Self-assembly of choline-based surface-active ionic liquids and concentration-dependent enhancement in the enzymatic activity of cellulase in aqueous medium.

The micellization of choline-based anionic surface-active ionic liquids (SAILs) having lauroyl sarcosinate [Sar]-, dodecylsulfate [DS]-, and deoxycholate [Doc]- as counter-ions was investigated in an aqueous medium. Density functional theory (DFT) was employed to investigate the net interactional energy (Enet), extent of non-covalent interactions, and band gap of the choline-based SAILs. The critical micelle concentration (cmc) along with various parameters related to the surface adsorption, counter-ion binding (ß), and polarity of the cores of the micelles were deduced employing surface tension measurements, conductometric titrations and fluorescence spectroscopy, respectively. A dynamic light scattering (DLS) system equipped with zeta-potential measurement set-up and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) were used to predict the size, zeta-potential, and morphology, respectively, of the formed micelles. Thermodynamic parameters such as standard Gibb's free energy and standard enthalpy change of micellization were calculated using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). Upon comparing with sodium salt analogues, it was established that the micellization was predominantly governed by the extent of hydration of [Cho]+, the head groups of the respective anions, and the degree of counter-ion binding (ß). Considering the concentration dependence of the enzyme-SAIL interactions, aqueous solutions of the synthesized SAILs at two different concentrations (below and above the cmc) were utilized as the medium for testing the enzymatic activity of cellulase. The activity of cellulase was found to be ∼7- to ∼13-fold higher compared to that observed in buffers in monomeric solutions of the SAILs and followed the order: [Cho][Sar] > [Cho][DS] > [Cho][Doc]. In the micellar solution, a ∼4- to 5-fold increase in enzymatic activity was observed.

Spring applied phosphorus loss with cover crops in no-till terraced field.

Cover crops (CC) can improve phosphorus (P) cycling by reducing water related P losses and contributing to P nutrition of a rotational crop. This is particularly important in claypan soils with freeze-thaw cycles in early spring in the Midwest U.S. This 4-year study (2019-2022) examined the impact of CC monoculture and mix of CC species on P losses from a fertilizer application, and determined the P balance in soil compared to no cover crop (noCC). The CC mix consisted of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), radish (Raphanus raphanistrum subsp. Sativus), and turnip (Brassica rapa subsp. Rapa) (3xCCmix) in 2019 and 2021 before corn, and cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) was planted as monoculture before soybean in 2020 and 2022. The 3xCCmix had no effect on total phosphorus (TP) and dissolved reactive phosphorus (PO4-P) concentration or load in 2019 and 2021. Cereal rye reduced TP and PO4-P load 70% and 73%, respectively, compared to noCC. The variation in soil moisture, temperature, and net precipitation from fertilizer application until CC termination affected available soil P pools due to variability in CC species P uptake, residue decomposition, and P loss in surface water runoff. Overall, the P budget calculations showed cereal rye had 2.4 kg ha-1 greater P uptake compared to the 3xCCmix species which also reduced P loss in water and had greater differences in soil P status compared to noCC. This study highlights the benefit of CCs in reducing P loss in surface runoff and immobilizing P through plant uptake. However, these effects were minimal with 3xCCmix species and variability in crop residue decomposition from different CC species could affect overall P-soil balance.

Prolonged Skin Retention of Luliconazole from SLNs Based Topical Gel Formulation Contributing to Ameliorated Antifungal Activity.

