Ultrafast excited state relaxation dynamics of pyran-based D-π-A systems: solvent polarity controls the triplet state.

The excited state relaxation dynamics of V-shaped D-π-A systems having 4-pyranylidene appended barbituric acid as an acceptor and diphenylamine (TPAPBA) and diethyl amine (EAPBA) as donors were investigated using steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopy along with theoretical optimization. The steady-state photophysical characterization exhibited the bathochromic shift of the emission maximum (∼6400 cm) and large change in the dipole moment (∼24) with an increase of solvent polarity, reflecting the occurrence of the intramolecular charge transfer state (ICT) in the excited state. The nanosecond and femtosecond transient absorption spectra of these derivatives in a non-polar solvent, toluene, reveal that the excited state relaxation pathway involving a local excited state (LE) decayed to ICT followed by the formation of a twisted ICT state by conformational relaxation, finally leading to the triplet state.

A CYTOLOGICAL AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL CORRELATIVE STUDY ON NEOPLASTIC LESIONS WITH MILAN SYSTEM FOR REPORTING SALIVARY GLAND CYTOPATHOLOGY.

Background: Salivary gland tumors are rare. Nevertheless, the accurate preoperative diagnosis of the malignant potential of the lesion is essential for appropriate patient management. The recently published Milan system for reporting salivary gland cytology (MSRSGC) is an effort to provide better communication regarding the nature of lesions to clinicians.

Effect of ZnO on (ferroelectric) fatigue retention and thermal stability of ferroelectric properties in lead free (KNa)(NbTa)O ceramics.

This work investigates and reports the effect of ZnO addition on the ferroelectric properties of (KNa)(NbTa)O (KNNT) ceramics prepared by a solid state reaction method. Though literature is abundant on the study of the effect of ZnO on the sinterability, microstructure and electrical properties of KNN based materials, the effect of ZnO on their ferroelectric properties has seldom been studied in detail, especially in KNNT. In the current study, 2, 4 and 6 wt% of ZnO was added to KNNT ceramics.

Climate change vulnerability in a tropical region based on environmental and socio-economic factors.

The understanding of the regional and local dimensions of vulnerability due to climate change is essential to develop appropriate and targeted adaptation efforts. We assessed the local dimensions of vulnerability in the tropical state of Kerala, India, using a purposely developed vulnerability index, which accounts for both environmental and socio-economic factors. The large extents of coastal wetlands and lagoons and high concentration of mangrove forests make the state environmentally vulnerable.

Investigation into defect chemistry and relaxation processes in niobium doped and undoped SrBiTiO using impedance spectroscopy.

The aurivillius family of compounds SrBiTiO (SBTi) and SrBiTiNbO has been prepared using solid state reaction techniques. The niobium doping enhances the value of the dielectric constant, but decreases the phase transition temperature and grain size of SBTi. Grain conductivity evaluated from the impedance data reveals that Nb doping increases the resistance of grains which indicates the decrease in oxygen vacancies.

Effect of laboratory-isolated Lactobacillus plantarum LGFCP4 from gastrointestinal tract of guinea fowl on growth performance, carcass traits, intestinal histomorphometry and gastrointestinal microflora population in broiler chicken.

The study aimed to investigate the effect of feed supplements, viz Lactobacillus plantarum LGFCP4 (laboratory isolate from GIT of Guinea fowl), Lactobacillus acidophilus (NCDC, Karnal) and in-feed antibiotic bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD) on growth performance, FCR, carcass traits and immune organs weight, intestinal histomorphometry and gastrointestinal microflora population in broiler chickens. In a completely randomized design, CARIBRO-Dhanraja broiler chicks (n = 160) were used with four treatment groups. During the entire experimental duration of 35 days, treatment groups were provided with different dietary treatments (T1 - basal diet (negative control), T2 - antibiotic growth promoter BMD 20 g/100 kg feed (positive control), T3 - 1 × 10 cfu of L.

Screening of Lactobacillus isolates from gastrointestinal tract of guinea fowl for probiotic qualities using in vitro tests to select species-specific probiotic candidates.

A total of 32 Lactobacillus isolates, 8 each from the crop (LGFCP1-LGFCP8), proventriculus (LGFP9-LGFP16), ileum (LGFI17-LGFI24) and caeca (LGFCM25-LGFCM32) were isolated from 25 adult guinea fowl (Pearl variety), 22-28 weeks of age, and characterised morphologically, physiologically, biochemically and by molecular methods. Isolates were screened for their probiotic quality using range of in vitro tests: aggregation test, cell surface hydrophobicity, resistance to bile salts and acidic conditions, enzymatic tests and coaggregation and antagonistic test. Based on in vitro test results and a novel scoring method, the two best isolates were selected and partial 16S rRNA sequencing was done.

Assessment of changes of vector borne diseases with wetland characteristics using multivariate analysis.

Vector borne diseases are a threat to human health. Little attention has been paid to the prevention of these diseases. We attempted to identify the significant wetland characteristics associated with the spread of chikungunya, dengue fever and malaria in Kerala, a tropical region of South West India using multivariate analyses (hierarchical cluster analysis, factor analysis and multiple regression).