Detection of quantum critical points by a probe qubit

Quantum phase transitions occur when the ground state of a quantum system undergoes a qualitative change when an external control parameter reaches a critical value. Here, we demonstrate a technique for studying quantum systems undergoing a phase transition by coupling the system to a probe qubit. It uses directly the increased sensibility of the quantum system to perturbations when it is close to a critical point. Using an NMR quantum simulator, we demonstrate this measurement technique for two different types of quantum phase transitions in an Ising spin chain.     

Topologically-Interlocked Minicircles as Probes of DNA Topology and DNA-Protein Interactions

DNA minicircles exist in biological contexts, such as kinetoplast DNA, and are promising components for creating functional nanodevices. They have been used to mimic the topological features of nucleosomal DNA and to probe DNA-protein interactions such as HIV-1 and PFV integrases, and DNA gyrase. Here, we synthesized the topologically-interlocked minicircle rotaxane and catenane inside a frame-shaped DNA origami. These minicircles are 183 bp in length, constitute six individual single-stranded DNAs that are ligated to realize duplex interlocking, and adopt temporary base pairing of single strands for interlocking. To probe the DNA-protein interactions, restriction reactions were carried out on DNAs with different topologies such as free linear duplex or duplex constrained inside origami and free or topologically-interlocked minicircles. Except the free linear duplex, all tested structures were resistant to restriction digestion, indicating that the topological features of DNA, such as flexibility, curvature, and groove orientation, play a major role in DNA-protein interactions.     

Experimental analysis of tamarind seed powder-based flash powder composition for eco-friendly firecrackers

Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry - In this work, considering the various practical concerns during storage, processing, handling and emission of flash powder used for making firecracker,...     

Electrochemical and photocatalytic investigation of nickel oxide for energy storage and wastewater treatment

Nickel oxide (NiO) was synthesized via a one-step facile method. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the face-centered cubic structure of NiO. The bonding nature and surface purity were confirmed via Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. NiO revealed partial spherical morphology with less particle aggregation. The optical bandgap of NiO was found to be 3.75 eV. Cyclic voltammetry revealed well-defined oxidation and reduction peaks for NiO. The charge–discharge curve exhibited specific capacitance of 184.6 F/g at current density of 0.3 A/g. NiO electrode exhibited longer cyclic stability of 93 % up to 1500 cycles. In addition, NiO + H₂O₂ revealed efficient photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (organic pollutant) under visible-light irradiation with degradation efficiency of ~88 %. These results confirm that nanosized NiO is more suitable for dual application.

     

Evaluation of Octyl-β-D-Glucopyranoside (OGP) for Cytotoxic,Hemolytic<Emphasis Type="Italic">,</Emphasis> Thrombolytic,and Antibacterial Activity

The current study indicates that octyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (OGP) as a detergent which has the ability to make the lipid layer stiff. OGP was subjected for toxicity studies and in vitro cytotoxicty assays on cancerous HeLa and non-cancerous myoblasts H9c2 cell lines. Test against aquatic organisms were carried out in Artemia salina and LC₅₀ values were calculated. Hemolytic activity tested for blood bio-compalibity showed hemolysis rate of 10–16%, followed by thrombolytic activity to burst the clots in blood. Also, the samples showed good lysis when compared to the standard streptokinase. Furthermore, α-amylase activity has been carried out to check the inhibition of α-amylase by the OGP. Finally, antibacterial activity has been tested against four different pathogens and their MIC values have been calculated.     

Effect of pressure drop on solute retention and column efficiency in supercritical fluid chromatography. Part 2: Modified carbon dioxide as mobile phase

The effect of pressure drop on the performance of supercritical fluid chromatography systems using a modified mobile phase (carbon dioxide + ethanol) was studied. Experiments were performed on a Lichrospher-RP-18 column with phenanthrene as a solute. A wide range of back pressures (130 to 210 bar) and modifier concentrations (2 to 7% w/w) have been explored. Experiments yielding both small and large pressure drops were performed. From these experiments, parameters to describe pressure drop, retention, and column efficiency were extracted, and were used to simulate the dynamics of the chromatographic column. A good match between the experimentally measured and calculated values of pressure drop, retention times, and column efficiency was observed. At low back pressure and modifier composition, significant loss of column efficiency was observed.     

Thiophilic interaction chromatography of serum albumins

An investigation of the binding of native and recombinant human serum albumin and bovine serum albumin on three thiophilic gels, PyS, 2S, and 3S was performed. In addition to these proteins, we studied serum albumins from several species such as goat, rabbit, guinea pig, rat, hamster, baboon, and pig. Our results reveal that recombinant human serum albumin (rHSA) binds completely to PyS whereas native human serum albumin and bovine serum albumin bind only partially to PyS. The binding affinities of rHSA, human serum albumin and bovine serum albumin to 2S and 3S gels are less than their binding to PyS. Serum albumins from goat, rabbit, guinea pig, rat, hamster, baboon, and pig bind much stronger to 3S gel than human and bovine serum albumins. The binding of pig and hamster serum albumins is stronger than that of rat, goat, baboon, and rabbit.     

Theoretical analysis of the enzyme reaction processes within the multiscale porous biocatalytic electrodes

Mathematical model describing the oxidation of glucose in a multiscale porous biocatalytic electrode is discussed. The model considers herein is composed of two nonlinear differential equations accounting for reaction and diffusion within the hydrogel film. In this letter, approximate analytical expressions for the concentration of mediator, substrate and current have been obtained using the Adomian decomposition method (ADM). Furthermore, a comparison confirmed that our analytical result fitted very well with the numerical solution (Matlab). Sensitivity analysis of the parameters is also reported.     

Insecticidal activity of a novel fatty acid amide derivative from Streptomyces species against Helicoverpa armigera

Helicoverpa armigera, an important pest causes serious damage to grain legumes. The main objective of this study was to isolate and identify the metabolite against H. armigera from a previously characterised Streptomyces sp. CAI-155. The culture filtrate of CAI-155 was extracted using Diaion HP-20 and the active fractions were fractionated on Silica and C18 column chromatography. The C18 active fraction was further fractionated on Silica gel 60 F₂₅₄ thin layer chromatography (TLC). The most active fraction (Rf 0.64) purified from TLC led to the identification of a novel metabolite N-(1-(2,2-dimethyl-5-undecyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)-2-hydroxyethyl)stearamide by spectral studies. The purified metabolite showed 70–78% mortality in 2nd instar H. armigera by diet impregnation assay, detached leaf assay and greenhouse assay. The LD₅₀ and LD₉₀ values of the purified metabolite were 627 and 2276 ppm, respectively. Hence, this novel metabolite can be exploited for pest management in future.