Dissolution of cellulose in imidazolium-based double salt ionic liquids.

The dissolution of cellulose in double salt ionic liquids (DSILs) was studied in detail and compared with the dissolution in individual constituent ionic liquids (ILs). The DSILs, [C4mim](CH3CO2)xCl1-x (x is the mole fraction of the single component ILs), were synthesized using acetate and chloride salts of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium. These DSILs were then used for the investigation of the solubility of cellulose in the whole mole fraction range. Commercial cellulose (CC) powder, kraft pulp (KP), and prehydrolysis kraft pulp (PHKP) of jute were chosen as cellulose sources. The solubility of cellulose increased with an increasing temperature for [C4mim](CH3CO2)0.6Cl0.4 and with increasing amount of [C4mim]Cl in DSILs. The maximum solubility of CC powder was 32.8 wt% in [C4mim](CH3CO2)0.6Cl0.4 at 100 °C, while for KP and PHKP, solubilities were 30.1 and 30.5 wt%, respectively under the identical condition. Cellulose could be regenerated from the DSILs using water as an antisolvent. Structure, morphology, and thermal stability of the regenerated cellulosic materials were analyzed. DSILs could be recycled >99 % without a discernible change in structure. This work demonstrates that DSILs display enhanced solubility over ILs system and have potential as a chemical processing methodology.

Whole-Genome Sequence of Bacillus pacificus CR121, a Fish Probiotic Candidate.

We describe a promising fish probiotic, Bacillus pacificus CR121, which was isolated from the intestine of a healthy Indian major carp species, rohu (Labeo rohita) and shown to possess in vivo disease prevention efficacy in L. rohita and Oreochromis niloticus. The genome sequence information will help us make use of the probiotic potential of this strain.

TiO2 paste formulation for crack-free mesoporous nanocrystalline film of dye-sensitized solar cells.

Using a doctor-blade method, a highly viscous titanium dioxide (TiO2) paste was deposited on a glass substrate coated with fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO). The paste was mainly composed of commercially available TiO2 nanoparticles (P25) and hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) as organic filler. Varying the content of HPC in the TiO2 paste changed the physical properties of the mesoporous TiO2 layer, particularly its porosity and surface area. From the quantification of dyes on Ti2, layer and the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) study of the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), the surface area of the TiO2 film was found to have decreased. This came with the increase of HPC content while the porosity of the film increased, consistent with the concurrent decrease of short-circuit current density (Jsc) and efficiency (eta). The increased porosity greatly affected the electron transport through the TiO2 film by decreasing the coordination number of the TiO2 particles resulting to a decrease of the electron diffusion coefficient.

Carbon nanotubes on fluorine-doped tin oxide for fabrication of dye-sensitized solar cells at low temperature condition.

The multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), electrophoretically deposited on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), were employed as charge-collecting channels in the TiO2 photoelectrode of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) fabricated at 200 degrees C. The CNT-networks at the conducting substrate increased the charge collection efficiency of the porous TiO2 film, while the short circuit current increased up to ca. 43% under optimized condition. However, the significant decrease in the open-circuit voltage (Voc) up to ca. 132 mV resulted in the failure of the overall cell efficiency improvement. Findings reveal that the transfer process for the back electron is mainly responsible for the significant Voc drop when the MWCNTs were deposited at the electron-collecting substrate of the photoelectrode. The study demonstrates that electrophoretic deposition of MWCNTs on charge collecting substrate would be applicable to introduce an effective charge-collecting channel for the fabrication of flexible DSSCs under low temperature sintering condition.

Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus subtilis YBS29, a Potential Fish Probiotic That Prevents Motile Aeromonas Septicemia in Labeo rohita.

We report the draft genome sequence of the promising fish probiotic Bacillus subtilis YBS29. This strain exhibits in vitro antimicrobial activity against Aeromonas veronii and enhances growth and disease resistance in the Indian major carp species Labeo rohita against motile Aeromonas septicemia (MAS). Its genome contains a gene cluster encoding multiple bacteriocins and lacks genes for virulence factors. These genomic features signify potential for safe use as a probiotic in aquaculture.

Whole-Genome Sequence of Aneurinibacillus migulanus TP115, a Potential Fish Probiotic Isolated from Oreochromis niloticus Gut.

We report the whole-genome sequence of a promising fish probiotic, Aneurinibacillus migulanus TP115, which was isolated from the gut of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The de novo assembly resulted in an estimated chromosome size of 5,556,554 bp, with 5,576 open reading frames.

Surface modification and improvements of wicking properties and dyeability of grey jute-cotton blended fabrics using low-pressure glow discharge air plasma.

