Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Characterization of Monodisperse Nanocrystals and Close-Packed Nanocrystal Assemblies

▪ Abstract Solution phase syntheses and size-selective separation methods to prepare semiconductor and metal nanocrystals, tunable in size from ∼1 to 20 nm and monodisperse to ≤5%, are presented. Preparation of monodisperse samples enables systematic characterization of the structural, electronic, and optical properties of materials as they evolve from molecular to bulk in the nanometer size range. Sample uniformity makes it possible to manipulate nanocrystals into close-packed, glassy, and ordered nanocrystal assemblies (superlattices, colloidal crystals, supercrystals). Rigorous structural characterization is critical to understanding the electronic and optical properties of both nanocrystals and their assemblies. At inter-particle separations 5–100 A, dipole-dipole interactions lead to energy transfer between neighboring nanocrystals, and electronic tunneling between proximal nanocrystals gives rise to dark and photoconductivity. At separations <5 A, exchange interactions cause otherwise insulating ass.
Nordic labour market institutions and new migrant workers: Polish migrants in Oslo, Copenhagen and Reykjavik

Large-scale migration of workers from new EU member states to the Nordic countries, mostly to fill relatively low-skilled jobs in construction, manufacturing and services, has raised concerns of low-wage competition and the ability of the Nordic social model to uphold labour standards. This article explores variations in wages and working conditions among Polish migrant workers in Oslo, Copenhagen and Reykjavik. The analysis highlights how different institutional configurations within the Nordic labour markets shape the outcomes for migrant workers, and raises questions regarding the ability of the different variations of the Nordic labour market regime to protect workers in an open, unequal and mobile European labour market.
Dark matter searches with cosmic antideuterons: status and perspectives

The search for antideuterons in cosmic rays has been proposed as a promising channel for dark matter indirect detection, especially for dark matter particles with a low or intermediate mass. With the current operational phase of the AMS-02 experiment and the ongoing development of a future dedicated experiment, the General Antiparticle Spectrometer (GAPS), there are exciting prospects for a dark matter detection in the near future. In this paper we develop a detailed and complete re-analysis of the cosmic-ray antideuteron signal, by discussing the main relevant issues related to antideuteron production and propagation through the interstellar medium and the heliosphere. In particular, we first critically revisit the coalescence mechanism for antideuteron production in dark matter annihilation processes. Then, since antideuteron searches have their best prospects of detection at low kinetic energies where the effect of the solar wind and magnetic field are most relevant, we address the impact of solar modulation modeling on the antideuteron flux at the Earth by developing a full numerical 4D solution of cosmic rays transport in the heliosphere. We finally use these improved predictions to provide updated estimates of the reaching capabilities for AMS-02 and GAPS, compatible with the current constraints imposed by the antiprotonsmore » measurements of PAMELA. After the antiproton bound is applied, prospects of detection of up to about 15 events in GAPS LDB+ and AMS-02 missions are found, depending on the dark matter mass, annihilation rate and production channel from one side, and on the coalescence process, galactic and solar transport parameters on the other. « less
Combining Ability Estimation for Grain Yield of Maize Exotic Germplasm Using Testers from Three Heterotic Groups

