Photoluminescence properties of rare earths (Eu3+, Tb3+, Dy3+ and Tm3+) activated NaInW2O8 wolframite host lattice

The photoluminescence (PL) studies on NaIn_1?xRE_xW₂O₈, with RE=Eu³⁺, Tb³⁺, Dy³⁺ and Tm³⁺ phases have shown that the relative contribution of the host lattice and of the intra-f–f emission of the activators to the PL varies with the nature of the rare earth cation. In the case of Dy³⁺ and Tm³⁺ activators, with yellow and blue emission, respectively, the energy transfer from host to the activator plays a major role. In contrast for Eu³⁺, with intense red emission, the host absorption is less pronounced and the intra-f–f transitions of the Eu³⁺ ions play a major role, whereas for Tb³⁺ intra-f–f transitions are only observed, giving rise to green emission.     

Highly sensitive methanol chemical sensor based on undoped silver oxide nanoparticles prepared by a solution method

We have prepared silver oxide nanoparticles (NPs) by a simple solution method using reducing agents in alkaline medium. The resulting NPs were characterized by UV–vis and FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, and field-emission scanning electron microscopy. They were deposited on a glassy carbon electrode to give a sensor with a fast response towards methanol in liquid phase. The sensor also displays good sensitivity and long-term stability, and enhanced electrochemical response. The calibration plot is linear (r ²?=?0.8294) over the 0.12?mM to 0.12?M methanol concentration range. The sensitivity is ~2.65?μAcm^?2?mM^?1, and the detection limit is 36.0?μM (at a SNR of 3). We also discuss possible future prospective uses of this metal oxide semiconductor nanomaterial in terms of chemical sensing.

Environmentally friendly, one-pot synthesis of Ag nanoparticle-decorated reduced graphene oxide composites and their application to photocurrent generation

In this paper, we develop an environmentally friendly, one-pot strategy toward rapid preparation of Ag nanoparticle-decorated reducd graphene oxide (AgNPs/rGO) composites by heating the mixture of GO and AgNO(3) aqueous solution in the presence of sodium hydroxide at 80 °C under stirring. The reaction was accomplished within a short period of 10 min without extra reducing agent. As-synthesized AgNPs/rGO composites have been successfully applied in photocurrent generation in the visible spectral region.     

Asymptotic Energy Expansion for Rational Power Polynomial Potentials

Asymptotic energy expansion method is extended for polynomial potentials having rational powers. New types of recurrence relations are derived for the potentials of the form V(x)=x^2n/m+b₁x^n1/m1+b₂x^n2/m2 +··· + b_Nx^n_N/m_N where n,m,n₁,m₁,...,n_N,m_N are positive integers while coefficients b_k∈ C. As in the case of even degree polynomial potentials with integer powers, all the integrals in the expansion can be evaluated analytically in terms of Γ functions. With the help of two examples, we demonstrate the usefulness of these expansions in getting analytic insight into the quantum systems having rational power polynomial potentials.     

Efficient scavenging of uranium (VI) using porous hexagonal boron nitride by a combined process of surface adsorption and induced precipitation crystallization

An ammonium/hydroxyl-enriched p-BN microrods were synthesized and the adsorption behavior of uranyl on p-BN was systematically studied. The adsorption kinetic and isotherm studies revealed the adsorption behavior is independent on electrostatic attraction or chemisorption. The results demonstrate uranyl hydrolyzed precipitated crystals are formed on the surface of p-BN at an optimized pH of 2.86 and the maximum adsorption capacity can reach 413 mg g^?1 at T?=?303 K. A hypothetical adsorption mechanism with a combination of surface adsorption and induced precipitation crystallization was proposed.

     

Mixed micellization study of ibuprofen (sodium salt) and cationic surfactant (conventional as well as gemini)

Herein, we have studied the interaction between cationic surfactant (conventional [myristyltrimethylammonium bromide, MTAB] as well as gemini surfactant 1, 4‐butanediyl‐α, ω‐bis(dimethyltetradecylammonium bromide) (14‐4‐14)) and anti‐inflammatory sodium salt of ibuprofen (IBU) drug in aqueous solutions by using tensiometry method at 298.15 K. The means of the interaction of drugs by added foreign materials is of paramount importance in the drug delivery. Ibuprofen is used for the relief of pain, fever, and swelling. From this study we have evaluated different parameters, for example, critical micelle concentration (cmc), micellar mole fraction of mixed micelles/mixed interface (X₁^m/X₁^σ), micellar/surface interaction parameter (β^m/β^σ), activity coefficients (f₁^m/f₁^σ and f₂^m/f₂^σ) of the mixed micelles/mixed interface, excess Gibbs free energy of mixed monolayer/mixed micelle formation ( $\mathrm{\Delta }{G}_{\mathrm{ex}}^{\mathrm{\sigma }}$/ $\mathrm{\Delta }{G}_{\mathrm{ex}}^{\mathrm{m}}$), surface excess concentration (Γ_max) etc. and discussed in detail. The micellar interaction parameter (β^m) was determined from the critical micelle concentration values of the pure surfactant (MTAB/14‐4‐14) and IBU (cmc₁ and cmc₂) and the mixed system (cmc) using the Rubingh's model. In addition to this, various other parameters such as packing parameters of amphiphiles in the micelles (P), volume contribution of the hydrophobic chain (V₀), and its effective length (l_c), have also been calculated. The value of micellar mole fraction ( $X_1^{\mathrm{m}}$) is found to be more for IBU + 14‐4‐14 mixtures as compared to IBU + MTAB mixtures at lower mole fraction and vice versa at a higher mole fraction of surfactant. The ΔG^o_m and ΔG^o_ads values for all studied systems were found out to be negative, ie, micellization, as well as adsorption processes, are found to be energetically favorable.     

