Structure‐Tailored Non‐Noble Metal‐based Ternary Chalcogenide Nanocrystals for Pt‐like Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Production

Optimized synthetic conditions lead to fine tuning of monoclinic and orthorhombic phases of Ni$_3$Bi$_2$S$_2$. The quasi-2D structure of the monoclinic system favors H adsorption with downward shift of the d-band center and generates strain in addition to increased charge-transfer resistance, which enhances hydrogen production capacity. An onset potential of 24 mV is achieved, which is by far the highest reported amongst chalcogenides

Experimental infection of pigs with group A rotavirus and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli in India: gross, histopathological and immunopathological study

The authors describe a detailed study conducted in Assam, India, of gross, histopathological and immunopathological alterations in pigs experimentally infected with rotavirus and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) expressing K88 pili. A total of 30 Caesarean derived piglets were infected experimentally with rotavirus alone or in combination with ETEC to study the gross and histopathological alterations and the distribution pattern of different B- and T‑cell subsets in the gut. Villus atrophy, especially in the jejunum and ileum, was the consistent lesion in piglets infected with rotavirus, while in piglets simultaneously infected with rotavirus and ETEC, severe necrosis of the intestinal villi was observed. Ultrastructural studies revealed similar pathological alterations in the ileum of the infected piglets. A morphometric study of the intestinal villi and crypts showed a reduction in the ratio between the average villus height and crypt depth (VH:CD ratio) in the group infected with rotavirus (5.95 ± 0.33) and those infected with rotavirus and ETEC (7.90 ± 0.16). A higher (p<0.01) reduction in the VH:CD ratio was observed in the jejunum (8.83 ± 0.79) and ileum (8.46 ± 0.78) compared that in the duodenum (10.03 ± 0.50) of the infected pigs. Piglets infected with rotavirus and sacrificed on day 6 post infection revealed the presence of lymphocytes containing cytoplasmic IgA+ (cIgA+) cells in the villus lamina propria and intra-epithelial CD8+ T‑cells in the villus epithelia. Rotavirus infection of young piglets in association with ETEC was more severe than rotavirus infection alone. Such infection resulted in marked clinico-pathological and immunological alterations in the infected piglets

Unveiling the Roles of Lattice Strain and Descriptor Species on Pt-Like Oxygen Reduction Activity in Pd–Bi Catalysts

A facile non-template-assisted mechanical ball milling technique was employed to generate a PdBi alloy catalyst. The induced lattice strain upon the milling time caused a shift of the d-band center, thereby enhancing the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalytic activity. Additionally, the Pd–O reduction potential and adsorbed OH coverage used as descriptors stipulated the cause of the enhanced ORR activity upon the increased milling interval. Redox properties of surface Pd are directly correlated with a positive shift in the Pd–O reduction potential and OH surface coverage. Hence, by deconvoluting the lattice strain and the role of the descriptor species we achieved a catalyst system with a specific activity 5.4× higher than that of commercial Pt/C, as well as an improved durability. The experimental observation is well-corroborated by a theoretical simulation done by inducing strain to the system externally

Morphology‐Tuned Pt3_3Ge Accelerates Water Dissociation to Industrial‐Standard Hydrogen Production over a wide pH Range

The discovery of novel materials for industrial-standard hydrogen production is the present need considering the global energy infrastructure. A novel electrocatalyst, Pt$_3$Ge, which is engineered with a desired crystallographic facet (202), accelerates hydrogen production by water electrolysis, and records industrially desired operational stability compared to the commercial catalyst platinum is introduced. Pt$_3$Ge-(202) exhibits low overpotential of 21.7 mV (24.6 mV for Pt/C) and 92 mV for 10 and 200 mA cm$^{−2}$ current density, respectively in 0.5 m H$_2$SO$_4$. It also exhibits remarkable stability of 15 000 accelerated degradation tests cycles (5000 for Pt/C) and exceptional durability of 500 h (@10 mA cm$^{−2}$) in acidic media. Pt$_3$Ge-(202) also displays low overpotential of 96 mV for 10 mA cm$^{−2}$ current density in the alkaline medium, rationalizing its hydrogen production ability over a wide pH range required commercial operations. Long-term durability (>75 h in alkaline media) with the industrial level current density (>500 mA cm$^{−2}$) has been demonstrated by utilizing the electrochemical flow reactor. The driving force behind this stupendous performance of Pt$_3$Ge-(202) has been envisaged by mapping the reaction mechanism, active sites, and charge-transfer kinetics via controlled electrochemical experiments, ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, in situ infrared spectroscopy, and in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy further corroborated by first principles calculations

Next-generation protein-rich potato expressing the seed protein gene AmA1 is a result of proteome rebalancing in transgenic tuber

Protein deficiency is the most crucial factor that affects physical growth and development and that increases morbidity and mortality especially in developing countries. Efforts have been made to improve protein quality and quantity in crop plants but with limited success. Here, we report the development of transgenic potatoes with enhanced nutritive value by tuber-specific expression of a seed protein, AmA1 (Amaranth Albumin 1), in seven genotypic backgrounds suitable for cultivation in different agro-climatic regions. Analyses of the transgenic tubers revealed up to 60% increase in total protein content. In addition, the concentrations of several essential amino acids were increased significantly in transgenic tubers, which are otherwise limited in potato. Moreover, the transgenics also exhibited enhanced photosynthetic activity with a concomitant increase in total biomass. These results are striking because this genetic manipulation also resulted in a moderate increase in tuber yield. The comparative protein profiling suggests that the proteome rebalancing might cause increased protein content in transgenic tubers. Furthermore, the data on field performance and safety evaluation indicate that the transgenic potatoes are suitable for commercial cultivation. In vitro and in vivo studies on experimental animals demonstrate that the transgenic tubers are also safe for human consumption. Altogether, these results emphasize that the expression of AmA1 is a potential strategy for the nutritional improvement of food crops