Combining ability estimates of lines to be used in breeding are useful for maize (Zea mays L.) breeders. The objectives of this study were to (i) evaluate combining ability of 25 improved exotic germplasm using different numbers of testers (1 to 3) from Suwan1, Reid, and non-Reid heterotic groups; (ii) study differences in combining ability estimates obtained with different number of testers from the same vs. different heterotic groups; and (iii) determine the appropriate segregating (‘S’) generation in which line selection should be done to obtain stable general combining ability (GCA) estimates of lines. The results showed that three testers (one from each of the three heterotic groups) were economically best for estimating GCA effects of lines, and if a tester from one of the three heterotic groups was missed, GCA estimates for some lines were biased when compared with GCA estimates with testers from all three heterotic groups. Second, the specific combining ability (SCA) effects of test-crosses were quite similar regardless of whether one or two testers were used from each of the three heterotic groups. Thus, to obtain reliable SCA estimates, at least one tester would need to be used from each of the heterotic groups. Third, the SCA effects were different among crosses between different lines and testers, and to obtain stable estimates of GCA effects for a line, S4 or S5 generation should be the earliest generation in which to begin selection. However, to select lines with diverse genetic backgrounds, S3 should be the key generation for selection. X. -M. Fan, X. -F. Yin, Y. -D. Zhang, Y. -Q. Bi, L. Liu, and H. -M. Chen, Institute of Food Crops, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2238, Beijing Road, Kunming 650200, Yunnan Province, China; M.S. Kang, Dep. of Plant Pathology, Kansas State Univ., Manhattan, KS 66506. Received 16 Jan. 2016. Accepted 6 May 2016. Assigned to Associate Editor Ashish Saxena. *Corresponding author (xingmingfan@163.com). Abbreviations: CV, coefficient of variance; GCA, general combining ability; GY, grain yield per plant in gram; H, heterosis; SCA, specific combining ability; SSR, simple sequence repeat. Published in Crop Sci. 56:2527–2535 (2016). doi: 10.2135/cropsci2016.01. 0032 © Crop Science Society of America | 5585 Guilford Rd., Madison, WI 53711 USA This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Published June 14, 2016
Quantifying the Fragility of Galactic Disks in Minor Mergers

We perform fully self-consistent stellar dynamical simulations of the accretion of a companion ("satellite") galaxy by a large disk galaxy to investigate the interaction between the disk, halo, and satellite components of the system during a merger. Our fiducial encounter begins with a satellite in a prograde, circular orbit inclined thirty degrees with respect to the disk plane at a galactocentric distance of six disk scalelengths. The satellite's mass is 10% of the disk's mass and its half-mass radius is about 1.3 kpc. The system is modelled with 500 000 particles, sufficient to mitigate numerical relaxation noise over the merging time. The satellite sinks in only ~1 Gyr and a core containing ~45% of its initial mass reaches the centre of the disk. With so much of the satellite's mass remaining intact, the disk sustains significant damage as the satellite passes through. At the solar circle we find that the disk thickens ~60%, the velocity dispersions increase by $\Delta\mbox{\boldmath$\sigma$} \simeq (10,8,8)$ km/s to $(\sigma_R, \sigma_\phi, \sigma_z) \simeq (48, 42, 38)$ km/s, and the asymmetric drift is unchanged at ~18 km/s. Although the disk is not destroyed by these events (hence "minor" mergers), its final state resembles a disk galaxy of earlier Hubble type than its initial state, thicker and hotter, with the satellite's core enhancing the bulge. Thus minor mergers continue to be a promising mechanism for driving galaxy evolution.
Performance Comparison between PI and MRAC for Coupled-Tank System

Liquid level control is mostly used in most of the industries where liquid level and flow control are essential. This paper introduces the approach of modeling and control of liquid level control system for a Coupled-Tank System. First, this paper shows mathematical equations for the nonlinear system. Then it presents the linearized model for the proposed system. Two controllers of the system based on the conventional Proportional plus Integral (PI) controller and Model Reference Adaptive Control (MRAC) technique are used, to control the level of the second tank for the linearized model, through variable manipulation of water pump in the first tank. Finally, the simulation study is done, which demonstrates that the MRAC controller produces better response compared to the PI controller. 
Evolutionarily stable strategies for nutrient foraging and below-ground competition in plants