The development of effective therapy is necessary because the patients have to contend with long-term therapy as skin fungal infections usually relapse and are hardly treated. Despite being a potent antifungal agent, luliconazole (LCZ) has certain shortcomings such as limited skin penetration, low solubility in aqueous medium, and poor skin retention. Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) were developed using biodegradable lipids by solvent injection method and were embodied into the gel base for topical administration. After in-vitro characterizations of the formulations, molecular interactions of the drug with excipients were analyzed using in-silico studies. Ex-vivo release was determined in contrast to the pure LCZ and the commercial formulation followed by in-vivo skin localization, skin irritation index, and antifungal activity. The prepared SLNs have an average particle size of 290.7 nm with no aggregation of particles and homogenous gels containing SLNs with ideal rheology and smooth texture properties were successfully prepared. The ex-vivo LCZ release from the SLN gel was lower than the commercial formulation whereas its skin deposition and skin retention were higher as accessed by CLSM studies. The drug reaching the systemic circulation and the skin irritation potential were found to be negligible. The solubility and drug retention in the skin were both enhanced by the development of SLNs as a carrier. Thus, SLNs offer significant advantages by delivering long lasting concentrations of LCZ at the site of infection for a complete cure of the fungal load together with skin localization of the topical antifungal drug.

Heavy metal stress in rice: Uptake, transport, signaling, and tolerance mechanisms.

Heavy metal contamination of agricultural fields has become a global concern as it causes a direct impact on human health. Rice is the major food crop for almost half of the world population and is grown under diverse environmental conditions, including heavy metal-contaminated soil. In recent years, the impact of heavy metal contamination on rice yield and grain quality has been shown through multiple approaches. In this review article, different aspects of heavy metal stress, that is uptake, transport, signaling and tolerance mechanisms, are comprehensively discussed with special emphasis on rice. For uptake, some of the transporters have specificity to one or two metal ions, whereas many other transporters are able to transport many different ions. After uptake, the intercellular signaling is mediated through different signaling pathways involving the regulation of various hormones, alteration of calcium levels, and the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases. Heavy metal stress signals from various intermediate molecules activate various transcription factors, which triggers the expression of various antioxidant enzymes. Activated antioxidant enzymes then scavenge various reactive oxygen species, which eventually leads to stress tolerance in plants. Non-enzymatic antioxidants, such as ascorbate, metalloids, and even metal-binding peptides (metallothionein and phytochelatin) can also help to reduce metal toxicity in plants. Genetic engineering has been successfully used in rice and many other crops to increase metal tolerance and reduce heavy metals accumulation. A comprehensive understanding of uptake, transport, signaling, and tolerance mechanisms will help to grow rice plants in agricultural fields with less heavy metal accumulation in grains.

Thermally Stable Ionic Liquid-Based Microemulsions for High-Temperature Stabilization of Lysozyme at Nanointerfaces.

The development of new strategies for thermal stability and storage of enzymes is very important, considering the nonretention of catalytic activity by enzymes under harsh conditions of temperature. Following this, herein, a new approach based on the interfacial adsorption of lysozyme (LYZ) at nanointerfaces of ionic liquid (IL)-based microemulsions, for enhanced thermal stability of LYZ, is reported. Microemulsions (MEs) composed of dialkyl imidazolium-based surface active ILs (SAILs) as surfactants, ILs as the nonpolar phase, and ethylene glycol (EG) as the polar phase, without any cosurfactants, have been prepared and characterized in detail. Various regions corresponding to polar-in-IL, bicontinuous, and IL-in-polar phases have been characterized using conductivity measurements. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements have provided insights into the size distribution of microdroplets, whereas temperature-dependent DLS measurements established the thermal stability of the MEs. Nanointerfaces formed by SAILs with EG in thermally stable reverse MEs act as fluid scaffolds to adsorb and provide thermal stability, up to 120 °C, to LYZ. Thermally treated LYZ upon extraction into a buffer shows enzyme activity owing to negligible change in the active site of LYZ, as marked by retention of microenvironment of Trp residues present in the active site of LYZ. The present work is expected to establish a new platform for the development of novel nanointerfaces utilizing biobased components for other biomedical applications.

Aqueous systems of a surface active ionic liquid having an aromatic anion: phase behavior, exfoliation of graphene flakes and its hydrogelation.

