus vulgaris and misdiagnosis of leprosy--a case report.

Leprosy and tuberculosis (TB) both are still rampant in India. Leprosy predominantly presents through skin manifestations whereas cutaneous manifestations of TB though not so frequent but are not rare. Lupus vulgaris (LV), the commonest of all cutaneous manifestations of TB, mimics leprosy very closely and may prompt the examiner to misdiagnose leprosy, especially, by health workers (HW), in a field situation, where leprosy is diagnosed and treated on clinical basis alone as per NLEP guidelines. Because of existing stigmata, such wrong diagnosis can put the patient and the party under psychological stress and creates unnecessary complications.

Hybrid multiferroic nanostructure with magnetic-dielectric coupling.

The development of methods to economically synthesize single wire structured multiferroic systems with room temperature spin-charge coupling is expected to be important for building next-generation multifunctional devices with ultralow power consumption. We demonstrate the fabrication of a single nanowire multiferroic system, a new geometry, exhibiting room temperature magnetodielectric coupling. A coaxial nanotube/nanowire heterostructure of barium titanate (BaTiO(3), BTO) and cobalt (Co) has been synthesized using a template-assisted method. Room temperature ferromagnetism and ferroelectricity were exhibited by this coaxial system, indicating the coexistence of more than one ferroic interaction in this composite system.