SPI-Modified h-BN Nanosheets-Based Thermal Interface Materials for Thermal Management Applications.

The rising concern over the usage of electronic devices and the operating environment requires efficient thermal interface materials (TIMs) to take away the excess heat generated from hotspots. TIMs are crucial in dissipating undesired heat by transferring energy from the source to the heat sink. Silicone oil (SO)-based composites are the most used TIMs due to their strong bonding and oxidation resistance. However, thermal grease performance is unreliable due to aging effects, toxic chemicals, and a higher percentage of fillers. In this work, TIMs are prepared using exfoliated hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets (h-BNNS) as a nanofiller, and they were functionalized by ecofriendly natural biopolymer soy protein isolate (SPI). The exfoliated h-BNNS has an average lateral size of ∼266 nm. The functionalized h-BNNS/SPI are used as fillers in the SO matrix, and composites are prepared using solution mixing. Hydrogen bonding is present between the organic chain/oxygen in silicone polymer, and the functionalized h-BNNS are evident from the FTIR measurements. The thermal conductivity of h-BNNS/SPI/SO was measured using the modified transient plane source (MTPS) method. At room temperature, the maximum thermal conductivity is 1.162 Wm-1K-1 (833% enhancement) at 50 wt % of 3:1 ratio of h-BNNS:SPI, and the thermal resistance (TR) of the composite is 5.249 × 106 K/W which is calculated using the Foygel nonlinear model. The heat management application was demonstrated by applying TIM on a 10 W LED bulb. It was found that during heating, the 50 wt % TIM decreases the surface temperature of LED by ∼6 °C compared with the pure SO-based TIM after 10 min of ON condition. During cooling, the modified TIM reduces the surface temperature by ∼8 °C under OFF conditions within 1 min. The results indicate that natural polymers can effectively stabilize and link layered materials, enhancing the efficiency of TIMs for cooling electronics and LEDs.

Modification of thermal and electrical characteristics of hybrid polymer nanocomposites through gamma irradiation for advanced applications.

In this article, we present a straightforward in-situ approach for producing Ag NPs incorporated in graphene oxide (GO) blended with glutaraldehyde (GA) cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix. Samples are γ-irradiated by doses of 2, 5, and 10 kGy and in comparison with the pristine films, the thermal conductivity ('k') and effusivity are measured. 'k' decreases with irradiation doses up to 5 kGy and further increase in the dosage results increase in 'k'. We performed FDTD modeling to verify the effect of polarization and periodicity on the absorptivity and emissivity spectra that are correlated to the 'k' and effusivity, empirically. Hence, we can confess that the structural properties of the prepared hybrid nanocomposite are manipulated by γ-irradiation. This attests that the PVA/GO-Ag/GA nanocomposite is radiation-sensitive and could be employed for thermal management systems. Moreover, their strong electrical insulation, as the measured dc conductivity of the γ-irradiated samples is found to be in the range of 2.66 × 10-8-4.319 × 10-7 Sm-1, which is below the percolation threshold of 1.0 × 10-6 Sm-1, demonstrates that they are excellent candidates for the use of thermal management materials. The low 'k' values allow us to use this promising material as thermal insulating substrates in microsensors and microsystems. They are also great choices for usage as wire and cable insulation in nuclear reactors due to their superior electrical insulation.

Exploring apple pectic polysaccharides: Extraction, characterization, and biological activities - A comprehensive review.

Apple (Malus domestica) is a popular and ancient fruit of the Myrtaceae family. Apple fruit is well-known for its great nutritional and phytochemical content consisted of beneficial compounds such as polyphenols, polysaccharides, sterols, and organic acids. Polysaccharides extracted from different parts of the apple fruit, including the peel, pomace, or the whole fruit, have been extensively studied. Researchers have investigated the structural characteristics of these polysaccharides, such as molecular weight, type of monosaccharide unit, type of linkage and its position and arrangement. Besides this, functional properties and physicochemical and of apple polysaccharides have also been studied, along with the effects of extraction procedures, storage, and processing on cell wall polysaccharides. Various extraction techniques, including hot water extraction, enzymatic extraction, and solvent-assisted extraction, have been studied. From the findings, it was evident that apple polysaccharides are mainly composed of (1 â†’ 3), (1 â†’ 6): α-ß-glycosidic linkage. Moreover, the apple polysaccharides were demonstrated to exhibit antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-cancer, hypoilipidemic, and enzyme inhibitory properties in vitro and in vivo. The potential applications of apple polysaccharides in the food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical industries have also been explored in the present review. Overall, the research on apple polysaccharides highlights their significant potential as a source of biologically active compounds with various health benefits and practical applications.

