Temperature dependent luminescence characteristics of Sm3+-doped silicate glass

We report here on the optical characterisation of Sm3+ (5 wt%): SiO2 + Al2O3 + Li2O + Na2O + MgO glass from the measurements of optical absorption spectra (at 300 K), total luminescence spectra (10-300 K) and fluorescence lifetimes (10-300 K) of the prominent emission transitions of the Sm3+ ions. Besides its spectral properties, physical and nonlinearity characterising property parameters have also been computed to understand the optical dispersive power of this glass. By the application of Judd-Ofelt parameters (omega(lambda)) of the measured absorption spectrum, the radiative transition probability factors (A) and stimulated emission cross-section (sigma(p)E) of the observed fluorescent levels have been analysed. Both emission intensity and measured lifetimes of the prominent luminescent transition (4G(5/2) --> 6H(7/2)) concerning Sm3+-glass has been showing a descending trend with the rise in temperature with N2-laser (337.1 nm) as the source of excitation.     

Correlation between metabolite ratios and ADC values of prostate in men with increased PSA level

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) were carried out in men with increased prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. Forty subjects [controls (Group I) and patients (Groups II and III with PSA >20 and 4-20 ng/ml, respectively)] were investigated using endorectal coil at 1.5 T prior to transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided biopsy. Metabolite ratio [citrate/(choline+creatine)] and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were calculated for identical voxels. In patients, voxels that showed lower metabolite ratio showed reduced ADC in the peripheral zone (PZ) of the prostate, and voxels with increased metabolite ratio showed higher ADC. Metabolite ratios were used to predict areas of malignancy if the ratio was <1.4 and if ADC value was <1.17 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s. Patients in Group II had lower metabolite ratio and ADC in the PZ compared to controls and Group III. All 13 were positive for malignancy in MR, while 12 of 13 were positive on TRUS-guided sextant biopsy. In Group III, certain voxels of PZ that showed reduced metabolite ratio also showed lower ADC. A positive correlation was observed between metabolite ratio and ADC. MR predicted areas of malignancy in PZ in 15 of 20 patients; however, only six were positive on TRUS-guided biopsy perhaps due to high false-negative rate of TRUS-guided biopsy. Results show positive correlation between MRSI and DWI and their potential in detection of malignancy, thereby improving the diagnosis especially in patients with PSA level of 4-20 ng/ml.     

Seven and higher-membered oxygen heterocycles: Metal and non-metal

The investigation of methods for the chemical synthesis is a growing area of interest due to increasing environmental issues. The use of catalysts in organic reactions has gained extensive interest. Metal and nonmetal catalysts provided a new improved alternative to traditional methods in modern synthetic chemistry. The aim of present review is to focus on the applications of metals and nonmetals for the synthesis of seven and higher-membered O-heterocycles.     

An efficient one-pot solvent-free synthesis and photophysical properties of 9-aryl/alkyl-octahydroxanthene-1,8-diones

A facile and efficient protocol for the synthesis of 9-aryl/alkyl-3,3,6,6-tetramethyl-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydroxanthene-1,8-diones has been developed by one-pot reaction of dimedone with aldehydes in the presence of InCl₃ or P₂O₅ under solvent-free conditions. The optical behaviors of the xanthenediones have been investigated by UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. The present approach offers the advantages of simple methodology, clean and mild reaction, high atom-economy, short reaction time, low environmental impact, wide substrate scope, high yield, and excellent purity.     

Core–shell nanophosphor with enhanced NIR–visible upconversion as spectrum modifier for enhancement of solar cell efficiency

A distinct enhancement of upconversion luminescence from core to core/shell (C/S) structure under low flux near infrared (NIR) excitation at 976 nm has been achieved in lanthanide (Er³⁺, Yb³⁺)-doped NaYF₄ core with undoped NaYF₄ shell nanoparticles (NP). A green chemistry approach has been taken to synthesize monodisperse monophasic C/S NP with the core (~20 nm) and shell (~5 nm) crystallizing into cubic phase. Hydrophobic C/S NP have been further made hydrophilic by coating a transparent SHMP layer without affecting luminescence. C/S (NaYF₄: Er, Yb/NaYF₄) NP integrated dye-sensitized solar cell indicated 11.9% enhancement in overall conversion efficiency under AM 1.5 conditions, due to NIR–visible spectrum modification by fluorescent NPs. The results indicate great potential of such upconverting C/S nanophosphor in solar cell applications.     

