Synthesis of alkyl 6‐methyl‐4‐(2‐trifluoromethylphenyl)‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydro‐2H‐pyrimidine‐2‐one‐5‐carboxylates possessing a N‐3 nitro substituent to determine calcium channel modulation structure‐activity relationships

The Bigenelli acid catalyzed condensation of 2‐trifluoromethylbenzaldehyde ( 1 ), urea ( 2 ) and an alkyl acetoacetate ( 3 ) afforded the respective alkyl (Me, Et, i‐Pr, i‐Bu) 6‐methyl‐4‐(2‐trifluoromethylphenyl)‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydro‐2H‐pyrimidine‐2‐one‐5‐carboxylate ( 4‐7 ). Subsequent N³‐nitration of the alkyl esters ( 4‐7 ) using Cu(NO₃)₂ 3H₂O and Ac₂O furnished the target alkyl 6‐methyl‐3‐nitro‐4‐(2‐trifluoromethylphenyl)‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydro‐2H‐pyrimidine‐2‐one‐5‐carboxylates ( 8‐11 ). The N³‐nitro compounds ( 8‐11 ) were less potent calcium channel antagonists (IC₅₀ values in the 1.9 × 10^?7 to 3.9 × 10^?6 M range) on guinea pig ileal longitudinal smooth muscle than the reference drug nifedipine (Adalat®, IC₅₀ = 1.4 × 10^?8 M). In vitro calcium channel modulation studies on guinea pig left atrium (GPLA) showed that the methyl and ethyl esters ( 8‐9 ) induced a weak‐to‐modest positive inotropic (agonist) effect, and that the inactive isopropyl ( 10 ) and isobutyl ( 11 ) esters did not alter the cardiac contractile force of GPLA.     

Plasma-induced graft copolymerization of poly(methacrylic acid) on electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride) nanofiber membrane

Electrospun nanofibrous membranes (ENM) which have a porous structure have a huge potential for various liquid filtration applications. In this paper, we explore the viability of using plasma-induced graft copolymerization to reduce the pore sizes of ENMs. Poly(vinylidene) fluoride (PVDF) was electrospun to produce a nonwoven membrane, comprised of nanofibers with diameters in the range of 200-600 nm. The surface of the ENM was exposed to argon plasma and subsequently graft-copolymerized with methacrylic acid. The effect of plasma exposure time on grafting was studied for both the ENM and a commercial hydrophobic PVDF (HVHP) membrane. The grafting density was quantitatively measured with toluidine blue-O. The degree of grafting increased steeply with an increase in plasma exposure time for the ENM, attaining a maximum of 180 nmol/mg after 120 s of plasma treatment. However, the increase in the grafting density on the surface of the HVHP membrane was not as drastic, reaching a plateau of 65 nmol/mg after 60 s. The liquid entry permeation of water dropped extensively for both membranes, indicating a change in surface properties. Field emission scanning electron microscopy micrographs revealed an alteration in the surface pore structure for both membranes after grafting. Bubble point measurements of the ENM reduced from 3.6 to 0.9 um after grafting. The pore-size distribution obtained using the capillary flow porometer for the grafted ENM revealed that it had a similar profile to that of a commercial hydrophilic commercial PVDF (HVLP) membrane. More significantly, water filtration studies revealed that the grafted ENM had a better flux throughput than the HVLP membrane. This suggests that ENMs can be successfully engineered through surface modification to achieve smaller pores while retaining their high flux performance.     

Estimation of cut-off wavelength of rare earth doped single-mode fibers

A new empirical relation is proposed describing spectral variation of mode-field radius (MFR) as inferred from measurements in the far-field of the fiber. It is shown that using this relation, it is possible to estimate the cut-off wavelength (λ_c) of the fiber. The proposed technique is successfully tested through measurements made on two standard step index single-mode fibers, as well as on an erbium doped fiber (EDF) having λ_c falling within its strong absorption band around 980 nm. This empirical formula is more accurate than the widely used Marcuse's formula to describe spectral dependence of MFR determined through measurements made in the fiber's far-field. The proposed technique is especially suited for estimation of λ_c of doped fibers in which λ_c falls within an absorption band.     