Question: How do differences in uptake kinetics caused by varying conditions of interspecific competition influence the evolutionarily stable root production strategies of plants? Mathematical method: We present a game-theoretic model that investigates trade-offs between efficient nutrient harvest and neighbour pre-emption as evolutionarily stable strategies. The model builds upon previous game-theoretic models by incorporating potential differences in uptake capacity among competing plants, and by extending the model to interspecific competition. Key assumptions: We assume that plants exhibit plasticity in growth that is informed by cues in the environment. We also assume that soil resources are limiting while light is not limiting to plant growth, and root costs increase linearly with root biomass. Finally, we assume a spatially implicit soil environment with infinite mixing of nutrients. Conclusions: The model predicts plants should invest primarily in efficient nutrient harvest when soil fertility is low, per-root costs are high or uptake ability is low. Under these conditions, the plants produce fewer roots when neighbours are present compared with when grown alone. Alternatively, when soil fertility is high, per-root costs are low or uptake ability is high, the plants should invest heavily in more roots than are necessary to harvest available nutrients, thus pre-empting their neighbours. Under these conditions, the plants produce more roots compared with when grown alone.
High‐Technology Entrepreneurship in Silicon Valley

The economic expansion of the late 1990s created many opportunities for business creation in Silicon Valley, but the opportunity cost of starting a business was also high during this period because of the exceptionally tight labor market. A new measure of entrepreneurship derived from matching files from the Current Population Survey (CPS) is used to provide the first test of the hypothesis that business creation rates were high in Silicon Valley during the "Roaring 90s. " Unlike previous measures of firm births based on large, nationally representative datasets, the new measure captures business creation at the individual-owner level, includes both employer and non-employer business starts, and focuses on only hi-tech industries. Estimates indicate that hi-tech entrepreneurship rates were lower in Silicon Valley than the rest of the United States during the period from January 1996 to February 2000. Examining the post-boom period, we find that entrepreneurship rates in Silicon Valley increased from the late 1990s to the early 2000s. Although Silicon Valley may be an entrepreneurial location overall, we provide the first evidence that the extremely tight labor market of the late 1990s, especially in hi-tech industries, may have suppressed business creation during this period.
QCD quark condensate in external magnetic fields

We present a comprehensive analysis of the light condensates in QCD with $1+1+1$ sea quark flavors (with mass-degenerate light quarks of different electric charges) at zero and nonzero temperatures of up to 190 MeV and external magnetic fields $Bl1\text{ }\text{ }{\mathrm{GeV}}^{2}/e$. We employ stout smeared staggered fermions with physical quark masses and extrapolate the results to the continuum limit. At low temperatures we confirm the magnetic catalysis scenario predicted by many model calculations while around the crossover the condensate develops a complex dependence on the external magnetic field, resulting in a decrease of the transition temperature.
Progress in space weather modeling in an operational environment

This paper aims at providing an overview of latest advances in space weather modeling in an operational environment in Europe, including both the introduction of new models and improvements to existing codes and algorithms that address the broad range of space weather’s prediction requirements from the Sun to the Earth. For each case, we consider the model’s input data, the output parameters, products or services, its operational status, and whether it is supported by validation results, in order to build a solid basis for future developments. This work is the output of the Sub Group 1.3 “Improvement of operational models” of the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Action ES0803 “Developing Space Weather Products and services in Europe” and therefore this review focuses on the progress achieved by European research teams involved in the action.
Magnetotelluric monitoring of a fluid injection: Example from an enhanced geothermal system

Enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) are on the verge of becoming commercially viable for power production, where advancements in subsurface characterization are imperative to develop EGS into a competitive industry. Theory of an EGS is simple, pump fluids into thermally enhanced lithology and extract the hot fluids to produce energy. One significant complication in EGS development is estimating where injected fluids flow in the subsurface. Micro‐seismic surveys can provide information about where fractures opened, but not fracture connectivity nor fluid inclusion. Electromagnetic methods are sensitive to conductivity contrasts and can be used as a supplementary tool to delineate reservoir boundaries. In July, 2011, an injection test for a 3.6 km deep EGS at Paralana, South Australia was continuously monitored by both micro‐seismic and magnetotellurics (MT). Presented are the first results from continuous MT measurements suggesting transient variations in subsurface conductivity structure generated from the introduction of fluids at depth can be measured. Furthermore, phase tensor representation of the time dependent MT response suggests fluids migrated in a NE direction from the injection well. Results from this experiment supports the extension of MT to a monitoring tool for not only EGS but other hydraulic stimulations.
Diuretic Activity of Rubus idaeus L (Rosaceae) in Rats

