Abstract  In this study, some bacteria were isolated from the soil obtained from Ergani Makam Mountain. The isolated bacteria were defined as Bacillus simplex with the biochemical tests and 16S rRNA analysis. The optimum conditions for bacterial growth were determined as the 32th hour, 37 degrees C and pH 7.0. While the maximum amylase activity was observed of the 72nd hour, the optimum temperature and pH of the enzyme were determined to be 37 degrees C and 7.0 reciprocally. It was observed that the enzyme production increased with ammonium sulfate and ammonium nitrate from nitrogen sources and decreased with the addition of carbon sources. Amylase was partially purified with 70% ammonium sulfate precipitations and dialysis. When the effect of detergents was examined on the partially purified enzyme it was determined that SDS considerably inhibited and the other detergents increased the enzyme activity. It was also determined that while CaCl2 increased the activity whereas FeCl2, CuCl2, ZnCl2 and HgCl2 considerably inhibited the enzyme activity.

Abstract  Perovskite Ba0.8La0.2FeO3-delta was synthesized via a glycine-nitrate process as the cathode material for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells. Ultra-fine pure phase Ba0.8La0.2FeO3-delta powder was obtained after the self-propagating combustion of a complex xerogel precursor. The Ba0.8La0.2FeO3-delta cathode showed good compatibility and an enhanced phase interface with a samarium-doped ceria electrolyte. Electrochemical measurements showed that the Ba0.8La0.2FeO3-delta cathode achieved a low polarization resistance of 0.58 Omega cm(2) at 800 A degrees C in an air atmosphere. The porous nanostructure guaranteed the catalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction, even if the cathode material possessed a cobalt-free and low rare earth composition.

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Abstract  Due to the adverse effects of fossil fuel use, it is becoming increasingly important to produce next-generation biofuels from renewable, sustainable sources. Filamentous N-2-fixing strains of cyanobacteria have emerged as promising industrial microorganisms capable of producing a range biofuels and chemicals using CO2, water, and sunlight. In this study, a life cycle analysis (LCA) was conducted on a hypothetical production facility that uses a genetically engineered strain of filamentous cyanobacteria to produce the cyclic hydrocarbon limonene. Two scenarios were evaluated in which the only difference between the scenarios was the limonene productivity of the engineered cyanobacteria strain. In Scenario 1, the cyanobacterium was assumed to produce limonene at a rate of 1.8mg/L/h, resulting in an annual production of 32,727 L/yr of limonene. In Scenario 2, limonene productivity was 55.5mg/L/h, resulting in annual production of 1,000,000 L/yr. Both scenarios were assumed to produce the same amount of cellular biomass, that was converted to biogas by anaerobic digestion and the biogas was converted by gas turbines into electricity to power the facility. Excess electricity was assumed to be sold to the grid. The major environmental burdens of the facility, which were measured in eco-points and calculated based on the Eco-indicator 99 method, were the cyanobacteria nutrient supply (especially sodium nitrate) and the photobioreactor (PBR) electrical requirements. The lower output of limonene in Scenario 1 meant that less energy was required for product recovery, leaving more electricity for sale to the grid. Even though a higher limonene productivity will worsen the environmental profile of the process, both scenarios described in this study have less of a negative environmental impact than biodiesel production. This study strongly suggests both scenarios of the theoretical limonene production facility described herein holds great potential as a future solution for producing next-generation biofuels directly from solar energy. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Abstract  Nitrogen is a key determinant of growth and grain yield (GY) in maize (Zea mays L.) and is therefore economically and environmentally important. We investigated the performance of maize crops in a 12-yr experiment (2002-2007, 2010-2015) under sprinkler irrigation in a petrocalcic calcixerept soil in northeastern Spain, with controlled mineral N application rates (0, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, and 400 kg N ha(-1) yr(-1)). The application rate affected maize GY, biomass, N uptake, SPAD units, soil N levels, N efficiencies, and soil organic carbon (SOC). Average maximum GY's (similar to 15 Mg ha(-1)) required 203 kg N ha(-1) of available N (defined as initial soil NO3 -plus N fertilizer) in the 0-to 30-cm horizon, confirming the importance of the soil N content. Nitrate levels in the 0-to 30-cm horizon for maximum yields achieved a R2 value in the plateau fitting model similar to the 0-to 60-and 0-to 90-cm horizons. The GY's increased at a rate of 192 kg ha(-1) yr(-1), suggesting a combination of genetic improvement in the hybrids and also an improvement in agronomic management. The 200 kg N ha(-1) fertilizer treatment achieved almost the highest GY's (similar to 14 Mg ha(-1)) with simultaneous high nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) (0.83 kg kg(-1)). Mineral N fertilization also increased the stock of SOC in the 0-to 30-cm horizon.

