Bond-alternated and bond-equalized hexazine derivatives.

Planar cyclic conjugated molecules satisfying the Hückel rule are generally classified as aromatics and π delocalization is the key feature of aromatic compounds. It was shown that the π system of benzene prefers bond-alternation and that the delocalization observed is a consequence of bond-equalization, which is a σ effect. For systems wherein the π bonds are strong, such as those between N atoms, the π-distortivity may outweigh the σ preference for bond-equalization.

Diagnostic performance of real time PCR and MALDI-TOF in the detection of nontuberculous mycobacteria from clinical isolates.

This study aimed to evaluate the performance of real-time PCR (qPCR) and MALDI-TOF for accurate and timely detection of nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) from clinical isolates. We collected fifty NTM suspected Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT) cultures and analysed the diagnostic performance of qPCR and VITEK MS using Line Probe Assay (LPA) GenoType CM (Common Mycobacteria) as gold standard. The qPCR assays targeting 16S rRNA, ITS and IS6110 genes were developed for the identification of NTM and Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC).

Spin density encodes intramolecular singlet exciton fission in pentacene dimers.

The formation of two triplet excitons at the cost of one photon via singlet exciton fission in organic semiconductors can potentially enhance the photocurrent in photovoltaic devices. However, the role of spin density distribution in driving this photophysical process has been unclear until now. Here we present the significance of electronic spin density distribution in facilitating efficient intramolecular singlet exciton fission (iSEF) in π-bridged pentacene dimers.

Translocation of uranium from water to foodstuff while cooking.

The present work report the unusual uranium uptake by foodstuff, especially those rich in carbohydrates like rice when they are cooked in water, contaminated with uranium. The major staple diet in South Asia, rice, was chosen to study its interaction with UO2(2+), the active uranium species in water, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Highest uptake limit was checked by cooking rice at very high uranium concentration and it was found to be good scavenger of uranium.

A new chitosan biopolymer derivative as metal-complexing agent: synthesis, characterization, and metal(II) ion adsorption studies.

In this study, a new chitosan biopolymer derivative (CTSL) has been synthesized by anchoring a new vanillin-based complexing agent or ligand, namely 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-5-[(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl] benzaldehyde, (L) with chitosan (CTS) by means of condensation. The new material was characterized by elemental (CHN), spectral (FTIR and solid state (13)C NMR), thermal (TG-DTA and DSC), structural (powder XRD), and morphological (SEM) analyses. The CTSL was employed to study the equilibrium adsorption of various metal ions, namely, Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II), as functions of pH of the solutions.