Fixed points of multivalued quasi-nonexpansive mappings using a faster iterative process

In this article, we prove some strong and weak convergence theorems for quasi-nonexpansive multivalued mappings in Banach spaces. The iterative process used is independent of Ishikawa iterative process and converges faster. Some examples are provided to validate our results. Our results extend and unify some results in the contemporary literature.     

In Vitro Inhibitory Analysis of Rationally Designed siRNAs against MERS-CoV Replication in Huh7 Cells

MERS-CoV was identified for the first time in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in 2012 in a hospitalized patient. This virus subsequently spread to 27 countries with a total of 939 deaths and 2586 confirmed cases and now has become a serious concern globally. Camels are well known for the transmission of the virus to the human population. In this report, we have discussed the prediction, designing, and evaluation of potential siRNA targeting the ORF1ab gene for the inhibition of MERS-CoV replication. The online software, siDirect 2.0 was used to predict and design the siRNAs, their secondary structure and their target accessibility. ORF1ab gene folding was performed by RNAxs and RNAfold software. A total of twenty-one siRNAs were selected from 462 siRNAs according to their scoring and specificity. siRNAs were evaluated in vitro for their cytotoxicity and antiviral efficacy in Huh7 cell line. No significant cytotoxicity was observed for all siRNAs in Huh7 cells. The in vitro study showed the inhibition of viral replication by three siRNAs. The data generated in this study provide preliminary and encouraging information to evaluate the siRNAs separately as well as in combination against MERS-CoV replication in other cell lines. The prediction of siRNAs using online software resulted in the filtration and selection of potential siRNAs with high accuracy and strength. This computational approach resulted in three effective siRNAs that can be taken further to in vivo animal studies and can be used to develop safe and effective antiviral therapies for other prevalent disease-causing viruses.     

Raman study of (NH4)2CuCl4·2H2O—I: Dynamics and structure in low temperature phase

We report the results of a Raman scattering study of (NH₄)₂CuCl₄2H₂O at 300, 205 and 100°K, in order to elucidate the dynamics and phase transition in this double salt. A group theoretical calculation of the symmetry vectors, in the high temperature phase (D_4h¹⁴), is made and the various modes are identified. The deuterated compound (ND₄)₂CuCl₄·2D₂O has also been investigated to help in identifying the modes involving motion of the ammonium ions and water molecules. Through a careful analysis of the spectra at 100°K, the space group in the low temperature phase has been established as D_2d³. The important consequence of this result is that this leads to parallel spatial ordering of ammonium tetrahedra in this compound in the low temperature phase.     

Photochemical transformations—II : Organic iodides—II: citronellyl iodide, 2,3-dihydro-6(z)-farnesyl and 2,3-dihydro-6(e)-farnesyl iodides

Experimental parameters governing π-electrons participation during photolysis of citronellyl iodide have been investigated. Photoproducts resulting from irradiation of 2,3-dihydro-6(Z)- and 2,3-dihydro-6(E)-farnesyl iodides have been characterised.     

Mixed ligand complexes of ruthenium(III), rhodium(III) and iridium(III) with dipicolinic acid and some monobasic bidentate nitrogen,oxygen donor ligands

The trivalent ruthenium, rhodium and iridium complexes of dipicolinic acid and its mixed ligand complexes with several nitrogen, oxygen donor molecules, of types: Na[M(dipic)₂]·2H₂O and [M(dipic)(N-O)]·nH₂O (where M = Ru(III), Rh(III) or Ir(III); dipicH₂ = dipicolinic acid; NOH represents different nitrogen, oxygen donor molecules, viz., picolinic acid, nicotinic acid, isonicotinic acid, glycine, aminophenol, o- or p-aminobenzoic acid), have been synthesized and characterised on the basis of elemental analyses, electrical conductance, magnetic susceptibility measurements and spectral (electronic and infrared) data. The parent dipicolinic acid complexes are found to have a six-coordinate pseudooctahedral structure, whereas for mixed ligand complexes, a polymeric six-coordinate structure has been assigned. Various ligand field and nephelauxetic parameters have also been evaluated.     

Raman scattering study of LiKSO4—phases II and III

Detailed Raman scattering investigation of LiKSO₄ in phases II and III across the transition temperatureT _c ? 700 K is reported. Abrupt change in frequency and line width of the external and internal modes have been observed. Analysis of the results suggests lithium positional disorder and sulphate orientational disorder in the high temperature phase (II). The results also throw some light on the existence of twin domains in the crystal.     

New phase transition in LiKSO4

A subtle first order phase transition in LiKSO₄ has been discovered with the help of a temperature dependent study of the Raman intensity measurements of certain polar modes in different polarization configurations. The room temperature hexagonal C⁶₆ (P6₃) phase transforms to trigonal C⁴_3v (P31c) phase at 201°K while cooling; the reverse transformation (on heating) takes place at 242°K. The phase transition appears to be primarily associated with a cooperative reorientation of SO₄ tetrahedra in the crystal.