Surface active ionic liquid (SAIL) induced hydrogelation, in the absence of additives, is important considering the properties of soft-hydrogels that can be utilized in different applications. The present study is concerned with the phase behavior and hydrogelation of a SAIL, 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium p-toluenesulfonate, [C16mim][PTS]. The obtained information about the phase behavior along with the surfactant like behavior of the SAIL was exploited for effective exfoliation of graphene-flakes from graphite in aqueous medium that remain stable for at least one month. Thus the obtained dispersion of graphene-flakes was subsequently hydrogelated exploiting the observations made from the phase behavior of the SAIL, via entanglement of long worm-like micelles of the SAIL formed at higher concentration. The obtained graphene-flake based hydrogels were found to be equally stable as compared to the blank hydrogel as well as against centrifugation. The low melting point of hydrogel facilitates the extraction of graphene-flakes from the hydrogel matrix by heating and diluting the gel and there is no sign of agglomeration in the extracted graphene-flakes even if the extraction is carried out after a period of three months. The present work is an exemplary study on exfoliation, hydrogelation and extraction of graphene-flakes from a hydrogel, when required, using a SAIL and is expected to provide a new platform for utilization of SAILs for efficient graphene exfoliation and subsequent preparation of functional materials.

Colloidal systems of surface active ionic liquids and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose: physicochemical investigations and preparation of magnetic nano-composites.

The complexation of three surface active ionic liquids (SAILs): 1-methyl-3-dodecylimidazolium chloride, [C12mim][Cl], and its amide, 3-(2-(dodecylamino)-2-oxoethyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium chloride, [C12Amim][Cl], and ester, 3-methyl-1-dodecyloxycarbonylmethylimidazolium chloride, [C12Emim][Cl], functionalized counterparts with sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC), has been investigated. The behaviour of colloidal systems comprising SAILs and NaCMC at the air-solution interface has been investigated using tensiometry. The formed colloids in the bulk have been characterized for their mobility, surface charge, shape, size and morphology along with their relative hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity and other thermodynamic parameters of interest in different concentration regimes of the SAILs. For this, various techniques such as conductivity, turbidity, dynamic light scattering, ζ-potential, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fluorescence measurements have been employed. H-bonding prone SAILs, i.e. [C12Amim][Cl] and [C12Emim][Cl], are found to interact with NaCMC in a contrasting manner as compared to their non-functionalized counterpart. The formed complexes of SAILs and NaCMC have been explored for the one pot preparation of magnetic nano-composites by doping colloids of SAILs and NaCMC with zinc ferrite (ZnFe3O4) nano-particles. The prepared magnetic nano-composites are characterised using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). It is expected that the present work would offer a new colloidal route for the preparation of SAILs and biopolymer assisted nano-composites along with providing physical insights into the complexation phenomenon.

Effect of alkyl chain functionalization of ionic liquid surfactants on the complexation and self-assembling behavior of polyampholyte gelatin in aqueous medium.

The complexation behaviour of an imidazolium based ionic liquid surfactant (ILS) 3-methyl-1-dodecylimidazolium chloride, [C12mim][Cl], and its amide and ester functionalized counterparts 3-(2-(dodecylamino)-2-oxoethyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium chloride, [C12Amim][Cl], and 3-methyl-1-dodecyloxycarbonylmethylimidazolium chloride, [C12Emim][Cl], with a model protein gelatin (G) in aqueous solution has been investigated. Complexation of G with ILSs at the air-solution interface has been monitored by tensiometry, whereas complexation and ILS mediated self-assembly of G-ILS complexes in the bulk have been followed by dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta-potential measurements, conductivity, and fluorescence techniques. The morphology of different self-assembled architectures has been monitored by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Different transitions observed from various techniques in different concentration regimes of ILSs have been assigned to the varying extent of complexation and ILS mediated self-assembly of G-ILS complexes. The functionalization of the alkyl chain of the ILS [C12mim][Cl] with an amide ([C12Amim][Cl]) or ester ([C12Emim][Cl]) moiety owing to their additional hydrogen bonding (H-bonding) ability along with rigidity ([C12Amim][Cl]) or flexibility ([C12Emim][Cl]) near the imidazolium head group has been found to exert great influence on their complexation with G. This influence is fashioned as self-assembled structures of G-ILS complexes into discrete large hexagonal sheet-like or near spherical architectures, depending on the concentration and type of functionality of the alkyl chain of ILSs. The thermodynamic forces behind the complexation and self-assembly processes have been monitored by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) measurements and are discussed in detail. As both the nature of the ILS and protein (charge and structure) could affect their interactional behavior, the present results are expected to be very useful in deeply understanding the structure-property relationship between the nature of the ILS and proteins, which would be of great importance in the field of functional soft-materials.

