Showing papers by "Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur University published in 2009"

Nanocrystalline Transition Metal Oxides as Catalysts in the Thermal Decomposition of Ammonium Perchlorate

Abstract: Nanocrystalline transition metal oxides (NTMOs) have been successfully prepared by three different methods: novel quick precipitation method (Cr2O3 and Fe2O3); surfactant mediated method (CuO), and reduction of metal complexes with hydrazine as reducing agent (Mn2O3). The nano particles have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) which shows an average particle diameter of 35 – 54 nm. Their catalytic activity was measured in the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP). AP decomposition undergoes a two step process where the addition of metal oxide nanocrystals led to a shifting of the high temperature decomposition peak toward lower temperature. The kinetics of the thermal decomposition of AP and catalyzed AP has also been evaluated using model fitting and isoconversional method.

Chemistry and in Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Volatile Oil and Oleoresins of Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)

Abstract: Essential oil and oleoresins (ethanol and ethyl acetate) of Piper nigrum were extracted by using Clevenger and Soxhlet apparatus, respectively. GC-MS analysis of pepper essential oil showed the presence of 54 components representing about 96.6% of the total weight. beta-Caryophylline (29.9%) was found as the major component along with limonene (13.2%), beta-pinene (7.9%), sabinene (5.9%), and several other minor components. The major component of both ethanol and ethyl acetate oleoresins was found to contain piperine (63.9 and 39.0%), with many other components in lesser amounts. The antioxidant activities of essential oil and oleoresins were evaluated against mustard oil by peroxide, p-anisidine, and thiobarbituric acid. Both the oil and oleoresins showed strong antioxidant activity in comparison with butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) but lower than that of propyl gallate (PG). In addition, their inhibitory action by FTC method, scavenging capacity by DPPH (2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical), and reducing power were also determined, proving the strong antioxidant capacity of both the essential oil and oleoresins of pepper.

A self- similar solution of a shock propagation in a mixture of a non-ideal gas and small solid particles

Abstract: Similarity solutions are obtained for unsteady, one-dimensional self-similar flow behind a strong shock wave, driven by a moving piston, in a dusty gas. The dusty gas is assumed to consist of a mixture of small solid particles and a non-ideal gas, in which solid particles are continuously distributed. It is assumed that the equilibrium flow-condition is maintained and variable energy input is continuously supplied by the piston. Solutions are obtained under both the isothermal and adiabatic conditions of the flow-field. The spherical case is worked out in detail to investigate to what extent the flow-field behind the shock is influenced by the non-idealness of the gas in the mixture as well as by the mass concentration of the solid particles, by the ratio of density of the solid particles to the initial density of the mixture and by the energy input due to moving piston. A comparison is also made between isothermal and adiabatic cases.

Kinetics of enzyme inhibition by active molluscicidal agents ferulic acid, umbelliferone, eugenol and limonene in the nervous tissue of snail Lymnaea acuminata.

Abstract: Ferulic acid, umbelliferone (Ferula asafoetida), eugenol (Syzygium aromaticum) and limonene (Carum carvi) are active molluscicidal components that inhibited the activity of alkaline phosphatase and acetylcholinesterase in in vivo and in vitro exposure of Lymnaea acuminata It was observed that ferulic acid, umbelliferone and eugenol are competitive and limonene is a competitive-non-competitive inhibitor of alkaline phosphatase Ferulic acid and umbelliferone are competitive, whereas eugenol and limonene are competitive-non-competitive and uncompetitive inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase, respectively

Kinetics of Thermal Decomposition of Ammonium Perchlorate with Nanocrystals of Binary Transition Metal Ferrites

Abstract: Binary transition metal ferrite (BTMF) nanocrystals of formula MFe2O4 (M=Cu, Co, Ni) were prepared by the coprecipitation method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). XRD patterns gave average particle size by using Scherrer's equation for CuFe2O4 (CuF), CoFe2O4 (CoF), and NiFe2O4 (NiF) as 39.9, 27.3, and 43.8 nm, respectively. The catalytic activity measurements on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) were carried out by using thermogravimetry (TG), differential thermal analysis (DTA), and ignition delay studies. Isothermal TG data up to a mass loss of 45% have been used to evaluate kinetic parameters by using model fitting as well as isoconversional method. The order of catalytic activity was found to be:

