Maximum Peak Area Research Articles

Comparison of intravenous ibuprofen pharmacokinetics between Caucasian and Chinese populations using physiologically based pharmacokinetics modeling and simulation

BackgroundIntravenous ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is widely used as an antipyretic and analgesic in adults and children. This study was designed to evaluate ethnic differences by comparing the pharmacokinetics of intravenous ibuprofen in Caucasian and Chinese populations using physiologically based pharmacokinetics (PBPK) modeling and simulation. MethodsA PBPK model for intravenous ibuprofen was developed in adults and children utilizing the Simcyp Simulator. The model was tested and verified against published literature and unpublished data obtained from the Caucasian adult population, Caucasian pediatric population and Chinese adult population. ResultsThe developed PBPK model could adequately pilot the pharmacokinetics of intravenous ibuprofen, and the major observed values were within the 90% prediction interval in both adults and children. Both folding errors of the maximum peak concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) were 1.5-fold less in the Caucasian and Chinese populations. In addition, no significant differences in weight-normalized Cmax and AUC were observed between the Caucasian and Chinese adult populations. Moreover, there were no obvious pharmacokinetic differences between the Caucasian and Chinese pediatric populations with intravenous infusion (10 minutes) of 10 mg/kg by age group. ConclusionThis study indicates that the pharmacokinetic profile and the parameters of intravenous ibuprofen are analogous in Caucasian and Chinese populations, either adults or children. In addition, this study provides effective evidence that the dosing scheme of intravenous ibuprofen in Chinese children can remain the same as the regimen that the original company (Caldolor®) provided.

Multiple Technology Approach Based on Stable Isotope Ratio Analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry and Thermogravimetric Analysis to Ensure the Fungal Origin of the Chitosan.

Chitosan is a natural polysaccharide which has been authorized for oenological practices for the treatment of musts and wines. This authorization is limited to chitosan of fungal origin while that of crustacean origin is prohibited. To guarantee its origin, a method based on the measurement of the stable isotope ratios (SIR) of carbon δ13C, nitrogen δ15N, oxygen δ18O and hydrogen δ2H of chitosan has been recently proposed without indicating the threshold authenticity limits of these parameters which, for the first time, were estimated in this paper. In addition, on part of the samples analysed through SIR, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were performed as simple and rapid discrimination methods due to limited technological resources. Samples having δ13C values above -14.2‱ and below -125.1‱ can be considered as authentic fungal chitosan without needing to analyse other parameters. If the δ13C value falls between -25.1‱ and -24.9‱, it is necessary to proceed further with the evaluation of the parameter δ15N, which must be above +2.7‱. Samples having δ18O values lower than +25.3‱ can be considered as authentic fungal chitosan. The combination of maximum degradation temperatures (obtained using TGA) and peak areas of Amide I and NH2/Amide II (obtained using FTIR) also allows the discrimination between the two origins of the polysaccharide. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) based on TGA, FTIR and SIR data successfully distributed the tested samples into informative clusters. Therefore, we present the technologies described as part of a robust analytical strategy for the correct identification of chitosan samples from crustaceans or fungi.

Changes in the Electrically Evoked Compound Action Potential over time After Implantation and Subsequent Deafening in Guinea Pigs

The electrically evoked compound action potential (eCAP) is a direct measure of the responsiveness of the auditory nerve to electrical stimulation from a cochlear implant (CI). CIs offer a unique opportunity to study the auditory nerve’s electrophysiological behavior in individual human subjects over time. In order to understand exactly how the eCAP relates to the condition of the auditory nerve, it is crucial to compare changes in the eCAP over time in a controlled model of deafness-induced auditory nerve degeneration. In the present study, 10 normal-hearing young adult guinea pigs were implanted and deafened 4 weeks later, so that the effect of deafening could be monitored within-subject over time. Following implantation, but before deafening, most examined eCAP characteristics significantly changed, suggesting increasing excitation efficacy (e.g., higher maximum amplitude, lower threshold, shorter latency). Conversely, inter-phase gap (IPG) effects on these measures – within-subject difference measures that have been shown to correlate well with auditory nerve survival – did not vary for most eCAP characteristics. After deafening, we observed an initial increase in excitability (steeper slope of the eCAP amplitude growth function (AGF), lower threshold, shorter latency and peak width) which typically returned to normal-hearing levels within a week, after which a slower process, probably reflecting spiral ganglion cell loss, took place over the remaining 6 weeks (e.g., decrease in maximum amplitude, AGF slope, peak area, and IPG effect for AGF slope; increase in IPG effect for latency). Our results suggest that gradual changes in peak width and latency reflect the rate of neural degeneration, while peak area, maximum amplitude, and AGF slope reflect neural population size, which may be valuable for clinical diagnostics.

