Prominent Bands Research Articles

Influence of barium substitution on the physical, thermal, optical and luminescence properties of Sm3+-doped metaphosphate glasses for reddish orange light applications.

Our present study focuses on examining the thermal, structural and luminescent characteristics of sodium barium metaphosphate glasses doped with Sm3+. Glass samples with molar compositions (100 - y)[(50P2O5)-(50-xNa2O)-(xBaO)]-ySm2O3, where x = 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and y = 0.3 and 1% were first synthesized by conventional melt quenching and later dehydroxylated under a constant N2 flow to ensure final glasses with a very high degree of chemical and optical homogeneity and free of water. Upon the addition of BaO and Sm2O3, refractive index, molar mass, density, glass transition temperature and dilatometric softening temperature exhibited an increase, whereas the coefficient of thermal expansion showed a decrease. The FTIR spectra analysis reveals a network depolymerization that intensifies with rising BaO concentration, ultimately transitioning from a modifier oxide to a glass-forming element, at higher BaO concentrations. All doped samples exhibited prominent absorption bands in the visible (VIS) and near-infrared (NIR) regions, as revealed by the optical absorption spectra. The Na2O modifier demonstrated greater influence on Sm3+ emission compared to BaO, a phenomenon that can explained by the moderation of the local ligand field strength resulting from this substitution. With an increase in Sm2O3 concentration from 0.3 to 1 mol%, the experimental lifetimes of the 4G5/2 level decrease, primarily attributed to the presence of energy transfer mechanisms. A discussion of Judd-Ofelt parameter analysis and glass radiation properties will be presented.

Optimization strategy for purification and isolation of active lectin from Colocasia esculenta L. Schott rhizome

Lectins are non-enzymatic proteins that attach to carbohydrates and exhibit diverse biological activities and are found in Colocasia esculenta rhizomes. This study determined the optimal conditions for purifying and isolating lectin from C. esculenta rhizome. The methods involved the preparation of crude extracts with variations of salting in, salting in followed by salting out, and precipitation with phosphate buffer saline (PBS), then all extracts were analyzed with sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Purification and isolation were carried out using ion exchange chromatography with pH variations of 8.3, 7.2, and 9.6. The isolates were evaluated using the bicinchoninic acid method, SDS-PAGE, and hemagglutination test. The results of SDS-PAGE showed that the best extraction method involved the use of PBS as indicated by the presence of a prominent band at ~12.5kDa. During pH optimization for purification, the best isolate was obtained at pH 9.6. This was observed by the appearance of a single band with ~12.5kDa MW on 12% SDS-PAGE gel and occurrence of an agglutination reaction at the hemagglutination stage. The total protein content of lectins ranged from 1284.83 to 2947.33 μg/mL. The C. esculenta rhizome contains lectins as active protein compounds. The best isolation condition is by extraction with PBS solvent and purification using ion exchange chromatography at pH 9.6.

Morphological and structural properties of bismuth-nickel ferrite synthesized by a combined sol-gel method

In this paper, Bi x Ni1-x Fe2O4, (x = 0, 0.3, and 0.5), nanoparticles were synthesized by a sol–gel method, and the synthesized samples were calcination at 350 and 650o C for 3 h. The influence of Bi doping on morphological and structural properties was studied. The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analysis showed all of the specimens contain a compact order of homogenous nanoparticles with a spherical form and polyhedral particles with an average size ranging from 36.305 nm to 27.554 nm at 350 and 650o C respectively. By studying the energy dispersive spectrometer analysis patterns, the existence of constituent elements, Ni, Bi, Fe, and O, was verified with a proportion very close to the stoichiometry of the chemical formula. The formation of a ferrite phase was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. An increase in the average crystallite and grain size has been observed with an increase in Bi doping. The Fourier Transform Infrared(FT-IR) studies were made in the frequency range 400-4000 cm-1 and observed two strong absorption peaks. The frequency band is found at 555 cm-1 whereas the lower frequency band is at 1338.5 cm-1. It is noticed that the two prominent absorption bands were slightly shifted towards the higher frequency side with the increase of Bi3+ ion concentration.