Abstract  Nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) have been shown to act as signaling molecules in various physiological processes, play significant roles in plant cellular processes, and also mediate responses to both biotic and abiotic stresses in plants. The present investigation was carried out to test the effect of exogenous NO on endogenous synthesis of H2S in osmotic-stressed wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings. The results show that application of NO to wheat seedlings, suffered from PEG8000-induced osmotic stress, considerably enhanced the activities of H2S-synthesizing enzymes l-cysteine desulfhydrase (LCD) and d-cysteine desulfhydrase (DCD) leading to enhanced level of endogenous H2S content. At the same time exogenous NO also enhanced the activity of cysteine (Cys)-synthesizing enzyme O-acetylserine(thiol)lyase (OAS-TL) and maintained Cys homeostasis under osmotic stress. NO and H2S together markedly improved the activities of antioxidant enzymes viz. ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR), peroxidase (POX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Furthermore, NO and H2S caused additional accumulation of osmolytes proline (Pro) and glycine betaine (GB), all these collectively resulted in the protection of plants against osmotic stress-induced oxidative stress. On the other hand, NO scavenger cPTIO [2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide] and H2S scavenger HT (hypotaurine) invalidated the effect of NO on endogenous H2S levels and Cys homeostasis which resulted in weak protection against osmotic stress. Application of N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) suppressed GR activity and caused an increase in oxidative stress. We concluded that NO in association with endogenous H2S activates the defense system to the level required to counter osmotic stress and maintains normal functioning of cellular machinery.

Abstract  An effort has been made to comprehend the groundwater quality of Raipur city for drinking purpose utilizing Water Quality Index (WQI) and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. In this study thirty four groundwater samples were collected during May, 2015. Standard methods has been adopted in groundwater sampling which are prescribed by the American Public Health Association (APHA, 1995). Eight water quality parameters have been considered to ascertained water quality index viz. pH, chloride, fluoride, calcium, magnesium, alkalinity, hardness and nitrate. The Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS, 2009) has been considered to assess the suitability of groundwater for drinking purposes and for the calculation of WQI. This study reveals that 76% area is falling under excellent, very good and good category and 24% area is falling under poor, very poor and unfit category as per the WQI classification. The predicted accuracy of the obtained result is around 97.05% reflecting capability of adopted techniques. Anthropogenic activities are influencing the groundwater quality of the study area. The present study is helpful in proper planning and management of available water resource for drinking purpose.