Synthesis and characterization of binaphthalene-2,2′-diamine-functionalized gold nanoparticles

Gold nanoparticles 1.7 and 54 nm in diameters have been synthesized and functionalized successfully with their surfaces engineered using two atropisomeric capping ligands, 2,2′-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1′-binaphthalene (BINAP) and 1,1′-binaphthalene-2,2′-diamine (DABN), respectively. A systematic study to compare the two different gold nanoparticles is presented using multiple material characterization techniques. It was found that the two systems show different capping mechanism and hence differ in their intrinsic core and surface properties. The compound BINAP plays only surface capping agent and stabilizes the gold nanoparticles, resulting in small particle size and suppressed surface plasmon resonance absorption at 520 nm. The DABN capping ligand is different from BINAP and acts as both reducing and capping agent, causing the reduction of Au (III) to Au (0). The nucleation growth of the gold core occurs in accordance with the polymerization-passivation process by DABN, resulting in a big particle size of 20 nm. A strong surface plasmon resonance band shows a maximum peak at 564 nm, consistent with the Au core size. The simultaneous oxidative polymerization of DABN and the induced metal reduction process lead to the formation of gold nanoparticles encapsulated by a mixture of DABN oligomers or polymers.

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Pharmacological Justification for the Medicinal Use of Plumeria rubra Linn. in Cardiovascular Disorders

Plumeria rubra (L.) is a traditional folkloric medicinal herb used to treat cardiovascular disorders. The present investigation was methodically planned to investigate the pharmacological foundations for the therapeutic effectiveness of P. rubra in cardiovascular illnesses and its underlying mechanisms. Ex vivo vaso-relaxant effects of crude leaf extract of P. rubra were observed in rabbit aorta ring preparations. Hypotensive effects were measured using pressure and force transducers connected to the Power Lab data acquisition system. Furthermore, P. rubra displayed cardioprotective properties in rabbits when they were exposed to adrenaline-induced myocardial infarction. In comparison to the intoxicated group, the myocardial infarction model showed decreased troponin levels, CK-MB, LDH, ALT, ALP, AST, and CRP, as well as necrosis, apoptosis, oedema, and inflammatory cell enrollment. P. rubra has revealed good antioxidant properties and prolonged the noradrenaline intoxicated platelet adhesion. Its anticoagulant, vasorelaxant, and cardioprotective effects in both in vivo and ex vivo investigations are enabled by blocking L-type calcium channels, lowering adrenaline, induced oxidative stress, and tissue tear, justifying its therapeutic utility in cardiovascular disorders.     

Computational Screening of Natural Compounds for Identification of Potential Anti-Cancer Agents Targeting MCM7 Protein

Minichromosome maintenance complex component 7 (MCM7) is involved in replicative licensing and the synthesis of DNA, and its overexpression is a fascinating biomarker for various cancer types. There is currently no effective agent that can prevent the development of cancer caused by the MCM7 protein. However, on the molecular level, inhibiting MCM7 lowers cancer-related cellular growth. With this purpose, this study screened 452 biogenic compounds extracted from the UEFS Natural Products dataset against MCM protein by using the in silico art of technique. The hit compounds UEFS99, UEFS137, and UEFS428 showed good binding with the MCM7 protein with binding energy values of −9.95, −8.92, and −8.71 kcal/mol, which was comparatively higher than that of the control compound ciprofloxacin (−6.50). The hit (UEFS99) with the minimum binding energy was picked for molecular dynamics (MD) simulation investigation, and it demonstrated stability at 30 ns. Computational prediction of physicochemical property evaluation revealed that these hits are non-toxic and have good drug-likeness features. It is suggested that hit compounds UEFS99, UEFS137, and UEFS428 pave the way for further bench work validation in novel inhibitor development against MCM7 to fight the cancers.