Impact on Growth and Secondary Metabolites in White Poplar (Populus alba L.) Callus using SeNPs@Moringa

Background: Green synthesis of nanoparticles has provided a cost-effective, environmentally friendly method, as well as raised safe strategies for the synthesis of nanomaterials. Methods: In this study, we investigated the synthesis of Selenium nanoparticles from the leaf aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera (MO-SeNPs) and studied the effect of MO-SeNPs and Moringa extract with various concentrations on the growth, active constituents, and antioxidant activity (scavenging DPPH) of Populus alba callus. MS medium supplemented with (2, 4-D at 2 mg/l + 0.5 mg/l BA) took the maximum callus induction percentage (100%), increasing the callus fresh weight, dry weight, and degree of callus formation compared with (2.0 mg/l 2,4-D + 0.5 mg/l Kin). Results: The highest values of callus fresh and dry weight were recorded on MS containing 20% MO-SeNPs. Regarding the active constituents, the GC-MS chromatogram revealed the presence of 23 major compounds identified in the chloroform extract. The phytoconstituents with maximum peak area in callus extract are Tetradecane, Hexadecen-1-ol, Trans-9, 5-Octadecene, (Benzene, 1- pentyloctyl), (Benzene, 1-butylnonyl), Cycloeicosane, and 10-Heneicosene in all treatments. Moringa extract and MO-SeNPs stimulate the increase of compounds in callus compared to control. In this regard, MO-SeNPs 5% led to a higher increase in the area percent of active substances compared to the treatment of Moringa extract and control. Concerning the antioxidant activity, the results indicated that Moringa extract and MO-SeNPs had a positive effect on scavenging DPPH compared with the control. The highest percentages of scavenging DPPH were recorded when Populus alba L. callus treated with MO-SeNPs 20%, 10%, and Moringa extract 20%, percentages reached (84.65, 75.35, and 71.94%), respectively. Conclusion : Green synthesis of MO-SeNPs improved secondary metabolites and antioxidant activity in Populus alba L. callus.

Bioefficacy of Epaltes divaricata (L.) n-Hexane Extracts and Their Major Metabolites against the Lepidopteran Pests Spodoptera litura (fab.) and Dengue Mosquito Aedes aegypti (Linn.).

The present research investigated the chemical characterization and insecticidal activity of n-Hexane extracts of Epaltes divaricata (NH-EDx) along with their chief derivatives n-Hexadecanoic acid (n-HDa) and n-Octadecanoic acid (n-ODa) against the dengue vector Aedes aegypti and lepidopteran pest Spodoptera litura. Chemical screening of NH-EDx through GC–MS analysis delivered nine major derivatives, and the maximum peak area percentage was observed in n-Hexadecanoic acid (14.63%) followed by n-Octadecadienoic acid (6.73%). The larvicidal activity of NH-EDx (1000 ppm), n-HDa (5 ppm), and n-ODa (5 ppm) against the A. aegypti and S. litura larvae showed significant mortality rate in a dose-dependent way across all the instars. The larvicidal activity was profound in the A. aegypti as compared to the S. litura across all the larval instars. The sublethal dosages of NH-EDx (500 ppm), n-HDa (2.5 ppm), and n-ODa (2.5 ppm) also showed alterations in the larval/pupal durations and adult longevity in both the insect pests. The enzyme activity revealed that the α- and β-carboxylesterase levels were decreased significantly in both the insect pests, whereas the levels of GST and CYP450 uplifted in a dose-dependent manner of NH-EDx, n-HDa, and n-ODa. Correspondingly, midgut tissues such as the epithelial layer (EL), gut lumen (GL), peritrophic matrix (Pm), and brush border membrane (BBM) were significantly altered in their morphology across both A. aegypti and S. litura against the NH-EDx and their bioactive metabolites. NH-EDx and their bioactive metabolites n-HDa and n-ODa showed significant larvicidal, growth retardant, enzyme inhibition, and midgut toxicity effects against two crucial agriculturally and medically challenging insect pest of ecological importance.