Effect of cationic head group on micellization behavior of new amide-functionalized surface active ionic liquids.

Amide-functionalized surface active ionic liquids (SAILs), 1-methyl-1-dodecyl piperidinium chloride, [C12APip][Cl]; 1-methyl-1-dodecyl pyrrolidinium chloride, [C12APyrr][Cl]; 1-methyl-3-dodecyl imidazolium chloride, [C12Amim][Cl], and 1-methyl-1-dodecyl morpholinium chloride, [C12AMorph][Cl], have been synthesized, characterized and investigated for thermal stability, and micellization behavior in aqueous medium. The introduction of an amide moiety in the alkyl chain decreased the thermal stability of the functionalized SAILs compared to non-functionalized SAILs bearing a simple alkyl chain. A variety of state of the art techniques, viz. tensiometry, conductometry, steady-state fluorescence, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), have been employed to investigate the micellization behavior. Amide-functionalized SAILs have shown much lower critical micelle concentration, cmc, and better surface active properties as compared to homologous non-functionalized SAILs. Steady-state fluorescence has provided information about cmc, aggregation number (Nagg) and polarity of the cybotactic region of the micelles, whereas ITC has provided insights into the thermodynamics of micellization. Furthermore, the size and shape of the micelles have been investigated using DLS and AFM techniques.

Primary Anterior Sagittal Anorectoplasty Shift from Staged to Single-stage Procedure for Low Anorectal Malformations in Female Children: Our Initial Experience in Single Centre.

BACKGROUND: Anorectal malformation (ARM) is a common congenital anomaly found in the paediatric age group. Previously, the repair of the vestibular fistula (VF) was performed as three-stage procedure with initial colostomy followed by a definite procedure and, lastly, colostomy closure. At present, a single-stage procedure is preferred, especially in lower anomalies owing to the convenient and time-saving approach. OBJECTIVE: The clinical profile and outcome of ASARP for treatment of ARM in females (vestibular anus and perineal fistula). METHODS: A retrospective analytical study was conducted at Government Medical College, Jammu. A total of 60 patients were included in the study. RESULTS: Most of the patients were in the age group of 1-5 years (30%), followed by 6 months-1 year age group (25%). Forty-five (75%) females had VF while 15 (25%) had perineal fistula. Intraoperative complication was vaginal tear seen in 6 (10%) patients followed by rectal tear seen in 3 (5%) patients. Early post-operative complications were seen in 9 (15%) patients. Wound infection was the most common complication seen in 5 (8.3%) patients, wound dehiscence in 3 (5%) patients and retraction of rectum in 1 (1.6%) patient. Late post-operative complications were seen in 24 (40%) patients. Perineal excoriation was the most common complication seen in 6 (10%) patients, constipation seen in 5 (8.3%) patients, anal stenosis in 4 (6.6%) patients and mucosal prolapse in 4 (6.6%) patients. CONCLUSION: The single-staged ASARP procedure resulted in satisfactory outcomes. It is an excellent procedure for females with VF and perineal fistula. Appropriate selection, preparation of patient, optimal correction with minimal sphincter damage and needful post-operative care of wound give excellent cosmetic and functional outcomes in terms of continence. It also decreases the burden on treating the surgeon, family and psychological stress on the patients and parents.

Pretransplant Treatment to Avoid Recurrent Membranous Nephropathy in a Kidney Transplant Recipient: A Case Report.