Exploring Optically Stable Reddish-Orange Fluorescent Magnetic Pigment (0.90)Y2O3:(0.10-x)Eu3+:(x)Bi3+ for Anti-counterfeiting Applications.

The (0.90)Y2O3:(0.10-x)Eu3+:(x)Bi3+ nanophosphors (0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.06) are synthesised using chemical combustion citrate route and characterized via X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV- visible and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The scanning electron micrographs indicate that the grain size of the phosphors ranges between 40 to 50 nm. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra, acquired under the excitation wavelength of 365 nm of ultraviolet light, show emission peaks at wavelengths 580 nm, 586-598 nm, 610 nm, 629-661 nm and 686-695 nm corresponding to the 5D0 → 7FJ electronic transitions of the Eu3+ ion with J = 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. The most intense PL spectra at 611 nm (5D0 → 7F2), showcasing reddish-orange emission, indicate a higher concentration of Eu3+ ions in asymmetric sites within the Y2O3 host matrix. The presence of the distinct electronic transitions of Eu3+ in PL spectra acclaims that Bi3+ ions transfer their energy efficiently to Eu3+ ions in the matrix. Physical and chemical tests are being conducted on nanophosphors with Bi3+ substitutional doping of x = 0.02 and x = 0.04, both demonstrating intense PL emission. Magnetisation measurements suggest the soft magnetic nature of the nanophosphors, attributing it to the presence of Eu3+ ions in the 7F2 state. The highest PL intensity is seen in the nanophosphor (x = 0.04) with substitutional doping of 6% of Eu3+ and 4% of Bi3+ in Y2O3. This nanophosphor also demonstrates excellent optical stability in the investigated conditions and exhibits soft magnetic behaviour, positioning it as a promising material for incorporation as a fluorescent magnetic pigment in security ink applications. These features serve to prevent counterfeiting of secured documents both optically and magnetically.

Investigation of Spark Plasma Sintering on Microstructure-Properties of Zirconia Reinforced Fluormica Glass for Dental Restorations.

BACKGROUND: Conventional sintering methods of dental ceramics have limitations of high temperature and slow cooling rates with requirements of additional heat treatment for crystallization. Spark plasma sintering (SPS) is an emerging technique that has the potential to process dental restorations with dense microstructures and tailor-made clinically relevant properties with optimized processing parameters. This study explored the potential of the SPS of zirconia-reinforced fluormica glass (FM) for dental restorative materials. METHODS: FM glass frit was obtained through the melt-quench technique (44.5 SiO2-16.7 Al2O3-9.5 K2O-14.5 MgO-8.5 B2O3-6.3 F (wt.%)). The glass frit was ball-milled with 20 wt.% of 3 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia (FMZ) for enhanced fracture toughness. The mixtures were SPS sintered at a pressure of 50 MPa and a heating rate of 100 °C/min for 5 min with an increase in temperature from 650-750 °C-850 °C-950 °C. Phase analysis was carried out using XRD and microstructural characterization with SEM. Micro-hardness, nano-indentation, porosity, density, indentation fracture toughness, and genotoxicity were assessed. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in the SPS temperature of FMZ influenced its microstructure and resulted in reduced porosity, improved density, and optimal mechanical properties with the absence of genotoxicity on human gingival fibroblast cells.

Machine learning based IoT system for secure traffic management and accident detection in smart cities.

