Narcissistic self-sorting in Zn(II) porphyrin derived semiconducting nanostructures

The narcissistic self-sorted phenomenon is explicitly attributed to the structural similarities in organic molecules. Although such relevant materials are rarely explored, self-sorted structures from macrocyclic π-conjugated-based p- and n-type organic semiconductors facilitate the increase of exciton dissociation and charge separation in bulk heterojunction solar cells. Herein, we report two extended π-conjugated derivatives consisting of zinc-porphyrin-linked benzothiadiazole acting as an acceptor (PB) and anthracene as a donor (PA). Despite having the same porphyrin π-conjugated core in PA and PB, variations in donor and acceptor moieties make the molecular packing form one-dimensional (1D) self-assembled nanofibers via H- and J-type aggregates. Interestingly, a dissimilar aggregate of PA and PB exists as a mixture (PA + PB), promoting narcissistic self-sorted structures. Electrochemical impedance investigation reveals that the electronic characteristics of self-sorting assemblies are influenced by the difference in electrostatic potentials for PA and PB, resulting in a transitional electrical conductivity of 0.14 S cm-1. Therefore, the design of such materials for the fabrication of effective photovoltaics is promoted by these extraordinary self-sorted behaviors in comparable organic π-conjugated molecules.

Energy and carbon budgeting of traditional land use change with groundnut based cropping system for environmental quality, resilient soil health and farmers income in eastern Indian Himalayas

Energy intensive traditional cereals based monoculture often lead to high greenhouse gas emissions and degradation of land and environmental quality. Present study aimed at evaluating the energy and carbon budget of diversified groundnut (Arachis hypogea L) based cropping system with over existing traditional practice towards the development of a sustainable production technology through restoration of soil and environmental quality and enhancement of farming resiliency by stabilizing farmers' income. The trials comprised of three introduced groundnut based systems viz. groundnut- pea (Pisum sativum), groundnut-lentil (Lens esculenta) and groundnut-toria (Brasssica campestris var. Toria) replacing three existing systems viz. maize (Zea mays L) - fallow, maize - toria, and rice (Oryza sativa L)-fallow systems. Four years study revealed that adoption of groundnut based systems reduced non-renewable energy input use (fertilizers, chemical, machinery and fossil fuels) by 25.5%, consequently that reduced the cost of production. Repeated analysis of variance measurement also affirmed that groundnut based systems (groundnut-pea>groundnut-lentil> groundnut-toria) increased the energy use efficiency, energy productivity, carbon use efficiency, net returns and decreased the specific energy and energy intensiveness. Groundnut based systems increased the mean system productivity and water productivity in terms of groundnut equivalent yield by 3.7 and 3.1 folds over existing practice. The savings of fossil fuel reduced greenhouse gas emissions owing to reduced use of farm machinery and synthetic fertilizers. Groundnut based systems significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced the soil carbon concentration (8.7-18.1%) and enzymatic activities (27.1-51.8%) over existing practice. Consequently, estimated soil quality index values were 35.9-77.3% higher under groundnut based systems than existing practice. Thus, the study indicated the resilient nature of groundnut based systems as an environmentally safe and sustainable production technology for enhancing resource use efficiency, reduce carbon emission, energy intensiveness and cost of production in the Eastern Himalaya region of India and similar ecosystems.

Blue to magenta tunable luminescence from LaGaO3: Bi3+, Cr3+ doped phosphors for field emission display applications

A series of blue to magenta emitting color-tunable LaGaO₃: Bi³⁺/Cr³⁺ phosphors were prepared by chemical route, and their phase structure, morphology and photoluminescence (PL) properties were investigated.

Development of Temporal Modeling for Forecasting and Prediction of the Incidence of Lychee, Tessaratoma papillosa (Hemiptera: Tessaratomidae), Using Time-Series (ARIMA) Analysis

The most destructive enemy of the lychee, Litchi chinensis Sonn. (Sapindales: Sapindaceae), in India is a stink bug, Tessaratoma papillosa (Drury) (Hemiptera: Tessaratomidae). The population of T. papillosa on lychee trees varied from 1.43 ± 0.501 to 9.85 ± 3.924 insects per branch in this study. An increase in the temperature and a decrease in the relative humidity during summer months (April to July) favor the population buildup of T. papillosa. A forecasting model to predict T. papillosa incidences in lychee orchards was developed using the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model of time-series analysis. The best-fit model for the T. papillosa incidence was ARIMA (1,1), where the P-value was significant at 0.01. The highest T. papillosa incidences were predicted for April in 2010, January in 2011, May in 2012, and February in 2013. A model based on time series offers longer-term forecasting. The forecasting model, ARIMA (1,1), developed in this study will predict T. papillosa incidences in advance, thus providing functional guidelines for effective planning of timely prevention and control measures.

Post-surgical dentofacial deformities and dental treatment needs in cleft-lip-palate children: a clinical study

BACKGROUND

Cleft lip and palate is a common congenital defect. It is one of the most common facial deformities occurring in major racial and ethnic groups.