Herein, we reported the improvements of wicking properties and dyeability of the jute-cotton blended (40:60) fabrics due to the effect of low-pressure glow discharge (LPGD) air plasma under selected exposure times. The microscopic features, functional groups, wettability, contact angles, wetting area, wicking rates, and reflectance values of the jute-cotton blended fabrics were analyzed using numerous experimental techniques. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques were used to investigate the morphological and compositional modifications of plasma-treated jute blended cotton fabrics. The compositional analysis confirmed various functional groups such as -OH, C-O, and COO- on the surface of jute blended cotton fabrics. The average pore radii and diffusion coefficient were calculated by using the modified Lucas-Washburn equation. The plasma-treated fabrics were shown to have an average pore radius of 0.93, 1.46, 2.26, and 4.8 µm under treatment time of 5,10,15, and 20 min. Nearly 50% reduction of contact angle was observed after a plasma treatment time of 20 min. The absorption to scattered ratio, K/S (determined using Kubel-Munk model) of the colored fabrics with 5 min pre-treated plasma was 6.47, although it was raised up to 8.51 after 20 min of pre-treatment. A reactive dye, Bezaktiv Red S-3B, was used for the dyeability test, and our findings showed that the dyeability and the wettability of the fabric were substantially enhanced with the treatment time of LPGD air plasma. Among the samples, only 10 min plasma pre-treated colored fabric exhibited a color difference of less than one compared to the standard one.

Whole-Genome Sequence of Fish-Pathogenic Enterococcus faecalis Strain BFFF11.

A fish-pathogenic bacterium, Enterococcus faecalis strain BFFF11, was isolated from a tilapia suffering from streptococcosis in a fish farm in the Gazipur district of Bangladesh. The whole genome of this strain, BFFF11, was 3,067,042 bp, with a GC content of 37.4%.

Whole-Genome Sequence of Bacillus subtilis WS1A, a Promising Fish Probiotic Strain Isolated from Marine Sponge of the Bay of Bengal.

This study reports the draft genome sequence of a promising fish probiotic, Bacillus subtilis strain WS1A, that possesses antimicrobial activity against Aeromonas veronii and suppressed motile Aeromonas septicemia in Labeo rohita The de novo assembly resulted in an estimated chromosome size of 4,148,460 bp, with 4,288 open reading frames.

Extraction, optical properties, and aging studies of natural pigments of various flower plants.

In this paper, we reported the extraction process of five different flowering plants utilizing different dye extraction methods and solvents (ethanol and water) to choose the best dye removal process. The FTIR spectra revealed the presence of several clear functional groups for all five natural dyes. The analytical studies such as UV spectroscopy, column chromatography, and vacuum evaporation were performed to isolate the dyes from their solutions. The UV-Vis studies on the pigments of flower extracts indicated broad absorption peaks in the visible region including clear bandgaps. Among the studied pigments, Alternanthera ficoidea showed the lowest direct bandgap of 1.69 eV and an Urbach energy value of 6.33 meV. The dye extraction yield rate improvement was extended from 11.7 to 24.7% (water solvent) and 11.3-32.4% (ethanol solvent). Throughout the studies, it was observed that ethanol produced a better extraction for organic dyes than water as a solvent. Aging studies revealed that all the dyes at the room temperature showed better stability with minor changes in the observed optical parameters in oxygen-rich conditions; however, these parameters have shown significant variations at a 60 °C temperature.

Whole-Genome Sequence of a Plant Growth-Promoting Strain, Serratia marcescens BTL07, Isolated from the Rhizoplane of Capsicum annuum L.

Serratia marcescens strain BTL07, which has the ability to promote growth and suppress plant diseases, was isolated from the rhizoplane of a chili plant. The draft genome sequence data of the strain will contribute to advancing our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying plant growth promotion and tolerance to different stresses.

Study of anatomical variation of right and left hepatic arteries.

The morphological study was done to see the origin of right and left hepatic arteries supplying the liver and gallbladder in Bangladeshi people to increase the knowledge regarding variational anatomy in this region. Sixty post mortem tissue blocks containing liver and gallbladder along with surrounding structures were collected from 40 male and 20 female cadavers of different age groups and fixed in 10% formol saline solution. This was a cross sectional descriptive study. This study was carried out in the Department of Anatomy in Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, from July 2007 to June 2008. Gross and fine dissections were carried out to study the different origin of right and left hepatic artery and its topographic relationship with adjacent structures. In the present study, findings were compared with the findings of Western researchers. In the present study, typical origin of the right and left hepatic artery from hepatic artery proper was 85% and in 15% cases it was found to arise from other sources. The right hepatic arteries those were not originated from hepatic artery proper, 8% was found to arise from common hepatic artery and 7% from superior mesenteric artery. But in case of left hepatic artery, remaining 15% was originated from common hepatic artery.

