Structural and luminescence studies of titanium co-doped SrY O :Eu phosphors.

Here, europium-doped (1 to 11 mol%) and titanium (1 to 5 mol%)co-doped SrY O :Eu phosphors were synthesized using solid-state reaction method. The synthesized samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and photoluminescence (PL) techniques for structural, morphological, functional group, and photoluminescence studies, respectively. XRD patterns confirmed the formation of pure phase SrY O at 1300°C and structural parameters were further determined using Rietveld refinement.

Mainstreaming Local Food Species for Nutritional and Livelihood Security: Insights From Traditional Food Systems of Community of Arunachal Pradesh, India.

This study brings out the critical role of lesser-known local plant species in the food, nutrition and livelihood security of community in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Considering women as a major custodian in knowledge and practices on foods, a total of 90 women and 60 key knowledgeable community members (thus a total of 150 participants) were selected from East Siang and Upper Siang districts of Arunachal Pradesh. Data were collected using combination of methods including recipe contest, focus group discussion, personal interviews and laboratory analyses.

Destruction of multiferroicity in TbBaNiO by Sr-doping and its implication to magnetodielectric coupling.

The Haldane spin-chain compound, TbBaNiO, with two antiferromagnetic transitions, one at T   =  63 K and the other at T   =  25 K, has been recently shown to be an exotic multiferroic below T . Here, we report the results of our investigation of Sr doping at the Ba site by magnetization, heat-capacity, magnetodielectric (MDE) and pyrocurrent measurements. An intriguing finding, which we stress, is that the ferroelectricity is lost even for a doping level of ten atomic percent, though magnetic ordering prevails.

Observation of magnetoelastic and magnetoelectric coupling in Sc doped BaFeO due to spin-glass-like phase.

The present work reports magnetic, magnetoelastic and magnetoelectric (ME) response of scandium (Sc) doped barium hexaferrite, BaFeScO. DC magnetization shows that partial substitution of non-magnetic Sc for Fe in barium hexaferrite results in a reduction of Curie temperature (T ) from 730 K known for the parent compound BaFeO to 430 K. Magnetization measurements show that, in BaFeScO, in addition to the magnetic transition at 250 K corresponding to longitudinal conical magnetic structure, another magnetic anomaly occurs in the vicinity of 50 K (T ).

Magnetic behavior of metallic kagome lattices, TbRuAl and ErRuAl.

We report the magnetic behavior of two intermetallic-based kagome lattices, TbRuAl and ErRuAl, crystallizing in the GdRuAl-type hexagonal crystal structure, by measurements in the range 1.8-300 K with bulk experimental techniques (ac and dc magnetization, heat capacity, and magnetoresistance). The main finding is that the Tb compound, known to order antiferromagnetically below (T =) 22 K, shows glassy characteristics at lower temperatures ([Formula: see text]15 K), thus characterizing this compound as a re-entrant spin-glass.

Pyrocurrent anomalies and intrinsic magnetodielectric behavior near room temperature in LiNiMoO, a compound with distorted honeycomb and spin-chains.

Keeping current interests to identify materials with intrinsic magnetodielectric behaviour near room temperature and with novel pyroelectric current anomalies, we report temperature and magnetic-field dependent behavior of complex dielectric permittivity and pyroelectric current for an oxide, LiNiMoO, containing magnetic ions with (distorted) honey-comb and chain arrangement and ordering magnetically below 8 K. The dielectric data reveal the existence of relaxor ferroelectricity behaviour in the range 160-240 K and there are corresponding Raman mode anomalies as well in this temperature range. Pyrocurrent behavior is also consistent with this interpretation, with the pyrocurrent peak-temperature interestingly correlating with the poling temperature.

A rock-salt-type Li-based oxide, Li3Ni2RuO6, exhibiting a chaotic ferrimagnetism with cluster spin-glass dynamics and thermally frozen charge carriers.

The area of research to discover new Li containing materials and to understand their physical properties has been of constant interest due to applications potential for rechargeable batteries. Here, we present the results of magnetic investigations on a Li compound, Li3Ni2RuO6, which was believed to be a ferrimagnet below 80 K. While our neutron diffraction (ND) and isothermal magnetization (M) data support ferrimagnetism, more detailed magnetic studies establish that this ferrimagnetic phase exhibits some features similar to spin-glasses.

Spin-glass behavior and pyroelectric anomalies in a new lithium-based oxide, Li3FeRuO5.

