MW-​enhanced high-​speed deprotection of Boc group using p-​TsOH and concomitant formation of N-​Me-​amino acid benzyl ester p-​TsOH salts

A high-​speed, complete deprotection of Boc group from Boc (Boc = tert-​butoxycarbonyl) amino acids and protected peptide esters employing p-​TsOH in toluene under microwave irradn. is found to be complete in 30 s. The deprotection can be carried out in methanol and acetonitrile also. Under the present conditions, C-​peptide benzyl esters and O-​benzyl ethers have been found to be stable. This has permitted us to carry out the synthesis of [Leu]​enkephalin employing the Boc​/Bzl-​group strategy. Further more, it has been found that both Nα-​Fmoc (Fmoc = 9-​fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl) and Nα-​Z (Z = benzyloxycarbonyl) groups are completely stable. The present conditions can be extended for the concomitant removal of the Boc group and the formation of C-​benzyl amino acid esters as well. This has been utilized for the synthesis of N-​Me amino acid benzyl esters starting from Boc-​N-​Me amino acids in a single step

Synthesis of peptidyl ureas using p-​nitrophenyl (9-​fluorenylmethoxycarbonylamino)​methylcarbamate derivatives

Carbamates Fmoc-​NHCHRNHCO2C6H4NO2-​p (Fmoc is 9-​fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl, R is an amino acid side chain) were prepd. using isocyanates derived from Fmoc-​amino acid azides and p-​nitrophenol in the presence of an equimolar quantity of N-​ethyldiisopropylamine. The carbamates were coupled with amino acid ester hydrochlorides to afford dipeptidyl ureas

On the occurrence of Acanthaster planci (the crown-of-thorns) at Minicoy Atoll.

The predation of coral-polyps by the multi-armed star fish Acanthaster planci is identified during the last two decades as a major biological factor that causes large scale death to reef corals at several parts of the Indo-Pacific. During a recent visit by a team of scientists from Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute,the presence of this star fish in the lagoon of Minicoy Atoll was noticed in November, 1979.Many control measures of star fishes have been practised elsewhere in the Pacific. However, hand-picking of the adults with the aid of pointed spears and killing them with formalin or ammonia solution is the most eifective.Careful search among the corals is required, since the crown-of-thorns hide under the crevices during day time

Crumpled sheet like graphene based WO3-Fe2O3 nanocomposites for enhanced charge transfer and solar photocatalysts for environmental remediation

The combination of two or more metal oxides onto graphene sheets with even distribution is projected to enhanced charge transfer properties in photocatalytic applications. We report, tungsten oxide (WO3) with iron oxide (Fe2O3) nanoparticles grown on graphene sheets via a facile economical one pot hydrothermal method and consequently characterized by standard analytical techniques. Synthesized Fe2O3 with WO3 nanoparticles were well ornamented on surface of the graphene sheets which have a significant charge transfer properties. The resulting hybrid WO3-Fe2O3-rGO (WFG) nanocomposites showed enhanced photocatalytic, heavy metal removal and antibacterial activities. The superior photocatalytic removal efficiencies were observed for the removal of rhodamine B (∼94%) and methylene blue dyes (∼98%) under solar light irradiation. The antibacterial activity of WFG nanocomposites were performed against Escherichia coli (E.coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) as models for Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The outcome of the results have an intellectual effect on the use of WFG nanocomposites to address the upcoming energy and environment issues

Unveiling the phytoconstituents of Chrysanthemum indicum L. by GCMS analysis

Chrysanthemum indicum L is a perennial herb in the Compositae family. The blossoms of C. indicum L. have long been utilised in eastern medicine to cure infectious disorders. Studies on medicinal herbs having antioxidant properties have been conducted more often in recent years. By using GC-MS analysis, the current work aims to identify the bioactive components from the hydroalcoholic flowers extract of Chrysanthemum indicum L. Chrysanthemum indicum L.\u27s hydroalcoholic extract included 109 phytocompounds, according to GC-MS analysis. The phenol and flavonoid families include the majority of active phytocompounds with antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiproliferative, and neuroprotective properties. Natural myricetin and quercitin are thought to be abundant in Chrysanthemum indicum L. flowers, which is important for the development of potential medications

Exploring the Botanical Wonders of Tarenna Asiatica (L.) Kuntze Ex K. Schum

Tarenna asiatica (L.) Kuntze ex K. Schum, a widely distributed plant species belonging to the Rubiaceae family, has been traditionally utilized in various herbal preparations across different cultures for its purported medicinal properties. This comprehensive review aims to consolidate and evaluate the existing knowledge regarding the botanical characteristics, phytochemical constituents, and pharmacological attributes of Tarenna asiatica. Botanically, Tarenna asiatica is described in terms of its taxonomic classification, morphological features, geographic distribution, and ecological preferences. Understanding the plant\u27s botanical aspects is essential for its proper identification and sustainable utilization. The phytochemical profile of Tarenna asiatica is explored, with a focus on its secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds. These bioactive constituents have been extensively studied and are known to impart various biological activities to the plant. Furthermore, this review comprehensively summarizes the pharmacological properties of Tarenna asiatica as reported in the literature. These encompass a wide range of activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, analgesic, and anti-diabetic effects, among others. The mechanisms of action underlying these pharmacological activities are discussed in detail, shedding light on the potential therapeutic applications of Tarenna asiatica

Hydrological features of the Arabian sea off the Northern and central west coast of India During 1964 winter

The hydrographic features prevailing along the northern and central west coast of India during the early part of winter 1964 are discussed. A weak northward gradient in temperature north of 17°N and an eastward gradient south of it is noticed. The thermocline is found at shallower depths in the northern regions. A steady increase in the salinity is observed northward, the maximum being off Bombay. North of 17°N the flow is mainly eastwards which deflects towards south with increase in depth. At SO m a continuous weak southward drift is noticed. More or less uniform distribution is foimd in the dissolved oxygen content at surface and 20 m depth, but at 50 m depth eastward gradients are noticed. Sharp decrease in dissolved oxygen values occur from the top of the thermocline and the oxygen minimum layer is conspicuous in all the sections. The nature of the isotherms and the isolines of oxygen indicate the presence of upwelling in the region off Bombay. The total phosphorus content is much less in the region between 15°N and 18°N with higher values further south and north of these latitudes. The patterns of distribution of dissolved oxygen and total phosphorus contents show an inverse relationship. A westward gradient in the phosphorus values is seen at 50 m depth

Adsorption of Crystal Violet Dye from Aqueous Solution Using Ricinus Communis

Carbon prepared from Ricinus Communis Pericarp (RCP) was used to remove a crystal violet dye from aqueous solution by an adsorption technique under varying conditions of agitation time, dye concentration, adsorbent dose and pH. Adsorption is influenced by pH, dye concentration, carbon concentration and contact time. Equilibrium was attained with in 60 min. Adsorption followed both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The adsorption capacity was found to be 48.0 mg/g at an initial pH of 6.8±0.2 for the particle size of 125–250 μm

Observations on the distribution and seasonal fluctuations of Chaetognaths off Vizhinjam, Southwest coast of India

The distribution and seasonal abundance of Chaetognaths belonging to the genera Sagitta Quoy and Gaimard and Ptemagitta Costa collected during the cruises of Cadahin-VI between January and December, 1990 from three sectors off Vizhinjam, on the southwest coast of India, were studied in relation to hydrographic factors. Sagitta urfIata was the most dominant species for the greater part of the year and the present study revealed that this species is a continuous breeder with several peaks of intensive spawning. Species such as Sagitta farox. S. robusta and S. pacifca are recorded only during the premonsoon and later postmonsoon periods