Gross anatomical study of spleenic length.

The aim of the present study was to establish the standard length of the normal spleen in Bangladeshi people. One hundred and twenty human cadavers of which eighty-seven male and thirty-three female were dissected to remove spleen with associated structures in the morgue of Forensic Medicine Department of Mymensingh Medical College. Collected specimens were tagged with specific identification number, divided into five groups according to age and height of the individual. Gross and fine dissections were carried out after fixing the specimen in 10% formol saline solution. Length of the spleen was measured by measuring tape and expressed in cm and findings of the present study were compared with the findings of national and international studies. This was a cross sectional descriptive study carried out in the Department of Anatomy of Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh. The mean length of spleen was maximum as 11.20 cm in male in group C (31-45 years), and as 11.80 cm in female in group B(16-30 years) and mean length of spleen was minimum as 10.06 cm in male and 9.53 cm in female in group A (upto 15 years). Difference between group A and B, A and C, A and D were statistically significant. There were no significant differences in between other groups. According to height of individual the mean length of spleen was maximum 11.42 cm in 165.01 to 180 cm height group and minimum 10.30 cm in 0-120 cm height group which indicate that length of the spleen increases with height of the individual. This was observed that length of the spleen depends on the age, sex and body height of the individual.

Seasonal Reproductive Performance and Pre-diapausing Mating Status of Female Riptortus pedestris (Hemiptera: Alydidae) Collected in Fields.

Two unexplained phenomena are found in Riptortus pedestris (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Alydidae): the first is that it tends to enter reproductive diapause much earlier in the season and to occur on host plants until late fall before finding hibernation site. The second is that they emerge in early spring when primary food sources such as leguminous plants are unavailable. To understand these phenological trends, the reproductive seasonality of both field-collected and laboratory-reared R. pedestris were compared under conditions of with/without food or access to mates. Females collected in spring or fall produced very few eggs in laboratory. But, when food sources were provided, all the bugs produced more eggs. Eggs also hatched normally except those produced by the females collected in fall. This indicates that females collected in the spring were already mated while those collected in the fall were not, most likely because they were in reproductive diapause. Similarly, when food was provided, all laboratory-reared bugs produced eggs, regardless of diapause status, with longer preoviposition period in diapausing bugs which might be due to the termination of reproductive diapause, but only eggs from mated females hatched. In conclusion, while spring reproduction (oviposition and egg hatch) of R. pedestris can occur in the presence of food resources, any lack of food can be limiting factor impeding these activities. In fall, reproduction is greatly reduced even when food resources are available, and under these conditions failure of females to become mated, due to reproductive diapause, is likely the limiting factor.

Factors affecting growth in the koinobiont endoparasitoid Venturia canescens in the flour moth Ephestia kuehniella.

With resistance of insect pests to synthetic pesticides on the increase, the role of parasitoid wasps as biological control agents is expanding in pest and resistance management strategies. One of the predictors of reproductive success of endoparasitoids is the relative size of the wasp at host emergence. While in idiobiont parasitoids, where the host stops feeding after parasitism, the wasp size is determined by the host size at the time of parasitism; the size of koinobiont wasps, where the host continues to feed after parasitism, is dependent on additional factors. Here we show that the host mass and temperature are important factors that determine survival and development of the koinobiont endoparasitoid Venturia canescens in late instar larvae of the flour moth Ephestia kuehniella.

Evaluation of mature soybean pods as a food source for two pod-sucking bugs, Riptortus pedestris (Hemiptera: Alydidae) and Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae).

Riptortus pedestris (Fabricius) and Halyomorpha halys (Stål) cause injury to soybeans by piercing and sucking pods and seeds. Growers believe that new damage decreases near to harvest despite the occurrence of these bugs at that time. As this question has never been assessed, we evaluated two diets: a) mature soybean pods (dried shell + dried soybean seeds) and b) dried soybean seeds for the two bugs by assessing their biological, behavioral, and morphological attributes on each diet in laboratory. While nymphs of both species were able to develop and adults able to reproduce on the tested diets, bugs fed on pods had longer development times and 2.2 to 5.0 times higher mortality rates than bugs fed on seeds. Furthermore, adult longevity of R. pedestris and H. halys fed on pods was 8.4 and 7.5 days shorter, respectively, than that of bugs fed on seeds. However, pod feeding had no effect on adult fecundity or egg viability. In a behavioral choice test, adult R. pedestris preferred seeds over pods and probed seeds longer than pods. On average, adult H. halys also preferred seeds over pods, although 15.6% of H. halys showed the reverse, preferring pods over seeds. The proboscis length and estimated depth of stylet penetration into the host tissue of both nymphs and adults of both species was much greater than the thickness of the pod shell, suggesting that mouthpart structure does not explain the negative effects of pods vs. seeds. In conclusion, mature soybean pods were found to be a suitable food source for both R. pedestris and H. halys despite some negative effects, and thus careful attention should be paid to the population levels of these two bugs approaching harvest to reduce economic damage in soybean.