Wei Hua’s four-parameter potential: Comments and computation of molecular constants αe and εeXe

The value of adjustable parameterC in the four-parameter potentialU(r) =D _e [(1 - exp[-b(r -r _e)])/(1 -C exp[-b(r -r _e)])]² has been expressed in terms of molecular parameters and its significance has been brought out. The potential so constructed, withC derived from the molecular parameters, has been applied to ten electronic states in addition to the states studied by Wei Hua. Average mean deviation for these 25 states has been found to be 3.47 as compared to 6.93, 6.95 and 9.72 obtained from Levine, Varshni and Morse potentials, respectively. Also Dunham’s method has been used to express rotation-vibration interaction constant (α_e) and anharmonicity constant (ω_ex_e) in terms ofC and other molecular constants. These relations have been employed to determine these quantities for 37 electronic states. For α_e, the average mean deviation is 7.2% compared to 19.7% for Lippincott’s potential which is known to be the best to predict these values. Average mean deviation for (ω_ex_e) turns out to be 17.4% which is almost the same as found from Lippincott’s potential function.     

Enrichment of Zinc and Iron Micronutrients in Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) through Biofortification

Biofortification of pulse crops with Zn and Fe is a viable approach to combat their widespread deficiencies in humans. Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is a widely consumed edible crop possessing a high level of Zn and Fe micronutrients. Thus, the present study was conducted to examine the influence of foliar application of Zn and Fe on productivity, concentration, uptake and the economics of lentil cultivation (LL 931). For this, different treatment combinations of ZnSO₄·7H₂O (0.5%) and FeSO₄·7H₂O (0.5%), along with the recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), were applied to the lentil. The results of study reported that the combined foliar application of ZnSO₄·7H₂O (0.5%) + FeSO₄·7H₂O (0.5%) at pre-flowering (S1) and pod formation (S2) stages was most effective in enhancing grain and straw yield, Zn and Fe concentration, and uptake. However, the outcome of this treatment was statistically on par with the results obtained under the treatment ZnSO₄·7H₂O (0.5%) + FeSO₄·7H₂O (0.5%) at S1 stage. A single spray of ZnSO₄·7H₂O (0.5%) + FeSO₄·7H₂O (0.5%) at S1 stage enhanced the grain and straw yield up to 39.6% and 51.8%, respectively. Similarly, Zn and Fe concentrations showed enhancement in grain (10.9% and 20.4%, respectively) and straw (27.5% and 27.6% respectively) of the lentil. The increase in Zn and Fe uptake by grain was 54.8% and 68.0%, respectively, whereas uptake by straw was 93.6% and 93.7%, respectively. Also the benefit:cost was the highest (1.96) with application of ZnSO₄·7H₂O (0.5%) + FeSO₄·7H₂O (0.5%) at S1 stage. Conclusively, the combined use of ZnSO₄·7H₂O (0.5%) + FeSO₄·7H₂O (0.5%) at S1 stage can contribute significantly towards yield, Zn and Fe concentration, as well as uptake and the economic returns of lentil to remediate the Zn and Fe deficiency.     

Transfer-Free Graphene Growth on Dielectric Substrates: A Review of the Growth Mechanism

Ever since the more-than-decade-old discovery of application of mechanical exfoliation to obtain graphene, this 2-dimensional material was known for its soaring promise in various applications, owing to its excellent properties. Graphene, most popularly grown on metallic substrates by chemical vapour deposition, needs to be transferred onto dielectric substrates for multiple optical and electronic applications. During such complex and expensive transfer steps, defects are introduced into graphene, which deteriorates the quality and thus, properties of graphene. An alternative approach to surmount these problems is the elimination of the transfer process and to directly grow graphene on dielectric substrates, for future electronic and optical applications. This review presents a comprehensive and an up-to-date account of the development of synthesis methods, challenges and future directions for transfer-free graphene growth on dielectric substrates. Special emphasis is given on the fundamentals of growth mechanisms of various transfer-free graphene synthesis processes on dielectric materials.     