GC-MS analysis and in silico activity prediction of phytocompounds in the roots of Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Roberty

Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Roberty (Poaceae) commonly known as Ramachamis an aromatic, vigorous growing perennial grass with medicinal properties. The plant is tolerant to extreme soil and climatic conditions and is known for its cooling properties. Roots of the plant are widely used as body scrubber and is suggested for skin diseases in Ayurveda. The present work aims to identify the components in the crude methanolic root extract of C. zizanioides using GC-MS and also to predict the pharmacokinetic behaviour of selected compounds in silico using Swiss ADME online server . 41 compounds were identified of which sesquiterpenes formed the major group. Sesquiterpene Vetivenic acid was the compound with a maximum peak area of 38.9%. Components identified is reported to possess a range of biological activities like anti oxidant, antibacterial, anti cancer, anti inflammatory, anti ulcer, analgesic and insecticidal activities. Compounds with higher peak area like Vetivenic acid, beta vatirenene, beta.-Cedren-9-.alpha.-ol, D Viridiflorol, Gamma muurolene, (Z,E)-alpha-farnesene, Nootkatone, Aromadendrene oxide-(2), 7-Acetyl-2-hydroxy-2methyl-5isopropylbicyclo[4.3.0] nonane, Rosifoliol, 9,10-dehydro isolongifolene, Ylangenol, 4,7,10,13,16,19-Docosahexaenoic acid methyl ester, Carbonic acid, propargyl 2,2,2-tri chloroethyl ester, Oxacyclotetradeca-4,11-diyne, beta eudesmol and longifolene were evaluated in silico. All these compounds proved to obey Lipinski's rule-of-five and were water soluble. Vetivenic acid showed a good bioavailability score of 85% while the others showed 55%. None of the compounds were substrates to P glycoprotein. The values predicted may be used for preliminary evaluation of pharmacological properties of C. zizanioides and also as monographs for the development of potential semisynthetic or synthetic drugs.

Bismuth Film-Coated Gold Ultramicroelectrode Array for Simultaneous Quantification of Pb(II) and Cd(II) by Square Wave Anodic Stripping Voltammetry

The widespread presence of heavy metals in drinking water sources arises as a major health concern, particularly in developing countries. The development of low-cost and reliable detection techniques is identified as a societal need to provide affordable water quality control. Herein, a bismuth film-coated gold ultramicroelectrode array (BF-UMEA) was used for the detection of Pb(II) and Cd(II) in water samples via square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV). Experimental parameters such as deposition time, Bi(III) concentration, acetate buffer concentration, pH, square wave frequency, amplitude, and step potential were all varied to determine their effects on the current peak intensities of the target metal ions. Ten-fold excess in the concentration of interferences was found to cause a decrease in the stripping peak areas of Cd(II) and Pb(II) in the following order of magnitude: benzene < NaCl < Ni(II) < Cu(II). Using Box–Behnken design, the optimum SWASV parameters that provided maximum current peak areas were 14.76 Hz (frequency), 50.10 mV (amplitude), and 8.76 mV (step potential). The limits of detection of the as-prepared BF-UMEA were 5 and 7 µg L−1 for Pb(II) and Cd(II), respectively. These results demonstrate the potential use of a BF-UMEA in SWASV for the trace quantification of Pb(II) and Cd(II) in water samples.

Chemical characterization of billy goat weed extracts Ageratum conyzoides (Asteraceae) and their mosquitocidal activity against three blood-sucking pests and their non-toxicity against aquatic predators.