Abstract  In this study, the suitability of excess biofloc that was discarded as waste from Litopenaeus vannamei farm effluent was investigated for effectiveness as a dietary replacement in rearing L. vannamei postlarvae (PL). A commercial shrimp diet (control) was compared to four diets containing dried waste biofloc at 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% replacement levels and fed to shrimp PL to evaluate the survival rate, growth performance and nutritional composition. Total ammonium nitrogen and nitrite nitrogen were maintained in culture tanks with minimal water exchange throughout the experiment. Results showed that PLs fed with 50% biofloc feed (50% BF) had significantly higher (p < 0.05) specific growth rate compared to the other treatments. In addition, PLs fed with 50% and 75% BF had significantly higher survival rate (p < 0.05) compared to those fed with commercial feed only. However, protein content of PLs fed with 50% and 75% BF was comparable to those of 100% commercial feed. This study demonstrates that waste biofloc has potential to be used as a cost effective feed for rearing shrimp PLs. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abstract  Oxygen minimum zones (OMZs) have been proposed to be an important source of dissolved iron (Fe) into the interior ocean. However, previous studies in OMZs have shown a sharp decrease in total dissolved Fe (dFe) and/or dissolved Fe (II) (dFe(II)) concentrations at the shelf-break, despite constant temperature, salinity and continued lack of oxygen across the shelf-break. The loss of both total dFe and dFe(II) suggests a conversion of the dFe to particulate form, but studies that have coupled the reduction-oxidation (redox) speciation of both dissolved and particulate phases have not previously been done. Here we have measured the redox speciation and concentrations of both dissolved and particulate forms of Fe in samples collected during the U.S. GEOTRACES Eastern tropical Pacific Zonal Transect (EPZT) cruise in 2013 (GP16). This complete data set allows us to assess possible mechanisms for loss of dFe. We observed an offshore loss of dFe(II) within the oxygen deficient zone (ODZ), where dissolved oxygen is undetectable, accompanied by an increase in total particulate Fe (pFe). Total pFe concentrations were highest in the upper ODZ. X-ray absorption spectroscopy revealed that the pFe maximum was primarily in the Fe(III) form as Fe(III) oxyhydroxides. The remarkable similarity in the distributions of total particulate iron and nitrite suggests a role for nitrite in the oxidation of dFe(II) to pFe(III). We present a conceptual model for the rapid redox cycling of Fe that occurs in ODZs, despite the absence of oxygen. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abstract  Multiobjective optimization (MOO) of batch cooling crystallization is carried out for the development of optimal operating recipes for unseeded and seeded crystallization processes. Mean size and coefficient of variation (CV) are the two objectives considered for unseeded batch cooling crystallization of paracetamol, whereas mean size, CV, and nucleated mass are considered as objectives for the seeded batch cooling crystallization of potassium nitrate. In this work, along with finding the optimal temperature trajectories, the effect of choice of objectives on the final achievable Pareto front is analyzed using two different objective functions, namely number mean size and surface-weighted mean size. Further, the capability of MOO is also exploited to determine the feasible ranges of combinations of seed properties like initial seed mass and seed mean size for better crystal size distribution (CSD).

Abstract  The effects of three endophytic Streptomyces on plant growth and the symbiosis of Lucerne and its rhizobial partner were examined in the presence of three levels of soil nitrogen.

Three Streptomyces strains, LuP30 and LuP47B isolated from the roots of Lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) and EN23 isolated from roots of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were added as spores to Lucerne seeds (with and without Sinorhizobium meliloti RRI 128) at three levels of applied NH4NO3: 3, 25 and 50 mg/kg of soil.

Plant growth increased with the addition of the actinobacteria strains alone from 19 % to 33 %. Co-inoculation of LuP30 with rhizobia strain RRI 128 produced the largest increase in shoot weight (46 %) of Lucerne plants growing in soil with 25 mg/kg NH4NO3. Co-inoculation with each of the actinobacteria with the rhizobia increased the number of nodules by more than 100 % compared with RRI128 alone, 4 weeks after rhizobial inoculation. A labelled N-15 experiment showed co-inoculation with rhizobia and LuP30 or LuP47B enhanced N-2-fixation 47 % and 72 %, respectively.

The actinobacteria significantly improved plant growth and N-2-fixation when applied with the rhizobia strain RRI 128 to Lucerne plants growing in soil supplied with 25 mg/kg NH4NO3.

Abstract  A comparative study of the effect of organic fertilization at different times and doses on soil fertility and crop yield was performed over 3 years in a calcareous loamy soil. Nutrient availability in the soil and macronutrient concentration in leaves and in the edible part of the plants was examined in plots that were previously handled conventionally and ecologically for several years. The organic fertilizers used were manure compost at two doses in plots after 4 years of organicmanagement treatment, and green residues of previous crops in plots with 10 years of organic management. In general, soil organic carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and magnesium (Mg) contents were found to be considerably greater in organically fertilized soils in comparison with soil receiving mineral fertilizer (conventional treatment (CT)). For C and N, the highest contents were observed in the longterm organic treatment (OR). However, few differences were found for potassium (K) and sodium (Na). The results obtained for electrical conductivity and pH indicated that, in general, there were no significant differences between treatments. The differences in the values of EC and pH occurred among cultivation cycles irrespective of the type of fertilization, but there was a contradictory trend for each of the above parameters. The results obtained for leaves and the edible part of the plant indicated that, in general, there were no significant differences between treatments, except for P with a trend for higher P content in organic crops. The nitrate values in leaves showed great variability, making it difficult to draw conclusions. The associations of fertilization and the chemical properties of soil with nutrient content in crops were checked by principal component analysis (PCA). For soil data, different clusters were observed between CT and OR treatments. However, PCA showed that the influence of crop type on plant nutrient concentrations was greater than type of fertilization. The effect of fertilization on crop yield was variable depending on plant species. The results indicated that organic fertilization did not cause deficiencies in the nutrient content and yield of vegetables when compared with conventional fertilization, showing that ecological management can be used effectively.

