PAMAM Dendrimers as Anchors for the Preparation of Electrocatalytically Active Ultrathin Metallic Films

This paper describes the formation of catalytically active thin films of Pt, Pt/Au, and Pt/Ru on gold substrates stabilized by amine‐terminated polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers. A monolayer of dendrimer is initially self‐assembled on the gold substrate, which serves as a template for the growth of catalytically active thin films. As dendrimers contain tens to hundreds of functional groups at the periphery, the aggregate strength of the multidentate interactions with the gold substrate leads to the formation of robust films. The films were found to exhibit high catalytic activity for the oxidation of small hydrocarbons such as methanol. Such films offer versatility and scope for the design of effective electrocatalysts, especially in the context of microfuel cells and “dendrichips”; hence, they could find applications in the fields of sensors, fuel cells, and waste‐water treatment.     

Exceptionally Plastic/Elastic Organic Crystals of a Naphthalidenimine-Boron Complex Show Flexible Optical Waveguide Properties

The design of molecular compounds that exhibit flexibility is an emerging area of research. Although a fair amount of success has been achieved in the design of plastic or elastic crystals, realizing multidimensional plastic and elastic bending remains challenging. We report herein a naphthalidenimine–boron complex that showed size-dependent dual mechanical bending behavior whereas its parent Schiff base was brittle. Detailed crystallographic and spectroscopic analysis revealed the importance of boron in imparting the interesting mechanical properties. Furthermore, the luminescence of the molecule was turned-on subsequent to boron complexation, thereby allowing it to be explored for multimode optical waveguide applications. Our in-depth study of the size-dependent plastic and elastic bending of the crystals thus provides important insights in molecular engineering and could act as a platform for the development of future smart flexible materials for optoelectronic applications.     

Efficient Process For The Cyclization Of Diastereomeric Alcohol To A Trans Amide In The Synthesis Of Dopamine D1 Agonist,Abt-431

One of the key steps in the synthesis of ABT-431 is the diastereoselective cyclization of thieny alcohol 1 to trans amide 2. We report a detailed study of the influence of acids, solvents and temperature over the ratio of cis and trans diastereomers.     

Early detection of viral DNA in breast cancer using fingered aluminium interdigitated electrode modified by Streptavidin-biotin tetravalent complex

Human Mammary Tumor Virus (HMTV) or Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus holds similarity as an endogenous onco-retrovirus belongs to retroviridae family, predominantly infects the epithelial cell of human as well as mouse. With the recognition of nano-biosensor in nanotechnology, ideal interdigitated electrode (IDE) was genuinely performed for HMTV detection. Aluminium enriched IDE (AlIDE) was fabricated for high performance detection with a cost-effective photolithography technique. In this research, (3-glycidyloxypropyl) trimethoxysilane refined platform was selected to detect the conductivity with HMTV target DNA interaction on the designed AlIDE. Strong binding affinity of streptavidin-biotin with target DNA enhanced the sensitivity by empowering higher number of HMTV probe and target complementation on sensing surface. Furthermore, the target DNA was immobilized on probe modified AlIDE and a quantitative value of 100 aM attained as a lowest detection. A linear with dose-dependent duplex formation was shown with the regression coefficient value of 0.964. Negative control has shown insignificant detection at 10 pM, which justifies the higher fold discrimination with specificity. The excellence of AlIDE performance in detection of HMTV may pave the way for more verification on other diseases.     

A facile approach for morphosynthesis of Pd nanoelectrocatalysts

A facile approach has been developed for synthesis of highly-structured, anisotropic Pd nanostructures. The dendritic Pd nanostructures show superior performance toward oxidation of formic acid and methanol for fuel cell application.     

Multi-level scheduling decisions in a class of FMS using simulation based metamodels

This paper pertains to a detailed simulation study conducted on a typical Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS). Initially, the configurations of the FMS under study have been established. Two types of FMSs have been evolved: one is failure free and the other is failure prone. For each of these cases, simulation models have been developed using SLAMSYSTEM. Orders arriving randomly at the FMS are subjected to three levels of scheduling decisions namely, launching of parts into the system, routing of parts through machines and sequencing of parts on AGVs at a central buffer. The simulation results have been used to develop metamodels for the two types of FMSs. These metamodels have been subjected to statistical analysis to ascertain their adequacy to represent the simulation models. These metamodels have been found to be useful for simulating the FMSs under study so as to evaluate various multi-level scheduling decisions in the FMS.     

Microwave- and ultrasound-assisted extraction of vanillin and its quantification by high-performance liquid chromatography in Vanilla planifolia

Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and conventional extraction of vanillin and its quantification by HPLC in pods of Vanilla planifolia is described. A range of nonpolar to polar solvents were used for the extraction of vanillin employing MAE, UAE and conventional methods. Various extraction parameters such as nature of the solvent, solvent volume, time of irradiation, microwave and ultrasound energy inputs were optimized. HPLC was performed on RP ODS column (4.6 mm ID x 250 mm, 5 microm, Waters), a photodiode array detector (Waters 2996) using gradient solvent system of ACN and ortho-phosphoric acid in water (0.001:99.999 v/v) at 25 degrees C. Regression equation revealed a linear relationship (r2 > 0.9998) between the mass of vanillin injected and the peak areas. The detection limit (S/N = 3) and limit of quantification (S/N = 10) were 0.65 and 1.2 microg/g, respectively. Recovery was achieved in the range 98.5-99.6% for vanillin. Maximum yield of vanilla extract (29.81, 29.068 and 14.31% by conventional extraction, MAE and UAE, respectively) was found in a mixture of ethanol/water (40:60 v/v). Dehydrated ethanolic extract showed the highest amount of vanillin (1.8, 1.25 and 0.99% by MAE, conventional extraction and UAE, respectively).     

Bio-energetic impairment in human calf muscle in thyroid disorders: a P MRS study

Mitochondrial metabolism particularly oxidative phosphorylation is greatly influenced by thyroid hormones. Earlier studies have described neuromuscular symptoms as well as impaired muscle metabolism in hypothyroid and hyperthyroid patients. In this study, we intend to look in to the muscle bioenergetics including phosphocreatine recovery kinetics based oxidative metabolism in thyroid dysfunction using in vivo ³¹P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). ³¹P MRS was carried out at resting state on 32 hypothyroid, 10 hyperthyroid patients and 25 control subjects. Nine out of 32 hypothyroid patients and 17 out of 25 control subjects under went exercise protocol for oxidative metabolism study and performed plantar flexion exercise while lying supine in 1.5 T magnetic resonance scanner using custom built exercise device. MRS measurements of inorganic phosphate (Pi), phosphocreatine (PCr), phosphodiesters (PDE) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) of the calf muscle were acquired during rest, exercise and recovery phase. PCr recovery rate constant (k_PCr) and oxidative capacity were calculated by monoexponential fit of PCr versus time (t) at the beginning of recovery. During resting condition in hypothyroid patients, PCr/Pi ratio was reduced whereas PDE/ATP and Pi/ATP were increased. However, in case of hyperthyroidism, an increased PCr/Pi ratio and reduced PDE/ATP and Pi/ATP were observed. The results confirmed differential energy status of the muscle due to increased or decreased levels of thyroid hormone. Our results also demonstrate reduced oxidative metabolism in hypothyroid patients based on PCr recovery kinetics. PCr recovery kinetics study after exercise revealed decreased PCr recovery rate constant (k_PCr) in hypothyroid patients compared to controls that resulted in decrease in oxidative capacity of muscle by 50% in hypothyroids. These findings are consistent with a defect of high energy phosphate mitochondrial metabolism in thyroid dysfunction.