Spectroscopic properties, Judd Ofelt analysis of U and Eu activated Li2O-ZnO-SrO-B2O3-P2O5 borophosphate glasses for solid-state lighting applications

Uranium and europium doped borophosphate glasses with the base composition of (Li2O)(ZnO)0.5(SrO)0.4(B2O3)2.55(P2O5)0.5 were synthesized by melt -quenching. The X-ray diffraction profile affirmed that all the synthesized samples were devoid of crystallinity and amorphous in structure. The absence of precipitations/grains in the scanning electron micrographs further validated the amorphous character and compositional homogeneity of the prepared glass. The FTIR spectra revealed several prominent vibrational bands in 713–1568 cm−1 range and were assigned to the corresponding B-O-B and P-O-P and B-O-P bonding. The thermal characteristics of the synthesised glass samples were investigated using differential thermal analysis experiments. The broad photoluminescence (PL) spectra observed for the uranium doped glass with emission maxima at 523 nm resembles the hexavalent U(VI) emission in a disordered amorphous environment. The emission profile of the Eu doped glass displayed several characteristics peaks due to 5D0 → 7FJ transitions. The phonon energy of the base glass was found to be 1005 cm−1. The Judd-Ofelt analysis showed that for all the doped glass, the JO intensity parameter Ω4 was always greater than Ω2 indicating that Eu3+ ions are primarily arranged in a centrosymmetric environment in the studied host. Radiative properties of 5D0 → 7FJ=1-4 transitions of the Eu3+ such as branching ratios, emission cross-section, and transition probabilities were computed. Energy transfer pathways of UO22+ → Eu3+ in the codoped borophosphate glass were described. The CIE chromaticity and PL results suggest that the intense red emission of Eu doped glasses could be useful for phosphor applications.

Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Curd and Whey Kefir Produced from Etawa Goat Milk

Kefir is a fermented drink with many benefits. Kefir contains antioxidant compounds that can inhibit free radical activity.In addition, kefir contains lactic acid bacteria, which provide good antibacterial activity and improve the health of the digestive tract. This research aimed to determine the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of kefir made from Etawa goat milk. The methods used in this research included fermentation of Etawa goat milk with 10 % kefir seeds at 37 °C and a fermentation time of 2 days. Antioxidant activity was tested using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and antibacterial activity was tested using agar diffusion. The peptide molecular weights in kefir were analyzed using SDS-PAGE. The results showed that the antibacterial and antioxidant activities in Etawa goat's milk curd kefir has a higher activity than whey kefir. The antioxidant activity of curd has an IC50 of 43.99 ppm, which is a powerful antioxidant. Curd's antibacterial activity forms a clear zone of 7 mm against Bacillus cereus and is included in the solid antibacterial category. In Escherichia coli, a clear zone of 6 mm was formed and included in the moderate antibacterial category. The results of SDS-PAGE gel visualization found three prominent bands measuring 10, 15, and 33 kDa, respectively.

Color tunability studies of samarium ions/silver nanoparticles doped titanosilicate glass matrix

The current study aims at synthesizing a titanosilicate glass composite doped with rare earth/plasmonic nanoparticles using a cost effective and easier method of non-hydrolytic sol gel method. The rare earth employed is samarium ions while the plasmonic nanoparticle used is Silver. For densification samples were annealed at 800 0C and further characterized by FTIR, XRD, TEM. Matrix confirmation is done by FTIR spectroscopic studies which confirm the presence of Si-O-Si, Si-O, and Ti-O-Ti bonds. Both XRD and TEM analysis affirm the presence and morphology of Ag and TiO2 nanoparticles respectively. In the photoluminescence analysis the trivalent samarium ions show strong reddish-orange luminescence in the 550–670 nm range. The major peaks are obtained at 581 nm, 662 nm, 605 nm. Each of the spectra obtained show three prominent characteristic emission bands correlated to the transitions 4G5/2 to 6H5/2, corresponding to 581 nm, 4G5/2 to 6H7/2 corresponding to 605 nm, and 4G5/2 to 6H9/2 corresponding to 662 nm. We successfully plotted the CIE colorimetry diagram and it is observed that the effect of plasmonic nanoparticles can tune the relative emission intensity of rare earth ions in CIE colorimetry. Our study highlights the significance of incorporating the rare earth ions doping with plasmonic nanoparticles in the color tunability studies, exhibiting their broad applications in LED devices.

