Investigation of nonlinear optical parameters of zinc based amorphous chalcogenide films

Third order nonlinear optical properties of amorphous Zn_x–S_y–Se_100−x−y chalcogenide films have been investigated using single beam transmission z-scan technique at 1064 nm of Nd:YAG laser. Measurement of optical properties of amorphous Zn_x–S_y–Se_100−x−y chalcogenide films prepared by thermal evaporation technique has been made. X-ray diffraction patterns of chalcogenide films confirm the amorphous nature. Optical band gap (E_g) has been estimated using Tauc's plot method from transmission spectra that is found to decrease with increase in content due to valence band broadening and band tailing the system. Nonlinear refractive index (n₂), nonlinear absorption coefficient (β) and third order nonlinear susceptibility (χ³) of chalcogenide films have been estimated. Self-focusing effect has been observed in closed aperture and reverse saturable absorption in open aperture scheme. Limiting threshold and dynamic range have been calculated from optical limiting studies. The increase in nonlinearity with increase in Zn content has been observed that is understood to be due to decrease in band gap on Zn doping. High nonlinearity makes these films a potential candidate for waveguides, fibers and two photon absorption in optical limiters.     

In-Situ Monitoring of Chromium Uptake in Different Parts of the Wheat Seedling (Triticum aestivum) using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

The present work is a methodological study to investigate the effect of chromium (VI) stress on wheat seedlings. Point detection capability of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was utilized for the monitoring of in-situ chromium uptake in wheat (Triticum aestivum) seedlings. Chromium accumulation and its effects on other elements in wheat seedling were investigated by comparing the intensities of spectral lines of chromium and other minerals present in the LIBS spectra. In-situ LIBS spectra of the different parts of the wheat seedlings were recorded by directly focusing the laser beam on the surface of root, stem, and leaf of the seedlings grown with and without chromium-containing solutions. The spectra obtained from the different parts (root, stem, and leaf) of the wheat plant were analyzed to determine the distribution pattern/accumulation of chromium. Effect of the chromium uptake on the distribution pattern of other elements like calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), and potassium (K) was also investigated. It was observed that chromium concentrations in plant organs decreased in the following order: roots > leaves > stems.     

Spin-coating deposition of PbS and CdS thin films for solar cell application

In this work, we describe a simple spin-coating deposition technique for lead sulphide (PbS) and cadmium sulphide (CdS) films from a methanolic metal–thiourea complex. The characterization of the films by X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques revealed that pure cubic phase PbS and CdS layers were formed via this method. As shown by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy results, both films were homogeneous and presented a smooth surface. Optical properties showed that the energy band gap of PbS and CdS films were around 1.65 and 2.5 eV, respectively. The PbS film is p-type in nature with an electrical conductivity of around 0.8 S/cm. The hole concentration and mobility were 2.35 × 10¹⁸ cm^?3 and 2.16 × 10^?3 cm²/V/s, respectively, as determined from Hall measurement. Both films were used to develop a thin film solar cell device of graphite/PbS/CdS/ITO/glass. Device characterization showed the power conversion efficiency of around 0.24 %. The corresponding open circuit voltage, short circuit current and fill factor were 0.570 V, 1.32 mA/cm² and 0.32, respectively.     

