Chemical Characterisation of Bulk and Melt-spun Ribbons of NiMnIn alloy using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry

Method development for the analysis of NiMnIn, a new magnetocaloric effect (MCE) material using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICPOES) is discussed. Spectral interference of Ni and Mn on the analysis of In were studied. The process of method validation was carried out using various analytical techniques like conventional wet chemical techniques and instrumental techniques such as atomic absorption spectrometry. All the techniques show a close agreement in values, thus this method could be applied for regular analysis of NiMnIn alloys. A comparative chemical analysis of bulk and melt-spun ribbons of this alloy is also discussed.Defence Science Journal, 2011, 61(3), pp.270-274, DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.14429/dsj.61.39

Effect of Ag+ ion Concentration on the Reaction Kinetics and Shape of Nanoparticles Synthesised by Green Chemical Approach

The effect of varying Ag+ ion concentration on the green chemical reaction with a fixed tea aliquot concentration has been studied in detail with the help of UV-visible absorption spectra. With increase in the concentration of Ag+ solution the position of surface plasmon band systematically increased from 435 nm – 450 nm. The reaction followed first order kinetics and the rate of reaction increased in a linear fashion with k = 3.54 x 10-4 min-1 for 0.5 mL to k = 1.86 x 10-3 min-1 for 3.0 mL Ag+ solution. X-ray diffraction patterns showed an enhanced (200) reflection for 3.0 mL Ag sample. The shape of Ag nanoparticles could be effectively tuned from spherical to cuboid with increase in silver content as evidenced from scanning electron and transmission electron micrographs. The average particle size of Ag NPs increased from 25 nm to 55 nm with increase in the Ag+ content of the reaction

Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles using Facile Wet Chemical Route

Stable aqueous monodispersed silver nanoparticles were synthesised by reducing silver nitrate using various sugars such as glucose, fructose, lactose, and sucrose at 55-60 oC. A mixture of two stabilising agents, polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) of molecular weight (MW 40, 000) and gelatin plays a decisive part in controlling size and shape of superfine silver nanoparticles. Using PVP, better control of particle size was obtained, whereas a mixture of PVP, and gelatin resulted in sea urchin kind of structure. Effects of several processing parameters such as pH, quantities of alkaline solution, reaction time, concentration of stabilising agent, and the metal/dispersant ratio were investigated. The suspensions were stable for at least one week. Silver nanoparticles can be easily collected by centrifugation on mixing with sufficient amount of acetone. Structural characterisation of synthesised silver nanoparticles was carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), which shows that the as-synthesised silver nanoparticles are face-centered cubic crystalline. Chemical characterisations of as-synthesized silver nanoparticles were done using inductively-coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and LECO gas analysers. The optical properties of silver nanoparticles were monitored using UV-Vis spectrophotometer. Role of stabilising agent in protecting the silver nanoparticles was studied using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Particle size and distribution were characterised using smallangle X-ray scattering (SAXS), zeta particle size analyser (PSA), scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The average particle size of the as-synthesised silver nanoparticles was 35 nm.Defence Science Journal, 2009, 59(4), pp.447-455, DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.14429/dsj.59.154

Multiplex PCR technique could be an alternative approach for early detection of leprosy among close contacts - a pilot study from India

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Implementation of Multi drug Therapy (MDT) regimen has resulted in the decline of the total number of leprosy cases in the world. Though the prevalence rate has been declining, the incidence rate remains more or less constant and high in South East Asian countries particularly in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Srilanka. Leprosy, particularly that of multibacillary type spreads silently before it is clinically detected. An early detection and treatment would help to prevent transmission in the community. Multiplex PCR (M-PCR) technique appears to be promising towards early detection among contacts of leprosy cases.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A total of 234 paucibacillary (PB) and 205 multibacillary (MB) leprosy cases were studied in a community of an endemic area of Bankura district of West Bengal (Eastern India). They were assessed by smear examination for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) and M-PCR technique. These patients were treated with Multidrug Therapy (MDT) as prescribed by WHO following detection. A total of 110 MB and 72 PB contacts were studied by performing M-PCR in their nasal swab samples.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>83.4% of MB patients were observed to be positive by smear examination for AFB and 89.2% by M-PCR. While 22.2% of PB patients were found to be positive by smear examination for AFB, 80.3% of these patients were positive by M-PCR. Among leprosy contacts (using M-PCR), 10.9% were found to be positive among MB contacts and 1.3% among PB contacts. Interestingly, two contacts of M-PCR positive MB cases developed leprosy during the period of two years follow up.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The M-PCR technique appears to be an efficient tool for early detection of leprosy cases in community based contact tracing amongst close associates of PB and MB cases. Early contact tracing using a molecular biology tool can be of great help in curbing the incidence of leprosy further.</p

Analysis of connectivity map: Control to glutamate injured and phenobarbital treated neuronal network

We study the responses of a cultured neural network when it is exposed to epileptogenesis glutamate injury causing epilepsy and subsequent treatment with phenobarbital by constructing connectivity map of neurons using correlation matrix. This study is particularly useful in understanding the pharmaceutical drug induced changes in the neuronal network properties with insights into changes at the systems biology level. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3398025

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Not AvailableFourteen adult Malpura ewes of 2–4 years of age were randomly and equally divided into two groups, including G1 and G2 in order to determine the resilience of Malpura ewes on water restriction and rehydration during summer under semi-arid tropical climatic conditions. The experimental period was divided into three parts, i.e., ad libitum water intake period for one week (first week) then a four week water restricted period and last week rehydration period. During the water restricted period animals in G1 were restricted to 20% and in G2 to 40% of their water requirement. Feed intake increased significantly (P < 0.05) in both groups during the rehydration period as compared to restricted periods. Rectal temperature at morning decreased significantly (P < 0.05) during the rehydration period in both groups. Hemoglobin (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV) were higher in G2 during the water restricted period. Cortisol level was significantly (P < 0.05) higher during the restricted period as compared to the rehydration period. The results reveal that restriction of water consumption up to 40% during summer leads to physiological and plasma biochemical changes in Malpura ewes. But they can overcome these stressful conditions and recoup their normal physiological conditions by the ad libitum supply of water.Not Availabl

Biosorptive Removal of Ni(Ii) from Wastewater and Industrial Effluent

The objective of the present work was to investigate the removal of Ni(II) by the fresh biomass (FBM) and chemically treated leached biomass (LBM) of Calotropis procera. The scope of the work included screening of the biosorbents for their metal uptake potential, batch equilibrium, column mode removal studies and kinetic studies at varying pH (2-6), contact time, biosorbent dosages (1-25 g/L) and initial metal ion concentration (5-500 mg/L). The development of batch kinetic model and determination of order, desorption studies, column studies were investigated. It was observed that pH had marked effect on the Ni(II) uptake. Langmuir and Freundlich models were used to correlate equilibrium data on sorption of Ni(II) metallic ion by using both FBM and LBM at 28oC and pH 3 and different coefficients were calculated. It was found that both biomasses were statistically significant fit for Freundlich model. The biomass was successfully used for removal nickel from synthetic and industrial effluents and the technique appears industrially applicable and viable