Kidney transplant candidates with high anti-M-type phospholipase A2 receptor antibody activity may be at increased risk for early postkidney transplant recurrence and allograft loss. Pretransplant treatment to induce serological remission may be warranted to improve allograft survival. In this case report, a patient seeking their third kidney transplant, who lost 2 prior living donor transplants from early recurrent membranous nephropathy, underwent pretransplant treatment for membranous nephropathy with serological remission and no evidence of recurrent disease.

Sustainable preparation of AuAg alloy@AgBr Janus nanoparticles via dissipative self-assembly for photocatalysis.

We report a facile synthesis of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) templated AuAg alloy@AgBr Janus-nanoparticles (JNPs) using a non-conventional top-down approach with precise control over symmetry breaking. The addition of AgNO3 to a micellar solution of CTAB results in micelle-stabilized AgBr colloids having excess Ag+ at the interstitial sites of AgBr. AgBr colloids undergo weak self-assembly supported by inter-micellar interactions. The interfacial disturbance of self-assembled colloids via electrostatic adsorption of AuCl4- or Au(OH)4- at the micelle-AgBr interface downsizes the colloids. This is followed by the growth of the AuAg phase onto AgBr resulting in AuAg alloy@AgBr JNPs via different reduction pathways (photoreduction or chemical reduction) in the presence of ascorbic acid. The prepared JNPs act as efficient visible light photocatalysts for the degradation of aqueous rhodamine B. Interestingly, the trapping of holes favors the photocatalytic efficiency. Furthermore, the JNPs have shown proficiency in inhibiting the growth of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as compared to the commercial antibiotic kanamycin, with a very low MIC value of ∼35 µg ml-1. In this way, a new single-pot strategy for the controlled preparation of photo-catalytically active and antimicrobial AuAg alloy@AgBr JNPs governed by dissipative self-assembly is reported for the first time.

Continuation of immunosuppression vs. immunosuppression weaning in potential repeat kidney transplant candidates: a care management perspective.

Management of immunosuppression in patients with a failing or failed kidney transplant requires a complete assessment of their clinical condition. One of the major considerations in determining immunosuppression is whether or not such an individual is considered a candidate for re-transplantation. Withdrawal of immunosuppression in a re-transplant candidate can result in allosensitization and markedly reduce the chances of a repeat transplant. In this review, we summarize the effects of immunosuppression reduction on HLA sensitization, discuss the impacts of allosensitization in these patients, and explore reduction protocols and future directions. Risks of chronic immunosuppression, medical management of the failing allograft, and the effect of nephrectomy are covered elsewhere in this issue.

Water-pluronic-ionic liquid based microemulsions: Preparation, characterization and application as micro-reactor for enhanced catalytic activity of Cytochrome-c.

Microemulsions (µEs), comprising water as polar component, pluronic (normal, L35 and reverse, 10R5) as surfactant and a hydrophobic ionic liquid (HIL) as non-polar component have been prepared and characterized. Owing to higher surface activity, pluronics have promoted the formation of µEs without the use of co-surfactant. Thus prepared µEs have been utilized as nano-reactors for the oxidation of guaiacol in the presence of Cytochrome-c (Cyt-c) at 15, 20, and 25 °C. A 3.2- and 1.3-fold increase in the rate of formation of product of enzymatic catalysis in direct µE (HIL-in-water) with reverse pluronic (10R5) is observed at 15 and 20 °C as compared to that in buffer. However, negligible enzymatic activity is observed in the direct µE formed by normal pluronic (L35). The catalytic activity of Cyt-c decreases in reverse µEs (water-in-HIL) as compared to direct µEs irrespective of the nature of pluronic used. The contrasting nature of nano-interfaces formed by pluronics in µEs and the extent of hydration of these nano-interfaces controlled by temperature exerts varying influence on the catalytic activity of Cyt-c. It is expected that the present work would result in providing a versatile platform for the creation of new IL and pluronic-based µEs for bio-catalytic applications, which have never been reported.