The petroleum ether crude extracts of A. conyzoides (Pe-Ac) were used to treat three medically intimidating pests of Aedes aegypti, Anopheles stephensi, and Culex quinquefasciatus, to evaluate their non-target screening against the mosquito predator. The chemical scanning of Pe-Ac through GC-MS analysis revealed a total of nine compounds and the maximum peak area was observed in 1,5-Heptadien-3-yne (22.14%). At the maximum dosage of Pe-Ac (200ppm), significant larvicidal activity was shown against the fourth instars of Ae. aegypti (96%), An. stephensi (93%), and Cx. quinquefasciatus (92%) respectively. The percentages of oviposition deterrence index (ODI) of all three mosquito vectors are maximum at the highest sub-lethal dosage of Pe-Ac (75ppm) and minimum at the control dosage. The sub-lethal dosage blocked the activity of carboxylesterase activity and upregulated the detoxifying enzyme activity in a dose-dependent way. The adulticidal activity of Pe-Ac showed that the maximum adult mortality rate (100%) was recorded at the prominent dosage of Pe-Ac 600ppm against the vectors of all three mosquitos at the maximum adulticidal time of 30min. Histopathological investigation of fourth instar larvae of all three mosquitos treated with a sub-lethal dosage of Pe-Ac showed that the midgut cells (epithelium, lumen, and peritrophic matrix) are ruptured completely whereas they appear to be normal in control larvae. The non-toxicity evaluation of Pe-Ac compared with the chemical toxin Temephos in aquatic predator Toxorhynchites splendens revealed that the plant extracts are harmless even at the prominent dosage (1000ppm) as compared to Temephos (1 and 2ppm) and displayed a higher mortality rate against the mosquito predators. Thus the safety index recommends that the Pe-Ac is more explicit to targets and a suitable auxiliary to chemical pesticides.

Chemical foot print of precomposted dung material of Elephus maximus and Bos taurus through GC–MS profile

The growth and reproductive potential of composting earthworm is influenced by the chemical composition of initial feed mixture. Thus the GC-MS technique is used to determine the biochemical foot prints of the vermibed substrate before composting process. The present study conducted to analyze the chemical composition of precomposted animal dung material of Elephus maximus and Bos taurus by GC-MS analysis. The dung materials were precomposted up to 14 days and used for the analysis. The GC-MS spectrogram of Elephus maximus and Bos taurus showed 20 and 15 different compounds respectively. Predominant levels of esters were observed in elephant dung, which were dominated by the esterified polyunsaturated fatty acids with maximum peak area for elaidinsaeure methyl ester (26.6%). In cow dung the maximum peak area was obtained for 1-Hydroxy-1-methyl) −2-Methyl tetrahydro −2 furanyl] − 4, 4, 14-Trimethylandrost- 9 (11) – ene −3, 6, 16 (17%) and alcohol were the dominant functional group followed by carboxylic acids and esters. Thus the results indicated that the presence of higher percentage of esterified poly unsaturated fatty acids in elephant dung reflects its higher quality suitable for vermicomposting, since the dietary unsaturated fatty acids have the positive impacts on the reproduction of earthworm by enhancing the functionality in sperm production.

Comparative analysis on bioactive compounds presents in dung material of Bos taurus and Bos indicus

The present study carried out to characterize and compare the biochemical composition in the dung materials of native cow species Bos indicus and exotic Bos taurus from Kerala by providing with different feeding materials. The air-dried powdered dung samples were subjected for extraction by using petroleum solvent and then further subjected to gas chromatography and mass spectroscopic analysis. Qualitative determination of different biologically active compounds from the extract revealed that different types of high and low molecular weight chemical entities present in it. The results of GC–MS confirmed the presence of 20 bioactive compounds in Bos indicus and 18 compounds in Bos taurus. The extract posses major bioactive compounds with maximum peak area for Benzenepropanoic acid, 3,5 bis (1,1- dimethylrthyl) 4- hydroxyl-, methyl ester (22.89%), Elaidinsaeuremethylester (12.49%), Phytol (11.62%) in dung of Bos indicus and Methyl 3-(3,5-di- tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) propionate (26.90%), Z,Z-6,28-Heptatriactontadien-2-one (14.12%), Methyl erucate (11.01%) present in Bos taurus dung. Bioactive compounds such as Sesquiterpenoid Neophytadiene, Methyl ester Dimethyl phthalate, Triterpene alcohol Ambrein, an Oleic acid compound Trans −13-Octadecanoic acid, Fatty acid methyl ester and Methyl Isostearate were found in both of the dung samples. All the biochemical compounds are considered biologically and pharmacologically important. Thus the extract posse’s major bioactive compounds and the present study warrant further biological and pharmacological investigations.