Biological Effects of Myristica fragrans

Abstract: Myristica fragrans is an evergreen tree that produces two spices, nutmeg and mace. Its medicinal uses in the aurvedic system of treatment are based on traditional experience inherited from one generation to other. Scientists from various disciplines are now directing their research towards investigating the effects of M. fragrans on human health. The chemical constituents of M. fragrans have been investigated for hypolipidaemic and hypocholesterolemic effects, antimicrobial, antidepressant, aphrodisiac, memory enhancing, antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. Recent studies have revealed strong insecticidal and molluscicidal activities of M. fragrans. Despite some laboratory studies on the insecticidal / molluscicidal activity of M. fragrans, more field studies are recommended for effective control of pests. It is clearly evident from the literature review that M. fragrans deserves more attention by scientific community and public health specialists to explore its full range of benefits in the welfare of the society

Purification and Characterization of Pectin Lyase Produced by Aspergillus terricola and its Application in Retting of Natural Fibers

Abstract: An indigenously isolated fungal strain identified as Aspergillus terricola with assigned fungal strain number MTCC 7588 has been used as source for pectin lyase production. The extracellular pectin lyase was purified to homogeneity from the culture filtrate of A. terricola by ion exchange and gel filtration chromatography. The determined molecular weight was 35 ± 01 kDa. The K m and k cat (turnover) values of the purified enzyme at 37 °C using citrus pectin as the substrate were found to be 1.0 mg/ml and 110.0 s−1, respectively. The pH and temperature optima of the enzyme were 8.0 and 50 °C, respectively. The retting ability of the purified pectin lyase for natural fibers viz. Cannabis sativa and Linum usitatissimum has been demonstrated for the first time.

In silico analysis of pectin lyase and pectinase sequences

Abstract: A total of 48 full-length protein sequences of pectin lyases from different source organisms available in NCBI were subjected to multiple sequence alignment, domain analysis, and phylogenetic tree construction. A phylogenetic tree constructed on the basis of the protein sequences revealed two distinct clusters representing pectin lyases from bacterial and fungal sources. Similarly, the multiple accessions of different source organisms representing bacterial and fungal pectin lyases also formed distinct clusters, showing sequence level homology. The sequence level similarities among different groups of pectinase enzymes, viz. pectin lyase, pectate lyase, polygalacturonase, and pectin esterase, were also analyzed by subjecting a single protein sequence from each group with common source organism to tree construction. Four distinct clusters representing different groups of pectinases with common source organisms were observed, indicating the existing sequence level similarity among them. Multiple sequence alignment of pectin lyase protein sequence of different source organisms along with pectinases with common source organisms revealed a conserved region, indicating homology at sequence level. A conserved domain Pec_Lyase_C was frequently observed in the protein sequences of pectin lyases and pectate lyases, while Glyco_hydro_28 domains and Pectate lyase-like beta-helix clan domain are frequently observed in polygalacturonases and pectin esterases, respectively. The signature amino acid sequence of 41 amino acids, i.e. TYDNAGVLPITVNSNKSLIGEGSKGVIKGKGLRIVSGAKNI, related with the Pec_Lyase_C is frequently observed in pectin lyase protein sequences and might be related with the structure and enzymatic function.

Studies of Solidification Behavior and Molecular Interaction in Benzoic Acid–o-Chloro Benzoic Acid Eutectic System

Abstract: Phase diagram of benzoic acid (BA)–o-chloro benzoic acid (o-CBA) system has been studied by thaw melt method and the results show the formation of a simple eutectic mixture. Heats of fusion values of the components and eutectic mixture were determined with the help of differential scanning calorimeter. Excess Gibb's free energy (GE), excess enthalpy (HE), and excess entropy (SE) of mixing of pre-, post-, and the eutectic mixture were calculated. FT-IR spectroscopic studies and ab initio calculations were done to have an idea about the nature of interaction between the molecules in the eutectic mixture. Linear velocities of crystallization of the two components and the eutectic mixture were determined at different undercoolings. Microstructural studies of BA and o-CBA showed the formation of broken lamellar and lamellar type microstructure, whereas for the eutectic mixture growth of flat crystals in different directions from a particular point was obtained. The isotropic as well as the anisotropic solidifi...