In smart cities, the fast increase in automobiles has caused congestion, pollution, and disruptions in the transportation of commodities. Each year, there are more fatalities and cases of permanent impairment due to everyday road accidents. To control traffic congestion, provide secure data transmission also detecting accidents the IoT-based Traffic Management System is used. To identify, gather, and send data, autonomous cars, and intelligent gadgets are equipped with an IoT-based ITM system with a group of sensors. The transport system is being improved via machine learning. In this work, an Adaptive Traffic Management system (ATM) with an accident alert sound system (AALS) is used for managing traffic congestion and detecting the accident. For secure traffic data transmission Secure Early Traffic-Related EveNt Detection (SEE-TREND) is used. The design makes use of several scenarios to address every potential problem with the transportation system. The suggested ATM model continuously modifies the timing of traffic signals based on the volume of traffic and anticipated movements from neighboring junctions. By progressively allowing cars to pass green lights, it considerably reduces traveling time. It also relieves traffic congestion by creating a seamless transition. The results of the trial show that the suggested ATM system fared noticeably better than the traditional traffic-management method and will be a leader in transportation planning for smart-city-based transportation systems. The suggested ATM-ALTREND solution provides secure traffic data transmission that decreases traffic jams and vehicle wait times, lowers accident rates, and enhances the entire travel experience.

Poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide)-co-poly(sodium acrylate) hydrogel for the adsorption of cationic dyes from aqueous solution.

In this study, we used radical polymerization to create poly (N-isopropyl acrylamide)-co-poly (sodium acrylate) [PNIPAM-co-PSA] hydrogels and analyzed the resulting products. N, N'-Methylenebisacrylamide was employed as a cross-linker, ammonium persulfate as an initiator, and N,N'-isopropyl acrylamide and sodium acrylamide as monomers. Structural analysis was measured by using FT-IR. Indeed, SEM analysis was used to characterize the morphological structure of the hydrogel. Studies on swelling were also done. The Taguchi approach was used to study and assess the adsorption studies of the hydrogels for the efficient removal of malachite green and methyl orange. For the optimization, a central composite surface methodology was applied. The effect of several parameters, including adsorbent dosage, pH, initial dye concentration, temperature, time, and mixing speed, was examined using the Taguchi technique, and the primary factors were chosen and examined using the central composite surface methodology. It was discovered that MG dye's (cationic) removal efficiency was higher than that of MO dye's (anionic). The results suggest that [PNIPAM-co-PSA] hydrogel can be used as an effective, alternative and promising adsorbent to be applied in the treatment of effluents containing the cationic dyes from wastewater. The synthesis of hydrogels provides a suitable recyclability platform for the adsorption of cationic dyes and allows for their recovery without the use of powerful reagents.

Synthesis of bagasse nanocellulose-filled composite polyurethane xerogel for the efficient adsorption of Rhodamine-B dye from aqueous solution: investigation of adsorption parameters.

In this study, polyurethane (PU)-based xerogels were synthesized by using the biobased polyol derived from chaulmoogra seed oil. These polyol was used for the preparation of PU xerogels using methylene diphenyl diisocyanate hard segment and polyethylene glycol (PEG6000) as soft segment with 1,4-diazabicyclo[2, 2, 2]octane as catalyst. Tetrahydrofuran, acetonitrile and dimethyl sulfoxide were used as the solvents. Nanocellulose (5 wt %) prepared from bagasse were added as filler, and the obtained composite xerogels were evaluated for chemical stability. The prepared samples were also characterized by using SEM and FTIR. Waste sugarcane bagasse nanocellulose proved as a cheap reinforcer in the xerogel synthesis and for the adsorption of Rhodamine-B dye from the aqueous solution. The factors that affect the adsorption process have been studied including the quantity of the adsorbent (0.02-0.06 g), pH (6-12), temperature (30-50) and time (30-90). Central composite design for four variables and three levels with response surface methodology has been used to get second-order polynomial equation for the percentage dye removal. RSM was confirmed by the measurement of analysis of variance. Increase in the pH and quantity of the adsorbent was found to increase the sorption capacities of the xerogel (NC-PUXe) towards rhodamine B, maximum adsorption.