Ethanol-salt based two-phase partitioning for concentration of milk clotting proteases from Sweet Indrajao (Wrightia tinctoria R. Br.) fruit

Cheese is the naturally fermented dairy product beloved for its wide variety of textures and other nutritional qualities. Animal rennet, microbial and fermentation produced chymosin are generally considered for commercial level cheese preparation. In order to meet the growing global demand observed in cheese market, milk clotting proteases from diverse alternative sources are under exploration. Sweet Indrajao (Wrightia tinctoria R. Br.) fruit extract is known for its utility in traditional cheese preparation. Organic solvent-salt based aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) using ethanol and salt was employed to partially purify milk clotting proteases from W. tinctoria fruit. The system with ethanol-25.90% (w/w) and dipotassium phosphate-13.60% (w/w) was found favorable with yield of 96.33%, milk clotting index of 77.85, purification factor of 2.42, partition coefficient of 458.80 and selectivity of 345.58. Tricine SDS-PAGE and zymogram revealed presence of two prominent protein bands between 66 and 97.4 kDa with caseinolytic activity. Whole casein and κ- casein hydrolysis pattern was analyzed by tricine SDS-PAGE. The optimized system was scaled up to 100 g and its performance was found comparable to its 10 g counterpart. Characteristics of the cheese prepared using partitioned enzyme was comparable to that of the positive control used (Enzeco®).

Thermal and electrostatic tuning of surface phonon-polaritons in LaAlO3/SrTiO3 heterostructures

Phonon polaritons are promising for infrared applications due to a strong light-matter coupling and subwavelength energy confinement they offer. Yet, the spectral narrowness of the phonon bands and difficulty to tune the phonon polariton properties hinder further progress in this field. SrTiO3 – a prototype perovskite oxide - has recently attracted attention due to two prominent far-infrared phonon polaritons bands, albeit without any tuning reported so far. Here we show, using cryogenic infrared near-field microscopy, that long-propagating surface phonon polaritons are present both in bare SrTiO3 and in LaAlO3/SrTiO3 heterostructures hosting a two-dimensional electron gas. The presence of the two-dimensional electron gas increases dramatically the thermal variation of the upper limit of the surface phonon polariton band due to temperature dependent polaronic screening of the surface charge carriers. Furthermore, we demonstrate a tunability of the upper surface phonon polariton frequency in LaAlO3/SrTiO3 via electrostatic gating. Our results suggest that oxide interfaces are a new platform bridging unconventional electronics and long-wavelength nanophotonics.

Local field potentials and single unit dynamics in motor cortex of unconstrained macaques during different behavioral states

Different sleep stages have been shown to be vital for a variety of brain functions, including learning, memory, and skill consolidation. However, our understanding of neural dynamics during sleep and the role of prominent LFP frequency bands remain incomplete. To elucidate such dynamics and differences between behavioral states we collected multichannel LFP and spike data in primary motor cortex of unconstrained macaques for up to 24 h using a head-fixed brain-computer interface (Neurochip3). Each 8-s bin of time was classified into awake-moving (Move), awake-resting (Rest), REM sleep (REM), or non-REM sleep (NREM) by using dimensionality reduction and clustering on the average spectral density and the acceleration of the head. LFP power showed high delta during NREM, high theta during REM, and high beta when the animal was awake. Cross-frequency phase-amplitude coupling typically showed higher coupling during NREM between all pairs of frequency bands. Two notable exceptions were high delta-high gamma and theta-high gamma coupling during Move, and high theta-beta coupling during REM. Single units showed decreased firing rate during NREM, though with increased short ISIs compared to other states. Spike-LFP synchrony showed high delta synchrony during Move, and higher coupling with all other frequency bands during NREM. These results altogether reveal potential roles and functions of different LFP bands that have previously been unexplored.