Guest inclusion in cyclic imides containing flexible tethers

Guest inclusion properties of two cyclic imides which have carboxylic acids connected through flexible tether, namely, 4-(1,3-dioxo-1,3-dihydro-isoindol-2-ylmethyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (1) and 4-(1,3-dioxo-1H,3H-benzo[de]isoquinolin-2-ylmethyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (2) are studied. The crystals of host 1 containing one molecule of 1, the crystals of 4,4′-bipyridine (bpy) cocrystal of 1 containing one molecule of 1 and half molecule of bpy (1a), the crystals of 1,4-dioxane solvate of 1 containing two molecule of 1 and one and half molecule of 1,4-dioxane (1b) and the crystals of quinoline solvate of 1 containing one molecule of 1 and one molecule of quinoline (1c) in their crystallographic asymmetric units are investigated. Intermolecular hydrogen bonded two dimensional (2D) sheet structure of 1 and 3D channel network of 1b are comprised of cyclic R ₂ ² (8) hydrogen bond motifs; whereas cleavage of dimeric carboxylic acid R ₂ ² (8) motifs occurs in the structures of 1a and 1c in which 3D host–guest networks are comprised of discrete O–H···N and cyclic R ₂ ² (7) interactions, respectively. Various types of weak interactions between the two symmetry nonequivalent host molecule are found to be responsible for the formation of channels (14 × 11 Å) filled by guest 1,4-dioxane molecules in the crystal lattice of 1b. Two different solvates of 2 containing one molecule of 2 with a water molecule (2a) and one molecule of 2 with a quinoline molecule (2b) in their crystallographic asymmetric units, respectively, are also crystallized in different space groups. The quinoline molecules are held with host molecules by discrete O–H···N and C–H···O interactions and reside inside the voids formed by 3D repeated hexameric assemblies of host molecules in the crystal lattice of 2b.     

Chrysophanol–phospholipid complex

Delivery of poorly soluble drugs results in poor absorption and low bioavailability to the systemic circulation. Chrysophanol (1,8-dihydroxy 3-methyl anthraquinone) a plant derived herbal drug is well known for its strong anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, and anti-carcinogenic activities but poor aqueous solubility (hence the lower dissolution rate), is a major barrier in its intestinal absorption. To improve the bioavailability and prolong its duration in the body system, its phospholipid complex was prepared and evaluated for various physicochemical parameters like encapsulation efficiency, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray powder diffractometry (X-RPD), IR spectroscopy, aqueous/n-octanol solubility, and dissolution study. The phospholipid complex of chrysophanol was found, fluffy and porous with rough surface morphology. FTIR, DSC, and X-RPD data confirmed the complex formation. The 89.1 % of chrysophanol was encapsulated in the phospholipid complex. The aqueous solubility of chrysophanol was improved from 0.60 to 30.09 μg ml^?1 in the prepared complex. The improved dissolution was shown by the complex (which showed continuous release up to 83.67 % of chrysophanol) at the end of 12 h, in comparison to free drug (which showed a total of only 45.12 % drug release at the end of 12 h of dissolution study).     

Heat-resistant thermosetting polymers based on a novel tetrakisaminophenoxycyclotriphosphazene

Two heat-resistant thermosetting polymers ( IX and X ) have been developed based on a new cyclotriphosphazene containing tetrakisamine. These polymers were synthesized by the reaction of tetrakisamine ( IV ) with maleic anhydride followed by in situ cyclodehydration and polymerization of the maleimides ( VII and VIII ) at 235–240°C for 1.5 h and 290°C for 0.5 h. The thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) of the developed cyclotriphosphazene containing cyclomatrix polymers showed their thermal stability up to 350°C and char yield of 71% in nitrogen at 800°C and 65% in air at 700°C. The monomer, 2,2,4,4-tetrakis(4′-aminophenoxy) -6,6-diphenylcyclotriphosphazene ( IV ), useful for producing a variety of heat- and fire-resistant polymers, has been synthesized in good yield. Its syntheses involve Friedel-Crafts reaction of hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene ( I ) with benzene followed by the reaction of 2,2,4,4-tetrachloro-6,6-diphenylcyclotriphosphazene ( II ) with potassium 4-nitrophenoxide. The reduction of the obtained 2,2,4,4-tetrakis(4′-nitrophenoxy)-6,6-diphenylcyclotriphosphazene ( III ) with molecular hydrogen in presence of PtO₂ gave the tetrakisamine ( IV ). The structure of the synthesized monomer and intermediates were characterized by FT-IR, ¹H-NMR, ³¹P-NMR, mass spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and elemental analysis. These resins are potential candidates for the development of heat- and fire-resistant composites, laminates, and adhesives, useful for space, aerospace, and electronic application. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Microsynthesis and gas chromatography/electron ionization mass spectrometric and tandem mass spectrometric analysis of cyclic alkylphosphonates for verification of the Chemical Weapons Convention