Abstract  Cyanobacteria is a remarkable group of prokaryotic photosynthetic microorganisms, with several genera capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen (N2) and presenting a wide range of morphologies. Although the nitrogenase complex is not present in all cyanobacterial taxa, it is spread across several cyanobacterial strains. The nitrogenase complex has also a high theoretical potential for biofuel production, since H2 is a by-product produced during N2 fixation. In this review we discuss the significance of a relatively wide variety of cell morphologies and metabolic strategies that allow spatial and temporal separation of N2 fixation from photosynthesis in cyanobacteria. Phylogenetic reconstructions based on 16S rRNA and nifD gene sequences shed light on the evolutionary history of the two genes. Our results demonstrated that (i) sequences of genes involved in nitrogen fixation (nifD) from several morphologically distinct strains of cyanobacteria are grouped in similarity with their morphology classification and phylogeny, and (ii) nifD genes from heterocytous strains share a common ancestor. By using this data we also discuss the evolutionary importance of processes such as horizontal gene transfer and genetic duplication for nitrogenase evolution and diversification. Finally, we discuss the importance of H2 synthesis in cyanobacteria, as well as strategies and challenges to improve cyanobacterial H2 production.

Abstract  Perchlorate is a stable and soluble ion that can last for decades in the environment and can cause a number of environmental and health issues. Perchlorate is commonly removed using highly-selective ion exchange resins that are replaced after exhaustion and incinerated or disposed in a landfill since there is no viable regeneration method. The major limitations in regeneration of single use resins is achieving complete desorption of perchlorate. The sustainability of treatment processes for perchlorate contaminated water can be achieved by regenerating the exhausted resin. As the first step of resin bioregeneration study, research on the adsorption and desorption kinetics of the perchlorate ion from a strong base anion exchange resin was conducted. Different chemical reaction and diffusion models were analyzed using experimental data. Both adsorption and desorption experimental data were best described by the Pseudo-second order model with adsorption rate constants of 2 x 10(-3) +/- 0.001 (g/mg/min) and desorption rate constants of 5 x 10(-2) +/- 0.01 (g/mg/min). These results suggest that the rate limiting stage for adsorption and desorption of perchlorate ion into the resin can be chemisorption. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Abstract  Spectral analysis of photoacoustic (PA) signals in the ultrasound frequency domain is a method that analyzes the power spectrum of PA signals to quantify tissue microstructures. PA spectral analysis has been correlated to changes in the size, morphology and concentration of absorbers that are smaller than the system spatial resolution. However, the calculated spectral parameters are still not system independent due to difficulty in eliminating variations in the light distribution for different optical wavelengths. Changes in spectral parameters for the same absorber geometry but different optical illumination wavelengths needs to be carefully examined. A gelatin vessel phantom is used. The vessels contain red blood cells comprised of oxy, deoxy and methemoglobin induced using oxygen, sodium hydrosulfite and sodium nitrite, respectively. The samples were imaged using the VevoLAZR system at wavelengths 680 - 905 nm in steps of 15 nm. The radiofrequency (RF) signals were analyzed to calculate the spectral slope. The results were compared to simulated RF signals acquired using the mcxyz Monte Carlo package coupled to the solution of the PA wave equation using the Green's function approach. Changes in the spectral slope as a function of optical wavelength were detected. For longer optical wavelengths, the spectral slope increased for deoxyhemoglobin, but decreased for oxyhemoglobin and methemoglobin. The changes in the spectral slope were correlated to changes in the fluence distribution as optical properties change for different wavelengths. The change in the spectral slope as a function of optical wavelength and chromophore content can potentially be used in spectral unmixing for better estimation of hemoglobin content.