Study on photoluminescence of integrated nano-calcium carbonate (CaCO3) enhanced with dysprosium (Dy) doped calcium borophosphate (CBP) phosphor

Purpose There is a strong inducement to develop new inorganic materials to substitute the current industrial pigments, which are known for their poor ultraviolet absorbent and low photoluminescence (PL) properties. The purpose of this paper is to invent a better rare-earth-based pigment material as a spectral modifier with good luminescence properties to enhance the spectral response for photovoltaic panel application. Design/methodology/approach Different phosphor samples made of nano-calcium carbonate (CaCO3) with varied wt.% of the dopant Dysprosium doped calcium borophosphate (CBP/Dy) as (W0 – 0%, W1 – 3,85%, W2 – 7.41%, W3 –10.71% and W4 –13.79%) were prepared via the solid-state diffusion method at 600 °C for 6 h using a muffle furnace. The structural, morphological and luminescence properties of the CaCO3:CBP/Dy powder samples were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and PL test. Findings The XRD, SEM and FTIR results verified the crystalline formation, morphological behaviour and vibration bonds of synthesized CBP/Dy-doped CaCO3 powder samples. XRD pattern revealed that the synthesized powder samples exhibit crystalline structured materials, and SEM results showed irregular shape and porous-like structured morphologies. FTIR spectrum shows prominent bands at 712, 874 and 1,404 cm−1, corresponding to asymmetric stretching vibrations of CO32− groups and out-of-plane bending. PL characterization of CBP/Dy-doped CaCO3 (sample W) shows emission at 427 nm (λmax) under the excitation of 358 nm. The intensity of PL emission spectra drops due to the concentration quenching effect, while the maximum PL intensity is observed in the W3 phosphor powder system. Research limitations/implications This phosphor powder is expected to find out the potential application such as a spectral modifier which is applied to match the energy of photons with solar cell bandgap to improve spectral absorption and lead to better efficiency. Originality/value The introduction of a nano-CaCO3:CBP/Dy hybrid powder system with good luminescence properties to be used as spectral modifiers for solar cell application has been synthesized in the lab, which is a novel attempt.

Tonality masking system: Design and implementation of an industrial noise masking application

A noise source that exhibits tonal qualities is often deemed to be more annoying than one which is broadband in nature. In environmental noise assessments, it is common to apply a penalty for tonality (typically up to +5dB). Tonality is often objectively classified as a function of the spectrum shape (typically in one-third octave bands), where a prominent band relative to its adjacent bands indicates the presence of tonality. A potential means of removing this tonality is to introduce masking noise, altering the spectrum shape to cover up the peaks. By adding targeted masking, in principle, it is possible to not only remove the tonality classification and penalty but also minimise the increase in overall noise level to less than a few decibels. This paper discusses the practical implementation of a tonality masking system for a low-frequency industrial noise emission problem occurring at neighbouring residential properties. The masking system was designed to detect tones generated by a large piece of factory equipment and calculate the optimum masking signal using custom-made software. The masking signal was reproduced through a subwoofer located inside the factory. With the system successfully commissioned, the resultant noise levels at the residential neighbours were no longer classified as being tonal.

Feasibility of crude F4 fimbriae extract as a vaccine candidate for preventing Escherichia coli-induced diarrhea in piglets.