Identification of antimicrobial compounds in chloroform extract of Polygonum minus

Medicinal plants remains as a major source of antimicrobial compounds against plant and human pathogens. The antimicrobial activity of the chloroform extract of Polygonum minus was well documented in our earlier studies. The current study was performed with the aim to detect the chemical compounds peresent in the chloroform extract of Polygonum minus. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) was performed for partial purification and separation of antimicrobial compounds from the plant extract. The bands obtained from TLC were collected and assayed for their antimicrobial activity against the selected plant pathogens of study. Active bands identified by TLC were further purified by using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The fractions showing maximum peak area and yield were taken for further analysis in GC-MS to identify the antimicrobial compounds. GC-MS analysis revealed that the compounds like 1,2-heptadiene, ditetrazolo (1,5-a:5',1'-c) pyrazine, allylcyclopropane and 6-ethyl-2,3,11,12-dibenzo-1,4,7,10,13, 16-hexaoxacyclooctadeca-2,11-diene may be present in the chloroform extract of P. minus.

Cornus macrophylla, the Antibacterial Activity of Organic Leaf Extracts and the Characterization of the More Lipophilic Components by GC/MS.

In the present study, the antibacterial activity of Cornus macrophylla was examined. Organic solvent extracts of leaves were prepared using methanol, n-hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate. Antibacterial activity was examined by using a 100 mg/mL extract concentration. Penicillin was kept as a positive control while dimethyl sulfoxide was taken as a negative control. Methanolic extract exhibited a 21.5, 36.3, 25.3, and 23.7 mm inhibition zone diameter (IZD); n-hexane showed a 33, 40, 32.8, and 28.7 mm IZD; chloroform showed a 18.8, 29, 22.3, and 21.6 mm IZD; and ethyl acetate showed a 23.5, 30.2, 30, and 22.3 mm IZD against Erwinia carotovora, Pseudomonas syringae, Ralstonia solanacearum, and Xanthomonas axonopodis, respectively. The n-hexane extract revealed high antibacterial activity against all bacterial species as compared with methanolic, chloroform, and ethyl acetate extract. Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis of n-hexane extract depicted the presence of 55 compounds. Out of these compounds, one compound, identified as α-amyrin (Mol. wt = 426), exhibited the maximum peak area (32.64%), followed by A’-Neogammacer-22(29)-en-3-ol, acetate, (3.beta.,21.beta.)- (Mol. wt = 468) and β-amyrin (Mol. wt = 426) having peak areas of 25.97 and 6.77%, respectively. It was concluded that the antibacterial activity observed during the present investigation may be due to these compounds.

Thermally stimulated luminescence of tin-doped borate glasses

We have examined the X-ray-induced luminescence of Sn-doped zinc borate (SZB) glasses prepared by a conventional melt-quenching method in an Ar atmosphere, determining that there is a linear relationship between the thermal properties and SnO, in addition to the elastic properties. The scintillation intensity of SZB glasses increases with tin concentration. Meanwhile, the intensity of thermally stimulated luminescence (TSL) achieves a maximum peak area in the sample with 0.1 mol% Sn concentration. A clear inverse relationship between scintillation and TSL in SZB glasses is observed.