Performance of Swarnadhara breeder hens supplemented with reduced levels of different copper forms.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Copper (Cu) is a vital mineral involved in various physiological and biochemical processes, growth, and productivity of animals and birds. Birds can absorb only a small fraction of Cu and most is excreted, contaminating soil and aquatic environment which is toxic for microorganisms, plants, animals, and humans. This study evaluated the possibility of use of organic and nanoparticles sources of Cu to reduce supplementation level without compromising the performance of breeder hens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 224 Swarnadhara breeder hens were divided into seven treatment groups having four replicates in each. The basal diet (control) containing 20 ppm inorganic Cu (100% of standard recommendation) and six test diets containing 20, 15, and 10 ppm (100, 75, and 50% of standard recommendation) from Cu organic source, and 15, 10, and 5 ppm (75, 50, and 25%) from Cu nanoparticles (Cu-NP), were prepared and offered to respective treatment groups for a duration of 20 weeks. RESULTS: The hen day egg production, hen housed egg production, feed conversion ratio egg mass, albumen index, yolk index, total fat content, and color score were not affected by the source and inclusion level of Cu. The feed intake was significantly (p<0.05) lower at 15 ppm and egg weight was significantly (p<0.05) higher at 10 ppm Cu-NP supplemental level, but was non-significant in other treatment groups compared to control. The body weight gain was significantly (p<0.05) higher at 20 ppm organic and 15 ppm Cu-NP inclusion. The egg shape index and Haugh unit were significantly (p<0.05) lower at 10 and 15 ppm of Cu-NP inclusion level, respectively. The shell thickness was improved (p<0.05) at 20 and 15 ppm organic and 15 and 10 ppm Cu-NP inclusion level. The egg fertility rate was shown to be significantly (p<0.05) higher at 20 ppm organic Cu inclusion group, but the hatchability based on total number of eggs set improved (p<0.05) at 20 and 15 ppm organic Cu inclusion level while all treatment groups were comparable to control. The hatchability of fertilized egg and chick's quality significantly (p<0.05) improved, while embryonic and chick mortality after hatching before-sorting was significantly (p<0.05) reduced at 15 ppm of Cu-NP inclusion group. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the inorganic Cu can be replaced with 50% of organic or 25% of nanoparticles form of Cu without jeopardizing the breeder hens' productivity, egg quality characteristics, hatchability, and progeny.

Structural, biological and pharmaceutical importance of antibiotic agent chloramphenicol.

The vibrational, magnetic resonance and electronic spectral techniques are used to evaluate structural activity associated physico-chemical properties. The biological affinity and drug importance was validated by calculating biological parameters using HyperChem. Mulliken charge assignment for restoring chemical potential for generating drug potential in the molecular site was mapped and analyzed. The vibrational spectral pattern was estimated by identifying active and inactive bands and hindrance of vibrational activity of Acetamide group was monitored and thereby drug malfunction was tested. The chemical reaction pathway around the core carbons of chain and ring was keenly noted and the cause of chemical potential for the inducement of drug mechanism was reported. The stimulation of chemical mechanism for antibiotic activity was addressed by suitable evidence and further improvement for enhancing activity was made. The electronic HOMO and LUMO interaction over different molecular entities are discussed to expose accompany of drug mechanical transitions. The CT complex was recognized to be C=N and C=C bonds and operating drug mechanism was monitored. The unwanted drug property induced by perplexes of charge depletion on α-hydroxyl group was assessed from MEP map. The hyperactive polarization energy of 266.18 X10-33 esu and 327 X10-33 esu of present compound is causing biological activity in good order. The uncontrolled breathing region of Acetamide group was clarified in VCD profile and this is main cause to produce toxicity in drug process.

Significance of isolating non-tuberculous mycobacterial organisms in infertile women with tubal disease: an observational study.

OBJECTIVES: To explore whether non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are associated with tubal disease leading to infertility. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Teaching hospital. POPULATION: Women with tubal factor infertility. METHODS: In all, 173 infertile women with tubal disease were investigated for genital tuberculosis, Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae using polymerase chain reaction, culture and histopathological examination. On culture, NTM were grown in 23.7% of endometrial samples. The mycolic characteristics of these organisms were analysed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Whether NTM are associated with tubal disease leading to infertility. RESULTS: The organisms identified in association with tubal disease were Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 30%, gonococci in 1.7%, Chlamydia in 7.5% and NTM in 23.7% of cases. Mycobacterium chelonae was the predominant organism identified by high-performance liquid chromatography. In ten women, for whom there was laparoscopic evidence of tubal disease, the only organism that was grown was NTM, and the tests for other organisms were negative. Tests for possible environment (theatre, instruments) contamination was reported negative. CONCLUSION: While evaluating infertile women for tubal disease, culture studies revealed a high prevalence of NTM in the endometrium. In the absence of M. tuberculosis, gonococci and Chlamydia infection, the presence of NTM suggests the possibility that these organisms may be responsible for tubal damage leading to infertility. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: On evaluating the causes of tubal disease, NTM were associated with tubal disease.