Antioxidant Activity and Protective effect of Banana Peel against Oxidative Hemolysis of Human Erythrocyte at Different Stages of Ripening

Phytochemicals such as polyphenols and carotenoids are gaining importance because of their contribution to human health and their multiple biological effects such as antioxidant, antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic, and cytoprotective activities and their therapeutic properties. Banana peel is a major by-product in pulp industry and it contains various bioactive compounds like polyphenols, carotenoids, and others. In the present study, effect of ripening, solvent polarity on the content of bioactive compounds of crude banana peel and the protective effect of peel extracts of unripe, ripe, and leaky ripe banana fruit on hydrogen peroxide-induced hemolysis and their antioxidant capacity were investigated. Banana (Musa paradisica) peel at different stages of ripening (unripe, ripe, leaky ripe) were treated with 70% acetone, which were partitioned in order of polarity with water, ethyl acetate, chloroform (CHCl₃), and hexane sequentially. The antioxidant activity of the samples was evaluated by the red cell hemolysis assay, free radical scavenging (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical elimination) and superoxide dismutase activities. The Folin–Ciocalteu's reagent assay was used to estimate the phenolic content of extracts. The findings of this investigation suggest that the unripe banana peel sample had higher antioxidant potency than ripe and leaky ripe. Further on fractionation, ethyl acetate and water soluble fractions of unripe peel displayed high antioxidant activity than CHCl₃ and hexane fraction, respectively. A positive correlation between free radical scavenging capacity and the content of phenolic compound were found in unripe, ripe, and leaky ripe stages of banana peel.     

Bacterial cell leakage potential of newly synthesized quinazoline derivatives of 1,5-benzodiazepines analogue

Novel quinazoline embellished analogues of 1,5-benzodiazepine ( 6, 9, 13, 17, 21 and 24 ) were synthesized using one-pot domino approach. Structure of the compounds synthesized, were established with the help of IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and mass spectral data. Further, antibacterial activity, FE-SEM imaging and cell leakage study was also performed.     

Synthesis and Characterization of O,O'-Bis(α-Naphthyl, β-Naphthyl,and 2, 3, 5-Trimethylphenyl)Dithiophosphate Ligands

Abstract

O,O′-Bis(α-Naphthyl, β-Naphthyl and 2,3,5-trimethylphenyl) dithiophosphate ligands have been isolated as triethylammonium salts, (α-C₁₀H₇O-, β-C₁₀H₇O, and (CH₃)₃C₆H₂O)₂PS₂HNEt₃, by the reaction of α-C₁₀H₇OH, β-C₁₀H₇OH, or (CH₃)₃C₆H₂OH with P₂S₅ in presence of Et₃N, in 4:1:2 molar ratio in chloroform under anhydrous conditions. Acidic form of these ligands, (α-C₁₀H₇O-, β-C₁₀H₇O-, or (CH₃)₃C₆H₂O)₂PS₂H, have been obtained by the direct reaction of α-C₁₀H₇OH, β-C₁₀H₇OH-, or (CH₃)₃C₆H₂OH with P₂S₅ in 4:1 molar ratio in presence of microwaves under solvent-free conditions. Both forms of the ligands have been converted into corresponding sodium salts, (α -C₁₀H₇O-, β-C₁₀H₇O-, or (CH₃)₃C₆H₂O)₂PS₂Na. These compounds have been characterized by elemental analyses (C, H, N, and S) and mass, IR, and NMR (¹H, ¹³C and ³¹P) spectroscopic studies.

Supplemental materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Phosphorus, Sulfur, and Silicon and the Related Elements to view the free supplemental file.     

Studies of Some Newer Polyhydrazides Containing Amide Linkages. Part 1

An attempt has been made to prepare some new polyamide hydrazides of high thermal stability with different dicarboxylic acid chlorides by the solution polymerization technique. The polymerization was carried out at -20°C. Amide linkage was present in each polymer unit. Results of thermal degradation and thermogravimetric analysis indicate that these polymers melt or decompose above 350°C, and the steep weight loss of the polymer takes place in the range 360–390°C. Most of the polyhydrazides are soluble in organic solvents.