Fractal growth kinetics and electric potential oscillations during electropolymerization of pyrrole.

Abstract: Fractal growth, growth kinetics, and electrical conductivity of aggregates obtained during electropolymerization in the systems (A) pyrrole-4-toluene sulfonic acid silver salt (4-TSS)-acetonitrile, (B) pyrrole-4-TSS-ZnSO(4)-acetonitrile, and (C) pyrrole-4-TSS-aniline-acetonitrile were investigated In the case of system (A), effect of [4-TSS], [pyrrole], field intensity, and solvents H(2)O and CH(3)OH on morphology, fractal character, and growth kinetics was also studied Fractal growth data were examined in detail During studies on system (A), electric potential oscillations were observed and subjected to detailed study The results indicate that fractal growth pattern and electric potential oscillations are inter-related The mechanism of development of fractal growth, dendritic structure, and electric potential oscillations is discussed in terms of diffusion-limited aggregation and modified Diaz's mechanism, which explains the random movement of radical cations

The effect of abiotic factors on the toxicity of cypermethrin against the snail Lymnaea acuminata in the control of fascioliasis.

Abstract: Every month during the year 2006-2007, the 24, 48, 72 and 96 h LC 50 values of a molluscicide, cypermethrin, were determined for a snail Lymnaea acuminata, with concomitant estimation of levels of temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide and electrical conductivity, both in control and test water. On the basis of a 24h toxicity assay, it was noted that LC 50 values of 10.39, 10.90 and 11.19 mg l -1 during the months of May, June and July, respectively, were most effective in killing the snails, while the molluscicide was least effective in the month of January, when its 24 h LC 50 was 65.84 mg l -1 .There was a significant positive correlation between LC 50 of cypermethrin and levels of dissolved O 2 /pH of water in corresponding months. On the contrary, a negative correlation was observed between LC 50 and dissolved CO 2 /temperature of test water in the same months. In order to ascertain that such a relationship between toxicity and abiotic factors is not coincidental, the nervous tissue of the snail was assayed for the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) to sublethal concentrations (40% and 80%) of 24 h LC 50 during each of the 12 months of the same year. The findings confirmed that abiotic factors indeed influence toxicity of cypermethrin in the snail. A significant positive rank correlation between AChE, ACP and ALP activity did exist following exposure to the corresponding sublethal concentrations. Moreover, there was a maximum inhibition of 61.29 and 76.16% of AChE and ACP, respectively, in snails exposed to 80% of the 24 h LC 50 in the month of May. A similar treatment caused a maximum inhibition of 70.53% of ALP activity in the month of June. This work shows conclusively that the best time to control the snail population with cypermethrin is during the months of May and June.

1,3,7-Trimethylxanthine, a new chemosterilant for stored grain pest, Callosobruchus chinensis (L.).

Abstract: A compound 1, 3, 7-Trimethylxanthine, was isolated from seed extract of Coffea arabica. It proved effective as a chemosterilant for Callosobruchus chinensis, causing nearly 100% sterility at a concentration of 1.5%. At similar concentration the compound had no phytotoxic effect on the crop plant Vigna mungo. Possible use of the compound for control of stored-grain pests is suggested. Zusammenfassung 1,3,7-Trimethylxanthine, ein neues Chemosterilants fur Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) (Col., Bruchidae) Das aus dem Samenextrakt von Coffea arabica isolierte 1,3,7-Trimethylxanthine erwies sich als wirksames Chemosterilants gegenuber dem Samenkafer Callosobruchus chinensis. Es verursachte bei einer Konzentration von 1,5% nahezu 100% Sterilitat. Auf die Testpflanze Vigna mungo hatte es keine phytotoxische Wirkung. Diese Verbindung durfte zur Bekampfung von Schadlingen an gespeicherten Samen aussichtsreich sein.

Cylindrically symmetric inhomogeneous universes with a cloud of strings

Abstract: Cylindrically symmetric inhomogeneous string cosmological models are investigated in presence of string fluid as a source of matter. To get the three types of exact solutions of Einstein’s field equations we assume A=f(x)k(t), B=g(x)l(t) and C=h(x)l(t). Some physical and geometric aspects of the models are discussed.