Nutritional potentialities of some tree leaves based on polyphenols and rumen in vitro gas production.

AIM: The study was conducted to evaluate eight tree leaves based on polyphenolic content and rumen in vitro incubation and gas production technique (RIVIGPT) for their nutritive potentiality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight selected tree leaves, namely Sesbania grandiflora, Melia dubia, Dillenia spp., Artocarpus heterophyllus, Commiphora caudata, Moringa oleifera, Leucaena leucocephala, and Acacia auriculiformis, were selected for proximate composition, forage fiber fractions, total phenolics (TPs), non-tannin phenols (NTPs), total tannins (TTs), condensed tannins (CTs), and hydrolysable tannins (HTs); RIVIGP with and without polyethylene glycol (PEG); and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) (modified in vitro two stage) analysis was conducted. On the basis of RIVIGPT, the in vitro digestible organic matter (IVDOM) and dry matter intake (DMI) was calculated. RESULTS: Crude protein (CP) content of tree leaves ranged from 9.59 to 25.81%, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) 28.16 to 53.33%, acid detergent fiber (ADF) 21.26 to 41.7%, acid detergent lignin (ADL) 3.62 to 21.98%, TP 1.83 to 17.35%, TT 0.40 to 15.47%, and CTs 0.02 to 15.26%. IVDMD (%) was ranged from 64.95 to 88.12. The mean metabolizable energy (ME) (MJ/Kg) of tree leaves estimated with and without PEG was 7.75±0.56 and 8.75±0.39, in vitro gas production at 24 h (IVGP24) (ml) 31.06±4.14 and 37.09±2.64, initial gas production (a) (ml) 0.49±0.63 and 1.33±0.72, potential gas production (D) (ml) 38.74±4.27 and 43.79±2.44, rate of gas production (k) (h-1) 0.11±0.02 and 0.11±0.013, t1/2 (ml) 9.81±2.41 and 7.42±0.80, in vitro gas production at 96 h IVGP96 (ml) 39.50±4.430 and 45.14±2.65, the predicted IVDOM (%) 55.44±4.15 and 61.98±3.03, and DMI (g/Kg W0.75) 103.1±14.76 and 104.3±10.16, respectively. The addition of PEG showed an improvement in IVGP24, IVGP96, ME, predicted IVDOM, and predicted DMI. CP was positively correlated with ME, IVGP24, IVGP96, a+b, k (r=0.749, p<0.05), IVDMD, IVDOM, and DMI (r=0.838, p<0.05) and negatively correlated with a and t1/2. NDF, ADF, and ADL contents were negatively correlated with ME (r=0.899, p<0.05), IVGP24 (r=-0.867, p<0.05), IVGP96 (r=-0.858, p<0.05), a+b (p<0.05), k (r=-0.828, p<0.05), IVDMD, IVDOM (r=-0.853, p<0.05), and DMI and positively correlated with a and t1/2 . TP, TT, and CT were negatively correlated with ME, IVGP, IVGP96, a+b, k, IVDMD, IVDOM, and DMI and positively correlated with a (r=0.808, p<0.05) and t1/2. ME (MJ/Kg) was positively correlated with IVGP24 (r=0.938, p<0.05), IVGP96 (r=0.875, p<0.05), a+b (r=0.813, p<0.05), k (r=0.731, p<0.05), IVDMD, IVDOM (r=0.985, p<0.05), and DMI (r=0.727, p<0.05) and negatively correlated with a and t1/2. CONCLUSION: In the present study, the potentiality of tree leaves was assessed based on CP, ADF, ADL, TP, CT, IVGP, ME, IVDMD, predicted IVDOM, and predicted DMI. Based on this, it can be concluded that S. grandiflora, M. dubia, M. Oleifera, and L. leucocephala were graded as best; A. heterophyllus and C. caudata as moderate; and Dillenia spp. and A. auriculiformis as lowest potential ruminant feed.

Performance of Broiler Chickens Fed Low Protein, Limiting Amino Acid Supplemented Diets Formulated Either on Total or Standardized Ileal Digestible Amino Acid Basis.