We describe the microsynthesis and gas chromatography/mass spectrometric (GC/MS) analysis of cyclic alkylphosphonates (CAPs), which are included in schedule 2B4 chemicals in the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). The reported microsynthesis is efficient in comparison with traditional synthesis. GC/MS and GC/tandem mass spectrometric (MS/MS) analysis of a variety of CAPs revealed that their fragmentations were dominated by alpha-cleavages, alkene eliminations and hydrogen rearrangements. Based on the obtained mass spectra and precursor and product ion analysis of five-, six- and seven-membered cyclic alkylphosphonates, the proposed fragmentation routes rationalize most of the characteristic ions.     

Detection and characterization of recombinant DNA expressing <Emphasis Type="Italic">vip3A</Emphasis>-type insecticidal gene in GMOs—standard single,multiplex and construct-specific PCR assays

Vegetative insecticidal protein (Vip), a unique class of insecticidal protein, is now part of transgenic plants for conferring resistance against lepidopteron pests. In order to address the imminent regulatory need for detection and labeling of vip3A carrying genetically modified (GM) products, we have developed a standard single PCR and a multiplex PCR assay. As far as we are aware, this is the first report on PCR-based detection of a vip3A-type gene (vip-s) in transgenic cotton and tobacco. Our assay involves amplification of a 284-bp region of the vip-s gene. This assay can possibly detect as many as 20 natural wild-type isolates bearing a vip3A-like gene and two synthetic genes of vip3A in transgenic plants. The limit of detection as established by our assay for GM trait (vip-s) is 0.1%. Spiking with nontarget DNA originating from diverse plant sources had no inhibitory effect on vip-s detection. Since autoclaving of vip-s bearing GM leaf samples showed no deterioration/interference in detection efficacy, the assay seems to be suitable for processed food products as well. The vip-s amplicon identity was reconfirmed by restriction endonuclease assay. The primer set for vip-s was equally effective in a multiplex PCR assay format (duplex, triplex and quadruplex), used in conjunction with the primer sets for the npt-II selectable marker gene, Cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter and nopaline synthetase terminator, enabling concurrent detection of the transgene, regulatory sequences and marker gene. Further, the entire transgene construct was amplified using the forward primer of the promoter and the reverse primer of the terminator. The resultant amplicon served as a template for nested PCR to confirm the construct integrity. The method is suitable for screening any vip3A-carrying GM plant and food. The availability of a reliable PCR assay method prior to commercial release of vip3A-based transgenic crops and food would facilitate rapid and efficient regulatory compliance. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users. An application for an Indian patent (1891/DEL2006/17.08.07) comprising a substantive part of this study has been filed. ITRC communication no. 2516.     

Efficient and green microwave-assisted one-pot synthesis of azaindolizines in PEG-400 and water

A facile, convenient, environmentally benign, and one-pot synthesis of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines from 2-aminopyridines and in-situ generated phenacyl bromides under microwave irradiation in polyethylene glycol (PEG-400) and water (1:2) has been developed. The protocol provides a better alternative to the existing method as it involves utilization of in-situ-generated α-bromoacetophenones, avoids the use of lachrymatric α-haloketones as well as volatile toxic organic solvents, and reduces the reaction time to obtain excellent yield.     

Polysaccharide-Silica Hybrids: Design and Applications

This article discusses and reviews the current status and future perspectives of silica hybrids of polysaccharides and biosilicas derived thereof. The hybrids have been produced in various morphological shapes and utilized in water remediation, separation, enzyme immobilization, sensor, and biomedical fields. The polysaccharides show templating and structure directing influence in manipulation of sol gel silica hybrid materials which can be calcined to derive functional biosilicas. The development of energy storage devices and white light emitting solid phosphors may be the fields of future research.