A simple method to synthesize N-doped rutile titania with enhanced photocatalytic activity in sunlight

This study demonstrates a simple route for the synthesis of nanocrystalline N doped rutile titania by calcination of acidified TiCl₃ in presence of urea. Urea was used as a source of nitrogen. The N doped rutile titania was yellow in colour and showed excellent photocatalytic activity in sunlight.     

How side-chain hydrophilicity modulates morphology and charge transport in mixed conducting polymers

Organic mixed ionic-electronic conductors (OMIECs) are a developing class of organic electronic materials distinguished by their dual modes of conduction. The side-chains of OMIEC polymers are responsible for forming a percolating electrolyte phase that mediates doping and ionic conduction. Despite this critical role, design rules for OMIEC side-chains are still nascent and their effects on OMIEC morphology and charge transport have yet to be systematically studied. Here we perform the first dedicated coarse-grained molecular dynamics study of OMIECs where the side-chain identity and distribution are systematically varied using a random copolymer architecture. The simulations recapitulate the nonlinear progression of the morphology from an interfacially gated electrolyte when large fractions of hydrophobic side-chains are incorporated, to an electrolyte swelled morphology after crossing a threshold of approximately 40% polar side-chains. Kinetic Monte Carlo simulations were used to characterize the charge transport behaviors in these systems, revealing two interesting maxima in the mobility at 40% and 100% polar side-chain fractions, respectively. With respect to maximizing the charge mobility and conductivity, these simulations suggest that a uniform hydrophilic side-chain distribution is optimal and that there are few advantages to using mixed side-chains in a random copolymer architecture. These results also suggest several alternative side-chain engineering strategies for optimizing OMIEC performance.     

Isolation,Identification and Optimization of a New Extracellular Lipase Producing Strain of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhizopus</Emphasis> sp.

A lipolytic mesophilic fungus which produces lipase extracellularly was isolated from soil. Based on ITS1-5.8S–ITS4 region sequences of ribosomal RNA, it was concluded that the isolate JK-1 belongs to genus Rhizopus and clades with Rhizopus oryzae. The present paper reports the screening, isolation, identification, and optimization of fermentation conditions for the production of lipase (EC 3.1.1.3). Culture conditions were optimized, and the highest lipase production was observed in basal medium with corn steep liquor as nitrogen source and glucose as carbon source. Maximum lipase production was observed at 72 h, which is about 870 U/ml. Optimization of fermentation conditions resulted in 16-fold enhancement in enzyme production.     

Revisiting novel symmetries in coupled ${ \mathcal N }=2$ supersymmetric quantum systems: examples and supervariable approach

We revisit the novel symmetries in ${ \mathcal N }=2$ supersymmetric quantum mechanical models by considering specific examples of coupled systems. Further, we extend our analysis to a general case and list out all the novel symmetries. In each case, we show the existence of two sets of discrete symmetries that correspond to the Hodge duality operator of differential geometry. Thus, we are able to provide a proof of the conjecture which points out the existence of more than one set of discrete symmetry transformations corresponding to the Hodge duality operator. Moreover, we derive on-shell nilpotent symmetries for a generalized superpotential within the framework of supervariable approach.     

Generation of squeezed atomic states in cavity QED

A squeezed atomic state is that state of a system of two-level atoms for which the intrinsic quantum noise in a process of measurement is less than the minimum noise obtained by using a spin coherent state. It is shown that such a state is generated in certain time intervals when a non-squeezed atomic state evolves on interaction with a single mode coherent field inside a lossless cavity. The atoms are assumed to undergo one-photon or two-photon transitions between the given two levels. The maximum atomic squeezing is found as a function of the number of atoms and the field strength. The effect of the field-dependent Stark shift is investigated in the case of the atoms undergoing two-photon transitions.     

Cordyceps militaris Fungus Extracts-Mediated Nanoemulsion for Improvement Antioxidant,Antimicrobial, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities

This study aimed to produce and optimize a Cordyceps militaris-based oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsion (NE) encapsulated in sea buckthorn oil (SBT) using an ultrasonication process. Herein, a nonionic surfactant (Tween 80) and chitosan cosurfactant were used as emulsifying agents. The Cordyceps nanoemulsion (COR-NE) was characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and field-emission transmission electron microscope (FE-TEM). The DLS analyses revealed that the NE droplets were 87.0 ± 2.1 nm in diameter, with a PDI value of 0.089 ± 0.023, and zeta potential of −26.20 ± 2. The small size, low PDI, and stable zeta potential highlighted the excellent stability of the NE. The NE was tested for stability under different temperature (4 °C, 25 °C, and 60 °C) and storage conditions for 3 months where 4 °C did not affect the stability. Finally, in vitro cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory activity were assessed. The results suggested that the NE was not toxic to RAW 264.7 or HaCaT (human keratinocyte) cell lines at up to 100 µL/mL. Anti-inflammatory activity in liposaccharides (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells was evident at 50 µg/mL and showed inhibition of NO production and downregulation of pro-inflammatory gene expression. Further, the NE exhibited good antioxidant (2.96 ± 0.10 mg/mL) activity and inhibited E. coli and S. aureus bacterial growth. Overall, the COR-NE had greater efficacy than the free extract and added significant value for future biomedical and cosmetics applications.     

Spatial distribution of uranium and chemo-radiological assessment in Hamirpur district,Himachal Pradesh,India

Monitoring of radioactivity in an environment is an important step towards establishing the baseline for environment protection. This work highlights the spatial distribution of uranium (U); assessment of physico-chemical parameters and radiological assessment in groundwater of Hamirpur district, HP, India. The concentration of U ranges from 0.15 to 18.92 μg l^?1. High correlation of U is observed with TDS, Chloride and Nitrate. Major concentration of U is present along the NW–SE trend-line following the Siwalik in the areas where mineralisation is prevalent and is of geogenic source derived from granitic and volcanic rock fragments present in conglomerates. The water-quality-index indicates that the water is suitable for drinking purpose.