UIO-66-NH2 Packed Needle Trap for Accurate and Reliable Sampling and Analysis of the Halogenated Volatile Organic Compounds in Air

ABSTRACT This paper introduces a novel inside needle adsorption trap device based on UiO-66-NH2 adsorbent for the sampling and analysis of halogenated volatile organic compounds (HVOCs), including chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, and perchloroethylene in air. In this study, the UiO-66-NH2 adsorbent was first synthesized and then packed into spinal needles (22 Gauge). This study was conducted both in the laboratory and in the field. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) were used to investigate the sorbent characteristics. In this study, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Central Composite Design (CCD) were utilized to optimize the effects of sampling parameters and desorption parameters on needle trap device (NTD) performance. In this regard, a constant concentration of the compounds of interest was injected into a standard chamber, and then the packed NTD was used for the sampling of HVOCs under a given condition. According to the results, the maximum peak area response was obtained at 280 ˚C of desorption temperature and 4 min of desorption time. The results showed that increased sampling humidity and temperature interfered with the NTD performance and decreased the peak area responses of the analytes. The proposed NTD had a high sensitivity for the sampling and analysis of the desired compounds. Limit of Detection (LOD) and the Limit of Quantitation (LOQ) of the NTD for the analytes were in the range 0.01-0.03 and 0.02-0.05 ng.mL-1, respectively. Moreover, the repeatability of the proposed NTD was obtained to be in the range of 2.3-9.1%. Therefore, the NTD packed with UiO-66-NH2 adsorbent can be used as a suitable and robust method for the active sampling and analysis of occupational/environmental pollutants in the air.

Enzymatic activity and secondary metabolite profile of Trichoderma asperellum in presence of chitosan

The present research was aimed to study enzymatic activity (cellulase and chitosanase) and secondary metabolite production of Trichoderma asperellum in presence of chitosan. The qualitative assays for cellulase and chitosanase showed enhanced enzymatic activity of the fungus. The H/C ratio obtained was 1.76 and 1.49 at 500 ppm and 250 ppm of chitosan respectively, which was significantly higher, as compared to control (H/C ratio 1.2). For chitosanase activity, the largest purple zone (55.8 mm) was recorded in case of T. asperellum + chitosan 500 ppm which was significantly higher than other treatments. Besides enhancing enzymatic activity, chitosan also increased the production of two important secondary metabolites of T. asperellum viz. Tetradecanoic acid (myristic acid) and 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid. GC–MS results revealed that the maximum peak area of chromatogram was covered by tetradecanoic acid (28.23%) followed by 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid (18.16%) showing the high concentration of these metabolites as compared to other compounds. The enhanced production of cellulase, chitosanase and secondary metabolites by T. asperellum in presence of chitosan could be exploited for further research in improvement of bio-control activity of bio-agents for integrated plant disease management.

Assessment of chemical equivalence in herbal materials using chromatographic fingerprints by combination of three similarity indices and three-dimensional kernel density estimation

An intuitive and practical way to control chemical equivalence of secondary metabolites in herbal materials based on chromatographic fingerprints deserves a thorough discussion, yet it is relatively unexplored. For the first time, we propose a mixture of three similarity indices, the congruence coefficient, the average of the peak area ratios, and the larger value between the maximum peak area ratio and the reciprocal of the minimum peak area ratio, to make up for the weak points of some widely used similarity indices and to evaluate the chemical equivalence of two fingerprints from various perspectives. The three similarity values are fed into a three-dimensional kernel density estimation to determine the quality of herbal materials. This estimation enables precise detection of anomalies in the absence of prior quality determination experience. Forty Atractylodes samples similar in appearance and indiscriminately used for medical purposes were used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed approach. After a reference sample was postulated, a quality assessment of the 40 samples was performed using the three similarity values and the estimated kernel density. The samples that were judged by the developed approach to be of good quality were compared with those chosen by the most popular approach using decision criterion of a single similarity index. The benefits of the proposed approach were evident in that the qualified samples had the composition ratio and individual concentrations of multi-components closer to those of the reference in general, and their inter-sample deviation was significantly smaller.