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) poses a substantial risk of neonatal diarrhea and post-weaning diarrhea among piglets, with F4+ ETEC strains emerging as a particularly challenging issue within the pig farming industry. This study aimed to introduce a straightforward approach for generating a crude extract of F4 fimbriae that shows promise as an antigenic determinant for potential vaccination strategies. A crude F4 fimbriae extract was obtained from F4+ ETEC using a combination of heat shock and homogenization techniques. Subsequently, three 4-week-old piglets were immunized with a primary dose of 150 μg and a booster dose 2 weeks later. Blood samples were collected to evaluate the level of serum F4-specific antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Analysis using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry techniques unveiled crucial insights into the composition of the crude F4 fimbriae extract. Notably, a distinct prominent band (~24 kDa) was identified, corresponding to the size of FaeG, the major subunit of F4 fimbriae. Regarding antibody response, there was a remarkable disparity between the levels of serum immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgA antibodies targeting F4 compared with other E. coli strains (F18+ ETEC, F41+ ETEC, and F4-F18-F41- EC), as well as with the unvaccinated control group (p < 0.01). Specifically, the levels of IgG antibodies against other E. coli strains were also significantly higher than those observed in the unvaccinated control group (p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that the crude F4 fimbriae extracts obtained using our simple extraction method induce specific immune responses against F4+ E. coli and stimulate cross-immunity against other E. coli strains. Therefore, our method shows potential for use in future vaccine development against diarrhea in pigs caused by E. coli.

Artificial coloration of ancient agate beads: a mineralogical study

The process of staining was frequently employed to enhance or alter the color of agate beads in ancient times. One of the key challenges in studying ancient beads is comprehending the intricate techniques employed to color agate stones. An understanding of the staining mechanism from a mineralogical standpoint offers insights into the level of technological advancement in different civilizations. In this study, the mineral structure of eight ancient agate beads from Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, NW China, was analyzed using Micro X-ray fluorescence (µXRF), Raman spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) techniques. The color, transparency, mineral phase, and surface roughness of the beads were examined, revealing variations ranging from colorless to light violet to dark violet. Raman and FTIR spectroscopy were employed to determine the SiO2 phase and the changes in optical characteristics of agate beads after artificial staining. The black color of the beads was formed by carbon penetration, while the red color was produced by heating. The coexistence of α-quartz and moganite phases in the red, the dark red, the black, the idiochromatic white and the part translucent zones of the ancient beads was confirmed by the 464 cm−1 peak of α-quartz and the 502 cm−1 peak of moganite phase. The analyzed red, the dark red, the black, the idiochromatic white and the part translucent zones exhibited remarkably similar FTIR spectral features, with two prominent bands at ~ 1097 and ~ 1187 cm−1, as well as two weak bands at 798 and 778 cm−1, indicating the presence of moganite and α-quartz in the unetched ancient beads. In contrast to the idiochromatic white appearance of natural agate, the scattered white coloration in etched beads was generated by an etching reaction. Both Raman and FTIR spectroscopy indicated the absence of moganite in etched beads, indicating that the scattered white color was produced by the loss of moganite and a portion of α-quartz, resulting in a rough surface.

Dual-Stable-Isotope-Probed Raman microspectroscopy reveals the metabolic dynamic of Streptococcus mutans

Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is regarded as a cariogenic pathogen with the ability to metabolize sugars and form organic acids. However, its actual timely level of glucose consumption and cellular vitality in a polymicrobial culture system remains largely unknown. To tackle this challenge, we employed the S. mutans UA159 as a model and developed a dual-stable-isotope-probed Raman microspectroscopy method (Dual SIP-Raman) to simultaneously profile the general metabolic activity and glucose assimilative activity in situ. (i) Mono-SIP substrate feeding revealed that 0.5% 13C-glucose and 30% D2O were proper doses in the medium to obtain prominent and quantitative band shifts along with the 13C or D2O incorporation. In addition, the intensity of the 13C peak of phenylalanine (Phe) is proposed as a Raman-based biomarker for glucose utilization in a cell. (ii) The state of dual SIP substrate incorporation of 13C-glucose and D2O could be visualized by the corresponding spectral “red shifts” of Raman-scattered emissions; moreover, we also demonstrated that 13C/12C analysis was closely correlated with the C-D ratio. (iii) The application of the dual 13C-glucose and D2O feeding approach on a mock microbiota of S. mutans UA159 and C. albicans ATCC14053 revealed a stimulatory effect of fungus on both the glucose intake rate and general metabolic vitality of S. mutans UA159 (p < 0.05). Therefore, the 13C-glucose and D2O dual-feeding Raman Microspectroscopy approach is a valuable new tool for evaluating the glucose intake rate and general metabolic levels in situ, tracing the changing trend of the above metabolic activities, which is helpful to clarify the changes in the cariogenicity of oral microorganisms caused by the external environment at the single-cell level.

