A quadrature-based LES/transported probability density function approach for modeling supersonic combustion

The joint-scalar probability density function (PDF) approach provides a comprehensive framework for large eddy simulation (LES) based combustion modeling. However, currently available stochastic approaches for solving the high-dimensional PDF transport equation can be error prone and numerically unstable in highly compressible shock-containing flows. In this work, a novel Eulerian approach called the direct quadrature method of moments (DQMOM) is developed for evolving the PDF-based supersonic combustion model. The DQMOM technique uses a set of scalar transport equations with specific source terms to recover the PDF. The new technique is coupled to a compressible LES solver through the energy equation. The DQMOM approach is then used to simulate two practical flow configurations: a supersonic reacting jet and a cavity-stabilized supersonic combustor. Comparisons with experimental data demonstrate the predictive accuracy of the method.     

Biological screening and DNA nuclease activity of transition metal complexes of N2O2 type of Knoevenagel condensate Schiff base

A novel tetradentate N₂O₂ type of Knoevenagel condensate Schiff base, synthesized from 4‐amino‐2,3‐dimethyl‐1‐phenyl‐3‐pyrazolin‐5‐one (4‐aminoantipyrine) and 3‐(cinnamyl)‐pentane‐2,4‐dione, forms stable complexes with transition metal ions such as Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II). The structural features were derived from elemental analysis, molar conductance measurements, infrared, UV–visible, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, mass and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopies. These complexes show high conductance values, supporting their electrolytic nature. Spectroscopic and other analytical data of the complexes suggest square planar geometry. In vitro calf thymus DNA binding studies were performed by employing UV–visible absorption spectroscopy, viscometry and cyclic voltammetry. These techniques indicate that all the metal complexes bind to DNA via intercalation mode. Antimicrobial screening of the synthesized ligand and complexes was conducted against Gram‐positive bacteria, Gram‐negative bacteria and fungi. These complexes exhibit higher antimicrobial activities than the free Schiff base, as investigated using the minimum inhibitory concentration method. Gel electrophoresis reveals that these complexes also promote the cleavage of pUC18 plasmid DNA in the presence of activators. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Site-Identification by Ligand Competitive Saturation (SILCS) assisted pharmacophore modeling

Database screening using receptor-based pharmacophores is a computer-aided drug design technique that uses the structure of the target molecule (i.e. protein) to identify novel ligands that may bind to the target. Typically receptor-based pharmacophore modeling methods only consider a single or limited number of receptor conformations and map out the favorable binding patterns in vacuum or with a limited representation of the aqueous solvent environment, such that they may suffer from neglect of protein flexibility and desolvation effects. Site-Identification by Ligand Competitive Saturation (SILCS) is an approach that takes into account these, as well as other, properties to determine 3-dimensional maps of the functional group-binding patterns on a target receptor (i.e. FragMaps). In this study, a method to use the FragMaps to automatically generate receptor-based pharmacophore models is presented. It converts the FragMaps into SILCS pharmacophore features including aromatic, aliphatic, hydrogen-bond donor and acceptor chemical functionalities. The method generates multiple pharmacophore hypotheses that are then quantitatively ranked using SILCS grid free energies. The pharmacophore model generation protocol is validated using three different protein targets, including using the resulting models in virtual screening. Improved performance and efficiency of the SILCS derived pharmacophore models as compared to published docking studies, as well as a recently developed receptor-based pharmacophore modeling method is shown, indicating the potential utility of the approach in rational drug design.     

An efficient protocol for the synthesis of benzoheterocyclic compounds via solid-state melt reaction (SSMR)

An efficient protocol for the synthesis of biologically active benzoheterocyclic compounds such as benzothiazoles, benzimidazoles, benzospirothiazoles, and quinoxaline scaffolds have been accomplished via solid state melt reaction (SSMR) with excellent yields. The new protocol does not require any catalyst, solvent, and workup. Two anti-tumor agents have been prepared to demonstrate the application of this new method.     

Magnetic Purcell Enhancement in a Nanoantenna-Spherical Bragg Resonator Coupled System

In this work, a novel approach for enhancing magnetic fields in all-dielectric nanoantennas using Spherical Bragg Resonators (SBR) is proposed, which can boost quantum emitters' magnetic transitions. A matrix method has been used to optimize the magnetic dipole resonance of a SiO₂/Si core-shell spherical nanoantenna. The radiative and non-radiative decay rate of a Eu³⁺ emitter with a quantum efficiency of ∼80% is studied. The findings revealed that the magnetic dipole nanoantenna resonance coupling with the SBR mode significantly enhances the modal magnetic field. A 4-layer SiO₂/Si SBR results in a Purcell factor of $\approx 5\times {10}^3$, the highest it has found in the literature, to the best of the knowledge. The work offers a theoretical demonstration of the potential of SBR to improve the performance of dielectric nanoantennas.