Comparative evaluation of gliadins from four extraction protocols using advanced analytical techniques.

Gliadin, a major component of gluten, is known to trigger celiac disease; therefore, its extraction is important to study its properties as well as its presence in gluten-free products. Four gliadin extraction procedures Osborne (1924), Weiss (1993), Wallace (1989) and DuPont (2005), were investigated on six wheat cultivars using advanced analytical techniques such as dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Higher zeta potential of extracted gliadin was observed in DuPont (23.53-27), followed by Weiss (16.17-20.80), Osborne (16.17-20.13), and Wallace (14.60-19.47). Particle Z-average size (15.74-184.83 nm) was found to have an inverse relationship with the Polydispersity index (0.17-184.83). The surface morphological structure of TEM studies revealed the compact globular particle arrangement of gliadin, besides rod-shaped arrangement, was also found in DuPont and Wallace extracted gliadin. XRD pattern of gliadin exposed the crystalline domain at 44.1°, 37.8°, and 10.4° diffraction peaks. The d-spacing obtained from XRD and TEM-SAED analysis supports the presence of crystalline domains in gliadin apart from the amorphous domain. The insight obtained from this work will provide a better understanding of morphology and other properties of the same protein extracted with different extraction procedures.

Nutrient loss from floodplain soil with controlled subsurface drainage under forage production.

Expansion of subsurface drainage into forage production may have a deleterious effect on surface waters due to increased nitrogen and phosphorus loading. The impact of controlled subsurface drainage (CD) on nitrogen and phosphorus loss compared with free subsurface drainage (FD) in tile drainage water has been explored to a lesser extent from forage production systems. This study quantifies the effects of CD and FD on average seasonal concentrations and cumulative loads of the total suspended solids (TSS), nitrate nitrogen (NO3 -N), and dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) in subsurface drainage water from a poorly drained floodplain soil in a cereal rye (Secale cereale L.)-sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] rotation with rotational cattle grazing. During all crop seasons of sorghum production (2010-2013), CD had 6.03-9.63 mg L-1 less NO3 -N than FD. Mean DRP concentration was significantly higher for CD than for FD during all seasons except for sorghum in 2012-2013. Average cumulative discharge was 38 and 314 m3 ha-1 less for CD than for FD during sorghum and cereal rye growing seasons, respectively. Controlled drainage had 0.68-6.14 kg ha-1 lower cumulative NO3 -N loads than FD. The DRP loads were dependent on discharge. During sorghum growing seasons, TSS and DRP loads were 79-90% lower in CD compared with FD. The ability to reduce drainage water flow from tiles and subsequent nitrogen and phosphorus loading with CD compared with FD in a floodplain soil indicates that CD can be effective best management practice for forage production systems.

Sequential treatment of unilateral temporo-mandibular joint ankylosis with distraction osteogenesis - a case report.

Temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is a common cause of acquired mandibular deformity in children and adults. It causes reduced mouth opening and limitation of functional movements resulting in mandibular growth impairment leading to mandibular retrognathism and facial asymmetry. The treatment of TMJ ankylosis is challenging, not only due to the complexities involved and the risk of relapse but also because it requires a high degree of patient cooperation. The treatment may be performed in 1 or 2 phases consisting of the initial release of ankylosis with or without condylar reconstruction, followed by a correction of mandibular hypoplasia and of facial asymmetry by orthognathic surgery. Distraction osteogenesis has been proposed to treat cases with severe deformity due to its inherent advantages of generating new bone and soft tissue. This case report describes the staged treatment of a patient with unilateral TMJ ankylosis. The patient presented with significant facial deformity due to mandibular retrognathism and facial asymmetry as a consequence of impaired growth. The treatment objectives included releasing ankylosis to establish mouth opening, addressing the dentofacial deformity and achieving a normal occlusion. The patient was treated with a combined surgical-orthodontic approach including distraction osteogenesis. The case was treated with a rigid external distractor and CBCT generated facial models were used to plan and execute adjunctive surgeries. The staged treatment approach resulted in a significant improvement of facial aesthetics.