Purification and characterization of lignin peroxidase from Loweporus lividus MTCC-1178

Abstract: Lignin peroxidase from the culture filtrate of Loweporus lividus MTCC-1178 has been purified to homogeneity using Amicon concentration and DEAE cellulose chromatography. The molecular weight of the purified lignin peroxidase using SDS-PAGE analysis has been found to be 40kDa. The K m values for veratryl alcohol and H 2 O 2 for the purified enzyme were 58 and 83 μM, respectively. The calculated k cat value of the purified enzyme using veratryl alcohol as the substrate was 2.5 s -1 . The pH and temperature optima of lignin peroxidase have been found to be 2.6 and 24°C, respectively.

Utilization of vermiwash potential on certain summer vegetable crops

Abstract: The study was carried out to evaluate the impact of vermiwash on the growth, flowering and productivity of okra (Abelmoschus esculantus), lobia (Vigna unguiculata) and radish (Raphnus sativus). Vermiwash was extracted from different vermicompost which was composted from different animal agro and kitchen wastes through earthworm Eisenia foetida. It was observed that treatment of vermiwash shows significantly increased in growth and productivity and decreased flowering period. The maximum significant growth was observed in 30 mg/m 2 concentration of combination of buffalo dung with rice bran 38.0±1.3 cm. in case of okra, 30 mg/m 2 concentration of combination of buffalo dung with gram bran (seed of Cicer arientinum) 215.5±5.2 cm., in lobia crops and 30 mg/m 2 concentration of buffalo dung with gram bran 20.4±1.4 cm. The significant early starting of flowering and increased in productivity was found in all treated groups with respect to control.

Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of essential oil of Bupleurum montanum and B. plantagineum.

Abstract: The hydrodistilled oils from the aerial parts of Bupleurum montanum and B. plantagineum, which are endemic to North Africa, including Algeria, were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Ninety-eight compounds were detected in the oil of B. montanum, representing 98.6% of the total oil, and 68 in the oil of B. plantagineum, representing 99.8% of the total. Megastigma-4,6-(E),8(2)-triene was the major constituent of B. montana oil (25.3%). Other important compounds were myrcene, alpha-pinene and benzyl tiglate. Conversely, the major constituents of the oil of B. plantagineum were alpha-pinene (31.9%), cis-chrysanthenyl acetate (28.2%), and myrcene (24.8%), followed by the monoterpene hydrocarbon limonene (5.1%). The mutagenic, antiplasmodial and antimicrobial activities of the essential oils were individually evaluated against eleven microorganisms, using the agar diffusion method, by determination of MIC values. The investigated oils exhibited moderate antimicrobial activity. Maximum activity of the oils was observed against Nocardia asteroides, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis. Fungicidal activity against Candida albicans was also found for both oils.

Purification and characterization of laccase secreted by L. lividus.

Abstract: The culture conditions for maximum secretion of laccase by Loweporus lividus MTCC-1178 have been optimized. The laccase from the culture filtrate of L. lividus MTCC-1178 has been purified to homogeneity. The molecular weight of the purified laccase is 64.8 kDa. The enzymatic characteristics like K m, pH, and temperature optimum using 2,6-dimethoxyphenol have been determined and found to be 480 μM, 5.0, and 60 °C, respectively. The K m values for other substrates like catechol, m-cresol, pyrogallol, and syringaldazine have also been determined and found to be 230, 210, 320, and 350 μM, respectively.

Effects of deltamethrin on serum calcium and corpuscles of Stannius of freshwater catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis.

Abstract: Catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis, were subjected to deltamethrin for short-term (96 h; 1.49 μg L−1) and long-term (28 days; 0.37 μg L−1) durations. The effects of deltamethrin exposure were evaluated on the corpuscles of Stannius (CS) of the fish, as it has been reported recently that stanniocalcin homologs are present in fish as well as in tetrapods, including human beings. Moreover, in addition to their role in mineral homeostasis, stanniocalcin proteins also play a significant role in metabolism, reproduction, and development. Serum calcium levels of deltamethrin-treated fish decreased from 48 to 96 h in the short-term, and from day 7 to day 28 in the long-term experiment. The aldehyde fuchsin-positive (AF-positive) cells of CS of deltamethrin-treated fish exhibited increased granules after 72 and 96 h. No change was noticed in the nuclear volume of AF-positive cells. The AF-negative cells of CS depicted an increased nuclear volume after 96 h of deltamethrin treatment. The AF-positive cells of CS of lo...