Abstract  We measured groundwater apparent age () and seepage rate (v) in a sandy streambed using point-scale sampling and seepage blankets (a novel seepage meter). We found very similar MTT estimates from streambed point sampling in a 58 m reach (29 years) and a 2.5 km reach (31 years). The TTD for groundwater discharging to the stream was best fit by a gamma distribution model and was very similar for streambed point sampling in both reaches. Between adjacent point-scale and seepage blanket samples, water from the seepage blankets was generally younger, largely because blanket samples contained a fraction of young stream water. Correcting blanket data for the stream water fraction brought estimates for most blanket samples closer to those for adjacent point samples. The MTT estimates from corrected blanket data were in good agreement with those from sampling streambed points adjacent to the blankets. Collectively, agreement among age-dating tracers, general accord between tracer data and piston-flow model curves, and large groundwater age gradients in the streambed, suggested that the piston flow apparent ages were reasonable estimates of the groundwater transit times for most samples. Overall, our results from two field campaigns suggest that groundwater collected in the streambed can provide reasonable estimates of apparent age of groundwater discharge, and that MTT can be determined from different age-dating tracers and by sampling with different groundwater collection devices. Coupled streambed point measurements of groundwater age and groundwater seepage rate represent a novel, reproducible, and effective approach to estimating aquifer TTD and MTT.

Abstract  The CropSyst model was parameterized and verified for garlic with data from six field experiments carried out in southern Spain from 2008 to 2011. The model simulated well crop dry matter production, N uptake, and yield from field plots with different N fertilization treatments. A garlic-wheat rotation was then simulated for a 30-year period to evaluate the role of wheat after garlic as a catch crop that utilizes and reduces the loss of residual soil N left at the time of garlic harvest. The scenarios studied were the combination of seven rates of mineral N fertilization in garlic (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 kgN/ha) and three rates in wheat (30, 70 and 110 kgN/ha). Fertilization rates of 150 kgN/ha in garlic and 70 kgN/ha in wheat were found to provide the best tradeoff between N loss reductions (N leaching and N gas emissions) while attaining near-maximum yields. Increasing fertilization to 200 and 110 kgN/ha for garlic and wheat, respectively, rates not atypical in the region, had a minimum effect on yields but increased average N losses over the rotation by 19 kgN/ha/2-year (29%). Further reductions of N losses by decreasing N fertilization below the best tradeoff point are possible at the expense of crop yield. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Abstract  This study tested the suitability of several staining methods to determine the age of common stingray (Dasyatis pastinaca) from Iskenderun Bay, Turkey. A total of 384 specimens (16.6 cm-69.3 cm disc width) were obtained by trawling between September 2010 and December 2011. Sex ratio of the samples was 53% males and 47% females. Appropriate age determination was firstly demonstrated using Safranin-O staining. Age readings were made by two independent readers and the index of average percent error (IAPE) determined as 6.3% for Safranin-O, 6.8% for Crystal Violet, 7.9% for Alcian Blue, and 9.3% for Silver Nitrate. Safranin-O and Crystal Violet staining methods provided the best results. Verification of temporal growth ring formation was by marginal increment analysis. Disc width-weight relationships were determined by W = 0.0272*DW3.06 for females and W = 0.0247*DW3.08 for males. Estimates of the von Bertalanffy growth parameters indicated a larger asymptotic disc width (DW infinity = 127.06 cm) for females than for males (DW infinity = 114.54 cm); growth parameters were k = 0.058 year(-1), t(o) = -1.508 and k = 0.041 year(-1), t(o) = -3.632 for females and males, respectively.

Abstract  Anaerobic thermophiles inhabit relic environments that resemble the early Earth. However, the lineage of these modern organisms co-evolved with our planet. Hence, these organisms carry both ancestral and acquired genes and serve as models to reconstruct early metabolism. Based on comparative genomic and proteomic analyses, we identified two distinct groups of genes in Thermovibrio ammonificans: the first codes for enzymes that do not require oxygen and use substrates of geothermal origin; the second appears to be a more recent acquisition, and may reflect adaptations to cope with the rise of oxygen on Earth. We propose that the ancestor of the Aquificae was originally a hydrogen oxidizing, sulfur reducing bacterium that used a hybrid pathway for CO2 fixation. With the gradual rise of oxygen in the atmosphere, more efficient terminal electron acceptors became available and this lineage acquired genes that increased its metabolic flexibility while retaining ancestral metabolic traits.