Cell-free immune reactions in insects.

Insects, like many other multicellular organisms, are able to recognise and inactivate potential pathogens and toxins in the absence of cells. Here we show that the recognition and inactivation of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and bacteria is mediated by lipophorin particles, which are the lipid carrier in insects. In immune-induced insects sub-populations of lipophorin particles are associated with pattern recognition proteins and regulatory proteins that activate prophenoloxidase. Moreover, interactions with lectins result in the assembly of lipophorin particles into cage-like coagulation products, effectively protecting the surrounding tissues and cells from the potentially damaging effects of pathogens and phenoloxidase products. The existence of cell-free defence reactions implies that immune signals exist upstream of cell-bound receptors.

Females of Riptortus pedestris (Hemiptera: Alydidae) in Reproductive Diapause are More Responsive to Synthetic Aggregation Pheromone.

Riptortus pedestris (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Alydidae) enters reproductive diapause under short-day length (< 13.5 h) conditions. As an apparent increase of field populations of R. pedestris has been observed during the fall when aggregation pheromone traps are placed in soybean fields, we tested the hypothesis that R. pedestris becomes more responsive to the aggregation pheromone during fall as it enters its reproductive diapause. The response of R. pedestris females-either ones collected seasonally from fields or reared in the laboratory under short-day length (10:14 [L:D] h) conditions-to the aggregation pheromone was examined using a Y-tube olfactometer. Riptortus pedestris collected in fall showed a higher response to the aggregation pheromone (74-80%) than those collected in July (40%). Females in which diapause was induced in the laboratory also showed a higher response to the pheromone than those not in diapause. In a wind tunnel assay, female bugs in laboratory-induced diapause also responded positively to the aggregation pheromone. In addition, we assessed the reproduction of females to verify their diapausing status. Diapausing females never mated with either short- or long-day-reared males, nor did they reproduce, but non-diapausing females mated with short-day-reared males at a rate of 13%. Females collected from fields during fall never mated. In a soybean field evaluation, the number of adult female R. pedestris was higher in the presence of an aggregation pheromone trap than in the absence of one. This is the first confirmation of higher response to the aggregation pheromone of both field-collected and laboratory-reared R. pedestris in reproductive diapause.

Phase variable changes in genes lgtA and lgtC within the lgtABCDE operon of Neisseria gonorrhoeae can modulate gonococcal susceptibility to normal human serum.

The alpha-chain of the core oligosaccharide of the lipo-oligosaccharide (LOS) produced by Neisseria gonorrhoeae can undergo reversible and rapid changes in structure due to phase-variable production of certain enzymes employed in the biosynthesis of the lacto-N-neotetraose structure. Five of these enzymes are encoded by the lgtABCDE operon, and polynucleotide tracts within three of these genes (lgtA, lgtC and lgtD) can be substrates for slipped-strand mispairing events that lead to nucleotide insertions or deletion events which result in variable production of their respective gene products. We now report that phase-variable synthesis of the lgtA and lgtC gene products in strain FA19 results in the production of elongated LOS alpha-chains and that the presence of these LOS species can result in gonococci being sensitive to the bacteriolytic action of serum-antibody and complement. Hence, phase variation within the lgtABCDE operon can significantly impact the ability of gonococci to subvert this important host defense system.

Effect of citrus flavonoids, naringin and naringenin, on metabolic syndrome and their mechanisms of action.

Flavonoids are important natural compounds with diverse biologic activities. Citrus flavonoids constitute an important series of flavonoids. Naringin and its aglycone naringenin belong to this series of flavonoids and were found to display strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Several lines of investigation suggest that naringin supplementation is beneficial for the treatment of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome. A number of molecular mechanisms underlying its beneficial activities have been elucidated. However, their effect on obesity and metabolic disorder remains to be fully established. Moreover, the therapeutic uses of these flavonoids are significantly limited by the lack of adequate clinical evidence. This review aims to explore the biologic activities of these compounds, particularly on lipid metabolism in obesity, oxidative stress, and inflammation in context of metabolic syndrome.