Encapsulating Au‐Fe3O4 Nanodots into AIE‐active Supramolecular Assemblies: Ambient Visible‐light Harvesting “Dip‐Strip” Photocatalyst for C−C/C−N Bond Formation Reactions

The present study demonstrates the development of a supramolecular porous ensemble consisting of hetero‐oligophenylene derivative 6 and Au‐Fe₃O₄ nanodots. Supramolecular assemblies of AIE‐active hetero‐oligophenylene derivative 6 served as reactors for the generation of Au‐Fe₃O₄ nanodots. The as prepared supramolecular ensemble functioned as an efficient recyclable photocatalytic system for C(sp²)?H bond activation of anilines for the construction of quinoline carboxylates. Interestingly, the “dip catalyst” prepared by depositing PTh‐co‐PANI‐6: Au‐Fe₃O₄ nanodots on a filter paper served as a recyclable strip (up to 10 cycles) for C?C/C?N bond formation reaction.     

The synergistic co‐operation of N—H…O=P hydrogen bonds and C—H…OX weak intermolecular interactions (X is =P or —C) in the (CH3O)2P(O)(NH–NHC6F5) amidophosphoester: a combined X‐ray crystallographic and theoretical study

The asymmetric unit of O,O′‐dimethyl [(2,3,4,5,6‐pentafluorophenyl)hydrazinyl]phosphonate, C₈H₈F₅N₂O₃P, is composed of two symmetry‐independent molecules with significant differences in the orientations of the C₆F₅ and OMe groups. In the crystal structure, a one‐dimensional assembly is mediated from classical N—H…O hydrogen bonds, which includes R₂²(8), D(2) and some higher‐order graph‐set motifs. By also considering weak C—H…O=P and C—H…O—C intermolecular interactions, a two‐dimensional network extends along the ab plane. The strengths of the hydrogen bonds were evaluated using quantum chemical calculations with the GAUSSIAN09 software package at the B3LYP/6‐311G(d,p) level of theory. The LP(O) to σ*(NH) and σ*(CH) charge‐transfer interactions were examined according to second‐order perturbation theory in natural bond orbital (NBO) methodology. The hydrogen‐bonded clusters of molecules, including N—H…O and C—H…O interactions, were constructed as input files for the calculations and the strengths of the hydrogen bonds are as follows: N—H…O [R₂²(8)] > N—H…O [D(2)] > C—H…O. The decomposed fingerprint plots show that the contribution portions of the F…H/H…F contacts in both molecules are the largest.     

Quantitative determination of macroelement and microelement content of fresh and processed bamboo shoots by wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry

Bamboo shoots are considered as healthy and nutritional food as they supply proteins, dietary fiber, phenols, phytosterols, vitamins, and minerals in considerable quantities and capture a novel place in the spectrum of plant foods. Besides nutrients and bioactive compounds, shoots also contain antinutrient (cyanogen) that needs to be removed by adequate processing prior to consumption. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of fermentation, brine preservation, and boiling on levels of mineral elements in shoots of Dendrocalamus hamiltonii using wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WD-XRF) spectrometry. WD-XRF spectrometry is a method that causes the least destruction to the raw plant material as no harsh chemicals are used and gives the most accurate results. Fermentation process resulted in significant increase in the levels of Rb (9%), S (11%), Mg (12%), Zn (46%), Ca (56%), and Fe (87%); however, Na (18.79 g/100 g, dry weight), Cl (24.73 g/100 g, dry weight), and Br (20.0 mg/100 g, dry weight) content increased drastically after brine preservation. Boiling increased the levels of Fe by 139% but did not affect the Rb (20.0 mg/100 g, dry weight) and Zn content (10.2 mg/100 g, dry weight) of the shoots. In general, fermentation, which led to the lowest loss of mineral elements, appears the best method in enhancement and retention of the mineral content in bamboo shoots and holds the prospect at industrial and society levels.     

A novel technique for active vibration control,based on optimal tracking control

Determination of concentration of major elements such as Ca, Si, Al, and Fe in cement is very important for quality control during its production, correct classification according to the existing standards, and thus for appropriate use in the construction industry. For this purpose, neutron activation analysis is very suitable. In this preliminary theoretical work, the irradiation and consecutive measurement of the percentage of the constituent elements in different cement samples were done using MCNPX with γ-ray spectra as the output. Specific peaks of Ca, Si, Al, and Fe obtained from these spectra were used as input for artificial neural network (18 of them for training and 8 for testing) resulting in the determination of each element in the given sample. The mean absolute errors of the results are less than 0.4%, which is very promising for the future experimental work where the uncertainties are usually one order higher.