The results of dc and ac magnetization, heat capacity, (57)Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy, dielectric, pyroelectric current and isothermal magneto-capacitance measurements of a recently reported lithium-rich layered oxide, Li3FeRuO5, related to LiCoO2-type (rhombohedral, space group R3[combining macron]m), are presented. The results reveal that the compound undergoes spin-glass freezing at 15 K. There is a peak around 34 K in pyroelectric data, which cannot be attributed to ferroelectricity, but to the phenomenon of thermally stimulated depolarization current.

Ultrasensitive electrochemical immunoassay for surface array protein, a Bacillus anthracis biomarker using Au-Pd nanocrystals loaded on boron-nitride nanosheets as catalytic labels.

Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax, is a well known bioterrorism agent. The determination of surface array protein (Sap), a unique biomarker for B. anthracis can offer an opportunity for specific detection of B.

Electrochemical DNA sensor for anthrax toxin activator gene atxA-detection of PCR amplicons.

We report the DNA probe functionalized electrochemical genosensor for the detection of Bacillus anthracis, specific towards the regulatory gene atxA. The DNA sensor is fabricated on electrochemically deposited gold nanoparticle on self assembled layer of (3-Mercaptopropyl) trimethoxysilane (MPTS) on GC electrode. DNA hybridization is monitored by differential pulse voltammogram (DPV).

Electrochemical immunosensor based on bismuth nanocomposite film and cadmium ions functionalized titanium phosphates for the detection of anthrax protective antigen toxin.

Bacillus anthracis is a bioterrorism agent classified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Herein, a novel electrochemical immunosensor for the sensitive, specific and easy detection of anthrax protective antigen (PA) toxin in picogram concentration was developed. The immunosensor consists of (i) a Nafion-multiwall carbon nanotubes-bismuth nanocomposite film modified glassy carbon electrodes (BiNPs/Nafion-MWCNTs/GCE) as a sensing platform and (ii) titanium phosphate nanoparticles-cadmium ion-mouse anti-PA antibodies (TiP-Cd(2+)-MαPA antibodies) as signal amplification tags.

Insights from Micro-second Atomistic Simulations of Melittin in Thin Lipid Bilayers.

The membrane disruption and pore-forming mechanism of melittin has been widely explored by experiments and computational studies. However, the precise mechanism is still enigmatic, and further study is required to turn antimicrobial peptides into future promising drugs against microbes. In this study, unbiased microsecond (µs) time scale (total 17 µs) atomistic molecular dynamics simulation were performed on multiple melittin systems in 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine membrane to capture the various events during the membrane disorder produced by melittin.

Electrochemical immunosensor for botulinum neurotoxin type-E using covalently ordered graphene nanosheets modified electrodes and gold nanoparticles-enzyme conjugate.

In this work, a novel electrochemical immunosensor was developed for the detection of botulinum neurotoxin-E (BoNT/E). This method relied on graphene nanosheets-aryldiazonium salt modified glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) as sensing platform and enzyme induced silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) deposited on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as signal amplifier. Herein, a GCE was electrografted with mixed monolayer of phenyl and aminophenyl (Ph-PhNH2/GCE) by diazotization reaction.

Relative efficiency of zinc sulfide (ZnS) quantum dots (QDs) based electrochemical and fluorescence immunoassay for the detection of B (SEB).

In this paper an attempt was made to detect B (SEB) both by electrochemical and fluorescence immunoassay methods using zinc sulphide (ZnS) QDs. Wet-chemical method was adopted for the preparation of fluorescent ZnS QDs (diameter ∼ 5-10 nm). These QDs were bioconjugated with monoclonal antibodies and then characterized by various method.

Dynamics of Gal80p in the Gal80p-Gal3p complex differ significantly from the dynamics in the Gal80p-Gal1p complex: implications for the higher specificity of Gal3p.

The expression of the GAL gene in Sacharomyces cerevisiae is regulated by three proteins; Gal3p/Gal1p, Gal80p and Gal4p. Both Gal3p and Gal1p act as transcriptional inducers, though Gal3p has a higher activity than Gal1p. The difference in activity may depend on the strength of the interaction and dynamical behavior of these proteins during complex formation with the repressor protein Gal80p.

An electrochemical genosensor for Salmonella typhi on gold nanoparticles-mercaptosilane modified screen printed electrode.

In this work, we fabricated a system of integrated self-assembled layer of organosilane 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxy silane (MPTS) on the screen printed electrode (SPE) and electrochemically deposited gold nanoparticle for Salmonella typhi detection employing Vi gene as a molecular marker. Thiolated DNA probe was immobilized on a gold nanoparticle (AuNP) modified SPE for DNA hybridization assay using methylene blue as redox (electroactive) hybridization indicator, and signal was monitored by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) method. The modified SPE was characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) method.