Purpose: To evaluate the diuretic activity of Rubus idaeus L in experimental rats. Methods: Hot-water and methanol extract of three kinds of Rubus idaeus L. fruits were administered to experimental rats orally at a dose of 2 and 5 mg/kg. Hydrochlorothiazide (10 mg/kg) was used as positive control in study. The diuretic effect of the extracts was evaluated by measuring urine volume, sodium and potassium excretion in the urine. Results: Compared with the control group, significant increase in urine volume was observed from the experimental animal treated with wild raspberry methanol extract. In addition, we find that the methanol extract of wild raspberry fruits shows a potassium-conservation diuretic effect, which is a very interesting property in a phytodiuretic. Conclusion: Methanol extract of wild raspberry fruits have diuretic effect on experimental rats. This might be the first formal reports on diuretic effect of raspberry fruits, which can also, to some extent, explain the use of raspberry as a cure for renal diseases in Chinese traditional medical practice.
ZnO Nanobelts: An Efficient Catalyst for Synthesis of 5-Arylidine-2,4-Thiazolidinediones and 5-Arylidine-Rhodanines

A facile preparation of ZnO nanobelts by chemical precipitation technique and its utility as catalyst in Knoevenagel condensation of 2,4-thiazolidinedione/rhodanine has been described. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy techniques revealed the formation ZnO nanobelts. Scanning electron microscopic observations indicate that the lengths of nanobelts are ranging from a few hundreds of micrometers to a few millimeters. Its use for the condensation of aldehydes and active methylene compounds under solvent free reaction condition at 90℃ afforded the corresponding products in excellent yields in minute time.
Demographic Variations in Achievement Goal Orientations among Prisoners on Formal and Vocational Training in Uganda

This study aimed at evaluating why, despite the introduction of free prison education, prisoners in Uganda have lower formal and vocational skills compared to the general population. The study was basically quantitative and a cross sectional survey design was used. The study population comprised eight hundred convicted adult male and female prisoners. Purposive sampling was used. Data were analyzed using descriptive, parametric and non-parametric statistics. The study found statistically non-significant differences in achievement goal orientations across all the demographics. The main conclusions include the need to: deepen prisoners’ knowledge on setting various achievement goal orientations to help them in information acquisition and engagement in learning; support goal orientations equally regardless of age, gender, religion and level of education; and achievement goal orientations that allow academic social comparison among learners, which results into richer academic engagement. It is recommended that teachers/ instructors in prison education can use achievement goal orientations to improve prison education programme through measurement and evaluation of learning outcomes, choosing appropriate methods of instruction and instructional materials, and in helping learners to choose achievable and realistic goals. Therefore, achievement goal orientations greatly determine the extent to which education as rehabilitative strategy can be successful.
Research into analgesic effect of ondansetron in persistent pain model in rats with central noradrenergic system lesion