Abstract  Age models for new records of the Laschamp and Iceland Basin excursions from the eastern flank of the South Atlantic mid-ocean ridge (44.15 degrees S, 14.22 degrees W) are derived from radiocarbon dates, and from matching sea-surface temperature records to Antarctic (EPICA) air-temperature records from ice cores. The onset of the Laschamp excursion occurred during Antarctic Isotopic Maximum (AIM) 10, consistent with its occurrence during Greenland Interstadial 10. The end of the Laschamp excursion occurred prior to AIM 9 in Greenland Stadial 10. The age model is supported by synchroneity of directional and relative paleointensity manifestations of the Laschamp excursion in the marine core with peaks in EPICA Be-10 and nitrate flux. The Iceland Basin excursion is synchronous with the final phase of the transition from marine isotope stage (MIS) 7a to MIS 6e as recorded in the EPICA delta D record. The onset of the Laschamp and Iceland Basin excursions, defined here by component inclinations >-40 degrees, occurred at 41.4 ka and 190.0 ka, and durations are similar to 1 kyr and similar to 3.5 lcyr, respectively, although these estimates depend on the criteria used to define the directional excursions. By comparison with Laschamp and Iceland Basin excursion records from the North Atlantic Ocean, the two excursions are synchronous at centennial timescales between the two hemispheres, based on synchronization of the GICCO5 and AICC2012 age models for Greenland and Antarctic ice cores. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abstract  Crack-free, monolithic yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) aerogels were prepared by a sol-gel method with supercritical drying technique using Zirconium oxychloride and yttrium nitrate as starting materials. To improve thermal stability, yttrium was added to zirconia aerogel. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and nitrogen adsorption-desorption have been used to study the effect of an yttrium addition to zirconia aerogel. The addition of a small amount of yttrium resulted in a significant suppression of phase transformation from tetragonal phase to monoclinic phase. The higher thermal stability was achieved by the addition of 8 wt% yttrium, the transformation from tetragonal phase to monoclinic phase did not take place after heat-treated at 1000 A degrees C for 2 h, and the surface area can maintain as large as 28 m(2)/g.

The sol-gel method was successfully applied to the synthesis of crack-free, monolithic 8YSZ aerogel. Even after heat-treated at 1000 A degrees C for 2 h, they still keep the whole block without collapse. The tetragonal phase can be stabilized in 8YSZ aerogel after heat-treated at 1200 A degrees C for 2 h. The 8YSZ aerogel presents a more porous structure (S (BET) = 28 m(2)/g) with elementary crystallites (25 nm). It is clear that due to the addition of yttrium, the thermally stability of zirconia aerogel have been improved.

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Abstract  Thermophysical and thermochemical calorimetric investigations were carried out on the synthetic analogue of chalcomenite. The synthesis of CuSeO3.2H(2)O was realized from copper nitrate and sodium selenite solutions heated to 80 degrees C for 2 to 3 h. The precipitate was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, IR spectroscopy, and Ramanspectroscopy. The low-temperature heat capacity of CuSeO3.2H(2)O was measured using adiabatic calorimetry between 5 and 323 K, and the third-law entropy was determined. A value of S degrees(298 K, CuSeO3.2H(2)O, cr) = 181.0 +/- 1.0 J/(Kmol) was obtained with an uncertainty of 0.5%. The enthalpy of formation of CuSeO3.2H(2)O was determined by solution calorimetry with H2SO4 solution as the solvent, giving Delta H-f degrees(298 K, CuSeO3.2H(2)O, cr)=-1035.3 +/- 4.9 kJ/mol. The Gibbs energy of formation for CuSeO3.2H(2)Oat T=298 K, 1 atmcan be calculated on the basis on Delta H-f degrees (298 K) and Delta S-f degrees(298 K): Delta(f)G degrees(298 K, CuSeO3.2H(2)O, cr) =-835.3 +/- 5.3 kJ/mol. SmoothedC(p)degrees(T) values betweenT=0 K and T=320K for CuSeO3.2H(2)O(cr) are presented along with values for S degrees and the functions [H degrees(T)-H degrees(0)] and[G degrees(T)-H degrees(0)]. These results motivate a re-evaluation of the natural conditions under which selenites and selenates replace selenides, and sulfides in the oxidation zones of sulfide ore deposits or upon weathering of technologic waste. The value of Delta(f)G degrees for CuSeO3.2H(2)Owas used to calculate Eh-pH diagrams of the Cu-Se-CO2-H2O system. The behaviour of selenium and copper in the surface environment has been quantitatively explained by variations of the redox potential and the acidity-basicity of the mineral-forming medium. Precisely, these parameters determine the migration ability of selenium compounds and their precipitation in the form of various solid phases.