AIMS

The aim of the present study was to record the post-surgical dentofacial deformities in operated cleft lip and palate children, as well as to assess the multitude and magnitude of their dental and other related problems so as to formulate an appropriate treatment plan for complete oral rehabilitation of these children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present in vivo study was conducted on 50 operated cleft lip and palate children (23 males and 27 females) ranging from 3 to 14 years of age in an attempt to evaluate the post-surgical dentofacial abnormalities in these children.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The study revealed that the distribution of cleft deformity is shown out of 23 male children, 11 children with unilateral cleft lip, 9 children with bilateral cleft lip palate, and remaining 3 children were with cleft palate. Out of 27 female children, 19 children with unilateral cleft lip palate, 3 children with bilateral cleft lip palate, and 5 children with cleft palate. This study showed a wide range of surgical, dental, and functional problems in all operated cleft lip and palate patients. Hence, the study concluded that the effect of timing of the cleft repair on the overall development of facio skeletal-dental structures showed insignificant differences among the various operated cleft-lip-palate children.

Dental considerations in the management of children suffering from sickle cell disease: a case report

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetically derived disorder characterized by the presence of an abnormal hemoglobin molecule, designated as hemoglobin S (HbS). It is one of the most common genetic disorder worldwide, with an estimated 70 million people carrying the sickle gene. This article describes the dental considerations in managing a 6-year-old child suffering from SCD (SS type).

Evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy of various root canal filling materials used in primary teeth: a microbiological study

The primary goal of endodontic treatment in primary teeth is to eliminate infection, and to retain the tooth in a functional state until their nornal exfoliation time without endangering the permanent dentition or the general health of the child. The complexity of the pulp canal system in primary teeth presents a discerning problem for chemo-mechanical preparation. One of the factors determining the success of endodontic treatment in infected primary teeth is the sealing material that should encompass among other factors a potent bactericidal effect and the capacity to resorb along with the roots of primary teeth. This study evaluated the antimicrobial effectiveness of 5 root canal filing materials and a negative control agent against 23 strains of bacteria isolated from infected root canals of primary molar teeth and 3 non standard bacterial strains using agar diffusion assay. The materials were Zinc oxide and Eugenol (ZOE), Zinc oxide-Eugenol and Formocresol (ZOE+FC), Calcium hydroxide and sterile water (CAOH+H2O), Zinc oxide and Camphorated phenol (ZO+CP), Calcium hydroxide and Iodoform (Metapex) and Vaseline (Control). All the materials except Vaseline showed varied antimicrobial activity against the test bacteria. The zones of inhibition were ranked into 4 inhibition categories based on the proportional distribution of the data. All the 26 bacterial isolates were classified under 4 groups based on Aerobic/Anaerobic and Gram positive/Gram negative. Statistical analysis was carried out to compare the antimicrobial effectiveness between materials tested with each of the bacterial groupings. ZOE+FC produced strong inhibtion against most bacteria when compared to ZOE, ZO+CP and CAOH+H2O. Metapex and Vaseline were found to be non inhibitory

Radicular cyst associated with a deciduous molar: A case report with unusual clinical presentation

This article presents case report of a patient with radicular cyst associated with a primary molar with an unusual clinical presentation. The management comprised of enucleation of the cystic sac under general anesthesia.

Lack of relationship between sorghum consumption, mycotoxin contamination and pellagra in a traditionally sorghum eating population

Traditionally, the disease pellagra has been associated with corn consumption and niacin deficiency, and has presently been recognised as a multiple factor nutritional syndrome. In the recent past, it has been suggested that consumption of mycotoxin contaminated sorghum/corn may be involved in the development of pellagra in a sorghum/corn eating population. The present study relates to the assessment of levels of mycotoxins (aflatoxin B1 and T-2 toxin) in sorghum collected from a traditionally sorghum eating population. Despite 25% fungal contamination in the sorghum samples collected, the levels of mycotoxins were minimal (1.4%) and there was no incidence of pellagra in the survey area. The absence of pellagra in the survey areas may be attributed to the changing dietary pattern.

Minicolumn chromatography for the detection of sterigmatocystin in agricultural commodities

A simple method for detecting sterigmatocystin in agricultural commodities by minicolumn chromatography was developed. Clean-up as well as semi-quantitative estimation could be done on the same column. The method is suitable for the analysis of samples of rice, wheat, maize and sorghum contaminated with sterigmatocystin and could be used as an effective preliminary screening technique in public health laboratories.

Production of deoxynivalenol by Fusarium isolates from samples of wheat associated with a human mycotoxicosis outbreak and from sorghum cultivars

Fusarium isolates from specific diseased sorghum plants and rain-soaked wheat and wheat flour associated with human mycotoxicosis in India have been screened for their toxigenic potential. Of the 322 isolates screened, 11 isolates were found to produce deoxynivalenol in concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 186 micrograms g-1. The occurrence of deoxynivalenol-producing fusaria in a nontemperate region and deoxynivalenol production in low concentrations by Fusarium moniliforme are reported for the first time.

Outbreak of trichothecene mycotoxicosis associated with consumption of mould-damaged wheat production in Kashmir Valley, India

During June to September, 1987, there were reports that a considerable segment of the population of Kashmir Valley, India, were affected by a gastrointestinal disorder. Epidemiological investigations and laboratory based studies indicated that the outbreak was associated with the consumption of bread made from mould-damaged wheat. The disease was not age or sex specific. Evidence of mould damage of wheat consisted of the presence of moulds (such as Fusarium sp, Aspergillus sp), and varying quantities of trichothecene mycotoxins (such as deoxynivalenol, nivalenol, acetyldeoxynivalenol, T-2 toxin) in samples tested. The symptoms were reproduced in dogs fed extracts of contaminated samples. The finding that trichothecene mycotoxins, especially deoxynivalenol trichothecene, cause symptoms in man emphasizes the need for a reappraisal of its safety limits in food.