Finite-dimensional quantum mechanics of a particle

This paper analyzes the possible implications of interpreting the finitedimensional representations of canonically conjugate quantum mechanical position, and momentum operators of a particle consistent with Weyl's form of Heisenberg's commutation relation as the actual position, and momentum operators of the particle when it is confined to move within a finite spatial domain, and regarding the application of current quantum mechanical formalism based on Heisenberg's relation to such a situation as an asymptotic approximation. In the resulting quantum mechanical formalism the discrete and finite position and momentum spectra of a particle depend on its rest mass and the spatial domain of confinement. Such a finite-dimensional quantum mechanics may be very suitable for describing the physics of particles confined to move within very small regions of space.     

Two-Fluid Dark Energy Models in Bianchi Type-III Universe with Variable Deceleration Parameter

Some new exact solutions of Einstein’s field equations have come forth within the scope of a spatially homogeneous and anisotropic Bianchi type-III space-time filled with barotropic fluid and dark energy by considering a variable deceleration parameter. We consider the case when the dark energy is minimally coupled to the perfect fluid as well as direct interaction with it. Under the suitable condition, the anisotropic models approach to isotropic scenario. We also find that during the evolution of the universe, the equation of state (EoS) for dark energy ω ^(de), in both cases, tends to ?1 (cosmological constant, ω ^(de)=?1), by displaying various patterns as time increases, which is consistent with recent observations. The cosmic jerk parameter in our derived models are in good agreement with the recent data of astrophysical observations under appropriate condition. It is observed that the universe starts from an asymptotic Einstein static era and reaches to the ΛCDM model. So from recently developed Statefinder parameters, the behaviour of different stages of the universe has been studied. The physical and geometric properties of cosmological models are also discussed.     

Biological and catalytic evaluation of Ru(II)‐p‐cymene complexes of Schiff base ligands: Impact of ligand appended moiety on photo‐induced DNA and protein cleavage,cytotoxicity and C‐H activation

Two organometallic Ru(II)‐p‐cymene complexes of the type [Ru(η⁶‐p‐cymene)(L)Cl]PF₆ 1 and 2 , where L is N,N‐bis(4‐isopropylbenzylidene)ethane‐1,2‐diamine (bien, L1 ) or N,N‐bis (pyren‐2‐ylmethylene)ethane‐1,2‐diamine (bpen, L2 ) have been prepared and characterized well. Because of appended pyrenyl groups in coordinated bpen ligand, the complex 2 exhibits higher DNA and protein binding than complex 1 in which isopropylbenzyl groups are incorporated. Interestingly, the luminescent characteristic complex 2 is unique in displaying DNA cleavage after light activation by UVA light at 365 nm through oxygen dependent mechanism. AFM analysis attests the photo‐induced DNA fragmentation ability of complex 2 . Also, the complex 2 cleaves the protein after light exposure in a non‐specific manner suggesting that it can act as a protein photo cleaving agent. In contrast to the trend of DNA and protein interaction of complexes, the complex 1 exhibits cytotoxic activity against human breast carcinoma ( MCF‐7 ) and liver carcinoma ( HepG2 ) with potency higher than that of complex 2 due to enhanced hydrophobicity of isopropyl groups present in p‐cymene and bien ligands. Indeed, complex 2 is inactive against MCF‐7 and HepG2 cancer cell lines even up to 200 μM concentration. The AO/EB staining assay reveals that the complex 1 is able to induce late apoptotic mode of cell death in breast cancer cells, which is further confirmed by inter‐nucleosomal DNA cleavage. Furthermore, the complexes 1 and 2 are evaluated for their catalytic activities and found to be working well for the β‐carboline directed C–H arylation to afford the desired products in good yield (40–47%).     

Hydrolytic Cleavage of Paraoxon by Octanohydroxamate Ion in Cationic Microemulsions

The hydrolysis reaction of O,O‐diethyl O‐p‐nitrophenylphosphate (Paraoxon) with the octanohydroxamate ion (OHA^?) was studied in a cationic oil‐in‐water (O/W) microemulsion system over a pH range 7.5–12.0 at 300 K. The O/W systems are stabilized by using cationic surfactant, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), and n‐butanol as cosurfactants. In a microemulsion, the rate enhancement by OHA^? is greater toward the cleavage of paraoxon than its spontaneous (2.1 × 10⁷ s^?1) hydrolysis. The k_obs values for the reaction of paraoxon with OHA^? were determined in different microemulsion compositions with varying chain length of alcohols (n‐butanol, n‐pentanol, n‐octanol, and n‐dodecanol) and alkanes (n‐hexane, n‐heptane, and n‐decane). The effects of water content, pH, and size of the oil pool have been discussed.     

Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Reactive Dyes over MnTiO3/TiO2 Heterojunction Composites Under UV‐Visible Irradiation

In this study, the photocatalytic degradation of organic reactive dyes have been investigated using MnTiO₃/TiO₂ heterojunction composites in the presence of electron acceptors under UV‐Visible light irradiation. This MnTiO₃/TiO₂ heterojunction composites were prepared by annealing different mass ratios of pyrophanite MnTiO₃ (3–11 wt%) and TiO₂ at 300°C. All the MnTiO₃/TiO₂ heterojunction composites were characterized by spectral techniques like X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and diffused reflectance UV‐visible spectroscopic analysis (DRS). Among them, 9 wt% MnTiO₃/TiO₂ heterojunction composites exhibited higher photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Reactive Blue 4 (RB 4). The photocatalytic efficiency of 9 wt% MnTiO₃/TiO₂ heterojunction composites was further enhanced by the addition of substantial amount of electron acceptors like hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and ammonium peroxydisulfate ([NH₄]₂S₂O₈). The presence of oxidants (electron acceptors) facilitates the fast degradation of dye solution even in higher concentration upto 200 mg/L. The photocatalytic activity of MnTiO₃/TiO₂ heterojunction composites was also studied for the degradation of other four different structured reactive dyes. The extent of mineralization of these organic reactive dyes during photocatalytic degradation was estimated from COD analysis. MnTiO₃/TiO₂ heterojunction composites was also found to have good photostability in the presence of oxidants.     