One-pot sustainable preparation of sunlight active ZnS@graphene nano-composites using a Zn containing surface active ionic liquid.

Herein we report a facile and sustainable method for the preparation of ZnS@graphene nano-composites (NCs). An appreciable amount of graphene is obtained by liquid-phase exfoliation using a zinc-containing surface active ionic liquid (SAIL). It is followed by in situ preparation of ZnS quantum dot (QD) decorated graphene sheets at room temperature for the first time. The employed method is distinct from all previous reports, as we have employed graphene instead of graphene oxide (GO) or reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and used relatively fewer chemicals. Further, a SAIL is employed as a precursor of Zn2+ as well as a template for the preparation of ZnS QDs onto graphene. The prepared ZnS@graphene NCs show enhanced photocatalytic performance for the degradation of Rhodamine B dye under sunlight and ciprofloxacin antibiotic under visible light as compared to bare ZnS QDs. The better photocatalytic activity of the NCs under visible light compared to that reported in the literature along with the ease of preparation is advantageous for scaling-up the process.

Complexation Behavior of ß-Lactoglobulin with Surface Active Ionic Liquids in Aqueous Solutions: An Experimental and Computational Approach.

The nature of functionalization of alkyl chains of imidazolium-based surface active ionic liquids (SAILs) with amide or ester moiety led to contrasting complexation behavior toward the globular protein, bovine serum albumin. This prompted us to further investigate the SAIL-dependent colloidal behavior of another globular protein, ß-lactoglobulin (ßLG), to probe the origin of varying structural transformations in globular proteins induced by SAILs. Herein, we investigated the colloidal systems of ßLG, rich in ß-sheet structure, in the presence of four structurally different SAILs using a multitechnique approach. The complexation behavior, both at the air-solution interface and in bulk, is supplemented by different techniques. Docking studies have complemented the obtained experimental results. The specificity of structure, H-bonding ability of SAILs, and inherent structure of protein are found to govern their complexation behavior in terms of size, shape, and polarity of protein-SAIL complexes along with varying degrees of structural alterations in globular proteins. The present work is expected to be very useful in establishing a deep understanding of the structure-property relationship between the nature of proteins and SAILs for their complexation and colloidal behavior for various biomedical applications.

Urea Nitrapyrin Placement Effects on Soil Nitrous Oxide Emissions in Claypan Soil.

Corn ( L.) production in poorly drained claypan soils in the US Midwest is a challenge due to low soil permeability, which may result in wetter soil conditions and relatively large amounts of soil NO emissions early in the growing season. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of urea fertilizer placement with and without nitrapyrin (NI) on daily and cumulative soil NO emissions, and yield-scaled NO emissions in 2016 and 2017. Treatments included urea deep banded to a 20-cm depth (DB), urea deep banded to 20 cm plus NI (DB+NI), urea incorporated after a surface broadcast application to ∼8-cm depth (IA), urea broadcast on the soil surface (SA), and a nonfertilized control (NTC). Fertilizer was applied at 202 kg N ha. Surface soil NO efflux rates were generally lower (<50 g NO-N ha d) during the first 3 wk after N fertilization and latter parts of the growing seasons. When averaged across the 2016 and 2017 growing seasons, all fertilized treatments had significantly greater (2.33-5.60 kg NO-N ha, < 0.05) cumulative soil NO emissions than NTC. The DB+NI treatment had 54 and 55% lower cumulative soil NO emissions than IA and SA, respectively. In 2017, DB+NI had similar soil yield-scaled NO emissions to NTC. Percentage grain yield increase over NTC was highest for DB and DB+NI. Grain yield in 2016 was 14 to 18% higher for DB and DB+NI than SA. Results suggest that DB+NI is an effective management strategy for reducing cumulative soil NO emissions and increasing grain yields over the growing season.