The aim of present experiment was to investigate the effect of protein reduction in commercial broiler chicken rations with incorporation of de-oiled rice bran (DORB) and supplementation of limiting amino acids (valine, isoleucine, and/or tryptophan) with ration formulation either on total amino acid (TAA) or standardized ileal digestible amino acids (SIDAA). The experimental design consisted of T1, TAA control; T2 and T3, 0.75% and 1.5% protein reduction by 3% and 6% DORB incorporation, respectively by replacing soybean meal with supplemental limiting amino acids to meet TAA requirement; T4, SIDAA control, T5 and T6, 0.75% and 1.5% protein reduction by DORB incorporation (3% and 6%) with supplemental limiting amino acids on SIDAA basis. A total of 360 d-old fast growing broiler chicks (Vencobb-400) were divided into 36 homogenous groups of ten chicks each, and six dietary treatments described were allocated randomly with six replications. During 42 days trial, the feed intake was significantly (p<0.05) reduced by TAA factor compared to SIDAA factor and protein factor significantly (p<0.05) reduced the feed intake at 1.5% reduction compared to normal protein group. This was observed only during pre-starter phase but not thereafter. The cumulative body weight gain (BWG) was significantly (p<0.05) reduced in TAA formulations with protein step-down of 1.5% (T3, 1,993 g) compared to control (T1, 2,067 g), while under SIDAA formulations, BWG was not affected with protein reduction of 1.5% (T6, 2,076 g) compared to T4 (2,129 g). The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly (p<0.05) reduced in both TAA and SIDAA formulations with 1.5% protein step-down (T3, 1.741; T6, 1.704) compared to respective controls (T1, 1.696; T4, 1.663). The SIDAA formulation revealed significantly (p<0.05) higher BWG (2,095 g) and better FCR (1.684) compared to TAA formulation (2,028 g; 1.721). Intake of crude protein and all limiting amino acids (SID basis) was higher in SIDAA group than TAA group with resultant higher nitrogen retention (4.438 vs 4.027 g/bird/d). The nitrogen excretion was minimized with 1.5% protein reduction (1.608 g/bird) compared to normal protein group (1.794 g/bird). The serum uric acid concentration was significantly reduced in T3 (9.45 mg/dL) as compared to T4 (10.75 mg/dL). All carcass parameters were significantly (p<0.05) higher in SIDAA formulation over TAA formulation and 1.5% protein reduction significantly reduced carcass, breast and thigh yields. In conclusion, the dietary protein can be reduced by 0.75% with TAA formulation and 1.5% with SIDAA formulation through DORB incorporation and supplementation of limiting amino acids and among formulations, SIDAA formulation was better than TAA formulation.

Cross-Linkable Fluorene-Diphenylamine Derivatives for Electrochromic Applications.

Multicolor electrochromic systems based on heat cross-linkable arylamine-substituted fluorene derivatives, FD and FDOMe, are reported. These derivatives with pendant vinyl groups have been synthesized by the Buchwald-Hartwig amination reaction and were well-characterized using various analytical and spectroscopic techniques such as NMR, ESI-MS, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. FD and FDOMe exhibited thermally activated cross-linking above their melting temperatures, which was confirmed through absorption, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), FT-IR, and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) techniques. Cross-linked FD films (FD-X) on ITO showed two reversible redox peaks at 0.74 and 0.91 V (versus Ag/AgCl) that correspond to the formation of radical cations and dications, respectively. The corresponding redox peaks were observed at 0.6 and 0.8 V for cross-linked FDOMe films (FDOMe-X). Spectroelectrochemical studies of the electrochromic films on ITO revealed multicolor electrochromism of FD-X (colorless-yellow-dark cyan) and FDOMe-X (colorless-brick red-blue) with a color contrast of ∼44% at 485 nm for FD-X and ∼63% at 500 nm for FDOMe-X and good switching stability between the neutral and oxidized states (>300 cycles) with low switching voltages (<0.9 V for the first oxidation and <1.3 V for the second oxidation). Furthermore, fabrication of electrochromic devices using FD-X and FDOMe-X on FTO substrate with PMMA-based solid electrolyte was demonstrated, where the devices exhibited reasonably low switching time between the redox states (<30 s) with good optical contrast.

Egg shell and yolk quality characteristics of layers fed with sugarcane press residue in soya and fish based diets.