Thermally stimulated discharge current (TSDC) characteristics in β-phase PVDF–BaTiO3 nanocomposites

β-phase polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)–BaTiO₃ nanocomposite samples have been prepared by solution mixing method. XRD data represent that the crystallinity of PVDF decreases with increase in loading level of BaTiO₃ nanoparticles. DSC curve represents that the melting point of PVDF is lightly affected by loading concentration of BaTiO₃. The morphology and microstructure of PVDF and PVDF embedded by BaTiO₃ nanofillers were investigated by using inverted contrast microscopy (ICM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). FTIR interferrometry is proven that PVDF and BaTiO₃ are not chemically interacting; therefore, interaction of BaTiO₃ is van der Waals type of interaction. The thermally stimulated discharge current (TSDC) of PVDF and PVDF–BaTiO₃ nanocomposites sample was characterized by single peak. The observed TSDC peak is discussed on the basis of dipolar and interfacial polarization.     

Trypsin Inhibitor from Edible Mushroom Pleurotus floridanus Active against Proteases of Microbial Origin

Protease inhibitors can be versatile tools mainly in the fields of medicine, agriculture and food preservative applications. Fungi have been recognized as sources of protease inhibitors, although there are only few such reports on mushrooms. This work reports the purification and characterization of a trypsin inhibitor from the fruiting body of edible mushroom Pleurotus floridanus (PfTI) and its effect on the activity of microbial proteases. The protease inhibitor was purified up to 35-fold by DEAE-Sepharose ion exchange column, trypsin-Sepharose column and Sephadex G100 column. The isoelectric point of the inhibitor was 4.4, and its molecular mass was calculated as 37 kDa by SDS-PAGE and 38.3 kDa by MALDI-TOF. Inhibitory activity confirmation was by dot-blot analysis and zymographic activity staining. The specificity of the inhibitor toward trypsin was with Ki of 1.043?×?10^?10 M. The inhibitor was thermostable up to 90 °C with maximal stability at 30 °C, active over a pH range of 4–10 against proteases from Aspergillus oryzae, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus sp. and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. Results indicate the possibility of utilization of protease inhibitor from P. floridanus against serine proteases.     

A Microbial Sensor Based on Direct Electron Transfer at Shewanella Sp. Drop‐Coated Screen‐Printed Carbon Electrodes

Aerobically grown Shewanella sp. bacterial suspension drop‐coated on a disposable screen‐printed carbon electrode was found to possess electroactivity without the aid of redox mediator. Cyclic voltammetric studies revealed the characteristics of a mixed diffusion adsorption‐controlled electrochemical process for direct electron transfer at the bacteria‐modified electrode. Both FE‐SEM and ATR FT‐IR experiments were carried out to investigate the surface characteristics. The electroanalytical applicability was further demonstrated for electrocatalytic reduction of arsenite, hydrogen peroxide and nitrite. Low cost and very simple manufacturing procedure allow for the proposed bacterial sensor to be applied as disposable devices.     

A Comprehensive Review on Therapeutic Perspectives of Phytosterols in Insulin Resistance: A Mechanistic Approach

Natural products in the form of functional foods have become increasingly popular due to their protective effects against life-threatening diseases, low risk of adverse effects, affordability, and accessibility. Plant components such as phytosterol, in particular, have drawn a lot of press recently due to a link between their consumption and a modest incidence of global problems, such as Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM), cancer, and cardiovascular disease. In the management of diet-related metabolic diseases, such as T2DM and cardiovascular disorders, these plant-based functional foods and nutritional supplements have unquestionably led the market in terms of cost-effectiveness, therapeutic efficacy, and safety. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder categoriszed by high blood sugar and insulin resistance, which influence major metabolic organs, such as the liver, adipose tissue, and skeletal muscle. These chronic hyperglycemia fallouts result in decreased glucose consumption by body cells, increased fat mobilisation from fat storage cells, and protein depletion in human tissues, keeping the tissues in a state of crisis. In addition, functional foods such as phytosterols improve the body’s healing process from these crises by promoting a proper physiological metabolism and cellular activities. They are plant-derived steroid molecules having structure and function similar to cholesterol, which is found in vegetables, grains, nuts, olive oil, wood pulp, legumes, cereals, and leaves, and are abundant in nature, along with phytosterol derivatives. The most copious phytosterols seen in the human diet are sitosterol, stigmasterol, and campesterol, which can be found in free form, as fatty acid/cinnamic acid esters or as glycosides processed by pancreatic enzymes. Accumulating evidence reveals that phytosterols and diets enriched with them can control glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as insulin resistance. Despite this, few studies on the advantages of sterol control in diabetes care have been published. As a basis, the primary objective of this review is to convey extensive updated information on the possibility of managing diabetes and associated complications with sterol-rich foods in molecular aspects.