Single walled boron nitride nanotube-based biosensor: an atomistic finite element modelling approach.

The unprecedented dynamic characteristics of nanoelectromechanical systems make them suitable for nanoscale mass sensing applications. Owing to superior biocompatibility, boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) are being increasingly used for such applications. In this study, the feasibility of single walled BNNT (SWBNNT)-based bio-sensor has been explored.

Boron nitride nanotube-based biosensing of various bacterium/viruses: continuum modelling-based simulation approach.

In this study, the feasibility of single walled boron nitride nanotube (SWBNNT)-based biosensors has been ensured considering the continuum modelling-based simulation approach, for mass-based detection of various bacterium/viruses. Various types of bacterium or viruses have been taken into consideration at the free-end of the cantilevered configuration of the SWBNNT, as a biosensor. Resonant frequency shift-based analysis has been performed with the adsorption of various bacterium/viruses considered as additional mass to the SWBNNT-based sensor system.

Molecular dynamics simulations of certain RGD-based peptides from Kistrin provide insight into the higher activity of REI-RGD34 protein at higher temperature.

To determine the bioactive conformation required to bind with receptor aIIbb3, the peptide sequence RIPRGDMP from Kistrin was inserted into CDR 1 loop region of REI protein, resulting in REI-RGD34. The activity of REI-RGD34 was observed to increase at higher temperature towards the receptor aIIbb3. It could be justified in either way: the modified complex forces the restricted peptide to adapt bioactive conformation or it unfolds the peptide in a way that opens its binding surface with high affinity for receptor.

Molecular simulation and docking studies of Gal1p and Gal3p proteins in the presence and absence of ligands ATP and galactose: implication for transcriptional activation of GAL genes.

The Gal4p mediated transcriptional activation of GAL genes requires the interaction between Gal3p bound with ATP and galactose and Gal80p. Though numerous studies suggest that galactose and ATP activate Gal3p/Gal1p interaction with Gal80p, neither the mechanism of activation nor the interacting surface that binds to Gal80p is well understood. In this study we investigated the dynamics of Gal3p and Gal1p in the presence and absence of ligands ATP and galactose to understand the role played by dynamics in the function of these proteins through molecular dynamics simulation and protein-protein docking studies.

A novel piezoelectric immunosensor for the detection of malarial Plasmodium falciparum histidine rich protein-2 antigen.

A novel piezoelectric (PZ) immunosensor for the direct detection of malarial Plasmodium falciparum histidine rich protein-2 (PfHRP-2) antigen was developed. The mixed self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of thioctic acid and 1-dodecanethiol were formed on gold surface of quartz crystal. Cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and surface Raman spectroscopy techniques were used to characterize the mixed SAMs.

Amperometric immunosensor based on gold nanoparticles/alumina sol-gel modified screen-printed electrodes for antibodies to Plasmodium falciparum histidine rich protein-2.

We report herein the amperometric immunosensor for antibodies to Plasmodium falciparum histidine rich protein-2 (PfHRP-2). Screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) were modified with alumina sol-gel (Al(2)O(3) sol-gel) derived film and gold nanoparticles i.e.

Immobilization of acetylcholineesterase-choline oxidase on a gold-platinum bimetallic nanoparticles modified glassy carbon electrode for the sensitive detection of organophosphate pesticides, carbamates and nerve agents.

A novel, highly sensitive amperometric biosensor, based on electrodeposition of gold-platinum bimetallic nanoparticles onto 3-aminopropyltriethoxy silane modified glassy carbon electrode for the detection of paraoxon ethyl, aldicarb, and sarin has been developed. The biosensor consists of acetylcholineesterase (AChE)/choline oxidase (ChOx) immobilized by cross-linking with glutaraldehyde on a modified electrode. The properties of nanoparticles modified electrodes are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), cyclic voltammograms (CVs) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).

Integrated Electrochemical Analysis System with Microfluidic and Sensing Functions.

An integrated device that carries out the timely transport of solutions andconducts electroanalysis was constructed. The transport of solutions was based oncapillary action in overall hydrophilic flow channels and control by valves that operateon the basis of electrowetting. Electrochemical sensors including glucose, lactate,glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), pH,ammonia, urea, and creatinine were integrated.

Clinical Presentation, treatment outcome and survival among the HIV infected children with culture confirmed tuberculosis.

Background: We studied the clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment outcome and survival in children with HIV and Tuberculosis (TB) co-infection.

Methods: All HIV infected children with symptoms or signs consistent with tuberculosis were screened. We studied 24 cases of culture confirmed TB from among a cohort of 213 HIV infected children.