Molluscicidal Activity of Nutmeg and Mace (Myristica Fragrans Houtt.) Against the Vector Snail Lymnaea Acuminata

Abstract: The molluscicidal activity of powdered nutmeg and mace (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) against the vector snail Lymnaea acuminata was evaluated. The toxicity of both the spices was time- and dose-dependent. The toxicity of mace powder (96 h LC50 = 28.61 mgL−1) was more pronounced than that of nutmeg powder (96 h LC50 = 36.95 mgL−1). Ethanolic extracts of nutmeg and mace were more toxic than their other organic solvent extracts. The ethanolic extract of mace (24 h LC50 = 13.33 mgL−1) was more effective than the ethanolic extract of nutmeg (24 h LC50 = 18.04 mgL−1) in killing the test animals. The 96 h LC50 of column purified fraction of mace was 2.77 mgL−1 whereas that of nutmeg was 3.98 mgL−1. Nutmeg and mace may be used as potent molluscicides.

Solidification Behavior of the Benzamide + O-Chlorobenzoic Acid Eutectic System†

Abstract: The phase diagram of the benzamide + o-chlorobenzoic acid system has been studied by the thaw−melt method, and results show the formation of a simple eutectic mixture. Values of enthalpies of fusion of pure components and the eutectic mixture were determined from DSC studies. Excess Gibb’s energy (GE), excess enthalpy (HE), and excess entropy (SE) of mixing of pre-, post-, and the eutectic mixture were also calculated using activity coefficient data. Linear velocities of solidification of pure components and the eutectic mixture were determined at different undercooling rates. The values of the excess thermodynamic functions, linear velocity of crystallization, and ab initio calculations indicate the nonideal nature of the eutectic mixture in the melt. The anisotropic and instantaneous crystallizations of benzamide, o-chlorobenzoic acid, and the eutectic mixture were studied. The flexural strengths of the pure components and the eutectic mixture were also measured.

Purification, characterization, and coal depolymerizing activity of lignin peroxidase from Gloeophyllum sepiarium MTCC-1170.

Abstract: Lignin peroxidase from the liquid culture filtrate of Gloeophyllum sepiarium MTCC-1170 has been purified to homogeneity. The molecular weight of the purified enzyme was 42 kDa as determined by SDS-PAGE. The K(m) values were 54 and 76 microM for veratryl alcohol and H2O2, respectively. The pH and temperature optima were 2.5 and 25 degrees C, respectively. Depolymerization of coal by the fungal strain has been demonstrated using humic acid as a model of coal. Depolymerization of humic acid by the purified lignin peroxidase has been shown by the decrease in absorbance at 450 nm and increase in absorbance at 360 nm in presence of H2O2. Depolymerization of humic acid by the purified enzyme has also been demonstrated by the decrease in the viscosity with time of the reaction solution containing humic acid, H2O2, and the purified lignin peroxidase. The influence of NaCl and NaN3 and inhibitory effects of various metal chelating agents on the lignin peroxidase activity were studied.

Synthesis, spectroscopic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory studies of 5(2′-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-x-phenyl)pyrazolinates of copper(II) and their addition complexes with donor ligands

Abstract: Complexes of copper(II) with 5(2′-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-x-phenyl)pyrazolines, (C15H12N2OX)2Cu [X =–H,–Cl,–CH3,–OCH3] have been synthesized with their addition complexes with 2,2′-bipyridine, 1,10-phenanthroline and triphenylphosphine. The complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, molecular weight measurement, magnetic, conductivity measurement, IR, electronic, 31P NMR, ESR and FAB mass spectra. The complexes were examined for crystalline/amorphous nature through XRD. Square-planar geometry around copper(II) is suggested with two bidentate pyrazoline ligands. In the additional complexes pyrazoline is monodentate. The bidentate and monodentate behavior of pyrazoline ligands was confirmed by IR and 31P NMR spectral data. All complexes were tested for in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activity and exhibit very good antibacterial and antifungal activity; coordination has a pronounced effect on the microbial activities. The brine shrimp bioassay was also carried out to study their in vitro cytotoxic...