Development of sustainable biomass residues for biofuels applications

A comprehensive understanding of physiochemical properties, thermal degradation behavior and chemical composition is significant for biomass residues before their thermochemical conversion for energy production. In this investigation, teff straw (TS), coffee husk (CH), corn cob (CC), and sweet sorghum stalk (SSS) residues were characterized to assess their potential applications as value-added bioenergy and chemical products. The thermal degradation behavior of CC, CH, TS and SSS samples is calculated using four different heating rates. The activation energy values ranged from 81.919 to 262.238 and 85.737–212.349 kJ mol−1 and were generated by the KAS and FWO models and aided in understanding the biomass conversion process into bio-products. The cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin contents of CC, CH, TS, and SSS were found to be in the ranges of 31.56–41.15%, 23.9–32.02%, and 19.85–25.07%, respectively. The calorific values of the residues ranged from 17.3 to 19.7 MJ/kg, comparable to crude biomass. Scanning electron micrographs revealed agglomerated, irregular, and rough textures, with parallel lines providing nutrient and water transport pathways in all biomass samples. Energy Dispersive X-ray spectra and X-ray diffraction analysis indicated the presence of high carbonaceous material and crystalline nature. FTIR analysis identified prominent band peaks at specific wave numbers. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that these residues hold potential as energy sources for various applications, such as the textile, plastics, paints, automobile, and food additive industries.

Profiling of the β-glucosidases identified in the genome of Penicillium funiculosum: insights from genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and homology-modeling studies.

The enzymatic conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to bioethanol depends on efficient enzyme systems with β-glucosidase as one of the key components. In this study, we performed in-depth profiling of the various β-glucosidases present in the genome of the hypercellulolytic fungus Penicillium funiculosum using genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and molecular dynamics simulation approaches. Of the eight β-glucosidase genes identified in the P. funiculosum genome, three were predicted to be extracellular based on signal peptide prediction and abundance in the secretome. Among the three secreted β-glucosidases, two belonged to the GH3 family and one belonged to the GH1 family. Homology models of these proteins predicted a deep and narrow active site for the GH3 β-glucosidases (PfBgl3A and PfBgl3B) and a shallow open active site for the GH1 β-glucosidase (PfBgl1A). The enzymatic assays indicated that P. funiculosum-secreted proteins showed high β-glucosidase activities with prominent bands on the 4-methylumbelliferyl β-D-glucopyranoside zymogram. To understand the contributory effects of each of the three secreted β-glucosidases (PfBgls), the corresponding gene was deleted separately, and the effect of the deletion on the β-glucosidase activity of the secretome was examined. Although not the most abundant, PfBgl3A was found to be one of the most important β-glucosidases, as evidenced by a 42% reduction in β-glucosidase activity in the ΔPfBgl3A strain. Our results advance the understanding of the genetic and biochemical nature of all β-glucosidases produced by P. funiculosum and pave the way to design a superior biocatalyst for the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass. IMPORTANCE Commercially available cellulases are primarily produced from Trichoderma reesei. However, external supplementation of the cellulase cocktail from this host with exogenous β-glucosidase is often required to achieve the desired optimal saccharification of cellulosic feedstocks. This challenge has led to the exploration of other cellulase-producing strains. The nonmodel hypercellulolytic fungus Penicillium funiculosum has been studied in recent times and identified as a promising source of industrial cellulases mainly due to its ability to produce a balanced concoction of cellulolytic enzymes, including β-glucosidases. Various genetic interventions targeted at strain improvement for cellulase production have been performed; however, the β-glucosidases of this strain have remained largely understudied. This study, therefore, reports profiling of all eight β-glucosidases of P. funiculosum via molecular and computational approaches. The results of this study provide useful insights that will establish the background for future engineering strategies to transform this fungus into an industrial workhorse.