AIM: Sugarcane press residue (SPR), a by-product of sugarcane industry, which is rich in inorganic salts was assessed at different levels in both soya based and fish based diets of layers for egg shell and yolk quality characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: SPR was incorporated in 32-week-old white leghorn layer diets at 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% either in the soya based or fish based diets to form T1 to T8 diets, respectively. Each diet was offered to five replicates of four laying hens each constituting a total of one sixty birds kept for 84 days under colony cages. RESULTS: Mean egg shell thickness obtained from eggs of experimental hens measured was 0.342, 0.329, 0.320, 0.322, 0.319, 0.332, 0.328 and 0.336 mm in T1 through T8 groups, respectively. About the main factor effects, both showed non-significant results. Similarly, influence of different treatment diets, in imparting colour to the yolks, was found to be non-significant (p>0.05) at different 28-day time intervals. Further, the average yolk index values ranged non-significantly from 0.360 (T6) to 0.383 (T4). CONCLUSION: The SPR can be incorporated into layer diet as a source of inorganic as well as organic nutrients without affecting its egg quality characteristics.

Impact of second line limiting amino acids' deficiency in broilers fed low protein diets with rapeseed meal and de-oiled rice bran.

AIM: To study the impact of deficiency of second line limiting amino acids (SLAA; valine, isoleucine and tryptophan) on the production performance and carcass characteristics of commercial broilers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A control (T1) corn-soy diet was formulated to contain all essential AA on standardized ileal digestible basis; While in T2-a 'moderate SLAA deficit' diet was formulated by replacement of soybean meal with 6% rapeseed meal and T3-a 'high SLAA deficit' diet was formulated by replacement of soybean meal with 6% de-oiled rice bran. Each of these treatments was allotted to six replicates of ten chicks each. During the 42 days experimental period, growth performance, carcass parameters and intake of metabolizable energy (ME), crude protein (CP) and AA were studied. RESULTS: The cumulative body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, carcass cut weights and yields of carcass, breast and thighs were decreased (p<0.05) in T3 compared to T1. The absolute intake of ME, lysine, methionine + cysteine and threonine were not affected while intake of CP and all SLAA were reduced in SLAA deficit diets. The relative intake of ME, lysine, methionine + cysteine, threonine and SLAA reduced in T3 in comparison to T1. The relative weights of internal organs were not affected by treatments while the abdominal fat percentage was increased linearly to the magnitude of SLAA deficiency. CONCLUSION: The deficiency of SLAA decreased performance, carcass yields and impaired utilization of ME, CP and AA linearly to the magnitude of the deficiency.

Effect of supplementation of lysine producing microbes vis-a-vis source and level of dietary protein on performance and egg quality characteristics of post-peak layers.

AIM: The aim was to study the effect of supplementation of lysine producing microbes (LPM) as an in vivo source of lysine on performance and egg quality characters of post-peak layers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: BIS (1992) specified diets (except crude protein [CP] and lysine) were prepared using either soybean meal (SBM) or groundnut extractions (GNE) or sunflower extractions (SFE) with 16 and 15% CP resulting in six control diets. Further, each control diet was fortified with either synthetic lysine or LPM to meet BIS (1992) specified lysine requirement resulting in the set of 12 test diets. Each of the eighteen diets was offered to quadruplets groups of 4 post-peak (52 weeks) commercial laying hens in each. The trial lasted for 119 days. RESULT: The results revealed that the feed consumption and body weight changes and Roche yolk color and yolk index were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) different among different treatments. However, egg production, feed efficiency, egg weight, egg shape index, Haugh unit score, albumen index and shell thickness, and net returns remained non-significant (p ≤ 0.05) among different treatments. Among main factors, protein level (16% and 15% CP) made a significant (p ≤ 0.05) difference in egg production (79.6 and 75.1%) and feed efficiency (2.64 and 2.81 kg feed/kg egg mass, respectively). Among protein source GNE- and SFE-based diet fed groups showed significantly (p < 0.0%) higher feed consumption and body weight gain than SBM based diets fed birds. Yolk color (7.0, 7.3 and 7.3, respectively) and yolk index (0.40, 0.38 and 0.43, respectively) were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) different from the protein sources. CP level and Protein source interaction effects showed significant differences in albumen index and Haugh unit score. CONCLUSION: Optimum level of protein (16% CP) and GNE as a source of protein tended to be superior in increasing the performance and egg characteristics of post-peak layers and supplementation of lysine in either synthetic or LPM form found to be beneficial in optimizing their performance.