Phytochemical Analysis of Ficus arnottiana (Miq.) Miq. Leaf Extract Using GC-MS Analysis

The medically important plant Ficus arnottiana (Miq.) Miq. belongs to the family ‘Moraceae’ have been used extensively by ayurvedic practitioners in India to treat various ailments. The plant was investigated for GC MS (Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy) analysis to identify the chemical composition present in chloroform and ethanol leaf extract of F. arnottiana. A total of twelve and sixteen bioactive compound, were observed in chloroform and ethanol leaf extract respectively. Maximum peak area was observed for Tritetracontane (24.29%), 2, 6-lutidine 3,5-dichloro-4-dodecylthio (12.78%).All the components identified possess various degrees of pharmacological properties. Further these compounds need investigation on toxicological properties before the development of potential lead molecule for therapeutic importance.

Regional Flood Frequency Analysis using Soft Computing Techniques

For design of various types of hydraulic structures as well as for taking different flood management measures flood frequency estimates are required. Regional flood frequency analysis is carried out employing L-moments and soft computing techniques viz. artificial neural network (ANN) and fuzzy inference system (FIS) for the lower Godavari subzone 3(f) of India. The study area covers an areal extent of 174,201 km2 and annual maximum peak flood data of 17 catchments ranging in size from 35 to 824 km2 are used. The data screening is carried out employing L-moments based Discordancy measure (Di) and regional homogeneity is examined based on the heterogeneity measure (H). On the basis of the L-moment ratio diagram and Zidist –statistic criteria, Pearson Type III (PE3) distribution is chosen as the suitable frequency distribution for the region. For the region under study, a relationship is developed between mean annual maximum peak flood and area of the catchment using the Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) iteration and the same is coupled with the PE3 based regional flood frequency relationship developed for estimation of floods of various frequencies for the ungauged catchments of the region. The regional flood frequency relationships developed based on L-moments and soft computing techniques are compared.

Antifungal Bioactive Compounds from Chinese Caterpillar Fungus (Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Berk.) G. H. Sung et al.) against Plant Pathogens

Studies were conducted to extract and evaluate the intracellular bioactive molecules of Ophiocordyceps sinensis against plant pathogens. Methanolic fraction of mycelium borne bioactive molecules at 200 L concentration showed the maximum mycelial inhibition of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (48.67 per cent) and F. o. f. sp. lycopersici (46.47 per cent), which cause wilt disease in banana and tomato, respectively. GC-MS analysis of methanolic fraction of mycelial mat extract indicated the presence of 14 different compounds hydroxylamine; glycerin; oxime-,methoxy-phenyl; adipamide; 1,2,3-Benzenetriol; cyclododecane; imidazole-5-carboxylic acid; 1,3,5-Benzenetriol; 1,3-Cyclohexanedione, 2-propyl; 2-Propenoic acid, tridecyl ester; n-Decanoic acid; 5-Undecene, 9-methyl; L-Ornithine, N5- (aminocarbonyl) and pyrrolo [1,2-a]pyrazine-1,4-dione, hexahydro. Among these, the compound hydroxylamine identified at 1.817 RT exhibited the maximum peak area of 35.00 per cent. This compound is also known to possess important pharmacological and antimicrobial properties.

Thermal quenching in calcite and evaluation of quenching parameters from composite glow curve by a computerized resolved peak technique

Thermoluminescence (TL) glow curves of X-ray irradiated micro-grain calcite mineral were recorded at various heating rates (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10K/s) under same linear temperature profile from 300 to 520K. By using a Computerized Glow Curve Deconvolution technique, all composite glow curves of calcite were analyzed and the glow curves were found to be a combination of three distinct overlapping peaks. Activation energies corresponding to these three peaks were found to be 0.70, 0.60 and 1.30eV respectively. For each set of computerized resolved peak, variation of peak maximum temperature, FWHM and peak area with heating rate were studied. Entire glow curves were found to be influenced by thermal quenching. Thermal quenching activation energy, W and the pre-exponential unitless constant, C were evaluated from each resolved peak individually. Thermal quenching activation energies for the three peaks were found to be 1.36±0.54, 1.14±0.73 and 1.38±0.40eV respectively. The significance of determining the individual value of quenching parameters related to each peak for a composite glow curve is reported.