Introduction. Many known substances affecting the serotoninergic system induce definite physiological effects, including those which are therapeutic. For instance, the enhanced serotoninergic transmission due to decreased functions of autoreceptors and increased inhibitory functions of postsynaptic 5-HT1A is associated with antidepressant effect. The central serotoninergic system takes part in the regulation of many bodily functions, such as sleep, wakefulness, blood pressure, pain perception or sexual behaviours. Moreover, it is involved in the pathogenesis of depression, anxiety, addictions, migraine and other headaches. In pain therapy, not only typical analgesics are used, but also substances without obvious analgesic effect, thus allowing potential pharmacological modulation of analgesic activity in the treatment of pain. Objective. The aim of the study was to determine whether a chemical lesion to the central noradrenergic system at an early stage of individual development alters reactivity of 5-HT3 receptors in adult rats. Materials and method. The study used newborn and adult Wistar rats aged 8–10 weeks. Behavioural tests (writhing test, formalin assay) were used to assess the analgesic action of ondansetron as a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. Results. The analgesic effect of ondansetron (1.0 mg/kg b.w., i.p.) in the writhing test was weak and short. Pain intensity score after ondansetron injection (1.0 mg/kg b.w., i.p) was 2–3 points and did not differ significantly between the study
Stress Evolution in Nanocrystalline Diamond Films Produced by Chemical Vapor Deposition

Nanocrystalline diamond films were grown on silicon substrates by microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition with 1% methane, 2%–10% hydrogen, and argon. High resolution transmission electron microscope images and selected area electron diffraction patterns confirm that the films consist of 10–20nm sized diamond grains. The residual and intrinsic stresses were investigated using wafer curvature. Intrinsic stresses were always tensile, with higher H2 concentrations generally leading to higher stresses. Annealing the films in a hydrogen plasma significantly increased these stresses. These hydrogen induced changes also appear to alter stress levels and stress gradients during the growth process itself. Raman spectra revealed subtle changes in the chemical bonding that were correlated with some of the stress variations. These results suggest that grain boundary bonding and hydrogen induced reactions at the grain boundaries can influence the intrinsic stresses in nanocrystalline diamond films.
Provenance variation in growth and genetic potential of Aquilaria malaccensis under nursery condition

Aquilaria malaccensis Lam. is commonly known as Agarwood which is distributed in the Indo-malesian genus Aquilaria of family Thymelaeaceae known to produce resin-impregnated heartwood that is fragrant and highly valuable. Agarwood is reputed to be the most expensive wood in the world. Twenty two open pollinated families in A. malaccensis were selected and evaluated for growth attributes and genetic divergence. The experiment was conducted at Forest College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University; Mettupalayam situated at 11° 19’ N longitude, 76° 56’ E latitude at 300 MSL during January - December 2010. The study indicates significant differences among the selected families for various growth attributes. Among the twenty two progenies evaluated, three progenies viz., NHJA, KHOW-1 and CHEK-1 exhibited consistent superiority over growth periods for shoot length, collar diameter and number of branches. Genetic divergence studies resulted in grouping of the selected families into six clusters which indicated the existence of adequate genetic divergence. Among the clusters, cluster VI was the largest with 9 progenies while the maximum intra clusters distance was recorded in cluster V. The intra and inter cluster distance revealed that maximum inter cluster distance was recorded between cluster IV and V which indicated the presence of wide genetic distance between A. malaccensis progenies. Among the various growth attributes, number of branches contributed maximum towards genetic divergence followed by shoot length. These two characters could act as a reliable indicator for future improvement programme in this economically important species. Genetic analysis of the progenies indicated adequate variability in the population. The phenotypic co-efficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic co-efficient of variation (GCV) estimates exhibited superiority of number of branches followed by shoot length and collar diameter. In case of shoot length, collar diameter and number of branches exhibited moderate heritability. The genetic advance was high for shoot length followed by number of branches which indicated the reliability of these two parameters for inclusion in future improvement programme. Keywords: Aquilaria malaccensis, provenances, variability, heritability, genetic divergence, intra and inter cluster distance.
Mœglin’s theorem and Goldie rank polynomials in Cartan type A

Abstract We use the theory of finite W-algebras associated to nilpotent orbits in the Lie algebra $\mathfrak {g} = \mathfrak {gl}_N({\mathbb C})$ to give another proof of Mœglin’s theorem about completely prime primitive ideals in the enveloping algebra U(𝔤). We also make some new observations about Joseph’s Goldie rank polynomials in Cartan type A.