Harnessing antifungal metabolites from macro basidiomycetes against wilt inciting &lt;i&gt;Fusarium&lt;/i&gt; spp.

Plant diseases especially wilt disease caused by Fusarium spp. pose a major threat to the cultivation of vegetables. In the present study, experiments were undertaken to explore the potential antifungal metabolites produced by macro basidiomycetes viz., Lentinus edodes, Ganoderma lucidum and Schizophyllum commune against Fusarium oxysporum and F. solani causing wilt disease of cucumber and capsicum. Among these, the ethyl acetate fraction of Cell-Free Culture Filtrate (CFC) of L. edodes exhibited maximum per cent inhibition of the mycelial growth of F. oxysporum and F. solani (61.11 and 57.77 %, respectively) at a concentration of 2000 ppm. Characterization of antifungal metabolites of Cell Free Condensate (CFC) of ethyl acetate fraction of L. edodes observed as prominent bands in Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) indicated with an RF value of 0.25 and 0.69. Further GC-MS characterization of TLC-eluted compounds from L. edodes indicated the presence of 14 different compounds including 2H-pyran-2-one 6-pentyl-, possessing antifungal activity. The Fouriertransform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) spectrum revealed the functional groups such as alcohol (O-H), amides (C-O), aliphatic polyes (CH2), triazenes (N=N), silicon compounds (Si-O-Si), amines (C-N) and phosphorus (P=S). The comparison of metabolite distribution patterns by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) obtained from L. edodes (PC 1) showed a positive correlation between the compounds. This study infers that L. edodes possess antifungal activity against F. oxysporum and F. solani that can be explored for formulation and application of these antifungal compounds in plant protection.

Effect of gadolinium and manganese on the physical properties of yttrium iron garnet

The Y3-xGdxFe5-yMnyO12 (x = y = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 1.0, and 1.5) powders were synthesized by a co-precipitation method. The structural analysis confirmed the presence of the cubic structure of YIG, the formation of the secondary phase YFeO3 and the stoichiometry proposed for Y3-xGdxFe5-yMnyO12. The results of the FTIR spectroscopy show three prominent absorption bands that shift to lower wavenumber values with the increase of co-dopant concentrations. Energy bandgap values are found to be 2.96 eV for pure YIG and 3.02 ± 0.1 eV for doped powders. Photoluminescence spectra show that all the samples exhibit intense peaks around 530 nm. Moreover, Gd3+ and Mn2+ partial alternatives strongly influence the magnetic behavior of YIG nanoparticles. It is observed that coercivity is affected by the crystallite size of 0.0 ≤ x = y ≤ 0.6, confirming the multidomain nature of the powders, which could be acceptable in microwave applications and data storage uses.

Screening of Resistance Gene Analogue Marker(S) in Indian Bean [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet] against Yellow Mosaic Disease