Abstract  Present study recorded the effects of migratory bird congregation on the limnochemistry of a pristine wetland, devoid of anthropogenic activities, especially on nutrient loading. Nararthali wetland, on Buxa Tiger Reserve was studied for three consecutive years (October through March). Forty eight bird species belonging to thirty three genera and twelve families were recorded during study period. Winter visitors were 45.83 % of all species recorded. Nararthali wetland was characterized by high Shannon-Wiener diversity index (1.992 to 2.693) and Margalef's richness index (6.666 to 9.333). Avian density increased with the decrease in day length. Changes in the differences between maximum and minimum temperatures were also observed to influence migration. However, guanotrophy of the wetland system was evident and a good number of migrants along with residents showed significant positive correlations with nutrients like phosphate, nitrate and biologically important divalent cations. As listed in IUCN Red List, one critically endangered species, three vulnerable and four near threatened species recorded from studied site pointed out the importance of such natural wetlands inside forested tracts at the foothills of Himalaya from conservation standpoint.

Abstract  OBJECTIVE: Epidermal dermatophyte infections most commonly manifest as tinea corporis or tinea cruris. Topical azole antifungals are commonly used in their treatment but literature suggests that most require twice-daily application and provide lower cure rates than the allylamine antifungal terbinafine. We conducted a head-to-head comparison of the effectiveness of the once-daily topical azole, sertaconazole, with terbinafine in these infections.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a randomized, observer-blind, parallel group study (Clinical Trial Registry India [CTRI]/2014/09/005029) with adult patients of either sex presenting with localized lesions. The clinical diagnosis was confirmed by potassium hydroxide smear microscopy of skin scrapings. After baseline assessment of erythema, scaling, and pruritus, patients applied either of the two study drugs once daily for 2 weeks. If clinical cure was not seen at 2 weeks, but improvement was noted, application was continued for further 2 weeks. Patients deemed to be clinical failure at 2 weeks were switched to oral antifungals.

RESULTS: Overall 88 patients on sertaconazole and 91 on terbinafine were analyzed. At 2 weeks, the clinical cure rates were comparable at 77.27% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 68.52%-86.03%) for sertaconazole and 73.63% (95% CI 64.57%-82.68%) for terbinafine (P = 0.606). Fourteen patients in either group improved and on further treatment showed complete healing by another 2 weeks. The final cure rate at 4 weeks was also comparable at 93.18% (95% CI 88.75%-97.62%) and 89.01% (95% CI 82.59%-95.44%), respectively (P = 0.914). At 2 weeks, 6 (6.82%) sertaconazole and 10 (10.99%) terbinafine recipients were considered as "clinical failure." Tolerability of both preparations was excellent.

CONCLUSION: Despite the limitations of an observer-blind study without microbiological support, the results suggest that once-daily topical sertaconazole is as effective as terbinafine in localized tinea infections.

Abstract  In contrast to the conventional deleterious approach for nitration (for example HNO3/H2SO4) and for reduction (for example Zn/HCl), we hypothesized that sensitive heterocycles such as coumarins could not withstand with those hard conditions. Hence, while studying this reaction sequence to prepare amino coumarins (which is our ongoing project to synthesize antitubercular coumarin agents), we came across mild and greener reagent for nitration using calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)(2)center dot 4H(2)O; lime nitrate), and reduction using D-glucose. These two mild, chemoselective, high yielding methods are discussed herein. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abstract  Algae-fungus co-culture was investigated as an alternative biodiesel feedstock. An oleaginous filamentous fungus Aspergillus awamori was co-cultured with Chlorella minutissima MCC 27 and Chlorella minutissima UTEX 2219, respectively in N11 medium furnished with different carbon and nitrogen sources. The biomass and lipid production potential of the two C. minutissima-A. awamori co-cultures was compared against the monocultures. A substantial enhancement in biomass and lipid accumulation was observed in both the co-cultures. When supplemented with different carbon and nitrogen sources, glycerol and potassium nitrate were found to be the most effective. In the presence of glycerol, a 2.6-3.9-fold increase of biomass and 3.4-5.1-fold increase of total lipid yields were observed in the co-cultures as compared to the axenic monocultures. Furthermore, C16:0 (31.26-35.02%) and C18:1 (21.14-24.21%) fatty acids were the major composites of the co-culture oils, which suggest co-culture as a promising strategy for biodiesel production.