Isolated duodenal adenoma presenting as gastrointestinal bleed - a case report.

Duodenal polyps are rare lesions in patients undergoing Esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (EGD), and the prevalence varies widely with range of 0.3-4.6% of cases. Duodenal adenomas most commonly occur in association with familial adenomatous polyposis. Isolated occurrence of such adenomas is very rare and presentation as upper gastrointestinal (GI) haemorrhage is even rarer. We herein report a case of elderly male patient presenting to emergency department with features of upper GI bleeding. Patient was resuscitated followed by EGD was done. On EGD bleeding duodenal polyp was found and endoscopic polypectomy was done to control the bleeding. Subsequent colonoscopy was done and was normal. The histopathological examination of the polypectomy specimen revealed tubular adenomatous polyp which is a premalignant condition. We also highlight the clinical presentation, histological types and treatment modalities available in the literature. However, there is lack of consensus regarding the outcome of various procedure described in the literature.

New role of lupeol in reticence of angiogenesis, the cellular parameter of neoplastic progression in tumorigenesis models through altered gene expression.

There is a major unmet medical need for effective and well tolerated treatment options for cancer. The search now seeks to identify active biomolecules with multiple targets. Lupeol, an important dietary triterpenoid known as anticarcinogen by inducing apoptosis. But it is still more to reveal the potency of lupeol in the inhibition of neovascularization in cancer context. The study aimed to explore the efficacy of the lupeol in targeting angiogenesis. In this study, the inhibition of neovessel formation was assessed by preliminary antiangiogenesis assays like chorio allontoic membrane (CAM) and rat corneal micro pocket models. Further, validated for the micro vessel density (MVD) in histological sections of peritoneum, solid tumor and xenograft tumor by immunostaining with anti CD31 antibody. Antitumor potency was verified in ascites carcinoma, solid lymphoma and human nueroblastoma xenograft in CAM. Altered angiogenic gene expression by RT-PCR, ELISA and gelatin zymography. Lupeol significantly inhibits the neovessel formation in CAM and in the rat cornea. The similar effect was ascertained in mice and human xenograft tumor models with the regressed growth. Eventually reflecting on the differential transcription of angiogenic genes like MMP-2 & 9, HIF-1α, VEGFa and Flt-1 was noteworthy. It is now evident from our studies that, a new avenue of dietary triterpenoid lupeol by targeting angiogenesis, potentially inferring the multimode action in cancer prevention.

Insilico molecular modeling, docking and spectroscopic [FT-IR/FT-Raman/UV/NMR] analysis of Chlorfenson using computational calculations.

In the present work, the recorded FT-IR/FT-Raman spectra of the Chlorfenson (4-Chorophenyl-4-chlorobenzenesulfonate) are analysed. The observed vibrational frequencies are assigned and the computational calculations are carried out by DFT (LSDA, B3LYP and B3PW91) methods with 6-31++G(d,p) and 6-311++G(d,p) basis sets and the corresponding results are investigated with the UV/NMR data. The fluctuation of structure of Chlorobenzenesulfonate due to the substitution of C6H4Cl is investigated. The vibrational sequence pattern of the molecule related to the substitutions is intensely analysed. Moreover, (13)C NMR and (1)H NMR chemical shifts are calculated by using the gage independent atomic orbital (GIAO) technique with HF/B3LYP/B3PW91 methods on same basis set. A study on the electronic properties; absorption wavelengths, excitation energy, dipole moment and frontier molecular orbital energies, are performed by HF and DFT methods. The calculated energy of Kubo gap (HOMO and LUMO) ensures that the charge transfer occurs within the molecule. Besides frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs), molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) is executed. NLO properties and Mulliken charges of the Chlorfenson is also calculated and interpreted. Biological properties like the target receptor identification, and Identification of interacting residues, of this compound is identified and analysed by using SWISSMODEL, Castp, Hex and Pdb Sum. By using these properties, the mechanism of action of this compound on ATP Synthase of Tetranychus urticae is found and it is very much useful to develop efficient pesticides having less toxic to the environment.