In this study, 104 genotypes of Indian beans were evaluated against the yellow mosaic disease at College Farm, N. M. College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari during Rabi 2021–2022 (South Gujarat Heavy Rainfall Zone-II ), based on the disease rating scale (1–9). Out of the 104 genotypes of Indian beans, 33 genotypes showed resistance to the yellow mosaic disease, 14 genotypes showed moderate resistance, 17 genotypes showed moderate susceptibility, 29 genotypes showed susceptibility, and 11 genotypes showed highly susceptibility. The obtained sequence has a greatest identity of 95.05 percent with the full sequence of the dolichos yellow mosaic virus isolate AG segment DNA A with accession number MZ821026.1. As a result, the variant was given the accession number ON461886 and named dolichos yellow mosaic virus isolate NAU-RA coat protein gene segment DNA -A. In present investigation six resistant (P-19-169, V-19-15, V-19-35, GNIB-22, W-19-05, V-19-24) and six highly susceptible (P-19-176, W-19-60, P-19-127, V-19-11, W-19-58, V-19-106) Indian bean genotypes were screened by nine pairs of RGA primers. The amplicons were obtained in seven pairs of RGA primers, where five pairs of RGA primersRGA1FCG &amp;RGA1R,VMYR1F &amp; VMYR1R,YR4F &amp; YR4R, RGAIB3 &amp; RGAIB4, RGAIB5 &amp; RGAIB6 amplified single band size of approximately 450 bp, 450 bp, 450 bp, 450 bp and 1050 bp respectively in resistant genotypes, while only two pairs of RGA primers CYR1F &amp; CYR1R and RGAIB1 &amp; RGAIB2 were found with prominent band of approximately 950bp and 350bp. According to the data from the current investigation, seven pairs of RGA markers have proven successful in differentiating between the resistant and highly susceptible genotypes of Indian beans. These RGA markers can be employed in investigations mapping resistance genes and validating markers with long-lasting YMV resistance.

2,3-Diarylquinoline -Based Iridium (III) Complexes: Synthesis, Photophysical Properties and DFT studies

Phosphorescent transition–metal complexes have received considerable interest in the development of efficient organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). Iridium complexes derived from heterocyclic ligands have brought a paradigm shift in the optoelectronic materials. Quinoline-based molecular architectures offer excellent materials for such applications due to their exceptional electronic properties, extended π-conjugation and strong ligand–metal binding. Iridium complexes of 2,3-diaryl quinolines with electron rich and electron deficient substituents were synthesized and their electronic properties were studied. Iridium complexes Ir1 and Ir2 bearing the electron withdrawing (-CF3) and electron donating (–OCH3) groups, respectively at the para position of the 2-phenyl ring of 2,3-diarylquinoline exhibited prominent absorption bands in the UV range. Further, the complex Ir3 with unsubstituted 2,3-diarylquinoline ligand and CF3 containing Ir1 showed intensive red phosphorescence near 603 and 611 nm, respectively due to metal-to-ligand and ligand-to-ligand (MLCT/LLCT) charge transfer characteristics. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the Ir4 complex derived from 2-phenylquinoline ligand exhibited a bright yellow phosphorescent emission at 589 nm. An additional C3 aryl group on the quinoline ring resulted in a red shift in the emission wavelength of Ir1 and Ir3 complexes compared to Ir4. The PL spectra of Ir2 on the other hand was weak, and blue-shifted to 489 nm, which can be attributed to a ligand-centered (LC) transition. The complexes showed photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) in the range of 0.004 to 0.17 and fluorescence lifetime ranged from 1.5 ns to 399 ns, implying the significant effect of the ligand structure on the properties of the complexes. Photophysical investigation of the complexed affirms these complexes to be potent materials for OLEDs fabrication. Cyclic voltammetry was used to investigate the electrochemical characteristics of Ir1-Ir4 complexes in acetonitrile. All of the complexes Ir1-Ir4 exhibited irreversible oxidation waves at 0.44 V, 0.23 V, 0.25 V, and 0.24 V respectively. Ir1-Ir4 complexes showed a reduction potential at −0.98 V, −0.96 V, −1.02 V and −0.97 V respectively. The DFT calculations were used to explore HOMO-LUMO energies, and NBO characteristics by B3LYP level of theory using ECP type double zeta (DZ) quality basis set LanL2DZ for metal and 6-311G(d) basis sets for non-metal atoms. The theoretical calculations were in significant agreement with the experimental studies of these complexes.